Be an emperor from drawing cards

Chapter 179 The imperial court’s response

"Your Majesty, please calm down!"

Seeing Zhao Yu getting angry, all the officials knelt down.

Zhao Yu took a few deep breaths and finally calmed down the anger in his heart.

"You all, please discuss how to deal with this disaster."

As he spoke, he turned his attention to Wang Pu.

As the de facto leader of the ministers and No. 1 in the military, Wang Pu saw Zhao Yu looking at him and decisively held the wat and went out:
"Your Majesty, the current plan is to resettle the victims as much as possible before the drought worsens. Otherwise, under the severe drought, the people in these six prefectures will lose their source of livelihood, become homeless, and have to become refugees due to livelihood. If someone takes this opportunity to spread rumors If we stir up trouble, a turmoil will be inevitable.”

"This matter is a top priority." Zhao Yu nodded and said, "I will issue an edict later, asking the six government officials to open warehouses to stockpile grain and set up porridge sheds to provide relief to the victims."

"Your Majesty is innocent."

All the ministers said in unison.

Ignoring the flattery of the ministers, Zhao Yu continued:
"Xuanniao Pavilion is a royal villa. Now there is a severe drought, and the people are displaced and homeless. I really can't bear this, and I am determined to temporarily open Xuannia Pavilion to resettle the refugees. In addition, in God's Build shacks in the suburbs of the capital to house the refugees.”

"Your Majesty's words are very kind."

None of the ministers objected to Zhao Yu's decision.

"Your Majesty, please also reduce the taxes of the people in the six prefectures affected by the disaster to reduce the burden on the victims."

Chu Ziwen, the imperial censor, made suggestions.

Zhao Yu fully accepted Chu Ziwen's suggestions.

"Qing Qing requested that the people of the six prefectures of Qingtan be exempted from taxes for two years, so that the people can recuperate after the disaster."

Although the six state capitals affected by the disaster accounted for nearly one-third of Dachu's territory, and tax reductions and exemptions would reduce the central government's revenue by more than half, this was a necessary sacrifice in the face of resisting natural disasters.

Everything is people-oriented.

Zhao Yu looked at Zhou Rui and said:

"Let the Ministry of Household Affairs inform all governments to purchase food to help the victims, and I will ask Yi Tianlou to assist them."

As he said that, he turned his eyes to Chu Ziwen, the imperial censor.

"Chu Qing, have those censors who went to the local areas a few days ago returned to the capital?"

"Back to Your Majesty, they haven't returned to Beijing yet."

Zhao Yu nodded and said: "Tell the censors in the six prefectures to keep an eye on me. In this season, if anyone dares to hoard, speculate, take bribes, or occupy fields, I will report them to the court one by one. Look, which one is harder, my sword or their heads?"

Your Majesty is so murderous!
Zhao Yu's murderous words made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Chu Ziwen's throat rolled and he bowed to accept the order.

Zhou Rui looked at Zhao Yu with a murderous look on his face, thought for a while, and decided to bite the bullet because the Ministry of Revenue really did not have much money and food.

Although His Majesty killed a large number of corrupt officials at the beginning of the year and confiscated their property, the Ministry of Household Affairs temporarily had a surplus of money.

But as the Mianqi invaded and the war started, the money and food were spent like running water.

Then, His Majesty will start the imperial examination, establish academies, and develop water conservancy projects, and the Ministry of Revenue's purse will be even more emptied.

Originally, he thought that if the Ministry of Revenue could support the tax revenue this summer, he would be able to relax, but he did not expect that God would play a joke on Zhou Rui, and there would be a severe drought in the six prefectures.

There is a drought, and I don’t know how much food has to be filled into this hole in order to provide disaster relief.

But the treasury’s money and grain reserves are really running out of money...

However, before he could speak, Zhao Yu blocked his mouth.

"Qing Zhou, I know that the Ministry of Household Affairs is under great pressure." Zhao Yu glanced at Zhou Rui, who was frowning, and said, "Disaster relief can be carried out through work-for-relief work, that is, the court funds and hires the victims to carry out various tasks. In return for construction, the government is responsible for ensuring the daily needs of the victims, which can greatly reduce the burden on the Ministry of Household Affairs."

Zhou Rui was immediately happy when he heard this.

The method of "relief through work" mentioned by His Majesty is indeed a good strategy.

However, you still have to listen to His Majesty on what to build.

How about building a new palace for His Majesty?

Hearing Zhou Rui's probing inquiry, Zhao Yu smiled and waved his hands and said: "What Zhou Qing said is a big fallacy. When the people are hungry, I am building high towers and building palaces just for temporary pleasure. How can I bear it? At this time, In a disaster year, it is time to repair water conservancy and dig ditches to prepare for disasters in the coming year.”

After hearing what Zhao Yu said, all the ministers sighed.

