You have truly caused me great suffering!

November of the third year of Jianwu.

Despite the cold weather, goods continued to arrive in Jinling, the capital of the city.

This year's development of the southern wilderness has brought many rare and precious treasures to the national treasury.

With a wave of his hand, Chen Shao bestowed ivory, rhinoceros horn, and spices upon the nobles, civil and military officials of the capital.
At the Duke of Anguo's residence, Yang Cheng listened to his wife's greedy expression and laughed so hard that his wrinkles stretched into a wide smile.

He pursed his lips, finding it rather noisy, as he was about to set off to clear the north-south passage for Dajing.

What an achievement!
His name will surely be passed down for generations, just like Li Bing and his son of Dujiangyan.

Unfortunately, his good-for-nothing sons didn't understand his good intentions and had no desire to go back.

They are just as short-sighted as their mother.

He put on his official robes and set off directly without even going to the hot spring palace to say goodbye.

The land in the north was now frozen solid, making it the perfect time to repair the river. Since there was no flood season, any repairs would be immediately washed away, and the people had no farm work to do, thus ensuring that next year's irrigation wouldn't be delayed.

The difference between Yang Cheng and Zhang Run is that they have different pursuits, but both are outstanding in ability.

Therefore, when Zhang Run encountered trouble, his first thought was to go to the Hot Spring Palace to report his achievements to Chen Shao and demonstrate his abilities.

He was pursuing continuous promotions in his official position and his current career path.

Yang Cheng was the type who worked diligently and quietly, seeking eternal fame and the praise of the people; that feeling made him feel as if he were floating on clouds.

Throughout history, the officialdom has been a place of all sorts of strange and wonderful people. If someone can truly understand the ways of officialdom, then he will have a completely clear understanding of life and will be able to thrive anywhere.

If you were an emperor, you would have a high probability of finding the ministers you needed if you were willing to study them.

At this point, it depends on whether you use their methods correctly.

Even in the most unsolvable period of the late Ming Dynasty, there were actually many loyal ministers, capable generals, and competent officials. Unfortunately, Emperor Chongzhen did not know how to use people effectively.

Chen Shaojiu enjoyed studying these officials, and he often sketched the personalities and abilities of his subordinates in his notebook.

At this moment, Chen Shao was in a mountain stream, playing with several princes and princesses who could walk.

After arriving at the Hot Spring Palace, Chen Shao discovered one advantage: it filtered out many ministers who came to him for no reason to make their presence known.

Some officials, even when they have nothing to do, like to harass me.

For example, Han Wu is one of them.

Back when Zhu Yuanzhang was still in Nanjing, although he also liked to come to see the emperor, he was genuinely interested in getting things done, actively participating in discussions, and his opinions were very valuable.

Han Wu was just there for the fun of it all. Even when it came to military issues, which he was good at, he remained calm and didn't take it to heart at all.

Chen Shao had already reprimanded him several times, but he just wouldn't change. He was a stubborn and unruly person, and Chen Shao couldn't do anything about it.

Now that he has moved to the imperial palace, he visits much less often, giving Chen Shao a lot of peace and quiet.

Officials would only come to the imperial palace to meet the emperor when there was something truly important to discuss.

The distance between this palace and the imperial city was just right—not too far, but also close enough that it would take a full half-day to get there.

With less pointless social interaction, they had more free time, which was one of the reasons why the concubines in the harem all hoped to move to the imperial palace.

At midday, a sudden gust of wind rose in the mountains, a cool westerly wind that made the wind chimes hanging on the treetops tinkle.

Chen Shao felt a chill and led the children back to their room. They were still reluctant to leave, their little faces flushed.

Each of their own palace maids stepped forward to wrap them in clothes, their faces showing some concern.

Logically speaking, they shouldn't be out playing at this time, but since His Majesty is personally leading the way, who would dare to stop him?

After washing his hands in the copper basin, Chen Shao plopped down on the brocade stool. Looking at the several books placed beside him, the first one was the famous "The Correct Meaning of the Five Classics," a classic that Tang and Song scholars had to read. He then sat cross-legged and began to flip through the book.

After reading for a short while, I started yawning repeatedly and felt drowsy.

Chen Shao felt somewhat helpless, yet also found it amusing. It was fortunate that he had transmigrated into the body of a soldier; if he had transmigrated into the body of a scholar and tried his luck in the imperial examinations, this path would have been truly impassable.

I've been proposing reforms to the imperial examination system for a long time, but officials haven't been able to come up with a feasible plan.

In the end, this matter will inevitably fall on my shoulders, and I will once again use the supreme authority of the founding monarch to implement a law that will change the world.

But Chen Shao didn't intend to completely dismantle and start over; instead, he wanted to change things slowly, little by little.

