"Fortunately, Shuangyue City has guards to deal with these fellows. Otherwise, the consequences would indeed be unimaginable."
"Who would have thought these guys could get so close to Shuangyue City? The Five City Patrols should be held responsible."
"This can't be blamed entirely on the Five City Patrols. These guys managed to pass through the border as if no one was there and reach the vicinity of Shuangyue City. It's clear they must have made very thorough preparations."
"We can only say these enemies are too cunning. Fortunately, these people haven't caused any major disasters. It's a blessing in disguise."
"Yes, Your Highness. The people of the Five City Patrols are truly wronged. We've observed over the past two days that there seems to be no unrest within the city. Are the concerns of the ministers perhaps exaggerated?"
The court officials aired their opinions, each with a different view.
The Empress thought for a moment and said, "Right, aren't there many construction projects in the court that require manpower? Since these fellows have come, let them do the work."
"Of course, since they are rebels, they won't be paid. Just ensure they are fed and clothed."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen's spirits immediately lifted.
This way, the national treasury could save a lot of money, and the Ministry of Works would surely be happy.
Indeed, Meng Yuan, the Minister of Works, broke into a smile. "Your Majesty, these rebels working, with only food provided, will surely save a lot of money. May I ask if this surplus money could remain with the Ministry of Works?"
The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue heard this and immediately stepped forward, waving his hand. "Minister Meng, that's not right. The Ministry of Works has such large expenditures. Even if money is saved, it should remain with the Ministry of Revenue."
Meng Yuan shook his head. "This year's taxes are much higher than last year's. The Ministry of Revenue should not be short of funds, right? This saved money should remain with the Ministry of Works."
"The Ministry of Works will need to build a large number of weapons and siege equipment, and complete numerous construction and road-building tasks."
"It can be said that for a considerable period to come, the Ministry of Works will have far too many places requiring expenditure."
"If we have to ask the Ministry of Revenue for money for every item, wouldn't that be a bit problematic?"
"Moreover, it's uncertain how much money will be saved from these thirty thousand rebels. Is it too much to think about vying for this money with the Ministry of Works already?"
The Empress looked at Chu Chen and asked, "Prime Minister Chu, what do you think? Where should this money go?"
Chu Chen thought for a moment and smiled, "Your Majesty, I believe neither of these two ministries should take this money."
The Empress was somewhat surprised by Chu Chen's response.
As for the officials from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, they began to feel a sense of unease.
They were arguing fiercely, but would Chu Chen end up benefiting from their dispute?
However, this seemed unlikely.
"Chu Chen, why do you say that? Do you have any evidence or reasoning?"
"If these two ministries cannot take this money, then who do you think is qualified to receive it?"
The Empress looked at Chu Chen with curiosity, feeling that this young man seemed to be up to something mischievous.
Chu Chen thought for a moment and smiled, "Your Majesty, these rebels were captured by the two armies. I believe we should either distribute this money to the soldiers of the two armies as rewards."
"Or, all this money should be handed over to me to fund future external operations."
"Although I am confident in these battles, they still require expenditure."
"By the way, there's one more thing, Your Majesty."
"This money cannot be deducted from military salaries. We must become stronger in our external campaigns and conquer more land. We must ensure the army never lacks provisions."
"This money can only be used to reward meritorious soldiers, not to pay their wages. Otherwise, the soldiers will feel that their hard-earned achievements have been in vain."
Everyone fell silent.
Although they felt Chu Chen's words had a hint of sophistry, it had to be said that his sophistry had some merit.
This money indeed should be given to those soldiers. If they hadn't defeated the enemy, allowing them to cause trouble around Shuangyue City and eventually be captured, these rebels wouldn't have contributed their labor, and no money would have been saved.
Xie An, the Minister of War, immediately stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I believe Prime Minister Chu's words are reasonable. However, Prime Minister Chu will be campaigning externally for a long time."
"And these rebels will contribute their labor, so the saved money cannot always be with Prime Minister Chu."
"I suggest that the Ministry of War oversee this money. As long as Prime Minister Chu needs it, he can simply inform us, and the money will be released."
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen's eyebrows twitched as he looked at Xie An.
He hadn't expected this fellow to be playing the game of "mantis stalks cicada, unaware of the oriole behind."
However, no one was going to take this money, and it had to be directly under his control.
Chu Chen looked at the Old God of War in the distance. The latter immediately understood his intention and shrugged with a helpless expression.
"Your Majesty, I have an idea. I don't know if I should speak it."
The Old God of War said to the Empress with a smile.
The Empress looked at the Old God of War, Huo Qing, with curiosity and nodded. "Of course, you should speak. Old God of War, please tell me what you have to say."
Huo Qing nodded. "Your Majesty, I am old, but I am still vigorous. This old body still wants to be active. I would like to request a task from you. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to bestow this task upon me?"
The Empress's eyes lit up upon hearing this. She hadn't expected the Old God of War to request a task.
"Old God of War, are you serious?"
The Empress did not immediately refuse or readily agree to the Old God of War's request.
After all, anything the Old God of War would propose was unlikely to be a trivial matter.
The Old God of War smiled and said, "Your Majesty, of course I am serious. When have I ever made such a big joke with you?"
"I believe that Prime Minister Chu, when campaigning externally, will frequently need provisions and funds."
"If there is another department managing this money, it would not be a good thing for Prime Minister Chu."
"If this money is placed under my care, and I manage it, it will be much easier. There won't be so many complicated procedures. I can disburse it with a wave of my hand."
"Of course, I have a purpose for doing this, which is that when I want to have a drink, I won't be short of money. Your Majesty, this one request is not excessive, is it? I will do this job without a salary, only to satisfy my desire for a drink."
The Empress almost burst into laughter. "Old God of War, you speak as if I'm treating you poorly."
"Alright, since you put it that way, then I grant it."
"Let the Old God of War manage this money."
"The wages of the prisoners participating in the labor will be paid normally, but all will be sent to the Old God of War."