Then, His Majesty summoned the Board of Revenue Minister and asked, "How much gold and silver is left in the national treasury?"
The Board of Revenue Minister paled upon hearing the question. "About … less than twenty million taels of silver."
In terms of daily expenses, the national treasury still had twenty million taels of silver in reserve. It could last for at least a year and was not considered a small amount. However, it was not enough now!
Not even a fraction!
There were more than a million loyal souls, how much was a hundred taels of silver for each person? Moreover, how could a hundred taels of silver be enough for each person?
"Not enough! Far from enough! "
His Majesty murmured and asked, "How much silver do we have on hand? I want an exact figure. "
"Less than five million taels!"
The Board of Revenue Minister answered swiftly this time. He was a little confused about the emperor's intention in asking such a question. Even if the emperor wanted to reward the army, it could not just be cash. Besides, this amount of money was not enough at all. It was not even enough for the army's pay, not to mention the pension and other expenses. It was, at most, a drop in the bucket.
"Five million taels … this is enough to fulfill one of my ideas." His Majesty frowned and massaged the space between his brows as he said slowly, "Send my order to the Board of Works. Have them work through the night to cast … three million silver coins."
"Huh?"
The Board of Revenue Minister lifted his head, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets.
What are you trying to do?
We don't have enough money to begin with. We're already struggling to make ends meet with this amount of money, yet you want us to cast silver coins?
Moreover, what was the use of silver coins?
Our nation's expenditure has never been in the form of gold and silver coins.
Are you trying to promote the new currency system?
But we've never been prepared for this before. The implications are too great; it's not something that can be sorted out in a short time.
Seeing the Minister of Revenue's puzzled expression, the Emperor explained, "This batch of silver coins is not for circulation. On the front side of the silver coins, there are eight words engraved: 'Loyal Souls Never Fade, Noble Spirit Lives Forever'. Hmm, under those eight words, there should also be a jade seal. On the back is Yutang's national flag. This is the basic model. "
"Then, engrave the name of a fallen soldier on each of the silver coins. Make sure that every single one of them has died!"
His Majesty said sadly, "I want all the orphans of the fallen soldiers. In addition to the military medals, the pension they deserve, and the posthumous rewards … I also want a silver coin for loyal souls. Every family will have to follow the instructions. "
The Minister of Revenue gradually understood the Emperor's intentions. In a low voice, he replied, "Yes."
"This Loyal Soul Silver Coin cannot be used for spending. It is strictly forbidden to be traded. However, those who hold this coin will receive half of the tuition for their children's education. If there is a problem, they will be given priority. If they are bullied or humiliated, they will be given priority to see their parents."
"Your Majesty, this official knows that Your Majesty sympathizes with the orphans of the fallen soldiers, but the distribution of these silver coins is a huge matter. There are too many implications. Let's just say that silver coins are easily obtainable and easy to cast. If such a large amount of silver coins are distributed, it will be hard to avoid the situation where one can't distinguish the real from the fake. Moreover, these silver coins are extremely effective. If someone were to use them illegally … it will be a huge problem," the Minister of Revenue said after a moment of contemplation.
His Majesty said faintly, "If this was an easy matter, I would have issued the edict directly. Why would I need to discuss it with you? I only have one request – they cannot be used illegally."
The Board of Revenue Minister was dumbfounded. 'Cannot be used illegally? This was already a huge problem, okay? What can I do? Aren't you making things difficult for me? '
"You may leave." His Majesty said, "Think about it. Think about how to operate it. It cannot be used illegally. It cannot be … it cannot be …"
"You may leave. Let me know when you have thought it through."
The Board of Revenue's Minister of Revenue retreated with a long face.
He thought to himself, 'Looks like I'll have to spend the night discussing how to avoid these troubles … What a tough life I have!'
As the Minister of Revenue of this poor country, he had to tighten his belt every single day, wishing he could split a copper coin into eight petals. In this position, he had to ask for money everywhere he went. Who knew how many people he had offended …
Every time there was a court report, the one who was accused the most was me.
I have it easy! I have extra work today, and it has to be such a headache! It's killing me!
…
The Board of Revenue Minister left.
"Is Marquis Yun still around?" His Majesty asked.
