As governors from various places and officials from the three departments came to Beijing one after another, the emperor's daily schedule became more and more compact, which was actually quite difficult to say the least.
And once the emperor started to work hard, the ministers everywhere were not much better.
The taxable grains of the Ming Dynasty are divided into summer harvest and autumn grain, of which autumn grain is the main one, and the end date of autumn grain is approximately February of the next year, so recently the emperor has been looking at autumn grain data from various places.
Although Zhu Houzhao really wanted to see the data increase, he actually controlled the pace to prevent local officials from levying excessive taxes on the people in order to blindly increase these data.
He was only harsh on those officials who couldn't answer or gave wrong answers. As early as when he was the prince supervising the country, he had asked the six ministries to put practical matters first. Now it is the turn of local officials.
After officials from various places came to Beijing, they also started favor activities, and restaurants in the capital were bustling with activity.
The talented literati wrote poems to celebrate: "Thousands of peaks are set high in the forest of treasures, and green flowers are welcomed at the end of the gate." Chenyou is not a Sanyuan night, and the joy is shared by all the people!
This was written by Cai Xiang, a poet of the Song Dynasty. It means that thousands of lanterns stand high outside the palace, and countless precious candles are lit, making everything bright until tomorrow.
Just like the lively scene in Nancheng of the capital.
The emperor opened his mouth widely and invited important ministers from all over the world to discuss state affairs. Various opinions were put forward. Although it was impossible for the emperor to adopt every one of them, as long as the imperial court paid attention to them, they were all good governance related to the immediate interests of the people.
If the emperor does this, the people will naturally praise him.
Therefore, there have been a lot of happy events recently, and the issue of royal heirs has been mixed into them, which has made some people start to express opinions on Wang Shouren.
In fact, the two people in Yongshou Palace are also thinking of ways.
It is the emperor's rule not to interrupt when political affairs are being handled. They had no choice, so they boiled some tonic soup and sent it to Qianqing Palace. After all, no matter how busy you are, you still have time for a sip of soup, right?
To their delight, the emperor not only drank it, but also praised it every time, saying that the two nobles were attentive.
Mei Huaixiao and Mei Huayan were greatly encouraged by this.
In their spare time, they would also ask Qiu Yun to find out what the emperor liked to eat. Later they found out that he liked to eat fish, especially the fattest meat on the belly of the fish.
There is some trouble with fish, because eating fish is risky. What if you get stuck by a fish bone?
If this really happened, everyone in the Mei family would be frightened to death.
Later, Qiuyun sent them a few people who were specialized in picking fish bones.
While they were chatting happily, two eunuchs came back carrying food boxes.
Mei Huaixiao is the elder sister, so she is in charge of everything. She stood up and asked, "How is it? Has Your Majesty drank?"
"Drink!" the eunuch replied happily, "Your Majesty not only drank, but also wrote a note. Please read it."
Hearing that the emperor had written something, Mei Huaiyan couldn't help but get closer and look at it.
In fact, it was very simple. After the emperor finished drinking, he wrote four words: sweet and tangy.
Qiu Yun was also a little surprised on the side. She originally thought that the emperor didn't understand women's hearts, but he didn't expect that he was actually quite good at it. Just these four words could make the sisters extremely happy.
In fact, how could Zhu Houzhao not understand?
The way men and women get along, if you are on the receiving end, all you need to do is very simple, just respond.
It's more busy to make a bowl of soup than it is to write four words. He still figured it out clearly.
"It seems that His Majesty likes to drink it very much." Qiu Yun also said good things to the side. "In these years, the slaves and maids who have served Your Majesty have been rewarded, but there are not many cases where they have been personally written on the post."
The two sisters Huaixiao and Huaiyan were indeed happy and even more motivated. "Since Your Majesty likes it, then I will work more for Your Majesty."
"That's not necessary. No matter how delicious the food is, you will get tired of it if you eat it every day." Qiu Yun knew this well. For the emperor's appetite, they have been studying it for several years. "It's better to have more food." Plant a variety and eat them separately, as long as His Majesty likes them every time, that’s the best.”
Huai Yan was more gentle, and she said softly: "Then we can do other things tomorrow."
"Yes." Qiu Yun nodded, "It's a pity that your Majesty's affairs are very busy. Otherwise, these two nobles would definitely come to Yongshou Palace with your majesty's tolerant and easy-going personality."
