Nine, calculation
"I can't believe you..." Qing Tong took a deep breath, managing to refrain from cursing. There was a clear hint of mockery in Xiao Se's eyes, making Qing Tong realize one thing—he was toying with me! Qing Tong had no choice but to take several deep breaths to calm his emotions and said, "Regardless of the circumstances, you have wasted three hundred thousand taels of silver, which has resulted in the inability to repair the border city. Yuan Xiu was able to obtain millions in Yizhou; you... you need to find a way to come up with the money to compensate me!"
Xiao Se slowly looked at Qing Tong, a hint of a smile curling at the corners of his mouth, and said: "It's quite simple, if there is no money, just increase the tax."
Supporting the intestines with three thousand volumes, I wish to assist you in your national strategies
Qing Tong jumped up angrily, pointing at him and shouting: "Alright, if you have the ability, just keep your mouth shut. I do not rely on you; I will find a way myself. Tomorrow morning, I will issue the travel documents for Xi Zhan. I hope the trouble you caused is not too difficult to handle. Xiao Se, I do not care what tricks you play on me, or if you are truly confused for a moment; in any case, be more careful next time." After saying this, she grabbed the account book and left with a flick of her sleeve.
Qing Tong paused for a moment before saying: "Deficits are inevitable in every dynasty and era. We have just experienced great military disasters, which is also to be expected. First, let us resolve the difficulties at hand; with a little effort in adjusting other matters, we will ultimately see results."
Xiao Se smiled faintly and said, "If we are to discuss increasing the national treasury, I believe the best method is this. It has been adopted by many dynasties throughout history. If Your Majesty has any other insights, I am all ears."
Xiao Se seemed not to notice the expression on Qing Tong's face and asked, "When shall we strike?"
The money that should be spent must naturally be spent; how can this be compared to your throwing away those three hundred thousand in rations? If others make a mistake due to carelessness, that can be excused, but you are meticulous. If there is no ulterior motive, then it is sheer arrogance. Qing Tong was exasperated, saying, "Now everything is in disarray, and I am diligent every day, fearing any oversight. If you truly made a mistake, it should not be at this critical moment. I am not genuinely angry with you; I am simply anxious. This money is quite awkward; three hundred thousand is indeed not a lot, but it is not insignificant either. I cannot explain myself without making a statement. However, to fall out with the people of Xi Zhan over a mere three hundred thousand is absolutely impossible. This is a situation where one cannot advance or retreat; if mishandled, it could lead to even greater trouble..."
Qing Tong let out a slight sigh, "This cannot be accomplished overnight. Only the ancient Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors could possibly achieve a complete return of taxes to the public. This matter involves too many factors and can only be deliberated over the long term. I ask you, since you are well aware that the country is in need of funds, why do you waste three hundred thousand taels of silver so recklessly?"
"Alright, alright, Your Majesty, please do not nag," Xiao Se interrupted her with a smile, "I have been tired these past few days, and hearing nagging makes my head ache." Seeing Qing Tong close her mouth, her complexion pale a few shades more, Xiao Se gently smiled, picked up the account book, and continued, "I have only mentioned the income; now let us look at the expenditures. The Ministry of Works reported 18.5 million taels, exceeding the initial budget by 3.5 million taels; the Ministry of Personnel reported 14 million taels, primarily for the selection of officials at all levels and the placement and compensation of officials from the previous dynasty; the Ministry of Rites also submitted a request for 8 million taels, claiming it was for promoting moral education, establishing schools, as well as expenses for the Emperor's enthronement ceremony and the mourning of the late Emperor, which contains a lot of inflated figures... However, the Ministry of Rites is a poor department, and they only managed to take a little advantage of the national ceremony's chaos; this is not a common occurrence and can be disregarded... The largest portion is military expenses, which will require... Additionally, there are the honors and support for various noble families and meritorious officials, totaling this year..."
A slight adjustment... Xiao Se's lips curled into a hint of sarcasm, "Alright, let's first address the immediate difficulties; this is simple." Xiao Se clapped his hands, "There is a shortfall of 9 million, but the taxes that have not been collected amount to several tens of millions. As long as we ensure that all taxes submitted by the people are directed into the national treasury, we will naturally overcome this crisis."
