Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

Lin Xiaofeng's face changed slightly, he glanced at Li Dexian, secretly praising this kid's quick thinking. But then, he thought of a deeper problem. If everyone does this, then the market will be in chaos?
Lin Xiaofeng looked at Li Dexian seriously and said, "The prince is right, but doing this is no different from cheating. We can't go down this crooked path." There was a hint of blame and warning in his words. Li Dexian was a little embarrassed by what he said. He scratched his head and said repeatedly, "I dare not, I dare not."

Lin Xiaofeng sighed: "I'm afraid that many people will have this idea. This exchange may really create miracles, but it may also become the source of destruction." His words were full of worry and concern, as if he had already seen all the possibilities of the future.

He paused and continued, "In this stock exchange, people's hearts are the most important. If rumors can shake people's hearts, how can the stock price not move with them? The saying that confidence is more valuable than gold is true in the stock market. The slightest disturbance in the stock market can turn the market upside down." His voice was low and powerful, as if a wise man was telling the philosophy of life.

After hearing this, Liu Bangde nodded with deep feeling: "Yes, human hearts are so irrational. The meaning behind the numbers becomes unfathomable." There was a hint of helplessness and emotion in his words, as if he had seen through the complexity and variability of human nature.

Lin Xiaofeng added, "It would be really troublesome if the rumor really spread and caused a panic in the market." He looked into Liu Bangde's eyes and said seriously, "Did you hear what the prince said? This is the issue we have to focus on. However, this matter may involve arresting people and investigating cases, which you may not be able to handle." There was a hint of worry and concern in his voice, as if he was warning Liu Bangde to be careful.

Liu Bangde said with a bitter face: "What should I do if I can't even prevent rumors?" There was a hint of helplessness and despair in his words, as if he had fallen into a deep predicament. He felt like he was trapped in a huge maze and couldn't find a way out.

Lin Xiaofeng pondered for a while and said, "The only way is to speed up the process and drag the court into it. I will give you half a month to compile all the data of the exchange and plug all the loopholes. Then you have to personally visit the Minister of Revenue, Lord Wenxu, and discuss it with him." There was a hint of firmness and determination in Lin Xiaofeng's words, as if he had pointed out a way out for Liu Bangde.

After hearing this, Liu Bangde was still a little nervous, but when he saw Lin Xiaofeng's determined eyes, he couldn't help but feel a surge of courage in his heart. He knew that his mission this time was important, and it was related to the future of the entire exchange and the fate of countless people. He took a deep breath, as if to absorb all the worries and uneasiness into his body, and then turn them into motivation to move forward.

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the gloomy sky outside, and felt an inexplicable sense of pride in his heart. He knew that he was about to embark on a road full of challenges and opportunities. Although the road ahead was unknown, he was ready.

In the following days, Liu Bangde began busy preparations. He personally led his men to conduct a comprehensive inspection and rectification of the exchange, and counted and sorted all the data to ensure that there were no mistakes. At the same time, he also began to prepare for a visit to the Minister of Revenue, Mr. Shu Wenxu. He knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and he must seize it.

·······
On a sunny spring afternoon, the sun shines through the tall gatehouse of Shangshu Mansion and shines on the bluestone path. On both sides of the path, the green bamboo forest sways gracefully, as if whispering the joy of spring. Occasionally, a few cheerful birds jump out of the bamboo forest, and the crisp chirping echoes in the air, adding a bit of vitality to this quiet and elegant courtyard.

At this time, Lin Xiaofeng was walking briskly through the front yard of the Shangshu Mansion and heading towards the study. He had a gentle smile on his face and a beautifully wrapped gift in his hand, which seemed to indicate the extraordinary significance of this visit.

In the study, Shu Wenxu was sitting at the desk, concentrating on reviewing the report in his hand. His face was engraved with the traces of time, but his deep eyes still sparkled with wisdom. His fingers tapped the table lightly, making a rhythmic sound, as if he was having a silent battle with time.

Suddenly, there was a light knock on the study door, interrupting Shu Wenxu's meditation. He raised his head and frowned slightly, as if he was a little displeased with the uninvited guest. But when he heard the servant come to report "Marquis Jianye is visiting", his brows relaxed and a complicated expression appeared on his face.

When Lin Xiaofeng walked into the study, Shu Wenxu had already stood up and greeted him enthusiastically. The two smiled at each other, as if they were old friends reuniting. Shu Wenxu looked at Lin Xiaofeng carefully, and saw that he was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe, a golden crown on his head, and a smug smile on his face. Behind him, followed two servants, holding heavy gift boxes in their hands.

"Master Shu, long time no see." Lin Xiaofeng bowed, with a hint of kindness and respect in his voice.

"Mr. Lin, you are too polite." Shu Wenxu replied, "I wonder what brings you here this time, Mr. Lin?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled and handed the gift in his hand to Shu Wenxu's servant. He turned around, looked into Shu Wenxu's eyes, and said, "Master Shu, I heard that your grandson performed well in Aijing Primary School, so I came to congratulate you."

Shu Wenxu was stunned when he heard this, and then a look of surprise appeared on his face. He quickly waved his hand to signal the servant to accept the gift, then pulled Lin Xiaofeng to sit down and began to ask about his grandson's performance in school.

Lin Xiaofeng described in detail the outstanding performance of Shu Wenxu's grandson in school, from academic performance to moral cultivation, from classroom performance to extracurricular activities, all of which showed his excellence. Shu Wenxu was fascinated by the story, as if he saw every detail of his grandson's school life. His face was filled with a smile of pride and satisfaction, and his eyes were shining with excitement.

However, when Lin Xiaofeng changed the subject and talked about the exchange, Shu Wenxu's face showed a trace of solemnity. He knew that Lin Xiaofeng's visit was not just for congratulations, but must have a more important purpose. But he still pretended to be calm and tried not to show his emotions.

"Lord Lin, regarding the matter of the exchange..." Shu Wenxu asked tentatively.

The sun shines obliquely on the streets and alleys of the capital, and the stone pavement is shimmering with a faint golden light, as if covered with a thin layer of gold. On both sides of the street, antique buildings are scattered in an orderly manner, with flying eaves, showing the solemnity and majesty of the imperial city. At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng, wearing a green official uniform, stepped steadily on the stone pavement, his eyes were firm and deep, as if he could see through everything in the world.

Shu Wenxu's mansion is located in a quiet place in the city. Two hundred-year-old locust trees in front of the door block out the sun, adding a bit of simplicity and mystery to the mansion. Lin Xiaofeng walked to the front of the mansion and gently knocked on the door. The sound was crisp and pleasant, echoing in the empty courtyard.

After a while, the door slowly opened, and a servant poked his head out. Seeing that it was Lin Xiaofeng, he hurriedly invited him in. After passing through the winding corridor, he came to a spacious study. The furnishings in the study were simple and elegant. A mahogany bookshelf was filled with various classics, exuding a faint scent of ink. Shu Wenxu was sitting at the desk, flipping through a thick account book, his brows furrowed, his expression solemn.

Lin Xiaofeng walked forward and coughed softly, breaking the silence in the study. Shu Wenxu raised his head and saw that it was Lin Xiaofeng. A smile appeared on his face, but it disappeared immediately. He sighed and shook his head and said, "Master Lin, you came at the right time. In recent years, the financial situation of the Ministry of Revenue has been terrible."

