I want to ruin the country

Li Sheng was born into a royal family. He had been in contact with princes and ministers since he was a child, and they discussed all the major issues in the world!

He has received a good and systematic education, and the influence of his surroundings has made him a relatively qualified politician.

This is why boatman’s children can swim!

When Prime Minister Li Cunxuan heard that Prince Gong was here to ask for money, he was also shocked.

As a vassal state of Daqing, they have made no contribution to Daqing except taking advantage of it over the years.

They are like sons who have been separated from their parents and have been raised separately. When they have problems that they cannot solve, they go to their father's room and cry. The parents love their children so much that they have no choice but to spend time and money to help their sons solve the problems.

The problem was solved, and the couple went back to live their own lives nearby. It was hard to find them on a normal day!

During festivals, I would send some cheap things like cigarettes, alcohol, sugar and tea to my parents' house. Not only that, I would also give them some food and take some away.

Take as many fun things as you can from your parents' room and bring them home. After taking the things, you also ask for New Year's money. You won't do anything less!

For example, during the Imjin War in 1592, the Ming Dynasty sent troops to fight the Japanese pirates for six years without asking the Koreans to pay a penny. The war was all paid for by Emperor Wanli out of his own pocket.

Not to mention how much money was spent on the war, even after the war, the parents still had to pay for the compensation for the dead soldiers. Don’t you think this is unfair?

Prime Minister Li Cunxuan's mind was racing, thinking about how to solve this problem.

The emperor asked for 20 million silver coins, which I definitely couldn't give him. Not only did I not have that much money, but even if I did have it, it would hurt too much.

If they don’t want to give it, they have to have a reason. It’s not okay to just say no. They are also afraid of offending this father!

There is nothing to be afraid of if you offend your father. The Heavenly Dynasty never bullies people. At worst, we can just ignore you!

They are afraid that the Japanese pumpkins will come to cause trouble again at any time. They have never won a war with the Japanese pumpkins since ancient times, and they still have to rely on their father to save their lives at critical moments!

"Your Excellency Prince Gong, the Emperor is right. The Japanese have been causing trouble for the court and us for years. To guard against them, we should indeed build an ironclad fleet!"

Prince Gong nodded and said, "That's well said."

Li Cunxuan said again,

"Let alone taking precautions, even if the imperial court decided to wipe them out in one fell swoop, our king would fully support it!"

Li Hongzhang thought, this person is quite reasonable!

Li Cunxuan then said,

"If you want to send troops to attack the Japanese country, we have no choice but to send troops to help!"

Prince Gong smiled slightly and said,

"It would be fine if they just behaved themselves, but if they don't change their ways, it's only a matter of time before they're punished!"

Li Cunxuan said,

"But my Great Qing Dynasty has a territory of 100,000 miles, a population of over 400 million, abundant resources, and a prosperous people. The expenses of a mere fleet shouldn't be too much of a problem, right?"

Li Hongzhang refused to accept the offer when he heard it. Damn, after talking for so long he still doesn’t want to take the money!

he said,

"Prime Minister Li, no matter how vast the imperial court's territory is, how abundant its resources are, or how prosperous its people are, this is not a reason for you to sit back and enjoy the fruits of others' labor!

As the ancient saying goes, if you are willing to give up, you will gain. You don't want to lie in your parents' arms for the rest of your life and gain nothing, do you? "

Li Sheng and Li Cunxuan were both shocked. Oh my god, he’s scolding me right away?

Why is it that the special envoy Li who came this time is different from the officials who came on previous missions?

In the past, whenever the special envoys from the Celestial Empire came, they would be treated to good food and drink. As long as the envoys were well fed, drunk, played and taken, nothing would happen. When they returned to see the emperor, they would naturally speak well of them.

Looking at Li Hongzhang's attitude, it seems that he was not satisfied with yesterday's hospitality!

Li Cunxuan said hurriedly,

"Special Envoy Li, that's not what I meant. If the King's hospitality was inadequate, we will definitely make improvements to satisfy Prince Gong and Special Envoy Li!"

This is very clear. If you feel personally dissatisfied, please tell us and we will definitely treat you well. But if you want us to take 20 million silver, we don’t have it!

Li Hongzhang said,

"Prime Minister, Prince Gong knows whether the King's hospitality is good or not, but the Emperor's affairs cannot be solved by eating and drinking!"

Li Cunxuan said hurriedly,

"It's just that our country is really short of money right now. I hope Your Majesty and the Special Envoy will understand!"

Li Hongzhang said,

"When the Japanese pirates plunder, they don't care whether you are short of money or whether you are willing or not!"

Li Sheng said,

"Your Highness, Special Envoy Li, the evil deeds of the Japanese pirates are abhorrent to both humans and gods. Our people have suffered greatly from them, and this prince also detests them deeply!

If the Emperor wishes to deal with the Japanese pirates, we have no choice but to take the long view. However, our people are starving, so we must take a long-term approach.

Li Hongzhang's face flushed, and he said angrily,

"Your Majesty, what is your long-term plan? Do you want me to wait here for thirty to fifty years, waiting for the Japanese pirates to attack us and take us all to Wogua Island as prisoners?"

Li Hongzhang was so aggressive that Li Sheng's face instantly turned black. He was also a king, but Li Hongzhang didn't even give him any face!

The Left Councillor quits. You, a mere fifth-rank official, have embarrassed our king. Where is our dignity?

he said,

"Special Envoy Li, my king simply said that there's no point in rushing this matter and that we need to discuss it carefully. Even the emperor should give him some time. Your aggressiveness, sir, is truly unworthy of the Celestial Empire!"

When Li Hongzhang heard this, he said, "Fuck, you're blaming me for this. If you just ask for the money, why would I be so anxious with you?"

"Master Left Councillor, then please tell us how we can discuss this in detail, and when we can reach a conclusion."

Prince Gong saw that things were getting awkward, so he stood up and said,

"Lord Li, please be patient. We have made the Emperor's intentions clear. It is up to the King to decide whether or not to form a joint fleet with the Emperor. I am a little tired. Let's go back!"

After saying that, he just stood up and left!

Li Hongzhang followed him without saying a word!

Only Li Sheng, Li Cunxuan and a few others were left in a mess in the wind!

Li Sheng panicked.

"Your Excellency, Special Envoy Li is anxious, and the prince is somewhat reluctant. What should we do?"

Li Cunxuan is an old hand in the world. Although he is also panicking, he still pretends to be calm in front of the king.

"Your Majesty, if you want to make the prince happy, you have to spend money. The problem is, where can we get 20 million?"

The Left Councillor said,

"The new emperor of Daqing is also a young man. New officials have three fires to start with. It's not surprising that he suddenly wants to establish an armored fleet. In my opinion, we should delay it for now. Maybe it will be resolved after a while!"

The Right Prime Minister said,

"If you can drag it through, that's even better. If you really can't, just give as much as you can. You can't just give as much as you want!"

Li Cunxuan said,

"I'm afraid we can't hold it out. Establishing a joint fleet wouldn't be a bad thing for us. We're protecting our own sea borders!"