Chapter 191: Women as Officials
"Then what?"
Du Qingtang was walking along the corridor of the girls' school, the sound of reading was in her ears, and she turned her head to look at the person next to her.
"And then? Then I'll kill him." Princess Zhaoyang's eyes and eyebrows were full of joy. "With my own hands."
Du Qingtang: “…”
When she woke up yesterday morning, she thought about how busy she had been in the past two months. Princess Zhaoyang had returned to Beijing for a long time, and the two of them had not yet reminisced about the past, so she submitted a visiting card to the princess's mansion.
It was a day off today, so Du Qingtang slept until he woke up naturally and drove to the princess's mansion.
Princess Zhaoyang entertained the guests warmly, and after they had a great time, they asked to visit the girls' school.
Du Qingtang was very happy, and she also wanted Princess Zhaoyang to see the results of her two months of hard work, so the two of them went to Xiasheng Academy located on the outskirts of the city.
It was afternoon and the students were in class.
Du Qingtang and Princess Zhaoyang were strolling along the corridor, and the latter casually mentioned the Wenyuan Marquis Mansion and Lu Jianshan, who had harassed her in the street earlier.
Du Qingtang followed up her question, and Princess Zhaoyang said this in a light tone.
Du Qingtang was surprised for a moment, but then realized that this was very consistent with Princess Zhaoyang's personality, and quickly calmed down: "I thought he had fled because he was afraid of the crime."
The imperial guards raided the mansion of Marquis Wenyuan and all nine members of his family were imprisoned, except for the eldest son of Marquis Wenyuan, who was nowhere to be found. It was said that he escaped during the chaos.
The government then posted a notice, issuing a nationwide wanted notice for Lu Jianshan.
Du Qingtang heard this in September, but didn't take it to heart. He didn't expect that Lu Jianshan would end up like this.
Princess Zhaoyang spread her hands and said calmly, "I cannot tolerate any sand in my eyes and I cannot stand betrayal."
"A traitor doesn't deserve to be forgiven. He truly deserves death." Du Qingtang casually replied, his gaze fixed on Princess Zhaoyang's face. "Arong's makeup looks great today."
Unlike her usual heavy makeup, Princess Zhaoyang wore light makeup today, which was simple and elegant, and softened her sharp eyebrows and eyes.
Princess Zhaoyang gathered her plain wide sleeves, raised her eyebrows and smiled, "It's not appropriate to wear heavy attire when visiting the academy, otherwise it would seem that I don't know my place."
"That's right." Du Qingtang's gaze came in through the window and fell on Du Qingju who was teaching behind the desk.
The young girl was wearing an indigo robe, with her black hair tied up high, and she looked energetic and capable.
"Medical practice requires observation, listening, questioning, and palpation..."
The soft voice flows through the heart like a gurgling stream, making people follow it unconsciously.
Du Qingtang looked at the girls in the classroom who were listening attentively with their heads raised, and curled her lips subtly.
When Xiasheng Academy was first built, only scholars with official titles attended the middle school and university, while the vast majority of students attended the elementary school, where they studied the Four Books, Five Classics, and Six Arts.
In the next three years, subjects such as medicine, agriculture and animal husbandry will all be elective subjects.
There are two semesters in a year. In addition to the normal holidays, there are also winter and summer vacations lasting one month.
Students are required to select one subject each semester, which will be assessed together with the Four Books, Five Classics and Six Arts at the end of the semester. Those who fail will be marked as having failed the course and will need to retake it in the new semester. If they still fail the course before graduation, the school has the right not to issue a diploma.
Du Qingju felt a familiar gaze falling on her and looked back accurately.
After seeing who was coming, a smile flashed across Du Qingju's eyes, and she continued teaching without any expression.
"The sisters who presented the jade are all outstanding people." Princess Zhaoyang paused, "That's good."
Du Qingtang didn't know whether she meant that the girls of the Du family were good or that the girls' school was good, so he didn't ask and just responded.
The two walked west along the corridor, chatting casually.
In the Chinese class, Princess Changle held a book, quoted extensively, and spoke wittily.
In the agronomy class, Researcher Min, who developed high-yield wheat, spoke eloquently and passed on his decades of breeding experience to the students.
