Chapter 208: His Majesty's Grand Celebration

Gu Jin Nian's emergence from the sect is a major event.

At least for Da Xia Capital, it is an especially great cause for celebration.

The only regret is that there is no omen.

Many people who traveled thousands of miles came solely for the purpose of an omen.

However, after Gu Jin Nian emerged, he immediately sought out Su Wenjing; in this enlightenment, he settled his heart, yet many new thoughts also arose.

Therefore he wants to find Su Wenjing to discuss matters, since Su Wenjing is a Half Saint, and talking with him will surely be beneficial.

Meanwhile, within the capital.

With the morning court concluded, the hundred officials, worried, walked out of the palace.

The reason is none other than that at today's council, everyone kept arguing, arguing over and over, and it was all about silver.

The Da Xia Dynasty now needs silver more than ever before.

And in large quantities.

Thus at this council, Emperor Yongsheng issued an edict that left the civil and military officials completely stunned.

Salaries were cut in half.

All officials of rank five and above had their salaries halved, including the stipends for exiled officials and the annual subsidies each department receives; this year, don't even think about them.

For the officials, it was like five thunders striking, turning already modest families into even worse conditions.

The problem is, in the past officials could find reasons to refuse, but this time is different.

The disaster region's issue is placed here.

The relocation of the oasis has become a thorn in everyone's mind; with all these problems added together, even if you wanted to refuse, it would be useless.

"Alas, internal troubles and external calamities, internal troubles and external calamities—this heaven‑bestowed blessing, never imagined it could become a disaster one day."

After leaving the palace, Minister of Revenue He Yan spoke, his eyes filled with helplessness.

"Minister, please stop; your Ministry of Revenue is fine, at least you have some silver. Our Ministry of Punishments is the unlucky one—expenses are halved, yet the work remains full; it's truly troublesome."

"From now on, when you come to my Ministry of Punishments, aside from everything else, the tea leaves are gone."

The Minister of Punishments spoke, somewhat depressed.

"Your Ministry of Punishments complains about hardship, but the real hardship belongs to our Ministry of Rites; the Ministry of Rites must entertain countless foreign envoys each year, plus a heap of other matters, now cut in half—who will we send from the Ministry of Rites?"

"But never say that, you think my Ministry of Personnel has it easy? We've been proclaiming poverty year after year; this year it's even poorer."

The officials exchanged remarks, each responding to the other; they were very dissatisfied with the imperial edict, yet no one dared to speak up. In a year of great disaster, who would dare act rashly? Unless they go against the people.

"Minister Wang, why have you been silent? Your Ministry of Works already lacks silver, now its budget is halved, yet you say nothing? How? Does the Ministry of Works still have surplus silver?"

At this moment, someone noticed Wang Qixin remained speechless and couldn't help but speak.

Upon hearing that, Wang Qixin immediately frowned and said.

"Stop slandering people here; the Ministry of Works has no silver, so don't even think of targeting it."

Wang Qixin spoke directly.

In reality, the Ministry of Works is poorer than anyone; outsiders might think it could cut corners, but who would dare? Especially with imperial projects, Emperor Yongsheng will not tolerate it. Moreover, with the recent massive production of this and that, the Ministry of Works wishes it could treat one coin as two.

If anyone truly came to deliver silver, Wang Qixin would immediately accept and plug each big hole.

"Alas, if we must speak, the most distressed is probably Minister Yang; considering the time, Minister Yang should have already arrived at Jiangzhong County and by now likely has the tax ledger, right?"

Someone spoke up, mentioning Yang Kai.

A few days ago, Yang Kai, together with officials from the Ministry of Revenue, went to Jiangzhong County to collect grain taxes, and everyone disapproved of this.

They thought it would provoke popular resentment.

But they didn't expect that Emperor Yongsheng, acting unilaterally, insisted on collecting the grain tax, and the officials could understand this.

After all, Jiangzhong County's grain accounts for one third of the nation's grain tax; it's inevitable that Emperor Yongsheng couldn't let it go. Though Jiangzhong County suffered disaster, the imperial decree was issued, and at least twenty to thirty million shi of grain could be collected, right?

Of course, the consequence of this action is to incite popular resentment.

People are suffering a severe drought and disaster, yet you still collect taxes; isn't that inhumane?

This point is their biggest headache.

Therefore they think that if Yang Kai goes to Jiangzhong County, he will likely face all sorts of vilification—truly unfair.

"What does obtaining the tax ledger achieve? Though I'm not of the Ministry of Revenue, I can calculate: in previous years Jiangzhong County paid roughly thirty‑five million shi of tax; this year, with the disaster, about thirty million shi, but a tax ledger is a tax ledger."

