Damn it. If this is the case, when will the common folk of Dali ever get to live a good life?
She quickly helped the person up. "I have my own rules that cannot be broken. You must offer something in exchange for my help. Also, you have to take Little Tangyuan yourself to the disaster area. When I come to your place, I can only appear by your side."
"May I ask what the immortal desires?"
Shen Yunyun initially wanted to ask for gold and silver, but then remembered that a piece of gold wasn't worth as much as an ordinary vase or bowl. Besides, Dali was plundered every year by Nanchu and Beiyan, and wasn't as wealthy as she had imagined. So she said directly:
"Undamaged bowls, plates, jars, or tripods from ordinary households, or military gear like armor, swords, halberds, and spears—anything will do."
"Alright." The Empress Dowager breathed a sigh of relief.
To be honest, she was really afraid Shen Yunyun would ask for gold and silver.
They were truly poor.
After they settled the terms, Shen Yunyun took her leave directly.
Once she left, the Empress Dowager summoned the ministers.
The Imperial Study grew lively again as everyone started arguing once more.
The Minister of War advocated sending troops to suppress the unrest, lest the people cause chaos.
The General of Pacifying the Far Reaches and the Duke of Zhenguo both agreed with the Minister of War.
The Grand Marshal suggested that blocking was worse than channeling, proposing a work-relief program to appease the people—not only providing them with food but also keeping them occupied to prevent chaos.
The Minister of Revenue kept complaining about poverty—no money, no grain, no cloth, lacking everything.
Everyone had their own reasoning.
The fact that the matter had reached the court meant the situation was already severe.
Although the Empress Dowager had been warned early by Xu Zimo, a powerful asset, and had made preparations in advance, thinking she had it under control, she never expected to be betrayed by a local official.
That prefect had once been her subordinate. They had fought fiercely on the battlefield together, people who could entrust their backs to each other.
Later, he was injured and could no longer go to war, so she assigned him to guard the rear.
Back then, when they needed to replenish troops and horses, he handled it all, and the collection of military grain also passed through his hands.
She never imagined he would betray her.
All that grain had simply vanished into thin air. He claimed ignorance—could she believe that?
The Empress Dowager said nothing, watching them argue from the court all the way to the Imperial Study.
Finally, she raised her hand and pressed down, and they fell silent.
"I will take the Emperor with me to provide disaster relief." As soon as the Empress Dowager said this, the entire Imperial Study fell silent.
Little Tangyuan sat on Lady Gui's arm, staring at these people with a calm, unruffled gaze.
The expression on his face was not one a baby his age should have.
Everyone was silent for a long time until the Grand Marshal finally broke the stillness: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely inadvisable. The Emperor is young, the journey will be arduous, and there are too many uncertainties. Moreover, a man of worth does not sit where danger lurks. Please reconsider, Your Majesty."
The Duke of Zhenguo also clasped his hands: "The child is young. Please reconsider, Your Majesty."
"For the Emperor's safety, please reconsider, Your Majesty." The Minister of Revenue also clasped his hands.
Now no one was arguing anymore; they all urged the Empress Dowager to reconsider.
They weren't fools—if something happened to the Empress Dowager and the young Emperor on the road, the entire court would descend into chaos again.
"I have made my decision on this matter. You ministers need not advise further. The safety of the capital is entrusted to the Duke of Zhenguo. The General of Pacifying the Far Reaches will muster three thousand troops to protect us. The Grand Marshal will act as regent for court affairs. If there are matters you cannot decide, wait until I return to the palace to make the final call."
The Minister of Revenue wore a mournful expression: "Your Majesty, but we have nothing. Even a clever woman can't cook without rice."