Master Jiang had gray hair and a hunched back. He was already an elderly man. He squinted his cloudy eyes and sighed:
"Lu Zuoxiang's legitimate daughter is the current Third Imperial Consort. He is putting pressure on you, probably to build momentum for the Third Prince."
If the emperor governs the country improperly and causes dissatisfaction among his ministers, it will only benefit the third prince.
"But I really can't come up with that much money. They use the war to pressure me every day. I think what they say makes sense... It seems like I'm the one who's wrong, but I don't have any money!"
Chu Aotian was numb.
Master Jiang bowed:
"At this time of national affairs, I, an old minister, am willing to offer my family wealth to help the emperor share his worries."
"teacher!"
This is too expensive!
"You are old, you should be enjoying your retirement. How can I take your money? Instead, those who are enriching themselves are taking advantage of me and trying to suppress me!"
"Your Majesty, even if you spend a fortune, it will come back. Money is only a thing outside of your body. I am willing to share your worries!"
Chu Aotian's eyes turned red.
When the emperor's uncle was away, all the civil and military officials in the court wanted to rebel, and only Tutor Jiang assisted him wholeheartedly.
"Teacher is righteous, I will never forget your kindness!"
-
harem.
Chu Aotian is in control of the front court, and Concubine Xin is also busy in the harem. Princess Minghua enters the palace every day, and Concubine Xin has no peace even when she wants to play cards with Concubine Wen.
It's okay to come once or twice, but if you come every day...
well.
"Empress Xin, I heard that the emperor seemed to have encountered difficulties in the previous dynasty and was worried every day." Chu Minghua walked over accompanied by two maids.
Concubine Xin didn't understand the affairs of the previous dynasty and felt a little headache.
"The Emperor has been busy these days, and I haven't seen him for three days."
Chu Minghua sat down and said generously:
"Although you are busy with official duties, Your Majesty still needs to pay more attention to the health of the Emperor. I heard that he seems to be worried about money. In my opinion, it would be better to ask those wealthy businessmen to donate a little, and this problem can be easily solved."
"Empress Xin, what do you think?"
Concubine Xin rubbed her forehead and said, "My princess is right."
She didn't understand government affairs, but the King of Chu had done this kind of donation before when he was at war.
The mother of the seventh prince was a wealthy woman who donated hundreds of thousands of taels of money to help the founding of the Chu State and made outstanding contributions, which is why she was named Imperial Noble Consort.
Chu Minghua said a few words of concern and some other things before leaving.
After leaving Hehuan Palace, the smile on his face suddenly froze, and his eyes became deep:
"Come here, pass down the order, order all merchants in the capital to increase taxes by 30%, and each person and household must donate 5,000 taels of money and property. Say that this is the order of Concubine Xin. If anyone disobeys,
"kill!"
"yes!"
The order caused an uproar in the capital.
When the country is in trouble, everyone lends a helping hand, relying on their willingness and passion.
But what about forcing them to pay?
"Is the emperor crazy? He wants to increase taxes by 30%. Is he going to drain our savings?"
"Are you going to let me live?"
"Each person has to donate 5,000 taels. There are tens of thousands of wealthy merchants in the capital. Why doesn't the emperor just rob them?"
"Although we are all scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, the emperor's actions are too abominable! Are you trying to force us into a dead end?"
"Keep your voice down! Do you want to live? Anyone who disobeys will lose their head!"
"Oh my God! Don't let me say it. When the previous emperor was in power, he didn't have such a strong hand. As soon as the eighth prince ascended the throne, he wanted to force us to death. Aren't merchants' lives lives?"
For a time, there was turmoil and chaos.
-
Southern Xinjiang.
The Nanman army was stationed in eight important strongholds, holding the entire southern border firmly in their hands. They set up tents and had soldiers guarding them, making the area impenetrable.
In the main account.
The bonfire flickered slowly as an arrogant figure bent his legs, stepped on a bench, draped one arm lazily, and glanced at the secret letter in his hand.
The man's brow bones were as sharp as swords, his hands were slender with distinct joints like works of art. He was holding a thin piece of letter paper, looking so wild and handsome that it seemed unreal.
"Ask for help?"
Oh.
Xiao Jue stood to one side, bowed slightly and asked, "Master, the princess was badly defeated and has retreated to Lancheng. Should we send reinforcements there?"
"What does her defeat have to do with me?"
King Yin raised his finger and the letter flew into the brazier, where it was burned to ashes in an instant.
Xiao Jue understood.
Not supported.
The princess had only two choices: either escape back to Nanman or wait to be trapped and die in Lancheng.
A person as proud as the princess probably wouldn't do something like running away, so...
There is a high possibility that she will die in Lancheng.
"You," King Yin raised his hand, "immediately send someone back to the capital to spread the news of Tuoba Mingyue's defeat. Make sure the whole country knows about it."
"yes!"
If it weren't for Tuoba Mingyue, King Yin would have become the most legitimate heir to the Nanman.
The man sighed and said, "My little niece, don't blame me for not saving you. It's because I prefer you to Wang Quan."
“Oh no!”
At this time, outside the main tent, a soldier ran over in panic:
"Your Majesty, it's bad. Our northern base was attacked by the Chu army 20 miles away!"
King Yin's eyes suddenly turned cold:
"Look carefully, it's the Chu army?"
"It is indeed the Chu army. I am not mistaken! At least... at least 40,000 people..."
“Asshole!”
"Your Majesty, calm down!"
He slammed the table and stood up, "Southern Xinjiang is already my Nanman territory, and there is Tuoba Mingyue blocking the way ahead. Such a large army is lurking here, and all your eyes are used to vent your anger?"
The soldiers knelt on the ground in fear, not daring to breathe.
They were also caught off guard!
They also don’t know how the Chu army came!
King Yin kicked the soldier away and said, "You good-for-nothings! You can't even guard a small southern border! Have the messengers quickly sort out the battle situation and send it to me. The two strongholds on the north wing must be defended by me! Also, call all the deputy generals for an emergency meeting to see which general is leading the Chu army!"
"yes!"
As soon as the soldier rolled out in panic, another person rushed in:
"Report!"
"Your Majesty, the Chu army is led by a young general, Major General Qin Muyu!"
King Yin was about to sit down, but he stood up again, and the anger on his face suddenly eased a little.
He rubbed his cold jaw:
"When two countries are at war, it is normal for surprise attacks to occur. The situation on the battlefield changes rapidly. I had expected them to take back Southern Xinjiang."
The terrified soldiers: "?"
"With war now underway, how can I retreat to the background?"
He grabbed the long sword on Lanqi and said, "Bring my warhorse here, I will go meet him in person."
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