Novel East
Chapter 99.1
The Ninth Prince let out a cold laugh: Ive heard that ever since your emperor ascended the throne, he has been spending money like water, like scattering gold dust. There probably isnt much left, is there?
You are short-sighted, only see the three but unable to see the forest!
Cao Cao said loudly, If we really had no money, could Great Xia have held on until now? As for how much, I am not entirely sure, but it is definitely more than you imagine! I request the Minister of Revenue to come and clarify this for us!
The Minister of Revenue, Heshen, stepped forward, first giving a bow with clasped hands to Lin Beifan before addressing the Ninth Prince: I am the Minister of Revenue of Great Xia, in charge of overseeing the national treasurys income and expenditures! Your Highness, the Ninth Prince of Great Li, although we in Great Xia have spent a considerable amount of money, up to this point, the national treasury still has a surplus of 5 million taels of silver! ๐ฏ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ข๐ด๐ต.๐ค๐๐ฎ
The Ninth Prince could no longer contain himself: How can there be so much money left when you spend it so quickly?
Heshen spoke loudly: Although Great Xia spends money rapidly, a lot of it is recouped through taxation, property sales, and exclusive sales of salt, iron, and oil! Compared to last year, our national treasurys income has more than doubled!
We also have partnerships with external powers, earning a substantial income through the sale of resources such as iron and coal mines, thus ensuring a steady flow of revenue for the national treasury!
Additionally, we have been expanding our territory to the south and north, capturing a considerable amount of gold, silver, and jewels, which has enriched the national treasury!
Therefore, a surplus of 5 million taels of silver is not excessive!
Heshen stealthily glanced at Lin Beifan, speaking with a hint of resentment in his tone, If His Majesty were more frugal and not so extravagant, we might have had a surplus of 3 million taels of silver!
The Ninth Prince was stunned!
To spend money so quickly, and yet there was still a surplus of 5 million taels of silver!
If they were more economical, they could have saved an additional 3 million taels!
Such a vast amount of money, truly frightening!
This is just a part of it! Heshen added.
Just a part of it? The Ninth Prince was bewildered again.
Of course, His Majestys private treasury hasnt even been counted yet! Heshen said.
Lin Beifan waved his hand dismissively and said, No need to count it. In fact, its not much, just three or four million taels of silver, not a lot!
The Ninth Prince felt like he had just been shown off.
Three or four million taels not a lot?
If we include His Majestys private treasury, then our Great Xia can mobilize financial resources of approximately eight to nine million taels! This amount of wealth, among the great kingdoms, can be considered quite strong! Heshen concluded.
Following that, Cao Cao asked a few more questions.
Through data comparison, they crushed the Ninth Prince every time, leaving him utterly worthless.
So, His Highness the Great Li Ninth Prince, if you are inferior to our emperor in every aspect, what right do you have to look down upon our emperor, and what right do you have to be mentioned in the same breath as our emperor?
Cao Cao said with disdain, Moreover, all these things you have are because of your status, not earned through your own efforts! Without your royal prince identity, youre not even worthy to carry our emperors shoes!
The officials all voiced their support.
Lord Cao is right!
Without your royal prince status, you truly are worthless!
You were just born lucky, happening to be born into an imperial family, theres nothing to be proud of! ๐๐ฐ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ด๐ก.๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ
If it werent for being born into privilege, you might not even have the chance to see His Majestys face!
So, what gives you the right to look down upon His Majesty?
The Ninth Prince, infuriated with embarrassment, retorted, You say that I have achieved all this because I was born into privilege. Isnt it the same for him? If his father wasnt the Emperor, could he become the Emperor of Great Xia?
Cao Cao replied calmly, On this point, I do not deny! However, since His Majesty ascended the throne and took control of the realm, he has been diligent and ambitious, fending off powerful adversaries from outside and implementing benevolent policies within.
In just over half a year, the territory has more than doubled in size, the population has increased twofold, military strength has more than doubled, and national power has multiplied several times over, transforming the Xia Kingdom into a great kingdom that commands respect from all around!
Cao Cao glanced at the Ninth Prince and challenged, Can you achieve that?
I The Ninth Prince was at a loss for words once again.
May I be so bold as to ask Your Highness, since your birth, what good deeds have you done that benefit the country and the people?
I
Have you expanded the nations territory and established an everlasting foundation, or have you implemented benevolent policies that benefit all?
Or perhaps you have led troops on horseback to drive away the enemy invaders, or have you governed the country and maintained peace from the court?
Just achieve one of those things, and I will apologize to you immediately! Cao Cao threatened.
The Ninth Princes face turned red with embarrassment, at a loss for words.
Our Emperor excels in both civil and military affairs, and despite being called a foolish emperor, he has only done the deeds of a sage! Yet you, a prince who relies on the protection of your ancestors, dare to sneer at such a sage, claiming he is inferior to you
Cao Cao clicked his tongue and said, I really cant understand it. Youre so utterly ordinary, so why are you so confident?
The Ninth Prince spat out blood: Pfft!
The entire assembly of officials burst into laughter.
Youre right, as the adult said!
Why are you so confident when youre clearly so ordinary?
Thats truly laughable!
I, the official, dont even deign to speak to you!
Lin Beifan was also very happy; this Cao Caos combat ability was too strong. His mouth was like it was loaded with ammunition!
He didnt even need to make a move; he directly rebuked the Ninth Prince into silence!
Lin Beifan reproachfully said, Minister Cao, the Ninth Prince has come from afar and is our guest; you should have given him more face! He might be ignorant, but as hosts, we must show understanding!
The Ninth Prince:
Cao Cao said in trepidation, Your Majesty, my zeal in protecting you got the better of me, and I couldnt control my emotions. I beg for your punishment!
Lin Beifan declared loudly, Very well, I shall have you reflect behind closed doors for three days! By the way, Minister Cao, you dont have a house in the capital city, do you? How can you reflect without a house? I shall gift you a mansion. Stay inside and reflect, understand?
Cao Caos spirits lifted.
This was hardly a punishment; it was clearly a disguised commendation, a roundabout way of gifting him a house.
As for reflecting behind closed doors for three days
It just so happens that moving takes three days!
His Majesty is truly considerate, even taking this into account!
Cao Cao said joyfully, Thank you, Your Majesty, for you rewa thank you, Your Majesty, for the punishment!
At that moment, Qin Hui stealthily tugged at Cao Cao, reminding him, Tone it down, dont smile so happily
Cao Cao immediately put on a sorrowful face: Thank you, Your Majesty, for the punishment!
Ninth Prince:
Retreat.
Lin Beifan said with a smile, Great Li Ninth Prince, Cao Cao has spoken out of turn, and I have already punished him on your behalf. You are a magnanimous person who does not hold grudges for minor offenses, so lets just leave it at that!
A twitch appeared at the corner of the Ninth Princes mouth.
Is that what you call punishment?
Its clearly a case of damning with faint praise; dont think I cant see through it!
Hmph! They are all big bad guys!
At that moment, Lin Beifan exclaimed with a huh?, Great Li Ninth Prince, you look like someone, like someone from a few days ago
The Ninth Prince suddenly panicked; if Lin Beifan exposed him, he would lose all face and be unable to show his face in society.
In haste, he said, Great Xia Emperor, its getting late. I shall go visit my senior sister now and wont disturb you any longer!
Then, with his entourage, he made a quick escape.
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