There seems to be a lot of snow this year. The capital has been filled with universities since the 28th of the twelfth lunar month, and it has not stopped until the 29th. The snow is falling heavily, and Emperor Tianqi has canceled the morning court, but some people still have to go to the palace to work.

That is the Cabinet Grand Master.

Tomorrow is the Chinese New Year, and today is the last court meeting of the year. Those who are eligible to participate are the six ministers and cabinet scholars. As for the ministers of various ministries and the imperial court, they are not eligible to participate, because today’s discussion is about the imperial court.

The issue of expenses back then has always been a headache for everyone.

There was heavy snow in the sky, and it was impossible to tell what time it was. A group of proud men stopped at the entrance of the palace. A servant on one side handed over an umbrella, and everyone walked in holding an umbrella. But there was one exception, his proud man.

He could be carried directly into the palace gate and didn't get off the sedan until he reached the Jinshui Bridge.

"This Lord Xu really has your Majesty's trust!" Looking at Xu Guangqi's proud son, Guan Yingzhen, the Minister of Punishment, had a meaningful expression on his face, and his tone of voice was also quite strange. He was not actually present in today's court meeting.

No matter what, no one who is qualified to participate will not come.

Glancing at Guan Yingzhen, Wu Liangsi, the Minister of Household Affairs, said rather playfully: "Are you envious? I don't think you can be envious!"

Looking Wu Liangsi up and down, a trace of doubt flashed in Guan Yingzhen's eyes, and he said rather strangely: "It's human nature for us to be envious. Who doesn't want this kind of treatment? Everyone thinks so. You are not that kind of hypocrite. Today

How could you say such a thing?"

Shaking his head and smiling, Wu Liangsi gently patted the snow off his shoulders and said in a rather indifferent tone: "Haven't you noticed yet? The current emperor is young, but his mind is not young. He can get the emperor's

There are many people who value me, and the courtesy given to people who are valued by the emperor is also very high. But people like us can’t do it. We don’t have that ability!”

As if sensing the sourness in Wu Liangsi's tone, Guan Yingzhen said in confusion: "Let's talk about it, it's rare to hear your high opinions!"

"The number one person in the current dynasty is none other than Sun Chengzong, Lord Sun. He is so powerful and powerful that few in the two hundred years of the Ming Dynasty. Lord Sun is not a eunuch. He is able to gain such trust from the emperor because of Lord Sun.

ability. At the beginning of his journey to Liaodong, he won a great victory and wiped out all the invading enemies in the Battle of Zunhua.

The enemy, in one fell swoop, reversed the Ming Dynasty's decline at the border. What is this? This is ability. Who in the dynasty had this ability? This is an irreplaceable person, so the emperor attaches great importance to him." Wu Liangsi looked at the Forbidden City in front of him,

There was a deep feeling in his tone, and there seemed to be some yearning hidden in it.

He nodded slowly. Guan Yingzhen also said in agreement: "When the emperor re-appointed Mr. Sun, there were a lot of objections from both the government and the public, but now it seems that the emperor's ability to recognize people is extraordinary.

and."

"As for Mr. Xu, the biggest difference between him and us is that no one can replace him. To be honest, if the two of us go down, the court will soon find someone else to do it. There are many people who can be the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment and the Minister of the Ministry of Households.

Yes, I can build artillery for the emperor. But just like this

The cannon with a range of eight miles was built by him, and I heard that a new shipyard is being prepared. It is precisely because of this irreplaceability that the emperor is so trustworthy and courteous." Wu Liangsi sighed with regret.

He took a breath, and although there was no expression in his tone, there was deep admiration in his eyes.

Pointing at Wu Liangsi, Guan Yingzhen stamped his feet and said with a smile: "Those who are content will always be happy. The fact that we can achieve the position we are in today is something we could not even imagine back then. If the emperor can revive the Ming Dynasty,

We can also be remembered in history. If we can get a review from someone who works hard and is very capable, we will have no regrets in this life!"

Wu Liangsi also lightly stamped his feet. He looked at Guan Yingzhen with a smile and said with emotion on his face: "The officialdom has been ups and downs. It's not easy for an official to be able to maintain his original intention at this time!"

"Let's go! Let's not flatter each other. It would be bad if we make others wait!" Guan Yingzhen took a look inside the portrait and said with a smile.

When the two of them entered, there were several people standing in the hall. Some were chatting in low voices, while others were closing their eyes and concentrating. Because there were snowflakes outside, even though they turned around the corridor, the temperature in the hall was still a little low.

.

"My lords, the emperor has decreed that today's court meeting will be held in the Nuan Pavilion!" Wang Chengen walked out slowly, gently shaking the whisk in his hand, and said with a slight smile on his face.

Several people followed Wang Chengen to the Nuan Pavilion. There were two long tables with a row of brocade piers behind them. In the middle of the two tables was a charcoal brazier. It was much warmer here than in the main hall. Everyone stood there.

There, with expressionless faces, they were all waiting for the arrival of Emperor Tianqi.

With the sound of footsteps, Emperor Tianqi walked out from behind and slowly sat on his chair.

Behind Emperor Tianqi were several eunuchs dressed in red. The leader was Wang An, the eunuch in charge of the ceremony. Then there was the governor of the East Factory, the eunuch Wei Chao, the eunuch of the ceremony, plus the eunuch Wei Chao on one side.

