Just as Han Gonglian was about to speak, Zhou Chao, the excited Minister of the Three Departments, quickly stepped forward and interjected, "Your Majesty, the matter of the paper money cannot be delayed any longer, otherwise the nation will be thrown into turmoil!"
Xu Churen continued, “The new policies are in full swing, and the court’s expenses are enormous. We need paper money to re-establish the central government. Delaying the issuance of paper money is tantamount to delaying the new policies. At best, the offender will be exiled to the frontier; at worst, he will be beheaded and his head displayed to the public!”
Upon hearing this, Han Gonglian was immediately shocked and knelt down: "Your Majesty, I am innocent..."
"Minister Han, get up and speak quickly."
Han Gonglian, however, remained kneeling on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, I absolutely have no intention of delaying the new policies."
"I believe you did not. Get up quickly."
Han Gonglian got up from the ground and was about to speak when Zhao Huan spoke first.
"Minister Han, are we short-handed?"
"Your Majesty, we have enough men."
"Would that require more financial investment?"
"Your Majesty, we have sufficient funds."
At this point, Han Gonglian himself was extremely embarrassed.
He had no way to explain his predicament; the matter of the paper money was of great importance, and it was certainly not his intention to delay.
But now he felt guilty, for the emperor trusted him so much and placed such high hopes on him.
He never expected to lose face in front of so many people. It was one thing to lose face, but he was personally promoted by the emperor, so losing face was equivalent to losing face for the emperor.
Zhao Huan asked, "Minister Xu, did you tell Han Gonglian when you need to exchange coins?"
"Your Majesty, I will be issuing paper money in ten days."
"Ten days, Minister Han, can you do it?"
Han Gonglian felt even more guilty, and gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, even if it costs me my life, I will do it for you!"
Zhao Huan immediately put on a benevolent face and said, "Minister Han, please take care of your health. You are more important to me than paper money."
When the emperor said this, some ministers still believed him and immediately felt that the emperor was truly a wise ruler.
But Xu Churen and Liu Yanzong thought to themselves at the same time: Emperor, where is your face?!
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