"Your Majesty, Marquis Yun has been waiting in the side hall for a long time."
"Let him in," said His Majesty.
As they spoke, the eunuchs had already filled the royal study with piles of books. Behind them, there was still an endless stream of people carrying books that looked like a small mountain.
Under normal circumstances, the Emperor's study was strictly forbidden for too many people to enter or leave. Even if there was an edict from the Emperor, it had to wait for the Emperor to leave before it could be carried out. After all, too many people entering and leaving would cause potential danger. However, the number of books that the Emperor wanted this time was not small. Among them were many ancient books from the previous dynasty … It was not a small number. Roughly estimating, it would probably fill up two of the Emperor's study rooms.
Because of this, the head of the eunuchs reported it immediately. Everyone knew that His Majesty placed great importance on this information search and did not dare to slack off.
"Put some in first. When the search is done and we're sure that there are no omissions, move the rest in," His Majesty ordered.
Before his words echoed in the air, Marquis Yun walked in hurriedly.
"What is this?" Marquis Yun could not help being shocked when he saw the room full of books.
Although the royal study was called a study, there were indeed quite a number of books in it. However, its main purpose was for the emperor to handle political affairs and read memorials. It was rare for there to be so many books.
"Let's not talk about this first." His Majesty's eyes were fixed on Marquis Yun. "How is the matter that I asked you to investigate previously? What's the result? "
Marquis Yun rolled his eyes and sat down on the armchair, saying unhurriedly, "Bring me a cup of tea first."
In the entire Empire of Yutang, including the three most renowned rogues of the capital city, Qiu Jianhan, Leng Daoyin, and Fang Qingtian, there was no one who dared to be so presumptuous in front of Emperor Yutang, Yu Peize. However, Marquis of Heavenly Clouds, Yun Xiaoyao, dared!
Faced with His Majesty's inquiry, he had asked for tea and water!
The emperor closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Servants, serve the tea!"
"Serve your Imperial Snow Sprout!" Marquis Yun said, "I like the taste!"
His Majesty closed his eyes again and breathed in deeply. "Serve it! Serve the Snow Sprout Tribute Tea! "
The tea was served.
Delighted, Marquis Yun extended his hand to take it.
"Wait!" His Majesty stopped him. "Let's talk about business first. You can drink the tea after that. It doesn't matter how much you drink, but before the matter is finished, there's no hurry to drink the tea!"
Marquis Yun closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly.
His Majesty looked at him from the corner of his eyes. Do you think I can't subdue you?
Obviously, Marquis Yun's weakness was his addiction to tea, a weakness that could be dealt with!
"Which matter? The war? "Marquis Yun finally decided to give in.
There was no need to be so serious about some things, especially when it was the ruler of an empire. If he gave in, then so be it. Could he really be the one who was superior to him?
"I mean … I asked you to investigate …" His Majesty lowered his voice and whispered into Marquis Yun's ear, "Is your precious son Yun Yang … Supreme Cloud's matter?"
Marquis Yun inhaled deeply again and exhaled slowly, his Qi and meridians stretched out.
"Have you found any clues?" His Majesty asked.
Marquis Yun sighed deeply. "I'm dying of thirst!"
"Guards!" The veins on His Majesty's forehead throbbed. "Arrest this person who dares to look down on the king and deceive …"
"Forget it!" Marquis Yun waved his hand and said with a chuckle, "Let me tell you clearly. With my current cultivation base and ability, the people under you can't stop me from doing anything. Do you understand? I mean anything!"
His Majesty almost choked on his breath. His eyes were wide as he pointed at a certain someone. "Good lad, you've grown up. You dare to challenge your elder brother now? But didn't you already have this ability a long time ago? Tell me, what do you want to do? Tell me, tell me! "
Looking at the emperor who was like a different person, Marquis Yun was a little dumbfounded. He raised his hand and said, "I'll speak, I'll speak."
"Speak! What nonsense are you spouting? "
"Actually, I'm just spouting nonsense. I didn't find anything." Marquis Yun shrugged readily. "I didn't."
His Majesty was dizzy and furious. With a wave of his hand, the cup of tea that he had just poured for Marquis Yun fell to the ground with a loud thud, shattering into pieces!
