"The Grand Tutor's words are in line with my thoughts."

Then Liu Hong looked at the officials and said in a deep voice: "Now the people of the Han Dynasty are suffering, the military is lax, and we are surrounded by powerful enemies. You should all work together to assist me in restoring the country's strength and reorganizing the military to wipe away today's shame!"

"promise!"

All the officials responded in unison.

Looking at the officials, Liu Hong nodded. Regardless of how many of them were sincere, at least he had set a tone and direction for them. However, if there were any who obstructed or went against the plan, Liu Hong could use this as a reason to deal with them.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, how is the water conservancy repair work progressing?"

"Your Majesty, due to the long-standing disrepair of water conservancy projects in various regions, the cost of reusing them would be incalculable. Currently, the grain reserves in official granaries across the country are insufficient, and the national treasury is empty, so it is probably difficult to carry out comprehensive repairs."

Cao Song poured out his grievances with a troubled expression, meaning that he had no money and could not make the repairs.

"Water conservancy repairs are crucial to this year's grain harvest; they are of paramount importance and must be completed! I wonder if any of you gentlemen have any good ideas?"

Faced with Liu Hong's question, everyone lowered their heads and remained silent. The country had no money, and there was nothing they could do; they couldn't turn themselves into money either.

Looking at the expressions of the crowd, Cao Song sneered inwardly, then said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have a plan to raise funds and provisions."

"Oh? What brilliant plan does the Grand Minister of Agriculture have? Tell me quickly!" Liu Hong looked very eager.

"Your Majesty, the national treasury's revenue mainly comes from taxes. However, the officials and scholars of our Great Han Dynasty currently enjoy tax exemption privileges. I have roughly calculated that the taxes exempted alone are equivalent to nearly 30% of the national treasury's annual income. The amount is unimaginable."

Your Majesty, I believe that these people's tax exemption privileges should be temporarily revoked. This would greatly increase the national treasury's revenue, allowing for more funds and provisions to be used for water conservancy repairs and to restore the nation's strength.

Cao Song's words were like a thunderbolt, instantly stunning everyone.

Just then, Hu Guang also stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I believe that the Grand Minister of Agriculture’s words are reasonable. The country is currently facing difficulties. We have been blessed by the country for generations, and we should share its joys and sorrows. Temporarily withdrawing the tax exemption privilege is a good strategy to increase fiscal revenue.”

"Well...!"

Liu Hong glanced at the officials in the court with slight hesitation, and began to make plans in his mind.

Liu Hong had already read Cao Song's memorial and had even secretly summoned him, which was why this had happened today. But now that Hu Guang had also stepped forward to support him, Liu Hong couldn't help but be tempted!

The officials below the hall, seeing that the emperor was somewhat tempted, couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Seeing the expressions of the officials, Liu Hong suppressed the thought of revoking the tax exemption privilege. This matter had too great an impact, and if not handled carefully, it could lead to the same fate as Wang Mang.

Before fully seizing military power, Liu Hong dared not attempt anything rash.

"Those are rewards for those who have contributed to our great Han Dynasty. If we take them back, wouldn't that discourage the people of the world? No, no..."

With a sigh in his heart, Liu Hong ultimately rejected Cao Song's suggestion.

"I have another plan that may solve this urgent problem!"

When they saw Cao Song step forward again, everyone cursed him inwardly.

Liu Hong said urgently, "Oh? I wonder what good plan the Grand Minister of Agriculture has? Tell me quickly."

"Your Majesty, just now Minister Situ said that we are all people who have received the country's favor, and we should share weal and woe with Your Majesty and the country. However, Your Majesty is benevolent and cannot bear to revoke the tax exemption privilege. I am deeply moved!"

"Let's get down to business!"

"promise!"

Cao Song cleared his throat. "I believe we can raise money and grain from wealthy families and merchants across the land to help us through this difficult time, and promise interest so that the money can be repaid in full when the national treasury is more prosperous."

"The Grand Minister of Agriculture's plan is excellent!"

Liu Hong's eyes lit up, and he immediately agreed to Cao Song's idea.

Cao Song immediately picked up where Liu Hong left off, saying, "My family has been paid by the Han dynasty for generations. Although my family is not wealthy, I am willing to donate fifty million coins to the national treasury to repay the country's kindness."

Cao Song even emphasized the tone of the word "donate," making it very clear that he was a grateful person and that the money did not need to be returned.

"Very well, Minister Cao is indeed a pillar of my state and a key minister of the Han Dynasty. With such a virtuous minister, how can the Han Dynasty not prosper?"

Seeing that Cao Song was so responsive, Liu Hong was overjoyed and praised Cao Song profusely. Then he looked meaningfully at the other officials.

Hu Guang also stepped forward, saying, "Your subject is willing to donate 50,000 coins to the national treasury!"

Hu Guang was honest and upright throughout his life, and came from a poor family. It is likely that he saved up 50,000 coins from his salary over many years.

Chen Fan: "Your subject is willing to donate 200,000 coins to the national treasury."

Dou Wu: "Your subject is willing to donate ten million coins to the national treasury."

Li Ying: "Your subject is willing to donate 200,000 coins to the national treasury."

Seeing that the Grand Tutor, the Three Dukes, and the General had taken the lead in donating money, and even Yang Qiu had donated 100,000 coins, the officials knew that if they did not donate, they would not only displease the emperor, but also offend the Three Dukes.

But how much should be donated? Everyone started to think about it. Too little wasn't enough, but too much was too much to bear.

“On behalf of the Yuan family, I hereby donate 80 million coins to the national treasury.”

Just as everyone was pondering, Yuan Feng stepped forward. Obviously, 80 million was not much for the Yuan family, but he dared not donate any more and could only take a middle figure.

"On behalf of the Cui family, I am willing to donate..."

"On behalf of this subject..."

With Yuan Feng taking the lead, officials from prominent families no longer hesitated and began to donate money on behalf of their respective families. Many people also looked at those officials from humble backgrounds with a sense of superiority.

Liu Hong looked at Zhang Rang with a smile on his face, "Record the amount of your donations clearly, and then announce it to the world to commend your patriotism."

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