The group of ministers were already trembling with fear, especially after Elara explained the full details of Hu Chen's crimes. Those who were still thinking clearly had already realized that most of them would likely be dragged down with him.
When Elara coldly turned to question them, the older ministers immediately dropped to their knees with a loud thud. They cried out their innocence and swore they would never dare commit such acts, all while secretly cursing Hu Chen for dragging them into this.
Elara stared at the group for a moment but didn't act against them just yet.
She then turned to Hu Chen, who had collapsed on the ground and was already soaked in the smell of urine beneath him. "Kristof, take people to raid Hu Chen's house. From his relatives, select the 137 who benefitted most from his favors. Have senior officials from the Ministry of Justice escort them to Xunding City. Write out their crimes, and after parading them for three days, execute each one publicly in the busiest part of the city."
"After the executions, no one is allowed to collect their bodies. Their corpses will hang in the city center for a month, where the poor and angry citizens of Xunding can whip them as they please."
"As for the governor of Xunding and all other corrupt officials involved in the embezzlement, deal with them the same way."
"For every person their corruption killed or harmed, drag an equal number of their family members to join them in death."
Hu Chen, hearing the punishment for his family, suddenly twitched all over like he was electrocuted and passed out on the spot.
Some of the already terrified older ministers collapsed to the ground as well, pale and dazed.
The other officials in court looked solemn, their gazes toward the older ministers and Hu Chen filled with cold disdain.
Most of them had passed the national exam to earn their positions and had come from low backgrounds, some even from slavery.
Because they had suffered under corrupt officials before, they hated nothing more than those who abused their power and harmed the people.
They had worked tirelessly and seriously for months to do their endless duties, only to find these corrupt scum hidden among them.
It was not only disgusting, but now it had made the emperor furious, leaving them too scared to speak up.
"Yes" In the heavy silence of the court, only Kristof was still able to smile.
Elara's punishment of the corrupt officials filled him with a strong sense of satisfaction and pride.
His fair and handsome face lit up, and while others barely dared to breathe, he adjusted his robe, bowed cheerfully, and spoke with a joyful tone.
"Your Majesty is wise. Kristof accepts the order. I also thank Your Majesty on behalf of the people of Xunding City. This will show them Your Majesty's resolve to punish corruption and prove that our new laws are not a joke. It will comfort the people and calm their anger, helping restore peace in Xunding City."
Kristof had once been the last third-ranked scholar in the final national exam of the Plumera Kingdom. But he was thrown in prison by Lord Gregory and others for hating corruption and sharing wealth.
Now that he saw Elara punishing the corrupt without hesitation, exactly as she once promised, he felt deeply moved and proud, showing his joy openly.
Elara glanced at him, then turned to General Qi. "General Qi, assign three thousand elite soldiers to Kristof. Escort the Ministry of Justice officials safely to Xunding City during the transport. Do not touch the rebel forces there yet. After the parade and executions, open the granaries and distribute the money and supplies taken from the corrupt."
"If the rebels disperse peacefully after the corrupt are punished and aid is given, we will let it go. But if anyone still dares to cause unrest or stir trouble in Xunding City, use the elite soldiers to capture every last one of them and punish them by law."
"Yes" General Qi raised his hand and answered firmly.
"Send a medical team too, to help those badly wounded or sick due to lack of supplies."
Oswyn nodded, and behind him, Assistant Kian and Assistant Di bowed in agreement.
Once all of this was arranged, Elara looked again at the unconscious Hu Chen, her face still icy cold.
"As for Hu Chen, hmph, Kristof, go ahead and cut him into pieces. Hang his corpse in the central street of the North District. Leave it there for a month for public display."
The new capital of Plumera Kingdom had no walls separating its four districts. All areas were equally developed and connected, with no divisions between nobles and commoners.
However, for administrative convenience, most officials and government offices were based in the North District.
And the central street in the North District was the main road that all ministers passed through daily to reach their offices and attend court.
By hanging Hu Chen's body there, Elara ensured that every minister would see his miserable fate every day and remember the price of corruption in her empire.
"Yes" Kristof bowed again. With a wave of his hand, several Justice Ministry officials stepped forward and dragged Hu Chen away.
After dealing with this matter, Elara had no more patience for court that day. But before dismissing everyone, she returned to her seat and publicly rewarded Kristof and all officials involved in the investigation.
"Kristof, you and the Justice Ministry have done very well. Though I already praised you earlier for your dedication these past three months, I now grant you an extra reward of 100 taels of gold, 10 bolts of silk, 3,000 taels of silver, and 10 fine iron weapons."
"Take these rewards back to the Ministry of Justice and divide them according to the rank and the hard work of all the officials who took part in this difficult investigation."
For the Plumera Kingdom to maintain stable development for a long time, someone like Kristof must always be by her side.
Kristof is smart enough, skilled enough, and sly like a fox. He isn't afraid to offend anyone and even has a strange habit of splitting wealth evenly.
Elara needs someone exactly like him, someone fearless and determined to stick to their principles.
Only with him constantly watching and clearing out the pests within the court can she focus on expanding outside. This way, the kingdom can develop smoothly without breeding too many harmful elements.
Kristof's smile widened again, uncontrollably. His sharp, deep eyes sparkled as he looked at Elara, and his bow was even more proper than before.
"Yes. We of the Ministry of Justice thank Your Majesty for the reward."
All the officials behind Kristof also knelt and thanked Elara with bright and excited eyes.
After the court session, Elara didn't let Kristof leave right away. She kept him back alone and, once he stepped closer, she spoke to him quietly:
"The reason I kept those old ministers in the first place was because there was no one else I could use. But now the second nationwide exam is approaching, and the Plumera Kingdom has gradually earned the trust of the people and the talents."
"There will be no shortage of applicants in every exam. We no longer need to worry about vacancies in the court, so during this period, have someone keep an eye on those old ministers."
"In three days, if any of them return the extra salary they took from Lord Gregory, no matter how much they give back, as long as it's within their current ability, we won't take action against them for now."
"But if they return nothing or dare to make any other moves, once the second exam ends, have them give up their seats in the court."