It wasn't an apple that hit Newton.

His description of the 'invisible hand' in particular made Veronica feel as if she had glimpsed a mysterious and great power, causing her to tremble from the bottom of her heart.

Hmm... Veronique suddenly fell into thought.

He understands economics, is capable, and is obedient.

It seems that Li meets all three requirements?

The first point is beyond doubt. The second point also proves his ability. The third point is debatable, but at least through the Earl of Anderson's incident, he has shown a firm stance of standing on my side.

So Veronica changed her mind and instructed the guards outside the door, "Wait a moment, bring him up to see me right now."

After a while.

Li Cheng, who had been summoned, entered from outside the door and bowed in greeting.

Veronica didn't mince words and directly expressed her dissatisfaction with what he had done to Earl Anderson.

But at the same time, she told Li Cheng that according to the law, he should have been sentenced to death directly, but out of leniency, she decided to give him a chance and offered him three options.

"The first option is to go to the front lines to fight for the country. The war between Britain and the Netherlands is fierce and there is an urgent need to replenish the ranks of soldiers."

"The second option is to go to Scotland and guide local farmers in potato cultivation, specifically..."

"I choose the third one," Li Cheng answered quickly.

It was obvious that he wasn't given a choice, so he didn't bother listening.

"A wise decision."

Veronica nodded slightly, then said, "The third option is to serve as the First Chancellor of the Treasury on the Finance Committee to ensure that the London City Redevelopment Plan can be successfully passed and implemented."

Chapter Ninety But I Refusal

First Finance Minister?

London City redevelopment plan?

What's wrong with the third princess? What's she up to all of a sudden? And why is she contacting me? Do I, a keyboard warrior, look like someone who knows anything about these things?

Li Cheng was completely bewildered, his expression revealing his undisguised confusion.

“I have £100,000 that the Earl of Anderson voluntarily donated. I need to find a way to spend it in the short term, otherwise those greedy guys will find a way to divide it up.”

Veronica made no attempt to hide anything, stating directly: "The London City Redevelopment Plan is the solution I came up with. It not only allows us to quickly spend this money in the short term, but also leaves a good impression on the citizens."

Anderson? £100,000?

Li Cheng felt the world was too surreal. He seriously doubted whether Anderson's brain had gone mad, otherwise why would he suddenly give away 100,000 pounds... It couldn't be because he kidnapped Louise, could it? That would be too far-fetched.

"As for why I chose you."

Veronica paused for a moment, then continued, "I've thought about the 'free market economic theory' you mentioned to me last time, and I think it makes a lot of sense. I'm going to give you a chance."

???

Li Cheng never expected that this was all his own fault for boasting.

At the time, his idea was simple: to demonstrate his value as soon as possible and, incidentally, to further improve Veronique's attitude toward the capitalist class, he simply quoted Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" and used it to persuade Veronique.

Now look what happened! He's trying to be cool but he's just being stupid. Veronica really wants him to be the First Secretary of the Treasury.

I can't do it...

Li Cheng secretly groaned.

He has absolutely no understanding of specific financial matters, okay? Moreover, he is a commoner who was suddenly parachuted into a group of seasoned veterans as the First Secretary of the Treasury. What's the difference between this and stripping him naked and throwing him into an American prison?

Oh, there are still some differences; at least the Chancellor of the Exchequer won't be involved in any bloodshed.

Li Cheng silently complained to himself.

Veronica didn't speak again. She sat quietly behind the golden camphor wood desk, even picking up the black tea in front of her and taking an elegant sip—she thought she had explained herself very clearly.

Li Cheng stood not far from the table, lost in thought.

£100,000... £100,000... £100,000...

Without spending too much time, he quickly devised a plan and said, "Your Highness, I understand."

Oh, so fast?

Veronica was a little surprised. She put down the saucer in her hand and asked in confusion, "What are you thinking?"

"I think this is a great opportunity for training and practice."

Li Cheng spoke calmly and methodically, listing the advantages of the matter and expressing his gratitude as much as possible: "I am very grateful that Your Highness thought of me, an insignificant nobody, first when filling such an important position. This trust makes me feel extremely humbled."

Listening to Li Cheng's praise, Veronica gave a bright smile and nodded slightly.

She had been troubled by this for several days, but it seems that it will finally be over now.

Once the London Redevelopment Plan is successfully implemented and the dilapidated wooden houses are rebuilt into bright and sturdy brick houses, Veronica's name will be further rooted in the hearts of the people, adding another brilliant chapter to her short reign.

As for this young man named Albert Lee?

