Chuge spoke candidly, "Your Majesty, I am naturally aware of the severe drought in Da Ming Prefecture, as I am charged with the duty of governance."
The Emperor hit the armrest of his dragon throne in anger, "Then let me ask you, if the new law is causing widespread suffering among the people, why do you still claim that such a situation does not exist?"
Chuge did not answer directly but instead produced a scroll of painting.
"This is a scroll painted based on the refugees I saw outside the capital city, for Your Majesty to review," Chuge said.
The eunuch fetched the painting of the refugees for the Emperor and presented it to him.
Upon unrolling the scroll, the Emperor was immediately shocked and appalled.
Next, he questioned in shock and anger, "Prime Minister Wang! You knew about the refugees sprawled outside the capital, you even had such a painting made! Yet, how dare you claim that such a situation does not exist?
"Are you trying to deceive Your Majesty?"