"Truly trying to bring it in is another big problem; at most twenty million shi of grain, which is already the maximum, and after accounting for losses along the way, by the time it reaches the capital it's roughly ten million shi."

"But does the court now lack ten million shi of grain? Without a hundred million shi of grain, the problem cannot be solved at all."

An official from the Ministry of Personnel spoke, and his words made a lot of sense.

The current situation is simple: a hundred million shi of grain cannot solve the fundamental issue, but it can at least resolve many immediate problems.

But collecting a hundred million shi of grain is difficult.

Very difficult indeed.

"Alright, let's wait a few days and speak again when Minister Yang returns."

He Yan opened, and he understood better than anyone that, although the Ministry of Personnel official's words were a bit harsh, every sentence was factual; the actual situation was just so.

There was nothing more to say.

Thus.

The officials dispersed.

Meanwhile, within Jiangnan County.

Among the Wu family.

Two figures were playing a game of chess.

They were Chang Yuntian and Wu Zhangyi.

"Truly, Mr. Chang is brilliant, knowing that King Qin would not agree, employing this sowing‑discord plan, causing father and son to be estranged."

If it weren't like this, the Qin King would never have agreed to our request.

Wu Zhangyi smiled faintly.

Earlier, Chang Yuntian went to seek the Qin King, returned with bad news, and the merchants of the entire Jiangnan Commandery were thrown into complete panic.

The Qin King was their only lifeline, yet they didn't expect the Qin King not even to glance at them.

Now, a rift has arisen between the Qin King and the emperor, a father‑son struggle, which has given them an opportunity.

How can we prevent them from rejoicing?

Even if the Qin King agrees, the plan is not yet accomplished; there are still two steps left before we can confirm whether the scheme truly succeeds.

Chang Yuntian placed a piece and said.

The Qin King has already agreed, which means he's boarded our ship; could it still be insufficient?

Sir Chang, could you possibly suspect that Emperor Yong Sheng and the Qin King are conspiring to stage a play for us to watch?

Wu Zhangyi was somewhat surprised.

The deeds of the Jiangnan wealthy merchants are capital crimes punishable by death; after the Qin King learned of them, he agreed to shelter them. Logically, since everyone is in the same boat, there should be no reason for other problems to arise.

That's not the point.

If it were truly a performance, the Qin King would not consent; now his reputation has been utterly ruined.

He clearly fought fires in Donglin Commandery, earning no merit but great toil, and now faces injustice; anyone would find it hard to swallow.

If the Qin King confesses, it means he has completely lost any claim to the Crown Prince's seat; he could not do that—it would be extremely unfair to him.

Even if Emperor Yong Sheng ordered him, the Qin King would still resent it. I've seen him; the Qin King is no ordinary man—he harbors great ambition and a heart to become emperor.

Thus, the likelihood of it being a performance is low.

I fear the Qin King will use us to earn merit.

Chang Yuntian spoke up.

He doesn't believe this is a performance; the price of staging this play is the loss of the throne, and no one would accept that—at least the Qin King would not agree.

He is an ambitious prince, a prince who wants to become emperor; why would he gratuitously stage this play with you? Is he just idle after having his fill? Chang Yuntian's only worry is that the Qin King wants to use them as stepping stones to the throne.

If that's the case, what should we do?

Wu Zhangyi frowned slightly and couldn't help asking.

Then we can only let him sink deeper. Tell those merchants that, with the Qin King's backing, they may conduct business without restraint; of course, they must avoid repeating the previous transgressions, as that crosses the line, and the Qin King is not foolish.

But they can earn silver however they see fit.

Press the matter of allocating taxes to land a bit more, forcing Gu Jin Nian to step forward.

Chang Yuntian opened his mouth and said.

Rather than guarding against the Qin King, it's better to pull him deeper into the mire; he doesn't believe that with so many entanglements, when they surface, the Qin King will emerge unscathed.

At worst, it's a case of fish dying and the net breaking, jade and stone burning together; he wants to see what the Qin King will ultimately choose.

Force Gu Jin Nian to step forward?

If Gu Jin Nian shows up, wouldn't he launch a massive killing spree?

Wu Zhangyi frowned; his moves were somewhat haphazard, clearly startled by Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian's reputation is not fabricated; it was earned through actual killing. Not only him, even those merchants regard Gu Jin Nian as a great enemy.

Anyway, hearing that is frightening; there's no way Gu Jin Nian, having slain so many, wouldn't be feared. "No need to worry; we can use Gu Jin Nian to test the Qin King—if Gu Jin Nian truly launches a massive killing."

That would prove the Qin King is not aligned with us at all.

