As Zhu Ying's words fell,
they carried an unquestionable majesty. It was clear that the appearance of this decree had already become a foregone conclusion.
No one could change it.
Facing such an overbearing Zhu Ying, not a single court official dared meet his gaze wherever it swept.
"Regarding what the Imperial Grandson has proposed."
"This minister seconds it."
Lan Yu did not even pause to think before stepping forward and loudly voicing his support.
"This minister also seconds it."
"The salaries of Great Ming officials have already increased severalfold. Forget ordinary commoners—even some merchants earn less than our Great Ming officials. If they still embezzle under such circumstances, then they are betraying the Emperor's grace."
"That is correct."
"This minister seconds the anti-corruption decree proposed by His Highness the Imperial Grandson."
"We ministers second it..."
As Lan Yu stepped forward,
Xu Huizu, Chang Mao, Guo Ying, and Fu Youde—
whether military officials from Huai West or other factions—all stepped forward and loudly voiced their support.
Besides that,
quite a few ministers in court,
including Minister of Rites Liu Jing and Minister of Revenue Yu Xin, also stepped forward to support it.
At once!
A large number of ministers throughout the court voiced their agreement.
Everything seemed to fall naturally into place.
This was Zhu Ying's way of governing: dominance.
He had no interest in playing schemes of political maneuvering. He simply used sheer force to subdue opposition.
"What the Imperial Grandson said."
"Is entirely reasonable."
"In the past, we were indeed somewhat harsh with the salaries of Ming Dynasty officials. The subsequent salary increases were insisted upon by the Imperial Grandson alone, raising the officials' pay severalfold until it far surpassed that of ordinary people."
"When the Imperial Grandson raised salaries, he considered not only officials, but also clerks