chapter 20.2

As soon as Ren Anle entered the Ren Mansion's gates, Chang Qing came forward and greeted her, "Miss, there is a distinguished guest visiting."

Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and, without inquiring about the person's identity, walked steadily towards the hall. From a distance, she could see the figure sitting at the center of the hall, and she had a vague understanding in her heart.

With a smile on the corners of her mouth, she spoke with a clear and bright voice, "I didn't know that the Right Minister would come, so Anle apologized for not welcoming you properly." The elder in the hall looked up and saw that it was indeed Ren Anle who had arrived. He grabbed his white beard and chuckled, "It's this old man's impertinence to come here, please don't blame me, Ren da ren

"Wherever, it is my humble abode that shines brightly," said Ren Anle turned to the Right Minister on her right and saluted before taking her seat. "I wonder if Minister Wei has come for the matter of the flooding in Jiangnan?"

( (péng bì shēng huī) - shining brightly (literal translation: flourishing with pampas grass and cassia trees). It is a Chinese idiom that means "to achieve great success and become famous.")

Wei Jian was taken aback for a moment, but then showed a satisfied expression as he replied with a meaningful tone, "Ren da ren's mind is as clear as a mirror, this trip of mine is definitely not in vain."

(xin ru ming jing) - heart/mind like a clear mirror. It means that one's mind should be like a mirror, reflecting things as they are, without distorting or adding any personal biases or opinions. It suggests a state of mind that is free from attachment and delusion, enabling one to see the world objectively and with clarity.)

Since the Right Minister has not instructed Huang Pu to intervene in the affairs of Jiangnan, it must be that he has other plans. His visit at this time is likely to be related to this matter.

"To have Minister Wei personally come here, the situation in Jiangnan must be more serious than what is rumored in the court."

Wei Jian nodded, and with a deep voice said, "Ren da ren should be aware that Zhong Liwen is Mu Wang's confidant. Mu Wang and the Left Minister have always been on good terms, but the current situation is not as simple as a struggle between two factions."

(Mù Wáng) - Prince Mu (a title)

Ren Anle frowned and said, "What does Minister Wei mean... Is there something strange about the situation in Jiangnan?"

Wei Jian nodded his head and said, "Ren da ren, as someone who has recently entered the imperial court, perhaps you are unaware that last year Bi xia allocated one million silver taels to the south of the Yangtze River for the construction of the Yuan River."

(bì xià) - Your Majesty

Ren Anle's expression turned serious as she replied, "The river channel was only repaired last year? Even if it has been raining heavily for months, it shouldn't have collapsed so easily."

There is only one possibility: the one million silver coins were not used to build the river embankments at all, but instead were embezzled by officials from all levels in Jiangnan. It was only now that she realized the intention of the Right Minister. The flood in Jiangnan was not a natural disaster, but a man-made calamity. Tens of thousands of people were displaced and died, becoming sacrificial lambs under the greed of the corrupt officials.

Most of the officials in Jiangnan were under the command of the Mu Wang and the Left Minister, which explains why they vehemently opposed the appointment of new officials by the court. It is likely that they were afraid of this matter leading to further complications, which would expose the whereabouts of the one million river fund.