If Gu Jin Nian does not unleash a killing spree, it still cannot prove the Qin King's unity with us, but at least it benefits us.

This is merely a test; once this opening is made, the Qin King will sink into a quagmire. I don't believe he'll burn jade and stone together.

Chang Yuntian spoke lightly.

When he reached this point, he slowly placed a piece and said.

You have already lost.

On the board, the black stones formed a great dragon and undeniably won.

But Wu Zhangyi showed no expression; it was just a game of chess, nothing more.

Nevertheless, a few flattering words were still uttered.

Sir Chang's chess intention is truly peerless; you even granted me three moves.

If you hadn't, I fear within fifty moves I would have already lost.

Sir Chang possesses such chess skill; why not go to the Jixia Academy? It is said the Jixia Academy holds the supreme chess Dao; if one can attain sudden enlightenment there, one may obtain Heaven's Mandate.

Wu Zhangyi asked, his words being both praise and truth.

Techniques have their specialties; my forte is not the chess Dao but the Confucian Dao. I have a junior brother whose chess skill is unmatched; he gave me three moves, and I still couldn't defeat him. This time at the Jixia Academy, he will go, to slay the great chess dragon.

Chang Yuntian spoke, saying.

He praised his junior brother.

I see.

Wu Zhangyi nodded.

At this moment, Chang Yuntian also rose slowly and said.

Once we force Gu Jin Nian out, I will enter the Da Xia Dynasty as an official, and then I will need to rely heavily on all of you.

Chang Yuntian said so.

The latter immediately paid their respects.

Sir, you are too kind; you saved my Wu family from fire and water. This matter, I, Wu, will never forget.

As long as you give the word, the Wu family will wholeheartedly assist; the merchants of the Jiangnan Commandery region will also fully support you.

Wu Zhangyi said.

At this very moment, Chang Yun Tian didn't say much more, clasped his hands, and left.

At the same moment.

Da Xia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian and Su Wenjing were also engaged in conversation.

Gu Jin Nian shared his insights from this period with Su Wenjing, one by one, and fully disclosed his doubts.

"Sir, how should one deal with the stirring of intention?"

"If one suppresses the intention, it is not the true self."

"If one does not suppress the intention, the stirring of intention gives rise to good and evil; my good is not the good of all people, and my evil is not the evil of all people."

"Please, sir, resolve my confusion."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up; this was his most pressing problem, and also the biggest obstacle currently facing him.

The stirring of intention.

How to deal with it.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian speak, Su Wenjing did not answer immediately, but remained silent for a while.

"Jin Nian, you have thoroughly read the Buddhist scriptures; you should know what is meant by mind monkey and willful horse, right?"

Su Wenjing spoke, having found the direction for explanation.

"Understood."

"The heart jumps about like a monkey."

"Consciousness runs like a horse."

"This is what is meant by mind monkey and willful horse."

Gu Jin Nian replied.

"Mm." Su Wenjing nodded, then rose and said: "In Buddhism, one seeks to calm the mind; this calming means to tame the monkey within the heart. Your question is nothing but the stirring of intention giving rise to good and evil, which cannot be determined as to how such good and evil stands in the world."

"But have you ever considered why you want to change?"

"Why not let this intention move with the self, move with the heart?"

Su Wenjing smiled faintly, pointing out a clear path for Gu Jin Nian.

"Move with the self?"

"Then how would one distinguish good and evil?"

Gu Jin Nian seemed thoughtful, yet also full of curiosity.

"Jin Nian."

"You care too much about the distinction between good and evil."

"What is good?"

"How many scholars are there under heaven? Is everyone good?"

"What is evil?"

"Are practitioners of the demonic path necessarily evil?"

"You are not me; how can you know whether I do good or evil?"

"I am not you; how can I know whether you do good or evil?"

"Good and evil are like the yin and yang of heaven and earth; without light, who would know darkness?"

"What troubles you is whether your good and evil are the same as others' good and evil."

"This itself is baseless; with a thousand people, a thousand faces, among the myriad beings, it is hard to find two people exactly alike."

"What more of the distinction between good and evil?"

"Jin Nian, do you understand?"

Su Wenjing spoke, explaining the source of good and evil.

He used the Buddhist concept of mind monkey and willful horse to illustrate, and also expounded with yin and yang.

This benefited Gu Jin Nian greatly.

It must be said, a Half Saint is simply a Half Saint.

"Student, I have understood."

"Thank you, sir, for your instruction."

Gu Jin Nian expressed thanks.

Su Wenjing merely smiled faintly.

"Jin Nian, you have reached this point; you are already doing quite well, and are quickly approaching the Holy Path."

"From this, it can be seen that this enlightenment of the Way is of great significance to you."

