Drunk Bamboo

"Eunuch, can His Majesty hold a meeting in Baoping Hall?"

After the morning court session, Liu Shancai did not leave the palace directly, but came to the outside of Baoping Hall where the emperor discussed state affairs.

"Lord Liu." Eunuch Dong called Liu Shancai and bowed to answer, "Your Majesty has been worried about the robbery of silver by the bandits in Loushan recently. Lord Feng from the Ministry of Justice, Lord Chen from the Ministry of War, and Lord Han from the Ministry of Works are all involved."

"But after all, we still have to rely on Prince Feng and Lord Zhang to investigate the case, but there has been no progress. His Majesty is frowning."

The meaning of this statement is very clear, that is, don't go to the emperor unless necessary, so as to avoid being scolded innocently.

Liu Shancai appreciated the offer and showed a rare serious expression: "I am here to share your worries. Please go in and tell your majesty."

Eunuch Dong raised his eyes slightly: "Could it be that Lord Liu has raised the money?!"

"Yes."

"That's great! Your Majesty will be happy to hear it!"

Eunuch Dong bowed and immediately turned to go into the main hall to report.

This is timely relief.

Soon, Eunuch Dong came out of the hall with a smile on his face and led Liu Shancai in.

Liu Shan had just stood still when Han Jian bowed and tried to retreat.

"Your Majesty, I will take my leave first."

The emperor frowned, seemed unhappy, waved his hand and asked him to leave.

"I am here to see you, Your Majesty."

The emperor looked at Liu Shancai expectantly, and said in a warm manner: "Sir Liu, I heard from Eunuch Dong that you have raised 100,000 taels of silver?"

"Your Majesty, it is one hundred and twenty-three thousand one hundred and thirteen taels and five cents."

Liu Shancai was neither humble nor arrogant, and reported the amount of money raised in a sonorous and powerful voice.

This sense of pride radiated from within, making him full of confidence.

How many years has it been since I felt this way?

It has been so long that I have forgotten my original intention of becoming an official.

The emperor was delighted, but also looked suspicious: "Lord Liu is indeed my capable minister, why does he have five coins?"

How could those extravagant nobles have the nerve to donate five cents?

Liu Shancai saluted and began with his famous flattering words: "Your Majesty is a wise ruler who works hard to govern the country with benevolence. Under your Majesty's rule, Rao State has lived and worked in peace and contentment for more than a decade."

"Your Majesty is kindhearted and cannot bear to see the people in the middle of the Yangtze River displaced and suffering. He has reduced the expenses of the palace and is concerned about the people. He now only eats two meals a day. The people were very moved when they heard this, so they donated money and did their best to help Your Majesty."

The emperor was very pleased after hearing this, and the gloom of the past few days disappeared.

"Well, all the people in this world are one family, so we should share the joys and sorrows together!"

It’s mainly because Liu Shancai said it well. There’s a lot of preparation, but the important thing is just one sentence.

The emperor looked at the Minister of War Chen Xin and said, "Sir Chen, I will give the silver to you this time. There can't be any accidents."

Chen Xin was sweating coldly: "I will do my best to send elite soldiers to escort and deliver the silver safely to the prince!"

"It is our duty to do our best. If you make any mistakes again, you will be beheaded." A majestic voice.

"I obey your command!" Chen Xin suddenly raised his eyes. This was a gamble on his life. He knelt down and replied, "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion."

"You say." The emperor glanced.

Chen Xin has also been in the court for half a year. Although he is not very shrewd, he is also very far-sighted.

"The official silver was lost in Loushan. Right now, Prince Feng is in Loushan investigating the case with Lord Zhang, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice. To be on the safe side, can we ask Prince Feng to escort the official silver together when we arrive in Jiangbei County? Prince Feng has made outstanding military achievements and his martial arts skills are unmatched in Rao State. The bandits will surely be terrified when they see him and will not dare to plot against him."

The emperor sneered after hearing this: "You know how to find help."

Chen Xin didn't dare to stand up.

The hall was quiet for a moment.

The emperor said: "But this is a serious matter, it would be more appropriate to have Feng'er escort you."

Chen Xin took a breath and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will go down and prepare for the escort."

With the Wind King escorting him, he would be less in danger and more secure.

Minister Feng of the Ministry of Justice also resigned.

The important matter that had been weighing on the emperor's mind for days finally came to an end, and his eyes fell on Liu Shancai in front of him.

In just two days, they were able to raise more than 100,000 taels of silver in Zhongdu City, and the people were grateful for it. The matter was really handled very well.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lord Liu. Your plan is very good. In just two days, you managed to get those noble families to pry open their mouths and spit out the silver, which solved my problem."

Liu Shancai was extremely respectful and did not dare to take credit for it: "Your Majesty is very resourceful. I only dare to act with the help of your majesty's majesty."

The emperor was happy to hear it: "No need to flatter me. I know that you are on good terms with all the officials in the court. But you can distinguish between gratitude and resentment and handle important matters impartially. You are a man of measure."

Liu Shancai was terrified: "Your Majesty is wise, I am willing to follow you till the end."

The emperor chuckled and said in a less stern tone: "Lord Liu has been following me for nearly twenty years, right?"

Liu Shancai replied cautiously: "Your Majesty, I have been following you since you were still in the palace, for a total of twenty-three years."

"I didn't misjudge you. At the critical moment, you were the one who was willing to step forward and solve the problem for me." The emperor sighed slightly, his eyes flashing coldly, "Those old ministers usually talk a lot, but they have been silent in court recently, not even saying a word. What's the use? Especially that Han Jian, he has been doing his job less and less recently. The dam project is so important, but he only cares about his family affairs. He can't tell what is important and what is not!"

When Liu Shancai heard Han Jian's name, his heart skipped a beat.

Ever since he learned that Han Jian's son Han Xin had bullied his son, he hated him in his heart.

He was thinking of making trouble for him in private later, but he didn't expect that he somehow offended the emperor.

I was secretly happy.

But he said: "Civil officials and military officers each have their own duties, and I am just doing my duty."

The emperor appreciated it and trusted Liu Shancai even more, saying, "Well said."

Liu Shancai paused, thinking of what Xie Yuzhu had told him, and replied, "Your Majesty, the raising of silver went so smoothly, I dare not take credit for it, there is another person who has made an important contribution."

"Who else in the court has such courage?" the emperor asked curiously.

"Gu Suiyi, the eldest son of Marquis Yongxing." Liu Shancai replied.

"Marquis Yongxing? Gu Suiyi? But is it the founding general and hero Gu Jia?" The emperor seemed not to have heard this title for a long time, and said while recalling.

"Yes."

"Great, he is indeed a famous person. I want to meet this Gu Suiyi!" His voice became louder with excitement.

"I will arrange it right away." Eunuch Dong understood very well and continued.

"it is good!"

Liu Shancai and Eunuch Dong both left the hall so as not to disturb the emperor from reviewing memorials.

After leaving Baoping Palace, Liu Shancai hurriedly caught up with Eunuch Dong and said politely, "Eunuch Dong, wait a moment. I am also going to Yongxing Marquis' Mansion to thank Master Gu. Can I go with you?"

"I dare not, Lord Liu, please."

"Please come in, eunuch." Liu Shancai suddenly became a man who could get along with everyone again. "Excuse me, eunuch, did Lord Han have any important matters at home? Did you leave in a hurry just now, which made His Majesty unhappy?"