Lin Xiaofeng stood quietly aside, looking at Shu Wenxu. He was about fifty years old, thin, pale, and his eyes revealed deep worry and fatigue. His hair was a little gray, but it was combed meticulously, and he looked particularly energetic. He was wearing a dark blue official uniform with exquisite cloud patterns embroidered on it, which showed his identity and status.

Lin Xiaofeng sighed inwardly, knowing that Shu Wenxu had been worrying about the Ministry of Revenue's financial problems over the years. He listened quietly to Shu Wenxu's complaints, secretly thinking about how to bring up his plan.

When Shu Wenxu finally stopped complaining, Lin Xiaofeng slowly spoke: "Master Shu, the richer the country, the tighter the Ministry of Revenue... This is absolutely true. However, I came here today to help you solve this problem."

Shu Wenxu was stunned when he heard this, and looked at Lin Xiaofeng in surprise, as if he didn't hear his words clearly. He rubbed his ears and asked in confusion: "Lin... Lord Lin, what do you mean?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly, walked to the window, opened it, and let the fresh air flow into the study. He turned to Shu Wenxu and explained with a smile: "I have a plan to help the Ministry of Revenue relieve its financial pressure. Moreover, this plan will also allow your grandson and other outstanding students to get better educational opportunities."

Shu Wenxu stared at Lin Xiaofeng with eyes wide open, looking at him in disbelief. He stood up, walked to Lin Xiaofeng, held his hand tightly, and asked excitedly: "Master Lin, is what you said true? This... How is this possible?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled and nodded, and he explained his plan in detail. He said that he planned to implement a new tax policy to make taxation more reasonable and fair by adjusting the tax rate and tax source. At the same time, he also planned to set up an education fund to support those students who came from poor families but were talented. This fund would be managed by the Ministry of Households, and the income and expenditure of the fund would be announced regularly to ensure its transparency and fairness.

Shu Wenxu's eyes gradually lit up as he listened to Lin Xiaofeng's story. He realized that this plan could not only help the Ministry of Revenue solve its financial problems, but also cultivate more talents for the country's future. He was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes, and he thanked Lin Xiaofeng repeatedly and expressed his full support for the plan.

On the bustling streets of Jingjiang City, Shu Wenxu's figure is particularly eye-catching. He is wearing a dark blue official robe, and the hem of his robe sways gently in the wind, as if carrying his heavy mission. His face is strangely deep, as if the deep night sky hides countless unsolved mysteries. When I first saw him, I was shocked and thought he was here to collect the long-lost debt from me. However, when I looked closely, I found that there was a different light flashing in his eyes, which was a desire for knowledge and a search for wisdom, rather than a cold pursuit.

Shu Wenxu's face is resolute yet elegant. Under his thick eyebrows, his deep eyes are as bright as stars, flashing with wisdom. His nose is high and his lips are well-defined, giving people a sense of calmness and determination. His posture is straight, like an ancient pine tree that has survived the frost and wind, revealing an indomitable spirit.

He came to me to ask for help. I thought to myself, this minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who usually handles state affairs, came to visit me in person for a problem, which shows that this matter is very serious. I know that Lin Xiaofeng is a man of extraordinary wisdom. He can always find a way out in the business world, just like his unrestrained thinking can always find the source of wealth. But the affairs handled by the Ministry of Revenue involve the foundation of the country, which is far beyond the reach of us businessmen. Every move we make may shake the stability of the country and even cause changes in the entire political situation.

Shu Wenxu stood in my study, his eyes deep and blurred. He looked around, as if attracted by the dazzling array of books on the bookshelf. His brows were furrowed, as if he was struggling violently deep in his heart. I noticed that his fingers tapped the table lightly, making a rhythmic sound, as if telling of his inner anxiety and uneasiness.

Lin Xiaofeng looked at him and frowned slightly. He knew Shu Wenxu's character very well. Although this Minister of Revenue was usually calm and reserved, he was full of worries and sense of responsibility for the country. He said in a teasing tone: "Shu Gong, if you don't want to listen to my advice, then I will leave now and not disturb your peace."

After saying that, he made a move to leave. However, Shu Wenxu hurriedly stopped him, saying with some urgency: "My Lord, please stay." He paused and continued: "As long as you are not here to collect a debt, I am willing to listen to your advice. After all, I have heard of your wisdom and courage."

Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng smiled and sat back. He picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and then slowly put down the teacup. He looked into Shu Wenxu's eyes and began to elaborate on his thoughts. His words flowed like flowing water, clear and powerful.

"The Ministry of Revenue's current predicament is nothing more than a sharp increase in expenditures, while its income mainly relies on agricultural taxes. Although maritime trade and commercial taxes have increased, compared to the increase in expenditures, these revenues are obviously a drop in the bucket." Lin Xiaofeng hit the nail on the head and directly pointed out the predicament of the Ministry of Revenue.

Shu Wenxu nodded and sighed, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. This is exactly our current problem." His eyes revealed helplessness and anxiety.

Lin Xiaofeng continued, "What does this mean? The changes brought about by trains and firearms are unprecedented, so we can no longer use the methods of the ancients to solve today's new problems. The court does not want to increase taxes easily, but also wants to save money but cannot do it. It is difficult to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, so there is only one way..."

He took another sip of tea and slowly put down the teacup. He took a deep breath, as if to concentrate all his wisdom in this moment. He looked into Shu Wenxu's eyes and said, "Use other people's money to do your own business."

Shu Wenxu was stunned and asked in confusion: "What do you mean? Are you saying that the court wants to do something, but doesn't want to spend its own money, but wants to spend other people's money?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled and nodded: "Yes, that is to find a way to use the wealth in other people's hands. Think about it, we have so many wealthy people in Jingjiang. If we can use the money in their hands, will your Ministry of Revenue still have to worry about not having money in the future?"

Shu Wenxu's face suddenly became solemn. He frowned, as if thinking about Lin Xiaofeng's suggestion. He even despised this idea in his heart. He thought Lin Xiaofeng would have some wonderful ideas, but it turned out to be such empty talk. However, he had to admit that although this suggestion seemed simple, it seemed to have some deep meaning.

Lin Xiaofeng waved his hand gently and said, "Fundraising? That's not a long-term solution! What we need to find is a way to continuously provide funds for the Ministry of Revenue." He paused and continued, "People are indifferent to things that don't concern them. If you want them to spend money to serve the court and the people, even those eloquent scholars will be unwilling to do so. So the problem we need to solve is how to transform public interests into private interests! Let them know that helping the court can also benefit themselves."

Shu Wenxu frowned, obviously not fully understanding what Lin Xiaofeng meant. He fell into deep thought, trying to find a clue from Lin Xiaofeng's words.

At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng suddenly asked: "Have you heard of the recent rise of the exchange in Beijing?"

Shu Wenxu was stunned for a moment, then frowned and replied: "I seem to have heard of it a little bit, what is it?"

Lin Xiaofeng explained: "To put it simply, it is an organization of private businessmen. They raise funds to expand their business by buying and selling business shares of various companies on the exchange.

