A sovereign’s word carries weight!

No one below spoke.

Emperor Qizhen looked toward Jingrong. “Since this case was entrusted to you and Jing Yi, whoever solved it has rendered great merit. It’s only proper that We reward you. Tell Us, what do you want Us to bestow upon you?”

I want this great realm and rivers.

I want your dragon throne and imperial seal.

Will you give them?

Jingrong bowed his head. “Your son dares not claim credit.”

“We said a sovereign’s word carries weight. If We say We’ll reward, then We must reward.”

“Your son lacks nothing. If Father Emperor wishes to reward, perhaps reward something else instead.”

“Speak.”

“Due to the heavy rain several days ago, floods have risen in the outskirts of the capital. Many houses have collapsed, and common people have been displaced. Your son knows that the court disbursing silver for relief requires approval through procedures. If there are no casualties, the Ministry of Finance generally won’t approve. However, Zhang Family Village has lost all its grain fields, and countless dwellings have been destroyed. If the court doesn’t provide relief, the people’s livelihoods will be in jeopardy. Your son doesn’t want any reward—only begs Father Emperor to approve relief funds.”

The court officials erupted in an uproar!

Emperor Qizhen was even more astonished and deeply concerned. “When the common people suffer hardship, the court naturally won’t ignore it. Hearing this, We cannot feel at ease. Since you don’t want a reward but beseech Us instead—very well, We agree.”

Forthright!

Jingrong expressed gratitude. “Thank you, Father Emperor.”

“Minister He?” Emperor Qizhen called out.

Minister He, the Minister of Finance, stepped forward. “Your subject is here.”

“You heard what Prince Rong said. We have agreed. Send someone to make a trip to the outskirts. If the situation is true, allocate however much silver is needed—don’t be careless in the slightest, and absolutely don’t let the common people suffer.”

“Your subject obeys the decree.”

“Is Minister Li present?”

Minister Li, the Minister of Works, stepped forward. “Your subject is here.”

“Recently the heavy rains have been continuous. Many places have collapsed, houses have fallen. The people’s homes must still be built if they need building, repaired if they need repairs. Your Ministry of Works must be vigilant. See what the people lack, and what needs supplementing must be supplemented. If there’s the slightest error, We will hold both your ministries accountable.”

“Yes!”

Minister Li responded and withdrew.

Emperor Qizhen was gratified, saying to Jingrong, “That you can think of the common people doesn’t waste We’s intention to reward you.”

“It is your son’s duty.”

He hummed in acknowledgment, looking toward the properly behaved Ji Yunshu standing to the side.

“Master Ji.”

Ji Yunshu stepped forward, standing in the hall. “This commoner greets Your Majesty.”

“No need for excessive courtesy. We summoned you to the palace because you assisted Jingrong in solving the dried well case. Merit deserves reward—We won’t overlook you.”

“This commoner dares not.”

“We say you dare, so you dare.”

“…”

“Your abilities, We see very clearly. In the dried well case, you rendered the primary merit. Since it’s merit, how can there be no reward? We won’t bother asking what you want.” Emperor Qizhen said directly, “Years ago, We abolished the Judicial Review Department position in the Ministry of Justice, thinking it would mobilize the work efficiency of the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice, letting the Capital Magistrate’s people not sit idle either. But who would have thought that after abolishing the Judicial Review Department for so many years, it would instead create many troubles. Case files submitted from various prefectures and provinces—sending them to the Court of Judicial Review isn’t right, sending them to the Ministry of Justice isn’t right either. Sometimes east, sometimes west, stirring things into complete chaos. The Judicial Review Department position manages the trial of cases in jurisdictions under its authority and rights wrongs for the common people—a critical position that truly cannot be lacking. We know you have some ability and courage. If you take on this responsibility, it would be appropriate.”

Immediately an official jumped forward. “Your Majesty, court official positions have always been screened layer by layer by the Ministry of Personnel, or appointed through examination candidates. Though this Master Ji is exceptionally intelligent and has solved many cases, she hasn’t undergone examination. If we allow her this Judicial Review Department position, isn’t it somewhat rash?”

