The Ministry of Revenue has no money, but the Ministry of Finance has money.
It’s just two million taels, the Shaofu can definitely come up with it.
The brothers exchanged glances, "Big brother, are you going to the palace?"
Liu Zhao knew what his brothers were thinking.
He shook his head, "No!"
The palace was restrictive, and he was unwilling to enter unless it was necessary.
"Brother, don't you want to open a government bill?"
Liu Zhao laughed, his eyes sweeping over everyone's face, "It's nice to live in the palace. I don't want to move out for the time being."
"What's so good about living in a palace? Can I accommodate my own officials? Can I support my own soldiers? Can I own my own property?"
Liu Zhao said, "I'm not in a hurry. If you're anxious to get a government bill, you can figure it out on your own."
Liu Yi frowned, "Big brother, are you really not in a hurry? With your sister-in-law's financial resources, she can completely afford the cost of opening a mansion independently."
Liu Zhao said seriously, "My wife's money cannot be touched without permission."
cut!
What's the difference between a couple?
"Since Big Brother is unwilling to enter the palace, then we will do our own thing. Don't regret it later."
Liu Zhao waved his hand and said, "Go quickly, go quickly. I also hope that you can get the government certificate soon."
The brothers left the East Courtyard together, but did not rush into the palace.
Going to the palace to ask for orders is easy, but also difficult. In short, you have to make some preparations first and have a good speech in mind.
The Second Prince walked with the Fourth Prince Liu Yi. "Fourth brother, what do you think the eldest brother means?"
Liu Yi smiled and said, "Since my sister-in-law has money, he is naturally not in a hurry. We have no money, so we are counting on the money from opening a mansion, the annual salary from the prince, and the inheritance from our father. But without opening a mansion, we will have none of these."
yes!
Reality forced them to make ends meet.
"Big brother is lucky. He married my eldest sister-in-law and never has to worry about money."
"There's only one eldest sister-in-law in the world, what can you and I do? But the second sister-in-law has a good relationship with the eldest sister-in-law, and your second branch has made a lot of money by following the eldest sister-in-law, right?"
"Your second sister-in-law only earns a little pocket money, which is not enough to cover expenses."
The second young master was very modest and would not admit how much money Ouyang Fu made by following Gu Jiu.
Liu Yi smiled and did not break the window paper.
He returned to the west yard.
Xiao Qin'er asked him, "Do you really want to go to the palace and request to open a residence?"
"Why, you don't want to?"
Xiao Qin'er thought for a moment and said, "I think living in the palace is quite nice. All expenses are covered by the government. We can save up our own money. Why don't we continue to live here and think about opening a palace in a year or two."
Liu Yi looked at her with a smile, but the smile did not reach his eyes. "You only see that opening a government office costs money, but you don't see that opening a government office can also make money."
“How much money can I make?”
"No matter how much money I can make, at least I can legitimately support officials, personal soldiers, and advisors. Without a government office, I won't have any of these."
Xiao Qin'er frowned. "Father has just ascended the throne. Is there any need to be so anxious? Father is in his prime and in good health. It won't matter if he opens the palace two or three years later."
Liu Yi suddenly became angry. "It's easy for you to say two or three years later. In two or three years, how much wealth will my sister-in-law have accumulated?
By then, my eldest brother's family will be rich, but we will be poor. While my eldest brother is spending money to recruit talents, I am still worried about money.
If you fall behind by one step, you will fall behind by every step. Even if you want to catch up, you have to see if you can catch up."
Xiao Qin'er felt wronged. "I just said it casually, why are you so angry?"
Liu Yi took a deep breath. "I was too anxious, but you refused to understand me and kept holding me back. How could I not be angry?"
"I'm not holding you back. I just thought, if you can get something for nothing, you're a jerk. Now all the expenses are covered by the public school. Once you move out, there will be no more good things like this."
"You are short-sighted."
"My eldest brother and his wife's family are not in a hurry, so why should we be in such a hurry?"
"That's enough! I have my own opinion on this matter. Please stop talking."
Liu Yi went out angrily.
