irst appeared among the poor people of the common folk. In Sichuan-Shu region, the environment is humid and hot. This method of eating can help dispel dampness and is also convenient and inexpensive,...Chapter 1659: Someone Has Gone Mad

The magistrate of the Dali Temple, as an official who presides over trials within the temple, holds the rank of a sixth-grade official. Despite this seemingly low position, they have the authority to judge officials of the third rank or lower, provided there is conclusive evidence.

Such great power, used against a mere merchant woman like myself, is simply overkill.

Someone is trying to frame me while the prince is away.

Liu Sichun understood, and immediately said to Qian Kangtai, "Mister Qian, the Dali Temple wants to investigate this matter with me, naturally I cannot refuse. But please allow me to return home once to give some instructions, so that it will not delay official business."

Qian Kangtai said coldly: "If you want to take it, just take it. Why do you need to go back and explain things first What you call important matters, are they more important than the Dali Temple's investigation"

"You see through me, sir."

Liu Sichun's tone softened as she said, "As a woman from the Liu family, I have been managing my own business. Fortunately, I have earned the trust of the Crown Prince and also shoulder some responsibilities for the money house. Now that national bonds are being issued, various financial matters are constantly being summarized nationwide, and the Ministry of Revenue urgently needs me to report these accounts. If I delay them, it's nothing if I get scolded a few times. However, if a major incident is delayed, Minister Xu of the Ministry of Revenue will be punished by the East Palace. In the end, it would be said that the Dali Temple delayed the investigation, and the Dali Temple would inevitably be blamed as well."

Seeing Liu Sichun bring out both the Ministry of Revenue and the East Palace, Qian Kangtai hesitated a little.

Today, he didn't even know what this task was about, only that it came directly from the Minister of Justice, Lord Bian.

Although he held the position of Dali Temple Justice, he was miles away from becoming a Dali Temple Judge. He certainly wouldn't dare to disobey orders given by his superiors.

But he could not offend the Ministry of Finance, let alone the Eastern Palace.

At this moment, seeing Qian Kangtai hesitate, Liu Sichun seized the opportunity and said, “Master Qian, I am just an ordinary woman with no strength to resist. Could I possibly have run away under your very nose It's just a matter of returning to my house and reporting the situation, which will take no more than a cup of tea. Besides, it's so cold today. Master Qian and all the officers have come out in this weather, wouldn't it be better to warm yourselves at my residence There will surely be a pot of hot tea waiting for you. Please, Master Qian, do me this favor.”

Liu Sichun was a master of business dealings, smooth and cunning. His words gave both surface and underlying meaning to everyone present, subtly implying a favor with a cup of hot tea offered. Those in the know understood - it was a bribe. Qian Kangtai, of course, knew these unspoken rules of the political world.

Faced with threats from both the Ministry of Finance and the Eastern Palace, yet treated with such courtesy, Qian Kangtai hesitated only briefly before putting on a stern face and saying, "Then this official will accompany you. Liu Boss, you're a prominent figure in the capital city. This official is doing you a favor; don't make things difficult for me."

Liu Sichun smiled and said, "Don't worry, Qian sir. Even if I had a hundred guts, I wouldn't dare to make things difficult for you."

Qian Kangtai was very pleased with Liu Sichun's humble attitude and nodded, "Then let's go now."

Liu Fu was not far away, and it only took a moment for Liu Sichun to arrive at the gate of Liu Fu under the watchful eyes of Qian Kangtai and the soldiers.

Qian Kangtai strode inside, before he could even pretend to be arrogant, he saw a familiar figure kneeling in the Liu family courtyard.

Rubbing his eyes, Qian Kangtai looked carefully again. It was indeed his immediate superior... Dali Temple Minister, Yue Bian Guan!

Instantly, Qian Kangtai was dumbfounded.Chapter 552: Duantai Jing's Entry into Service