"And what is your proposal, Our subject?" Xia Lin Yuan inquired.

"I request an imperial decree to establish an 'Imperial Purification & Transport Audit Office,'" Liang Jing declared, his voice ringing with authority. "Its sole purpose will be to investigate the transport of grain, supplies, and tax silver across the land, and to audit the accounts of all ever-normal granaries and provincial treasuries!"

"It will be assisted by the Eastern Depot. Anyone found guilty of embezzlement, creating deficits, colluding with local interests, or deceiving their superiors—regardless of their status—will be punished with the full severity of the law!" His words were sharp and decisive, leaving no room for doubt.

This was a move he had long planned.

Spending money on construction earned him Righteous Points, but cracking down on corrupt officials would also earn them, potentially even faster!

It would further consolidate his power, extending his reach deep into the provinces.

"But…"

"Your Majesty, this must not be allowed!"

"The Eastern Depot's power is already excessive! Creating this new office could lead to disaster!"

The traditionalist officials immediately voiced their opposition. They understood perfectly well that once this "Audit Office" was established, with the Eastern Depot's methods behind it, countless officials would fall, and their intricate networks of vested interests would suffer a fatal blow.

Lin Wenzheng stepped forward, his tone grave. "Your Majesty! While Commander Liang has achieved success in disaster relief, the Eastern Depot's authority has grown too weighty, and is no longer a blessing for the state! To grant them the power of life and death through this Audit Office risks repeating the calamities caused by the depot-network factions of previous dynasties! I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!"

Liang Jing watched their frantic opposition with an internal sneer.

He ignored Lin Wenzheng completely, addressing the Emperor directly. "Your Majesty, it is precisely because the systemic rot is so deep that we need a potent remedy! These are extraordinary times, demanding extraordinary measures! To refrain from essential action for fear of minor complications, to sit idly by while parasites consume the state's very foundations—that is what will truly endanger Great Xia!"

"I am willing to pledge my personal guarantee! Within six months, I will increase the treasury's revenue by thirty percent and ensure the granaries across the land are filled, thereby proving the effectiveness of this policy!"

"Increase the treasury's revenue by thirty percent?!"

This time, even Xia Lin Yuan was visibly shaken.

The Great Xia treasury was currently depleted; barely avoiding collapse was a struggle. A thirty percent increase?

It sounded like a fantasy!

Yet, the miracle of Liang Jing producing five million taels for relief was still fresh in his memory, making it impossible to dismiss him.

"Very well! We approve your proposal!" Xia Lin Yuan made his decision. "The Imperial Purification & Transport Audit Office is established effective immediately. Our subject Liang shall concurrently serve as its Chief Director, assisted by the Eastern Depot. You are to draft all its regulations and procedures!"

"This servant obeys the decree and thanks Your Majesty!" Liang Jing bowed, a victorious curve gracing his lips.

[Ding! Host has successfully advocated for the establishment of an anti-corruption agency, 'Imperial Purification & Transport Audit Office,' aimed at rectifying administration and cracking down on graft. Conforms to righteous conduct. Righteous Points +100.]

[Great Xia Imperial Mandate slightly increased by +5. Current Mandate: 181 / 10000.]

After the court session concluded, Liang Jing was the first to stride out of the Golden Hall, under the complex and unreadable gazes of the officials.

Shen Ling fell into step beside him silently.

"Commander, we have found a lead," Shen Ling reported in a low voice. "A few days before the old eunuch from the archives 'hanged himself,' his adopted son within the palace was seen making contact with a steward from the Third Prince's residence."

"The Third Prince?" Liang Jing's steps faltered almost imperceptibly, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

Xia Yuanqi, born of the Empress, in the prime of his life, wielded significant influence at court and had long been coveting the throne.

The original Liang Jing, deeply trusted by the Emperor and maintaining an ambiguous stance without openly supporting any prince, had become a thorn in the side of certain factions.

"Continue the investigation. Do not alert them," Liang Jing said coldly. "Let us see what other tricks this Third Prince has up his sleeve."

"Yes!"

Liang Jing lifted his gaze, looking towards the depths of the palace, in the direction of the Eastern Palaces where the princes resided.

"Do you all see me as a stumbling block to be kicked aside?" he sneered inwardly. "A pity. The man I am now is no longer the 'Shadow Hand' you can push around so easily."

"This is perfect. Excising parasites from the imperial family should, I imagine… yield a rather generous amount of Righteous Points and Imperial Mandate."

His path to invincibility was destined to be paved with the bones of countless antagonists.

And the first head to be offered upon the altar might just be that of the esteemed… Third Prince!

…

The establishment of the Imperial Purification & Transport Audit Office was like a white-hot blade plunged directly into the festering, rotten tumor that was the Great Xia bureaucracy.

Liang Jing gave no one time to react or conspire.

On the very day the imperial decree was issued, the Eastern Depot's massive machinery of coercion began operating with unprecedented efficiency.

Elite Depot agents, personally selected by Shen Ling for their relatively clean records and unwavering loyalty to Liang Jing, were rapidly combined with accountants and veteran clerks 'seconded' from the Ministries of Revenue and Justice, forming the skeleton of the new Audit Office.

Liang Jing unhesitatingly allocated massive funds from his system-rebated wealth for startup costs and high subsidies, ensuring this new force had no material worries and owed allegiance to him alone.

The first target was not a powerful central official, but a seemingly minor yet critically important hub in the water transport network: the Tongzhou Granary.