Not only that, but also his smooth interpersonal skills and his eloquent tongue—how many women in the entire Sheng Nan Kingdom wouldn't be captivated by him?
If Feng Beichuan wanted to find a regent's wife, it would be easier than picking out cabbages at the market.
Unfortunately, Li Chang'an was far too clear-headed, and sometimes she even disliked this clarity of mind.
Perhaps at the beginning, she was suspicious and wary of this person's sudden approach, but after spending so much time together, Li Chang'an did not find any ill intentions on his part.
Of course, the ulterior motives referred to here do not include any particular intentions or feelings that someone might have towards her.
Perhaps this heart had already gone against its will without its owner even realizing it.
After all, the mouth can lie and deceive others, but how can it deceive one's own heart?
At first, Li Chang'an did have doubts about Feng Beichuan's actions. Although she had no clear evidence, she felt that someone who suddenly appeared and approached her must have ulterior motives.
She even had a fleeting urge to ask the other person why they had been so persistent.
But the words that were on the tip of my tongue never came out.
Perhaps it's because saying those words aloud would hurt people?
Or perhaps it was because looking into that man's pure, ice-crystal-like black eyes that she could no longer doubt him with prejudiced eyes?
At this moment, Li Chang'an felt a profound inner conflict.
Fortunately, time can solve everything, and whether someone is sincere or not will eventually be revealed.
The next day.
Li Chang'an got up exceptionally early.
Because of what Feng Beichuan had said the day before, she had been preoccupied with her thoughts and slept very lightly.
It was only dawn when she got up. After practicing her sword in the courtyard for a while and drinking some hot tea to refresh herself, she rode her horse to the palace.
Sure enough, Li Chang'an had just reached the entrance of the main hall when he heard the voices of several civil officials discussing the matter.
Because she arrived early, the only other people present in the main hall were a few senior civil officials.
These people were chatting enthusiastically, but then someone saw Li Chang'an coming over, so they quickly coughed a few times to remind each other, and then they all dispersed.
Unfortunately, although these old folks were all incredibly shrewd, they were simply too old to keep up with their failing eyesight. They didn't even notice Li Chang'an until he was almost right in front of them.
Li Chang'an had already overheard most of what these people were discussing.
Although they weren't speaking loudly, Li Chang'an's hearing was exceptionally sharp.
Seeing the smiles gradually fade from the faces of those seasoned veterans, Li Chang'an simply walked to his seat without making a sound, maintaining an indifferent expression.
However, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
Feng Beichuan's information was indeed very accurate.
Judging from these people's reactions, it seems that the emperor's plan to prioritize civil officials over military ones is a done deal.
Thinking of this, Li Chang'an couldn't help but sigh inwardly, then he braced himself and prepared to deal with whatever came his way.
At the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the imperial eunuch in the main hall stepped forward and announced in a high-pitched voice that the Emperor had arrived. Soon after, a figure in bright yellow robes appeared, walking slowly and gracefully.
Li Chang'an glanced calmly at the supreme ruler, noticing that his complexion and spirit seemed much better than when he last saw him at the morning court session.
Those once withered cheeks seemed to have become a little rounder.
This meticulous observation lasted only a moment, and then Li Chang'an, along with everyone else in the audience, bowed in respect.
The orderly and graceful movements of the civil and military officials on both sides added to the solemnity and grandeur of the entire hall.
"My beloved subjects, please rise."
Emperor Xingchang slightly raised his hand and spoke.
Then, as usual, he politely asked the ministers below the stage if they had anything to report, but seeing no one respond, he smiled and said, "I do have something to say."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Chang'an's heart jumped into his throat. But before Emperor Xingchang could speak, a minister stepped forward, bowed, and announced that he had a memorial to present.
Emperor Xingchang nodded kindly to the minister, signaling him to continue.
"Your Majesty, I am submitting this memorial regarding the military pay. I am puzzled as to why I have not yet received the funds from the court to fund the military pay. Furthermore, I have recently heard some rumors, the truth of which I do not know. I am filled with anxiety, which is why I have dared to inquire of Your Majesty."
The minister kept his head bowed the whole time while presenting his memorial, appearing very respectful.
It seems he mustered up a lot of courage to come forward and report this matter.
Upon hearing this, Li Chang'an glanced at the man without making a sound. Although he couldn't see the man's face clearly, based on what he had just said, the man's official position should be Minister of Revenue.
Immediately, Li Chang'an's expression darkened.
I never expected that Emperor Xingchang would act so quickly.
Originally, the imperial court allocated military funds to the Ministry of Revenue in advance, but Emperor Xingchang stopped allocating funds to the court before his decision to deduct a portion of the military officers' salaries to fund the military was officially announced. It seems that this was indeed something he had planned in advance.
Li Chang'an waited calmly for Emperor Xingchang to explain the matter. She planned to observe from the sidelines for a while and then step in when the time was right.
After the Minister of Revenue finished speaking, he lowered his head and waited for Emperor Xingchang's reply.
The court fell silent in an instant.
In fact, the civil and military officials of the court had already found out the news through their own abilities. Now, the civil officials were all secretly delighted, just waiting for the one on the dragon throne to speak.
The military officers, however, were all in a state of fear, unsure of what fate awaited them.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xingchang was slightly taken aback, then raised his eyelids, a smile appearing on his lips, and said, "My dear minister, you have come at just the right time. I was just about to bring this up."
After saying that, he paused for a moment, his words giving the impression of being deliberately mysterious.
Then, Emperor Xingchang slowly said, "I will issue a new policy: from now on, 40% of the salaries of military officers will be deducted to subsidize military pay. In addition, some official transfer appointments have also been drafted."
Immediately afterwards, the imperial eunuchs began to read out the appointment letters one by one.
"Your Majesty, we will obey your decree and will certainly live up to your expectations."
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