What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 161 Su Mo gets into the Empress's car, a new level of courting death!

Su Mo stretched and saw his young female subordinate, swaying her plump, pert buttocks, carrying in a basin of hot water.

He took a nice afternoon nap.

Because of the biological clock that had formed over the past few days, Su Mo would wake up precisely when the artisans in the artisan camp finished work.

For more than ten days in a row, I have been giving evening tutoring to the artisans in the artisan battalion, including junior officers.

After more than ten days of hard labor, Su Mo was exhausted.

It's not just physical fatigue, but mainly mental exhaustion.

Let alone a cultivator at the Observation Realm, even a Golden Core cultivator would be exhausted trying to teach a bunch of idiots.

The artisan barracks, a group of severely illiterate people, manufactured parts of the same specifications according to assembly line standards.

In Su Mo's opinion, the difficulty was no less than teaching a group of cows to play the lute!

One can only imagine the torment they endured, both physically and mentally!

But we finally made it through!

Seeing Yin Rou carrying water in, Su Mo felt very conflicted.

This young woman is absolutely perverted!
An ancient person learned all the math knowledge required for six years of elementary school in just over ten days and was able to apply it flexibly.

Isn't this a perversion?
She even started asking Su Mo for help with junior high school math!

Sometimes, the difference between people is greater than the difference between a person and a dog!
Su Mo had to admit that geniuses really exist, and some are even geniuses beyond the comprehension of normal people!

When Su Mo discovered Yin Rou's mathematical talent, he was so jealous he almost ground his teeth to dust!
Back in the day, I almost always got full marks in math tests in elementary school, but my grades plummeted in middle school, and they were even worse in high school!
Su Mo firmly believes that if he passes the math section of the college entrance exam, he will definitely get into a 985 or 211 university!

Of course, Su Mo could still teach her. After all, she hadn't studied hard for seventeen years in her previous life, but she had still managed to get by for seventeen years!
My memory is getting better and better.

I can't understand calculus and other subjects, and I've basically forgotten all of my advanced mathematics.

But not being able to remember doesn't mean you can't!
Su Mo even felt that he could recite the entire textbook of advanced mathematics from memory.

When you've exhausted all the teaching options, just give her the textbook and let her figure it out herself!
Su Mo wanted to see just how far scientific knowledge could develop in this cultivation world where science was not valued!
Seeing Yin Rou rubbing the washcloth, Su Mo frowned: "I already said, I don't need you to serve me!"

"I've worked so hard to teach you knowledge, not to make you a servant!"

"We need to get the artisan battalion under control, and have them study mathematics whenever they have free time!"

Yin Rou blinked and smiled, "Taking care of adults isn't too tiring."

She wrung out the towel, stepped forward to wipe Su Mo's face, and said, "I have already learned the cubic equation in two variables that you taught me yesterday, sir!"

"I used the elimination method and the substitution method."

Su Mo...

That's a bit infuriating!

He couldn't help but scoff: "It's just a cubic equation in two variables, the most basic of basics, only slightly more difficult than the chicken-and-rabbit problem. What's there to be proud of!"

"Mathematics is a subject that has no end; it is the foundation of all knowledge in the world and the essence of the universe!"

"If one studies it to its fullest extent, one will understand all methods from one approach, and even the mysteries of cultivating immortality can be deciphered!"

Yin Rou's small hand trembled, shocked: "How could this be?"

Su Mo said proudly, "Of course!"

"Otherwise, how do you think I could have reached the peak of the Body Observation realm in less than half a year of cultivation!"

Yin Rou was dumbfounded!

My admiration for Lord Su is like a surging river, endless and unstoppable, like the Yellow River overflowing its banks!
Lord Su was indeed very good to me.

He actually passed on such a secret technique to me!

I must study mathematics diligently and live up to Professor Su's expectations!
……

Upon hearing this, Leng Liuxi and Nangong Sheyue, who were outside the room, had their pretty faces change!
Did Su Mo let something slip?

This is the real reason why his immortal cultivation level has advanced by leaps and bounds.

