Chapter 73

Chapter 73

As the sounds from the Diligent Governance Hall reverberated like a bustling marketplace, Empress Dowager and Princess Taichang both couldn't help massaging their foreheads. The two relatives exchanged bitter smiles, realizing no wonder the emperor had sores in his mouth; listening to them bicker must have been infuriating.

Meng Die, however, was not at all bothered. Her thoughts were different from those of the Empress Dowager and the Princess. While arguments were indeed vexing, what if she was one of the puppet masters pulling the strings behind this dispute? Would she still be irritated?

The main reason for the large-scale reduction in military spending wasn't actually due to the decrease in crop yield. Or rather, the natural disaster provided the emperor with the perfect excuse.

Ever since His Majesty ascended the throne, the realm had become more peaceful than ever. Although he didn't explicitly encourage commerce, compared to the previous dynasty and even his late father's reign, he had granted merchants, especially foreign ones, much more leeway.

Foreign merchants had to pass through border gates, so which major merchant wouldn't send gifts when passing by? Besides, His Majesty had tacitly approved that goods from the borders were exempt from taxes. At first, it was understandable, as the borders were mostly cold and barren with little produce. Military commanders didn't receive much silver.

As peace persisted, the borders became bustling and prosperous. The benefits that border commanders could reap annually multiplied. For instance, Governor Tang received a casual 20,000 silver taels just from Meng family's soap, not to mention other miscellaneous gains that could amount to an unpredictable sum in a year.

There were many border commanders like him, and who knew what might eventually result from such indulgence? If they remained content with greed, that would be one thing. But for those with greater ambitions, having wealth and troops, who could say they wouldn't become the next An Lushan?

Meng Die was well aware that if she were the emperor, she would never allow border commanders to grow in power. Otherwise, a catastrophic disaster would be imminent!

In the Diligent Governance Hall, the crowd argued back and forth, each claiming their own perspective to be valid. They couldn't reach a consensus on how much military expenditure should be cut from each region.

The emperor sipped his bitter gourd water again. "My esteemed ministers, there is currently no warfare at the borders, so matters can be postponed. The frontlines are our priority for now. Minister Ran, you proposed yesterday to downgrade the rations on the frontlines. Do you have a plan in place?"

Ran Pengfei promptly bowed. "Your Majesty, upon returning yesterday, I led the Ministry of Finance to draft a proposal. I humbly request your imperial perusal."

Eunuch Lin Chu took the notebook from Ran Pengfei's hand and presented it to the emperor.

The emperor carefully examined the document. Agriculture was quite prosperous in the Great Yi Dynasty, and the main food source for the military consisted mainly of rice from the south and wheat from the north, accompanied by radishes, yams, and cabbages. There were also some preserved meats, though meat was extremely scarce, typically consumed only a few times a week or during festive occasions.

This time, the Ministry of Finance suggested reducing the rations, with less preserved meat than before. However, the supply of vegetables like radishes and cabbages remained steady. The staple foods, rice and wheat, would see a significant decrease, being replaced with pea flour, dried taro, dried pumpkin, and bean dregs.

The emperor pondered for a moment and understood. In the Great Yi Dynasty, grain taxes were collected solely in rice, wheat, hemp, and cotton. These were stored in granaries across the lands, and their prices were higher than those of pea flour, dried pumpkin, dried yam, and bean dregs. The Ministry of Revenue intended to sell some of the stored rice and wheat to obtain funds to purchase the other four items at a lower cost. This way, one jin (about 1.5 kg) of rice or wheat could be exchanged for approximately two jin of the other four items. Such a downgrading was indeed a viable solution.

Pea flour, dried pumpkin, bean dregs, and yams might not have the same satisfying texture as rice and wheat, but they could still fill one's stomach.

In a side chamber, Meng Die watched the emperor intently without blinking. Normally, after the emperor finished reading, he would pass the document to the prime minister, who would then circulate it among the other ministers.

Assured that the emperor had reached the last page, Meng Die tugged on the sleeve of the Grand Princess. The Ministry of Revenue's proposal must not be passed on. If other ministers read it and approved without issue, her objections later would not only challenge the ministry but also offend the other officials. Therefore, she needed to speak up while the emperor was just about to finish reading but had not yet done so.

Noticing Meng Die's action, the Empress Dowager wore a look of surprise. In the past, the Grand Princess would often bring the families of Marquis Yongwei's officers into the palace. As a result, the Empress Dowager initially paid little attention to Meng Die. It never crossed her mind that Meng Die would tug on the Grand Princess's sleeve.

