How can one be Emperor Chongzhen without money?

Chapter 291 The show is about to begin!
The meeting at Qianqing Palace has ended.

The officials bowed and withdrew from the East Warm Pavilion. As soon as the door opened, the cool autumn night air rushed in, making everyone shiver.

No one uttered a sound. Each lost in their own thoughts, they hurried along, disappearing into the shadows of the palace walls.

Emperor Chongzhen did not move. He remained seated on his imperial couch, gazing at the enormous map, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the location of Huguang (Hubei and Hunan).

Xu Yingyuan stepped forward quietly and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, it's not late. You've had a long day. It's time to serve dinner."

Chongzhen snapped out of his reverie, rubbed his temples, and looked tired: "Hmm. Keep it simple, just a bowl of shredded chicken wontons and a couple of snacks."

"Yes." Xu Yingyuan responded and went to make the arrangements.

Chongzhen added, "Go, summon Consort Liu and Fang Huazheng as well."

"The servant understands."

Before long, a simple meal was laid out on the rosewood round table next to the warm pavilion. There was a large bowl of steaming chicken wontons, several small dishes of shumai and spring rolls, and a dish of pickles.

Liu Yueying and Fang Huazheng entered one after the other. Liu Yueying was dressed in a simple palace dress, while Fang Huazheng remained as respectful as ever.

"This servant (concubine) greets Your Majesty."

"Get up, everyone." Chongzhen pointed to the table. "None of you have eaten, have you? Sit down together, we can eat and talk."

Xu Yingyuan, Liu Yueying, and Fang Huazheng hurriedly bowed, saying, "This servant dares not!"

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t dare to do, please sit down.” Chongzhen sat down first, picked up a spoon, and said, “There are only a few of us here, so let’s not stand on ceremony. Xu Banban, serve Yueying and Fang Banban, and have a bowl for yourself.”

The three then expressed their gratitude and sat down, half of their bodies resting against the edge of the stool.

Chongzhen scooped up a wonton, blew on it, and didn't eat it. He looked up at Liu Yueying and Fang Huazheng and said bluntly, "I called you here to talk about money."

The two of them tensed slightly, and their chopsticks stopped moving.

"The national treasury is empty, and the granary is depleted. From now on, the Ministry of Revenue will no longer be able to provide for the military pay in the north or the expenses for the southern tours." Chongzhen's words were direct and blunt.

Liu Yueying put down her chopsticks and asked softly, "What does Your Majesty mean...?"

"We'll have to find other ways to handle future large expenditures." Chongzhen looked at them. "The Imperial Estate, Qin Jinyuan, and Lu Shengfeng are three joint ventures with a solid foundation. But my imperial treasury doesn't have much cash left in those three accounts, does it?"

Liu Yueying and Fang Huazheng exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised. Liu Yueying replied truthfully, "Your Majesty, the cash in the Imperial Treasury held by the three major estates is indeed... not much left."

Fang Huazheng added, "Right now, we only have less than 30,000 taels readily available. If we want to accomplish something significant, I'm afraid..."

Emperor Chongzhen nodded, seemingly having expected this. "We're out of cash, but we can lend you some."

"Borrow?" Liu Yueying and Fang Huazheng were both stunned. Borrow? Could it be done like that?

Emperor Chongzhen took out an imperial edict bearing his seal from his sleeve and placed it on the table. "This is my edict. Take it and go talk to the heads of the three major estates."

There's really nothing to discuss. The heads of the three major estates were appointed by Emperor Chongzhen, Prince Qin, and Duke Yansheng. Prince Qin and Kong Yinzhi were both taken on the southern tour by Emperor Chongzhen, which was tantamount to the emperor overdrawing the "banks" under his control.

Liu Yueying took it with both hands and carefully unfolded it. Fang Huazheng also leaned closer to look. It read that, based on this decree, the Imperial Treasury was to borrow three million taels of silver from the three official banks of Huangzhuang, Qin Jinyuan, and Lu Shengfeng to prepare for any emergencies of the court.

“Three million taels… an advance?” Liu Yueying’s voice trembled. Fang Huazheng also gasped; the amount was too large, and the word “advance” was something he had never heard of before.

“It’s not about having three million taels of silver piled up immediately,” Chongzhen explained. “It’s about having the three major estates grant the Imperial Treasury a withdrawal limit of three million taels. It’s like having three million taels of silver in my Imperial Treasury account that I can use at any time. When needed, with my decree and your paperwork, you can withdraw cash from the three major estates or obtain bank drafts that are interchangeable between the three of them.”

Liu Yueying, who had managed Liu Xiang's accounts for many years, was also amazed: "According to His Majesty's intentions... could it be that the silver stored in those three major estates..."

Emperor Chongzhen waved his hand, stopping her from continuing: "Yueying, all you need to know is that this loan amount is my confidence!"

