The deepening financial crisis
Kangxi was on his way back when he received the urgent message from the capital. It was a great regret to Kangxi that the crown prince hadn't been able to accompany him on this year's trip. He was also worried about the crown prince's condition and wrote repeatedly to inquire about him. Yinreng, upon receiving his father's concerned letters, felt tormented, wishing he were truly ill. After seven or eight days, he finally replied, saying he was well again and asking Khan Ama to rest assured.
Kangxi's journey was smooth, and this year was considered a year of intermarriage between Manchus and Mongols. Two princesses, the Sixth and Eighth Princesses, and one imperial concubine, Yinzhi's eldest daughter, married into the grasslands. While imperial concubines and other women from the imperial clan often married into the grasslands, marrying two princesses in one year was a significant event. The Sixth Princess's husband grew up in Beijing, while the Eighth Princess's husband lived in a grassland mansion. After their July wedding, the Eighth Princess returned to her own residence in Bayan Erzhui. Coincidentally, Kangxi's imperial tour route passed through that region.
The Ongniud Taijis and other Mongols were all delighted. Kangxi stayed there for two days and left on the third day.
The return trip was relatively light, just traveling and handling some government affairs that had arrived via express mail. Kangxi had a rare moment of relaxation. He still felt a pang of regret: he would not be able to celebrate the full month of his son, the 20th Prince Yinyi, born to a noble lady. The 20th Prince was born on July 25, the 45th year of Kangxi's reign, and Kangxi was still on his way when the full month came.
A few days before the twentieth prince's full month, he remembered this matter, estimated the date, and sent an imperial edict to the Imperial Household Department two days in advance, reminding him of the event. Just as the edict was issued, a memorial announcing the death of the twentieth prince arrived from the capital. Because the contents of the memorial were inauspicious, they were written separately from the memorial of greeting. Kangxi opened the memorial of greeting first. The crown prince wrote this document with a sense of guilt and sincerity that brought a knowing smile to Kangxi's face. He whispered, "This child." He's so old, yet he still acts like a spoiled brat.
The smile in his eyes still lingered as he casually flipped open another document, his smile froze. The two sons of the royal family had died on the same day, and they weren't particularly vulnerable infants. Delong, in particular, was a child Kangxi had seen many times before, and he didn't seem to be in poor health. Kangxi also prepared for the worst: Was there some kind of epidemic?
The capital was a major event, and even the smallest matter was a major one, especially one that could shake people's hearts. Kangxi carefully studied Yinreng's report, which contained more specific countermeasures.
Yinreng's letter explained that he had used the pretext of celebrating the twentieth prince's full moon to evacuate all important palace officials to Changchun Garden. Changchun Garden, at that time, was considered a suburb of Beijing and relatively safe. Kangxi breathed a sigh of relief. When traveling, he worried about state affairs and his family.
Yinreng then analyzed that Yarjiang'a's two sons had already had smallpox and clearly did not die of smallpox, thus further improving the safety factor of the capital. Since the founding of the country, the Manchus and Mongols had been most afraid of smallpox, and the fact that it was not an epidemic made Kangxi feel much better.
At the end of the letter, Yinreng reported a series of disposal measures.
Yinreng's handling of the situation was very effective: first, to prevent a real epidemic, he isolated and protected key figures in order to effectively control it; second, he effectively controlled public opinion and public security.
Regardless of whether the incident was true or not, it must be taken seriously, and at the same time, panic must not be caused. Unexpected events are the best test of a person's ability to respond. The crown prince demonstrated his meticulous and decisive character in this matter, which greatly satisfied Kangxi.
His expression relaxed, and Kangxi wrote: "Don't let up on this matter, and report the latest progress daily." But don't be nervous, as it might just be a coincidence that two people in the same family died at the same time.
Putting down his pen, Kangxi pondered another matter: urgent matters in the capital traveled via official routes, using state resources, and arrived quickly, so he was the first to know the news. So... Yarjiang'a still didn't know, right?
