After the capital city stabilized, many merchants gradually moved here, since it was the location of the emperor and offered more opportunities for development. Over time, they settled down.
The matter of selecting imperial merchants was announced a while ago, but nothing has been implemented yet. Now, by giving it a push, it's just right.
The Minister of Revenue spoke eloquently: "It's not that we have to give away the imperial merchant quotas. We can see who gives more and has a better chance. For the rest who are not selected, the court may offer them some conveniences. There will always be willing ones to take the bait."
What a load of empty promises!
After thinking it over, Wen Hemian felt that this tactic might actually work, so she said, "You can give it a try. It would be best to first persuade a merchant to play along with your act..."
Speak of the devil and he shall appear.
Liu Qiongyue's clear and cheerful voice rang out from outside: "Lord Wen, may I come in?"
Before returning to the Prince's Mansion in the morning, Wen Hemian casually mentioned that she wanted to discuss some matters with Liu Qiongyue. Lu Zishen said that she was busy and would definitely pass on the message. He did not expect that it would come so quickly.
The Minister of Revenue had dealt with him several times and naturally recognized who he was.
Wen Hemian said to the outside, "It's alright, come in."
Liu Qiongyue then pushed open the door and entered. Upon seeing an old acquaintance, she greeted him with a smile: "Greetings, Minister."
This was a wealthy woman, and the Minister of Revenue looked at her as if she were gold: "Madam Lu, you don't need to be so polite."
Liu Qiongyue herself is very low-key, but with a husband who holds an important position, she can't stay low-key even if she wants to.
She sat down, looking cheerful, and got straight to the point: "Lord Wen, are you short of money? I'll donate."
Liu Qiongyue is a businesswoman through and through. She may not have much else, but she has plenty of money. Wen Hemian has sought cooperation with her several times and has never let her suffer any losses. Now that there is war in the north, she feels it is necessary for her to contribute her share.
Wen Hemian chuckled: "We're quite lacking in these areas. We were just about to talk about you. How about this, you and the Minister have a detailed discussion, and I'll go for a walk?"
"This...isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
Liu Qiongyue hesitated.
"I've been sitting here all afternoon, so I'm going out for some fresh air."
Wen Hemian didn't give them a chance to refuse. After finishing the remaining pear soup in the teacup, she got up and left.
Upon seeing this, the two began to chat.
Wen Hemian obtained the results of the secret guards' investigation in the corridor.
Normally, people don't visit each other's government offices unless there's a need for interaction. At most, they might get together privately. To narrow it down, the officials who went from the Ministry of War to the Ministry of Revenue were the Minister of War, the Vice Minister of War, and a secretary.
The Minister of War can be confirmed to be without issue for now; the missing page contains information about the Left Vice Minister and that physician.
"Keep a close eye on those two. Report any unusual activity immediately. Also, have someone fetch the Ministry of Revenue's files from previous years. Keep it quiet. I'll take another look."
While the Minister of Revenue was still talking to Liu Qiongyue, Wen Hemian gave the token to the secret guard, instructing him to go and make the necessary arrangements quickly.
After giving these instructions, Wen Hemian took another stroll in the courtyard. In the autumn, the leaves of some trees had already turned yellow and withered, looking desolate and bleak.
When she was lost in thought, Wen Hemian liked to stare blankly at the scenery outside. After she agreed to be with Xie Lang, he would always squeeze in at that moment, kissing her lips affectionately, preventing her from falling into deep thought.
Wen Hemian only thought he was clingy back then, but now she belatedly realizes that he clearly wants her to have eyes for him.
When they were teacher and student, he could only watch her from afar. Later, after they talked things out, he had the opportunity to openly approach her and try to get her to pay more attention to him.
The moon... Recalling Xie Lang's description of her, Wen Hemian felt complicated.
Who knows what that little brat is thinking all day long?
When they're around, they seem bothersome; when they're not around, they feel lonely.
Even Wen Hemian felt a little embarrassed because of her awkward thoughts.
I've only been away for less than a day, why do I already miss him?
Wen Heming shook his head.
Qingyun came up from behind and said softly, "Miss, Miss Liu and the Minister have something to discuss and have already left."
Wen Hemian nodded, indicating that he understood.
Qingyun then advised, "You've been busy all day, and you'll have plenty of work to do next. I've prepared some hot water for you, so go wash up and rest."
Wen Hemian actually wanted to wait for news from the secret guards, but thinking about what Qingyun said, she felt it made sense. She couldn't ruin herself before dealing with the enemy, especially since she was going to the North later.
Both physical and mental well-being are essential.
Wen Heming was calm and had strong self-control, and immediately chose a course of action that was beneficial to both himself and the situation.
The secret guards acted swiftly, and Wen Hemian obtained the old household registration files the next day. These were all abandoned and had not yet been dealt with. Fortunately, there were traces left, and she quickly found what she wanted to see.
The Left Vice Minister is fine, and the other physician himself also seems to be fine, except for his own mother, who comes from the Li family of Yuzhou.
If I remember correctly, Prince Jia's mother was also from this Li family.
They were once a renowned and powerful family, but after protecting Prince Jia, they gradually declined. Later, the whole family moved to Prince Jia's fiefdom. From this point of view alone, they treated Prince Jia quite well.
Once you find the key, things will be much easier.
Wen Hemian put down the file: "Go and investigate the doctor's mother."
It's hard to say whether this is the only one; Wen Hemian hasn't told anyone except Lu Zishen and Ye Zhaoxuan yet.
Fortunately, we have a clue, so we can follow the trail.
While she was secretly investigating, the Minister of Revenue was also making empty promises to the business owners.
The business owners all had their own connections and knew about the relationship between the Liu family business owner and the current prime minister. After Liu Qiongyue took the first step, some of them gradually opened their wallets.
As the saying goes, the bold get stuffed, the timid starve; it's better to die from overeating than from starvation.
They donated money readily, and the Minister of Revenue accepted it readily, his face beaming with joy.
Of course, the funds were also allocated very generously, ensuring ample reserves.
Warfare is all about money.
With everyone in the capital united, miscellaneous tasks were handled exceptionally smoothly. After more than half a month, apart from the news sent by Xie Lang after his arrival, Wen Hemian had not received any other messages.
She knew nothing bad would happen, but she still couldn't help feeling anxious.
The long wait is the most agonizing.
Unlike modern times, where you can always contact others by phone, waiting here means waiting alone, unable to see what lies ahead or know what is happening to the people you care about.
Wen Hemian suddenly realized some of the cruelty she had shown in the past.
What would Xie Lang have been thinking during those three years?
He harbored a hopeless wait, yet diligently served as an encouraging king.
He has done his best.
With the battle situation changing rapidly, Wen Hemian didn't have much time to indulge in personal emotions. She came to her senses and received a report from her subordinates.
The traitor has made a move.
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