What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 238 This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Su Mo!

Princess Baicheng watched Su Mo's explanation with a cold face.

She wanted to see what kind of rhetoric Su Mo could come up with to make her think that his unscrupulous business practices were actually justified.

He was a Grand General who had fought countless battles and whose men had lost thousands of lives.

Princess Baicheng considered herself to be of iron and stone, cold-blooded and ruthless. Once she made up her mind about something, she was almost impossible to be swayed by external things.

Su Mo looked at Princess Baicheng and said with a wry smile, "Princess Baicheng, please don't think that the 200,000 taels of military funds I receive per year is too little."

"If money were so easy to make, wouldn't you, Grand General, not need me to run the wool trade?

Princess Baicheng had prepared a set of arguments to rebuke Su Mo.

As a result of Su Mo's words, he was instantly speechless.

Money is definitely not easy to earn.

When Su Mo said he would give her 100,000 yuan in military expenses a year, she was so excited that she blurted out "Great!"

If the Empress hadn't intervened, she would have already reached an agreement with Su Mo.

However, after hearing Su Mo say that they could make a profit of 1.5 million taels of silver, they suddenly felt that the 200,000 taels of military expenses were not so appealing anymore!
Princess Baicheng remained silent for a moment, then finally snorted coldly: "But you can profit 1.5 million taels from this!"

Su Mo said calmly, "This is based on the Princess's full support for me!"

"The more money I earn, the greater the pressure I face from powerful aristocratic families!"

His expression grew increasingly serious: "This humble official was unaware of the extent of the Princess's support, how dare I make such a boast!"

"The army is a matter of great importance to the nation. If we fail to do so, it will not only cause minor troubles for me, but also serious consequences for the court. Who can bear the responsibility for that?"

Princess Baicheng...

That makes sense.

For example, last year, one of her generals confidently claimed that he could lead a thousand soldiers to deal with a certain group of Northern Di cavalry.

The result was a crushing defeat and a retreat, which put the entire battle on the defensive. Although they still managed to repel the Northern Di army, the Wu army suffered thousands of casualties!
Princess Baicheng hated those who only knew how to talk big.

Seeing that Princess Baicheng remained silent, Su Mo continued, "The most crucial aspect of the wool clothing business lies in spinning efficiency."

"I do have an idea in mind, but I don't know if it's feasible. If it is, then the profit of 1.5 million taels of silver can be realized."

"If it doesn't work, even 300,000 taels won't be enough."

"How could I, your humble servant, dare to boast that I will provide the new army with more than 200,000 taels of silver in military expenses annually?"

Princess Baicheng remained silent for a long time before finally bowing to Su Mo with a serious expression: "This general was wrong! I apologize to County Magistrate Su!"

"I hope that Magistrate Su can find a way to solve the problem of wool spinning. We should do as much wool trading as we can, and I will take care of everything else!"

He paused, then continued, "If Su Xianzi can guarantee 200,000 taels of military funds per year, those powerful and aristocratic families who dare to use underhanded means to make things difficult for Su Xianzi will be taught a lesson by this general!"

Su Mo was taken aback upon hearing this.

Unexpectedly, Princess Baicheng would so readily admit that she was wrong.

A great general is indeed a great general!

Such spirit is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people!

However, judging from Princess Baicheng's meticulous and upright sitting posture, it can be seen that she is a person who pays great attention to rules and regulations, and she will definitely keep her promises.

Su Mo likes dealing with people who are principled and follow rules.

The Empress watched Princess Baicheng and Su Mo with a smile but remained silent.

Upon hearing Princess Baicheng apologize, the Empress smiled gently and said, "General Leng, you can rest assured."

“Young Master Su dares to speak so boldly about solving the spinning problem; he must already have a strategy in mind, and it’s highly likely to be successful.”

She glanced at Su Mo with her pretty eyes, and seeing his gloomy expression, she smiled and said, "General Leng only needs to focus on training the troops; leave the money matters to Young Master Su."

"I hope that the General and Su Langjun will cooperate sincerely and work together to build a good new army, so as not to fail His Majesty's high expectations."

