YWTGU -Chapter 26 By Imperial Decree to Ruin the Nation — The Grand World Exposition!

The next morning, at dawn.

In the bedroom of the Zhuangyuan Residence.

“Miss Liu… don’t go…”

Li An lay sprawled across the bed, a silly grin hanging at the corner of his lips as he called out, even reaching into the air to grab at something.

In his dream, he was continuing last night’s “beauty trap,” strolling beside the small pond in the Prime Minister’s residence with Liu Wanqing, the precious daughter of the Imperial Uncle’s household.

It was truly…

Moonlight like water, beauty like jade.

They talked from poetry and song to philosophy of life, from music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to the fate of the realm.

In those autumn-water eyes of Liu Wanqing’s was nothing but admiration as she murmured softly, “Young Master Li, Wanqing has never met anyone so learned and talented…”

Just as Li An was about to say something flirtatious—

Splash!

A basin of cold water poured straight over his head.

“Cough! Cough!”

Li An shot upright, soaked from head to toe. His hair clung to his face, and he looked utterly bedraggled.

“Who?! Who the hell—”

He wiped the water from his face and looked up.

Hongmei stood by the bedside holding an empty basin, her expression blank.

On that cold, stunning face were two very clear words: Not pleased.

“Awake?”

Her voice was even colder than the water.

Li An shivered, feeling deeply wronged.

Damn it, I finally have one good dream, and this is how it ends?

“Hongmei, is this how a maid behaves? Splashing your young master awake with cold water first thing in the morning—”

“If I hadn’t woken you,” Hongmei cut in icily, “you would’ve kept shouting for that… Miss Liu? Calling quite enthusiastically in your dream. Planning to do what to her next in there? Hmph. You lecher.”

Li An froze for a moment, then gave an awkward dry laugh.

“Well… it was just a dream. Dreaming isn’t illegal, right? Even if I was having a spring dream, so what? Do you control heaven and earth, people eating and relieving themselves, and even their dreams?”

Hongmei said nothing. She simply tossed the empty basin onto the floor with a loud clang.

Li An shrank his neck.

Right. This ice-faced beauty was not easy to placate.

Still, thinking back to last night’s candlelit stroll with Liu Wanqing at the Prime Minister’s residence… it really had gone to his head.

The girl looked like a fairy, spoke gently and sweetly, and from time to time gazed at him with those watery eyes…

Tsk tsk. The aftereffects of a beauty trap were indeed powerful.

Li An shook his head and warned himself inwardly.

No, no!

It’s a beauty trap!

I can only pretend to fall for it on the surface. In my heart, I must remain pure!

My body may have already been tainted by the Empress, but my heart… must still be reserved for—

At that thought, he subconsciously glanced at Hongmei.

Hongmei happened to be looking at him too. Their eyes met.

“What are you looking at?” she snorted coldly, pulling a letter from her sleeve and tossing it to him. “An urgent order from the Blackwater Terrace.”

At the words “Blackwater Terrace,” Li An sobered instantly.

After all, he was a spy from Northern Yan. On the surface, his life and death were still in the Blackwater Terrace’s hands.

He quickly picked up the letter and opened it.

The contents were simple and not unexpected—urging him to complete his mission as soon as possible, though the tone was far more pressing this time.

In short, Great Qi’s treasury had become flush with silver, and Northern Yan was deeply dissatisfied. Li An was ordered to squander three million taels within ten days. No mistakes allowed. Otherwise, he would bear the consequences.

After reading it, Li An felt numb.

Again! Always threatening to stop sending the antidote.

Just a couple of days ago, I was a hero!

And…

Three million taels?

Ten days?

Did the Blackwater Terrace misunderstand what “squandering money” meant?

That’s three million taels—not three hundred!

You want me to trick the court into spending three million taels in ten days? Is that even possible?

“What’s going on?” he asked, looking up at Hongmei. “Weren’t they encouraging me to throw Great Qi’s officialdom into chaos? I’ve been selling offices just fine. Now they want me to bankrupt the treasury? The previous order just came down, and now there’s another urgent one…”

“That’s because you sold them too well,” Hongmei replied expressionlessly.

“Huh?”

