flstandardbreds Chapter 163 What is meant by "eating melon seeds" (a Chinese idiom for gossiping)? What is
Chapter 163 What is meant by "eating melon seeds" (a Chinese idiom for gossiping)? What is
In an instant, all eyes were on Xin Moyan's face, and she awkwardly touched her nose.
"Ah."
Yuan Huaijun nodded slightly in agreement, looked up at her, and asked, "Yan'er, if all the aforementioned individuals are impeccable in their political affairs, and no evidence can be found of them selling official positions, making it impossible to convict them, and the power of the aristocratic families is growing day by day, what should we do?"
Xin Moyan was stunned for a moment. She just wanted to hear more gossip. If she opened her mouth, would that be considered interfering in politics?
Seemingly sensing her concerns, Lord Yuan Huai calmly said, "Today, we are all brothers and sisters. You may speak freely and without regard to the relationship between ruler and subject."
"Your Majesty, what about this humble subject?" Lou Shenghan quickly pointed to himself, trying to ease the tension.
Yuan Huaijun's expression was slightly helpless. He covered Lou Xiaobao's ears with both hands and said in a serious tone, "You argue with me all day long. Aren't you afraid I'll chop off your head?"
"Hehe~ His Majesty is a wise ruler, and naturally has discerning eyes to recognize talent. Sheng Han is a virtuous minister, and both are indispensable to the court.
Yuan Huaize waved his sleeve impatiently at him, "Prime Minister Lou, don't interrupt. Cousin Yan'er, what are your thoughts on what my brother asked just now?"
Xin Moyan immediately waved her hands repeatedly, "Your Majesty, I was just speaking casually and have no insight. I cannot make any irresponsible remarks about important matters of the court."
"Oh dear! Yan Yan, His Majesty has already said that we are all family, so there's no need to discuss the relationship between ruler and subject. How can there be any criticism? Today, there are only a few of us here. If no one else speaks, who will know that you're discussing politics? Besides, what if the method you proposed is useful? His Majesty might even reward you!"
Rewards? It seems that no amount of rewards can compare to the house full of treasures that Xuan Yuan gave her yesterday, and she doesn't lack rewards.
"Cousin Yan'er, what Prime Minister Lou said makes sense. Why don't you tell us your opinion?"
Seeing everyone's expectant expressions, and with her brother not saying much, Xin Moyan felt a little relieved. Instead of revealing her thoughts, she turned to look at Lou Shenghan.
"Prime Minister Lou, I heard that you became Prime Minister Yuanqi overnight. So, before that, you were just an unknown person?"
Lou Shenghan smiled politely and said helplessly, "Yes, before that, I was indeed an unknown person."
"Now that the Prime Minister holds the highest position of power and wields immense influence, what is his favorite thing?"
He immediately changed his tune, gazing at Xin Moyan with tender affection, "Right now I lack nothing, my only regret is that I haven't yet won Yan Yan's heart."
"...Don't you love money the most?"
This instantly exposed Lou Shenghan's true colors. He also openly and proudly admitted in front of Emperor Yuan, "That may be true, but I will not engage in private transactions or embezzle funds. After all, once those things enter my treasury, they will never come out again. They can only curry favor with me."
"Aren't you... afraid of being impeached for embezzlement and bribery?"
"What kind of corruption and bribery is this? I didn't even try to take anything from the national treasury. They were the ones who wanted to give it to me. I only accept gifts that are given openly and honestly. Besides, I'm in charge of the entire Censorate. Who would dare to impeach me? I'm being kind by not impeaching them."
Xin Moyan was stunned. His power was so immense! He even controlled the Censorate. Did the Emperor really trust him that much? She should have known better than to ask…
She cleared her throat and analyzed seriously: "In every dynasty, there have been cases of officials protecting each other, and what those officials are protecting is their own interests! Even if they handle their work properly and there are no flaws, as long as they are human, they have weaknesses. Since the Prime Minister and Prince Ze have discovered that those people are selling official positions in private, it must not be unfounded. Sending people to follow them will eventually find a loophole."
Yuan Huaize flicked his folding fan and chuckled, “Cousin Yan’er, you don’t know, but Lou Xiang and I have been investigating those people for many days and we really haven’t found any clues. Take the newly appointed top scholar, Su Mian, for example. He passed the imperial examination last year and then rose steadily through the ranks, from compiler in the Hanlin Academy to reader. Although he was promoted two ranks, his abilities were unanimously recognized by everyone in the Hanlin Academy. Su Mian lives alone and does not associate with any dignitaries or confidants. Even though he has a cousin relationship with the Qin family, he has never visited Qin Huai. I have heard that he is pure and abstinent, with no family in his backyard. He is also honest and kind to his neighbors. He often helps widows, widowers, and the lonely and has opened several charity centers. The people in the capital praise this newly appointed top scholar highly, let alone find any flaws in him.”
"Living alone? Does 'backyard in name only' mean you don't have multiple wives or concubines?"
"Yes, let alone wives, concubines, or maids, there isn't even a single maid or servant in the mansion. Perhaps they're afraid of being labeled as lecherous!"
Xin Moyan didn't quite believe this. Greed and lust were common human traits. Even if someone was averse to women, surely they wouldn't live alone without a maid! Hmm... except for Xuan Yuan...
"The more praiseworthy a place is, the more likely it is to go wrong. Prince Ze, do you have any spies or secret organizations investigating people around you?"
"Cousin Yan'er, why do you ask this?"
"Hmm~ Have someone follow them closely, tracking their every move, from eating and drinking to their relatives and friends. Focus on investigating their wives, concubines, and other family matters. Aren't there rumors of collusion among powerful families? Besides the families mentioned, if you have extra manpower, investigate the others as well, preferably those that are on good terms with the Qin and Song families and have some influence in the court."
"Huh? Yan Yan, why are you looking into this?"
"These people seem to have no problems, but in reality, the more problems they have, the more likely they are to be exposed. If their hidden side is exposed, ordinary people will always be curious. They prefer gossip to national affairs. If they really have a scandal, the gossip of the people in the capital alone can drown them. Without public support, they will definitely lose their composure. Once their reputation collapses, we won't have to worry about finding out their flaws and wiping them out in one fell swoop."
"Cousin Yan'er, what do you mean by 'eating melons'? What do you mean by 'house collapse'?"
“Uh…” Xin Moyan scratched her head, unsure of how to describe it.
She shrugged and spread her hands. "Anyway, this is just my suggestion. You can listen to it or not."
"Do as Yan'er says. Sheng Han, send a Shadow unit to you. You and Lao Wu will be in charge secretly."
"...Your Majesty, tomorrow is the court assembly, and I am very tired."
"A ton of gold."
"Your subject is determined to devote himself to the cause until his dying breath."
"..."
The group then discussed matters related to tomorrow's court assembly. Xin Moyan didn't want to listen and wanted to visit the Empress Dowager first, so Emperor Yuan asked Wang Si to take her to Yongning Palace.
Wang Sisu observed her carefully and treated her with great enthusiasm throughout the journey...
Halfway there, a white figure descended from the sky, accompanied by an eerie, snow-white head of hair.
"You heartless Mo'er~"