The officials couldn't help but show bitter expressions upon seeing this; now, another knife had been added to their heads.

With the Empress Dowager and Yang Qiu as two swords above my head, it seems I won't be able to have a single good day in the next five years.

After giving instructions to Yang Qiu, Dou Miao turned to look at Liu Hong.

"Does the Emperor have anything else to say?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong nodded, then stood up, looked at the officials with a kind expression, and said loudly:

"The Five-Year Plan is crucial to the future development of our Great Han Dynasty. All of you must work diligently and conscientiously. As long as you do your job well, I will reward you with official positions and wealth without hesitation!"

"Your Majesty, we humbly obey your command!"

Since ascending the throne, Liu Hong's most direct impression on his officials has been that he always keeps his word and is extremely generous in bestowing rewards.

Therefore, upon hearing the emperor's promise, the officials felt immediately relieved, and their expressions improved considerably.

Seeing this, Liu Hong couldn't help but smile, and then continued:

"Your Excellencies will certainly face some hardships in the next few years. To compensate you, I have decided to increase your stipends! Your existing salaries will be increased by 30%..."

In addition, at the end of each year, those who perform exceptionally well and achieve outstanding political results will receive a reward from the imperial court ranging from 100,000 to 1 million coins!

"Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful for Your Majesty's divine grace!!"

Upon hearing that the emperor had actually increased his salary, all the officials in the court immediately showed joy and bowed respectfully to Liu Hong in gratitude.

When Cao Song, who was in the ranks, saw that the emperor had increased the salaries of all the officials without prior notice, the thought of complaining about being poor was immediately extinguished.

He knew that if he dared to oppose them, he would probably not be able to leave the palace unscathed today. No matter how arrogant he was, he dared not oppose the officials at this moment.

These people, like the Cao and Yuan families who are not short of money, are a minority. Although most officials' families are not bad, they still have a lot of expenses on a daily basis, so they do not live a very comfortable life.