As Jia Heng returned from the Daming Palace, Emperor Chongping's reward for Jia Heng was not only known to King Zhongshun, but also spread like a whirlwind to the ears of officials in the capital who were paying attention to the imperial censor's impeachment of Jia Heng.
Not only did Jia Heng not reveal his guilt, but he also gave him New Year's gifts as an appeasement. This undoubtedly sent a strong signal - the Holy Family is in good hands, and the monarch and his ministers have no doubts.
The undercurrent in the capital suddenly calmed down, and those who were eager to try it also stopped.
Nan'an County Prince's Mansion
As the New Year approaches, the servants of the royal palace also begin to get busy, decorating with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a lively and noisy atmosphere.
In the outer study room, several military generals gathered together, and the crowd was crowded.
Sitting on the main seat are Yan Ye, Prince of Nan'an County, and Wang Shuirong, Prince of Beijing, sitting side by side across a coffee table. On the chair on the left are Liu Fang, Commander-in-Chief of the Former Army, Hou Xiaokang, Commander-in-Chief of the Rear Army, and Shi Guang, Commander-in-Chief of the Former Army. Zhu and others were sitting one after another. On the other side, there were General Chen Ruiwen of Wei Zhen, the grandson of the Duke of Qi, General Weiyuan, Ma Shang, the grandson of the Duke of Zhi, and other generals. In addition, there was an old acquaintance of Jia Heng, the grandson of the Duke of Zhen. The first-class Bo Niu succeeded the clan.
Liu Fang said angrily: "Your Majesty, you let this kid escape this disaster!"
Prince Nan'an didn't seem to be surprised at all by this result. He stroked the jade ring on his hand and said, "The palace is using him very much. Damn it if this kind of impeachment is useful."
It is such a straightforward truth, and it is being reused. Let alone this kind of impeachment, no matter how serious it is, it will not be able to touch anyone's hair.
Wang Shuirong of Beijing took a deep breath and said: "Your Majesty, I heard from the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate that there is something fishy about the impeachment of the censor. I'm afraid it was the handiwork of Prince Zhongshun."
"There is no one else except him." Prince Nan'an chuckled and said, with a playful look in his old eyes, as if he didn't like Prince Zhongshun very much.
Hearing this, Niu Jizong's eyes lit up and he said angrily: "Your Majesty, Prince Zhongshun and the Jia family have a feud for a long time, which is almost to the death. Why not join forces with them to control Jia Heng's son?"
The Prince of Nan'an County frowned, glanced at Niu Jizong, and said, "Nonsense! I have never had any contact with the noble and loyal prince's palace, and I'm afraid to avoid him. Why are you approaching me?"
The emperor in the palace had just summoned him to show his comfort and intimacy because he had sent his granddaughter to the Ministry of Rites to be selected the day before yesterday. Now he is risking death to associate with the loyal and submissive king. What will the emperor think in the eyes of the emperor?
In recent years, not to mention that the four princes and eight princes have not made friends with King Zhongshun, even the palace of Zhongshun has tacitly agreed not to interfere with the Governor's Mansion of the Fifth Army.
He originally thought that King Zhongshun was stupid enough, but there was someone even more stupid beside him?
Niu Jizong's expression changed, he suddenly realized that he was speechless, and asked: "What will the prince do now? Should he let Jia Heng's son grow up?"
Since he was dismissed, he has been idle at home for many days. The once bustling Zhenguo Palace has long since lost its splendor, and all this is thanks to Jia Heng's son!
Of course, compared to the situation when he was dismissed from the position of governor, Qiu Liang, the grandson of Marquis Jingtian who served in the Wucheng Military and Horse Department, was even worse. Now he is abandoned at home, and with the title of third-class general Zhaowu, it is almost impossible to narrate it again. use.
The Prince of Nan'an County thought for a moment and asked: "Jia Heng is in charge of the affairs of the army. I heard that his methods are radical and cruel, especially those of Wang Ziteng. The lieutenant general of the army has no complaints recently?"
