The cicadas buzzed incessantly. The duty room was like a steamer, and even the breeze felt thick with waves of heat. It was an insufferable, sweltering summer.
In the Ministry of Works, unlike at home, there was no ice to provide relief from the heat. The officials had no choice but to endure the season. The oppressive heat tended to make people irritable, and friction between the six ministries grew increasingly frequent, centered mainly around the Ministry of Revenue.
Minister Zhōu could no longer maintain his image as a kindly old man. If someone submitted a memorial impeaching him, he would retaliate with three of his own. He was so angry he couldn't sleep, and cold sores broke out at the corners of his mouth. He didn't even know where to turn to seek justice.
Chapter 590