“This subject also agrees. Please reconsider, Your Majesty.”

Several of Jing Yi’s faction began to dissuade.

Ji Yunshu secretly rejoiced. All of you be more aggressive—hurry up and persuade him!

She truly didn’t want to be that official!

But Emperor Qizhen was stubborn. “We said We would reward, so Our word carries weight. Though she hasn’t undergone Ministry of Personnel examination or been nominated, in terms of qualifications, in all of Great Lin, presumably besides her, no one else can take on the Judicial Review Department position. Our mind is decided and won’t be changed.” Immediately with a wave of his hand, he issued an imperial decree. “We decree—appoint Master Ji as Director of the Judicial Review Department in the Ministry of Justice, to assume office immediately.”

Uncle, won’t you reconsider?

You’re too willful.

Ji Yunshu knew deeply she couldn’t escape. Exchanging a glance with Jingrong, that fellow gave her a helpless nod.

Signaling her to accept!

She could only steel herself and accept the grace. “This commoner… thanks Your Majesty.”

“Now that rewards have been given, punishments must also be meted out.” Emperor Qizhen glared angrily at the coldly composed Jing Yi, saying, “About your matter, We don’t want to say much, but your investigation was indeed too careless. Without catching the real culprit, you closed the case. We were also momentarily confused to have believed that case report full of errors and omissions.”

Jing Yi knew that saying anything now was useless. He also accepted defeat, no longer making excuses, cupping his hands and bowing. “Your son knows his wrong.”

His voice hoarse and desolate.

Emperor Qizhen said, “Since you know your wrong, then—where the wrong came from, there it must be corrected. Since Jingrong mentioned the flood disaster in the capital’s outskirts, you will personally take charge. Set aside your princely airs and work together with the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Finance. When you complete it, then come to the palace.”

Surprisingly, Jing Yi obediently agreed. “Yes, your son willingly accepts punishment.”

Rewarded and punished—court was dismissed!

Ji Yunshu became Director of the Judicial Review Department. Various officials came forward one after another to offer congratulations, completely unlike their previous appearance of striving to obstruct.

Actively fawning.

Moreover, each one calling her “Director Ji.”

Sweet as honey.

The Ministry of Personnel’s work efficiency was swift—they hurriedly entered her into the official registry. The Ministry of Justice immediately cleared out a clean office for her, with all necessary office implements neatly arranged, not one thing missing.

Brand new!

The threshold of Prince Rong’s manor was nearly trampled through. Officials brought congratulatory gifts one after another, concerned about Ji Yunshu and conveniently expressing concern for Jingrong as well.

She was worried to death, afraid that one day she would die miserably.

Jingrong was also worried to death!

But when the Emperor personally appointed her to office, it couldn’t be refused.

In the end—

She could only tug at Jingrong’s clothes. “I’m going to hide for a while.”

Packing her bundle overnight, she went to Bamboo Creek Garden.

Later when officials came again, Jingrong’s face darkened as he sent people away.

As for Jing Yi, from the moment he left the palace he was dragged to the Ministry of Works, only returning to his manor after dark.

His expression extremely displeased.

Dou Quan asked, “Your Highness, are you alright?”

He asked, “Did all those court officials go to Prince Rong’s manor?”

“Prince Rong has gained power, and that Master Ji also received the Emperor’s appointment to the Judicial Review Department. Half the court officials brought gifts.”

Jing Yi’s back molars ground audibly. With a wave of his hand, he knocked all the tea utensils on the table to the floor.

Crash and clatter!

“Jingrong, this prince and you are utterly irreconcilable.”

Suddenly—

Dou Quan said, “Your Highness, how about… we rebel?”

“What did you say?”

“Now Prince Rong’s situation is excellent, and the Emperor is inclined to favor him. Why doesn’t Your Highness take this opportunity to… rebel?”