In the cooking class, Du Qingju held a lotus root that looked like white jade, carving it while explaining. The students below opened their eyes wide, watching with great interest, and gesturing with their hands from time to time.
......
Along the way, the teachers taught seriously, the students listened attentively, there was interaction, and the atmosphere was lively.
Although it is winter when everything is withering, the girls' school is full of vitality.
After visiting the girls' school, Du Qingtang and Princess Zhaoyang went to the boys' school and finally returned home.
Princess Zhaoyang sat in Du Qingtang's tricycle, her chin propped up, boredly looking at the shops on both sides of the street. Her fingertips fiddled with her hairpin, making a lingering sound. "Xianyu, you don't seem curious at all."
Du Qingtang paid attention to the road conditions ahead: "What are you curious about?"
"Lu Jianshan," Princess Zhaoyang muttered unhappily, "I've already brought the topic to your attention, but you've simply brushed it off."
Du Qingtang ignored the strong hint of temptation in Princess Zhaoyang's tone and said calmly, "Curiosity killed the cat."
In fact, even if Princess Zhaoyang didn't say it, Du Qingtang could guess about 70% of the truth.
After all, this princess is not an ordinary royal family, and Du Qingtang is not the kind of person who likes to get to the bottom of things, so it is better to ask less about her affairs.
Princess Zhaoyang choked and glanced at Du Qingtang unhappily.
Du Qingtang had his back to her and caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his eye, but ignored her and drove calmly: "No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Just cut your losses in time."
Princess Zhaoyang tapped her cheek with her fingertips, it was hard not to agree.
It is said that fortune and misfortune go hand in hand. She suffered a lot in Da Qi, but if it weren't for those ten years, she would have foolishly married Lu Jianshan and eventually become an ordinary woman in the harem, fighting with those concubines and mistresses like a black-eyed chicken, which only added to the laughter.
Since Lord Du didn't ask, she simply didn't say anything.
The past is too painful to recall, and talking about it will only make yourself and others feel uncomfortable.
Princess Zhaoyang put the annoying old man out of her mind and stared at Du Qingtang's profile. Suddenly, she raised her eyebrows and said, "From Xianyu's tone, it seems there's a story behind this."
"Story?" Du Qingtang asked instead of answering.
Princess Zhaoyang could tell she was playing dumb, so she folded her arms and snorted softly, "Xianyu, don't try to fool me. I have the means and strength to make you confess."
Du Qingtang stopped the car and waited for people to cross the sidewalk before setting off again: "A Rong, are you threatening me?"
Princess Zhaoyang said confidently: "Yes, I am threatening Master Du!"
Du Qingtang laughed, and then Princess Zhaoyang changed the subject: "If Lord Du really doesn't want to talk about it, then forget it. I'm not the kind of person who would force others to do anything."
What a good move of retreating to advance.
Du Qingtang sighed secretly. Seeing that Princess Zhaoyang was in a good mood today, he said frankly, "There's nothing I can't say. I once had feelings for someone, but luckily I stopped myself before it was too late. After a brief encounter, we parted ways and are both doing well."
Princess Zhaoyang raised her eyebrows with interest. "Are you attracted by her beauty? She seems to be a beauty."
A pair of wet green eyes appeared in front of Du Qingtang, like a wet forest, and he hummed softly: "Not bad."
Princess Zhaoyang sounded even more excited. She poked Du Qingtang's arm and said, "It must have been a long time ago, right? What about now? Do you regret your decision now?"
Du Qingtang was tickled by her: "If you poke me again, I will throw you to the side of the road and let you run back by yourself."
Princess Zhaoyang: “?”
"Wow—Xianyu, you're so mean." Princess Zhaoyang wrinkled her nose, revealing a rare hint of girlish delicacy, and urged again, "Just tell me, just treat it as a private conversation. I'm really curious. After all, you seem to have no desires, like someone who wants to become an immortal right now."
Du Qingtang: “…”
I haven't seen him for several months. How come he has become so much more of a rogue?
However, Du Qingtang was happy with this kind of closeness, and said in a calm but firm tone: "No regrets."
“When you live in this world, you must give up something in order to gain something.”
"Love is just a seasoning for me, but that was only after I was firmly in a high position and had great power."