Money..." Xiao Se interrupted her with a smile, "Speaking of money, since Your Majesty is here, we should discuss the accounts to be reported to the court tomorrow today. " He picked up the account book that Sun Jia had just thrown down and began to read, "In the six months following the pacification of the internal strife, the thirteen provinces in the south received a total tax of 48,870,000... Oh, it states here that it is 7,052 taels... 48 million. " In the six months following the pacification of the internal strife, the thirteen provinces in the south received a total tax of 48,870,000... Oh, it states here that it is 7,052 taels... 48 million... During the reign of the late emperor, this was 30% more than now; the year before the Yang Ning Rebellion, the half-year tax from the southern thirteen provinces was also around 80 million. " Xiao Se raised his head and said, "As far as I know, 80 million is still less than half of the actual tax revenue. This profit is indeed affected by the war, but more so it is due to the layers of regulations that have siphoned it off. The actual tax revenue should only reach 40%. Given this situation, in a few years, if even one-tenth of the tax flows into the national treasury, it would be a great fortune."
Qing Tong gradually fell into a trance, constantly remembering the dire financial situation of Dayuan, how could she not be aware? She could no longer listen to the series of numbers that followed.
You!" Qing Tong was furious, "If you can only come up with such ideas, then just shut your mouth. What I want are serious suggestions." Xiao Se immediately fell silent, and Qing Tong angrily said, "Speak up!"
Xiao Se threw the account book back onto the table and said: "A total of 57,820,000 taels, and even if not a single coin is spent next year, there will still be a deficit of nearly 9,000,000 taels. Not to mention that Your Majesty is still considering rebuilding the city, providing relief, and increasing military expenses; it is uncertain whether the basic expenditures can even be disbursed."
In the desolate rivers and lakes, I drift past the Hu head, with my belongings in a small boat.
Xiao Se!" Qing Tong's face turned pale with anger, yet Xiao Se continued to smile at her. She barely suppressed her anger and asked, "Is there... any other way?"
It is not that I necessarily want him to pay, but if I let him off the hook like this, Qing Tong will definitely be too angry to sleep tonight
He also began to nag, and Qing Tong felt a splitting headache. She quickly raised her hand to stop him, "Alright, Xiao Se, let's not mention this matter anymore. Are you thinking of ways to increase the national treasury? If you can resolve my pressing concerns, I naturally will not hold your minor faults against you"
If Your Majesty is unwilling to impose additional taxes, you may also consider allowing wealthy individuals to purchase official positions. Currently, nearly half of the positions are vacant, which presents a significant opportunity for profit
Qing Tong angrily said: "You are the prime minister of a nation; it is your responsibility to manage corrupt officials. Do not divert the topic; I am talking to you about the matter of the 300,000 grain rations."
The grave concern should be considered over a long period; my minor transgressions could provoke the Emperor's great anger. Even if I were to make a misjudgment, it would be a trivial matter, as I have not pocketed any of it for myself. Even if Your Majesty were to hold me accountable for the waste and corruption resulting from my mistakes, dismissing and interrogating each individual according to the severity of the amounts involved, it is likely that I would not be called to account until next year.
Xiao Se pointed to his own mouth, smiling and shaking his head, indicating that you want me to be quiet
Xiao, I am asking you a serious question!
Xiao Se gazed in the direction she departed, the corners of his mouth slowly curving upward—what's there to be angry about? ... The King of Zhenye has begun to lose control over his subordinates ...? ... This piece of news is worth three hundred thousand taels, isn't that a bargain?
Ultimately, isn't it all about money? Your Majesty still has the mind to think of this small amount of money of mine, so let me first discuss the larger accounts with you. This year's tax revenue looks promising, but this half of the year is the autumn harvest, and it is from the thirteen prosperous provinces in the south; the second half of the year will not yield as much. Moreover, the other thirteen provinces not only do not generate revenue but are also awaiting relief. The military expenses in Guanzhong need to be increased, the displaced people in Yunzhong need to be resettled, and the seeds for next spring have not yet been prepared. In short, it is a matter of needing money everywhere, and each item requires more than the several hundred thousand you have given me.
Xiao Se said: "Your Majesty, you are mistaken. I merely threw away a trifling 300,000 in the clouds, yet you chased me to the Ministry of Revenue to grab my collar and question me. What about this deficit of tens of millions? You do not care about that?"
Qing Tong has been looking at these numbers these days, does she still need him to say anything? She irritably looked at Xiao Se, "I am talking to you about the matters of the border town, why are you bringing this up? First clarify your own issues before meddling in others' affairs"