"This is quite good."

"The Jixia Academy will grant you another three months."

"With three months' time, you should be able to truly touch the Holy Path; if you establish your words in the academy, you may directly step into the Half Saint Realm, aided by the Great Dao Saint-Attainment Diagram, and become a saint of the past few centuries."

"The Confucian Way flourishes!"

Su Wenjing spoke with a smile, placing great hopes on Gu Jin Nian.

"Sir, you are too courteous; you could certainly let the student become a saint in advance; there is no need to wait."

"After all, no one knows what the future holds; if any trouble arises again, we will still need the sir."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

As for the Holy Path, to be frank, Gu Jin Nian truly dares not guarantee that he will certainly become a saint; the required time and insight are both indispensable.

Su Wenjing, for his own sake, forcibly delayed his own sainthood; in Gu Jin Nian's view, this ought not to be.

As for these empty fame, it actually doesn't matter; one's reputation is already big enough, a little more or less makes no big difference.

No, no.

Su Wenjing shook head, then looked at Gu Jin Nian and spoke slowly.

Jin Nian.

You don't really think I'm letting you, do you?

Su Wenjing spoke, telling the truth.

Sage.

This is the Seventh Realm; who wouldn't want to enter the Seventh Realm? He, Su Wenjing, though a gentleman.

But it's not that selfless, right?

It is truly hard to rise; even if one obtains the Heaven-Earth Holy Heart and wishes to step onto the Holy Path, a certain time accumulation is still needed.

If one cannot become a sage, saying a couple of nice words is also reasonable.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian was stunned.

But in the end he didn't say anything, just got up, intending to return to Wen Palace.

So many fruits grow within the All-Beings Tree; now one's thoughts have cleared, one should rely on the Confucian-Dao Holy Fruit to complete the final transformation; not speaking of entering the Holy Path, but at least to grasp it.

Right.

What about that Su Huaiyu who's always been by your side?

How come I feel like I haven't seen him in a long time?

Just as Gu Jin Nian rose, Su Wenjing couldn't help but be curious, asking where Su Huaiyu had gone.

Oh?

That guy should still be farming, right?

Mentioning Su Huaiyu, Gu Jin Nian almost forgot him; back then he had Su Huaiyu go plant grain, his only impression being that Su Huaiyu left carrying a big bag of seeds.

Exactly where he went, I really don't know.

However, summoning Su Huaiyu is simple; just do something against the rules.

Farming?

Full and with nothing to do.

Jin Nian, from now on, when you have nothing to do, don't mix with this kind of person; it's this kind of person that delays your entry into the Holy Realm.

Su Wenjing spoke, somewhat displeased.

Understood, sir.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, gave a casual reply, then walked toward the outside of the academy.

Soon.

After Gu Jin Nian walked out of the academy, a figure directly blocked his path.

It was the Minister of Works, Wang Qixin.

Marquis.

Reporting to the Marquis.

The Da Xia Sleepless City's first-phase project is fully completed.

Wang Qixin's appearance surprised Gu Jin Nian a bit, but upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian understood.

The Sleepless City matter is already finished.

After four or five months, the Ministry of Works worked overtime, finally completing the first-phase project.

Good.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, mentioning the Da Xia Sleepless City, he still felt somewhat energized.

Before, I was worried that the people weren't prosperous, making it hard for the Da Xia Sleepless City to earn great wealth; but now it's different: river dragon rice, the five great oases, plus dragon rice planted elsewhere.

It's hard for Da Xia's people not to become prosperous; the greater the profit of the Capital's Sleepless City, the more it will be replicated in other ancient cities—basically, however much the Capital earns, other cities' revenues will fluctuate around thirty percent.

Not much difference; it may even surpass the prosperity of the Da Xia Capital.

The Da Xia Sleepless City is not merely a place to make money; it is the Da Xia Seventy-Two Prefectures, including other countries.

Consolidate the position of the Da Xia Treasure Note.

Marquis, when will the Da Xia Sleepless City open for business?

Seeing Gu Jin Nian only say a single 'good', Wang Qixin couldn't help but speak up, asking about the opening.

Goods prepared, plus personnel matters, opening in fifteen days.

Gu Jin Nian set a date; he had previously instructed Wang Fugui to train a batch of people, so personnel need not be worried, positions can be filled quickly.

But cargo transport takes time.

But this is easy to handle, using the Da Xia Treasure Ship and Da Xia Dragon Boat for transport.

Understood.

Wang Qixin nodded.

How so? What else has happened in the court?

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious.

Upon hearing this, Wang Qixin didn't beat around the bush, directly telling Gu Jin Nian everything that had happened during this period.

