The ministers looked at one another.
Everyone knew the Emperor's words came from the historical tale "Zou Ji Remonstrates with the King of Qi."
Someone immediately said, "Your Majesty is mistaken. Accepting remonstrance is the prerogative of a sovereign. We ministers need only obey Your Majesty's commands. How would we dare heed the advice of others?"
"Good. For criticizing my faults to my face, you shall be rewarded with a hundred taels," the Emperor said, nodding first before adding expressionlessly, "But twisting my meaning is truly detestable. Ten strokes of the court bashing."
Then some vicious Plant Guard officers dragged the man away for a beating.
From this alone, it was clear that the Emperor had always held real power.
The ministers also had a way to deal with the Emperor: they showed up to work every day but never put in any real effort.
"Your Majesty is wise. We ministers should likewise emulate the sages of old, remain humble and cautious, and listen well to others," Chief Assistant Minister Chen Guoguan said hurriedly, going along with the Emperor's words. He was still someone who could see the bigger picture.
The Emperor nodded.
This Chief Assistant Minister was dependable. He could not be called entirely incorruptible, but he was an honest man.
At home, Chen Guoguan was drafting a memorial.
Its purpose was to levy taxes on ministers, great landowners, wealthy gentry, and major merchants, gathering silver to replenish the imperial treasury.
As the head of all civil and military officials, he was preparing to do such a thing. That alone showed the quality of his moral character.
In the past, the Emperor would certainly have accepted it gladly.
Yet things would inevitably have gone poorly. There would have been many opponents and many rumors, after which he would have