When it came to this, the two of them felt a little sad.
It's 'that thing',
First of all, Empress Dowager Zhang mentioned,
Secondly, my mother-in-law's family probably heard something from outside, so they passed a letter to me several times and asked if what was said outside was true.
Because they entered the palace, Gu's status in the Mei Mansion suddenly rose, and Mrs. Mei now wished she could treat Gu as her sister.
And the issue that the two of them are most concerned about is that matter.
Huaixiao and Huaiyan are also aware of it. Concerns from all parties will naturally put pressure on them. Although they also know that they are from merchant families and do not expect to fight for anything, it is pressure after all.
When Qiu Yun saw that both of them pursed their lips and felt a little worried, he also knew the reason, so he explained: "... I heard from the foreign minister that governors and important officials from all over the country have come to Beijing one after another recently, so His Majesty is busier than usual. Don’t think too much about it, both gentlemen.”
Huaixiao did not dare to say other disrespectful words, but asked cautiously: "Miss Qiuyun, of course we dare not delay your majesty's important events. However, judging from previous years, when will your majesty be more leisurely?"
Qiuyun thought about it carefully,
To her, the emperor was actually more of a solitary person.
He can always entertain himself and take time for himself.
In fact, if it were not for this kind of character, it would be unimaginable for future generations to stay in the Forbidden City all year round. Let alone such a small city, many people would go out to travel after staying in a big city for a long time.
This is what Qiu Yun saw of the emperor. He was either dealing with state affairs or studying. When he really had time, he would go to the academy. Some time ago, he even went to see the city that never sleeps under the Zhengyang Gate.
Occasionally when he was absolutely free, the emperor would take a rest and not see anyone for a period of time, as if to feel refreshed.
"I think it might be better after the court meeting in March, but Your Majesty won't have that much time."
Huaixiao and Huaiyan were slightly disappointed. I remember that my family told them that the women in the palace were most afraid of not seeing any movement in their stomachs for a long time.
Qiu Yun said: "They are also those foreign ministers who don't know how to cherish the holy dragon body. While they want the royal heirs to inherit it, they always have so many troubles for the holy king to deal with."
"Can you..." Huaiyan crossed her hands in front of her lower abdomen. She originally wanted to say something, but when she said it, she seemed to feel shy. Her eyes turned away, her face turned red, and she found it difficult to say anything.
Huaixiao couldn't bear the urging and said, "If you have anything to say, just tell me. Miss Qiuyun, like us, also sincerely serves the good of the Holy One."
"Yes, little noble man, besides..." Qiu Yun also moved closer, "Besides, we are all women, so we can talk about anything easily."
Huaiyan was still shy, but her personality was not good at disobeying other people's wishes, so she said in a quiet voice, "I was thinking that His Majesty likes to take a bath, so he still has to take a bath no matter how busy he is. Okay? I'm with you." Sister, go...go..."
It's probably hard to say the word "serve".
Qiu Yun was stunned, she didn't expect this.
This little noble man looked calm, but he didn't expect his thoughts to be bold.
This idea would make her blush even if she smiled, but she did not deny that it was indeed a solution.
No matter what, the emperor had to bathe, and very frequently. The main thing is to see whether Qiuyun agrees or not.
In fact, this matter is also somewhat difficult.
"...It's not impossible. I'm afraid that these two nobles have never done the rough work of serving others. If something goes wrong, it will be a disaster."
"Then let's learn it."
Qiu Yun pursed her lips as if thinking, "That... that's okay."
Of course Zhu Houzhao didn't know that these things were being planned in the harem. He was summoning Qi Chengsui, the governor of Shaanxi, and Wang Zhen, the minister of Taipu Temple.
After the Shaanxi Racecourse has recovered in recent years, it has gradually increased to the Eight Chuyuan Racecourse.
Ma Zheng is too important, so Zhu Houzhao has always been more concerned about it.
These two people have clearly outlined the Shaanxi racecourse in a few words, "... In the 18th year of Hongzhi, Shaanxi had a total of 168,000 hectares of horse pasture, an increase of 34,000 hectares, and a total of more than 18,000 war horses. The herding army increased from the original 748. There are 4808 people."