Hearing that the Qin Prince and the Yongsheng Great Emperor had a rift, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown.

Furthermore, subsequent events made Gu Jin Nian's expression turn grave.

The Qin Prince did not harm the people.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian spoke; he knew the Qin Prince did not harm the people, and the Donglin Prefecture affair, he knew better than anyone.

Marquis.

Now it's not about whether the Qin King has made a mistake, but about whether the people think he has or not.

Public opinion has already been settled; the Qin King has not harmed the people, and it's no longer of any use.

However, His Majesty has already handled this matter; at least the Qin King will no longer cause trouble, and after a few days, no one will pay attention to it.

Wang Qixin spoke up; what he said was quite right.

But Gu Jin Nian felt it was still necessary to go see the Qin King.

Minister Wang, this is the token of the Commander of the Lantern Office; send someone to have the Lantern Office post a notice.

Just say that the Da Xia Sleepless City will open for business in fifteen days, with all goods available, and that every person who goes to the Sleepless City will receive a gift.

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, letting Wang Qixin handle this matter.

All right, Marquis, you can rest assured.

Wang Qixin nodded.

And Gu Jin Nian hurried straight to the Qin King's manor.

He truly didn't know about this matter, but now that he's aware, he also wants to have a good talk with the Qin King.

Just waiting for Gu Jin Nian to arrive at the Qin King's manor.

Yet the Qin King appeared quite calm, still watching the singing girls' performance, drinking and eating, with nothing unusual.

The only difference was that the Qin King was clearly preoccupied.

Qin King, elder brother.

Upon seeing the Qin King, Gu Jin Nian called out, and the Qin King smiled broadly: "Younger brother Jin Nian."

How is your comprehension of the Dao?

Any gains?

Do you need any help, elder brother?

Seeing Gu Jin Nian, the Qin King was delighted; this delight came from the heart, without any pretense.

No need.

Younger brother, you've come back just to bring me good news.

Our Da Xia Sleepless City is about to open for business.

Gu Jin Nian chuckled.

Hearing this, the Qin King wasn't particularly happy; he had never been very interested in this, nor was it anything else—he just felt that his younger brother's Confucian Dao was absolutely top-notch, but his business prospects probably wouldn't be great.

However, to support his younger brother, he directly provided silver, without even considering recouping the costs.

As long as Jin Nian is happy, that's fine.

After the two sat down and chatted for a few sentences, Gu Jin Nian, intentionally or not, brought up the matter of East Forest Commandery.

But when Gu Jin Nian offered to help the Qin King prove his innocence, the Qin King refused.

Public opinion has already been formed.

Going to help me explain would only harm you; the elder brother is now like this, with no hope.

All right, younger brother Jin Nian, you have this intention; as the elder brother, I'm very happy and touched, so don't get involved in this matter.

The Qin King patted Gu Jin Nian on the shoulder, speaking quite directly.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian indeed didn't say anything more.

After all, this is truly someone else's family affair; meddling would be pointless.

Thus.

After about half an hour, Gu Jin Nian took his leave, as he needed to further his comprehension of the Dao.

Pluck all the Confucian-Daoist fruits from the Tree of All Beings, and complete a true metamorphosis.

As Su Wenjing said, one can indeed accomplish immortal Establishing Speech at the Jixia Academy and metamorphose into a Half Saint.

As for becoming a saint, we'll see.

Gu Jin Nian left.

At the same moment.

Da Xia Dynasty.

River-Middle Commandery, inside the prefectural city.

Yang Kai and several Ministry of Revenue officials were foolishly staring at the tax document before them.

They have examined this tax document back and forth seven or eight times.

But they are still repeatedly examining it.

Jiangzhong Commandery Governor Zhou Man stood before Yang Kai, appearing very respectful; although he is a governor, compared to Yang Kai he is still two ranks lower.

"Lord Yang, is there anything wrong with this tax document?"

Zhou Man said with a gentle expression.

After all, these few had been dazed for a long time, always feeling something was off.

Upon hearing this.

Yang Kai came to his senses from his shock, but couldn't help glancing at the tax document again.

River-Middle Commandery's tax grain this time: 300,000,000 stone plus 14,560,000 stone, plus 3,212 stone.

300,000,000 stone of grain!

At the peak of River-Middle Commandery's tax grain, it was only fifty-five million stone; now after the great drought, you tell me there are three hundred million stone of grain tax? You're bluffing me?

"Governor Zhou, could this tax document be wrong?"

"Is it thirty million stone of grain?"

Yang Kai spoke up, asking Zhou Man.

The latter took the tax document, directly shook his head and said.