This refers to Jia Heng forcing the general to pay back the corrupt military pay.
King Beijing took over the conversation, with a touch of emotion on his handsome face, and said: "We have laid off many military generals and sent people to recover the vacancies over the years. How can there be no complaints? It's just that Jia Yunhui holds important positions alone. With overwhelming power, he controls the Jinyi Mansion, the Five Cities Military and Horse Division, the Guo Yong Camp and other minions, and he has the full support of Grand Scholar Li. The generals dare to be angry but dare not speak out."
Hou Xiaokang's eyes flashed and he said thoughtfully: "Your Majesty, can you secretly ask those generals to follow the example of Prince Wang?"
King Beijing shook his head and said: "No, this time is different from Wang Ziteng's time. Not to mention the attention of the government and the public, and the heavy defense of troops, Jia Yun commanded the army to confiscate nearly half of the wealth of the corrupt generals and put the soldiers in place, relying on the army alone. Generals, they all have families and families, they bought property in the capital, paid half of the corrupt wealth, and got away, how dare they do anything random?"
To put it bluntly, it was to divide the generals and soldiers without forcing them too hastily. Due to the weakness of the property owners, they did not dare to cause chaos in the face of the surveillance of the five-city military division, Jinyiwei, and Beijing camp.
The Prince of Nan'an County frowned and said: "Now it is better to wait and see what happens. We should not take action. We might as well see the reaction of the civil servants first before making any calculations. We should first discuss the matter of Niu Xiandi and leave Guo Yongying's resignation. There are also many days when someone needs to be sent on a mission."
As soon as these words came out, everyone looked at Niu Jizong.
King Beijing asked: "What do you think, Uncle Shi?"
Niu Jizong said: "Your Majesty, I still want to lead the troops to fight on the battlefield. I can't do anything if I am asked to do other things."
In the Chen-Han system, Wu Xun who did not lead troops was almost useless and did not dare to speak loudly.
Wang Shuirong of Beijing thought for a while and said to the Prince of Nan'an County on the side: "The Ministry of War reported the day before yesterday that bandits in Henan were infested, roaring in the mountains and forests, causing harm to the place. The Henan Dusi unified all the soldiers to suppress the arrests, but they were unable to do anything. The former military governor's office wanted to appoint a dispatch Qian Shu went to Henan to inspect military affairs, Niu Shibo first appointed Qian Shu to go to Henan, first went to Xiangzan military aircraft, and then made calculations."
Previously, Liu Fang actually went to the Ministry of War to ask for an official letter, but did not get permission from the Ministry of War at that time.
At this moment, Wang Shuirong of Beijing, who was leading the former military governor's office, obviously did not give up and came up with a curved strategy.
The Prince of Nan'an County pondered for a moment and said: "This proposal is feasible. We will go to Henan after the Chinese New Year. Once we are out of the limelight, we will transfer to the Governor's Mansion of the Fifth Army and wait for the opportunity to lead the troops. In fact, the last time I entered the palace to meet the Holy Spirit, I have reflected on my repentance to the Holy One, my dear brother, and the Holy One has shown mercy and forgiveness. Now I am going to Henan to show my loyalty, courage and diligence."
In fact, this was the sweetness given by Emperor Chongping after Prince Nan'an moved closer to Emperor Chongping, even though he actually did not want to use mediocre and incompetent people like Niu Jizong.
Niu Jizong couldn't help but show a bitter look on his face. Although he didn't want to send a foreign mission, he knew that this was a necessary step for his comeback. He nodded and said, "I am willing to listen to the prince's instructions."
The Prince of Nan'an County looked at Niu Jizong and said: "We, Wu Xun, need to know that the foundation of a career is in the army. No matter what, we must pay attention to military affairs. After the spring, I will also take the emperor's mission and leave the capital." Patrol the northwest and guard against thieves."
