Chapter 328: Pulling the Firewood from Under the Pot

On the Golden Throne Hall.

Guoku is empty, and everyone is pulling their hair over this matter.

If the Hundred Thousand Army were to be abandoned like this, who could be satisfied?

In the court, the ministers deliberated for a long time, yet there was no definite answer.

Looking at the officials below.

Thinking of the aversion given by Bai Li, Chu Yunzheng hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to use this method.

Even Chu Yunzheng felt there were flaws, but the current situation cannot tolerate further hesitation.

Chu Yunzheng placed a solution proposal on the table.

A cold voice said: "Guoku is empty now, and the incorporation of the army is imminent."

"I have thought it over repeatedly; only by implementing 'state monopoly on salt and iron, increase taxes' can we resolve the urgent crisis."

When these words were spoken, the entire hall burst into a roar.

This method is indeed undesirable, but it is also the fastest way to bring in money.

Several old ministers immediately stepped forward to oppose:

"Emperor, although this move can quickly fill the treasury, salt and iron are the foundation of people's livelihood; increasing taxes may spark widespread public resentment!"

"Indeed, Emperor, the lessons of merchants and traders suffering from such policies are still evident..."

Qi Qi hurried forward and earnestly said: "Emperor, now is a time of peace."

"Then the Hundred Thousand Army would only become a burden; better to split it into smaller units and disperse them."

"Let Fengqi Kingdom also recuperate and have a moment of respite."

Chu Yunzheng stared coldly at Qi Qi, his eyes flashing with an unfathomable light.

A deep, terrifying voice said: "Do you know that these are the troops sent to the Northern Border to repel the Northern Border army!"

"Regardless, their combat capability is top‑grade."

Chu Yunzheng's hurried, dangerous‑toned voice said: "And you, you would make me give up?"

"Rest assured, such a terrifying army left outside!"

No one dared to speak.

The Minister of Revenue bowed and praised: "Emperor, you are wise!"

"Such useful troops naturally cannot be left unattended outside."

"They must be kept in hand."

"Although the Ministry of Revenue is empty, as long as there is silver, the troops can be kept in our hands."

"This plan may seem radical, but it is in fact the fastest effective method right now."

"I think it should be implemented immediately."

After the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward, Qi Qi surprisingly stopped opposing and stepped back a few steps.

When Qi Qi stepped back, the previously opposing voices suddenly fell silent.

Only Qi Qi's faction remained speaking.

Continuously praising: "I never imagined the Emperor could devise such a good plan."

"This method is perfect on both fronts; not only can it bring in a large amount of silver in a short time, but it also makes Fengqi Kingdom stronger."

"If we truly implement it, not only the incorporation issue will be solved instantly, but even the other funding problems the Ministry of Revenue currently faces will be quickly alleviated."

"Only the Emperor can later devise such a perfect response."

Listening to the ministers' compliments, Chu Yunzheng nodded slightly, knowing that the time had come.

His gaze swept over the ministers: "This method's success is not my merit."

"A few days ago, while chatting with Concubine Li, she mentioned a 'source‑opening extraordinary method', which coincidentally aligns with my thoughts."

"I dare not claim this merit alone; Concubine Li deserves the primary credit."

When Chu Yunzheng said this, the expressions of the ministers below were extremely varied.

Chu Yunzheng paid no heed at all.

He only felt that finally, one day, in this court, we would no longer have to hear the words of the former and current Empresses.

Chu Yunzheng looked at the Minister of Revenue: "Then, as Concubine Li said, have the Ministry draft the detailed rules today."

"I will obey the decree." The Minister of Revenue bowed deeply, "Concubine Li, whose grace and virtue are truly the Emperor's blessing."

"That is natural."

Chu Yunzheng's gaze turned forward, shining with an unfathomable light.

His tone carried some melancholy: "It seems that over these years, Li'er in Fengdu has truly endured much hardship."

With such sighs, everyone could only pretend not to hear.

After the court recessed, several old ministers gathered outside the Gongmen, worried.

They proceeded forward one after another, commenting as they walked.

"This is clearly a poison‑to‑quench‑thirst scheme!"

"That Concubine Li could intervene in state affairs to this extent?"

"If she were like the Empress, discerning right from wrong, she could at least seek blessings for Fengqi Kingdom."

"But what she does is fundamentally a disaster."

"What's more detestable is the Emperor; does he not know these pros and cons? Why does he still proceed?"

"Isn't it because imperial authority is at fault? After struggling to keep the empire firmly in hand, who would want any hidden danger?"

The ministers' discussion gradually faded away in the palace corridor.

Qi Qi walked at the very back, hands clasped behind his back.

Lin Zehai stood aside and whispered, "Lord Qi, could you inform the Empress of these matters?"

"The Empress's divine powers are vast; such trivial matters need not be disturbed."

"Just need to compile these and report them to Eunuch Shun."

"Yes!" Lin Zehai, before Qi Qi, cautiously smiled and added, "Today's Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Revenue performed the emotional enactment quite well."

"Those flattering words indeed pleased the Emperor greatly!"

Qi Qi's gaze fell on Lin Zehai: "Enough, I still don't know you."

"I've heard Minister Zhang has taken a liking to your family's young niece, which is also a good thing."

"Stirring emotions, let him give his all. Regarding his marriage to your family's young niece, the Empress will prepare the dowry."

Lin Zehai's eyes lit up instantly upon hearing that, and he thanked repeatedly.

Qi Qi turned to glance at the imposing palace wall, a smile tugging at his mouth.

His eyes were filled with contempt.

These lofty people, these places that don't even treat people as humans, will soon be trampled beneath their feet.

Changchun Palace.

Rewards poured in incessantly, like a flowing stream.

Even many items were personally delivered by the Empress herself.

Bai Li stood there, watching the endless stream of gifts arrive, her whole demeanor brimming with pride.

"Empress," Nanzhu bowed and presented the list of gifts, "the Emperor has again bestowed ten hu of the East Sea's luminous pearls, saying they are for you to embed in your court robes."

Bai Li smiled lightly, "It seems the salt‑iron monopoly's method truly delighted the Emperor's dragon heart."

"It's more than just delight," Nanzhu lowered his voice, "I have heard the Emperor is drafting an edict to promote you to consort."

"Now, inside and outside the palace, who does not speak of our Empress's great abilities? Everyone praises you even more."

"Those issues that troubled the Emperor have also been resolved."

"Hmph!"

Nanzhu let out a cold snort, full of contempt: "Let's see how long the Empress can remain arrogant."

"Isn't it just that there's a Mo Family Army? Now, the Mo Family has become a trouble in the Emperor's eyes."

"Only our Empress is the Emperor's Fluent Talker, able to share the Emperor's worries."

A look of joy flashed in Bai Li's eyes; she loved hearing these words.

She casually plucked a pair of golden bracelets and gave them to Nanzhu: "You are indeed diligent."

"Had I not met you, I would never have thought of these methods."

"I never expected a maid from the countryside like you to know so much."

Nanzhu laughed, his face full of sycophantic smile, "Empress, I, though I come from a poor place,"

"but the poorer the place, the more methods of exploitation there are."

"Even if I am still foolish, I have learned something."

Bai Li was very satisfied, nodding repeatedly, "From now on, diligently handle my affairs, and your future will be assured."

Nanzhu knelt to thank but did not rise, instead leaning in a few steps: "Empress, I have even more ways to further secure your favor."

"Speak."