Those who had objected dared not utter a sound when His Majesty made the final decision, "This matter shall be entrusted to Minister Meng in full authority."
After the court session, Meng Jiujiu followed His Majesty into the Imperial Study.
What are you doing following me here?
"Your Majesty, you can't leave me to worry all by myself, can you?" Meng Jiujiu said with a pained expression.
"Don't come looking for me. We agreed that you would be a virtuous minister." She still needed to spend time with her husband and children.
Meng Jiujiu felt like she had been tricked.
My initial thought was definitely a misconception. The longer I got to know her, the more unreliable I felt. How could she be a wise ruler?
I must have been fooled by her appearance back then.
"Your Majesty doesn't need to do anything strenuous. I've already thought of everything else. Your Majesty only needs to do one thing."
"What is it?" Wei Wangqing asked suspiciously.
"Your Majesty, I intend to find local gentry to run the schools. They will certainly be very willing to establish connections with the court. As for the teachers, the scholars from various regions will suffice. But the most important thing is funding."
"This is something you should be thinking about. Why are you coming to me? Otherwise, what use are you to me?" Wei Wangqing said seriously.
In other words, Meng Jiujiu completely understands this person. On the surface, he pretends to be dignified, but who knows what kind of nonsense he might be thinking inside.
Indeed, Wei Wangqing was already thinking about what to eat for lunch today.
"I have already made up my mind."
"Oh." How about some ribs? It seems like it's been a long time since I've had any.
"Why don't His Majesty take the lead in raising funds?"
"Hmm." Or we could have some fish soup too, Ayan likes it.
"Then thank you very much, Your Majesty," Meng Jiujiu said with a smile.
"Huh? What?" What did she just agree to?
"His Majesty just agreed to lead the ministers in a collective fundraising effort," Meng Jiujiu said patiently again.
It's better for His Majesty to do this kind of work that offends people.
Besides, she's already busy, so we can't let His Majesty be idle. She's a very considerate subject of His Majesty!
Wei Wangqing felt that he was hallucinating.
She shouldn't have been distracted while talking to that cunning old man.
She assigned the task to her, but instead of doing it, she bounced it back and even tried to take advantage of her. It's infuriating!
Wei Wangqing gave a forced smile: "So, how much does Minister Meng plan to donate?"
"My family is poor, and I have only been in office for two years. I am afraid I cannot afford to contribute much money."
Wei Wangqing's patience was about to run out, so was she trying to get something for nothing?
So what? How much can you come up with?
"Ten thousand taels," Meng Jiujiu said, her voice tinged with pain.
She really didn't have much money. In this life, she was just a farmer, so she didn't have any family wealth.
She's not here to be a corrupt official; she's going to demolish houses and sell land for those ten thousand taels.
Wei Wangqing really vomited blood, and that's all?
Playing with her.
But I know she really doesn't have any money, and it still hurts her heart!
Therefore, Wei Wangqing could not allow her to be the only one coughing up blood.
Meng Jiujiu may be broke, but her many beloved ministers are.
It was finally their turn to contribute.
"I understand. The day after tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Rest assured, I will definitely resolve this matter for you, my dear minister." Wei Wangqing made a firm decision.
"Then this humble subject thanks Your Majesty."
"No need, you can leave now." Go away, go away, seeing you is just awful.
Meng Jiujiu left with a beaming smile. Who's playing whom is still uncertain!
The eunuch watched as Lord Meng walked away with a beaming smile, while His Majesty looked anxious and restless inside. He couldn't help but imagine a dramatic scene unfolding before his eyes.
For example, could it be that Lord Meng has remained unmarried because he is in love with His Majesty?
Oh my god!
Then, just now, unable to suppress his beastly desires, he did something to His Majesty.
His Majesty also realized the shame in his heart, felt sorry for the Empress and became angry.
The eunuch felt as if he had discovered some incredible secret.
Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner.
As the moon rose, everyone took their seats.
The musicians had already begun playing their melodies, and rows of lanterns were beginning to illuminate the night.
Wei Wangqing and Chen Zhiyan sat on high seats, below them were numerous officials and their families.
Because it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, concubines' daughters and sons, as well as favored concubines, were specially allowed to attend.
Fortunately, the venue was large enough, and the banquet was set up next to the clear pool. Lanterns were hung everywhere, making the night as bright as day.
Wei Wangqing did not look down on these servants and illegitimate children, after all, this was ancient times, not modern times.
In a modern monogamous society, no one would like mistresses or concubines who break up families.
But it's different here. These people are born with this kind of education, and it's just the most ordinary thing for them.
Wei Wangqing asked herself if she were a native of the area, she might not be able to be so devoted.
But it is especially valuable if one truly achieves this.
One dish after another was served by the palace servants.
The must-have item on every table is, of course, mooncakes.
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, eating mooncakes, admiring the moon, and adding some poems and songs about the bright moon, reciting and composing verses, is naturally a wonderful thing.
But unfortunately, some people don't let them have their way.
And this person is someone they cannot stop; someone they can obey and submit to.
His Majesty!
Wei Wangqing cleared his throat and began, "My beloved ministers, on this Mid-Autumn Festival, we should be enjoying harmony and happiness together, but there is something that has been troubling me for a long time!"
Immediately, a courtier flattered him, saying, "Does Your Majesty have any worries? Why don't we share your burdens?"
A few seconds later, Feng Ruocai wished he could kill himself in that moment.
"Do you take my words seriously, my dear minister?"
As Lord Feng looked at His Majesty's face full of enthusiasm, he felt, more than ever before, that he had entered His Majesty's heart.
She felt that she was only one step away from being promoted and becoming rich.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We are willing to go through fire and water, and even die for Your Majesty."
Wei Wangqing laughed, "That's not the case. It's just that with the recent large-scale construction of schools across the country, Minister Meng is a bit short of funds. That's why I've come to you ministers to raise some money."
"Which of you, my esteemed ministers, would be willing to take the lead and set an example?"
The room fell silent instantly.
They were afraid that if anyone made a sound, the Queen would notice.
But in her heart, she secretly resented Feng Ruocai for flattering the emperor and getting them all involved.
Of course, the person I hate the most is the culprit, Meng Jiujiu.
Meng Jiujiu realized she had miscalculated. She never expected the Empress to be so cunning, completely disregarding their relationship as ruler and subject.
What happened to your promise to protect her?
Plastic-like loyalty between ruler and subject!
Wei Wangqing was thinking that, fortunately, she was one step ahead.
Hmph, she thinks she can take the blame? No way!
They initially said she was attracting attention and that all the danger was on her, but then they turned around and tried to push her onto the line of duty.
She is a monarch; how could she possibly harm her beloved ministers?
"Well then, since all of you ministers are too shy to speak, let me start by throwing out an idea."
"I will donate 500,000 taels in my personal capacity. The rest is up to you, my esteemed ministers."
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