Seeing that Mingyu didn't want to discuss Xueying's matter, Consort Gao stopped talking and put away her sarcastic expression to continue discussing the harem's expenses with Mingyu.
"Do you have any ideas?" Mingyu asked slowly, her brows furrowed.
Consort Gao shook her head upon hearing this. She had been able to manage the affairs of the Prince's residence with ease in the past, but this matter concerned the affairs of the nation, and Consort Gao had no way to resolve it. So she shook her head helplessly, "Your Majesty, I also cannot think of any feasible solutions."
Consort Gao pointed to the account books on the table and said, "In this harem, which place doesn't require spending money?"
Upon hearing Consort Gao's words, Mingyu's brows furrowed even more deeply. "What should we do..."
Suddenly, Mingyu noticed the jeweled headdress on Consort Gao's head. A glint flashed in her eyes, and her brows relaxed. "Then we'll save on the expenses of the harem."
Seeing the Empress's reaction, Lady Gao dared not say anything more, and instead showed the account books to Mingyu bit by bit, asking, "How can we save money?"
Mingyu pointed to several large expenses in the account book and said, "The jewelry in the harem is too extravagant. Why not cut back on these expenses?"
Hearing Mingyu's words, Gao was somewhat unhappy. She had always liked beautiful jewelry, and if the Empress wanted to cut back on these things, she would no longer be able to wear such gorgeous headdresses in the future. But since the Empress wanted to cut back, she had no choice but to say that it was acceptable.
Consort Gao couldn't help but think to herself.
Fortunately, I have quite a few pieces of jewelry, which I can still wear for a while. Once the disaster relief is over, I can get some new jewelry.
However, Mingyu's next words shattered Gao's wishful thinking: "Tear off all the gemstone and gold jewelry and put on a dress made of pith and velvet flowers."
Saving money in the inner palace naturally requires the concubines to take the lead; simply saving money from the palace maids and servants would be a drop in the ocean. Besides, the emperor has just ascended the throne when a natural disaster struck, and many people in the court are watching him. If the inner palace takes the lead in disaster relief, the ministers in the court will naturally not dare to say anything.
On the one hand, it can solve the problem of the money needed for disaster relief, and on the other hand, it can also consolidate the emperor's position among the court officials and ordinary people.
Upon hearing this, Gao secretly lamented that the difference between the two was enormous; how could this velvety flower of pith grass compare to this precious gold?
However, Lady Gao dared not object, so she could only nod and say, "Your Majesty, I will have someone pass on the message."
Mingyu nodded.
Soon after, news of the palace's routine frugality spread throughout the palace.
No one dared to say anything more, since the Empress had already taken the lead, and they naturally dared not slack off in the slightest.
When Hongli learned of Mingyu's decision, he was also grateful for her exemplary role as Empress, and that evening he made a special trip to Changchun Palace.
Hongli held Mingyu's hand, his eyes filled with emotion, "It is my great fortune that you are like this. It is my greatest blessing to marry you as my empress."
Hearing Hongli's words, Mingyu felt a warmth in her heart and was very happy. Her eyes reddened and glistened with tears. "This is what I should do. As the Empress, I should naturally share the Emperor's burdens."
Mingyu raised her hand and gently stroked the furrowed brows that Hongli had been wearing a few days ago, and said softly, "Your Majesty, it pains me to see you so troubled by matters of state."
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