“The sanitation levy you came up with, plus the money from selling offices, has added five million taels to Great Qi’s treasury. When our spies got that intelligence and reported it back to Northern Yan, the Emperor and Prime Minister were shocked… They’re afraid Great Qi will use that money to expand its army and equip new weapons. So they sent orders overnight, telling you to squander all that silver in the treasury as quickly as possible.”

Li An nearly spat out blood.

I was just trying to mess up Great Qi’s bureaucracy by stuffing it with all sorts of bizarre characters…

And somehow I accidentally made their treasury richer?

Right!

Not even counting the money from selling offices…

The one million taels from my wager with the Prime Minister didn’t go into my pocket either—it went to the national treasury!

And the sanitation levy—that was no small sum.

Plus… that fellow Jin Daya—who knew how much “initiative” he’d taken in fining officials and wealthy gentry?

Sigh! Who can judge what kind of mess this is?

Li An changed out of his soaked clothes while pondering.

“So…” he began awkwardly, shaking his head, “my mission now is to figure out how to spend all the money I just earned?”

“Yes.” Hongmei nodded. “Ten days. Three million taels. Not only must you spend it—you must waste it. It can’t turn into Great Qi’s national strength after being spent.”

Li An fell silent.

His mood right now was roughly like this…

He had dug a pit happily, planning to trap some big prey—

Only to realize he’d fallen into it himself.

The deeper the pit he dug before, the harder it would be to climb out now.

Three million taels!

Not three hundred, not three thousand!

Even if he feasted on delicacies and reveled every night, he couldn’t spend that much in ten days.

Besides, the Emperor and the court wouldn’t allow him to spend it recklessly like that. He’d have to come up with a legitimate-sounding excuse.

“What else did they say? I don’t want to spend the money and then get blamed for spending it the wrong way…”

Li An asked, his mind spinning with countless schemes.

Hongmei thought for a moment and added, “They suggest you launch some grand project in Great Qi.”

“A grand project?”

“Yes. The kind that exhausts the people and drains the treasury but serves no real purpose—purely for face.”

She gave an example. “Like persuading the Emperor to build another palace.”

Li An nodded. The direction made sense.

Build another palace?

It did sound promising.

But the timing was wrong.

Great Qi had just finished renovating the imperial palace, and he had only recently denounced the Emperor in his “Memorial Urging Surrender” for building palaces without merit while burdening the people.

If he now turned around and suggested building another palace for pleasure, his persona would collapse.

“Looks like I’ll have to rely on my clever little brain…”

Just as Li An was seriously contemplating how to help the Emperor squander money, a crisp, pleasant voice came from outside the door.

“Young Master Li! Young Master Li, are you in?”

The voice was enchanting, with a touch of coquettish sweetness.

Li An paused. Why did that sound familiar?

“Who is it?”

Before he finished asking, the door was pushed open.

A young woman in a pale pink dress entered carrying an exquisite food box. It was none other than Liu Wanqing, one of the capital’s Four Great Beauties and the Imperial Uncle’s daughter, whom he had met at the Prime Minister’s residence the night before.

“Young Master Li!”

She beamed. “Wanqing has brought you breakfast!”

Li An: “…”

Hongmei: “…”

The air suddenly grew very quiet—and faintly sour.

Only then did Liu Wanqing notice Hongmei standing nearby. She blinked and feigned curiosity.

“And this elder sister is…?”

Hongmei’s expression instantly turned colder, her tone proud and aloof.

“I am Lord Li’s personal maid.”

“Oh!”

Liu Wanqing didn’t take offense. Instead, she smiled brightly.

“Perfect! Then please help me warm up this food box. I made these osmanthus cakes myself—they mustn’t get cold.”

Hongmei: “…”

Seeing Hongmei’s face practically freezing over, Li An felt his heart skip.

Oh no. This is how people die.

“Miss Liu… it’s fine! Cold is better. I like them cold.”

He hurriedly changed the subject. “Why did you come to my residence so early?”

Liu Wanqing set down the box and naturally took a seat opposite him, resting her chin in her hands as she blinked her bright, watery eyes.

“After parting from you last night, Young Master Li, Wanqing couldn’t sleep. Thinking of you living alone in such a large residence, perhaps without anyone to care whether you’re warm or cold, I simply couldn’t bear it.”

With a look that said “I only know how to dote on you,” she cast him a sidelong glance.

“So I got up early to make some pastries and bring them to you.”

