Outside the hall.
Luo Jing drew a deep breath of fresh air. A procession of rather beautiful palace maids passed before him, and all the agitation he had felt in the hall seemed to vanish.
Voices drifted faintly from the hall, proving that the debate had yet to end. Luo Jing could not help remembering what his father had said while he was alive.
"In matters of national policy, nothing ever brings a hundred benefits without a single harm. For those in power, implementing any policy means choosing to obtain what is most needed at that moment.
"For example, the Court needed a sufficient supply of high-quality copper cash, which was why private coin minting was permitted.
"If the day comes when the Court needs something else, that will be the time to reclaim coinage authority.
"Take this scroll and read it, but remember, just skim through it. Don't let its underlying ideas trap you. There are some bad things in there. You lack talent in this area, my child, and could easily be led astray."
At this thought, Luo Jing took a deep breath and returned to the hall, where the debate continued.
Luo Jing returned to his mat and sat down. Seeing him return, Liu Heng smiled and nodded, only to see Luo Jing rise under everyone's gaze, walk into the Great Hall, and bow to him.
"Your Majesty, I have a few words I would like to say to the ministers."
Liu Heng was rather surprised, but waved a hand nonetheless. "Minister, go ahead!"
Luo Jing turned and took two steps across the Great Hall. He was still a youth, and stood out starkly among this gathering of middle-aged men. Everyone watched him, waiting for him to speak.
Recalling his father's words, Luo Jing slowly began, "I