But what of it!
The common people?
What are the common people!
Fan Zehao believed in his own conscience, to be worthy of heaven and earth, and of the common people of the world, but he had failed his family. After finally leaving the palace to travel with his wife, they were once again disrupted by them.
At this moment, to be oppressed by the common people, to bear great benevolence and righteousness, was pure nonsense.
If the Yun Kingdom was managed well, his mission would be complete. As for the rest, let it be as it may.
He was not a Bodhisattva who could save all beings!
Besides, even if it were a Bodhisattva, with so many beings, the Bodhisattva would be too busy, and would still need King Yama to help deal with some of them.
"Don't tell me that. Now, immediately, leave. Your country has no shortage of talented people. Don't just stare at us. Go back and develop your own strengths."
After Fan Zehao finished speaking, regardless of their changing expressions, he turned and left.
The crown princes of the several countries were dumbfounded. They hadn't expected the Yun Emperor to be so resolute, speaking without any detours, and directly issuing the eviction notice.
The few of them sat on their chairs, looking at each other. Their meaning was that none of them wanted to leave, and they were looking for a good idea to stay.
As the saying goes, three cobblers are better than one Zhuge Liang.
What's more, these few sharp minds were together. They didn't find an excuse to stay, but they found a clever solution.
Liang Long's eyes twinkled, and he said excitedly, "Why don't we ask the Yun Empress? The Yun Emperor listens to the Yun Empress the most."
After his reminder, everyone's eyes lit up. Not to mention, this was indeed a good idea. The Yun Emperor's doting on the Yun Empress was well-known.
Everyone clapped their hands and went to find the Yun Empress.
Fan Zehao, upon hearing Chunfen report that the few of them were asking to see his wife, his face darkened as much as a donkey's. His entire face was a picture of foul temper.
Zhao Jiaqi held her husband's hand and shook her head. She understood her husband's intentions. Now was not the time to drive them away, but to make them leave voluntarily.
"Calm yourself. I'll go and see!"
Zhao Jiaqi walked out of the room and went to the lobby of the inn. At this moment, everyone in the lobby had been cleared out, leaving only these five crown princes.
As they saw her walk down the stairs, they all hurriedly got up, smiling as if to greet her.
After sitting down, Liang Long, being the most observant, immediately poured her a cup of tea and placed it in front of her, smiling obsequiously, "Your Majesty the Empress, everyone in the Yun Kingdom knows that Your Majesty is a benevolent Bodhisattva with a kind heart. Please, for the sake of my Liang Kingdom being a vassal state of the Yun Kingdom, could I be allowed to learn some governance strategies by your side and that of the Emperor? We are dull-witted and truly do not know where to begin with governing a country!"
This speech was so pleasing to the ear that it made her feel as if she were flying in the sky.
Unfortunately, she was not a benevolent Bodhisattva either. She was a former farmer, and she knew the hardships of the common people. With her own abilities, she could improve their quality of life. That was all.
Zhao Jiaqi raised her arm, interrupting the eloquent Liang Long, and said with a gentle smile, "My husband and I both know your intentions. In the court, you are the crown princes of your respective countries. In private, my husband and I treat you as friends. It is always a pleasure to have friends from afar."
Everyone present was touched. This had indeed been the case these past few days. They had never flattered, fawned, or spoken indirectly. Especially Fan Zehao's mouth, which was straightforward and said whatever was on his mind, completely disregarding their dignity.
Only very close friends could offer candid advice, even if it was unpleasant to hear, but the content was always truthful.
Zhao Jiaqi said, "It's not that we govern the country effectively, but rather that we put the common people first from the bottom of our hearts. With this foundation, then all your thoughts will stem from the perspective of the common people, thinking what they think. Only when the country is prosperous can the people live and work in peace. Only when the people are well-off can the country develop steadily."
"Of course, words are not enough. First, we must develop the national economy. Then, we must enrich the national treasury. The income of the national treasury comes from taxes. The taxes collected are the grain taxes paid by the common people, and the rest are some arbitrary and exorbitant taxes. If you think about it, can such a large country rely solely on these taxes to cover expenses?"
Not to mention officials' salaries, as well as the construction of bridges, roads, and soldiers' wages, etc.!
Seeing everyone fall into deep thought, as crown princes, they lived a life of luxury and could never have experienced the hardships of farmers. They didn't even know what wild vegetables looked like.
Moreover, they had numerous businesses under their names. Who would dare to collect taxes from them?
"I have a good idea here that can not only enrich your national treasury but also drive the economic development of your country. If our several countries join forces, why should we be afraid of not making money? With money, we can do more practical things for the common people. Isn't that wonderful?"
Following behind them, only watching how they governed corrupt officials and how they made money, had no other meaning. Rather than letting them follow, it was better to be upfront and not let them waste time on themselves.
It would also delay their journey!
The Yun Empress's words began to sway these people's hearts. After careful consideration, it made sense.
Yu Xiaoshuang, being a pragmatic person, immediately asked, "Your Majesty the Empress, how do we join forces? Please enlighten us!"
The others also nodded, looking at Zhao Jiaqi with eager eyes.
She smiled faintly and said, "Bring the specialties of your respective countries to trade for what you need, from small things like grain seeds to large items like iron, gold, jade, and so on. Anything you need can be traded, as long as your country has enough."
"Of course, your food is also different from ours. You can trade it over, and let our country's people taste your specialties."
"Although these are not things of value, they add up. In a year, you might be greatly surprised. In this way, the common people will benefit, and they will be willing to pay taxes. At most, you will only provide a venue. But the national treasury will be enriched. Isn't that good?"
At the Yun Empress's words, their minds began to work rapidly. This was a great idea. Zhao Jiaqi was truly a remarkable woman, and only she could come up with such a clever and brilliant plan.
Yu Xiaoshuang was fired up by her words. He immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said to her with great respect, "Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress, for your guidance. Xiaoshuang remembers. If Your Majesty the Empress needs Xiaoshuang's help in the future, please do not hesitate to ask. Xiaoshuang will have no objections!"
Zhao Jiaqi smiled and nodded, accepting his words. She said, "I only hope that we can become lasting friends, and that there will be no more wars between our countries. May we all prosper together and develop hand in hand."
Yu Xiaoshuang's face turned red at her words. He had always thought of plundering the Yun Kingdom. When the Jin Kingdom attacked the Yun Kingdom, he had even thought of taking a share of the spoils. Who knew that the Jin Kingdom was quickly divided by the Yun Kingdom and the Zongsheng Kingdom, and he was forced to come to the Yun Kingdom to sign a hundred-year friendship agreement.
However, they not only had no intention of occupying their Wei Kingdom, but instead offered them such a good idea. He truly felt ashamed.