Holland, The arrogant man rises too soon

After about 10 minutes, everyone arrived at Holland's house.

As soon as they entered the hospital, an anxious old lady led a group of people to Holland, and said, "My Dear, how's your hand? And who are these people?"

"My hand was bitten by a small, agile snake, there's nothing to worry about!" Holland stared at Lion and then turned to the old man and said, "Pass through the gate, and take these people to see the doctor! This person is also the current Great Martial Empress, pay your respects to her!"

Everyone was frightened and immediately bowed and said, "Greetings to the Empress, long live the Emperor!"

"Please rise, everyone," the Empress smiled.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" everyone stood up.

Holland proudly introduced, "Your Majesty, this person is also a convenient internal minister, Ms Holland! She is virtuous, and kind and has been with me for more than 30 years. Our husband and wife are deeply affectionate! And these two are also my sons, with great achievements!"

The Empress smiled and nodded, "Not bad! It's not too early, let's make use of our time and go in to take a look!"

Holland hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please come in with your companions!"

At the same time, he reminded his old lady to prepare tea and snacks.

Holland's house was not big, but it had a good layout and was naturally generous and clean.

After a tour, the Empress was very satisfied and said, "It seems that Holland is a good and upright official! Great Material Dynasty is lucky to have you. The country is lucky to have you!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your encouragement. I dare not accept it!" exclaimed Holland. "On ordinary days, I always restrain myself and set a good example to educate everyone. But because... of the immense favour shown to me by the Empress!"

At this moment, he felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Lion.

If it were not for his suggestion, he would not have had the opportunity to display his integrity and honesty in front of the Emperor and the officials!

He now had hoped to ascend in rank and receive an honourable title, and his name would be recorded in history!

The Empress applauded and said, "Very good!"

Holland ecstatically walked over to Lion and asked, "Mr Lion, do you have anything to say?"

Lion smiled and replied, "Sir, you are too elated too soon!"

Holland was dissatisfied and asked, "What do you mean? Are you implying that I am wrong?"

Lion pointed his finger in a certain direction and said, "Look over there!"

Following Lion's finger, everyone saw a table set up in the main hall.

"What's the problem with this table?" someone asked.

"There is a big problem! This table is entirely made of Black Gold South Wood! Black Gold South Wood is tough, black as ink, not easily corroded, and difficult to burn. It is an excellent material for making furniture for storing documents. Currently, on the market, Black Gold South Wood is very expensive, and one can only buy one catty of it with ten taels of silver! And this table altogether weighs six hundred catties, which means its total value is up to six thousand taels of silver! If we also count the processing costs, its value will be even higher!"

Lion smiled and asked, "May I ask Mr Holland, did you get this table from there?"

"This...," Holland hesitated, unable to hold back from looking at his wife.

"Lion, are you telling the truth?" The Empress looked at the object in question sceptically. "This looks like an ordinary table, yet it costs 6000 taels of silver?"

Lion sighed and calmly said, "Your Majesty can send someone to investigate. I absolutely do not lie."

The Empress glanced briefly at Holland, her face turning solemn.

"And this tea, it cannot be compared to ordinary tea!" Lion continued.

"What is special about this tea?"

"This tea is grown in the neighbouring country of Great Mountain, using steam to open up the leaves. Its fragrance is everywhere and it stays for a long time. It also awakens the mind and is a medicinal tea. Because its yield is extremely low, it is particularly sought after. One tael of gold for one tael of tea is called Royal Tea. Many high-ranking officials and nobles cannot even drink it. Holland, did you obtain this tea from there?"

"This tea...is it really that precious?" Holland's face was full of shock.

"If you don't believe me, you can have someone investigate it. You will see that what I said is true," Lion replied with a smile.

Holland's face paled slightly, while the Empress's face became solemn.

Upon inspection, Lion pointed out several places.

For instance, a painting hanging on the wall, a building located in the middle of a rock garden, and a few small components.

They all seemed commonplace and easy to overlook, like toys that people might ignore.

But the entire collection hid mysterious secrets, with a total value of 40,000 taels of silver.

Holland's face turned pale with fear, and sweat dripped down his forehead.

The empress was furious, slamming the table and standing up, "You scoundrel, Holland! I trusted you and appointed you as the official in charge of language and the supervisor of all officials. I never thought you would also take bribes and embezzle! What crime should you be charged with?"

"Your Majesty, I am innocent. I don't know what's going on!" Holland fell to his knees, begging for mercy.

The empress was even more outraged, "You still dare to claim your innocence?"

Lion chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Holland may not be involved in corruption, but his subordinates may not be as trustworthy. Holland has read the holy books and can control himself, but he may not be able to control those beneath him. In the end, power can blind even the most vigilant eyes."