Objectively, Li An found the words extremely pleasing—but with Hongmei beside him, they made his scalp tingle.

This beauty trap was too obvious.

Imperial Uncle, at least have your daughter act a little more natural!

“I appreciate Miss Liu’s kindness,” he replied with a dry laugh. “But coming out alone so early—it might not be convenient, no?”

“What’s inconvenient?” Liu Wanqing blinked. “I brought several maids and guards. They’re waiting outside. Young Master, hurry and taste them. If you like them, Wanqing can bring them every day…”

Li An: “…”

Every day?

He sneaked a glance at Hongmei. Her hand had already moved to the dagger at her waist.

Damn it, is Hongmei charging up her rage meter?

If she snaps and kills the Imperial Uncle’s daughter in the Zhuangyuan Residence, he wouldn’t be able to explain himself even with a hundred mouths!

“H-Hongmei…”

Li An quickly signaled with his eyes. “Go… prepare the sedan chair. I have to attend court shortly.”

Hongmei shot him a cold look, then glanced at Liu Wanqing. With a snort, she turned and left.

Li An finally let out a breath.

Liu Wanqing leaned closer and whispered, “Young Master Li, your maid is quite fierce. The way she acts, it’s as if she’s the mistress of the house. Why does it seem like you’re afraid of her?”

If you knew she’s a commander from the Blackwater Terrace, you wouldn’t think she’s merely ‘fierce.’

“Ahem… she’s just like that with everyone. Don’t take it to heart…”

Before he could continue, Liu Wanqing suddenly grabbed his hand.

“Young Master Li, I’ve kept your words from last night close to my heart.”

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at him in admiration. “You said, ‘In life, there are things one must do and things one must not.’ Wanqing believes you are truly a man with the world in his heart!”

Li An blinked.

Did I say that?

Probably…

Who doesn’t throw out lofty-sounding lines when chatting up a pretty girl?

“You flatter me…”

“It’s not flattery!” she insisted earnestly. “Though I am but a woman, I know what a hero is. Young Master Li, you are the hero in Wanqing’s heart!”

She edged even closer.

“And I feel you’re different from those scholars who only know how to compose poetry. You have real talent and the ability to govern the world!”

Whoa.

Hearing such words from those delicate lips…

Those soft pink petals made one want to lean in and take a bite.

Even knowing she was acting, Li An felt himself drifting a little.

Being admired by a beauty did feel rather good.

But he quickly sobered up.

No!

This is a beauty trap!

I can’t fall for it!

“Ahem… I’ve eaten the cakes. Miss Liu, it’s getting late. I must attend court…”

“Then Wanqing will see you off!”

She stood immediately. “I want to witness Young Master’s heroic bearing in court!”

Li An: “…”

Miss, do you misunderstand what ‘attending court’ means?

“That’s a restricted area…”

“Then Wanqing will wait outside the palace gates! After court, I’ll accompany you to lunch!”

Li An was speechless.

Imperial Uncle…

Your beauty trap is way too clingy.

…

After much difficulty, he finally sent Liu Wanqing away.

But before he could rest, Hongmei leapt back in through the window.

“Time for court.”

Her tone was as icy as ever.

Li An knew she was sulking internally.

But now wasn’t the time to soothe her. She could work it out herself.

He quickly changed into his official robes and got into the sedan chair, heading for the imperial palace.

…

Morning court. The Golden Throne Hall.

Civil and military officials stood in two rows, the atmosphere solemn and dignified.

Li An stood among them, his mind still racing over how to squander the treasury’s wealth.

Three million taels…

Ten days…

How the hell was he supposed to spend it all?

Just as he was thinking, Minister of Revenue Qian Tong strode out proudly.

“Your Majesty!”

There was excitement in Qian Tong’s voice. “This minister brings good news!”

Zhao Ling’er, seated on the dragon throne, raised an eyebrow.

“Oh? What happy news does Minister Qian bring?”

“Your Majesty!”

Qian Tong cleared his throat. “Thanks to Your Majesty’s blessings, along with Lord Li’s ‘Sanitation Levy’ and the earlier proceeds from the sale of official posts, the national treasury now holds a surplus of five million taels!”

The entire court erupted in shock.

Five million taels?

This was the most abundant the treasury had been in nearly ten years!

Zhao Ling’er’s eyes immediately lit up.

“Five million? Truly?”

