When Emperor Chongping heard what Empress Song said, his eyes lit up and he said: "What Zi Tong said reminds me that Brother Wang is in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In recent years, the clan's expenses have been increasing and the waste has been huge. Next year, Ran'er will have to do it again." If Brother Wang comes forward to say something about the wedding or the opening of a mansion...but, will others think that I am secretly giving instructions?"
After all, I cherish my feathers and worry about my reputation being damaged.
Empress Song's beady voice sounded, with a touch of softness, and said: "Since your Majesty took the throne, your frugality has been heard all over the world. Who would make rash speculations and say that your Majesty is wrong?"
Hearing this, Jia Heng's heart moved slightly. He raised his eyes and glanced at Empress Song. He saw a beauty in palace clothes, with lush hair, eyebrows like green feathers, clear phoenix eyes, and a slender neck as white as jade.
Emperor Chongping nodded and said: "In fact, after discussing with the cabinet, five million taels is enough. I am just worried that they will be greedy and cause trouble again."
Jia Heng also deeply believed in this.
This is a high-probability event. Judging from the poor nature of civil servants, they will probably say that the country is in difficulty and collect all the wealth in the national treasury. But what kind of virtue are these people? Before the government is rectified, only three or four taels of ten taels of silver are actually used. Remarkable.
However, this matter is finally settled.
Jia Heng came up with a plan to trick King Zhongshun, and quietly watched the couple talk without saying anything else.
After Emperor Chongping finished speaking, he raised his eyes to look at Jia Heng and said with a smile: "As Cai Yu said just now, there are still some businesses left to make a living. Is it difficult to sell them off or something?"
Jia Heng said in a clear voice: "I'm about to ask the Holy One to make a decision. There are more than fifty-five businesses and shops in the Sanhe Gang. In addition to brothels, gambling houses and other industries, there are also other carriages and boatmen, and grain and cloth merchants. They earn a lot of money every year. If they make money, It is a pity that I think of the merchants who sold it. It would not be better if the Holy Lord managed it with people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As for me, I have a ruthless request. I am now leading the head of the Jia clan, and the expenses under his command are also large. The day before yesterday, I collected the money from the public. I lost money and got some cash. I would like to buy a few shops with 20% of the floating market price for a long-term solution. I don’t know what your Majesty wants?"
This was something he had carefully considered. Instead of making the acquisition quietly and then being discovered by Emperor Chongping through other channels, he would rather show his sincerity and leave the rest to the Emperor's will.
Emperor Chongping smiled and said: "The Tian family does not compete with the people for profit. This is an iron rule set by Emperor Taizong. Even the Ministry of Internal Affairs will purchase palace utensils and entrust them to the imperial merchants to promote the prosperity of all industries. It is not easy to operate. But if you want to buy it and sell it to others at a discount, it is better to buy it for you."
Hearing this, Jia Heng said softly: "Thank you so much for your kindness, Your Majesty. However, I don't have that much money. It would be great to just buy a few places to make a living."
Emperor Chongping smiled and said, "Yes, it's a pity."
To be honest, he was a little tempted.
All the Sanhe Gang's businesses earn more than six million taels of silver a year. Of course, many of them make side money, and there are also some normal businesses, which may also be poaching corners of the imperial court.
But even if those unethical properties are excluded, if the profit earned in a year is discounted in half twice, there will always be 1.5 million taels of silver. This is undoubtedly a large amount of income for internal funds.
It's just that he is the co-owner of Kyushu and is engaged in the business of goods, breeding and merchants. How do outsiders view him?
Moreover, after allocating five million taels to the Ministry of Household Affairs, these shops were collected on the back foot, which is bound to arouse criticism from both the government and the public.
This kind of thing is not easy to deal with.
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, His Highness Jinyang has many shops under his command. What I want to say is that if these shops are not transferred to His Highness Jinyang's name, and the profits gained from them are returned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more can be made." An income.”
