Xu Rao sneered twice and said, "It's not just living beyond our means; we've already used up the entire budget for the year after next. The fiscal deficit will scare you to death. The Ministry of Revenue will have to fill these holes in the future. Our lives won't be easy either."

The six departments had clearly defined roles. The Ministry of Revenue was in charge of the national land tax, household registration, and treasury. It was a very lucrative department, but it was also a place that spent money. In such a large country, there were so many affairs, big and small, and so many places where money was needed. In the end, the superiors would just issue the approvals, but the Ministry of Revenue would have to take out the money.

Chen Zhaoci didn't quite understand this, so he comforted her, saying, "There are always more solutions than problems. The reason you haven't found a suitable solution yet is simply because you haven't thought of one. Think about it carefully, and you'll eventually come up with one."

Xu Rao sighed softly and said, "Yesterday, Xiao Jiu came to see me and told me about an idea. She heard from someone that the soldiers in Wuzhou haven't received winter quilts and cotton-padded clothes for two years. Yuanyuan said she has some money on hand and is thinking of making some winter supplies to send over. Through this, she hopes to ask the current emperor for a title for Yuanyuan, which will also give her more leverage in her marriage."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhaoci exclaimed in surprise, "It's remarkable that Xiao Jiu could think of these things. However, it is indeed a good idea. Their family consists mostly of children, so it's inevitable that they might overlook certain things. If Yuanyuan herself has a title, those who want to scheme will have to back off."

Xu Rao nodded and said, "I went to inquire today. It is true that Wuzhou has not received winter supplies for two years. The Ministry of War has been urging them every year, but the Ministry of Revenue simply does not have the funds. Most importantly, in the past two years, the court has been waging war in the Northwest and Liaodong. As soon as it has money, it spends it there first. Even the military expenses in the Southwest have been in arrears for two years, let alone Wuzhou, which has no foundation."

Chen Zhaoci frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "We still need to think this over carefully. If we're going to do it, we should do it right away. Don't drag it out and make ourselves a laughing stock. Most importantly, it might make people jealous. In the end, we might put in the effort and get paid, but the benefits will go to someone else."

Xu Rao nodded and said, "That's something we need to be careful about. You see, I've come back and told you about it, and now I feel like the delivery will be much faster."

Chen Zhaoci thought of Xu Di, shook his head, and said, "I really can't do it. If Xu Di were here, he could probably help you come up with a solution."

Xu Rao smiled and said, "Everyone has their own expertise. Today, all my colleagues said that the herbal tea you prepared was delicious. The few packets I brought were all brewed and shared. Tomorrow, I'll have to trouble you to prepare a few more packets for me to take with me."

Chen Zhaoci was extremely relieved this time and said, "I can't help with anything else, but I guarantee I'll handle this perfectly for you."

After a moment of silence, Chen Zhaoci sighed and said, "I wonder how Xu Di is doing now. You said he sailed to Liaodong with his men. I wonder if he will be punished for this."

Xu Rao comforted her, saying, "This matter is now in the past. The court did not punish him. It was because he led a surprise force that we had the prerequisite for a narrow victory. If he hadn't dealt with the Jurchens besieging the south of the city, it would have taken us a long time to annihilate them in Liaodong."

Chen Zhaoci said, "When I first learned that the letter from Liaodong couldn't be sent out, I was so anxious that I wanted to go and see what was going on myself. It was the girl from the Ma family who helped me find someone to send it there. You know, the girl from the Ma family is really honest. She was rejected by Xu Di, so she didn't look for a husband. She's so young and doesn't understand. In the future, she won't have a confidant by her side. How miserable will she be?"

Xu Rao said softly, "The rules of the Cao Gang are numerous. Even marriage is different from ordinary families. Miss Ma's father was the former leader of the Cao Gang, and her mother is the current leader. Isn't it obvious that the position of gang leader will be handed over to her younger brother in the future? It would be fine if Miss Ma found a family that could help their family. But what if the family she finds divides the Ma family's power in the Cao Gang? These are all matters of life and death. As it stands now, it's better not to find a husband at all."

After listening, Chen Zhaoci remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "How come it's just like those domineering CEO novels? Getting married requires considering this and that. Sigh, over the past ten years, I feel like my thinking has been assimilated. When looking for a husband or wife for my child, I first look at the other person's family background and then their character. In the past, I would only look at the other person's character; I wouldn't even need to consider their family background."

Xu Rao heard Chen Zhaoci rambling on and on, and then suddenly fell silent. She turned her head and saw that he had fallen asleep. She smiled slightly, let out a long sigh of relief, and quickly closed her eyes to sleep.

After Zheng Boyuan's transfer order was issued by the Ministry of War, he rode swiftly to Penglai.

Upon receiving this transfer order, not only was Zheng Boyuan dumbfounded, but even Xu Di was baffled. The two of them stared blankly at the transfer order on the table for a long time.

After a long pause, Xu Di finally said, "They really treat you like a brick, moving you wherever you're needed."

After a long period of confusion, Zheng Boyuan asked Xu Di, "Brother-in-law, I'd like to trouble you to help me figure this out. What's the reason for this?"

Xu Di sighed and said, "I just found out too. I don't know how the transfer order came about. If we were in the capital, we might be able to deduce something from some rumors."

Zheng Boyuan said with a worried look, "No news has been sent from home either."

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