Daming Palace
Listening to the words of apology from He Juncheng, the Minister of Rites, Emperor Chongping looked indifferent and did not speak for a long time. He did not say any words of condolence or other words, but the air in the Daming Palace gradually condensed.
Just when He Juncheng was bowing and his back ached, Emperor Chongping looked at Yang Guochang, the chief minister of the cabinet, and said, "Mr. Yang Ge, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
There was a trace of thought on Yang Guochang's old face. After a while, he said in a gray voice: "Your Majesty, I thought that I could send an important official of the imperial court to investigate this matter, get to the bottom of it, expose the truth to the world, and give an explanation to the imperial court and the scholars. I thought that Mr. He Ge was an important minister in the cabinet and also headed the Ministry of Etiquette. He should first investigate and investigate himself, and then go to the Ministry of Punishment to detain the assistant officials of the Military and Horses Yamen of the Five Cities and the subordinate officials of the Jingzhao Yamen involved in the case for questioning. "
He Juncheng, who was bowing and feeling uneasy, glanced at Yang Guochang gratefully, raised his hands, raised an old face, and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to make meritorious service and investigate the case strictly. Anyone who is perfunctory and negligent in reporting Fan Yi will do so." Officials who are responsible for their duties will never tolerate it, no matter who it involves!"
Emperor Chongping looked at Han Huang, the Second Assistant to the Cabinet, and said with a majestic expression, "What do Han Qing think?"
Han Huang's fair and elegant face now had a solemn expression, and he said loudly: "Your Majesty, since this matter involves the dereliction of duty by officials from the Military and Horse Department of the Five Cities and the Jingzhao Yamen, I think it can be investigated by the Metropolitan Procuratorate."
Li Zan squinted his eyes at the side, glanced at Han Huang, and thought to himself, is the leader of the Zhejiang Party trying to take advantage of this opportunity?
"The Metropolitan Procuratorate?" Emperor Chongping thought for a moment and said, "Jiang Qing of the Metropolitan Procuratorate is old and frail and suffering from serious diseases. He will retire from office next year. Such a major case that the scholars are concerned about consumes so much time and effort. The chief judge failed to show respect for the old ministers. Several of the deputy censors on his left and right have gone out to inspect the province and have not returned. Han Qing is the Heavenly Official of the Ministry of Personnel. Is there anyone suitable to recommend him?"
Jiang Hao, the censor of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, was nearly seventy years old. He was suffering from asthma and cough and could no longer see anything.
And this kind of case that caused an uproar in the public opinion in the science and education industry needs to be explained from top to bottom, and the process of judiciary is bound to be very difficult.
The left and right deputy capital censors, one visited Jiangsu and Zhejiang to supervise the collection of this year's autumn grain by the Household Department in local prefectures and counties, and the other went to Shandong to supervise the relief of disaster victims.
Both of them had sent imperial envoys, but they couldn't be transferred.
Further down are the censors of the left and right capitals, and the censor in charge. For such a big case, the censor in charge obviously does not have enough status to reflect the importance of the court. At least one censor from the capital is needed.
Han Huang's heart suddenly moved, he thought for a while, observed the emperor's face, and said: "Back to the Holy Emperor, I think that You Qiandu Yushi Yu De, who is honest and upright, and clear about laws and regulations, can take up this responsibility."
Emperor Chongping nodded, his eyes flashed, and said: "Yu De, I have the impression that the memorial to impeach Jia Zhen is both legal and theoretical, and the writing is clear. Your comments on the laws and regulations are indeed appropriate. That's because De assists in interrogating this case, and one more person is needed. The predecessor Jing Zhaoyin was found guilty of corruption, and this case was sent to him! Since it is a matter of Jing Zhao Yamen, Xu Lu can investigate and correct himself, and jointly try the case."
When Han Huang heard this, he felt calm and said: "I think that Xu Deqing has a good temperament and is upright. Since he was a Jing Zhaoyin, he was not afraid of powerful people and dealt with justice impartially. I think it is most appropriate for him to jointly try the case. "
Jia Heng looked at Han Huang and had a clear understanding in his heart.
Jiang Hao, the censor of the left capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, became an official. The post of imperial censor became vacant, and the emperor obviously gave it to Xu Lu. Xu Deqing assumed the new general constitution, which would inevitably lead to major personnel changes in the Procuratorate.
Because the emperor wants to refresh the official administration, so-called new people and new atmosphere, after Xu Lu takes office, the two original right deputy censors will inevitably be transferred to other places, and the emperor will definitely ask Xu Lu for his opinion on the vacated positions.
