Chapter 312 Imperial Merchant
When talking about the war and thinking of Li Xiao's contribution, the queen didn't want to find fault anymore and still had a gentle smile on her face.
"The harem is not allowed to interfere in government affairs. I don't know much about this war, but I do know the dangers of war and the importance of food and fodder. At that time, the emperor was worried about food and fodder, worried that the soldiers in the northwest would not have enough to eat.
Later I learned that it was the owner of the Minji family who stepped forward to solve the urgent problem. Madam Li, you really make me admire you. You are obviously a woman, but you have done many things that men cannot do. "
After hearing this, Lin Hanzhi hurriedly spoke modestly.
"Your Majesty, I'm too kind. I was just being a little girl at the time. After all, my husband was still fighting on the front lines against the Northern Wing. Without food, the consequences would be disastrous. In my panic, I tried every possible way to gather food and send it to the front. Although it cost me so much of my life, I was lucky to have secured the Northwest. Money is just a superficial possession, and I can always earn more in the future."
Seeing Lin Hanzhi's calm expression, the Queen felt somewhat satisfied and hoped that she would be more sensible.
"Madam Li is quite thoughtful. The account book for the grain purchases is clearly written in the memorial submitted by General Song. Logically, the money should be paid to Madam Li immediately, but the national treasury just issued a pension, and there is a moment of tension.
As Empress, I am one with the Emperor, and I also want to help him resolve his problems. Therefore, I have decided to use the silver from my own treasury and some of the jewelry bestowed by the Emperor to settle Madam Li's expenses this time."
After hearing this, Lin Hanzhi leaned over and spoke with a stern smile on her face.
"Empress, His Majesty the Emperor governs the country wisely, allowing our people to live and work in peace and contentment. Your Majesty, you care about the people and the soldiers at the border, and now you are willing to use your own private treasury. What a great love and selflessness you show.
"I, your Majesty, have been touched by your kindness and compassion, and I also wish to do something for the soldiers on the border. Therefore, I am willing to spend this money. It is my honor to be able to raise food and fodder for the soldiers in the northwest. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this opportunity."
After hearing the answer she wanted, the queen's eyes became gentle when she looked at Lin Hanzhi.
"General Li's wife truly lives up to her husband's example. One of you bravely fights the enemy at the front, while the other selflessly raises food and medicine in the rear. How many people will this tale become?"
Then he looked at the palace maid beside him.
"Why don't you quickly offer General Li's wife a seat and serve her tea? I've really spoiled her and she's become unruly. She didn't even remind me that General Li's wife has been here for so long, why is she still being made to stand?"
Seeing the queen's hypocritical behavior, Lin Hanzhi remained calm and had a flattering smile on her face.
"I was overjoyed to see the Empress and wanted to chat with her more. I guess this aunt saw that we were too engrossed in our conversation and didn't want to interrupt."
Soon Lin Hanzhi sat down on a chair beside her, and the palace maid brought her some fine tea.
The Queen greeted with a smile.
"Madam General Li, this is the Imperial Longjing tea that the Emperor gifted me. I've been keeping it, and today I'm bringing it out to entertain Madam General Li. Madam General Li was a big merchant before, and she's traveled a lot, so she's probably seen a lot of good things. See if you can get used to drinking it."
Upon hearing this, Lin Hanzhi smiled and took a sip, then spoke as if she had never tasted it before.
"Good tea, Your Majesty. I have seen you so graceful and elegant today, and I have received such good tea from you. Today is the happiest day for me in all these years."
Looking at Lin Hanzhi's rustic appearance, the queen became more and more satisfied. This is good. She should not be difficult to control in the future. His Majesty should be relieved. Li Xiao has made great contributions. If his wife is too shrewd, it will not be a good thing for the royal family.
"When I saw General Li's wife today, I felt very close to her. I also have a princess, but she's not as talkative as General Li's wife. Since General Li doesn't want this silver, does General Li have any rewards she would like? Please tell me, and I'll discuss it with the Emperor."
Hearing this, Lin Hanzhi couldn't help but complain, "Bah, how can the royal family be so stingy? They even wait for others to ask for a reward."
"Your Majesty, I'm new here, and I'm from the remote northwest. How could I possibly ask for a reward? I'll obey your orders in everything. I love you and trust you."
The queen couldn't help but feel more satisfied after hearing this.
"Since that's the case, Madam General Li, you've raised food and fodder, comforted His Majesty and reassured the soldiers in the northwest. And since you've sided with General Li, I'll confer you the title of First-Rank Lady Anguo, ensuring you and General Li are always on equal footing, both in status and in spirit."
Lin Hanzhi was surprised to hear this and quickly stood up and saluted.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, and Your Majesty the Queen."
Then he wrote with a look of surprise and a little overwhelmed.
The queen smiled and asked the palace maid to support her.
"Get up quickly. I feel friendly the moment I see you. Let's cut down on the formalities from now on."
After hearing this, Lin Hanzhi did not stand up, but continued to kneel and looked at the queen and spoke.
"Your Majesty, this is the first time I've heard of such a title. Although I don't know how honorable it is, I believe you have bestowed upon me a great honor. My heart is thumping with joy right now. But Your Majesty, I have a humble request. I wonder if you would listen to it."
Seeing that Lin Hanzhi looked naive, the queen thought that she would not be able to make any big demands, so she spoke generously.
"General Li's wife, just ask."
Lin Hanzhi then bowed again and spoke slowly.
"Your Majesty, when I was collecting food and fodder, I bought a lot of it at high prices in order to collect it quickly. As a result, the city government is now out of money. If we want to make a living in the future, we must have money. I don't know how to do anything else, I only know how to run a shop.
"Over the years, I've earned a bit of a reputation for my work. But now that I've arrived in the Imperial City, I've learned that there are always people better than you. My little business skills aren't enough for the Imperial City. There's a saying among us businessmen: the pinnacle of business is becoming an imperial merchant. I'll be making money in the Imperial City in the future. Your Majesty, can you please support me?"
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