"No mistake, it's exactly thirty million stone grain tax, collected according to the new policy, taking one-tenth, but didn't Jiangzhong Commandery previously underpay a tax? The people of Jiangzhong Commandery are clamoring to make up for it."

"If we make up according to the new policy, otherwise it should be ten million plus sixty million stone grain."

"That's correct, sir."

Zhou Man opened his mouth, looking at Yang Kai with some doubt.

Hiss! Hiss! Hiss! In an instant, three sounds of sucking in cold air rang out; Yang Kai, the Vice Minister of Revenue, plus an assistant official from the Revenue Ministry, were completely numb.

Damn, is it still one-tenth?

"In other words, can Jiangzhong Commandery now produce sixteen million stone grain at once?"

The Vice Minister of Revenue directly grabbed Zhou Man, asking in astonishment.

The seized Zhou Man instantly felt somewhat helpless.

"Sir, sir, don't get agitated; didn't the Marquis tell you?"

Zhou Man really felt helpless; he had thought these people knew.

"The Marquis?"

"Wait, didn't Jiangzhong Commandery suffer a great drought? Why is there so much grain?"

"Zhou Man, you wouldn't forcibly seize the people's grain for political achievements, would you?"

"This is a crime that implicates the nine clans!"

Yang Kai spoke up, instinctively thinking Zhou Man was causing trouble.

"Sir, if you don't believe me, you can directly drive your carriage and inspect various places."

"Moreover, Jiangzhong Commandery did suffer a great drought, but the Marquis directly resolved it."

"The Marquis produced a kind of dragon ear, planted in Jiangzhong Commandery; its yield is twice that of ordinary grain, and a person eating two taels of rice a day can be fully fed and even replenish qi and blood."

"Not long ago, wasn't there merit? If nothing unexpected, in another two months we can harvest another portion, but at that time we can at most hand over half of it."

"Oh, no, the merit's golden light fell on our Jiangzhong Commandery, improving many fertile fields; now Jiangzhong Commandery has no ordinary farmland, basically all are fertile fields, plus the people's speed of reclaiming land is quite fast."

"In two months, we can basically hand over twenty million stone grain; after a few more months it will stabilize; anyway, if no major problems arise thereafter, we will deliver every four months, each time twenty million stone grain."

"Sir, if you don't believe me, you can go see for yourself; I won't follow you, lest you misunderstand."

Zhou Man spoke up.

"Anyway, if you don't believe it, go see for yourself."

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai instantly understood; Zhou Man's words were basically true, after all, when officials go down to inspect, they are usually accompanied by local officials, and the more officials accompany them, the more petty corruption there actually is.

But Zhou Man dares to speak like this, completely unafraid.

Hahaha.

"Look at what you're saying; how could I not believe the Commandery Governor, sir?"

Yang Kai smiled, then spoke.

"However, I have never been to Jiangzhong Commandery before; I also want to see the people's lives, let's go!"

After saying that, Yang Kai directly led the people away.

After leaving the elegant room,

Yang Kai waved his hand, and a horse instantly appeared before him; he then rode the swift horse, disappearing at top speed from the Jiangzhong Commandery headquarters.

He headed straight for other places, moreover some poor and remote areas.

He believed Zhou Man was not wrong.

But some things still need to be seen to be believed.

Thus.

Five hours later.

Zhou Man and the Revenue Ministry personnel returned; the three were astonished.

Because along the way they saw that the fields were all grain, the people were busy beyond measure, and each was extremely delighted.

Basically they saw no people cursing; with difficulty they found a spot, but as soon as they approached,

they discovered it was an old villager scolding.

The content of the scolding also left the three speechless.

Things like "Look at the neighboring village, this year's harvest is eighty thousand stone; look at you, only sixty thousand stone, embarrassing," etc.

A small village of a few hundred households, a bumper harvest of twenty thousand stone would already be considered great; here they casually speak of eighty thousand, sixty thousand stone, shocking their worldviews.

Moreover, along the way they inquired, not only did they find Zhou Man's words truthful, but more importantly they discovered the people actually wanted to pay more tax.

There's nothing to be done.

The grain is truly too much; storing it in cellars or granaries, anyway there's no place to store it, so they thought it might as well be turned over as extra.

But the local authorities don't want it, for no other reason than they're really full.

Moreover, rules are rules; having agreed to take one-tenth, they must take one-tenth, so each village actually wants to give gifts to several surrounding commanderies; they feel that since Jiangzhong Commandery suffered a great drought and received aid from all sides, it's now time for them to repay the favor.

This matter has gained approval from many, from villages to the prefectural city; many people share this idea, discussing together how to transport it and under whose name.

Damn, this simply left Yang Kai and the three utterly convinced.

Truly convinced.

