Huangming

Chapter 14 The nation is in dire straits, and the Ming Dynasty is on the verge of collapse.
Fang Congzhe immediately bowed his head and agreed.

"Lord Wei is insightful and perceptive, able to see things clearly before they happen. Even Yan Ying, who assisted Qi, and Zhang Liang, who assisted Han, were no more capable than him!"

When Wei Chao was compared to Yan Ying and Zhang Liang by Fang Congzhe, he was as happy as if he had eaten honey, and hurriedly said: "With the utmost sincerity, the Grand Secretary has protected the throne. Even Zhou Bo who secured Liu Bang and Huo Guang who assisted the Han Dynasty are not enough to compare with his loyalty!"

Watching the two of them exchanging pleasantries and flattering each other, Zhu Youxiao said, "You are all loyal, good, and virtuous ministers, and you are all my right-hand men. Have there been any urgent matters in court these past few days?"

Fang Congzhe immediately said, "A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The late emperor's edict has been drafted. Your Highness should ascend the throne as soon as possible to reassure the people. This is the most important thing right now."

Zhu Youxiao covered his face and sobbed, saying, "My late father's body is not yet cold, how can we do this? It is not allowed."

Fang Congzhe and others had no choice but to agree.

Taking a breath, Zhu Youxiao continued, "Are there any urgent matters concerning the state?"

Fang Congzhe continued, "The situation in Liaodong has deteriorated. After the Battle of Sarhu, the Jurchens captured Kaiyuan and Tieling in succession. Three days ago, the Ministry of War urgently reported that 'Shenyang is in danger and requests that troops from Jizhou be dispatched to reinforce it immediately.'"

"How should the cabinet respond?" Zhu Youxiao asked.

"The situation is urgent. I have bypassed the usual court discussions and directly ordered Xiong Tingbi to 'governor-general of Liaodong and act at his own discretion.'"

After speaking, Fang Congzhe secretly glanced at Sijun and was relieved to find that the latter did not show any displeasure.

"If we are going to fight a war, how will the military expenses be used?" Zhu Youxiao asked again.

"One million taels of silver were allocated from the imperial treasury, 200,000 shi of grain transported from the south were intercepted for relief, and non-urgent expenditures such as textile manufacturing and firing in Jiangnan were temporarily suspended."

It was again from the imperial treasury.

Even after years of plundering the entire country, Emperor Wanli could not withstand such depletion!

When did the emperor's private treasury become necessary for national expenditures?
Seeing the heir frown, Fang Congzhe was startled and quickly said, "Military and national affairs are of utmost importance. The allocation of 100 million taels of silver from the imperial treasury is merely an emergency measure and not a routine practice."

Zhu Youxiao showed no reaction and continued to ask, "Is there anything else?"

"Anwei, the Pacification Commissioner of Guizhou, is in conflict with the Ming army. Today, the Governor of Yunnan has requested reinforcements. We humbly request Your Highness to make a decision."

As the situation in Liaodong deteriorated, the southwestern chieftains also experienced turmoil.

It has to be said that the Ming Dynasty that I took over was indeed a mess.

Zhu Youxiao was silent for a moment, then said, "Qin Liangyu, the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu, is capable of great things. Order the Ministry of War to transfer Qin Liangyu to lead the White-Spear Army south to prevent the Tusi (local chieftains) from launching a rebellion."

Upon hearing this, Fang Congzhe immediately praised, "Your Highness is wise!"

Upon hearing Zhu Youxiao's decision, even Liu Yizhu, who had been silent, showed surprise on his face.

Although the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty grew up in the inner palace, he was not ignorant of the affairs of the world.

While in his princely residence, he probably frequently consulted on matters of state.

Seeing Liu Yizhu's surprised look, Zhu Youxiao asked, "What insightful opinion does Lord Liu have?"

Liu Yiju quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Highness's handling of the matter was very appropriate and without any impropriety. This old minister has no further insight."

Zhu Youxiao nodded.

