Things always got done with utmost efficiency inside the palace.

In just an afternoon, Guo Tianyang had instructed his subordinates to find a good location, finish renovations, and procure several dozen exquisite porcelain jars.

The location was naturally first-rate, situated in an area of the capital frequented by the wealthy elite.

The signboard was hung up for all to see, dispensing with any other superfluous procedures.

…

The next morning at the imperial court.

Civil and military officials gathered in front of Fengtian Hall. Guo Tianyang intentionally took a roundabout path to pass in front of them.

In his hands he carried a tray, upon which sat a teapot, its lid slightly ajar.

The officials looked at each other in puzzlement as they saw Eunuch Guo approaching from afar with mincing steps.

Eunuch Guo always appeared together with His Majesty, so why was he passing in front of Fengtian Hall alone today?

Guo Tianyang gradually approached the crowd, his footsteps slowing…

Li Yansong asked curiously, “Eunuch Guo, why have you come alone today? Where is His Majesty?”

Guo Tianyang’s eyes lit up and he hurriedly carried the tea over.

“Lord Li, this old servant went especially to prepare tea for His Majesty. His Majesty will arrive a bit later.”

Tea? Since when did this require special preparation? This wasn’t done for previous morning courts.

Many started to feel perplexed while catching a whiff of a fresh, elegant fragrance.

Their feet unconsciously drew closer, eyes constantly glancing at Guo Tianyang’s hands.

Li Yansong asked curiously, “Oh? Eunuch Guo, what tea is this? It has a clear color and a lingering fragrance. I’ve never seen His Majesty drink this before.”

Here it comes! Just waiting for you to ask! Guo Tianyang rejoiced inwardly.

He then proclaimed in a loud voice, “This tea, you see, was discovered by chance by His Majesty a few days ago in a teahouse in the capital.”

“Its flavor is fresh and elegant. Drinking it can invigorate the spirit and replenish vitality. His Majesty took a liking to it after just one taste.”

“Look now! All the previous teas have been replaced by this new one.”

Hearing his words, a buzz of discussion gradually arose from the crowd:

“Indeed! The aroma is quite extraordinary, so fragrant!”

“Hmm, the flavor seems a bit like the wild pine tea of my Hengjiang Prefecture, but not quite the same. It does smell very nice.”

“Eunuch Guo, what’s this tea called?”

Guo Tianyang chuckled, “This tea is named Celestial Immortal Tea! Apparently regular consumption can prolong life, nourish the kidneys and bolster vitality. It’s hailed as a man’s treasure!”

“My! Celestial Immortal Tea – the name alone sounds extraordinary!”

“Hah? Who knew Eunuch Guo was also knowledgeable about a man’s treasure!”

“Hahahahaha!”

…

Someone in the crowd couldn’t help but joke, eliciting laughter from everyone.

Damn it!

Guo Tianyang’s face turned livid as a pig’s liver. His eyes swept over the officials, desperately wanting to find the bastard who just spoke and tear him to shreds!

He was insulted while carrying out his duties! It’s all because of Fang Zhengyi!

Unable to find the culprit after searching for a while, Guo Tianyang could only give up in frustration.

“Everyone, it’s nothing. I’ll be going first. It’s windy outside. If the tea gets cold, I can’t bear His Majesty’s displeasure!”

With that, Guo Tianyang turned to leave.

Li Yansong hurriedly stopped him, nervously rubbing his hands together.

He was somewhat tempted; a man’s treasure that could invigorate and strengthen the kidneys. Old Li wanted to give it a try.

After all, in his sixties, he felt his health deteriorating with each passing year. In his government office, on top of the aching back and sore legs, he often felt drowsy.

He could only drink cold water to stay awake, as he couldn’t get used to the flavored teas, which were too strong and always left him with a mouthful of dregs.

The clear soup aroma of this tea smelled very refreshing, and could invigorate the mind and strengthen the kidneys.

With such a man’s treasure, he had to give it a try!

“Eunuch Guo, is this tea really as good as you say?”

“Nonsense! It’s not what I say, but what His Majesty says! If His Majesty says it’s good, how could it be false?” Guo Tianyang glanced sideways at Li Yansong.

Li Yansong hastily waved his hand, “Of course! Of course! If His Majesty approves, it must be excellent!”

“Then…where can one purchase it?”

Guo Tianyang gave a faint smile. The big fish had taken the bait!

If the Prime Minister of the Cabinet set a good example, naturally those below would follow suit. Tea sales would be guaranteed.

