Empress in her second playthrough: Something's not right with this plot!

Jiang Qingying glanced at the officials.

"My esteemed ministers, what are your thoughts on Minister Li's words?"

"I second that proposal!"

"I second that proposal!"

"I second that opinion!"

……

Hula la.

Below the main hall, only Li Yunsheng remained standing.

[Emotional Value +2000]

Uh……

Li Yunsheng really wanted to explain that he genuinely had no intention of disobeying his superiors this time.

Jiang Qingying wouldn't listen to his explanation.

"Since all my beloved ministers have requested this, then let us do as Minister Li says."

Starting tomorrow, there will be a morning court session every five days.

Li Yunsheng proclaimed loudly, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Do any of my beloved ministers have anything else to report?"

"I have another report to present."

Jiang Qingying kept reminding herself to be patient, patient, patient...

She forced a smile.

"Is there anything else, Minister Li?"

"Your Majesty, with Fei Su executed, I fear the southwestern border will become unstable."

They're here! They're here!

Jiang Qingying knew that once Fei Su died, Li Yunsheng would target his former subordinates.

The matter of encroaching on farmland and harming the people has already largely eliminated Fei Su's faction.

However, the generals on the southwestern border have remained inactive.

Jiang Qingying thought Li Yunsheng would consider the bigger picture, but she didn't expect him to still be unable to hold back.

But what Li Yunsheng said next left Jiang Qingying somewhat confused.

"I suggest that tariffs be abolished on goods traded with Weiguo to promote trade between the two countries and secure the southwestern border."

Jiang Qingying had just prepared a whole host of rebuttals, but they were all over the place.

"Cancel the tariffs on Weiguo?"

At this moment, Su Yingjie stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable."

Taxation is the foundation of a nation and should not be easily abolished.

Furthermore, canceling tariffs on Wei would imply that our Great Chu is afraid of them.

I urge Your Majesty to reconsider!

Looking at Su Yingjie's face, which seemed to be full of patriotism and concern for the people, Jiang Qingying felt a strong sense of alarm.

Last time, it was Su Yingjie who betrayed Li Yunsheng at the last minute, which led to Fei Su's imprisonment.

Now he's jumping out to oppose Li Yunsheng, what is his intention?

Jiang Qingying's gaze shifted back and forth between Su Yingjie and Li Yunsheng; there was definitely something fishy going on.

Li Yunsheng was not angry, but instead gave Su Yingjie a playful look.

This wasn't him deliberately putting on an act with Su Yingjie; Su Yingjie was genuinely opposing him, without any prior consultation.

Li Yunsheng continued.

"What I mean is that both countries should cancel tariffs at the same time, rather than it being just my Great Chu canceling tariffs unilaterally."

"Prime Minister Li, why should our Great Chu fear the State of Wei? If we show weakness to Wei like this, they will take advantage of us."

This move will not bring stability to the border; on the contrary, it will have the opposite effect.

Jiang Qingying nodded: "What Su Qing said makes sense. Li Qing, we still need to be cautious about this matter."

Regardless of Li Yunsheng's purpose or Su Yingjie's intentions, she did not agree with abolishing tariffs.

Li Yunsheng had an expression that said, "I knew it would turn out like this."

"Your Majesty may send an envoy to the State of Wei to demonstrate the sincerity of our Great Chu."

If Wei agrees to cancel tariffs, the border can be temporarily secured.

If they don't agree, we can use this opportunity to find out their attitude and prepare a response in advance.

The cancellation of tariffs is only a temporary measure. Once our southwestern border is secure, tariffs can naturally be reinstated.

At this moment, the Minister of Revenue also stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, the cost of border conflicts far exceeds the revenue from customs duties."

If peace and stability can be achieved between the two countries, it will be a blessing for all people and a boon for the nation.

"Minister Guo's words are absolutely correct, and we agree with them."

"I second the proposal."

"I also second my opinion."

Jiang Qingying was somewhat helpless. "What else can you people do besides seconding my opinion?"

"The proposal submitted by Minister Li is approved."

Chapter 25 Listening to Music in the Brothel

Phoenix Palace.

Jiang Qingying had a cold face and didn't say a word.

If that traitor Li dares to say he'll hold court on May 1st today, he'll make sure the emperor never holds court again tomorrow.

It’s tolerable, it’s unbearable!

This thief has reached a point where he must be eliminated; she must resort to some drastic measures.

"Xuanran".

"His Majesty."

Shangguan Xuanran took two steps forward, bent down slightly, and listened attentively.

"Find two martial arts masters of equal skill to you, and assassinate Li Yunsheng during the hunt three months from now."

"Your Majesty, I fear this may endanger Your Majesty's life."

This is tantamount to inviting a wolf into the house. If it were just one person, it would be fine, but she's afraid she wouldn't be able to handle two.

Even with the Imperial Guards protecting her, the Empress's safety could not be guaranteed.

"With you and the Imperial Guard General here, there's no need to worry too much."

This risk is worth taking in order to get rid of Li Yunsheng.

Just remember, never reveal your identity to them.

"The minister obeys the order."

……

Li Yunsheng had just returned home when Liu Quan handed him an invitation.

"Your Excellency, Miaoyin Tower has sent you an invitation."

Since the daily morning court session was canceled, he has had much more free time.

With the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel handled by the Left and Right Vice Ministers, he focused his attention on learning swordsmanship from Wei Xiang.

The Li family mansion was crowded with people and eyes, and there was not enough room to maneuver, so he and Wei Xiang often went outside the city.

Li Yunsheng opened the invitation: Flower Moon Gathering.

The invitation was simple: Miaoyinlou invited him to attend the Flower and Moon Gathering the next day.

"interesting."

Liu Quan chimed in from the side.

"Prime Minister, these past few days, news of the Flower Moon Gathering has spread throughout the capital."

"How did the Flower Moon Gathering at Miaoyin Tower become known throughout the capital?"

Liu Quan perked up as soon as this was mentioned.

"Of course it's because of Su Wanwan. She will be performing a dance at the Flower and Moon Festival, which is a grand event in the capital."

Li Yunsheng closed the invitation, showing some interest.

"Tomorrow, go out and listen to music."

As the top courtesan of Miaoyin Tower, Su Wanwan never performed dances in public; those who were qualified to enter her bedchamber were the only ones who could see her dance.

Therefore, the Flower Moon Festival, with Su Wanwan's dance performance as its gimmick, is naturally a grand event.

Wei Xiang suddenly appeared beside him and placed a short knife on the table.

Li Yunsheng immediately became interested. He had been using Wei Xiang's short knife for the past few days, so he had been looking for a short knife of his own.

However, he didn't know much about weapons, so he asked Wei Xiang to help him find a precious sword.