Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 270 New Year, New Look!
The Commentary on the Book of Documents states: "The Grand Minister is in charge of all officials and ensures the peace and order of the four seas. His administration may be lenient or severe, each with its own strengths."

This statement mainly refers to the different governing styles of those in power.

Different leaders have very different governing styles.

Jiang Zhao is the same.

As the head of all officials and the sole core figure in the reform, Jiang Zhao had his own unique rhythm of governance.

In the second year of the Xifeng reign, he focused on improving the administration of officials.

In the third year of the Xifeng reign, the focus was on the economy.

In the fourth year of the Xifeng reign, he focused on military and political affairs.

The governance of officials, the economy, and the military were all implemented gradually and step by step.

Among them, the administration of military and political affairs has gradually entered its second half since September.

Wang Shao and Gu Tingye, one went to the border to guard the area and preside over the distribution of land, and the other reorganized the soldiers and rebuilt the military system.

From top to bottom, the military was subjected to a covert purge.

With a military register of 1.1 million, the number of commanding officers was naturally also 1.1 million.

However, the actual number of soldiers registered was only 730,000.

If we exclude the elderly, the infirm, and the disabled, the number is actually only around 500,000.

Half a million!
One million one hundred thousand!

The difference between the two is not small.

This meant that a considerable number of military commanders would become "nominal positions."

The purge within the military began silently.

And so, October, November, December
The old chapters have ended, and a new one begins.

Bianjing, light rain.

Donghua Gate.

Along the main thoroughfare, restaurants, bakeries, porridge shops, and steamed bun shops have all reopened.

Hu's Bakery.

The stove is lit and the fire is burning, with wisps of smoke rising from it, creating a rare and precious atmosphere of everyday life.

"The shopkeeper."

With a soft call, a person holding an oil-paper umbrella approached in a few steps.

The newcomer was about thirty years old, dressed in a light blue brocade robe, with a jade pendant at his waist. He had a slight smile on his face and exuded a rare air of nobility.

However, this is only a rough impression.

If you look closely, you can perceive a unique quality hidden in their eyes when they make eye contact.

It seems both noble and strict, both kind and stern; it's hard to describe or explain.

"oops!"

Shopkeeper Hu hurried over and asked, "Sir, would you like something?"

"What kind of things do you sell?" the official in brocade robes asked.

"Flatbread, steamed buns, glutinous rice cakes, mutton soup, white rice, and rice porridge," replied Shopkeeper Hu.

This was an elderly man in his forties, with a typical square face and an honest and unassuming appearance.

His first impression is that of an honest and kind person who runs a shop to earn a meager living.

"Zhanhe rice?" The official in the brocade robe looked as if he had never heard of it.

"This is a new type of rice produced in Zhejiang and Jiangsu. A bowl of white rice costs seven coins, and a bowl of rice made from wild rice costs three coins. The main selling point is that it is cheap and filling."

Shop owner Hu explained, "For the same price, two bowls of Zhanhe rice will fill you up, while plain white rice won't even be enough to satisfy your cravings!"

"However, rice cooked in rice porridge doesn't taste as good as plain white rice; it's only eaten by the poor and working-class people," Shopkeeper Hu added. "Given your status and position, I reckon you wouldn't be short of a few coins."

Both involve selling a bowl of rice, but the profit margin for selling plain white rice is significantly higher.

Otherwise, Shop Owner Hu wouldn't have rushed to add that, as if he was afraid of making less money.

"Um"

The official in the brocade robe pondered for a moment, then said, "Please bring me one serving each of flatbread, steamed buns, glutinous rice cakes, mutton soup, and rice porridge."

Shop owner Hu's eyes lit up.

Big customer!

"okay!"

Shop owner Hu nodded and was about to pick up the bowls and serve the dishes.

Just then, a woman in her thirties appeared, carrying a basket of hemp cloth.

"Hu Lang, remember to send this stack of linen to the people at the maritime cloth shop!" the woman whispered.

"Okay, okay, okay!" Shopkeeper Hu smiled and nodded repeatedly.

A bowl of mutton soup was served, and the shop owner, Mr. Hu, brought it to the customer.

"what?"

"Your wife makes a living by weaving cloth, rather than running a small shop?" The official in the brocade robe looked on with surprise.

"My lord, you flatter me."

"She's just a peasant woman, what makes her worthy of being called your wife?"

Shopkeeper Hu shook his head and explained, "Ever since the Grand Master lifted the sea ban, maritime merchants have prospered and made a lot of people rich."

