"Madam, the prince is checking the accounts."
Deng Cunli walked into the small study and bowed.
Gu Jiu was surprised. "Why did His Majesty suddenly think of checking the accounts? Hasn't the incident of the money being swapped been diverted to someone else, and His Majesty is safe?"
Deng Cunli said, "I heard that the princess said the accountant had no money. The prince was half-believing and half-doubting, so he decided to check the accounts."
Gu Jiu's heart moved, "It seems that the princess has made up her mind to cut down the expenses of the palace."
Qingmei was a little confused and asked in confusion, "Does the prince's checking of the accounts have anything to do with the princess's tailoring expenses?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Of course it is related. If the princess wants to cut the expenses of the palace, she must obtain the support of the prince before this matter can proceed.
Even if she was a princess, she couldn't do whatever she wanted. But once she had the support of the prince, it would be different.
When the prince gives an order, no one in the palace dares to object. This way, the princess can smoothly cut the palace's expenses."
Deng Cunli said, "Madam is right. The princess's move is clearly intended to cut down on the palace's expenses and create momentum. Once this is accomplished, the princess's power in the palace will be even greater than before."
In the past, Concubine Shen and the others could still do some small things in private to make things difficult for the princess. But once the princess becomes powerful, Concubine Shen and the others will have to keep their tails between their legs.
Gu Jiu nodded repeatedly, Deng Cunli was right.
Cutting expenses is not just a matter of cutting expenses. It also involves the reshuffle of power in the palace.
With so many people in the palace, if the princess makes a big move and affects everyone's interests, can Concubine Shen and the others be willing to accept it?
Only by bringing out Prince Ning can we shock everyone.
Gu Jiu instructed Deng Cunli to pay more attention to the movements in Bixi Pavilion.
I don’t know whether Prince Ning will cooperate with Pei to cut the expenses of the mansion.
Deng Cunli took the order and left.
Qingmei waited beside Gu Jiu and asked, "Madam, aren't you worried?"
Gu Jiu held the book in his hand and said, "There's nothing to worry about. If the princess really cuts the expenses, I will pay for your share out of my own pocket."
Qingmei shook her head. "That's not what I meant. What I meant was..."
"I know what you're worried about."
Gu Jiu put down the book and continued, "Life in the palace is indeed too extravagant. Think about what kind of life we live in the Gu Mansion and what kind of life we live in the palace. From the perspective of the princess, it is imperative to cut down on expenses. I will not object."
Qingmei was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect that Gu Jiu would not object to the tailoring expenses.
But if you compare them, you will know the difference.
Back then, when they were in the Gu Mansion, they were maids and their monthly salary was only 800 coins.
Even the most respectable maids and housekeepers received monthly wages ranging from one tael to one tael and five cents.
However, when she arrived at the palace, she and Xiao Cui were both considered first-class maids, with a monthly allowance of three taels, while the housekeepers received between five and eight taels. The housekeepers in the outer courtyard received an even higher monthly allowance.
Maids have such a high monthly salary, so naturally the masters can only give more, not less.
For example, the monthly expenses of the East Courtyard would never be less than one thousand taels. And this was even without any additional expenses.
If the seasons change, and you need to make seasonal clothes, jewelry, and socialize, I'm afraid two thousand taels will not be enough.
However, this is just the basic expenses.
When Gongzi Zhao was working outside, all his expenses were recorded separately.
Qingmei asked, "Madam, do you really not object to the cost of tailoring?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "In the past, the palace had a small population, consisting of only the prince, the princess, and two concubines. Therefore, the palace had no shortage of money, and they tried their best to improve their foundation, just to maintain their dignity.
Later, the prince had a child and took in a new beauty, and the population of the palace increased year by year.
The original base was set too high, and as the population increased, expenses skyrocketed.
As the situation in the court changed, the prince's expenses outside also increased.
Expenses are rising year after year, but income has remained stagnant for years. If this continues, how many years can the palace last?"
