Back Off, Let Me Come - #925 - Chapter 924: 924: Five Years of Yuanhuang (Part 4) [Please vote]

Chapter 924 Chapter 924: Yuanhuang’s fifth year (Part 2) [Asking for monthly votes]

Shen Tang tasted it carefully.

“Tianshu Guard, Tianxuan Guard, Tianji Guard, Tianquan Guard, Yuheng Guard, Kaiyang Guard, Yaoguang Guard…the names are quite nice.” She raised her hand and took out a list, which read There are a group of generals under the account, followed by their respective strength, military achievements, prestige, and military luck… Shen Tang then made these data into a simple data chart, which is clear and clear.

 She looked at the list and thought for a long time.

Chu Yao always sat quietly on one side and waited.

Until Shen Tang put down the list: “We have tentatively decided to make Chu Jie the general of the Tianshu Guard, Gong Shuwu the general of the Tianxuan Guard, Wei Shou the general of the Tianji Guard, and the Tianquan Guard is handed over to Bai Su and Yu Heng. The guard is handed over to Zhao Feng, the Kaiyang guard is given to Yun Ce and Xian Yujian, and the last Yaoguang guard is given to Xun Ding. Each guard general has two deputies, let them recommend themselves…”

 These are all after careful consideration by her.

Yun Ce and Xian Yujian have too little foundation. They are just generals from the bottom, and they have no private armies themselves.

 If the issue of their sect is not considered, the two of them can be trained as confidants. However, because of the unclear relationship between the sect and the Society of Gods, Shen Tang was cautious and could not let them command a guard separately, but she could not let the two of them down because of this problem, especially Xian Yujian. – He has been ranked among the top three military generals in his own years, and he cannot treat him badly. After much deliberation, if they were placed in the same guard, they would have no objection to who was in charge.

Bai Su is currently the strongest and most experienced female martial artist besides herself, so she deserves to occupy one of the guards.

If there are no non-female battalions who can carry the banner, at least two of the seven guards must be reserved for female generals. However, Shen Tang is not in a hurry. She plans to place Lu Ji and others in other guards, and it will be logical for them to be promoted to higher positions in the future. Alas, let’s figure it out slowly.

Chu Yao asked: “Where is Xu Wenshi?”

 In terms of qualifications, Xu Wenshi is not low either.

Shen Tang waved his hand: “He is still too young.”

Of course, this is just an excuse.

 Xu Quan is young, but he is not the youngest among the military generals, and he has been in the army for a long time. He is also Xu Jie’s cousin—his hardware is not strong enough, but his comprehensive soft power is very strong. It was a bit surprising that he failed to earn a general.

 But Shen Tang also has his own considerations.

For the same reason, Xu Jie was close to Qin Li and the others, and their mutual interests were closer than those of other courtiers. Shen Tang trusts Qin Li and also believes that Xu Jie has kept his promise to her for so many years and protected He Yin so well. His character is trustworthy and both of them are sensible people. But Shen Tang couldn’t trust the people around them. These were all unstable factors.

 Xu Jie’s good character is equal to the good character of everyone in the Xu family?

Even if he is the head of the Xu family, Xu Jie cannot control every clan member to be of the same mind as him, let alone keep them absolutely calm and rational. Instead of testing them with benefits, it would be better to hone in on them. In Shen Tang’s imagination, Xu Quan was at most the second in command of the Seven Guards. At his current age, he can reach this position by taking advantage of his early investment.

 Or enter the governor’s office.

 She planned to set up another Si Lv Mansion in addition to the Qi Wei.

 It just so happens that the names of the four divine beasts can be used.

 Green Dragon, White Tiger, Suzaku, Xuanwu.

Shen Tang said: “Let’s polish it again…”

Chu Yao also thought about the joints and sighed: “Everything is arranged by the Lord. Wen Shi is at his most reckless and passionate age, so he will inevitably be a little impetuous. It would be better to polish him to make him calmer. As for what will happen in the future, it all depends on his personal preferences. ability.”

 After saying that, neither of them mentioned the matter again.

