Chapter 32: The Imperial Court Conference (Part 2)

  Tang Hu did not listen to him, coldly saying: "Does the Military Affairs Department know? If we lose the Asen Corridor, what will be the consequences? Not only will our grain production decrease sharply, but also the three affiliated countries of Gongdu, Kangming, and Kangshu will be under enemy attack. The people will riot without food, and without those three affiliated countries as a buffer, our inland areas will directly confront the enemy. I'd like to ask you, is there any place more important than Asen Corridor?"

  Yun Xian nodded continuously and said: "Indeed, the Aisen Corridor is related to our national economy and people's livelihood. The Benning Mansion is the throat of the Aisen Corridor, and it must be recovered as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. I agree to withdraw troops from other places to launch a decisive attack on the rebels in the Aisen Corridor with all our might, quickly ending the war there and restoring normal production. Since the rebellion broke out in the Aisen Corridor, the empire's grain prices have been rising continuously, and the price of each dan of rice has risen to 84 coins, with a tendency to continue rising. If this adverse situation is not effectively improved, it will have unpredictable consequences for the people's livelihood."

  Tang Lan smiled wryly, he secretly despised Yun Xian this sycophant, but what he said was indeed also a fact. The Aisen Corridor sustained the empire's lifeline, and the continuous decline in grain production alone had already made the empire cry out in distress, and the common people were also deeply suffering. He had to back down, dryly saying: "I don't know what kind of plan Tang Hou has? The Military Affairs Department will fully support it."

  Tang Yu's face finally eased a bit, and his voice regained some warmth. He said in an unquestionable tone: "My plan is to withdraw two divisions from Shangguan Drip Blood, two divisions from Jiang Chonglang, two divisions from Ning Zhuyu, and two divisions from Tang Heng. At the same time, the Military Affairs Department must quickly withdraw the two border defense divisions of Menesis and hand them over to me. I will expand them into Central Army Divisions. Remember, I only want full-strength divisions, especially the Imperial Capital Division. Don't give me any with less than 20,000 men!"

  He hadn't finished speaking, but Tang Lan's face had already turned pale, his lips trembling uncontrollably. He wanted to say something, but couldn't get the words out. Tang Ou's plan was almost a complete withdrawal of the empire's strategic elite forces. If an unexpected event were to occur, where would the Ministry of War have room to maneuver? However, he had already seen from Tang Ming's expression that this plan had long since been approved by the Emperor. Otherwise, even if Tang Ou had the audacity, he wouldn't dare take on such a massive responsibility.

  As expected, Tang Yu's momentum was high, and he continued to say excitedly: "The vacancies left after the withdrawal of troops will be filled by new recruits, and each army group will fill them up. After retaking Bainfu, I want to take advantage of the victory to pursue the rebel army. These eight divisions will not be able to return to their original divisions until the Yasen Corridor is completely pacified, and this must be made clear to the Military Affairs Department!"

  Tang Lan was completely numb, with only his lips and eyelids occasionally twitching.

  Yun Xian's mouth also slightly opened, and he finally realized that something was not quite right. To make up for the vacancies of eight divisions with new recruits sounded good, but in fact, it meant increasing the strength of eight divisions, which was no small number. After hesitating for a moment, he also had to ask Tang Hu: "Excuse me, Your Highness, does this mean that the military needs to add nearly three million people to the eight divisions? Does this mean that the Ministry of Military Affairs' expenditures will increase by the cost of these eight divisions?"

  Tang Hu's eyes widened, and he said coldly: "Not eight, but thirteen! In order to prevent the situation where there are not enough troops to use in the event of a large-scale war in the future, I consulted with my father, the emperor, and decided to expand the army. From today on, we will add thirteen central army divisions, which is equivalent to 450,000 land forces!"

  Yun Xian was stunned, and his butt fell to the ground. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't get it out. He glanced at Tang Lan, who was closing his eyes and ignoring everything in front of him. All he could feel was a bitter taste in his mouth, as if there was something stuck in his throat, making it impossible for him to speak.