'You didn't find anything? What are you keeping me in suspense for? Is this your f * cking business?
If you're so cocky, why don't you go to heaven? '
Marquis Yun sighed. With a wave of his hand, the teapot that was placed far away flew over and poured a cup of tea in an orderly manner. He said softly, "I'll be honest with you. It's not that I didn't want you to investigate, but I really didn't find anything … Actually, I still don't understand. Why do you have to find out who Supreme Cloud is? Isn't it enough to know that he's harmless to you? "
His Majesty sat on the throne angrily, his eyes glaring at Marquis Yun's face like lightning.
"Is it really that important who is the Nine Supremes and who is Supreme Cloud?" Marquis Yun said softly, "No matter who he is, he's Yutang's loyal supporter!"
"Even if you found out, what can you do?"
"Supreme Cloud has been concealing his identity since the beginning, not wanting anyone to know his true self. Don't you know why?"
Marquis Yun asked, as if he was asking the emperor but also as if he was talking to himself. "He's the only survivor among the Nine Supremes. If he wants revenge, he must first be safe. Only with safety first can he talk about the future. On the other hand, as long as Supreme Cloud's identity isn't revealed, it's one more day of intimidation to the whole Tianxuan Continent! The unique intimidation that belongs to the Nine Supremes! "
"However, if Supreme Cloud's identity is revealed one day and his identity and background are dug out, how long do you think the legend of Yutang's Nine Supremes can last?"
"Once others find out about his identity, he'll probably die a violent death in less than three days!"
"By then, the Nine Supremes will really become a legend!"
Marquis Yun said, "So, stop investigating!"
His Majesty's gaze slowly turned gentle and helpless as he said, "How can I not understand this? In the past, I wouldn't have investigated so deliberately. However, the situation has changed now. "
"You should know that the leader of the Nine Supremes, Supreme Earth, is my eldest prince … He has left behind his bloodline by chance. It was Supreme Cloud who informed me about this back then … "
His Majesty closed his eyes helplessly. "Do you know … this also means that this Supreme Cloud can now control the imperial power and even the heir to the throne. If I were to pass the throne to that child in the end, this Supreme Cloud would be the regent …"
"I … don't want to investigate, but … I have to."
His Majesty sighed.
This was the helplessness of an emperor. The mind of an emperor was always unpredictable, especially when someone or something was beyond the control of the imperial power!
Marquis Yun snorted. "If that's the case, then all the more we can't investigate. Do you think what I said just now, that you can't stop me from doing anything with the capability you possess, is a joke? Unfortunately, this is the truth and the reality. I'm already like this, let alone Supreme Cloud!"
His Majesty was speechless.
Marquis Yun looked askance at him and said unabashedly, "Look at these sons you've given birth to. What are they? Other than fighting for power, they're selfish and vicious. Each of them is like a quail to the outside world but a venomous snake to the inside. Is there even one of them decent enough? I say … "
His Majesty lifted his head helplessly. "What?"
The corners of Marquis Yun's lips twitched. "Sometimes, I really wonder if you've been cuckolded … Other than the eldest, the others don't resemble you at all. No, it should be that they don't resemble our family at all …"
Before he could finish his sarcasm, the furious emperor had already smacked a book on his head. "Bastard!"
Marquis Yun knew that he had misspoken. With a cough, he wiped away the crumbs on his face and sat upright as if nothing had happened. "I was joking just now. I'm really joking now."
His Majesty was trembling with rage. "Who asked you to joke?"
A few more books were smashed on Marquis Yun's head. His Majesty was enraged. "What I'm angry about now is why my father was so indiscreet back then, going out to fool around and producing you in the end … You must have been sent by the heavens to anger me!"
Marquis Yun rolled his eyes. "He should be thankful that he went out to fool around … If he only produced you, you'd be even more exhausted … Do you admit that I've helped you a lot, a lot of it, a lot of it? A man should have some conscience. Even if he's an emperor, a ruler, he can't completely erase his conscience, can he?"
His Majesty's eyes were rolling back in his head. Seeing that he was about to faint, he pointed a trembling finger at Marquis Yun. "You – you – you – you – you're going to anger me to death!"
