Li Chengfeng's bravery stunned everyone in the court. At this moment, they felt like this idiot had a halo around him, like a walking, glowing object!
This guy … should be given a title soon, right?!
This guy … is so dead!
How dare he step on lightning?!
As expected of a troublemaker, a vanguard of courting death!
What title should I give him later?
Loyalty, righteousness, martial spirit, benevolence, bravery, power, protection, sincerity, pacification, praise, Virtue, Baron Li?
That's impressive enough, isn't it?
What?
Too much?
Nonsense, but how do I make it seem like this reckless Baron Li is sacrificing himself for the country and its people?
Zhao Bairen, on the other hand, was delighted. He waved at Li Chengfeng, gesturing for him to come forward. "Do you have any good ideas, Minister Li?
Just say it, the speaker is not guilty in court! "
Li Chengfeng bowed. "Your Majesty, I think that both the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince make sense …"
Everyone in the court looked at him with disdain.
So you're just here to put in a good word for us?
Who doesn't know how to do that?
This is a matter of seniority. You only get to suck up after a few hundred years!
Emperor Zhao Bairen was also displeased. "I don't need you to mediate. I have as many ministers as I want who are good at this!"
The civil and military officials in the court all lowered their heads, as if they weren't talking about themselves.
Li Chengfeng pretended not to hear and continued, "I think the most important thing now is to think of a way to get money …"
Zhao Bairen was greatly disappointed and said, "Of course …"
Do I need you to tell me that?
Li Chengfeng said, "If I may be so bold as to ask, how much silver do we need to solve this urgent problem?"
Everyone stared at Li Chengfeng in shock. What? You're going to use your own money to fill this hole?
Zhao Bairen looked at the Minister of Revenue, whose name was Xue Baimei. Because his eyebrows were all white, he was also called Xue Baimei. He stepped forward and said with a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, the Treasury of the Ministry of Revenue currently has 18.97 million taels of silver …"
Although everyone knew that the national treasury was out of money, they still burst into an uproar when they heard the figure.
"How is this possible?
Where did the money go? "
"Sigh, the Da Qi Kingdom is plagued with calamities. It's like a broken house and a broken boat. Repairing it everywhere requires money!
What Your Highness said makes sense! "
"That's right, if Da Qi continues like this, I'm afraid … something unspeakable will happen!"
"But, how did the great Qi Kingdom end up in such dire straits?"
"Sigh, even the cleverest housewife can't cook without rice!"
"Where are we going to get this money?
Don't tell me he's going to beg for alms? "
Zhao Bairen looked at Li Chengfeng and smiled bitterly. "My dear minister, do you have any way to solve this urgent problem? If you have any request, I will grant it!"
These words were extremely heavy!
Everyone stared at Li Chengfeng. They knew that his words were like an imperial sword!
The emperor never goes back on his words!
There were so many officials watching!
If Li Chengfeng really did it and asked the Emperor to marry Zhao Feiyue … would the Emperor agree or not?
Wait … did the Emperor already approve of Zhao Feiyue marrying Li Chengfeng?
Was he worried about finding a good excuse?
Thinking about how the Emperor had always favored Li Chengfeng … this seemed to be hinting at something!
If it was true, then it would be big news!
But why was it this guy?
So many nobles, princes and even kings had wanted to marry Zhao Feiyue but they were all rejected!
Why did it have to be this guy?
Everyone cursed in their hearts. Could this guy be the Emperor's posthumous son?
Aiyo, wouldn't that be … incest?
Li Chengfeng acted as if he did not hear the Emperor's words. "Your Majesty, Da Qi was founded five hundred years ago, and Cheng An has been peaceful for a hundred years. Although the national treasury is empty, it does not mean Da Qi is empty. The Imperial Court has no money, but that does not mean Da Qi has no money."
Zhao Bairen seemed to have understood, but at the same time, he seemed to have not. He said, "Tell me more!"
Li Chengfeng said, "The national treasury is empty because taxes are not collected, and there are too many places that need money.
The Imperial Court cannot make ends meet, which is why they have no money.
But that does not mean Da Qi has no money. Da Qi having no money and the Imperial Court having no money are two different things.
There were countless wealthy merchants in the Da Qi Kingdom, and the rich and powerful nobles could be found everywhere!
Ever since I entered the Divine Capital, I have seen people living and working in peace. The markets are filled with tourists, and the restaurants are filled with guests. These are all examples of Da Qi hiding its wealth from its people! "
Everyone inhaled sharply when they heard this!
Good lord, you're trying to catch them all in one fell swoop!
You're not only targeting the nobles, you're also targeting the commoners?
This guy … is inhumane!
Even Crown Prince Zhao Hanqing looked at Li Chengfeng unkindly. He said, "Your Majesty, although Li Chengfeng's words make sense, officials should not fight with the commoners. This is the foundation of every dynasty. If you change this, isn't it the same as drinking poison to quench thirst?"
Li Chengfeng smiled. "Crown Prince, you've misunderstood me. I do not want to fight with the commoners, nor do I want to take it by force.
I want to use commercial means to mobilize the commoners' wealth.
The commoners' wealth is like a sleeping river. If we let it flow, it would be a waste of resources, and not beneficial to the country's development … "
When he finished, an official sneered. "How dare you talk about politics, you little brat?"
Immediately, an official mocked him. "Your Majesty, if such sensationalism can be used in the market, then what's the difference between the imperial court and the market?"
Indeed, Li Chengfeng did not have the right to participate in a conversation like this, let alone in a place like this and in front of these people.
At his age and status, he was qualified to speak here. Moreover, he was favored by the Emperor. This was already very envied and hated by others. Now, he was talking nonsense here and pointing fingers at the big shots of the imperial court?
What a joke! Did I give you pointers on cultivation?
Do you know what it means to specialize?
Crown Prince Zhao Hanqing stared at Li Chengfeng for a while, then stepped forward and bowed. "Brother Chengfeng, if you have a solution to save us, I will thank you on behalf of the world!"
Alright, they're calling each other brothers now!
How could Zhao Liexian allow Zhao Hanqing to be the only one in the 'limelight'? He also stepped forward and bowed deeply, speaking in a respectful manner, "If worthy younger brother has a good prescription, this king is willing to set up a banquet in Tianyuan Restaurant to celebrate!"
Everyone was speechless, thinking, 'You guys sure know how to put on airs, acting as if Li Chengfeng really has a solution to save the country.'
Zhao Bairen said, "Please don't keep us guessing. Do you really have a solution?"
Li Chengfeng smiled. "Your Majesty, I do!"
Zhao Bairen asked suspiciously, "Not disturbing the people, not fighting for profits, not committing crimes?"
Li Chengfeng looked around, as if saying 'move aside, I'm going to act tough'. "I am willing to make a military pledge. If I can't solve this problem, I am willing to offer you my head!"