Chapter 54: Chapter 54: In My Great Xia Country, the Nation Prospers and the People Live in Peace

Xia Country’s capital, Yangxin Palace.

In the inner chamber, the beams were made of fragrant sandalwood, lamps made from crystal jade, and curtains made from emerald pearls. The smoke from the Purple Gold Incense Burner rose slowly, and the table was filled with delicious food, but not a single bite had been eaten.

The man lying on the imperial bed was none other than the founding Emperor of Xia Country, Yu Daocheng.

He seemed to be in his fifties, which should have been his prime, but his hair was graying at the temples, wrinkles covered his face, and his body appeared frail. Only his eyes appeared bright and sharp.

Two ministers stood beside the bed, and only those who either held high positions or were close to the Emperor would have been allowed to stand in the Emperor’s private residence.

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These two ministers were Fan Yan, the Grand Secretary of Wenchang Pavilion, and Liu Longqing, the Minister of Revenue. They were both among the closest officials to the Emperor and were involved in many important aspects of Xia Country, including people’s livelihood, taxation, legislation, and finance.

“Emperor, this year Su Lake area is facing a great drought. The rice that was sown in the spring is now approaching summer harvest time, but the crops have died. I’m afraid the common people will go hungry…”

“Grain merchants in various regions are driving up prices. The government’s storehouses are mostly running low, and the people are suffering unbearable hardships. If this continues, I’m afraid…”

“Fan…” Fan Yan’s serious words were cut off by the Emperor.

Yu Daocheng glanced at him discontentedly and said with a deep voice, “How come everything you say makes it seem like my Xia Country is on the verge of collapse?”

Minister of Revenue Liu Longqing smirked and apologized with a smile, “Emperor, it’s just that Fan always likes to exaggerate. Our Xia Country has been flourishing for several years since its founding; how could it be possible for people to starve to death in the streets? I’m guessing Fan is just trying to get your attention.”

With Liu Longqing’s mediation, Yu Daocheng’s frown visibly relaxed.

Although the old saying goes, “Bad advice may be unpleasant to the ear, but good medicine tastes bitter”, who is willing to listen to harsh words?

Liu Longqing smoothed things over, but Fan Yan felt no gratitude in his heart.

A true scholar has principles that won’t change even when bamboo is burned or jade is broken.

He continued to report, “Emperor, what this humble official spoke was absolutely true. Nowadays, many storehouses in different regions have been emptied for military use, neglecting the relief of the people. These additional troops are of no use and are a burden to our country. Your Majesty, please consider reducing the troops.”

“So you’re blaming me for expanding the troops to defend against alien tribes?!”

Yu Daocheng slapped the bed in anger, unleashing his dragon’s wrath, which was quite intimidating.

“This humble official dares not!” Fan Yan immediately bowed his head and apologized.

“Cough, cough…”

After his outburst, Yu Daocheng’s chronic illness flared up, making his face pale and causing him to cough incessantly.

Although Liu Longqing enjoyed seeing Fan Yan stumble, he had no choice but to step in and mediate once again.

“Emperor, please calm your anger and take care of your health.”

“Now, Fan, though there is indeed a great drought, the consequences you described are far too exaggerated. Our country’s treasury is full; we only need to distribute grain to the regions in need. With His Majesty’s grace, we can transport the surplus grain from the Imperial City to various places, resolving the issue and allowing the people to feel the Emperor’s benevolence.”

“The military cannot be reduced under any circumstances. If it weren’t for the Crown Prince guarding the North, those alien tribes would have attacked us long ago.”

Upon hearing Liu Longqing’s words, Yu Daocheng felt his cough ease significantly and nodded in approval:

“Liu, your advice is sound. Transport the surplus grain from around the Imperial City to address the urgent needs. The palace will also cut back on expenses, which should help us get through this difficult time.”

Fan Yan sighed internally, feeling both angry and frustrated.

As the saying goes, “When Su Lake is abundant, the world is sufficient.” But now that the granaries are all in crisis, how can the capital’s grain be enough?

Little did they know, this drought could affect the harvest for the rest of the year. Without a large supply of grain, it would be impossible to endure the lengthy crisis.

“Emperor, this grain, it…”

“Enough! I am somewhat weary today. We will discuss this matter later.” Fan Yan’s words were interrupted once again.

Apparently, as people age, they become less willing to listen to unpleasant things.

Emperor Yu Daocheng was no exception. He rubbed his temple irritably and said to Fan Yan, “You may leave.”

“Yes.”Fan Yan bid farewell and turned to leave.

As he stepped out, he glanced at the untouched delicacies on the table and couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

The common people must be suffering this year.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Liu Longqing still stood in place obediently.

“How is Huang’er doing lately?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, Crown Prince is doing well, with abundant military supplies and a relatively stable border. Everything is peaceful.” “Hmm, not bad. Qing Han… How about her side?”

Liu Longqing couldn’t help but pause upon hearing the two words.

It had been a long time since the Emperor had mentioned this name.

“Princess… She is living in seclusion in a salt city in the south, and her life is not too bad.”

Yu Daocheng, lying on the imperial bed, showed a complicated look in his wrinkled eyes.

“It’s a pity that she’s a daughter after all.”

Liu Longqing eagerly agreed, “Yes, in terms of her military achievements and merits, she could be considered the leader of the generals and be the first amongst the three armies. If she were a man, she might have taken over Your Majesty’s mission.”

Yu Daocheng slowly closed his eyes and said, “I suppose this is the reason she resents me so much. It’s better that she left, there’s too much intrigue here.” Upon hearing this, Liu Longqing bowed his head and remained silent.

He was very astute, knowing which words were safe to say, and which were not.

In the early days of the temple, the reputation of the generals had almost surpassed the Emperor, and they only knew the Senior General and no one else.

Who could sit on the throne was important, but the chaos must not be messed up. It was likely that the princess had grown tired of all this before she chose to leave.

“What about Pei Ming? It’s been a year since we last saw him, how is he doing?”

Liu Longqing gave a slight smile: “Changning King Pei Ming is living quite comfortably. He sent his daughter to the sect, and spends his days adventuring with his wife. They seem quite happy.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Daocheng gained interest, “Daughter? If I remember correctly, her name is Pei Xiangyun.”

“Indeed, Princess Xiang Yun.” Liu Longqing nodded with a smile.

Yu Daocheng couldn’t help but reveal a grin, “When I first saw the girl, I thought she was delicate and named her Xiang Yun. I didn’t expect her to grow up so fast.”

“Isn’t it, Your Majesty? Princess Xiang Yun is bold and unconventional, which is why she was directly sent to the sect for discipline. Changning King is really heartless enough.”

When Liu Longqing left Yangxin Palace, the sky had already begun to dim.

Liu Longqing looked at the palace in front of him, smiled meaningfully.

He quickly left, traveled out of the Imperial Palace, and arrived at a tavern in the market called “Daxing Tavern.”

Up the stairs, a table full of delicious food and wine awaited him by the window on the second floor, with a man already seated.

“Master Liu really cares about the common people, you actually stayed in the palace for so long.” The man laughed lightly, lifting his wine glass and filled two cups to the brim.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I, Liu, just did whatever little I could.” Liu Longqing shook his head while holding his wine.

“With the great drought upon us, I thought that with Fan Yan causing trouble, the plan would stall. I didn’t expect Master Liu to solve the problem with just a few words. King Qin is very satisfied.”

“As long as His Highness is satisfied,” Liu Longqing flattered with a smile.