Xiao Qin'er gritted her teeth and ordered the servants, "Pack up a gift. I need to go back to my parents' home."
Xiao Qin'er couldn't make up her mind and had to go back to her parents' home for help.
…
On the third house side, the third prince was very silent.
His biological mother had passed away, and he wanted to enter the palace, but he couldn't find anyone to turn to for help.
As for the Cai family, they can't even protect themselves and can't be relied upon at all.
He looked at Cai. It was almost time. He had to make a decision quickly on how to deal with Cai.
He used this as an excuse to go to the palace and ask to see his father.
My father might show him some extra favor because he is poisoned and weak.
He stood up and said to Cai: "I'm going to the palace."
Cai shuddered, "What is your Highness doing in the palace?"
"Of course there are important things. You can stay here peacefully and don't worry about the future."
Cai lowered her head and felt sad. How could she not worry about the future?
She's worried to death, okay?
"Your Highness, please come back soon."
The Third Prince nodded and said, "I will definitely come back before the palace gates are locked."
Cai watched the third young master leave, her hands clenched tightly in her sleeves, veins bulging.
Do you really think she is a fool?
She knew why the third prince came to the palace.
She has become an eyesore and it is time for her to step down and let someone else take her place.
She lowered her head and smiled, her smile full of sarcasm.
The maid comforted her and told her not to think too much.
She waved her hand and said, "Let's count our belongings. We might have to move out of the upper house and live in the small courtyard soon."
"Why would Madam be so cruel? His Highness wouldn't be so cold and heartless."
Cai's face darkened. "Don't you listen to me? Don't forget, you are all my dowry. If I don't protect you, you will be like the servants of the Cai Mansion, either dead or dragged out and sold."
The maid shuddered, "I'll start packing now, Madam, please relax."
This heart cannot be at peace.
She only hated Aunt Xu for causing her so much trouble.
He hated Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu even more for exposing the matter and causing the downfall of the Cai family.
She looked towards the east courtyard. Why could that couple live happily while she had to suffer so much?
Why?
Cai has accumulated too much dissatisfaction and resentment in her heart. When the day comes that she is demoted, she will be completely consumed by hatred.
…
Did the princes go to the palace to ask for permission smoothly?
Of course it didn't go well.
The Ministry of Revenue had no money, and Emperor Wende, being extremely stingy, was unwilling to use the money of the Shaofu.
Looking at his sons' expressions, Emperor Wende rolled his eyes. "The Ministry of Revenue is broke, and the Ministry of the Imperial Household has to spend its money where it counts. They haven't even thought about opening a palace. Is living in the Prince's Palace too much of a burden for you? How about living in the palace? The Eastern Palace has so many halls, and they're all empty. How about you all live there?"
Several princes shuddered in unison, "Father, please forgive me!"
Emperor Wende laughed heartily. "You are all my sons, so I will naturally be tolerant of you. I will not punish you this time. All of you, go away."
The princes were upset. They had barely made the first move, and now they were being beaten to a pulp. The moment their father opened his mouth, he had already blocked all possibilities. What were they supposed to do?
Liu Yi was somewhat unwilling to give up, so he boldly asked, "Father, I have another question, but I'm not sure if I should ask it or not."
"Speak!"
Liu Yi pondered and said, "The Ministry of Revenue has been without money for more than a year or two. It's been like this for a long time. I'm afraid the Ministry of Revenue won't have money in the future. Does that mean my sons can't open their own offices as long as the Ministry of Revenue is broke? Will they be unable to open their own offices for three, five, ten, or eight years?"
Emperor Wende glanced at Liu Yi coldly and said, "If you can raise enough money to open a government office, I will let the Minister of the Imperial Household cooperate with you to choose a mansion for you and help you open it.
If you can't raise enough money to open a palace, then go back to the palace and stay there. When the Ministry of Revenue is more relaxed and the Ministry of Revenue has some extra money, I will take care of you."
This is what is meant by non-negotiable.
Liu Yi lowered his head and felt very tired.
Being a prince was clearly harder than being a princely son. He shouldered more and more responsibilities, but received few benefits. He was often reprimanded by his father.
