How did a street urchin from the film crew end up in a Northern Song Dynasty drama called "The

"What? You think you can just run away after getting the benefits?" Emperor Renzong said jokingly with a slight smile.

"Oh, Your Majesty, how could I dare to say that! Wouldn't I be interrupting your conversation with the Empress? Wouldn't I be superfluous here?" Jin Shuai explained with a beaming smile.

"Haha, the salaries of civil and military officials for three months are no small sum. What do you need so much money for?" Emperor Renzong asked with great interest.

“I didn’t intend to take that money! This was specifically saved for you,” Jin Shuai replied truthfully.

"Hmm... But you clearly said it was a consultation fee in court just now!" Emperor Renzong looked puzzled.

"Hehe, I just didn't like those guys, so I took the opportunity to rip them off. The officials are really clever and shrewd; they managed to squeeze out an extra month's worth of money, hehe." Jin Shuai said with a sly smile.

"What are you talking about? I feel completely lost, utterly bewildered," Empress Cao asked, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion, her brows furrowed slightly.

Emperor Renzong sighed softly and recounted in detail what had happened at the morning court session. Empress Cao was increasingly alarmed as she listened, and after finishing, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle: "Hehe, I never expected Your Majesty to be so astute. In this way, Your Majesty will no longer need to worry about the money."

“The Song Dynasty is very prosperous, how could the Emperor be short of money?” Jin Shuai asked aloud, but thought to himself, “The Song Dynasty is very wealthy. Is Zhao Zhen just pretending to be poor?”

"Alas! Although the amount of money is quite considerable, the expenses are also numerous! The military expenditure is like a bottomless pit, and the annual tax revenue is an even heavier burden. In addition, natural disasters and man-made calamities occur frequently, making it unbearable and almost suffocating! I and the ladies of the harem have been saving every penny, and even so, we can only temporarily alleviate the financial pressure on the officials by paying their salaries for three months." Emperor Renzong said with a deep sigh.

"Your Majesty, you must not worry or be anxious too much, otherwise your headache may flare up again. I hope you will take care of your health. There are wise and capable people to assist you in planning and strategizing for the affairs of the country, and we will surely find a solution," Empress Cao gently comforted him.

Just then, Emperor Renzong inadvertently caught a glimpse of the disdain and contempt on the face of the general standing to the side. He immediately frowned and questioned, "What is the meaning of your expression? Do you think that I have no capable ministers by my side?"

"Nengneng, naturally they are all extremely capable people, capable enough to make you worry about money every day, haha." Jin Shuai mocked without any attempt to hide his sarcasm.

"Are you mocking me?" Emperor Renzong asked sternly, his face darkening.

"No, no, how could I dare to have such audacity! Hehe..." Jin Shuai hurriedly replied with a smile. However, his seemingly humble smile still couldn't hide a hint of contempt.

"Oh, so you just didn't dare to laugh at me to my face, but you were secretly overjoyed. Hmph, I look down on you too! Weren't you extremely brave and fearless in the court? Why are you silent here?" Emperor Renzong said slowly, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Hey! My temper can't take this! I'm a well-rounded young man from the 20th century, and my knowledge alone puts me centuries ahead of you. How dare you look down on me? I really want to give you the middle finger.