Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 174 Rumors
The Great Jing is going to run out of salt? That's a joke! Who in the whole country doesn't know that the salt lakes and wells in Yancheng produce enough salt to feed the entire nation for another hundred years?!
And who is the Prince of Binyang? He's a hero of their Great Jing Dynasty, one of the renowned Twin Star War Gods! He's also His Majesty's most beloved adopted son. How could such an outstanding figure be unable to manage his fiefdom? It was precisely because His Majesty valued the Prince of Binyang's abilities that he appointed him to oversee Yancheng, after all, it's the location of a salt mine that could determine the fate of the nation. Now you're saying Yancheng doesn't produce salt anymore? Listen to this utter nonsense! What else would Yancheng produce if not salt?
Everyone was initially very firm in their beliefs, but as more and more voices voiced their pessimism, especially when their friends and family kept talking about it, few people had the perseverance to maintain their opinions amidst the turmoil.

Gradually, the news that "we're going to run out of salt" spread throughout the city. Many people, thinking, "We'll need salt sooner or later anyway, so buying some early will give us peace of mind," began buying large quantities. The government, of course, stockpiled salt, but now it was primarily for the soldiers in the northern frontier. Besides, even a large supply couldn't withstand the frenzied buying by the people. Many initially thought salt wasn't something to be hoarded, unlike rice, which is consumed in large quantities daily. However, when they saw everyone around them buying frantically, they began to worry, "If I don't buy some, will I never be able to buy any again?" and thus joined in the buying spree.

This sense of unease is highly contagious, especially at times like these, when it's most likely to incite popular uprisings. The government, of course, tried to manage it, but strangely, the previously obedient people, instigated by someone, even stormed government offices after discovering they couldn't buy salt. Every day, such reports were continuously sent to the capital.

All eyes were fixed on the emperor seated high on the throne within the nine-tiered palace. What would this iron-fisted emperor do in this situation?

Within the many palaces, the founding emperor sat atop a high platform, his eyes deep and far-reaching, as if he could see through the palace walls the turmoil among the people on the streets, and the panic in the sixty-four prefectures of the empire caused by rumors. At the same time, those eyes also observed the dark hands lurking in the shadows of this vast empire, eager to extend their claws.

"Your Majesty, the Left Chancellor, the Right Chancellor, and the six Ministers of Revenue, the Minister of Works, and the Minister of Finance request an audience."

As the most trusted eunuch of Emperor Jingtai, Jiufu was naturally aware of the rumors circulating outside. Those who took advantage of the situation to cause trouble were truly hateful. If it weren't for his master's tireless efforts over the years, how could there be such a peaceful and prosperous era? In his opinion, those who took advantage of the situation were heartless.

Those scoundrels, eating the grain produced by the people, still try to stir up trouble at this time, making the people panic and forcing them to buy salt. But the salt reserves of the entire Dajing region are fixed, not to mention the salt fields in Yancheng have been destroyed. Where are we going to get so much salt now? If the people weren't panicking, the current reserves would actually be enough to meet everyone's needs. But the problem is, no matter how much we emphasize it, those people who are already gripped by panic won't believe us. Instead, they genuinely believe that the government simply can't provide more salt, which is why they're being prevented from buying it.

Seeing His Majesty's increasingly somber mood these past few days, and even noticing a few more gray hairs, Jiu Fu was filled with resentment. His Majesty was already burdened enough with daily affairs of state; these ignorant fools were only adding to his troubles. They were unworthy of being a subject, unworthy of being a son!

Emperor Jingtai was in a bad mood. Of course he knew about the rumors circulating these days. Chaosheng's message by carrier pigeon had arrived. The boy was always honest and wrote down everything that had happened in the past three years in great detail, including the sinking of the salt boats and the destruction of the salt fields. He did not hide anything.

Looking at the letter on the table, Emperor Jingtai suddenly let out a long sigh.

"Ugh--"

"Jiufu, do you think I'm completely unfit to be emperor?" "Your Majesty!"

Jiufu knelt down immediately, his face filled with grief and sorrow. He knew that the events of the past few days had not been without impact on His Majesty.

"Your Majesty is blessed by Heaven, quelled the rebellion, and unified the world. You are the founding emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty. How could you be unworthy? Those rumors outside are deliberately spread by disloyal individuals. What do they have to do with Your Majesty? If those traitors hadn't destroyed the salt ships and salt fields, we wouldn't be in this situation today. This is all the fault of those traitors. What does it have to do with Your Majesty? Your Majesty, please don't be saddened by this—"

Emperor Jingtai couldn't help but chuckle. It was just a casual remark. Seeing the eunuch who had been by his side for many years so heartbroken, he felt less distressed.

Vulnerability is only temporary. As the founding emperor, Emperor Jingtai was never so weak as to be unable to govern. He smiled slightly, and his imperial aura was so overwhelming that no one could look him in the eye.

From the moment he led his brothers down the path of rebellion, Emperor Jingtai had already cast aside all his former cowardice. A few mere rumors couldn't defeat him. Currently, the salt reserves of the Great Jing Dynasty were more than enough to feed the people for over a year. Even if no new salt lakes or wells could be found after a year, it didn't matter; if not in the Great Jing Dynasty, there were certainly plenty on the grasslands, and the Southern Miao people also had them!
Even if we cross that ocean, how could those small border countries not have salt to eat? Since they have it, there's no reason why we can't take it!
Seeing that His Majesty was gradually cheering up, Jiu Fu finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then he presented the second urgent letter from the Prince of Binyang, just in case His Majesty's favorite adopted son sent good news this time.
Before meeting with his incessantly nagging ministers, Emperor Jingtai naturally chose to first read the letter sent by his beloved son.

Just as he finished reading the first line, Emperor Jingtai abruptly stood up! The movement was so sudden that it knocked over several memorials on the table, scattering them onto the floor! Even the ink and brush rolled on the ground. The servants who had just gotten up immediately knelt down again upon seeing this. Jiufu was also terrified; could this be another bad news? How much worse could the situation be now?
Looking at His Majesty again, his face was flushed, and his lips were trembling violently. His right hand was outstretched in the air, clenching and unclenching as if grasping at something that was not in front of him. In short, he was extremely agitated.

Is it because she's too angry? But she doesn't look particularly angry...

Even Jiufu, who had served Emperor Jingtai the longest and claimed to know His Majesty best, dared not make a guarantee.

Fortunately, Emperor Jingtai quickly regained his senses. He clenched his fist and then sat back down in his chair to continue reading the letter.

(End of this chapter)