Great, it's just a lackey, we're saved!

Chapter 142 The Doctrine of the Mean!

Chen Wenyu and the others stared intently at Bai Xiaoxiao.

I wonder what solution this woman can come up with to resolve the nation's predicament?

But then Bai Xiaoxiao calmly touched the hairpin in her hair.

She said in a soft and delicate tone, "Alas, I knew it. Being the regent is not a good job, but His Majesty trusts me."

"Even if I said I couldn't handle state affairs, His Majesty said it didn't matter, no matter what important matters were, it was all up to me."

Chen Wenyu's heart sank when he heard this.

My intuition tells me that what Bai Xiaoxiao said next would be hard to accept.

Sure enough, Bai Xiaoxiao continued, "Since Your Majesty has said so, and you, who are like the God of Literature descended to earth, are waiting for me to make a decision... then I have no choice but to issue a decree."

Jiang Yueli finally looked up at Bai Xiaoxiao, she was also very curious.

What decree is this Imperial Noble Consort preparing to issue?

"With the sudden natural disaster, the imperial court also has its difficulties. I think what Lord Luo said makes sense, so let's do as Lord Luo says."

"Let the Ministry of Revenue use supplies to offset the disaster relief funds and allocate them to the Prefect of Jingzhao."

Luo Maocheng was stunned when he heard this.

So you agree?

But why does something still feel off?

Bai Xiaoxiao then said, "Lord Wang Shu, if you wish to open the granaries and distribute grain, I grant your request."

"As for the disaster relief funds, the supplies provided by the Ministry of Revenue will certainly be allocated to you on time."

After saying that, Bai Xiaoxiao gave a naive and harmless smile.

"That solves the problem perfectly!"

However, after laughing, she changed the subject: "Of course, we should also keep things separate."

“If the imperial court needs money, and your Ministry of Revenue official Luo Maocheng can't come up with it, and wants to use goods as a substitute, then we will treat everyone equally.”

"From now on, the salaries of all officials will be paid in the same way until the taxes from the southeast are collected and the natural disasters have passed."

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in an uproar.

Who acts like this?

Prices in the capital are extremely high now, and all supplies are in short supply.

The supplies deducted by the Ministry of Revenue did not include the necessary grain and charcoal.

If they use useless things to offset the debts, how can these officials support their families and survive?

Bai Xiaoxiao seemed not to hear the discussion.

She then looked at Wang Shu and said, "The Prefect of the Capital opened the granaries and distributed grain, and even took the deducted supplies from the Ministry of Revenue. I have given you everything you wanted... So the Prefect of the Capital must take full responsibility for the snow disaster in the capital."

"From this day forward, if another person freezes to death in the capital, I, Wang Shu, will be held accountable!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Shu instantly collapsed to the ground!

He raised his trembling hand and pointed at Bai Xiaoxiao: "You... Imperial Noble Consort, how can you handle state affairs like this? You're just being unreasonable!"

"They want me, the Prefect of the Capital, to be in charge of the entire disaster relief efforts in the capital with just a little bit of supplies? Isn't that asking for my life?"

As soon as Wang Shu started, all the officials began to criticize Bai Xiaoxiao.

"Yes! They even want to use supplies to offset my salary. How am I supposed to survive?"

"I have never embezzled, and I live a meager life on my monthly salary. Now you are even cutting my salary. What kind of country are you overseeing, Imperial Noble Consort?"

Faced with the accusations from the crowd, Bai Xiaoxiao slightly raised her chin, showing no sign of panic.

The crown prince, however, showed a look of satisfaction!

It's lamentable that Bai Xiaoxiao is all talk and no action; her behavior has provoked public outrage. How will she be able to oversee the country in the future?

He embezzled the salaries of all officials and even shifted the blame for the snow disaster in the capital onto Wang Shu alone.

Who can believe her?

Bai Xiaoxiao is practically making a joke of her power as regent!

However, it's good that Bai Xiaoxiao did this. The officials had nowhere to appeal their grievances, so they could only turn to him, the crown prince.

That will be the perfect opportunity for him to win over the people and seize control of the government.

Jiang Yueli stood beside the Crown Prince, and she could see his expression clearly.

He couldn't help but sigh and shake his head.

She only realized today that the Crown Prince was so incredibly stupid.

He didn't even understand Bai Xiaoxiao's purpose and methods, yet he wanted to oversee the country?

His tricks are nothing compared to Bai Xiaoxiao's; he's just showing off his limited skills.

Jiang Yueli was also very curious: how could Bai Xiaoxiao, a commoner, know these things?

Zhou Wei was originally standing at the back, slacking off.

She was taking a nap while the courtiers were arguing because she woke up too early in the morning.

But he was awakened by Bai Xiaoxiao's astonishing words.

Crossing her arms and squinting at the woman on the dragon throne, Zhou Wei sighed, "This Imperial Noble Consort really understands human nature!"

A deep, curious voice came from beside him: "Zhou Dianjun, what do you mean by that?"

Zhou Wei was startled and turned around to look, only to find that it was an old acquaintance, Wang Wu, the Embroidered Robe Envoy.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

Wang Wu chuckled: "The Princess asked Lord Ma Hu to gather manpower to oversee the court assembly. I happened to be on duty today, so I was transferred here."

Zhou Wei nodded: "So instead of doing your duty properly, you're slacking off?"

Wang Wu scratched his head; he greatly admired Zhou Wei.

After all, she was a woman who could make Qiu Ming follow her every word!

Therefore, Zhou Wei's exclamation just now made him very curious.

"Hey, these are all high-ranking officials in the court, what could possibly happen? Commander Zhou, tell me what the Imperial Noble Consort really means? I don't quite understand!"

Zhou Wei glanced at him and said, "Alright, seeing how ambitious you are, I'll tell you something."

The two huddled together and began to chirp softly.

"You often see the officials in the court arguing, do you think they are too pedantic, always arguing for half a day over a trivial matter?"

Wang Wu nodded immediately; he genuinely thought so.

Even the smallest matters can be discussed at length with classical allusions and literary references.

Zhou Wei continued, "The Imperial Noble Consort knew their flaws, so she issued an edict that no one could accept."

"Does Zhou Dianjun mean to withhold the salaries of court officials and make the Prefect of Jingzhao bear all the responsibility for the snow disaster?"

"That's right! Even if you were a court official, you wouldn't agree! So, if the Imperial Noble Consort were to propose a compromise when the court officials are reacting most strongly, do you think they would agree?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Wu's eyes lit up instantly!

"Of course I'll agree! I see, that's brilliant!"

Wang Wu couldn't help but admire Zhou Wei even more. He, a nobody, couldn't possibly understand the power struggle between the court officials and the Imperial Concubine who was in charge of the country.

Zhou Wei was able to discern the deeper meaning simply by observing from the sidelines; no wonder Qiu Ming held her in such high regard!

"I've learned my lesson! Is this what the civil officials call the Doctrine of the Mean?"

Zhou Wei smiled and nodded: "You are truly a promising young man."

Wang Wu chuckled, somewhat embarrassed, but there was still one thing he didn't understand.

"So, what compromise do you think the Imperial Noble Consort will propose?"

Zhou Wei had already guessed some of it, but she didn't want to say it aloud.

She slightly raised her chin to signal Wang Wu, and Bai Xiaoxiao had already stood up from the dragon throne, probably preparing to unleash a powerful move!

"Everyone, please be quiet!"

Bai Xiaoxiao's voice wasn't loud, but the court officials quickly fell silent.

"Since you all resist my decree so much, I will have to find another way."

As she spoke, her gaze fell upon Chen Wenyu, who was standing in the front row.