Postponement and Trial Implementation

The pressure once again fell onto Luo Zhao.

The Second Prince's absurd remarks left her in shock, stirring up a profound sense of both incredulity and duty within her.

Converting farmland into mines was already a foolish policy that would shake the very foundations of the state. The so-called unrestricted cultivation method was nothing short of a child's game that would cause endless harm!

If such ideas were actually adopted, the consequences would be unimaginable!

However, just as her red lips parted and she was about to speak,

a familiar command, one she resisted with every fiber of her being, pierced sharply into her mind:

"Do not refute."

It was Gu Chengyin again!

Luo Zhao's heart skipped a beat as a wave of nameless anger, mingled with deep frustration, welled up inside her.

Why? Why wouldn't he let her speak?

Was she supposed to just stand there and watch such absurd remarks go unchallenged?

Immediately afterward, a second command arrived:

"Delay your response."

These two commands instantly stifled the words that were on the tip of Luo Zhao's tongue.

She froze, her mind racing at lightning speed.

Anger and indignation urged her to defy the orders, but her remaining rationality began to analyze Gu Chengyin's intentions.

Would refuting the Second Prince even work? Her royal father's attitude was clearly ambiguous; he had not outright rejected the absurd proposal.

If she argued vehemently, she would likely be dragged into a pointless debate, or worse, make her father think she was engaging in partisan strife.

Furthermore, the issue of the state treasury was undeniably complex. Having just returned to the capital, she lacked an in-depth understanding of the exact deficit, its structure, and the actual situation on the ground. Any hastily proposed solution could easily be used against her.

In that brief instant, Luo Zhao weighed the pros and cons. Despite the immense humiliation and rage she felt toward Gu Chengyin's manipulation,

she had to admit that these commands hit the nail on the head. It was the most optimal strategy in this bizarre political climate.

Once again, she suffered the stifling frustration of being forced to adopt her enemy's advice!

Luo Zhao ground her teeth so hard they nearly chipped.

Outwardly, however, she quickly adjusted her expression, assuming a look of cautious shame.

Bowing slightly toward the Luo Emperor on the dragon throne, she spoke in a steady voice.

"To answer Imperial Father, the Second Prince's strategy... is indeed refreshing."

She offered a lukewarm assessment that revealed neither praise nor criticism, before pivoting her tone.

"I have been away from the capital for a long time and only returned yesterday. While in the city, all my energy was focused on the waterway transport case."

"I also encountered quite a few setbacks on my journey back. Therefore, I do not have a complete grasp of the specific details regarding the current depletion of the state treasury."

She raised her head, her gaze candid yet earnest.

"The depletion of the treasury concerns the very foundation of the nation and the livelihood of its people. A single misstep could affect the entire realm."

"Any countermeasure must be built upon accurate data and a clear understanding of the overall situation. I dare not hastily propose a solution based solely on speculation or hearsay, lest I bring harm to the nation and its people."

"Therefore, I implore Imperial Father to grant me a few days. Allow me to consult with the relevant officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Internal Affairs Department. We will carefully review the files, verify the data, and investigate the true conditions of the local regions."

"Once the crux of the problem is clear, and after careful deliberation, I will submit a detailed memorial outlining a feasible strategy. I beg for Imperial Father's approval."

Her words were perfectly reasonable and absolutely watertight.

Many of the seasoned and prudent officials in the court could not help but nod in secret approval.

Compared to the Second Prince's whimsical and arrogant ravings, the Eldest Princess's response was evidently much more grounded and reliable.

Upon the dragon throne, the Luo Emperor listened quietly to Luo Zhao's statement. A fleeting trace of appreciation flashed through his deep eyes.

This appreciation was not directed at the content of her words, but rather at the poise and choices she demonstrated in this moment.

His gaze casually swept over Gu Chengyin, who stood respectfully with his head bowed behind Luo Zhao, acting as if none of this had anything to do with him.

