Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

"In this way, we can not only demonstrate the emperor's benevolence, but also quickly stabilize the operation of the grain transport and the Ministry of Revenue, and avoid the paralysis of government affairs due to large-scale purges."

This one speaks to the heart of the true dragon.

His biggest worry was that this case would cause the entire Ministry of Revenue and the Grand Canal system to come to a standstill.

Lacey's proposed differentiated approach is undoubtedly the best solution.

"The third and most important point is."

Lacey's tone became exceptionally solemn: "Correct the flawed laws, reshape the rules."

"The reason why Huang Shih-chung was able to rise to power was that the Equalization and Transportation Law had too much power and was not subject to checks and balances during its implementation."

"Your subject believes that the model of the Grand Canal Rectification Office can be retained and normalized, making it independent of the Six Ministries and directly responsible to Father Emperor."

"Its function was to supervise the taxation, transportation, and actions of officials in the Grand Canal."

"At the same time, a detailed 'Grain Transport Law' should be formulated as soon as possible to clarify the rights and responsibilities of all parties, stipulate tax rate standards, simplify customs clearance procedures, and eliminate the space for rent-seeking from a systemic perspective."

Lacey's words were clear and logical, progressing step by step.

From severely punishing the ringleaders to stabilizing public sentiment and establishing a long-term mechanism, this series of measures not only addresses the immediate crisis but also focuses on long-term institutional development.

This far exceeded the vision of an ordinary prince, demonstrating the foresight and wisdom of a mature politician.

After listening, Zhenlong remained silent for a long time.

He looked at Lacey, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He discovered that his son not only knew how to "destroy," but also how to "build."

The canal transport method he proposed was, in effect, to put a firm rein on this runaway horse without shaking the overall framework of the equal transport method.

This not only solved the problem and preserved the face of the reform, but more importantly, it brought the ultimate supervisory power over the Grand Canal, the lifeline of the national economy, into the hands of the emperor himself.

"Good...well said!"

The dragon finally spoke, saying "good" twice.

"Yanxi, you have not disappointed me."

He stood up, walked over to Lacey, and helped him up himself.

“Do it the way you said.” Zhenlong patted him on the shoulder.

"I entrust you with the lead in handling the follow-up matters of the Grand Canal Reorganization Office and the drafting of the Grand Canal Law."

"If you need the cooperation of any department, take my imperial edict with you. Anyone who dares to disobey will be held accountable!"

This is tantamount to handing over all the power of canal transport reform to Laixi.

"Your subject will certainly not fail in your mission!" Lacey was excited, but calmly replied.

……

Back at the Prince of Qin's residence, Lai Xi calmly dealt with the complicated matters at hand.

Although the dragon had given him full authority, it was also a heavy responsibility.

If he does well, he will rise to the top; if he does poorly, all his previous efforts may be in vain.

He summoned Yang Wei, Lin Yue, and Zhang Cheng to his study.

Lacey gave the order first: "Yang Wei, you are in charge of the follow-up investigation into the Huang Shih-chung case."

"Remember, only investigate cases of treason; we will not delve into general corruption for now."

"Resolve this case as soon as possible and prevent it from escalating further."

"Yes!"

“Zhang Cheng, the survey of the water system in the capital region cannot be stopped.” He turned to the Vice Minister of Works.

"Produce a complete plan for dredging and renovating the Grand Canal as soon as possible. I'll figure out the funding and manpower."

"Your Highness, rest assured, the blueprints are already taking shape!" Zhang Cheng said excitedly.

Finally, Lacey looked at Lin Yue: "Young Master Lin, the important task of drafting the 'Grain Transport Law' is entrusted to you."

"This matter is of great importance and must be handled with utmost care and thoroughness!"

"You can select several competent officials from the three judicial departments who are well-versed in the law to form a team, and the Prince of Qin's mansion will fully support you."

"Your humble servant obeys!" Lin Yue's eyes were also quite excited.

The three men accepted the order and left, each full of enthusiasm.

By following this King of Qin, they will have the opportunity to truly realize their ambitions and accomplish great things that benefit the country and its people.

Lacey watched their departing figures and slowly exhaled.

……

Wherever the sun and moon reach, it is scorching earth: Chapter 247: Eliminating dissidents and forming cliques for personal gain

When Huang Shizhong, the Minister of Revenue, was dragged out of his residence by the Imperial Guards, it was just dawn.

This once imposing Minister of Revenue was now disheveled, his hair in disarray, and his face devoid of color, resembling a dead dog with its spine removed.

The wailing of his family members woke up the neighbors on half the street.

Immediately afterwards, an imperial edict was issued from the palace.

Huang Shizhong, the Minister of Revenue, was accused of treason and colluding with the enemy. He was imprisoned and executed in the autumn, and his family property was confiscated.

Grand Tutor Xun Huiming has failed in his judgment of character and in his teaching; therefore, he is ordered to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors and is suspended from all state affairs!

King Yanxi of Qin was appointed to take full charge of the management of the Grand Canal and to draft new laws!

This news caused an uproar throughout the government and the public.

No one expected that just over a month after returning to the capital, the Prince of Qin would so swiftly bring down the Minister of Revenue.

Even more alarming is that Huang Shih-chung's crime was treason!

This is truly appalling!

The appearance of that imperial gold medal, and His Majesty's undisguised reliance on the Prince of Qin, made countless officials sense something unusual.

The balance of power in the imperial court seemed to have shifted overnight.

