The Minister of Rites Was a Genius Too-the True God of Wealth?

Clang--

From the moment the first rays of sunlight illuminate the glazed tiles, the sound of the Morning Bell resounds throughout the deep palace walls.

Inside the Sanyang Hall, the sandalwood incense wafts from the gilded beast and Qilin burner, bringing the birds and beasts carved on the vermilion beams to life.

Before the dragon throne, Jingtai heard the bell toll, opened his eyes beneath his crown, his majestic gaze tinged with a hint of weariness, and saw the clearly defined figures below—civil and military officials, a stark contrast to the charlatans in their official robes.

"A mysterious sea eye suddenly appeared in the North Sea, its depths unfathomable. Several ships that had sailed from North Seal disappeared near it, only to reappear in the East Sea."

"An envoy has been sent from Buddha Land in the Western Regions, hoping to establish a temple in the Imperial Capital to spread their teachings."

"Food and supplies are scarce in Southern Border..."

A eunuch wearing a black gauze hat and a bright red python robe stood by, loudly proclaiming one important matter after another, all concerning the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths nation and its people.

Having said almost everything, he finally asked at the end:

"Gentlemen, do you have a plan?"

The words echoed in the quiet hall.

The court officials all kept their eyes down, remaining silent.

Such important matters are not suitable for expressing opinions in the imperial court. The imperial court usually discusses matters that have already been decided by various parties, and observes the attitudes and actions of the officials.

In layman's terms, the imperial court is not a place for handling official business, but a place where power intersects.

After a long silence, Emperor Jingtai spoke:

"In that case, I have no grounds to leave the court."

"Your Majesty, I have something I wish to report."

At this moment, Song Baiyue, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward, bowed, and said:

"The Hidden Dragon Assembly has just concluded. I believe that before entering the Heavenly Human City, we can hold another grand event, firstly to reward the hidden Hidden Dragons, and secondly to share the joy with the people."

The officials and nobles in the hall looked at each other, wondering what the Minister of Rites intended to do with this strange suggestion.

Unable to discern his intentions, the court remained silent.

However, several officials spoke out in opposition:

"To hold another celebration would be a waste of resources and manpower."

"What's the point of holding a celebration if Your Highness has suffered a defeat?"

"Well, I see, is wood oil really necessary?"

Another celebration is being held out of nowhere. Putting everything else aside, it's time to go back to work.

Who would willingly find themselves a job without some benefit?

But Minister Song smiled slightly and said:

"The celebration I'm referring to is the Hundred Flowers Festival, which invites the most beautiful women on the Hundred Flowers Ranking to the capital to perform, such as playing a tune or singing a song..."

A collective gasp rippled through the ranks of civil and military officials.

Those who were pretending to be asleep stopped pretending, those who were daydreaming stopped daydreaming, the old and frail suddenly sat up, and even the Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy looked slightly solemn.

"Hey, I always said that Old Song must have some skill to manage the Ministry of Rites so well. I think this suggestion is pretty good!"

"Since ancient times, where there are talented men, there are beautiful women. If there's the Hidden Dragon Assembly, then let's add another Hundred Flowers Festival. It's reasonable and proper, beneficial to the country and its people!"

"Yes, this perfectly demonstrates that our Great Yu is thriving and enjoying peace and prosperity!"

"Excellent! Just thinking about this scene inspires me to write poetry. As the old man says... 'This old man is indulging in youthful exuberance, one section is better than six!'"

"So wet, so wet..."

The imperial court became lively, with everyone united and of one mind.

Emperor Jingtai had never seen such a scene since he ascended the throne.

In the past, it was not uncommon to see ministers arguing in court and ending up with bruised and swollen faces.

But not everyone was enthusiastic.

The Minister of Revenue strode out:

"I object!"

"Um?"

The officials glared at him, ready to unleash their fury. Several taciturn military officers rolled up their sleeves, prepared to teach this old fellow a lesson in truth.

"The national treasury is empty, Dragon-Raising Observatory incurs huge expenses every year. Now, they want to hold some grand flower festival. Where will they get the money?"

"I don't mean to spoil your enjoyment, but all the money now has a purpose."

"Should we divert the money Dragon-Raising Observatory, the money meant for building large ships in the North Seal, or the military pay in the Southern Border?"

The Minister of Revenue of Revenue, who was in charge of finances, raised the issue.

Then he looked at the Prince of Southern Pacification.

The Prince of Southern Pacification nodded slightly and said, "Military and national affairs are not to be taken lightly; military funds must not be touched."

Those from the royal family need not speak.

North Seal... the ships are all built, are we just going to dismantle them and sell them all?

At this moment, the Minister of Rites, as if he already had a solution, said:

"How about this: we can ask wealthy businessmen to sponsor our event, and they can fund it."

"They'll gain fame then, and we won't have to spend any money. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

"Hey, Minister, you're a real genius!"

Therefore, the entire court unanimously approved it.

Emperor Jingtai had no reason to refuse, so he picked up the Eight Directions and Six Harmonies Seal and stamped it.

That very day, an announcement was made to the world, summoning the women Hundred Flowers Ranking to the capital, and also seeking sponsors with generous terms.

For a time, the wealthiest people in the world flocked to it.

After all, serving the imperial court would grant one an official position without real power.

Don't underestimate the power of this condition.

From now on, whatever you do, as long as you attach the title of "serving the imperial court," it will be legitimate and authorized by the imperial power.

When summer arrives.

In the Imperial Capital, a unique "bidding conference" has been launched. The conference is hosted by officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Revenue, and all the attendees are wealthy merchants who can influence everything with money.

All the representatives from the Great Shang have arrived.

Among them was Hengtong Trading Firm, and the visitor was an old acquaintance, Sun Gui.

There is also the Greenwood Society, famous for selling medicinal herbs. One out of every three pills in the world is made by them, and their representative is a grandmaster of Dao of Alchemy.

Of course, some people may appear to be representatives of the Greenwood Society, but are actually the Blood Refinement Hall...

The other two are the Money Gang and the God of Wealth Money Shop.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air as the wealthy merchants sipped their tea, waiting for their distinguished guests to emerge.

"Brother Sun, it's been a long time. I didn't expect you to be transferred to the Imperial Capital. Your fortunes are only getting better."

The Blood Refinement Hall, dressed in blue and without his half-mask, laughed.

"You're lucky to have met a benefactor who will help you. Brother Lu, you have a good chance of refining divine pills in the future."

Sun Gui grinned, revealing a face full of chubby wrinkles. The Greenwood Society and Hengtong Trading Firm had many collaborations.

Deer, watching the wealthy merchants coming and going, whispered:

"So many people have come, yet they are all nothing special. In my opinion, the one who truly has a chance to obtain the imperial seal is none other than your lucky God of Wealth."

Sensing the probing question, Sun Gui quickly replied:

"I was just lucky. The benefactor who helped me was the real God of Wealth, but unfortunately he didn't come today."

"Oh? That makes me curious. Who is this person?"

"I suppose Brother Lu also knows him, it is..."

Sun Gui then spoke.

Just then, a low-key Bronze Chariot stopped at the entrance, standing out conspicuously among the glittering carriages.

Everyone was taken aback, and then they saw several people get out of the car, all wearing sunglasses and looking cool and aloof.

If you could play a Grand Theft Auto theme song on it, it would be perfectly fitting, and you'd definitely be a model citizen.

And the leader...

"Brother Li?!"