Since the Ming Dynasty died in Jiajing, through the continuous conquests of Taizu and Emperor Taizong of the Chen and Han Dynasties, as well as the opening of mutual markets and other means, the border troubles in the northwest have gradually subsided and are no longer the same as during the Jiajing period.
The Wala also moved westward one after another and gradually dispersed into various tribes. As a result, in the early days of the Longzhi period, there were no beacon police for thousands of miles in the northwest.
However, with the defeat of Liaodong in the last years of Longzhi, the situation in the northwest changed suddenly. The Oara tribes made a comeback eastward, and together with the native Tibetan tribes in the West Sea area, they constituted an intrusion on the northwest frontier.
The king of Xining County in Qinghai, Shizhen, led the northwest frontier army and took charge of the overall situation in the northwest.
Prince Nan'an went to the northwest to help Emperor Chongping appease Prince Xining, a former comrade-in-arms of King Zhou.
Not mentioning the planning at the Nan'an County Prince's Palace, Jia Heng returned from the Daming Palace. On the way, he went to Jinyi Mansion first and summoned Qianhu Qulang, intending to ask Jinyi Mansion about the investigation of the murderer behind the assassination of King Zhongshun.
Then he returned to Ningguo Mansion and entered the flower hall. As soon as he sat down, Jiao Da approached and said respectfully: "Uncle Heng, Wu Jinxiao has been waiting in the wing for a long time."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Bring him in."
At the same time, he took out a stack of gift lists from the drawer and placed them on the small table next to him, so he could enjoy the tea in his leisure time.
Not long after, the servant led a middle-aged man wearing a fur coat and felt hat into the flower hall.
"Wu Jinxiao, the head of Zhuangtou, has met his employer." When Wu Jinxiao saw the young military attache sitting on the chair, who was calm and calm, he couldn't help but feel a shiver in his heart. He stepped forward and bowed, holding his hands in greeting.
Jia Heng put down the tea cup and looked at Wu Jinxiao. In front of him was a burly middle-aged man with high cheekbones and deep eyes. He said: "Wuzhuangtou, wake up quickly."
"Thank you, boss." Wu Jinxiao stood up as he spoke and stood with his hands down, respectful.
Jia Heng exchanged greetings and said, "We have come a long way from Wuzhuangtou, and it's been a hard journey."
"It's just my duty, I dare not say it's hard work." Wu Jinxiao said while cupping his hands and taking a peek at the young man opposite him. Seeing that there was no joy or anger on his face, his behavior could not help but become more respectful, and he dealt with it carefully.
Jia Heng did not speak anymore. He was silent for a while. He picked up a stack of gift lists in his hand and frowned: "Wuzhuangtou, how come this year's gift list is much less than the previous two years, and it decreases sharply every year?"
Wu Jinxiao hurriedly replied: "My boss, in the past two years, there have been nine disasters in ten places in every province. Let's just say that this year, it rained from March to August, and there was no sunshine for several days in a row. In September, there was a hailstorm as big as a bowl. , a lot of people, houses, and livestock were smashed and injured, and Zhuangzi’s output this year is only so much.”
Jia Heng listened to the defense that was almost the same as the original work, with coldness in his eyes: "Wuzhuangtou, even if it is a natural disaster, there should not be only this many, and I see that the list of gifts has decreased sharply in the past five years. Two Zhuangzi were sold at a discount at the beginning of the year, how do you explain this?"
Wu Jinxiao said anxiously: "My boss, these two Zhuangzi were sold to local merchants at a discount when Uncle Zhen was here, considering that they could not make ends meet, and all the money went into the Ning Mansion's public account."
Jia Heng said in an indifferent tone: "I will send someone to verify the details of the transaction at the beginning of the year. However, I took over the Ningguo Mansion. I have watched Zhuangzi gradually decline over the years, and the ancestral foundation has declined day by day. It hurts my heart. I urgently need to sort out the order and investigate the root cause. , you lead Zhuang Ke to talk to the verification person in Jinyi Mansion about the situation."