Emperor Chongping heard this, thought about it, and said, "This proposal... seems to be feasible."
Jia Heng said softly: "Your Majesty, what I want is for the eldest princess of Jinyang to set up a business company and bring the farms and mansions inspected this time into it, as well as the carriage, horse, boat, and other industries. In this way, the Holy One can use the hands of the eldest princess of Jinyang to profit from the internal funds."
His move was obviously to unite with the eldest princess of Jinyang, step by step to evade the House of Internal Affairs, and replace the position of King Zhongshun's housekeeper with the eldest princess of Chen Han.
Today, the main financial resources of the Ministry of Internal Affairs come from the rental of imperial estates and residences, because due to the momentum or consensus of scholarly public opinion, it cannot directly monopolize the people's livelihood industry.
But in fact, whether it is Prince Zhongshun, Qi Chu Twenty Thousand, or even Princess Jinyang, none of them secretly control some industries through "layers of matryoshka".
In other words, Emperor Chongping regarded himself as the common master of the world and cherished his reputation before and after his death, so he could not directly intervene in the affairs of merchants and merchants.
"Jinyang...it's not like no one has accused her of competing for the interests of the people in recent years, but I suppressed them all, and it's not easy for them mother and daughter." Emperor Chongping frowned, his expression a bit complicated, thinking After thinking for a while, he looked at Jia Heng and said, "You and Jinyang should discuss this matter and give it a try. If it works, forget it if it doesn't."
The main reason is that the Ministry of Internal Affairs directly manages the industry. Up and down, there is too much noise and too much criticism. If it is separated by one floor, even if there is criticism, at least it will look much better on the surface.
Jia Heng also had some understanding of the emperor's temperament. He valued both practical benefits and fame. It could be said that he wanted both face and lizi.
However, this is also human nature.
Jia Heng said: "That's how I handled it."
He has not seen the eldest princess of Jinyang for more than a month. In other words, after returning from the bandit suppression in Cuihua Mountain, the eldest princess knew that he was busy with the emperor's mission and deliberately did not disturb her. Or something else, no one came to call her. He went to the mansion to talk about it.
"Thinking about it, firstly, I don't want to shout around anymore, and secondly, I want to test my attitude to see if it's the same as before. This princess... is not only considerate, but also a bit arrogant." Jia Heng thought. He was able to grasp the subtle thoughts of Princess Jinyang to some extent, and felt something strange in his heart.
In other words, as Jia Heng gradually became more dependent on Emperor Chongping, he was awarded a title, and he was appointed by the emperor. For a time, he was in the limelight both inside and outside Shenjing.
Princess Jinyang, a high-ranking nobleman with a shrewd mind, no longer prides herself as the leader of recommendations. She no longer even takes the initiative to send her maids Lianxue and Liu Tong to contact Jia Heng. Instead, she leaves the leadership to Jia Heng.
If Jia Heng is intentional, he will take the initiative to maintain this sweet relationship. If it is unintentional, or even deliberately distanced to avoid suspicion, others will not stick close to him, but how they view him is another matter.
Interpersonal relationships are just like relationships between men and women. You can't choose one or the other. It only makes sense to go in both directions.
Jia Heng suppressed the thoughts in his heart and said to himself, "It's just that it has been more than a month since the manuscript of the Three Kingdoms was published... I haven't been given the royalties yet."
Emperor Chongping smiled and said: "One more thing. The day after tomorrow, Mr. Li Ge will escort the salary to Peiping to deal with the aftermath. By the way, he will inspect the geography of Youyan's mountains and rivers and make preparations for Chen Bing and Yanyun. When the spring of next year begins, he will make preparations to build the north gate. Let’s go to the camp. You will go to his side for the next two days. After five days, you will also lead the Guo Yong camp out of the capital to suppress the bandits in the three auxiliary counties of the capital. The decree will be passed down from the cabinet the day after tomorrow. Today, I will It’s like giving you a breather in advance so that you won’t be in a hurry when the time comes.”
