The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 1057: I Fear High Waves Will Overturn the Boat

When the late Emperor was lingering on the Dragon Couch, what was Emperor Chu’s mood?There was a trace of confusion, panic, reluctance, adoration, relief, and just a bit of excitement, finally all turned into grief. The man he called father would never open his eyes to look at him again.

But these, Emperor Chu certainly wouldn’t elaborate. He simply said, "Naturally, the mood is one of deep sorrow; after all, that is closest family bond."

Song Zhiyuan twitched his lips, with a slight hint of desolation in his eyes, and changed the topic, talking about the arrangements for the Longevity Festival.

Emperor Chu’s complexion turned somewhat unsightly; "If it weren’t for considering the Empress Dowager, I wouldn’t want to hold the Longevity Festival this year. There’s no news from Cui Changxiao yet."

Song Zhiyuan frowned and said, "No news is good news. Before Cui entered office, he traveled around countries, befriending many. I believe he will find a way to escape; the absence of news might just mean he is wary of revealing any traces."

Emperor Chu’s furrowed brow slightly relaxed.

"But as for who is pursuing him, we’ll have to wait for his return to know," Song Zhiyuan quipped tentatively.

Emperor Chu did not hide the truth from him: "I sent him to investigate Xia Yu’s whereabouts."

Song Zhiyuan wasn’t surprised; the one that haunted him the most was Xia Yu.

"Not allowing others to sleep soundly beneath the Dragon Couch, that sentence is indeed true. As long as Xia Yu hasn’t fallen into the Emperor’s hands, he won’t give up."

"What if he really fled overseas?"

Emperor Chu shook his head; "I don’t think so. If he truly went overseas, why all these small provocations, challenging my imperial authority repeatedly? I believe he is in Great Qing, perhaps even hiding under my very nose."

"Do you have anyone in suspicion?"

Emperor Chu remained silent for a moment.

Seeing this, Song Zhiyuan didn’t pursue the matter, but said: "The Longevity Festival must proceed as usual, though traditionally you would grant an amnesty or bestow grace during it. The Ministry of War has proposed increasing military provisions, but the Ministry of Revenue is unlikely to agree—they won’t even seek to cut down expenditures as a courtesy. Chief of Staff Qian expresses poverty whenever we meet; he’s even advocating for increasing commercial taxes, as he says the National Treasury’s tax silver has shrunk from a mountain to a hillside. Without increasing taxes or reducing them, the hill might become flatland."

Emperor Chu choked, feeling a bit uneasy, his gaze evasive.

This year, there have been numerous expenditures, especially in shipbuilding and naval training; the silver spent flows like water without even a splash visible.

"Once maritime trade is opened, the silver in the National Treasury will just keep rising," the Emperor’s eyes shone brightly. "Once the naval training is complete and ships are built, immediately send a fleet to transport goods over, and there’s Nanyang, reputed for its rich resources. If we have sufficient navy, we’ll monopolize it!"

Look at that ambition, domineering across the world!

Song Zhiyuan felt a bit dizzy, said coolly, "Let me remind you, opening maritime trade isn’t straightforward. Not to mention the unpredictable sea weather, pirates have long occupied the seas. Truly sending a fleet out, bringing back fifty percent of goods would be a sure profit, even returning ten percent would be considered fortunate. Moreover, waiting for the ships to be completed, who knows how long that will take, and wanting to attack others – for now, refrain from such notions, lest the waves capsize the ship."

A remark, your head is small, don’t wear such a big hat; let’s focus first on securing our own territory before expanding, considering our land is still eyed by others.

Emperor Chu, somewhat sheepishly: "Then what do you suggest? Increase taxes, or have that merchant give you some shares? Doesn’t their family have sea vessels?" Giving Song Zhiyuan is like giving it to himself, transferred to the National Treasury.

Song Zhiyuan shook his head: "Let’s wait for Cui to return. He was assassinated, perhaps unclear whose big bread was disturbed. Once he returns with evidence, at that time, you can seize as you like, and it will replenish the National Treasury."

Emperor Chu: "..."

Are you a bandit? But I do like it!