Upon receiving Meng Die's subtle cue, Princess Grandee softly coughed twice and said, "Your Majesty, I would also like to examine Minister Ran's proposal for demotion." As a princess of the highest rank with her own title, she referred to herself as a subject.

The emperor had just finished reading when he heard his aunt's voice. He promptly replied, "Indeed, Aunt should have a look as well."

Lin Chu took the document from the emperor's hand and brought it to the side chamber for Princess Grandee.

Princess Grandee took the scroll and asked the Empress Dowager, "Would you like to take a look, Imperial Sister-in-law?"

Empress Dowager replied, "My eyes are failing me. You can read it for both of us."

Meng Die took the ledger and pretended to browse it for the Grand Princess, but in reality, she was examining it more meticulously.

The Empress Dowager glanced at it and became increasingly suspicious of Meng Die's background. She would have to inquire later about which general's family she belonged to.

The ledger consisted of five and a half pages. The first half page outlined the general plan, revealing no apparent issues. However, as Meng Die read on, her expression darkened; the Ministry of Revenue's audacity exceeded her imagination. They had even resorted to delaying grain supplies to balance the books.

The Grand Princess also scrutinized the document thoroughly, but truthfully, she failed to detect any irregularities. Seeing Meng Die's grim face, the Grand Princess momentarily doubted her own judgment. Could it be that she was indeed getting old and missing something?

Suppressing her doubts, the Grand Princess proceeded to speak as planned: "Your Majesty, the nation suffering from disaster truly calls for unity between the military and civilians to overcome this crisis. Though it is heart-wrenching, lowering the grade of military provisions is necessary. However, there are a few questions I wish to ask Minister Ran."

The Emperor responded promptly, "Aunt, feel free to voice any concerns you may have."

Ran Pengfei also immediately added, "Your Highness, if you have any questions, I shall not hold back in providing an answer."

Princess Taichang coughed a few more times, exaggerating her ailment to emphasize her frailty. "Child, you ask."

"Very well," she acquiesced.

Everyone in the Qinding Hall was taken aback. Who was she referring to? Which child?

The Minister of Punishment, Pei Ji Huan, paused and cast a subtle glance at the Minister of Revenue, filled with sympathy. He could only hope that this old fox's heart was strong enough to withstand what was to come.

Meng Die held the ledger, "Minister Ran, as I read through these records, it states that since pumpkins are cultivated across our country, two pounds of dried pumpkin can replace one pound of rice or flour in the regions contributing grain. On the surface, it seems reasonable, but upon closer thought, there's something amiss."

"The Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions have ample rainfall, leading to a humid climate, which is not ideal for storing dried goods. Thus, while pumpkins are abundant, dried pumpkin is not particularly inexpensive. The situation is different in the north, where the lack of rain and dry air allow dried pumpkins to be preserved for years, even up to three or two, without significant loss in quality, albeit with a slight decline in taste."

"In the north, one pound of wheat can easily be exchanged for at least three pounds of fresh dried pumpkin, and perhaps even four or five pounds of older stock. If we follow the method outlined in this ledger, the northern provinces contributing grain would save thousands, if not tens of thousands, of silver taels in the exchange process."

The Qinding Hall fell silent, so quiet that a pin dropping could be heard.

The Minister of Revenue's face twitched twice, his mind buzzing and heart pounding. It was one thing to have his scheme exposed, but quite another to be openly exposed in front of everyone. It was like his dignity had been ripped off and then trampled on. The worst part was that he still had to provide an explanation! What was even more terrible was that he now recognized the voice as belonging to Meng Die from the Marquis Yongyi's residence – that shrew!

Suppressing the flush of embarrassment on his cheeks, Ran Pengfei said, "In previous years, indeed, three pounds of dried pumpkin could be exchanged for one pound of wheat. But last year, several northern provinces suffered from severe drought, and many people relied on pumpkins for survival. This year, the price of dried pumpkin has quietly risen; now, one pound of wheat can't buy three pounds anymore. As for aged dried pumpkin, that is absolutely forbidden. Aged pumpkin loses its taste and is not durable or filling. During the requisition of provisions, we would certainly issue explicit prohibitions."

Upon hearing this explanation, the Grand Princess immediately turned her gaze towards Meng Die.

Meng Die remained calm and composed. "Seems like I've been judging others with my own petty mindset." Changing the subject, she asked again, "I see that one pound of tapioca chips is being exchanged for one pound of wheat. I recall it used to be that one and a half pounds of tapioca chips could be obtained for one pound of rice. However, Minister Ran just mentioned that there have been many disaster-stricken areas recently, so an increase in the price of tapioca is understandable."