In this era, if anything is not promoted but punished without teaching, even if it is to find out the details of Wu Jinxiao, the purpose of this suggestion must be made clear.
The foundation of Ningguo Mansion is declining day by day, and it is urgent to sort out the situation and investigate the root cause. This is a high-sounding excuse.
Of course Wu Jinxiao and other visiting bankers must assist in the investigation.
Once you enter the official office of Jinyi Mansion, Youdao's people's hearts are as iron as iron, and the official law is as strong as a furnace. Not everyone has a strong psychological quality, and there are always dealers who can't bear it and tell the truth.
In the past, Jia Zhen did not have the conditions for the government to facilitate her work. Secondly, she was worried that the generals would cause trouble and the villagers would cause trouble and the farm's output would decrease. Just sit back and do nothing.
When Wu Jinxiao heard that Jinyi Mansion was going to send someone to intervene, Wu Jinxiao's heart skipped a beat, and he already realized that something was wrong, and said anxiously: "My boss, the tribute list has never been wrong in these years. I can't trust Jinyi Mansion to intervene." Wait?"
Jia Heng said: "Wuzhuangtou, this has nothing to do with whether you believe it or not. It's just about checking the income and expenditure of several farms. After all, it's time to sort out this confusing account after all these years."
Wu Jinxiao looked ugly and thought to himself, this young man is so aggressive, isn't he afraid that we will no longer help manage the farmland?
But Jia Heng... is really not afraid!
Refugees are everywhere in the world, and there is never a shortage of people willing to farm well.
This means that the small arm cannot twist the thigh. Once Jia Heng starts not to worry about anything, he can send someone to check everything.
Because even if there is trouble in Zhuangtou and production is temporarily suspended, Ningguo Mansion will not be affected too much because it will be supported by other sources of income.
Suddenly, a servant from outside came in and reported: "Master, Qu Qianhu from Jinyi Mansion is here."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Jinxiao was feeling extremely frightened. A young man with a tall figure and sharp sword eyebrows in a flying fish suit led several guards in brocade clothes to the eaves of the corridor. The knife entered, and he raised his hand in greeting and said: "I have a humble job, Qu Lang, and I have met your Excellency."
At this time, Wu Jinxiao was completely panicked, especially when he saw the young man wearing Feiyu suit with a cold temperament, he became more and more frightened and uneasy.
This time, is he going to die here?
Jia Heng ignored Wu Jinxiao and asked: "Qu Qianhu, you are here just in time. Let your people lead the head of Wuzhuang and the guests who are temporarily staying at Tongfu Inn to the Zhenfu Division to inquire about the details. "
When Qu Lang heard this, his expression was indifferent, he cupped his hands and said, "I follow your orders."
With that said, he ordered the captain in Jinyi to enter the hall.
Jia Heng said filial piety to the already gloomy Wu Jin: "Wuzhuang head will go first. If everything goes well, we will entertain all of you who have come from afar in the evening."
If things don't go well, this year will be spent in Zhenfusi Prison.
Wu Jinxiao's hands and feet were cold at the moment, and his heart was extremely anxious. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but at the urging of the captain of the Jinyi Mansion, he felt afraid and had to follow Jinyiwei out of the flower hall and headed towards the Zhenfu Division. go.
Jia Heng turned to look at Qu Lang and asked, "Qu Qianhu, is there anything you can tell us about?"
Qu Lang whispered: "I already have some clues, and I'm about to report it to you, sir."
When Jia Heng saw this, his heart moved slightly. He stood up and said, "Let's talk in the study."
Qu Lang responded and followed Jia Heng to the outer study room to discuss matters.
When Jia Heng sat down, Qu Lang whispered: "Sir, the group of criminals who assassinated Prince Zhongshun in Da Ci'en Temple seems to be from the White Lotus Sect."
"Huh? White Lotus Sect?"
