The Beginning Shocks the Emperor Wu: Did You Write This Poem?.

Summary

In a tense meeting, Chen Ping An asserts his authority over budget discussions, emphasizing that the funds belong to the Emperor, yet he, as the household accountant, has a significant say. Various officials present their modest budget requests, but when Chen Ping An demands an astonishing one hundred million taels for both the Works and Military Departments, chaos ensues. The other officials, feeling cheated and furious, realize that Chen's boldness leaves them with no opportunity to siphon off extra funds. Their anger stems not from the amount itself, but from the threat it poses to their own financial interests.

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