"My minister Tian Yi has seen Your Majesty." The Minister of Finance, wearing court uniform, seemed a little thin. He glanced quietly at the two noble concubines who were not far from the emperor, and was stunned, but he did not reveal any expression.

"Well, don't give me a gift, sit down." A little eunuch had already brought a brocade stool next to him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Tian Yi sat down respectfully.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

"Report to Your Majesty, Li Wufeng, the military and political governor of the Northwest and the Governor of Northern Luzon, submitted a report and applied to the central government of the Empire to provide financial assistance to Northern Luzon to promote the economic recovery and development of the Northern Luzon region as soon as possible and ensure the stability of the border areas." Tian Yi said concisely and directly explained the purpose of the visit and submitted a report.

Situ Mingyue calmly took the report and read it carefully.

The indescribable comfort of the Hexi sunshine shines on people makes people feel drowsy. The lake surface is as flat as a mirror, and occasionally kingfishers pass by, embellishing the quietness of the lakeside.

After a while, Situ Mingyue finished reading the report, then took a sip of the teacup handed by the eunuch next to her and asked, "What do you think?"

"As far as I know, Northern Luzon was originally the least developed region of the Luzon Grand Duchy. Although the geographical location is important, due to the complex population composition and the large number of ethnic minorities, the local economy has been lagging behind. This is also one of the biggest reasons why people of all ethnic groups are dissatisfied with the Luzon Grand Duchy." Tian Yi cleared his throat and began to introduce the basic situation.

Situ Mingyue nodded slightly, then signaled Tian Yi to continue.

"Now Li Wufeng intends to divide the gift to Northern Luzon into two pieces. The northwest Luzon was originally the most desolate area. The area of ​​the vast area includes the green swamp and the grassland near the Indian Kingdom is equivalent to the area of ​​the two governments in our empire. There is no city. Most of the residents make a living from agriculture, fishery and animal husbandry, and there is no industry and commerce at all. The road traffic facilities are also extremely backward. It should be said that they are in a mid-blank state. The original management of the Luzons was only a formality, so Li Wufeng hopes to establish a central city in this area, and the ethnic groups living near the northwest corner of the Indian Kingdom are repeatedly harassing the Indian and German tribes, which are close to the northwest corner of the Indian Kingdom. Li Wufeng hopes to establish a small fortress there, that is, the westernmost end of the empire territory, to garrison to maintain local public order." Tian Yi saw that His Majesty the Emperor listened very seriously, and he was particularly careful when introducing it.

"The Luzon in the northeast is centered on the existing Vito city, including the Great Hengduan Mountains where the Gaoyue barbarians lived in the east and the shallow hills nearby. The Luzons only nominally have sovereignty, but in fact, they have no way to control every tree and grass here for hundreds of years. The Andes in this area account for a larger proportion than the Luzon in the northwest, and can be regarded as the largest ethnic group in the Luzon in the entire northeast. Our Tang people also have a certain proportion, and the economic situation is slightly stronger than that in the west. However, if the Gaoyue barbarians lived in the Hengduan Mountains are also included, the problem here is quite specific. The Gaoyue barbarians are still in a relatively primitive economic state. If they want to get out of the backward state as soon as possible, they also need to make greater investments in transportation, education, and health." Tian Yi slowly introduced the situation of the entire Northern Luzon.

"Now that the Northern Luzon region has newly incorporated into the empire's territory, and local people of all ethnic groups have also placed great hopes for the empire, so I came to ask Your Majesty for this matter." Seeing that His Majesty's forehead was slightly wrinkled, Tian Yi quickly added.

"This Northern Luzon area is so vast, is it really so backward in the economy?" Situ Mingyue put her eyes on the report in her hand again.

"Although the Northern Luzon is large in area, its ethnic composition is complex and it has never been the focus of the development of the Luzon government. The economic focus of Luzon is mainly concentrated in the central and southern regions, followed by the western region. It does not pay attention to the north and has quite few troops. Therefore, Li Wufeng was able to succeed easily, and the Luzonians signed an agreement with Li Wufeng so easily and generously." Tian Yi explained.

"In your opinion, if Li Wufeng's request is met, how much money will the empire allocate?" Situ Mingyue asked thoughtfully.

"If this is to be fully satisfied, it will be a considerable amount. In the report, Li Wufeng proposed that building a new city, developing transportation, rectifying military equipment, and improving the construction of the regime all require a considerable amount of funds. According to the preliminary estimate, it will take at least 15 million imperial gold coins. But the imperial finances are not abundant now, and there are many places to require funds, so it is difficult to bear such a huge cost." Tian Yi's words could not hear any tendency.

"According to you, the Northern Luzon is vast and rich in resources. Is it so poor and backward?" Situ Mingyue asked hesitantly.

"Since the founding of the Grand Duchy of Luzon, its economic and development focus has tended toward the central and southern regions, followed by the western regions. Due to the large number of ethnic minorities in the northern region, the relationship between these ethnic minorities and the Andes is not very harmonious, and the population is far less than that of the central and southern and western regions, it has not been paid attention to at all. The local culture, education and infrastructure are quite backward. Otherwise, the Luzons would not have only a small number of troops, Li Wufeng would not have succeeded so easily, and the Grand Duchy of Luzon would not have signed a treaty agreement with Li Wufeng in such a generous manner." Tian Yi explained patiently.

