Chapter Three, Unscrupulous Transactions (Part One).

Those ministers saw my face covered in blood stains, and they all trembled. They once again prostrated themselves on the ground, not daring to stand up, and cried out in a straight voice, "We deserve to die a thousand deaths."

Tao Qian noticed that I had been staring at him all the time. As time passed, he became uneasy too. He kept secretly looking at himself, afraid that something was wrong with him.

Now it comes to Tao Qian's confusion, and he said in puzzlement, "What does the Emperor really mean? I don't understand."

Not long after, the leader was the minister seen yesterday, leading a large group of officials of various ranks, walking in with a nervous expression.

Ah? Tao Qian is after all a smart person, and he immediately understood. His face changed rapidly as he said, "Your Majesty, this cannot be done. Such a false auspicious sign may provoke the wrath of heaven. Moreover, if the truth is known to the court and the people, it may damage Your Majesty's reputation."

The Minister of Rites, Tao Qian, was reluctant to leave. I rolled my eyes and asked, "Minister Tao, do you have any other business?"

Tao Qian was a little surprised by the anger, fearing that he did not expect the current emperor to be so shameless. However, although his expression changed slightly, he still endured it and continued to say in a stern tone: "Throughout the dynasties, every emperor of the Hongzhi era has always prioritized diligent governance over enjoyment. The old ministers are not trying to stop Your Majesty from enjoying life, but it should only come after diligent governance as a means of relaxation."

"The country prioritizes the people; national prosperity depends on the people's security, and the strength of the nation relies on the people's wealth." When Tao Qian spoke of these, his spirit gradually lifted, saying, "For the people's security, at the very least, they must have enough food and clothing. I believe that Your Majesty should start with the people's livelihood."

Their skills in insulting people are so advanced that it made me, a modern person, feel dizzy just listening to it. I couldn't help but sigh at how much I've learned.

Zhang Huang is making a big fuss, calling for two entire imperial guards, and escorting me back to the palace in a grand manner. Xiao Duozhi's actions were also extremely swift, and the two imperial physicians rushed into the palace almost as if they were flying.

When the two imperial physicians saw the blood streaming down from my head, they were so shocked that their souls almost flew out. They hurriedly and tremblingly helped me treat the wound. They truly lived up to their reputation as top-notch physicians in ancient China, with their skilled and experienced techniques in handling wounds. In no time, the wound was taken care of. Actually, my injury was not severe, at most it just looked a bit terrifying.

The cunning and crafty courtiers, of course, understand that the matter of Prime Minister Zhao is merely a ploy to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys. However, in my final few sentences, I indirectly make it clear to them that I simply want to enjoy myself and ask them not to bother me. And as a condition, I will not interfere with some of their private ugly behaviors. As long as they don't cause too much trouble, I am too lazy to intervene. After all, this throne is not truly mine. And as a condition, I will not interfere with some of their private ugly behaviors. As long as they don't cause too much trouble, I am too lazy to intervene. After all, this throne is not truly mine.

Under such circumstances, we can only comply with the will of heaven. Tao Qian looked innocent and confidently said, "Perhaps our emperor is truly an extraordinary ruler, and the auspicious signs from heaven are not to be underestimated."

Let's all get up. I reluctantly withdrew my hand, pretending to be weak, and gestured for Lan'er to continue wiping the blood off my face.

In the eyes of Tao Qian, a fleeting look of joy flashed and disappeared, and then he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty's intentions are deeply appreciated by this old minister. This matter cannot be rushed. It will be dealt with after returning to the capital. I will definitely assist Your Majesty in thoroughly understanding the lives of the people."

"Hmph, who knows what you're all thinking in your hearts?" I snorted heavily, with a hint of anger, and said, "Maybe you're all just hoping for my death."

Zhang Huang hurriedly entered from outside the sleeping palace and respectfully said, "May I report to Your Majesty that the Minister of Rites and other officials are waiting outside the hall to seek an audience. Shall I invite them in?"

Hey, Tao Aiqing, have you ever heard of the saying "If a vessel is broken, it will never be whole again"? I said leisurely, "My reputation is already like that. It can't get any lower. On the contrary, if I succeed, my reputation may have a big turnaround. By then, it will be even more natural to save the people."

As soon as I spoke, it was obvious that most people's faces relaxed and they secretly showed joy. Obviously, they had already accepted my deal deep down. A few quick-witted guys even immediately spewed out curses about the various shortcomings of Prime Minister Zhao.

This old guy has a pretty strong temper. However, from his eyes, you can see a hint of clarity and no unnecessary distractions. Maybe, this old guy is really a loyal subject. Good family hetushu. comcom guy, at this critical moment, he dares to directly criticize me.