The Phoenix Cry Division has thoroughly investigated Su Mo's situation, including matters concerning his childhood!

Su Mo's immortal cultivation level is of course the most important thing!

But this is precisely what Leng Liuxi and Nangong Sheyue find most puzzling!

The Yangtian Technique was given to Su Mo by Chen Bao, a salt smuggler.

Su Mo started cultivating after obtaining the Yang Tian Technique, and that's what he cultivated!

The problem is that the Yangtian Technique is merely a Golden Elixir method and cannot be considered the most advanced cultivation technique.

How could Su Mo's cultivation level advance so rapidly in just four or five months, going directly from the beginner level to the peak of the Body Observation Realm?

Ten years of arduous cultivation have yielded such achievements, making him a recognized genius in the path of immortality!
Leng Liuxi herself spent three years going from beginner to the peak of the Body Observation Realm. An Wu, who secretly taught her the method, called her a once-in-a-millennium cultivation genius!

How could Su Mo, this lazy fellow who hasn't cultivated for more than a few hours a day, be like this?

He also possessed profound knowledge that most ordinary people could never access in their entire lives!
Sometimes, the Empress even felt that the gap between people was sometimes greater than the gap between a person and a dog!

Could it be that all of Su Mo's secrets lie in mathematics?

Su Mo was actually willing to teach Yin Rou this precious academic discipline, which could be described as a legendary method of achieving immortality.
……

After Yin Rou carefully wiped her cheeks clean, Su Mo said again, "Although mathematics is profound, it cannot be mastered in a short time."

"Don't forget the affairs of the artisan battalion!"

Su Mo was genuinely afraid that she would become so engrossed in mathematics that she might suddenly decide to resign from her official post.

Wouldn't that have been a waste of time teaching her?
I taught her so that she could better manage the artisan battalion and allow me to free myself up.

It's best to put the cart before the horse!

Yin Rou nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, my lord, I will manage the artisan battalion well for you."

Su Mo nodded and then painted a rosy picture for her: "If we can build a thousand Divine Arm Bows next month, I will compile junior high... intermediate mathematics into a book for you to study."

"If you don't understand..."

Yin Rou immediately became excited: "If I don't understand, I will definitely ask you for guidance, sir."

Su Mo: "If you don't understand, study it a few more times!"

Yin Rou frowned, then suddenly realized: "This subordinate understands what you mean, sir!"

"I have struggled to grasp even these basic skills, so it will be even more difficult for me to delve into advanced mathematics, statistics, calculus, and so on in the future!"

"That's why Your Excellency instructed me to diligently study the mysteries of mathematics!"

Su Mo...

Well, it's best if she thinks that way.

He genuinely didn't want to teach.

Not only is it mentally exhausting, but it also makes one vulnerable to setbacks, damaging one's resolve on the path!
Su Mo looked at Yin Rou, who was squatting down to put on his official boots, and suddenly asked, "How much of the silver allocated by His Majesty is left?"

Yin Rou was exceptionally sensitive to numbers and blurted out, "One thousand one hundred taels have already been spent, and the wages and points to be paid to the craftsmen this month will require about eight hundred taels of silver."

"However, the families of the artisans and soldiers sent a considerable amount of construction materials, which can be worth about three hundred taels of silver."

Su Mo nodded: "Two thousand taels of silver, enough to make two hundred divine arm bows, not bad."

"The main reason is that the pass rate is not high and there are many defective parts in the initial stage."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "Eight-ox crossbows, I estimate they would cost two hundred taels of silver each, so ten would be two thousand taels!"

"In other words, with the remaining five thousand taels, eight hundred bows need to be made."

Yin Rou quickly replied, "Only 770 bows need to be made."

“My lord, during your midday rest, you made more than twenty bows.”

Su Mo nodded: "Seven times seven is forty-nine. Based on a cost of seven taels, seven hundred and seventy bows would require five thousand four hundred silver, which is just right!"

Yin Rou hesitated for a moment: "My lord, are you sure you haven't miscalculated?"

"The cost of the Divine Arm Bow has now dropped to six taels. If the quality of the parts and the efficiency of the craftsmen are improved, the cost can be reduced to less than five taels."