"In the last two years, there has been a shortage of people everywhere, including weaving cloth, weaving silk, embroidery, making hemp, and making porcelain."

“Weaving a bolt of hemp can earn you 430 coins. Even after deducting costs, the net profit is around 200 coins. A woman weaving two bolts of cloth a month is equivalent to some strong men doing hard labor!”

"That's it!"

The official in the brocade robe nodded and said, "A thriving industry and commerce will inevitably bring a large number of jobs, which is not surprising."

"Life will definitely get better and better!" the official in brocade robe sighed.

Shopkeeper Hu nodded, saying repeatedly, "This is all thanks to Master Jiang. Without Master Jiang, ordinary people would have no hope for the future!"

"With Grand Chancellor Jiang in charge of the country, the lives of the people will surely get better and better."

"Young Master Jiang?"

The official in brocade robes said with a faint smile, "I have met him before; he's a very nice person."

"Sir, have you seen Master Jiang?" Shopkeeper Hu asked in surprise.

"I've met you a few times by chance," the official in brocade robes said with a humble smile.

"Really...?"

Halfway through the questioning, the shop owner and the customer exchanged a glance.

Shopkeeper Hu was startled and subconsciously avoided the gaze of the official in brocade robes.

These eyes
Shop owner Hu believed it at first glance.

This is a big shot!
They exchanged a glance, and the official in the brocade robe didn't ask anything more, simply enjoying the food in silence.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

"Shopkeeper, how much?" The official in the brocade robe wiped his mouth, stood up, and asked.

"Thirty-three coins," Shopkeeper Hu replied hastily.

Generally speaking, a sesame seed cake only costs one coin.

If someone buys thirty-three coins' worth of goods, isn't that a big customer?
"Oh, thirty-three coins!"

The official in the brocade robe touched his sleeve several times, but all he found was a lump of broken silver.

This small lump of broken silver weighs about four or five taels.

"Um"

The silver was passed over, and the official in the brocade robe said calmly, "Keep the change."

As he spoke, he opened the oil-paper umbrella with one hand and strode outside.

Step by step, its figure became increasingly indistinct, yet it gave people the illusion of remaining steadfast.

Shopkeeper Hu picked up the silver, a strange premonition creeping into his heart. He couldn't help but ask, "May I ask your name, sir?"

The official in brocade robes did not reply. A light rain fell, pedestrians came and went, and even the long street seemed unusually quiet.

About ten breaths later, a voice, neither loud nor soft, came from behind.

"My name is Jiang Zhao!"

Chui Gong Hall.

The sandalwood incense wafts gently, and the candlelight burns brightly.

On the steps of the imperial palace, there was a wooden table about ten feet high, on which dozens of documents were laid out one by one.

Zhao Ceying picked up the documents, glancing at them from time to time, as if deep in thought.

Below him, there were about fifty or sixty people, lined up in an orderly fashion.

The vast majority of them were high-ranking officials with purple ribbons, either regional governors or ministers and assistants.

Occasionally, there would be a few high-ranking officials in red robes, either prefects of important towns or heads of various departments, all of whom stood solemnly and respectfully.

Without exception, all of them were top-tier figures of real power.

This is, however, the annual policy discussion.

"Boom-"

"Boom-"

Nine drumbeats resounded, bells and chimes rang out in unison, and the chime bells sang a long, drawn-out note.

From top to bottom, there was an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.

After about a hundred breaths, the sounds of drums, bells, and chimes disappeared one by one.

The entire place fell silent.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying picked up the documents, looked down, and waved his sleeve, saying, "This year's political discussions need not be reported one by one; let the Grand Chancellor preside over them."

"Now that the report is finished, I will announce something, and all officials may disperse," Zhao Ceying said slowly.

Is there something to announce?

Many high-ranking officials in purple robes exchanged glances secretly.

Could it be?

"Your subject obeys the decree." Jiang Zhao bowed and stepped forward.

Jiang Zhaoping swept his gaze over the officials from top to bottom, and said calmly, "Let the Ministry of Personnel report this."

All annual accounting documents from various departments, both internal and external, were submitted to the Grand Secretariat and passed through Jiang Zhao's hands.

Therefore, Jiang Zhao focused on the reports from some of the more important departments.

In a mere instant, Wang Gui, the Minister of Personnel, Xiong Ben, the Left Vice Minister, and Bao Jun, the Right Vice Minister, stepped out one after another.

Among them, Xiong Ben, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was an old member of the Han faction and a former subordinate of Wang Yaochen, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

"Your subject Wang Gui respectfully submits this memorial on behalf of the Ministry of Personnel, reporting on the administration of officials and general affairs."

