Wen Hu said seriously, "Your Highness, you have never dealt with Zhao Cheng. Zhao Cheng is different from the Right Chancellor. The Right Chancellor knows when to advance and retreat, respects the court, and is loyal to the Yuan family. But Zhao Cheng is not so polite to His Majesty."

He Yin said, "Lord Sha County, since we are discussing business and economic matters, let's not speak ill of Zhao Cheng."

Wen Hu said, "With Zhao Cheng's current economic strength, discussing him is tantamount to discussing the economy of the Great Jing!"

He Yin was not afraid of Yuan Li, and naturally she was not afraid of Wen Hu either. She looked directly into Wen Hu's eyes and said, "I have dealt with Zhao Cheng more than once, and I have also been to the Right Prime Minister's residence. My opinion is that the Right Prime Minister's family has a very strict style. Under the management of the Right Prime Minister's wife, the Right Prime Minister's residence is frugal and honest, and the servants are also very low-key outside."

"Although Zhao Cheng is a bit unruly, that's just the spoiled attitude that comes with being a rich kid from a young age."

"But who is he now? He is the Prince Consort of Dajing, a victorious general, and a meritorious official who has truly made military achievements. Not to mention the three times he eliminated the Southern Zhou spies, in the Battle of Muqiaokou, he risked his life to rescue the Champion King and helped him repel the Southern Zhou army. He is His Majesty's brother-in-law. He may not be so polite when he is with His Majesty, but he is loyal to Dajing."

Wen Hu shook his head and said, "I think Minister He drew his conclusion a bit too early. You just said that he has military merits, can eliminate spies, and can help the Champion King repel the Southern Zhou army. What does that prove?"

As he spoke, Wen Hu glanced at Yuan Li, a sharp glint in his eyes, and said, "This shows that he, like the Right Chancellor, is a military genius capable of leading troops into battle. If such a person were to become incredibly wealthy, would His Majesty feel at ease?!"

Yuan Li was startled, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes.

He realized that Wen Hu was right.

He Yin fell silent, clearly deep in thought.

Xu Shouli said, "Lord Shaxian, I would like to ask one more question: Is this your personal opinion, or His Majesty's?"

“This is my personal opinion,” Wen Hu replied, then added, “but it’s no secret that the Right Chancellor’s residence is a thorn in His Majesty’s side.”

Xu Shouli nodded and said, "Since it's your personal opinion, then I'll say a few more words."

"Lord Qingdong, please speak."

"I am in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. Putting aside everything else, let me just talk about some things I understand."

Xu Shouli tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table as he said, "Take Yanchuan City as an example. Since Zhao Cheng started doing business, Yanchuan City is no longer comparable to what it was five years ago. Not to mention five years ago, it was far superior even three years ago. And the livelihood of the people and the economy of Yanchuan City have taken off."

"The economic records of the whole country are kept in the Ministry of Revenue. I only believe these concrete figures. The counties covered by the Eastern Chamber of Commerce are now several times more economically advanced than other counties. I don't understand the reasons you're talking about. I only know that when the people are rich and their lives are prosperous, the empire will be more stable."

Wen Hu turned his face away and suddenly said, "Lord Qingdong, the young lord and Zhao Cheng are quite close, aren't they?"

Xu Shouli frowned and said, "What do you mean by that, Marquis of Sha County? Do you think I'm siding with Zhao Cheng and speaking on his behalf?"

Wen Hu said, "There are naturally varying degrees of closeness and distance in relationships between people, so there's nothing wrong with Marquis Qingdong speaking up for Zhao Cheng."

"What a joke!" Xu Shouli sneered, "The relationship between Zhao Cheng and my son is their business. What I just said was entirely from the perspective of the Ministry of Revenue!"

“I will not argue with Marquis Qingdong.” Wen Hu stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Yuan Li, and said, “I only hope that Your Highness will keep my words in mind.”

Yuan Li nodded and said, "I will speak to my brother about this and remind him not to be deceived by Zhao Cheng."

Wen Hu said, "King Xin is wise!"

Just then, Jin Hu's voice came from outside: "Your Highness Prince Xin, this humble servant requests an audience!"

Yuan Li said, "It's Eunuch Jin, come in!"

Jin Hu followed closely in and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty sent me to tell you that the business in Jingbei County has been opened up to the Prince Consort."

Yuan Li was stunned for a moment.

Not only him, but Wen Hu and the others also stared at the golden pot in surprise.

Jin Hu smiled and said, "His Majesty truly cherishes the Prince Consort and even asked me to remind the Prince to try his best to meet the Prince Consort's requests in future court matters."

"I understand." Yuan Li raised his hand and said, "Someone, take Eunuch Jin to have some tea."

After Jin Hu left, there was a long silence at the scene.

Wen Hu shook his sleeves and said, "Your Highness, did you hear that? His Majesty has granted Zhao Cheng another prefecture."

“This…” Yuan Li was somewhat surprised and embarrassed, and said, “I really didn’t expect this.”

Xu Shouli said, "Actually, this is an inevitable trend. Jingbei County is bordered by Shangyang County to the west, Jingdong County to the east, and Yanchuan region to the south. Even if His Majesty did not issue an explicit decree, this area would be covered like Shangyang County. His Majesty's move is wise. Giving Zhao Cheng a sweet treat on the surface will bring more benefits in return."

Wen Hu said, "What you said is true, but if you think about it carefully, Jingbei County has also been covered by the Eastern Chamber of Commerce. From then on, the entire eastern part of Dajing has been revitalized by Zhao Cheng."

Yuan Li sighed and said, "I really want to meet Zhao Cheng."

A murderous glint flashed in Wen Hu's eyes as he said, "Why doesn't Your Highness invite him to Changsui?"

Xu Shouli smiled and said, "Lord Shaxian is overthinking it. Even Zhao Zhan dared to defy the imperial decree and not come to Changsui. Why would Zhao Cheng come at a time like this?"

Wen Hu said, "At least we can test the waters."

Xu Shouli said, "Lord Sha said that I was speaking up for Zhao Cheng for personal gain, but now I think that Lord Sha is actually settling a personal score and wants to get rid of Zhao Cheng as soon as possible."

“I do want to kill him,” Wen Hu said frankly. “His grudge against the Left Prime Minister’s Mansion runs too deep. I have my own selfish reasons for killing him, but the issues I’m raising are real problems that the Great Jing Dynasty is facing.”

"Gentlemen, let's stop arguing," Yuan Li set the tone, saying, "Zhao Cheng is the imperial son-in-law and has never caused any trouble. I will discuss his matter privately with my brother, so let's not continue this discussion here."

Upon hearing this, Wen Hu realized that Yuan Li had taken his words to heart, so he said no more, clasped his hands and said, "I will obey Your Highness's orders."

Yuan Li raised his hand and said, "I'm tired too. If there's nothing else, please go back and rest."

Outside the Imperial Palace.

Xu Shouli and He Yin walked side by side.

"well."

Xu Shouli sighed and said, "Minister Xu, you've figured it out too, haven't you?"

He Yin didn't mince words and said directly, "Chen Changyun has clearly sided with Prince Xin, but I still can't figure out Wen Hu's side."

Xu Shouli said, "If Wen Hu also sides with Prince Xin, then the Central Secretariat will be meaningless in the future."

He Yin said, "I just don't understand why Wen Hu, who is now enjoying the Emperor's favor, would choose a side."

Xu Shouli sneered and said, "Minister He, why don't you consider whether Wen Hu has truly betrayed Wen Tai?"