Host, this is good news! However, the Second Prince Yan Yunxuan's initial intentions towards Shen Jiaojiao are not sincere, which may cause trouble in the future.
Shen Mingzhu looked up at Emperor Jingyuan at the head of the table and replied softly.
Guagua, this matter will be made public before Emperor Jingyuan. If those two dare to mistreat the orphans of soldiers from the Northwest, will the Northwest army forgive them? So, whether it's genuine or feigned, for the sake of their reputation or to show the soldiers of the world, they will treat the wounded and disabled soldiers and their orphans from the Northwest well, thus stabilizing morale.
Yes, let's pay more attention to that later.
"Well, if that doesn't work, let Imperial Censor Wang go out and take a look; it's his duty."
Imperial Censor Wang: This Imperial Censor would be most pleased.
All the officials: We'll also visit the orphanage in Shengjing!
Guagua, don't worry. If anything happens, we'll tell the Crown Prince, and he, Yan Beichen, will submit a report.
Yes, host, let's do it!
Prince An: I will also keep a close eye on things!
The second prince has already sent a message by carrier pigeon to General Su Huaijin of the Northwest regarding this matter.
Su Huaijin was born into the Su family, the family of the Minister of Rites. He was the eldest son in the family and the elder brother of Consort Li. He had been stationed in the Northwest for many years and had not returned to the capital for many years.
Of course, he still corresponded frequently with Shengjing over the years.
Especially as the Second Prince Yan Yunxuan grew up, even though he was in the Northwest, he quickly learned about major events in Shengjing.
Su Qingshan: I hope that this time, Prince Xuan and Shen Jiaojiao can do something good.
Of course, he will keep a close eye on this matter.
After all, these people were soldiers and orphans under his eldest son's command.
He was determined not to do anything that would discourage the soldiers in the Northwest.
Emperor Jingyuan was very interested in Xuanwang's plan to establish an orphanage, as it was a good thing that would benefit the country and its people.
.....
"Your Highness, please rest assured, when the General receives the letter from our Second Prince, he will definitely agree!"
Su Bao'er listened to the words of the head palace maid Qing Suo and nodded happily, saying with a smug look on her face.
"That's right, that's a good thing. Big Brother will definitely cooperate actively with Yun Xuan."
Inside Yikun Palace, Consort Li, Su Bao'er, lay on a chaise lounge, casually chatting with her head maid, Qing Suo, her face full of smugness
"Qing Suo, what kind of black charcoal does the palace use? What about red charcoal and silver frost charcoal?"
Red charcoal and silver charcoal are characterized by being smokeless, difficult to ignite, and having a long burning time, while black charcoal not only produces smoke but also has poor burning time!
She frowned slightly, clearly quite dissatisfied.
"Your Majesty, the concubines in the palaces have not yet started burning charcoal on a large scale. When I went there, there was only black charcoal left!"
"It's true! Aren't these all the allowances from each palace? Is someone just blind?"
Qing Suo was quite helpless.
"Your Majesty, I've inquired and found that everyone in the palace except His Majesty and the Empress Dowager is now using black charcoal. It's said that the Empress and His Majesty are aware of the disaster and are leading the way in living frugally in the palace."
Consort Li: ...
She gave Qing Suo a gold leaf.
"Go, my Yikun Palace must be heated with red-hot charcoal or silver frost charcoal; these don't keep us warm at all."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After taking the purse, Qing Suo quickly withdrew to carry out her duties.
As the saying goes, money makes the world go round, and with money, everything is easier.
Before long, Yikun Palace was using red charcoal baskets...
After the results were announced in the Golden Palace, the palace examination was about to begin. After Crown Prince Yan Beichen reported to Emperor Jingyuan, he received a "pass."
Guagua, look! Men who are focused on their careers are so handsome!
Host, as long as the Crown Prince wants to pursue his ambitions, he'll have an endless stream of endeavours!
Crown Prince Yan Beichen: Career?
It must be the official business that Mingzhu mentioned, right?
A fleeting smile crossed his eyes.
That's true.
As the crown prince, he always had something to do every day if he wanted to.
This little gourd can even understand!
Guagua: Absolutely. Who am I? I am Guagua, the most knowledgeable person in the world.
Guagua, the main force right now is still Emperor Jingyuan. Seeing that Emperor Jingyuan is in good health, he should be able to hold on for another ten or twenty years without any problem. When the Crown Prince takes over, hopefully, he will lay a solid foundation so that the Crown Prince's life will be easier.
Crown Prince Yan Beichen glanced at Emperor Jingyuan at the head of the table, unable to suppress the smile in his eyes.
Father, you've worked hard!
Emperor Jingyuan: He is truly my fine son.
I wish to abdicate early so that I can enjoy the company of my grandchildren with Rou'er.
So, Chen'er, do you understand?
Work hard!
Your father has high hopes for you!
Prince An: What kind of riddle are my elder brother and the Crown Prince nephew playing?
I don't understand, I'm so anxious!
All the officials: Hmm, the idea is wonderful, but reality is a little bit harsh.
Shen Changyuan: My daughter's imagination is wonderful; I hope it can come true.
Daughter, the national treasury is empty!
What should we do?
At this moment, Shen Changyuan stepped forward and reported on the recent expenditures of the national treasury, and the main point was: the national treasury is out of money again!
The entire court: They're really spending money like water!
So much gold and silver jewellery was confiscated, and it's all gone so quickly.
Shen Changyuan: What do you know?
Stockpiling grain, seeds, medicinal herbs, fabric... which of these doesn't cost money?
Every expense is clearly recorded in the ledger.
Zhao Guangming: Exactly!!!
Everyone in the Ministry of Revenue has been extremely busy lately, and many people are even sleeping there!
Guagua, why is the national treasury out of money again!
Host, the Imperial Observatory, has predicted a major snow disaster, so Emperor Jingyuan has stockpiled a lot of food, medicine, cloth, and other supplies. His silver reserves are running low!
Guagua, Emperor Jingyuan is quite prescient. No wonder he became emperor. He will be incredibly gratified in the future for making such a wise and great decision to stockpile supplies.
Host, the Ministry of Revenue is out of money!
Guagua, how about taking action against a few more corrupt officials or powerful families? I think the Li family of the Duke of Li's mansion would be a good option! Their daughters-in-law are both going through divorce proceedings, and I believe their family would be very willing to do it, provided the terms are agreed upon.
The Duke of Li's Mansion: As one of the Three Dukes, what have we done to offend you!
You are so vicious that you actually want to confiscate the property of my Li family and exile them.
Your Majesty, our Li family is doomed!
Our family is loyal to the emperor and loves our country. Our loyalty to you is like the waters of a river, flowing endlessly.
The entire court: Sycophants!
The Duke of Li's Mansion: The Li family is telling the truth.
Host, isn't this too slow?
What should we do then? Perhaps we should suppress Buddhism? That would be quick, but I wonder if Emperor Jingyuan would be willing!
Suppressing Buddhism?
Emperor Jingyuan's eyes widened in disbelief. Could even a Buddha be destroyed?
Do you know how many of their followers there are?
Aren't you afraid of being besieged by Buddhist believers?
Shen Mingzhu: I am Shen Mingzhu. What am I afraid of!
I'm not afraid of anything!!!
Let them come if they dare!
Let them all go mining!
The mine is short-staffed, so it's a good opportunity to send them there for arduous training. Look how good she is to them!