"The national treasury is clearly well-stocked with food and grass. If we borrow from the people, they will inevitably think that the court can't even raise enough money for the army. Wouldn't that easily shake the people's hearts? Now that the border war is at a stalemate, we can't allow unrest inside!"
An old minister immediately stood up and expressed his concern.
However, the commander of the imperial guards, Lu Qingyun, glared at him.
"The internal turmoil can be appeased by the imperial court, but who can bear the consequences of food shortages at the border? After all, you are sitting comfortably in Kyoto, while the soldiers at the border are risking their lives to give you a peaceful and stable life!"
General Lu of Huyuguan is Lu Qingyun's father, and Lu Qingyun is the second son of the Lu family.
When a general was stationed outside, he had to leave his family in Kyoto, which was somewhat like being a hostage in the hands of the emperor. This had been the case throughout the dynasties.
Apart from the women of the Lu family, Lu Qingyun was the only male member left in Kyoto.
He used to be Ning Chen's tutor. Later, when Ning Chen succeeded to the throne, he became the commander of the imperial guards. He was also a promising young man.
But now my father and brother are in danger, and even though I am young and promising, I can't remain calm and heavy-hearted.
"Qingyun, calm down." Minister of Personnel Xu Jiangbai reached out and pulled his sleeve.
Lu Qingyun glared at the old minister fiercely before he calmed down a little.
"Your Majesty, I think this is feasible. After all, if we wait for the food and grass from Kyoto to be shipped over, even if it is transported by water, it can only be delivered in four or five days. How can 90,000 soldiers withstand being without food for five or six days?" Xu Jiangbai stepped forward.
Compared to Lu Qingyun, who was impulsive and affected by the war, he was much calmer.
"This is easier said than done. Lord Liu's concerns are not entirely unreasonable. What if the people feel that the court cannot repay the grain and refuse to lend it?"
Another veteran minister stepped forward to ease the atmosphere and what he said made sense.
At this time, the Minister of War, Mr. He, stepped forward.
"I think if the people are worried that the court can't pay back the grain, then we should add another clause. Not only will we add 20% when we pay back, but we will also reduce the tax by 10% next year. In this way, the people will earn 30% more grain."
At that time, Prince Consort He also seconded the proposal.
"It is an honor to contribute to the country. If the emperor orders people to build a monument of merit in the future, anyone who lends grain to the government can be listed on it. This is something that brings glory to the family. I think wealthy families would all like to gain a good reputation."
This statement hits the nail on the head.
Scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans, in this day and age, traveling merchants are still looked down upon.
Those wealthy families who have no shortage of money and food just want a reputation, or praise from the court.
More and more people stood up and spoke, and they all agreed with this statement.
Ning Chen's complexion improved a little.
His eyes swept down and then stopped on the Duke of England.
"What do you think about this, uncle?"
"I am already old, and I am not as thorough and thoughtful as the younger officials. I will listen to the emperor's decision."
The Duke of England bowed his hands, which also meant he was bowing his head.
Things have come to this point, with more and more people speaking up for Ning Chen. If he forcefully opposes, it will definitely cause an uproar.
Now that there is a war on the border, the Duke of England also knows the principle of the lips and teeth being cold.
Even if you want to calculate your rights and interests, you must live in peace and stability to enjoy your life.
Ning Chen withdrew his gaze, his aura becoming more and more like an emperor, and his expression was firm.
"This matter has been settled. The specific matters will be handed over to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War to arrange. The details will be discussed today and a memorial will be prepared for me to see. No matter how late it is today, it must be implemented without delay."
"I obey your order!"
The officials below all bowed.
Everyone dispersed and left the palace one after another.
When the Duke of England returned home, he called his second son over.
The father and son discussed for a long time in the study.
Finally, the Duke of England patted his son on the shoulder and sighed.
"Xianyi, your elder brother is gone. Your father's hopes are all on you. The emperor is becoming more powerful and will be more and more wary of the Chen family. For the future glory of the Chen family, you must strive for excellence."
These words made Chen Xianyi's body stiffen in an instant.
The Duke's Mansion has only one legitimate son, Chen Xianwen. Now Chen Xianwen has been deposed and the Emperor has ordered that he is not allowed to inherit the title. So, does his father's words mean that he wants him to be the crown prince
Although his mother taught him to stand out, break away from the oppression of his stepmother and brother, and set up his own family.
But that was in the past, things are different now.
Chen Xianwen cannot inherit the title, so his father will choose one from among his illegitimate sons, and he is now the best one.
He didn’t think about it before because there was no opportunity, but now the opportunity is very close to him. Chen Xianyi is not a man without ambition.
Having been oppressed by the mother and son of the main wife for many years, he felt hatred in his heart and wanted to take revenge.
"Don't worry, father. I will never let you down!"
Chen Xianyi's voice was firm and a little excited.
The Duke of England looked at him and said nothing more. He just patted him on the shoulder and let him go out.
"Master, the second young master is now more and more like you in your youth." The butler said with a smile.
The Duke of England took a deep breath and said, "Yes, it's a pity that he is a concubine's child."
Then he instructed, "Run'er is already nine years old. Tell Mei that Run'er will be raised by me in the future."
"Yes, I'll do it right away." The butler bowed.
This Mei was Chen Xianwen’s legal wife and the eldest lady of the Duke of Yingguo’s mansion.
The Mei family was also a wealthy family, and they raised a very good girl. Unfortunately, she had a bad fate and married Chen Xianwen, a man who was not very ambitious. However, God blessed her and she gave birth to a son.
Chen Mingrun, the eldest grandson of the Chen family, was well educated by his mother, Mei, and was completely different from his father.
Now that the Duke of England wants to bring his grandson to his side to raise him personally, I'm afraid Chen Xianyi's efforts will be in vain.
Then go back to the palace.
When Ning Chen was having dinner in the evening, he finally received the memorial agreed upon by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue.
After reading it, I slightly modified a few details and finally finalized the plan.
That night, he drafted an imperial edict and ordered people to pass it down as quickly as possible and post it in several prefectures and counties close to Lingzhou.
By the time the people really started to donate food, the military rations at Beiling Pass could only last for three days.
But fortunately, the food that the Chu family prepared early in the morning and the food sent by the Huo family can last for three more days.
This gave the prefectures and counties six days to raise food.
But in the first two days, people were not very enthusiastic about donating grain, and the amount of grain collected was very small.
Just when the government was anxious, the connections that the Chu family had accumulated over many years of business came in handy.
Ye Yun's grandfather and uncle were imperial merchants. They personally led the donation from their own shops, not wanting the court to pay it back. They also wrote letters to their close friends to appeal.
With this action, raising food became much easier.
Originally the court was borrowing the money, but now many merchants and common people have spontaneously donated it.
Ning Chen was deeply moved and immediately issued another imperial decree, exempting those who donated grain this year from taxes for two years.