The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 895: Chapter 895: Emperor, What Have You Done?

Indeed, Emperor Chu felt quite content, as this was also a testament to his leadership, a political achievement by the officials, and a notable accomplishment during his reign, worthy of a prominent place in the annals of history.

Every emperor desires to be remembered for eternity, and he was no exception.

After indulging in his own pride for a moment, Emperor Chu said, ”I thought he would lean more towards Liu Yeming.”

Upon mentioning Liu Yeming, a trace of disdain flashed in Song Zhiyuan’s eyes, and he said, ”Liu Yeming is obstinate and domineering, achieving his goals by any means necessary. Although he has political achievements, his reputation as Liu Yanwang is not unjust. The Prime Minister Fan intends to pave the way for the Fan Family’s younger generation, and the more cunning yet gentle Zeng Congguang is more suitable.”

Emperor Chu rubbed the large ring on his thumb, revealing, ”Physician Lu mentioned that Madam Fan might not survive the winter.”

Song Zhiyuan sighed, ”Life and death, sickness and health, no one can defy the heavens.”

Emperor Chu suddenly paused, pointing to a spot below and asked, ”I have poor eyesight, Yunzhi, can you check if that’s that old fellow Minister Qian down there?”

Uncertain, Song Zhiyuan followed his finger and looked closely. The man with his beard braided into little braids, appearing quite agitated, was indeed the Minister of Revenue, wasn’t it?

”In response to Your Majesty, it is indeed Minister Qian.”

Immediately, a gleam appeared in Emperor Chu’s eyes as he said, ”I suddenly remembered I promised Mother to accompany her on a boat ride. I won’t stay to chat; I’ll leave first.”

Knowing full well the intentions of his old friend and superior, Emperor Chu, Song Zhiyuan instantly sensed something amiss and instinctively grabbed the Emperor’s sleeve.

”You mustn’t go!”

Emperor Chu: ”...”

The two locked eyes.

The eunuch guards standing beside them all pretended not to see anything, eyes downward, a ”I saw nothing” look.

Emperor Chu coughed, ”Yunzhi, what are you doing, pulling and tugging like this is inappropriate. Let go.”

Song Zhiyuan didn’t let go, ”Tell me, what have you done?”

The lengths to which he would go to avoid old Qian from the Ministry of Revenue.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Emperor Chu slightly raised his chin, ”Changxiao and Long Siyan submitted a secret proposal together, hoping to build a warship for training, and I approved.”

Song Zhiyuan’s scalp tingled, got it without further explanation.

Emperor Chu pointed to Minister Qian, who was almost sprinting towards them, and continued, ”That old fellow Qian cried poverty to me yesterday after hearing my decree, claiming the National Treasury was empty. I don’t care; get five million taels out of that miser’s hands for me, enough for at least one warship. How can one speak of a fine navy without well-equipped warships? How can one talk about training soldiers? We can’t possibly train on a few sheepskin floats, can we?”

”Your Majesty, five million taels is not five thousand taels. Last year, we allocated three million taels, and now five million this year, it’s no wonder Minister Qian is pestering you. As someone in charge of finances, even I’m tempted to throw in the towel listening to this.”

”Last year’s late harvest was bountiful, this year too has seen favorable conditions, and trade taxes on the Tea Horse Road have increased by ten percent. How is it possible there’s no money? He laughs like a flower when collecting silver, but when it comes to giving money, it’s like his father has died. Anyway, I’ve said it; you’re going to do it well for me, five million, not a tael less. If he doesn’t comply, I’ll replace him with a real Minister of Revenue.”

This tone can only be described as quite willful!

Song Zhiyuan: ”...”

Watching Emperor Chu strut off (making a hasty retreat), Song Zhiyuan opened his mouth, thinking rebellious thoughts.

Isn’t it, have you finally had enough and want to develop a reputation as a foolish ruler?

Seeing Minister Qian puffing and panting as he ran over, the thought of the upcoming wrangling scene made Song Zhiyuan’s scalp twitch, damn, even he wanted to escape.

...