Back then, when they were princes of the royal palace, their father rarely cared about them throughout the year.
Now, I am impeached by the censors at every turn. I am called to the palace by my father and scolded at every turn.
The life of a prince is simply miserable.
However, finding a mansion is full of difficulties.
With a gloomy face, Liu Yi left Xingqing Palace and went to Weiyang Palace to meet Empress Pei.
Empress Pei was very busy during this period. She was busy adapting to the life of a queen, cultivating her confidants, and dealing with Empress Dowager Xiao.
Liu Yi came to her for help, and she sighed, "You are too anxious. Your elder brother is right. There is no rush for the prince to open a palace. Why don't you listen?"
Liu Yi frowned.
Empress Pei said earnestly, "Your father has just ascended the throne and has so many things to do, spending money everywhere. The affairs of the court have not yet been sorted out. You, as his sons, do not think about sharing your father's worries, but only think about using the money to establish a government office, adding to the burden on His Majesty. It would be strange if His Majesty is happy."
"Just because the Ministry of Revenue has no money, my son can't open his own government office?" Liu Yi was unwilling to accept this.
Empress Pei snorted, "You're usually quite clever, but why are you so stubborn now? Wait until your father is done with his busy schedule this year, and when his position is secure next year, you can propose opening a government office. It will be a natural outcome. Do you understand?"
Liu Yi was still a little confused and couldn't get out of the dilemma.
Empress Pei poked his forehead and said, "Go back and think it over carefully. Don't bother me until you have thought it through. Also, the properties in the palace will definitely be divided among you brothers in the future. Tell Xiao Qin'er to be more careful and not let your sister-in-law control you all."
"Thank you for your guidance, mother. I will keep it in mind."
"Go to the Queen Mother and pay your respects. If she's pleased, she'll give you some valuable things."
Liu Yi thought to himself, he didn't want any valuables. But since he was in the palace, he should pay his respects to the Queen Mother.
"Son, I understand. I will go and pay my respects to the Queen Mother right away."
Liu Yi came to the Queen Mother's palace, and the third prince Liu Yan was also there.
Empress Dowager Xiao was discussing Liu Yan's marriage with him.
February has passed, March has arrived, and everything is reviving.
The Cai family’s case is almost over and the verdict will be announced soon.
The third prince Liu Yan went to Emperor Wende to ask for permission. Emperor Wende had already promised him that he would take care of the Cai family for him, and there had to be an explanation whether it was to demote or expel them.
In this case, the third prince will have to marry another wife.
Emperor Wende had no time to care about the third prince's marriage.
The third prince had no choice but to ask Empress Dowager Xiao for help.
Empress Dowager Xiao was happy to act as a matchmaker for the Third Prince.
When women get older, they seem to be very keen on matchmaking.
Empress Dowager Xiao was very happy to see Liu Yi coming.
Empress Dowager Xiao had always favored Liu Yi the most. She beckoned him to sit in front of her, "I'm just thinking about what kind of girl from a certain family background would be worthy of my third son. You're his brother, so you should think about it for him too."
Liu Yi smiled and said, "Third brother is now a prince, his status is different from before. Naturally, he must find a noble lady worthy of him."
Liu Yan waved his hands repeatedly, "I only want a good wife to help me, family background is not a big deal."
Liu Yi laughed, thinking that the third brother was quite hypocritical. He had come to the Queen Mother and begged her for a marriage, just to find a lady from a prominent family.
Liu Yi said, "Third brother's requirements are not low. Being a good wife to the prince is not an easy task. Family background, character, appearance, and talent are all essential. Queen Mother, is your grandson right?"
Empress Dowager Xiao nodded repeatedly, "Yi'er is right. To be a virtuous wife of the royal family, family background, character, appearance, and talent are all essential. I will send someone to carefully select for the third son. If there is a suitable one, I will call her to the palace for an interview."
"I'd like to congratulate you in advance, Third Brother, on marrying a good wife. When Third Brother invites you to the wedding someday, I'll definitely give you a generous gift."