Just as Marquis Yun had said, Marquis Yun had truly helped the Emperor of Yutang a lot. Aside from angering him, there was really nothing to criticize.
Marquis Yun rolled his eyes lightly and said, "Alright, alright, don't be angry. What's the use of being angry? I'll just tell you the truth. That child, Yun Yang, is extraordinary. He has a heart of gold and a heart of gold. He has no intention of imperial power. Otherwise, even if he's not my son, I'd be more than happy to let him inherit the throne. It's a pity that his child doesn't care about our little foundation. Besides, he's really not Supreme Cloud. I know this very well. "
His Majesty snorted and glared at him, waiting for Marquis Yun to continue. He was sure that there must be a basis for what Marquis Yun said.
"That day, when the battle was on the brink, the power of the Nine Supremes unexpectedly appeared to aid the battle. It was the combined power of the Nine Supremes. I was watching from the side then, so this can't be wrong. Yun Yang was also riding his horse and charging in the battle formation then … Therefore, he's definitely not Supreme Cloud." Marquis Yun sighed. "On the surface, I was in charge of escorting Old Qiu back, but in reality, I was sneaking back to see what was going on. Think about it, it was all your orders. When have I not done my best?"
His Majesty frowned. "But …"
"I'll say it one last time, it's really not him!" Marquis Yun shrugged helplessly. "If you don't even believe me, who else can you believe? We're blood brothers."
His Majesty sighed. "Blood brother … I'm really blessed to have a blood brother like you … Watching you roam around every day, having fun and having fun, I'm so tired that I can't breathe …"
Marquis Yun glared at him. "What are you talking about? Why don't you try saying that again?! "
His Majesty snorted. "I'll try then. Am I not speaking the truth? You've been traveling around every day, isn't this the truth? What kind of life have I been living? Don't you know it yourself? I've suffered a great loss! I've suffered a great loss, do you understand? "
Marquis Yun's eyes bulged. "What did you say? You've suffered a loss? How can you suffer a loss like me? You're not good at anything else as an emperor, but your shamelessness is unparalleled! "
He stood up abruptly. "I wouldn't be angry if you didn't mention this. Since you've brought it up today, I'll reason with you. How dare you say you've suffered a loss? Where have you suffered a loss? You're the high and mighty emperor with a noble status that rules over the world. What about me? The whole f * cking country knows that I'm royalty, but the whole f * cking country also knows that I'm an illegitimate child! Including the sons of royalty, who has ever greeted me with the clan's greeting? "
"You f * cking have three palaces and six courtyards, countless concubines, enjoying all the pleasures of love, but what about me? I'm over forty, but I'm still a bachelor! You have children to continue the bloodline. Even if there's nothing good out of them, it's still a house full of children and grandchildren. As for me … "
"Look at me, I'm good-looking, easy to earn money, I don't dare offend anyone, and I have an earth-shattering cultivation base. What kind of life have I been living all these years? Have you suffered a loss? "
"Is it because I don't have many female friends? That's not it at all! Then why am I still a bachelor? "
"It's all thanks to our brilliant father. He's amazing! Before he died, he held my hand and asked me to promise him that I wouldn't get married in this life, and that I wouldn't have children even if I did. He was afraid that it would cause an upheaval in the imperial power. He knew that if I did get married, I would definitely be more promising than you …"
"Let's see who else you have the cheek to say? What about me? Have I suffered a loss?"
"I've sacrificed everything for you, and I haven't even said that I've suffered a loss. How dare you say that you've suffered a loss?"
"Just now, you only said one thing that was right. You said that you're really lucky to have a brother like me …"
"Since you say that you've suffered a loss, why don't we swap?"
Marquis Yun's eyes bulged as he stomped in anger. "Come, let's swap. Let's see if I, Yun Xiaoyao, can be a good emperor! At the very least, I can teach my son well, unlike you. Have you managed to groom a promising son? Don't talk to me, eldest prince. That's because you've taught him well. That's because his child is born promising. You're the only one who can suck up to me and say that you've suffered a loss compared to me … You've suffered a loss! "
His Majesty was speechless for a moment before he rolled his eyes and said, "This was decided by father back then. If you have any objections, go look for him!"
… …
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