In danger, he traveled through time to save her, and the black-bellied prince doted on her

Everyone watched Shen Yuzhong leave with flickering eyes, and no one dared to come forward.

Jiang Yanqing, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who was standing not far away, straightened his chest and walked lightly in front of Mu Jinan.

Mu Jinan saw that this man was upright, like the breeze in the pine forest, noble and gentle, unlike the timid one he had shown when shooting arrows last time.

Jiang Yanqing said:

"Mr. Mu, I saw you at the archery field that day. You looked so heroic and your archery skills were superb. You saved my dignity. I am willing to do my best to help with the overall planning today."

Mu Jinan was flattered. This man was well-informed, had a strong memory, read ten lines at a glance, and was also her superior. She quickly saluted and said:

"Master Jiang, thank you very much. Please come with me."

The official from the Ministry of Revenue came over and said softly:

“I am with you too”

Mu Jinan didn't know him yet, but she thought he was handsome and gentle.

He said softly, "I am Yan Zhoudu, a doctor in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance. My brother, the military commander Yan Yi, once praised Madam Mu for her iron will and loyalty in the archery arena, and for winning glory for Shengguo."

"I heard you argue with the Shangshu today, and I think you have some truth in it. The budget revenue and expenditure is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance."

Mu Jinan bowed slightly and said, "Thank you, Brother Yan."

Several people quickly divided the work and cooperated to find the account books, documents, and materials of Hanguang Hall, a side hall next to Chaoying Hall. Mu Jinan's case was piled full.

She flipped through the account book intently, and couldn't help but sigh that everything was destined. Fortunately, she learned more about accounting and management in school.

Add to that these traditional ancient characters, and even the gods would have to smash the teacups first.

For several days in a row, except for the time she took to eat lunch at noon, she stayed in Chaoying Hall all day, sorting out these "old accounts".

She picked up a pen and wrote down the problems in the account books one by one.

The palace gates were about to be locked, and she was hurriedly finishing the last bit of work. There were only two of them left in the palace. Jiang Yanqing walked over and asked her:

"What can you understand?"

Mu Jinan put down the pen in his hand and said:

"In the past, land was distributed equally among the people, the people had food, the population increased, the economy prospered, tax revenues were high, the treasury was full, the soldiers were provided with food and wages without delay, and the annual tributes from all ethnic groups were collected on time."

Jiang Yanqing's eyes flashed with surprise, his face serious, and he continued to ask:

"what about now?"

Mu Jinan's eyes moved slightly, and he continued:

"In the past three years, the rich and powerful have occupied land without paying taxes, and tax revenue has dropped sharply, so the burden of taxation has fallen on the merchants."

"They are overwhelmed and many have stopped doing business. The streets of Chang'an may seem bustling, but in fact they are heading towards depression."

"Moreover, the people lost their land, local officials found it difficult to maintain the supply of taxes to the court, and the military rations and salaries at the border were repeatedly delayed."

"With that, population, wealth, and soldiers gradually shifted to the governors and protectorates of the east, west, south, and north. The central military power and financial concentration were no longer as centralized as before."

Jiang Yanqing pursed his lips slightly, in his heart he admired this young lady from the boudoir for being able to say something. There was admiration in the depths of his eyes. His cousin had good taste.

Li Huaijin, who was standing not far away, was listening carefully to Mu Jinan's talk. He used to think that she was beautiful, intelligent, clear about what she loved and hated, and decisive in doing things, but he didn't expect her to have such insight.

Seeing Jiang Yanqing's kind expression, Mu Jinan continued:

"Your Majesty has given too many rewards to the rich and powerful. In recent days, the harem has been extravagant and the expenses are huge. Tens of thousands of palace maids have been added. The monthly salary is a huge sum of money."

"If we don't increase revenue and cut expenditure, our prosperous country will become a hollow shell with a gorgeous appearance."

"Also, why don't the treasures paid as tribute by various countries and ethnic groups match the national treasury account books?"

Jiang Yanqing concealed his thoughts, and said with a smile, as if he had deep thoughts:

"You will know later"

"He has just been an official for a short time. He can figure out the basics of the matter just by looking at some account books. Mr. Mu will surely have a smooth career in the future."

Mu Jinan accepted his compliments generously and said happily:

"Thank you for your advice, sir. If I do anything wrong in the future, please give me your guidance."

Suddenly, there was a rumbling sound of bells outside the house, indicating that the palace gate was about to be closed.

Jiang Yanqing quickly asked her to leave together. The two turned around and were frightened by a figure standing in the dark.

Mu Jinan exclaimed in surprise, "Oh my god!"

She saw clearly that the man was Li Huaijin, so Jiang Yanqing had to leave first. Mu Jinan patted his chest:

"Your Highness Prince Liang, how long have you been standing there?"

Li Huaijin stepped forward and said with a smile:

“It’s been here since you guys started talking.”

Mu Jinan cautiously probed:

"Then who are you?"

"So you... heard everything?"

Li Huaijin crossed his arms across his chest, his mouth drooped, and he nodded slightly:

“I Heard It All”

Mu Jinan dropped the pen in his hand to the ground, a little flustered, pulled his sleeve, his eyes flickered, and whispered:

"Then you can't go out and tell anyone about it. If...if His Majesty finds out, I'll lose my head."

Li Huaijin turned his head to look at her, lowered his head, stared into her eyes with his watery eyes, and saw that she was in a panic. Did he actually think that he would betray her?

Mu Jinan felt uncomfortable being stared at by him, his eyes flickered, he turned his head away, and said in a panic:

"My Lord, what are you looking at?"

Li Huaijin raised his eyebrows and pressed her head:

"Look at what's in your head. You want to make poisons and practice swordsmanship, learn the survival skills of the Ministry of Households, and also win the heart of this king."

Mu Jinan turned her face to the side, the breeze blew into the Chaoying Palace, her few strands of black hair fluttered on her cheeks, and she said angrily:

"My Lord, please stop talking nonsense. When did I seduce you?"

Li Huaijin looked at her seriously, and gently stroked her hair with his bony fingers.

Just as Mu Jinan was about to dodge, he pulled her over and whispered in her ear:

"Do you only like someone's appearance?"

Mu Jinan's cheeks flushed, and her ears felt slightly hot. She said in confusion:

"What do you mean by this?"

Li Huaijin looked at her again, pursed his lips, and said with a somewhat aggrieved look:

"When you lived in the palace, you were not so cold to me. Ever since Nangong Yu came to Chang'an, you have been indifferent to me."

"I admit that Nangong Yu is good-looking, but... but I am equally good-looking as him."

Mu Jinan lowered his eyes somewhat evasively, bit his lips lightly, pondered for a moment, and said slowly:

"I thought you were handsome at first, and we were together every day, so I was a little confused. Maybe I calmed down after being apart for a while, and I was busy with many things, so I didn't have time to think about these things."

"We haven't spent much time together, but it's been over a month, and now I feel it..."

Li Huaijin's bright eyes had a hint of ice, and his deep, magnetic voice was a little angry. He tightly grasped Mu Jinan's wrist, pressed forward, and said angrily:

"What? Madam means that we need to spend time together every day to cultivate our relationship, so that she can have deep feelings for me."

"If that is the case, I will let you become my princess, and see if you dare to disrespect me again."

Mu Jinan stepped back and struggled hard. She was worried that a guard might pass by and see her. She whispered:

"You are crazy. I just told your majesty that I was engaged not long ago. Do you want me to commit the crime of deceiving the king?"

"This is a capital crime, can you please wake up?"