Chapter 564: Reaching into His Pocket for Money

is knowledge and ideas throughout the world.For this wish, he even went against his own principles and agreed to take office.Although Li Chen's words carried a threat, to someone like Dantai Jingzhi,...Chapter 564: Reaching into One's Pocket for Money

Looking at the group of civil and military officials in Taihe Hall, Li Chen's eyes held the satisfaction of a farmer who had carefully cultivated his leeks, ready to harvest them.

He gently persuaded, "The registration matters are handled by the Dongchang's dedicated personnel. They will definitely ensure accuracy. This palace personally reviews them daily, so there won't be any issues."

"As a busy empress, many officials have little impact on me. After all, aren't some of them always complaining that their talents are overlooked This is a golden opportunity for me to make an impression. Don't miss out."

The words were practically begging someone to just take money out of their pockets. A strange silence descended upon the Taihe Hall.

Everyone here are scholars, reading the same classics. Each one pretends to be a gentleman, even corrupt officials who take bribes still have manners and use polite words when extorting money.

This is hard for everyone to accept.

It's still Xu Changqing.

He was the first to speak, breaking the silence. He spoke in a cheerful tone: “Your Highness’s wedding, the position of Crown Princess is about to be fulfilled, this is a momentous occasion! This humble subject dares to say that I will definitely send a generous gift, and at the time, I would like to have a cup of wedding wine. Please allow it, Your Highness.”

Listen, listen.

Some officials from the cabinet stared blankly at Xu Changqing, holding him in utter disdain for his sycophantic behavior.

They think Xu Changqing is a complete disgrace to officials, willing to say anything and everything to please the prince.

And Li Chen burst into laughter and said, "Mr. Xu is too kind. At that time, there will be a cup of wine for you at the wedding banquet."

What is a confidante for

Of course, when there's blame to be taken, they take it. When someone needs a stepping stone, they rush over to offer one. And when it's time to set the pace, even if they risk being ridiculed to death, they'll be the first to jump in and lead the charge.

Right now, Xu Changqing's pace is exactly what Li Chen wants.

No matter what, with Xu Changqing's rise to prominence, other ministers, though their true intentions may have been varied, all outwardly expressed congratulations and stated they would be there.

At the start, merely raiding three prominent merchants' homes in the capital yielded millions of taels of silver. Li Chen held great expectations for this attack on the purses of these officials and nobles.

This is just a heads-up, the Dongchang's tactics will follow soon.

He wasn't worried about raising the money at all.

Here standing in the Taihe Palace are not only the most powerful people in the Empire, but also the wealthiest.

Li Chen had everything figured out.

Seeing that the head was already formed, Li Chen immediately gave Dantai Jingzhi a look.

Now, it's the old man's time to perform.

Taking a cue from Li Chen's hint, Dantai Jingzhi did not hesitate. He stepped forward and raised his hand to say, “Your Majesty, I have something to report.”

When Dantai Jing had something to say, everyone’s hearts were lifted, wanting to hear clearly what this great sage of the world would do as his first act upon entering the court.

"Please speak, sir," Li Chen raised his hand and said with a slight gesture.

Dantai Jing paused for a moment, let out a soft sigh, and then said: "The national treasury is empty today, the court is struggling, and there are many people suffering from disasters. When I was among the people, I often saw that local officials were not unwilling to help, but they were like skilled cooks with no rice to cook. The imperial court was powerless to relieve the disaster, and when it came to the local government, there was simply no money or grain to rescue the victims."ime, we must resort to extraordinary measures. At the very least, we cannot drive them into the enemy's arms."Li Chen rubbed the rim of his cup, his voice soft: "But General, you should also be clear...