How did this notion arise?
It turns out that the newly appointed Emperor, once the Imperial Court settled and everything was under his control, began to recruit skilled craftsmen throughout the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty to construct a magnificent palace within the Harem.
Initiating grand construction just after ascension and building lavish residences made many ministers worryâthis is not a good omen.
How many fallen emperors were led astray by extravagance!
Of course, these ministers dared not voice such thoughts aloud.
They only tactfully advised His Majesty, noting that the late emperor was always frugal, suggesting that the Emperor might follow the late emperorâs legacy.
Long Xiao watched Minister of Revenue on the Imperial Court, showing no emotion.
The Minister of Revenue was an old man with a mustache, looking very shrewd.
Naturally, to hold such a position, one couldnât be without a sharp mind.
The Minister of Revenue had abilities, but was very stingy.
Obsessed with money, he valued it above all else.
The late emperor thought having such a person as Minister of Revenue might be a great idea.
Evidence proved it was indeed a good decision; since his appointment, the national treasury had grown increasingly abundant.
Long Xiao certainly affirmed his abilities, but sometimes felt this old fellow was quite annoying.
Especially at such a time...
Since the start of the court session, the Minister of Revenue had been talking non-stop for a time equivalent to Zhan Cha!
The underlying message of his lengthy speech wasâall about having no money! His Majesty, you need to be frugal!
Feeling the Emperorâs increasingly low pressure, many ministers silently took a step back, distancing themselves from this brave Minister.
As the saying goes, newly appointed officials burn with three fires, not to mention he was the most esteemed in Heavenly Dragon.
If he wants to build a palace, you should just let him!
After all, the Heavenly Dragon Empire is strong, the national treasury is abundant; building a palace or even another Imperial City would be no problem.
Long Xiao patiently listened for a while, realizing if he didnât speak up, this Minister might continue for another Zhan Cha. He finally couldnât help but interrupt him.
"Minister Qian, I have a few questions to ask, could you please respond."
The Minister of Revenue was taken aback, not quite understanding the Emperorâs intentions, and had to bow: "Please ask, Your Majesty; I will answer to the best of my knowledge."
"Are there any of my citizens who canât eat their fill or dress warmly?"
Minister Qian was puzzled: "Your Majestyâs grace is widespread; the people of Heavenly Dragon are well-fed and clothed without concern."
"Very well, I ask again, have I levied exorbitant taxes on the citizens?"
Minister Qian respectfully replied: "You are kind, Your Majesty; there have been no such taxes."
"Further, I inquire about my national treasury income last year?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, it was..."
Minister Qian instinctively reported a series of numbers.
He realized his mistake a moment later, hastily looking towards the Emperor.
Long Xiao regarded him with a faint smile: "Such a vast income without major expenditure, Minister Qian, you claim thereâs no money?"
Minister Yaoâs legs instantly weakened.
Such words canât be followed up!
If he dared say there was no money, the Emperor could issue an order to confiscateâwhere did last yearâs treasury income go?
Minister Qian looked at the Emperor who had tempted him into this pit, feeling utterly helpless: "Reporting to Your Majesty, this old Minister made a mistake in calculation just now."
"Oh~" Long Xiao seemed enlightened, "So, there is money, right?"
Minister Qian nodded with difficulty.