Conscripting large numbers of laborers to dig coal in private mines was misusing public resources for private gain.
Falsifying the accounts to embezzle the court's mining taxes.
Calling up a large army to line the commander's own pockets.
Every one of these offenses, if discovered by the court, would mean dismissal at the very least.
And if the court was in a bad mood and wanted to make an example of someone, the whole family would surely be wiped out.
Lin Ze's blunt words doused the room in cold water, bringing the few men to their senses.
"There's no need to fear inspectors. We can spend silver to buy them off. As for the possibility that Lord Li will be transferred, there's no need to worry too much. We can speak with his superiors and arrange for one of Lord Li's fellow examinees or fellow townsmen to take over as County Magistrate. Give him a share of the coal mine's profits, and the mine will remain secure."
Gao Fei spoke with feigned confidence.
"Isn't that right, Lord Li?"
Seeking reassurance, he made a point of asking Li He.
"I don't have the connections or influence to curry favor with Ministry of Personnel Envoys and get them to decide appointments according to my wishes."
Li He doused him in cold water without hesitation.
Unlike Gao Fei, a local strongman who had risen from a petty clerk and didn't know his place, Li He knew just how incorruptible those Ministry of Personnel inspectors were.
Ordinary officials earned merit by governing their jurisdictions and collecting taxes for the court. Those Ministry of Personnel officials, on the other hand, earned merit by catching other officials' misdeeds.
Even if they could be bought, it would take more than a little silver. Would sinking all the