Chapter 805

"One million taels of silver, although not impossible to produce, would severely damage the vitality of our four families. We would have even less strength to do other things in the future."

The four of them took turns bombarding him.

Although Zhangsun Wuji did not want to get involved, he could not let the four major noble families suffer too much loss.

This would be very unfavorable for his future plans.

"In my opinion, you should not be in a hurry to express your stance; drag this matter out. I believe the Emperor is likely more anxious than you are." Zhangsun Wuji used his "delaying tactic."

It is like dancing on hot coals now; whoever can persist until the end is the winner.

This suggestion was agreed upon by the four major noble families.

As long as the Emperor gets anxious first, he will definitely make some concessions. For the one million in reparations, perhaps the national treasury could share a portion.

"Lord Zhangsun is indeed deep in strategy!"

Zhangsun Wuji smiled and accepted this evaluation without any modesty.

If he were not deep in strategy, how could he have played with power to such a level of perfection?

However, there were some things that should still be reminded.

"You also shouldn't push the Emperor too hard. The Emperor still has a trump card in his hand that can strike the four major noble families!"

This is correct.

Although the noble families are wealthy and powerful, to put it bluntly, they rely on the policies given by the imperial court to make money.

Special authorizations, tax exemptions, and designated merchants—these are all things that other merchants cannot enjoy.

Moreover, the bulk of the noble families' wealth actually lies in the land they hold.

Buying cattle at low prices and selling grain at high prices every year—these all require the support of the imperial court.

Once they truly fall out with the Emperor, he can just make some moves on policy, and it will cause the noble families to suffer huge losses.

"Lord Zhangsun is right. Let's bleed a little this time. Facing Great Qin, we and the Emperor are grasshoppers tied to the same rope."

This metaphor is a bit inappropriate.

The Emperor is the supreme ruler; not only is he compared to a grasshopper, but he is also placed on the same level as them.

If this were spread out, it would be treason!

But everyone is used to it; in private, no one takes the Emperor too seriously.

"Hmm, let's drag it out for now. Lord Zhangsun, don't stay out of it; speak for us in front of the Emperor."