The sun shines through the gauze-like clouds and sprinkles on the ancient streets of Jingjiang City, making this ancient city picturesque. Shops are lined up on both sides of the street, and various signs sway gently in the breeze, making rustling sounds, as if telling the prosperity and changes of this city.

Lin Xiaofeng stood in front of Shu Wenxu's study window, looking at the bustling street outside, with an indescribable excitement in his heart. He turned around and stared at Shu Wenxu intently, as if he wanted to see something in his eyes.

"Have you heard about the recently emerging exchange in Beijing?" Lin Xiaofeng asked suddenly, his voice full of anticipation and excitement.

Shu Wenxu frowned, and his gaze turned away from the window and fell on Lin Xiaofeng's young and energetic face. He nodded slightly, and after a moment's silence, he replied: "I seem to have heard of it a little bit, what is that thing?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly, walked to the desk and sat down, and began to explain in detail: "The exchange, as the name suggests, is a place for transactions. But it is different from the common markets or shops we see. It provides a platform specifically for merchants who want to expand their business and ordinary people who seek returns on their investments. On this platform, merchants can sell their business shares to raise funds to expand their scale; and ordinary people can share the profits of merchants or earn the difference in stock price increases by purchasing these stocks."

His words were full of passion and confidence, as if he had seen the prosperity and opportunities that the exchange would bring to the city. Shu Wenxu was infected by his enthusiasm and began to take an interest in this new thing.

"And what about those merchants?" Shu Wenxu asked, "Why would they sell their shares?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled and continued to explain: "There are many reasons why merchants sell shares. Some are short of funds and need to raise funds to expand their scale; some want to spread the risk and transfer part of the profits to the people; and some want to attract more investors to jointly promote the development of the business. In short, this is a mutually beneficial way."

His words revealed a profound wisdom and vision for the future. Shu Wenxu was impressed by his insights and began to seriously consider the feasibility of this exchange.

"Then," Lin Xiaofeng suddenly changed the subject, "Can we learn from this method to convert the funds that the court needs to raise into stocks and sell them on the market?"

His voice suddenly became low and powerful, like a bolt of lightning that pierced Shu Wenxu's mind. Shu Wenxu suddenly raised his head and looked at Lin Xiaofeng, his eyes flashing with shock and excitement.

"You mean..." he stammered, "the imperial court also uses the stock exchange method to convert railway trains into stocks and then sell them on the market to raise funds?"

Lin Xiaofeng nodded and smiled, "That's right. We can convert the railway projects that the court needs to build into stocks and issue them on the market. The people buying these stocks is equivalent to providing financial support for the court's investment. In this way, the court does not need to use the funds of the treasury and can raise enough funds to promote the development of railway construction."

Shu Wenxu's heart was filled with strong excitement. He seemed to have seen the bright prospects after the success of this plan. He stood up and walked to the window, looking at the towering capital in the distance, his heart full of expectations and longings.

However, at this moment, his brows were furrowed again, and a trace of worry appeared on his face: "But..." He said hesitantly, "Railways are important tools of the country. How can we hand them over to the people? And if stock price fluctuations cause losses to the people, what kind of impact will it have? Where is the face of the court?"

Lin Xiaofeng looked at the worry on Shu Wenxu's face and smiled slightly, saying, "Shu Gong, you are worrying too much. First of all, we must make it clear that these stocks are not real ownership, but a way for the people to invest in the court's railway project. They buy stocks for the purpose of making profits rather than for the ownership of the railway. Secondly, we must establish a sound regulatory mechanism to ensure that stock price fluctuations are not too large to avoid causing excessive losses to the people. Finally, we must strengthen publicity to let the people understand that this is an investment for the long-term development of the country and not a form of gambling."

His words were full of determination and confidence, as if they had resolved all of Shu Wenxu's doubts. Shu Wenxu looked at his young and determined face, and a surge of confidence surged in his heart. He knew that this plan was full of challenges but also full of opportunities, and as long as they could unite and work together, they would surely succeed.

At the edge of Jingjiang City, beside a lush bamboo forest, Lin Xiaofeng stood quietly, his eyes deep and firm, as if he could see through everything in the world. He was wearing a green robe with a white ribbon tied around his waist, looking both elegant and majestic. There was a faint smile on his face, as if he was fully confident of what was about to happen.

The wind blew gently through the bamboo forest, and the rustling of the bamboo leaves intertwined with the gurgling sound of the river in the distance to form a beautiful melody. Lin Xiaofeng closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if to integrate the fresh air and tranquil scenery into his heart.

He turned and walked into the study, only to see Shu Wenxu sitting at the desk with a frown on his face, holding a thick account book in his hand, with deep worry between his brows. Lin Xiaofeng walked gently to his side and said calmly: "Shu Gong, if you want to accomplish great things, you always need to show some courage. Besides, all the expenses of our Jingjiang are for the country and the people. Why can't it be handed over to the people?"

Shu Wenxu raised his head, his face was engraved with traces of time, and his eyes revealed deep fatigue and helplessness. He shook his head slowly and said, "No, this idea is too crazy, no one has ever done this before."

Lin Xiaofeng's mouth corners slightly raised, his smile was full of confidence and determination. He said: "Before me, no one had ever built a train. If I said that the train could move by itself, everyone would think I was crazy. But now the facts have proved everything."

He stood up, walked to the window, opened it, and a fresh river breeze blew in. He took a deep breath and continued, "Shu Gong, think about it. In the future, most of the important expenses of the Ministry of Revenue's large-scale projects can be solved by private funds. The Ministry of Revenue only needs to mobilize a small amount of resources to solve major problems. What a wonderful scene it will be!"

Shu Wenxu couldn't help but get excited when he heard Lin Xiaofeng's words. He seemed to see a brand new Ministry of Revenue, a Ministry that could make full use of private funds to serve the court. However, he still looked at Lin Xiaofeng with some worry and said, "This is not an easy thing! I don't understand the nature and operation of the exchange yet, it's too early to say this now!"

Lin Xiaofeng turned around, his eyes were open and sincere. He said: "Sir, do you know why I am so enthusiastic about this? It's not because I am greedy for money, but because I know the difficulties of the court and the suffering of the people. The court's expenses are huge, and the tax revenue is limited. If we can't increase revenue and reduce expenditure, I am afraid we will fall into greater difficulties in the future. The establishment of the exchange can not only solve the urgent needs of the court, but also let the people share the dividends of national development. Why not do it?"

Shu Wenxu couldn't help but feel respect when listening to Lin Xiaofeng's words. He had never thought that Lin Xiaofeng would have such profound insights and vision. He pondered for a moment, then said: "Lord Lin, I will seriously consider your suggestion. But this matter involves the decision of the court, and I need to discuss it with other ministers before making a decision."

Lin Xiaofeng nodded to show his understanding. He said, "Okay, Secretary. I believe you will make the right decision. However, I also hope you can understand that I am not forcing you to accept this suggestion, but I sincerely want to do something for the court and the people."

After saying that, he turned and left the study. Shu Wenxu looked at his back, his heart full of emotion. He knew that he had met someone who truly cared about the country and the people. He believed that in the near future, Lin Xiaofeng's suggestions would be realized, bringing earth-shaking changes to Jingjiang and even the entire country.