Shen Tang’s generals were not as numerous as the scribes. Their composition was more pure and the arrangement was simple. In a short time, they were almost settled. It’s just that this list still needs to be discussed with other people to see where it is not comprehensive enough and perfect.

 After Chu Yao retreated, the bodyguards also came carrying midnight snacks.

“Zhizong, do you have a good place to go?”

 She lowered her head and took a mouthful of hot porridge.

 The porridge is thick and the rice grains are crystal clear.

 The craftsmanship in the small kitchen is getting better and better day by day.

Shen Tang has been busy dealing with various matters these days. Lu Ji and Yang Ying have been at her side for several turns, and they have received first-hand information. Naturally, they know the seven guards and four rates she envisioned. As Shen Tang’s personal guard, Lu Ji has little presence but is a confidant.

 Since Shen Tang has no elders above him, no young ones below him, and no blood relatives of the same race in the middle, some sensitive positions must naturally be given to his personal guards and confidants. Lu Ji would not be unaware of these things. As an enlightened leader, Shen Tang is also willing to respect the wishes of his subordinates.

 Lu Jidao: “Lead the mansion.”

But he wanted to speak but stopped.

Shen Tang took two mouthfuls of porridge: “Speak directly, don’t hold it back.”

Lu Ji was encouraged and then continued: “Entering the Commandery Mansion can protect the Lord’s safety, but the general knows that improving martial arts still requires actual combat, so he hopes to regularly go to Zhechong Mansion to take turns.”

Shen Tang thought it was something unspeakable.

Said: “Warriors are important weapons of the country, and they need to be prepared for danger in times of peace. They are polished from time to time but left in the arsenal. By the time they are needed, they will have become rusty. I am right about your idea of ​​​​rotating. Not only military generals must be rotated, but also everywhere Zhe Chong Mansion must also hold regular duel drills to maintain the highest combat power at all times… Any time it is revealed, it must be killed with one blow!”

 The troops stationed at the border can still fight to maintain their status.

 It doesn’t work for those from the mainland, it will only make you lazy as time goes by.

Shen Tang doesn’t know how long the current balance can be maintained. All she can do is to improve her strength as much as possible, accumulate more confidence, and use her strongest state to cope with future storms. She is like this, and so are her soldiers and horses, until they are invincible!

Lu Ji listened to Shen Tang’s murmur.

 This is a good way to maintain combat power.

 Break the relatively closed environment of Zhechong Prefectures in various places, let them see the strength of other Zhechong Prefectures, and have no choice but to get involved.

only-

Lu Ji bit the bullet and asked, “Is the national treasury sufficient?”

  Shen Tang: “…”

It is Shen Tang’s private treasury that has been poor these years, but the national treasury has always been in good condition. At least I haven’t heard Wuhui complain about lack of money in so many years. If you remember correctly, Wuhui asked the same question not long ago – well, was he actually calling him poor?

　　Euphemistically tell yourself that the national treasury cannot withstand the construction?

Shen Tang pursed his lips and said, “Go and send a message to the Minister of Household Affairs.”

When Xun Zhen, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, heard the order, he didn’t react at first. When he remembered his current identity, he felt an inexplicable ominous feeling in his chest. He tidied up briefly and then got up and went to Shen Tang’s tent. He came up to greet him and said, “I have met the Lord.”

 Having received it from the Minister of Household Affairs, it is reasonable to change his words.

Shen Tang pushed a scroll of letters in front of Xun Zhen.

　　said: “Look.”

 The tone was mysterious, which aroused Xun Zhen’s curiosity.

When Xun Zhen picked it up and opened it, Shen Tang’s slightly probing words came to her ears: “Hanzhang, look, how many things can we accomplish with our current family resources? According to the minimum budget…”

Xun Zhen just glanced at it roughly.

 Cover the letter with a snap.

With a serious expression he said: “No, I don’t have any money.”

  Shen Tang: “…the treasury still has money.”

