Chapter 366: The Minister of Revenue Explains His Own Story
Thinking that the Empress had already made a rough plan for next year, Old Chu's already straight back immediately became even more rigid and he would not tolerate any humiliation.
Seeing this villain's smug look, the Minister of Rites was so angry that his teeth started itching. Oh, isn't this the same face you used to have when you begged everyone for mercy?
"Minister Chu, Lord Chu!"
"Um."
Old Chu raised his eyebrows and leaned back slightly in his chair, nodding leisurely with great satisfaction.
"Old Liu, what do you want from me?"
It's been a long time since I've been treated so seriously by a colleague of the same rank. Hey, Minister Chu feels a little flattered right now!
"Alright Chu Hong, if you keep being so arrogant and showing off in front of me, don't blame me for turning against you!"
"Look at you! It was just a joke between old friends, but you're so mad at me! Come on, sit down! Someone bring some tea!"
Seeing that the Minister of Rites was about to overturn the table, the Minister of Revenue, who had just started to show off, immediately came down from his high-profile throne in a very smooth manner.
He politely invited the person to sit down on a chair and put tea on the table. After a few words of persuasion, and after the other party was willing to pick up the tea cup and forget the grudge, he asked about it while sipping tea.
"My Ministry of Revenue has been incredibly busy lately. You know the Lunar New Year is approaching, right? My colleagues at court, from the royal family down to the lowly officials, all have their eyes on my Ministry of Revenue. Busy, really busy!"
This old fox didn't say much, didn't understand the meaning of trying to find out the other party's purpose, and just kept saying that he was busy. So if you have something to say, just say it quickly, and if you don't want to say it, just leave quickly.
Old Liu was too lazy to beat around the bush with this guy, so he put the teacup in his hand on the table and asked directly.
"I don't have anything important to do. It's just that the Emperor and Empress summoned me to the palace today and talked about some reforms..."
He spoke the last four words in a very low voice, but the Minister of Revenue still heard it with his ears jumping.
He glanced cautiously at the door a few times, and only relaxed slightly after confirming that no one dared to linger outside. When he looked up at the person opposite him, his eyes were full of scrutiny.
"Lord Liu, since the Emperor and Empress have summoned you to the palace for consultation, it must be because they recognize your noble character and your selfless spirit of sacrificing your life for the sake of your country and your people!"
Your abilities and loyalty are stronger than mine. They are definitely more than one or two stories high, but at least as high as five, six, seven or eight stories.
I can't do it. I'm such a vulgar person, dealing with these mortal creatures all day long. What am I? For such an important task that will be recorded in history books, it really takes you, Old Liu, to step forward and hold up the backbone!
Don't worry, there's no need to come and lobby me. We've been friends for so many years, right?
When the time comes, just shout out, and I will have to stand by you and agree with you, otherwise it would be a shame to the friendship we have known since we were little!"
"Bah, what you're saying now is already an insult to the friendship we've had since we were little.
Let’s not beat around the bush in front of others. Don’t you know why I came to see you?
Chu Hong, you are not righteous! "
The Minister of Rites pointed at the other person's nose and wanted to say something vulgar, and then he saw the Minister of Revenue frowning.
"I can't be so righteous in this matter! The Queen has already explained the reason to you very clearly. Do you still want me to say anything against it?"
Old Chu was also worried and sighed, but he still tried his best to persuade his old friend.
"I know it's difficult for you. This matter is difficult for anyone to handle. But it has to be done, right?
Think about what the Queen expected, right?
If the current situation continues, even if there are no external enemies and no natural disasters or man-made calamities, it will take less than 60 years for Dayu to self-destruct!"
"Oh, you've simply received too many favors from the Queen, and now you're just being soft-hearted. Why are you talking about righteousness in front of me?"
"My dear brother, you are wrong!"
Upon hearing this, Minister Chu's expression straightened, his eyes filled with concern for the country and the people.
“It is true that the Ministry of Revenue has received much favor from the Empress, but have I, Chu, ever abandoned my moral character and virtue for those superficial reputations?
Every word and sentence is for the benefit of the people!
We have always had a comfortable life, but are we short-sighted? Now that we know the consequences are imminent, why don't we plant good seeds in time?
The Minister of Rites was silent, and the Minister of Revenue sighed again.
"Liu Maosheng, you are the head of the Ministry of Rites. Upholding rituals and laws and governing the people is within your responsibilities. If you don't step up, who will?
Just like my Ministry of Revenue, the Empress gave the rules and regulations, but didn't I, Chu, have to grit my teeth and stand up to them before there were some changes now?
When the Queen's involvement in politics first came to light, weren't there many people in the court who opposed it? Look at it now. Minister Liu, you must know that in difficult situations in the world, the only way out is to adapt. All methods are based on the same principle!"
"That's easy to say, but can my situation be the same as yours?"
The Minister of Rites glared at the Minister of Revenue fiercely. He was so worried that he couldn't muster up any energy and sighed.
"The Empress is now intervening in matters concerning money, which are all beneficial to her colleagues in the court. Of course, they won't be too dissatisfied.
But what job am I about to take over?
I want to overturn the gentle paradise of men with my bare hands and smash the ancient practice of having three wives and four concubines!
Not to mention other wealthy families, just guess whether those civil and military officials in the court will turn against my Liu family? Can I, Liu Maosheng, live peacefully until I am seventy or eighty years old?
"Oh, come to think of it, I have to thank the Empress for showing mercy. At least she didn't intend to interfere with the imperial examinations, otherwise I would have died right now!"
In response to the Minister of Rites' self-destructive complaints, the Minister of Revenue lowered his eyes with a guilty conscience and coughed awkwardly a few times.
I don't need to guess, isn't that certain?
Besides, who told you that the Queen wasn't planning on interfering in the imperial examinations? But I'm not going to tell you now. I'm afraid you won't be able to accept it if I know too much at once.
"Well, don't worry too much.
Just look at my Ministry of Revenue, and then look at the current achievements of Dongling Prefecture, and you will understand. The Empress is different from our Emperor. She is not the kind of person who does not have rules and regulations.
You don't disagree with the Emperor and Empress's statement, you're just worried that some people in the court will backfire too much and you're worried you can't handle it, right?"
The Minister of Rites did not say anything. In many cases, not refuting is equivalent to consenting, so the Minister of Revenue smiled smugly in his heart.
very good!
Finally, I managed to convince this slick, worldly-wise old loach. Well, the mission assigned by the Queen was successfully completed.
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