Now that Yinzhen had a plan in mind, things became much easier.
Not long after, during a private visit, Yinzhen "happened" to run into a few arrogant and ignorant Manchu bannermen, who then fell right into his hands.
Yinzhen didn't think much of it, but it was indeed a good opportunity to make a fuss about it.
Yinzhen knew that matters concerning the Eight Banners required the joint discussion of the imperial clan and Manchu nobles before a decision could be made. Therefore, Yinzhen summoned the Eight Banner nobles, as well as the princes and dukes of the imperial clan.
"The Eight Banners were brave and valiant in the past, which is why we have the Qing Dynasty today. But look at the Eight Banners now. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it. Their spoiled behavior and arrogant attitude are more outrageous than mine. If the Eight Banners continue like this, the Qing Dynasty will have no one to rely on, and I will have no face to face the ancestors of the Qing Dynasty..."
Yinzhen feigned anger and said a lot, making the people standing below tremble with fear.
It's impossible for them not to know about the dissolute lifestyle of the Eight Banners' descendants. Most of the major families share information, so they usually know a thing or two about which family's children are like. Therefore, they also know that the Eight Banners' descendants nowadays are fond of pleasure, have little ability, and are extremely arrogant in the capital by relying on their family's power.
This incident was actually intentional on Yinzhen's part; otherwise, he wouldn't have happened to be in such a situation. While the spoiled and dissolute behavior of the Eight Banners youths in the capital was prevalent, it wasn't that serious. After all, it was still the early Qing Dynasty, and most Bannermen still valued the cultivation of talent within their families.
Furthermore, he increasingly valued talented individuals, so quite a few Manchus became ambitious and sought advancement.
Yinzhen used this as an excuse to try and get rid of the label of supporting the Eight Banners. The national treasury's silver can be used for disaster relief and emergency relief, but it cannot be used to alleviate poverty.
Everyone said in unison, "Your Majesty, please calm down."
"Please calm down, how can I calm down? I think it's because I spoiled them."
Then he asked, "Where is the Minister of Revenue?"
"Your servant is here."
"Here is what I ordered you to investigate! Show it to all my ministers."
"yes"
The Minister of Revenue took out the written documents, which were passed around for everyone to read. Everyone who read them was shocked.
The file says something else entirely.
On that day, Yinzhen went on an incognito visit, only to be harassed by several idle and dissolute young men who made irresponsible remarks and then threw money at him.
What Yinzhen showed them now was the amount of money those纨绔 (spoiled brats) families had borrowed from the Ministry of Revenue. Each and every one of those loans was truly alarming.
"Song'etu, your little grandson was also among those who received money that day. What's wrong? Instead of showering me with silver, you need to borrow money from the national treasury and not pay it back. Your Majesty is considerate of the officials, which is why you allowed those with financial difficulties to borrow money from the court. I've looked at the IOUs from the Ministry of Revenue over the years, and they're all unpaid. What, are all the officials in the court starving? I see that the children you keep at home are all quite extravagant!"
Because Songgotu was specifically named, it was impossible for him to avoid the topic.
"Your Majesty, I have failed to properly manage my household. The children in my family have been spoiled by the women in the mansion. I will certainly give them a good scolding when I return."
They only talked about disciplining the child, never mentioning the matter of returning the money.
After being disciplined by Yinzhen, Suo'etu has become much more obedient. However, when it comes to repaying the money, even if he doesn't lack it, he shouldn't take the lead. There are countless families in the capital who borrow money, and indeed, the more valuable the family, the more they borrow.
If Songgotu takes the lead in advocating for the return of silver from the national treasury, and the emperor follows suit, he will be the one who suffers and is squeezed out.
He doesn't lack money, but whether he can repay it is another matter. In any case, he is determined not to be the first to repay it. He doesn't need another spoiled grandson.
Yinzhen naturally understood the meaning behind Suo'etu's words, and he also knew that no one wanted to be the one to stick their neck out.
Yinzhen didn't mind, and then said, "Do any of you ministers have anything to say?"
No one spoke; everyone was afraid of becoming the next person the emperor would target.
Yinzhen: "Since no one speaks, then I will proceed with the punishment directly."
Although those below did not know how the emperor would punish them, it was not appropriate to speak at this time, so they remained silent.
"Since there are no objections, then things will be easier. Liang Jiugong, order the Imperial Guards to go to those people's residences. I want to see just how wealthy they are, throwing money at me without batting an eye."
Upon hearing Yinzhen's words, several people's expressions changed. If a family could raise such a lavish and dissolute young master, they certainly wouldn't be short of money. Furthermore, Yinzhen had just hinted that they should return the money, but no one dared to speak up.
Now that he's investigating, it's hard to say what he'll find out.
Yinzhen glanced at Suo'etu and said, "Since it was Suo'etu's grandson who started it, let's start from his residence."
Soetu knew his own situation perfectly well. Not to mention the tributes he had received over the years, the dowries of his female relatives alone were enough to pay off the national treasury.
"Your Majesty, my son is unruly. I will punish him severely when I return home. There are many women in the household, and it would be unsuitable for the imperial guards to go there."
When Yinzhen saw that he was still trying to find excuses, he cursed the old scoundrel in his heart.
“You’re right. Liang Jiugong, go to the Imperial Household Department and find some sturdy old women. Have the guards take them there and let them investigate.”
Soetu broke out in a cold sweat; the Emperor was clearly not going to show any mercy.
Yinzhen was also angry. Over the past few years, he had thought that Suo'etu had some talent, so he had gradually started to use him and had only pulled him out of the blacklist. If Suo'etu had gone along with the idea of returning the money this time, he would naturally not have held a grudge.
Since he doesn't know what's good for him, then don't blame him for making an example of him. The Ministry of Revenue is not short of money for the time being, but the money in the Ministry of Revenue is currently used by Yinzhen to prevent natural disasters and man-made calamities. If this part of the money is recovered, he will use it to reorganize the Baqi children, to build academies, and for the expenses of his own academy.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
