"I am not very knowledgeable in government affairs, but in the past few years, I have seen the Silk Road being built up little by little. Every year is livelier, more prosperous than the last. The major merchants in the northwest have begun to travel outside the country. Central Plains people have always been diligent and hard-working. Your subject believes that in just three or five years, this prosperity can spread to the whole territory of Great Liang. When that time comes..."

Although he was resilient in his response, Li Feng was not stupid; he, of course, was able to understand the rejection.

To the currently very enthusiastic Emperor Long An, his roundabout speech was much like a bucket of cold water.

"Subject Gu," Li Feng suddenly changed his pronouns, arbitrarily interrupting him: "You truly don't understand government affairs. Business travels have indeed been able to make money in the past few years, but can you guarantee that this will continue to last? The things of these business people, do you know them full well? I wasn't aware that in addition to being able to kill the enemy, the Marquis of Order also understands the way of business and trade."

The Emperor was truly irritated now.

Gu Yun knew that when he heard the two words 'Subject Gu', he should immediately shut up and do as he was told.

He was silent for a moment; for some reason, the fire on the steam lamp behind the Emperor suddenly became unstable, creating a small sparkling noise.

Gu Yun thought, a few days ago, he still vowed to Master Jiang he 'did not dare to underestimate this body'...

Li Feng raised his hand and rubbed his temple, repressing his anger, finding a way out for both of them. He stiffly said: "Forget it, you should return to rest first. I leave this matter to you. Go back and think about it. Spring has yet to arrive, the northwest is freezing cold, you do not have to hurry back over there..."

"Your Majesty." Gu Yun narrowed his eyes, suddenly lifting his robes and kneeling down. He once said he would not fight for meaningless temper and righteousness, but this was not merely a matter of temper and righteousness.

"Your Majesty, forgive me," Gu Yun said slowly, "Ziliujin is, of course, of importance, but pardon your subject's stupidity, I could not comprehend the deeper meaning of Your Majesty's action. It was not easy for the Silk Road to become as prosperous and peaceful as right now. Your Majesty would truly abandon it regardless only for a little amount of Ziliujin?"

"The Silk Road became what it is today, Subject Gu's contribution cannot be denied, I understand that after too many years of hard work, you cannot bear to... you think I don't feel pained?"