"Especially in the 17th year of Hongzhi, His Majesty advocated the restoration of Andingyuan. The Maying city built therein has six camps including Zhongying, Yuanchuan, Chounihe, Yamen, Shixiakou and Shuangjing. Zhongying used to have a castle. It was damaged and the foundation was narrow. This repair extended the city thirty-five feet to the south. There was a mountain on the north side, which was cut into a wall. The remaining walls were repaired, with a total length of 200 feet from east to west and 270 feet from north to south. The perimeter is two miles, six cents and four cents; the four camps of Yuanchuan, Chounihe, Yamen, and Shixiakou were mostly damaged over time, and they were also repaired by the supervising army; there was no castle in Shuangjing, so a small castle was built in the main camp. .”
"After the renovation of Anding Garden, by this time next year, I can guarantee that His Majesty will have 10,000 horses per year from this horse farm alone!"
Zhu Houzhao looked at the things in his hands, listened to the two of them, and asked: "In the eighteenth year of Hongzhi, the imperial court ordered the renovation of Hui'an Garden. What is the situation now?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Hui'an Garden is also undergoing great efforts in restoration. In the past year, the main tasks have been to restore the horse pastures, increase the number of horse herding soldiers, increase the number of Yuan Temple stallions, examine the riding officials, and add the horse camp castle. All these have made progress. But time is still short, by the end of this year, we will be able to breed at least 5,000 war horses."
Zhu Houzhao asked again: "These pastures are said to be restored, but no one has taken away the grain?"
"That's true, but Ma Zheng is one of the most important government affairs in Shaanxi. If I encounter someone I can't afford to offend, I can only report it to His Majesty." Qi Chengsui is also good at talking.
Zhu Houliang understood, that means, after all, I am also the governor of Shaanxi, the boss of the province. In such a big country, it is impossible for just one person to be more powerful than me.
The main one is Yang Yiqing, who previously served as governor of Shaanxi and also advocated the restoration of order in horse administration.
"These numbers are all human lives." Zhu Houzhao lamented, "In recent years, the imperial court has withdrawn the people and herdsmen in an orderly manner. If an additional 5,000 horses are raised in the northwest, there will be 5,000 households, and 10,000 or 20,000 people can Out of misery."
These words moved Qi Chengsui and Wang Zhen. One of the reasons why official and animal husbandry was valued by the emperor was that civilian animal husbandry caused too much suffering to the people. If it was not done well, there might be a Hebei uprising.
"Your Majesty works diligently and loves the people, and the people will surely appreciate him."
"Let's not talk about that. The horse administration has achieved remarkable results. In the first year of Zhengde, the imperial court will allocate more money to continue to restore the damaged racecourse. You two still have to work harder. When the complex is successful, let Yang Butang take it. You chase water and grass to the south of Yinshan Mountain!"
The money from the treasury has been flowing out in a big way recently. To be precise, it is called the budget. Moreover, the emperor has made a surprise move and wants to make the annual budget public.
He doesn't care whether Zhu Yuanzhang's descendants are doing well or not. To put it bluntly, there is nothing wrong with being an emperor. He wants to spend the country's tax dollars on things that benefit the country.
So in fact, budget matters are also being discussed in the capital recently.
Among the expenses that have been determined so far or those that have not yet been determined but are definitely there, Ma Zheng must be on the list.
Plus there are river workers!
"...The money from the national treasury goes somewhere every year. Official salaries and clan stipends alone are already gone. The northwest also has to allocate military pay. I, a great Situ, don't actually have much money in my hands. Besides, Yes, there was a famine in Jiangxi in the 18th year of Hongzhi's reign, and 200,000 taels were allocated. I don't know if there will be floods or droughts this year, so it is necessary to reserve another 300,000 taels for disaster relief. What do you think, how to calculate this account? "
In the past few days, some officials have come to Yinliang to meet the emperor. For example, Wang Shouren.
Some officials also asked for silver. Official roads, inns, city walls, and temples were in disrepair. Because everyone knew that the emperor was rich, and if someone else wanted money, they would naturally be tempted.
At this time, the status of Han Wen, the Minister of Revenue, became prominent.
Originally, everyone gathered to meet Wang Hao in Beijing, but in the end, the focus was all on the God of Wealth.
Except for the treasury.
The emperor also had a lot of money, and many people were thinking about it.
Nowadays, the channels in the palace are either the young master's house or internal funds.
