"The autumn taxes from various regions have not yet been remitted to the imperial treasury, but when Prince Xin departed, His Highness specifically instructed me, stating that with the Tianning Festival approaching, to prevent the taxes from the southeastern provinces from failing to arrive in time, thus delaying matters for His Majesty on Tianning Festival, a portion of copper coins was left for His Majesty, in case of any unforeseen needs!"
"Is that what Zhen'er said?"
Upon hearing Fan Zheng Guo's words, Zhao Ji was stunned. He had never expected Zhao Zhen to consider this aspect.
Originally, watching Zhao Zhen's process of raising military funds in Bianliang City, he had felt a bit envious.
However, he also understood in his heart that it was one thing not to provide a single coin of military pay for the matters in the southeast and to let them raise their own funds. But for a father to demand money from the military funds raised by his son, to be used for renovating gardens, was truly difficult to justify.
Therefore, even though he felt uncomfortable, he could only endure it.
But he never expected Zhao Zhen to arrange such a surprise for him when he left the capital.
Hearing the Emperor's "Prince Xin" turn into "Zhen'er," Fan Zheng Guo was left with only a cold smile in his heart. Indeed, whoever provides the milk is the mother!
Even though this fellow was now Emperor, he still couldn't escape the mundane.
"Prince Xin gave such instructions, and furthermore, to prevent people from gossiping, Prince Xin has already withdrawn this money in his own name..."
Hearing Fan Zheng Guo's words, even Zhao Ji himself began to feel a bit regretful. Why hadn't he discovered earlier that his son was so thoughtful?
"Even if he left some copper coins, it might not be enough for the garden's expenses..."
Despite being moved, Zhao Ji understood in his heart that although the garden seemed almost finished, if actual construction were to commence, repairing even the small corners here and there would cost at least another one to two million strings of coins.
If the money and provisions left by Zhao Zhen were too little, they wouldn't be of much use.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, this is the list His Highness left for Your Majesty!"
As Fan Zheng Guo spoke, he took out a small booklet from his sleeve.
After hesitating, Zhao Ji still took the booklet and began to read it carefully.
The more he read, the more astonished he became. Zhao Zhen had left him a staggering three million strings of copper coins!
"There's so much? Then how will he manage his own affairs?"
This time, Zhao Ji was truly touched!
The matter of pacifying the rebellion in the south was precisely where funds and provisions were most lacking. By leaving this money to him, Zhao Zhen would face immense hardship after heading south.
"His Highness said that his own difficulties are nothing, but if Tianning Festival is delayed, how will the myriad nations of the world view Your Majesty?"
Although he felt somewhat disgusted by these words, Fan Zheng Guo had to admit that after these words were spoken, the Emperor Zhao Ji's perception of Zhao Zhen had indeed greatly improved once again.
"This child, he's always had this personality since he was young. However, with him doing this, how can I be at ease..."
Although his heart was blooming with joy, Zhao Ji still spoke eloquently.
"Prince Xin is so filial; this is a testament to Your Majesty's excellent parenting! Since it is His Highness's filial piety, why doesn't Your Majesty agree to his wishes!"
"Wouldn't this be somewhat against court regulations..."
Even though Fan Zheng Guo had made his intentions so clear, when it came to the actual deed, Zhao Ji still felt a slight sense of unease.
"It does sound a bit irregular, but human sentiment is often above rigid law. This money was originally raised by Prince Xin, and moreover, Your Majesty is saving a portion from the Tianning Festival's expenses. It is unlikely that any ill-intentioned individuals will spread rumors!"
Forcing himself to suppress his disgust, Fan Zheng Guo couldn't help but sneer after saying this. If he had known about such a matter a month ago, he would have likely... scolded the Emperor profusely.
However, after that deep conversation with Zhao Zhen in Prince Xin's manor, Fan Zheng Guo suddenly realized that among Zhao Ji's many sons, there were indeed one or two who were capable of great things.
Compared to future matters, momentary diplomacy was not such a bad thing.
"Then I will entrust this matter to you, my lord. Also, regarding the copper restrictions, please focus your efforts on this matter in the coming days! Later, I will have an imperial decree sent to you!"
"Your humble servant obeys the decree!"
After receiving such a great benefit, Zhao Ji's expression towards Fan Zheng Guo became exceedingly cordial.
"Well said, Fan! Do you truly believe that relying on your ancestors' blessings allows you to act so tyrannically in court? Who does he think he is!"
Upon returning to his office, Wang Fu began to fly into a rage.
"My lord, speak with caution! This is, after all, your office!"
Seeing Wang Fu's agitated state, Qin Hui quickly stepped forward and whispered.
"Send someone now to keep a close watch on that old fellow. I refuse to believe he is an egg without any cracks! As long as I find even a small flaw in him, I will surely ruin his reputation!"
Having finally had an opportunity to distinguish himself before the Emperor, only to be thwarted by someone else, Wang Fu's anger was immense.
"My lord, how has he offended you to warrant such a outburst?"
"Why so much nonsense? Do as you are told and get out!"
Wang Fu was so furious he was about to explode, he had no mind to explain these matters to him!
"My lord, he is, after all, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and he is currently in a position of great influence. If we send people to monitor him at this time, and if someone catches wind of it, it is likely to cause greater trouble for my lord!"
Despite being scolded by Wang Fu, Qin Hui still braced himself and advised him again.
"I was too impulsive just now!"
After taking several deep breaths, Wang Fu finally calmed down.
Indeed, as Qin Hui had said.
Fan Zheng Guo was recommended by Zhao Zhen. At least until the campaign in Jiangnan concluded, even the Emperor would not move against him.
To completely alienate him at this time was truly not a wise choice.
"My lord, can you tell me what happened just now?"
Seeing that he had calmed down again, Qin Hui quietly asked.
"My lord, it's bad! The steward of the manor just reported that Zhang Shaoyou, the official of the Ministry of Warehousing, along with constables from the Kaifeng Prefecture, have apprehended Manager Wang and a large quantity of bronze ware!"
"What did you say?"