  Tang Ming's gaze swept around, sizing up everyone's reaction, and said calmly: "This matter requires the Military Affairs Department and the Administrative Affairs Department to work together. The Military Affairs Department must immediately start recruiting soldiers and arrange a systematic training plan to ensure that the new troops can form combat effectiveness as soon as possible. The Administrative Affairs Department must prepare sufficient funds to guarantee military expenditures."

  Yun Xian's lips trembled slightly as he stammered, "Yes." After a brief pause, he continued in a strained tone, "Your Imperial Majesty, the military expenditure of the Ministry of Administration has already accounted for forty-three percent of all fiscal expenditures. If it is increased further, it will severely impact the national economy and people's livelihood..."

  Tang E stared at him fiercely, like a wolf staring at a small sheep, and said in a menacing tone: "If the Azure Sutra Corridor is lost, it won't affect the country's economy or people's livelihood? What will happen if ordinary people have no food to eat? You tell me! Yun Xian, what kind of good intentions do you have?"

  His lips were pale, cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and he stammered: "Your Highness, don't misunderstand me, I'm not unwilling to allocate funds for the expansion of the military... it's just that, at present, financial expenditures are indeed extremely difficult. The consolation money for the fallen soldiers in the 12th Battle of Loona has not been paid yet, and it has a great impact on the morale of the troops... I request that all railway construction be stopped, including the railway line from Niluo Temple to Minnastrel, in order to save funds..."

  "Tang Lang immediately spoke out in opposition: 'How can the construction of the railway be stopped? The railway line through Minas Tirith is a matter of life and death for Lothlórien, how can it be stopped? Without the railway line, the movement of the Imperial Guard will be hindered in many ways, I oppose this decision...'"

  "With a sorrowful expression, he said: 'However, this railway line consumes as much as 30 million gold coins every year, accounting for more than one-tenth of the empire's finances. If it doesn't stop, where will there be money to expand the army...'"

  Tang Lan secretly glanced at Tang Ming's face and didn't say a word.

  Tang Ming said expressionlessly: "The railway line cannot be cancelled, but it can be temporarily suspended for two to three years. When the central government's finances have eased up, construction can resume... What is the current state of this railway line's construction?"

  "Niluo Divine Capital to Minnastrel Railway is 2840 kilometers long, and currently 760 kilometers have been completed. The railway from Niluo Divine Capital to Ningchuan Road can now be used for trains..."

  Tang Ming frowned and said: "Why is it going so slowly? Hasn't construction been underway for six years already? Originally, the plan was to complete it in eight years. Can it be completed now?"

  Yun Xian's face turned pale and he didn't dare to answer.

  "The Emperor, please do not be angry. When we first surveyed the route, we did not find that the mountainous sections within the Mingchuan and Yuechuan areas were particularly difficult to construct, so... Also, a portion of the railway funds were diverted for other uses... The construction of this railway has been proceeding intermittently..."

  Tang Ming's expression eased a bit, and he waved his hand, saying: "Forget it, you guys plan to go on your own, come back and report to me when the road is completely open. Yun Xian, do you have anything else to say?"

  Yun Xian hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping himself. After a long time, he finally gathered the courage to stammer out: "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion... may I ask if it's possible for the Kingdom of Gongdou to bear some of the military expenses? Just a part, only a small part..." Yun Xian seemed to have used up all his energy in saying these few words, and even broke out in cold sweat on his forehead. He bowed deeply, staring at his toes, not daring to look at Tang Ming even once.

  Tang Lan and Tang Jing exchanged a glance involuntarily, then closed their mouths obediently and waited quietly for Tang Ming to make a decision.

  Tang Hu grasped his fists with both hands, looking like he wanted to say something in a fierce tone, but still managed to hold himself back.

  Levying military expenses on a vassal state is no trivial matter.

  According to the agreements signed with the four affiliated countries on that day, the Tangchuan Empire had the right and obligation to guarantee their territorial integrity and sovereignty, while they undertook a certain proportion of financial taxes to the imperial center and recruited part of the soldiers to join the Tangchuan army. However, it was explicitly stated in those terms that the central government of the Tangchuan Empire could not make any demands beyond the agreement with the affiliated countries for any reason, and changing the tax ratio must be agreed upon by them, otherwise they had the right to request withdrawal from the Tangchuan Empire's protection circle. As for the apportionment of military expenses, it was undoubtedly far beyond the provisions of any agreement, and no one dared to predict what consequences it would lead to.