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, are you in such a hurry?"
This was said with just the right amount of intimacy.
Emperor Chongping smiled and said: "By the end of this year, these things must be done. Next year, we, the monarchs and ministers, will do a good job."
The spring of next year will start, and he will take advantage of the spring to rectify the officialdom first, and then rectify the capital camp. Step by step, one day, he will eliminate the border troubles and create a great achievement as the emperor!
Empress Song looked at the two of them, the smile on her gentle brows and eyes grew brighter, and she said softly: "Your Majesty, next year, Ran'er will also open a mansion. At that time, the emperor and ministers, father and son will work together, and the atmosphere will change, and something will be done."
Emperor Chongping smiled and said, "I hope so."
Emperor Chongping suddenly remembered something, his expression was a bit strange, and he said: "The Third Auxiliary Campaign to suppress the bandits in Gyeonggi Province, I don't know when it will end. You still have to take the annual examination, and you have to do your homework. Is it still too late?"
Jia Heng said: "I haven't been idle recently. I have written a lot of books. I think it's just a test to enter the school, so it shouldn't be a big problem."
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said, "Now that you have an errand, such as taking the imperial examination, it will arouse some criticism. How about I give you the same background as a Jinshi?"
He felt that there was no need for the young man in front of him to be obsessed with his background in the imperial examination. He had the time to do more errands and focus on military strategy.
Previously, Jia Jing of the Ningguo Mansion was also promoted to a nobility. Instead, he still had to take the imperial examination and become an official, and entered the Zhanshi Mansion.
Jia Heng said: "I still want to gain fame for myself. As for the imperial examination, you must read some books. Otherwise, if you are a martial artist and do not read poetry and books, your reputation will be hindered in the end."
When Emperor Chongping heard the words, he was silent for a moment and said with a smile: "Good ambition, but Xu Deqing will take up his new post after the annual examination at the end of this year. Jingzhao will take care of it, and the Ministry of Rites will send an academic advisor here. In the spring and February of next year, I will conduct the examination in Jingzhao Mansion, so you can have more time to study."
When Jia Heng heard this, his expression paused and he said: "If this is the case, I will be more confident. Otherwise, if I fail in the annual test, I'm afraid..."
Emperor Chongping said with a smile: "I'm afraid that your Jia Ziyu's joke will be spread throughout the Shenjing City."
Jia Heng: "..."
"Pfft..." Seeing Jia Heng's calm face that seemed to be "astonished", Empress Song blinked her beautiful eyes under her curving willow-leaf eyebrows, and felt a surge of excitement. But he couldn't help laughing.
Jia Heng couldn't help but glance up.
The beauty's phoenix eyes curved into crescent moons, and the familiar and charming charm flowed out from the corners of her eyebrows and eyes. Her face was like a February peach, bright and charming, and she said softly: "That's why Your Majesty advises you, wait until you are ready." It is a credit to be born with the same Jinshi background... Otherwise, it would be fine if you pass the exam, but if you fail, I'm afraid everyone in the capital will discuss it."
In fact, this is true.
Jia Heng said: "This is my little wish, please ask the Holy One to grant it."
Emperor Chongping's eyes were warm, he smiled and said, "I support your desire to learn."
Empress Song Qiao smiled and said: "Your Majesty also likes to read. He never lets go of books, especially your book Three Kingdoms. He always keeps it close at hand."
Jia Heng said: "My lord, I am very honored."
Emperor Chongping said warmly: "Although you are on an errand now, you don't seem to have much time to write a book. But the ancients said that a good beginning is a good end, so I'd better finish this book Three Kingdoms as much as possible."
Jia Heng looked stunned and said, "I will write the second part after I finish this part."
The monarch and his ministers talked for a while, and Emperor Chongping gave instructions on what to pay attention to when leading troops to suppress bandits and localities, and then waved Jia Heng to leave.
