Denghuangtai

Shangshutai (Imperial Secretariat).

Yun Zheng was reviewing official documents at his desk when the registrar knocked on the door and entered.

"My lord, General Pei is outside requesting an audience."

Yun Zheng was stunned for a moment. He did not expect that the person who had just bid farewell to his residence would come to his official residence again.

What is Pei Qingyan going to do?

Did she give a reason?

"General Pei said she was ordered to investigate the case of the imperial envoy's murder and came here to review the documents."

"Don't you know the rules? Tell her that if she wants to borrow documents, she must first go to the palace and ask His Majesty for a written order."

"Thank you."

Ok?

A hint of surprise flashed across Yun Zheng's eyes. Although the Ministry of Personnel had no real power, it was responsible for managing all memorials and imperial edicts. Since its establishment, apart from officials personally appointed by the emperor, no one had the freedom to enter or leave the government office.

There was no precedent for receiving a written order to borrow documents here.

Unexpectedly, Pei Qingyan managed to get His Majesty to make an exception for her in such a short time.

However, despite setting a precedent, he ultimately had no interest in getting involved in Pei Qingyan's affairs.

"I am busy with official duties, there is no need to call her over. Take her directly to the back office."

After saying that, Yun Zheng lowered his head and focused his gaze back on the official documents in front of him.

The registrar left as instructed, leaving Yun Zheng alone in the main hall.

Despite appearing busy with official duties, he stared at the document in his hand for a long time, but couldn't absorb a single word. His thoughts involuntarily drifted to the case of the imperial envoy's murder.

This case arose from the embezzlement of military funds, and it is likely to be quite complex. It is practically impossible for Pei Qingyan to find the real culprit within five days on his own.

He wasn't worried about Pei Qingyan; what bothered him was how he would get the Ice Silkworm from Pei Qingyan if Pei Qingyan couldn't find out the truth.

He couldn't just let such a life-saving medicine slip by.

perhaps……

For the sake of the Ice Silkworm, he could secretly give Pei Qingyan some help.

Yun Zheng slammed the document down on the table, stood up, and ordered someone to bring the registrar to his side.

Where are they?

The registrar was taken aback by this seemingly random statement, but then he realized what it meant.

"General Pei has already taken his leave."

"So fast?"

"Yes, General Pei said she was afraid of disturbing your official duties, so she asked me to convey her thanks to you."

Yun Zheng frowned, his face darkening, and after a long while, he spoke again.

Which documents did she consult?

"The estimated amount of grain and military supplies to be consumed in the northern region over the years."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sinister look between Yun Zheng's brows began to dissipate.

The case of embezzlement of military pay may seem complicated, but it ultimately boils down to money.

Money flows through the world like footprints in the snow; no matter how carefully you try to conceal it, it will always leave traces.

Moreover, the imperial court has a complete procedure for allocating funds.

Taking military pay as an example, the Grand Minister of Agriculture had to start by calculating the military register, and after the emperor issued the edict, the Ministry of Personnel would then register it in red ink. Two copies of the account book were sent to the Grand Minister of Agriculture and the Grand Marshal.

The steps are all interconnected and extremely meticulous.

Afterwards, the Grand Minister of Agriculture was in charge of the "Records of Income and Expenditure of Money and Grain" and was responsible for distributing the funds. Although the Grand Marshal did not handle the funds directly, he was still required to record them in the register. Every transaction along the way was marked with a seal.

Throughout the entire process, the accounts of each prefecture and department formed their own system yet were interconnected, with a complex web of interrelationships. They served as a basis for each other, and if any falsification occurred in any place, the entire web would be torn.

Once the underlying connections are clarified, the amount of money embezzled will be as clear as lice on a bald man's head.

Yun Zheng originally thought that Pei Qingyan, being a military officer, might not be well aware of the reasons behind it. He originally wanted to give Pei Qingyan some hints out of respect for Bingcan.

Unexpectedly, Pei Qingyan figured it out on his own without a teacher and found the crux of the matter.

However, this is just the beginning.

If the investigation is to be carried out smoothly, it depends on whether Pei Qingyan has the ability to uncover the filth in the accounts that others have deliberately embellished.

"Achoo!"

Pei Qingyan had just reached the outside of the Grand Marshal's office when she suddenly felt an itch in her nose and couldn't help but sneeze. She rubbed her throbbing nose and stepped over the threshold.