CHAPTER 1134: CHAPTER 1132: SOMETHING AMISS

As soon as Emperor Yan spoke, Ah Jiu was greatly surprised, and Empress Dowager Mo was equally shocked, though her face showed no sign of it.

The position of the official in charge of the Ministry of Revenue is crucial, managing the nation’s finances. And this position is indeed a substantive vacancy. Is it really okay to just give it to him like this?

"Imperial Brother, is this appropriate?" Ah Jiu was somewhat hesitant.

Seeing his hesitation, Emperor Yan said, "What, do you still want to decline? Ah Jiu, you are coming of age this year. You have never formally taken charge of any duties before. Even the trip to Nanyue was a secret mission. Now that you are back, it is time to take on responsibilities. Or do you still want to be idle?"

Ah Jiu hurriedly said, "Imperial Brother, Mingyuan and the others are also grown up. Don’t you think it’s time for them to..."

Emperor Yan replied in a calm voice, "They have their own paths. As for the Ministry of Revenue, you can oversee it. I am quite assured. Besides, with me here, are you afraid someone might set you up?"

Ah Jiu chuckled, "Not really."

"It’s fine if you aren’t." Emperor Yan looked at him with deep eyes and said, "Ah Jiu, you are my only brother. When you were born, I even personally watched over you. The age gap between us is so large that it’s not just brotherhood; it could be likened to a father-son resemblance. I trust you." As he spoke, he glanced at Empress Dowager Mo.

Empress Dowager Mo sat quietly, just drinking her tea, as if she hadn’t heard a word of their conversation.

Since Emperor Yan had said so much, Ah Jiu had no reason to refuse, and he cupped his hands and accepted, "I will follow Imperial Brother’s arrangements."

Seeing his respectful attitude, Emperor Yan finally nodded with satisfaction and looked at Empress Dowager Mo, saying, "Royal Mother, your son takes his leave."

"Go ahead, but don’t overwork yourself!" Empress Dowager Mo lifted her head and softly smiled.

Emperor Yan nodded with a smile, then departed for Qinzheng Hall.

Empress Dowager Mo watched as Emperor Yan walked out of the Imperial Garden, then withdrew her gaze. Meeting her son’s probing eyes, she smiled and said, "Your Imperial Brother trusts you, so you should perform your duties well in the future."

Ah Jiu asked, "Royal Mother, are there any rifts between you and Imperial Brother? Did he upset you?"

Empress Dowager Mo was startled by her son’s sharpness, but her expression remained unchanged, and she chided, "Your Imperial Brother is very filial and rules the country accordingly. Why would he upset his Royal Mother? During the days you were away, it was your Imperial Brother who visited daily to pay respects to your Royal Mother."

"I have been unfilial."

"Now that you’re back, that’s truly filial. It’s getting late, and since you have a position now, go outside the palace and handle matters well," Empress Dowager Mo waved her hand.

"I will escort Royal Mother back to Cining Palace before leaving the palace," Ah Jiu said, supporting her to stand.

After escorting Empress Dowager Mo back to the Harem, Ah Jiu returned to his residence and immediately summoned Yuan Ye, Yi Er, and others to discuss matters.

"There are two matters." Ah Jiu sat behind the desk and said, "I have taken the vacant position at the Ministry of Revenue and will report for duty tomorrow."

Everyone was astonished. This was indeed a substantial vacancy, and in a department like the Ministry of Revenue, which has the most potential for profit, many would fight fiercely for it. Especially the princes, as controlling the Ministry of Revenue is akin to controlling the nation’s coffers.

"And another thing, have people in the palace move around and get me a clear picture of everything that happened in Cining Palace this year, big or small, especially the things involving the Imperial Brother’s visits to the Empress Dowager’s palace," Ah Jiu continued.

With these words, everyone was startled. Probing for information from Cining Palace? What’s going on?

"Mother’s illness this time seems a bit strange to me, so let’s revisit it," Ah Jiu said, rubbing his temples.

It’s not that he suddenly found something amiss; rather, ever since returning, he’s felt that the affairs of the palace seemed shrouded in a veil, making it hard for him to see clearly.