Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

The speaker was Wang Wenxiang, the Minister of Revenue.

Those who were returned along with Chen Yuan.

The last time he went to Huaiyuan, he was a coward who made excuses because he had never led troops before.

He walked into the hall.

"The imperial court has just experienced a major war, and the national treasury is empty. Now the Iron Fist Corps is growing in size, and the amount of food and military pay is astronomical."

"Holding a lantern festival at this time is extravagant and wasteful, hardly the act of a wise ruler! Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

Chen Shao was not angry; instead, he nodded in deep agreement.

He slowly walked down to Wang Wenxiang's side and patted him on the shoulder.

"Minister Wang's words are truly wise and insightful for governing the country."

Wang Wenxiang was delighted. "Your Majesty, this old minister is only concerned about the affairs of the country and the people's livelihood."

"good!"

Chen Shao clapped his hands in praise:

"What a concern for the country and its people! Holding a lantern festival will indeed cost a lot of money, so... Lord Wang."

"Your old minister is here."

"I have decided to confiscate your property first, and use the money to hold a lantern festival, so that the national treasury will not be touched."

"If you take from the government and use it for the people, the whole world will be grateful to you."

Zhou Wenli's smile froze instantly, and his legs went weak, causing him to kneel on the ground.

He grabbed Chen Shao's dragon robe by the hem and shouted hoarsely:

"Your Majesty! I am utterly loyal! I only have the sincere intention of serving the court; I am innocent."

"Get up, get up. I know you are innocent."

"What's there to be nervous about? It's just a house raid, not an execution of the entire family."

Chen Shao personally helped him up.

"As the Minister of Revenue, you should be the first to have your assets confiscated when the country is short of money."

"Don't worry, when the event is held, I will write that you sponsored it, and your name will be remembered for generations to come."

Chen Shao waved his hand.

Bai Bingbing immediately stepped forward, grabbed Wang Wenxiang who was slumped on the ground, and dragged him out.

"Your Majesty, I am innocent!!!"

"I know you are innocent, please bear with it for now."

The cries for justice grew fainter and fainter.

The heartbeat in the imperial court grew louder and louder.

The officials couldn't help but look at Han Cao, who was at the head of the line.

But the other person gently shook their head.

They all lowered their heads, not daring to say another word.

His Majesty went completely mad when he first assumed power.

The Minister of Revenue, too lazy to even fabricate a charge, simply had him executed...

Wang Wenxiang was promoted by Han Cao, and everyone knows what he was after.

Of course, there's another reason: Wang Wenxiang is indeed too fat.

"Effective immediately, Shen Qingci will assume the position of Minister of Revenue. Who approves? Who opposes?"

Chen Shao coldly looked at everyone.

"The court is encouraging open discussion; if anyone has other candidates, please feel free to recommend one or two."

No one answered.

This made Chen Shao, who was looking for another opportunity to raid another property, feel rather bored.

He waved his hand, and Eunuch Wei immediately cried out in a shrill voice:

"If you have something to say, speak up now; otherwise, dismiss the court."

Han Cao finally straightened his clothes and stepped forward.

"I have something to report."

"Your Majesty has been on the throne for over a month. Now that the world is initially at peace and the Northern Barbarians have temporarily retreated, it is the perfect time to reorganize the court and stabilize the people's hearts."

"This old minister dares to speak, Your Majesty was unmarried when you were still a prince. Now that you have ascended the throne, the harem is empty. This is not in accordance with the law and is inauspicious for the country."

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that Your Majesty hold a grand selection of ladies from virtuous families to fill the imperial harem, and establish empresses and consorts as soon as possible to reassure the people."

Chen Shao's first reaction was that this old fox was up to something again.

Does he have other daughters with exceptional skills?

But in any case, this is a good thing.

"Granted."

"This matter will be handled jointly by the Ministry of Rites and Chancellor Han, and a selection of candidates will be held on a chosen day."

......

After the court session ended, Chen Shao strode towards the imperial study.

Bai Bingbing and Shen Qingci followed behind, one on each side.

One is a tall, aloof, mature woman; the other is a voluptuous goddess with upturned eyebrows.

It's very pleasing to the eye.

Shen Qingci, who had been holding back his words throughout the entire court assembly, finally couldn't hold them back any longer.

"Your Majesty, why hold the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival? Although Wang Wenxiang's intentions are not good, what he said makes some sense."

"The national treasury is indeed not rich right now. The Iron Fist Regiment needs to be supported, the Enke event needs to be held, and Huaiyuan Prefecture is still under reconstruction. Holding a lantern festival at this time is indeed a bit extravagant."

"I was just thinking of giving you some face in court, now you can speak, right?"

Chen Shao turned around, looked her up and down, and his face showed an expression of discovering a new continent:

"Mr. Shen, I always thought you were a sharp-tongued woman who feared nothing, but I never expected you to give me face in court. Your sharp tongue isn't as scary as I thought."

Bai Bingbing coldly chimed in from the side:

"Her tongue is indeed formidable."

Shen Qingci flew into a rage:

"Shut up!"

Chen Shao was shocked and looked the two men up and down.

He asked suspiciously:

Which one is more powerful?

Shen Qingci's ears burned from his gaze, and in a fit of embarrassment and anger, she slapped him on the shoulder:

"What are you asking! Get to the point!"

Chen Shao then composed himself.

"The Great Yan Dynasty has been under a lot of pressure lately."

"The emperor was captured, treated with the honor of leading a sheep, and the city gates were being stormed. The national pride was almost crushed to pieces."

"I need a lantern festival to let them know that the moon is always brighter in their hometown!"

"This is to give them something to look forward to."

"Besides, Mr. Wang is paying for everything, so why not?"

Shen Qingci stared at him for a long time and felt that Chen Shao's words made sense.

But out of consideration for his reputation, he was, after all, his teacher.

He hummed softly.

"It's good that you have roots."

"I'm going back to the academy to prepare for the literary gathering. Your reputation will need my foul mouth to cleanse it up for you!"

After saying that, he glared at Bai Bingbing again before turning and leaving.

Chen Shao and Bai Bingbing watched her figure disappear down the corridor.

Bai Bingbing just pursed her lips:

"This woman is sick."

"He's sick."

"It's not the kind of disease you're thinking of."

"What kind of illness is that?"

Bai Bingbing, the woman with the cold face, suddenly broke into a smile.

The entire sky seemed to have lost its color.

"Her illness can drive you mad; if Your Majesty could cure her..."

"Tsk tsk, this woman calls you 'Dad' every day and you're happy to accept it."

"You can even put reins on her and command her as you please."

"What?!"

If that's what you're saying, then I'll have to go and consult a doctor.

"Your Majesty will know when the time comes."

When Chen Shao asked again what the illness was, Bai Bingbing shook her head and remained silent.

Out of boredom, he suddenly asked, almost as if possessed:

"By the way, what case were you working on?"

"You used to be the top constable of the Six Doors, and you still can't solve this?"