When Xun Zhen, the Minister of Household Affairs, took office, Chu Yao sent over all the accounts he had previously been responsible for. His accounting method was improved during He Yin’s period, and every data was clear and clear, which allowed Xun Zhen to see Chu Yao’s ability as a housekeeper, which was really awesome! Every account is calculated clearly. Even so, Xun Zhen still had to stay up late to recheck the accounts.

 The household department has not been completed yet.

 He has no deputy officials, so he can only roll up his sleeves.

The only good thing is that he is a literary scholar, and he is very efficient with literary assistance. Otherwise, he would be busy for ten days and a half. When Shen Tang sent someone to find him, he had just finished counting and was about to start making a budget. Officials’ salaries came from the national treasury. This money must be set aside. A large sum of money is needed to build the capital. He has sacrificed his life in the war for more than a year. He also needs to keep up with the pension of his sergeants, which is another huge expense. In addition, he also has to set aside a sum of money to provide relief for various disasters in various places in the coming year… Oh, there is also the military expenditure to prevent the Northern Desert.

 To make money, take all the money you have.

  Spend money and use it like sand.

Xun Zhen took several deep breaths and tried to explain to Shen Tang: “If it were originally, the treasury would be enough, and there would even be a lot of surplus every year. However, today is different from the past. There are more people waiting for salary under the lord’s account. There are too many soldiers and horses, there are too many city passes waiting to be repaired, and there are too many local government offices waiting to be recruited and rebuilt… so the national treasury is not enough!”

 There are too many babies, not enough milk!

  Not to mention the several items written on the letter.

Which job is not money-consuming?

 The government soldiers are self-sufficient, but additional military pay must be allocated, and rewards must be paid for using this manpower… Of course Xun Zhen knows the benefits of doing so, but this benefit costs money! Not to mention that they would follow military exercises against Zhechong Prefectures from various places to maintain their combat effectiveness. Even the two smallest Zhechong Prefectures would still be involved in a war of two to three thousand people. The venue, baggage, losses, manpower, medical care… none of it is money. ? Apart from other things, there must be a bonus in the exercise to be worth fighting for, right?

 The lottery also requires money!

Xun Zhen thought that when Chu Yao was in charge of the accounts, the accounts were in good condition. When it was his turn to take charge of the accounts, the national treasury was in deficit all day long…

Who can bear this?

Shen Tang bit the bullet and said, “Can’t you think of a way?”

Xun Zhen understands Shen Tang’s temperament. The subtext of “thinking of a way” is “I don’t care, I don’t care, you have to do it for me.” He was not like Chu Yao and said, “Master, look at Zhen’s body, how much can it be sold for?”

 The implication is that there is no way.

Now there is a lot of waste waiting to be done, and there are mouths crying for food everywhere. No one can make money to replenish the blood, and the national treasury will have to wait until next year’s autumn harvest to replenish the treasury. Xun Zhen was very confident in this point – his lord valued agriculture, and a large part of the national destiny was spent in this aspect, trying his best to ensure good harvests in various places. If the farmland output throughout Kang State can maintain the level of Longwu, the taxes collected from the next autumn harvest will definitely be considerable, and the national treasury will also have money.

　Today?

 Absolutely impossible!

 Shen Tang was stunned by Xun Zhen’s question.

Her face turned dark: “You really can’t move out?”

Xun Zhen simply used her fingers to tally all the items with her – officials’ salaries vary according to their rank. Because Shen Tang likes to replace part of his salary with welfare, the actual money expenditure is not as high as other countries, but the pressure on the treasury is still heavy. , sergeants’ pensions cannot be cut, capital construction costs cannot be cut, and relief funds to prevent unforeseen disasters cannot be cut…

This is not even mentioning small expenditures.

 The construction expenditure of colleges in various places, the expenditure of teachers in various colleges, the doctors and medicinal materials in medical centers in various places…

Xun Zhen took out the general account book from her pocket.

Shen Tang listened to the string of figures reported by Xun Zhen in his ears, then looked at the account book, his facial features almost became tangled: “Reducing expenditures is not enough, but we can find ways to increase revenue… Shiwu over there Look, there is going to be a mutual trade here in the Northern Desert. Let’s make a huge profit from the salt tea. We can also make money by selling the grain seeds… Alas, no matter how you look at it, the money is useless…”

How can money last forever?

