The topic of this morning court session was the “snow disaster”, as the temperature had dropped sharply since the beginning of winter.
Families who had been tightening their belts just to get by were forced by the cold wave to spend even more silver on coal, cotton coats, and other necessities.
But for poor farming households, their annual income was limited, so they had to scrimp and save on food, clothing, and daily expenses.
If they spent on coal and warm clothing, it meant they could not afford to buy rice.
Many poor commoners could not survive this winter, and countless lives were lost to hunger and cold.
The court had received successive reports from local governments, describing the severity of the disaster in terms such as “not a single household left in ten villages”.
The Vice Minister of the High Court immediately stepped forward and bowed:
“Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue could allocate funds and food for disaster relief. If the common people lack food and clothing and cannot survive the winter, they will inevitably become refugees and bring disaster to the provinces.
“The people who are plundered by refugees will also become refugees themselves. If the disaster is not resolved quickly, there will be great trouble.”
Before Emperor Yongxing could speak, the Minister of Revenue hastily stepped forward and said loudly:
“Your Majesty, the national treasury is empty, and there truly is no surplus silver or food for disaster relief. Please, Your Majesty, reconsider.”
Every disaster relief season was a time of turmoil for him as the Minister of Revenue, which could cost him his official hat.
True enough, a Censor from the Ministry of Revenue immediately stepped out and delivered another blow:
“Your Majesty, this subject wishes to impeach the Minister of Revenue for abusing his power for personal gain, for corruption, and for colluding with his clique to suck the very lifeblood from the court, leaving the treasury empty.”
The Minister of Revenue knelt down and shouted, “This subject begs to resign!”
Emperor Yongxing’s mouth twitched violently as he gazed expressionlessly down at the assembled ministers.
Clique struggles, clique struggles!
Even now, they’re still fighting!
It was exactly because of you bookworms, obsessed with your internal strife and colluding with the late emperor, who brought ruin to the common people of the Great Feng… Emperor Yongxing clenched his fists tightly in his sleeves, smiling warmly.
“We said only yesterday that this disaster is grave, and the entire court, monarch and ministers, must be of one mind to discuss countermeasures. My loyal subjects, let us cease these quarrels.”
The Minister of Revenue and the others immediately fell silent.
Emperor Yongxing nodded in satisfaction and said loudly, “How are the reserves in the charitable granaries across the provinces?”
The Minister of Revenue replied, “They have all been opened to provide relief. However, during the autumn harvest, the court was at war with the Church of the Warlock God and suffered greatly. Grain and fodder were requisitioned from every region, so local charitable granaries are running short.”
Emperor Yongxing pondered for a moment and then asked, “What about the official granaries?”
At these words, the ministers exchanged glances. Liu Hong, the Right Censor-in-chief, stepped forward and said:
“Your Majesty, this cannot be done. If we wish to maintain order throughout the land and allow the clerks and officials to perform their duties, the official granaries must not be touched.”
Charitable granaries were reserved for disaster relief in famine years.
Official granaries were used to pay officials their stipends.
If the official granaries were touched, and the court could not pay its officials, then true chaos would break out.
Emperor Yongxing’s expression darkened: “Then has Lord Liu any good suggestions?”
Liu Hong pondered and said, “The northern Yao and barbarians still owe the court countless furs, salt, and iron ore. Your Majesty may send envoys to the northern border to claim what is owed.”
Emperor Yongxing’s eyes lit up, and the ministers below began to discuss among themselves. But then, Prime Minister Wang stepped out and bowed:
“This cannot be done!”
The ministers immediately retorted:
“And why not?”
“This official Lord Liu’s plan to be rather clever.”
“Yes, the Yao and barbarians have herds of cattle and sheep, and countless furs, just right to ward off the cold and resolve the court’s urgent needs.”
Prime Minister Wang patiently waited for the ministers to finish before continuing:
“The treaty was drafted by Bachelor Xu Xinnian’s hand under my personal supervision at the Hanlin Academy. It is written in black and white that the furs, cattle, and sheep promised by the Yao and barbarians to the Great Feng are not due for another three years.
“The war has only been over for two months, and the Yao and barbarians themselves are still recovering and short on supplies. To demand they fulfil the treaty now…”
Prime Minister Wang did not finish, but the ministers understood.
This would force the Yao and barbarians to turn against the Great Feng.
Emperor Yongxing, growing irritable, asked, “Then what does the Prime Minister suggest?”
Prime Minister Wang sighed inwardly: even without looking back, he could feel the burning gaze of those standing behind him.
