I Am A Corrupt Official, Yet They Say I Am A Loyal Minister!

your orders!” Lin Beifan replied.

The empress was even more satisfied with Lin Beifan.
Not only did he care about the people, but he was also quick-witted and had the ability to turn danger into safety.
He was well-read, sharp-eyed, and had the ability to identify treasures.

In the imperial court, it’s rare to find someone as talented as him! But he’s a bit cunning and a bit bad! Even someone as old as Yao Zheng fell for his trickery! He’s also thick-skinned and can spin lies without batting an eye.

However, his strengths outweigh his flaws! The empress pondered and said, “A bronze mirror can reflect one’s attire, history can reveal the rise and fall of a nation, and people can reveal gains and losses.
As a censor, you are a mirror of the imperial court.
Through this mirror, we can see the filth and shortcomings of the court and make improvements.
Therefore, as a censor, you must lead by example and set a good standard!” Everyone nodded in agreement.

The empress sighed, “But now even the usually righteous Yao Zheng has succumbed! Who knows how many censors are compromised in our system? Their harm is too great, and I am deeply concerned! Thus, we must carry out a thorough investigation.”

Everyone bowed their heads, afraid to speak.
In truth, raiding someone’s home is a lucrative task where one can pocket some valuables.

However, raiding a censor’s home was an act of making enemies! A censor holds the power to monitor all officials and can impeach anyone from the emperor to the lowest-ranked official.
If you offend them, aren’t you afraid of being impeached in the future?

“I’ll assign this task to…” The empress scanned the officials and prepared to pick someone.
At this moment, Lin Beifan stepped forward and loudly said, “Your Majesty, please assign this task to me!”

“You?” The empress was puzzled.

“This task is not suitable for anyone else, only me!”

“Why?”

“Because if others investigate, they may protect each other and it will end without result! But I don’t have this problem.
I’m a newcomer to the officialdom and not familiar with anyone.
I won’t protect anyone! Moreover, I have the ability to appraise treasures and won’t miss any valuable items!”

The empress smiled, “Aren’t you afraid of offending people?”

Lin Beifan shook his head, his eyes very firm and righteous, “No! I’m grateful for your grace and have already put life and death aside! I’m willing to devote myself to your service and repay your great kindness!”

The empress exclaimed, “Good! It’s rare to have such loyal officials.
I’ll assign this task to you!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Lin Beifan exclaimed, “I’m willing to work hard and die for Your Majesty!”

1.
Censor, in traditional East Asia, governmental official charged primarily with the responsibility for scrutinizing and criticizing the conduct of officials and rulers.