"Build a factory?" Shi Fei's voice was low, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of the teacup.
"Does the young lady know that the various states are suffering from disasters and the imperial court is already struggling to provide relief? If we were to undertake large-scale construction projects, the Crown Prince's faction would surely seize the opportunity to launch an attack."
He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping across the window.
The imperial relief supplies were delayed, and the Crown Prince's retainers were already secretly impeaching him for dereliction of duty. If he were to openly mobilize manpower and resources again, things might get out of hand…
Wang Wan's white sleeves brushed against the table, and a jade bracelet on her wrist gleamed coldly in the candlelight.
"The Left Prime Minister is overthinking it." She raised her eyes, her gaze cool and aloof.
"The Grand Preceptor of Yan is currently preoccupied with his own troubles, and the troops under the General of the State have already been transferred to the northern border, busy purging the old guard of Emperor Liang. As for Consort Shu, she is currently helping the Crown Prince win over the powerful families of Jiangnan, so how could she have the mind to care about these things?"
Shi Fei frowned slightly. The secret report from three days ago did indeed mention that the General had dealt with twelve officials under the pretext of "purging the traitors."
He naturally knew that Consort Shu's brother had been frequently attending banquets of powerful families in Jiangnan recently, but he never expected that Huangshan also knew so much about it.
The barren mountain was indeed extraordinary. Even after so many busy days and so long of disaster relief, it still had a broad view of the world.
No wonder they are followers of the Mountain Goddess!
“Even so,” he said in a deep voice, “post-disaster reconstruction is not something that can be accomplished in a day. If we forcibly conscript manpower, I’m afraid it will incite a popular uprising.”
"A popular uprising?" Wang Wan chuckled, her gaze drifting to the muddy streets outside the window. "Does the Left Prime Minister really think the people will just obediently wait to die?"
Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly arose in the distance. Several constables rushed over, shouting that refugees were gathering and looting the granary.
Shi Fei's expression changed drastically, but Wang Wan remained calm, as if she had expected this.
“When disaster victims have no food, rebellions are bound to break out.” She slowly rose, her white sleeves brushing against the table. “The Mountain Goddess’s meaning is simple: take advantage of the chaos to set up a plan, and you will gain the upper hand.”
Wang Wan's voice suddenly softened, but each word was like a nail, "As for whether to use disaster victims or rioters..."
"The Left Prime Minister is a wise man."
Shi Fei remained silent for a long time before finally closing his eyes.
"Regarding the factory... I will do my best."
"The Mountain Goddess wants the factory to be built, giving the disaster victims a safe home. The barren mountain will also help. The Left Prime Minister doesn't need to worry too much."
As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Wan vanished into thin air.
A cold sweat broke out on the left prime minister's back. He held a jade token in his hand, his heart filled with emotion.
Who could have imagined that a mountain goddess who suddenly appeared would bring such a great change to the Liang Kingdom?
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