ve kept silent and never dared to mention it to anyone. But what happened that day, every time I wake up in the dead of night, it still haunts me as if it were yesterday. I always keep it in mind and...Chapter 647, I dare not speak.

"Having served as the manager of the Suhang Weaving Factory for over four years, how much profit have you embezzled"

Li Chen's blunt question cut straight to the point, leaving no room for ambiguity.

He Kun, who was already on edge, broke out in a cold sweat. Without a moment's hesitation, he replied, "Those large households involved in textiles, weaving, and dyeing have always given bribes to the Weaving Bureau officials at every season."

"At first, it was more subtle, but in the past two years, it has become increasingly open and aboveboard. The Weaving Bureau also tacitly accepts that there will be a fixed income every quarter."

"As for the favors I have received over these years, there are countless to count. It's impossible to calculate precisely, but in terms of silver, it would be around four or five million taels."

Even Chen Tong couldn't help but glance at He Kun, who was lying on the ground trembling, after hearing the final number.

Four to five million taels!

What is this concept!

Chen Tong's own annual salary was over 300 taels. This was only barely achieved with the subsidies and benefits from the Dongchang factory. If it were officials of the same level, at most 200 taels would be considered good.

This small five-rank Weaving Bureau, in just over four years, has embezzled over four million taels of silver, an average of one million taels per year.

The enormous gap made Chen Tong feel a tightness in his chest.

During his years serving in the Dongchang, Chen Tong had apprehended countless corrupt officials, some of whom had embezzled more than He Kun.

But for an official of the fifth rank, to be able to embezzle so much is unprecedented.

Clenching his fist secretly, Chen Tong decided that after returning, he would put more energy into focusing on the local officials. These were all fat and greasy worms eating up the wealth.

"That's good."

Li Chen nonchalantly threw out two words, making He Kun, who was already uneasy, feel even more at a loss.

He didn't know if the "good" in "very good" was sincere praise for his honesty, or a sarcastic retort spoken out of anger after embezzling so much money.truth, this was Li Chen's first time truly getting to know his stepsisters.This time, he saw the helplessness and sadness behind these young talents.Even as princesses, they were rarely free to choose...