vrcanaries Chapter 1332 This move will inevitably lead to greater disaster (166 million reward value added)
Chapter 1332 This move will inevitably lead to greater disaster (166 million reward value added)
He grew increasingly excited as he spoke, his mind already racing with details: "What's the interest rate? What's the ideal term? Which imperial merchant would be the most reliable to lead?"
"What level of honor should be given to reward those who subscribe to large sums of money, without causing them to become arrogant?"
The emperor seemed to be talking to himself, but also seemed to be discussing with Shen Zhinian.
Shen Zhinian snuggled in his arms, listening quietly, and occasionally when Nangong Xuanyu looked at her inquiringly, she would cautiously raise one or two ideas.
"…the interest rate should not be too high, so as to avoid excessive repayment pressure on the court in the future."
"… Rong En can first be given in the form of honorary positions and honorary rewards."
Every word of her advice is to the point, never overstepping her bounds, yet always hitting the nail on the head.
Nangong Xuanyu nodded repeatedly after hearing this, and his gaze towards Shen Zhinian became increasingly hot.
He discovered that Nian Nian not only had extraordinary insights, but more importantly, she had the wisdom to know the limits.
She knew how to stimulate his thinking, but never tried to make decisions for him, always respectfully leaving the final decision to him.
This feeling of being understood, assisted, and fully respected made the emperor feel extremely soothed and comfortable.
"His Majesty……"
Seeing that Nangong Xuanyu's emotions were already high and his mind was completely immersed in the planning of the new policy, Shen Zhinian gently reminded him: "While political affairs are important, the dragon's body is the most fundamental."
"Now that we have a solution, Your Majesty should relax and enjoy the food. If you starve yourself to death, I will be the one to blame."
She showed the worry and coquettishness of a little girl at the right time, and brought the topic back from the heavy affairs of state to warm care.
Nangong Xuanyu was in a very good mood at the moment, and smiled readily, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you."
"Li Changde, serve the meal!"
"Slave, you obey!"
"Your Majesty had just had a small bowl of ginseng soup and is finally willing to eat." Li Changde responded happily and almost trotted out to give orders.
Soon, the exquisite imperial meal was brought in one after another by the palace servants.
Nangong Xuanyu's appetite was indeed great, and he ate a lot more than usual.
During the meal, he enthusiastically asked Shen Zhinian some gossip about the palace expenses and the education of the princes. The atmosphere was harmonious and warm.
Shen Zhinian accompanied the emperor to finish his meal. Although he still looked tired, he was much more energetic and his heart was slightly at ease.
She knew that the purpose of today's trip had been exceeded.
Not only did she alleviate the emperor's anxiety, but she also offered good solutions to the problem, greatly deepening the emperor's trust and reliance on her.
Seeing that it was getting late, Shen Zhinian stood up and said, "Your Majesty still has many government affairs to attend to, so I will not disturb you any longer."
"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. I will take my leave."
Nangong Xuanyu nodded and looked at her gently: "You've worked hard today, go back and have a good rest."
"Yes."
Shen Zhinian bowed and left the Yangxin Palace gracefully.
Walking out of the palace, the evening breeze blew a little cool on his face. Shen Zhinian took a deep breath, and the corners of his lips slowly curled up in a light but meaningful arc.
She took another steady step on the road to power.
And in an irreproachable manner.
Next, we will wait and see how the war IOU is implemented.
Shen Zhinian held Fuqiu's hand and walked towards the warm sedan step by step. Her back looked both gentle and full of calm strength in the afterglow of the setting sun.
……
The next day.
The atmosphere in the Hall of Mental Cultivation was completely different from the gloom of the previous few days. Although it was still solemn, there was a faint sense of eagerness to break the deadlock.
Nangong Xuanyu did not summon all the cabinet ministers in a high-profile manner, but instead summoned the Minister of Revenue, several cabinet ministers who held seals, and several young officials who had been capable and active in thinking recently, including Zhou Yuhu and Bai Mufeng.
After the emperor sat down at the imperial desk, he did not allow his ministers to guess first.
He went straight to the point and clearly laid out before everyone the idea of issuing war IOUs to raise military funds.
Nangong Xuanyu spoke in a calm tone, analyzing the issues in detail, from the urgency of the war on the border to the practical difficulties faced by the national treasury.
The many benefits of this move, such as not touching the national treasury, not increasing taxes, building a tower out of small amounts of sand, and mutually benefiting the people, were all clearly stated, even including citations of similar precedents from previous dynasties.
Everyone looked at each other and realized that His Majesty was not discussing with them whether to do it today, but had already made a decision.
This bold proposal instantly caused a storm in the hearts of several experienced and prudent elders!
The Minister of Revenue was the first to step forward, his brows knitted tightly together, his tone filled with worry: "...Your Majesty is a wise and far-sighted person. This policy can indeed solve our immediate crisis."
"However... I dare to say that this matter concerns the reputation of our country and is of no small importance!"
"Private merchants pursue profit over morality. If they don't trust the imperial court and no one buys, wouldn't that just be a disgrace to the imperial family?"
"Furthermore, how will such a huge sum of money be managed after it is raised? What is the interest rate? How long will it take? What if the court is unable to repay it in the future?"
"This move will inevitably lead to greater disaster! Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Another old official with white hair and beard also echoed tremblingly: "Your Excellency, the Minister is absolutely right!"
"Your Majesty, borrowing money from the public for military supplies is probably not the right way!"
"If future generations follow suit and become dependent on them, wouldn't that undermine the foundation of the nation?"
"Furthermore, the intentions of wealthy businessmen are unpredictable. If they use this to hold the imperial court hostage, how should we respond?"
As doubts continue to arise, the core issues are credibility, risks and consequences.
The concerns of these old ministers are not entirely unfounded, this is indeed a risky move.
Nangong Xuanyu listened quietly without getting angry, and felt that Nian Nian's thoughts were very thoughtful.
"What you, my dear ministers, are concerned about is indeed the advice of a wise and experienced state minister."
"However, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. The soldiers on the frontiers have fought bloody battles, and their lives depend on food and fodder. We cannot afford to delay even a moment."
The emperor paused for a moment before continuing, "The court's credibility depends first and foremost on my majesty."
"I will issue a decree to the world, stating that this IOU was issued specifically to fight the Xiongnu and defend our country. I will also use the royal family's reputation as a guarantee, demonstrating our determination to repay and the source of the money, to dispel some of the doubts."
"Secondly, I will establish a special office and appoint reputable large businesses to assist in managing the accounts and regularly publicize the flow of funds."
"I believe we can design IOUs of varying sizes, so that everyone from the commoner to the wealthy can subscribe, and we can build a mountain out of sand."
"For those who subscribe enthusiastically and in large amounts, in addition to the interest promised by the court, I will grant additional plaques such as 'Contributions to the Country' and 'Model of Righteous Merchants'."
"Or they may grant their children the honor of studying at the Imperial Academy or being nominated for a minor honorary position."
"This move not only commends his righteous act, but also ties his family's interests more closely with the imperial court, rather than holding them hostage."
The young emperor's thinking was clear and pragmatic. He not only responded to the concerns of his old ministers, but also put forward specific and feasible operational details.