"You're too polite, Fourth Brother. Nothing has been decided yet, so I'm afraid I won't be able to drink the wedding wine for a while."
"It's okay. I'm very patient and I'm sure I'll get to drink at Third Brother's wedding one day."
No one mentioned Cai.
Cai seemed to have been completely forgotten.
Two days later, the palace issued an edict, demoting Cai to the title of Prince Baolin and moving her out of the main house.
The maidservant stood up for Cai.
"Baolin is only a sixth-rank official. This is really too much. In the future, anyone can step on Madam's head and bully her."
Cai seemed quite calm. "From now on, you must call me Baolin and not Madam anymore."
"lady……"
"How dare you! I am just a concubine, how can I be qualified to be called Madam?"
Cai suddenly became angry. Her face turned pale and her eyes were fierce, which was really scary.
The maid was startled and had no choice but to change her words, "Are you planning to move out of the main room today?"
Cai snorted coldly, "If you don't move out, will you be annoying if you stay here?"
"But the furniture that Baolin brought as a dowry was all built according to the size of the main house. The house in the small courtyard is too cramped to accommodate all of it."
"We'll accommodate as many people as we can. If we can't, we'll just dismantle the furniture and sell it."
After this blow, Cai became calm instead.
The maid was a little worried, but she couldn't persuade him anymore, so she could only obey the order.
When the Cai family moved, the Third Prince Liu Yan never showed up. He only sent two eunuchs to come forward.
It seemed that the two eunuchs were there to supervise the move, to prevent Cai from taking away the ornaments in the palace as her dowry.
Cai lowered her head and smiled sarcastically.
It is said that a husband and wife are bound by a hundred days of grace.
There was no gratitude between her and the Third Prince now. In his heart, the Third Prince probably hated her.
She hated her dowry nanny who poisoned him and ruined his body, causing him to be childless for so many years.
There was not much left of Cai's dowry, and part of it was sold to support her brothers from her natal family.
The move was completed quickly, from the main house to the small courtyard. This treatment was like a drop from heaven to earth.
She sat in the small courtyard, looking at the cramped hall, bedroom and side rooms. The three rooms together were not as big as the hall in the main house.
Having fallen to this point, I can only laugh and cry.
There was a knock on the gate and the maid went to open it.
Soon the maid called out, "Baolin, the eldest lady has sent a gift."
Upon hearing this, Cai's face instantly twisted into a hideous expression.
But soon, she regained her composure.
"Please invite the person in."
The ones who came to give gifts were Qingzhu and Xiaocui.
"My wife learned that Baolin had moved and was worried that he would be in trouble, so she sent me here to deliver some cloth, herbs, and other things. This is the gift list, I hope Baolin will accept it."
Cai wiped away her tears and said with emotion, "My eldest sister-in-law is truly kind and righteous. I have fallen to this point, and everyone avoids me like the plague. Only my eldest sister-in-law, regardless of rumors, specially sent you to deliver gifts. I appreciate this kindness, but I am afraid I can never repay it."
"Baolin, you're too polite. My wife said that we are sisters-in-law after all. If Baolin has any difficulties in the future, she can send someone to the East Courtyard to let us know. I will definitely help if I can."
"Thank you, sister-in-law. You guys have some tea."
"No, I have to go back and report. Baolin, have a good rest and go out and play when you have time."
Qingzhu and Xiaocui left the small courtyard.
Qingzhu was a little sensitive, "Do you think Cai Baolin is a little weird?"
"Is it weird? I don't feel anything."
Xiao Cui is careless and naturally doesn't pay attention to some details.
Qingzhu had some doubts and mentioned it to Gu Jiu after returning to the East Courtyard.
Gu Jiu thought for a moment and said, "Once a lady is demoted to Baolin, no one can accept it normally. In addition, the eldest prince also had a hand in the Cai family's affairs. She may have some resentment towards us in her heart."
The Grand Prince that Gu Jiu mentioned was Liu Zhao.
"She complained to Madam, so why did Madam still give her gifts?"
Gu Jiu laughed, "This lady always does things with a clear conscience. She hates what she wants, and I do what I want. From now on, we will have no further contact."
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