Li Yansong was a veteran official who had served two emperors. His family were also big landowners. Although expensive at five hundred taels a catty, he could definitely afford the tea.

“This tea is procured by the palace. This old servant can’t remember where it was originally purchased. But I can inquire on behalf of you lords.”

“Anything else? If there’s nothing more, this old servant will take his leave first.”

Li Yansong bowed. Guo Tianyang turned around, a smug expression appearing on his face.

…

Inside Fengtian Hall, the officials took their positions.

Emperor Jing sat high on the dragon throne, teacup in hand, repeatedly using the lid to stir the floating tea leaves.

The people below stared fixedly as the emperor drank his tea.

The fragrance wafted down in waves. Many felt their mouths go dry, unconsciously licking their lips.

Only after finishing a cup did Emperor Jing slowly speak.

“Beloved subjects, while I was away from the capital these past few days, were there any major issues? Bring them forth for discussion.”

Minister of Revenue Zhang Shi stepped forward, “Your Majesty, your humble servant has a memorial, news just received yesterday. In recent days, Jianjiang has seen continuous heavy rains, already causing two dikes to collapse.”

“Half a month ago, the number of disaster victims exceeded three thousand. While grain supplies are adequate, the Provincial Governor and the Regional Governor have now made a special request to the Ministry of Revenue for thirty thousand taels of silver to recruit civilian workers for disaster relief and dike repairs.”

“However, with the great number of disaster victims in recent years, the Ministry of Revenue is already overspent. To balance other matters, the most the Ministry of Revenue can currently provide is twenty thousand taels.”

“Please render your sage decision, Your Majesty!”

Emperor Jing closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.

As expected, as soon as he returned it was these troublesome matters again. Natural and man-made disasters were everywhere these past two years.

With the national treasury already empty, the people below would surely set their sights on his own private funds.

But this money had to be spent, even if it pained him to do so.

After a moment’s consideration, Emperor Jing gritted his teeth, “I understand. I will make up the deficit of ten thousand taels from my own private stores.”

The senior ministers below all heaved sighs of relief.

Zhang Shi’s eyes shone as he hastily said, “Your Majesty’s wisdom is boundless!”

As the Minister of Revenue in charge of the nation’s finances, no one was more stressed than him.

Now the Ministry of Revenue simply had no money. They could only turn to the emperor for funds. Originally he thought it would take several days of wrangling, but to his surprise, His Majesty readily agreed!

Looks like that excursion really led to some changes. In the past, getting money was always an ordeal.

Emperor Jing inwardly scoffed. Of course he was wise and brilliant when spending his money!

He had scrimped and saved for years to accumulate twenty thousand taels in private funds, and now half of it was gone in one breath!

He hoped that batch of tea could restore some face for him.

“Do you beloved subjects have any other matters?”

Seeing the emperor’s displeased expression, the officials all prudently kept silent.

Usually at times like this when the emperor was in a foul mood, there was no point in speaking. Wait for next time!

Seeing everyone’s silence, Emperor Jing said, “Very well! Since you beloved subjects have nothing to bring forth, I have something to say.”

“Where is Fan Cong, Commander of the Five City Garrison?”

“Your servant is present!” Fan Cong emerged from the crowd, somewhat apprehensive.

Emperor Jing’s expression turned severe, “When I returned to the capital and looked around, I saw damaged roads and sewage everywhere. Commander, what have you been doing?!”

“Huh?” Fan Cong raised his head in surprise and hurriedly explained, “Your Majesty, perhaps the drains are blocked, leading to some water accumulation on the streets…The capital is also very dusty, so a bit of rain turns the streets to muck.”

“It’s always been like this. Every time there’s a big downpour, your humble servant dispatches men to inspect the drains and culverts. There must’ve been…must’ve been a mishap this time.”

Hearing his excuses, Emperor Jing flew into a rage, “Silence! Is it right just because it’s always been this way?! And to think you’re paid a salary by the court!”

“I’ll give you three months. Repair the roads, dredge the drains. Figure out the money yourself! If the situation inside the city hasn’t improved by the fifth month, then take off that official’s robe for me!”

Although Fan Cong was still a bit dazed, seeing the emperor’s fury, he instinctively knelt down, “Your servant deserves a myriad deaths! In three months, the streets will definitely have a brand new look.”

Emperor Jing nodded expressionlessly, “Good, I will send someone to check.”

“The rest of you beloved subjects – if you have matters to report, do so. If there are none, the morning court is dismissed!”