Chapter 45: Can Such a Ruckus Truly Conceal the Truth?

Onlookers among the courtiers in the Hall of Heavenly Reverence regarded Qin Feng as if he were a joke. Once hailed and favored, he now appeared utterly defeated and disheartened. Just look! What became of the most favored minister of the Great Ming? One word from His Majesty, and this is the bitter fate he faces today. The saying "Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger" was not uttered lightly.

Qin Feng’s dismissal and removal from office brought secret delight to many ministers, especially the faction led by Hu Weiyong, who grew even more brazen. After leaving the Hall of Heavenly Reverence, they quickly gathered around Hu Weiyong, congratulating him: "Congratulations, Chancellor Hu! The great enemy has been avenged!"

Hu Weiyong, brimming with pride, replied, "Today’s downfall of Qin Feng is thanks to your support. With this favorite of the emperor toppled, each of you will secure a place in court going forward."

Many in the court wished for Qin Feng’s fall from grace; who desired such exclusive imperial favor for one man? Previously, the emperor confided only in Qin Feng, leaving other ministers sidelined and reduced to mere figureheads. If this continued, they risked losing their official caps entirely. Like Hu Weiyong, they longed for Qin Feng’s dismissal or sudden death, hoping to regain control of the court and their chance to rise.

Moreover, Qin Feng’s control over the river routes and the newspaper bureau—two lucrative posts—had long bred resentment among the ministers. Both were prime sources of wealth; for Qin Feng to hold both alone naturally sparked envy and jealousy. Even more infuriating was Qin Feng’s earlier act of setting fire to the Shanglin Garden, transforming the imperial park into a personal treasury. The emperor not only failed to intervene but allowed Qin Feng free rein, further fueling ill will among the courtiers.

Thus, when the emperor abruptly ordered Qin Feng’s dismissal, these long-suppressed grievances found release.

Song Lian bowed to Hu Weiyong, "Chancellor Hu, thanks to you, the treacherous Qin Feng has been successfully overthrown. I humbly ask, might you help reinstate my undisciplined nephew to service at the Shanglin Garden?"

Hu Weiyong smiled slyly, "Old Song, your nephew’s affairs are not under my jurisdiction. Perhaps you should address the Ministry of Personnel."

Song Lian’s face fell, stammering, "But... Chancellor Hu, you promised me before..."

Hu Weiyong shot him a glare. "When did I ever promise you anything? Your nephew was the one who lost his ninth-rank minor official post through incompetence! If you have no other business, don’t block my way here."

Watching Hu Weiyong depart amid a cluster of civil officials, Song Lian clenched his fists in frustration. Such was the darkness of a court ruled by petty men!

...

In the Palace of Heavenly Purity, after reviewing memorials, the emperor asked Wang Jinghong, "How long has the eldest son been kneeling outside?"

"Your Majesty, nearly two hours."

"Two hours again? The old foxes inside the palace must be watching closely."

Wang Jinghong replied, "Your Majesty, I have never seen you let the Crown Prince kneel outside the Palace of Heavenly Purity for so long. I almost feel sorry for him."

The emperor massaged his temples and smiled wryly, "I feel for him too, but so many eyes are upon us outside. Hurry and bring him in!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Soon, Wang Jinghong helped the Crown Prince Zhu Biao, whose legs were numb from kneeling, into the palace and supported him onto a couch. The emperor looked at his son’s knees with concern. "Eldest son, you’ve endured much. Wang Jinghong, fetch some ointment from the Imperial Clinic immediately."

"At once, Your Majesty."

Zhu Biao shook his head, "Father, it’s nothing. Mr. Qin risked his life to gather evidence against those old foxes. What’s a little hardship for me?"

The emperor smiled helplessly, "I wonder if our gambit with Qin Feng will truly deceive those old foxes."

"You and Mr. Qin showed great tacit understanding at the Hall of Heavenly Reverence," Zhu Biao said.

The emperor replied, "I purposely left the lucrative post of the newspaper bureau to Qin Feng, to lure those old foxes into courting him. If they truly intend to embezzle the treasury, it will be through the river routes and newspaper bureau. I hope this time Qin Feng’s infiltration will proceed smoothly without mishap."

Zhu Biao assured, "Rest assured, Father. I will maintain contact with Mr. Qin. We must continue the charade of a fractured father-son relationship as per Mr. Qin’s plan."

The emperor laughed, "Then don’t linger too long here; it might arouse suspicion."

"I shall take my leave now."

"Wait. How are the anti-epidemic measures Mr. Qin proposed yesterday progressing?"

"I have dispatched agents nationwide to solicit donations. We await responses from the Huai West and surrounding regions. Once funds arrive, the Fire God Hospital will be constructed vigorously in Huai West."

"And the lockdowns?"

"By your decree, all plague-affected areas are under strict quarantine; no one may enter or leave."

The emperor nodded, then inquired, "Have the renowned physicians of the realm been summoned?"

"Notices have been posted everywhere; I believe the esteemed doctors will come one after another to Huai West."

"Doctors are as caring as parents. May they bravely venture forth for the sake of the common people."

At that moment, Wang Jinghong returned with ointment and applied it to the Crown Prince’s knees before allowing him to leave the palace.

As he departed, Zhu Biao continued his act, feigning estrangement with the emperor to maintain the illusion of discord.

Following Mr. Qin’s recommendations, Zhu Biao had already begun implementing nationwide initiatives: the emperor had decreed a grand fundraising campaign. Donations would be exchanged for state bonds, a suggestion privately made by Qin Feng to the Crown Prince.

No one would donate without compensation; these bonds offered a profit—essentially, the state was borrowing money from the provinces to aid disaster zones. By next year, these bonds would be redeemed with a government subsidy exceeding the original donation plus interest.

Zhu Biao had questioned Qin Feng whether people would accept such bonds and whether the state could fulfill these obligations. Qin Feng replied, "Profit motivates all; landlords and gentry will eagerly donate more to gain greater returns. I am confident that by then, grain and treasury reserves will peak, enabling not only repayment but also covering years of state expenses."

Meanwhile, the call for renowned physicians to aid Huai West had received overwhelming response. Many healers across the Great Ming, driven by compassion, willingly risked their lives to assist the afflicted.

Thus, the nation’s campaign to combat the plague was in full swing: donations exchanged for bonds surged, while doctors packed their medicine boxes and hastened to the heart of the epidemic.

A grand movement of the people united against the plague was actively unfolding...