Qingmei said, "I'm afraid we won't be able to hold out for three to five years, and we'll have to live beyond our means."
Gu Jiu agreed. "Princess Huyang is a lesson for us. Why did Prince Consort Chen risk his life by minting coins and robbing tombs? It was all about money. He was short of cash, so he took these desperate risks. As a result, he not only lost his own life, but also the lives of the entire Chen family."
Nanny Fang opened the boxes, took out the cloth, and prepared to ask Qingzhu and the others to make new clothes for Gu Jiu.
When she heard Gu Jiu mention the issue of cutting expenses, she asked, "Since Madam doesn't object to cutting expenses, when that day comes, what will the East Court do? Reduce the monthly allowance? Or lay off employees?"
Gu Jiu was very straightforward, "We need to reduce the monthly allowance and lay off employees."
Qingmei was shocked and felt a little uneasy.
Gu Jiu smiled softly and soothed him, "Don't worry, even if there are layoffs, it won't be you. There are too many people around the young master, and if that day really comes, I'll have to take the opportunity to lay off a few people."
"Madam, aren't you worried that the young master will be angry?" Qingmei asked cautiously.
Gu Jiu said: "Before I lay off anyone, I will go meet him and tell him the details of this matter."
Judging from Liu Zhao's temperament, Gu Jiu guessed that he would not object to layoffs.
Nanny Fang said, "My only worry is that the people around you will cause trouble."
"If they dare to make trouble, I will send people to suppress them."
Gu Jiu's expression was very cold. She had been silent these days, but that didn't mean she knew nothing.
She observed everyone in the East Courtyard calmly and had a basic understanding of everyone's temperament.
She knows exactly who works diligently, who works shadyly, who is obsessed with climbing up the social ladder, and who goes out without permission all day long.
When the time comes to layoffs, she guarantees that she will catch every one of them.
Nanny Fang asked, "If the princess specifically asked Madam to help with the expenses, would Madam agree?"
Gu Jiu laughed, "How can I give up such power? I must hold it firmly in my hands."
Just because she doesn't seize power now doesn't mean she will give up when the opportunity comes.
Not only will she not give up, but she will hold on tightly.
People say that a real man cannot live without power for a day.
Gu Jiu said, a young woman cannot live without money for a day.
In this era, if you want money, you must have power.
So the sentence can be changed to: A man and a woman cannot live without rights for a day.
No matter whether this right is the right of the imperial court or the right of the inner palace, as long as it is a right, it cannot be given away.
Qingmei was worried, "It's just cutting expenses, but it's an offensive job."
Gu Jiu chuckled softly, "What kind of thing doesn't offend people? Being in charge of kitchen purchasing, doesn't that offend people? Those maids in the kitchen have scolded the kitchen purchasing staff countless times in private. Even if it's the Fourth Madam, being in charge of sewing purchases, wouldn't she also offend people? What do people in the sewing room think of her?"
Nanny Fang laughed. "Everyone in the sewing room says that the Fourth Madam is stingy and doesn't give a penny. They also say that she's taking advantage of others and won't give even a little bit of benefit to those below her. Everyone in the sewing room is full of complaints, but they just don't dare to complain."
Gu Jiu sneered, "They have no right to complain. The palace pays them their monthly allowance on time, and they have to work after receiving the money. It's only natural. They still want to take advantage of the palace, how can they not do it? As for the fourth lady, I can't control her for the time being. But in the future..."
She didn't say the rest of the words.
The time is not right, let’s talk about it in the future.
Nanny Fang added, "Second Madam does a great job. The servants all praise her."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "It is convenient for others and convenient for oneself. The Second Madam knows very well that she only needs to share a little bit of the benefits with the people below, and she will naturally win their hearts."
To be honest, she had a very good impression of Ouyang Fu from the beginning. She was quick and decisive in her work and was also a good housekeeper.
It’s a pity that the butt determines the head, and everyone’s positions are inconsistent, so some disagreements gradually arise.
