It was just a small empire, but Morong Gan followed the emperor to the South Study to discuss on a patrol mission in the near future. It was not far from there, around the four levels, the Southern Water, and the Tong Ning three places, but it was a big matter for the emperor to go out on a patrol, and the princes would follow as well. There were also many army officials, commanders, and vast squadrons of over ten miles long, although big and small matters had their underlings Zhang Luo, the big and small ones still had to be arranged by Morong Gan.
He had long since become familiar with these things and naturally, the Emperor would be at ease when he handed over the matter to him. After listening to him talk about it, many things were meticulously done and he nodded his head continuously: "You don't need to report to me that the past years have always been your responsibility, and this year is no exception. You just need to know what to do."
Although the north had grown water level during this flood season, the south had not been able to withstand the rain for more than a month. Last month, the crops in the fields had been frantically harvesting, and there were still no seedlings growing. The situation was not good, and some of the victims had already been displaced. On the other hand, the Prime Minister Bai came up with an idea, which he said was to use their name on the tax revenue.
Morong Gan scoffed, what he said sounded good, but if he really did that, the citizens would definitely complain, because they were cursing the emperor, and it was not Bai Rulin's fault. The Emperor was a kind person, he naturally knew how powerful this place was. He didn't make a decision yet and wanted Morong Gan to come up with an idea.
Morong Gan laughed, "Your majesty, this matter is not too difficult, the disaster in the south is not too serious. According to this official's perspective, one hundred thousand taels of snow silver is enough, we do not need to move the treasury, we can just ask the rich and powerful Courtier s to collect donations.
The emperor had the same idea in his heart, but using the Prince Chu to say it, all the ministers in the capital were rich and greasy. He knew clearly that there was something fishy going on, but it was not the time to clean them up yet, Prince Chu's idea was not bad, it was to collect all the money they needed. Amongst these people, the Prime Minister Bai was one of the best.
He then smiled lightly and said, "That's a good idea. Since Third Brother has put it up, I believe you have a good idea. I'll leave this matter to you."
Morong Gan stood up and bowed: "Yes, younger brother will follow your orders." He glanced outside the window, thinking that it was late and wanted to leave, he clasped his hands together and said, "If there is nothing else, your Imperial Majesty will take his leave."
"En!" The emperor replied before accompanying him outside. "I haven't had the time to ask you before. How do you feel when the two consorts enter the estate?"
Morong Gan laughed bitterly, and was unwilling to say more, "That's all."
The emperor tilted his head and glanced at him. "What, you don't like it?" "It seems like it's not bad."
That's right, not what he likes.
Seeing that he did not make a sound, the emperor asked again, "When are you preparing to let the princess leave the palace? When we first proposed the marriage, we had hinted to the Scholars that he would agree. Otherwise, if a direct daughter of the Grand Scholar Palace becomes your concubine, he would lose a lot of face."
Morong Gan said lightly: "Princess is still young, in a few more days."
"I heard Noble Consort say that Princess Chu was already old last month, and the Empress married me at the age of fourteen. He isn't young anymore." He paused and asked tentatively, "Are you reluctant to part with it?"
You know what happened last time. Your mother and father don't hurt you, and people from the Bai Family wholeheartedly want to kill her, so for people that Bai Rulin doesn't like, your servant brother will treat them with respect and look after them properly, and find a good marriage partner before letting her marry. "
The Emperor sighed, "If that's the case, then I won't be able to explain it to the Scholars."
Morong Gan's tone became cold, "If Xiu Min is blaming Your Majesty, ask him to come find Chendi."
The Emperor raised his eyebrows and didn't speak anymore. Prince Chu was a bandit, and would not even give him face. It seemed like the two new consorts were not on his side, but that did not matter, as long as he had a beautiful lady next year, he would definitely take care of her.
Morong Gan went up the Sky Street and came out from the west side door after noon. Ning Jiu was there, and the moment he came out, he immediately went to greet him.
Morong Gan's expression was unsettled. Listening to the emperor's words, he had to straighten Xiu Yuanshuang as soon as possible, he had originally wanted to follow them into the palace for a short period of time, maybe he could discuss about it privately and think of a way to make both of them perfect, but now it seemed to be impossible.
He was deep in his thoughts as he rode slowly, noticing that the market was bustling with noise and excitement today, he casually glanced around, then dismounted. Seeing that, Jia Tong also dismounted.
Morong Gan threw the reins to Ning Jiu, then walked in front of a stall and picked up a small earth doll to carefully examine it.
Tomorrow is the seventh day, so it is most suitable for the lady to beg. Look at the workmanship, it is so exquisite that you can see her eyelashes. This small one is made up of all the goods from the area of Suhang, and it is so exquisite that it can be said that it is made from a high kiln and won't even break if it falls to the ground.
Morong Gan asked, "What's this called?"
"This is called 'Grilling Drink'. "The name came from the Divine Buddhist Scripture. The beggar is very intelligent, why don't you buy one?"
Morong Gan had heard Bai Qianfan mention this name before, and seeing that Earth puppets were cute and petite, and seeing that there were three styles, he chose one as well. The peddler was obviously grinning from ear to ear as she tried her best to recommend the seven-colored silk thread, "Great sir, if you don't want the colorful silk thread, you will win the fight by piercing seven needles in a single go. This little one's silk thread is extremely smooth and straight, making it easy to wear it, allowing the madam to win and beg for a year's worth of good omens!"
Thus, Morong Gan bought more seven-colored silk threads, walked over to a stall and bought a small silver needle.
He walked along the road and bought them along the way. Just by drinking from them, he bought several kinds of toys, such as brocade clay, ivory, sandalwood, mixed wood, and so on. Some of them were painted with wood, some were covered with jade cages, and some of them were decorated with gems.
He only cared about buying, Jia Tong was paying, Ning Jiu was carrying his things, and the three of them walked together all the way back. Upon entering, he instructed Jia Tong, "Go and invite the wangfei over."
Jia Tong was of course extremely happy that the Duke had treated his wife well.
Morong Gan's mood seemed to improve as his face calmed down. Hao Pingguan's injuries had not yet healed and he was still lying in his room. Xiao Kuzi greeted him on the second door, "Your Highness, you have returned."
Morong Gan acknowledged, and asked: "Is your master better?"
"In reply to the prince, the master used the ointment given by the prince yesterday. It was much better now, so I asked the servant to ask the prince for him."