At this time, Your Majesty is not greedy for enjoyment, but is anxious about the people's needs and worries about the people. This is the sign of a wise king!
After Zhao Yu finished speaking, he said to Zhang Chao, the minister of Dali Temple, Chu Ziwen, the imperial censor, and Han Fanghai, the minister of the Ministry of Justice: "Based on the management of this severe drought, the three departments discussed and compiled a set of methods for the imperial court. The laws and regulations to deal with drought and flood disasters also prevent the court and local officials from being in a hurry when encountering such a situation in the future."

The three of them looked at each other and saw a hint of surprise in their eyes.

Your Majesty is so smart, why didn’t we think of it?

"The ministers obey the order."

The three people who reacted quickly bowed to receive the order.

Zhao Yu nodded slightly and ordered Wang Pu:
"In addition, Wang Qing, your Privy Council must also prepare a record. If civil unrest does occur, how should the court suppress it to minimize losses?"

Since there is a possibility of civil unrest, the military must be prepared in advance.

Once civil unrest breaks out, the imperial army will quickly suppress it with lightning speed to minimize the harm.

"I understand."

Regarding Zhao Yu's arrangements, Wang Pu, who was both a monarch and a minister, and half an emperor's disciple, was extremely pleased and accepted the order happily. At the same time, he also requested that his salary be halved to reduce the financial pressure on the court. .

"I am very pleased that Wang Qing has this intention. Well, from now on, the expenses in the palace will be reduced by half, and all meals will be vegetarian until the drought subsides, rain falls from the sky, and the people can live."

Both the emperor and Wang Pu, who was actually the leader of the ministers, had expressed their opinions in this way. If others did not follow suit, they would be lacking political acumen.

As a result, everyone present expressed their opinions and requested that their salaries be halved.

Zhao Yu had no reason not to accept the statements of the ministers.

After the discussion was settled, the ministers took their leave and the relevant edicts would be promulgated at the court meeting the next day.

After the ministers left, Zhao Yu called Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian into the palace.

A white-haired chamberlain and a feminine man half knelt on the ground and said to Zhao Yu:
"Slave, see Your Majesty!"

It was Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian.

"The two of you, each leading ten senior officials, will go to the six disaster-stricken state capitals in Zhenjiang to investigate secretly to see if any local officials have committed corruption, accepted bribes, or deceived the imperial court. If so, you don't need to inform the censor. The flying pigeon conveyed the message to me."

Zhao Yu ordered the two of them.

"Your Majesty, where is the administrative office of Lord Tuoba?"

Cao Zhengchun asked tentatively.

Zhao Yu waved his hand and said: "The Jishi Office still has tasks, so I will leave this matter to you two. If you do it well, I will reward you heavily!"

Although the Overwatch Council is in the light and the Editorial Office is in the dark, as an emperor, he still needs a secret agent responsible for monitoring the officials and the Editorial Office.

In his previous life, there were two factories in the east and west, and now Zhao Yu has gradually started to think this way.

Because for the emperor, there is no more reliable candidate than eunuchs and eunuchs.The relatives might occupy the magpie's nest and usurp power, but the internal servants had no other choice but to rely on the imperial power.

This mission can be regarded as a test for Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian.

Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian both sensed the opportunity, suppressed the excitement in their hearts, kowtowed to Zhao Yu and said:

"The slaves obey the orders!"

"You two, each of you is responsible for the three state capitals. As for how to distribute it, you two will discuss it on your own, and I will not participate. As for the manpower, I will get it from Gao Lishi."

Zhao Yu finished speaking and waved his hand.

"Go back."

Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian walked backward out of the palace gate.

After leaving the Zihuan Hall, young Yu Huatian couldn't help but said to Cao Zhengchun: "Eunuch Cao, our opportunity has come!"

Cao Zhengchun narrowed his eyes and whispered:

"This is indeed an opportunity, but if you and I can't handle this errand, then there's nothing to say. Your Majesty is a human being, and you know Huatian well."

Yuhuatian's heart trembled, and he quickly raised his hands and said:
"Thank you Eunuch Cao for your guidance. This time you and I can only succeed and never fail!"

He had a hunch in his heart that as long as he completed His Majesty's mission beautifully, the status of the two of them would rise to the sky and become the most powerful father-in-law, second only to the tall Diao Yu.

"Let's go," Cao Zhengchun patted Yu Huatian's shoulder, "You and I will go to Gao Da Diao Jue first to ask for someone. How to distribute the six houses, we will talk about it slowly on the way."

"Okay, please, Eunuch Cao!"

"Please, Mr. Rain!"

Not long after Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian left, Du Yunshan from the Mo family and Xu Shang from the farmer family also entered the Zihuan Hall.

Soon after, the two of them walked out of the hall with solemn expressions. After a brief conversation, they left separately.

It's night, in Nuanchun Pavilion.