To date, every step Du Qingtang takes is still walking on a tightrope.
The road ahead is full of dangers and there is no way back.
Any of her actions will be magnified infinitely by her political opponents and become a reason to attack her and bring her down.
She must be rational and not act impulsively.
"Thinking about it now, that was my chance, and it made me even more determined to follow my path."
Once upon a time, Du Qingtang hated his own indecision and even took his anger out on that person.
Thinking about it now, it seems like a lifetime ago, and she can still talk about the past calmly.
Princess Zhaoyang was silent for a long time, then sighed softly, "I was right about Master Du."
Be firm enough and rational enough.
She knew very well what she wanted most.
"But in my opinion, only power is the best seasoning." The tricycle stopped at the gate of the princess's mansion. Du Qingtang looked back, and Princess Zhaoyang blinked. "What do you think, Lord Du?"
Du Qingtang pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "It's a seasoning, but also a tonic."
Princess Zhaoyang was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. Her clear laughter shook the glass window slightly. "That's right! It's a tonic! A very tonic!"
Du Qingtang was infected by the laughter and also curled up the corners of his mouth: "I've been running around outside for half a day. Ah Rong, go back and rest. I also have to go back to continue writing the textbook."
Du Qingtang plans to add two subjects, physics and chemistry, to Xiasheng School to cultivate a group of targeted talents.
Du Qingtang is the only one who understands these two subjects. She plans to compile three physics textbooks and three chemistry textbooks before the New Year, one for each academic year.
After these students graduate from the school, they will be sent directly to the research institute to contribute to the construction of Daxia.
Du Qingtang also planned to find herself a useful assistant. She was tired of doing everything by herself and was always exhausted.
Princess Zhaoyang stretched lazily. She never seemed to care about her image in front of Du Qingtang. She blinked her bloodshot eyes and said, "To be honest, Xianyu, I was busy dealing with memorials yesterday and didn't rest until midnight. I was woken up early in the morning by a bird that came from nowhere. I am indeed a little tired."
Du Qingtang glanced at Princess Zhaoyang for a second longer, unable to tell whether she had said this intentionally or unintentionally. He simply ignored her words and smoothed the tassels of her hairpin for her. "Go ahead. Take care of yourself even when you're busy."
Princess Zhaoyang was very touched by Du Qingtang's concern. She held her wrist and shook it gently twice. "Master Du, I'll give you a surprise in a while, okay?"
Du Qingtang readily agreed, watched Princess Zhaoyang get off the car, and waved to her from beside the stone lion.
Du Qingtang nodded, turned the car around and drove away.
Back at Duke Wen's Mansion, Du Qingtang answered Gu Yajun's questions and then leaned back on a recliner under the eaves, basking in the sun while petting the cat.
Youyou lay on her lap, snoring with his ears shaking.
The sunlight was too comfortable and Du Qingtang felt drowsy, so he simply closed his eyes and let himself fall asleep peacefully.
Soon, little Lihua also fell into a sweet sleep.
Meng Fang came to the main courtyard and wanted to discuss important matters with his master. Seeing this scene, he even breathed lightly, for fear of disturbing this warm scene.
He smiled and closed the door quietly.
It's rare for the master to be so leisurely, so he'd better not disturb him.
-
In late November, the newly-appointed Jinshi scholars arrived in Xiajing one after another, set up residence and met with friends.
In the twelfth lunar month, the newly-appointed Jinshi officially took up his post and became one of the tens of thousands of officials of Daxia.
Most of the civil servants were appointed to the seven ministries and five temples, but some who were ambitious and eager to make achievements applied to the Ministry of Personnel and requested to be transferred to other places.
The Minister of Personnel consulted Emperor Qingyuan and approved the applications. It took only one day to arrange the officials' places and issue the appointment documents.
As for military officers, the top military scholar Li Jin was awarded the rank of lieutenant general and sent to Loushan Pass to serve. The rest of the military scholars were appointed to the Ministry of War, or volunteered to go to the grassroots level of the army to gain experience, accumulate military merits, and move up step by step.
On the first day of the twelfth lunar month, in the evening, Du Qingtang and Fu Ci walked on the Youchang Palace Road, returning home together after their shift.