"Call King Jian over."
Yarjiang Ashi had not yet received the bad news. When he heard the announcement, he was still wondering: What did Khan Ama want me to do? Was he going to decide the rank of the princess?
Last month, the Imperial Clan Court was also plagued by financial problems. As everyone knows, since entering the Western Han Dynasty, the Bannermen have been supported by the state, with no worries about their livelihood. Their primary mission is to reproduce and increase the population. This mission is particularly prominent among the imperial family and clan members.
This wasn't a big deal. The population issue was crucial for the Qing court. With too few people, control was limited. They feared that such a large country, with its many Han Chinese, would suddenly become disillusioned and try to revolt. Therefore, using national finances to support the court's ruling foundation was a necessity for those in power.
But things went wrong: the idea of "using state funds to support the people" became too much of a gamble. State finances were limited, and if taxes were increased, the people wouldn't accept it, and you were doomed. However, over sixty years after the Qing Dynasty, the population had diligently reproduced for three or four generations, and the number of people eating the emperor's food was increasing exponentially, and the state finances were beginning to be unable to bear it.
Imperial family members in particular were particularly expensive. Their status was high, and the state had to provide them with appropriate personnel and ceremonial guards. A prince's annual salary of 10,000 taels might not seem like much to the powerful, but it was enough to cover the food and wages of thousands of bannermen. They also had children who, upon reaching adulthood, needed titles and salaries. Even daughters, upon receiving titles, required attire.
The expenses of the royal family were no better than those of the bannermen, so the state initially reduced the food and wages of the idle royal family members who did not hold official duties to the same level as ordinary bannermen. This year, with finances still tight, the royal family's female members were targeted: the titles of the daughters of concubines were lowered to two levels below those of the daughters of legitimate wives. Originally, this title issue was treated equally.
It was Kangxi's suggestion that the Imperial Clan Court submit this report. Otherwise, even if Yarjiang'a was quite proud, he wouldn't have been so foolish as to take such a step: this move would offend all of his relatives, and the impact would be quite wide. With the emperor's hint, the Iron Hat Prince no longer had to worry too much about his actions.
Yaerjiang'a was also ruthless, and he took the first step by attacking his own sister. This sister was the daughter of Yabu's concubine. The clan court requested that "the rank of the daughter of Duolo Beile be conferred upon her as Duolo County Lady. In the future, the daughters of the princes and Beile's concubines shall be reduced by two ranks."
Kangxi immediately approved the request and added: "All clothing, carriages, sedan chairs, ceremonial objects, etc. shall be determined according to the lowered level."
Many members of the imperial clan were unhappy after the meeting: this was a family where many husbands favored their concubines over their older wives, and the older wives couldn't bear as many children as the younger ones. Some also said behind Yarjiang'a's back that he didn't care about his younger sisters, and some brought up old scores, saying that Yarjiang'a, as the legitimate son, was somewhat... ahem... hostile to his younger brothers and sisters.
But everyone was no fool. Seeing the situation, they knew the decision was a done deal. The emperor had agreed, so they could accept it. They all cursed, and those who loved their concubines ran to comfort them. (Interlude: After Prince Jian made this proposal, his wives complained about him in front of their husbands, even considering him a friend of women behind their backs.)
Yarjiang'a heard that Kangxi summoned him, so he packed up some documents and came over.
He came over and paid his respects, his demeanor calm. Ever since the reform of the imperial clan women's rank system began, Yarjiang'a had closely followed the emperor's lead, understanding his leadership's intentions. After a period of deliberation and consultation with his subordinates, he also produced a comprehensive grading plan for imperial clan women. He wasn't afraid of being tested by his superiors.
Kangxi slowed his voice and said, "Stand up. Please take a seat."
Yarjiang'a had always been treated well by Kangxi, so he sat down without hesitation.
Kangxi first chatted with Yarjiang Aha about work. Yarjiang Aha had something to report and pulled out a memorial from his sleeve: "Khan Ama, I have discussed with them the rules for the rank of women in the imperial clan. Please give your instructions, Khan Ama."
