When Lu Jingze hurriedly entered the palace, Emperor Lu Nancheng had just finished lunch.
The imperial kitchen had prepared a feast for the eyes, filling the table with the aroma of the dishes. But Lu Nancheng had no appetite and only picked up a few bites before putting down his chopsticks.
He was already troubled by the recent events involving the Star Moon Sect, and his brows were furrowed even more at this moment.
Seeing Lu Jingze arrive looking travel-worn, a hint of surprise flashed in Lu Nancheng's eyes. He then waved for the palace servants to leave.
Once only the two brothers remained in the hall, Lu Jingze cut to the chase and explained Wang Xiuxiu's analysis and his own thoughts.
Lu Nancheng also thought what he said made sense, but he felt helpless for a while when faced with the problem of how to keep the people busy.
Lu Jingze's throat was dry from talking, so he picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, enjoying the comforting sensation of the warm tea soothing his throat.
After quenching his thirst a little, he continued, "We can consider building large-scale structures!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Nancheng was slightly taken aback, and the chopsticks in his hand stopped in mid-air: "Large-scale building?"
“That’s right,” Lu Jingze nodded, his tone firm. “The imperial court funds the construction of large-scale buildings that benefit the country and the people, such as water conservancy projects, official roads and bridges, and the repair of city walls. It recruits people to participate in these projects and pays them wages. In this way, people’s lives can be improved, and they can be busy making a living and have no time to worry about anything else.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Nancheng suddenly understood. He was so excited that he forgot all about the etiquette of an emperor, slapped his thigh, and exclaimed repeatedly, "Excellent! Excellent! This plan is brilliant!"
However, after a brief period of excitement, his emotions gradually calmed down, and new questions began to surface.
Lu Nancheng frowned, looking worried, and said, "But... the money earned from the last auction had barely filled the national treasury a little, and now they're going to start a large-scale construction project, I'm afraid..."
Lu Jingze naturally understood his elder brother's concerns.
Since ascending the throne, Lu Nancheng has been struggling to deal with the financial problems of the court.
The mess left behind by their father when he passed away has made life difficult for the two brothers over the years.
Now that they had just escaped their immediate crisis, it was understandable that Lu Nancheng was hesitant to return to the days of being "poor and destitute."
Silence fell over the hall. Lu Nancheng lowered his head in thought, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, making a soft "tap-tap" sound.
Lu Jingze didn't urge him, but waited quietly.
After a long while, Lu Nancheng finally raised his head, a resolute glint in his eyes.
He slammed his hand on the table, his tone resolute: "Let's do it! There's no time to lose, let's get started now! Anyway, this money will only be coveted if it stays in the national treasury, so why not use it all for the benefit of the common people!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Lu Nancheng waved his hand and laughed, "Alright, we're brothers, let's not talk about such mushy things. I've already agreed to the matter, but to truly implement this decision, I'll need your help!"
"Your subject obeys!" Lu Jingze replied crisply and decisively, without hesitation.
"Good! Good!" Lu Nancheng stood up, walked to Lu Jingze's side, patted him heavily on the shoulder, and looked very pleased.
I don't know what kind of good fortune I accumulated in my past life to be so fortunate to have such an outstanding and loyal younger brother in this life!
Other families' royal brothers harbored resentment and were constantly on guard against and suspicious of each other, causing internal strife among the brothers.
His own brother, however, not only considered and planned for him in every way, but also stepped forward and risked his life even on the most dangerous battlefield!
Lu Nancheng couldn't help but sigh again. Although his father had left him a lot of troublesome matters, he was fortunate to have a good younger brother to assist him!
Thinking of this, Lu Nancheng felt a warmth in his heart, and suddenly remembered that he and his brother had not gone to offer incense and pay their respects to their mother for a long time.
He turned to Lu Jingze and said, "Jingze, I miss my mother. Come with me to offer incense to her in a little while."
Lu Jingze nodded in agreement, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes.
The two brothers looked at each other and smiled, as if they had returned to the time when they were young and played at their mother's knees.
The sunlight streaming in from outside the hall cast long, slender shadows of them.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com