Wang Gui bowed, his face solemn: "In the fourth year of the Xifeng reign, the Ministry of Personnel, in accordance with the existing performance evaluation system, and together with the Censorate, cleaned up official corruption and promoted or demoted officials based on performance evaluation."

"Among them, more than 45,000 officials from the provinces, prefectures and counties were examined, and more than 410,000 were minor officials."

"More than 8,000 officials were deemed competent, and more than 2,800 were recommended for promotion. More than 31,000 were deemed average, more than 6,000 were deemed incompetent, and more than 2,200 were to be dismissed."

"Of the more than 410,000 minor officials, more than 18,000 are to be dismissed. More than 2,300 have retired, and more than 3,100 are to be admitted to official positions."

"The above is the assessment report of the Ministry of Personnel in the fourth year of the Xifeng reign. The relevant documents have been submitted to Your Majesty for your wise decision."

Led by Wang Gui, the three bowed in unison, their faces solemn.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying picked up the documents, showing no intention of looking down.

Jiang Zhao put his hands down and asked calmly, "In the fifth year of the Xifeng era, were there any plans for improving the administration?"

"Reporting to the Grand Chancellor, in the fifth year of the Xifeng reign, a plan was drafted to continue the performance evaluation system, to clean up official corruption, and to stabilize the country. There are two main focuses: one is the governance of officials in the border regions, and the other is the rectification of local officials," Wang Gui replied smoothly.

Since the reforms, the main responsibilities of the Three Departments and Six Ministries have been quite clear.

"Ah."

Jiang Zhao nodded and turned his attention to the other Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet: "What do you think, Grand Secretaries?"

"can."

"That's fine too."

The others nodded in agreement.

The main reason is that the Ministry of Personnel's responsibilities are so clear that there is no need for questioning.

"Then let's move on."

Jiang Zhao waved his hand: "Report to the Ministry of Revenue."

As soon as he finished speaking, Minister of Revenue Feng Xu, Vice Minister Li Ding, and Vice Minister Fan Chunren stepped forward together.

"Your subject, Feng Xu, respectfully reports on financial and administrative affairs on behalf of the Ministry of Revenue."

Feng Xu bowed and reported: "In the fourth year of the Xifeng reign, the Ministry of Revenue focused on industry and commerce, and prioritized money, grain, people, and land, collecting taxes, providing disaster relief, and managing the finances."

"Among these, there are four main categories of expenses:"
Firstly, it was for royal expenses, amounting to nine million strings of cash.

Secondly, the cost to the army amounted to 14 million strings of cash.

Thirdly, it was for the salaries of officials, totaling six million strings of cash.

Fourthly, it was allocated to various government departments, local governance, and water conservancy repairs, totaling 21 million strings of cash.

These four major sects consumed a total of fifty million strings of cash.

"Regarding fiscal revenue, there are three main categories:"

Firstly, agricultural taxes were collected, amounting to 43 million strings of cash, an increase of one million strings of cash compared to the previous year.

Secondly, taxes levied on industry and commerce amounted to 46 million strings of cash, an increase of 7 million strings of cash over the previous year.

Thirdly, the confiscated property belonged to corrupt officials and disobedient ministers, amounting to 17 million strings of cash.

Fourth, the income from bank deposits amounted to 2.5 million strings of cash.

These three major categories together yielded a total of 18.5 million strings of cash.

One thousand and eighty-five hundred thousand strings of cash!

"Ten thousand eight million five hundred thousand strings of cash?!"

"Hi~!"

In just a moment, civil and military officials, nobles and noblewomen, and a cacophony of voices filled the air.

What does 10,850,000 strings of cash mean?
This is almost double that of the first year of the Xifeng era!
In less than three years, taxes have doubled.

Honestly, most people wouldn't dare to exaggerate this much, even when they're just bragging.

The key point is that this is indeed the truth!

The abolition of government-run businesses, which benefited merchants, has indeed injected tremendous commercial vitality into the market.

Commercial prosperity and the lifting of maritime restrictions spurred the development of upstream and downstream industrial chains, which became major contributors to tax revenue.

As a result, the taxes exceeded 100 million!

Even Zhao Ceying, sitting on the steps of the imperial palace, couldn't help but hiss and clapped his hands repeatedly, saying, "Good, good!"

The fact that taxes exceeded 100 million yuan carries immense significance.

In terms of taxation, this signifies a prosperous commercial period in the Great Zhou Dynasty, a scene of great prosperity.