The Shaofu's largest income came from the house raid in the 17th year of Hongzhi. At that time, more than 1.6 million taels of cash and more than 1 million taels of antiques, calligraphy and paintings were seized.
The emperor ordered that all antiques, calligraphy and paintings be sold for silver. Why would an emperor want such things? He should be Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty.
In addition, the Shaofu also has some continuous income, but the amount is not large. In the eighteenth year of Hongzhi, it was only more than 600,000 taels.
The expenses are astonishing. In Zhengyangmen, the construction of the city that never sleeps is in full swing, and one hundred thousand taels of silver are spent every month. In addition, there are government-run grain merchants and shipyards who are also big money swallowers. The good news is that the Evernight City will be completed in another half a year. After all, it is not a high-rise building with dozens of floors.
At that time, renting and collecting taxes will all be a lump sum of income.
Everyone close to the household department knows these accounts, so the young master still has nearly one million taels of silver.
The internal funds are even more imaginative. After the Northwest War last year, the emperor's revealed expenditure was to allocate 200,000 taels to Yang Yiqing. The rest was not wasted.
Moreover, the expenses in the palace were reduced and all construction work was stopped. Things like building a palace or a pavilion were not even mentioned by the emperor. In other words, there are still about two million taels of silver in the internal funds.
They probably didn't know that Mei Kejia and Gu Dayong had shipped another 2.4 million taels from Zhejiang to Beijing.
But the officials knew that the shipping companies in the three cities all had access systems, and the admission systems also collected as much as two million from wealthy businessmen.
I haven't been this rich for many years.
With so much money, of course I have to find a way to apply for some.
Therefore, when Han Wen cried out about poverty, no one took it seriously. Min Gui said: "Don't think about the silver from Zhejiang and Fujian. Your Majesty issued an edict to all ministers at Fengtianmen that all the silver from the Municipal Shipping Department's admission system will be used for the common people. !”
At that time, many ministers did not agree with this strange admission system. As a result, when the emperor said this, Min Gui became excited on the spot. He was a person with personality and proud, so he had to show his face when talking about this at this time.
As expected, some people cheered and said: "The state-owned Min Gui is a blessing to the people."
Wang Hao smiled and said, "It depends on how you use it for the people. We are officials for the livelihood of the people. When we come to the king, we also have to speak."
Min Guiyang said angrily: "Jizhi is the emperor's master, you are bullying me. I am not convinced!"
Such was his character that everyone just thought he looked like an old naughty boy, so they all laughed.
Li Dongyang and Xie Qian, who served as cabinet ministers, sat on the main seat facing south and said with emotion: "I have lived for most of my life, and I never dared to think that the government would be as prosperous as it is today. If the silver earned by Your Majesty is not used for side work, then It must be for the people and for yourself, which is very rare."
"There is nothing wrong with the Holy Spirit, Your Majesty!"
"If expenditures are restrained, most of the people's livelihood difficulties can be solved. In my humble opinion, some of the silver earned by the shipping company should be given to the river workers."
The key to agricultural production lies in water conservancy.
In the sixth year of Hongzhi, Liu Daxia took charge of repairing the Susong River channel and achieved remarkable results.
"After Zhejiang enters a period of great governance, Jiashan, Hangzhou, and Ningbo are in need of funds for river construction. With a little management, they can create another Songjiang Prefecture for the imperial court."
Songjiang is close to Jiashan and Hangzhou.
These places are plain areas that are particularly suitable for growing grain, but there is still a tax gap of hundreds of thousands of stones between Hangzhou Prefecture and Songjiang Prefecture. This was said by Wang Hao. He was the governor of Zhejiang and Fujian, so he naturally had this selfish intention. In addition, because of the geographical proximity, the conditions of Hangzhou Prefecture were not much different.
…
There must be lively discussions outside the palace.
No matter what the real people are like, at least now, under the leadership of Zhu Houzhao, a vibrant scene in the court is on display. Whether they are Beijing officials or local officials, all officials are talking about good governance.
Perhaps there was something ideal in my heart when I mentioned it this way, but more importantly, I wanted to get into the emperor's sight.
In the imperial court, there are already many people who have been promoted to the rank of favor because of their good performance in affairs, such as Gu Zuo, the Minister of Household Affairs, Zhao Shen, the Minister of Punishment, and Wang Zhen, the Minister of Taipu Temple.
