I did it all for the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 528 Can the Great Han Dynasty be starved to death?

Jinling.

The capital of the Han Dynasty had already made many preparations before Liu Miao returned.

The once deserted markets have become bustling again. After the large number of soldiers who have received rewards and the already wealthy officials returned, their first priority was to go to the markets to spend money.

The demand for meat that Liu Miao had been longing for, clothes that his wife had been asking for, and toys and even books that his children had been clamoring for all surged instantly. The silk workshops, paper workshops, and ferry crossings in the entire Sanwu region all started operating at high speed, instantly bringing life back to the seemingly half-dead city of Jinling. It was even more prosperous than before Liu Miao left!
Many new brothels have opened in the West Market, making the entire Longzangpu (Qinhuai River) brighter than the Milky Way, and exuding a strong fragrance of rouge.

However, the largest of them was not so noisy; instead, it was somewhat solemn, set against the backdrop of some imposing warriors.

In the dimly lit round window on the third floor, there was a sandalwood and red gauze screen, with four paintings on the panels depicting plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, exuding a refined elegance.

Behind the screen, a slender maid with delicate features was riding on Liu Miao's back, massaging his back, which ached from battle, with her slender, jade-like fingers.

"Master Zhang, this is so comfortable, are you really not going to come?"

Liu Miao let out two comfortable groans and waved to Zhang Zhao beside him.

Zhang Zhao's face was ashen!

"Your Majesty said you had important business to attend to, is this what you're here for?"

"Otherwise what? Youping and the others have been waiting for this for ages! I thought they were too noisy and made Lord Zhang unhappy, so I opened another room specifically for them."

Zhang Zhao's face darkened even further: "Your Majesty!"

"Alright! Alright! I've been fighting for so long, can't I enjoy myself a bit? Look how scared you've made that girl."

Liu Miao comforted the maid who was clearly stiff on his back, then tilted his head and closed his eyes.

"Master Zhang, this battle has been going on for so long, and many people are exhausted. You should also go back and rest for a few days."

"Your Majesty, you must prioritize the affairs of the state!"

"Alright, this vast imperial court, does it really have to shut down just because I'm not here for a while? Hmm!!"

At this moment, the maid's hand pressed on Liu Miao's neck again, and the soreness from the pressure made Liu Miao groan involuntarily once more.

Zhang Zhao's beard stood on end!

"You all get out first!"

If you can't control Liu Miao, can't you at least control these maids in the brothel?
The maidservant reluctantly got off Liu Miao, and Liu Miao waved goodbye to her with equal reluctance: "Not bad! I'll order from you again next time!"

"His Majesty!"

"..."

Liu Miao turned around helplessly.

But Zhang Zhao's lesson was not over yet.

"If everyone in the world followed Your Majesty's example, what would become of the Han Dynasty?"

After pondering for a while, Liu Miao replied in a serious tone: "Then the Han Dynasty will usher in a true period of great peace and prosperity!"

"If men didn't talk about promotions and wealth, or about fighting, but only about women, and women openly talked only about men, what a prosperous era that would be!"

"..."

Having not seen Liu Miao for a long time, Zhang Zhao almost forgot that when talking to Liu Miao, one should only talk about serious matters!

Zhang Zhao ignored this topic.

"What about the reparations His Majesty extorted from Hebei?"

"Tsk! Compensation is compensation! How can you call it extortion?"

Liu Miao sat up and stretched his muscles. His muscular body, which looked as if it had been carved by a knife and axe, instantly began to writhe like a dragon. The bones hidden in his flesh also made bursts of cracking sounds, showing Liu Miao's strength.

Liu Miao casually draped a robe over his shoulders and replied, "Of course, the rewards have already been distributed to the soldiers. As for the rest, I had Zijing distribute them according to the list of the fallen... I remember there was a detailed official document submitted to the Secretariat, didn't I? Didn't Lord Zhang see it?"

"I have seen it! It is precisely because I have seen it that I have come to see Your Majesty."

Zhang Zhao was utterly disappointed in him!

"Your Majesty knows how many expenses the Han Dynasty has these days. How can money be spent so carelessly?"

"Constructing the Central Plains will cost a fortune!"

"Rebuilding Qingzhou and restoring trade will also require expenditures."

"Not to mention the recent news that there has been heavy rain in Sichuan, which necessitates reinforcing the downstream dikes... All of these things require money, so how can we spend it so easily?"

Liu Miao laughed.

"Lord Zhang, I have only ever heard of countries being destroyed by exploiting the people and forcing them into rebellion. I have never heard of a country being impoverished by giving money to the people."

"Besides, that money was for the soldiers and the martyrs. If we don't settle the debt in person this time, will they still follow me to fight in Hebei and unify the entire Han Dynasty next time?"

Zhang Zhao said, "That's also..."

"I understand what you mean. There are many places to spend money now. The soldiers' money can be delayed, postponed, or even simply not paid at all! Lord Zhang, I have also read history books. Although those historians who only write about excrement and urine don't write these things often, I can still read them." Liu Miao sat in front of Zhang Zhao.

"But this money must be paid out, and it must be paid out immediately."

