Yun Shu's request had seemed, at worst, mildly ambitious. At most, Minister Yan had assumed she was scheming for ten thousand taels from the treasury. But when Yun Shu, standing solemnly before Emperor Xuanwu, stated that the initial construction of a naval fleet would require roughly three million taels, and that with ongoing costs plus the military expedition to the Wa Kingdom, the total would rise to ten million, Minister Yan's composure shattered on the spot.
Ten million taels.
She dared to name that figure without blinking.
Without a moment's pause, Minister Yan stepped forward from the line of officials. "Your Majesty, may I speak!"
"Granted."
"Your Majesty, you are well aware of the current state of the national treasury. If, as Her Highness claims, we are to draw ten million taels for the creation of a navy, then not only will we risk being unable to respond to urgent future needs, the upkeep of such a fleet will be an immense, continuous burden."
Minister Yan's reluctance to part with coin was entirely expected.
Emperor Xuanwu was unfazed. He nodded slightly and replied at an unhurried pace.
"Then what is Aiqing's counsel?
We recall that not long ago, you and the others hoped that Xiao Wu would dream more frequently, that Heaven might send you additional guidance.
Now that this guidance has arrived—gold and silver mountains placed before you—surely Minister Yan is not unwilling to accept them?"
"Indeed, we were greatly impressed by Her Highness's foresight regarding the floods in the capital. That Heaven has shown mercy once more by granting another vision is cause for celebration among all subjects. However..."
Minister Yan's tone shifted as he continued,
"To raise an entire navy merely to deal with a small Wa nation is, in my view, excessive. It is likely that such a fleet will see no further use.
Would it not be better to redeploy an existing force and strike directly?
Surely, with the strength of Tian Sheng's soldiers, we can seize that paltry nation with ease. As for the cost..."
Minister Yan clutched his hu board and turned to Yun Shu with a bow, his expression filled with false admiration.
"Your Highness is clearly guided by lofty ideals and surely understands that this old minister acts with the nation's welfare in mind.
The treasury cannot be left bare. Since Your Highness is confident in the mineral wealth of the Wokou and has even pledged to bear the military expenses if no mines are found, might Your Highness be willing to provide the necessary funds upfront?
Once the gold and silver are extracted, and this minister has completed a full audit, the funds shall be returned to you."
"Absolutely not," Yun Shu replied without hesitation.
"This Princess made that promise because raising a navy, launching a campaign, and opening the mines all take time. Time enough for This Princess to earn that money back. But if the funds are required immediately, This Princess does not have them."
"Surely Your Highness jests."
Minister Yan's smile was thin and unkind.
"All that should be completed within two or three years at most. Are we to believe Your Highness can earn over ten million taels in that time? Surely, the era of widespread underfloor heating is already past."
"If there are no more dragon heaters to install, there are still miles of cement roads left to pave across Tian Sheng."
Yun Shu arched an eyebrow.
"Or does Minister Yan believe cement holds no value?"
Minister Yan was speechless.
She cannot be thinking of road construction again... can she?
But wait—roadwork costs money, how could she possibly profit from it?
Still doubting, Minister Yan voiced the question aloud. Yun Shu only spread her hands.
"That is a commercial secret. Who in their right mind would freely share the key to their fortune and invite others to compete?"
Compete? Who dares compete with you?
But if building roads is profitable...
Minister Yan's eyes gleamed suddenly.
"Your Highness, was it not the court that funded the cement works?"
"And? Are you suggesting that all profits from cement should belong to the national treasury?"
His intentions were written plainly across his face.
Yun Shu smiled.
"Very well, then. Let Minister Yan take over the roadworks. The treasury is under your charge, after all."
Minister Yan fell silent.
If he could make money through road construction, what use would he have for her?
"Enough."
Emperor Xuanwu, pleased to see his daughter hold the upper hand, finally stepped in.
"We shall proceed as Sheng An proposes. Regarding shipbuilding... Tang Shilang."
"This official is present."
Tang Yuanlin stepped forward at once.
"The responsibility is yours."
"By Your Majesty's command."
"Your Majesty!"
Unlike Tang Yuanlin, who readily accepted the decree, Minister Yan looked about ready to explode.
"Ten million taels is too great a sum. This minister cannot..."
"Once the mines are opened, the silver will return."
Emperor Xuanwu was dismissive.
"Did you not just say? Two to three years at most."
"How can the treasury endure such emptiness for two or three years?"
"Is there not a commercial tax coming due at year's end?"
Year's end? That was still nearly half a year away!
And how much could that tax possibly yield? Enough to cover navy expenditures?
Minister Yan was on the verge of stamping his feet in frustration.
Just as he opened his mouth to argue again, Emperor Xuanwu waved his sleeve and declared the court dismissed.
Minister Yan was dumbfounded.
Dismissal? He could still pursue His Majesty to the imperial study!
With a furious glare at Yun Shu, he stormed off.
Emperor Xuanwu, unsurprised, muttered to himself.
The girl had won her victory, but now he would have to spar with Minister Yan.
To be an emperor was hard. To be a good emperor, harder still.
He could not help but wonder—would the future Tian Sheng Emperor who unified the realm...
No. Best not to dwell on it. Such thoughts disturbed the imperial mind.
Better to consider how to parry Minister Yan's next assault.
With this massive outlay, the treasury would indeed be severely depleted.
Unless...
Emperor Xuanwu's expression went blank.
What had the Simulation Life Selection System said?
That Yun Shu could make his private treasury surpass the national one in three years?
Was this how it would happen?
Could this even be counted?
He inhaled sharply.
...
What Emperor Xuanwu thought of next, Yun Shu did not know.
Now that her maternal grandfather had been entrusted with shipbuilding, she would not remain idle.
With such a staggering sum committed, the vessels must be the finest possible within their scope.
She would not allow them to be, as Minister Yan had mocked, disposable ships used only once.