After he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.
No one expected that these words would come from a girl who was only ten years old.
These court officials had lost much of their fighting spirit in the officialdom. Many times, they were just waiting to die, trying to find a compromise to get by whenever the emperor asked a question. They would then have a fight with a few old colleagues in court to make it seem like they were working hard, but in reality, they weren't using their brains much.
Regardless of what happens to others, just make sure it doesn't affect you.
But when this young lady from the Lu family stepped forward, her simple words were a slap in the face to them.
They studied diligently for many years, absorbing the knowledge of their ancestors. They were well-read and would certainly be more thoughtful in dealing with problems than a young girl who had never formally received an education.
But what Lotus said made them all feel ashamed.
This method seems simple, but in reality, there are too many issues to consider. However, Lotus has thought through all aspects. Even if the islanders refuse to admit it, they are still in the right.
"Good! Well said!"
The emperor paused for a moment, then laughed and clapped, but then looked seriously at his ministers and asked in a cold voice, "Do any of you have any objections?"
His attitude changes so quickly, who would dare to object?
Not only did everyone agree, they all echoed each other, praising Lotus for being so knowledgeable at such a young age.
The emperor nodded in satisfaction and said, "Since everyone has no objections, let's do it according to Miss Lotus's method. Reward her!"
Lianhua was surprised that her suggestion would be adopted by the emperor. She was excited, nervous, and worried. She looked at Jiang Jiuniang, unsure of how to react.
"Hurry up and thank me, what are you staring at me for?"
Jiang Jiuniang found it amusing. Lianhua was indeed a smart girl whom she had spotted at first glance. From the very beginning of the family business, this girl had shown amazing wisdom and helped the family make a lot of money. Later, the family shop could not do without her, so she traveled around everywhere. Now she can focus on cultivating talents and has gained some wisdom as a leader.
Because, from her current perspective, it's not too difficult to see this.
After all, businessmen are all self-interested. No matter what the islanders say or do, their goals are impure, so we don't need to talk about righteousness or face. We can use any means as long as the final result benefits ourselves.
Lotus realized what was happening and hurriedly stepped forward to express her gratitude.
Looking at the beautiful and graceful Lianhua, the emperor felt a pang of regret. If his eldest son had been a few years older, he would have certainly tried every means to make her his princess consort. With such an empress by his side to assist him when he ascended the throne, he would surely have been able to create a prosperous era.
Unfortunately, her son is still young, and Lianhua is already engaged, so all of this can only be a dream.
"Speak, what do you want? I will grant you anything."
The emperor looked at Lotus with a kind and benevolent expression, as if he were looking at his own younger sister.
As a result, some senior officials felt that the emperor had taken a liking to lotus flowers, and they immediately began to have doubts.
He refused to choose a concubine before, but now he can't take his eyes off a young girl at the banquet. How shameless!
Lotus, of course, had no idea what these people were thinking. After thinking for a long time, she finally said, "What I hope for most is that there will be no more war in this world, so that the people can live and work in peace. If I really want anything, then after I find out what heinous things the islanders have done behind the scenes, I beg Your Majesty not to let them off easily!"
Outsiders might not know, but as a member of the family, she knew why Lu Baichuan was in trouble. Those Japanese were truly hateful; they dared to act so wildly on the land of Beiyan. It was simply outrageous.
Before the emperor could speak, Jiang Jiuniang said, "Well said! Your Majesty, I also hope that Your Majesty will not let the islanders off easily. I hereby promise that if the court ever goes to war with the island nation, the Lu family will take on all the consumption and production of the Little Black Balls, and will not let the national treasury pay a single penny!"
Of course, she could also contribute some grain, but she didn't say it directly. After all, you can't judge a book by its cover, and if she did, she didn't know how many people would be jealous. She could only take as much as she could and contribute her share.
Her words immediately aroused the dissatisfaction of the court officials. Someone immediately said, "Madam Lu, let's prioritize peace. Your niece just said that she hopes there will be no more wars in the world. Isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to stir up trouble so soon?"
Jiang Jiuniang immediately retorted: "What I said was to find out the whole story and determine what heinous and unforgivable things they did. Then we must send troops to deal with them. Are we just supposed to suffer when we are bullied? Your courage is truly despicable."
As she spoke, she gave the minister who had just spoken a very provocative look.
The minister was furious, but couldn't think of a rebuttal, so he turned away and ignored her.
The emperor laughed heartily: "Very good, very good, Lady Lu really knows how to help me out of my predicament! But if that time really comes, you can't go back on your word."
"Of course I won't go back on my word, but I must make it clear that I'm only sponsoring the island nation's small black ball game; the rest will have to be paid for by the government!"
The emperor laughed again: "Alright! But I would like to ask you why you hate the islanders so much. I've never seen you like this before."
"Do you need a reason to dislike someone? They just look like they deserve to be disliked, so who can you blame?"
Jiang Jiuniang was extremely arrogant, leaving everyone speechless.
Jiang Jiuniang continued, "Don't underestimate them just because they're short. They're cunning. Your Majesty, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate. If you can lift your head up with a smile after hearing news from the island nation, I'll be willing to take care of all the little black balls from now on!"
emperor:……
He didn't go to make a bet with Jiang Jiuniang because he was too full.
"No need to say more, I believe you!"
All court officials: ...
What I'm saying is, is the emperor really that spineless?
The court officials present had seen Jiang Jiuniang speak to the emperor like this before, so they were not surprised. However, there were also many family members at the banquet today. The women were so envious of Jiang Jiuniang and Lianhua for shining so brightly at the banquet that they wished they could tear their handkerchiefs to shreds.
It turns out that as long as you are outstanding enough, whether you are a man or a woman, you can speak your mind freely in front of the emperor!
And the Emperor is so open-minded and reasonable. He doesn't feel offended or angry at Jiang Jiuniang speaking to him like that. He has such a good temper!
Lotus returned to her seat and received praise from her family. Her heart was still pounding, but she felt that the evening had been worthwhile.
Although I was nervous, I felt a great sense of accomplishment.
Jiang Jiuniang glanced at her outstanding daughters and decided to strike while the iron was hot.
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