Fu Ci tucked his hands into his wide sleeves, and the cold made Sihasa gasp for air, his nose and cheeks flushed. "There are several new faces in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Except for two men, the rest are women."
"I've been secretly observing them today. They're very motivated and eager to learn. They've been able to easily overcome the challenges presented by their so-called seniors, both overt and covert." Fu Ci said cheerfully, "The future is promising!"
However, although he had a very good impression of these officials, Fu Ci did not intend to lend a helping hand and warned the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to bully newcomers, especially women.
The road for women to become officials is destined to be full of ups and downs and hardships. They must go forward step by step on their own, and no one can help them.
Fu Ci said sternly, "If I help them, I will be harming them."
Du Qingtang agreed deeply. The officialdom is like a battlefield, and one has to stand firm. "Just keep an eye on it and don't make things too chaotic."
Fu Ci nodded and was about to say something else when a few men came towards him.
"Your humble servant greets you, sir."
Du Qingtang didn't look away and just nodded slightly.
As they passed by, a middle-aged official suddenly spoke up: "My Lords."
Du Qingtang paused, and Fu Ci turned his head to look.
The middle-aged official bowed deeply and said, "After the results of the imperial examination were announced, I was confused about right and wrong and was instigated by others. I misunderstood the two gentlemen and did something foolish. I feel deeply guilty afterwards, but I have not been able to find an opportunity to make amends."
As he spoke, he bowed again and said, "I know I was wrong. I hope you will forgive me."
Several other officials apologized one after another, their words sincere and their expressions earnest.
Du Qingtang and Fu Ci exchanged a glance and spoke first: "It is a great virtue to correct one's mistakes as soon as one realizes them. Don't let others lead you by the nose again in the future."
Fu Ci continued, "It's getting late, and the wind is getting colder. Everyone should go back early."
After saying that, he and Du Qingtang walked around them and left.
Several officials straightened up and looked at each other.
"Duke Wen and Earl Haining have forgiven us?"
"Obviously not."
“If you put yourself in their shoes, even a saint wouldn’t repay evil with kindness.”
"What should I do next?"
"Anyway, those two have already received our apologies. They should be more respectful when we meet next time. They shouldn't embarrass us."
"It can only be like this. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have done it in the first place."
Several people sighed and were extremely depressed.
......
Du Qingtang filled his stomach and put down his chopsticks, and then Ruan Ran and the other two girls came back in the night.
Fu Ci bit his chopsticks and asked vaguely, "Are the Hanlin Academy and the Ministry of Revenue and Rites very busy?"
It's not even the end of the year yet, and they are new officials, so they shouldn't be working overtime until this hour.
At least that's the case with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ruan Ran crawled in slowly like a pool of liquid. After sitting down, he leaned over the table, fluttered twice, and let out a long sigh.
Feng Xiu and Qian Ran were in a similar condition, lying on the table, barely breathing.
Du Qingtang picked up the spicy shredded potatoes and put them aside to prevent Ruan Ran's hair from getting stuck in them. "Busy?"
It is a question sentence, but it has an affirmative tone.
Feng Xiu had a face full of bitterness and resentment. "That official from our Ministry of Rites stuffed a lot of paperwork into me, saying it was to train me. I didn't even have lunch and was busy until the evening."
Qian Ran pounded the table furiously. "That official from the Ministry of Revenue was just as good. He even stuffed his share on me. I had no idea at the time. This afternoon, when I went to get some water, I happened to hear him bragging to others about how Duke Wen's niece was no better than him. Ahhhh, I'm so pissed!"
Ruan Ran gritted his teeth and said, "I've been sorting through historical records all day. They're in tatters and I feel like I'm smelling musty all over."
When the mother and aunt heard this, they were angry and heartbroken.
Du Qingtang remained calm. Workplace bullying is ubiquitous, even in ancient times. "Do you need me to go there?"
Although spoiling a girl is like killing her, she had previously vowed to Fu Ci not to help her, but who asked her to protect her?
Your own children should always be treated differently from other children.
Justified.jpg
Ruan Ran was the first to shake his head: "I'm not a three-year-old kid who ran home crying after being bullied and asked you to seek justice for me."
Feng Xiu agreed: "Although it is a bit hard, it is not a big problem. We can handle it."
