The Emperor is very concerned about face, especially since this is not just his face, but also the nation's.
Although the treasury is not wealthy, it is not so poor that it needs to oppress the officials into donating money. That is something only a desperate last emperor would do.
Of course, the last emperor did not ask officials for donations, but directly ordered the confiscation of their properties to seize money.
But in any case, both options are embarrassing and disgraceful for the court.
Now that this step has been taken, is the next step to sell official positions and titles?
This is a sign of a country's downfall. The Emperor returned to the harem in anger, drank two cups of tea, and then asked the Empress, "Yesterday, did the Crown Princess and the officials' spouses ask for money?"
The Empress smiled and said, "It was I who asked them."
The Emperor: "… Empress, do not take the blame for them."
The Empress shook her head and said, "It was truly I who spoke."
