Chapter 1177: Collecting Debts With the Emperor!

princess, even though her stomach hurt, she didn't forget to complain. She pointed at Jia Yin and shouted, "It's her, it's her who made my stomach hurt, woo woo, Mother, avenge me... My stomach hurts...Liu Zhiheng's spine turned cold, "The most ruthless is the imperial family! Fortunately, I sent the boys away."

Without another word, the two went their separate ways, each busy with their own tasks.

Jia Yin coaxed Grandma to sleep early and then entered the space.

Only here, looking at the abundance of supplies, could she feel a sense of security.

Especially the few boxes brought back from the south, she touched them over and over again.

This thing, once taken out, will surely cause an uproar, shaking the world.

So, she had to keep it guarded, until the critical moment arrived, until there was no other choice, she would never use it.

Compared to high-yield food, this thing appearing will drive those in power even more crazy...

The next morning, during the small assembly, Li Lao Er wasn't supposed to be there, but he was standing in line nonetheless.

An official, puzzled, asked, "Master, why are you here today Aren't you busy outside the city"

Li La Er smiled innocently and replied, "It's true that things are bustling outside the city. After all, tens of thousands of refugees need to be settled, and I am also overwhelmed. But there is one more important matter that needs the Emperor's decision."

No one dared to ask further, so they kept quiet.

When it was time for court, the Emperor did see Li La Er, but he didn't greet him as cordially as usual. He simply acted as if he hadn't seen him at all.

But Li Laoer didn't want to make a pointless trip, so after important political matters were dealt with, he stepped forward and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, I have an imperial edict to present."

The emperor frowned and glanced at the crown prince.

The prince immediately replied, "Lord Li, are there any changes among the refugees outside the city"

"To Your Highness, the refugees outside the city are all well. It's just my family that isn't doing well," Li Laoer said with a bitter face, continuing, "When the first batch of military rations for the Northern Expeditionary Army was destroyed, we were unable to raise funds immediately. My family pledged our assets and borrowed food from various families in Xindu City to quickly replenish the supplies and prevent the soldiers of the Northern Expeditionary Army from going hungry while fighting against the barbarians."

But now that the northern campaign has been victorious, people are coming to collect their debts and demanding food!

"Even the Emperor and His Royal Highness know that our family only has a small plot of barren land, not even producing any grain. Now we'd have to sell our bones and blood to pay it back!"

Therefore, the minister can only promptly report and await the Emperor and Prince's decision.

This isn't about settling anything, it's clearly just debt collection and taking credit.

The Emperor's face was grim, but the officials were even more confused.

Following Li's usual style, he often takes the initiative to alleviate Emperor Tianwu's worries and the emperor's burdens, and has never been greedy for credit.

Even if everyone praises you, you should remain humble.

What's up today

He actually dared to actively collect debts, even bringing it before the Emperor!

As if afraid that everyone would forget that their family had guaranteed the court's borrowing of grain abroad!

But doubts lingered, and no one dared to show it on their face.

At this time, playing dumb is the wisest way to survive!

The prince's eyes swept back and forth between the frightened Li Er and the emperor, then he spoke to break the tension.

"Grandfather Li, back then your family bravely stepped forward, relieving the difficulties for the court and the northern expeditionary army. Both the emperor and this prince remember it well. However, with the chaotic government affairs, the empresses vying for power, and the passing of Empress Dowager later on, we were unable to attend to this matter at that time."

"You may withdraw for now. This prince will discuss this matter with the six chief ministers before taking any further action."

Li Lao'er hastily thanked him and then quietly retreated.

The great hall was deathly silent. After all, the Emperor's icy face sent shivers down everyone's spine, and no one dared to speak another word.

The prince nodded to Yi, the chief administrator. Yi understood and immediately shouted, "Those with matters to bring forward, please speak now. Those without, may retire!"

Everyone quickly knelt down and sent the Emperor and Crown Prince away.