As Prime Minister, there were some things he could not avoid, so he said solemnly:
“Though the treasury is empty, merchants within and around the capital and even throughout the Central Plains have deep coffers. Your Majesty could call upon the righteous from across the land to donate funds.”
Here it comes… The ministers’ hearts sank.
In fact, rumours had been circulating in the capital for days that His Majesty intended to call for donations to fill the empty treasury, essentially to carve flesh from their own bodies.
This was the opportunity Emperor Yongxing had been waiting for, and he smiled:
“This is an excellent idea. How exactly should we call upon them, Prime Minister?”
Prime Minister Wang said, “The ministers should take the lead. Your Servant is willing to donate half of my family’s wealth to aid the disaster victims.”
At these words, the court was in an uproar.
A few members from the Wang Clique and the former Wei Clique immediately echoed his views, expressing their willingness, like Prime Minister Wang, to donate half of their family fortunes to the treasury.
But more ministers took a stance of opposition.
“Your Majesty, this cannot be done.”
“We are honest officials living a meagre existence, where do we have family fortunes?”
“Merchants pursue profit. Forcing them to donate funds is like cutting flesh, they will cause an uproar.”
“The treasury is empty, we cannot spread the word. If the Church of the Warlock God hears of it, there may be war. If the people learn that the court is strong in appearance but weak within, refugees taking to banditry will bring endless trouble.”
As soon as the emperor called for donations, with Prime Minister Wang taking the lead by offering half his family fortune, the ministers reacted strongly and unitedly found themselves on the same side, even those who usually treated each other as bitter enemies.
Emperor Yongxing raised his hand to calm the clamour.
This was the imperial study, not Jinluan Hall, there were no eunuchs to crack whips and shout for order.
Once the ministers had quieted, he looked towards the Vice Minister of the High Court and said:
“Minister, what is your view?”
Those present were all core members of their cliques, if he could persuade them, he would have most of the faction leaders on side.
Now, the Vice Minister was the leader of the Qi Clique, if he agreed, the Qi Clique would be won over, or at least a majority of it.
“Your Majesty!” The Vice Minister stepped forward and replied mournfully:
“Your servant has served as an official for twenty years, diligent and upright, with clean sleeves, suffering summer’s heat without ice and winter’s cold without coal, barely getting by.
“Saying this, he shook out his sleeves, revealing a pair of hands covered in frostbite.
“Your servant would gladly lay down his life for the court. But I pity my wife and children and would not see them freeze to death in the streets. Should Your Majesty insist, I beg to resign.”
Old fox… Emperor Yongxing’s head throbbed, and he hastily waved his hand:
“It will not come to that, it will not come to that…”
Were it truly so, he would be labelled a greedy emperor who forced officials into resigning, and his reputation would be ruined if the historians recorded it.
In the end, he was little better than the late emperor.
Emperor Yongxing was certain these scholars would do just that, because it was them who were being forced to donate.
Emperor Yongxing then sought the opinion of other ministers, but each gave him the cold shoulder in various ways.
Either complaining of poverty or begging to resign.
The young emperor’s mood grew ever darker, caught in an impossible situation, until finally, he slammed the table.
“If this one is not workable, and that one is not workable, what use are you to the court? Within three days, we want a foolproof solution. If you cannot provide one, you can all get out!”
“Your Majesty, please restrain your anger!”
The ministers all fell to their knees.
…
The morning court session was brought to a premature end by Emperor Yongxing’s outburst.
Prime Minister Wang straightened his official hat, tucked his hands into his sleeves, and walked side by side down the wide flagstone road with Liu Hong, the Right Censor and successor to Wei Yuan, as well as the leader of the Nightwatchers.
Ahead lay the Meridian Gate.
In the distance, guards stood on duty and the imperial army patrolled. Prime Minister Wang’s gaze idly followed the imperial soldiers before he withdrew it and said slowly:
“His Majesty exposed his weakness for reputation all too clearly. How can he contend with these old foxes?
“His Majesty is still too young.”
“He truly wishes to strengthen the nation, but his ability falls short,” said Liu Hong, his disdain unmasked.
Prime Minister Wang took a deep breath, his nose reddened by the cold, and said lightly:
“His methods are immature and his scheming not deep enough. But these things can be learned. Even if the Fourth Prince took the throne, he would be no better.”
Liu Hong, out of nowhere, remarked, “What a pity Her Highness Huaiqing is a woman.”
Prime Minister Wang sneered, “Was it not Her Highness Huaiqing who gave Erlang the idea to advise the court to call for donations in his memorial? Did you think I did not know?”
