CHAPTER 892: CHAPTER 890: UNFORTUNATELY, THINGS DIDN’T GO AS HOPED

The emperor’s tone was not harsh, yet it subtly carried a sense of deep-seated aversion, like he was disappointed in someone who could do better.

Jinrong was somewhat puzzled by this kind of reprimand.

It seemed like his Imperial Father was being unreasonable and looking for faults, wasn’t he?

Precisely because he is a prince involved in governance, he should not meddle in everything, right? His duty was to assist the Ministry of Personnel, so why would he risk his life by being an overly ambitious prince worried about unrelated matters?

"I remember Father always said that the court’s affairs should be handled by their respective departments. I have always kept Father’s teachings in mind and dare not disobey. Whether it is disaster relief or local governance, there are specific departments in charge. Even if I concern myself with the difficulties in Yuanzhou, I am unable to reach out randomly," Jinrong said.

Noting the emperor’s increasingly displeased expression, Jinrong quickly added, "Father, the work I am currently doing benefits our Great Xia as well. Stimulating the capital’s commerce, that too is contributing to the court."

Stimulating commerce? The ministers exchanged glances. Han Yanhui and Liu Chengzhi, however, understood what he meant.

The emperor roughly understood his intention but grew more furious. Pointing at Jinrong with a finger, he seemed unsure of what to say, yet surprisingly, didn’t press Jinrong further.

He turned to Duke An, expressing his anger: "And Duke An, your granddaughter, the problem she created with the railway last year is still unresolved, yet she earns silver here with great enthusiasm. Has there been any progress on her rework of the construction? Making court projects like that, doesn’t she feel any guilt?" To think she instigated Jinrong to use the garden for business.

The emperor didn’t voice his last sentence—his son, a royal prince, was seemingly manipulated by a subordinate’s granddaughter. Saying it out loud felt off.

Duke An, with his extra-thick skin, heard the emperor’s rebuke and understood its undertones but didn’t take it to heart. He stepped forward calmly and responded, "Your Majesty, I believe these matters do not concern me. They should be managed by the Ministry of Works, so I have not inquired. Since Your Majesty asked, I will return today to inquire with my granddaughter about the details and submit a report by tomorrow’s early court meeting."

After finishing, Duke An casually glanced at several perplexed old foxes in the Cabinet.

Did they want to see him embarrassed? Why daydream? His granddaughter being repeatedly mentioned by the emperor in court is an honor for the Ye Family. Who else in their noble families has a grandson receiving such attention from His Majesty?

Jinrong couldn’t help but chuckle at Duke An’s vague reply.

Then he saw the emperor’s stern gaze sweep over him and quickly said, "Father, this matter should be tracked by the Ministry of Works. Surely, the Ministry knows the progress of the railway reconstruction."

Again with the Ministry of Works!

The emperor’s face darkened with frustration.

Originally, he had hoped that his sons would treat this nation as their own property, working together with him to build a prosperous empire for generations. That’s why he gave them opportunities to train in the court.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.

The Crown Prince has been involved in governance for nearly twenty years, turning the once fairly upright Ministry of Revenue into a mess, rife with corruption. The country, previously thriving for over a decade, has been squeezed dry by his random tax implementations, while the State Treasury increasingly depletes.

Luckily, he still held control over the Imperial Secretariat; otherwise, he wouldn’t know where to find silver for daily operations.

But Jinkun is the Crown Prince, should he strip him of his duties? If so, what dignity and respect would Jinkun have when he ascends?

And Prince Fu, who appeared diligent daily, committed the grave offense of privately opening iron mines and smelting iron materials. Does he not realize how serious this is?

The huge movement of iron mines and materials—he couldn’t believe the Ministry of Works was unaware.

Prince Fu’s actions, treating the Ministry of Works as his own enterprise, stirring trouble to profit himself. The ministry’s officials, each with their agenda, likely saw assisting Prince Fu as supporting the future monarch, hoping for achievements by riding the dragon’s coattails!

Do they all think he, the emperor, is deaf and blind? He only refrains from embarrassing his sons!

With another glance at Duke An, the emperor noted that this old fox was good at finding loopholes—the railway reconstruction naturally had the Ministry of Works in charge, was there a need for him to write a report?

What he meant was for this old fox to go back and properly discipline his granddaughter, letting her make money by herself without stirring his son. Yet, a few of his words derailed the conversation.

But the granddaughter is, after all, a businessperson, conducting her legitimate trade. Useless Jinrong is his son, leaving him with no outlet for his anger, especially facing a loyal official like Duke An.

The Ministry of Works, railway reconstruction... better to start by managing the Ministry of Works...

The emperor looked solemnly at Wang Xian.

Wang Xian swiftly stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty, the main body of Guangsha Construction’s reconstruction has been completed. According to the ministry’s officials at the site, Guangsha Construction has located and replaced all inferior parts based on last year’s records. The number of replaced inferior parts completely matches the packaging box numbers from the capital’s yamen investigation."

There was no visible improvement in the emperor’s expression as he said, "So, does this mean the project is nearing completion?"

Wang Xian wiped his sweat and continued, "Yes, Guangsha Construction is currently conducting quality re-inspections from south to north, segment by segment, with Ministry of Works officials also inspecting along. Over half has been reviewed, estimating that in about another half month, this segment of the railway can be handed over for use."

Despite conveying good news, the emperor’s unchanged expression left Wang Xian even more uneasy.

Among those siding with Prince Fu, it was believed that if Prince Fu admitted his mistake to the emperor, the iron mine affair could be downplayed. But now, it seemed like that wasn’t the case.

The emperor, in a cold voice, said, "Ministry officials conducting inspections? Previously, they inspected, merely going through the motions. If the capital’s yamen hadn’t caught wind and apprehended the perpetrators, a major accident might have occurred on this railway by now. Evidently, the Ministry officials aren’t fulfilling their duties, earning no trust."

Shifting his gaze, the emperor turned to another side: "Minister of the Court of Judicial Review." Wang Xian trembled at this, and Liu Chengzhi’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Su Jiye, the Minister of Court of Judicial Review, stepped forward, "At your service."

The emperor declared, "The railway transportation project is a centennial plan of the court, yet there are still those daring to meddle, showing how brazen they are. Thankfully, Guangsha Construction’s rigorous work averted severe losses. But this matter is vile and intolerable. Order the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate this case, severely punishing any officials involved."

Wang Xian was deeply shocked, and the officials seated in two rows below held their breath. Today, Prince Fu just submitted a memorial feigning illness, and the emperor immediately commissioned the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate the railway material case, explicitly pointing out the severe punishment for involved officials.

Given the emperor’s intent, the Ministry of Justice would likely need to produce some key officials; otherwise, they couldn’t justify it. Is the Ministry of Works facing a shake-up?

The long-silent Imperial Court wondered what kind of curtain would be lifted this time.