Ningguo Mansion
It was dusk, the lanterns under the eaves had already been lit, and the servants were guarding the door.
Jia Heng returned from the Ordnance Supervision. As soon as he arrived at the flower hall, he saw a woman coming from under the eaves of the corridor and said, "Sir, Miss Lin from the West Mansion is waiting for you in the inner hall."
Because yesterday, Jia Heng and Dai Yu made an appointment to come over in the evening to discuss things about Lin Ruhai.
Jia Heng nodded and said, "That's it."
In the afternoon, he suddenly remembered his promise to Daiyu and almost forgot about it. Not only was he broke out in a cold sweat, but he also quickly ordered someone to go to Jinyi Mansion to find out what happened.
Then, something happened at Lin Ruhai's place.
Jia Heng now walked along the corridor to the inner hall. He saw Daiyu sitting on the chair at the bottom, talking with Tanchun, while Keqing was chatting and laughing with Yuanchun.
In the past few days, because Yuanchun returned from the palace, he often visited Ningguo Mansion. The mansion was indeed very lively.
Seeing Jia Heng coming in through the curtain, everyone stood up and called out, turning their bright, crystal clear or joyful eyes towards him.
"Husband, you are back." Qin Keqing stood up, came closer, and said softly.
Jia Heng nodded, handed the big cloak on his body to Baozhu on the side, stared at Daiyu, and met a pair of shining star eyes, and said softly: "I have something to do with my uncle and Sister Lin. explain."
Daiyu's face changed slightly and she said in surprise: "Brother Heng, is there any news from my father?"
Jia Heng said: "What a coincidence, Jinyi Mansion collected the information from the south this morning using carrier pigeons."
The smile on Yuanchun's face froze a little, and his eyes gradually became a little concerned.
This is Jinyi's Mansion, and it's also the pigeon's house...
Daiyu saw Jia Heng's serious expression on her side, and she couldn't help but feel a hint of worry in her heart.
Jia Heng first comforted and said: "Sister, don't worry, there is nothing wrong with my uncle, it was just a false alarm."
Yuan Chun was silent for a moment and asked: "Brother Heng, what are you talking about?"
Tanchun answered: "My uncle is sorting out the salt affairs."
As he spoke, he narrated the whole process in a few words.
Yuan Chun Yurong showed concern and asked: "Brother Heng, isn't that uncle in danger?"
Jia Heng said: "A month ago I sent people to the southern province to protect me secretly. Sure enough, those people jumped over the wall. Something happened this month. Some thieves tried to poison my uncle through the kitchen. It's really hateful!"
Yuanchun's expression suddenly changed and he said in shock: "This..."
When Daiyu heard this, her little face turned a frosty white, and her delicate body was trembling. Zicuckoo beside her quickly stretched out her hand to support Daiyu.
Jia Heng said warmly: "Sister, my uncle's side is safe. These thieves were detected by the Jinyi Mansion after they attempted evil, and were interrogated. It is said that they gave my uncle a chronic poison that targets the heart's veins and accumulates over time. , I fear my life will be in danger.”
I think this is the reason why Lin Ruhai became seriously ill and became terminally ill. Otherwise, he would have unscrupulously murdered a salt patrol censor, which was almost a direct enemy of the imperial court.
However, Lin Ruhai's death on the job was not a cause for concern, because in this era of backward medicine, it was very common for officials to die of illness on the job. There was no doubt that the government could not go ahead and conduct an autopsy in spite of the public disapproval.
But if there is something strange about the sudden death, the court will definitely intervene in the investigation and make a test.
Daiyu's beautiful face was already as pale as paper. She bit her cherry lips with her white teeth and said in a condensing voice: "Not long ago... I received a letter from daddy. It's clear that everything is safe with daddy."
Jia Heng looked at Daiyu, who was concerned but confused, and explained: "Sister, the capital is thousands of miles away from Yangzhou. I probably haven't encountered these things when my uncle wrote. This happened in the last two or three days."
Daiyu was stunned for a moment, then raised a pair of starry eyes that were about to cry, and said urgently: "Brother Heng, what should I do with my father?"
