The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 1207

"By the way, I just checked the ledgers, and something does seem off."

Xu Tian said, picking up the ledgers.

The civil officials broke out in a cold sweat. In the past, even if there were problems with the account books, the other officials would just let it go. But Xu Tian seemed to be a newcomer, so ignorant of the rules.

"Sir, why are you questioning the ledgers? We've checked them for a long time; how could there possibly be flaws?"

Several civil officials, trembling with fear, mustered their courage and asked Xu Tian a few questions.

Xu Tian chuckled and said, "What are you all so nervous about? The ledger is definitely fine."

"Sir, you are indeed exceptionally wise!" several civil officials exclaimed, quickly flattering Xu Tian.

One of the civil officials stepped forward and asked, "Sir, how about we go out tonight to listen to some music and have some drinks?"

"Well..." Xu Tian stroked his chin, as if he had become interested. He patted the civil official on the shoulder, indicating his satisfaction.

"Later, I just looked at the accounts and there's been far too much spending. Some of the money for the projects was spent incorrectly."

Xu Tian said, pointing to a few lines of small print in the ledger.

Several civil officials disagreed, explaining, "This project is a major undertaking for the people's livelihood, so it doesn't matter if more money is spent. The people will naturally be happy to see it."

"Does Your Excellency believe that these projects should not be built? In that case, our livelihood depends on Your Excellency, whether it's a drought or a flood?"

One civil servant said that he had inadvertently said something very sarcastic. Realizing he had gone too far, he quickly bowed and apologized.

"Please forgive me, Your Excellency. I was only thinking of the people." After the civil official finished speaking, he looked up and saw that Lord Xu Tian was already dumbfounded.

"Rare indeed," Xu Tian laughed heartily, giving the civil official a gratified look.

Seeing that Lord Xu Tian was not angry, the civil official was relieved. He had indeed acted rashly just now, and he thought to himself that he would have to be more careful in the future.

The other civil officials also praised the account book, and then said to Xu Tian, ​​"Sir, since there is no problem with the account book, can we subordinates go back now?"

The civil officials believed that Xu Tian would not make things difficult for them.

"Hey, don't rush. How about we visit those projects in a few days and see how they're going?" Xu Tian asked, instantly making the civil officials stiffen.

“Lord Xu Tian, ​​isn’t that unnecessary? If we rashly go on a visit, it might just cause trouble for the people and waste money,” the civil officials said, secretly noting down Lord Xu Tian’s name.

"What about all this silver?" Xu Tian asked, pointing to the ledger with a pained expression.

The civil officials were speechless. They all said that the money was spent on the project, so why were they so fixated on it, sir?

"When the granaries are full, rites and music flourish. With these projects completed, which will ensure a good harvest regardless of drought or flood, the future will be even better, and there will be a bountiful harvest. So, sir, don't worry about these few taels of silver anymore."

"For the sake of the Tang Dynasty, we must be willing to spend this money."

The civil officials smiled helplessly, sensing that Xu Tian was not someone to be trifled with.

“If we are frugal in these areas, the people will only suffer. So, Your Excellency need not worry.”

The civil official paused for a moment and then said, "There's no need to go down to investigate. Your Excellency surely understands the meaning of wasting manpower and resources."

Xu Tian looked at these united civil officials and just chuckled.

"Well then, can we cut back as much as possible? You guys decide, but thrift is a must."

Xu Tian compromised and looked at the civil officials.

The civil officials considered it for a moment and decided it was a worthwhile deal. So they said, "It's rare for Your Excellency to have such a kind intention; we will certainly do our utmost!"

The civil official thought to himself, "Then let's cut some expenses, just a little bit, as a way of giving Lord Xu Tian face."

The officials were still not reassured about Xu Tian and continued, "Now that the Tang Dynasty is at its peak, the annual revenue is very high. My lord, there is no need to worry."