Chapter 1686: An Unconventional Reward
Chapter 1686: Chapter 1686: An Unconventional Reward
Emperor Jingyuan looked at Mai Cong, his eyebrows furrowed: "From what you’re saying, it seems like you want to ask for credit for the Gu Family?"
Emperor Jingyuan, when calm, was quite clever. Otherwise, Emperor Jingwu wouldn’t have chosen him for the throne.
Mai Cong did not deny it, he nodded: "Reporting to Your Majesty, indeed that is my intention. The Gu Family deserves a reward for their contribution in medicine."
Emperor Jingyuan said nothing and looked toward the Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion sitting in a corner of Mingwei Palace.
His mother-in-law was elderly, burdened by her heavy formal attire for over two hours, her face was now pale, and even her body seemed to sway.
Emperor Jingyuan said: "Although the Insect Attractant was made by the Gu Family, she presented it in the name of the Kangrong Soldiers for her husband’s sake. So the offering wasn’t hers but theirs... She should not expect two benefits from one offering, wouldn’t you agree, Old Madam."
Indeed, having won the soldiers’ hearts with the Insect Attractant, she should not be greedy for a royal reward.
The Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion was almost fainting from exhaustion. Hearing these words, she quickly stood up: "I am at Your Majesty’s service."
But she rose too quickly and the weight of her attire almost caused her to fall.
The four palace maids beside her quickly supported her, and only then did the Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion stabilize herself.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Mrs. Qin Gu stated upon handing the prescription to Ms. Gao Lei that she had already benefited from it, and only hopes that Your Majesty wouldn’t punish her for perceived cunning. She did it just to avoid being widowed. As for rewards, she doesn’t dare ask anymore, but the Kangrong Soldiers indeed deserve a reward."
The Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion said these important words all in one breath; after finishing, she panted and took a moment to recover.
Emperor Jingyuan sneered: "Indeed, she has some self-awareness. Given the situation, in light of her creation of an effective pesticide, her offense is pardoned."
This outcome was the best and had been anticipated by Gu Jinli.
Emperor Jingyuan’s governance may be lacking, but as an emperor, he cannot be foolish; he was able to discern her purpose in offering the prescription under the soldiers’ name.
"As for rewards," Emperor Jingyuan looked at Minister Dai, who had been shrinking inside the hall for a long time: "Convey my decree to provide the Kangrong Soldiers heading to the Northwest with heavy armor, thirty thousand pigs and sheep, and an extra reward of two taels for their military salary."
Minister Dai’s legs were numb from standing all day; upon hearing this, he hurriedly said: "I obey Your Majesty’s decree!"
Having responded, he felt troubled, glanced at Emperor Jingyuan, and cautiously asked: "Your Majesty... which treasury’s silver should be used for this reward?"
Don’t look to the Ministry of War; they have no money and can hardly pay the military salary.
The Ministry of Revenue is responsible for finances; the request should be directed there.
But there are hundreds of thousands of Kangrong Soldiers; without considering the silver for armor and meat, just the additional two taels of reward silver is not a small amount.
Speaking of silver, Emperor Jingyuan’s expression darkened.
Warfare depletes funds; the national treasury is almost empty, and his private treasury lacks gold. Rewarding all Kangrong Soldiers would require nearly two million taels.
Two million taels; how many noble families and rich officials must be confiscated to gather such an amount?
Continue increasing taxes?
Even worse, taxes collected over the past two years are already heavy; further increases may spark rebellion in the South!
Emperor Jingyuan’s gaze was piercing, fixed on Mai Cong: "At the beginning of the year, you showed me an article, which I found to be a viable solution at this time."
Mai Cong was startled, reflecting on the article about collecting taxes from local shops to fill the national treasury.
However, when Emperor Jingyuan brought it up with the cabinet ministers and chief secretaries, the majority disagreed, leading to disputes and disagreements.
Most local shops have owners from the Imperial Family, noble families, high-ranking officials, and rich nobles, increasing shop taxes would be bleeding these families dry.
Moreover, due to the relationship between the Founding Princess’s family, the Shen Family, and the Sun Family, noble families and high-ranking officials recently donated gold and silver to the court, suffering losses. Consequently, ministers were almost unanimously opposed.
Mai Cong said: "I personally have no objection, but other ministers disagree and may require drastic measures to persuade them."
Emperor Jingyuan sneered: "Now with the Rong bandits invading, and the Northwest being urgent, silver is desperately needed for war. If they refuse, send their entire families to fight in the Northwest!"
Minister Dai’s face turned pale upon hearing this, fearing significant loss to his family’s assets if it came to pass.
The Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion sighed upon hearing this. Noble families and rich officials have been avoiding having their assets seized by the Emperor, but this time, they might not be able to escape.
The Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion was not distressed over silver; the Duke Yuan Mansion has already sacrificed much, they don’t mind giving up more gold and silver. What she cannot accept is... how did Great Chu become like this?
When she was young, aside from harsh punishments, the court was still quite clear-sighted; the sovereign and ministers were united under Emperor Jingwu’s efforts, establishing Great Chu with increasing stability.
When did Great Chu start declining?
Perhaps Great Chu never truly stood strong... noble families are too stubborn, and the commoners lack competence... if back then Emperor Jingwu didn’t care and wiped out all noble families, or prohibited them from becoming officials, only using poor commoners, perhaps the situation in Great Chu would be much better.
Yet, Emperor Jingwu tried.
The problem is, the children of noble families indeed have the talent for governance, while giving too much power to commoners led to only a few achieving success, but most become quickly corrupted after sudden wealth and authority, further rotting the court.
Old, old, unwilling to ponder anymore.
The Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion has let go, as the Duke Yuan Mansion no longer commands troops, merely holding a nominal position; they are incapable of contesting for anything more, her one grievance remains in the Empress.
The Empress, her daughter, was once renowned in the capital, yet since entering the palace, she enjoyed only a few good years and thereafter suffered hardships and grievances, unable to express a word of complaint.
"Someone, summon the cabinet ministers and chief secretaries!" Emperor Jingyuan, determined to obtain silver, refused to postpone any longer, immediately sending someone to call the ministers to discuss the matter.
"Yes." The Chief Eunuch promptly dispatched people to execute the order.
Emperor Jingyuan told the palace attendants: "Escort the Old Madam to the side hall."
The Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion could not leave; he had some questions to ask her.
"Yes," the palace attendants respectfully replied, supporting the Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion to the side hall.
Though exhausted, the Old Madam of Duke Yuan Mansion had to maintain her composure.
Emperor Jingyuan began discussing with Mai Cong how to handle the cabinet ministers. By the time the ministers arrived, they had already prepared their arguments.
Emperor Jingyuan wasted no time, directly stating: "The Rong bandits invade, and the Northwest battles are hard-fought. Thankfully, our soldiers are valiant, delivering victories that bring me great comfort. I’ve decided to reward the Kangrong Generals. However, the national treasury has limited silver, and the Kangrong War must continue; its cost in silver is significant, thus I’ve decided to collect taxes from local shops. Summoning you esteemed ministers was to inquire about the suitable tax rate for shops. Should it be fifty percent, thirty percent, or ten percent?"
His words nearly drove the cabinet ministers and chief secretaries to curse.
What rate is suitable?
The rate of zero is most suitable!