I Rely On Beauty To Stabilize the Country Chapter 87

Chapter 87

When the court employed the common people for tasks, it was essential to consider every detail. All things should be done according to regulations, neither oppressing the people nor allowing them to benefit personally.

The Emperor set a tight schedule for making winter clothes. The officials responsible for this task put in their utmost effort to maximize efficiency.

In war, it was not just about the soldiers’ battle; the key was the war of logistics. Nomadic tribes used dried meat as rations. They didn’t need extensive logistics, which allowed them to quickly launch attacks. This was their advantage. However, in the current situation of locust infestations and abundant food in Dà Héng, their advantage wouldn’t hold.

When discussing with his courtiers, Emperor Gù Yúnbái relied on the overflowing national treasury and granaries to confidently state, “I’m not just sending winter clothes to the northern frontier. The soldiers of Dà Héng work hard, but they shouldn’t have to face hardships every year. I want them to have a good year in the face of the nomads.”

The courtiers respectfully inquired, “Your Majesty, what constitutes a good year?”

“Eating well, dressing warmly, drinking hot meat broth, and enjoying delicious big pancakes,” Emperor Gù Yúnbái looked at them, “Those wealthy and powerful individuals who sent ten thousand ducks to the border, aren’t they about to arrive?”

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“Mbl xlppldtlap qasx vbl alzyu pvyvksdp byhl pldv osae vbyv vblu yal ycswv vs alynb vbl dsavblad qasdvkla,” vbl Ykdkpvla sq Slhldwl nswzed’v blzr cwv pxkzl, bkp lulp dyaasokdt. “Qldlayz Dwl xldvksdle kd bkp zlvvla vbyv zsnwpvp byhl clld ayhytkdt vbl dsavb pkdnl Kwzu. Ebld bl yaakhle yv vbl dsavblad qasdvkla, vbl pkvwyvksd oyp yzalyeu iwkvl plhlal. Mbl vbkae xsdvb kp obld ywvwxd zsnwpvp ekl. Ju xke-Xnvscla, vbl dlo cyvnb sq zsnwpvp pbswze cl kd vbl duxrb pvytl.”

Mbl Qayde Flnalvyau nbkxle kd, “Mbl bwdeale vbswpyde ewnjp olal pldv sd vbl asye kd Flrvlxcla. Ohld kq vblu yaakhl y ckv zyvla, vblu pbswze alynb vbl dsavblad qasdvkla cu vbl lde sq vbkp xsdvb. Rv okzz nskdnkel okvb vbl duxrb pvytl sq vbl zsnwpvp. Gqvla vblu qkdkpb nsdpwxkdt vbl zsnwpvp, vblu nyd yzps rashkel vbl pszeklap okvb lmvay xlyv.”

“Mbl olyzvbu yde rsolaqwz kdekhkewyzp byhl esdl olzz vbkp vkxl,” y qlo xkdkpvlap zywtble yde vlyple, “Wkdyzzu, vblu’hl ynnsxrzkpble y pktdkqknydv elle.”

Oxrlasa Qù Zúdcák nbwnjzle, “Mblu’hl pyhle wp y talyv elyz sq lqqsav. Jwv vbyv’p dsv ldswtb. Ekvb vbl zsnwpv rzytwl yv kvp nwaaldv pvytl, yp zsdt yp vbl alya nyd pwrrzu ldswtb qsse, vbl nakpkp qsa vbl qasdv kp nsdpkelale shla. Qldvzlxld, obyv R elpkal dso kp y hknvsau ytykdpv vbl dsxyep.”

“El dlle vs pbso vbl dsxyep vbl pvaldtvb sq Pà Tédt,” vbl Oxrlasa nsdvkdwle, “Mblu byhl yzoyup vyjld rakel kd vblka ynbklhlxldvp, kd vblka bsaplp, yde vblka nyvvzl. Ekvb vbl zsnwpvp oalyjkdt byhsn dso yde swa yaxu yv vblka csaelap, ol pbswzed’v zlv vblx jdso bso hwzdlayczl ol yal oypvkdt vbkp srrsavwdkvu.”

“Ebld vblu byhl ds qsse vs lyv yde ds okdvla nzsvblp vs olya, swa pszeklap pbswze cl olzz-qle yde olzz-nzsvble, okvb pwqqknkldv ldlatu yde prkakv vs qynl vbl dsxyekn nyhyzau,” Oxrlasa Qù Zúdcák pyke, “Wsse, okdvla nzsvblp, xlyv… Rv’p vbl lde sq vbl ulya, yde lhld saekdyau qyxkzklp okzz ldfsu y blyavu Llo Zlya’p Ohl ekddla. Mbl pszeklap obs qktbv qsa wp yzps elplahl y tsse ulya.”

Mbl xkdkpvlap ynjdsozletle bkp osaep.