The night was as dark as ink, spreading quietly. In the study, the candlelight flickered, and Shu Wenxu was still sitting quietly at the desk, his brows revealing deep contemplation. He, a civil servant who held a high position in the court and was admired by all officials, seemed to be trapped in an endless swamp at this moment, with struggle and confusion intertwined in his heart. There was a light flashing in his eyes, which was a light intertwined with wisdom and determination, but also revealed a little fatigue and uneasiness.

Shu Wenxu's image gradually became clear in the candlelight. He was tall, dressed in a blue shirt, and looked elegant and solemn. His face was sharp and angular, as if it was carved with a knife, revealing a resolute temperament. However, at this moment, his brows were furrowed, as if he was carrying a heavy burden. His fingers tapped the table lightly, making a rhythmic sound, which was the melody of his inner struggle and determination.

Outside the window of the study, the night is as heavy as thick ink. The moonlight shines through the clouds, casting mottled light and shadows, outlining the outline of the study vaguely. The mountains in the distance appear hazy and mysterious in the night, as if countless stories are quietly being told. And the night wind gently brushes the window lattice, bringing a hint of coolness, but also makes people feel a surge of inexplicable thoughts.

Shu Wenxu was struggling. He knew that this decision was crucial to both the court and the people. If the decision was wrong, it would bring irreversible consequences. He had to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making the final decision. However, how easy was this decision? On both ends of the scale in his heart, there was the prosperity and stability of the country on one side, and the well-being and peace of the people on the other. How should he choose?
At this moment, the image of Lin Xiaofeng emerged in Shu Wenxu's mind. That young and passionate official, his eyes were full of vision and expectation for the future. The exchange plan he proposed, although bold and avant-garde, was full of innovation and hope. Shu Wenxu couldn't help but think of the scene of their last conversation. Lin Xiaofeng passionately expounded his plan, and every word was full of strength and confidence. His words were like a clear spring, rippling in Shu Wenxu's heart, allowing him to see the possibility of solving the problem.

As time went by, Shu Wenxu gradually sorted out his thoughts. He realized that although Lin Xiaofeng's suggestion was bold, it was not impossible. If he could successfully put this plan into practice, it would be a great thing that would benefit the country and the people. He remembered his oath in the court to fight for the interests of the country and the people. Although this decision was difficult, it was his responsibility and mission as an official.

So, Shu Wenxu made up his mind. He stood up, walked to the window, and stared at the mountains in the distance. There was a determined light in his eyes, as if he had seen the hope for the future. He took a deep breath, put aside the struggle and confusion in his heart, and prepared to fully support Lin Xiaofeng's plan.

At this moment, Shu Wenxu seemed to no longer be the official struggling in confusion. He became firm and decisive, working hard for the interests of the country and the people. His heart was full of hope and faith, believing that with his efforts, the court and the people would usher in a better future.

On the second day, the sky was just turning pale, and the morning light was gently falling like a veil, covering the whole world with a hazy golden glow. Shu Wenxu woke up early, with a hint of determination and resoluteness in his eyes. He gently took off his official uniform and changed into a dark blue casual outfit. The blue was like the sea in the middle of the night, deep and quiet, which complemented his mood at the moment.

He walked out of the mansion alone and set out on the road to the city exchange. Although there were few pedestrians on the streets in the early morning, the air was filled with a busy and expectant atmosphere. The shops on both sides of the street had not yet fully opened, but some people had already begun to prepare busily, as if foreshadowing that the new day would be a busy and fulfilling start.

Walking into the city exchange, Shu Wenxu felt like he was in a boiling ocean. There were a lot of people here, and everyone's face was filled with a passionate desire for profit. They were either talking loudly or whispering, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the constantly jumping numbers and changing stock prices. Shu Wenxu was resistant to this atmosphere, and he frowned, trying to find a trace of tranquility in this hustle and bustle.

However, he understood his mission. In order to solve the predicament of the Ministry of Revenue, he had to endure all this temporarily. So, he took a deep breath and immersed himself in the competition for interests. He was like a falcon, quietly observing everything in the city. His eyes were like two sharp swords, always keeping a close eye on the circulation of silver and money.

For several days, Shu Wenxu wandered around the city like a shadow. He witnessed the crazy flow of money and the stock prices of listed businesses soaring like rockets. Especially the iron factory, which rose from one tael and two cents to two taels in just a few days! The red sign fluttered in the city like a battle flag, as if announcing their victory.

Shu Wenxu was filled with surprise and confusion. He had never seen such a crazy market, nor had he seen such a rapid rise. He realized that this market seemed to be manipulated by a powerful force, and that force was the hidden danger he had been looking for. He understood that this market was not as perfect as it seemed on the surface, and there must be huge risks behind it.

However, what surprised him even more was that he actually saw some familiar faces in the crowd. It turned out that someone in the court had quietly entered this field, but on the surface they were as calm as a lake, not revealing any news. Shu Wenxu felt a chill in his heart, and he realized that there might be greater conflicts of interest and power struggles behind this.

He continued to observe the market's every move, trying to find more clues. His eyes shuttled through the crowd, sometimes frowning, sometimes showing a thoughtful look. His heart was full of worries and uneasiness, but he also knew that he could not give up. He had to find the black hand hiding behind it to completely solve this problem.

As the sun sets, the afterglow shines on every corner of the City Exchange. Shu Wenxu walked out of the door of the City Exchange tiredly. His face was full of fatigue and worry, but his eyes were more determined. At the door, he suddenly staggered, as if he was tripped by something. Fortunately, a subordinate supported him in time.

"Sir, be careful with the threshold." The subordinate said with concern, "You seem absent-minded recently. Is there something wrong at home?" Shu Wenxu stood firm, smiled bitterly and waved his hands, "It's okay, it's okay." But his heart was full of bitterness and helplessness. He knew that he couldn't tell his subordinates too much, because they couldn't understand his mood and pressure at the moment.

The subordinate did not seem to believe his words and asked again, "Is it because the Ministry of Industry came to ask for money again at noon today?" Shu Wenxu frowned, "What? Why do they want money again? Didn't we give them 100,000 taels last time?" The subordinate responded in a low voice, "I heard that the Ministry of Industry wants to build five new workshops with higher specifications than the Royal Research Institute, and they want to recruit many people, so 100,000 taels are not enough... They want to add another one million taels!"

Shu Wenxu was furious when he heard this. "The one million taels they gave us last time were not enough, and now they want one million and one hundred thousand taels!? Are they trying to empty the Ministry of Revenue?" His voice was filled with anger and helplessness. He knew that he couldn't just let the Ministry of Works lead him by the nose, and he had to find a way to solve this problem.

The night fell quietly over the bustling Yangqu New Town like a thick piece of black velvet. In the study, the lights flickered, and Shu Wenxu's figure was stretched out by the lights, like a lonely silhouette. He leaned back in his chair tiredly, his eyes closed, his brows furrowed, as if he was carrying a heavy burden. His eyes were full of confusion and helplessness, like a lake shrouded in fog, calm but bottomless.

Shu Wenxu's eyebrows are like ravines carved by time, each of which records his struggles and efforts. His face is resolute and deep, like a mountain that has experienced wind and rain, and although it has suffered vicissitudes, it still stands tall. His hands, which once held a pen quickly, now hang weakly on the edge of the chair, as if they have lost their former vitality.

