Chapter 976: Chapter 976 Report

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

A smile spread across Gu Chengrui’s face. “So you agree?”

“This lowly official is at your command,” General Liu confirmed, cupping his fists.

“Excellent. Gather your troops and raid the residences of the magistrate, the judge, and everyone implicated in this scheme. First, imprison their families.”

“All the officials involved, remember that.”

“Yes, I’ll see to it immediately,” General Liu affirmed. “However, what about my…”

“You’re one of the key culprits,” Gu Chengrui stated frankly. “While I can guarantee your family’s safety, you’ll have to confess about the embezzled funds. Ultimately, the Emperor will decide whether you retain your position.”

General Liu understood. “I see. I’ll handle it right away.” He retrieved his official seal and wasted no time carrying out the orders.

Gu Chengrui exhaled, a weight lifted from his shoulders. Glancing at the token in his hand, he acknowledged its significance. Without it, even subduing General Liu wouldn’t guarantee his cooperation.

With newfound resolve, he rose and exited the study.

“My lord, are you alright?” Lin Yitian greeted him with relief.

“Everything is under control,” Gu Chengrui assured him. “When we conduct the raids later, your men must be present to prevent any opportunistic chaos.”

“Understood. Please be cautious,” Lin Yitian cautioned.

”Don’ t worry,” Gu Chengrui replied before turning and heading back to the medicine shop.

Meanwhile, General Liu issued orders to mobilize his deputy and soldiers. He then proceeded to Gu Chengsi’s residence, withdrawing all soldiers before surrounding the medicine shop.

News of Gu Chengrui’s arrival in Qianzhou stunned Gu Chengsi momentarily. Initial disbelief gave way to overwhelming joy. Punishing the corrupt officials would be a much smoother process with him there.

He relayed some instructions to Mrs. Bai before rushing to the medicine shop. Upon entering, he saw the main culprits already bound. Relieved, he bowed to Gu Chengrui.

“No need for formalities. You’ll assist General Liu later,” Gu Chengrui instructed.

Gu Chengsi glanced at him in surprise, then at General Liu. Seeing them both nod in confirmation, he finally grasped that Gu Chengrui had truly entrusted General Liu with a vital role.

“At your command, Lord Gu,” General Liu acknowledged with a cupped fist.

Gu Chengsi nodded and followed him out. Learning about the planned raids left him shocked. He hadn’t anticipated such a bold move from Gu Chengrui upon his arrival.

Simultaneously, he understood that Gu Chengrui must have received the letter sent by his emissary.

A wave of gratitude washed over him, as it was a rare display of such complete trust.

Throughout the night that followed, Gu Chengsi accompanied General Liu, working tirelessly but feeling surprisingly energized.

Meanwhile, Gu Chengrui borrowed writing materials from the medicine shop and composed a memorial addressed to the Emperor.

He entrusted Zhou Ying to deliver his memorial, Gu Chengsi’s, and the account book to the Emperor.

Their fate now rested on the Emperor’s verdict. Gu Chengrui couldn’t decide the punishment for so many officials at once, and a swift replacement was also necessary.

The following morning, the Emperor, returning to his study, spotted the three items on his dragon table. A surge of anger flared up within him, almost causing him to faint. He meticulously examined the account book.

The account book, started three years ago, revealed a pattern of increasing audacity year after year. By the end, more than half the funds allocated for repairing the embankment had been embezzled.

The Emperor gritted his teeth in fury. However, he was also aware of the proverb, “If the water is too clear, there are no fish.”