"Records of the Grand Historian, Treatise on the Stabilization of Prices": "Without increasing the people's taxes, the realm had ample resources."
The Minister of Revenue's duty room differed from those of the other ministries.
The Ministry of War had the gleam of blades, the Ministry of Personnel the fragrance of ink, but the Ministry of Revenue had only ledgers.
On shelves and in cabinets, volumes from the Revenue Bureau, grain transport, and the Granary Depot rose in layer upon layer, reaching shoulder height.
On the desk lay one set of counting rods, one copper balance, and two General Money and Grain Ledgers, spread open and not yet closed.
The air in the room smelled neither of ink nor tea, but of silver, coin, and stored grain.
Heavy snow fell in the first month, and a bitter north wind raged outside, yet inside the duty room there was a certain warmth and bustle.
Kou Yuan sat behind the desk, slowly sipping his tea.
Five or six upright officials sat before him: several censors, along with men from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Offices.
All wore smiles and vied to offer praise, surrounding Kou Yuan like a host of stars clustered around the moon.
"Since you assumed charge of the Grand Secretariat, Grand Secretary, the central administration has been orderly, and the Six Ministries have each settled into their duties. This is truly a blessing for the upright officials."
"With Lord Feng deceased and Chancellor Shen ailing, who in court can shoulder its affairs if not you, Grand Secretary?"
Hearing their praise, Kou Yuan set down his cup and slowly waved a hand, affecting modest restraint. "You gentlemen flatter me."
"His Majesty has not yet commanded me to serve in the Chief Minister's stead. It