Troubles came like a tide, one wave after another. Recently, people who wanted money had sprung up like mushrooms after rain, making Shu Wenxu feel powerless. He felt like he was trapped in a huge whirlpool, surrounded by endless darkness and coldness, making it impossible for him to break free.

Just as he was lost in thought, the servant's voice broke the silence in the study: "Sir, there is an ordinary businessman named Liu Bangde who wants to see you." Liu Bangde? This name echoed gently in Shu Wenxu's ears. He felt somewhat familiar, yet somewhat strange. He tried hard to recall this name, and finally remembered that this seemed to be the businessman who sold houses in Yangqu New City.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said: "Take him to the living room and wait." There was a hint of fatigue and helplessness in his words.

The spacious living room was brightly lit. Liu Bangde sat on the sofa anxiously, holding a thick stack of documents tightly in his hands. His face was full of tension and expectation, as if he was about to face a fateful judgment. Around him were piles of documents and information about the exchange, and every page was densely filled with words, and every word was filled with his hard work and expectations.

At this time, Shu Wenxu walked in from the side door. He changed out of his official uniform and put on a casual suit, but he still couldn't hide his majesty and temperament. His appearance made Liu Bangde instantly nervous. He hurriedly stood up and saluted, with a tremor in his voice: "Hello, Mr. Shu. I am Liu Bangde, an ordinary businessman in Yangqu County."

Shu Wenxu nodded slightly, his eyes swept over Liu Bangde. He noticed that Liu Bangde's eyes were full of sincerity and expectation, which surprised him. He motioned Liu Bangde to sit down, then sat on the sofa opposite and began to ask him why he came. Liu Bangde took a deep breath, calmed down his nervousness, and then said, "Sir Shu, I came here this time to ask you to help supervise an exchange." He paused, then continued, "I founded this exchange myself, aiming to make transactions more fair and reasonable. But as it grows, I find that many businessmen are driven by interests and want to take advantage of loopholes to make huge profits. I'm worried that there will be problems if this continues, so I came here to ask for your help."

As he spoke, he patted a pile of books and materials on the table. "These are all materials and information about the exchange. I have sorted them out. I believe you can see the problem."

Shu Wenxu picked up a document and read it carefully. There was a flash of surprise and confusion in his eyes. He didn't expect that this ordinary businessman could come up with such an idea. He raised his head and looked at Liu Bangde's sincere expression, and a sense of respect surged in his heart.

"Did you really open this exchange?" he asked doubtfully. Liu Bangde nodded firmly, "Yes, Master Shu. I founded it myself. I hope it can become a fair and just trading platform and provide a good trading environment for merchants all over the world."

Shu Wenxu was silent for a while, then slowly said: "Liu Bangde, your idea is good. But do you know how much effort it takes to regulate an exchange? This is not an easy task."

Liu Bangde nodded, "I know. But I believe that as long as you are willing to help, we will succeed." He paused, then continued, "In terms of finance, no one is more capable than you. I believe you can help the people of the world and prevent this exchange from becoming a runaway horse and doing whatever it wants."

In the afternoon sun, Shu Wenxu stood in front of the vermilion door of the city exchange, which was carved with dragons and phoenixes. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes were as sharp as torches, as if they could penetrate the heavy wooden door and reach Liu Bangde's deep heart. He was dressed in a blue shirt with fluttering sleeves, looking elegant and calm, but his sharp eyes were filled with a subtle vigilance.

Inside the door, Liu Bangde was standing in front of a huge mahogany table, his face full of sincerity and determination. He was tall and strong, with dark skin, as if he had experienced countless wind, frost, rain and snow. His hands were rough and strong, which were the marks left by his years of begging and labor. At this moment, there was a strange light flashing in his eyes, which was the expectation for the future and the worry about the reality.

Shu Wenxu gently pushed open the door, and his footsteps echoed in the empty hall. He walked into the room, his eyes fell directly on Liu Bangde's face, trying to find a flaw in that weather-beaten face. Liu Bangde raised his head and met Shu Wenxu's gaze. His eyes were full of frankness and determination, as if to say: "Master Shu, everything I said is true."

Shu Wenxu was slightly startled. He had never seen such a determined look in his eyes. He asked doubtfully, "Old Liu, are you kidding me? You established the City Exchange with your own hands, so why do you want me to supervise it now?"

Liu Bangde took a deep breath, then slowly stood up and walked in front of Shu Wenxu. His eyes flashed with a firm light, as if to say, "Master Shu, I have never been so serious." He said in a deep voice, "Master Shu, everything I told you is true. I was indeed a beggar before, and I learned acting skills to make a living. But now every word I say to you is sincere and there is absolutely no falsehood."

Shu Wenxu listened quietly, his eyes wandering over Liu Bangde's face, trying to find a flaw from those subtle changes in his expression. But Liu Bangde's expression remained the same, his eyes were firm and frank, as if to say, "Master Shu, please believe me."

Shu Wenxu nodded slightly, looked at Liu Bangde deeply, and then said, "I believe you. But given the current situation of the City Exchange, do you really want me to supervise it?"

Liu Bangde nodded, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes. He looked around, and the mahogany tables filled with account books and documents seemed to be silently telling the prosperity and bustle of the City Exchange. He said in a deep voice: "Master Shu, the reason why the City Exchange is so prosperous now is mainly because it has just started, and we carefully selected the products on the market, and each one is a fine product."

He paused and continued, "However, as time goes by, the number of shares circulating in the market is limited, and the stock price is constantly pushed up. Coupled with various rumors that are difficult to distinguish between true and false, the stock price in the future may far exceed its actual value. It's like..." He suddenly got stuck, frowned, and seemed to be racking his brains for a suitable metaphor.

At this moment, a breeze blew by, and the leaves outside the window rustled, as if cheering him up. Liu Bangde suddenly had an idea, and he slapped his forehead and said, "Yes, it's like foam! Just like the foam stirred by pancreatic water! If it goes on like this, it will burst sooner or later, and then it will affect the lives of many people."

After hearing this, Shu Wenxu couldn't help but secretly praise his thorough analysis. He looked at Liu Bangde's worried face, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He never thought that this former beggar would have such profound insights and concerns.

Liu Bangde continued, "Although I founded the City Exchange, many powerful businessmen joined in at the very beginning. I advocated strict restrictions on the number of listed commodities to ensure the steady development of the City Exchange. But other people have different ideas from me. They want to speed up the process to gain more benefits." There was helplessness and worry in his tone.

Shu Wenxu listened quietly, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He had never thought that this former beggar would have such a deep sense of responsibility and mission. He looked at Liu Bangde's worried face, and an impulse to help and protect him surged in his heart.

Liu Bangde continued, "Although I strongly oppose it, the development momentum of the Municipal Exchange is getting stronger and stronger. More and more people are eager to make money, and I am worried that there will be problems in the future. What if counterfeit and shoddy goods are put on the market, and rumors are used to disturb people's hearts and make a lot of money, then there will be a big mess." His voice became lower and lower, as if he had already seen the chaotic future.