"There are many places where money is needed and many difficulties for the country. It is not these soldiers who have been with me in Pengcheng for more than half a year, enduring hunger and thirst, and hugging the rough and smelly feet of the men around them that caused these problems."

and……

Liu Miao pointed out Zhang Zhao's thoughts.

"Isn't it a bit irregular that this money went directly from my hands to the soldiers' hands?"

"That's definitely against the rules!"

"I know it's against the rules, but I'm afraid that once this money goes through the central government, how much of it will flow out again will be beyond my control."

Zhang Zhao raised an eyebrow, clearly somewhat angry.

"Does Your Majesty not trust the central government? Does not trust your ministers?"

"It has nothing to do with whether you believe it or not, and Lord Zhang doesn't need to argue with me. You and I both know the nature of officials all too well. If this money passes through their hands, it's not impossible for it to be less than 10%, or even 20% or 30%. Not to mention you, the greedy pig, are here! Everything you just mentioned is a big deal. If this money really reaches the central government, even I estimate I won't be able to get it back."

Although Liu Miao's words still made Zhang Zhao frown, he was no longer truly angry.

"They won the battle; without them, we wouldn't have this money."

Zhang Zhao sneered, "Does Your Majesty mean that the common people behind the scenes have no merit?"

"Tsk! Look, Master Zhang, isn't this a matter of keeping things separate?"

Liu Miao did not want to continue arguing with Zhang Zhao about this matter.

After all, he has already sent out the money. If Zhang Zhao is so capable, why don't he go and ask for it back one by one?
"Winning this battle is itself a good thing for the people."

Liu Miao lazily served himself a cup of hot tea and leaned against the window, calling Zhang Zhao over to look at the myriad lights in front of him.

"Master Zhang, you haven't seen Jinling City this lively in a while, have you?"

"I heard from Zigang that you've been working tirelessly day and night in the Ministry of Personnel, processing official documents. While that certainly shows diligence, I think there are some things you can't see from inside that towering Ministry of Personnel! From now on, Zhang Gong, you'd better develop the habit of visiting brothels as soon as possible!"

Zhang Zhao, who had been somewhat moved by the first half of the speech, immediately turned his head away in displeasure when he heard Liu Miao's true intentions revealed later, indicating that he would not listen to Liu Miao's nonsense!
"The money has already been given out! Even if you skin me alive now, it won't do you any good!"

Liu Miao chuckled and shoved the teacup in front of Zhang Zhao's mouth. Zhang Zhao reluctantly drank the tea.

"Very well! Since Lord Zhang has drunk this tea, let's put this matter behind us!"

"..."

For a fleeting moment, Zhang Zhao wanted to spit out the tea he hadn't yet swallowed...

Liu Miao placed the teacup on the windowsill.

"As for other matters... I have seen them all. Lord Zhang, Zigang, and Yuantan, you have all done a good job. To be honest, how could I possibly know more about political affairs than you? Since you have all discussed it and there are no problems, then proceed accordingly."

Zhang Zhao swallowed the tea in his mouth: "And what about His Majesty?"

"Me? Of course, I'm busy ensuring the continuation of the Han dynasty's lineage!"

"His Majesty!"

Liu Miao waved his hand.

"Why is Zhang Gong so much more irritable since you came back this time? How about I give you a few more days off so you can go back and rest for a while, and also get your son and the Zhuge family's daughter's marriage arranged, so that nothing goes wrong."

Liu Miao reminded Zhang Zhao: "I have taught him a lot of things, so don't accidentally take advantage of someone's daughter! If Ziyu gets angry, I won't be biased and will help your Zhang family."

Zhang Zhao's vision went black!
One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black!

My son has been with Liu Miao for so long, he's probably been corrupted by Liu Miao long ago!
Zhang Zhao suddenly felt a pang of regret, regretting letting Zhang Cheng go on the expedition with Liu Miao. At the same time, he wondered if he should take advantage of his still relatively good health and have another normal child to continue the family line...

"and,"

Liu Miao said seriously, "Right now, everything needs to be rebuilt. If we don't cause the people unnecessary trouble, don't they know how to grow food and weave clothes?"

“Lord Zhang, I have never believed that the world belongs to me alone. Similarly, Lord Zhang should not think that the Han court belongs to you. Sometimes, the busier you are, the more chaotic things become, and the more chaotic things become, the busier you are. This is not a good thing.”

Upon hearing Liu Miao's words, Zhang Zhao was deeply shocked!
The phrase "believing that the Han Dynasty belongs to Zhang Zhao" in particular made Zhang Zhao eager to speak out.

"I have no other meaning than to tell Lord Zhang that the prosperity of the Former Han Dynasty was not only due to the presence of virtuous ministers like Xiao He, but also to the presence of capable men like Cao Can."

Avoiding unnecessary trouble is better than any kind of unnecessary trouble.

Although Zhang Zhao always suspected that Liu Miao was slacking off, he eventually sighed softly, which could be considered as tacit approval.

"But there are some things that ultimately require His Majesty's intervention."

Liu Miao's face immediately fell: "What is it?"

"Shi Xie, Gongsun Du, as well as the barbarian kings of the southwest and Jingnan, the leaders of the Yue tribes in southern Kuaiji, and many small kingdoms in the south, have all sent envoys to Jinling to request an audience with Your Majesty."

(End of this chapter)