heard of it"Su Jinpa frowned and said, "Please, Young Master Zhao, do not be unreasonable."Su Jinpa's single sentence inflicted upon Zhao Tailei a pain far greater than that caused by Li Chen's hundr...Chapter 1273: Search Everyone's Homes

The Grand Canal, also known as the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, is an ancient artificial waterway in China.

Connecting Suzhou and Hangzhou to the capital city, it is the most important artificial waterway running north to south.

Countless materials and goods rely almost entirely on this artificial canal for transportation.

Such a unique and important position inevitably means it will always generate a large amount of interest.

Wherever there is interest, there is conflict.

Nowadays, most of the waterway transportation on the Grand Canal is controlled by Cao Kun. Therefore, Cao Kun is well aware that the daily struggles arising from water transport business cannot be exposed at all.

Because there are daily occurrences of death, even feuds and killings in the martial arts world.

The heroes of martial arts sects also spend money when they go out, and it takes even more money to cultivate their disciples.

These things, no one cares. Even if someone is killed, it's just their fate.

If we're going to investigate, then every incident becomes a homicide. Since it's a homicide, one life must be exchanged for another.

So when Cao Kun heard Su Jinping's words, his face turned white immediately.

He looked around in despair, but everyone was stiff-necked and avoided his gaze, as if they feared being implicated.

At this moment, Cao Kun felt as if the executioner's sword was about to fall on his head.

He regretted a little, regretting why he had to be the one to take the lead.

Just as Cao Kun didn't know what to say, Su Jinping's gaze had fallen upon Nangong Shouzhong.

Su Jinpa, who had been briefed on these people's backgrounds, knew from the start that the real problem was only Nangong Shouzhong. Others like Cao Kun were simply insignificant and wouldn't make any waves.

It seemed as if he had felt Su Jinpa's gaze, Nangong Shouzhong finally stood up.

Since I can't dodge it, then I won't.

"Your Majesty, I wonder how much national debt the Imperial Court requires us commoners to purchase"

Gong Nanghushou felt that if the East Palace's appetite wasn't too big, then gritting one's teeth and enduring it would be fine.

Immediately following, Su Jinpa's answer sent shivers down his spine.

"This time, the court plans to issue 20 million taels of national debt. And you gentlemen, at least need to digest half of it, right That's how we can convince the people of the world."

Ten million taels of silver!

Everyone found it unacceptable.

Palace Master Nangong Shouzhong thought the East Palace's heart was truly too greedy.

He said in a low voice, "My Lady, although we have some wealth, we also support many families. There are countless shopkeepers, clerks, and laborers who depend on us for wages to feed their families. Our businesses also need working capital to operate smoothly. Such a large sum is simply beyond our means."

Since things have come to this, beating around the bush is pointless. So Nangong Shouchong got straight to the point and refused without any roundabout way of saying it.

Su Jinpa's expression remained unchanged as she said, "When everyone expressed their patriotic fervor just now, you weren't acting like this."

"Although we are but common folk," said Nangong Shouchong, "our love for our country is pure and unadulterated. However, patriotism also requires us to first have enough to eat. I ask your Highness, is this not true"

Nangong Shuzhong's words nearly caused Cao Kun and the others to clap their hands in admiration.

This statement is well-founded and irrefutable. No one could find fault with it.

Just when everyone thought Su Jinpa would be humiliated, she not only didn't get angry but instead smiled mysteriously and asked Nangong Shouchong: "Well, since the court needs our help, it certainly wouldn't let us risk our lives and fortunes. So why not have the Dongchang immediately raid our homes If they don't find ten million taels of silver, everything will be fine. But if they do, what will you say"orchestrated by Jiang Zhou, it involved several departments and dozens of officials from all levels of the imperial court. While their positions may not have been high, they held crucial roles. These...