Kangxi raised his chin, and Liang Jiugong took it. Kangxi pretended to glance at it, then looked down. Yarjiang'a was still waiting for the letter. Kangxi closed the letter and said in a deep voice, "Let's read this later. It will arrive in Beijing in less than a month. Do you have any unfinished business before the emperor comes?"
Yaerjiang'a was confused: "Apart from what I just reported to Khan Ama, there is nothing serious."
Kangxi nodded and said, "Go back and pack your things, then return to the capital. When you get back, see the Crown Prince first; he has something to tell you. Be quick on the way, and don't ask any questions. Go quickly."
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Yarjiang'a gave Kangxi a strange look, but still followed the order. On the way, he passed the person reporting the news from the Imperial Clan Court. Because Kangxi asked him to "hurry up", Yarjiang'a did not dare to delay. He only took the time to ask the insider of the imperial attendant, but the insider did not know the answer either, so Yarjiang'a had to hurry back.
Anyway, I am a king with an iron hat, and the prince and I have a good relationship, so it shouldn't be a big deal.
After Yarjiang'a left, Kangxi opened his memorial and read it.
This document was drawn up by Yarjiang'a based on the model of male hereditary titles. While the imperial family favored sons over daughters, it was the system of male hereditary titles that was established first. With the exception of sons who inherited the title, legitimate sons received the same level of hereditary titles. Sons born to concubines were two levels lower than legitimate sons, and sons born to concubines were three levels lower than those born to concubines.
This time, the treatment of girls was even harsher. If the daughter of a concubine's father had a high rank, she could be given a title two levels lower than that of a legitimate daughter. If the daughter was born to a concubine, a maid, or a concubine, she would simply be a "daughter of the clan" who only proved that you were a Jueluo.
Kangxi raised his hand and agreed. He had once issued a moral policy: If any Jurchen family has too many daughters to support, I can help you raise them! Not only will I help you raise them, I'll also help you find a son-in-law, pay for the dowry, and even provide shipping, dear!
In the end, no one signed up = =!
Since you won't let me support them, then I won't give them any benefits. Anyway, I'm short on cash lately! Last year, the 64 silver mining sites at a Guangdong silver mine ran out of ore. The price of the ore wasn't enough to cover the labor costs, so the then-Governor Shi Wensheng recommended closing it.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, China implemented a silver and copper standard. Unlike other things, which could not be exchanged for money unless they were put on the market, silver and copper, once mined and smelted, were money in themselves!
Another entry was made.
There was also a bad debt of four million taels of silver, which was loaned to the Eight Banners officers and soldiers for use in the surrounding areas. Originally, more than six and a half million taels were allocated, but now only more than two million taels have been recovered, and it seems that the rest will never be recovered. After all, you can't force your own soldiers to death, so you can only exempt them.
But Kangxi was furious! The Eight Banners had become so decadent! I'd already given you living expenses, yet you still lived like this. I'll keep you worried for another two months, and then at the end of the year I'll show you some mercy, and you'll be so moved you'll cry. Bastards!
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Yarjiang'a galloped, and the journey that would have taken the emperor half a month took him only seven days. When he arrived in the capital, the national alarm had just been lifted, and Yarjiang'a didn't notice anything was amiss. Furthermore, because Changchun Garden was outside the city, he couldn't see any clues.
When it was time to go to Changchun Garden to pay a visit to the Crown Prince, Yinreng had already received Kangxi's instructions: news from the post road is faster than the prince's walking speed after all.
Yarjiang'a arrived that morning. Yinreng guessed he'd rested at the post station the night before and rushed over early this morning. He didn't look exhausted, either physically or mentally. Okay, he could handle the blow. Yarjiang'a looked at Yinreng with a strange feeling. He and Yinreng got along well, and the Crown Prince, while not exactly beaming, at least wasn't so embarrassed to admit it.
