Pan Little Black skipped along behind Pan Yun, occasionally darting in front of her and looking back. "Why did you go to Yu Qian instead of speaking directly to the Emperor?"
Pan Yun tucked both hands into her sleeves against the cold. "When it comes to rectifying official conduct, what a powerful minister says carries more weight than what the Emperor says."
And their Emperor was not someone who would take the initiative to raise such a matter. Someone had to speak first.
And who was more suitable than Yu Qian?
Sure enough, Yu Qian did not even wait until the New Year had passed. After deliberating for two days, he submitted a memorial asking the Emperor to rectify official conduct. He spoke of corruption in the Imperial Court in recent years, all the way down to negligent county magistrates and the tyranny of the gentry among the common people, arguing that it stemmed from the Emperor's laxity and the Censorate's inadequate oversight.
As those above acted, those below followed. If the hundred officials were to truly serve the people, the Emperor had to lead by example.
The Emperor readily agreed.
Thus, meals in the palace were reduced. The Emperor led by example: not only were there fewer dishes, but the expensive delicacies were also removed one by one. The Empress followed suit.
Empress Dowager Sun and Empress Qian, who had moved into the Western Palace, followed closely behind.
Taking the opportunity, the Emperor proposed releasing a batch of palace maids. They could return home and reunite with their families, while palace expenses could also be reduced.
So when Deng Maoqi followed Xue Shao and Yang Shan to the Capital City, it was at the liveliest time there.
Many people had gathered outside the palace gates to watch the palace