Chapter 974 Warning

Chapter 974: Warning Chapter 974: Warning Editor: Atlas Studios Mu Yangling had never specially studied the history of the Qing Dynasty.

But because it wasn’t that far back in history, she still knew some general knowledge even if she hadn’t studied it in depth.

Kangxi Emperor was a brilliant emperor.

But at the same time, he was also very extravagant.

His extravagance was not reflected in his daily life, but in the few times he traveled to Jiangnan.

In order to receive the Emperor, the officials along the coast spent money like water.

Though Kangxi Emperor said that they had to save money, it was actually just lip service.

When the officials built gardens and gifted him with exotic flowers and plants, he accepted them all.

However, the officials’ salary was only rather limited.

Where did they get the money for all that?

It was either exploited from the commoners or borrowed from the national treasury.

In the end, the money still came from the commoners.

Though Yongzheng Emperor was so ruthless to his brothers, why did he still receive such a high appraisal in history books?

This was because what he had taken over from Kangxi was a mess.

It was a dynasty that looked prosperous on the surface but had decayed on the inside.

It was all thanks to him purging the corrupt officials and reforming the government that the Qing dynasty prospered.

It could be said that Yongzheng had supported the second half of the High Qing era1 in his 13 years of rule, while Kangxi had laid the foundation for the first half.

As for that wastrel Qianlong, all he had done was squander away the wealth and clean governance that his father had accumulated.

After all, the person he admired the most was the Kangxi Emperor and not his father.

It could be said that the Qianlong Emperor and Emperor Gaozong of Great Zhou were like brothers in distress.

Mu Yangling did not want his Little Treasure to grow up to be like Kangxi and Qianlong, spending money like water and squandering away wealth needlessly.

There were benefits to doing an inspection tour of the south, but those benefits were almost negligible compared to its harm.

Mu Yangling spread out the paper and noted down the Emperor’s carriages, the accompanying personnel (imperial guards, royal guards, and palace servants), the food and accommodation along the way, the carriages, the palaces or gardens built for the purpose of receiving the Emperor, and the rare treasures that the officials had to find to give as tribute… The five children opened their mouths wide when they saw the data.

Only the Second Prince, who didn’t know the magical effects of money, looked at his five brothers in a daze.

He didn’t know why they all gasped in shock.

The three little ones and Little Bear all looked at Little Treasure accusingly and said, “You’re so rich.” Little Treasure quickly waved his hand.

“I don’t have money now.” After a pause, he continued, “My Royal Father’s inner treasury doesn’t have so much money either.

Even if I have so much money after becoming the Emperor, I can’t bear to spend so much just to go out.” Mu Yangling put down his pen and said, “This is just a conservative estimate.

If the officials receiving the Emperor seek out exotic gifts, I’m afraid even 2,000,000 taels won’t be enough.

Do you know how the Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty spent when he toured the south?

During this period, enormous amounts of manpower and resources have been wasted.

Don’t mention an inspection tour, do you think the regional officials will dare to let you see beggars and starved refugees along the streets?

They’ll get rid of all that just to put on a show.

Little Treasure, I said that I wanted you to come out and see the outside world and broaden your horizons, but I didn’t mean for you to go on a tour of inspection like this.

Although it’s wrong for you to leave the palace this time, what you get to see is a real picture of how the commoners live.” Little Treasure was deep in thought.

“Don’t think about bringing your imperial entourage out with an order after becoming the Emperor.

That will not only harm the people, but also yourself.

If this goes into the history books, there will perhaps only be one line praising you for displaying the might of the country.

I’m afraid more people will scold you for being extravagant, when you’re actually very thrifty.

Don’t you think it’s unfair to you?” Little Treasure nodded fiercely.

“I’m so wronged.” Mu Yangling touched his head and said, “I don’t have any objections to your leaving the capital to broaden your horizons, but your suggestion obviously doesn’t work.

Let’s think about it slowly.

If not, note down the places you want to visit and only come out to play after you abdicate the throne to your son.” Little Treasure pouted and said, “This was Fourth Uncle’s idea, not mine.” Mu Yangling gritted her teeth.

