"Your Majesty, this is a report from Kaifeng Prefecture. Wang Fu's case has been solved!"
"So quickly?"
Hearing Liang Shicheng's words, even Emperor Zhao Ji couldn't help but be surprised.
Wang Fu had died in such a desolate place, and when he was found, he had already been dead for several days, his body even frozen stiff.
Three consecutive days of blizzards had completely destroyed all traces at the scene. Under such circumstances, Zhang Shaoyou, the newly appointed Deputy Prefect of Kaifeng Prefecture, had solved the case in less than three days. This was truly beyond Zhao Ji's expectations.
"Have the culprits been apprehended?"
Zhao Ji asked casually while looking at the memorial.
"Both culprits committed suicide to avoid punishment. However, the murder weapon was found in their homes, and the missing head was also recovered!"
Although it was a pity that the culprits were not caught, the murder weapon and the head had been found. Even Zhao Ji understood in his heart that there might be some trickery involved in this matter, but at this point, he could only accept it.
"This Wang Fu truly deserved to die!"
Looking at the information about the two culprits in the memorial, as well as the corroborating testimonies found by Zhang Shaoyou, Zhao Ji's expression turned grim.
"Your Majesty, regardless of anything, he did serve as Prime Minister. Now that he is dead, let him rest in peace..."
After a moment of hesitation, Liang Shicheng suddenly clasped his hands towards Zhao Ji and actually interceded for Wang Fu.
He had also read the memorial. He had to admit that Zhang Shaoyou had put a lot of effort into fabricating the backgrounds of these two scapegoats.
At least, from the documents sent by Kaifeng Prefecture, these two had all suffered ruin because of Wang Fu. This made their subsequent actions perfectly logical.
Furthermore, with the murder weapon and the head found in their homes, everything aligned perfectly. Even if one knew there was something fishy about the case, it would be impossible to overturn it.
Originally, he should have been happy that Wang Fu, who had betrayed him, was dead. However, when this matter actually happened, Liang Shicheng suddenly felt a sense of pity for himself.
"You are still too soft-hearted. He betrayed you back then, and now you are still pleading for him?"
After giving Liang Shicheng a deep look, Zhao Ji's gaze also softened.
Although Liang Shicheng's actions seemed a bit foolish now, this was precisely what Zhao Ji admired most about him.
Zhao Ji had been born into royalty and had later become emperor. Naturally, he understood the human relationships and the fickleness of people in the political arena.
When a person held a high position, they were always surrounded by sycophants, and everyone they met was as kind as could be.
But once they died, especially in Wang Fu's case, dying in disgrace, it was already considered kind for people not to step on him. Those who were still pleading for him at this moment were truly rare.
"Your minister believes that he served Your Majesty by your side for so many years. Even if he committed grave mistakes, now that he has met with disaster, if we continue to pursue the matter, wouldn't the world think that Your Majesty is naturally cold and unfeeling..."
"Alright, alright, do as you wish. Have the Grand Court of Imperial Sacrifices bury him with the rites of a military governor. As for his family, you can handle them as you see fit. Settle the Pu family's assets, and the remaining portion will be returned to his family..."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After bowing deeply to Zhao Ji, Liang Shicheng finally spoke.
"This Zhang Shaoyou is very good, truly a rare talent. You recommended him well. I must reward you with something!"
No matter what, Zhang Shaoyou was recommended by Liang Shicheng. Now that the emperor had accepted Zhang Shaoyou's findings, those findings were the only outcome!
Even if they were fake, they had now become real!
"If Your Majesty truly wishes to reward me, why not bestow this calligraphy upon this old servant?"
"Everyone else wishes for gold and jewelry, but you specifically desire this!"
Hearing him say that, Zhao Ji couldn't help but laugh.
"How can those useless trinkets compare to Your Majesty's calligraphy!"
"Hahahaha, then how about this: from now on, I won't pay you your salary as Grand Commandant. I'll give you a piece of calligraphy every month?"
"This old servant is certainly willing, but I fear the censors might not approve!"
"Hahahaha! You old rascal!"
Even though he knew Liang Shicheng was trying to amuse him, Zhao Ji still felt exceptionally pleased.
What little gloom he had felt earlier had truly vanished.
"By the way, have the annual stipends for the officials been distributed?"
"This still needs to be asked of Vice Minister Fan. These matters have always been handled by him. The Ministry of Revenue truly cannot do without him!"
Hearing the emperor's question, Liang Shicheng naturally spoke a good word for Fan Zhengguo again.
"He is indeed a good person. He never gets involved in any messy affairs; he just puts his head down and works. If there were more officials like him, then I, the Emperor, would truly be blessed!"
Hearing Liang Shicheng mention him, Zhao Ji couldn't help but praise him.
"Vice Minister Fan is from a prestigious family with a profound family heritage, so naturally, he disdains power struggles!"
"You are right, a prestigious family..."
Zhao Ji suddenly fell silent at this point.
Seeing his pensive look, Liang Shicheng didn't say much, but quietly stood aside, waiting for the emperor to compose himself.
"Send someone to the Ministry of Revenue to inquire if the annual stipends for the officials and the rewards for the Imperial Guards have been distributed?"
"Your Majesty, since there's nothing else, why don't this old servant accompany you to the Ministry of Revenue in person?"
"That's fine. After several days of heavy snow, I haven't been out for a walk in a long time. It's also a good opportunity to see how busy the Ministry of Revenue is!"
Hearing him say that, Zhao Ji's interest was immediately piqued. After all, at the end of the year, if there was any place busier than any other in Bianliang City, it would definitely be the Ministry of Revenue.
Not only did they have to handle the annual stipends for officials and rewards for the Imperial Guards, but they also had to audit accounts and count treasury silver. All the work piled up, yet the manpower was limited. While other departments could slack off at the end of the year, the Ministry of Revenue truly had to work around the clock!