Even if you beat Yarjiang'a to death, he would never guess that it was because of the death of his two sons. Which father would want his sons to die for no reason?
When Yinreng asked him to sit down and ran up to him and signaled the eunuchs to surround him, Yarjiang'a thought, is the crown prince having a seizure?
Yinreng said: "You have to hold on..."
"?"
"Deron and Alta are both good kids."
“???”
"They...went fast and didn't suffer."
"???" Yarjiang was confused. "My prince, what exactly is going on? Can you please tell me the truth? In the camp, Khan Ama didn't say anything and just told me to come to you quickly. Now that I'm here, you're playing tricks on me again."
"Deron and Alta went together on August 23rd."
"They went?" Yarjiang'a still didn't react. After a while, he came to his senses from Yinreng's sympathetic gaze and said, "They... two?"
The ending tone is straight and upturned.
Even if one of them dies, there's no need to rush to call him back. If two of them die at the same time, it would be a serious accident.
The eunuch behind Yarjiang'a held up his hands, afraid that he would fall backward with his chair. Yinreng waved his hand in front of him and asked, "Are you okay?"
Yaerjiang Aqiang said with a smile: "Khan Ama is the same, be so careful, I am not a porcelain man, I can't stand it."
Yinreng said, "I have prepared a carriage. You are not allowed to ride it. Go home and take a look."
Yaerjiang Adao said, "I still want to see the Empress Dowager, but now that something like this has happened, it's not appropriate for us to meet. Please, Prince, please pay my respects to her on my behalf."
"Do I need to tell you that? Hurry up and go home to check on your family..."
"I will take my leave now."
After seeing off Yarjiang'a, Yinreng sighed. He'd lost sons before, and grief was inevitable, but to have two at once was truly a shame! Especially since the eldest son had died. How could someone die so easily? He couldn't afford to. He hurried to his desk, picked up his pen, and began writing. "Khan, father, you must take good care of my Hongdan. Even healthy children who had smallpox died, showing how unpredictable things are."
After writing the letter, officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department arrived. The Ninth Princess's wedding was a few days away. Everyone needed to finalize the details. The Ninth Princess's mother was of low status, and she was marrying a Han Chinese. While it might not sound grand, it held symbolic significance, so no carelessness was needed.
Yinreng carefully checked the steps and found that there were no more mistakes. Then he said, "That's what I mean. Let's do it. Khan Ama is not in the capital, so everyone should work harder. When the emperor returns, he will know that we have completed the mission in the capital."
Everyone responded in unison.
Yinreng raised the corners of his lips. After these days of getting along, handling the Ninth Princess's marriage was much smoother than handling the Sixth Princess's. It wasn't that everyone was uncooperative before, it was just that it was easier now.
It's easier to get things done with an acquaintance. The crown prince felt more and more that he had made the right move, although he felt guilty towards Khan Ama.
It's easier to get things done with someone in the upper echelons, that's what all the ministers want. Working with the Crown Prince is much easier than arguing with others on your own. Hold on tight.
With a knowing smile, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department withdrew to their work. Yinreng still had to meet the next group of people. There was one more matter to attend to in the second half of the year, and Prince Ping's wedding was approaching.
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Prince Ping's wedding took place at the end of October. By then, Kangxi had returned to Beijing and moved all his family members from Changchun Garden back to the palace to live.
After the Emperor's return, the Crown Prince's life was somewhat difficult. Shi Wensheng had a nasty accident when he impeached the chieftain Tian Shunnian. However, he failed to gather sufficient evidence and escalated the case, causing Emperor Kangxi to issue numerous decrees and alarming the Nine Ministers, the Imperial Censors, the Imperial Household, and the Grand Secretaries. This inevitably affected Yinreng's mood.
Furthermore, Xiong Cilü requested to return home. Mr. Xiong had been a consultant in Beijing for many years, but his health was getting worse. He did not want to die in Beijing, so he pleaded for his ashes, and Kangxi had no choice but to agree.
In addition, Kangxi also planned to make another southern tour next year.