He counted the uses on his fingers: "This amount is for a specific purpose. The main items are: the salary of the Imperial Guard; the military supplies of Liaodong, Jizhou, Xuanfu, Datong, and Changping; and the expenses of Yang Sichang's Shuntian militia. Other uses are not allowed to be touched unless by special decree of me."

Liu Yueying gripped the imperial edict tightly: "Your Majesty, how should the accounts be managed when the quota is used?"

"You're in charge of the accounts," Chongzhen said, pointing to Liu Yueying. "Make sure every penny of silver withdrawn from this limit is accounted for clearly and planned out. Don't touch a single penny that shouldn't be spent."

He then looked at Fang Huazheng: "You are in charge of the withdrawals. Based on my subsequent specific decrees and this loan edict, go and coordinate with the three major estates to allocate the silver. The procedures must be complete, and the receipts must be clear."

"You two," Chongzhen said emphatically, his gaze sweeping over the two men, "one in charge of the accounts, the other in charge of the money, keep an eye on each other. This sum is for emergencies, for saving lives! If the accounts are unclear, if there is any tampering, or if it is leaked and causes criticism in the court and among the people, I will hold you accountable!"

Liu Yueying and Fang Huazheng immediately rose from their seats and knelt down: "Your Majesty, we obey your decree! We will certainly not fail your trust!"

"Get up and continue eating." Chongzhen raised his hand to help you up. "This matter is confidential. Only the two of you know about it. Xu Yingyuan can also know about it, so that the Imperial Guard can protect you secretly. Not a word of it will be revealed to the outside world."

"This servant (or concubine) understands!"

Emperor Chongzhen then lowered his head and slowly ate a bite of the cold wonton. He then turned to Xu Yingyuan, who was standing to the side.

"Xu Yingyuan".

"The servant is here."

“You also have important matters to attend to.” Chongzhen looked at him. “The Imperial Guard and the secret police cannot be neglected. Especially after my southern tour, keep a close eye on intelligence from the north, rumors from the south, and the movements of these people in the capital! If there is any disturbance, send it directly to the imperial court by express courier!”

"This servant understands!" Xu Yingyuan bowed. "The eyes and ears of the Imperial Guards must be kept wide open, and His Majesty must not be deceived!"

Emperor Chongzhen nodded and said nothing more. He knew that these few people were the family fortune he had temporarily entrusted to them.

Almost simultaneously, a completely different scene unfolded in Qian Qianyi's study.

Several high-ranking officials from the south, including the Second Grand Secretary Shi Fenglai, the Minister of Rites Qian Qianyi, and several officials from the censorate from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, sat around. The tea had long since gone cold, and no one touched it.

"Shifting the blame eastward! Utterly shifting the blame eastward!" A censor said in a low voice, his face flushed. "The Emperor has started with Huguang, Guangdong, and Sichuan, and the next step will be Southern Zhili! And Zhejiang!" Qian Qianyi stroked his beard, his brows furrowed: "Be careful what you say! The Emperor has clearly decreed that Huguang be the first place to conduct a survey and equalize taxes. This is to rectify long-standing abuses, and there is nothing wrong with it."

Shi Fenglai sighed: "Brother Muzhai, you and I both know that the rectification is a pretense, and the real purpose is to amass wealth! The north is rotten, and the court is short of money. This is to use the blood of the southeast to fill the hole in the north! Today it is Huguang, tomorrow it will be Zhejiang!"

"Then what do we do? Just sit here and wait to die?" someone asked anxiously.

Qian Qianyi shook his head: "What's the panic? If the sky falls, there's always someone taller to hold it up. Are the princes of Chu and Rong, along with the local gentry in Huguang, easy to deal with? If His Majesty were to strike a stone with his hoe, who knows what might happen?"

He lowered his voice: "The most important thing right now is to write back home as soon as possible and tell the family to make preparations. Hide the fields that need to be hidden and clear up the accounts that need to be cleared. Once the Emperor's 'Imperial Ming Bulletin' arrives, public opinion will be in uproar, and it will be too late to take action then."

The group exchanged uneasy glances, their hearts heavy. How should they write the letter? If they reminded their family, wouldn't that be tantamount to admitting their own family was unclean? But if they didn't remind them, what if…

A gloomy atmosphere hung over the study.

The atmosphere was even worse in the secluded tavern's private room not far from the Qian residence.

Several officials from Hubei and Sichuan provinces, all from Beijing, were gathered together. Their positions were not high; most were physicians or clerks. They hadn't drunk much, but their words were tinged with unease.

"It's over! Utterly over!" A Ministry of Revenue official from Huguang cried out. "The Emperor himself has named us! How can we face our fellow countrymen now?"

"Our faces? Whether we can even save our lives is another matter!" An imperial censor from Sichuan slammed his fist on the table in frustration. "The Emperor is taking the Imperial Guard down with him, clearly he's serious! Aren't we, the people in the court, being held hostage? If anything happens to our hometown, we'll be the first to suffer!"

