Inside the Xuanzheng Hall, all the officials stood solemnly.
The atmosphere at today's court assembly was somewhat somber.
The second prince was escorting grain supplies to the frontier when his supplies were hijacked by a group of stray soldiers in the southern desert. The second prince was seriously injured and his fate is now unknown.
This incident was a devastating loss for the imperial court.
Several thousand bushels of grain is no small amount. The stragglers who hijacked the grain have not yet been apprehended. At this rate, who knows when the stolen grain will be recovered.
However, the soldiers at the border could not wait that long. Without food, they would be incapable of fighting, and if foreign enemies invaded, they would be handing over the city to the enemy.
Furthermore, the Western Yuan Kingdom has long been eyeing our borders covetously. If they learn of the robbery of our supplies, they will certainly not let go of such an excellent opportunity to attack.
The Western Kingdom has a strong military force, and even if the Kingdom of Siam comes to its aid, the Great Liang will suffer heavy losses!
So ultimately, the first thing to do is to replenish our food supplies.
Who should replenish the stolen grain supplies?
The second prince is seriously injured and still unconscious. Without His Majesty's authorization, who would dare to pin the blame on him?
It seems impossible to get the Second Prince to replenish the grain supplies.
So when the Emperor of Liang raised the question, "What do you, my dear ministers, think about the matter of escorting grain supplies to the border?"
The hall was completely silent.
Judging from His Majesty's words, this debt naturally cannot be paid from the national treasury.
This year has seen a series of natural disasters. In order to ensure that the people can live out their remaining years in peace, the imperial court has reduced its tax collection efforts. The national treasury was already not abundant, and in addition, the recent drought in the north required the allocation of a considerable amount of funds from the national treasury to provide relief to the victims.
Now that the year-end is approaching, there are too many places where money is needed, and there is simply no way to come up with extra silver to replenish the grain.
Emperor Liang pressed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
In fact, all the officials knew that the best way was to raise funds.
When people are united, they can move mountains!
If each of the court officials were to contribute a small amount of silver, it would add up to a considerable sum.
But no one dared to be the first to speak out.
This proposal would offend hundreds or even thousands of civil and military officials.
As the atmosphere ferments, it becomes increasingly solidified—
Seeing that the time was ripe, Mu Chengye stepped out from the crowd, placed the jade ruyi in front of his chest, and bowed slightly, saying, "Your Majesty, I would like to recommend someone to Your Majesty. He may have a way to solve Your Majesty's urgent problem."
The Emperor of Liang straightened up instantly, asking with a rather urgent tone, "Oh? Who is it? Tell me quickly, Left Prime Minister."
Mu Chengye said calmly, "This person is none other than Shangguan Ming, the Director of Studies."
The emperor had no recollection of this person.
However, the position of Siye is only a minor fourth-rank official.
The Emperor of Liang frowned deeply. "What can he possibly do?"
What can a fourth-rank official, who is so weak that he can't even kill a chicken, possibly accomplish?
Mu Chengye smiled humbly, "Has Your Majesty heard of the plaster patch that's been all the rage in the capital these days—the heat pack?"
The Emperor of Liang said calmly, "Of course."
The hand warmer caused quite a stir in Kyoto, even reaching the ears of the Empress Dowager who had long lived deep within the palace, though she had never witnessed its miraculous effects.
I wonder if it's as powerful as the legends say?
"What does this have to do with Shangguan Ming?" the emperor asked, puzzled.
Mu Chengye lowered his head and said, "Your Majesty may not know, but the heat pack was made by Shangguan Siye's son. There is no other plaster on the market that can compare to it, and its profits are quite considerable..." This was already a clear indication to His Majesty.
It's practically saying: Shangguan Ming is incredibly rich, it would be a shame not to take advantage of him!
"This child is indeed promising." The Emperor of Liang relaxed his brow and gave a nonchalant compliment.
The meaning behind these words was clear, and all the civil and military officials were worried for Shangguan Ming.
It seems His Majesty is preparing to make an example of him!
Liao, the councilor, darkened his eyes and knelt down to report: "Your Majesty, please allow me to report. According to my investigation, Shangguan Siye spent 20,000 taels of gold at the Hundred Flowers Banquet to purchase countless crape myrtle silk flowers for his daughter in order to compete for the top spot on the Hundred Flowers List... His wealth, which is comparable to that of a country, is evident!"
Liao Ming's words immediately sparked discussions among the court officials, some envious and others jealous.
Some people sighed with envy, "Twenty thousand taels of gold? That's more than enough to replenish our grain supplies! To be so willing to spend money for the Hundred Flowers Ranking, your family must have plenty of surplus grain."
Some people secretly resented, "If you ask me, we should confiscate his vast wealth and use it for the public good. If he uses such a huge amount of wealth to amass troops and become powerful, he will be a hidden danger to our Great Liang in the future!"
Others defended him, saying, "Your Excellency is mistaken. If he harbored rebellious intentions, he would not have willingly accepted a position as a fourth-rank official."
Corrupt officials exist in every dynasty, and it's not uncommon for people to buy their positions with money!
Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Wang Yu swept his whisk, his shrill voice echoing throughout the hall.
"quiet--"
The emperor tapped his finger on the dragon throne. "Is this true?"
Liao Ming declared firmly, "Your subject would never dare to deceive the emperor!"
For a small banquet, Shangguan Ming could still afford to spend 20,000 taels of gold. This time, it concerns the survival of the border soldiers, so he should be even more obligated to do so!
After a moment of contemplation, the emperor finally said, "Then let Shangguan Ming take out another 20,000 taels of gold to replenish the grain supplies being sent to the border. As for the remaining amount... you ministers can make up the difference. This matter will be fully handled by Prime Minister Mu."
The emperor was well aware that Mu Chengye and Liao Ming had ulterior motives, but fundraising always needed a leader, and using the inconspicuous Shangguan Ming as a scapegoat was the most appropriate choice.
He was just playing along.
At most, he might personally bestow upon Shangguan Ming a plaque inscribed with "Snow-like embryo and plum-like bones, frugal yet devoted to public service."
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