That's why Han Huang asked Yu De to support him one by one, and then rely on him three times. Whether it was going to Shufu and taking photos in advance, or working with Xu Lu, this was his intention.
"As expected of someone who thinks about human affairs, he moisturizes things without making a sound." Jia Heng was also a little wary of Han Cifu.
His household registration was in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and Jiangsu and Zhejiang had always been important tax areas for the imperial court. Han Huang probably represented the interests of the gentry in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
"Let's take it one step at a time. Everything in the world is like a new chess game. It doesn't make much sense to think about things that will never happen in the future." Jia Heng thought.
Yang Guochang frowned as he listened to Han Huang's words. There was no suitable person in his entourage, and both the left and right deputy censors were vacant. He could only look at him warmly, but when he saw Han Huang looking like he was planning, a sneer flashed through his heart. "It would be a big mistake to think that Xu Deqing would not promote his own people."
He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I also agree with what Elder Han Ge said. Xu De has a good reputation as an upright official. He has been in the local government and has long-term punishments and spells. It is very suitable for him to co-operate on this case."
Emperor Chongping nodded, his eyes a little gentler, and then looked at Li Zan and Zhao Yi. Their expressions paused, and they raised their hands and said, "I second my opinion."
Jia Heng, who was standing aside, took in the expressions of several cabinet ministers and became increasingly aware of Chen Han's current situation in the court.
Yang Guochang, the leader of the Qi Party, was the first assistant and was in charge of the household department's money and food. Han Huang, the second assistant of the Zhejiang Party, was in charge of the official department. Li Zan, the Minister of the Ministry of War, was the Chu Party.
He Juncheng, the Minister of Rites, is more like a neutral faction, but He Juncheng seems to have some kind of tacit understanding with the chief minister Yang Guochang.
As for the Minister of Industry, Zhao Yi, who has a weak sense of presence, he is more like a tool that the emperor brings into the cabinet to balance the government.
"Of course, this kind of political faction division is just a simple distinction. These people both fight and unite. There are also the Ministry of Punishment, Dali Temple, the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the Imperial College, Hanlin Zhanshi Kedao, local governors...the relationships are complicated and the interests are entangled. You There is me in it, and there is you in me, which needs to be sorted out carefully."
Wherever there are people, there are rivers and lakes. The so-called gentleman is not a clique is just lip service. People can form cliques because of the convergence of interests and aspirations.
Ouyang Xiu's "Theory of Clique" has a clear meaning at the beginning: a gentleman and a gentleman are friends who share the same path, and a villain and a villain are friends who share the same interests. This is the principle.
Putting aside Ouyang Xiu's political EQ, it also shows that cronyism is really... since ancient times.
Even in later generations, someone said that there is no party in the party, imperial thinking, no faction in the party, and all sorts of strange things.
Don’t reject things that exist objectively, but control and utilize them.
"This matter has been agreed, let's discuss another matter." Emperor Chongping paused, looked at Jia Heng, and said: "Jia Heng's success in suppressing the bandits this time is in line with what he mentioned in the "Cijue Biao" a few days ago. "Books are not benevolent to the ancestors, but merit and fame are self-sufficient. Sirs, this merit is enough to be awarded a title. What title do you think should be bestowed upon me?"
It is said that ministers are capable of acting, and kings are capable of rewarding and punishing. Emperor Chongping claimed that he had a holy heart and was good at wielding power. It is impossible that he did not know this truth.
Before several cabinet ministers could speak, Jia Heng bowed and saluted, and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, I have been favored by the emperor and should have served the country. How can I get a title because of my trivial achievements?"
He thought to himself, the emperor cannot let me go. If you continue to discuss and hear that he is going to be rewarded, if he continues to stand there stupidly, the "ancient wise man" persona he established earlier will collapse.
"There is no need for Jia Qing to refuse anymore. I have already agreed to your offer of not being grateful to our ancestors. Now that you have earned your fame, how can you accept it by refusing to accept it anymore?" Emperor Chongping looked solemn, but his eyes were gentle, and he looked at The young man responded by nodding secretly.
He was really indifferent to favors and humiliations, and no matter how indifferent he was, he would suspect that this son had other ambitions.
Li Zan suddenly said out of the blue: "If the rewards and punishments are unclear, nothing will be accomplished. If the rewards and punishments are clear, everything can be done. I believe that rewards should be based on merit. Commander Jia does not need to be too humble."