Qian Ran nodded, "We can't rely on you for everything. We've all grown up and have to be independent."
Du Qingtang stopped insisting and told them to eat quickly: "Rest early and conserve your energy. You will be busy tomorrow."
Three girls: “…Yes.”
-
On the third day of the twelfth lunar month, Grand Secretary Qi caught a cold and took a day off.
He returned the next day and requested Emperor Qingyuan to remove him from his post as Minister of Revenue in the Golden Palace.
Emperor Qingyuan naturally disagreed, and Grand Secretary Qi said helplessly, "I always thought I was in good health and could handle two more errands, Your Majesty. Until yesterday, I caught a slight cold and was almost unable to get out of bed."
"I am old and unable to take care of both the cabinet and the Ministry of Revenue at the same time," said Qi Daxueshi, bowing deeply. "I beg Your Majesty to grant me the grace to remove my position as Shangshu!"
Emperor Qingyuan pondered for a long time and sighed, "Forget it, my dear Qi, you have come to this point. If I do not agree, wouldn't I be a foolish monarch who does not care about his subjects?"
Qi Daxueshi bowed his head and said, "I dare not."
Emperor Qingyuan waved his hand and said, "I will allow you to recuperate at home for five days. When you have recovered, come back and share my worries."
Grand Secretary Qi was delighted and kowtowed again: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
Emperor Qingyuan looked at the Minister of Personnel and asked, "Are there any officials of the fourth rank or above in the capital waiting for a vacancy?"
The Minister of Personnel stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, there is none."
When these words were spoken, officials above the fourth rank in the Golden Palace were overjoyed.
If there were no officials waiting for vacancies, wouldn't they have the opportunity to take charge of the Ministry of Revenue and hold the second-rank official position?
Officials of the third and fourth ranks suppressed their excitement, held their heads high and chests puffed out, and tried to stand up straight so that His Majesty could see them at a glance.
Emperor Qingyuan twirled his beard, as if pondering something. After a long pause, he said in a deep voice, "Since that's the case, let Zhaoyang take over the position of Shangshu from Qi Aiqing."
Everyone: “?”
Zhaoyang?
Which Zhaoyang?
Is there any third or fourth rank official in the court with this name?
Du Qingtang suddenly had an idea and turned his head to look at Academician Qi.
The old man had a rosy complexion and looked energetic, and he didn't look like he had caught a cold or was unwell at all.
Qi Daxueshi noticed Du Qingtang's gaze, but he didn't understand why, but he still smiled back.
Du Qingtang: “…”
He has thick eyebrows and big eyes, and he is very pretentious.
However, is this the surprise Princess Zhaoyang gave her?
Du Qingtang said she was very satisfied with the surprise.
He has already entered the court as an official, and ascending to the throne is just around the corner!
The brave officials asked, "Excuse my ignorance, but may I ask who this Mr. Zhao is..."
"What Lord Zhao?" Emperor Qingyuan was stunned for a moment before reacting and correcting him, "It's my beloved daughter, Princess Zhaoyang, not Lord Zhao."
Everyone: “???”
Everyone: “…”
No, Your Majesty, do you want to listen to what you are saying?
Princess Zhaoyang?
Minister of Revenue?
As a princess who only knows how to indulge in pleasure, does she know how to handle official business?
She probably doesn't even know which way the door of the Ministry of Revenue faces!
Everyone was shocked and angry, and stood up one after another to strongly oppose it.
"The Ministry of Revenue oversees the nation's finances. The appointment of the head of the Ministry is no joke. You cannot disregard the people of the world just because you favor Princess Zhaoyang!"
"Princess Zhaoyang has never participated in court affairs. How can she take on the responsibility of being the head of a department?"
"Your Majesty! Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
There was a huge crowd of people kneeling on the ground in the Golden Palace, and most of them held opposing views.
Emperor Qingyuan's eyes were cold, and his tone was chilling: "Zhaoyang has suffered for Daxia for a whole ten years. Shouldn't I compensate her and reward her generously?"
Although she was reluctant to admit it, it was true that Princess Zhaoyang suffered a lot in the past ten years for the sake of Daxia's marriage to Daqi.
But this isn’t the way to give a generous reward!
