I woke up as the Villainous Empress

"Your Majesty, as the Head of the Financial Department and someone who wishes the best for the royal palace, and hopes for its smooth operation, I believe it would be inappropriate for Prince Zheng Xiang to take over the role of the Financial Inspector. After all, it is a position meant to keep a check on corrupt activities among the officials.

If Prince Zheng Xiang replaces Officer Zen and takes over this position, I am concerned that people might not appreciate this change, considering the previous scandals," Yang Luoyang voiced his opinion, sparking chaos of whispers among the other ministers.

His words hinted at Yang Lingxin's treason matter, suggesting that it would be inappropriate for Zheng Xiang, the son of the former Empress, to assume this important role. After all, his mother was the one who attempted treason and tried to kill His Majesty. If her son takes on this position, people may question the credibility of his work and raise suspicions.

The other ministers also understood this intention and agreed with Yang Luoyang's opinion, "Your Majesty, Minister Yang is speaking the truth. Officer Zen has served as the Financial Inspector for many years, and it would not be appropriate for young Prince Zheng Xiang to replace him as the inspector, given that he lacks the proper credentials and qualifications for such an important role."

"We request a reconsideration of Prince Zheng Xiang's position and suggest allotting him a role appropriate to his status and his qualifications. Your Majesty, kindly reconsider our suggestions and make the right decision." The other ministers supported Yang Luoyang's argument, expressing their doubts in a polite but firm manner.

Zheng Huang frowned upon seeing people disagreeing with his decision and causing problems. He pursed his lips and glanced at Zheng Xiang, who remained silent throughout, sitting there indifferently as if he didn't belong.

His intention was to provide Zheng Xiang with a suitable role in the royal court, and it was Zheng Liang who had suggested making Zheng Xiang the financial inspector. Was it a mistake to make this decision? Would the harsh comments of the ministers hurt Zheng Xiang, especially when Yang Lingxin's treason was still a hot topic among the people and ministers?

While Zheng Huang was considering the ministers' suggestions, Zheng Liang spoke up, silencing everyone with his sarcastic remark, "I never knew we had such passionate ministers working for the Empire."

"Even those who never showed interest in reforming policies or making amendments for the smooth and fair operation of royal affairs are now speaking up quite enthusiastically," he commented with a mocking chuckle, a coldness in his gaze that caused everyone to fall silent.

Among those who voiced their opinions, there were ministers supporting Zheng Xiang's return to the palace. However, even among this group, there were those dissatisfied with his appointment as the Financial Inspector. The widespread discontent among the ministers suggested that the decision might be a step in the right direction.

Yang Ning's insight proved correct; appointing Zheng Xiang as the Financial Inspector was a wiser choice compared to the option Yang Luoyang proposed—having Zheng Xiang learn under Zheng Liang.

Initially, His Majesty had agreed to Yang Luoyang's suggestion to let Zheng Xiang work under Zheng Liang, supporting him and learning the work under him to help distribute the workload. However, it was Yang Ning who proposed that instead, it would be more beneficial for Zheng Xiang, with his proficiency in calculations and keen eye, to become the Financial Inspector.

This way, His Majesty could keep the ministers in check and prevent corruption. Zheng Liang conveyed this suggestion to His Majesty, who thankfully agreed, leading to the current situation. Judging by everyone's reactions, it seemed like the right decision.

___

Upon hearing Zheng Liang's cold remarks, the ministers fell silent, but their dissatisfaction with the decision was apparent in their expressions.

One minister gathered his courage and voiced his concerns, "Your Highness, we are aware that our opinions might sound like complaints to you, but we are only saying this because we're worried that the common people might not appreciate this decision, and Prince Zheng Xiang could face immense backlash because of it."

"He is young and doesn't have the proper qualifications to assume that role. If he takes up such an important position, people might raise suspicions about His Majesty's decision and question his intentions. We're concerned that this might cause the trust people have in His Majesty to falter," Minister Ren said, believing his words were appropriate and righteous.

Zheng Liang looked at the ministers with a mocking gaze, treating them as nothing but wild dogs barking at night for no reason. He leaned back, relaxed his posture, and said while looking at the ministers with a leisurely gaze, "Is that so? Hmm…in that case, Minister Ren, you should be removed from your position immediately.

After all, you have countless cases filed against you by the common people for oppressing them with your authority, misusing your position as the minister of the tax department, and even harassing women."

"A person like you is the most questionable as the minister of the tax department, who is holding such a high position. If Prince Zheng Xiang, who doesn't have a single criminal record against him, is not suitable to work at such a prominent position, then neither are you," Zheng Liang said straightforwardly, causing a commotion at the royal court.

The ministers didn't expect Zheng Liang to openly support Zheng Xiang and even embarrass Minister Ren for his arguments. The ministers, who were supporting Yang Luoyang's argument, fell silent, worried that Zheng Liang would dig into their past records and humiliate them publicly as well.

Minister Ren was embarrassed and gulped down the humiliation. With a crimson face, he stuttered to explain, "Your Majesty, I am innocent. I didn't do anything; those were just baseless accusations by my haters. Nothing is proven, and there is no evidence that I committed those crimes. Please believe in me."

Zheng Liang chuckled, "Minister Ren, just because I don't do anything doesn't mean I don't know anything. Are there no pending cases against you because of the lack of evidence, or have you cleared all the pieces of evidence already? I am sure you must know that better than anyone. Minister Ren, I have no intention of investigating you right now. I will do that later."

"However, I am aware that there is no minister in this royal court who has a clean record and no criminal cases against them. When people like you can continue working in the palace because there is no evidence to confirm those claims, then Zheng Xiang, who doesn't have a single criminal record, can confidently work as the Financial Officer."

Zheng Liang continued, "Also, if we're talking about Prince Zheng Xiang's qualifications, can you enlighten me in what way they're lacking? In the past, he cleared the state examination with the highest marks, leading to his appointment as the supervisor of the district where he resided. It wasn't an unfair appointment but a deserving one.

He wasn't handed over the position but gave the examination and took the role fairly, despite being the prince."

"All these years, he has shown incredible leadership, and the development of the area and the financial condition have improved impressively over the years. In what way is he lacking from assuming this position? If I remember correctly, the most important qualification is to be in the top 10 of the state examination to assume the role of the financial inspector.

But he was number 1, so he is in no way underqualified for this role."

"Now tell me, does anyone have any more objections? If there are, I am happy to address them all."

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