The ministers' legs and feet were numb from standing, and they discussed in low voices with frowns on their faces.
"It's already noon, will the Emperor still come to the morning court?"
"The Emperor has been late today. I believe he is tired from the wedding last night. Please wait a little longer. I will not attend the morning court. Eunuch Shi will definitely come to notify me."
"Yes, the Emperor and the Empress are newlyweds, so it's only natural for them to enjoy themselves a little more."
“…”
The six ministers who should have stood up to appease the ministers at this time now had the ugliest expressions on their faces than anyone else.
As time went on, they became more and more nervous and panicked.
These ministers who held important positions in the previous dynasty were most afraid of being liquidated by the new emperor.
Seeing the ministers still in the mood to discuss the emperor and empress's wedding, the six ministers sighed deeply, their faces already filled with worry.
They all held in their hands letters requesting to retire and return home.
I just hope that the new emperor will grant amnesty upon his accession to the throne, show them leniency, and allow them to retire and return home with dignity.
Of course, in return, they were willing to hand over 90% of their property to fill the national treasury.
Although they had no property left after the thefts throughout the capital, a lean camel is still bigger than a horse.
Their farm also has some properties in various places, and they recently brought back some silver.
The national treasury is empty, and if they offer most of their property at this time, the emperor will probably let them go.
Just as everyone was chattering with their own thoughts, Eunuch Shi's loud shout rang out.
"The Emperor has arrived!"
Xiao Yunzhan walked onto the throne at the call of Eunuch Shi.
All the ministers knelt down and chanted in unison, "Long live the emperor!"
Xiao Yunzhan lifted his dragon robe and sat on the wooden dragon throne with a calm expression.
"My dear ministers, please excuse me."
After the ministers expressed their gratitude and stood up, they stood in their respective seats with their heads half bowed, waiting for the emperor to speak.
Xiao Yunzhan glanced at the ministers one by one.
Before entering the Golden Palace, he heard the ministers' discussions and all kinds of speculations.
Xiao Yunzhan pulled his lips and smiled faintly.
"My dear ministers, I had my wedding yesterday and due to the many formalities, I was unable to attend court on time. I hope you will forgive me."
The ministers said in panic, "Your Majesty, you have worked hard. We all understand."
Minister of War Wu Feng glanced around and didn't see Bai Hong, so he frowned slightly.
He took a deep breath and stepped out.
"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to report."
"My dear, please speak."
"Recently, urgent reports have arrived from the southern border that the Tianqi Kingdom is making unsettling moves and has been harassing the country several times. I have ordered the border guards to strengthen their defenses and dispatch reinforcements. Your Majesty, please make the decision."
"Approved. Instruct the Ministry of War to dispatch reinforcements as soon as possible and ensure sufficient food and fodder."
Wu Feng pinched the memorial in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and returned to the queue.
He decided to wait until the ministers had finished reporting the matter before discussing his retirement and returning home.
When the Minister of Revenue heard that there was a need to ensure sufficient food and grass, he frowned and stepped out.
"Your Majesty, this year, disasters have occurred frequently across the country, and food reserves are insufficient. We should have opened our granaries to release grain and provide relief to the victims, but the treasury is empty..."
"I have already prepared tens of millions of taels of silver. The Ministry of Revenue must deposit the silver into the treasury as soon as possible. It will be used to allocate food and ensure that the victims receive timely assistance. Winter clothing for the soldiers must also be distributed as soon as possible."
“.......”
After discussing government affairs for half an hour, no one in the court had anything else to say for the rest of the afternoon.
Minister of Revenue Chai Yuanyu hesitated again and again and stepped out again.
"Your Majesty, I am old and weak, and I beg Your Majesty to grant me the grace to retire and return home."
Xiao Yunzhan had long known that the people from the Six Departments would have this trick.
"My dear minister, I know that you have worked hard and made great contributions, but many affairs in the court still require your guidance and support.
I have full confidence in you and hope you can continue to assist me in governing Yongchang together."
Chai Yuanyu pursed his lips, his face turned pale, and he was very panicked.
The situation is not stable enough now and we still need him. Once the situation stabilizes, we will definitely take action against him.
He could still get away easily then.
Recently, he has to be more careful in everything he does, hoping that he will not make any mistakes. When the situation stabilizes, the emperor will spare the lives of his entire family in recognition of his efforts.
Immediately afterwards, the six ministers came out one by one and requested to retire and return home, but without exception, they were all rejected by Xiao Yunzhan.
Now is not the time to deal with these ministers, but it is time to clean up those ministers who participated in harming the Xiao family...
.......
An hour ago at Bai Mansion---
"Why are you here at this time? It's time to go to court."
General Bai was dressed in his official uniform and was blocked by General Xiao as soon as he reached the door.
"Oh, there's no need to rush to court. Just follow me first."
General Xiao grabbed Bai Hong's arm and dragged him into the yard.
Bai Hong looked at the abnormal Xiao Guoliang with a confused face.
"Let go. Today is the first morning court after the Emperor's coronation ceremony. How can I not go?"
"What do you want to say? Wait until I get back."
Bai Hong frowned and shook Xiao Guoliang's hands twice.
At other times he could ask for leave and not attend the morning court, but today he absolutely couldn't do that because he was going there to support the new emperor.
"Hey, listen to me." Xiao Guoliang pulled Bai Hong's arm tightly, with no intention of letting go.
"Hurry up and tell me!" Bai Hong glanced at Xiao Guoliang speechlessly.
"You don't have to go to court this morning."
"What do you mean!?"
"The Emperor has assigned us a mission, it's extremely urgent, so I came to you."
Bai Hong frowned when he heard this. "What's the urgent matter? Can't you tell us during the morning court?"
Xiao Guoliang looked around and said, "There are too many people here, let's go to your study and talk."
Seeing that Xiao Guoliang didn't seem to be faking it, Bai Hong was suddenly startled and immediately took people to the study.
"Go ahead." Bai Hong closed the door and looked at Xiao Guoliang seriously. "What's the most urgent matter?"
Xiao Guoliang sighed, "The weather is getting colder and colder. The Tianshen Army is freezing like grandsons. You've seen it, right?"
"I see." Bai Hong nodded. "It's because the treasury is short of money. We can just wait for cotton and money to be transferred from the south and the problem will be solved."
"Ha!" Xiao Guoliang sneered, "This really can't wait."
"If it snows suddenly, many soldiers will freeze to death."
"You know the situation in the south. They are ready to make a move and will definitely prevent the team delivering the money from reaching the capital."
"If we delay, something serious will happen."
Bai Hong frowned slightly, "What does the emperor want?"
The new emperor ascended the throne, but the treasury was empty and a natural disaster happened. It was indeed a particularly troublesome thing.
A good cook cannot cook without rice. If this matter is not resolved well, Emperor Yongchang will inevitably be cursed.
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