Princess Baicheng immediately stood up, cupped her hands towards the Ziwei Palace, and solemnly said, "This humble general will dedicate himself to military affairs, eliminate the northern barbarians, and live up to Your Majesty's trust!"

Su Mo saw Princess Baicheng's posture.

Feeling helpless.

He could only follow suit and stand up, bowing towards the Ziwei Palace: "Your subject is just like the princess."

Leng Liuxi rolled her eyes at Su Mo and said quietly, "Couldn't you be a little more serious and say a few more words, my lord?"

Su Mo adopted a solemn expression and said in a deep voice, "Your subject will certainly manage the wool business diligently, sending more than 200,000 taels of silver to the new army every year. I will do my utmost to help the princess build the new army, so that the princess will have no worries. In the future, I will also serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly, devoting myself to the cause until my dying breath. Even if it means sacrificing my life, I will not hesitate..."

Princess Baicheng...

Empress...

Su Mo wasn't finished yet; he actually started composing a poem on the spot: "I am neither elated by external gains nor saddened by personal losses. When I am in a high position at court, I worry about the people; when I am far from the court, I worry about the ruler. Whether I advance or retreat, I am worried."

"If you ask me when I will find joy, I will surely answer that I should be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures!"

Empress Fan's forehead is black with envy!

Princess Baicheng stared at Su Mo in disbelief.

Who would have thought that this Jinyiwei commander, who exuded the air of a merchant, could speak eloquently and with such exquisite phrases!

She stared at Su Mo in shock: "What a wonderful saying, 'Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures!'"

"What a wonderful saying! When one is in a high position at court, one should worry about the people; when one is far from the court, one should worry about the ruler!"

"This general is no match for Su Xianzi!"

The Empress interrupted Princess Baicheng, both amused and exasperated: "General Leng, don't be fooled by him again!"

"Hmph! He's just showing off his talent!"

"Su Langjun once wrote a masterpiece: 'An old man, in a moment of youthful exuberance, leads a yellow dog on the left and a falcon on the right, wearing a brocade hat and sable coat, with a thousand horsemen sweeping across the plains. To repay the city's support for the governor, I personally shoot a tiger, like Sun Quan. Even in my cups, my heart is still open and bold, though my temples are slightly frosted.'"

The Empress rolled her eyes at Su Mo, annoyed: "Where does he look old to you?"

"When will you personally shoot a tiger again, when your temples are already streaked with gray? Where is the tiger? And who is Sun Lang now?"

Princess Baicheng stared at Su Mo in disbelief...

Even with his thick skin, Su Mo couldn't help but blush slightly, and said awkwardly to Princess Baicheng, "It's just a figment of my imagination! A figment of my imagination! I'm so sorry for making you laugh, Princess!"

"But I am truly willing to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty, even unto death!"

"My loyalty to His Majesty is as clear as the sun and moon, and heaven and earth can bear witness!"

The Empress could no longer bear to listen: "Enough! I believe in my husband's loyalty to Your Majesty, don't you think?"

Then she turned to Princess Baicheng: "Young Master Su is very learned, but also very cunning. In any case, General Leng should be careful and not be deceived!"

Su Mo glared at the Empress, annoyed: "If Lord Leng continues to tarnish my reputation, I will report you for defamation before His Majesty!"

He paused, then turned to Princess Baicheng: "Princess, you saw it too! Lord Leng is slandering me!"

"Although I am afraid of death, I have always treated people with sincerity, and I have never failed to do what I promised!"

Princess Baicheng...

Replying to Su Mo is not an option, nor is not replying.

He simply fell silent, but in his heart he thought, "If you, the ruler and his ministers, want to flirt, could you wait until I'm gone?"
This is so embarrassing for me, Your Majesty, do you know that?
The Empress chuckled lightly: "What Young Master Su said is quite right."

“I have never failed to do what my lord has promised.”

Su Mo snorted heavily: "Lord Leng invited me to the banquet, but my stomach is empty and I'm only filled with resentment!"

"If you don't serve food soon, don't blame me for turning against you, sir!" The Empress habitually rolled her eyes at Su Mo: "Does my lord think I'll let him go back on an empty stomach?"

As she spoke, she gently patted the table with her delicate hand.