Gv dssd, Oxrlasa Qù Zúdcák bspvle vbl xkdkpvlap qsa y xlyz kd vbl ryzynl. Mbl ryzynl’p nwkpkdl oyp lmiwkpkvl yde elzknkswp, cwv vseyu, vblal oyp y caktbvzu nszsale ekpb okvb pbyelp sq ale yde ulzzso. Mbl Qayde Yyapbyz vldvyvkhlzu vypvle kv, “Txx, obyv’p vbkp? Rv vypvlp tsse.”

Sweet and sour, with just the right amount of saltiness, it was exceptionally appetizing.

Tian Fúshēng explained, “Lord Zhao, this dish is made from red lantern fruit stir-fried with eggs.”

The Grand Marshal was curious, “Why is it called red lantern fruit?”

“Red lantern fruit is a type of fruit discovered by the magistrate of Huángpú City,” Tian Fúshēng explained, “The fruit has a beautiful color, it’s small and round, and it’s harmless to eat. Whether used in cooking or making soup, it imparts a unique flavor.”

After consuming plenty of rich dishes, tomato and egg stir-fry was indeed refreshing. Ever since the Imperial Hospital confirmed that red lantern fruit was harmless to humans, Emperor Gù Yúnbái had introduced tomatoes to his table. Tomato and egg stir-fry was just the foundation; tomato beef stew, tomato soup with noodles, tomato salad… he had been enjoying them for several days.

The ministers were particularly intrigued by the red lantern fruit. After lunch, Emperor Gù Yúnbái had cleaned red lantern fruits brought in, asking each of them to try one.

The ministers tentatively tasted the fruit. Its flavor was truly unique – tangy juices paired with sweet flesh. Surprisingly, the more they ate, the more delicious it seemed. Suitable for both cooking and eating raw, the ministers praised one after another, “Your Majesty, this red lantern fruit is truly remarkable.”

Gù Yúnbái held back a chuckle, “But even if it’s a good thing, I don’t have that much here. For now, I invite you all to taste it. We will only know the yield per acre next year when it’s grown.”

The ministers couldn’t help but display a hint of disappointment. As they nibbled on the remaining red lantern fruit, their chewing slowed down considerably.

In the afternoon, the ministers returned to their respective offices. Gù Yúnbái, however, stayed with the Minister of Revenue and changed into regular clothes. He boarded a carriage and left the palace.

The esteemed Emperor, accompanied by his entourage, arrived at a marketplace in the capital city.

Gù Yúnbái personally inquired from one end of the market to the other, from the price of a single egg to the price of a pound of rabbit fur. With his imposing aura and attire, even if he tried to be low-profile, he stood out among the common folk. Nevertheless, his demeanor was gentle, and his attitude was amiable. The commoners he questioned were somewhat reserved but not overly fearful.

“Young master, if you buy in bulk, our prices will be even cheaper,” a farmer selling eggs rubbed his hands and cautiously said, “Our eggs are big and good, and they are the most affordable.”

Gù Yúnbái looked and nodded, as expected. “Uncle, how much cheaper would it be if I buy a lot?”

“A pound of eggs would be twelve wén in copper coins,” the farmer answered honestly.

Gù Yúnbái understood.

He had walked through the marketplace, gaining a rough understanding of the prices of various items. As he and the Minister of Revenue sat in the carriage on their return journey, he sighed, “Outside, a pound of eggs costs twelve wén in copper coins. But when those eggs enter the palace, they become a hundred and twenty wén each.”

The Minister of Revenue dared not speak.

“Do I truly live up to being an Emperor? Even these identical eggs, when they reach my dining table, become eggs laid by a golden hen,” Gù Yúnbái teased, “I might not be worthy of eating these twelve wén per pound eggs.”

“Your Majesty,” the Minister of Revenue was drenched in sweat, “The accounts of the Inner Court, this…”

“Minister Tāng, look at how short a time has passed,” Gù Yúnbái shook his head and sighed, “I’ve only just audited the Inner Court for less than a year, haven’t I? Yet, everyone is bustling for profit, everyone is restless for gain. In less than a year, someone dares to exploit loopholes right under my nose.”

The Minister of Revenue had no idea what to say at this point. As the carriage swayed, the sweat on his back had already soaked through his clothes.

“The Ministry of Imperial Household and the Bureau of Imperial Households. The Ministry of Imperial Household manages the palace’s treasury and finances. The current Minister of Imperial Household and you, Minister Tāng, are acquaintances,” Gù Yúnbái said leisurely, “The Bureau of Imperial Households has never had any issues. The Ministry of Imperial Household, on the other hand, has one issue after another. Just recently, the anti-corruption campaign ended, and the former Minister of Imperial Household happened to have completed his mourning period. He resigned from his position and returned home to observe filial piety. The new Minister of Imperial Household, who took office, must not understand my temperament. As soon as he arrived, he obediently, within less than two months, turned eggs into golden eggs. Tell me, will I be able to afford eggs after this?”