Liu Hong replied calmly, “Prime Minister, your insights are as sharp as ever.”
“She did not just let merchants donate, but rather advised His Majesty to mobilise the officials as an example. She does at least possess some foresight.”
Prime Minister Wang, gave a cold snort, his expression turning chilly:
“Tell Huaiqing that if she wants to try her own methods in future, she should not use my future son-in-law as a pawn. His Majesty is sure to lose all face over this matter, and when the time comes, it is inevitable that Erlang will be blamed.”
Liu Hong said nothing.
The two walked side by side for a while. Prime Minister Wang, calmed his anger and said coolly:
“The imperial treasury is empty, and the Ministry of Revenue is struggling to make ends meet. The reason His Majesty has not touched those funds and food supplies is to guard against the rebel army in Yunzhou.”
Liu Hong said in a low voice:
“But if we let the disaster spread unchecked, with more and more refugees turning into bandits and chaos breaking out everywhere, that is exactly what the rebels want to see. Embezzling military funds falls right into their hands, but even if we do not, it still pleases them.
“I have never dealt with Xu Pingfeng personally, yet I know already that he is dangerously able, enough to send a chill down one’s spine.”
If the army was unpaid during war, it would mutiny.
But if the disaster was ignored and the refugee tide uncontrolled, the situation would only get more chaotic, and the consequences of trouble at home would be just as dire.
“Her Highness Huaiqing had no choice either.” Liu Hong sighed. “I once thought that after the late emperor passed, the court would usher in a brand new era. Who would have imagined it would become such a terrible mess?”
Prime Minister Wang, looked off into the distance, seemingly touched.
After a while, he said in a serious tone:
“If this plan works, it could solve our immediate crisis. But she has overlooked a key point. To make that group of old foxes, as well as officials of all ranks, willingly hand over their own money, there must be someone powerful enough to overawe the crowd.
“Looking around the court, the Jianzheng counted as one, the late emperor as one, Wei Yuan and I together counted as one, and Xu Qi’an as one.
“The Jianzheng does not meddle in government, the late emperor and Wei Yuan have already passed, and Xu Qi’an is travelling the jianghu. I asked Erlang about him some time ago, and there has been no news yet.”
Liu Hong was startled. So, Prime Minister Wang, had seen through and analysed this plan long ago, and had started discreet inquiries and deduction before anyone else noticed.
…
Jingxiu Palace.
Emperor Yongxing arrived by grand palanquin, stepping into Jingxiu Palace surrounded by eunuchs.
He paused in the courtyard, took a deep breath, pinched his brow, and adjusted his expression to be less solemn and heavy.
A faint smile on his lips, he walked through the courtyard, stepped over the threshold, and saw his mother, the Imperial Consort Chen, and younger sister already waiting.
Imperial Consort Chen, who had ordered the palace maids to reheat the dishes several times, gently rebuked:
“Though Your Majesty is in your prime, you still must attend to your health, and not overwork yourself.”
“Mother, you must not worry. Lingbao Temple has plenty of nourishing pills and elixirs for health.” Lin’an waved her delicate hand, smiling radiantly:
“Brother Emperor, come and eat.”
Emperor Yongxing smiled, pushing away the gloom of the court, and began his meal attended by the palace maids.
After a few bites, he started chatting about family matters with his mother and sister.
“A few days ago, I heard from Zhi’er that a little girl from the Prime Minister Wang’s family has arrived at the Cabinet. Changkang annoyed her by accident and was beaten up.
“Zhi’er wanted to avenge his cousin, only to be thrashed as well, ended up with a head full of bruises.”
‘Zhi’er’ was Emperor Yongxing’s third son, ten years old this year.
Changkang was the second son of Lin’an’s sixth brother.
On hearing her grandson was beaten up, Consort Chen’s expression changed dramatically, her eyebrows rising:
“How is it that I did not know of this?”
“We suppressed the matter.”
“Why?”
Consort Chen asked suspiciously, unable to understand her son’s intentions.
Emperor Yongxing gave a bitter smile. “She is Xu Qi’an’s little sister. Fortunately, she was sent out of the palace that very day and did not get to study.”
Consort Chen fell silent at once.
Unbeknownst to her, the Grand Preceptor had just escaped disaster.
After a while, seeing that Emperor Yongxing remained gloomy, Consort Chen said gently:
“Your Majesty, is there some problem at court?”
Emperor Yongxing hesitated, then sighed powerlessly:
“The treasury is empty, the war just ended, and the granaries everywhere are depleted. We cannot afford to provide disaster relief, so refugees are everywhere, turning into bandits.
