Continuing to plead for others: "Emperor, when reforming the sea vessels initially, most people truly did not want to get involved due to the lack of taels of silver. That's why the officials of Jiangnan called upon their own families for support. Otherwise, even if the seas were opened now, the sea vessels wouldn't go far, let alone expand business to bring wealth to Great Chu."
"Oh, so you're suggesting that I misunderstood? Then, where did the valuable items collected at their residences come from?"
"Should I show Minister Qi the evidence?"
Minister Qi was shocked and turned pale, kneeling on the ground, no longer daring to plead for the Jiangnan officials.
Emperor Xuanming snorted coldly: "Since the Governor of Jiangnan has been negligent, he shall step down while retaining his position. Any officials involved, those colluding with merchants, will be demoted by one rank."
