After Zhu Youxiao finished speaking, the ministers below looked at each other and stood there slightly stiffly.

For a moment, these officials were unsure how to find their own position. They did not know whether their Majesty's words about suspending the palace construction were meant to test their attitudes and get them to take sides, or whether it was really what the Majesty wanted.

Before the emperor's attitude was confirmed, the ministers present really didn't know how to choose. If they made the wrong choice, the consequences would be something they could not afford.

Especially Cui Chengxiu and others, they have always based their words and actions on Zhu Youxiao's ideas. Before they figured out the emperor's thoughts, they really didn't dare to speak again, because Xu Guangqi's identity was too special.

Everyone present knew Xu Guangqi's identity. He was not originally a prominent official, nor was he a high-ranking official in the court. His Majesty had promoted him. In other words, Xu Guangqi was his Majesty's confidant.

An opinion put forward by His Majesty's confidant is usually what His Majesty wants to do, and everyone should just support it.

But this time, things were different from the past. It was obvious that Xu Guangqi was putting pressure on His Majesty, something that was previously only done by the Donglin Party. What was Xu Guangqi trying to do?

For a moment, everyone was a little unsure and no one dared to speculate.

So the court fell into a brief silence, and many people focused their attention on several cabinet ministers, wanting to see what they had to say.

This was also the aftermath of several previous incidents, and the ministers in the court didn't dare to speak anymore.

Of course, not all ministers dared to speak, such as Sun Chengzong.

Sun Chengzong did not know about this incident because it happened too recently and no one in the palace leaked the news. Therefore, Sun Chengzong did not know that Xu Guangqi had made such a suggestion to Zhu Youxiao before the court meeting.

But now after hearing Xu Guangqi's suggestion, Sun Chengzong felt that it was a good thing to ask His Majesty to suspend the construction of the palace.

The court had no money, and this was something everyone present knew.

There are troops stationed in Liaodong, and famines are common across the country. The court needs to spend money on many things. It would be a good thing if the construction of the palace could be temporarily stopped so that the emperor could use the money to spend on other things.

Compared to the others, Sun Chengzong did not think so much, so he took a step forward and praised loudly: "Your Majesty, I think this is a very good move."

"Such an action will let the world know your majesty's benevolence and love for the people, and it will also ease the tight budget of the court. It is a win-win situation."

"It's just that this would be an injustice to Your Majesty, and we feel guilty. When the court has more financial resources, we will definitely build a good palace for Your Majesty."

After Sun Chengzong stood up, many ministers immediately understood the direction as if they had a sudden realization.

This was Xu Guangqi's suggestion, and since your Majesty's teacher, Sun Chengzong, took the lead in agreeing, there shouldn't be much danger. Many others then came forward to echo this.

"Your Majesty, I believe this is a very good deed!"

"I second the motion!"

Cui Chengxiu, in particular, took a step forward and said with great emotion, "Your Majesty's actions are of great benevolence and righteousness, and of love for the people. If the people of the world knew, they would surely be filled with gratitude and embrace Your Majesty's grace."

"With such actions, Your Majesty can surpass all previous emperors and serve as a model for future emperors. It is truly a blessing for generations to come!"

This flattery was so intense that no one could bear to watch. Even Zhu Youxiao looked at Cui Chengxiu a few more times.

It was not because Zhu Youxiao thought Cui Chengxiu's words were bad, nor because he thought his flattery was too disgusting, but because he thought Cui Chengxiu's words were really good.

Cui Chengxiu was indeed the right person to be used. He is a man with vision, and the court needs such talents!

Zhu Youxiao's purpose in doing this was to improve his reputation, so Cui Chengxiu's flattery was a good thing for him.

Do you know how many emperors gained their good reputations?

It's also just a fabrication, exaggerated by some people. For example, there was a famous man in later generations called the "Ten Perfect Old Man", whose reputation was completely exaggerated by himself and his ministers. In comparison, the "Ten Perfect Old Man" was still far inferior to his father.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao also needed such a minister by his side, and Cui Chengxiu had such potential.

As a result, everyone in the court began to follow suit, and many people imitated Cui Chengxiu and started to flatter him, and their flattery was extremely exaggerated.

"Your Majesty is truly the greatest emperor of all time!"

"A role model for all ages!"

If Zhu Youxiao didn't know what he was going to do in advance, he would probably think that they were going to tout him as the most powerful emperor.

"Alright, I just did what an emperor should do." Zhu Youxiao suppressed his laughter and waved his hand to interrupt the flattery. He then said, "When Xu Guangqi said these words yesterday, the Empress was there. After returning to the harem, the Empress gave me many advice and even said that she was willing to cut down on the harem's expenses. I was very happy to hear this. I am very relieved to have such a virtuous Empress."

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao suddenly said, "Read it!"

Chen Hong, who was standing aside, immediately understood, and hurriedly took a step forward, stretching out his hand to unfold an imperial edict.

When the ministers saw this, they understood that His Majesty had made preparations long ago. At the same time, they were also glad that they had not stood up to oppose it.

So, led by several cabinet ministers, all the ministers knelt down, ready to listen to the imperial edict.

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