  The quietness fills the entire Hall of Diligent Government, with only the sound of people's breathing, light and heavy.

  Tang Ming seemed to have given it no consideration, or rather, he had already considered it. He expressionlessly said, "Then let's just raise their tax rate by four percentage points."

  Yun Xian involuntarily let out a low cry, and then hastily closed his mouth. He had originally only hoped that Tang Ming would agree to raise their tax rate by one percentage point, which would have been enough to satisfy him. But he hadn't expected Tang Ming to open with four points. Overjoyed, he quickly regained his composure, but was then shocked. Four percentage points were no small amount, and whether the other party would agree or not was still an unknown quantity!

  It seemed as if he had seen through everyone's thoughts, and Tang Ming said calmly: "Regarding the increase in tax rates, I will send the Fourth Prince and several kings to communicate. However, in order to ensure military expenditures, I have decided to raise the domestic grain tax by one percentage point..."

  Yun Xian knew it was bad as soon as he heard it. In a moment of impulsiveness, he didn't care about anything else and shouted out loud: "No way, Your Majesty! Absolutely not!"

  Tang Ming's face suddenly turned gloomy and he said coldly: "Why?"

  Yun Xian only felt his whole body boiling, but on his forehead were all cold sweats. He didn't dare look at Tang Ming's face and stuttered: "Your Majesty, this year we have already increased the tax rate four times, from stamp duty to maritime tax, all increased by one or two percentage points. The common people have reached their limit of endurance. If... if we increase the grain tax again, I'm afraid... I'm afraid..."

  Tang Ming's eyes were cold and piercing as he stared at him, saying word by word: "Are you afraid they will rebel?"

  Yun Xian stiffened his scalp and replied: "Your Majesty's subject indeed has such a worry."

  Tang Ming didn't say a word, but his cold gaze swept across everyone's face before finally stopping on the Minister of Military Affairs.

  Tang Lan only felt his scalp numb, wishing he had a hole to hide in, but at this moment, he couldn't keep silent, so he stammered: "Now the security situation is indeed bad everywhere, and there are many who are desperate..."

  Tang Ming shifted his gaze impatiently and looked at Tang Jing who was drowsy, saying lightly: "How does the Ministry of Internal Affairs view the matter of raising taxes?"

  Tang Jing replied calmly, "The security situation in various places is not good, and there are many who take risks. The main reason is that local officials are too lenient and do not punish severely enough. We should adopt more severe measures to deter others, kill one to warn a hundred, prevent small problems from becoming big ones, and the security situation will naturally improve."

  Tang Ming clapped his hands and said with a smile: "This is the strategy of governing the country. The Ministry of Government Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will discuss it, and in the name of the Ministry of Government Affairs, issue a document to the local government offices. Those who resist taxation and riot will be severely punished without pardon. In severe cases, they will be implicated along with their nine clans."

  After a pause, Tang Ming continued: "Also, instruct Tang He to immediately start investigating the deficits of local government offices. Over the years, large amounts of national funds have flowed into the pockets of local officials at all levels. Now that the central treasury is tight, we must dig out all the private property they have embezzled. No matter how high their position or how great their power, as long as they owe money to the state treasury, even if it means selling themselves into slavery, they will have to pay it back."

  Yun Xian and others were even more stunned, how could they not have thought that Tang Ming not only wanted to increase the tax rate but also wanted to thoroughly investigate the embezzlement of state funds. Although investigating embezzlement was not a new thing, every time before it was just perfunctory because the person in charge of the investigation was actually also on the list of those being investigated, so they naturally just went through the motions. But this time, with Third Prince Tang He as the leader, with his wise and powerful and unyielding style, that's not an easy master to deal with, it's likely very difficult to get away with it. Everyone present had skeletons in their closet, under Tang Ming's lingering prestige, they were all thinking about how to protect themselves, who dared to speak up?

  Tang Ming said coldly, "Your matters can be considered slowly after the meeting is over. Tang Lan, don't you have anything to say about today's meeting? Don't you have any objections to Tang Ju's plan?"