"Lord Yang, how is the inquiry going?"

Inside the prefectural city.

Zhou Man opened his mouth, smiling as he looked at Yang Kai.

"Good."

Indeed, it's good.

This is a great achievement.

Zhou Man, I'll return to the capital now and report this happy event to His Majesty.

You will surely achieve great merit from this.

Yang Kai spoke excitedly; he felt uncontainable joy in his heart.

The present Da Xia Dynasty faces many projects awaiting launch, lacking silver and grain; actually silver is okay—if there's no silver, we just won't continue building.

But grain is the most important thing.

What will the disaster victims eat? What will the relocated populace eat? Didn't we calculate this before? How much grain does the Ministry of Revenue need to solve the immediate problem?

One hundred million shi of grain.

But now, just a single Jiangzhong Prefecture can deliver three hundred million shi of grain; factoring in the transportation consumption of one hundred million shi, that still leaves two hundred million shi.

"The problem is!" Zhou Man said, "In two months there will still be..."

About two hundred million shi.

Damn it.

Wuhu.

Take off!

"Thank you, Sir Yang."

Zhou Man opened his mouth, but before he could say anything else, he saw Yang Kai and the others immediately ride back on horseback.

Especially Yang Kai, who is a Great Scholar; his righteous aura turns into a fierce steed, making him the fastest as he rushes to the capital to inform the capital officials of this happy news.

"Gu Jin Nian, Gu Jin Nian."

"As it turns out, you've already resolved the troubles of Jiangzhong Prefecture."

"I said, how could Jiangzhong Prefecture be perfectly fine?"

"The five-hundred-thousand-strong army was actually to seal the secret; hahaha, this time we'll give the whole world a surprise!"

"Da Xia now has grain, has money!!!"

Yang Kai muttered to himself excitedly.

Although he is not the Minister of Revenue, the operation of the dynasty ultimately comes down to two directions: people's livelihood and national strength.

And the core around which these two directions revolve are just two points.

Silver and grain.

Solve the grain issue, and the common folk will live and work in peace; then silver will come.

Four months, one hundred sixty million shi of grain.

In a year, that's nearly five hundred million shi of grain.

Even if the Da Xia Dynasty's population tripled, it couldn't finish it all.

From now on, no one will ever lack grain again.

Never again.

Thinking of this, Yang Kai burst into excited laughter.

Just running on and on.

Suddenly, Yang Kai thought of something.

"Jiangzhong Longmi rice."

"Da Xia Sleepless City?"

A few days ago, Wang Qixin told me about the completion of Da Xia Sleepless City, but because many things were piled up before me, I temporarily didn't pay attention.

But now, upon learning about this Jiangzhong Longmi rice, he suddenly realized Gu Jin Nian's business empire.

"Selling Jiangzhong Longmi rice at ten taels per shi is, for the common folk, simply beyond value."

"Just selling rice alone, the revenue would surely be astronomical."

"Damn it."

"I'm going to make a fortune."

"My Ministry of Rites is going to make a fortune."

Yang Kai, realizing belatedly, couldn't help but let out a strange cry.

"How many years has the Ministry of Rites been poor? This time it's really going to make a fortune."

"For Gu Jin Nian's Da Xia Sleepless City, I invested silver solely for two reasons: the crown prince personally said so, and Gu Jin Nian's business plan is indeed sound."

"But whether it can actually make money remains unknown."

"What if the plan looks great but the effect is poor?"

"But now, Yang Kai fully understands just how good this plan is."

"This is practically giving silver away to oneself."

Hahahaha!

Thinking of this, Yang Kai's horseback speed increased.

Thus.

All the way until mao hour.

Inside the Da Xia capital.

The imperial palace hall.

Officials, as usual, held the court assembly.

Recently there have been too many matters, so we can only hold the court assembly daily.

But the content of the court assembly always revolves around silver and grain.

"Your Majesty, the post-disaster work in Longxi Commandery is already being arranged in an orderly manner."

"But the people of Donglin Commandery have already been recalled, and the number of migrants has been confirmed; the combined territory of the two commanderies can muster ten million people to head for the Oasis, but currently there is an urgent need for grain—first for disaster relief, second to stabilize public sentiment."

"Approximately twenty million shi of grain are needed; Guangping Commandery's grain tax revenue is fourteen million shi, Nanhe Commandery's is eleven million shi; I implore Your Majesty to allocate the grain from these two commanderies to Donglin Commandery."

The Vice Minister of Revenue spoke up, being the first to memorialize.

But before the Yongsheng Emperor could speak,

Immediately, the Vice Minister of War stood up, saying roughly the same thing as the Vice Minister of Revenue, but targeting Nanyue Commandery.

