Xia Qing truly had a thick skin, not even blushing when the Emperor exposed him, and simply continued, "This, of course, accumulates bit by bit. Just the profit from Gu’s Soap alone is indeed little, but if you add so others, together it’s still enough."
Seeing no change in the Emperor’s expression, Xia Qing felt even more assured and spoke boldly.
According to his aning, it was to find fault with a few rchants, extort a round of harsh taxes from them, and first resolve the issue of the border soldiers’ wages.
Unfortunately, no matter how he hinted before, the Emperor wouldn’t take the bait. The Emperor, now aging, acted increasingly benevolently, with thods too gentle, becoming sowhat indecisive.
The Emperor glanced at Xia Qing; it seed he was bringing up old issues again.
The rchants of the world are countless, with many amassing fortunes at ho. But if he really did that, those rchants would all be alard, possibly triggering imasurable consequences.
Moreover, resolving the issue of frontier salaries this ti wouldn’t help the Ministry of Revenue, and the National Treasury would still not be full.
Next ti, when there is need for silver again, would they revert to extracting it from rchants? Wouldn’t that throw the Dayan Dynasty into chaos?
The Emperor believed that unless absolutely necessary, such thods could not be employed. If ever set as a precedent, those courtiers would act recklessly in the future.
"This matter will be discussed later! I entrust this matter to you, offering a reply by tomorrow. Rember, do not privately increase taxes, and the matter of the rchants cannot be pursued for now. If you violate this, don’t bla for showing no rcy!"
In saying this, the Emperor’s tone grew notably severe. Those local officials, feeling the court to be far, would secretly increase taxes, deceive the higher-ups, and how would he know?
Xia Qing’s heart skipped a beat; the Emperor said not to increase taxes but still wanted him to resolve the issue of frontier salaries. Was he supposed to conjure silver out of thin air?
The Emperor was really pressing him! He had no choice but to start from the Ministry of Revenue; although touching its silver was possible, he must co up with a way to increase revenue first.
Otherwise, even if he persuaded the Ministry of Revenue to hand over the silver, the Emperor likely wouldn’t agree.
At this ti, Xia Qing was at a loss. If this matter was not handled properly, the Emperor would surely seize this opportunity to severely punish him.
"Your servant obeys the decree! This humble servant will do everything possible to alleviate the Emperor’s worries and difficulties. However, the frontier wages have been owed for more than four months, and this humble servant, even if desirous of paying it all, is truly powerless!"
With a furrowed brow, Xia Qing looked truly troubled. Paying it all off was absolutely impossible; Shen Shikang would certainly not concede.
Paying it all off would truly empty the National Treasury, likely leaving nothing behind.
It’s only a few months into the new year, and the taxes collected by the court barely amount to a few million taels, just enough to cover the deficit of frontier salaries.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor could not help but want to roll his eyes, realizing Xia Qing was cunning. Without the Emperor asking directly, Xia Qing was content not to ntion it.
See, he had been waiting for this opportunity!
"I’m not asking you to make up for it all, but at least cover two months’ worth and send so grain and fodder to the frontier. Ask the Ministry of Revenue for the required amount of silver."
The Emperor left so room to maneuver; Xia Qing was exceedingly cunning, and without a bit of pressure, he might just act as a shopkeeper passing the responsibility.
Xia Qing knew the Emperor had made up his mind, and further words would be futile; he could only reluctantly agree.
But he couldn’t make a complete commitnt, lest the old dog Shen Shikang refuse to agree, and what could he do then? Kill him?
That old man wasn’t easy to assassinate, risking much for little gain.
"Your Majesty, this matter is indeed difficult, and this humble servant cannot guarantee anything. I will do my best, yet I still plead for the Emperor’s leniency."
The Emperor saw Xia Qing still wanted to bargain, feeling displeased. Unwilling to listen to his complaints any further, he simply waved his hand.
"You are dismissed! I am tired as well."
"Your servant obeys the decree!"
The Emperor rubbed his brow, seeing Xia Qing struggle to stand with trembling legs, likely numbed, moving extrely slowly. He cautiously stepped back a few steps, turning and leaving the Imperial Study Room.
Exiting the Imperial Study Room, Xia Qing’s mind was constantly searching for solutions.
The Emperor didn’t ntion taking silver from the Ministry of Revenue but kept pressing him, clearly intending to press him into submission and making things difficult.
Yet, this was not sothing he could solve alone; resolving the border pay problem was originally the responsibility of the Ministry of Revenue, now dumped onto him.
Suddenly, he paused in his steps, sothing dawning upon him. His liking for silver was well-known, with many in the court having submitted petitions against him nurous tis for it.
Accusing him of indulging his kinsn in creating havoc locally and amassing wealth there. Could the Emperor be eyeing his Xia Family instead? Otherwise, why else keep such a close eye on him?
Initially, he thought of finding an opportunity to have the Ministry of Revenue release the silver, thereby courting favor with the Emperor at long last.
Now he realized the Emperor was deliberating sothing else, delaying the matter for another purpose.
Thinking this way, Xia Qing broke out in a cold sweat; could it be the Emperor had decided to take action against him?
This ti, it seed the Ministry of Revenue was indeed unwilling to release funds, explaining why they kept crying poverty at court etings. The Emperor, though angered, ultimately didn’t force them to provide silver.
Xia Qing felt chilled to the bones. He had previously analyzed that the Emperor needed balance in the court power and sought to weaken his influence, likely by supporting officials or aristocratic families against him.
But the Emperor also needed him to keep things in check, and their years of camaraderie prevented the Emperor from discarding him outright.
Yet now, the Emperor was actually eyeing his silver, perhaps having found a better way to balance court power, no longer needing him?
No, he must return to think carefully about a strategy. Xia Qing hurriedly rushed towards the palace gates, preparing to gather his trusted confidants, brainstorming, and deciphering the Emperor’s intentions.
One cannot deny, Xia Qing and the Emperor were very similar in temperant and suspicion, with a single expression or phrase setting off countless thoughts in their minds.
Min Feng, observing the teacher leave the Imperial Study Room looking deeply troubled, dared not call out to him, just watched, yet the teacher walked away without looking back.
Min Feng was stunned, wondering what he should do now. The Emperor had just instructed him to rest at ho for a few days, and he was in turmoil, not knowing how the teacher’s conversation with the Emperor went, thus worrying about his future prospects.
Nonetheless, he learned a lesson from this incident. The affairs in the official world change rapidly; in the future, he must act with caution, avoiding further reckless mistakes like this ti.
Indeed, he was not entirely blaless in this matter. The books assigned by the teacher were not thoroughly read, and he exposed the flaw before the Emperor, rendering his efforts in vain.
The teacher had already paved the way for him, yet he failed the teacher’s expectations. His heart was filled with apprehension, fearing the teacher might beco utterly disappointed in him and ignore him henceforth.
He couldn’t help but think of Gu Chengyu again, realizing he’d better deal with Gu Chengyu with utmost care in the future.
Zhang Hai, after all not young anymore, couldn’t stand having knelt for so long, his body involuntarily shaking. This mistake ultimately resulted in more harm than good, and now it was too late for regrets!
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