Chapter Sixteen: Enlisting Costs Fifty Taels

At these words, both Grand Tutor Song and Kang Qilu wore expressions of stunned disbelief. They could never have imagined that Wei Changlong would not only deftly evade the charges of fabricating counterfeit silver but even turn the tables, directing suspicion toward the batch of tainted silver found in the outskirts.

“Report!” A messenger burst into the grand hall like a gust of wind, his face flushed with urgency. Without even catching his breath, he dropped to his knees and respectfully announced in a loud voice, “Your Majesty, a great victory at the border! Governor Wei personally led our troops with unstoppable momentum, sweeping away the enemy’s camps and capturing their leader alive!”

The news instantly electrified the solemn hall, erupting into thunderous applause and praise.

“General Wei is truly extraordinary—brave and skilled in battle! Such a glorious achievement is a blessing upon our Great Yao Dynasty!”

“Indeed! With such a fierce general guarding the frontier, it’s an immense fortune for our dynasty and the people of Liming!”

“The people’s hardships have been alleviated, and now this splendid news from the border—truly a double blessing to celebrate!”

Seated upon the dragon throne, Emperor Xiao Ceyun’s countenance brightened with joy. Smiling, he nodded approvingly. “Excellent, excellent! With General Wei stationed at the border, our defenses are surely impregnable! Issue my decree: summon General Wei back to court immediately. I shall host a grand banquet to welcome him home and honor his deeds!”

Yet the messenger, still kneeling, wore a troubled expression. After a moment’s hesitation, he gathered courage and continued, “Your Majesty, besides this victory, Governor Wei has asked me to truthfully report another matter.”

Xiao Ceyun’s brow furrowed. “What matter? Could it be that Wei Hongbo intends to retire and relinquish his military command?”

“Governor Wei said… when the next troop deployment occurs, please do not mobilize the conscripted laborers anymore. These men were unwillingly forced into service, forcibly conscripted to fill the ranks. Such men not only dampen morale but severely undermine combat effectiveness! They have no fighting spirit, no firm beliefs; most are cowards who fear death. They become nothing but burdens and liabilities in the camp, and when war breaks out, they desert.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ceyun’s face darkened, his expression hardening sharply. His voice thundered with authority, “What is going on? How is it possible that our Great Yao army harbors so many deserters?”

At that moment, Wei Changlong stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesty, this matter is precisely what I wished to report. These conscripted laborers are deeply connected to the stolen batch of tainted silver found outside the city.”

A ripple of astonishment swept through the court. Officials exchanged bewildered glances—no one had expected the missing official silver to involve such a tangled web of intrigue.

At first, Song Hanlin claimed that Wei Changlong had stolen the silver, and now Wei said it was related to the military camp. What exactly was going on?

Xiao Ceyun’s gaze grew even colder as he fixed Wei Changlong with a piercing stare. “Explain yourself clearly, Minister Wei. Leave nothing out!”

Wei Changlong responded promptly, bowing with utmost respect. “Your Majesty, when I previously dispatched men to investigate the disaster zones, they discovered that new recruits were required to pay a hefty fee of fifty taels of silver just to enlist. Those unable to pay, even if they wished to serve their country, were denied. Wealthy families, on the other hand, avoided military service altogether. With the frontlines demanding urgent reinforcements, the authorities resorted to forcibly conscripting men. Those unfortunate enough to be captured had all their family wealth confiscated by the officers. If they could not pay the full fifty taels, their military wages would be withheld until the debt was repaid. Thus, they entered service not with silver in hand, but owing money to the court. Naturally, their spirits were crushed, making them unwilling to fight or sacrifice themselves.”

Xiao Ceyun roared, “Outrageous! Minister Wei, are you certain of these claims?”

His Majesty’s anger filled the hall as he glared fiercely at the kneeling prime minister, his presence commanding absolute silence.

Wei Changlong lifted his head, sincere and resolute. “Your Majesty, how could I utter falsehoods? The tainted silver was indeed discovered by me during the investigation. I immediately ordered it seized and placed under strict guard to prevent covert removal. Furthermore, I have arrested all officials responsible for recruitment, awaiting today’s court session to report before handing them over to the Court of Justice for thorough examination. As for Minister Kang’s misunderstanding that I was hiding the silver, it likely stems from seeing the guards I assigned to watch over it.”

Xiao Ceyun’s voice was grave as he asked, “Our soldiers are the backbone of the nation’s defense. If their hearts grow cold, who then will willingly lay down their lives to fight? Where is Chief Justice Ke Ruixiang?”

“I am present!” Ke Ruixiang stepped forward hastily, bowing deeply.

“By my command, you are to investigate this case thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned! Minister Wei, you will cooperate fully with the Court of Justice in this matter!”

“I obey, Your Majesty!” Ke Ruixiang responded without hesitation.

Yet Wei Changlong’s expression suddenly clouded with regret. Slowly, he spoke, “Your Majesty, I fear I can no longer assist Chief Justice Ke in this investigation. My years weigh heavily upon me; my health declines daily. I find myself unable to bear the burdens of state affairs any longer. After careful consideration, I have resolved to resign and retire to my homeland. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to grant me this final request.” With that, Wei carefully removed his official hat, holding it with both hands as he knelt respectfully. “Please, Your Majesty, grant me leave to retire.”

Whispers of doubt spread among the courtiers as all eyes turned toward Wei Changlong. At that moment, Cheng Qianyou stepped forward without hesitation, clasping his fists respectfully. “Your Majesty is wise—please forgive my boldness, but I urge you not to accept Minister Wei’s resignation! Minister Wei has just generously donated all the silver stored in his residence to aid those afflicted by the disaster. Such a noble deed merits praise and reward, not dismissal!”

The hall fell into tense silence, awaiting the emperor’s final decree.