Your Majesty, you can reward her with gold, silver, treasures, silks, and even fiefdoms, but you cannot reward her with the position of Minister of Revenue!
Unfortunately, Emperor Qingyuan is now just a father who loves his daughter dearly and wants to give her the best things. At this time, he would not listen to anything and showed his autocratic side.
"Zhaoyang has never participated in government affairs. Are all the officials in the Ministry of Revenue dead?"
"My mind is made up. There is no need to discuss this matter further. Lord Qi, please familiarize Zhaoyang with the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue as soon as possible and strive to have him take up his post within the next two days."
Grand Secretary Qi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will follow your command."
Everyone: “…”
After the morning court session ended, everyone looked at the back of Emperor Qingyuan striding away, and all they wanted to do was yell—(expletive).
"A hen crowing at dawn is doomed to fail... Mmmmm!"
A colleague rushed over and covered the man's mouth with his hands: "Shut up! Do you want to die?!"
Although he also felt that His Majesty had become increasingly confused in the past two years, first opening up the imperial examinations for women and allowing women to serve as officials in the court, and now appointing Princess Zhaoyang as the Minister of Revenue, all of which could not be done by anyone without a mental illness, but he could not say anything he wanted while in the Golden Palace.
If His Majesty finds out, I’ll lose my head!
The rambling official pushed his colleague's hand away and rolled his eyes in annoyance. "You can't do this, you can't do that. Are you going to let me watch helplessly as a woman who is ridiculous, dissolute, and unfaithful to her husband becomes the head of the Ministry of Revenue and throws the Ministry into chaos?"
As he spoke, he looked meaningfully at the Ministry of Revenue official and asked, "Are you comfortable living under the same roof with her like this?"
Ministry of Revenue official: “…”
After a long silence, they expressed that they were frightened and their faces turned pale.
"What should I do? Why not die?"
"You want to die in the throne room, don't you?"
Thinking of Wang Zhongliang who was forced to die by crashing against the Panlong Pillar by Princess Zhaoyang, and Lu Sicheng who almost died by crashing against the Panlong Pillar, everyone fell silent again.
"Why not spread this matter and make a big fuss about it? The scholars and common people will definitely not sit idly by and allow a woman of such a bad reputation to control the imperial purse strings."
"...They used to treat Duke Wen the same way before."
But what is the result?
As a result, eighteen officials were exiled, and Fang Yong was implicated in the case of framing Duke Wen Guo for favoritism and corruption.
Duke Wen is still Duke Wen, without any loss, and he even further facilitated the imperial examinations for women to enter officialdom.
Everyone: “…”
"Princess Zhaoyang is favored by His Majesty and doesn't care what you, I, or the scholars think."
"As for the common people, it would be useless even if they knew. They only care about whether they can have enough food to eat and don't care about what happens in the court at all."
Everyone: “…”
I'm tired and don't want to talk.
If you don’t want to talk, then let’s go our separate ways.
......
Over the next two days, memorials opposing Princess Zhaoyang's appointment as head of the Ministry of Revenue flew onto Emperor Qingyuan's desk like snowflakes.
The officials tried their best to oppose it, but their opposition was in vain. They could only watch Princess Zhaoyang take office and become the Minister of Revenue.
"Let her be proud for a few days. When she causes a catastrophic disaster, we can then legitimately expel her from the court."
If they can't deal with that madman Du Qingtang, can't they deal with a stupid princess with an empty mind?
But before Princess Zhaoyang could cause a devastating disaster, they encountered disaster first.
At the morning court session on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, as soon as Emperor Qingyuan sat on the dragon throne, Princess Zhaoyang stepped out. Her clear voice resounded throughout the Golden Palace, frightening the sleepy and confused officials to death.
"Your Majesty, during the reign of the previous emperor, the national treasury was opened to lend money to the princes and officials. Now, more than thirty years have passed. It is time for you to repay the money."
Everyone: “???”
Everyone: “!!!”
During the reign of the previous emperor, he opened the national treasury and allowed princes and officials to borrow money from the national treasury.
No one would let go of the fat meat that was right at their fingertips. During that period, people came to the Ministry of Revenue to borrow money every day, and each person started with 10,000 taels, and the highest was up to 1 million taels.