The glance was as quick as lightning, yet it seemed to perceive something profound.

Immediately after, the Luo Emperor nodded slowly.

"Zhao'er is thoughtful and composed. Very good."

"I shall grant you ten days to investigate the matter, draft a formal proposal, and report back to me."

"I thank Imperial Father for your grace."

Luo Zhao breathed a sigh of relief, though her feelings remained complicated.

Next, the Luo Emperor's gaze fell upon the Second Prince.

The Second Prince was currently looking rather smug about Luo Zhao's retreat, assuming she had been intimidated by his brilliant strategy.

"Yanchen," the Luo Emperor spoke.

"Your son is here!" the Second Prince quickly replied, anticipation written all over his face.

"Your strategy of converting farmland to mines and popularizing cultivation methods is quite unconventional."

The Second Prince's heart leaped with joy.

"However," the Luo Emperor shifted his tone slightly, "this matter is of grave importance. It concerns the very foundation of the state and must not be treated lightly."

"Farmland provides the food and clothing for all our people, and matters of cultivation are profoundly arcane. Whether they possess the miraculous effects you claim remains to be seen."

The Second Prince's heart leapt into his throat.

"Since you have the drive, and you possess this cultivation method,"

the Luo Emperor seemed to ponder, "Then let us choose a single city to run a trial."

This was neither an outright rejection nor a full acceptance; rather, it was a conditional approval meant for observation and experimentation.

If it succeeded, he might be rewarded. If it failed, the blame would fall entirely on the Second Prince, and the limited scope would prevent any real damage to the state's foundation.

The Second Prince was stunned at first, but that quickly gave way to ecstasy!

Though it was not a nationwide rollout, the Luo Emperor had agreed!

As long as he could produce results and prove the policy's effectiveness, he wouldn't have to worry about expanding it in the future.

His voice pitched up with excitement as he hastily kowtowed. "Your son receives the decree! I will not disappoint Imperial Father's expectations. I will handle this matter flawlessly, ease Imperial Father's burdens, and resolve the difficulties of Great Luo!"

With this matter settled, the morning assembly transitioned into its regular proceedings.

Officials from various ministries and courts stepped forward in turn to report on daily administrative affairs, a multitude of trivial and complex matters.

Gu Chengyin observed with keen interest. He discovered that the efficiency of Great Luo's morning assembly was actually quite high.

For most matters, the relevant officials had prepared contingency plans beforehand; their statements were clear, and their requests for directives were precise.

The Luo Emperor's decisions were consistently concise and swift. He would either approve, deny, or order a specific ministry to deliberate further before reporting back, rarely dragging his feet.

When faced with complex issues involving multiple departments, the Luo Emperor would call upon the relevant officials to debate on the spot, or appoint a minister from the Cabinet to spearhead coordination.

The entire process, though still firmly under the supreme and awe-inspiring majesty of imperial power, operated with a relatively mature administrative framework.

Of course, Gu Chengyin could sense that many of the reports were entangled with different interest groups and factions. The officials' phrasing, their tone of voice, and even the sequence of their presentations all harbored hidden agendas.

However, following the earlier commotion, everyone appeared exceptionally cautious, not daring to stir up further trouble lightly.

Since requesting her extension, Luo Zhao had reverted to silence, only occasionally offering a brief interjection when matters pertained to the capital or the affairs under her direct jurisdiction.

The Second Prince, Luo Yanchen, seemed to still be immersed in the euphoria of his unconventional strategy being approved for trial, appearing rather absent-minded regarding other state affairs.

Gu Chengyin noticed that a few white-haired veteran ministers from the Cabinet began to assert their influence during the latter half of the assembly.

With their vast experience, they could often pinpoint the pros and cons of various matters with surgical precision, and the suggestions they offered were practical and sound.

Finally, when the last official concluded his report, the Chief Eunuch Lyu Fang called out in his shrill voice once again, announcing the dismissal of the court.