Chapter 1188: Diarist of Daily Life

The demon of the past now lived in this world under the identity of Chen Changsheng, evading the lethal judgment of the Heavenly Dao.

From this moment on, he began to plot his next steps.

Changing the world would be no easy feat, let alone in such a frail body.

The days ahead were still long.

Heading south, he arrived at the coast. He bought a fishing boat and ventured out into the Desolate Sea, eventually reaching a deserted island.

His next step was to practice Cultivation while he waited.

The Spiritual Energy of the Mortal World could not compare to that of the Cultivation World. Therefore, he needed to find a blessed haven in the Cultivation World to support his Cultivation.

He moved with steady steps. Having suffered a loss last time, he didn't dare let his guard down in the slightest.

...

Spring faded into autumn.

The days passed quickly.

Yellowing leaves drifting to the ground signaled that the bitter winter was not far off.

The northern winter was difficult to adapt to for Tong Nianyi, who had lived in the Southern Domain. Fortunately, the estate was constantly supplied with charcoal. Warming herself by the fire made things much easier, though she still developed chilblains on her hands, leaving her thoroughly uncomfortable.

Tang Shijing had nothing to do at home, so he sat down to chat with her.

"His Majesty wants to assign Xie Huan to the Ministry of Works."

Tong Nianyi paused. She looked up and asked, "The Ministry of Works?"

"Yes."

"His Majesty thinks highly of him," Tang Shijing said. "This is meant to be a test."

"None of the Six Ministries are easy places to work, but the current situation is a little different. The Ministry of Works is far more complicated than anyone thinks. A few days ago, His Majesty received a memorial clearly detailing the embezzlement committed by its officials, both high and low. The sheer sum involved would make anyone gasp in shock."

"His Majesty intends to make an example of the Ministry of Works, and Xie Huan is being sent ahead to pave the way."

Tong Nianyi gaped slightly. "To put it bluntly, it's a job meant to offend people?"

Tang Shijing nodded. "Exactly. His Majesty likely wants Xie Huan to act as a remonstrating official, someone who will thoroughly offend everyone in the Imperial Court."

Tong Nianyi pursed her lips, worry flashing in her eyes. "Isn't His Majesty being a bit too ruthless?"

Tang Shijing didn't answer directly. Instead, he said, "Perhaps this way, His Majesty can also find a reason to raid the Xie Clan."

Tong Nianyi warmed her hands over the fire before asking, "Uncle, what arrangement does His Majesty have for me?"

Tang Shijing thought for a moment. "His Majesty seems to want you to take up the post of Diarist of Daily Life."

Tong Nianyi blinked, stunned. "His Majesty wants me to be the Diarist of Daily Life?"

Tang Shijing nodded. "Logically speaking, you aren't qualified for it. I don't understand His Majesty's intentions, either. It's not an easy job."

The Diarist of Daily Life was responsible for recording His Majesty's daily actions and national affairs. Everything discussed during court assemblies had to be written down word-for-word without bias. It was a severe test of one's brushwork, hearing, and memory. If a mistake was made, there was no chance to correct it. Words were only spoken once, and every single one had to be captured.

Tong Nianyi shook her head. "Compared to Young Master Xie, I have it easy."

"That's true."

"Rest assured," Tang Shijing said. "His Majesty and your Sister Ruyi are the best of friends, and your Aunt Ruyi put in plenty of good words for you in His Majesty's ear back then. While you might not experience a meteoric rise, he certainly won't assign you anything dangerous."

Tong Nianyi lowered her head. "That's hard to say."

Tang Shijing smiled and didn't reply.

The new official took office. During the court assembly that day, the officials noticed that the Diarist of Daily Life had changed. The grey-templed Lord Jia had been replaced by a fair-faced, handsome young gentleman who was very pleasing to the eye.

"Eh? When did the Diarist of Daily Life change?"

"I don't know."

"This new one is awfully handsome, and so young."

"Ah, isn't that Young Master Tong, who placed in the second tier of the Palace Examination? He took office this quickly?"

"It seems he was personally appointed by His Majesty."

"And his very first post is the Diarist of Daily Life."

When His Majesty arrived, the quiet murmuring instantly ceased.

Following the loud calls of the protocol officer, all the officials cupped their hands and bowed low.

"Long live Your Majesty!"

Then came the day's political affairs. Right from the start, a heavy blow was dealt.

Lord Chong, a Cabinet Elder, stepped forward. Holding a memorial in both hands, he knelt and declared, "Your Majesty, this humble minister has a report."

"Speak."

"The officials of the Ministry of Works, both high and low, have embezzled the Imperial Court's silver! The stolen amount is an astronomical sum!"

This statement sent a shockwave of astonishment through the gathered officials.

Some were already beginning to panic internally.

The Minister of Works stepped forward and said, "Cabinet Elder Chong, you must present evidence for your words. The Ministry of Works is wholly devoted to the nation and its people. Our accounting ledgers are clear and transparent. Where is this embezzlement you speak of?"

He cupped his hands and looked toward His Majesty. "I beseech Your Majesty to see clearly."

Yan Nantian looked at the elder. "Lord Chong speaks plainly. Do you have evidence in hand?"

Cabinet Elder Chong replied, "Your Majesty, this minister naturally has evidence. These are the accounts organized by the Ministry of Works last month. The timber expenses recorded for the repairs to the Eastern Palace are over twenty percent higher than the market price. Furthermore, the actual timber delivered to the Ministry of Works is nowhere near the recorded amount."

As the Diarist of Daily Life, Tong Nianyi recorded every single word.

Lord Wen, the Minister of Works, immediately shouted in anger, "Do not spew baseless slander! Your Majesty, I beg you to see clearly! Our ledgers have never been wrong. The Eastern Palace is the Crown Prince's residence, so the timber used is strictly top-grade. The price is naturally higher. As for Lord Chong's claim regarding the missing timber, there is simply another batch still on the way. It hasn't been added to the inventory records yet!"

Cabinet Elder Chong sneered. "Are you not trying to confuse the issue? I have inspected that timber myself. From top to bottom, it is identical to common timber on the market. The bulk purchase wasn't any cheaper; in fact, it was twenty percent more expensive."

The Minister of Works shot back, "And how would you know the price of this timber? Prices fluctuate depending on the season and the exact type of wood. Cabinet Elder Chong has sat in a high position for a long time; how could you possibly know the current market rates?"

The hostility in the air instantly sharpened.

The thinly veiled implication was obvious: You don't know shit, so why the fuck are you running your mouth?

At this, Cabinet Elder Chong immediately started swearing back.

In an instant, all pretenses were dropped and daggers were drawn.

The Imperial Court devolved into an uproar as the two officials argued endlessly.

Tong Nianyi's brush was practically smoking as she wrote. Finally, His Majesty spoke up.

"Enough!"

Yan Nantian cut them off, snapping, "This is the Imperial Court! How can the two of you be allowed to bicker and hurl insults like this? Have you no sense of propriety?"

Cabinet Elder Chong bowed. "Your Majesty, everything I have said is backed by evidence. The Ministry of Works' corruption is absolutely not limited to one or two incidents. I beseech Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

Minister Wen pleaded, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Works has committed no such embezzlement! I beg Your Majesty to see clearly!"

Yan Nantian waved his hand. "Since both of you claim to be right, I shall dispatch an envoy to the Ministry of Works to audit the accounts and verify the figures. If no embezzlement has occurred, I will certainly clear Lord Wen's name."

Lord Wen kowtowed. "This minister thanks Your Majesty."