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!
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.
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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