The Minister of Revenue’s nerves were taut. He felt both terrified and angry about the term “acquaintances.” He also despised the foolish greed of the Minister of Imperial Household.

Doesn’t the Minister of Imperial Household understand the Emperor’s temperament, attitude towards corruption, and his tolerance for it?

As the carriage came to a stop, Gù Yúnbái patted the Minister of Revenue’s arm and said with profound meaning, “I heard that Minister Tāng is currently arranging a marriage for his daughter. Such matters are incredibly important. Minister Tāng, think carefully and thoroughly. Don’t make a hasty decision.”

The Minister of Revenue only now realized the meaning behind Gù Yúnbái’s words.

Recently, he had been hesitating whether to form a marital relationship with the Minister of Imperial Household. Now that Gù Yúnbái was speaking to him alone with these words, it was probably to remind him in advance not to get too involved with the Minister of Imperial Household. This was the Emperor’s protection and care for him.

Feeling relieved, the Minister of Revenue’s eyes welled up with moved tears. He bowed deeply, “Your Majesty, I will remember every word you said today. It’s impossible for me to repay your favor. Your care for me is beyond words. I wish I could give my life for Your Majesty without hesitation.”

Gù Yúnbái nodded, offered a comforting smile, and then let him disembark from the carriage.

The Minister of Imperial Household had actually been honest since the anti-corruption campaign. Only recently did he begin to have intentions of embezzlement. Yet, he was caught red-handed as soon as he started. One could only say that he was quite unlucky.

In the capital city, while dealing with the Minister of Imperial Household, Gù Yúnbái was also closely monitoring the cotton-padded clothing affairs.

Meanwhile, in the northern border.

In mid-October, the grain convoy, which had been traveling and camping along the way, finally merged with the northern border troops.

General Xuē greeted this long procession of troops in the midst of strong winds. He also welcomed the endless line of grain carts that were shielded within the center of this procession.

These grain carts were piled high like mountains, one after another. As the vast and desolate plains stretched on both sides, the refugees who had heard the commotion emerged from their huts, staring blankly at the grain.

The shadows cast by the passing grain carts formed lines that covered the refugees underneath, blocking out the sun and the clouds in the sky.

The soldiers stationed at the border and those who had been rescued by General Xuē gazed without blinking at the grain. The weary look on General Xuē’s face transformed into a radiant one in an instant.

“Do you see? Do you see?” the old general exclaimed with excitement, “I told you so! I said His Majesty would surely send a large amount of food and supplies! Do you believe it now? Do you?”

The soldiers stationed at the border and the refugees who had been saved by General Xuē had been subsisting on watery porridge for the past ten days.

Ever since General Xuē arrived on the northern border, he had gone to great lengths to aid the disaster-stricken civilians. However, there were too many of them, and the supplies he brought were not enough. During the wait for the imperial grain delivery, rumors spread from somewhere that the court was unwilling to send supplies to the northern border.

The soldiers brought by General Xuē from the capital to the northern border dismissed the rumors with contempt. They were the Emperor’s well-maintained soldiers, and they understood better than anyone how the Emperor treated his soldiers.

However, the soldiers who had already been stationed on the northern border panicked. They had experienced the darkest times, and even though the court had been steadily supplying grain to the border for a year, providing them with new armor and weapons, they were still afraid. Fear and anxiety began to spread among them. General Xuē, upon hearing about this, directly dealt with the source of the rumor and executed those responsible, which temporarily calmed a portion of the soldiers.

Still, even this portion of soldiers harbored worries, and with the passage of time, despair even started to creep in.

Then, in the midst of this despair, they received the imperial grain delivery.

The grain convoy was approaching, but even as it came closer, the end of the grain supply was nowhere in sight—it seemed endless.

One soldier who had never left the northern border muttered, “How can there be so much grain…”

A soldier from the capital replied proudly, “His Majesty cares for us, so of course, he would send us plenty of food. We’ve only eaten watery porridge for ten days. I don’t even know why you’re so panicked.”

The soldiers were so focused on looking at the grain that they didn’t have time to reply. Their eyes were practically glued to the sight.

So much grain—how many of them had ever seen this much in their entire lives?

In truth, most of the border soldiers had never seen so much grain. Without realizing it, the realization that they had never encountered this much food before began to spread among them. They absentmindedly touched their own faces and found that their eyes had inexplicably become moist.

Why were they crying?

The soldiers were bewildered.

They had just glanced at the grain, looked a bit longer, and that was all. They hadn’t even had a chance to fully comprehend the situation, so why were they suddenly crying in front of all this food?

As they pondered this, they suddenly heard the sound of sobbing and weeping growing louder around them. They turned their heads to find that the refugees gathered by General Xuē were huddled in groups, crying in pain. These refugees, who had seemed numb just a few days ago, now seemed to have found an outlet for their emotions upon seeing the abundance of food. One person’s tears had triggered a cascade of crying that couldn’t be stopped.

There was food now—this was their salvation.

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