“Our empire is in shambles.”
He went on to talk about the setbacks he had encountered in raising donations.
Emperor Yongxing pinched his brow. “Only after sitting in this position does one truly know how difficult it is. From top to bottom of the court, everyone is an enemy.”
He had not been on the throne long, but already felt countless obstacles and a growing sense of helplessness, unable to steer policy as he wished.
It was something he had never truly experienced as a crown prince.
The atmosphere at the table became oppressive.
Emperor Yongxing hurriedly said, “Let us not dwell on these vexing matters, Mother. I toast you, Your Majesty.”
After the wine, he purposefully chose lighter topics, trying to make Consort Chen laugh, to turn the family meal into a more relaxed occasion.
Lin’an watched her elder brother silently, feeling a little sad.
In the past, she thought her crown prince brother was obsessed with inheriting the throne, and many of his views and ideas made her uncomfortable.
But time had passed and so much had happened, she too had matured.
Her brother’s deep desire for the throne was not solely for himself. Most of the reason was for their mother and herself.
Their mother had been oppressed and humiliated by the empress, and she herself had been bullied by Huaiqing. Moreover, the fourth prince had Wei Yuan’s support at court.
Her brother just wanted to lift their mother’s head high before the empress, and allow her, Lin’an, to strut proudly before Huaiqing.
…
After lunch, using the excuse of a walk to digest, Lin’an went to Dexin Courtyard.
Just as she entered Huaiqing’s domain, she saw a handsome and upright young official exiting.
His eyes were bright as stars, his lips red and teeth white, his jawline now much more defined, lending him a stronger manly air.
“Your servent pays his respects, Your Highness.”
Xu Xinnian stopped, bowing.
“Sir Xu, what brings you here?”
Lin’an’s peach blossom eyes sparkled as she sized him up.
Xu Xinnian replied, “Your servant came to discuss scholarly matters with Her Highness Huaiqing.”
After a pause, he asked, “By the way, has my elder brother sent any letters to Her Highness lately?”
Lin’an scowled at this, snorting softly:
“Who is your elder brother? We do not know him. Do not block our way.”
Her skirt twirled as she swept past Xu Xinnian.
That running dog had left the capital for over a month, with no news at all. Clearly, she was not on his mind.
Passing straight through to the inner court, she followed a palace maid to the sitting room, where she saw Huaiqing drinking tea at her desk.
“I just met Xu Xinnian outside. What was he here for?”
Lin’an asked.
Generally speaking, anyone able to visit a princess in her residence was no ordinary person.
Women were not an issue, but for men, only the closest confidants would be admitted.
But Lin’an knew that Xu Xinnian was the future son-in-law of the Wang family, and Prime Minister Wang, was her brother’s man.
“Discussing academic matters.”
Huaiqing replied idly, then asked, “And what brings you here?”
She was not very welcoming of Lin’an. Her younger sister chirped like a sparrow, ready to peck your face whenever you lowered your guard.
Though Lin’an was as weak as ever, due to Emperor Yongxing’s ascension, Huaiqing was now a little wary.
Even though Lin’an never reported her grievances to the emperor after losing to her.
Lin’an sat down, lifting her skirt, and said:
“Huaiqing, you always have clever ideas. I want to consult you about something.”
Huaiqing nodded coolly.
Lin’an recounted the matter of the donations, frowning prettily:
“What method would make that group of old foxes willingly part with their money?”
Huaiqing replied, “If someone tried to rob your family fortune, would you hand it over?”
Lin’an thought for a moment. “Depends who it is. If the running dog asked us for silver, we would give it.”
Huaiqing sipped her tea, “So, only someone close to you would work. If your brother stretched out his hand, there is no chance.”
Lin’an found this reasonable and suggested, “Coercion?”
Huaiqing shook her head:
“That would be the best way, but also the most foolish. The ignorance lies in letting His Majesty do it himself. If he did, the court would lash out and there would be huge backlash.
“But there are others who could do it, and the court would be powerless to stop them.”
Lin’an’s eyes lit up. “Who?”
Huaiqing was once again disappointed in her sister’s intelligence; playing word games with her was no fun at all.
“What do you think of the Jianzheng?”
“He would do, I think…”
“And the Zhenbei King in his prime, the Great Feng’s foremost martial artist?”
“He, he would do, I suppose…”
“And now, who is the Great Feng’s foremost martial artist?”
Lin’an finally understood. She slapped the table in realisation:
“You mean the running dog!”
Then her face fell. Disappointed, she said, “But he is not in the capital.”
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