Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2055: Chapter 2052: Filing a Complaint

Yet it still infuriated Emperor Xuanming, who slammed the table: “Outrageous, giving valuable items for promotion is corruption and bribery! Embezzling under the guise of one’s position is a serious crime! Do they expect me to find a way for them?”

Chu Heng waited for Emperor Xuanming’s anger to subside a bit before speaking: “Your Majesty, please calm down. The issues I raised are all too common among local officials.”

“Speaking of this, it brings us back to the order of priority I mentioned, firstly, increasing the salary of officials is the court’s act of grace. Secondly, if corruption and bribery occur even after raising officials’ salaries, the court will naturally show no mercy, dealing directly according to the law. With a decent life achievable by salary alone and the court’s strict oversight, timid officials would naturally not dare to be ‘forced’ into wrongdoing. After all, most officials are quite clean before they encounter the official circle.”

“Meanwhile, the court should again rigorously prohibit officials from accepting lavish gifts. In this way, the issue can be resolved. And with the establishment of dedicated supervisory yamen, once evidence is obtained, corrupt officials will fall. Over time, corruption won’t be as severe. Perhaps in ten or twenty years, the entire official circle of Great Chu will be clear and just.” A trace of longing flashed in Chu Heng’s eyes.

He wouldn’t engage in corruption, but he also hoped to cleanse the entire official circle, bringing forth more officials who would do real work. Only then could Great Chu truly usher in a flourishing era.

Emperor Xuanming remained silent. He inwardly agreed with Chu Heng, though executing these things would be challenging. But if a dedicated regulatory body were indeed established, as long as he held control over it, what minister would dare to secretly rebel in the future?

He was very tempted, remaining silent for a long time without speaking.

Chu Heng did not urge him either. Such significant matters could not be changed overnight; even Emperor Xuanming might not be able to manifest them with a word.

“I will take a good look at these memorials, and regarding your suggestion to establish new yamen, I will also consider it.”

Though he didn’t receive a definite answer, Chu Heng was already quite satisfied.

He immediately brought up another matter.

“Your Majesty, today I have another matter to report.”

“What is it?” Emperor Xuanming was in a fairly good mood, though he knew without thinking that implementing Chu Heng’s suggestions would have a significant impact on Great Chu.

But undeniably, he was an emperor and naturally desired to see a flourishing era!

“I think we can improve the laws.”

As Chu Heng spoke, he handed up another memorial.

Whenever Emperor Xuanming met with Chu Heng, he didn’t have the attendants present in the hall.

Thus, Chu Heng presented it himself.

“The laws?” Unsure of what Emperor Xuanming thought upon hearing this, but it was clear he placed more importance on these subjects.

“Indeed, it’s not only about the laws of the Ministry of Punishment but also the laws concerning commerce that need enhancement. For instance, when court officials purchase goods, it must not be less than eighty percent of the market price, otherwise, it will be considered bribery and handled according to the amount of bribery involved.”

“I came up with this because Grand Tutor Deng reminded me.” Chu Heng did not mind at all expressing his discontent towards Grand Tutor Deng in front of Emperor Xuanming.

As soon as Emperor Xuanming heard him mention Grand Tutor Deng, his brow furrowed again, “What happened between you two?”

Emperor Xuanming’s expression turned a bit peculiar, and he even set aside the memorial, leisurely looking at Chu Heng, clearly wanting him to elaborate.

Chu Heng did not disappoint him, “My lady went with Grand Tutor Deng today to purchase a shop.”