The top priority is the Enthronement Ceremony tomorrow morning. At this moment, Tao Qian showed a hint of worry: "Throughout history, the emperors who held the Enthronement Ceremony were all emperors with great merits. Now, there are already many people in the court and the public who are dissatisfied with the emperor holding the Enthronement Ceremony."

Tao Qian showed no fear in the face of my gaze, although his tone was firm, he lacked the imposing aura of Prime Minister Zhao's aggressive demeanor. "As a humble servant, I believe that Your Majesty should strive for excellence and govern wisely, rather than associating with treacherous and corrupt officials, which would undermine the order of the court."

Are you dissatisfied with me? Ha, isn't that clearly saying that I am an emperor without virtue? It's just a mistake in the imperial title. However, since this old guy likes to meddle, let's pass the buck to him: "Well, I have also heard of this matter. However, the Fengshan ceremony should be the responsibility of your department, right? If you mess it up, I will have to ask only you."

Minister of Rites, Tao Qian, pays respects. I humbly greet His Majesty, long live, long live, long live for ten thousand years. Tao Qian, the Minister of Rites, although his face appeared flustered, his steps were steady and powerful.

Dead old fox, who knows what auspicious signs will come from the sky? Clearly, it's mocking me. Suddenly, a bright idea flashed in my mind, auspicious signs from heaven? Hehe, I've got it. With a smile on my face, I stared at Tao Qian.

I said lightly, stopping Lan'er from cleaning the blood stains on my cheeks.

陶爱卿无需客气 , 既然爱卿说有天降祥瑞 , 那就一定有天降祥瑞了。我说着 , 向他打了个奇怪的眼色 : 爱卿 , 江山社稷的存亡 , 黎民百姓的忧安 , 可都全在你身上了啊 !

I believe that the Emperor's approach is not appropriate. Tao Qian looked at me fearlessly.

Old man, isn't your thinking supposed to be more open-minded? I couldn't help but laugh from the bottom of my heart. This old man is quite to my liking. So I threw another difficult question at him: "According to your words, if I want to govern diligently, where should I start?"

Tao Qian suddenly looked embarrassed, wanting to speak but hesitating. I guess that guy must be thinking that it was you, the unscrupulous emperor, who came up with the idea of the Fengshan ceremony, but now it's being blamed on me.

I stared at him for a while before slowly saying, "So, according to Tao Aiqing's opinion, what should I do?"

Tao Aiqing's words are reasonable. I smiled slightly and said, "Then it's troublesome for Aiqing to think of a good way that can both stabilize the country and allow me to enjoy leisure easily."

Alright, I am going to rest now. Feeling annoyed, I waved my hand, indicating for them all to leave.

Alas, this group of people and their actions really irritate me. They are clearly apologizing, but they are actually trying to evade their own guilt. However, at this moment, I cannot do anything to them. Dealing with one Grand Tutor has already kept me busy for a while.

At that moment, a group of old folks started to cry and express their loyalty to me, shouting to the heavens and earth.

Heh, the old man also understands it well in his heart. Although he is a bit short-sighted, I don't feel a hint of anger in my heart. It's strange that when Zhao Taifu points and gestures in front of me, I can't help but restrain my anger. But towards Tao Qian, I feel a hint of admiration instead. Perhaps, the faint righteousness emanating from Tao Qian touches my heart.

This old guy is getting emotional. If he wants someone to be his confidant, he only needs one. Even while enjoying himself, he can still handle state affairs seriously. I guess it's my way of repaying him, after all, he gave the throne to me.

Tao Aiqing is indeed the pillar of the country who cares for the nation and the people. I casually flattered with this kind of free flattery: "However, I am still not clear about the specific living conditions of the people of the Great Wu Dynasty. How can I handle this? Aiqing also knows that the people in the Ministry of Revenue may not be reliable."

I also know that all of you, my beloved ministers, are loyal to me and to the country. I pretended to ponder for a moment, and said in a dazed manner, "I was just temporarily blinded by anger towards the traitor Zhao, and vented my anger on all of you. Hmph, Zhao is truly outrageous. He always interferes in everything I do. What does he think I am? And he even went crazy and started a fight. All of you, my beloved ministers, should take this as a warning. I won't meddle in your private affairs, and you shouldn't meddle in mine. Hmph, Zhao is truly outrageous. He always interferes in everything I do. What does he think I am? And he even went crazy and started a fight. All of you, my beloved ministers, should take this as a warning. Of course, you should also not go too far with your private matters."

It's a good idea to have auspicious signs from heaven. I smiled maliciously and said, "Minister Tao, you truly deserve to be a loyal and devoted old courtier. When I return, I will reward you generously."