Moreover, it also concerned the grain of Guangping and Nanhe Commanderies.

Because these two places are close to the disaster zone, they naturally vie for it.

Soon, the war of words began again.

Basically, there isn't much nutrition; each has its own hardships, each has its own reasons—anyway, both places want to seize their grain tax revenue for disaster relief.

This is the recent state of the Da Xia Dynasty.

Attending court is just arguing.

The content of the arguments is just about grain or silver.

One who speaks up is bigger than the other, and one's appetite is bigger than the other's.

What made the Yongsheng Emperor most silent was

Both sides were still correct.

Each had their own reasoning, ah.

All were for disaster relief; it just depended on how the emperor would choose.

"Enough."

The Yongsheng Emperor shouted, then launched into a tirade.

The court also fell completely silent.

But although it was quiet, the displeasure remained.

Anyway, it's just about vying for it.

Everyone had to join in, each crying poverty.

And just at that moment.

A voice sounded from outside.

"Report!"

"I memorialize Your Majesty, Minister of Rites Yang Kai has an urgent matter requiring immediate audience."

As this voice sounded,

The hall instantly grew even quieter.

At that moment, the five senior ministers couldn't help but sigh.

Yang Kai's urgent matter? It must be a major incident in Jiangzhong Commandery.

And it must be about tax collection.

"Enter."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, seated on the dragon throne, and also relaxed a little.

Yang Kai has returned; this is a good thing, as it can resolve this urgent crisis.

Soon.

A figure swiftly entered the hall.

He ran so fast he almost fell.

"Your Majesty!"

"Your subject Yang Kai has a tremendous happy matter to report."

Yang Kai's voice trembled a little, his face flushed with excitement.

At this moment.

All the civil and military officials were stunned.

"A happy matter? Are you sure you didn't misspeak? If you said the people of Jiangzhong Commandery had rebelled, I'd believe it, but you say it's a happy matter? Seeing Yang Kai's expression, the Yongsheng Emperor frowned and said:"

"Flustered."

"As a minister, speaking so improperly."

"Is the grain tax of Jiangzhong Commandery astonishing?"

"Just say it directly."

"Is it fifty million or eighty million shi?"

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke; he had long known the situation of Jiangzhong Commandery, and now seeing the civil and military officials astonished,

This must not be missed.

He certainly had to put on a calm front to maintain imperial dignity.

However, upon hearing this,

The officials were completely bewildered, not understanding what the Yongsheng Emperor was saying again—nonsense? "No."

"Your Majesty, it's not eighty million shi, nor fifty million shi."

Yang Kai spoke; he didn't know why the Yongsheng Emperor would say that number.

Upon hearing this, the Yongsheng Emperor also froze.

"Not fifty million shi?"

Not eighty million shi? What's going on? This time Emperor Yongsheng grew a bit nervous.

Just tell me the exact number.

Emperor Yongsheng had Yang Kai speak.

Your Majesty.

The total tax revenue of Jiangzhong Commandery is thirty million shi.

Yang Kai felt a bit doubtful; he lowered his head to glance at the tax slip, then answered seriously.

In an instant.

The court fell silent.

He Yan widened his eyes.

He stared fixedly at Yang Kai.

All civil and military officials were completely dumbfounded.

Looking at Yang Kai.

The entire hall was eerily quiet.

One could even say that a fallen pin could be heard.

Even Emperor Yongsheng.

This time he couldn't utter a word.

Hiss! Hiss! Hiss! The first to suck in a breath of cold air was He Yan.

Minister of Revenue He Yan.

He is naturally sensitive to grain taxes; the state's tax revenue is under his charge—how could he not be sensitive?

Over a year, the entire Da Xia Dynasty's grain tax revenue totals about thirty million shi.

Now a single Jiangzhong Commandery can actually pay thirty million shi in grain tax? You're treating me like a three-year-old, trying to fool me? Afterwards, the officials sucked in a breath of cold air.

Especially the Left Vice Minister of Revenue and the Right Vice Minister of War.

These two brothers just now, over a dispute of several tens of millions of shi of grain, almost started fighting right here in the hall.

As a result, upon hearing that Jiangzhong Commandery can pay thirty million shi in grain tax? You're not making us two brothers look like clowns, are you?

But the most shocking was Emperor Yongsheng.

He really didn't expect it to be thirty million shi? Had he been too conservative? But just then.

Yang Kai spoke up again silently.

Um, Your Majesty, Governor Zhou Man of Jiangzhong Commandery says that in two months, he can still deliver another batch of twenty million shi of grain tax.

He spoke.

His words fell.

Then it became completely silent.

This time, not even a breath could be heard.

(End of chapter)