With less than ten days left, it is said that rice prices have risen due to heavy snow in Beijing.
Not only has the price of rice risen, but the prices of charcoal, meat, flour, and other necessities have also increased. If things proceed as planned, there will be a shortfall of 50,000 taels of silver.
If we can't cut corners here, and we can't cut corners there, does the royal family have to sign IOUs with those merchants?
Consort Hua said irritably, "What are Consort Jing and Noble Lady Shen doing? They haven't come over yet!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhou Ninghai came in to report, "Your Majesty, Consort Jing and Noble Lady Shen have arrived."
Consort Hua said, "Since they're here, let them come in quickly."
After Consort Jing and Shen Meizhuang entered, they bowed to Consort Hua.
"Greetings, Consort Hua."
Consort Hua said, "Rise, and please sit down."
"I called you here because I want your help in coming up with a solution. New Year's Eve is just around the corner, and suddenly there's a shortfall of 50,000 taels in our calculated expenses. How are we going to cover this gap?"
With a single glance from Consort Hua, Songzhi handed the accounts to Consort Jing and Shen Meizhuang respectively.
After carefully flipping through the pages, the two of them frowned more and more as they read on, their brows furrowing so deeply that they could trap a fly.
Consort Hua said, "The royal family's reputation cannot be damaged, and it is unacceptable to default on payments. Besides, I have already calculated that even if the concubines wear plain clothes from now on and do not use expensive fabrics..."
"Jewelry should mostly use velvet flowers and pith flowers, and less pearls, agate, red coral and the like. It will take half a year to save up this fifty thousand taels of silver."
"Furthermore, if we are too frugal, it is nothing for us to suffer some grievances, but I am afraid it will damage the Emperor's reputation."
"You two might as well speak your minds if you have any suggestions. If they are helpful, they will solve our immediate problem."
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