"Taoist, your lofty principles are commendable. Speak, Yi Taoist, how much do you wish to borrow?"
Ying Si, faced with Yi Chen's excuse, was noncommittal but promptly pierced through the pretense to grab the crux of the issue.
A Millennium Emperor of great stature certainly wasn't so easily fooled.
Regarding the bargaining chip Yi Chen laid out, namely that he would rush day and night to eliminate any heretical or calamitous beings that emerged within Great Qin's territories, while the promise had substantial value, even high value must have limits.
"During this time of great war, with the vastness of Great Qin to consider, Your Majesty's hands are not so free with funds. A humble Taoist asks only for twenty percent of the national treasury's income—what does Your Majesty think?"
