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墨書 Inktalez
Perhaps aware of how awkward this was and realizing it was unrealistic to expect Xu Lie to pay out of his own pocket, Chen Tao changed his tone. "What I mean is, it's not that Your Highness should cover this expense. I just think this method could be applied to the Barbarians; the court could easily foot the bill."
Xu Lie leisurely sipped his tea. "The court is already spending money."
To prevent Chen Tao from asking too many questions, Xu Lie continued, "You only see me digging into my own wallet to hire the people of Xia City to build the docks. You don't see how much money the court has already paid to create the Kaihai Division Fleet. And do you think that so many people in Fudi don't need any financial support? To attract as many people as possible to the labor-short Fudi, I can't just distribute land to them. I also need to provide building materials for their houses, food before their crops are harvested, and clothing. All of this comes partly from my own funds, with the court covering the rest."
"Or do you think Fudi is some kind of paradise? That people can just live well without needing anything?"
Xu Lie's words were not lies; they were hard facts. He had spent all the gold he had purchased from the treasury just to facilitate the migration of such a large number of people brought over by the Four Great Salt Merchants.
As for the National Treasury? It had been nearly depleted during the shipbuilding and recruitment training for sailors. There wasn't much money left.
Chen Tao persisted, unwilling to give up. "What about those court officials? Surely they have money?"
"A former Minister of Revenue could have millions of taels of gold stashed overseas. What about the other six departments?"
"They must have a substantial amount too!"
Xu Lie blinked in surprise. Goodness, if Chen Tao hadn't mentioned it, he might have almost forgotten about that million taels of gold myth. He hadn't expected that not only Wu Qianchuan but also you, with your thick eyebrows and righteous demeanor, would bring up this overseas gold.
Xu Lie poured himself another cup of tea, lifted it to blow on it absentmindedly, no longer inclined to respond. Having already impressed the audience enough with his points, he figured they would soon tire of hearing more.
Song Qiao immediately understood; this was his Highness signaling for tea and a polite dismissal.
Chen Tao was utterly confused, still waiting for an answer. How could anyone actually believe that a mere ten thousand taels of gold was real?
The prince remained silent, prompting Song Qiao to step forward. "Alright, Your Highness is merciful. You've asked so many impolite questions, and His Highness has already given you enough answers. The other court officials and the rest of the Shang Shu need evidence for their wealth; they can't just speak recklessly."
"Chen Tao, don’t be ungrateful. Withdraw quickly and don’t disturb His Highness’s enjoyment of tea."
Chen Tao, clearly stubborn, dared to question Xu Lie; how could he be driven away by a mere reprimand from Song Qiao? Considering that both Song Qiao and A Gang had guided him in martial arts during this time, Chen Tao's attitude was not entirely disrespectful. He clasped his fists and said, "Old Song, I do not mean to offend. This matter is of great importance, and I must have an answer from His Highness!"
Song Qiao was able to speak calmly, but A Gang beside him was not known for his patience.
"Hmph! Given our recent camaraderie, I won’t be too harsh," A Gang said as he stepped forward, attempting to grab Chen Tao and declare, "You can’t drink the toast and then refuse the penalty drink!"
However, unexpectedly, as A Gang lunged with a swift motion, Chen Tao barely tilted his head and narrowly avoided the grasp. The wind from A Gang's attempt brushed against Chen Tao's face without causing him to flinch. "Your Highness," he insisted, "I only seek an answer!"
"Not bad!" A Gang exclaimed with delight at the challenge. He prepared to strike again. "Let me see how far you've come in your internal energy cultivation during this time!"
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