The following morning, the court officials stood respectfully on both sides of the Golden Palace, as always.
As usual, Qin Yu yawned and casually sat down on the dragon throne.
His large hands continued to roam freely over the palace maids beside him.
However, he secretly wondered how he could just announce Zhang Tang's appointment as imperial commissioner today when an unexpected scene unfolded.
Sima Lie suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Your Majesty! I went back last night and thought about it for a long time. Countless people in the three southwestern prefectures have been displaced by the disaster. The most important thing for our dynasty is to provide disaster relief as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, the entire Golden Palace fell into complete silence.
The officials looked at each other, and all of them showed expressions of shock.
They had assumed that today's court assembly would be like yesterday's, with Prime Minister Sima resolutely opposing disaster relief.
To everyone's surprise, Prime Minister Sima actually backed down on his own initiative, and so decisively at that.
This is so unexpected!
Is this still the same powerful prime minister who held absolute authority in the court and whose word was law?
Not only were the court officials astonished, but even Emperor Qin Yu, who sat on the dragon throne, was greatly surprised.
Sima Jing should have secretly passed on his intention to appoint Zhang Tang as Imperial Commissioner to Sima Lie.
Why is he no longer against disaster relief today?
But soon, he suddenly frowned and understood.
Zhang Tang and Sima Lie were constantly at odds, like oil and water.
If Zhang Tang wants to be reinstated, Sima Lie will either oppose it vehemently or dig a huge pit for Zhang Tang to jump into.
What kind of huge pit is it?
Qin Yu squinted and quickly formed some judgments, but he was not sure yet and needed to continue to observe.
Thinking of this, Qin Yu coughed lightly and said with a smile, "What the Prime Minister said is very true, but the selection of the imperial envoy also needs to be finalized as soon as possible. I do have someone in mind."
"Your Majesty, please speak," Sima Lie said, bowing.
Qin Yu nodded slightly and continued, "Yesterday, Abbot Liu recommended someone to me. I hadn't paid much attention to him at first, but now it seems he's quite suitable. It's Zhang Tang. What do you all think?"
As soon as Qin Yu finished speaking, a collective gasp filled the room.
This foolish emperor actually wants to appoint Zhang Tang?
That was Prime Minister Sima's nemesis! Back then, in order to bring down that old fox Zhang Tang, Prime Minister Sima was almost severely weakened and barely won!
The entire room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and all the officials couldn't help but look at Sima Lie.
To their surprise, Sima Lie's expression was extremely calm, showing no sign of anger. He even smiled calmly and said, "Your Majesty is wise. With national affairs being of utmost importance, it is certainly a good thing that Zhang Tang can repent and reflect on his mistakes and serve the country."
Sima Lie appeared selfless and righteous, embodying the spirit of patriotism.
"Oh? The Prime Minister also thinks Zhang Tang is a good candidate?"
Qin Yu's face was full of joy, and Sima Lie nodded with a smile.
What a harmonious scene of unity and joy between the emperor and his subjects!
The officials even wondered if they were still half asleep.
However, just as the officials were in awe, Sima Lie suddenly coughed lightly, and then said seriously, "However, Your Majesty, the journey to the three southwestern prefectures is long and fraught with bandits. We should send more troops to escort the money."
Sima Lie's words immediately made Qin Yu breathe a slight sigh of relief.
If Sima Lie hadn't said anything more, he would have been on tenterhooks for a while.
Now that there's more to the story, what exactly is he planning to do? It's time for all the demons and monsters to make their appearance.
"The Prime Minister is absolutely right. His considerations are indeed very thorough."
Qin Yu echoed with approval.
No sooner had he finished speaking than someone impatiently stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of War can dispatch 5,000 elite troops to escort the Duke of Zhuguo and the grain supplies along the way."
Ma Shangtao, the Vice Minister of War, immediately stepped forward to request permission.
So that's how it is; they want to keep Zhang Tang firmly under their control!
In this way, although Zhang Tang was an imperial envoy, he was also considered fish on a chopping board.
Ultimately, Sima Lie had his eye on the disaster relief funds and saw Zhang Tang as a fat sheep to be slaughtered!
After some thought, Qin Yu saw through the old dog's sinister scheme.
However, Qin Yu did not expose him. Instead, a cold smile appeared on his lips. He could just agree to the plan and take Zhang Tang's position as imperial envoy for the time being!
Thinking of this, Qin Yu nodded: "Yes, permission granted."
Upon hearing this, Sima Lie's face immediately lit up with joy.
However, this is not the end.
Sima Lie glanced at Tan Wu, the Vice Minister of Revenue, with his eyes again.
Tan Wu immediately understood and stepped forward, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty, the silver obtained from yesterday's issuance of national bonds is still insufficient to cover the disaster relief efforts. I request that Your Majesty allocate some more silver from your own treasury."
"What?"
Upon hearing this suggestion, Qin Yu immediately stood up, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her eyes widening and her face fierce.
"You want me to pay? No way! I won't pay a single penny."
Qin Yu refused righteously and firmly without the slightest hesitation.
Tan Wu was not about to give up and continued, "Your Majesty, I hope you will consider the bigger picture..."
"Bullshit! Tan Wu, you bastard, are you really confused, or what are you up to?"
"My money is all reserved for building wine pools and meat forests, and for collecting beauties from all over the world. How can it be used on those lowly commoners?"
Qin Yu snorted coldly, then, with red eyes, he cursed, "Tan Wu, all you know is how to ask me for money. What use are you to me? If you don't want to be a vice minister, you might as well go home and farm!"
Qin Yu was furious, looking like a miser who wouldn't give a penny.
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."
Tan Wu was thoroughly scolded and quickly knelt down on the ground, trembling.
At this moment, all the officials were stunned, their hearts filled with utter contempt.
A few days ago, Jia Dishi was exploited by the tyrannical emperor to the point of digging up his ancestral graves, and he also received a million taels of silver for donating his official position. But the tyrannical emperor didn't give a penny back and only cared about indulging in his carnal desires!
Sima Lie was equally displeased. He wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to make a fortune, since raising assassins and controlling the army both required money.
But this foolish ruler was incredibly stingy, just like a miser.
The more money Zhang Tang brings to the disaster relief effort, the more he will reap the rewards.
So Sima Lie put on a loyal and righteous demeanor and solemnly reminded him, "Your Majesty, you must prioritize the affairs of the state. Otherwise, if the disaster relief is not done well and the bandits manage to enter the capital, it will be disastrous."
Sima Lie's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, and Qin Yu's face turned pale at just the right moment, feigning fear.
"Prime Minister, if the bandits really attack, do you have a plan to deal with it?"
Sima Lie shook his head and threatened, "If the bandits really attack, I will have no way to deal with them and may have to go to the underworld to serve the emperor."
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