In addition, the previous emperor was fond of luxury, and when Emperor Qingyuan ascended the throne, there were only hundreds of thousands of taels of silver left in the national treasury.
Emperor Qingyuan also suggested that the princes and officials repay the money, but they all cried poor and said they had no money to pay.
To this day, the nearly 10 million taels borrowed by the national treasury have not been repaid.
Everyone thought that Emperor Qingyuan had long forgotten about this matter, and was happy to take advantage of it, pretending to be stupid for decades.
Who would have thought! On the first day of her appointment, Princess Zhaoyang brought up this matter and even brought it to the morning court!
Everyone: “…”
There was total silence in the Golden Palace, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
The officials' eyes were darting around, wishing they could bite the purple-robed and elegant Princess Zhaoyang to death. They were worried that Emperor Qingyuan would settle old scores and ask them to pay back the money.
As expected, what you fear will come true.
"If Zhaoyang hadn't mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten about this." Emperor Qingyuan waved his hand. "Since that's the case, my dear ministers, please pack up quickly and send the money you borrowed that year to the Ministry of Revenue as soon as possible."
The official who borrowed the money rolled his eyes, reached a tacit understanding in an instant, and started crying poor.
"Your Majesty, you may not know that my mother worked tirelessly embroidering day and night to support my studies. She damaged her eyes and body. She has been taking medicine all these years, and they are all made of the finest herbs. I am truly broke and have no money to repay you!"
"Your Majesty, I only have one or two months' salary each month. I have to pay the rent and support my family. Even if I sell my whole family, I still can't pay it back!"
"His Majesty......"
"His Majesty......"
There were ghostly howls and wolves howling in the Golden Palace, as if one was in the scene of some evil army approaching.
In short, two words -
No money!
I have no money, but I have my life!
Emperor Qingyuan rubbed his brows with a headache, and the beads on his head rang crisply: "I will pay back as much as I can."
Everyone nodded in agreement, but they didn't agree in their hearts.
Since I said I have no money, I don’t have to pay it back.
As for Princess Zhaoyang, she is just an ignorant woman who relies on her father's favor to act recklessly. There is no need to be afraid of her.
......
Although Emperor Qingyuan ordered the princes and officials to return the loans from the national treasury, by the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, only a dozen families, including the Prince Wen Mansion and the Prince Cheng Mansion, had repaid the money, while the rest of the families were pretending to be dead.
Another five days passed, and it was the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month, which was a day off.
At the dawn of the morning, the princes and officials who owed money were fast asleep in the arms of their beloved wives and concubines.
“Bang, bang, bang!”
Suddenly, there was a rapid knock on the door, followed by the servant's frightened cry: "Master, something bad has happened! Something bad has happened, Master! There are a lot of people outside, beating drums and gongs, saying that you should pay back the money quickly. Go and see, there are already many people gathered outside. I estimate that this matter will spread throughout Xiajing City in less than half an hour!"
Lu Sicheng was woken up and was very angry. He opened and closed his eyes again and again, feeling very sleepy.
The servant's words reached his ears, and he didn't react for a moment. After a long while, he shuddered, his eyes widened bigger than light bulbs, and he screamed sharply: "What did you say?"
The servant repeated it again in a hoarse voice through the door.
Lu Sicheng was shocked and angry. He held his head with his hands and screamed, then put on his clothes and rushed out the door like a gust of wind.
Outside the door, two imperial guards were beating drums and gongs, and shouting in unison.
"Lü Shao, the Minister of the Imperial Household, purchased a jade headpiece on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, spending six hundred and seventy-two taels."
"Mrs. Lu spent a total of 1,700 taels at Ningxiang Tower on the 9th, 12th, and 15th of the twelfth lunar month."
"Young Master Lu bought a custom-made tricycle at a car shop on the 13th day of the twelfth lunar month, spending five thousand taels."
"Master Lu San..."
"Miss Lu Er..."
The imperial guards read out the details one by one, concluding, "In just twelve days, the twenty members of the Lu family spent a total of thirty-eight thousand taels of silver."
The crowd was in an uproar.
"My goodness, these officials are really rich. A piece of headgear is worth six or seven hundred taels."
"Could it be corruption?"
"Well, these officials live so comfortably, while we ordinary people suffer."