When Jia Heng was escorted out of the Daming Palace by Dai Quan.
Queen Song suddenly sighed softly, her eyes meaning something incomprehensible.
Emperor Chongping looked at Empress Song in surprise and said, "Why did Zi Tong sigh?"
Empress Song said softly: "No wonder His Majesty regards him as his nephew. He is so sensible, reasonable, and loyal. How can it be difficult for him to be a child of only ten years old? I just sighed. How could such a young handsome man be so early?" We must get married, otherwise, Zhi'er is not young anymore, so if we promise him, we can get married."
Emperor Chongping was stunned when he heard this, and murmured: "Xianning? She seems to be of marriageable age. You two sisters are taking care of it, but you haven't helped her find a suitable family yet?"
Perhaps it was because of Jia Heng's "emotional" words just now, or perhaps because Emperor Chongping was ill and the border affairs came to an end, he became more concerned about his children's marriage.
Empress Song's bright eyes flickered, and she said angrily: "Zhi'er has a high vision, especially... Your Majesty also knows that she has a deep understanding of the temperament of the princes and princes in the capital. How can she be so discerning?"
The husband-in-law of Princess Chen Han was either a noble or a civil servant, but most civil servants avoided the princess for fear of being inferior to her.
Emperor Chongping frowned and said: "Jia Heng is already married. His wife is the daughter of Qin Ye, a doctor in the maintenance department of the Ministry of Industry. She is also a well-educated official. Zhi'er cannot be a concubine. This can't be done. .”
Since the emperor valued Jia Heng, how could he not know something about Jia Heng's family situation? He had already known about Jia Heng's personal affairs from the spies in the inner factory.
After hearing this, Queen Song sighed softly and said, "That's why I feel it's a pity, otherwise, there would be no one more suitable than him."
She had just been the mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, and the more she looked at him, the more she fell in love with him. It was not all just to win over this rising star.
"You said that..." Emperor Chongping frowned, feeling a little moved in his heart.
It is worth mentioning that since the Song and Ming Dynasties, although the princes-in-law were regarded as relatives, due to the checks and balances of the civil service group, the more capable prince-son-in-law could be a solid defender of the imperial power to a certain extent.
On the contrary, the concubine's relatives were too capable and easily aroused attention and suspicion from above and below.
Emperor Chongping was silent at this moment, thinking.
For such an outstanding young man to be his son-in-law, it would indeed be a close relationship.
But unfortunately, he already has a wife.
If he issued a decree granting marriage, it would be fine.
But even though he was a father and an emperor, he had no reason to stop Youyou from talking, so how could he grant a marriage so easily?
Therefore, Jia Heng must have made great contributions to the country!
Xiang Envoy can pacify the Eastern Barbarians and make them kings. No, even if he defeats the Eastern Barbarians and is granted the title of Duke or Marquis, he can issue an imperial edict and betrothed him to show his favor and trust. In this way, he can be spared to a certain extent. Start a fight between wives and concubines.
Queen Song's beautiful eyes sparkled and she said softly: "What if Your Majesty sends a special decree to grant marriage?"
As for asking him to divorce his wife and marry another, we can't even mention it. This is not to win over. According to the strong temperament of the young man who took his fame for himself, it is just to offend the person to death.
Besides, a young man who abandoned his married wife for the sake of glory and wealth, and devoted himself to climbing a high tree, was not worthy of her Zhi'er.
Emperor Chongping glanced at Empress Song, smiled and said: "How can I grant a marriage if I have not done much for the country? Zitong, do you really think I can do whatever I want?"
"I don't dare." Empress Song smiled softly, turned around behind Emperor Chongping, squeezed Emperor Chongping's shoulders, and said softly: "Your Majesty has Jiuzhou Wanfang in your heart, and you have your own considerations in your actions. I'm awake."
