Ministry of Revenue.

A crowd of officials gathered here, everyone bearing a heavy and solemn expression.

Gu Jing’s silence, coupled with the increasingly intense situation, had already left everyone deeply worried.

Sighs rose and fell.

Many officials from humble backgrounds whispered among themselves, analyzing the possible direction of the situation and speculating on the deep meaning behind Gu Jing’s actions.

Gu Jing was by no means a silent person—this fact was well known among the officials present. At such a critical moment, his behavior inevitably sparked much discussion.

Amidst the whispers, everyone’s gaze unavoidably turned to the highest-ranking individuals in the hall.

"Minister Lou, Minister Di," finally, a Langzhong from the Finance Department in a green robe couldn’t hold back, stepping forward with a voice full of suppressed urgency, "now the countryside is in turmoil, maritime trade is cut off, the people’s livelihood is deteriorating, and grain prices have been soaring for days, almost out of control...",

"You two ministers, both esteemed by the Grand Tutor and deeply trusted by him, during this crisis, why not lead us in submitting a joint memorial, directly advising the Grand Tutor?"

These words once spoken—

The officials in the hall, from the Deputy Minister of Revenue, the Langzhong of the Warehouse Department, the Langzhong of the Gold Department to the lower-ranking officials and secretaries, simultaneously looked towards the seated Lou Shide and Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Di Renjie, silently expressing their stance with clasped hands.

At this juncture, many courtiers were already convinced that Gu Jing would surely restore the old policies of the previous dynasty.

This was also an inevitable choice.

In their view, only in this way could everything be quickly stabilized.

After all, there were too many involved now, not only the great merchants in various places but also countless people engaged in various industries.

If a brutal crackdown were to be enacted against those great merchants, it would certainly affect the fundamentals of maritime trade.

The ultimate impact on the entire Great Tang would then be unimaginable.

At least in their eyes, this was the best choice at the moment.

Di Renjie and Lou Shide exchanged glances, seeing a trace of helplessness in each other’s eyes, and couldn’t help but sigh lightly.

How could they be without advice?

The flourishing Great Tang had developed to such a state in such a short time.

If it were any other time, the courtiers might not be like this.

But under the current political atmosphere, how could the courtiers stand by? How could these ministers not advise Gu Jing?

Thinking this, Di Renjie couldn’t help but shake his head slightly, looking around at everyone, gently advising, "Please calm yourselves, colleagues."

"The Grand Tutor, entrusted with the orphaned state by Emperor Taizong, is the pillar of the nation."

"As of now, no conclusion has been made; surely he harbors his own plans. If we force a joint petition, it may disturb the Grand Tutor’s deliberations, which indeed..."

No sooner had he spoken than a sudden cold laugh rang out from the ranks, and Vice Governor Xu Yougong stepped forward.

Xu Yougong’s gaze swept over the crowd like lightning, "Afraid to disturb the strategy?"

"Hmph! Now public discontent is boiling, and the state is shaken; every moment, the common people are suffering!"

"The Grand Tutor’s silence for a day is another day of suffering for the people!"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a resolute tone: "As ministers, we assist the monarch above and bring peace to the common people below!"

"Our duty is to remedy omissions, to correct and advise!"

"Knowing there’s a mistake, how can we remain silent out of speculation about the higher-ups’ intentions? Occupying posts without performing duties, how is that different from harming the country?!"

Xu Yougong abruptly turned to Di Renjie and Lou Shide, his gaze as sharp as a knife: "As an official in charge of the rules and discipline, I only know the words ’die advising’!"

"Even if it angers the Grand Tutor and I’m to face punishment, I still must speak frankly!"

The air in the hall instantly became stagnant, and a pin-drop silence ensued.

All officials held their breath and lowered their heads; even the Langzhong who spoke earlier had his fingers slightly curling within his sleeves.

After speaking.

Xu Yougong turned swiftly, his robe sleeves fluttering in the wind, indeed intending to leave the Minister of Revenue hall directly, evidently heading for the palace!

"Wait a moment!"

A steady voice of interruption rang out, not loud, yet carrying an undeniable weight, instantly halting Xu Yougong in his tracks.

It was Lou Shide, the Supervisor of Attendance!

He got up slowly, his gaze calm, scanning the officials with varying expressions, finally settling on Xu Yougong’s tense back, his tone carried reassurance yet contained some authority:

"Vice Governor Xu’s loyalty and uprightness are commendable, his concern for the country, I fully understand."

"However, the matter is of great importance, affecting the nation’s foundation, it cannot be merely driven by emotions, nor can it put the Grand Tutor in a difficult position." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

He paused slightly, turned his gaze to Di Renjie, then surveyed the hall, his voice steady and powerful: "Before dismissing court today, I shall report this matter to the Grand Tutor myself to seek a strategy."

"Gentlemen—"

Lou Shide’s voice grew heavier, carrying the entrustment of a prime minister, "Please temporarily return to your posts and continue fulfilling your duties."

Saying this, his gaze turned to Di Renjie, "Grain prices and livelihood issues, the Ministry of Revenue must especially put in effort."

"Be patient, and await news."

He had already gotten used to it.

In recent days, as the chaos among the populace increased, the struggle among the courtiers had reached its peak.

He had grown accustomed to such situations.

He could only try to stabilize the court as much as possible so that there would be no disorder affecting Gu Jing’s plans.

He did not believe that Gu Jing lacked methods.

As one of the trusted close ministers of Gu Jing, he was well aware of Gu Jing’s character and could not believe that Gu Jing would remain unmoved by this issue.

The hall was silent, with only the soft crackle of candle flames audible.

Xu Yougong pressed his lips tightly, looking directly at Lou Shide, who maintained a formal demeanor.

His chest rose and fell slightly, showing his unsettled emotions, but facing the unequivocal serious stance of the prime minister, he finally suppressed his inner turbulence and slowly nodded.

Seeing his intention pacified, Lou Shide cast his gaze over the officials in the lower hall and made a calm gesture with his hand.

There was no need to say more.

From the Deputy Minister of Revenue to the various Langzhong officials, down to the lower-ranking clerks, all respectfully saluted Lou Shide and Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Di Renjie, and then filed out in rows, their footsteps gradually fading in the spacious hall.