Xia Qing was feeling a bit unsure about the Emperor's intentions at this moment. Could it be that the Emperor really intended to thoroughly pursue this matter?
"Your Majesty! Although this humble servant did not know beforehand, I cannot escape culpability. I beseech Your Majesty to punish me!"
Even though Xia Qing was anxious, fearing the Emperor might use this matter to act against him, he was also taking a gamble. The Emperor hadn't acted against him before, so perhaps he wouldn't now either.
"Your Majesty, in my opinion, if this matter is true, we absolutely cannot show leniency. To have embezzled so much silver taels, wiping out nine families would not be excessive."
Shen Shikang saw Xia Qing admit to it himself. How could he miss this opportunity to give Xia Qing a hard time?
Upon hearing this, Xia Qing frowned. This Shen Shikang was like a sticky plaster that he couldn't peel off.
