Xu Fu did not know Su Cuiping's condition, which was why he joked with her like that. However, Leng Kui did. She currently suffered from a severe emotional disorder, and if she misunderstood something or took a remark the wrong way, it could lead to significant trouble!
"Uncle Xu, please don't tease Cui Ping! As long as you are happy, you are always welcome to live in the manor. Although we haven't officially signed the contract, in my heart, you are no different from my own father," Leng Kui said, subtly passing a meaningful glance to Xu Fu.
Seeing Leng Kui explain on her behalf, Su Cuiping quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, third brother regards you as a father, and naturally, you are also an elder to Cui Ping!"
Seeing Leng Kui's eyes blink incessantly, Xu Fu, though not fully understanding the meaning, withdrew his words. "Hahahaha! I know you are filial. Uncle Xu was just joking with you. However, I must return to the palace after a short while. His Majesty is waiting for my report!"
Seeing Xu Fu laughing so heartily, Su Cuiping finally believed he wasn't angry with her. She then happily led him inside, and they entered the inner hall chatting and laughing, leaving Leng Kui outside to greet the guests.
The guests attending the newborn's full moon celebration saw how highly regarded Leng Kui and his wife were by the Empress, and how much attention even their newborn son received. They were filled with envy for the couple.
Upon learning that Su Muqing was busy dealing with the locust disaster in Guangping Prefecture, Leng Kui went to the palace as soon as the full moon celebration concluded. Lin Rongrong temporarily stayed at the General's manor to take care of the child and Su Cuiping.
In the Golden Throne Hall of the Imperial Palace, two factions of officials were engaged in a fierce debate. The most vocal among them were Shen Chengfeng, the young representative of the new faction officials and a Junior Third Rank Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.
"Your Majesty, due to this locust plague, the crops in Guangping Prefecture have suffered heavy losses, yielding almost nothing. The people are in a state of panic. Rumor has it that some county towns have already resorted to looting for food. If this continues, it could lead to riots. I suggest we halt the construction of other capital cities and transport the workers' grain rations there first to alleviate the immediate crisis."
"Why does Minister Shen resort to alarmist talk? The locust disaster in Guangping Prefecture is merely a matter concerning the common people of one prefecture. The agricultural harvests in other capital cities of Huaxia are abundant. The grain from any single prefecture can help Guangping Prefecture overcome this crisis. How can such a minor issue be compared with national construction? Halting the construction of other capital cities over a small matter will affect millions of people!"
"A small matter? Lord Le, you must understand that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Accustomed to being a sect leader, you naturally do not comprehend that the imperial court should govern the realm with benevolence and virtue. The common people have always been the foundation of a nation. The locust disaster has caused tens of thousands of people in Guangping Prefecture to lose their harvests. The people are starving, yet other capital cities are undertaking lavish construction at this time! If the common people feel that the court disregards their lives and misunderstands His Majesty's benevolent intentions towards the people, leading to riots, can you bear the responsibility?"
Le Xiong was the most aggressive among the old faction officials. He was the former sect leader of the Three Sages Palace and now held the position of Minister of Works. He had spent two years learning architecture under Su Muqing, and later became so engrossed that he even neglected his meals and sleep.
Currently, the construction of other capital cities in the Huaxia Dynasty was under Le Xiong's overall management. He also wished to invite Su Muqing to recruit talented individuals from all over the land to design architecture unique to the Huaxia Dynasty.
Seeing that his grand ambitions were about to be halted by someone wanting to stop his current capital city construction, how could Le Xiong, with his fiery temper, agree? Thus, he could not help but argue with Minister Shen on the spot.
"This is simply absurd! Our Huaxia is a vast and mighty nation. Although it has only been established for a short time, its national strength and military power are unparalleled in the world. Do you think a mere locust disaster can affect us? Recall the great drought when Da Yu faced widespread death and destruction; it was His Majesty who widely distributed grain to save them, otherwise, those people would have long turned to bone! If they misunderstand His Majesty because of this, it only shows that they are ungrateful wretches! Is Master Shen's statement belittling the national strength of Huaxia, or is he questioning His Majesty's wise leadership?"
"Lord Le, do not speak nonsense. Chengfeng has no such intention. Precisely because I know His Majesty is dedicated to the people, and would surely not bear to see the common people of Guangping Prefecture suffer from hunger, you speak such words that disregard the larger picture. Are you trying to place His Majesty in a position of injustice and unrighteousness?"
"How dare you! When have I ever said His Majesty ignores the suffering of the people? I have followed His Majesty since the days of the No Man's Land. How could I not know her heart for protecting the people?"
...
Seeing the new and old factions arguing incessantly, with an intensity as if they were ready to fight to the death, Su Muqing was truly exasperated. She raised her hand to stop the ministers' argument, but they were too engrossed in their dispute to notice her gesture.
Having no other choice, Su Muqing had to push over the teacup in front of her. The teacup shattered on the floor, and the ministers, who had been arguing non-stop, finally quieted down. They all turned their heads in unison towards the person seated at the head of the hall. The two who had been arguing the fiercest knelt down to beg for forgiveness.
"As the saying goes, in arguments, there are no good words. All of you are wholeheartedly dedicated to the construction of Huaxia and the well-being of the people. Why then must you quarrel to the point of blushing? Why not listen to my words."
Su Muqing stood up from the dragon throne and walked into the hall, helping the kneeling ministers to rise. "Lord Le is dedicated to national construction, and Minister Shen is dedicated to seeking welfare for the people. I believe that both your points are very reasonable. Both the construction of capital cities and the governance of locust disasters are equally important."
This was the art of speaking. After hearing the words of Her Majesty the Empress, people from both factions felt somewhat appeased. At least they all thought to themselves, "His Majesty also agrees with me!"
Seeing that everyone's expressions had improved, Su Muqing continued, "Fortunately, only Guangping Prefecture is currently experiencing the locust disaster, and the grain in other regions is still abundant. The situation has not yet reached its most severe point. How about I issue a decree to the Prefectural Magistrate of Guangping Prefecture, ordering him to widely disseminate the information to all towns and villages within the prefecture? Subsequently, the court will dispatch an imperial envoy to transport grain for disaster relief in the near future. As for the construction of the remaining capital cities, I will also send officials to continue their progress. What do you all think?"
After speaking, Su Muqing rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. The events of the past two days were one after another. Yesterday, she had reviewed so many memorials. If it weren't for the detector helping her later, she would have surely exploded and died.
Even though Su Muqing's body had been cleansed by the spiritual spring water, making her stronger than anyone in this small world, having to handle so many matters at once still left her feeling exhausted.
Huaxia City had only risen in the past two or three years. Apart from Leng Ren and his group, and Le Xiong and his group, most of the other officials were newly appointed. Therefore, everyone wanted to achieve results quickly to gain the Emperor's favor.