I have already established my power and prestige, so how did Li Shimin come back to life?

Qian Shuwang lowered his head, his body trembling slightly, and he felt extremely uneasy.

When Li Chengqian's words of affirmation reached his ears, he could no longer suppress the surge of emotion in his heart, "Your Majesty, how could this humble official be so worthy of Your Majesty's support for a businessman like me?"

Before he finished speaking, tears welled up in his eyes and flowed freely down his face.

Looking back on his life, Qian Shuwang is full of emotion.

Apart from his parents who gave him life, no one had ever shown him such respect as a businessman.

Even though he gave everything he had for the people of Wu County, spent all his wealth, and took on a huge loan from the bank, there were still many people, especially his colleagues who came from peasant backgrounds, who looked down on him as an official who came from a merchant background.

In their eyes, everything Qian Shuwang did was just to make up for his low status as a businessman. It was what he should do and was not worth mentioning at all.

Those cold eyes and sharp words stung his heart again and again, causing him to toss and turn in countless silent nights, and even lingering on the edge of despair many times, almost giving up.

But the support of many people in Wu County was like beams of warm light, illuminating his way forward.

Their support has become Qian Shuwang's motivation to persevere, supporting him to get to where he is today.

It was also for this reason that when Li Chengqian expressed his approval of him, this belated respect and affirmation made Qian Shuwang completely collapse.

Li Chengqian looked at Qian Shuwang with tears in his eyes. He was stunned at first, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then it was replaced by a touch of tenderness.

He smiled and stretched out his hand, gently wiped the tears from Qian Shuwang's face with his fingers, and said softly: "Why are you crying? Be a real man!"

This action instantly struck Qian Shuwang, making him stand there in a daze, his mind going blank.

The next second, his knees gave way, and he fell heavily to his knees with a thud. He clung to Li Chengqian's thighs with both hands, unable to contain himself any longer, and burst into tears: "Your Majesty, how could I have done such a deed? How could I have done such a deed? I don't deserve such kindness from Your Majesty!"

That cry was filled with years of grievances and emotions.

Seeing Qian Shuwang's out-of-control yet sincere look, Li Chengqian was filled with emotion.

He bent down slightly, and with both hands, he lifted Qian Shuwang up steadily. He looked into his eyes sincerely and said word by word, "Remember, you deserve it. Anyone who sincerely works for the people is worthy of my respect."

"Don't even ask me to treat you with courtesy. Even if I were to bow to you, that would be fine."

"As the ruler of a country, all I care about is the people's peaceful and happy life. Everything else is insignificant in my eyes."

After a brief pause, Li Chengqian's expression became gentler. "You don't have to worry about the debts you borrowed from the bank on behalf of the people of Wu County. I will repay them for you."

"But in the future process of governing Wu County, no more loans can be taken out in one's own name."

"If necessary, use the official name."

"When Wu County develops and makes money, I will repay the loan in full."

However, you must remember that before the next official takes office, all debts must be settled. You must not leave a mess for the next person, understand?"

Qian Shuwang nodded vigorously, his voice trembling with excitement: "Your Majesty, how can I repay your great kindness?"

Li Chengqian smiled and pulled Qian Shuwang up, tugging at the slightly worn lining under his neck. A hint of heartache flashed in his eyes. "Look, for the sake of the people, you've even made yourself unable to afford a new pair of clothes. Have you ever regretted it?"

Qian Shuwang shook his head without hesitation.

"Your Majesty, I will never regret it!"

"Is that the truth?" Li Chengqian asked softly with a smile.

Qian Shuwang smiled bitterly, and after hesitating for a moment, he said frankly, "Your Majesty, if I say that in some difficult moments, I have had a moment of regret in my heart, would you believe it?"