Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 673: Big Rats (Part 1)

"Grandmother, don’t get angry yet. Listen to what I have to say."

Jiang Shaohua spoke solemnly, "The reason I’m doing this is to stabilize the stationed troops across Da Liang and prevent unrest during the imperial transition."

"Recent upheavals in the Capital City feel like the sky is falling, with far-reaching effects. If people’s hearts become unstable, there might be rebellions from bandits or refugees, or a distant stationed troop might directly rise in revolt. At that point, it’s not just a matter of how many would die, but the cost in military expenditure to quell the chaos. If a war breaks out, pensions are needed for soldiers killed in battle, and those injured also require pensions. Areas affected by the turmoil need rebuilding, which requires the court to allocate people and silver. How much will all this cost?"

"Therefore, I must stabilize people’s hearts as quickly as possible. Disburse ample funds for military supplies to first stabilize the forty stationed troops in Da Liang. This is an extremely worthwhile deal, Grandmother, calculate the costs, isn’t this logic sound?"

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng did not want to calculate the costs, speaking stubbornly and unreasonably, "I don’t care about these things. I only know that the confiscated assets from the Vassal King should be split in half, with one half going into the National Treasury, and the other half should go into the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This has always been the court’s tradition. I’m not asking for more!"

Jiang Shaohua replied blandly, "Some court traditions can be maintained, but some old habits need to change under my reign."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng: "..."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng found herself momentarily at a loss, unable to find a stance nor comprehend why Jiang Shaohua’s indifferent demeanor made her feel inexplicably airy.

Jiang Shaohua continued, "In my view, there’s not much difference between the National Treasury and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Silver in the National Treasury is useful, and silver in the Ministry of Internal Affairs also needs to be at the ready. Over at the Nanyang Prince Mansion, Chief Historian Feng will also send silver to the Capital City every year. Besides necessary expenses, I’ll use the rest for important matters."

"What are the important matters? Supporting the military is the foremost important matter."

"Da Liang faces powerful foreign enemies and various internal troubles. Without strong military power, how can the empire be stable?"

"To be frank with Grandmother, not only am I going to allocate ample military funds, but I also want to improve the treatment of all troops. They shouldn’t think about being idle soldiers; I want real elite soldiers who can mount and fight."

"Currently, Da Liang is mainly composed of infantry, with cavalry accounting for only ten percent. Genuine elite cavalry is even scarcer. To enhance military strength will take at least a few years of effort."

"Grandmother must collaborate wholeheartedly with me and not drag behind."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, at a loss, eventually squeezed out a few words with chagrin, "I’ve only spoken a few words, and here you come with a whole load of grand reasoning. What else can I say?"

Jiang Shaohua, adept at the tactic of giving a stick and then sweet jujubes, immediately smiled and coaxed, "Grandmother sees the bigger picture, that’s why I’m detailing things with Grandmother. Anyone else wouldn’t even understand, let alone have the vision and the ambition to embrace the world."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, feeling a bit flattered, showed improvement in her expression, "Indeed. Don’t mention these things at Ning An Palace. That Mrs. Li couldn’t possibly understand!"

Jiang Shaohua smiled in agreement, "Grandmother is right. The nation’s affairs, I must carefully discuss with Grandmother. As long as Grandmother wholeheartedly supports me, everything I do will succeed."

In truth, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng also retreated in resignation. How could the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng not know about Jiang Shaohua’s words in the court? It was merely an opportunity to vent dissatisfaction for some actual benefit.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng then said, "Duke An is still recovering and cannot return to the Ministry of War for now. There are young ones in the Zheng Family who are ready for use; arrange a post for them to gain some experience."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng referred to Zheng Chen’s two younger brothers. The Second Young Master Zheng is seventeen this year, and the Third Young Master Zheng is fifteen; they’re both barely at an age suitable for official duties.

Without some actual benefits, the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng would certainly continue to pester, which Jiang Shaohua was mentally prepared for and responded readily, "I will have Chief Historian Chen arrange these matters."

Chief Historian Chen remains in the fifth rank but performs tasks befitting a Prime Minister. Jiang Shaohua trusts him immensely, handing him memorials and relying heavily on him for political affairs. There’s also Wang Jin, who is greatly valued and shows promise as a future Prime Minister.

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng actually has quite a bit of criticism about this, often having to grumble. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Jiang Shaohua commented, "If Zheng Chen had not plotted a rebellion, he could now contest with Wang Jin."

The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng, struck at her sore point, fell silent.

...

Two days later, Tang Youyin came to the palace again for an audience.

As the Emperor’s eyes and ears, he acted openly, not avoiding any scrutiny. He even proactively informed Minister Ji before he left.

The feelings in Minister Ji’s heart at the time need not be detailed.

Tang Youyin bowed and reported, "...Minister Ji ordered Doctor Wan to reclaim the field manor for reselling. Doctor Wan, disheartened, gathered the buyers and re-signed the contract. The selling price was adjusted from eighteen thousand taels to twenty thousand taels."

In other words, Doctor Wan compensated four thousand taels in silver.

Jiang Shaohua evidently wasn’t satisfied and instructed, "Someone, summon Doctor Wan to the palace. I want to meet him personally."

It was already evening, and the court had adjourned. The Ministry of Revenue had been busy lately, so few had left.

When the tall, slightly fierce-looking Imperial Guards strode in, all the officials at the Ministry of Revenue were taken aback.

Leading the Imperial Guards, Qin Hu, swept his gaze, loudly announcing, "The Emperor’s verbal decree, summon Doctor Wan for an audience at the palace."

Doctor Wan was startled, his face suddenly turning pale, his legs growing weak, "It’s so late; what business does the Emperor have in summoning me to the palace?"

Qin Hu, towering over Doctor Wan, naturally assumed a condescending stance, "We are here to deliver the Emperor’s verbal decree. As for why, Doctor Wan will know once he is in the presence of the Emperor."

Doctor Wan gathered courage to respond, "It’s already late today, and the palace gates are soon to be locked. How about I go tomorrow instead..."

Qin Hu impatiently interrupted, drawing a gleaming long knife with a clang, his voice as sharp as the winter frost, "Doctor Wan, please!"

The flickering blade emitted an intense killing intent that directly threatened.

Doctor Wan shivered all over.

If he could delay for one night, he could cry for help at the Prime Minister’s Mansion. As long as Prime Minister Wang intervenes, he would be safe.

Unfortunately, the menacing figures before him were trusted aides of the Emperor, survivors of the palace upheaval, their hands undoubtedly stained with a lot of blood. They had no intention of showing anyone face.

Doctor Wan had no choice but to move.

The rest of the Ministry of Revenue officials fell silent, watching as Doctor Wan was taken away by the Imperial Guards. Then they all turned to Minister Ji.

Minister Ji’s face turned ugly with anger, "Why are you all looking at me? How did I instruct you before? Carry out your duties well and avoid mistakes. Doctor Wan had backers, but ignored my words, and now you can wait to see what happens to him!"