Xie Ming

Xiao, Qiu, and Yao discussed the matter, while Huang Zhaijin spoke.

After a period of debate, Xiao declined the offer of a marquisate, but there was nothing that could be done. So they temporarily put the matter aside and brought it up again later, reaching a compromise.

After finishing this conversation, the man added more important words, emphasizing the urgency of military affairs.

"Uh, okay, then."

"Let's not talk about this anymore, we can bring it up later."

"This... Feiyu, Master."

"In fact, it is gratifying that the army has made a hasty march to Hangzhou and achieved great success."

"As for the rewards and honors, given the current military situation, there's still room for maneuver."

"But there is one thing that cannot be avoided: the most pressing military matter at present."

As he paused, Xiao Jingchuan's expression hardened, his expression becoming even more agitated.

As he spoke, he leaned forward, bracing his hands on his knees, his eyes scanning Zhong and Yao Zuyin's faces to observe their reactions.

After a moment, seeing the stalemate in the front hall and the silence that followed, Xiao Lang took a deep breath and sighed in relief.

"Sigh, it's all old news."

"Regarding the two items of food and provisions."

Just then, Gu Changting brought over a teapot to heat the tea, and refilled each cup on the table.

Xiao Yi ignored him and continued talking.

"In recent months, the fighting in the north has been fierce. Although the intensity of the fighting has eased somewhat, the two sides have gradually settled into a standoff across the river."

"But, if this continues, to be honest, the issue of food and pay is really starting to get out of hand."

"You two are often in the vortex of the imperial court, offering advice and strategies for the affairs of the court. I, Xiao Jingchuan, am deeply grateful and rely on you."

"But, after all, the situation on the front lines is different from the situation in the capital where stratagems are played."

"If the soldiers don't eat for a day, they won't have any strength."

"Without food for half a month, what Yangtze River defense line, with 100,000 troops, would just collapse and be thrown into chaos. There's no need for the enemy to fight; we'd be defeated on our own."

His brow furrowed even more, and he bitterly recounted the truth.

Considering the situation in Hangzhou over the past two days and devising solutions, Xiao also has his own difficulties that he cannot express without speaking out.

"Alas," came another sigh.

"This time, taking advantage of our momentum, we'll use the Ministry of Revenue to get rid of Qiu Weizhen, the head of the cabinet."

"But, from what you've said, due to the influence of the Southern Party and the fear that subordinate officials at all levels would not act, you have no choice but to take three steps forward and two steps back, and have brought up Lin Zhiwan again."

"It's still difficult to make everything work for us, inside and out," Xiao said wearily, his complaints simmering with exhaustion.

"Besides this, the Ministry of War is just as damn lousy."

"Zeng Ji was untouchable, and there was no other way. In order to break through the defenses, I installed Ma Minglu in the Ministry of War as the Right Vice Minister."

"However, just after noon today, that brat Minglu came to the manor to report this."

He said he hadn't slept all night.

"Going through those messy accounts of the Ministry of War is just a waste of time, and the more we go through them, the more tedious it gets, and the more tedious it gets, the angrier we get."

"That's it. Tell me, it's probably unlikely that you'll be able to come up with anything decent in the short term."

Reluctantly, yet with no other choice, Xiao Lang, unable to control his anger, slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacup to tremble and spill a lot of tea.

"Alas, the situation is dire at the front, but the rear is thriving."

"Especially those prominent wealthy and powerful gentry in Southern Zhili and Zhejiang, and those from large and prestigious families."

"Hmph! Every single one of them, if they piss me off, I'll chop them all down! They're utterly despicable!"

"You tell me, is it just like them?"

"Taxes? No taxes to pay. Military rations, life-saving rations—they're clutching their money bags and grain bags tightly, crying poverty to the court and to their fathers."

"This this"

"A good cook cannot cook without rice!"

In a fit of anger, Xiao Lang gestured with his hands outstretched.

However, seeing that the other two people sitting calmly at the table did not move, he stiffened for a moment, his face showing embarrassment, and then he turned away again.

Then, taking a deep breath and refusing to relax, he resolutely faced the situation head-on and asked the second room.

"Feiyu, Master, what do you two think about this?" "But is there any readily available or easily manageable way to raise funds and supplies?!"

"Human lives are at stake, and the military situation is urgent!"

“I’ve been racking my brains lately in Nanjing, and I’ve finally come up with a solution for Ma Weimin.”

"To act as an agent for the army in collecting grain and supplies."

"But, after all, it is not the righteous way. Even if Ma Weimin is the reincarnation of Sun Wukong, nowadays, he is carrying the military supplies and provisions of 100,000 soldiers on his back. He is unlikely to be able to support it."

"They always tell him to rob grain from all over the country and to seize grain from wealthy households to make a living, and the demand is so huge."

"If this continues, there will eventually come a day when we are exhausted."

"Draining the pond to catch all the fish is a recipe for disaster."

"Old Ma is really willing to go all out; he's offended everyone."

"But this... this probably can't cover the daily food and drink needs of 100,000 mouths."

Xiao was deeply distressed, and while he complained bitterly, his earnest request for advice was also genuine.

Having said that, he felt a terrible headache. The old monk Yao Zuyin fell silent, stroked his beard, and looked hesitant and sighing.

Left with no other choice, Xiao Langli turned to Zhizhong with a glance, seeking his opinion.

Seeing those burning eyes, Qiu Zhizhong had nowhere to hide. He frowned and spoke hesitantly.

"Uh, yes, yes."

"In fact, my colleague and I had anticipated this situation long ago."

"Hey, Lao Xiao, to be honest..."

"At present, the Southern Dynasty has very limited room for maneuver."

"Especially after the Qing troops marched south this time."

"Emperor Hongguang emptied the treasury of almost all its savings to protect Yangzhou, Chuzhou and other prefectures and counties north of the Huai River."

"But as for the result, you've all seen it."

"Now, not only is the national treasury empty of money and grain, but it also owes money to various localities, and officials and gentry at all levels are suffering from famine."

"Whether in power or out of power, there is already widespread discontent, and there is really nothing of value to be gained from them."

"Just a month ago, I abandoned Southern Zhili and fled to Hangzhou in a panic."

"Well, the imperial court's control and restraint over local areas is even more out of the question."

"Even if we die in vain, we must increase taxes again to supply the military."

"I'm afraid that if they don't get the money and grain, the people in many prefectures and counties of Zhejiang and Southern Zhili will riot and rebel because they can't survive."

So, this, so.

Faced with this situation, Zhi Zhong was at a loss for what to do, and his words failed him, leaving him embarrassed and ashamed.

Hearing this, Xiao Xin was unwilling.

Left, following their wishes, is actually something that shouldn't be done in the first place, and it also reflects an unwillingness to continue exploiting the common people.

To be honest, the current state of affairs, both inside and outside the court, is one of utter corruption.

I fear that if ten bushels of grain are collected, ninety percent of it will be lost through corruption.

It's truly a waste of resources and manpower, harming both others and oneself.

"actually."

Suddenly, just as Xiao was lost in his sorrow, Zhizhong spoke again. Xiao looked up at the voice and stared at him.

"I have a solution, and I've been thinking about it for quite some time now."

"Now that the Emperor has moved south to Hangzhou, the vast lands and counties near Southern Zhili are all difficult to control."

"In that case, based on your military power and the current difficult situation,..."

“How about we establish a new rule? What do you think is appropriate?” Zhi Zhong asked.

Upon hearing this, Xiao was completely bewildered.

"kindness?"

After a moment of stunned silence, Zhizhong realized that the question was abrupt and came from nowhere.

Fortunately, the following is the conclusion (End of this chapter).