"Then do you think the empire needs to provide such huge aid to such a remote and backward area?" Situ Mingyue asked slowly, and a pair of eagle eyes also fell on Tian Yi's face.

"This," Tian Yi was a little nervous. He couldn't tell what His Majesty the Emperor meant. Looking at the happy look at the court yesterday, he should support Li Wufeng's request. But judging from the current situation, His Majesty the Emperor seemed to have some suspicion again, and his attitude changed a lot. He was a person who was extremely good at guessing the will of the saints, otherwise he would not have been a firm position in the imperial court for the past few decades. Could it be that something new changed in the matter this night?

"This depends on Your Majesty's opinion. If Your Majesty thinks that Northern Luzon is remote and has no great value for development, Li Wufeng can solve it himself and the court can provide appropriate subsidies. If Your Majesty thinks that Northern Luzon is important and there is a need for key development, the empire can naturally provide a certain amount of aid to promote the accelerated development of the local economy." His words were clear and he gently pushed the problem back to Situ Mingyue.

"I want to hear your opinion." Situ Mingyue was a little dissatisfied with Tian Yi's ambiguous answer.

"This is the geographical location of Northern Luzon, far away from the heart of the empire, but it is a springboard for the empire to enter the Central Continent. It is not of great value in economic sense, but it is very important in strategic position. Controlling this area will also help the extension of the empire's influence to the Central Continent. For example, the Western Regions and the Tengger Grasslands can radiate, which is of great benefit to improving the status and influence of the empire. However, this area is too remote and the management of the empire is relatively difficult." Tian Yi thought quickly in his mind, and finally said something to deal with it. Without understanding the true intentions of His Majesty the Emperor, he did not dare to make an attribution.

Situ Mingyue sighed slightly. He could not blame Tian Yi for his words. If he had based on what he meant yesterday, he would definitely have to support him. But seeing that his tone changed a bit today, he naturally did not dare to make suggestions. The crux of this problem is actually not whether Northern Luzon is important or not worthy of assistance, but that he cannot rest assured about Li Wufeng.

"Tian Aiqing, the weather is good today. Please accompany me to walk by the lake." Situ Mingyue stood up and took the lead.

"I obey the order." Tian Yi knew that His Majesty the Emperor must have something to ask him, so he hurriedly followed and followed behind.

The winding lakeside path looks particularly quiet, with ancient trees around it and the scenery is very beautiful. Situ Mingyue walked slowly forward and arrived at a stone tablet next to the road. The inscription was blurred. She gently stroked the stone tablet, as if there was something difficult to resolve.

"Your Majesty, what do you want to say to me?" Tian Yi saw that His Majesty the Emperor was just stroking the stone tablet, as if he was reading the vague inscription. He didn't speak for a long time and couldn't help asking.

"Well, Tian Aiqing, you are my old minister for decades. I also know that you are loyal to me. Today I want to ask you a question. You must tell me truthfully and never say anything against your will." Situ Mingyue turned around slowly and said word by word.

Seeing that His Majesty the Emperor was so cautious, Tian Yi was also quite surprised and hurriedly said, "I know everything and say everything."

"Well, very good. What do you think of Li Wufeng?" Situ Mingyue's face was calm, but her eyes were staring at Tian Yi's face.

As expected, Tian Yi said in his heart, and after a brief thought, he replied: "Lord Li Wufeng was young and talented, with outstanding achievements. He repeatedly defeated Luo Bei, the great enemy of the empire, and later suppressed the rebels and bandits, and managed the northwest with great success. He was actually a rare talent in the empire for many years."

"What else?" Situ Mingyue's face was expressionless.

"Well, this young man Li was successful and he was inevitably arrogant and arrogant. He was a little out of place with the old ministers in the imperial court. In addition, he acted in many ways and violated the imperial laws and regulations." Tian Yi continued with a tough forehead.

"Is that all?" Situ Mingyue's face looked a little ugly.

"I do think so." Tian Yi saw the sweat on his forehead and secretly regretted reporting in his heart.

"Hmph! Isn't anyone in this court able to share my worries?" Situ Mingyue's face turned blue and she became extremely strict.

"Your Majesty!" Tian Yi heard this and knew that His Majesty the Emperor was already very dissatisfied. If he could not show any real opinion, it would be difficult to make a deal. He hurriedly said, "I have also heard that Li Wufeng has different ambitions and ambitious words. His actions are indeed extraordinary. However, Li Wufeng is now making great contributions and is highly anticipated in the imperial court and public affairs. Moreover, his behavior has no intention of rebelling. This time the empire called him to Beijing and came here with a call. It is very different from the Lin Lang family in the south, and it is really difficult to make a conclusion."

After hearing Tian Yi's anxious words, Situ Mingyue's face looked a little better, "What should I do if it depends on your opinion?"

"In my opinion, Li Wufeng did not do anything else at this time, and he has made outstanding achievements in guarding the northwest. If Your Majesty is not at ease, I have two strategies." Tian Yi wiped the sweat stains on his forehead and said.

"Oh? Those two strategies."

"Li Wufeng has not yet married. If you give orders to marry the Thirteenth Princess or the Seventeenth Princess and make him a son-in-law, you will be able to win his heart and make him loyal. This is the best strategy." Tian Yi said the first strategy.

"Well, what about the second strategy?" Situ Mingyue nodded.
Chapter completed!