"Your Majesty, this is not a wise move. The nobles of Great Xia have been fighting in rotation for many years and are already very exhausted. The Western Regions are too far away, and many of them are probably unable to send troops..."

"If you are unable to send troops, then give the title to a brave warrior willing to fight for me! The empire... does not tolerate parasites!"

At Qin Mu's instruction, Qin Xiaoxin, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, stepped forward to present his memorial to Emperor Zhaowu, but was rudely suppressed and given no face whatsoever.

Qin Mu and Qin Jian both frowned, filled with doubt. Emperor Zhaowu was far too arbitrary this time, which was not his usual style at all.

"Prince Heng, you have not been summoned for six years. This time you should do your best to serve the empire!"

"Of course, of course! Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will live up to my title of Prince!"

When Qin Mo saw Emperor Zhaowu's spear hurtling towards him, he casually blocked it to the side. He was no longer afraid of Emperor Zhaowu; he would simply feign compliance and counter his moves as they came.

"Your Highness is too kind. Your territory is far beyond that of an ordinary prince. It would not be an exaggeration to say that you are as rich as a country. This time, I hope you will be generous and let all the officials witness your wealth!"

"Your Majesty, please name a number!"

Qin Mo felt the gleaming green light in the eyes of the people around her and sighed inwardly, "So this is what it feels like to be hated by the rich. I've tasted it now... and it's actually kind of satisfying."

"Qin Mo, you've misunderstood. We're family, how could I take your money! The envoy from the Holy Temple said that your fleet has reached the Red Sea, and your Da Yuan merchant caravan is making a fortune in the Western Continent. It just so happens that Great Xia is doubling its aid to the Holy Temple this time, so you can pay the extra double... how about it?"

"The Temple wants money... why don't they just ask me for it directly? Besides, why should I pay double?"

"The temple's envoy said that directly asking you for money might damage the relationship, since it was the temple's people who sold your goods for you. You should remember their kindness after making money!"

Emperor Zhaowu looked at Qin Mo, who was clearly in a daze, and said earnestly, "It's only six million taels of silver a year. You can offset that with goods and military equipment. Besides, your Dayuan goods are so profitable. If the Holy Temple obstructs you in the Western Continent, who will buy the goods your workshops produce?"

"Holy shit, you dare to play economic blockade against me... you guys are still too green!"