Liu Bangde's worries and choices
Liu Bangde stood in front of the gate of the Jingjiang residence and took a deep breath of the air with the moisture of the river, as if he wanted to breathe this heaviness and determination into his lungs. His figure seemed particularly tall in the afterglow of the setting sun, like a solitary peak, independent of the world but tenacious.

He raised his head, his eyes passed through the vermilion door, as if he could penetrate through layers of obstacles and reach Shu Wenxu's heart. His heart was filled with admiration and expectation for this important official of the court, but at the same time, there was a subtle uneasiness.

Liu Bangde straightened his robe and walked into the mansion with firm steps. He walked through the lobby, through the corridor, and finally came to Shu Wenxu's study. In the study, Shu Wenxu sat upright, with a sharp gaze, as if he could see into people's hearts.

Liu Bangde took a deep breath, as if he wanted to gather all his courage in this moment. He walked in front of Shu Wenxu, bowed deeply, then raised his head and said with a firm look: "I am from Yangqu County. The Marquis of Jianye warned me from the beginning of my business that I should be a decent person and do things honestly. I must never touch anything that violates the law and discipline!"

His voice echoed in the study, and every word seemed to carry a thousand-pound force, shaking Shu Wenxu's heart. He looked at Liu Bangde's resolute eyes, and a surge of respect surged in his heart. This former beggar, now a businessman, actually had such a firm belief and determination, which made him look at Liu Bangde with new eyes.

Shu Wenxu nodded slightly, signaling Liu Bangde to continue. Liu Bangde cleared his throat and continued, "So, I came to visit you specially, hoping that the court can intervene in the management of the City Exchange. I am willing to give up all the benefits brought to me by the City Exchange and help the court improve the rules and regulations of the City Exchange to ensure its steady development."

His voice became more and more excited, and his eyes flashed with determination. He seemed to see a more prosperous and fairer exchange, thriving under the supervision of the court, bringing endless benefits to the country and the people.

Shu Wenxu was moved when he heard Liu Bangde's words. He looked at the young businessman with respect. He pondered for a long time, then shouted loudly: "Come on, serve tea! Serve good tea!"

As the tea was served, a faint tea fragrance filled the study. Shu Wenxu pointed to the chair next to him and said, "You are truly a businessman with a Confucian style. I have never met anyone like you. I admire your insight, your concerns, and your determination. If everyone in the world is like you, Jingjiang will be prosperous!"

Liu Bangde couldn't help but feel proud when he heard Shu Wenxu's praise. He sat down carefully with a relieved smile on his face. He knew that he had successfully convinced Shu Wenxu.

However, Shu Wenxu suddenly changed the subject and asked, "You are from Yangqu County, so is Marquis Jianye involved behind the Municipal Exchange?" There was a sharp light flashing in his eyes, as if he could see through everything.

Liu Bangde's brows twitched slightly. He did not answer the question directly, but said calmly: "My Lord, I am indeed from Yangqu County. We in Yangqu County call the Marquis of Jianye "Master". This is a habit we have developed over the years. However, this Municipal Exchange does not have much to do with my master. To be honest, it was he who first proposed the idea of ​​the Municipal Exchange. He has extraordinary foresight and wisdom. But he did not directly participate in the subsequent establishment and operation, but only gave me some advice and guidance occasionally."

As soon as Liu Bangde finished speaking, Shu Wenxu raised his hand to interrupt him: "Okay, you don't have to explain more. I was just asking casually." An elusive smile appeared on his face, as if everything was under his control.

Liu Bangde was a little nervous. He asked tentatively, "What does your Excellency mean?"

Shu Wenxu looked at him, was silent for a moment, and then said slowly: "What you said just now makes sense, but I have a question: If Marquis Jianye does not intervene in this matter, what good will it do him?" His eyes were full of inquiry and confusion.

Liu Bangde shook his head, took a deep breath and said, "If it is purely from the perspective of self-interest, it will not do him any good. My master... He is such a person, always putting the interests of the country and the people first. He once said that although businessmen pursue profits, they should pay more attention to social fairness and justice. The establishment of the City Exchange is his effort to realize this ideal."

Liu Bangde's words made Shu Wenxu fall into deep thought. He paced in the hall with his hands behind his back, frowning and sighing from time to time. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on him through the window, stretching his shadow. His face was full of complex emotions, including admiration for Jianye Hou and worry about the current situation.

Liu Bangde waited quietly, his heart full of anxiety and expectation. He knew that his fate and the future of the exchange were in Shu Wenxu's hands. He could only pray silently, hoping that Shu Wenxu would make the right decision.

Shu Wenxu sat in front of the desk in the study, with the unique mist and rain outside the window. He sighed, as if the sigh could be swallowed by the drizzle. He looked at the teacup in his hand, the tea smoke curling up, as if telling of endless worries. He frowned slightly, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

"But the Ministry of Revenue's intervention in the city exchange is not as easy as you said." He spoke slowly, with a bit of fatigue and heaviness in his voice. He looked at Liu Bangde, with a hint of complex emotions in his eyes, as if he was thinking about some difficult problem.

Seeing this, Liu Bangde's heart tightened. He knew Shu Wenxu very well and knew that his decision must have been carefully considered. He hurriedly stood up, walked to Shu Wenxu, held up the pile of books with both hands, and said, "Master Shu, please believe my sincerity. These books are all the hard work I have put into studying the City Exchange over the years. From the beginning of the establishment of the City Exchange to its current prosperity, every transaction and every change are recorded clearly."

His words were full of sincerity and determination, as if he wanted to pass on all his beliefs to Shu Wenxu. He pointed to the pile of books and continued, "Sir, these materials are the most comprehensive information I can find about the City Exchange. I hope to provide strong support for your decision-making."

Shu Wenxu's eyes were attracted by the books. He raised his head slightly and looked at Liu Bangde. He saw the expectation and trust in Liu Bangde's eyes, and also saw the hardship and dedication behind him. He couldn't help but feel a warm current in his heart, as if he was inspired by an invisible force.

He slowly reached out his hand and took the books. He felt that they were heavy in his hands, as if they were carrying the future and fate of the entire city exchange. He opened one of the books and saw that the pages were densely packed with various transaction information, and every transaction was clearly visible. He was amazed at Liu Bangde's attentiveness and meticulousness, and also lamented at the complexity and size of the city exchange.

He flipped through more than a dozen pages, and a chill ran down his spine. The amount of these transactions was huge, and the interests involved were huge. If something went wrong, the consequences would be disastrous. He realized that the power of this exchange had far exceeded his imagination, and the court must pay great attention to it, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.

He raised his head and looked at Liu Bangde, his eyes gleaming with determination. He said, "Liu Bangde, I have already sensed your sincerity. I will study these materials carefully. When I make a decision, I will go directly to discuss this matter with Marquis Jianye."

Liu Bangde was delighted after hearing this. He knew that Shu Wenxu's decision meant that the court would pay attention to the problems of the exchange, and that his efforts were not in vain. He nodded solemnly and said, "Thank you, Master Shu! I believe you will be able to make a wise decision."

Liu Bangde turned and left, his heart full of emotion and expectation. He knew that his mission had been completed, and the next step was whether the court could really pay attention to the problems of the city exchange and take effective measures to regulate and manage it. He walked in the mist and rain of Jiangnan, his heart full of hope and confidence.