Next, Fang Congzhe continued to report on several important matters.

"On the second day of the ninth month, the governor of Henan reported that the Yellow River had breached its banks in Lanyang, destroying 37 grain transport boats and cutting off the Grand Canal."

The Yellow River breached its banks; this is a major event.

If we are not careful, it could incite a popular uprising.

of course
It may have already sparked a popular uprising, who knows?

"The Cabinet has issued an emergency repair order. Wang Zuo, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, has led 5 laborers to block the breach and ordered the grain transport to be changed to sea transport."

Zhu Youxiao added from the side: "Natural disasters are unavoidable, but man-made disasters can be avoided. Temporarily exempt the prefectures and counties along the way from this year's taxes, and do a good job in disaster relief in the affected areas."

Fang Congzhe and Liu Yizhu were both surprised to hear this.

If it were the Wanli or Jiajing emperors, their thoughts would definitely not be about exempting taxes, but rather about fearing that it would incite a popular uprising.

The current successor seems to have a heart that loves the people.

This is especially rare for a monarch. "Your Highness has the well-being of all people in your heart; you are truly a wise ruler!"

To the people of the Ming Dynasty, he was perhaps a sage ruler.

But for you officials...
Whether I am a wise ruler or not, we will find out later.

"Our Ming Dynasty is beset by wars and plagued by natural disasters. Is the national treasury sufficient to cover our expenses?"

Is that enough?
Fang Congzhe opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.

Liu Yiju stood up and said, "Your Highness can simply ask the Minister of Revenue about the amount of silver stored in the Imperial Treasury."

When it comes to this money, neither Fang Congzhe nor Liu Yijuan are willing to discuss it in detail.

As for the reason, Zhu Youxiao knew it perfectly well.

That is to say, the finances of the Ming Dynasty at this moment are on the verge of collapse.

It could even be said that it has collapsed.

"Then let the Minister of Revenue come forward!"

In fact, Fang Congzhe also served as the acting Minister of Revenue, so he naturally knew exactly how much money was left in the national treasury.

But knowing something in one's heart and actually taking the blame are two different things.

In officialdom, simply having a clear understanding is useless.

Not long after, a eunuch at the palace gate announced that Li Ruhua, the Minister of Revenue, had come to pay his respects.

"Xuan!"

"Your Majesty, I, Li Ruhua, Minister of Revenue, respectfully wish Your Highness good health!"

"Rise, please take a seat."

Li Ruhua slowly rose, bowed to Fang Congzhe and Liu Yizhu, and then sat down on a small stool.

"I summoned you here today to ask how much is left in the imperial treasury, and whether it is sufficient for this year's expenditures?"

When asked about this, Li Ruhua immediately said, "The Taicang treasury has less than 100,000 taels of silver in stock, the annual tribute of the nine border regions is more than 4 million taels in arrears, the national treasury is almost depleted, and the finances have fallen into a desperate situation of 'no grain to allocate and no silver to pay out'."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's smile gradually disappeared.

Even though Zhu Youxiao had prepared himself mentally, he still couldn't hold back when Li Ruhua said those words.

No?

In the vast Ming Empire, you're telling me the finances have been manipulated to this extent?

The national treasury not only had no silver left, but was also in debt by four million taels.

Then let me ask you!

Where did the money go?
Call ~
Zhu Youxiao slowly exhaled a breath of stale air and asked, "Is the national treasury so empty? I ask you, why is this?"

Li Ruhua was extremely excited.

at last!

Finally, someone came to discuss with him the matter of the empty national treasury.

Even though he was the emperor before, he didn't want to ask too many questions; in fact, one could say he didn't want to ask too many questions at all.

And senior cabinet members were unwilling to know more.

Why?

Because this is a messy situation, and involves too many interests, it's too difficult to resolve.

Therefore, most people become paperhangers.

We'll manage for one year at a time.

Now that the heir is determined to investigate this matter, let's just lay it all out!
(End of this chapter)