“Absolutely true!”

Qian Tong’s beard trembled with pride. “This minister has verified the accounts three times!”

Zhao Ling’er beamed and looked at Li An with open admiration.

“Lord Li, this is all your achievement!”

Li An nearly coughed up blood on the spot.

Achievement?

Was this an achievement?

This was a death sentence!

The richer the treasury became, the harder his KPI would be to complete!

“Your Majesty flatters me…”

he said stiffly, while his mind spun frantically.

No. He had to find a way to spend this money!

“Your Majesty!”

Qian Tong continued, “Aside from the necessary military stipends and routine expenditures, this minister proposes that the remaining silver be temporarily stored in the treasury for emergencies. Northern Yan watches us like a tiger eyeing its prey—we cannot afford carelessness. The funds could be used at any time for military expenses and strengthening armaments.”

“That is sound reasoning,”

Prime Minister Wang Fu stepped forward to agree. “With a full treasury, we should fortify defenses and prepare our forces.”

Li An panicked.

Store it? Strengthen the army?

What about his three-million-tael KPI?!

“Your Majesty!”

He suddenly stepped out and declared loudly,

“This minister has a different opinion!”

All eyes turned to him.

Zhao Ling’er leaned forward with interest.

Everyone was curious what Li An would stir up this time.

“Oh? What insight do you have, Lord Li?”

Li An took a deep breath and began spouting nonsense.

“Your Majesty, silver locked in the treasury is a dead thing!”

He wore an expression of heartfelt concern. “Only when money is spent does it truly live!”

Qian Tong froze.

“What does Lord Li mean?”

“Minister Qian, think about it.”

Li An walked up to him. “If these five million taels sit in the treasury, can they produce more money?”

“Well…”

Qian Tong was stumped.

“They cannot!”

Li An answered himself. “But if we spend it—let it circulate in the markets—it will stimulate all industries and generate even greater wealth!”

He grew more impassioned as he spoke. “What is this called? It’s called ‘consumption driving national strength!’”

The officials exchanged bewildered looks.

Consumption driving national strength?

What kind of crooked theory was that?

But Zhao Ling’er nodded thoughtfully.

“Continue.”

Seeing this, Li An brightened and pressed on.

“Your Majesty, this minister has a plan to make Great Qi renowned across the seas and awe all under heaven!”

“What plan?”

“The World Expo of Ten Thousand Nations!”

Li An waved grandly. “We enclose a thousand mu outside the capital and construct twelve colossal exhibition halls themed on the zodiac. Invite delegations from seventy-two surrounding states to attend!”

“During the event, provide free lodging and meals—and generous gifts!”

“Let the world see how prosperous and powerful Great Qi truly is!”

The court exploded in uproar.

“Absurd!”

The Minister of Rites was the first to object. “Do you know how much this would cost? It would exhaust the people and drain the treasury!”

“Indeed!”

The Vice Minister of War echoed him. “Why not use the money to strengthen the army instead of hosting some expo?”

“Lord Li!”

Qian Tong’s beard bristled with anger. “Do you know what three million taels means? That’s more than Great Qi’s annual tax revenue!”

Hearing their opposition, Li An felt delighted inside.

Yes, yes, exactly—that’s precisely how much I want to spend!

Outwardly, however, he countered solemnly:

“Minister Qian underestimates the matter. Three million is a great sum, but if it can win the submission of seventy-two states and secure our borders, tell me—would it not be worth it?”

Qian Tong was stunned again.

“Well…”

“And furthermore!”

Li An continued weaving lies. “During the Expo, foreign delegations will spend beyond their basic provisions—on food, entertainment, and daily needs. Where will that money go? Into Great Qi’s shops, restaurants, and inns!”

“What is this called? Keeping the fat water within one’s own field!”

“The money goes out—but it flows back in!”

The officials looked increasingly uncertain.

This… actually sounded somewhat reasonable?

Just then—

“Lord Li’s plan is excellent!”

A voice rang out.

It was Prime Minister Wang Fu, smiling as he stepped forward.

“This Prime Minister believes Lord Li’s proposal has merit.”

Li An froze.

Why was this old fox openly supporting him?

Then it dawned on him.

Last night at the Prime Minister’s residence, he had promised Wang Fu opportunities to profit.

A World Expo of such scale would involve enormous funds.

