Upon arriving at the imperial study, the Empress was using her slender fingers to manipulate a golden abacus, muttering incantations as she calculated something.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
After Qin Chuan and Xiao Yue bowed, they heard the Empress give a faint "hmm," and then they each stood to one side.
The Empress continued fiddling with the abacus beads, and as if chatting casually, asked Qin Chuan, "Has the Imperial Advisor been unwell lately?"
Qin Chuan said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am safe and sound."
The Empress remained silent.
Qin Chuan knew that she was trying to say, "Why don't you come to court if you're not sick?"
At this moment, Xiao Yue winked at him and gestured with her mouth towards the Empress, as if to say, "Aren't you going to ask her for money?"
Qin Chuan gave her a look that said, "Why don't you ask for it?"
Xiao Yue was so anxious she wanted to stomp her feet.
"Your Majesty, how are the disaster relief efforts in Henan and Shandong going these days?"
Qin Chuan was subtly hinting that the Empress still owed him money.
The Empress glanced at the account book, still fiddling with the golden abacus beads, the abacus clicking loudly, and said, "I have already ordered those two good-for-nothings, Zhang Xun and Li Yunrui, to transport the grain to the two provinces. The grain is being distributed. According to reports, the refugees have gradually returned to their hometowns, and one-third of them have already returned."
Zhang Xun was the governor of the capital region, and Li Yunrui was the governor-general of Henan and Shandong provinces. Originally, there were 200,000 displaced people in the capital region, while there were over a million displaced people in Henan and Shandong. Now, with one million shi of grain distributed, at least one million people can be saved. In such a short time, one-third of the displaced people have returned to their hometowns. It seems that the problem of displaced people can be completely resolved in less than a month.
Thinking of this, Qin Chuan said, "After the refugees return to their hometowns, there is still a lot of work to be done in the aftermath, such as the issues of oxen, farm tools, and seeds. Due to the famine, most of the disaster victims have sold their oxen and farm tools, and even eaten all their seeds. It is difficult for them to farm. The authorities should help these farmers return to the land and be reborn. This grain will not last long. At most, we will have to distribute grain again in two months."
"Hmm," the Empress nodded, "You know more about farmers than I do. In your opinion, how should we provide farmers with farming tools and oxen? We can't expect me to spend money to buy them again, can we?"
Whenever money is mentioned, the Empress looks like she's clutching her purse tightly.
His image as a miser is unmistakable.
Qin Chuan chuckled dryly, "How can we let His Majesty spend the money! Of course, we should let those gentry and wealthy people who buy farm tools and oxen at low prices pay for it!"
"Do you have another good plan?"
The Empress suddenly appeared before him, her graceful figure exuding a captivating fragrance. Qin Chuan felt even his breath carried her scent. Suppressing his desire, he said, "Your Majesty, I have no good solution. There are many wicked people in this world. Only by identifying and punishing those who are truly wicked and cracking down on the speculative and profiteering trend can we rectify the situation and restore righteousness to the world!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress pondered in silence for a moment before saying, "Then let's have some killings. I hereby decree that anyone who buys farm tools and oxen at low prices must sell them to the authorities at the purchase price. The authorities will then rent the farm tools and oxen to farmers. When the grain is harvested and sold the following year, the rental will be converted into a sale, and the farm tools will be bought back at the farmers' selling price. If anyone disobeys, we will make an example of them and kill them to set things right."
"Your Majesty is wise! This move will benefit all the people!" Qin Chuan flattered.
However, though it may be a compliment, the Empress was indeed very capable. As a woman, she firmly held military power in her hands, rarely suffered defeats, and never lost territory, which was quite remarkable.
She has only been in a high position for a long time and cannot see the suffering of people, so she thinks that life is peaceful and the world is at peace.
Someone told her that if she was willing to take things seriously and solve problems, rather than punishing the people who raised them, then she would still be a good emperor.
Farmers were able to obtain oxen and farming tools, and the authorities distributed some seeds, enabling them to survive again. After a year or two, they were able to pay taxes again, which not only consolidated the dynasty's rule but also stabilized social order.
"Alright," the Empress waved her hand, not wanting to hear Qin Chuan's flattery, and turned to Xiao Yue, saying, "This matter concerns the livelihood of all people. Can your Dali Temple send some people to Henan and Shandong to supervise the officials?"
Xiao Yue helplessly spread her hands and said, "Your Majesty, our Dali Temple only has so many people. Now we have to investigate corrupt officials and handle daily affairs. We are really overwhelmed and powerless..."
The Empress nodded and slowly said, "Indeed, it seems necessary to restart the Dali Guard..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yue's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty? Really?"
"Are you really going to restart Dali Satellite TV?"
"Of course," the Empress said with a light smile, "Now that I have some money, I will use it wisely. Starting today, I will reactivate the Dali Guard for you!"
Xiao Yue knelt down excitedly, "That's wonderful! Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The Empress smiled and said, "We are sisters, there's no need for such formalities, please rise!"
"You are now in full charge of restarting the Dali Guard. As for how much money you need, just inform me and I will provide it. You can start by drawing some people from the northern and southern camps as the core, and then gradually expand..."
Xiao Yue was overjoyed. She hadn't expected His Majesty to not only give money but also people. Once the Dali Guard was fully established, she, as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, would be a powerful figure, just like Xiao Yun, wielding military power.
The Dali Temple has a full complement of three thousand men. From now on, in this capital city, apart from the Imperial Guards, who can't they walk sideways with impunity?
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiao Yue said with satisfaction.
Qin Chuan watched this scene quietly; it had nothing to do with him, and he didn't bother to say anything.
"Let's get started!" the Empress said to Xiao Yue.
With a smile, Xiao Yue left the Imperial Study, completely different from her complaining about "not having enough to eat" when she came in!
In the imperial study, the Empress turned around and asked Qin Chuan with a smile, "Have you been angry with me these past few days?"
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