"Take five taels and five ounces as the average, and with seven hundred and seventy bows, only four thousand two hundred and thirty-five taels of silver are needed."

Su Mo frowned: "The overall cost of the Divine Arm Bow needs to be controlled at around seven taels!"

"sometimes……"

Yin Rou's expression suddenly changed: "My lord!"

"I forgot to tell you, Commander Nangong and Commander Leng have arrived at the Craftsmen's Camp and are currently waiting for you in the main hall."

Su Mo was immediately taken aback: "They're all here?"

Yin Rou nodded: "My lord, please go quickly."

She paused, then lowered her voice: "My lords, you seem to be in a good mood."

Su Mo dared not delay.

After Yin Rou helped him put on his official boots and tidied his appearance, she quickly pushed open the door and went out.

Then, they stared in disbelief as Nangong Sheyue and Leng Xixi stood outside the door.

Didn't Yin Rou say they were waiting in the main hall?

Leng Liuxi blinked, looked at Su Mo, and smiled brightly: "Young Master Su, it's been a long time. How have you been lately?"

Su Mo got annoyed just looking at her, and rolled her eyes: "What do you think?"

Leng Liuxi covered her mouth and laughed, "Young Master Su has managed the artisan battalion so well, and he also has subordinates like Yin Xiaoqi who serve him so attentively. It must be excellent."

She paused slightly, looking at Su Mo with great curiosity: "But I have a question that I would like to ask you, my lord, to answer it."

"Since the cost of the Divine Arm Bow can be reduced to less than five taels of silver, why keep it at around seven taels?"

Su Mo thought to himself, "Holy crap!"
Nangong Sheyue's eyebrows twitched!
Isn't she the one who started this?

Looking at Leng Liuxi's pretty face, which seemed to be smiling but wasn't, Su Mo said in a deep voice, "Let's discuss this matter in the main hall of the yamen!"

He then led everyone to the central hall and instructed Yin Rou to serve tea.

Su Mo first cupped his hands in greeting to Nangong Sheyue and said, "The tea and water in the workshop are simple; please don't be offended, Commander!"

Nangong Sheyue nodded slightly, neither confirming nor denying.

Su Mo then turned her gaze to Leng Liuxi, who still seemed very curious.

His expression turned slightly cold: "Does Commander Leng think that I would covet the Emperor's private funds?"

Leng Liuxi thought for a moment and said softly, "If it were someone else, I would really have doubts about that."

“My lord would never do that.”

"A thousand or eight hundred taels of silver is not something that you should worry about, my lord."

Her expression turned serious: "I truly don't understand. If the cost can be lowered, why can't it be reduced?"

Su Mo remained silent for a long time before finally saying indifferently, "It's nothing more than blending in with the world."

"If my performance is too outstanding, what will other court officials think of me?"

Nangong Sheyue breathed a sigh of relief, but was also surprised and suspicious.

Su Mo was so bold as to utter the words "mingling with the world"!

Leng Liuxi frowned slightly: "Young Master Su, do you have so little confidence in His Majesty?"

"With His Majesty's protection, who would dare to harm the young master in the slightest?"

Su Mo smiled wryly and said, "This humble official wouldn't dare!"

"This humble official has limited abilities; I can only ensure that I myself am not greedy, and I cannot control what others do!"

"I will use the extra silver to incentivize the artisans, so that they will be more dedicated to serving the court in the future!"

Leng Liuxi looked worried: "But does my lord know that the autumn tax revenue is less than 15 million taels?"

"The imperial court has already spent most of its disaster relief efforts, military pay, and officials' salaries on the disaster relief!"

"Since Su Lang has such abilities, why is he unwilling to share His Majesty's burdens?"

Upon hearing this, Su Mo was slightly taken aback: "Lord Leng, are you sure it's not 150 million taels?"

Leng Liuxi's expression shifted slightly: "Does my lord think that the autumn tax of the imperial court should be 15,000 taels to be reasonable?"

Su Mo was genuinely surprised.

