Chapter 465: Chapter 465

Shen Hua spent half a day in Chun’s Embroidery Workshop every day.

And so, two months passed.

Later, she closed the workshop. The old embroiderers all took home with them their half-finished embroidery. Every three days, someone would deliver the supplies they needed.

The new embroiderers followed her back to the residence. Shen Hua spent half a day teaching every day.

She also brought Aunt Sun’s family over.

The girl’s every action seemed out of the ordinary.

Her slender fingers, tinted with rouge, dipped in clear water, and she held a grinding ink in her hand. She turned it in circles with a vertical, even force that was both light and heavy.

Grinding slowly, the ink thickened until she stopped.

Her eyes clear and bright, the brush pen rapidly sketched out the contours. After several days, the Xuan paper bore the image of Xue Tuan, vivid and lifelike, indistinguishable from the one Shen Hua had seen at Cui Yun’s place.

Having done this, she used glue-free white powder to trace the pattern on the back of the draft to prepare for mounting.

Aunt Sun hurried in, her staid expression unavoidably tinged with panic.

Shen Hua looked up. She glanced at Yicui behind her and shook her wrist, which was starting to ache slightly, in a teasing manner.

"You’re a newlywed, why are you running over here?"

Yicui’s face flushed as she closed the door.

Aunt Sun’s expression was serious.

"There’s a saying that everyone is spreading privately these days."

Shen Hua’s smile faded a bit.

She seemed unconcerned, as casual as discussing what to have for lunch: "A clean Qing Prefect for a year, a hundred thousand snowflake silver. Indiscernible of good or bad, having a disregard for life. The day of the commoners’ calamity is imminent, both you and I will perish."

The plum rain season was the time when it rained most often.

As she spoke these words, a violent storm could be heard starting outside, with roaring wind and thunderous lightning.

Aunt Sun pressed down her fear. She was also aware of the severity of the situation but, seeing Shen Hua handle it with such ease, she was somewhat reassured and did not dare to ask more.

Shen Hua washed her hands and then carefully applied the ointment.

"I’ll tell you now, so you won’t spend the nights restless and unable to sleep—no need to worry. The current turmoil will not be easily quelled, and even a small place like Fengzhou will inevitably be embroiled in it."

These past two months, neither long nor short.

It showed Emperor He’s indecision. The officials in Hengzhou were executed with extreme prejudice. It is unknown what happened in the interim, but in the end, he chose to spare Ji Wang.

When the execution occurred.

Zhou Zhangping’s wife stumbled forward, no longer as vibrant as she once was. Her hair was disheveled, and she had become gaunt.

She was weeping her heart out.

"Resolve, is this how you ’resolve’ it?"

"What difference does the execution of these men make if the people behind the scenes, the Imperial Family, are not taken to task? How many died in that mine? Their fates should not have been cut short! This has caused an uproar throughout the city, resentment is spreading. Oh heavens, can’t you hear, why do you gently ignore it? My husband died early because he was incorruptible! It’s not that he deserved it!"

Having spoken these sorrowful words, she collapsed in front of everyone, unable to bear the weight of her grief.

The people of Hengzhou had long been dissatisfied. Any discerning person knew that the mining incident was not so simple. When those officials were first arrested, although there was chaos, their still unrepentant and hideous faces indicated they had powerful backers.

They had always held Mrs. Zhou in exceptional esteem, and upon seeing this, the suppressed emotions of these days completely erupted.

The mourners were inconsolable.

"My son was in the prime of his life, he escaped the mine, but still died. The government sent some grain and silver, is this to buy a man’s life, or to silence my whole family?"

Many rushed forward, eyes reddened, demanding answers.

"Back when Lord Prefect was unreasonably imprisoned, so many people from Hengzhou ran to Shengjing to seek mercy. Did any of the higher-ups in Shengjing care? Why did the people in the prison disappear? Who carried out the execution? None of this is discussed—instead, they find trivialities to focus on, not even offering explanations. Yes! We are insignificant and our words carry little weight, but why is seeking the simple truth so difficult!"