Ran Pengfei nodded repeatedly. "That's precisely the case."

Chilly and Perplexed protested, "If it's a one-to-one exchange, then why bother exchanging at all? It's truly..."

"Meng Die, your words are misguided," she hastily interrupted him, for any further discourse would be an offense in the presence of the emperor.

Fu Yanxiu glared at Chilly and Perplexed, who promptly shrunk back. In the military camp, they were accustomed to rough behavior with little regard for formalities.

Meng Die continued, "Dried taro is much more filling than rice. A person might need about one and a half pounds of rice per day, but with dried taro, they would never finish that amount. However, eating too much taro can cause bloating, making it unsuitable as regular military rations. But given our current shortage of food, a one-to-one exchange by the Ministry of Finance officials is definitely feasible and a good solution."

Upon hearing Meng Die's endorsement, the three from the Ministry of Finance did not show any sign of delight; instead, they all experienced a sudden jolt of unease. The two vice ministers exchanged subtle glances, each seeing the doubt in the other's eyes. Could this Lady Meng really see through their hidden intentions?

Meng Die continued her inquiry with deliberation, "There's just one point I'd like clarification on. While Jiangyou Province has long been known for its abundance of fish and rice, especially its production of taro, Ningxi County is filled with mountains and lacks sufficient waterways. Summers there are exceptionally hot, making it highly unsuitable for taro cultivation. Apart from the locals consuming a small amount, it would never be cultivated on a large scale. May I ask, Honorable Lords, why would such a place, which doesn't produce taro, be ordered to trade rice for dried taro?"

A look of confusion flickered in Ling Qinghe's eyes; he didn't quite understand. However, having learned his lesson, he refrained from asking more questions in case he spoke out of turn again.

But being quiet was not an option for him. Ling Qinghe glanced at the three officials from the Ministry of Revenue. The Minister wore an expression of utter despair, the Right Vice-Minister looked ashen-faced, and the Left Vice-Minister had a damp spot on his back.

The straightforward man instantly grasped the situation – they had stumbled upon a sensitive topic for the Ministry of Revenue. He promptly joined in the commotion, "Yes, what's going on here?"

Gu Shuzhi, the Director of the Imperial Escort, let out a chortle and turned to Ling Qinghe, "What do you, a simpleton, know? Could the price of dried taro ever surpass that of rice?"

Ran Pengfei blinked, suddenly understanding. Perhaps the price of yam chips had indeed risen, but it still could not match the price of rice. The Ministry of Finance's claim that they were equal was a lie.

The evidence lay in Ningxi Prefecture, where yams were not produced. If the price of rice and yam chips were the same, the region could simply contribute rice as it had in previous years. Yet, the Ministry of Finance insisted on yams. Why? It could only be because rice was more expensive, allowing the ministry to profit from the difference.

Princess Taishang slammed her hand down on the table in anger. "Ran Pengfei, you'd better explain yourself. Eating too many yam chips can cause bloating. For the sake of the emperor and the court, our soldiers are willing to endure it, yet you are playing tricks here, trying to fill your own pockets!"

Ran Pengfei immediately lifted his robes and knelt. "Your Majesty, I swear I had no such intention. Ningxi Prefecture belongs to Jiangyou Province, which is a major producer of yams. In my haste, I overlooked removing Ningxi Prefecture from the list. It was my oversight, and I beg for Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Princess Taishang sneered, her words laced with sarcasm. "An oversight, you say? There was no need for meticulousness, after all, it's not as if Minister Ran would have to eat those bloating yam chips himself."

Meng Die promptly responded, "If you claim this was a momentary oversight, how do you explain the other situation? When transporting grain from the capital to the northwest, it must pass through Ningping Prefecture due to its large docks and canals, allowing for a more efficient water route compared to land transportation, saving both manpower, resources, and time. Surrounding prefectures usually send their military provisions directly to Ningping. So why, this year, did they choose to go through Ruantao Prefecture, causing at least a five-day delay?"

Ran Pengfei's eyes widened in astonishment. Despite his decades of experience in the political arena, he couldn't maintain his composure. How did she know?

Bai Ye, the Right Vice Minister, felt a cold sweat break out on his back. "Ruantao suffered flooding last year, destroying a small dock and some dwellings. This year, the government organized people to rebuild, but we simply couldn't spare the manpower to escort the military grain to Ningping."

It was a feeble excuse.

Meng Die scoffed. "Not enough manpower? A county as vast as Ruantao couldn't find a few individuals to transport grain? Vice Minister Bai, do you truly believe your own words? Allow me to offer you a plausible reason for diverting the route through Ruantao."