Jia Heng did not notice Dai Yu's change of address when she was in a panic, and said in a deep voice: "Sister, once these poisoning and assassination methods are discovered, it will be difficult for the thieves to repeat their old tricks. Sister, don't worry too much. In addition, tomorrow I will deliver a sign to the palace and state this matter to the Holy One. When the Holy One hears about it, he will definitely send someone to investigate the case. At that time, everyone will pay attention, and no one will dare to do this treacherous and sinister method."
The salt patrol censor who was rectifying the salt affairs was secretly poisoned and murdered. Where would this put the dignity of the imperial court?
With the emperor's temperament, he is bound to unleash the wrath of thunder.
At that time, the imperial court would also send imperial envoys to go south to supervise the case. Even if the truth could not be found out for a while, the thieves would not dare to act rashly.
However, the New Year is approaching and there are many things to do. If I really want to get to the bottom of things, I'm afraid I have to wait until next spring.
Tan Chun looked frightened and said, "Brother Heng, why are you so dangerous?"
Jia Heng said: "Third sister, I have said before that the benefits of salt and iron are very involved. These people did not explicitly assassinate, but only poisoned. They are already worried about the threat of punishment from the imperial court."
Tan Chun sighed softly, and before getting close to Daiyu, he took Daiyu's hand and said comfortingly: "Sister Lin, since Brother Heng is on guard against this matter, my uncle will be fine."
Daiyu's eyes were blank and she said "hmm", but her worries remained undiminished.
Yuanchun thought for a while and asked: "Brother Heng, uncle, since you have already made a decision in advance, will the Holy One appoint you as an imperial envoy to go south?"
As soon as these words came out, Daiyu frowned and looked, her eyes full of autumn water, with the light of expectation.
Jia Heng shook his head and said: "I couldn't get away a year ago. Besides, this matter has attracted the attention of the cabinet and the Ministry of Revenue. For the time being, it is not my turn as a military attache to go south to ask questions."
Unless the cabinet and civil servants could not handle the matter, Emperor Chongping said he would not send any mission to him.
When Daiyu heard this, her originally bright and shining eyes quickly dimmed.
She didn't know about those officials in the imperial court, but if Brother Heng went south, his father would definitely be safe as a rock, but...
Jia Heng said: "Sister Lin, please relax. Now that we are prepared, at least nothing will happen to my uncle. As for the success of rectifying the salt affairs, it is not my uncle's responsibility alone. This is the concern of all the civil and military officials of the court." big event."
Daiyu nodded and said in a charming voice: "Let Brother Heng worry about it."
Jia Heng was startled at this time. He just vaguely remembered that Daiyu called him Brother Heng. Maybe he heard it wrong?
Qin Keqing consoled him: "Sister Lin, this unflattering method will not work once you are prepared. Sister, don't worry too much about Uncle Lin."
Daiyu looked at Qin Keqing and said softly: "Thank you, sister-in-law."
After this incident, the atmosphere in the hall became somewhat dull. Although Daiyu was persuaded by everyone, she was still a little frowning.
Qin Keqing ordered people to serve food.
Jia Heng took a sip of tea, turned to Yuan Chun, and asked, "Sister, are you used to being at home these past two days?"
Yuanchun nodded and said: "Everything is fine, sisters, let's play together.
Jia Heng looked at the light look on the girl Wen Ning's eyebrows and felt a little emotional.
Take Yuanchun, for example, in terms of age, he is actually just a college student. Although his family education has made Yuanchun much precocious and gentle, he still has the naive and charming mentality of a little girl, but he usually hides it very well. Just a big reveal.
The next day, in the Daming Palace
In the study, Emperor Chongping was sitting behind the imperial desk, looking at a memorial. His usually cold and calm face showed a look of satisfaction. It was Wang Ziteng's report on the rectification of the capital camp.
Recently, Kedao spokesperson has also been discussing this matter.
He was very strict in speaking about his official duties. He not only paid close attention to political affairs, but also paid close attention to military reforms, and he impeached almost everything.
Emperor Chongping put down the memorial, turned to look at Dai Quan, who was bending down to meet him, and said: "Dai Quan, Prince Teng is brave enough to do his job. I will give you fifty pieces of brocade to commend him."