Suddenly, the once bustling Grand Tutor's mansion became deserted.

The threshold of the Prince of Qin's residence was almost worn down by officials from all walks of life who came to pay their respects or test the waters.

However, Lai Xi refused to meet with any of them, only allowing the public to say that His Highness the Prince of Qin was busy with official duties, ordered to rectify the canal transport, and had no time to receive guests.

This low-key and pragmatic attitude only makes him seem more unfathomable to outsiders.

……

Inside the Qin Prince's mansion, Lai Xi did not let her guard down despite her temporary victory.

He knew that Huang Shizhong was just a scapegoat thrown out by the reformists, and Xun Huiming would not be willing to give up so easily.

He sat in his study, toying with a jade pendant in his hand, his thoughts churning.

Xun Huiming appears humble and low-key, but he is actually shrewd and profound; he will never admit defeat easily.

Although the Grand Canal case dealt a heavy blow to the reformists and caused Xun Huiming to lose face, it was far from enough to completely destroy him.

"Your Highness, what are you thinking about?" Yang Wei asked softly, standing beside Lai Xi.

Laisi put down the jade pendant and looked up at Yang Wei: "I'm wondering what Xun Huiming will do next."

Yang Wei pondered for a moment and said, "In my opinion, Lu Yin (7) 1 Erba seems to think that he will not let this go."

"Although Huang Shih-chung has fallen from power, he had been cultivating his influence in the Ministry of Revenue for many years and had a large number of cronies. The Grand Tutor faction was even more deeply entrenched."

"He will never stand idly by and watch His Highness completely seize control of the canal transport."

“Yes, you’re right.” Lacey nodded.

"Your Highness, how should we deal with this?" Yang Wei asked.

Lacey chuckled lightly: "Respond? No, we don't need to rush to respond."

"If he wants to retaliate, let him retaliate. We just need to do our own thing and wait for the right opportunity."

As he spoke, he stood up and walked to his desk, spread out a map of the capital, and focused his gaze on several key points along the canal.

"Yang Wei, how are Li Si and Zhou Quan being settled?" Lacey suddenly asked.

Yang Wei immediately replied, "Your Highness, rest assured, they have all been secretly housed in estates on the outskirts of the city, guarded by elite troops, and there will be absolutely no mishaps."

"Mother Liu and her son have been properly arranged. She has confessed all of Huang Shizhong's secrets and expressed her willingness to testify in court."

“Very good.” Lacey nodded in satisfaction.

These key witnesses are their trump cards, and they must be protected.

If something happens to them, the chain of evidence in Huang Shih-chung's case will have a loophole, and then he will have a chance to turn the tables.

……

Grand Master's Mansion.

Xun Huiming sat in the main seat with a calm expression. Below him, several officials in official robes sat upright, but their brows furrowed with anxiety.

"Grand Tutor, Lord Huang... how could his crime be... treason! This... this is impossible!" the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue exclaimed in disbelief.

He was promoted by Huang Shih-chung, and now that Huang Shih-chung has fallen, he feels like the sky is falling.

"Grand Tutor, regarding Lord Huang's matter... His Majesty's swift and decisive actions are concerning. What should we do?" another official asked cautiously.

"Yes, Grand Tutor!"

"The Grand Canal Management Office is now under the leadership of the King of Qin. If we let him continue like this, I'm afraid all our years of hard work will be in vain!" someone echoed.

Xun Huiming did not open his eyes, and calmly said, "You all panic at the slightest thing, what kind of behavior is this?"

The Vice Minister of Revenue immediately fell silent, though his body continued to tremble.

An official said in a trembling voice, "Grand Tutor, it's not that we're panicked, it's just that..."

"Several officials from the Censorate have already submitted memorials demanding a thorough investigation of all officials involved in the new policies."

"The outside world even bluntly said that we are all traitors like Lord Huang!"

"Yes, Grand Tutor! We cannot sit idly by and wait to die!"

"How about... we jointly submit a petition to defend Lord Huang? We can say that he was framed by the King of Qin!"

As soon as the suggestion was made, someone immediately objected: "Nonsense!"

"The evidence of Lord Huang's treason was presented to His Majesty by the Prince of Qin himself. There are both witnesses and physical evidence. His Majesty has already made his decision. If you try to defend yourself now, wouldn't that be openly going against His Majesty?"

"Do you want to be labeled as one of Lord Huang's accomplices?"

"Then... what do we do? Are we just going to stand by and watch the King of Qin deal with us one by one?"

"How about... we go and request an audience with His Highness Prince Wei? Let His Highness put in a good word for us before His Majesty?"

"Wouldn't going to see His Highness Prince Wei at this time just cause him trouble?"

In the study, several people were talking at once, making a noisy commotion.

They were all newly rich who had risen rapidly during this reform, with shallow foundations and smooth sailing in their daily lives. They had never seen such a scene before.

Now that Huang Shih-chung, one of their key figures, has collapsed, they are like a swarm of headless flies, completely losing their composure.

Xun Huiming remained silent throughout.

He only slowly opened his eyes when the arguing in the study gradually subsided and everyone turned their expectant gazes to him.

"Are you done arguing?" he asked casually.

Everyone lowered their heads in shame.

"Look at the state of you all."

"You all lost your composure as soon as Huang Shih-chung fell. With such limited shrewdness, how can you achieve great things in the future?"

Everyone was as silent as a cicada.

"Grand Tutor's admonition is correct," said the leading official, bowing.