People walked out slowly, squinting in the sun.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, everyone kept a distance from Old Li Er.

Li Laoer, as if he hadn't noticed anything, reached the palace gate and bowed to the crowd before getting into a carriage and leaving.

People's hearts were mixed with a complex range of emotions. One impatient person blurted out, "What on earth got into this Li Lao Er He actually dared to demand payment in front of the Emperor!"

But some also say fair enough, “Collecting the debt is only right! Previously, food was indeed borrowed for the Northern Expeditionary Army, and the court was also saved! Now that people are returning the grain, it is right to look for the court.”

After all, the Northern Expeditionary Army is the imperial army. The Northern Expedition is for the safety of Tianwu, not for the Li family!

Without saying how the crowd buzzed with debate, each person holding fast to their own viewpoint.

In the imperial study, the emperor had already finished two cups of tea with a dark face.

The crown prince cautiously suggested, "Father, that batch of military rations has indeed been overdue for a long time. Now that the Taiping Granary is open, why not return this grain"

The emperor slammed down his teacup and replied, “The Northern Expeditionary Army is now under the control of Ye. None of them are loyal to me! They take credit for recapturing the land, but they want me to handle the military supplies! Humph, what a clever scheme!”

A flicker of darkness crossed the prince's lowered eyelids. He had something he wanted to say, but in the end, he held it back.

Perhaps realizing his words were unfair, the Emperor immediately changed the subject.

"You confer with the Ministry of Rites and discuss matters concerning the rain ritual."

Rain prayer

The prince lifted his head and questioned slowly, "Father Emperor, the rumors circulating outside are unreliable. You wouldn't…"

The Emperor waved his hand, refusing to answer directly, only saying, "You investigate the scriptures first and then speak. Try not to burden the people or waste money, but make it grand. As for the rest... we'll discuss it later."

The crown prince was unable to refuse, so he could only comply and then withdrew.

Yi Zongguan stood guard outside the door. Seeing the Crown Prince walk out with a displeased expression, he was very surprised.

Although the prince grew up among commoners, he was deeply cunning and never revealed his emotions on his face.

What is the reason for this today

The prince didn't even greet Yi, the steward, and walked all the way to Xiling Pavilion before stopping.

Grandfather Feng followed closely behind, running with sweat dripping from his forehead. Before he could wipe it away, the Prince ordered, “Go get a bowl of ice cream.”

"Oh, yes, yes!" Feng Gong hurried off without stopping and went to the imperial kitchen again.

Soon, the peach jam ice cream was placed on the prince's desk.

The prince scooped a spoonful and just as he swallowed, his brow furrowed.

"Lord Feng, testing tentatively asked, 'Your Highness, is the taste not to your liking'"

The Crown Prince threw down his spoon and declared, "Nothing is right! The peach jam is too sweet, the ice cream isn't smooth enough, it's not even half as good as a cloud!"

Mr. Feng retracted his neck, too afraid to speak.

Since the emperor and the crown prince liked it, the imperial chef had pondered over this ice cream recipe for a long time, believing it to be almost as good as that from Baiyun Inn.

And on the way, he secretly ate one, just making it back in time.

He really can't tell the difference, can he

The Crown Prince was lost in thought, and did not notice until the ice cream had melted halfway that he had sent Feng Gonggong away.

Feng Gong, holding an ice cream bowl, stepped out the door, let out a long sigh of relief, and then gave the ice cream to the young eunuch. He began to ponder.

Unfortunately, he racked his brains but couldn't figure out what was wrong with the prince.

At this moment, he envied Yi Zongguan. The other was like a fish in water serving the Emperor, while here, serving a young prince was so difficult!

As expected, goods are compared by quality, and people are compared by their worth.

Today's update is here ~~s. Don't disappoint the expectations of the people, and make sure you are good officials!" "Yes, father" 。"Jia Ren quickly bowed in response, and Li Ge'er also followed suit, saying, "Second Uncle, I...