Inside the Chongzheng Hall, all the officials gathered, their faces flushed, whispering among themselves to their colleagues.
Aside from the few notices issued a few days ago regarding housing prices, land prices, and grain prices, the officials discussed mostly the sports meet.
As for why the officials were so concerned about the sports meet, it was because today was the day to announce the results of the sports meet, so everyone showed a hint of excitement and anticipation on their faces.
Among the Nine Ministers, Liu Shu, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, gently tugged at Cao Song beside him, then asked in a low voice:
"Grand Minister of Agriculture, how much money did the Royal Merchant Guild actually make from this sports meet?"
Cao Song glanced at Liu Shu, then shook his head and said in a low voice:
"How would I know? I only manage the production of those factories. No one except His Majesty has the right to inquire about the money they make!"
"That should give you a rough estimate, right? You can figure out how much stuff you'll sell with a simple calculation, right?"
"That's right, Grand Minister of Agriculture, please tell us!"
The surrounding officials also gathered around Cao Song with smiles on their faces.
"You'll find out when His Majesty arrives. Why do you have to ask me?"
Seeing the people crowding around, Cao Song said irritably.
"Hey~, we were just thinking of celebrating a little earlier!"
"Yes, Grand Minister of Agriculture, please tell us!"
The crowd continued to relentlessly pester Cao Song.
Seeing this, Cao Song smiled and said, "Alright, since you want to know, I'll give you a brief explanation!"
Everyone quickly perked up their ears and looked at Cao Song with expectant expressions.
Seeing everyone's eager expressions, Cao Song stopped keeping them in suspense and said, shaking his head:
"According to my estimate, during this Games, the total profit from the goods sold by the factories and workshops under the Royal Trading Company, after deducting all costs and expenses, will be at least 500 million coins."
Regarding tickets, front-row tickets alone sold for 200 million, and with back-row tickets included, the total ticket sales are estimated to be at least 500 million.
Liu Shu couldn't help but ask, "Based on this calculation, the Royal Merchant Guild should be able to earn at least one billion coins in net income from this sports meet?"
The others' eyes lit up, and they looked at Cao Song with anticipation.
"That's right, this is still the minimum budget. If you calculate the total, it will be more than that!"
Facing the expectant gazes of the crowd, Cao Song nodded firmly.
"Hiss~, if we calculate it this way, doesn't that mean we'll each get at least a million coins in reward?"
Thinking about the rewards they could receive, a glint of light appeared in everyone's eyes.
Soon, through this group of people, all the officials in the court learned about the profits from this operation, and everyone excitedly began discussing what to do with the money.
For a time, various noises filled the Deyang Palace.
Chen Fan, who was at the head of all the officials, stood there quietly, unusually not restraining the other officials.
"His Majesty is holding court; all officials, please be silent!"
With a loud shout, the officials quickly stopped their discussion, stood up straight, and looked straight ahead.
Before long, Liu Hong, dressed in imperial robes, walked out from the back hall, followed closely by Zhao Zhong, Lü Qiang, and Jian Shuo.
After Liu Hong took his seat, Chen Fan led all the civil and military officials to bow and pay their respects to him.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"
"Gentlemen, you may dispense with the formalities!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"
Looking at the rosy faces of his officials, Liu Hong, sitting on his throne, couldn't help but smile.
"Your voices are much louder today, and you all seem to be in a very good mood!"
Cao Song immediately stood up, bowed to Liu Hong, and then said loudly:
"Your Majesty, the people of our Great Han are now living in peace and prosperity, and all things are stable and peaceful. In such a prosperous era, we are naturally overjoyed!"
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture is right...!"
A group of officials also stood up and echoed the sentiment.
Liu Hong also laughed and said, "Yes, the Han Dynasty is doing well now, which is inseparable from the joint efforts of all of you. I am very pleased and hope that you will continue to do so in the future and contribute your own strength to the Han Dynasty!"
"Your Majesty's command is ours to obey!"
As soon as Liu Hong finished speaking, all the officials hurriedly responded in unison.
Seeing this, Liu Hong, seated on the throne, nodded in satisfaction and then said loudly:
"I once said that as long as you all do your jobs diligently, I will reward you generously. Now that you have all done a good job, I will naturally keep my word..."
Cao Song hurriedly replied, "It is all thanks to Your Majesty's wise leadership; we dare not claim credit for it!"
"The Grand Minister of Agriculture is right, we dare not claim credit for ourselves!"
"As officials, we should share Your Majesty's burdens and dare not presume to ask for any rewards!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, it is the duty of a subject to devote himself to the affairs of the king!"
Cao Song's words did not offend the officials; on the contrary, they all chimed in to agree.
The officials were merely offering flattery.
Everyone knows that the emperor is a man of his word and extremely generous.
If they say they'll give a reward, they definitely will, and it will be more than it should be, not less!
Saying a few nice words makes one appear selfless and indifferent to fame and fortune, while also showing that the emperor is benevolent, generous, and cares for his officials. Why not do it?
"Haha~, you gentlemen are indeed my pillars of support. With you gentlemen by my side, how can my great Han Dynasty not prosper!"
Seeing all the officials on the throne displaying their loyalty and dedication to the country, Liu Hong couldn't help but burst into laughter and praised them generously.
"Only by clearly distinguishing between rewards and punishments can we achieve unity of purpose. My lords, please do not refuse any longer!"
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