Zhao Yu looked at Yin Huan in front of him and said in a deep voice: "Hu'er, there is no queen in the harem now. As the imperial concubine, you are in charge of the six palaces for me. Now there is a severe drought in the world and the people are displaced. As the imperial concubine, As an example to the world, starting from today, the daily diet should be mainly vegetables and fruits, until the rain falls from the sky, the food supply of the past will be restored."

"The minister and concubine follow the order."

Yin Hanhan Yingying said.

"Well, Wen'er, you know the importance. As for the other concubines, let Wen'er send someone to inform them, and I won't get involved."

Zhao Yu was quite satisfied with Yin Hanhan's attitude and directly delegated the matter to her, which was regarded as acquiescence to her status in the harem.

Although she is not a queen, she is the head of the concubines in the harem.

After talking about changing the diet, Yin Hanhan saw that Zhao Yu was in a good mood, so she smiled sweetly and said:

"Your Majesty, the news came from my master a few days ago that Yi Tianlou sent someone to contact the master and wanted to use the relationship of Tianyin Pavilion to join the Chu State and your majesty. Now several disciples have become gods. In the capital, I wonder if His Majesty has seen them."

As mentioned before, Yi Tianlou is a demon sect organization established by the remaining merchant disciples, and is a loose alliance of merchants.

However, Zhao Yu's initial impression of them was not very good.

Yitianlou, Yitian.

Make the world easier.

From these two words alone, Zhao Yu could smell the ambition of these remaining merchant disciples.

However, after Zhao Yu thought for a moment, he nodded and agreed.

"Forget it, you summon them into the palace in the next few days and test their thoughts first. If Yi Tianlou is really willing to use Dachu, instead of treating Dachu as a tool to lay eggs, then I You can talk to them.”

Zhao Yu was not too worried about his current situation.

As long as the imperial power is strong enough, let alone the merchant class, even the prime minister must bow his head obediently.

But if a person has no long-term worries, he must have immediate worries, and vice versa.

What he was worried about was that a hundred years from now, the merchant class would become so powerful that it would indirectly or directly influence the government's policies, just like the eagle sauce of later generations.

This is something Zhao Yu absolutely does not want to see, and it is also something he must try his best to avoid.

"By the way, where is Yuyan now? She seems to be avoiding me now? I'm not a tiger or a wolf. Is this like this?"

Hearing what Zhao Yu said, Yin Hanhan gave Zhao Yu a faint look and whispered:
"Where Master is, even Huner, a disciple, doesn't know. As for why Master is like this, doesn't Your Majesty still know?"

Humph, while I wasn't paying attention, I ate up my master and my uncle all at once, but I couldn't even touch a hair on my head!
Yin Hanhan sometimes even doubted herself whether she had no charm at all in front of the little emperor.

"Why, is Weier jealous?"

Zhao Yu smiled, stretched out his hand and gently scratched Yin Huan's beautiful nose, which made the beautiful woman squeal.

"Am I so unattractive in His Majesty's eyes?"

Yin Hanhan held Zhao Yu's big hand with her jade hands and said with a hint of sadness:
"Your Majesty, look at it, Wener's heart is almost freezing."

As he spoke, he put his hand into the softness.

"Wen'er, don't play with fire!"

Looking at Yin Hanwan showing off the wonderful appearance of the devil, Zhao Yu took a breath of cold air and subconsciously warned.

"You girl, don't you want to break through the realm?!"

A blush appeared on Yin Hanhan's face, she smiled coquettishly, put her cherry mouth close to Zhao Yu's ear, and whispered something.

After Zhao Yu heard this, he was slightly stunned, then raised his hand and knocked her on the forehead gently, and then two words came out of his mouth through gritted teeth.

"Fairy!"

Yin Hanwan begged for mercy again and again, her charming eyes were like silk, and her soft body was suddenly as soft as water in Zhao Yu's arms, but her little hands slid down his chest unknowingly, and finally grasped the scabbard at his waist.

Zhao Yu froze when he saw Yin Hanhan's watery eyes filled with spring and a hint of mischief.

The beauty's breath was as hot as fire, and her tone gradually became extremely sweet.

"Your Majesty! You are evil!"

Zhao Yu couldn't bear it anymore, lowered his head and put her lips in his mouth.

Another night of spring breeze passed by, and the wind and waves were endless.

On the second day, the court meeting.

Zhao Yu issued an edict, asking the six government officials to set up porridge sheds and open warehouses to store grain to provide relief to the victims. At the same time, he issued an edict to reduce various taxes in the disaster-stricken areas to reduce the burden on the people. He also asked the court to purchase large quantities of grain from the market to cope with the drought.

Various measures are included.

Soon, a number of famous censors, farmers and Mohist disciples set off to the disaster-stricken prefectures and counties.

As Zhao Yu's edict was issued, the huge state machine of Chu State began to rotate rapidly.

(End of this chapter)