harleyscars Chapter 1333: The Emperor Is Expecting 48
Chapter 1333: The Emperor Is Expecting 48
Originally, Su Yan spent around two hours a day reviewing the reports, and then she was done.
But now, day after day, she was immersed in piles of reports.
After the morning court session, she would read more reports.
It seemed she couldn’t get away from them.
She blinked her eyes.
Looking at Situ Xiu, who had a cheerful expression.
She silently lowered her head and continued to seriously read her reports.
Day after day, she was immersed in the Imperial Study Room with Situ Xiu.
Occasionally, Su Yan would ask a couple of questions about one of the reports.
Situ Xiu, sitting beside her and sipping tea, would answer a couple of them.
Su Yan was extremely busy, going through one report after another.
Situ Xiu, however, seemed quite leisurely.
He drank cup after cup of Da Hong Pao.
Time passed, and it was already a month later.
In the court hall.
Situ Xiu still sat closest to Su Yan.
His posture was lazy and he seemed indifferent.
More than half the people in the court hall had changed.
Duke Ning had yet to be released.
He remained locked up in the dungeon.
It was said that he was now left with half a life.
Staying any longer, it seemed he might not have long to live.
In the court hall, there was no one left to plead for him.
People even avoided him, afraid of being implicated.
The reports submitted transitioned from pleading for mercy to strict punishment.
Qing Wan continued to shout as before,
"State your business if you have any, otherwise retire."
Then, everyone in the court hall began to speak.
An official stepped forward and knelt on the ground,
"Your Majesty, there has been heavy rain in the Southern Region for an entire month, destroying all the crops, collapsing houses, and the relief silver has been completely spent. Please make a decision, Your Majesty."
Hearing this sudden issue, Su Yan looked at Situ Xiu.
She found Situ Xiu hadn’t uttered a word, his head lowered, deep in thought.
Su Yan took out that particular report.
She had read it.
And had seen Situ Xiu’s solution.
Tax reduction, opening warehouses, distributing silver.
In fact, such a major issue wouldn’t have appeared on the court agenda a month ago.
Because they were all reported to Situ Xiu in the Prince Mansion.
Now it was brought to light.
Indicating that he intended for her to handle the matter?
Su Yan held that report in her hand and after a while, she spoke up,
"How much longer is the rain expected to last?"
"According to the State Preceptor’s divination, another half month."
After listening, Su Yan earnestly said,
"No need for the Southern Region’s tax submission for this year.
Distribute silver again according to the previous amount sent."
After she spoke, she paused.
Then she continued,
"Assistant Minister of Rites."
"I am here."
An official knelt on the ground.
"I appoint you as Imperial Commissioner, to transport the official silver, not distribute to the people, but use for building houses and providing sustenance."
"I obey, Your Majesty."
After speaking, Su Yan added,
"Assistant Minister of War."
"I am here."
"Lead three thousand Imperial Army stationed outside the Capital to support.
If I find out that the Assistant Minister of Rites has not properly calmed the people, your head shall remain in the south."
The Assistant Minister of War hurriedly accepted the decree,
"Yes."
Appointing the Assistant Minister of Rites to handle things, but if done poorly, it would cost his head.
Given three thousand Imperial Army to accompany him.
What does this mean?
Supervision.
The imperial envoy has the authority to act before reporting.
Having him lead three thousand Imperial Guard for oversight.
This gesture, indeed grand.
Marching out of the city in grandeur, it’s estimated that everyone in Beijing City knows he is going to save the people from disaster.
If it’s not handled properly.
Let alone the Empress.
Even the citizens of the entire city could drown him with a single word.
Receiving such a command for disaster relief, it’s the first time.
For in the past, they only dispatched people to deliver supplies.
Handed over to local magistrates for distribution.
But due to the long journey, after layers of exploitation, if half the silver remained for the people, it was good news.
With this new approach, which official would dare to be corrupt now?