As long as he behaves himself during the remaining two months of her regency, it doesn't matter after that. It's his skill to persevere. If he really can't hold on, he can step in and plead with his father to save the situation.

Yes, it's about acting cute.

Although Veronica disliked this move, it was one of the few advantages that her female identity brought her, and she had to make use of it.

However, at that moment, Li Cheng suddenly changed the subject, saying each word carefully:

"But I refuse."

?

reject?

Veronica's smile froze, her eyes gradually turning cold, her piercing gaze seeming to pierce through Li Cheng, like a sharp nail pinning him to the solid brick wall behind him.

Li Cheng met his gaze without fear, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Your Highness, please don't be anxious. I have my reasons for doing this."

He certainly had no plans to confront Veronica head-on... nor from the side, at least not now.

Since he doesn't intend to confront them head-on, yet dares to speak so directly and forcefully, it's clear he has a better idea.

"explain."

Veronica's rosy lips parted slightly, uttering a single, extremely simple word to indicate that she was in a very bad mood—or at least outwardly extremely dissatisfied.

"I have a small question to ask."

Li Cheng remained calm and composed, speaking as if in a normal conversation: "What is your purpose in promoting the 'London Redevelopment Plan'?"

"Spend £100,000 as soon as possible to correct the fundamental problems in the city of London and leave a better impression on the public."

Veronica didn't think there was anything wrong with her, so she just said it.

Li Cheng countered, "Then why do you want to leave a better impression on the public?"

"Of course... uh."

Veronica paused mid-sentence... Yes, why bother leaving a better impression? Isn't the existing impression enough?

"At present, the people do not need your flattery, and there is no benefit to flattering them."

Li Cheng analyzed: "Although London's infrastructure is indeed lagging behind, now is not the time to spend a lot of effort on infrastructure construction - this kind of thing can be done slowly later."

"What you need to do most right now is to establish your base as soon as possible and win the support of merchants and the new nobility."

"When did I ever say I wanted to win over those merchants and the new nobility?"

Veronica instinctively retorted.

After all, this was the first time in her year and a half in office that someone had directly and bluntly opposed her decisions—and the key point was that their arguments made a lot of sense, which made her feel a little embarrassed.

?

Why is he suddenly acting all tsundere? This is such a weird change!

Li Cheng was completely stunned, and the lines he had been preparing for a long time were swallowed back. Instead, he stared intently at Veronica.

"...You continue."

Veronica realized that her words were inappropriate, so she pretended that nothing had happened and said nonchalantly.

"...From this perspective, there are many things that can be done with 100,000 pounds."

Li Cheng pretended nothing had happened and continued, "By the way, although it's unlikely, let me ask you something first—Your Highness, this money hasn't been deposited into the national treasury yet, has it?"

"of course."

Veronique chuckled softly, as if she had heard a very funny joke: "Only three people know about this money right now."

Three people? Who else is there besides me and Veronica? Oh right, Anderson too.

After considering his options, Li Cheng nodded and said, "That's good—in that case, I have a better suggestion for handling the 100,000 pounds."

He paused, then continued, "Have you heard of Amway... no, I mean, have you heard of business investment?"

Chapter 91 The Fate of the PPT Contestant

"Business investment?"

Veronica was familiar with the word, but she didn't quite understand why Li Cheng would bring it up.

"Yes, business investment."

Li Cheng first affirmed, then explained: "The most important role of this business investment is not to make money, but to make businessmen and the new aristocracy believe that you are truly one of their own—of course, making money is the best outcome on this basis."

Just like how you have to kill one or two people to join Liangshan Marsh, this is actually the so-called "pledge of allegiance".

Only when interests are closely intertwined will those cautious businessmen dare to support Veronica, and even, after tasting the benefits, use their real influence to cheer her on.

Veronica's anger had subsided, and she asked with great interest, "And then?"

Then?

And then, wouldn't you say it's a coincidence? I happen to have a big business opportunity, but I'm missing some start-up capital and a big shot to endorse me.

Li Cheng smiled inwardly and coughed twice: "I happen to have a very large project here, spearheaded by Mr. Carter, the chairman of the business association. It will not only help me build good relationships with businessmen, but also allow me to make a fortune."

As mentioned before, Carter, the merchant guild leader who had a good relationship with Viscount Stoller, lacked control over the merchants who joined the guild. This led Li Cheng to not use his connections to directly seek cooperation, but instead to plan to do things on his own.

However, if Veronica takes the lead and forms a structure of Veronica (Li Cheng) → Carter → member merchants, with Chairman Carter acting as a lubricant and executive officer, then the control would be very strong.

As for what to use as the lead... is a deal with a profit margin of at least 300% enough?