Xue Mingyuan said, "The central government can't function without money. The year's almost over, so we could send a batch of Middle Envoys from the Censor's Office to collect some Profound Yellow Fiend. At the very least, we could gather some resources and get through the immediate crisis."
Chen Tingjun said coldly, "We should have done that long ago. I've been too kind all this time, so these people think they can push me around."
Once they had settled on a plan, Chen Tingjun quickly dispatched a batch of Middle Envoys to the various prefectures and guard divisions.
Tax collection by Middle Envoys was one of the central government's most important means of controlling the various prefectures and guard divisions. It allowed them to understand the situation below, while also helping the envoys build connections with the local officials in charge.
Before sending the envoys out this time, Chen Tingjun had gathered them all together and given them a stern lecture.
His guiding principle was simple: better to be too strict than too lenient, better to wrongfully punish than let anyone off. They were to thoroughly knock the swagger out of those local officials.
After sending the envoys off, Chen Tingjun ordered the gates of Reverse Star Palace opened. He would throw the main gates wide and wait to see those insolent bastards come crawling back, tails between their legs, to beg him.
Barely two hours after the envoys had been sent out, there was commotion outside the gates of Big Dipper Palace. Chen Tingjun was delighted, but put on a show of composure as he sat upright in the main hall. Then he saw dozens of people rush inside.
His heart leaped with joy, but his face remained stern. He was just about to speak when he recognized the