In terms of achievements, this proves that the Great Zhou Dynasty reached its peak under his leadership!
Even if it were recorded in history books, it would be a remarkable achievement worthy of being written about.

The civil and military officials were in an uproar.

Of course, Jiang Zhao is an exception.

Firstly, Jiang Zhao was the creator of taxes exceeding 100 million; secondly, Jiang Zhao had already reviewed the relevant documents.

Therefore, he appeared calm and composed.

After a while, the murmurs subsided.

"Has the cost calculation for the renovation of the Imperial Palace been completed?" Jiang Zhao asked calmly.

"The Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Imperial Palace are still calculating, but it is roughly around 30 million strings of cash."

Feng Xu quickly replied, "According to the Ministry of Works' estimate, construction can begin at the end of January."

"Okay." Jiang Zhao nodded.

"can."

"That's fine too."

The other Grand Secretaries all nodded in approval.

"The Ordnance Bureau has reported this," Jiang Zhao continued.

Afterwards, Shen Kuo, the supervisor of the ordnance commission, and Su Song, the deputy supervisor, walked out together.

"Your subject Shen Kuo reports on the progress of military development and military industry at the Ordnance Bureau."

Shen Kuo bowed and reported: "In the fourth year of the Xifeng reign, the Ministry of Revenue allocated two million guan to the Ordnance Bureau for the casting and development of corresponding military weapons."

"To date, the Ordnance Bureau has more than a thousand craftsmen and has developed the casting of cannons and muskets, which are still in the trial mass production stage. As for bombs, more than 110,000 have been produced."

Shen Kuo's report was rather brief.

However, given the size of the Ordnance Bureau, it should be brief.

Compared to the Three Departments and Six Ministries, the duties of other departments and offices were relatively simple, and there wasn't much to say about them.

"Pass," Jiang Zhao said, waving his sleeve.

"can."

"good."

The others also expressed their opinions one after another.

As a newly established department, the Ordnance Inspection Commission is quite unique.

Since the eldest son had already yielded, no one else could possibly have any objections.

"The bank," Jiang Zhao continued, calling out names.

"Your subject Xue Xiang reports to the relevant departments of the bank."

Xue Xiang stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Since the establishment of the bank in the second year of the Xifeng era, it has been set up in ten prosperous commercial areas. To date, depositors have accumulated more than 400 million strings of cash, and it is estimated that depositors will receive another 4 million strings of cash."

The so-called deposit fee is actually a safekeeping fee. The safekeeping fee in the market is about five percent, while the bank charges one percent.

With a deposit of 400 million strings of cash, the annual storage fee would be 4 million strings of cash.

It wasn't a huge amount, but it wasn't a small amount either; it accounted for at least one twenty-seventh of the Ministry of Revenue's income.

Quite a lot!
"Okay," Jiang Zhao readily agreed.

Since the implementation of the reform, banks have become a typical area for "political achievements".

Managing hundreds of millions of strings of cash is undeniably important.

Therefore, anyone who takes office and performs their duties honestly will almost always be promoted.

Xue Xiang was one of Jiang Zhao's old associates, which is why he took office at the bank.

"The Imperial Academy," Jiang Zhao said, waving his hand.

Zeng Bu stepped forward and announced loudly, "In the fourth year of the Xifeng reign, the newspapers of the Imperial College in the two capitals and fourteen circuits sold a total of seventy-three pages of newspapers, amounting to 3.1 million copies, with a profit of 110,000 strings of cash."

Three million one hundred thousand copies!
Jiang Zhao did a rough calculation.

That is, an average of 40,000 copies of a single newspaper were sold.

This sales volume is so high that it can be said to have spread throughout the two capitals and fourteen districts, giving it the ability to manipulate public opinion across the country!
As for the profit of 110,000 strings of cash, that was secondary.

"Ministry of Rites..."

……

The sun was past its zenith, and the clouds drifted and rolled.

"Your Majesty, I have nothing more to ask regarding the annual review and political discussions," Jiang Zhao said respectfully, raising his hand in a gesture of respect.

"it is good."

"Thank you for your hard work, officials."

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying nodded, gently placed the document in his hand, and sat upright with his hands on his knees.

All the civil and military officials turned their attention to the past.

What exactly is it that the officials are saying they want to announce?
After a few breaths, Zhao Ceying narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Now that the annual deliberations have concluded, I will take this opportunity to announce something."

Under the watchful eyes of all the officials, Zhao Ceying, with a solemn expression, slowly said, "I have decided to let the Grand Chancellor temporarily manage the affairs of state!"

"I, the Emperor, will personally lead the army into battle!"

……

(End of this chapter)