 For the first time, Shen Tang realized that the national treasury was running out of money.

Especially Xun Zhen, who is now in charge of accounting, is very stingy. She really shot herself in the foot. After thinking for a while, a person appeared in her mind: “Send someone to call the Governor of Heyin.”

 As for making money, you still need to talk to Xu Jie.

Xun Zhen agrees with this. No matter how much money Xu Jie makes, he will eventually join another household department. It is still the household department that has the final say on how the money is spent. The more money Xu Jie brings in, the less pressure there will be on the Ministry of Revenue.

 When Xun Zhen retreated, Shen Tang completely lost his sleepiness.

She raised her hand and pinched her fingers to create two incarnations of literary energy.

“You guys keep busy, I’ll go out and get some fresh air…”

It’s not breathable. She’s afraid she won’t be able to sleep tonight.

 Lu Ji followed him three steps away.

She has been Shen Tang’s personal guard for so long, and this is the first time she has seen her lord so worried about yellow and white things – you know, even when Xun Shangshu made his lord owe a huge debt, his lord had never been so depressed. The consolation is over.

Lu Ji saw it in his eyes and was anxious in his heart.

 The two of them walked in tandem to the corner of the main camp.

Shen Tang was about to stretch out and go back to sleep when his sharp eyesight noticed something. It took Lu Ji two beats to notice it and he followed her line of sight. A tall figure stood in the darkness, holding his right hand in front of his chest to perform the sutra, and the position of his mouth seemed to be moving.

The other party used the spirit of speech, so Lu Ji couldn’t hear what he said. He only looked at the other party’s outfit – the familiar snow-white fox cloak. There was only one person in the whole camp who owned it, Qin Li.

A trace of worry flashed in Lu Ji’s eyes. In this weather, except for the Lord, who was walking around, everyone else was sleeping in their respective tents or staying up late and working overtime. It was very strange for Qin Li to appear here, not to mention what he said with a vague black shadow using his speech spirit.

 Lu Ji’s eyes turned to his lord who was standing where he was.

 The master neither spoke nor left.

He just stood there and waited for Qin Li to finish his work.

after awhile-

Lu Ji finally heard Qin Li whisper: “Go.”

 Something was moving in the darkness.

With the powerful eyesight of a brave warrior, Lu Ji saw a black shadow rushing out. She opened her eyes wide in shock – that black shadow was really a black shadow, a shadow sticking to the ground! He disappeared in the blink of an eye…

The literate scholar indeed has more tricks than the brave and brave man.

 Qin Li also discovered Shen Tang.

There was no hint of panic or guilt at having been caught making a small move in his eyes.

 He stepped forward calmly: “I have seen the Lord.”

Lu Ji inexplicably felt that the air was a little solemn.

 But, this is just her illusion.

The Lord’s tone was a little curious: “Contact a friend?”

Qin Li’s expression became a little more complicated and he asked, “Your Majesty, aren’t you curious about what Li Fang is doing?”

Shen Tang said: “Isn’t that what I’m asking?”

 Emotional stability can eliminate many unnecessary misunderstandings.

 She didn’t want to chill Qin Li’s heart by rashly asking questions when she didn’t know the cause and effect. She is so sincere, so naturally Qin Li will not hide it without knowing what is going on: “Li is entrusting a friend to help with something. After all, a gentleman promises a thousand pieces of gold…”

Shen Tang could hear a bit of chill.

 “What’s the matter? Is it convenient to talk about it?”

Qin Li said: “I have some relationship with Duke Wu.”

Shen Tang guessed what the matter was – it was related to Wu Xian and “a promise of a thousand gold”, so he made a special trip to contact his friends for this purpose. Before this, Qin Li had not revealed the relevant words to himself: “Will this matter cause hostility between the two countries?”

Qin Li folded his fox cloak and smiled: “No.”

　　|ω`)

In order not to get stuck, I added some more content.

 (End of this chapter)