But she still didn't want to fall out with Ouyang Fu.
The other party is very sensible and always keeps to the boundaries.
Once she showed the slightest dissatisfaction, Ouyang Fu would stop testing her in time.
Therefore, she had always been polite to Ouyang Fu all these years. As long as it didn't involve issues of position, it was good for everyone.
Once the issue of stance is involved, I'm sorry, no matter how close the relationship is, it cannot outweigh the struggle for interests.
Reality is so cruel.
A relationship that is mixed with interests cannot last long.
Only when the friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water can they be friends for life.
Nanny Fang said, "The Second Madam knows how to protect herself. She probably won't help the princess with her expenses."
Gu Jiu shook his head. "I don't think so. Once the prince orders a cut in the palace's expenses, and the Second Madam finds she can't stop it, she will definitely turn against him and take the initiative to assist the princess."
“If the Second Madam really helps the Princess cut down the expenses, I wonder what she will do.”
…
Everyone in the palace was staring at the Bixi Pavilion.
Everyone knows that the prince is checking the accounts.
What if there is a problem with the account book, will I be implicated?
At this time, no one realized that the princess's real intention was not to drink, but to force Prince Ning to agree to cut the expenses.
However, Ouyang Fu vaguely sensed Princess Pei's intention.
She went to see Concubine Shen and told her about her worries.
When Concubine Shen heard this, she thought it was really possible.
She instructed Ouyang Fu, "Don't make this public yet. I will go to Bixi Pavilion first."
…
Inside the Tourmaline Pavilion.
A dozen accountants were counting the accounts with abacus in their hands.
Prince Ning was drinking wine and listening to music in the flower hall next door.
Pei was worried, so she stayed in the side hall to keep an eye on the accounting office.
The servant reported that it was Concubine Shen who came to see him.
Pei was displeased. "What is she doing here? She has nothing to do here. Tell her to go back."
"Concubine Shen said that after learning that the prince was checking the accounts, she wanted to see if there was anything she could do to help."
Pei sneered, "Tell her that there's no need for her help here. Tell her to go back to her room and not run out for no reason."
The servant took the order and left.
Pei kept Concubine Shen in mind.
Concubine Shen stood at the door of Bixi Pavilion and was rejected, but she was not angry.
At this moment, she could be sure that Ouyang Fu's guess was true.
Pei really wanted to use the prince's hand to cut the expenses of the palace.
Concubine Shen snorted coldly and left decisively with her men. At the same time, she secretly ordered someone to go to the guest house to meet Princess Huyang.
If we don't use Princess Huyang as a troublemaker now, when will we do it?
Princess Huyang is the sister of Prince Ning, and she is better than anyone else in representing the emperor.
Concubine Shen smiled secretly. She wanted to see if Pei would go crazy after Princess Huyang ruined Pei's plan.
It was already dark, and under the leadership of Jia Ling, a dozen accountants finally sorted out the accounts for the past six months.
The palace steward handed the general account to Prince Ning for review.
Prince Ning waved his hand and asked the actors to leave.
He flipped through the accounts page by page, his brows furrowed more and more.
"Did the king spend seven thousand taels of silver on hiring actors?"
The palace steward bowed and said, "This is only the actor's salary, not including other expenses."
Prince Ning snorted, "These actors may be of low status, but their value is quite high. Wait, did I spend five thousand taels on wine and women this month?"
"I dare not lie to Your Highness. It is indeed five thousand taels. This is already considered a small amount, because Your Highness has not been out much this month. Last year, at the most, Your Highness could spend thirty to fifty thousand taels on wine and women in a month."
Upon hearing this, Pei said with a stern face, "Your Highness, please be frugal. Instead of wasting money on those bitches, you might as well pay back the debt owed to the Ministry of Revenue."
Prince Ning was unhappy. "So what if I drink some wine? I am happy."
He continued to flip through the pages, and oh my, he was shocked when he saw it.
