Chapter 90
In less than a week, the Bank of Jing Country received almost five million taels.
These days, Xiao Yunzhou stayed up until the late hours of the night, holding daily discussions with the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Cabinet.
"For those with a two-year term, prioritize them for the military expenses of this year and the next."
"For those with a three-month term, allocate some for duck farming and pigpen improvements."
Xiao Yunzhou calculated meticulously, then looked at the Ministry of Revenue's project list, feeling overwhelmingly headache.
The majority of the people deposited their money in accounts that could be withdrawn at any time.
So did the wealthy businessmen.
"Your Majesty, the military expenses required by the New Year... Could we temporarily use short-term deposits to cover them? The long-term state bonds are a bit insufficient."
Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue spread his hands, still indicating a shortfall.
Xiao Yunzhou frowned, then quickly sighed and waved his hand, "You should think of other ways. I have already taken ninety-nine steps forward and thought of methods for you and the Ministry of Revenue."
"Do you still need me to take the last step?"
Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue: "......"
He had no words to say, only blushing and bowing his head.
"I have been urging the Ministry of Revenue, every day, to think of a profitable project."
"But there's none that can be used." Xiao Yunzhou rolled his eyes.
Jiang Li cleared his throat lightly, "Please give me a little more time, Your Majesty. After the recent rush with the Bank, everyone will have leisure time and can think about how to make money with money."
Xiao Yunzhou reluctantly nodded.
At this moment, he missed his fairy-like daughter more than ever.
But his daughter's fairy power must not be easy to cultivate.
He, as the emperor, could not shamelessly rely on his daughter all the time.
If this continues, what will happen to Jing Country if one day his daughter ascends to immortality?
Can the future generations of Jing Country's rulers and ministers hold on and not let the country perish?
Looking at the Ministry of Revenue and Imperial Cabinet ministers standing in the study, Xiao Yunzhou couldn't help but prod them, "Everyone think, think, whoever comes up with a profitable project first."
"If it exceeds one million taels, I'll promote him."
"If it exceeds five million taels, I'll give him a death-free gold medallion!"
"!"
All of the ministers in the study were shocked.
The death-free gold medallion, was the highest honor for a minister.
Since the establishment of the Jing Country, not many of these have been issued.
Only a few founding ministers have them.
Xiao Yunzhou waved his hand, "While the founding of the country is certainly meritorious, those who help in times of crisis and rescue Jing Country's national strength are naturally also great ministers."
"Alright, you guys think about it, whenever you have an idea, submit a memorandum."
Just as he finished speaking, Wei Zheng, standing outside the study, announced.
"Your Majesty, Concubine Liu requests an audience, saying that she has important matters. If you do not have time to see her, she has written an article and asks you to look at it when you are free."
"?"
The ministers in the study were all shocked when they heard this and turned their heads to look outside.
Huh?
The emperor just asked them to come up with ideas and write memorandums, but the concubine from the harem has written one before the ministers?
No way, it must be a love poem.
The ministers quickly regained their composure, uninterestedly turning their gaze back.
"What kind of article?" Xiao Yunzhou was curious.
This was the first time he had heard that a concubine would visit him not to deliver soup or dessert, but an article.
"Did Cheng Qian write it?"
"No, Concubine Liu wrote it herself."
"!"
Xiao Yunzhou widened his eyes, then realized that he was a bit out of line.
With a light cough, he addressed Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue and the members of the Imperial Cabinet, "You all may proceed to the side hall for some tea. I will discuss the matter of silver with you shortly."
Soon, Wei Zheng led Concubine Liu into the study, just as they crossed paths with the ministers.
After exchanging greetings with a few ministers, Concubine Liu wasted no time after meeting the emperor.
"Your Majesty, this morning I saw Consort Li in the Empress Dowager's place, trading her usual grand attire for an ordinary silk skirt."
"I then thought of an excellent way for the palace to be self-sufficient."
What?
This statement, not only stunned Xiao Yunzhou, but even Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue who was initially heading towards the side hall paused in his tracks.
The palace being self-sufficient?
A way to make money?
Jiang Li was rooted to the spot.
The expenses of the palace have always been high.
Although the cost of precious commodities like swiftlet nests and ginseng have been regulated, there are still expenses like silver charcoal used in winter, various meats, and rare fresh vegetables... all these expenditures by the Internal Affairs Department are substantial.
Not to mention the hundreds of palace maids and eunuchs in the palace...
Jiang Li halted his steps, all ears.
