Chapter 446 A single bond issuance brings in a fortune; capital gambles the nation's fate with a bloodthirsty greed.

The horns of war had sounded, and the wheels of the empire began to turn with a roar. However, what drove this massive war machine was not just blood and steel, but massive amounts of silver, consumed like flowing water.

Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui had been living like he was being roasted on a fire recently. His face, which used to be quite ruddy, had thinned out in just half a month, and the gray hairs at his temples were increasing at a visible rate.

Inside the Ministry of Revenue office, the beads of the abacus clicked like popping beans, ringing incessantly. Rows of accountants were sweating, their brushes never stopping.

"Minister, for the ten new military camps in the north, the budget submitted by Commander Zhou for the construction of barracks and training grounds alone requires three million taels!"

"Minister, the people from Master Qin at the General Armory sent word that the production line for 'Thors Hammer' is running at full capacity, and the production of supporting shells is a bottomless pit. They request the Ministry of Revenue to urgently allocate five million taels for turnover!"

"Minister, a letter from Commander Su of the Longjiang Shipyard in the south says that Academician Mo Yuan has smelted new steel and wants to expand three blast furnaces. The budget... the budget is eight million taels!"

"Minister..."

Each astronomical figure was like a heavy hammer striking Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui's heart. He covered his forehead, feeling the world spin. There was indeed quite a bit of silver in the Ministry of Revenue's treasury, the family fortune saved up since the Emperor ascended the throne through seizing corrupt officials' assets and reforming the tax system. But the speed of this spending was too terrifying.

Total war and nationwide industrialization were being pursued simultaneously. It was like a person trying to run a hundred-meter sprint while lifting a thousand-pound weight; the physical exertion was increasing geometrically.

"The war hasn't even started, and the national treasury is about to be hollowed out!" Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui looked at the mountain of accounts and let out a desperate groan. "Your Majesty, your steps are too big; this old minister's legs can't keep up!"

He was so worried he couldn't eat or sleep. Finally, with no other choice, he steeled himself, clutched a pile of account books, and went into the palace with a sorrowful face.

Inside the Imperial Study, Emperor Liu Sheng listened to Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui's tearful complaints, but his expression remained unusually calm. He offered no reprimand and no comfort, simply picking up a prepared plan from the desk and handing it over.

"Minister Shen, take a look at this."

Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui took it suspiciously, seeing five large characters on the cover: 《Great Han War Bonds》.

"War... bonds?" Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui muttered this unfamiliar term, full of confusion.

"Simply put, it means the imperial court borrows money from the public," Emperor Liu Sheng explained. "I will issue these bonds to merchants, landlords, and all wealthy families across the country, using the Great Han's future war reparations and the potential income from future overseas territories as collateral. If they buy these bonds, it is equivalent to lending money to the country. If the war is won, I will not only repay the principal with interest but also pay a high interest rate that far exceeds any business on the market."

Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui was dumbfounded. Borrowing money from the common people to fight a war? This... this was unheard of! Throughout the dynasties, when there was a lack of money for war, it was always about increasing taxes, levying extra fees, or simply issuing debased currency to scrape from the people. When had anyone ever done the reverse, lowering themselves to borrow money from the common people and even promising high interest?

"Your Majesty, this... will it work? What if, what if no one buys it?" Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui still felt it was unreliable. Common people, especially those merchants, were all shrewd; they wouldn't release the eagle until they saw the rabbit. Who would be so foolish as to hand over real gold and silver to the imperial court in exchange for a piece of paper?

"They will," Emperor Liu Sheng's lips curled into a confident smile. "Because I have already set the best example for them."

Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized.

The First Textile Factory!

That behemoth which had created countless wealth myths in just one year! Which of the merchants who invested in the first batch of shares wasn't making a fortune now? In Shenjing City, stories about the sudden wealth of the textile factory's shareholders had become the most popular topic for storytellers.

The Emperor had proven with facts that following him meant having meat to eat! And eating large chunks of meat at that!

"My reputation is the greatest guarantee for these bonds." Emperor Liu Sheng stood up, walked to Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui, and patted his shoulder. "You only need to announce the news of the bond issuance and my promise exactly as it is. Leave the rest to the market."

Three days later, the entrance to the Great Han Royal Bank was bustling with people, lively and extraordinary.

When the news of the official issuance of "War Bonds" was announced, the entire business world of the Imperial Capital was shaken. At first, most people were in a wait-and-see state. After all, this was not a small amount, and what was pledged was the ethereal "war reparations."

However, just at this moment, the appearance of one person completely ignited the scene.

"Make way, make way!"

The crowd parted to create a path, and Fatty Wang, the richest man in the Imperial Capital and one of the largest shareholders of the First Textile Factory, walked over with a glowing face, surrounded by a group of servants. He didn't even ask about the price, rushing directly to the counter and patting his chest.

"Give me one million taels worth!"

One million taels! A collective gasp sounded from the crowd.

"Boss Wang, you... what are you doing?" Someone couldn't help but ask.

Fatty Wang turned his head and chuckled, revealing a mouthful of gold teeth: "Everyone, what are you still hesitating about? A year ago, when the Emperor let us invest in the textile factory, you hesitated, and what happened? I followed the Emperor and earned more money in one year than I had in the first half of my life!"

He paused, lowering his voice, but it was loud enough for everyone around to hear: "You don't even think about it, what kind of person is the Emperor? He is the Ziwei Star descended from heaven! When has he ever done a losing business? This fight against the Japanese pirates is a guaranteed win! What we are buying now is not some bond, but immense wealth! It is an opportunity to follow the Emperor and cut meat from the Japanese pirates!"

These words were like pouring a ladle of cold water into boiling oil, instantly causing an uproar.

That's right! Had the Emperor's vision ever been wrong? The textile factory was the best proof!

The wealth of these emerging industrial capitalists was already deeply bound to the Emperor's policies. They knew better than anyone else that if the Emperor won, their good days could continue. If the Emperor lost, everything they currently possessed would vanish like smoke.

This was no longer a simple investment; it was a high-stakes gamble! The stake was their entire fortune. And the house was the current Emperor of the Great Han!

"I'll buy five hundred thousand taels!"

"Give me two hundred thousand taels!"

"Don't squeeze! Don't squeeze! I want three hundred thousand taels!"

The crowd went completely crazy. They waved their silver notes and surged towards the counter like a tide. Those who didn't have enough capital even pooled money together to buy. In their eyes flickered greed and fanaticism, as if they were not seeing paper bonds, but mountains of gold and silver.