Everything was going wrong, and Yinreng was getting increasingly angry, and Prince Ping's wedding date was approaching.
Yinreng thought of Qingde because of Prince Ping's marriage: "You guy, you haven't replied to me yet about the things I asked you to investigate!" The next day, he brought Qingde in.
Qingde was wronged. Even if he was a deputy, as long as he was in the Censorate, many hidden secrets would be known. For example, it was common for officials across the country to earn extra income. The censors kept a close eye on what to look out for and what not to criticize. Moreover, the censors generally focused on your political problems; family life, moral integrity, and even minor personal gains were not considered too important.
This account can only be understood but not expressed in words, and the Cao family is currently in a category that cannot be participated in.
The Cao and Li families are currently enjoying a strong relationship. Cao Yin is going to be Prince Ping's father-in-law, and the concubine who gave birth to three princes was introduced by Li Xu. Who would want to use dirt on them? If they want to, they should wait until, ahem, the tide turns, right? If you provoke these two now, they'll report you to the emperor...right?
Qingde presented facts and reasoned with Yinreng, but he retorted: "After all these days, you haven't gotten anywhere?"
Of course not. Qingde also had an answer: "The three weaving factories have a good reputation in the local area, especially Cao Yin, who is currently engraving the Complete Tang Poems under orders. This is a great thing. Well, they have a good relationship with the local gentry and officials, and the censors and provincial governors have turned a blind eye." Finally, the key point came, "There are indeed deficits, but the exact extent is unknown to outsiders."
He also advised Yinreng: "Cao Yin and Li Xu have deficits, who doesn't know? Is it so easy to receive the emperor? Is it so easy to save face? The emperor knows all this, so the emperor ordered these two people to take turns in managing the Lianghuai salt administration to make up for the deficit. The old man understands it very well."
Yinreng's face turned all kinds of colors: "I just hope that Khan Ama understands it in his heart, and Cao and Li understand it in their hearts too!" Cao Yin has always been respectful to the prince, and Yinreng doesn't want him to end up in a bad way.
Cao Yin and Li Xuming didn't understand, and others didn't know, but Kangxi truly understood. The one who laughs last must be the one with more cards than the others. Kangxi was a man who excelled at proactively grasping the overall situation. While others looked three steps ahead, he looked ten steps ahead. While it's true that he stationed three weaving factories in Jiangnan as spies, Kangxi didn't completely leave them alone.
The old man had received a secret report about the three weaving factories. The report clearly pointed out that, with the exception of Sun Wencheng, who was doing OK, both Cao and Li were in deficit. The strangest thing was that Cao Yin was also assigned by Emperor Kangxi to do some things to bribe people with money. Li Xu did less of this, but he lost more than Cao Yin!
Kangxi frowned. Cao Yin, coming to Beijing to attend his daughter's wedding, naturally had to present a sign requesting an audience. Kangxi couldn't help but give him more instructions: "I will have to travel south again next year. How can you make us feel at ease? Also, Li Xu's losses are even worse than yours. You should have a good talk with Sun Wencheng about him."
Cao Yin, sweating profusely, knelt on the ground in gratitude, and added, "Master, your southern tour has delighted me and your servants. The deficits I have filled have already been effective. However, the salt administration has been plagued by long-standing problems, so I beg Master to grant me a few more years of grace."
Kangxi's expression softened. "If I didn't want to go easy on you, I wouldn't have reminded you. Be careful."
After receiving Kangxi's disguised promise, Cao Yin felt relieved. Kangxi then said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. You are here to marry me. You should be in a good mood."
Speaking of this, Cao Yin once again expressed his gratitude for the emperor's immense grace. The value of a Pingjun Prince's wife was even higher than that of a prince's wife. How could the Cao family not be grateful for such a good thing? "Master, your grace is so profound that I, as a servant, will be deeply moved and serve you wholeheartedly."
The author has something to say:
The more I write, the more I feel that no matter who comes to power in the end, the money problem must be solved first.
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