SGEIRS -Chapter 435 Petitioning for an Imperial Title

The Imperial Study

Emperor Jingwen’s face was dark as ink.

Zhejiang, with its advantageous location, abundant resources, convenient transportation, and thriving commerce, was one of the richest regions in the empire.

In such a prosperous place, the emergence of corrupt officials was hardly surprising. Among court officials, how many were truly clean? As long as the problems were minor, Emperor Jingwen was willing to turn a blind eye and pretend not to know. But when corruption became severe, he would never tolerate it.

He had originally been very reassured about the Duke of Zhenguo’s household. Han Jin was the current duke’s uncle, and both his talent and ability were outstanding, so he had been appointed as Governor of Zhejiang. Who would have thought that he had placed a parasite in such an important position?

Han Jin had accepted bribes, abused his authority for personal gain, falsified accounts to deceive the emperor, and skimmed money from annual tax revenues. He had also fabricated expenditures to embezzle funds. The amounts involved were enormous. In addition, he had accepted bribes from subordinate officials and merchants in exchange for favors. The sums were staggering.

After serving as Governor of Zhejiang for so many years, Han Jin had grown obscenely wealthy.

And he was not alone. Many of his subordinates were also parasites. The case was deeply entangled, and even the Duke of Zhenguo’s household behind him was not clean.

As a result, not only had the national treasury suffered huge losses, but officials had also abused their power through bribery, causing innocent people to be wronged and victims to have no way to seek justice. The corruption was appalling.

People often said that prosperous times bred corrupt officials, while chaotic times produced heroes. In truth, this saying was not without reason.

If not for Han Jin’s brother-in-law, Wei Heng, they would never have been able to follow the trail and uncover Han Jin and the other corrupt officials.

Seeing Emperor Jingwen’s furious expression, Gu Jingxi quickly said, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Do not harm your dragon body. In fact, this can be considered a good thing.”

Emperor Jingwen looked at him. “How is it good?”

Gu Jingxi replied, “Your Majesty, look at these accounts. They can replenish the treasury. Moreover, they allow us to eliminate a group of parasites and overturn past wrongful convictions. Some victims suffered injustice because officials took bribes and released criminals. Now their cases can be retried.”

Hearing this, Emperor Jingwen’s expression eased slightly. He flipped through the account books Gu Jingxi had submitted earlier. When he saw the figures, his face gradually relaxed. The treasury would indeed be greatly enriched.

After closing the ledger, he asked, “Have Han Jin and Wei Heng been brought back?”

Gu Jingxi answered, “Reporting to Your Majesty, not only them, but all related officials have been escorted back to the capital. They are now imprisoned in the Dali Temple’s jail.”

Emperor Jingwen was very satisfied.

Looking at Gu Jingxi again, he saw that this minister had rendered great merit. Even if he wanted to promote him, there was currently no suitable position. With a gentle expression, he asked,

“My beloved minister, you have rendered great service this time. What reward do you desire?”

As soon as he heard this, Gu Jingxi knelt at once and said respectfully, “Your Majesty, this subject wishes to petition for an imperial title for my wife. I humbly ask for Your Majesty’s approval.”

He had long planned to use this merit to request this reward. Now that the emperor had asked, he seized the opportunity to speak directly.

He and A-Yao had never had a proper wedding, and she had endured much gossip. He could not compensate her with a wedding ceremony, so he could only strive to secure her honor and make up for her past grievances.

Emperor Jingwen was somewhat surprised. But thinking that Madam Meng was now pregnant with Gu Jingxi’s child and was a great contributor to the Gu family, and that the whole family cherished her, it was only natural that Gu Jingxi would seek this honor for her.

He nodded and said, “Very well. I grant your request. Rise quickly.”

Gu Jingxi kowtowed in thanks. “This subject thanks Your Majesty for your great grace. Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!”

Only then did he stand up.

Seeing his tired expression, Emperor Jingwen knew he had worked hard on this trip to Hangzhou. As usual, he showed consideration and said, “You have labored greatly this time. There is no need to rush back to duty at the Dali Temple. Go home and rest for a few days. Return after you have recovered.”

Just as he was feeling sleepy, someone handed him a pillow. Gu Jingxi immediately followed the hint: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s consideration. I was just about to request five days of leave. Since Your Majesty is so gracious, I won’t submit a formal petition.”

Emperor Jingwen was slightly surprised.

In the past, whenever Gu Jingxi returned from months of travel, he would offer him leave, but Gu Jingxi always replied: “I thank Your Majesty for your kindness, but I do not feel tired and do not need rest.”

This time, however, he accepted immediately. Could it be that when he was younger, he did not feel fatigued, but now that he was older, his energy had declined?

But he was only thirty—was it really that bad?

Still, Emperor Jingwen did not dwell on it. He said generously, “I grant you ten days’ leave. Go home and rest well. Return to duty after you are refreshed.”

Gu Jingxi replied respectfully, “This subject thanks Your Majesty.”

After leaving the palace, Gu Jingxi went to the Dali Temple to hand over his duties.

Qi Yunwen had not seen him for nearly three months. When he saw him, he immediately came forward with a smile and said,

“Yaoling, I didn’t have time to congratulate you before you departed for Hangzhou. Now that you’re back, let me make up for it. Congratulations—you’re about to become a father.”

Thinking of his unborn child, Gu Jingxi smiled. “Thank you.”

Qi Yunwen laughed. “Now both of us have children. Maybe we can even become in-laws someday.”

Gu Jingxi was surprised. “Sister-in-law is pregnant again?”

Qi Yunwen shook his head. “No. But she gave me a son and a daughter. You’ve met them—both are good children.”

Gu Jingxi looked at him in disbelief. “Mobei, did you become a father too early and forget how old your children are?”

Qi Yunwen replied, “My daughter is thirteen, my son is nine. Why?”

Gu Jingxi said calmly, “Your daughter will be discussing marriage in a couple of years. Even if my wife gives birth to a son, she won’t wait for him to grow up. Your son will be discussing marriage in six or seven years. Even if my wife gives birth to a daughter, she’ll still be a child then. Give it up—we’re not destined to be in-laws.”

Qi Yunwen: “……”

He did not know why, but although he was only one year older than Yaoling, when it came to children, the comparison made him feel much older.

In another three or four years, he might already be a grandfather, while Yaoling would still be the father of a child who had not even begun schooling.

Glancing at him, Gu Jingxi added,

“By the way, His Majesty granted me ten days’ leave to rest at home. Unless something major happens, don’t come looking for me during these ten days.”

Qi Yunwen: “……I actually have something to discuss with you.”

“If it’s not urgent, handle it yourselves.”

After saying this, Gu Jingxi gave him no chance to speak further. He handed over some matters, left the Dali Temple, and headed home.