Wang Chengen was just a eunuch who was given the title of Royal Horse Supervisor by Emperor Tianqi.

"I see you, Your Majesty, long live my Emperor!" Everyone picked up their clothes and knelt down on the ground, saluting Emperor Tianqi.

After sitting on his own dragon chair, Emperor Tianqi looked at the ministers below with a smile, stretched out his hand to support him in the air, and said loudly: "My dear friends, please get back on your feet!" When everyone stood up, Emperor Tianqi had something to say.

: "Everyone, please sit down! I don't know how long the discussion will last, so don't be tired!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Several people saluted again and all sat down on the golden pier behind the table. On one side were the civil servants such as the cabinet bachelor and the six ministers, and on the other side were the eunuchs who were responsible for the ceremony.

Although Emperor Tianqi killed many ministers, the ministers knew in their hearts that as long as you don't go too far, Emperor Tianqi's courtesy to the ministers is still very high. Like today, the emperor pampers the ministers and lets them sit, which is actually what they should do.

Standing.

Glancing at Chen Lin who was standing aside, Emperor Tianqi ordered in a calm voice: "Let people prepare tea and snacks, prepare some for me and all my dear friends, and eat some when you are hungry. The Chinese New Year is tomorrow, and I can't

I’m hungry, dear friends!”

When everything was ready, everyone's faces became serious, and Emperor Tianqi said to Chen Lin: "You are left here to serve alone, let everyone else go out!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Chen Lin suddenly beamed with joy. After driving all the eunuchs and maids out, he stood respectfully beside Emperor Tianqi.

"Liu Aiqing, you will preside over this court meeting!" Looking at Liu Yijing, Emperor Tianqi said solemnly.

After being stunned for a moment, Liu Yijing said respectfully: "Yes, Your Majesty!" Seeing Emperor Tianqi motioning for him to start, Liu Yijing said: "I will first tell you about the expense discounts submitted by various ministries. This year, the total amount of money from the treasury has been spent.

9.4 million taels, which is a full 6 million taels more than planned at the beginning of the year. This year's annual income of the imperial court is only 4.4 million taels. Compared with the income, the deficit of the national treasury this year exceeds 5 million taels. If not

With the five million taels allocated by the emperor’s inner treasury, I’m afraid the imperial court will no longer be able to uncover the truth!”

Emperor Tianqi's face was expressionless. In fact, Emperor Tianqi had no interest in today's court discussion. It was a year of deficit. The annual income of the court was only 4.4 million taels. If it was not resolved here, no matter how much discussion it was, it would be useless.

"Each ministry will tell you about its expenses and see where the overspending occurred!" Seeing that Emperor Tianqi didn't speak, Liu Yijing breathed a sigh of relief and said in a deep voice.

"Then let's start with the Ministry of War! At the beginning of the year, the budget of the Ministry of War was two million taels, of which 1.2 million taels were needed for ordnance from various places, and the remaining 800,000 taels were military salaries from various places. The Ministry of War did not overspend on this item.

A total of two million taels was spent. However, there were several victories at the border this year and several rewards, which cost 600,000 taels of silver. The internal treasury contributed part of it, and the Ministry of War also contributed part, which is about 400,000 taels. This cost is excessive.

Part!" Xiong Wencan picked up his memorial and said in a calm tone.

Emperor Tianqi sighed in his heart, this is the benefit of the guard system. If the national recruitment system is implemented, the annual income may not be enough to pay military expenses. It seems that before there is enough money, this military recruitment system cannot be promoted!

Glancing at Xiong Wencan, no one said anything. The Ministry of War's spending was understandable. Now they were just waiting for Emperor Tianqi's nod.

"The Ministry of War has done a good job, Xiong Aiqing is attentive!" Emperor Tianqi looked at Xiong Wencan appreciatively and said in a deep voice.

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty!" Xiong Wencan's face was very indifferent, obviously he was confident in his heart.

Everyone looked at the seats of ministers again. This time, the one who stood up was Zhou Jiamo, the Minister of Personnel. As for Sun Shenxing, the Minister of Rites, and Ying Zhen, the Minister of Punishments, these two were the most calm. Nothing could happen to them. Emperor Tianqi

Although weddings and other events cost a lot of money, they all belong to the internal treasury, and no one dares to check this.

"The Ministry of Personnel's budget at the beginning of the year was one million taels of silver. By the end of the year, a total of 3.2 million taels were spent, with a total overspending of 2.2 million taels. All of this money was used to repay the arrears of officials at all levels. Specifically,

The detailed accounts of the officials can be checked!" Zhou Jiamo also looked calm. After the Liaodong incident, Emperor Tianqi issued an order to reissue the arrears of all officials. At the same time, he also rewarded honest officials. This is reasonable.

Imperial decree.

Nodding in agreement, Emperor Tianqi said with a smile: "This money has been spent in the right way. The cabinet can also draw up votes for the memorials of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The Director of Ceremonies has approved it! The officials have served the court very well.

It’s not easy anymore. It’s inappropriate for the court to default on officials’ salaries. This money should be spent!”

"Your Majesty!" Several people bowed respectfully to Emperor Tianqi. Although they all lacked the salary money, they still had some. Besides, whether there is a shortage is one thing, and whether it is given or not is another! (Unfinished)
Chapter completed!