Not long after, An Wu led a dozen or so palace maids and eunuchs, carrying lunch boxes, into the hall.

Su Mo stared blankly at the food box carried by the palace maid, and saw a line of poetry engraved on the food box: "The Jade Capital in the heavens, with twelve towers and five cities."

What left Su Mo speechless was...

One of the palace maids was holding an exquisite wine jar with a large character "Chen" on it!

"Lord Leng, why does this food box look so familiar?"

Leng Liuxi blinked: "Of course you look familiar, my lord!"

"This is takeout from the Baiyujing Restaurant, owned by the young master."

After a pause, the Empress added, "It was made by the beautiful maid and cook in my husband's household."

Su Mo was completely speechless.

I thought that attending the banquet in the palace would allow me to eat the legendary imperial cuisine and broaden my horizons.

It turned out to be takeout from their own restaurant!
If the Empress continues like this, she'll have no friends left!
Before Su Mo could complain, the Empress suddenly reminded her, "The takeout money is on the tab. When you get back, my lord, please remember to pay the bill for me. It's a total of one hundred and thirty-seven taels of silver."

"Hmm... the meals prepared by your beautiful maid are really expensive!"

Su Mo's teeth were itchy, and she had a strong urge to hit someone!

Princess Baicheng's pretty face was now punctuated with a string of ellipses.

If the Empress and this Su Xianzi had no affair, Princess Baicheng would dare to take her own head and put it on a plate!
But Princess Baicheng quickly put that idea out of her mind.

Because Baiyujing's takeout is so delicious and spicy!
No wonder it costs over a hundred taels of silver!
Although Princess Baicheng spent many years fighting in the northern frontier, she grew up in luxury.

Princess Baicheng had visited the first floor many times that day.

But she swears she's never eaten such a delicious meal in her life!
Su Mo gritted her teeth and began to eat heartily, as if she wanted to eat all the money back into her stomach.

The Empress, on the other hand, was much more refined.

With delicate hands holding jade chopsticks, she gently picked up meat and vegetables and put them into her mouth.

Strangely, Su Mo discovered that his wolfing down of food was no match for the Empress's effortless chopping of food!
It's as if the Empress possesses the supernatural power to stop time!
Princess Baicheng had eaten royal feasts before, but this was the first time she had ever tasted something this delicious.

The Empress, who is usually stingy, actually didn't skimp this time.

In the past, when palace banquets were held, the officials would not even have enough to eat themselves, let alone take the leftovers home to their wives and children for a treat.

There were more than a dozen dishes this time, and the portions were generous. Presumably because the Empress didn't have to pay, Princess Baicheng ate until she was about 70-80% full, and there was still more than half of the food left!
She couldn't help but look at Su Mo.

Such delicious food is actually from Su Shanzi's business; no wonder he can make a fortune every day.

Even if the wool trade fails, Baiyujing can probably provide a lot of military funds to the new army. No wonder the Empress said that the expenses of the new army would fall on Su Mo's shoulders!

Princess Baicheng had mixed feelings.

He casually picked up the wine poured for him by the palace maid; it was clear as water, but the strong smell of alcohol hit him.

Princess Baicheng raised her head and drank it all in one gulp.

Then he blurted out, "Good wine! Strong wine!"

Su Mo stared blankly at Princess Baicheng.

He downed a pound of baijiu in one gulp without even changing his expression.
Is his alcohol tolerance even better than Old Wang's and his cheap father-in-law's?

The Empress put down her chopsticks and casually said with a smile, "This wine was also brewed using Su Langjun's secret method!"

Princess Baicheng...

I haven't been back to the capital for too long, so why does it seem like the capital has suddenly changed?
Many things are related to this Su Shanzi?

Princess Baicheng grew increasingly curious about Su Mo. Then, her pretty face turned serious, and she said in a deep voice, "Although this wine is not very mellow, it is strong. If it is transported to the Northern Frontier, the nobles of the Northern Di will definitely pay a high price to buy it!"

"We will surely gain a great profit from this, which will be used to train a new army for the imperial court!"

The Empress waved her hand: "This wine is now banned from sale. It was only because General Leng returned that I had Bai Yujing send over a jar."

Upon hearing this, Su Mo was somewhat taken aback: "It's banned from sale?"