‘So this is another one of Qi Haoran’s lousy ideas.’ When the Second Prince saw that they had finished speaking, he raised his small hand and asked, “Fourth Aunt, can we go out to look at the sea today?

I’ve never seen the sea in my life.” “I’ve never seen it either,” Little Treasure shouted.

Mu Yangling smiled.

“How old are you to be saying ‘in my life’?

Alright, let Little Bear bring you there.

However, you have to come back early in the afternoon.

Also, you’re not allowed to go into the sea.” The six children quickly agreed and ran out happily.

Mu Yangling took the bill on the table and went to settle the score with Qi Haoran, and also to tell him to stop giving the kids stupid ideas.

Mu Yangling spread the bill in front of him and said, “Look, according to the suggestion you provided, these are Little Treasure’s travel expenses after he ascends the throne.” Qi Haoran widened his eyes and shouted, “You’re distorting my meaning.

How can one trip cost so much?” “Then tell me, who among the previous Emperors spent a lot of money just to play or go on an inspection tour?” Qi Haoran widened his eyes.

Mu Yangling counted on her fingers.

“I haven’t read many books, so the only ones I know of are the First Emperor of Qin and Emperor Yang of Sui.

Oh, and Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

However, it’s said that he didn’t even finish his tour.

When he realized how huge the expenses were, his heart ached.

Not only did he return halfway, but he also killed a few corrupt officials who made use of this to embezzle money and rob from the commoners.

Aside from them, which other Emperors are there?” “There are many of them.

Several Emperors of the Tang Dynasty have gone on tours before.” “Oh, where did they go, and how much did it cost?” Qi Haoran frowned.

“I’m not a scholar from Hanlin.

How would I know where they went and how much they spent?

Anyway, the expenditure won’t be so big.

Otherwise, the courtiers would definitely have made a fuss.” “That’s definitely not a small sum.

Do you know how much it costs for our family of five to tour from the south to the north, all the while eating and living well?” Qi Haoran looked at Mu Yangling.

“200 taels of silver is enough.

But even if the Emperor is frugal when he travels, it’d still easily cost 200,000 taels.

If he were to get someone to build a temporary palace in advance and gather rare treasures like Emperor Yang of Sui, even 2,000,000 taels of silver would probably not be enough.

2,000,000.

Think about the silver…” Qi Haoran sat on the chair with a straight face for a while and said, “When Little Treasure comes back, I’ll tell him that he’s not allowed to use the imperial carriage.” “Don’t worry, there’s no need for you to say anything.

Who do you think I calculated these numbers for?

When that kid saw this sum, he wouldn’t leave the capital no matter what.

He’s a frugal one.” “That was also taught by you…” Qi Haoran muttered softly.

He felt that boys should never be short of money.

Of course, daughters had to be raised well, too.

Thinking of his daughter, Qi Haoran couldn’t help but look at Mu Yangling’s belly again.

He touched her abdomen and said, “Ah Ling, let Imperial Physician Wang take a look at you.

Tiger Head and the rest are already five years old.

We ought to have a daughter by now.” Seeing that he was digressing, Mu Yangling’s expression darkened.

However, she also wanted to give birth to a beautiful and obedient daughter.

Seeing that she was deep in thought, Qi Haoran immediately hugged her and begged, “Why don’t I find a few more doctors to take a look at you?

Imperial Physician Wang is only one person, so it’s possible that he might miss out on something.” Mu Yangling pinched his waist and said, “We’re talking about serious matters.” “Is there anything more serious than this?

If you don’t object, I’ll take it that you agree.” “Why am I the only one seeing the doctor?

The problem could lie with you, too.” “How is that possible?” Qi Haoran said confidently, “There’s definitely no problem with me.” Mu Yangling snorted.

“Well, if you refuse to see the doctor, I won’t either.” Qi Haoran quickly coaxed her.

“Alright, alright.

I’ll accompany you.

Why are you so afraid of doctors when you’re a grown adult…” the golden age of the Qing dynasty

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