Looking at the nobles in front of him who were so excited that they seemed to be about to overturn the Qianqing Palace if Yinreng didn't give a reasonable explanation, Yinreng was not angry.
Instead, he listened to all their demands calmly, and then asked them to report the annual salary they deserved according to their titles.
When everyone heard this, they thought it was a good idea and began to report their titles from beginning to end.
The highest rank among them was the Iron Hat Prince, who received an annual salary of 10,000 taels of silver and 10,000 hu of rice.
The lowest rank was General Feng'en, whose annual salary was 110 taels of silver and 110 hu of rice.
Yinreng listened to their reports one by one, and then asked them soul-searching questions.
"In other words, you don't do anything every year, but just based on your title, you can get a salary that is several times, or even dozens of times, that of a cabinet minister?"
Everyone's expression froze when they heard this.
The indignation on his face disappeared in an instant.
Princes, dukes, and other people who are ranked eighth all have some responsibilities.
Yinreng also included the salaries generated by their official positions in their calculations.
Those whose titles are below the eighth level have no job at all, and they are already being supported by the country.
"Your Majesty, our ancestors fought for the Qing Dynasty and sacrificed their lives to bring it its present prosperity. You cannot compare them with us. If it weren't for the ancestors of everyone present here, you wouldn't be able to rule over this vast empire of the Qing Dynasty today, right?"
There was a man with a pointed chin and monkey cheeks who felt that Yinreng was erasing the achievements of their ancestors and was immediately dissatisfied.
As soon as these words were spoken, there was a commotion among the crowd.
The purpose of their coming here today is to let the emperor give them benefits, not to let the emperor find fault with them.
"That's right. You're now firmly in power, so you shouldn't be ungrateful."
"That's right. We don't ask for much. Just follow the system for court officials and increase their salaries by half a percentage point every year. We'll be satisfied!"
"Half is not enough, at least 10% is enough!"
"emperor……"
Yinreng looked over and searched his memory, only to find that he didn't recognize any of the people who were talking, and those he knew were obviously just standing by and watching, waiting for him to express his attitude.
Those who were watching the fun basically had jobs and were unwilling to offend Yinreng for that little bit of profit.
For them, it would be impossible to survive if they only relied on their salary to maintain their living standards.
"Indeed, without your ancestors who fought bravely on the battlefield, I would not be able to sit on the throne today."
Yinreng generously admitted the truth of their words, but then changed the subject.
"But they also got what they deserved, didn't they? They fought bloody battles to earn titles and wealth for their wives and children, which is why you can spend your days lying down without working."
"this……"
The nobles were speechless.
"If you want a salary increase, fine, but don't bring up your ancestors! As long as you have the ability, I'm willing to give you a chance, but what's the reality? You're a bunch of good-for-nothings. Even the most basic assessment for the title of nobility is half your life. You have to beg and plead everywhere, giving away money and gifts just to pass!"
"You keep harping on your ancestors, but what political achievements have you made? With just a few lip service, you want to take advantage of me, but you haven't even taken a deep breath to see if you're worthy enough!"
"Look at you all, you fat-headed bastards, you're all just drunken bastards. I'm only supporting you because your ancestors shed blood for this country!"
There was silence in the hall, and almost everyone's face turned pale and blue, but they couldn't find any suitable words to refute Yinreng.
After Yinreng scolded these people, he finally felt a lot better.
"Don't blame me for not giving you a chance. I can promise to give you an extra 10% salary, but you also have to meet my conditions."
When everyone heard the first two sentences, their eyes lit up for a moment, but when they heard the second sentence, hesitation appeared on their faces.
"Don't worry, you can do what I ask. If you do well, you might even be promoted."
As soon as this was said, someone hurriedly asked,
"What conditions?"
"All those who have inherited the family's title must serve in Ningguta, the Northwest Plateau, Lingnan, Mobei, and even Qiongya, and garrison the border for ten years. As long as you have made meritorious contributions there, I can consider raising your title."
After Yinreng finished speaking, everyone widened their eyes in shock.
"Ningguta? Lingnan?"
"Those places are bitterly cold, full of snakes, insects, rats and ants. If we were to stay there for ten years, wouldn't that be like asking for our lives, Your Majesty?"
Yinreng sneered,
"Is this asking for your lives? If you don't want to go, that's fine. I can send you to the Fujian Navy. Prince Zhi has already started searching for small islands at sea where you can station troops. You can serve there for ten years and the effect will be the same."
The entire hall fell into silence.
Except for the group of royal relatives who had errands, the faces of the rest of the people were filled with three big words - unwilling.
Yinreng sneered, "Why are you silent? Weren't you just clamoring for a salary increase? People in the court rely on their own abilities to make a living, and you're already well-off thanks to your ancestors. Now you can't even bear this little hardship, can you?"
At this moment, no one dared to respond directly to Yinreng's gaze.
Because the places Yinreng mentioned were, without exception, sparsely populated and with harsh environments.
Given the pampered living standards they have enjoyed for decades, there is at least a 50% chance that they will die there if they stay there for ten years.
Not to mention serving in the Fujian Navy.
This group of landlubbers could not adapt to the climate of the coastal areas at all. According to Yinreng, if they went there, they would have to find a deserted island to camp. At that time, they would only be able to dream of enjoying the luxurious hotels, fine wines and beautiful women.
How could Yinreng be giving them a chance to achieve great things? This was clearly an attempt to kill them!
"How about it? Is anyone willing to serve in the military?"
No one answered.
Yinreng's face turned cold.
"If you don't have it, get out!"
An angry shout startled everyone, and they all shuddered, and then filed out.
Looking at their receding backs, Yinreng rolled his eyes and then issued an imperial decree to directly cancel the preferential treatment of Manchus in the imperial examinations.
The highest rank of those born under the influence of their ancestors was also lowered by Yinreng to the sixth rank, and he emphasized that those who entered officialdom by relying on the influence of their ancestors were not allowed to enter the cabinet.
Tell everyone clearly that if you want to step into the circle of top power and influence, there is no shortcut except taking the imperial examination!
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