Chapter 10: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
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Chen Wenlong’s words were tactful, but the problem he hinted at was very real.
The King of Qi’s estate was broke. The Armory had no funds. And forcing craftsmen to work for free would only spark outrage—undoing the reputation Xiao Ming had just started to rebuild.
“The work is yours, but the money is mine,” Xiao Ming gritted his teeth.
Even if he had to sell everything, he had to get the Armory up and running.
If he didn’t, then with Qingzhou’s poverty, even if he were as wise as the legendary *Yao or Shun, he’d still end up slaughtered by barbarians within two years. Chen Wenlong studied Xiao Ming’s frowning face in confusion.
The Armory had always been neglected in the Da Yu Empire. Why was the King of Qi suddenly so concerned?
However, remembering Xiao Ming’s past erratic behavior, Chen Wenlong dared not ask too much. Perhaps this was just another whim. Since it was an order, he could only obey. “Understood, Your Highness.”
Xiao Ming instructed him to gather all carpenters and blacksmiths in the city, then returned to the royal estate, pondering how to raise money.
Calling for Qian Dafu, Xiao Ming asked, “How much silver do we have left in the estate?”
“Your Highness, including the funds Consort Zhen sent with Ziyuan and Lüluo, we have about 1,000 taels of silver.”
“Only 1,000 taels?” Xiao Ming frowned.