If something is good above, it will be very bad below.
However, people gathered outside at night, the emperor was too tired, and the emperor was approaching the harem.
In the past two days, some officials have been interfering with Wang Shouren about the royal heirs. The problem is not serious, but it makes him a little angry, not because Wang Shouren cannot participate, but because there are so many fools in the court.
While bathing, he kept his eyes closed and meditated. The emperor didn't want to talk, and the others were just busy with their own affairs. Even Qiu Yun is like this. She is not the kind of person who is annoying with her chirping. Instead, she will choose to speak or not speak based on the emperor's mood.
There was nothing unusual in the misty room, until he opened his eyes at a certain interval and suddenly saw something was wrong with his figure.
Due to their bloodline, the Mei sisters are much taller than ordinary people.
In the hazy scene, they were neatly dressed, but their cheeks were probably as red as red ripe apples due to the heat.
"You...why are you here?"
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. The two sisters have enjoyed happiness every day since they entered the palace. They don't know how to serve Your Majesty, so they have to do their best. They don't dare to disturb His Majesty when he is busy with government affairs. They also invited Miss Qiuyun to teach me. If this were not the case, , I live my life every day without thinking about how to repay His Majesty, and I feel so ashamed in my heart."
"Get straight." Zhu Hou looked after them and knelt down with a pop. To be honest, the fragile little girls, one seventeen and one sixteen, were always cautious in their behavior, as if they were afraid of breaking something. He looked at it with disbelief. He couldn't bear it, "There's no need to say anything else. Since you are willing to come, then just come and help me change my clothes later."
She smiled and thought to herself that Miss Qiuyun was indeed right. As long as his mind was pure and kind and he did not make mistakes, the emperor was actually very easy-going and tolerant.
Zhu Houzhao was thinking that maybe he should reflect on it. Now that he has brought everyone to the palace, it is better not to neglect them too much, so he did not drive them away.
And to be honest, if someone is willing to serve, why should he drive him away? He is not that noble hypocrite.
"You guys shouldn't be able to do that, right?" Zhu Hou looked at them and asked slightly amusedly as they stood a little stiffly.
"Yes." Huaixiao answered first, "I and my sister have learned it carefully."
"Okay. I have also been too busy these days. Please forgive me, sisters, but you are right. No matter how busy I am, I still have to take a bath. This time is not counted as wasted by you. It would be good for us to use this opportunity to talk about life. .”
"...Your Majesty, what is life?"
"Your Majesty, do you want to talk about strangers?" Huaiyan, who had been silent all this time, suddenly said something shocking again.
Zhu Houzhao didn't even expect it, and said with a smile, "Almost, almost. It's hot here. You guys are wearing too many clothes, so you'd better take off a few pieces, otherwise your hair will be wet with sweat."
Such a request, being said so calmly, made both girls lose their ability.
"Come here, I will help you take it off." The emperor took action himself, giving them a passive feeling, so that they would not be so embarrassed.
Anyway, no matter how shy you are, it's the emperor's order.
Then the outer gown was pulled away, revealing her pink bellyband and arms as white as tender lotus roots. The clothes are faded and half shy, like hibiscus, smiling and spitting out lilac, thin sweat and light clothes. In the chaos of the incense pile, the delicate and weak, the shallow welcome and the deep delivery, who can bear the romance.
"...How have you been spending time in the palace recently?"
I don’t know what the process was, but Huaiyan felt that he had taken off a lot of clothes for no reason and soaked in water with the emperor. The hot water soaking was really comfortable, as if his whole body was going limp.
He tilted his head with a smile, "It's okay, I'm just afraid that His Majesty won't like us."
Zhu Houzhao put his arms around each other. He raised his head and suddenly thought of his past life. At that time, he should have never thought of this day. "The emperor should not be qualified to say whether he likes it or not."
"Why?" Huaiyan asked, blinking his big eyes.
"Because this is the only way to protect the one you love, otherwise you will lose everything. I know you may not understand, but it doesn't matter. You just need to remember that I work hard every day, and part of it is for you."
"I believe it."
Zhu Houzhao soaked for a while longer, and the more he soaked, the hotter he felt, "Let's wipe ourselves."
"yes."
So the two of them helped him change clothes and get into bed. In the past, Zhu Houzhao only felt that the world was unequal, but today he knew what feudalism was.
