The Emperor had always trusted Xiao Chen, bestowing upon him a position of great authority. Now, with Xiao Chen impeaching numerous officials, the Emperor was gripped by a fit of rage and proceeded to punish them severely. Some of the most egregious offenders were even executed without mercy. This wave of retribution struck fear into the hearts of countless corrupt officials. Realizing that killing Xiao Chen was impossible, some began delivering gold and silver to the Lin Estate, hoping to bribe him in exchange for their own safety.
Xiao Chen rejected every single one of these attempts without exception. To be safe, he refused to meet anyone; no matter how many people lined up outside the Lin Estate, none were granted an audience. Most audaciously, these corrupt officials began targeting Xiao Chen’s students, with Baicao bearing the brunt of their efforts. Some students, swayed by the bribes, attempted to speak well of the bribers in front of Xiao Chen and Lin Ruyan, but Baicao immediately reported the matter to them both.
Upon learning of this, Xiao Chen was incensed. He launched an investigation into the Medical Academy and expelled every student who had accepted a bribe. He told everyone in no uncertain terms that if anyone dared to accept a bribe again, the consequences would be far more severe than mere expulsion. Xiao Chen entrusted the task of a thorough investigation to Bailian, who did not fail his expectations and launched an immediate inquiry. Under Bailian’s inv…
Chapter 189