Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Shi Yun knew that the Xuande Emperor was just venting his anger, so he lowered his head and knelt, allowing the emperor to express his frustrations.
After a few heavy breaths, the emperor regained some composure and asked, "Where are the Lei Family members?"
Lei Zong'ao entered without a hint of fear at the summons.
Seeing his white hair, the Xuande Emperor picked up his cup but did not throw it down; instead, he slammed it heavily onto the table. The sound made everyone else shudder, but Lei Zong'ao remained unfazed.
The emperor, half-laughing in anger, asked, "Do you think this has nothing to do with you?"
In response, Lei Zong'ao said, "The Lei Family has always been cautious, as you know."
"The tombs are about to collapse, and you still dare to say that the Lei Family is cautious?!"
With confidence, Lei Zong'ao replied, "We will reinforce them. Who else can handle this besides the Lei Family?" He maintained a respectful yet assertive demeanor. "Your Majesty, the Lei Family has always followed the rules. During the construction of several Imperial Tombs, we received praise from the emperors of that time."
As for the collapse, he sighed. "When the Founding Emperor was constructing that tomb, my ancestors had already warned him about the underground conditions. They said if the foundation was not solid, it would affect the upper structures."
But the Founding Emperor had dismissed their concerns with a laugh, saying there was no dynasty with unstable Royal Tombs.
Yet my ancestors remained uneasy and searched through all available documents for verification, ultimately concluding they had been overly cautious.
Who would have thought that reality would differ so greatly from what was written?
The Xuande Emperor questioned him sharply, "Then why didn’t you check on-site first?"
Lei Zong'ao looked astonished. "Your Majesty means we should open the previous dynasty's tombs before construction? That is absolutely out of the question! Throughout history, there has never been a precedent for opening tombs of past dynasties. Even if there were deep-seated grievances, we cannot disturb those who have passed."
"If such a precedent were set and the Great Jing Dynasty were to fall, then the Dajing Imperial Tomb would be in jeopardy. The next founding emperor might miss this free excuse to fill the national treasury."
Though he did not voice these thoughts directly, everyone present understood his implication.
The Xuande Emperor felt a fire brewing inside him with no outlet; he covered his head and collapsed onto his bed. After a long moment of silence, he finally asked Shi Yun, "Is reinforcing them our only option?"
Shi Yun bowed his head and replied, "Your Majesty, please forgive my ignorance."
"Then let’s proceed with that."
But Shi Yun did not move.
"What else is there?"
"We lack funds."
I have no money to go to the Ministry of Revenue.
The Ministry of Revenue has no money either.
Didn’t they just acquire a gold mine?
Not enough.
Not enough! How much do you need?
Shi Yun rattled off a series of numbers that even the Xuande Emperor found dizzying.
The Xuande Emperor asked him if there was any solution.
Shi Yun fell silent.
The Xuande Emperor, furious, exclaimed, "Are you expecting me to come up with a solution? What use do I have for you as Chancellor then? Send out an order: whoever can think of a method will take your position!"
Shi Yun bowed his head again and said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The Ministry of Revenue has no money; perhaps we could ask the officials to contribute."
"Do you think these officials can come up with that much money?"
Comment 0 Comment Count