Chapter 668 - 661_1
Counting the days, Zhao Erhu has been at sea for over three months, nearing four, and he should be returning soon. Since Zhao Erhu had someone send a letter home last time, Lin Yue had not heard any news from him for a long time, and she was somewhat anxious. Going out to sea was not without other concerns; there was always a certain degree of risk.
Lin Yue was preoccupied with thoughts of Zhao Erhu, and in the Imperial Palace, Huangfu Jing was also eagerly waiting for news of Zhao Erhu’s return from his sea voyage. His concerns differed from Lin Yue’s; while Lin Yue worried solely about her own family’s issues, Huangfu Jing was burdened with the worries of the entire world. The drought in Zhao Family’s village was considered manageable, as there was still an abundance of water sources, and the worst it could get was the extra effort needed to fetch water. However, the situation in several northern cities was different; there had been no rain for over two months, and a great deal of the crops in the fields had withered and died. If this trend continued, it was likely there would be no harvest.
Huangfu Jing was not a negligent ruler; naturally, he could not ignore the suffering of his people. Otherwise, he would have to provide disaster relief and allocate food to the affected regions. However, the national treasury was nearly empty, so where would the relief food come from? After much consideration and without any solution, he counted the days until Zhao Erhu’s return with the trading fleet, and set his hopes on this venture, anxious to learn just how lucrative overseas trade could be.
"Abao, has there been any news from the sea?" Huangfu Jing put down the pen he had been holding and asked casually.
"Your Majesty, not yet," Abao replied respectfully. "I have already ordered that as soon as there is any news from that direction, it will be delivered immediately." These past few days, the Emperor had vigorously inquired about the situation there. It seemed that the Emperor held great expectations for Zhao Erhu’s sea expedition. Abao hoped for Zhao Erhu’s smooth journey, wishing not to disappoint the Emperor.
"I hope Zhao Erhu does not disappoint us," Huangfu Jing said. "There isn’t much silver left in the treasury, and I am awaiting his return to relieve my concerns. Otherwise, if any region needs silver and the treasury comes under strain, I will have no choice but to submit to those old foxes, undoubtedly having to concede considerable interests. Most importantly, the opportunity to eradicate these malignant tumors would have to be delayed." Huangfu Jing was impatient to eliminate these people and naturally did not want such matters to hinder his progress.
Abao was always by Huangfu Jing’s side as his confidant, deeply loyal, and very much attuned to Huangfu Jing’s thoughts. That’s why Huangfu Jing felt no reservation in expressing these sentiments freely. Abao understood this principle but knew there were things he could respond to and others he had to pretend not to hear. If he spoke out of turn, it might not be a problem while the Emperor favored him, but once that favoritism waned, it could be used as a reason to dispose of him. Having served by Huangfu Jing’s side for so long, Abao knew well that without this level of awareness, he would have been devoured long ago, leaving nothing behind.
Although the national treasury was depleted of silver, those aristocratic families with any capability had grown fat and corrupt under the previous Emperor, with few exceptions. They were simply unwilling to contribute to the state’s emergency. Even if they were willing, they would demand conditions in return. They were nothing but old foxes, solely concerned with their familial interests, with no regard for the Court’s welfare, thinking only of personal gains and losses. Otherwise, Huangfu Jing would not be so intent on removing them.
"Zhao Erhu, if you can achieve merits for me this time and resolve my difficulties, once I face no more obstacles in the Court, I will assuredly reward you with the title of Marquis," Huangfu Jing murmured to himself, as if comforting his own heart. Being an Emperor was not an easy task; there were plenty of troubling matters to deal with.