In just the first month of the year, without doing anything, the palace spent 50,000 taels.
February was almost over, and including the repayment of the silver owed to the Ministry of Revenue, the palace had already spent more than 100,000 taels of silver.
No wonder there is not enough money to spend, the expenses are really too high.
He was too lazy to look at the expenses and just turned to the back to see the surplus.
A large part of the year-end profits was in the form of grain, and another part was piled up in goods.
The actual amount of cash was actually less than 200,000 taels.
In the first and second months alone, more than 100,000 taels of silver were spent. The weather will get hotter in March, which will be another huge expense.
No wonder Pei started complaining about being poor and saying that she had no money.
Prince Ning closed the account book and said, "This won't work. We need to increase revenue and reduce expenditure."
When Pei heard this, it was exactly what she wanted.
She hurriedly said, "Your Highness, increasing revenue is not something that can be achieved overnight. We need to plan slowly. The only thing we can do now is to cut costs."
Prince Ning looked at Pei and was about to ask how to save money when a servant came to report that Princess Huyang wanted to see her.
Pei frowned, "What are you doing here, Sister Huyang?"
Since the death of Prince Consort Chen, Prince Ning has felt more sympathy for Princess Huyang.
Huyang had a hard time at such a young age, losing her husband and his entire family.
So he ordered, "Please invite the princess in."
Pei was unhappy. Why was Huyang, this troublemaker, coming here at this time?
Princess Huyang was invited to the side hall, and she was not polite at all when facing her brother.
"Brother Wang, I heard that you were checking the accounts. Could the rumors in the palace be true?"
Prince Ning was a little confused, "What rumor?"
Princess Huyang said loudly, "Everyone in the palace is saying that my brother suddenly thought of checking the accounts. It was all because of my sister-in-law's instigation. The purpose was to cut down the expenses of the palace."
“Nonsense!”
Pei was so angry that her heart ached.
Princess Huyang is indeed worthy of her reputation, a great troublemaker.
"Huyang, if you don't know the inside story, don't talk nonsense. Also, who is behind this rumor in the mansion? If I find out who it is, I will have her beaten to death."
Princess Huyang felt wronged and started crying, "Brother Wang, you see how my sister-in-law treats me. I know that my husband is gone, the Chen family is gone, and I owe the Ministry of Revenue a lot of money that I can't pay back. That's why everyone dislikes me and treats me as a burden.
My sister-in-law wants to cut the household expenses, and it must be because of me. A few days ago, I asked my sister-in-law for some money to help the prince consort with his funeral, and she said there was no money in the household.
I didn't expect that my sister-in-law would cut the family's expenses because of this matter. If my sister-in-law wanted to use this opportunity to drive me away, why bother with so much trouble? It would be better to speak directly."
Pei was furious. She scolded Hu Yang, "Don't flatter me. You're not enough to make me so angry."
Princess Huyang cried and cried. She didn't care what Pei said, she just cried.
She cried and said, "Wang Xiong, I know I am a burden. I don't want to be like this. But now, besides relying on Brother Wang, who else can I rely on?
If the prince doesn't like me and doesn't want me to eat and live for free and waste the money and food of the prince's palace, then I will order people to sell the princess's mansion for money."
"Your Highness, please understand that I have absolutely no intention of expelling Hu Yang from the mansion. Someone must have whispered something in Hu Yang's ear, causing her to misunderstand."
Pei looked at Prince Ning, hoping that he would believe her and say a few fair words on her behalf.
Prince Ning's face was stern, and he looked intimidating without even getting angry. "Huyang, tell me first, who told you those rumors?"
Hu Yang wiped away her tears. "Everyone in the palace is talking about it. Doesn't my brother know about it? My sister-in-law has been wanting to cut the palace's expenses for a long time. This time, she's using my affairs to achieve her goal. My sister-in-law is really calculating."
Pooh!
Pei Shi despised Hu Yang in every possible way. He really dared to flatter him.
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