This sentence made it difficult for Jia Heng to refuse anymore, so he could only cry with gratitude and said: "I am so virtuous and capable. I am loved by the Holy One and given a title. How dare I repay the Holy One without any hesitation?"
Seeing this, all the cabinet ministers thought that this was the right thing to do. If they refused further, they would be too modest and their ambitions were not small.
Emperor Chongping glanced at Li Zan in surprise, nodded and said, "What Li Qing said is true, but what title do you think it is appropriate to bestow?"
Yang Guochang looked indifferent, raised his hands and said: "Your Majesty, according to military merit, I think it would be better to be awarded the title of second-class light chariot captain to reward your merits."
In Chen Han, there were three levels each: Duke, Marquis, Bo Zinan, General, Light Chariot Captain, Yunqi Lieutenant, and Flying Cavalry Lieutenant.
Han Huang smiled and said: "Mr. Yang Ge, this reward seems a bit light. Jia Heng had previously done a favor for the saint and granted him the title of fourth-grade commander. This second-class light chariot captain is exactly the fourth grade. If the quality is spread, it may be suspected of treating the meritorious officials poorly."
Jia Heng's son has shown signs of taking off, and his son Han Hui is friends with him. It is a favor without any expense for him to sell a favor at this moment.
Moreover, the emperor's intention may also be to increase his favor and reward him generously.
Yang Guochang frowned and said: "Mr. Han Ge, the title cannot be equated with the salary. The title of Captain of Qingche is the imperial decree, and it can be passed down to descendants."
The subtext is that the previous title and salary were issued by the imperial edict. How could such an edict be issued? This is a title that can be passed on to future generations.
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said: "What the two elders said is not unreasonable. Li Qing, as the chief commander of the Ministry of War, you have carefully studied the military affairs. What title do you think is appropriate for this meritorious service?"
"Your Majesty, the ancients said that rewards are given without sincerity and not admonishment, and punishments are not sincere and without warning. The minister thought that we could give Jia Heng the rank of a third-class general to praise his loyalty and bravery and inspire the generals to make achievements." Li Zan spoke.
In his opinion, the rank of third-class general is the most appropriate. It is slightly higher, but not too high. It has the effect of motivating the soldiers without being suspected of being a reward.
As soon as Li Zan said this, he not only played into the hands of Emperor Chongping, but also made the surrounding ministers think.
Not thinking
For example, Yang Guochang's face was silent and he glanced at Li Zan. The reason why he objected just now was because "you can't take away anger, and you can't give out joy." The emperor liked this young man too much.
Emperor Chongping also looked pleased when he heard this. He looked at Li Zan with a somewhat inexplicable look in his eyes and said: "What Li Qing said is sincerity. I, a big man, need such a young handsome man. If Wu Xun and others are all Like Jia Heng, why worry about the unrest in the northern border and the injustice in the east!"
Jia Heng, who was listening on the sidelines, felt a little indescribable, so he could only lower his eyebrows and act like he was flattered.
He felt that Emperor Chongping must have done it on purpose. Discussing merit in front of him was in itself a political means to win over people's hearts.
By the way, let’s take a look at his reaction and say a few words of “acceptance speech.” In front of all the cabinet ministers, how dare he not try his best in the future?
At this time, Zhao Yi, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, smiled and said: "I think that if Ke is still granted the title of Third-level General Yunhui, if it spreads, it will be a good story for the ages."
Previously, when I resigned from the knighthood, I said that I would earn my own fame, but now it's better. If you have merit, I will grant you the same title. This time, it will be very beautiful.
Emperor Chongping smiled slightly and said: "Excellent."
After discussing the title and reward, Emperor Chongping cast his majestic gaze on Jia Heng again and said: "Jia Qing, you have heard everything, but I have one more thing to do. After a short rest, I will arrest all the bandits in the Sanfu area of the capital. "
Jia Heng's face flushed and he said gratefully: "The Holy Emperor's kindness is so great. Heng is so grateful that he dares not to do the hard work of the dogs and horses in order to repay the Holy Emperor."
The work of dogs and horses...
Emperor Chongping pondered the four words in his heart, waved his hand, smiled and said: "Go back and wait for the imperial edict. I have some important matters to discuss with the elders, so I won't let you have dinner."
The last sentence was full of intimacy, as if he were a son or nephew, which shocked several cabinet ministers and assessed the importance of Jia Heng in the emperor's heart.
Jia Heng bowed deeply and bowed to leave.
