Seeing Zhu Youxiao's expression, Empress Zhang was no longer shy. She put her arms around Zhu Youxiao's waist, rested her head on his shoulder, and said, "What if I say something that Your Majesty doesn't like to hear?"
"As long as it's the truth, I like to hear it." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.
"Then I will tell you the truth. In fact, before I entered the palace, many people told me in various ways to advise Your Majesty not to employ eunuchs and to make more use of ministers in the court." Empress Zhang nodded and said.
"What does Baozhu think now?" Zhu Youxiao looked at Empress Zhang in confusion and asked.
"Isn't Your Majesty promoting the ministers in the court? I've heard of Lord Xu Guangqi in the cabinet. But there's a lot of noise outside right now. I heard that Lord Xu's theories are different from many people's."
"I have read some books and know some anecdotes, so I don't know who is right or wrong."
"After all, saints have quarreled with each other before, and their ideas are different. Many things are either this or that. Today, I feel that Lord Xu is an upright minister." Empress Zhang said with her head tilted.
"Everyone outside says that Lord Xu deceived Your Majesty and flattered Him at the same time. But I also saw today that Lord Xu knew that what he said would anger Your Majesty, but he said it anyway, and he didn't say it for himself. So I think he is an upright minister."
Zhu Youxiao nodded. He didn't expect that Xu Guangqi actually gained the favor of Empress Zhang.
However, he still asked, "What do you think of Xu Guangqi's proposal today, Baozhu?"
"I think what Lord Xu said makes sense. After all, state affairs are of paramount importance," Empress Zhang said. "Although many parts of the palace are dilapidated and need to be rebuilt, the Ming Dynasty is indeed short of money right now. So, let's put it on hold for now. We can rebuild a better palace when we have more money. However, I don't know the answer either. Your Majesty will have the final say on how to proceed."
After hearing what Empress Zhang said, Zhu Youxiao smiled, reached out and gently pinched her nose, and said, "This is a good thing, but we can't let Xu Guangqi and his men succeed like this, otherwise they will become even more aggressive. I have something to tell you."
So Zhu Youxiao told the story of how the Donglin Party had embezzled his father's money.
"These ministers standing in the court, they talk about benevolence and morality all day long, but when they actually see the silver, their eyes shine brighter than anyone else, and they can't wait to move all the money into their own homes. I will not build a palace anymore, and use this money for state affairs, but the premise is that they can't take this silver back home."
Zhu Youxiao looked down at Empress Zhang, wanting to see her reaction.
But unexpectedly, he saw Empress Zhang's eyes wide open and her mouth opened. Zhu Youxiao was very moved by her O-shaped mouth and went up to kiss her.
After being kissed by Zhu Youxiao, Empress Zhang suddenly became shy and hid in Zhu Youxiao's arms with her head buried and refused to come out.
"What is Baozhu thinking about? Why is she silent?" Zhu Youxiao asked while gently hugging Empress Zhang.
"I was just thinking about such a huge sum of money. How much must it be? Those people are so evil. They actually moved such important money into their own homes! Your Majesty must punish them severely!" Empress Zhang said while hiding in Zhu Youxiao's arms.
"Then what does Baozhu think we should do with them?" Zhu Youxiao continued to ask.
"I don't know." Empress Zhang shook her head and curled her lips slightly, saying, "Your Majesty, please make the decision."
Zhu Youxiao laughed immediately after hearing her words. The queen was in her happy and carefree years, but after hearing what he had just said, her expression was stained with a hint of annoyance, and she could not avoid the worry between her brows and in her heart.
Zhu Youxiao turned to look at Chen Hong standing aside and gave an order: "Have the Imperial Household Department draft an edict stating that the state is in dire straits and the people are suffering. I cannot bear to increase their burden, so the construction of the palace will be suspended. As for when to resume construction... wait until all the people in the world have their own homes. Otherwise, I will never build a new palace."
After hearing what Zhu Youxiao said, Chen Hong looked up in disbelief.
How could the emperor say such a thing?
Although Chen Hong wanted to persuade his own emperor, he knew that he couldn't open his mouth to do so. He could only bow and say, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will do it right away."
Chen Hong turned and went out.
Empress Zhang looked up at Zhu Youxiao, her eyes full of little stars.
"What do you think of me doing this, Baozhu?" Zhu Youxiao asked Empress Zhang when he saw her raise her head.
Empress Zhang nodded and said, "Your Majesty, if you do this, the whole world will be grateful. No one will speak ill of you anymore. It's just that Your Majesty is a little wronged!"
Empress Zhang hugged Zhu Youxiao and said, "Why don't you cut down my expenses as well?"
"Is that so? Then let's do it." Zhu Youxiao nodded and did not stop Empress Zhang.
This matter itself was intended to improve his reputation and dispel the hostility in the court some time ago.
There is nothing wrong with bringing Empress Zhang along now, as it can help her establish the image of a virtuous queen.
As for his promise, it doesn't matter if he doesn't build a new palace, as he won't have the money to build one in the future.
Besides, I have no interest in gardening.
Of course, restoring the old palace is not counted.
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