Si Tu Yan thought carefully, "Does my father's meaning imply that there are still accomplices of the Minister of Justice within? Does he want me to thoroughly investigate?"
Emperor Chang Wu’s expression was blank, "Think again."
"Could his crimes be more than these?"
"Can't you think of anything besides investigating the case?"
"Other matters are not within my purview."
Emperor Chang Wu felt his heart ache again. This was definitely his least ambitious son, without exception. The others were all finding ways to expand their power, but he only knew how to focus on his own small territory of the Dali Temple. Not only was he not expanding, but he was too lazy to even glance at opportunities presented to him.
Looking at his foolish son's innocent face, Emperor Chang Wu finally sighed.
This child, not only did he resemble his mother in looks, but his uncompetitive nature was also a perfect imitation. Fine, fine. If he didn't state it plainly, he was afraid his son wouldn't guess the point even after ten or a hundred attempts.
So he tapped the table, "Over the years, every faction has been rushing to place their people in the Six Ministries. These important departments are almost riddled with holes. Too many connections make it difficult for policies to be implemented. Now, with the Minister of Justice's offense, you will step up and help me sort things out."
Si Tu Yan opened his mouth, "Your Majesty, isn't it inappropriate for you to promote those you favor?"
"You don't want to go?"
"I have never been involved in the Ministry of Justice's work. I fear I will not do well."
Emperor Chang Wu said, "It's alright. Haven't you already handled the tough job at Dali Temple?"
"That's different. Investigating cases is my expertise, so it comes naturally."
"Don't worry, your father trusts you. At the very least, if you don't do well, I will still be here to support you."
"You said it yourself, Your Majesty. You can't blame me for not performing well then."
Emperor Chang Wu: ......
Did he really scheme against his son that much?
To prove he was a patient and loving father, Emperor Chang Wu insisted Si Tu Yan stay and explained the importance of the position for a long time. He even recommended several people, "These are my people. They all have some capabilities, but how to use them depends on you."
Si Tu Yan: "......You haven't placed your people in every department, have you?"
"There are always a few, but they lack experience and are not yet capable of challenging those aristocratic families. We must proceed gradually."
Si Tu Yan knew that when his father ascended the throne, the court situation was not good. The new emperor was weak, and the empress's family held power. He couldn't interfere in political affairs, let alone military power. Yet, from such a difficult beginning, he managed to bring the court to its current state.
Although military power had not been fully regained, Duke Xie and Duke Cao each guarded a region and kept each other in check, achieving a delicate balance. The same was true for court affairs. The Crown Prince and Prince Ning fought fiercely, and consequently, the Cao Duke's manor and the Qi Ying Marquis's manor behind them also engaged in constant struggle. However, while the court seemed chaotic, it was always under the Emperor's control.
Truly, the more one thought about it, the more one felt fear.
Si Tu Yan quietly organized his thoughts and felt even more awe for the person at the imperial desk.
Indeed, anyone who could maintain their position on the throne amidst wolves must have some extraordinary skills.
Ruyi Nunnery was located in the East Street Ward. While its incense wasn't flourishing, it still had a considerable number of pilgrims. When Lu Nian Fu arrived, it was the busiest time of the day for the nunnery. Beneath the Bodhi tree in front of the nunnery's gate stood a crowd of devout believers praying, and red ribbons fluttered on the tree, carrying thousands of wishes.
Qing Ya lifted the carriage curtain and carefully helped Lu Nian Fu alight.
Zeng Wei Yang watched uncomfortably. She wasn't made of porcelain, so was it necessary to be so careful? A sparrow was just a sparrow; once it flew onto a branch, it couldn't help but show off. Look at that delicate appearance, so pretentious.
Zeng Wei Yang thought to herself, but on her face, she put on a well-behaved smile, "Sister, shall we go directly to find Master Jing Yi?"
Lu Nian Fu was not familiar with Ruyi Nunnery and naturally didn't object. She let Zeng Wei Yang lead the way, with Yin Zhu occasionally supporting her, as if afraid she would stumble. This made Qing Ya even more nervous. Was the ground uneven here?
Just then, a figure rushed out, heading straight for Lu Nian Fu.
Qing Ya reacted instinctively, raising her leg and kicking the person several meters away, then shielding Lu Nian Fu behind her. "Who are you?"
The man who was kicked coughed a few times and laboriously got up, "Mei Fu, I am A Cheng. Don't you recognize me? We privately pledged our love back then, and you said you would wait for me."