Wang Fu must have smelled the grease.

Perfect. If the Prime Minister siphoned off plenty and cut corners on construction, Great Qi would decline even faster.

Ding!

【Li An proposes the World Expo squandering plan!】

【Prime Minister supports! Court officials oppose!】

【Great Qi National Fortune -2000】

【Current National Fortune: 47,879】

“Prime Minister is wise!”

Li An quickly flattered him. “With your support, this will surely succeed!”

Wang Fu stroked his beard, immensely pleased.

This boy keeps his word—barely after taking my silver, he’s already shaking up the treasury.

And he’s right—if the silver stays locked away, only Qian Tong might find ways to divert it. Without handling the funds, how could I skim any profit?

But once the money flows out—

Excellent. A useful man indeed!

Meanwhile, Zhao Ling’er carefully pondered every word Li An had spoken.

A World Expo…

Seventy-two delegations…

Displaying Great Qi’s prosperity and craftsmanship…

Suddenly, she understood.

Li An meant to showcase national strength and intimidate neighboring states without spending a single soldier’s life!

Moreover, trade relations could be established—controlling their economic lifelines!

Brilliant!

Ding!

【The Emperor overthinks again!】

【Interprets Li An’s squandering plan as “intimidating neighbors and controlling economic lifelines”!】

【Great Qi National Fortune -3000】

【Current National Fortune: 44,879】

Hearing the system prompt, Li An grinned inwardly. The young emperor really had an imagination.

Intimidate neighbors? Control economic lifelines?

Please don’t overthink it. You really believe dozens of nations would bow down just because of some artificial attractions?

How naïve.

“Approved!”

Zhao Ling’er declared. “Lord Li, since you proposed this and earned the silver, you shall take full responsibility!”

Li An was overjoyed.

“Thank you, Your Majesty! Then this minister requests an initial budget of three million taels—more if necessary!”

Qian Tong’s face turned green.

Three million?

That would empty the treasury!

And he dared say “more if necessary.”

But with both emperor and prime minister agreeing, what could he say?

“This minister… obeys.”

Li An looked at Qian Tong’s pained expression and felt exhilarated.

Three million secured!

The Blackwater Terrace mission—and his plan to ruin the nation—were on track!

…

After court adjourned.

Carrying the imperial decree, Li An hurried toward the outskirts of the capital to inspect a suitable site.

But just outside the palace gates, he spotted a familiar figure.

Liu Wanqing stood beside a carriage, smiling sweetly at him.

“Lord Li, I’ve been waiting for you!”

Li An’s face darkened.

“Miss Liu, what are you doing here?”

“I heard you’re choosing a site outside the capital, so I came to help!”

She blinked. “Wouldn’t it be dull alone? With me, you’ll have company along the way.”

Li An: “…”

He glanced at Liu Wanqing, then at Hongmei in the distance—her expression darker than a storm cloud.

Great. No escaping this battlefield.

“…Please, Miss Liu.”

…

Outside the capital, on a barren field.

Standing on a rise, Li An swept his hand grandly.

“This is the place!”

“Here?”

Liu Wanqing asked curiously. “How will you build it?”

Li An thought for a moment and began spouting nonsense again.

“First, pave the ground with jade!”

“Jade?”

Her eyes sparkled. “What boldness!”

“Then, each of the twelve zodiac halls will be trimmed with gold!”

“Gold trim!”

She clapped excitedly. “Brilliant!”

“Finally, all guests will enjoy the finest hospitality—rare delicacies to eat and palatial lodgings!”

“Wonderful!”

Liu Wanqing flushed with excitement. “I’ll write home and have my family contribute silver!”

Li An blinked.

“Huh?”

“My father is the Imperial Uncle!”

She said matter-of-factly. “How could such a grand event lack our support? I’ll have Father contribute five hundred thousand taels—no, one million!”

Li An: “…”

Wait. This script isn’t right.

I’m trying to squander money—not raise investments!

“Miss Liu, about that—”

“No need for courtesy!”

She cut him off. “I know you’re doing this for Great Qi’s glory. It’s my honor to help.”

Li An stared at her sincere face, momentarily speechless.

He turned to Hongmei—whose face was now darker than the bottom of a wok.

Damn it…

My Commander is furious.

Imperial Uncle’s daughter—you look so delicate…

Can you even survive this battlefield?