Chapter 1274: Chapter 1271: Transfer to the Ministry of Punishment Chapter 1274: Chapter 1271: Transfer to the Ministry of Punishment He paid no heed to the other three behind him as he stepped forward to greet Minister Chen Tianmin with a bow, “Minister Chen, I have failed to complete the task well and have let you down.”

Chen Tianmin glanced at him but said nothing reproachful, “It’s good that you’re back.”

He had spoken thus because there was a strong smell of blood on him, even though he didn’t appear to be wounded on the outside.

“But you’re injured?” Chen Tianmin asked again.

Liang Song showed a trace of surprise, feeling very moved when his superior showed no disgust, “Minister, I have been healing for over ten days now. It’s not serious, and I am able to continue with official duties.”

“Mm, have a doctor look at you later.”

After expressing his thanks, Liang Song respectfully retreated to the back.

At this point, there finally came some movement from the carriage.

It was two coachmen getting down.

They helped Fu Ming and the other two out.

The three men were tattered and covered in wounds, even bound with bloodstained bandages.

Even Fu Ming could not lift one arm.

“Minister Chen.” The three men bowed with a somewhat unsightly expression.

Fu Ming had originally thought that the officials from the Ministry of Revenue would come forward to inquire about his situation upon learning of his return.

The ‘injuries’ on his body would certainly leave a good impression; of course, what he wanted was favorable rumors, as the mishap with the provisions had been the result of the Zhao family’s and the Qi family’s Grand Secretary Qi’s schemes, and his faults had already been minimized.

Showing a little more weakness, and with the help of Duke Zheng once he reached the Emperor’s palace, he could better escape blame.

However, the officials from the Ministry of Revenue remained silent, not showing any intention to come forward and inquire.

When he came out and felt the atmosphere, his heart sank, knowing he had miscalculated.

“Minister Fu, how did you get injured?” Chen Tianmin asked offhandedly.

Upon hearing this, Fu Ming weakly smiled, “It’s nothing. It was just some trouble on the road while trying to protect the provisions. Who knew that there would still be an issue with the supplies? It’s all my subordinate’s fault.”

“This matter is indeed very serious.” Chen Tianmin’s demeanor changed, his smile fading slightly.

Fu Ming’s heart sank.

Then he heard the other party say, “Given the special circumstances of Minister Fu and your group, the Ministry of Punishment will take over the case shortly. I will speak with the Ministry of Punishment and ask for a doctor for you.”

This implied they were to be handed over directly to the Ministry of Punishment.

Fu Ming’s pupils dilated in shock, and after composing himself, he managed to force a strained smile, “Minister Chen, I wasn’t aware of this.”

“That was the Emperor’s decision after the morning court.” Chen Tianmin said indifferently.

Another jolt went through Fu Ming’s heart, and his expression grew unsightly; he realized he had been abandoned by Chen Tianmin, and there were even some colleagues who appeared to relish his downfall.

Thinking of the intrigues within the official circle, his heart turned cold, and he subconsciously clenched his fist at his side.

He had to believe in Duke Zheng; even Minister Chen would not fare well against Duke Zheng.

Soon after, people from the Ministry of Punishment arrived.

Fu Ming and the others had not expected that their anxious predicament would result in being directly taken to the Ministry of Punishment upon their return.

What kind of place was the Ministry of Punishment? They would definitely not be lenient in their investigation for results.

Liang Song was slightly startled but promptly bowed to Chen Tianmin before following the others.

Upon seeing this, Chen Tianmin offered a piece of advice, “Say what needs to be said.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Minister.”

Once the people from the Ministry of Punishment and Minister Fu and his group had left,
Chen Tianmin turned to the other officials, “Go on with your duties.”

“Yes, Minister.”