TFWYH – Chapter 590 Hugging a Thigh

Ling Yu accepted the list without the slightest sign of panic. He glanced over it casually, then asked in an indifferent tone, “Minister Wang, are you expecting this humble official to collect the debts alone?”

“What else?” Minister Wang waved his hand impatiently. “The New Year is approaching, and the Ministry of Revenue is busy as well. We simply have no spare manpower to assign to you. Think of a way yourself. Go from house to house and beg nicely.”

“In that case, this humble official will take his leave and begin collecting the debts at once.”

Ling Yu gave a faint, unreadable smile, cupped his hands toward Minister Wang, then turned and walked away.

The surrounding officials, who had been paying close attention to the exchange, watched his retreating back speechlessly. They all shared one thought:

A newborn calf fears no tiger.

Minister Wang was obviously making things difficult for him—had he not noticed?

Of course, some were secretly gloating, while others genuinely sympathized with Ling Yu.

But without exception, not a single one stepped forward to help.

Minister Wang snorted and cast a disdainful glance at Ling Yu before returning to his own work.

So what if he had become an official after offending the Prime Minister?

With just one word from the Prime Minister, crushing him would be as easy as crushing an ant.

Besides, he himself was the dignified Minister of Revenue. How many years had he struggled? How much silver had he spent in bribes to secure this position?

And now some greenhorn had so easily become an Assistant Minister.

How could he not be jealous?

…

What he did not know was that after leaving the Ministry of Revenue, Ling Yu did not immediately leave the palace.

Instead, he turned around and went straight to complain to the emperor.

When you have backing, only a fool wouldn’t use it.

The emperor might ignore others.

But who was Ling Yu?

He was the emperor’s most treasured eldest grandson.

So the moment he heard Ling Yu was requesting an audience, the emperor immediately set aside what he was doing and ordered Eunuch Wan to bring him into the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Those cloudy old eyes of his burst with dazzling light the instant he saw Ling Yu.

He looked as though he might leap up and hug his precious grandson on the spot.

Fortunately, the emperor still remembered his status. Though inwardly thrilled, he forced himself to remain composed and asked in a solemn voice:

“Minister Ling, what matter brings you to see me?”

Ling Yu found it amusing, but revealed none of it on his face. He respectfully bowed, then took out the list Minister Wang had given him.

“Reporting to Your Majesty: today Minister Wang ordered this humble official to collect debts, yet assigned no one for me to command. This subject boldly asks Your Majesty to lend me a squad of the Imperial Guards.”

“What? That dog—cough, cough, cough…”

The emperor shouted so suddenly that he choked on his own saliva.

Eunuch Wan was startled and hurried forward with tea and water, patting the emperor’s back repeatedly.

The emperor shoved his hands away, caught his breath, suppressed his anger, and spoke directly:

“Wan Zhenxiang, order Ji Wushuang to lead a squad of Imperial Guards to wait at the palace gates and cooperate fully with Minister Ling.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Wan Zhenxiang was inwardly shocked. He cast a surprised glance at the emperor before hurrying off to carry out the order.

Once he had left, the emperor turned back to Ling Yu, his tone softening.

“Minister Ling, is there anything else you need from me?”

Ling Yu cupped his hands and spoke again.

“This humble official boldly asks to borrow Your Majesty’s Sword of Imperial Authority.”

“Oh?”

The emperor raised a brow in surprise, then laughed.

“From the sound of it, if someone refuses to cooperate, you plan to use force directly?”

Ling Yu nodded.

“Reporting to Your Majesty: exactly so.”

The emperor nearly choked on his saliva again.

He stared at Ling Yu in disbelief.

“Aren’t you afraid of arousing public outrage?”

Ling Yu smiled calmly.

“This humble official is loyal to Your Majesty. I fear offending no one. Aside from Your Majesty, there is no one I need to please.”

“Good. Very good! Hahaha…”

The emperor burst into laughter, looking at Ling Yu with even greater satisfaction.

“Since that is your attitude, then I shall grant your request.”