Hua Zhi smiled, "The emperor may not know this, but compared to his reputation after death, even if the people suffer, it is not important to him."
"Be careful with your words." Zhu Bowen said in a calm tone, "Since the emperor has brought the matter to the court, it means he has made up his mind to do it. I'm afraid even the salt merchants can't delay him."
"It's better to delay it for a while. The salt merchants have been entrenched for many years and their network of connections spreads throughout the court. It's not easy for the emperor to get rid of them. I can use another deal to distract his attention, which can buy some time. If the double-season rice can be successful, maybe I can use this as an excuse to delay it until next year."
“What are the chances of double rice cropping being successful?”
"It's not a big problem. The land in the south is different from the north. It won't freeze that tightly, so it will thaw quickly and the weather will get cold later. The chances of success are very high. Food is the most important thing for Daqing. Only with food can the soldiers have enough to eat. Even the people who are digging the canal need to eat. Even if they have to eat thin soup every day, they still need food. We can't let them all die on the canal. Daqing only has 40 million people in total. They can't afford to waste it."
Zhu Bowen nodded slightly. All of this made sense. As long as their king had a little common sense, it would make sense.
Hua Zhi hesitated for a moment whether to continue. After all, she was a commoner and had no right to express her opinions on many things. But this was in front of her grandfather, so she didn't have so many scruples. After a moment of hesitation, she still asked, "Can you inform the Ministry of War that they will not allow silver money to replace military service this year? If the current situation is not good, we will have to go to war. When the canal is repaired, there will be no way to replenish the troops."
Zhu Bowen smiled bitterly and shook his head, "I can only try to negotiate with Minister Chen, but I can't say whether it will work or not, after all, there are other internal matters involved."
Isn't it just about the ownership of the money paid? Hua Zhi understood that wherever there are people, there are interests. She didn't dare to expect those people to be loyal and selfless. She didn't dream of this in her previous life.
However, if the skin is gone, where will the hair be attached? If the country is gone, how can they still have their glory and wealth? The Chaoli people have always treated foreigners as animals, don’t they know
They all understood the general principles, and perhaps understood more than she did, but they were all optimistic, because with the Qisusi standing in front of them, they took it for granted that the Qisusi would be able to resolve the matter sooner or later. At this time, they all forgot that the Qisusi had limited manpower and that they had countless holes to fill.
So what is the meaning of the Seven Stars? They are responsible for all the dirty work, and are watched and feared by others. It would be better for them to take off their skin and live an easier life.
Hua Zhi was annoyed when she thought of Yan Xi, whose injuries had not yet fully healed but was still running around outside in the middle of winter. The emperor said loudly that he valued him, but in the final analysis, it was just for the world to hear. In her opinion, Yan Xi was useful, so she coaxed him with sweet words and used him like a cow!
Hua Zhi was a little anxious. Remembering that she was in front of her elders, she held up the teacup to cover up and silently digested these negative emotions.
Zhu Bowen was an old and experienced man, so he had sensed something. He had come here today to warn the emperor of the possibility of summoning him in the future. Now that his purpose had been accomplished, he stopped talking about these troublesome matters and said, "Before you leave, your grandmother asked me to ask you if the family that gave you the girl before has found someone she likes, so that she can go around and see if someone else gets the first chance."
"Yes." Hua Zhi smiled and said, "Please tell my grandmother that the Yuan family and the Yu family are good. Let her help me see which one is more suitable for my second sister. For the other family, let's see if there is anyone who is suitable among my other sisters."
A girl who is still unmarried is worrying about other people's marriages. She really takes the responsibility of the whole family on herself. But both she and others think it is natural. Zhu Bowen feels that her heart, which has been worn like stone, is a little bitter. "Think about your own affairs when you have time, and don't just worry about others."
Hua Zhi smiled, "I have no say over my own affairs. I don't want to marry into the royal family and be restricted by so many rules and regulations. Only when I am outside can I do whatever I want."
Thinking of the royal family's affairs, Old Master Zhu also frowned, "What does the prince say?"
"He wants to make an engagement first, but I don't agree. We still have to save the emperor's face. None of us are free people without any ties."
"It's hard for you."
"Not really. It's good like this now. To me, knowing each other and loving each other is more important than a marriage contract." Besides, she is only seventeen. Well, in terms of her physical age, Hua Zhi feels that she has got a great advantage. Not everyone can go through the flowery and rainy seasons twice, although both times are not easy.
The next day, Lai Fu and Da Xue arrived as expected.
Hua Zhi was already prepared and got on the carriage without letting Lai Fu wait for long. Shaoyao was also going with her. Everyone knew her identity to some extent, and they also knew that she was favored in the palace, so no one dared to say anything.
There were other guards accompanying them. Lai Fu didn't dare to have much contact with Hua Zhi. He just winked at her secretly. Hua Zhi felt more or less at ease in her heart. There was an emperor who disliked her and Haoyue who disliked her in the palace. It would not be easy to enter the palace, but this time they were not going to cause trouble for her.
The emperor met Hua Zhi in the greenhouse. Hua Zhi was not surprised at all to see Haoyue.
"Hua Zhi, meet the emperor."
Peony followed the usual military etiquette.
"Everyone, get up."
The emperor felt a little languid, so Shaoyao walked over to feel his pulse as usual. Hua Zhi looked over openly, and the emperor... seemed to be looking better.
The emperor seemed not to have expected Shaoyao's action. He was surprised and then smiled. He touched her hand with his other hand. Shaoyao rolled her eyes.
Haoyue laughed at the side, "Our Shaoyao is really a true person."
"I will feel that you are scolding me." After saying this, Shaoyao half closed her eyes and concentrated on taking his pulse. Haoyue wanted to reply but he didn't dare to disturb the doctor to take his pulse in front of the emperor. He had to hold it in secretly, but didn't show it on his face, still smiling.
"Your Majesty, you know me. Either you tell the truth or you keep silent. Do you want to hear the truth?" Shaoyao asked, retracting her hand.
The emperor turned his wrist, his expression unpredictable, "When have I ever said I wouldn't listen to you?"
Haoyue pointed at Haoyue on the side and said, "Before she entered the palace, your health was getting better. After she entered the palace, your health has been getting worse day by day. I will talk to the Queen Mother and ask her to lock Haoyue up."
Haoyue didn't expect her to say such a thing, and his face changed immediately, forgetting his usual airs. "What nonsense! Can I harm the emperor? What good will this do for me? It's obviously..."
Haoyue shut up.
But the emperor asked, "What is it? Finish your words."