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The Emperor's face was ashen, a layer of chilling frost enveloping his brows and eyes. The ministers who had just been clamoring that General Ling was wronged were now rendered speechless, unable to utter a single word.
Yun Qingyu's indifferent voice broke the silence: "Father, the Ling Family has enjoyed favor for over twenty years, accepting bribes from officials across the regions, embezzling military funds using their power, inflating expenses for weapons and equipment, and falsifying memorials to line their own pockets. The amount they have embezzled over the years is enough to equal half a year's tax revenue from the National Treasury. Moreover, this Palace took control of the Silver Armored Army two days ago, and within the army, the Right General rallied them, swearing loyalty to General Ling. The Silver Armored Army is stationed right under the Emperor's feet yet recognizes only General Ling, openly disregarding the imperial edict. I have reason to suspect that General Ling is hoarding troops and harbors ambitions of self-proclamation as emperor. I hope Father will see this clearly."
Ling Ancheng knelt on the ground, utterly at a loss for words; at this point, any attempt at speech would be futile.
An Imperial Guard hurriedly approached the Emperor, kneeling on one knee and presenting a thick stack of ledgers with both hands. "These are the accounts found in General Ling's secret treasury. Please review them, Your Majesty."
Fear and unease gripped the hearts of the civil and military officials present.
How many among them were truly innocent? No one could withstand scrutiny; even a powerful general like Ling Ancheng could not escape it. The Eldest Princess had fallen into his hands; how could anyone else dare to oppose him?
Yun Qingyu sensed the ministers' unease and raised an eyebrow as she spoke: "Why do you all look at this Palace like that? Are you cursing this Palace in your hearts for being mad or plotting to impeach me so that Father will dispose of this calamity sooner?"
The ministers were startled and immediately knelt before her, saying, "We dare not!"
At that moment, who would dare to speak out against her? They might find their own homes raided next.
Yun Qingyu continued calmly and steadily: "Recently, the National Treasury has been depleted. This is precisely when all of you should lend your strength to Western Chu. Father has placed great trust in you all; I hope you can repay his kindness with loyalty. Do not always hinder the king; contribute money if you can, or lend your efforts if you cannot. As subjects of Western Chu, only by serving diligently can you be free of guilt. If you truly achieve this, even if loyal ministers seek this Palace to raid their homes, I would not do so."
The civil and military officials were all intimidated by Yun Qingyu's imposing presence and bowed in unison: "The Princess Consort serves the nation with loyalty; she is majestic and powerful! Long live her!"
The Emperor stood silently beside them, observing the scene before him with approval for Yun Qingyu in his heart. What a spirit! Those princes were always watching the throne, fearful of offending the ministers; who among them dared to possess such courage as Qingyu? How wonderful it would be if he were a prince!
Yun Qingyu had just exposed the Ling Family's embezzlement of half a year's tax revenue from the National Treasury. The officials, who had hoped to plead for leniency, were now filled with trepidation and remained silent, unable to defend the Ling Family's reckless mindset.
At this moment, the Emperor was immensely pleased; the military power had finally returned to him. Moreover, his daughter Yun Qingyu's imposing presence had intimidated both civil and military officials, signaling that the Western Chu Court would proceed more smoothly from now on.
Looking at the Ling Family members kneeling on the ground, he declared directly, "The Ling Family has deceived the Emperor and committed massive embezzlement and bribery. The evidence is irrefutable. All their assets will be confiscated, their residences sealed off, and every member of the Ling Family will be arrested and sent to the Heavenly Prison."
The officials present suppressed their fear in silence, terrified of drawing attention to themselves.
Yet, they still heard the voice of the Eldest Princess: "During this time, this palace holds command over the Silver Armored Army and may need funds from the Ministry of Revenue. However, the National Treasury's resources are limited. To date, we have only seized assets from the Hong Family and the Ling Family. Once this money runs out, there will be none left. If other regions require funds, we will inevitably find ourselves in a tight spot. Therefore, I ask all of you to be generous. Those who perform well will be remembered by both my father and me; those who do not will also be noted. Please consider your actions carefully."
The Emperor silently praised his daughter while feeling a deeper sense of regret; if only Qingyu were a prince, how much easier things would be with her paving the way.
He then spoke boldly, "You all have heard that the National Treasury is short on funds. Each of you should contribute as you see fit. Consider it a loan from me; when Western Chu thrives in the future, I will repay you in full."
The ministers understood perfectly and knelt down, shouting in unison, "Long live our Emperor!"
At this moment, discussing money was secondary; preserving their lives was paramount!
As the Emperor watched his officials kneeling in loyalty and chanting praises, his emotions grew increasingly complex.
All of this was thanks to Qingyu; she truly was a blessing.
Finally, he glanced at Ling Ancheng kneeling on the ground and sighed. "I leave this matter to Qingyu and Yun Xuanyi. You may all return to the palace with me now. Yun Xuanyi, stay here to follow Eldest Princess's orders and ensure everything is handled properly before reporting back to me."
Yun Xuanyi lowered his head to receive the decree; all evidence was conclusive, and the fate of the Ling Family was thus sealed.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The two princes had suffered consecutive defeats, while the Eldest Princess had gained significant merit. It seemed she truly desired that position, but how could a woman attain it?
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