The merits or demerits of any system cannot be judged simply by its own merits; rather, they must be considered under the conditions of productivity in which it is applied.

For example, many of Wang Mang's measures were commendable in the eyes of later generations, but the result was that the country was in chaos and the people suffered.

The introduction of artisans as candidates for official positions has already caused a stir. We need to allow people to gradually adapt before changing the imperial examination system.

Moreover, reforming the imperial examination system was by no means abolishing it. In retrospect, the imperial examination system itself was perfectly fine, and was even a great feat that led the world.

However, the content of the imperial examinations could be appropriately relaxed, and the rules of the imperial examinations could also be appropriately changed, such as adding a few subjects.

Previously, the imperial examinations were only for selecting officials; in the future, the focus will be on selecting lower-ranking officials.

Officials are the cornerstone of the bureaucratic system.

If the imperial examination system could be reformed properly, its significance to future generations would be no less than conquering this vast territory we have today.

"Wanshu, bring me my notebook."

Chen Shao rubbed his hands together, intending to write down his views on the imperial examination system and the reforms he wanted to implement.

Li Wanshu, accompanied by two young palace maids, went to the study to retrieve the notebook, as well as the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

They happened to run into Chen Chong waiting outside the palace. Upon seeing them come out, he quickly stepped forward and asked, "Lady Li, is His Majesty busy?"

"No rush, no rush. Does Chen Zhongguan have something to say?"

"Please trouble Lady Li to convey a message that Doctor Yuwen is requesting an audience outside the palace."

Li Wanshu nodded, led her people to retrieve the notebook, and hurried back to her palace.

After hearing this, Chen Shao instructed them to keep a close eye on his notebook and then went to the outer hall to see Yuwen Xuzhong.

After the emperor and his ministers met and exchanged greetings, Yuwen Xuzhong said, "Your Majesty, the Kereit tribe seems to have learned something and has sent someone to Jinling to request an audience."

Chen Shao nodded. They weren't blind to such a grand display.

In addition, with the border trade booming, they are already better informed about the Central Plains than before.

Today, the desert mainly trades with merchants from Hedong, namely the Shanxi merchants of Dajing.

The Shanxi merchants of the Great Jing Dynasty were far more ethical than those of the Shanxi merchants during the later Qing Dynasty. Despite the Qing Dynasty's strong emphasis on relations with the Mongols, its elevation of Mongol princes to a high status, and its efforts to promote Manchu-Mongol intermarriage and blood alliances, the reality was quite different.

However, ordinary Mongolians were completely ruined by Shanxi merchants. With the tacit approval or even support of the Qing government, Shanxi merchants systematically exploited Mongolian society through usury, monopolizing trade, and controlling the economy of temples.

Because Mongolian goods could only be sold to them, prices were driven down to outrageous levels: one brick of tea could be exchanged for one sheep; one bolt of coarse cloth for one fine sable fur; and Mongolian princes needed to exchange dozens of cattle for one iron pot.

The lending rates start at 30% per annum, with compound interest that doubles in three years; if you don't have money, you can use it as collateral if you can't repay: land, livestock, your wife and daughters, or even your personal freedom.

Shanxi merchants also lent money to Lama temples, using incense revenue and offerings from believers as collateral.

It can be said that it drained Mongolia from both body and spirit.

Because the Shanxi merchants were the earliest shareholders of the Manchu Qing dynasty, when they were traitors to the Manchus, the Mongols were still nowhere to be found.

Nowadays, businessmen in Dajing offer fair prices and value long-term, sustainable profits.

The tribes in the desert, those closer to the south, lived the most comfortable lives.

They did not want to go to war with Da Jing.

Moreover, Da Jing's record looks terrifying.

If a real fight broke out, they would have absolutely no chance of winning, so faced with this situation, they all began to find their own way to survive.

This is exactly the result Chen Shao wanted. As for how many tribes are willing to give up their troops in exchange for a life of wealth and prosperity in the Central Plains, that depends on their understanding.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Once the window closes, it will be a fight to the death, a battle to the bitter end.

Yuwen Xuzhong said to Chen Shao, "Your Majesty might as well meet these people."

Chen Shao nodded and said, "Let's just send an imperial edict to summon all the tribes to pay tribute in the New Year. I will make things clear to them."

Yuwen Xuxin had the same thought in mind, but he didn't say it. When he heard His Majesty bring it up, he quickly said, "Your Majesty is wise."

Solving the northern border troubles has always been the ultimate wish of the scholars in the Central Plains. Now that there is an opportunity to solve this problem once and for all, how could they not be concerned?

"Tomorrow, I will first meet with the envoy from the Kereit tribe."
-
After Yuwen Xuzhong came out of the hall, he told the Kereit envoy and others to prepare to come to see the emperor again the next day.

