Chapter 687: Public displays of affection (2/2)

Yes, this woman was different, but she was still a femme fatale in the end!

“You all should rise and sit,” Long Feiye finally spoke.

The crowd did as they were told, but didn’t stop staring at Han Yunxi. Uncomfortable with their looks, she murmured quietly, “Long Feiye, what’s going on?”

“Nothing. I just don’t like you sitting by yourself on the side,” Long Feiye murmured with his face buried in her neck.

Han Yunxi’s heart warmed at the sentiments, but before she could speak, the Xiao Clan Head sitting at the front stood up with hands clasped. “This one has long heard of esteemed wangfei’s famed name,” he said, “It is fortune accumulated from three lifetimes that I’ve been able to see you today! Today, the Six Ministries have all gathered under one roof to discuss war affairs in the western regions. Together we will plan for the south central regions’ peace and prosperity. Since esteemed wangfei has come as well, you must condescend to instruct up. I don’t know what brilliant ideas you have for the Cloud Realm Continent chessboard, but I shall listen with respectful attention!”

As expected, those born of old, established families were cut from a different cloth. He bowed elegantly and spoke with a cultivated tone. But so what? Han Yunxi knew as soon as she heard him that he was here to pick faults with her. None of these men had the righteous bearing of a proper established clan at all! She hadn’t wanted to get involved in politics because she was already too busy. Besides, she didn’t like the topic anyways. Unfortunately, Long Feiye had pushed her into the role of a femme fatale. She shouldn’t disappoint him then, should she?

Even if it was to pay back those warm words he’d muttered at her, she’d vie her hardest!

Where she was uneasy before, she now relaxed to recline in Long Feiye’s arms. “Then all of you, listen well. Esteemed wangfei will only say this once!”

All of the old men grew furious enough to turn their faces green! Xiao Clan Head had been polite, but Han Yunxi was completely rude. When had they ever been treated with such disrespect? As expected, she’s been spoiled rotten. If we don’t suppress her now, what will happen in the future?

“Please speak!” the Xiao Clan Head remained standing as he forced down his temper.

“Western Zhou, Tianning, and Tianning are three countries in disorder. For the south central regions, this can be seen as a boon. There’s no time to lose…”

The Minister of Revenue laughed at her words. “Esteemed wangfei, everyone knows that already.”

Naturally, the five clan heads couldn’t laugh at Han Yunxi in public because they had to maintain their family’s reputations, but they’d elected the Minister of Revenue to be their representative.

“So you know as well, hm?” Han Yunxi asked with amusement.

“Of course. The unrest between the three nations will having us south central regions sitting by to reel in the catch!” the Minster of Revenue replied.

“And what kind of scheme are you fishermen planning exactly?” Han Yunxi asked nexted.

“Once the three nations are exhausted from fighting, it’ll be time for the south central regions to move out their troops. When the time comes, we’ll not only eat up Tianning’s territory, but expand our way into Western Zhou and Tianan as well…”

“Doesn’t everyone know that already as well?” Han Yunxi interrupted. “These are affairs under the Board of War, so you don’t have to worry about them. Esteemed wangfei wants to know what your Ministry of Revenue is planning to do to support their efforts?”

Without hesitation, the minister replied, “Naturally, the assist the Board of Revenue with recruiting men and buying horses, as well as preparing grain.”

The Ministry of Revenue held thrall over an entire nation from its lands, fields, census registers, taxes, soldiers’ pay and other financial needs. They were equivalent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The man’s answer was confident, but Han Yunxi only laughed loudly.

“Doesn’t everyone all know that as well?”

After being interrupted twice and forced to eat his own words, the Minister of Revenue grew displeased. He couldn’t accept it and shot back, “Then what brilliant ideas does esteemed wangfei possess? Please condescend to instruct us!”

“I was going to say it, but you interrupted me, didn’t you? Aye, let’s make it clear. Don’t interrupt me this time. No matter how good your ideas are, hold it until the end when this wangfei finishes speaking. Then you can talk, alright?” Han Yunxi said patiently.

The five clan heads blanched uniformly at the words, while Baili Yuanlong was trying not to laugh. Long Feiye simply held her hand and patted her waist in amusement.

“Esteemed wangfei, please condescend to instruct us!” at last, the Minister of Revenue found himself in an awkward position. He waited while refusing to believe that Han Yunxi could say anything of lofty merits at all…