Dai Quan heard this and responded: "Your Majesty, I will order people to go now."
Emperor Chongping turned around and closed the memorial, picked up another memorial, and looked at it intently. However, after a while, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
This is a memorial from King Qi, to the effect of, "Dad, all the goods in the house that should be sold are sold out, and there is really no more than a tael of silver left."
"Huh!" Emperor Chongping snorted coldly and abandoned the memorial in his hand on the imperial desk. A majestic and cold voice sounded in the palace, "King Qi wrote the memorial saying that the palace is short of silver and the daily necessities cannot be maintained. Dai Quan, What do the inner guards say?"
Obviously, in the eyes of Emperor Chongping, there was no truth in King Qi's mouth.
Dai Quan lowered his head and whispered: "Your Majesty, it seems that there is such a thing. I heard that Prince Qi is going to sell his mansion and the princess's jewelry to raise money."
"This bastard!" Emperor Chongping shouted angrily with a livid face.
He lowered his eyes and looked at the memorial in his hand, his eyes darkened. After a while, he picked up the ink pen and drew a circle on it, which was regarded as approval of King Qi's request.
"Have someone send his memorial to his residence." Emperor Chongping threw the memorial to the ground and said coldly.
Although it was a memorial, it actually did not go to the Secretary of State, otherwise it would have caused an uproar.
In fact, in the past two months, the King of Qi had been frantically selling off supplies, but in the end he had not collected the money. With the secret help of the salt merchants, he could only collect 4.8 million taels.
At this moment, Emperor Chongping felt that he could not squeeze out more money, so he agreed to the request.
We can't really let King Qi sell the palace, sleep on the street, and let his daughter-in-law sell off the jewelry.
Where is the face of Tianjia?
Here, Dai Quan bent down to pick up the memorial, turned around and ordered a eunuch to deliver the order.
Emperor Chongping's face returned to indifference, and he took out another memorial and reviewed it.
After a while, a small eunuch came in from outside the palace and said in a high-pitched voice: "Your Majesty, General Yunhui has handed a sign to the palace and asked to see Your Majesty."
When Emperor Chongping heard this, his expression was startled, he put down the memorial in his hand, smile lines appeared on his face again, and said: "Xuan."
Not long after, a young man dressed in the robe of a second-grade military officer walked into the study, stood up, and paid homage to the emperor who was sitting behind the imperial desk.
"Zi Yu is in peace." Emperor Chongping smiled, looked at the young man in front of him, and asked, "Zi Yu just came back from class, why don't you rest for a while?"
He heard a report from a spy yesterday. Jia Heng had been in the government office the day before yesterday, and he seemed to have gone to the Ordnance Supervision yesterday.
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, I don't have much to do at home. For me, being busy with official duties is more fulfilling."
Emperor Chongping nodded and said with a smile: "I think I have something to report when I enter the palace this time."
Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "I have urgent matters to report to Your Majesty."
"Emergency matter?" Emperor Chongping frowned, and the smile on his face slowly faded, waiting for his words.
Jia Heng said: "I learned yesterday that I came from Yangzhou to report that the censor Lin of Yangzhou Yanyuan poisoned and assassinated the thieves. Fortunately, with the majesty of the Holy One, the thieves failed in their evil attempts and showed their signs."
With that said, he bowed and presented the note in his hand to Emperor Chongping.
Emperor Chongping took the note from Dai Quan and looked at it intently. After a while, his face gradually became as gloomy as iron. He slapped the desk with a bang and shouted: "How dare these rebellious officials and traitors act so boldly? How can they be so unscrupulous? , murdering the imperial officials, being lawless, and not caring about the imperial court!"
Jia Heng watched Emperor Chongping's anger quietly, expressionless.
It is completely understandable that the emperor is angry, but anger will not help.
Emperor Chongping took a deep breath, his cold face suddenly covered with frost, and he looked at Jia Heng with shining eyes, feeling a little surprised in his heart.
The young man in front of him had predicted it a month in advance and reminded him to secretly deploy manpower to protect him. This ability to predict events makes him truly a wise man.