Judging from the cold tone, the imperial court's autumn tax is really only fifteen million taels!
He had heard Leng Xixi talk about the government's financial relief efforts many times.

But I never expected the relief would go this far?

The Great Wu Dynasty, with tens of millions of people, would only amount to 50 million shi (a unit of dry measure) if all the taxes, including the two taxes and commercial taxes, were calculated in a chaotic manner.

Historically, even in the early Ming Dynasty, which was extremely poor, the annual tax revenue, converted into rice, reached 30 million shi (a unit of dry measure)!

According to the standards of the Ming Dynasty, the annual income of the Great Wu should be 300 million shi!

He couldn't help but ask, "With tens of millions of people in Dawu, how come we only pay this little tax?" Leng Liuxi hesitated for a moment, turned to look at Yin Rou, and finally didn't let her leave.

"The Great Wu seems to have a vast territory and a population of tens of millions!"

"But the feudal lords were numerous, each with independent financial and military power, and they occupied nearly half of the population and land!"

"In addition, there are powerful clans, immortal cultivation sects, and numerous meritorious fields, hidden fields, and hidden households."

Leng Liuxi let out a soft sigh, her pretty face showing even more worry: "The only places that can actually collect taxes are the three circuits, eight prefectures, and fifteen states, which is less than the taxes of ten million people!"

"Emperor Wu left a will that taxes should be kept low to support the people. Even if Your Majesty wanted to increase taxes, the ministers refused on the grounds of Emperor Wu's will!"

Upon hearing this, Su Mo remained silent.

Isn't this the typical tactic of Ming Dynasty officials?

What benefits them is that the ancestral precepts cannot be changed; what does not benefit them is that the ancestral precepts of the Great Ancestor are not mentioned at all!
The solution to this problem is actually quite simple.

First, issue a decree of grace, and the problem of the feudal lords can be easily solved.

Once the feudal lords were dealt with and the court situation stabilized, the Empress's prestige reached its zenith.

Pressing our advantage, we will have officials and gentry work and pay taxes together!
All problems will be easily solved.

The question is, does Su Mo dare to say it?
Reform is something that will kill people, and many people will die!
Just look at Zhang Juzheng in history to see!

How tragic was the end of such a powerful minister who held immense influence and whose influence even the emperor had to avoid?
However, looking at the current situation of the Great Wu, after fifty years of establishment, the imperial power is at its peak, the empress is decisive and ruthless, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard is also extremely fierce.

This is indeed the best time to implement these two policies.

If this drags on any longer, the power of the officials will only grow stronger, and the influence of the gentry will only increase.

Meanwhile, feudal lords and foreign tribes were also eyeing the situation covetously.

Even the emperor wouldn't dare mention these two policies!
Leng Liuxi saw that Su Mo remained silent.

He sighed inwardly.

I really made things too difficult for Su Mo.

Such a difficult problem is beyond even my own ability to solve, so how can I expect this young man, who is not yet twenty, to solve it?

The three major threats—the feudal lords, powerful clans, and Taoist sects—can all be resolved.

Is that still a human being?
Even a saint couldn't do that!

Leng Liuxi's expression darkened, then she forced a smile: "Young Master Su already knows the difficulties facing the court."

"I hope that after you arrive in Tianchang County, my lord will do your job well and share His Majesty's burdens."

"As long as you achieve success, I will never fail you in keeping my promise!"

Su Mo nodded solemnly and said, "I will certainly live up to His Majesty's expectations, as well as the expectations of Commander Qianhu and Lord Leng!"

Leng Liuxi smiled and said, "It's getting late."

"Is Young Master Su going back to the city?"

"Shall I see you off, my lord?"

Su Mo's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately said, "I wouldn't dare trouble you, sir. I'll return to the city myself!"

Judging by the time, I will be going to Tianchang County to take up my post in the next day or two.

These days, he taught Yin Rou how to ride a horse, but he could entrust her with the responsibility of the artisan battalion, and leave the chestnut horse to Yin Rou.

He would never dare to ride in the chilly carriage!
I always felt that the carriage was very strange.