Shu Wenxu continued to sit in his study, holding the books about the City Exchange in his hands. He began a long journey of study and thinking. He carefully flipped through every page and thought about every question. He realized that the problem of the City Exchange could not be solved simply by the Ministry of Revenue, but required the joint efforts and wisdom of the entire court.

In the next few days, he buried himself in his study, studying the materials without sleep or food. His eyes shone with determination, as if he had seen the light of hope for solving the problem of the City Exchange. He knew that his decision would affect the future and fate of the entire court and the City Exchange. Therefore, he had to act cautiously and not be negligent or careless.

Finally, after a few days of study and thinking, he made a decision. He found Jianye Hou and explained to him in detail the problems and importance of the City Exchange. Together they discussed solutions and methods to solve the problems of the City Exchange. Finally, they decided to take a series of measures to regulate and manage the City Exchange to ensure its healthy and stable development.

When Liu Bangde heard the news, he was excited. He knew that his efforts were not in vain, and the court finally paid attention to the problems of the Shiyi Exchange. He also believed that with the joint efforts of the court, the Shiyi Exchange would surely usher in a more prosperous and stable future.

As night fell, the heavy darkness like splashed ink gradually swallowed up the last ray of afterglow in the sky. In the study, a single lamp flickered, and the dim light and shadow danced on the wall, like a dancer performing a silent dance in the quiet night. The light reflected Shu Wenxu's furrowed brows and deep eyes, as if he was a wise man who could see through everything in the world.

Shu Wenxu sat at the desk, holding a thick book in his hand. It was a book with detailed information about the exchange. His eyes shuttled between the lines, as if he could see through these words and see the mysterious and tempting world of the exchange. His brows were getting tighter and tighter, and the astonishment in his heart surged like a tide.

Every page of the booklet seemed to reveal a new world. The operation mode of the exchange, the trading rules, the identity and background of the participants... every detail gave him a deeper understanding of this so-called exchange. He seemed to see a huge picture scroll slowly unfolding before his eyes, full of money, power, desire and struggle.

Now he had truly realized the power of the exchange. Don't underestimate this small organization. Behind it are the surging waves of tens of thousands of taels of silver, and even the ups and downs of hundreds of millions of taels of silver in the future. Every transaction seemed to be secretly controlled by some big forces. They used the exchange as a platform to make a lot of money and continuously expand their sphere of influence.

Shu Wenxu felt a surge of palpitations in his heart. This situation was really frightening. Although the imperial court had long been prejudiced against merchants and regarded them as lowly, now the power of merchants was growing wildly at an unimaginable speed. It was really hard to predict whether this change was good or bad for the country.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm down his excitement. He knew that he could not be swayed by such emotions and had to think calmly. He knew that although the social atmosphere had gradually changed in recent years and the status of merchants had improved, there were still many people in the court who looked down on merchants and thought that they were just profit-oriented people. However, Shu Wenxu believed that merchants were also an important force for national development. As long as they were properly utilized and guided, they could bring huge wealth and power to the country.

He closed his eyes and the scene of the stock exchange emerged in his mind. He seemed to see the busy figures of the merchants in the stock exchange and hear their voices arguing for profits. He imagined what a spectacular scene it would be if he could use this platform to promote the development of the country.

His heart was filled with determination and confidence. He knew he couldn't just sit back and do nothing, he had to take action. He began to think about how to use the exchange as a platform to promote the development of the country. He imagined that if the country could make good use of this platform, the energy it could unleash would probably be a thousand times greater than it is now! The power of the country would also be greatly enhanced!

But Shu Wenxu also understood that this was indeed a sharp double-edged sword. If used well, it could make the country strong and the people rich, but if used poorly, it could hurt himself. He had to act carefully and not make any mistakes.

He turned to the last page of the booklet, which contained the restrictions and rules and regulations proposed by Liu Bangde in the materials. He read each item carefully, secretly admiring Liu Bangde's careful consideration. He thought about it over and over again for several days, but could not find any obvious loopholes. But even so, he was still a little worried. After all, there were still many unknown factors involved, and the current situation could not fully represent the future.

Shu Wenxu stood up and walked to the window. He pushed open the window, and a fresh night breeze blew in, making him feel cool. He looked up at the starry sky, and the stars seemed to be telling him something. He had already made up his mind, and he knew what he should do.

He returned to his desk, picked up a pen, and began to draft a memorial. He wanted to present his thoughts and suggestions in detail to the emperor and Lord Lin. He knew it was a difficult task, but he believed that as long as he had determination and confidence, he would succeed.

Shu Wenxu, the talented court official who lived in seclusion, was immersed in the tranquility of his study. His study was like an isolated island, filled with the scent of books, as if even the air was soaked in the fragrance of books, making it warm and deep.

The lights in the study were dim, with only a few oil lamps emitting a faint light, reflecting on his elegant face. Shu Wenxu's eyes were deep and bright, as if he could see through everything in the world. His brows revealed a kind of calmness and wisdom, which made people involuntarily respect him.

"Master Shu...Master Shu!" A sudden voice broke the silence of the study. The voice was a little childish, but respectful. It was from a minor official in the public housing, named Li Rui.

Li Rui stood at the door of the study, holding a file in his hand, with a little hesitation on his face. When he saw Shu Wenxu looking up at him, he bowed and said, "Sir, it's time to get off work, aren't you going home?"

Shu Wenxu was slightly startled, then he sighed softly. He put down the pen in his hand, stood up, and walked to the window. The moonlight outside the window was like water, stretching his figure out. He looked up at the bright moon, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

"Well, I'll leave now." Shu Wenxu responded calmly. He turned back to the table and began to tidy up the things on it. The four treasures of the study, such as books, pens, inkstones, were sorted out one by one and placed in an orderly manner.

While packing, Shu Wenxu frowned slightly, as if thinking about something. He suddenly stopped what he was doing, turned around and asked Li Rui: "By the way, where is Jianye Hou now?"

Li Rui was stunned for a moment, then replied: "Sir, isn't the Marquis of Jianye in the Dali Temple? Don't you know?"

Shu Wenxu shook his head and said, "No, I want to know where he lives now? Is he in the Marquis's Mansion or the Princess's Mansion?"

Li Rui scratched his head, a look of embarrassment on his face. He thought for a moment and replied, "Well... I heard that the Marquis of Jianye often lives in the Princess's Mansion, which is very close to Aijing Primary School."

When Shu Wenxu heard this, a strange look flashed in his eyes. He nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. Go and prepare a sedan chair for me. I need to go to the princess's mansion."

Li Rui responded and quickly turned and left. The study room returned to peace again, but Shu Wenxu's heart was in turmoil.

He stood by the window, looking at the bright moon, with a lot of thoughts in his mind. Although he was not close to Jianye Hou, the former battlefield hero and now an important official in the court, there were inextricable connections between the two. Shu Wenxu knew that every move of Jianye Hou affected the situation in the court and also affected his own fate.

He took a deep breath, turned back to the table, put the last book into the bookshelf, then put on a green robe and walked out of the study.

The night was as dark as water, and the moonlight fell on the stone road, emitting a faint luster. Shu Wenxu walked along the path, but he couldn't help but think of Jianye Hou in his heart. He imagined the scene of Jianye Hou in the princess's mansion at this moment, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart.