The imperial guards continued, "Twenty-six years ago, Lü Shao, the Minister of the Imperial Household, borrowed one hundred thousand taels from the national treasury and has yet to repay it. He keeps saying he has no money to repay, but in reality he spends money like water."
“Pay back the money!”
“Pay back the money!”
“Pay back the money!”
Every time the imperial guards shouted, the gongs and drums would sound in unison, as if beating out a beat, and the onlookers would burst into laughter.
On the other hand, when Lu Sicheng looked at the scene of the imperial guards, the crowds of people, and Mrs. Lu who was walking towards him with her hands on her hips and a fierce look, his face turned pale immediately.
"You're so good, Lu Shao! You actually bought this headgear without my knowledge! After all these days, I haven't even seen the shadow of it. Tell me! Which little devil did you buy it for?!"
Lu Sicheng felt a surge of blood and energy, a sweet and fishy taste came out of his throat, he rolled his eyes, and fell backwards with his body straight.
......
This scene at the Lu family happened at the doorstep of the princes and officials who owed money and refused to pay it back.
In just one hour, the news spread throughout Xiajing City.
"They clearly have money in their pockets, but they refuse to pay it back. What a bunch of scoundrels."
"How shameless! Everyone knows to pay back their debts, let alone the money they owe the imperial court. It's only because Your Majesty is so benevolent and generous that you don't bother with them."
Besides becoming notorious, these families also suffered harassment from the imperial guards.
After the hour of Mao on the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, each household has four guards, one beating the gong and the other shouting. After half an hour, they take turns, with one beating the drum and the other shouting.
“Pay back the money!”
“Pay back the money!”
“Pay back the money!”
From the hour of Mao to the hour of Hai, the noise makes people's heads buzzing and they can't sleep all day.
This continued for eight consecutive days thereafter, and became a topic of conversation among officials and ordinary people after dinner.
"Look at what a fuss this has caused. If this continues, all the people of Daxia will know that you owe the court money and won't pay it back. Before you become infamous, you'd better pay it back honestly."
"I won't! Without His Majesty's permission, I will never let that crazy woman succeed!"
Princess Zhaoyang, crazy woman!
Duke Wen is a crazy woman!
Crazy woman Hainingbo!
They are all crazy women!
Fortunately, the commotion only lasted for nine days, on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the last small court meeting of the 23rd year of the Qingyuan period.
The small court meeting began at Chenshi, and the princes and officials woke up before Maoshi, lying straight on the bed, waiting for the life-threatening sound of gongs and drums.
It was the hour of Mao, but the sound of gongs and drums had not yet begun.
The imperial guards did not appear until they left home.
On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, there is a grand court meeting.
The Imperial Guards still did not appear.
This made the anxious princes and officials breathe a sigh of relief, and their hearts finally settled down.
"It seems they realized we wouldn't pay them back, so they backed off."
"The late emperor didn't even ask for repayment, so what right does a princess have to ask us to pay it back?"
"People still need to be tough and not give in to evil forces, otherwise they will be trampled under their feet and there will be no way they can stand up again."
"Are you talking about Duke Wen?"
"......Shut up!"
"But I'm still a little unsure. I feel like Princess Zhaoyang won't let it go."
"Oh, you're worrying too much. She's just a woman, how can she be as good as us? Just put your worries at ease and have a good New Year."
The 30th day of the twelfth lunar month is New Year’s Eve.
From this day on, the court began its annual holiday and would not return to duty until the 16th day of the first lunar month.
That night, the whole family gathered together and had a lively New Year's Eve dinner.
"Without the Imperial Guards making noise outside these past two days, I slept soundly."
"Your Majesty is truly senile. He actually allowed a shameless woman like Princess Zhaoyang to take charge of the Ministry of Revenue, causing panic throughout the entire Xiajing."
"Be quiet! Be careful, the walls have ears!"
"Let's not talk about these unlucky things. Come on, let's drink."
As soon as he finished speaking, a "clang" sound broke the silence of the night, penetrated the heavy door curtain, and reached everyone's ears accurately.
“Pay back the money!”
“Pay back the money!”
“Pay back the money!”
Everyone: “???”
Everyone: “…”
Damn Princess Zhaoyang!!!
I'll fight you!!!
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