In our dynasty, the boundary between old and new grain is marked by the beginning of summer. It's merely a matter of days, yet it makes all the difference between old and fresh grain, resulting in tens of thousands of silver taels at stake. How could this be considered a detour? It's clearly a deliberate route to collect that money!

Even the Grand Princess was perplexed; how could a few days difference amount to such a sum?

The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Shentu Qingyun, trembled as he knelt, instinctively responding, "You're slandering people with baseless accusations."

Meng Die scoffed. "Me, slandering? Minister Shentu, you're underestimating me, looking down on me through the narrow crack of a door. Although I'm just a woman, I would never make groundless accusations. If I dare to speak, I must have solid evidence."

"Minister Shentu probably thinks I'm ignorant, right? Then let me inform you today that even a woman like me, confined to my home, knows of a canal in Ningping Prefecture that passes through a canyon. Every year, just before the beginning of summer, the water level rises dramatically, forcing all vessels to halt. Your own records indicate the planned dates."

"Arriving at Ningping Prefecture from Soft Clay just before the beginning of summer coincides with the rising waters. By the time the floods subside, it will surely be after the start of summer."

Meng Die pointed to a passage in her notebook and addressed the Grand Princess, "Your Highness, our dynasty places great importance on border defense and military provisions. The grain convoys must undergo cursory inspections in each province before receiving authorization to proceed."

"In Ningping, if the old grain is used to replenish the new grain for the journey, and they arrive in Chang'an Province before summer begins, they will certainly not be allowed to proceed without approval. However, if they arrive in Chang'an after the start of summer, according to our laws, the province will inspect the military grain using the same method as for the old grain. If no discrepancies are found, they will undoubtedly sign off on it."

The Minister of Revenue, intending to refute, swallowed his words. Meng Die was too cunning. She repeatedly emphasized being a woman confined to her chambers. If he, as a high-ranking official, could not clarify the situation, he would truly become the subject of ridicule. She had effectively cornered him with her argument!

This time, the Grand Princess understood as well. The Ministry of Revenue intended to exploit the time difference, delaying in Ningping long enough to substitute old grain for new. The price difference between the two was indeed substantial, especially when dealing with large quantities – it would amount to a significant sum of money.

Princess Grand Supreme trembled with anger. "Ran Pengfei, you audacious man! The Ministry of Revenue, indeed—a den of black-hearted souls! Our soldiers fight bravely on the front lines, and instead of assisting them, you exploit them for personal gain. This is intolerable!"

Meng Die supported Princess Grand Supreme. "There's no need for Minister Ran to argue that he didn't intend to pass off old grain as new. No matter how you try to explain it, there's no justification for your detour to Soft Clay Village. I know the Ministry's accounts have been unbalanced for years, but doesn't it trouble your conscience to use our soldiers to balance them?

"You all feast in the capital until you're bloated with abundance, while our soldiers...!"

Gulp!

"Your Excellency!"

"Vice Minister Ran..."

The emperor commanded, "Hurry and send for the imperial physician."

Chaos erupted within the Diligent Governance Hall.

Counselor Tan Zhengze, one of the Four Councillors, exchanged a subtle glance with Minister of Punishments Fu Yanxiu. Both saw a mixture of surprise, shock, and disbelief in each other's eyes. Their faces were flushed with confusion and bewilderment.

These military commanders had also discussed their strategy the previous night, aware that they would face a tough battle against the Ministry of Finance and the civil officials today. They had prepared to resort to underhanded tactics if they couldn't win the debate. The commander of the Capital's Camp had sent his deputy, Leng Qinghe, precisely for this reason, as he was an unscrupulous and rough individual.

To their surprise, before they could even deploy their ace in the hole, a woman had already brought the Ministry of Finance to its knees.

The discussion could not proceed any further today, so the emperor ordered everyone to disperse. As Fu Yanxiu walked out, he discreetly asked Tan Zhengze, "Which soldier's family member is that?" He had missed Meng Die's argument with Censor Zhang last time, as he wasn't present in the Diligent Governance Hall.

Tan Zhengze paused, noticing a fuzzy head resting on the shoulder of Fu Yanxiu, who stood beside him. With a look of disbelief, Tan Zhengze replied, "You're still a Second Rank Deputy Commander, you know."

Leng Qinghe chuckled and squeezed himself between the two, saying, "Whose wife is that? She's quite fierce. I've never seen Ran Pengfei's old face turn that ugly."

Tan Zhengze cast a glance at Leng Qinghe, a gaze that was indescribable but left Leng Qinghe with an eerie feeling. He scratched the back of his head, "W-what's wrong?"

