After rebirth, I joined forces with my mortal enemy to seek revenge.

Pei Jiaoran was wiping his hands with the handkerchief, but suddenly an official came in and reported, "Servant Pei, Madam Wu from Hongwen Hall is here to visit."

"Lingjia?" Pei Jiaoran said in a deep voice, "Invite her in."

When Wu Lingjia entered, Pei Jiaoran was clearing away the documents on the table. Hearing the sound of footsteps, he turned his head and looked away.

"Why are you suddenly looking for me?"

After hearing this, Wu Lingjia smiled and asked, "Can we talk in another place?"

After hearing the words, Pei Jiaoran paused slightly and nodded. He led Wu Lingjia to the deserted public room, turned around and closed the door.

"Aye has a letter." Wu Lingjia looked at her and said with a gentle expression: "He heard about you. You did a good job, and he is also very satisfied."

Pei Jiaoran pursed his lips and said nothing. She knew what Wu Lingjia was referring to. It was the first time she showed her sword and directly controlled the imperial finances. This was very rare. Strictly speaking, she did much better than Wang Wei and others. But why did Wuchang Li, who was demoted as the governor of Jing, suddenly mention this matter? Is he trying to do something?

With his eyebrows furrowed, Pei Jiaoran asked, "Did Duke Changli say anything else?"

"Yes. He wants you to take control of the entire branch as soon as possible. If you feel that there is no one you can trust, I can go to the Household Department to help."

Looking deeply at Wu Lingjia, Pei Jiaoran did not speak to answer the question. Although the relationship between the two is still good, she has her own position, and Wu Lingjia also has her own way to go. What's more, the road to Hube is extremely dangerous, and she is unwilling to let her take risks.

"There are too many accumulated shortcomings in the household department. It is not advisable to act too hastily. What's more, Lingjia and I are now attached to Duke Jia, and you are the daughter of Duke Changli and you are too close to me. It will not be good for you."

"It doesn't matter who you rely on. What's important is that the long-standing problems in the household department need to be solved. Wouldn't it be a lot easier if I join the game with you and help?" As she said this, she took a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Pei Jiaoran.

Pei Jiaoran took the letter and read it quickly, looking up at her without saying a word.

After the atmosphere in the room was silent for a long time, Pei Jiaoran finally spoke, "Let me think about it. I have just arrived and there are still many things to explore." She said and looked at Wu Lingjia again, "There are many people in the palace. . For your and my safety, it’s best to come to me less often. If you need anything, go to Chongyifang and look for me.”

"Okay." Wu Lingjia looked at her and said goodbye.

After sending Wu Lingjia away, Pei Jiaoran returned to the public room that belonged to her and immersed herself in processing the documents from the Ministry of Household Affairs. The minister was ill at home, leaving her alone in charge of the household department. It was enough to give her time to re-examine the branches of the Ministry of Revenue.

Abolition of Zhongna and letting the right army know about Huiyi only opened a small crack in the wall of eunuchs. To bring it down completely, more needs to be done. And now that she is Juduzhi as the Minister of Household Affairs, she has the opportunity to take the initiative. However, this opportunity comes with risks, but it is better than the previous passivity.

Continue to flip through the documents and carefully read every account in the account department. Pei Jiaoran's brows gradually furrowed. The eunuchs are in charge of the inner treasury, and the households are in charge of the treasury. The two should complement each other, but now they are confused.

When Zuozang could not make ends meet, the inner treasury had to embezzle wealth under various names to satisfy the emperor's selfish desires. But Zuozang is the national treasury and is the foundation on which the country's operation depends. It is not privately owned by the emperor. But right now it seems like a reserve for the inner treasury, which is where it will be taken if the inner treasury is not in surplus.

The wealth of Zuozang relies on two taxes and needs to compete with the local government for profits, while the inner treasury relies on Jinfeng. Logically speaking, the two should perform their own duties, but upon closer inspection, there are competing interests everywhere.

In order to maintain the support of the state, Zuozang also used various tricks. As for the inner treasury's great surplus, it also came up with various names. Zuo Zang moved the property such as the tribute, the declaration, the discount, and the emergency supply to the army. Not to be outdone, the inner treasury occupied the Yantieli's tribute, took control of the Yanyuan, and held the Liquor Monopoly in his hands.

Of course, the outcome of the competition between the two is closely related to who is in charge of the household department. All in all, the two sides win, lose, and win endlessly.

Wealth has always been a top priority for the operation of the country. If you want to ensure the stable operation of the court, you have to consider whether the treasury has money, how long the treasure left in the treasure can be used, and what if the money is not enough. These are issues that those in power need to consider.

Wealth refers to taxes, which can be regarded as two things. The former refers to collecting wealth, while the latter refers to collecting grain. And those who give money will use their money to serve in the military, and those who pay taxes will pay for land rent. "Han Shu" says that there are taxes and gifts, taxes are enough for food, and taxes are enough for soldiers. Provide chariots, horses, soldiers, soldiers, and disciples for the battle, and enrich the treasury for the purpose of giving.

She roughly calculated that apart from the normal expenses of supporting the country, Zuozang did spend a lot of money every year to support the various armies. Among them, the Shence Army is the most heavily endowed, accounting for almost half of it.

Nowadays, almost all of the money lost is related to the Shence Army. This amount has been brought to light by her, and it would be best if she could force the inner treasury behind the Shence Army to cough up this money.

But this bone may not be so easy to chew.

By the time Pei Jiaoran finished reading these documents, dusk was gradually turning. The kind-hearted servant came to ask her if she would like to stay for dinner. She just woke up from a dream, packed her things and left the household office.

With something on his mind, Pei Jiaoran seemed a little absent-minded.

She didn't even notice someone was standing in front of her until the other person spoke.

"Qingjia." Li Xiujing called.

Hearing the sound, he raised his eyes and looked at Li Xiujing in front of him. A gust of late spring wind blows, and purple and dark scarlet clothes overlap.

"Long time no see." Pei Jiaoran collected his thoughts, "Brother's people have gone to Jianghuai and are talking about silk business."

"Congratulations on your promotion to Minister of Household Affairs." Li Xiujing smiled.

Since that day, he and Pei Jiaoran had never seen each other again. He was sent by Lieutenant Liu to inspect Shence Military Town for a few days. When he came back, he heard the news that Pei Jiaoran had been promoted to Minister of Household Affairs and was happy for her.

She is still one step away from becoming the prime minister in purple robe.

Pei Jiaoran raised his lips, "But this is not necessarily a good thing."

"But you accepted it, right?" Li Xiujing held Pei Jiaoran's hand, "In short, this matter is not good for you, and you won't accept it, right?"

Hearing this, Pei Jiaoran smiled and did not deny what he said.

The two of them left Chengtian Gate. Walking on Tianmen Street with a leisurely expression.

"Is the sun uterus market opening soon? Why hasn't Lu Zheng taken action yet?" Pei Jiaoran looked around and said softly.

Holding Pei Jiaoran's hand, Li Xiujing smiled, "Do you really want him to take action?"

"You can't let me do it myself. Don't you like him? Why do you keep mentioning him." Pei Jiaoran turned his head and glanced at him. "If Jin Wuwei wants to get out of the predicament, there is another way out besides facing the difficulties. What?"

Of course not.

They could no longer overpower the Shence Army's position in the emperor's heart. But he can show his butcher's knife within the scope of his authority to frighten the eager eunuchs.

"Let me treat you to dinner. I'll tell you a story by the way." Pei Jiaoran smiled softly.