Chapter Sixteen: No Money, Just One Life

Page 1 of 3
Luodu, the Prince’s Mansion.
“My lord, the envoy from the Tang Kingdom has already left the capital. Haha, if the Tang Emperor sees the contents of this letter, I believe it won’t be long before they send troops against our Great Zhou.”
Cai Jing gazed at the middle-aged woman before him, a sinister smile playing on his lips.
The middle-aged woman pondered briefly, her voice betraying no emotion.
“Even so, I feel there’s something suspicious about this matter. Though Li Chen may be foolish, he should understand the consequences of offending the Tang Kingdom. In my view, now is not the time to rejoice. We must observe carefully and wait for the right moment.”
Cai Jing chuckled softly.
“My lord, you worry too much. Since his ascension, he first demanded tribute from the Song Kingdom, then drove refugees into Tang territory, and even appointed mountain bandits as prefects... Which of these acts can be called wise?”
“Though the outcomes are somewhat unexpected, they are merely coincidences. And what of the Great Wall construction and that Black Silk Festival soon to be held during the Moon Worship Ceremony? Are these the deeds of a wise ruler?”
“So, my lord, from where I stand, you need not take him too seriously. The only ones worthy of attention are those elderly ministers entrusted with the regency.”
The middle-aged woman fell into a long silence. After careful thought, she nodded.
“Hmm... You do make a point. But what puzzles me is why he suddenly decreed a reduction in taxes for the princes and nobles, and furthermore, issued a general amnesty across the realm?”
Cai Jing laughed derisively.
“It’s simple. Having just taken the throne, he naturally seeks to curry favor with us, the princes and nobility. As for the amnesty, it’s merely a ploy to win a reputation as a benevolent ruler among the people...”
He then deliberately leaned closer to the woman, lowering his voice considerably.
“My lord, opportunity knocks but once. This is heaven’s gift to us; we must not let it slip by!”
“Now, all we need to do is wholeheartedly support his foolish actions. When upheaval strikes Great Zhou, you can raise your arm and turn the tide. At that moment, the ministers will no doubt rally behind you!”
The middle-aged woman twirled a Buddha figurine in her hand. After a long moment, she slammed it on the table with a sharp crack.
“Very well, as you say. Have the other aides prepare accordingly.”
“Also, report any news from His Majesty to me promptly. You may proceed boldly, assured of my full support should the need arise!”
At those words, Cai Jing suddenly stood and bowed deeply to the woman.
“My lord, you are wise beyond measure!”
At that moment, someone entered from outside the door.
Cai Jing immediately saluted.
“Miss.”
“Shu’er, what brings you here?”
Li Shuyi did not spare Cai Jing a glance, walking directly to the middle-aged woman and affectionately stroking her arm.
“Mother, did you know? Just now, I saw people openly selling imperial artifacts on the streets—some even belonging to the late emperor. Who could have the audacity for such a thing?”
Li Shuyi’s words hung in the air.

Page 2 of 3
The Prince and Cai Jing exchanged a knowing look, their lips curling into enigmatic smiles...
...
Luodu, Ministry of Revenue.
Two hours earlier.
“What? I gave you so much time, and now you tell me the treasury is empty?”
Facing the emperor’s anger, Bai Lian adopted an expression of deep grievance.
“Your Majesty, it’s not that I’m unwilling to act, but the state treasury is truly depleted!”
“Per your orders, I allocated funds for the Great Wall’s construction—a huge sum—plus what’s needed for disaster relief, military pay, and various other expenses. There’s simply no surplus for the grand festival you desire.”
Li Chen took a deep breath.
“Bai Lian, Bai Lian, you disappoint me so!”
“It’s only one million taels! Must you hold back so tightly? The Moon Worship Festival is almost upon us, yet you’ve only managed a shoddy platform. None of my requirements have been met. How am I to face the people of Great Zhou?”
Though furious, Li Chen faced Bai Lian’s indifference—a look as if a boiling pot could not scare a stubborn pig.
“Your Majesty, you truly put me in a bind. If you don’t believe me, you can check. The treasury has not a single coin left.”
“Of course, if you wish to halt the Great Wall project, I might be able to free up some funds.”
Li Chen narrowed his eyes.
“You old scoundrel, so you’re stalling me.”
“Enough talk. The Great Wall project will not be stopped. Now, tell me plainly—can you produce one million taels or not?”
Bai Lian shook his head decisively, clearly signaling “no money, or else I’m dead.”
Li Chen suppressed his fury.
“Fine, fine, eighty thousand taels will do?”
“Your Majesty, even ten thousand taels is beyond my power now!”
The two stared at each other for a long moment.
Li Chen smiled rather than frowning.
“Alright, alright, Bai Lian, you can’t produce the money? Then I’ll find a way myself.”
“Mark my words, Bai, you forced my hand—don’t later regret it!”
As the emperor stormed off in frustration, Bai Lian’s lips twitched with a faint smile.
What a joke. Given the emperor’s orders and the rewards for officials, not a million taels could be scraped together.
With only three days left until the Moon Worship Festival, no matter how capable the emperor, he couldn’t just conjure a million taels out of thin air.

Page 3 of 3
Of course, if he agreed to halt the Great Wall’s construction, the funds could be freed up...
Indeed, the chancellor’s tactic of retreating to advance had truly cornered the emperor...
...
What Bai Lian did not know was this:
Back at Dangyang Palace, Li Chen immediately summoned all the female attendants into the courtyard.
“Your Majesty, did you call us here to see a performance?”
Li Chen shook his head.
“No! I have a far more important task for you all.”
Wan’er scratched her head in puzzlement.
“A more important task?”
Li Chen gave no answer, waving his hand grandly and shouting,
“Guards!”
At the summons, several guards rushed in.
“You, come with me!”
About an hour later, Wan’er and the other attendants watched in amazement as the guards continually carried imperial artifacts out of the palace.
Puzzled, Wan’er approached Li Chen.
“Your Majesty, why have you ordered the guards to remove all these imperial treasures?”
Li Chen sneered coldly.
“To sell them, of course.”
“Wan’er, you and the other attendants will take these items to the market and sell every last one. If you succeed, there will be great rewards. Fail, and you shall never return to the palace!”
Though Wan’er regarded Li Chen as a wise emperor, she was utterly shocked at this.
“Y-Your Majesty, you mean to sell the imperial treasures? That must never happen! Throughout all dynasties, imperial artifacts have never been sold among the common people.”
“If the chancellor finds out, he will surely petition again. Worse, if the people learn of this, won’t they brand you a foolish ruler?”
Li Chen chuckled darkly.
“You’re quite right—I am indeed a foolish ruler!”