Tan Zhengze stroked his beard, "Be careful with your words, don't offend that Meng woman. Otherwise, you might find yourself and your ancestors for eighteen generations cursed."

Leng Qinghe shrunk back in response.

Fu Yanxiu pondered, "Meng? The Meng from Marquis Yongyi's household? The notorious shrew in the capital?"

Tan Zhengze nodded, "Indeed, it's her. I remember her voice from the last time she debated with Minister Zhang in the Diligent Governance Hall."

Fu Yanxiu pondered for a moment. "Her husband serves under Marquis Yongwei. With her taking the initiative, it spares us much trouble. I can tell she's a considerate and competent person, with the Princess's residence backing her up. She'll surely keep a close eye on the Ministry of Finance throughout this grain transport operation. We'll observe how she handles it, and then we can use the same tactics against the ministry."

Tan Zhengze nodded in agreement. "Indeed, indeed. This Lady Meng is quite remarkable. The Marquis Yongyi's household has gained an advantage effortlessly." He had a grandson of similar age to Lady Meng.

Fu Yanxiu suddenly wore a delighted smile.

Tan Zhengze asked, "Hmm?"

After chuckling heartily, Fu Yanxiu explained, "Lady Meng's grandfather, Meng Tingyi, is a true scholar. The Marquis Yongyi's residence might have gained, but our military officials have also benefited."

Tan Zhengze was taken aback, then he chuckled along. Meng's family had bred scholars, and now they were assisting the military; wasn't that a boon for them?

The military faction was elated, while the civil servants, especially those from the Ministry of Finance, were undoubtedly gloomy. After dismissing the imperial physicians, Ran Pengfei sat in his seat, lost in thought.

He had pretended to faint, not to evade matters. It was simply that Meng's insults were too harsh. So what if he was a bit plump in his old age? Most people his age gained weight! Oh, her grandfather, Meng Tingyi, was not overweight. In an instant, Ran Pengfei mentally cursed Meng Tingyi several times.

Meng Tingyi, far away in Ganzhou: Ah-choo!

Shentu Qingyun also railed, "That Meng woman, such a shrew, utterly detestable."

"Enough," Ran Pengfei said wearily, silencing Shentu Qingyun's tirade. "Let's consider what to do next."

Bai Ye, the Right Vice Minister, looked at Ran Pengfei. "Your Excellency, we should...?"

"There's no need to think about it," Ran Pengfei interrupted him. "The Meng family is already on our tails. Are they easy to provoke? With the Princess's mansion backing them, we'll be lucky if the Emperor just reprimands us lightly. If we persist, we're truly courting death."

Shentu Qingyun felt a chill. "Will the Emperor really not pursue this matter?"

"He won't, since we haven't taken any action yet," Ran Pengfei said with a hint of amusement. "I used to hear that Meng Tingyi's granddaughter is the eldest in her family, and she was cherished like a treasure by Meng Tingyi, who often brought her along. I thought they were just boosting her status, but it seems there's some truth to it. This little cunning one has truly inherited the old fox's traits."

Both Left and Right Vice Ministers fell silent, while Shentu Qingyun pondered over the situation, trying to make sense of it all. The Grand Princess had accused them of embezzlement, a grave offense.

Though Meng Die had exposed their Ministry of Revenue's secrets, she had also clarified that they were merely balancing the books, not for their own gain. Thus, even if the emperor was angered, he would likely just scold them, not imposing any real punishment.

Ran Pengfei sighed. "Let's accept the disgrace then. This might be a good opportunity to thoroughly examine the ministry's accounts. If we encounter further obstacles, those who dare to plead on our behalf won't have much leverage, as we've already lost all face. Send someone to the princess's residence later to seek His Highness's guidance."

"Very well." Bai Ye turned to dispatch an attendant.

Shentu Qingyun wore a worried frown. "The Ministry of Revenue's accounts are difficult to untangle. The current records are in disarray, and I can't make sense of them after several attempts."

Ran Pengfei pondered for a moment. "During my tenure as the chief examiner this year, I came across a candidate whose proficiency in the Nine Chapters of Arithmetic was exceptional. His name is Yue Jingzhi."

"I'm familiar with him. He's the grandson of Yue Zhi from the Ministry of Rites," Shentu Qingyun remarked.

Ran Pengfei nodded. "Indeed, that's the one. After the palace examination concludes, I'll see if I can secure his services ahead of others."

Shentu Qingyun's lips twitched. "I've heard that his excellent performance this time around was largely due to Lady Meng correcting his compositions."

...