To everyone's surprise, Leng Liuxi's pretty face darkened, and she said softly, "Is Young Master Su perhaps afraid of me?"

"Actually, it is I who have some things on my mind that I would like to tell you in detail, my lord."

Nangong Sheyue suddenly laughed and said, "Since Lord Leng is so kind, I think Commander Su should not refuse."

Su Mo frowned.

Since Nangong Sheyue has already said that, it would seem like I'd be courting death to refuse again!

Once you're in the carriage, be careful with your words and actions!

Anyway, I can see the favorability ratings of Nangong Sheyue and Leng Xixi, one is 12% and the other is 13%, so I'm not afraid of being sold out by them!
Therefore, Su Mo nodded: "This humble servant thanks you for your kindness, sir!"

He turned to Yin Rou and instructed her, "Officer Yin, you are now in charge of the artisan battalion. Do not forget my instructions."

"If there are any problems, you may send someone to the Tianchang County government office to inform this official."

Afterwards, Su Mo, Nangong Sheyue, and Leng Liuxi left the government office.

Sure enough, the black carriage was seen parked outside the government office.

The driver was still the same pale-faced old man.

Leng Liuxi slipped into the carriage and then lifted the curtain: "Young Master Su, please?"

Su Mo looked suspiciously at Nangong Sheyue, who was riding a large horse and showed no intention of getting into the carriage: "Lord Nangong, you..."

Nangong Sheyue said calmly, "I can ride a horse."

Su Mo thought about it and agreed.

She appeared to be a princess or a noblewoman.

Even though Nangong Sheyue was a commander of a thousand households, he might not dare to be bossy and domineering towards Leng Xixi.

He could only follow Leng Liuxi into the carriage.

It has a light, pleasant aromatherapy scent.

In ancient times, nobles, regardless of gender, loved aromatherapy. Although Su Mo was not used to it and wrinkled her nose slightly, she didn't say anything.

As the carriage moved, Leng Liuxi smiled at Su Mo: "Young Master Su doesn't like scented oils?"

"Should I put this incense burner away?"

"Hmm... My lord has a better perfume, so he certainly doesn't need this fragrance."

She paused, her pretty face suddenly turning resentful: "I have known you, my lord, for a long time, yet you are unwilling to give me even a bottle or two of perfume!"

Su Mo quickly replied, "This humble official was unaware that Your Excellency also enjoys perfume."

"When we return to our residence, we will certainly fetch two bottles to present to you, sir!"

Leng Liuxi covered her mouth and laughed, "Then I thank you, my lord."

Su Mo suddenly yawned, looking somewhat suspicious: "Hmm, why am I sleepy again after just waking up?"

Leng Liuxi smiled and said, "My lord must be exhausted from all the mental and physical exertion."

"You may rest at your desk for a while longer. Do not worry about me. I will wake you up when we reach the city."

Su Mo was truly exhausted.

He managed to stay awake for a while, but eventually fell asleep on his desk without realizing it.

I don't know how long I slept, but suddenly I heard someone calling my name.

"Su Lang, we've arrived in the city. Get up."

Su Mo opened her heavy eyes and was immediately taken aback when she saw the cold and aloof pretty face that came into view: "Mo'er?"

What are you doing here?

"Didn't you ask for leave and leave the capital?"

Lin Moyin explained, "I just returned to the capital and ran into Commander Leng. For some reason, she invited me to ride with her, and I couldn't refuse."

Su Mo rubbed her groggy head and looked around the carriage: "Where is she?"

Lin Moyin smiled and said, "She had something to do and got off the carriage when she entered the city. She asked me to take you back."

Su Mo blinked suspiciously.

Lin Moyin suddenly frowned and asked with displeasure, "My lord, why did you pass on the art of mathematics to that little flag girl, Yin Rou?"

"This is a secret of the Su family that has not been passed down to outsiders... It is meant to be passed on to our children in the future, how can it be easily passed on to outsiders!"

Upon hearing this, Su Mo couldn't help but burst out laughing: "It's just mathematics, what kind of secret technique is that?"