Princess Baicheng frowned slightly.

Although brewing wine consumes grain, if it can be sold to the Northern Di, it can not only corrupt the Northern Di's high-ranking officials, but also seize a large amount of money, thereby enhancing the power of the Great Wu Kingdom.

Why does Your Majesty want to ban its sale?
Seeing the suspicious look on Princess Baicheng's face, the Empress knew what she was thinking, so she explained, "Young Master Su has a secret method to extract the essence from the liquor, which is the essence of the liquor!"

"This alcohol can ward off evil spirits and poisons, and can prevent wounds from weapons from being infected with vile diseases..."

Before she could finish speaking, Princess Baicheng stood up abruptly, looking at the Empress in utter shock: "Your Majesty... is what you say true?"

The Empress said calmly, "I would never deceive the General."

"I have already tested the alcohol content on death row inmates."

"Of the forty condemned prisoners, those wounded by iron tools contaminated with dirt and rust, half were treated with alcohol to clean and detoxify their wounds, while the other half were treated without alcohol!"

"Those who do not use alcohol, reduce twenty by eighteen; those who use alcohol, reduce twenty by three!"

Princess Baicheng gasped.

Su Mo also looked at the Empress in shock.

In his memory, although the Empress liked to take advantage of him, she was gentle and kind-hearted despite her sharp tongue.

Previously, he was almost drained of his magic power by Lord Qianhu, which damaged his foundation. The Empress secretly gave him a Great Heaven-Repairing Pill.

At this moment, Su Mo finally realized that the Empress was only behaving gently in front of him.

But in front of others, he was absolutely ruthless and decisive, inspiring awe and fear in everyone—the Great Wu Emperor!

Forty lives, even though they were death row inmates, but judging from the Empress's nonchalant tone, human lives were no more valuable than weeds in her eyes!

If it weren't for the forty death row inmates, Su Mo had no doubt that the Empress would have chosen others to test the alcohol without hesitation in order to verify its effects!
Su Mo had beads of sweat on the back of her neck.

Indeed, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger!
He tried to kill himself many times but failed, which can only mean that the Empress treated him very specially, not that the Empress was kind to him!
Princess Baicheng certainly didn't care whether the experiments conducted on the death row inmate were humane.

She stared intently at the Empress, disregarding the impoliteness of her actions, and said in a deep voice, "Such a miraculous medicine, Lord Leng, may I inform Her Majesty that it may be supplied to the army?"

She took a deep breath, a murderous glint appearing in her eyes: "The 100,000-strong army in the Northern Frontier fights against the Northern Barbarians every year, and no fewer than 5,000 soldiers die in battle each year!"

"Of these, less than thirteen died on the battlefield; the rest succumbed to illnesses caused by wounds from swords, spears, and arrows. If we had this miraculous medicine, it would greatly reduce the mortality rate of our soldiers!"

The Empress nodded and said calmly, "The imperial court has already refined several thousand catties of alcohol, and will send people to the northern frontier after the New Year!"

"in addition……"

The Empress glanced at Su Mo lightly: "Young Master Su has also presented a secret recipe for preventing frostbite, which will prevent the soldiers on the border from suffering from frostbite. It will also be sent to the army in the northern frontier."

Princess Baicheng couldn't help but look at Su Mo in shock again.

It can earn money to provide military pay, has secret formulas to treat wounded soldiers, and can even develop national treasures like the Divine Arm Bow and the Eight-Ox Crossbow.

Not to mention, Su Mo seems to have other extraordinary abilities!
Nevertheless, the glimpse of Su Mo's true nature had already shocked Princess Baicheng immensely.

Having this one person is worth more than a million soldiers of the imperial court!
She finally understood why His Majesty indulged Su Mo so recklessly.

He found such a capable person among his subordinates.

Let alone spoiling him.

He wanted the hide of the Fire Bear King of the North, the fangs of the Six-Winged Golden Centipede of the South, the Azure Roc Feather from the summit of Kunwu Mountain in the Western Regions, or the tendons of the Giant Kun, the Demon King of the East Sea!
I will do everything I can to get it for him!
　I haven't asked for monthly votes for a month, my godfathers...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)