Sure enough, he heard Concubine Liu explaining her idea clearly, "Your Majesty, I was thinking, instead of letting the unused clothes and accessories of the palace ladies accumulate dust and eventually be destroyed by pests, why not collect them and organize a New Year's charity sale in the palace?"
"!"
Concubine Liu's words left Jiang Li and Xiao Yunzhou dumbstruck.
It made sense.
They were just laying around anyway.
Even the smallest mosquito leg is meat after all.
But Xiao Yunzhou felt a bit awkward, he glanced at Concubine Liu's not-so-new lake-colored palace dress, "This... Concubine Liu, some of the palace ladies are not that wealthy. If their jewelry is sold and the money goes to the Ministry of Revenue, won't the ministry feel guilty?"
Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue: "......"
Concubine Liu laughed, "Your Majesty, I've considered that. We can't let everyone suffer losses."
"We can arrange the charity sale in a way that allows merchants and common people to bid. The one who offers the highest price gets the item."
The eyes of Xiao Yunzhou and Jiang Li lit up immediately.
"Tell us more!"
Concubine Liu nodded, "For instance, when I first entered the palace, I received a pair of jade earrings. Wearing them feels heavy and uncomfortable."
"I hardly use these earrings, so I'm willing to offer them for sale."
"I estimate that they can be sold for roughly three taels of silver."
"If a wealthy merchant is willing to pay more than three taels."
"Then, wouldn't I earn three taels? And the extra can contribute to our treasury, right?"
Xiao Yunzhou was delighted to hear this.
The palace ladies themselves set a base price and also receive a sum of money to supplement their own needs. They would be willing and also gain something.
And if the charity sale obtains more than the base price, it can be used for the daily needs of the national treasury.
In this way, both the palace and the national treasury stand to gain.
"This is an excellent plan!" Xiao Yunzhou was pleased.
However, Concubine Liu looked worried, "But this was just a casual thought when I saw Consort Li today. It's uncertain whether the charity sale will attract wealthy merchants and common people willing to pay a high price for our jewelry and tea cups."
What's uncertain about that?
Jiang Li, who was eavesdropping outside, was so anxious that he stomped his foot!
Surely there are those eccentric, or rather, those filthy rich individuals who would be willing to purchase items from the royal palace!
Gifts made for the palace aren't something one can easily purchase with money on an ordinary day!
The exquisitely crafted items within the palace are things that the average person may never have seen.
The Ministry of Revenue could even collect admission and bidding fees for the charity auction!
As Jiang Li thought more about it, he became more excited. He could already imagine the lively scene where everyone would be bidding competitively for a small item belonging to the Empress Dowager, the Empress or a concubine.
Any item used by nobility within the palace could serve as a family heirloom. Wouldn't the wealthy gentry be interested?!
The highest bidder wins, surely willing to pay three to five times the price!
If items belonging to the Emperor were included in the auction, then...
Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue, with his eyes as fierce as a wolf or a tiger, couldn't help but look towards the study room.
He didn't care that the Emperor had just told him to leave, he quickly knelt outside the study room.
"Your Majesty, Concubine Liu has a great idea!"
"The Ministry of Revenue is willing to take full responsibility for this palace auction!"
"Your Majesty, could you also contribute something, like a snuff bottle you've used, or your chamber pot..."
"...???"
What?
The smile on Xiao Yunzhou's face froze.
【Hahaha, the Ministry of Revenue really wants to make a fortune.】
Xiao Chuchu, who had been taken by Wei Zheng to the doorway earlier, couldn't help but wrinkle her little face with laughter.
【Oh, by the way, the Prime Minister and the top scorer of the Imperial Examination have some nice things too. Who wouldn't want a child who excels in studies?】
【The top scorer's used ink brush, used bowl... infused with the luck of the God of Literature and Learning, what if their own child also scores high?】
"......!"
Xiao Yunzhou widened his eyes!
Why hadn't he thought of this before?
What's the use of just parading the top scorer around the city!
Xiao Yunzhou promptly nodded, "Ahem, let's forget about my chamber pot, the common people might think I'm debasing them. In that case... for the first batch, let Jiang Li, you start by selling your old items."
Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue: "...???"
What, what?
"Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, six books of the Imperial Cabinet, top scorer, second scorer, and third-place winner in the Imperial Examination, all should bring their old items to sell together."
Jiang Li from the Ministry of Revenue: "......"
Members of the Imperial Cabinet: "......???"