uite honored"Seeing the two banter and flirt, Zhao Tai, unable to interject, felt a mixture of anger and envy. He gritted his teeth and said: “This is a poetry gathering, not a place for your rambling...Chapter 107 Approved

“Nowadays, most of the official roads in Xishan Province have been washed away. Any supplies purchased or dispatched from outside and then transported into Xishan Province almost all need to detour through mountain roads after entering the province. Since the mountain roads are difficult to travel, how much would the transportation costs increase”

"Besides, who knows when the dam might collapse Once it does, it'll be a disaster, and there's no escape. Those conscripted laborers repairing it are all going up there with the knowledge that they're likely to die. Without generous rewards and compensation, do you think Xu Changqing would dare to carry stones and sand up there"

Xu Changqing, being in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, naturally knew what Guan Zhiwei said was true and felt speechless for a moment.

And at this time, Li Chen also closed the document.

"Agreed."

Li Chen said lightly.

Guan Zhiwei's face was filled with ecstasy, and he immediately knelt down and said: "Your Highness is merciful to the hundreds of thousands of disaster victims in Xishan Province! I, your humble servant, thank you!"

It's clear that Guan Zhiwei's excitement and gratitude are genuine.

Looking at the current court, Li Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion seeing such an official who truly puts the people first.

"Get up."

After Guan Zhiwei was dismissed, Li Chen said: "Although the court has gained a sum of money now, as you know, just repairing the two levees will cost 800,000 taels. There are countless disaster victims and many areas affected by the disaster throughout the country. You are well aware of this. Besides, with the continuous snowfall, there will be many places that need money afterwards. Therefore, I have ordered Xu Changqing to manage the treasury well. He is carrying out my order and has done nothing wrong. You should also understand."

Gu Zhiwei said with shame, "I know I was wrong."

Li Chen looked at Xu Changqing and said, "And you too."

"Although I have you in charge of the treasury, it doesn't mean I won't spend a single coin. Those silver taels are kept in the national treasury for a reason - to be used for disaster relief! When facing reasonable requests, you should cooperate. If you're unsure how to handle something, come ask me for advice. That's what you, the left minister of finance, should do."

Xu Changqing blushed and was speechless.

"Alright, you two. You both have dedicated yourselves to the public good. Though your actions this time were quite reckless, this Palace will let bygones be bygones. However, if there's another such incident, I shall have your hats removed and banish you to guard the city gates."

First, he soothed them, then set down the rules. Li Chen's approach left both Xu Changqing and Guan Zhiwei with no room for dissent.

"Your Highness, this humble servant has one more request. Please grant it, Your Highness," Guan Zhiwei suddenly said.

"You said," Li Chen said.

"Your Highness, please grant me the authority to handle this renovation project independently, bypassing the Ministry of Works and allowing me full control over its execution," Guan Zhiwei said through gritted teeth.

To say this, he also mustered up a great deal of courage.

After all, this request does not conform to the system and it is easy for the prince to feel that he is demanding power.

Li Chen frowned.

He understood Guan Zhiwei's meaning.

He is afraid that someone inside the Ministry of Works might covet this 800,000 taels engineering project.

And the only people who could strike fear into Guan Yu's heart were the Minister of Works and his left assistant.

"Okay."

After a moment's consideration, Li Chen agreed.

He is not someone who is unwilling to delegate power.

Leave professional matters to the professionals.

He was confident he could keep a close eye on Guan Zhiwei.

"I will send a decree to the Ministry of Works later. You are in full charge of this matter. Funds will be used exclusively for this purpose. Every single sum will be audited by Xu Changqing and his team before disbursement. No one is allowed to interfere. If anyone gives you trouble, come to the East Palace to find me."

Guan Zhiwei was overjoyed and tearfully thanked him, saying, "Your humble servant thanks Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!Chapter 634: Bravery