Chapter 73: Take Them Off Part 3

He scanned the room and issued his orders with clinical efficiency. “Since Minister Cui is dead, the Ministry of Revenue will be temporarily managed by Wei Qingya. He is to take office immediately today. The first order of business: pay all outstanding salaries in full. No more delays.”

“The rice prices in the capital are out of control because grain merchants are hoarding to drive up the cost. This will be handled by the Court of Judicial Review.”

“Open the granaries and sell government grain. Sell it at the previous lowest market price. If necessary, allow for credit first to stabilize the people’s morale.”

The high officials looked at one another in shock. This was essentially treating the national granaries as his own kitchen pantry. Technically, it was a capital offense.

But no one dared to object. They responded in unison, “We obey the Lord Chancellor’s command!”

Shen Jun looked troubled and frowned. “Master Wei has… frequently been claiming illness to avoid court lately.”

Gu Huaiyu knew Wei Qingya was being intentionally difficult. He let out a cold sneer. “Tell him he can either crawl to the Ministry of Revenue or rot in Liangzhou.”

“This official understands.” When Shen Jun bowed, a nearly imperceptible smile touched the corners of his lips.

Several other department heads and vice-ministers rose one after another to voice their grievances.

“Lord Chancellor, the Ministry of War’s military funds haven’t been approved…”

“The Ministry of Personnel’s appointments for provincial officials are all stuck with no one to sign off. The subordinates are about to revolt!”

“The Ministry of Justice’s case files are piled as high as mountains. We lack people, money, and verdicts…”

Gu Huaiyu showed no hint of panic. He responded calmly and decisively. “The Ministry of War’s funds will be disbursed by the Ministry of Revenue. Wei Qingya has his ways.”

“Regarding the Ministry of Personnel’s appointments, Shen Jun, draft a list and follow the usual procedures. Any that can’t be approved, bring them to me tomorrow.”

“If the Ministry of Justice is short-handed, draw fifty people each from the Court of Judicial Review and the Court of Imperial Entertainments to fill the gap. All files must be cleared within ten days, or it will be treated as a dereliction of duty.”

A string of commands flowed like water. The officials in the hall felt their previous despondency vanish, replaced by a surge of renewed energy.

Gu Huaiyu picked up his teacup and took a shallow sip to moisten his throat. “As for the military officers—tell them I have seen their loyalty. But if they continue to riot, even I won’t be able to protect them.”

Shen Jun understood. “This official will convey Your Excellency’s appreciation for the soldiers’ hearts.”

“Regarding the Bureau of Military Affairs and the Eastern Expedition…”

Gu Huaiyu set down his teacup and thought for a moment. “There’s no need to delay it further. Let Xie Shaoling take the lead. Let him practice; he’ll have to carry the heavy loads in the future anyway.”

His tone was ripples on a pond, yet it brooked no argument.

Once those words landed, everyone understood: the storm in the capital had been settled, and the chaos untangled, in just a few sentences from him.

The hall fell into a sudden silence as all eyes fixed on him.

Gu Huaiyu knew what they were thinking. A faint, thin smile touched his lips. “You all came to find me with such fanfare. I imagine His Majesty already knows.”

The officials felt a chill run down their spines, and they instinctively held their breath.

Gu Huaiyu looked at Shen Jun and tilted his chin. “Go back and tell him: killing is for the sake of solving problems, not for the sake of solving people.”

The head of a Minister of Revenue was a precious thing. To cut it off for nothing, other than earning the reputation of a tyrant, what did he hope to gain?

He tapped his finger against the armrest, looking perfectly at ease. “Go and hang Minister Cui’s head at the gates of the Ministry of Revenue. Let all those demanding their salaries see it clearly—”

“He was the parasite who swallowed their hard-earned blood and sweat.”

How could those present not understand his meaning?

That bloody head would no longer be a tool for an emperor’s venting; it had become a chess piece to appease public anger. When the corrupt official was executed, the court was seen as upright. The lower-level officials would have a vent for their frustration, and everyone would be satisfied.

Shen Jun bowed deeply. “The Lord Chancellor is brilliant.”

Gu Huaiyu gave him a meaningful look and waved a hand. “All of you, go back and get to work.”

The officials felt as if they had been granted a divine pardon. They rose to take their leave and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Shen Jun walked slowly toward the table, his eyes fixed on Gu Huaiyu. He leaned in close to his side. “Your Excellency, your instructions.”

Gu Huaiyu reached out to straighten Shen Jun’s slightly messy collar. His voice was unusually gentle. “You’ve worked hard these past few days.”

Shen Jun tilted his head to lean closer to Gu Huaiyu’s fingers, his eyes shimmering. “I would die ten thousand deaths for Your Excellency.”

Gu Huaiyu’s palm followed the movement, giving Shen Jun’s cheek a light, playful pat. “What are you saying? I won’t treat you poorly.”

Reluctant to let the hand leave, Shen Jun instinctively inhaled the lingering scent on Gu Huaiyu’s skin. “This official wishes to stay by Your Excellency’s side to serve you. I would follow you anywhere, even to carry your clothes and shoes without regret.”

“Is Master Shen trying to steal my job?”

Pei Jingyi stretched out an arm, casually resting it on the back of Gu Huaiyu’s chair. He grinned harmlessly, revealing a row of stark white teeth. “Or are you worried I won’t take good care of the Lord Chancellor?”

Shen Jun’s expression didn’t change. He said warmly, “It is not impossible for General Pei and me to serve His Excellency together. General Pei can be the primary, and I shall be the secondary.”

The meaning behind those words couldn’t be clearer.

He, Shen Jun, was willing to be the concubine.