"Leave nothing out, even if it sounds absurd."
"Forgive me, most are baseless. However, one carries a degree of credibility."
"What is it?"
"An elderly woman claimed that Liu Feng's family once managed the hidden wealth of Heshen."
"Heshen? The official who died over a century ago?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. It's said that Heshen's immense fortune was scattered across the empire, and much of it was never recovered."
"I remember. The confiscated amount alone exceeded nine hundred million taels—a staggering sum. Is there any evidence?"
"Unfortunately, too much time has passed to uncover tangible proof.
The woman who shared this tale passed away earlier this year."
"Hmm…"
The Guangxu Emperor had spent the past year quietly investigating Liu Feng. While direct scrutiny of someone so integral was impractical, he had learned what he could.
