"Where's the money? Where's the money for my lavish funeral? Han Jiang, the Minister of the Imperial Academy, and Zhang Fangping, the Imperial Academy Scholar, have repeatedly told us that since the Kangding and Qingli periods, we've opened up our treasury to support the economy, but a century of accumulation has left us with nothing. The state's finances are insufficient to cover the cost. Last year, we took in 90 million strings of cash and spent 95 million, a deficit of 5 million strings in just one year. Are they completely deaf?"
Zhao Xu sneered, "The Battle of Gaoliang River, the Yongxi Northern Expedition, Sanchuankou, Haoshuichuan, and Dingchuan—it was nothing but disastrous defeats. Every year, we have to pay annual dues to the Liao Kingdom and the Western Xia. Li Xian, tell me, where is the prestige of the Song Dynasty?"
Li Xianhou didn't dare to respond. Since it involved the previous emperors, it was impossible to respond. No matter what he said, it would be wrong.
"These people in the censorate have really been spoiled by the policy of 'no punishment for officials'. They think they have some truth in their words and are so stubborn. They want to force me to bow my head and surrender. I have to swallow my anger. No way! I will never indulge them!"
Zhao Xu slammed his right hand on the table. "Li Xian, go inform the Hemen Division and tell them that I'm not feeling well. We'll discuss the matter of the mausoleum at court tomorrow."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Xian responded and walked out.
A moment later, Li Xian returned and reported, "The censors have all left the palace, but Ouyang Xianggong has arrived and said he has something important to discuss with Your Majesty."
Lord Ouyang, also known as Ouyang Xiu, the Vice-Chancellor, was one of the three giants of the Secretariat. He advocated frugality in funerals, believing that "the dead are gone, and we should consider the living" and leave the money for Zhao Xu to use for major events. Because of this, Ouyang Xiu was almost criticized to death.
The spectacular scene of Ouyang Xiu debating with the scholars in the hall two days ago emerged in Zhao Xu's mind, and his expression became better. This was his top helper in confronting the censors.
Bian Jing Palace, Funing Hall.
The young emperor Zhao Xu had a gloomy face when he returned from court. He looked at the table full of delicious food but had no appetite at all.
"Your Majesty, please eat something. You will have to go to Yanhe Hall to continue listening to the reports from the censors." Eunuch Li Xian bent over and spoke carefully.
"What kind of report is this? It all comes down to a grand funeral. Without a grand funeral, the prestige of the Song Dynasty cannot be demonstrated, and without a grand funeral, my benevolence and filial piety cannot be demonstrated..."
"Where's the money? Where's the money for my lavish funeral? Han Jiang, the Minister of the Imperial Academy, and Zhang Fangping, the Imperial Academy Scholar, have repeatedly told us that since the Kangding and Qingli periods, we've opened up our treasury to support the economy, but a century of accumulation has left us with nothing. The state's finances are insufficient to cover the cost. Last year, we took in 90 million strings of cash and spent 95 million, a deficit of 5 million strings in just one year. Are they completely deaf?"
Zhao Xu sneered, "The Battle of Gaoliang River, the Yongxi Northern Expedition, Sanchuankou, Haoshuichuan, and Dingchuan—it was nothing but disastrous defeats. Every year, we have to pay annual dues to the Liao Kingdom and the Western Xia. Li Xian, tell me, where is the prestige of the Song Dynasty?"
Li Xianhou didn't dare to respond. Since it involved the previous emperors, it was impossible to respond. No matter what he said, it would be wrong.
"These people in the censorate have really been spoiled by the policy of 'no punishment for officials'. They think they have some truth in their words and are so stubborn. They want to force me to bow my head and surrender. I have to swallow my anger. No way! I will never indulge them!"
Zhao Xu slammed his right hand on the table. "Li Xian, go inform the Hemen Division and tell them that I'm not feeling well. We'll discuss the matter of the mausoleum at court tomorrow."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Xian responded and walked out.
A moment later, Li Xian returned and reported, "The censors have all left the palace, but Ouyang Xianggong has arrived and said he has something important to discuss with Your Majesty."
Lord Ouyang, also known as Ouyang Xiu, the Vice-Chancellor, was one of the three giants of the Secretariat. He advocated frugality in funerals, believing that "the dead are gone, and we should consider the living" and leave the money for Zhao Xu to use for major events. Because of this, Ouyang Xiu was almost criticized to death.
The spectacular scene of Ouyang Xiu debating with the scholars in the hall two days ago emerged in Zhao Xu's mind, and his expression became better. This was his top helper in confronting the censors.
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