Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 521: Ministry of Revenue

Jiang Shaohua did not audit the accounts today, and said with a smile, "There’s no need. I trust Minister Ji’s competence; there’s no need to look at the ledgers."

Came to the Ministry of Revenue without looking at the ledgers, what to look at then?

Minister Ji was not relieved; instead, he became more vigilant: "Then what does the Commandery Princess intend to see?"

Jiang Shaohua casually replied with a smile, "I will stay in Minister Ji’s signature room today, just looking around casually."

Minister Ji: "..."

Previously, Jiang Shaohua went to various ministries for inspection, checking accounts or observing each department. In the Ministry of Justice, she directly toured the prison. But when she came to the Ministry of Revenue, she played by different rules, intending to remain in the Minister’s signature room.

Although Minister Ji was internally reluctant, he naturally couldn’t show it on his face: "Every day, documents pile up in the Ministry of Revenue. As I become busy, I fear I won’t have time to chat with the Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua still smiled friendly: "No need to talk to me; just do whatever you ordinarily do, Minister Ji."

Minister Ji had no choice but to agree.

At this time, the long-term follower entered, glanced at Jiang Shaohua silently, and then softly said to Minister Ji: "Lord Minister, how should today’s lunch be arranged?"

Minister Ji looked towards Jiang Shaohua.

Jiang Shaohua said with a smile: "I heard earlier that the Ministry of Revenue’s lunch is good, so I’ll take the opportunity to try it today."

Minister Ji nodded slightly, instructing the long-term follower to arrange it.

The Six Ministries all have kitchens supplying one lunch. Sometimes, the officials need to work through the night in the government office, so the kitchen must also prepare dinner and a late-night meal. Although Da Liang’s National Treasury is empty, with resources everywhere lacking, the Ministry of Revenue doesn’t worry about silver, its kitchen having the best meals among the Six Ministries.

In less than a stick of incense hour, lunch was ready. Minister Ji led Jiang Shaohua to a small dining hall. On an exquisite round pear blossom wooden table were eight dishes perfectly balanced with meat and vegetables, boasting excellent color, aroma, and taste.

Without hesitation, Jiang Shaohua sat down with Minister Ji and began enjoying the meal heartily. Minister Ji, witnessing the Commandery Princess’s extraordinary appetite for the first time, nearly watched in disbelief: "Though the Ministry’s cuisine is good, the Commandery Princess should restrain herself a bit and avoid overeating."

Jiang Shaohua devoured the lunch meant for three persons, responding cheerfully: "Don’t worry, my appetite is very good."

After lunch, Minister Ji became busy. Countless documents arrive daily at the Ministry of Revenue, most asking for either money or grain, or both. Minister Ji has to review each one personally.

Requests for excessive amounts are directly rejected and sent back for re-budgeting.

Expenditures not considered urgent are also rejected, pending funds.

For those expenditures that truly cannot be pushed back, at most half is approved, with the other half pending entry into the Treasury.

Initially, Minister Ji was considerate with Jiang Shaohua beside him, staying elegant and restrained. As the documents piled up, his expression grew sourer until he couldn’t resist venting.

The doctors and Chief Clerks, bearers of documents, nearly all had to endure a few criticisms. Each of them with heads drooped and faces drawn.

Jiang Shaohua observed all of this quietly.

After being busy for over an hour, Minister Ji finally took a sip of tea and rested briefly, seizing the opportunity to vent to the Commandery Princess: "You yourself came to the Ministry of Revenue today and saw firsthand how difficult it is for me to manage the Ministry. These past few years, the tax revenue in the National Treasury dwindles year by year, while demands for money and grain increase all the time. The Ministry of Revenue is stretched thin, barely able to cope. Living hand to mouth has become commonplace."

"None of the government offices show any sympathy, each stretching out their necks demanding silver. I wish I could plant a few Money Trees."

Jiang Shaohua’s face showed deep sympathy: "Minister Ji is indeed working hard."

Minister Ji sighed heavily: "I am not young anymore, maybe hold on for another three to five years until the Emperor reigns completely. I plan to retire and return to my native land to enjoy a leisurely life."

Minister Ji is actually not that old. At sixty this year, he looks older than Minister Dai. Evidently, being Minister of Revenue, worrying and laboring for the Ministry isn’t easy.

Jiang Shaohua softly said: "Minister Ji manages the treasury’s finances and is a pillar of Da Liang, the most trusted person by the Emperor. With Minister Ji here, the Emperor can rest easy. Don’t speak such discouraging words."

Each department in the Six Ministries has its own duties, but the Ministry of Revenue is especially important. Its Minister can be mediocre, but must be someone trusted by the Emperor. Minister Ji is such a person.

In terms of talent, he is above average. In terms of loyalty, he is top-notch. Should Minister Ji retire, finding a replacement might prove rather challenging.

President Ji felt uplifted after the compliments from the Commandery Princess and was about to modestly counter her praise when she continued: "The Rouran envoys have been expelled, and I’m afraid the border will soon see renewed warfare. The Ministry of Revenue should now focus on preparing supplies to support the war."

Minister Ji frowned and sighed: "To be frank with the Commandery Princess, I absolutely disagreed with the Princess’s marriage alliance. However, should the border army engage in battle with the Rouran Cavalry, the Capital City will need to deploy additional troops, which requires significant funds and resources. My irritability today stems from worrying about this."

Jiang Shaohua looked at Minister Ji: "The border needs to prepare for warfare. Nanyang County will donate two hundred thousand stone of military grain."

Two hundred thousand stone?

Minister Ji’s small eyes brightened abruptly, his facial expression visibly eager: "Is what the Commandery Princess saying true?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "I have always stood by my words."

Minister Ji was so excited he rubbed his fingers repeatedly: "This is wonderful! So much military grain greatly resolves the Ministry’s urgent needs."

"At that time, I will have someone directly deliver the grain to the border army," Jiang Shaohua said, "Saving the trouble of back-and-forth transportation and reducing losses."

Minister Ji repeatedly agreed, his old face nearly blooming with laughter: "The Commandery Princess is generous and magnanimous, I shall personally submit a petition to confer commendations on the Commandery Princess."

Minister Ji was shrewd, for he saw this as an opportunity to elevate Jiang Shaohua’s reputation.

Jiang Shaohua said with a smile: "I won’t say those useless formalities. I donate grain firstly to ease the Ministry’s urgency and relieve the Emperor’s worries, and secondly to support the border army in warfare. If I can enhance my reputation through this, that’s even better, thank you, Minister Ji."

In the evening, Minister Ji escorted the Nanyang County Princess out of the Ministry of Revenue with a cheerful demeanor.

Minister Dai of the Ministry of Justice happened to be leaving the court, witnessing this scene, he couldn’t help muttering: "This old man, usually keeping a grumpy face to everyone. Today he is courteous to the Commandery Princess. Even at a distance, one can see the smile on his face."

The following day at the grand dynasty meeting, Minister Dai understood the reason.

Minister Ji submitted a petition requesting commendations for the Nanyang County Princess. The weary Emperor Taihe holding court begrudgingly relaxed, and openly praised Jiang Shaohua. The officials voiced their praise one after another.

Two hundred thousand stone of military grain! A full two hundred thousand stone!

Donated directly by Nanyang County to the border army. Meaning, Nanyang County would handle the transportation and all related expenses for the grain, absorbing all losses during the trip.

Jiang Shaohua stood with a smile, seeming to grow taller in stature all of a sudden.