The Kereit envoys were thrilled to see that the Emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty was willing to meet them.

This is no small matter; it is a matter of life and death for the entire tribe.

Just as Yuwen Xuzhong was about to leave, he saw his colleague Zhao He watching from a distance.

He seemed to have something on his mind, but he didn't come straight to the palace gate; he seemed to hesitate.

Knowing that this person was His Majesty's confidant, Yuwen Xuzhong went over in person and greeted Zhao He with a bow.

Zhao He was just an ordinary farmhand back then, but because he followed Chen Shaozao and was loyal to him, he is now the prefect of Jinling Prefecture.

He was of medium build and of ordinary appearance, the kind of person who would easily go unnoticed. His current position was entirely due to his background; he was extremely well-connected and politically reliable, just like the Imperial Guard Commander Dong Dahu.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhao He, looking distressed, sighed. Fortunately, he was not one to mince words and got straight to the point: "Jinling Prefecture is short of money. I have considered requesting an audience with His Majesty, but I am hesitant because I believe there is a way to resolve this matter."

"Is Jinling Prefecture short of money?"

Yuwen Xuzhong could hardly believe it. How could Jinling Prefecture be associated with the word "shortage of money"? Everyone knew that Jinling was now the richest place in the world.

Moreover, Jinling Prefecture was not originally the main source of Jinling's financial expenditures.

Yuwen Xuzhong, as a scholar-official, had a wide range of authority. Although he seemed to have no fixed responsibilities, he could actually intervene in every aspect and was also responsible for facilitating communication between various government departments.

Moreover, Yuwen Xuzhong's status was special. He was both a confidant of the emperor and one of his own men, as well as a former official of the Song Dynasty. He had influence on both sides, so people often preferred to seek him out.

Zhao He nodded and said, "Actually, it's not that we're short of money, it's just that we're having cash flow problems. It seems like Jinling Prefecture is bringing in a lot of money, but we're also spending a lot. Every single expense is an astronomical amount. To be honest, Doctor, I'm really not capable enough to manage this."

"Previously, Madam Xiao handled everything, but after she entered the palace, she relinquished all responsibility."

Before Madam Xiao entered the palace, Guangyuantang's finances and Jinling Prefecture had many connections, as both were Chen Shao's direct subordinates.

When he first took over the Song Dynasty, Chen Shao was reluctant to entrust his money bag to others.

In other dynasties, the prefectural governor of the capital was mostly responsible for things like maintaining public order.

The Prefect of Jinling in the Great Jing Dynasty was actually the Imperial Treasury.

Zhao He protested, “His Majesty once decreed that Jinling Prefecture and the Ministry of Revenue should allocate two million strings of cash annually to reward officials and craftsmen. But since last year, the money has been insufficient. I don’t know how Madam Xiao managed it before, but back then there was never a shortage of money.”

Yuwen Xu clicked his tongue twice, thinking to himself, "I've given you such an important position, and you really can't handle it."

No wonder he hesitated today; it seems he's not just here to report, but rather to resign.

For someone who doesn't understand finance, asking him to do this is really asking too much of him.

Even the most meticulous emperor can make a mistake. It seems that he was spoiled by Madam Xiao in the past and thought this matter was very simple.

People often overlook the role of those close to them, and even someone like His Majesty is no exception.

This was no small matter. Yuwen Xuzhong said, "Come, I'll accompany you to see His Majesty."

Hearing that he wanted to go along, Zhao He felt relieved. He had originally planned to invite a few friends to come and give him courage, but they all shook their heads and refused to get involved.

The two of them came to Chen Shao together.

Zhao He glanced at Yuwen Xuzhong, then mustered his courage and finished speaking.

Chen Shao frowned slightly, realizing his oversight, and nodded, saying, "I understand, it's not your fault."

Zhao He felt somewhat ashamed. He and his brother had always known that they were not very capable, but they had tried their best to complete His Majesty's arrangements.

It is truly distressing that I have disappointed His Majesty so much because of my own lack of ability.

Seeing his expression, Chen Shao laughed and said, "You weren't cut out for this anyway. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I'll find you a suitable position. Why be so discouraged?"

Zhao He kowtowed to the ground, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

After seeing the two off, Chen Shao returned to his palace to find Xiao Ting.

After asking several palace servants, they finally found her in the backyard. She was dressed in simple robes and meditating by the stove.

Her skin was fair with a rosy glow, and her long black hair was simply tied into a ponytail with a jade hairpin. Underneath her simple clothes, her curves were even more graceful and her figure exquisite.

Actually, he was also somewhat dissatisfied with Xiao Ting. He had never intended for her to retire, but she had abandoned her responsibilities.

Chen Shao coughed lightly, sounding annoyed. "You want to cultivate immortality, huh?!" (End of Chapter)