"The more she knows and the more capable she is, the more I can slack off and spend more time with you!"

Lin Moyin blushed and scolded softly, "If you keep talking nonsense, I won't talk to you anymore!"

He then looked at Su Mo with suspicion: "Can the Way of Mathematics really elevate one's cultivation to the realm of immortality?"

Su Mo laughed: "Of course not, I was just lying to her!"

"but……"

He changed the subject: "Mathematics is indeed the foundation of all laws. If one can thoroughly understand it, it's not impossible..."

Lin Moyin quickly asked, "Maybe not what?"

Su Mo sighed: "Forget it, let's not talk about that. I doubt anyone in this world could reach that level!"

"This is not something that can be achieved by one or two people studying it."

He himself is terrible at math, so how could he possibly explain it clearly?

Lin Moyin's expression turned strange, but she didn't press the matter further: "Master Su, how much silver did you receive for opening up the merchant regulations in Tianchang County?"

"Could a mere county's merchant regulations really yield 100,000 taels of silver?"

Su Mo chuckled: "Didn't I tell you that?"

“Open up according to the regulatory level, and then have renewal fees or memberships when they expire. Even if the profits are not much in the short term, the advantage is that it is long-lasting and can be continuous.”

"Give me two or three years, and 100,000 taels of silver is nothing!"

Lin Moyin nodded in praise, "My lord is truly remarkable!"

"Once the pilot program in Tianchang County is successful, it can be implemented in other counties. We could potentially earn hundreds of thousands of taels of silver a year!"

"At that time, I'm afraid His Majesty won't promote you to a seventh-rank official!"

Su Mo waved his hand and casually said, "It's just empty promises. Only an idiot would believe that!"

"Besides, several hundred thousand taels of silver is not a large sum of money for the imperial court. It would be good enough to be promoted to a minor official or county magistrate!"

"The essence of the agricultural world still lies in agricultural taxes."

"The biggest problem for the imperial court is that it cannot collect agricultural taxes. These unorthodox methods are ultimately not respectable."

Lin Moyin sighed, "What you say makes sense."

"Unfortunately, those feudal lords hold immense power over the military and finances, and even His Majesty cannot do anything about them. There are also many deeply entrenched aristocratic clans. How can taxes be raised under these circumstances!"

Su Mo scoffed, "The issue of the feudal lords is not a problem at all!"

"With the power the Empress currently wields, dealing with the feudal lords would be incredibly simple!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Moyin's expression changed drastically, and she asked urgently, "Does Su Mo perhaps have a way to deal with the feudal lords?"

Su Mo sneered: "How much do you look down on your husband!"

"I'm not bragging!"

"With just one plan, I can wipe out all the feudal lords, without even the imperial court having to send troops!"

Lin Moyin took a deep breath, her pretty face extremely solemn: "May I hear what you have to say, my lord?"

Su Mo shook her head: "It cannot be said!"

"You must not mention this to anyone, or you will be killed. No one in the world can protect us!"

Lin Moyin's pretty face showed a hint of resentment: "Does my lord not trust me?"

"I will definitely not tell anyone."

Su Mo waved his hand: "It's not that I don't trust you!"

"I was just afraid you'd accidentally let it slip!"

After a pause, seeing Lin Moyin's aggrieved expression, he felt a pang of pity for some reason and could only lower his voice and say, "This matter really cannot be mentioned."

"Besides, what benefit do we get from the Empress dealing with the feudal lords!"

Su Mo's voice grew even lower, almost whispering in Lin Moyin's ear: "His achievements overshadow his master! He'll be discarded once the rabbit is caught!"

"If this method is revealed, all the feudal lords under heaven will surely hate me to death. The Empress might even kill me to appease their anger!"

Even you couldn't escape it!

Su Mo took a deep breath, suddenly remembered something, and then reminded Lin Moyin.

"Also, that centurion of the Phoenix Cry Division is cold and gentle, but he is actually very cunning. He must be one of the Empress's sisters or nieces, spying for the Empress."

"Next time she comes to talk to you, remember to be careful and don't get into her car again!"

……

(End of this chapter)