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Chapter 673: Big Rat (I)

"Grandma, please don't be angry. Listen to me."

Jiang Shaohua said solemnly: "I am doing this to stabilize the garrisons in various parts of Daliang to prevent people from being uneasy when the throne is passed."

"The successive changes in the capital are like the collapse of the sky and the split of the earth, with far-reaching impacts. Once people's hearts are unstable, perhaps bandits and refugees will rebel, or a garrison far away from the capital will directly rebel. By then, let's not talk about how many people will die. Even if we send troops to quell the rebellion, how much military expenditure will it cost? Once a war breaks out, the soldiers who died in the battle need to be compensated, and the injured also need to be compensated. The places affected by the war need to be rebuilt, and the court will have to allocate people and money. How much will it cost?"

"So, I must stabilize people's hearts as quickly as possible. Provide them with sufficient military funds and food and clothing, and first stabilize the 40 garrisons in Daliang. This is a very cost-effective deal. Grandmother, please do the math and see if this is the case."

Empress Dowager Zheng did not want to settle the account, and was arrogant and unreasonable: "I don't care about these. I only know that the confiscated property of the princes should be divided into two parts, half should be added to the national treasury, and the other half should be added to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is the traditional practice of the court. I don't ask for more!"

Jiang Shaohua said calmly: "Some of the court's practices can be continued, but some old customs must be changed when it comes to me."

Empress Dowager Zheng: “…”

Empress Dowager Zheng was choked. She wanted to be angry, but she had no position to do so. She also felt a little weak for some reason when she saw Jiang Shaohua's indifferent look.

Jiang Shaohua continued, "In my eyes, there is not much difference between the national treasury and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The silver in the national treasury has its uses, and the silver in the Ministry of Internal Affairs must be kept ready at all times. As for the Nanyang Palace, Feng Changshi will also send silver to the capital every year. Apart from the necessary expenses, I use the rest for my business."

"What is the main business? Raising troops is the most important business."

"Daliang has powerful external enemies and various internal troubles. Without a strong military force, how can the country be stable?"

"To be honest with you, Grandmother, I will not only pay for the military expenses, but also improve the treatment of all soldiers. They can't just sit there and do nothing. I want elite soldiers who can really go to war."

"Right now, Daliang is mainly composed of infantry, with cavalry accounting for only 10%. There are even fewer truly elite cavalry. It will take at least several years to improve the combat effectiveness of the army."

"Grandma, you have to work with me and not fall behind."

Empress Dowager Zheng was speechless for a long while before she managed to say a few words in anger: "I just said a few words, and you threw a bunch of high-sounding principles at me. What else can I say?"

Jiang Shaohua is well versed in the art of giving a few sweet dates after a beating, and immediately smiled and coaxed: "Grandma is very understanding, so I am telling her in detail. If it were someone else, they wouldn't even understand, let alone have the vision and pattern of embracing the world."

Empress Dowager Zheng's expression improved after being flattered: "That's true. Don't mention these things about Ning'an Palace. That Li, what can she understand!"

Jiang Shaohua agreed with a smile: "Grandma is right. I will discuss the important matters of the country with you carefully. As long as you fully support me, I can accomplish anything."

Actually, Empress Dowager Zheng had no choice but to give in. How could Empress Dowager Zheng not know what Jiang Shaohua said in the court? She just wanted to take the opportunity to vent her dissatisfaction and get some practical benefits.

Empress Dowager Zheng said, "Duke Anguo is still recovering from his injuries and cannot return to the Ministry of War for the time being. The Zheng family still has young people who can be used. Arrange a job for them to gain some experience."

The Empress Dowager Zheng was talking about Zheng Chen's two half-brothers. The second son of Zheng was seventeen this year, and the third son of Zheng was fifteen this year, both of whom were barely old enough to work.

If he didn't give her some practical benefits, Empress Dowager Zheng would definitely pester him endlessly. Jiang Shaohua had been mentally prepared for this, and responded straightforwardly: "I'll let Chen Changshi take care of these things."

Chen Changshi was still a fifth-rank official, but he was doing what a prime minister should do. Jiang Shaohua trusted him very much, entrusted memorials to him, and relied on him for government affairs. Wang Jin was also highly valued and had the potential to become a prime minister in the future.

Empress Dowager Zheng was actually quite dissatisfied with this and couldn't help but nag a few times. Jiang Shaohua said: "If Zheng Chen hadn't been plotting rebellion, he could have competed with Wang Jin now."

Empress Dowager Zheng was touched in a sore spot and remained silent.

……

Two days later, Tang Youyin went to the palace to meet the emperor again.

As the emperor's eyes and ears, he was open and aboveboard, not hiding from others at all. He even took the initiative to tell Minister Ji before leaving.

There is no need to elaborate on what Minister Ji felt in his heart.

Tang Youyin reported: "… Minister Ji ordered Doctor Wan to take back the farm and resell it. Doctor Wan was in a state of disgrace. He called the buyer and re-signed the contract. The selling price was increased from 18,000 taels to 22,000 taels."

In other words, Doctor Wan paid an additional 4,000 taels of silver.

Jiang Shaohua was obviously not satisfied, and ordered: "Come here, summon Doctor Wan to the palace. I want to see him in person."

It was already evening and the government office had been closed. The Ministry of Revenue had been busy recently, so few people were gone.

When several tall and slightly fierce-looking imperial guards strode in, all the officials in the Ministry of Revenue were startled.

The leading imperial guard Qin Hu glanced around and said loudly: "The emperor has ordered Doctor Wan to come to the palace to meet him."

Doctor Wan was startled, his face suddenly turned pale, and his legs went weak: "It's so late, I wonder why the emperor wants me to come to the palace?"

Qin Hu was tall and strong, a full head taller than Doctor Wan, so he naturally looked arrogant: "We are here to deliver the imperial edict. Doctor Wan will know what it is about when he goes to the palace to see the emperor."

Doctor Wan summoned up his courage and said, "It's already late today, and the palace gates will be locked soon. Why don't I wait until tomorrow..."

Qin Hu was impatient to hear these excuses, and with a clang, he drew out his shining long sword, the sound was like ice chips in the cold winter: "Doctor Wan, please come in!"

As the long sword flashed, murderous intent rushed towards his face.

Doctor Wan shuddered all over.

If he could delay for one night, he could go to the Prime Minister's Mansion and cry for help. As long as Prime Minister Wang was willing to help, he would be fine.

Unfortunately, these assassins were all the emperor's trusted guards. They had survived the coup that day, and their hands were stained with blood. They had no intention of giving face to anyone.

Doctor Wan had no choice but to take a step forward.

The other officials of the Ministry of Revenue shut up and watched Doctor Wan being dragged away by the imperial guards. Then they all looked at Minister Ji.

Minister Ji looked unhappy and said angrily, "Why are you looking at me? What did I tell you before? Do your job well and don't make any mistakes. He has a backer in Wanlang, and he doesn't take my words seriously. You just wait and see what happens to him!"