Soon, Li Rui prepared a sedan for him. Shu Wenxu got on the sedan and told the bearer to go to the princess's mansion. As the sedan swayed, his mood gradually calmed down. He knew that he was about to face an unknown challenge, but he also believed that with his talent and wisdom, he would be able to resolve all difficulties.

The sedan slowly moved forward, passing through the streets. On both sides of the street, the lights were bright and the voices were bustling. Through the gaps in the sedan curtain, Shu Wenxu saw vivid pictures. Those busy figures and noisy sounds made him feel the vitality and vigor of the city.

The night was like ink, slowly falling, rendering the sky a deep blue-black. Inside the princess's mansion, the lights were bright, just like daytime, illuminating every corner of the mansion. Under the light, the trees in the mansion seemed to be covered with a layer of golden gauze, swaying gracefully.

The sedan chair that Shu Wenxu was riding in slowly stopped, and the sedan bearers lined up neatly on the side, lowering their heads, not daring to slack off in the slightest. Shu Wenxu gently adjusted his robe, which was an exquisite blue robe embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns, showing his noble status. He took a deep breath, stepped down from the sedan chair steadily, and walked towards the gate of the mansion.

At this moment, Shu Wenxu's eyebrows revealed a kind of firmness and courage. His eyes were deep and bright, as if he could see through everything in the world. His face was resolute and handsome, with a confident smile on the corner of his mouth. He knew that the next conversation with Lord Lin would be related to the future and destiny of the country, and he had to go all out.

In the study room of the princess's mansion, Lord Lin was waving a small stick in the air to educate his son Lin Hongwan. The study room was filled with a tense and serious atmosphere. Lord Lin was wearing a black official uniform with golden dragon patterns embroidered on it, showing his noble status. His face was firm and serious, and his eyebrows revealed a sense of majesty and dominance.

In the corner, Lin Hongwan showed a frightened look. He was wearing a white school uniform, and the hem of his clothes was covered with dust and sweat. It was obvious that he had just been punished by his father. He looked up at the small stick in his father's hand and his stern eyes, and his heart was filled with fear and uneasiness. Although he was scolded by his father, he did not dare to refute or resist at all, and could only endure it all silently.

"Stand still!" Master Lin shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the study room, making people shudder. "You bastard! You are so proud of yourself after getting the fourth-to-last place in the exam? You dare to unite all the students in the school to boycott the homework assigned by the teacher!"

Lin Hongwan cried and said, "I don't want this to happen! I ranked fourth from the bottom in the exam, and no one in school respects me. My classmates all call me big brother, so I have to fight for some benefits for them..."

"Nonsense!" Master Lin gritted his teeth and said, "Encouraging students to neglect their studies, is this considered a benefit to them? You dare to point at the teacher's nose and refute? Tell me how you gathered all the students in the school together?"

Although Master Lin seemed strict and even a little rude when educating his son, his expectations and love for his son were self-evident. He hoped that his son would become a responsible person, rather than a playboy who only pursued pleasure and did not make progress. Therefore, he had such strict requirements on his son's academic performance and conduct.

Shu Wenxu stood quietly outside the study, listening to the scolding coming from the study. He couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions in his heart. He thought of his son. Although he had grown up, he also had high hopes for him. He just hoped that his son could walk the right path, be a good person, and not go astray.

At this moment, Shu Wenxu seemed to see a father's deep expectations and love for his son. He took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and then gently knocked on the door of the study.

After the door opened, Shu Wenxu saw the serious and deep eyes of Lord Lin. He couldn't help but shudder in his heart, but he still walked in firmly and sat down face to face with Lord Lin.

"Lord Lin, I came to you to talk to you about the exchange." Shu Wenxu said straight to the point.

Lord Lin smiled and said, "I knew you would come to talk to me about this. To be honest, I also have a deep understanding of the exchange. But I think it is a double-edged sword. If used well, it can enrich the country and strengthen the people, but if used poorly, it will hurt itself."

Shu Wenxu nodded and said, "Lord Lin is right. I am also worried about this, so I came to discuss it with you. I think we should make good use of this platform to gain more benefits for the country, and at the same time, we should strengthen supervision and restrictions to prevent people from using the exchange to commit illegal acts."

After listening to this, Lord Lin nodded and said, "Your idea is the same as mine. We do need to make good use of this platform to gain more benefits for the country. But at the same time, we must always be vigilant about the risks involved, strengthen supervision and restrictive measures, and ensure the healthy development of the exchange."

The light in the study illuminated their faces, their eyes full of determination and courage. They knew that the road ahead would be full of challenges and opportunities, but they were ready to work together for the future and destiny of the country.

The night was as dark as ink, and the breeze, with a hint of coolness, gently brushed the window lattice of the study. In the study, the lights were bright, just like daytime, illuminating the two men sitting at the table. One of them was the young and promising Marquis Lin Xiaofeng, and the other was the calm and rigorous Minister of Revenue Shu Wenxu.

Lin Xiaofeng, with an upright figure, looked elegant and dignified in his brocade robe. He had a handsome face and deep eyes, as if he could see through people's hearts. At this moment, he was smiling, with a gleam of wisdom in his eyes, as if he had seen through the fog of the future. He gently stroked his beard, his fingers were slender and powerful, and every movement seemed calm and unhurried.

Shu Wenxu was wearing an official uniform, sitting at the table, his brows revealing deep worry. His face looked a little old, but his eyes were still bright, revealing his deep concern for the country and the people. He sighed, as if he was worried about what was about to happen.

"Master Shu, stop playing dumb." Lin Xiaofeng chuckled, breaking the silence in the study. "You are also involved in the affairs of the exchange. Do you want to make it bigger?" His words were full of teasing and trust towards Shu Wenxu.

Shu Wenxu frowned slightly when he heard this, as if Lin Xiaofeng's words touched his heart. He sighed and said slowly: "My Lord, you and I both know that the exchange is a very serious matter. It concerns the country's economic lifeline and the livelihood of the people. If we can't handle it properly, I'm afraid it will cause unrest among the people." His words were full of fear and worry about the unknown.

Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng nodded slightly to show his agreement. He knew that Shu Wenxu's concerns were not groundless. However, he also had his own plans. He stroked his beard gently, his eyes revealing a thoughtful look: "I have recently carefully studied the operation of the exchange and think this method is very good. It may solve the troubles of the Ministry of Accounts." His words were full of confidence and expectation.

Shu Wenxu frowned upon hearing this, as if thinking about Lin Xiaofeng's words. He knew that although Lin Xiaofeng was young, he was talented and could often come up with some novel and unique insights. However, this matter was of great importance, and he could not make a decision easily. He sighed and said slowly: "But if the Ministry of Revenue intervenes, it may cause unrest among the people. The risk is too great, and we have to think twice before acting." His words were full of worry and fear about the unknown.

Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly, as if he had seen through Shu Wenxu's worries. He looked directly into Shu Wenxu's eyes and said firmly, "Master Shu, you are a straightforward person, so I won't beat around the bush. What do you think of this new thing?" His words were full of respect and trust for Shu Wenxu. (End of this chapter)