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and praised: "Zi Yu, if you hadn't reminded me before and secretly sent people south to protect me, how could these things have happened!"
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty has given you too much praise. The most urgent task now is how to deal with this matter. I believe that the reform of the Salt Law has reached a critical stage."
Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment and asked: "Have the Jinyi Guards detectives who went south to find out who Xiaoxiao did it?"
As he said that, he suddenly remembered something, turned to look at Dai Quan aside, and said, "Didn't I ask you to send your internal guards south to protect Yushi Lin? How come there's no news yet?"
Dai Quan was shouted at and questioned for a moment, his heart trembled, he knelt down and apologized: "I have been negligent these days, please forgive me."
Because there are too many matters that the Internal Guard has to supervise, and many of them have higher priority than Nan Province, it will naturally be delayed a bit compared to the investigation of Jinyi Mansion.
But Dai Quan didn't dare to defend himself at this moment.
Jia Heng considered his words carefully and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I believe that I will send important ministers south to investigate this case strictly to prevent further trouble."
Emperor Chongping nodded and said: "What Ziyu said is true. I will summon the cabinet later and send an imperial envoy south to supervise the case. Mr. Yang Ge also said the day before yesterday that he would send an imperial envoy south to rectify the salt affairs. Now we are doing both things at the same time. "
Jia Heng said: "The Holy One is the Holy Ming."
Emperor Chongping looked gloomy for a moment, then asked: "You are in the capital camp now, do you know Wang Ziteng's army strategy?"
Jia Heng said: "I heard about the army reorganization yesterday. Wang Jieshuai has made a comprehensive plan and is currently in an orderly manner. However, I feel that if the matter is serious, it will be slow and if it is light, it will be urgent. If it is not necessary, it is better to proceed steadily."
Emperor Chongping's eyes seemed to be excited, and he said: "I have read Wang Qing's memorial. It is vigorous and thorough, and I think that by the beginning of the spring, I will be able to rectify a force that dares to fight for the court."
When Jia Heng heard this, he said nothing more.
What he should have warned tactfully has already been done.
Emperor Chongping turned to ask: "The day before yesterday, you arrived at the queen's place."
Jia Heng's heart trembled, and he quickly said: "The empress summoned the ministers to a banquet, and said that the King of Wei will be in charge of the government next year, and he will go to the Military and Horse Department of the Five Cities to observe the government."
Emperor Chongping thought for a while, his expression showed no emotion, and said: "Ran'er likes martial arts, so I asked him to go to the Five Cities Military and Horse Division to practice first. Although you are of the same age, you have always been mature in planning for the country, and he If he has an impatient temper, you should give him some guidance."
I can't really ignore my son's education.
"I don't dare." A flattered look appeared on Jia Heng's face, and he cupped his hands and said, "His Royal Highness the King of Wei is a noble person in the sky. He has an outstanding demeanor and extraordinary intelligence. I am humble in virtue and talent, so I dare not overestimate my ability."
Emperor Chongping couldn't help but laugh. He looked at the uneasy young man and said, "I still know what my child's temperament and capabilities are. Ziyu, don't worry about anything. If he does something inappropriate, you have to speak out and correct him. Don't hold back." .”
Jia Heng's face paused slightly, a trace of doubt flashed in his mind, and he sighed: "The Holy Spirit has a broad mind, and I admire you."
The emperor had unpredictable thoughts and asked him to take care of his son, but he needed to figure out how to control the distance and how to position his role.
Emperor Chongping's face was silent, his eyes were blank for a moment, and his mind was full of thoughts.
Although he is only in his early forties, he still needs to start cultivating his successors. If the king of Wei has the appearance of a king and establishes direct heirs, a lot of troubles can be reduced.
However, in the past dynasties, the crown prince was established early, and he could easily become the target of public criticism. He could not always remain disbelieving if someone with evil intentions deceived the saints and alienated the heavenly family.
Then simply don't establish it first, but then look at the conduct and talents of the disciples.
But, who can understand his painstaking efforts.
Thinking about this, I couldn't help but feel a little discouraged. I looked at the respectful young man opposite and sighed in my heart.
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