Although Guanyun City is very cold these days, Wu Tianci's heart is warm.

He met with many old ministers in the former imperial study in Guanyun City and had heart-to-heart talks with them.

Of course, all that was said was the contributions they had made to Daxia and the invitation for them to join the cabinet next year.

These old ministers naturally felt the emperor's care for them, and their enthusiasm, which had originally retired, became active again. Although it was a cabinet with little power, they could still do something for Daxia, which was of course great.

More importantly, they saw new hope in the emperor—

The young emperor seemed to have lost the stubbornness he had when he first ascended the throne. His words and deeds were full of ideals and ambitions for the people of Daxia and for Daxia's immortal foundation.

In the emperor's body, they seemed to have returned to the time when they were with Fu Xiaoguan.

But there are still people who are awake.

For example, Xiao Yulou!

For example, You Xianzhi!

Xiao Mansion.

Xianzhi You sat in front of Xiao Yulou holding a birdcage.

He put the birdcage aside, stretched out his hands to warm them on the stove, looked at You Xianzhi, and said with a smile: "Old Xiao, which do you think is better, the Liuyun Tower on the Ten Miles of Pinghu Lake in Guanyun City? Or is the Liuyun Tower on the Rouge Lake in Chang'an Never-Sleeping Square better?"

Xiao Yulou glared at You Xianzhi, then craned his neck to look out the door. "It's been ages since I've been to this place of entertainment! Don't mention it again. My wife won't be able to have a peaceful year if she hears!"

"Hahaha..." You Xianzhi laughed. "Come to think of it, I haven't been to Liuyuntai for a long time. What can I do at my age? I just drink some wine, listen to some music, and reminisce about the unruly days of my youth."

"What on earth do you want to say, old man?"

"Nothing. Although my son-in-law, daughter, and grandson are all in Chang'an, I think Guanyun City is better!"

You Xianzhi leaned over and stared at Xiao Yulou, "Don't you find it a little strange?"

“…It’s a bit strange.”

"So what are your plans?"

"I was summoned to the palace yesterday to have a chat. It seems this person has changed a lot."

"Well," You Xianzhi nodded. "My son-in-law also wrote to me saying that this person has changed a lot. At least he has been in charge of the government for the past six months. But... for some reason, he didn't invite me to Chang'an. Do you think I have offended him in some way?"

Xiao Yulou was stunned. "Didn't you get invited?"

"Well, we chatted casually. He just asked me if I was used to living in Guanyun City. He also comforted me and told me to rest assured and enjoy my retirement."

Xiao Yulou laughed and poured a cup of tea for You Xianzhi. "Look, you used to be the Minister of Revenue, and now your son-in-law is also the Minister of Revenue. They are both the chief stewards of Daxia. I think that person probably thinks your son-in-law is already very capable, so why would you join the cabinet again?"

"Didn't you just say that Liuyuntai in Guanyun City is better? Then stay here and walk your bird, or go to Liuyuntai for tea... Actually, I've been retired for more than half a year, and I've gotten used to my current life. To be honest, I'm not very willing to go."

Xiao Yulou took a sip of his teacup, sighed, and continued, "Perhaps he has changed a little, but in my opinion... I'm afraid this change is only superficial. After all, he hasn't yet dismantled that ridiculous inner court. Look at all the people who followed him to Guanyun City. They are all from his inner court."

"The people in the inner court serve him alone, so of course they'll come up with some bad ideas for their own benefit. So... Old You, it's actually best if you can avoid going to Chang'an. The water there is really muddy!"

You Xianzhi glanced at Xiao Yulou and said, "Since you have seen it clearly, why don't you refuse?"

"Hey, get closer so you can see the show more clearly."

…

…

The heavy snow finally stopped.

The sky of Guanyun City became blue again.

On this day, Wu Tianci took a group of people from his inner court to the Star-Picking Terrace.

There was no other way, he was short of money. Thinking that there was a mountain of gold under the Star-Picking Terrace, Wu Tianci was excited.

In the dragon chariot, Wu Tianci said to Gong Huanyu, "After taking this mountain of gold, you will send someone to convert it into cash. The 100,000 troops that Tuoba Wang trained for me...the consumption of food and fodder for the men and horses is too great."

"I have already told Minister Zhuo that when the court opens next year, I will preside over a grand court meeting."

"At this grand court meeting, Minister Zhuo will propose the dismantling of the current armies. The three ministries have no reason to object, both morally and logically. Then, when the new army is established, I will authorize Minister Zhuo to personally recruit soldiers."

"Tuoba Wang's 100,000-man army will be transferred to Kyoto in due time to form the Kyoto garrison. After these days... which will last roughly another three to five months... the military expenses will be covered by the Ministry of Revenue."

"This is not going to work. This world belongs to me, and all the money in this world should belong to me!"

"But the Ministry of Revenue has so much money lying around, and I can't use a single cent of it..."

Wu Tianci laughed at himself and shook his head, "Next year, Yun Xiyan will definitely be thrown into prison!"

"Only when I hold the economic power of Daxia can I better plan my future!"

Gong Huanyu bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I understand your heart. Your Majesty, rest assured that the financial power will return to your hands next year!"

"Um."

Wu Tianci didn't say anything else. He lifted the side curtain and looked at the snow-covered Guanyun City.

Looking at the bustling crowd and listening to the shouts of the common people, a smile gradually appeared on his face.

These are all my people!

This is how they live!

In the future, when I take full power, their lives will become better!

The convoy drove into Jinghu Villa, but Wu Tianci did not get out of the car to see the place where he was born.

He was very anxious in his heart, as life was too difficult without money.

The inner court had to withdraw money from his treasury account to support the army. In order to build the best army, all the money in the treasury was spent on the 100,000-strong army.

Wu Tianci did not regret it because he already understood the importance of guns.

Daxia has millions of guns, but these guns are actually in the hands of my father. If it weren't for the foreign war, I probably wouldn't be able to use a single gun!

It was really frustrating to be an emperor.

Standing under the Star-Picking Platform, Wu Tianci realized that there was no one guarding it.

He felt a little surprised, as he remembered that this place was once heavily guarded.

Could it be that these people were taken away by my father?

His heart skipped a beat, and he hurried forward with Gong Huanyu and Liu Jin. When they arrived at the door, they found that there was no lock on it.

The door is open!

He quickly opened the door and walked in. After a moment...

There was a roar from the Star-Picking Platform: "Where is my gold? Who took away all my gold...!"