"How about... submitting your resignation? Going back to your hometown to recuperate?" someone suggested timidly.

"Foolish! To resign now would be tantamount to admitting guilt without being forced to do so."

What to do? Everyone was at a loss. Some suggested a joint petition to defend themselves, while others said silence was golden and they should wait and see which way the wind was blowing. They argued back and forth, but no one could come to a definite decision. They felt as if disaster was imminent, and everyone was trying to escape without knowing where to go.

The lights were still on in the Grand Secretary's office.

Huang Lijie, Wang Zaijin, and Bi Ziyan sat facing each other. A simple late-night snack was laid out on the table, but no one touched it.

"Prime Minister, is His Majesty's move... too hasty?" Wang Zaijin broke the silence, his face filled with worry. "The accumulated problems with taxation are not a recent development. Such drastic measures might... well, in the south..."

Huang Lijie took a sip of cold tea and said slowly, "Impatient? Can the soldiers in the north afford to wait? Can the people in the disaster area afford to wait? His Majesty has been driven to a dead end. The tax imbalance in Huguang, Sichuan, and Guangdong has been long-standing. It is reasonable for His Majesty to target them."

Bi Ziyan sighed, "That's the logic. But if the knife is used, it will have far-reaching consequences. If the South falls into chaos, the whole country will be shaken."

"Even wavering is better than sitting and waiting for death!" Huang Lijie put down his teacup, his voice becoming more serious. "His Majesty is taking a risky move, but it's also a risky one. If it succeeds, the national treasury will be replenished, and the north will be at peace. If you and I stay in the capital to guard the capital for His Majesty and stabilize the northern border, that will be a great achievement."

Wang Zaijin and Bi Ziyan exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other's eyes. The burden was immense.

Inside the Huangming Tongbao newspaper office, the lights were on and the air was filled with the hustle and bustle of people.

Niu Jinxing held the newly delivered manuscript attributed to Zhu Siwen, his hand trembling slightly. The article was short, but every word was like a knife.

A Question on Land Tax in Huguang, Guangdong, and Sichuan

The opening section presents shocking data: a comparison of land tax rates in Huguang, Zhejiang, and Southern Zhili. This is followed by incisive questions, each one piercing the heart, directly pointing out that unfair taxation is a harbinger of national ruin.

"Quick! Front page headline! Use this one!" Niu Jinxing shouted to his deputy editor, "Keep up the commentary! Discuss equality from the perspective of the Zhou Rites, discuss the decline of the Han and Tang dynasties, and write about the tragic plight of the disaster victims in the north! Make the word 'fairness' resounding!"

The typesetters were working tirelessly, and the proofreaders' hands clattered as they worked on the manuscripts. Niu Jinxing paced back and forth, feeling both excited and nervous. He knew that once this fire was lit, it could never be extinguished.

Inside the Prince of Qin's residence, it was relatively quiet.

Prince Zhu Cunshu of Qin and Prince Zhu Yujian of Tang sat facing each other, drinking tea.

“This time, His Majesty is serious.” Prince Qin put down his teacup and looked at Prince Tang. “Brother, your Tang fiefdom… needs some reform. Distribute the land to your capable generals and lieutenants, use the grain from your estate for disaster relief, and deposit the silver… into the three major estates. Don’t forget to acquire property in western Beijing. This is about choosing sides! Only by choosing the right side can you share His Majesty’s burdens!”

Prince Zhu Yujian of Tang nodded. He had just returned from the disaster area in Henan and had witnessed the suffering of the people. His mindset had changed: "What you say is true, Brother Wang. The country is in dire straits. We members of the imperial family should share His Majesty's burdens and set an example. I will write back to Nanyang tomorrow and ask my family to change the way they did with the Qin and Zhou princes."

The King of Qin nodded slightly. This King of Tang is capable and trusted by the Emperor; it seems he will be given an important position.

The night is deeper.

Emperor Chongzhen walked alone to the white marble steps in front of the Qianqing Palace. The autumn night wind, carrying a chill, stirred his Taoist robe.

The city of Beijing stretched out beneath my feet, mostly dark except for a few scattered lights.

Liu Yueying and Fang Huazheng should be checking the accounts. Qian Qianyi and the others are probably plotting something. Huang Lijie and the others are still worried. Niu Jinxing is definitely rushing to finish his manuscript. The King of Qin and the King of Tang are probably having trouble sleeping either.

The water has been stirred up.

Next, we'll see which fish jump out first and how big a wave they make.

Huguang... was the first touchstone.

He took a deep breath of the crisp, cool air, then turned and went back into the palace.

"Xu Yingyuan".

"The servant is here."

"Tell Niu Jinxing that I have read the draft and it should be published as is. Also, add that I am in Wuchang, waiting to see public opinion."

"The servant understands."

Xu Yingyuan withdrew. Emperor Chongzhen, watching the flickering candlelight, knew that the storm had only just begun.

(End of this chapter)