The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 1227

"Since no one has spoken, it means that everyone here agrees with my opinion. In that case, is there anyone who can take on the task of opening the warehouse?" Xu Tian asked.

The task of opening granaries to distribute grain was undertaken by officials of the second rank or above in the imperial court, because it involved the national treasury.

Officials of the second rank and above looked at each other in bewilderment, none daring to utter a word, for the slightest misstep could jeopardize their future and destiny.

"Is there not a single civil official willing to do this?" King Yinglan asked again.

With Xu Tian being so assertive, even if King Yinglan was unwilling to accept Xu Tian's suggestion, he couldn't find any reason to refute it.

Even with the King of England speaking up, no one was willing to take on this hot potato.

"This humble official is willing." Shen Qing understood that in the current situation, few people would be willing to do such a thankless task.

Since it's for the benefit of the people, Shen Qing is willing to do it no matter how dangerous it may be.

Xu Tianyue was increasingly satisfied with Shen Qing and was about to entrust the matter to Shen Qing when many voices of dissatisfaction arose in the court.

“Shen Qing is merely a fifth-rank official; how can he do things that only princes and nobles are allowed to do?” said a third-rank official.

Before he could finish speaking, other officials chimed in, "Yes, and Shen Qing comes from a humble family with an extremely low status. He probably hasn't even been involved in things like opening granaries before."

Countless words can be summed up in one sentence: Shen Qing's current status is insufficient to undertake such a severe task.

"Then I would like to ask everyone here, what good ideas do you have to transfer the grain from the national treasury to Lotus Village, or does anyone here have the ability to distribute grain?" Xu Tian was already familiar with the old tricks of these officials.

If you neither want to take responsibility nor are you afraid of letting others get the credit, the only consequence of doing so is that the common people have to bear the burden of the mistakes they made foolishly.

“Even if no one goes, we cannot break the long-standing rules of the court. Our ancestors are watching; this would be disrespectful to them,” the Left Chancellor said in a dignified tone.

Xu Tian was most familiar with the Left Chancellor, a high-ranking official who had served in two dynasties, was extremely particular about rules and regulations, and held considerable influence in the court.

As expected, as soon as the Left Chancellor made this statement, many officials echoed his opinion, pointing out that this matter did not conform to the rules of their ancestors.

"What a fine rule. I think the Left Prime Minister means that several hundred lives are not enough to fight against a dead ancestor," Xu Tian said coldly.

Shen Qing strongly agreed with Xu Tian's words, saying, "Yes, rules are rigid, but hundreds of lives are at stake. King Yinglan must not lose his composure, especially at this critical moment."

After Xu Tian and Shen Qing put on such a show, one in the dark and the other in the light, many officials began to waver in their initial ideas.

"What Shen Qing said doesn't seem to make no mistake. Should we open the warehouse?"

"What time is it now? The national treasury must be empty, otherwise, would King Yinglan disagree? If we agree to this, we will have to bear the consequences ourselves." These words from King Yinglan's military subordinate immediately brought everyone back to their senses.

Xu Tian was surprised to find that there was such a person under Lan Yingwang's command; his mind worked quickly.

But it didn't work. Xu Tian sneered, "So, the people are going to starve to death? And then you can continue to enjoy yourselves?"