"Today’s officials, who manage the revenue, but don’t care about the death of the common people. Ridiculous, truly ridiculous!"

"The truth? I’m afraid it’s the one sitting on the Dragon Chair who’s behind this. Otherwise, who would dare to be so rampant! It took so long for the order to be issued; obviously, they wanted to drag things out, thinking time would make us forget and stop caring. Could it be that he would punish himself? Such an Emperor, not treating people as human beings. I fear that soon Da Qi will fall!"

Jin Zhong’s man was appointed to carry out the execution, with a feigned look of surprise, his eyes narrowed, a sharp glint flickered momentarily.

"This official bears in mind that your families are in mourning and is moved by your grief. But if you cause trouble, you will certainly not be tolerated."

"Bring forth, drive out all these troublemakers, and if anyone continues to behave outrageously, arrest them all."

Among the commoners were many of Ji Teng’s men, constantly instigating and provoking.

"Go ahead and arrest me; he was my only son and I have no other kin. I have nothing to hold onto, and am not afraid of you! Pah! Dog official. All of you are black-hearted."

"Arrest? Since you no longer regard human life as life, you might as well behead everyone here!"

The public outrage escalated.

The unrest, which was placated by Cui Yun and Jin Zhong several months ago, resurfaced.

Inside Mingting Pavilion, the fragrance of tea lingered, enveloping the room. Cui Yun made tea unhurriedly, his movements smooth like drifting clouds and flowing water.

Not far away, Ji Teng was playing a game of chess with Xie Xun. While they discussed serious matters, Cui Yun did not interject a single word. He just listened attentively with his eyes half-lowered.

"The scandal has broken, and the ugly truth has been exposed. Scholars across the lands are of high integrity, none would tolerate cheating. Shengjing is in chaos now."

"Those who speak out earnestly and directly face death or disgrace, while flattery brings distant rewards and favor. How can the Emperor avoid taking responsibility now?"

Ji Teng spoke softly, "Send a letter to Tongzhou, ask the court for disaster relief funds."

"I’m afraid the imperial treasury is depleted."

"Still, we must press Father to do something."

If he cannot provide, it is a disgrace; if he does not give, it is still a disgrace.

If given, it goes right into their pockets.

There’s only benefit to be had.

As he spoke, he turned to Cui Yun: "What do you think?"

Xie Xun paused in his action.

In recent times, Ji Teng had held Cui Yun in high regard, even if Cui Yun remained uninterested.

—If you like the candy I sent last time, I can send more.

Cui Yun always managed to steer the conversation elsewhere.

—Ying Shi has already gone undercover at Mrs. Zhou’s.

This left him no choice but to reflect deeply.

Cui Yun was indeed extraordinarily handsome. But Ji Teng was a married man. He had seen Ji Teng and Wei Yingying together, and the affection in his eyes was visible.

But Xie Xun had also heard of a kind of person.

A sentimental type who loves both young men and girls.

Xie Xun tensed up, and his move fell on the wrong spot. Even though it was a losing game already, Ji Teng, evidently preoccupied with Cui Yun, did not notice.

Cui Yun’s voice was calm and composed. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs N()velFire.net

"Corruption in the Ministry of Revenue is severe. Early on, when the disaster relief funds were allocated during the drought, the congee that reached the bowls of the disaster victims was so clear you could see your reflection in the rice grains, resulting in so many deaths that year."

"The situation is critical, and the Minister of Revenue dares not act against the wind."

But soon, he found a solution.

"His son is addicted to gambling."

Once in the gambling house and having signed the life-and-death agreement, if he cannot pay with silver, his life becomes irrelevant.

The Minister of Revenue will always be in need of money.

He drank a cup of tea, and after calculating the time, he slowly stood up.

"It is time to head to the palace, I bid my farewell."