"If their relationship is harmonious, they will naturally cover for each other and not report them."
"But once there is a rift between them, or if an insider reports him for the reward of reporting."
"The court can then investigate according to the clues provided, and if the report is proven true, besides confiscating the hidden land of the reported person, a small portion can be used to reward the informant."
Hearing this, the officials were in an uproar.
"Prime Minister Chu actually said such a thing, it's truly a sign of changing times. He is exploiting people's greed, making everyone fight amongst themselves."
"I never expected a dignified prime minister to resort to such insidious tactics. Isn't this forcing everyone to kill each other so he can reap the benefits? We absolutely cannot let his scheme succeed."
"Yes, his move is indeed ruthless. If we really let him pass this, we won't have good days ahead."
These officials, with land and resources in hand, would not be content to remain low-key.
They would also show off, and enjoy the envious gazes of others.
But once the policy encouraging reporting was implemented, if they continued to flaunt their wealth as usual, they might offend someone at any time.
Such people would be like time bombs, ready to report them at any moment, and they would truly never have peace.
The Empress thought for a moment and said, "Prime Minister Chu, isn't this matter a bit inappropriate? I find the ministers' words quite reasonable."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen's old face darkened.
The Empress is the Empress, here she goes again.
To maintain balance, she would say anything.
Wasn't she afraid that he would collude with the officials, seize the opportunity, and switch sides?
However, on second thought, he was already engaged to Princess Xin Yue, and had also shared intimacy with Prince Liu Li Mengdie.
For both emotional and logical reasons, he could not do such a thing. Wouldn't that harm the interests of the Yun Yue Kingdom?
Chu Chen cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, what you say is very true, but in my humble opinion, they are afraid."
"If they had nothing to hide, why would they be afraid? It is conceivable that I have found their weaknesses."
"The more this is the case, the more I believe this strategy should be implemented."
"Furthermore, I suggest that Your Majesty can arrest first and then investigate. Only then will encouraging reporting have more deterrent power."
The ministers were even more indignant upon hearing this.
Good heavens, not only do they want to encourage reporting, but as soon as someone reports, they can arrest them without even investigating first.
What would happen if this continued? If they accidentally offended someone, that person could turn around and report them, and they would be arrested immediately!
They dared not imagine being arrested and then released, as they knew their own backgrounds well.
Once reported by someone, an investigation would surely reveal everything.
Wang Zhe, the Minister of Justice, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is not permissible."
"Arresting first and then investigating will surely cause the officials to be in a state of panic, fearing for their lives."
"Doing so will damage the officials' initiative, and it is possible that many, to avoid offending people, will simply muddle along. If this continues, the court will achieve nothing."
"Indeed, Your Majesty, arresting first and then investigating, wouldn't this open the door wide for those who falsely accuse others and want to embarrass them?"
"Even if they are eventually proven innocent, the damage to their reputation caused by the false accusation cannot be erased."
"Your Majesty, we absolutely cannot allow such a decree to pass. We are officials, not criminals."
"If this is truly done, then I feel like there are eyes everywhere watching me, wanting to frame me at any moment."
"That feeling would be far more unbearable than being in prison."
Said Wu Sheng, the Minister of Rites.
The officials present spoke one after another, their words filled with emotion.
Although individually they would not dare to express any dissatisfaction with Chu Chen's words,
Now, in the imperial court, and in front of the Empress, they felt as if they had regained their courage.
For a moment, it seemed as if everyone stood up to oppose Chu Chen's proposal, and Chu Chen was like a target of public criticism.
Old God of War Huo Qing, standing to the side, frowned.
The reason these people were so opposed to Chu Chen's proposal was that it harmed their interests, wasn't it?
They were all incompetent fools. They lacked the ability to offer strategies for the country, but when it came to power struggles, they were all experts.
The Empress's gaze fell on Huo Qing, and a smile appeared on her face as she said, "Old God of War, tell me, what are your thoughts?"
Huo Qing was stunned for a moment. The Empress repeated her question.
Huo Qing then came back to his senses.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble servant supports Prime Minister Chu."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's eyes lit up and she said, "Then tell me your thoughts."
"Your Majesty, I believe that every word and action of Prime Minister Chu is for the country and the people, and he does not consider himself much."
"With Prime Minister Chu's status and position, if he wanted to buy land, wouldn't it be effortless?"
"His status and position are the same as those of the officials. If land taxes are increased, he will also be affected."
"Prime Minister Chu is sacrificing himself. This is why this old servant admires him and supports him."
"As for what the ministers present are thinking, I don't need to say more, everyone knows in their hearts."
The officials present could not help but look displeased.
While what was said was true, if Chu Chen wanted to pay more taxes, he could do so himself. Why drag them into it?
Huo Qing continued, "As for encouraging reporting, there is even less to say. As the saying goes, 'A clear conscience fears no accusation.'"
"If they have done nothing wrong, why should they be afraid?"
"Could it be that they have something to hide in their hearts, and that's why they are afraid of others being suspicious?"
Wang Zhe, the Minister of Justice, immediately stepped forward.
"Old God of War, what you said is a bit unfair. I admit that what you said has some truth to it."
"However, our main objection is not to encouraging reporting, but to arresting first and then investigating."
"Why should we be arrested before we are even found guilty?"
"If this proposal were to pass, I would like to ask everyone, what happens if the wrong person is arrested? Who will compensate? Who will bear the responsibility?"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"That's right, Prime Minister Chu only proposed to arrest first and then investigate, but did not consider what to do if the wrong person was arrested."
"If this issue can be resolved, then arresting first and then investigating might not be a problem."
"That still won't do. It cannot be passed so easily."