Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 977

Chapter 977: Chapter 973: Top Priority

Minister Liu did not know that the Rong was entirely under Bai Qingyu’s control and had already become a part of Zhou. As a minister of Zhou, it was not surprising for Liu Rushi to think this way.

However, Bai Qingyan could not reveal A Yu’s identity to Liu Rushi for the time being, so Bai Qingyan merely said, "The reason for asking Minister Liu to delay King Yan Li Zhijie of Xiliang is because our spies in Xiliang have been caught. It is unclear whether it was due to their identities being exposed or for other reasons! Bai Qingqi has already set out for Xiliang; whether the alliance will be signed is wholly under Bai Qingqi’s control. However... before everything is settled, Li Zhijie must remain in Dadu City."

Liu Rushi was taken aback but quickly nodded, "Since His Majesty has said so, I understand, but... King Yan Li Zhijie’s entrance into Dadu City was to celebrate His Majesty’s ascension to the throne. Holding Li Zhijie in Dadu City without warning might lead to public criticism."

"Li Zhijie absolutely cannot leave Dadu City before the alliance is solidified. He has three paths to choose: to ally with Zhou, or to join hands with the ghost-faced Prince of Rong to resist strong nations together, or to ally with the Ninth Prince of Yan once war breaks out between Rong and Xiliang, letting Yan Kingdom hinder us Zhou!"

Liu Rushi was about to speak but saw Bai Qingyan gesture him to listen to the end: "Our Zhou’s goal is to unify the world, so we must not let either Xiliang or Rong destroy the other, forming a tripartite situation with us, because then the difficulty to unify the world would be even greater than today!"

Liu Rushi, being straightforward, knew Bai Qingyan’s words were based on the overall situation, but... Liu Rushi believed that even for the greater good, one must not give up on morality.

"I have not stood at His Majesty’s height, so I do not understand His Majesty’s overall layout and control, but I understand His Majesty’s words clearly." Liu Rushi’s attitude was very rigorous, "Nevertheless, I still wish to advise His Majesty, if someone else prevents King Yan of Xiliang from leaving Dadu... then fine! But we Zhou, being a grand nation, if we hold a congratulating envoy and forbid his departure from the Capital of Zhou, it will surely be criticized! Losing morality in Xiliang, how can we gain Xiliang? I urge His Majesty to think carefully!"

As soon as Liu Rushi finished speaking, it was reported from outside that Minister of Revenue Wei Bugong requested an audience.

Liu Rushi stood up, walked to the center of the main hall, and bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan: "I take my leave now, Your Majesty."

"Minister Liu, there’s one more thing I want to entrust to you." Bai Qingyan smiled faintly at Liu Rushi, "Starting next month, every three days, the court will dispatch a key figure to discuss state affairs with the students of the Imperial College. Minister Liu, please go first to discuss with the students whether we should establish alliances with Xiliang and Rong."

Liu Rushi did not expect Bai Qingyan to want him to discuss major national affairs with students, but he agreed and took his leave.

Outside the main hall, Liu Rushi encountered Wei Bugong, and the two greeted each other. After exchanging a few polite words, Bai Jinse came bringing soup and snacks to see Bai Qingyan, prompting them to step aside to let Bai Jinse enter the main hall first.

Wei Bugong, having returned from disaster relief, appeared much darker and thinner. Upon returning to Dadu City, he learned that Bai Qingyan wanted schools to be built in various places, something Bai Qingyan urged to be done quickly.

When it came to using silver, the Ministry of Revenue was the first to act, and these days, Wei Bugong worked tirelessly, calculating all the expenses in detail, thus seeking Bai Qingyan’s audience.

Bai Qingyan’s intention was for every county to establish both boys’ and girls’ schools; however, the national treasury currently faced challenges in disbursing so much silver all at once. Wei Bugong wanted to discuss with Bai Qingyan the possibility of halving the number of schools.

After hearing Wei Bugong’s proposal, Bai Qingyan suddenly remembered when her grandfather was alive, he had demanded compensation for the Bai family army soldiers who had been killed, angrily threw a horse whip aside, and said...

"Master Wei need not be so restrained, although it’s for official business, one shouldn’t forego food and rest... if you really damage your health, where am I supposed to find another Minister of Revenue! Have a little together, it’s good to adhere to propriety between sovereign and minister, but it’s not necessary to be overly strict!"

Bai Qingyan hadn’t rested since returning from the Imperial College and hadn’t eaten, so Bai Jinse came to deliver food to her eldest young lady.

Wei Zhong placed the snacks and soup on the table in front of Wei Bugong. Wei Bugong quickly thanked him, seeing Bai Qingyan use silver chopsticks to pick up a piece of snack, eating while reviewing the detailed accounts he had submitted.

Before long, Bai Qingyan finished reviewing the detailed accounts Wei Bugong estimated and submitted. She put down the teacup, "Hmm, I’ve finished reviewing."

Wei Bugong, who was eating snacks, heard Bai Qingyan’s words and immediately put down the chopsticks, bowing to Bai Qingyan. But before he could speak, he was choked by the snack, swallowing hard before saying, "Your Majesty, this is estimated by borrowing people from the Ministry of Works, using the most frugal methods to calculate the required silver. Zhou has just been established; many crucial matters need immediate attention first."

Bai Qingyan nodded, then unfolded the bamboo slip beside her and said, "Master Wei, in your view, between the school and constructing the Imperial Mausoleum... which is the priority?"

Wei Bugong looked up at Bai Qingyan, full of perplexity; this naturally is the priority...