Jia Heng frowned, with surprise in his eyes.
Without him, the White Lotus Sect is a professional rebel. How could Chen Han have such a hidden rebel force?
Qu Lang looked solemn and said in a deep voice: "In the past few years, Shandong and other places have been hit by natural disasters many times. The livelihood of the people has been unsustainable. Most of them are thieves and bandits. The White Lotus Sect also took the opportunity to recruit believers in the county and township pavilions, gathering people to be thieves, and plotting against evil. …During this period, thousands of households in Jinan Prefecture were stationed in police prefectures and counties, but the local government did not pay attention to it and the investigation was ineffective. As a result, the White Lotus Sect gradually became popular and now they dare to send people to Shenjing City to assassinate the national vassal."
Jia Heng's face was dim and uncertain, and he asked: "The detective of Jinyi Mansion, does he know the details of Bailian?"
Qu Lang shook his head and said: "The order within the White Lotus Sect is very strict. The Jinyi Mansion once tried to send detectives to break into it, but most of them were discovered. As for the gang of gangsters who assassinated Prince Zhongshun, the Wei Zhong brothers are still investigating their presence in Beijing. Hidden lair in it.”
Jia Heng thought for a while and asked: "Qu Qianhu, who among the guards is responsible for hunting down the traitors of the White Lotus Sect?"
Qu Lang said: "Zhou Chen Qianhu has been responsible for this matter."
There are fourteen thousand households in Jinyi Mansion, which is also fourteen functional departments, and Zhou Chen is the full-time thousand households who hunt down the white lotus sect and other prostitutes and rebels.
Jia Heng muttered: "I will go to Jinyi Mansion later to inquire about this matter."
Organizations such as the White Lotus Sect are undoubtedly a source of unrest for the rule and are also the target of continuous attacks by the government. He needs to control and take precautions in advance.
On this point, he and King Zhongshun have the same position. If the White Lotus Sect dares to assassinate the national clan today, will it be able to assassinate him tomorrow?
Jia Heng suppressed the issue of the White Lotus Sect and asked: "The corruption investigation in the Beijing Camp Army will be completed soon. The government guards will focus on investigating suspicious persons in the capital. There are still about ten days to celebrate the New Year. If bad people cause trouble, the impact will be bad."
In fact, it was precisely because Jinyi Mansion focused its energy and manpower on assisting Jia Heng in rectifying the capital camp that it was slow to respond to the White Lotus Sect's assassination of King Zhongshun.
Qu Lang said: "There are only two regiments and battalions of generals who are still arranging, and we have been able to mobilize manpower."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "You have also recently taken the time to hand over affairs to your colleagues in the Qianhu Office, and went to the Experience Department to check various files. They will all be useful next spring."
Qu Lang understood clearly, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you Yunhui for your humble position."
Jia Heng said: "Okay, let's go and do our errands."
After the new year, Qu Lang can be appointed as the governor.
The reason for this is that they are worried about being promoted too quickly and causing criticism. Once the New Year is over, it will be hung at both ends, giving people a psychological sense that the promotion will not appear to be too fast if they are almost a few years old.
After Qu Lang left, Jia Heng sat alone in the study, thinking about his next plan.
As the first month approaches, it is necessary to organize the army to prepare for the military parade.
This is not to say that the Beijing camp will immediately form combat effectiveness, because there is no running-in, it cannot be so fast, but it will give the emperor and the ministers some confidence in their conduct and appearance.
"After that, we can send troops out of Shaanxi into Henan Province to suppress the bandits and sharpen the combat effectiveness of the soldiers."
Jia Heng thought this way, and felt a little bit like he was not waiting for me.
At this moment, a servant from outside came to report: "Sir, the old lady of Xifu sent Miss Yuanyang to invite Uncle Heng to come over to discuss matters."
Jia Heng frowned and asked the servant, "Did you say something?"
"Reporting to the uncle, I heard that the master of the Shi family is here." The servant said.
"Two masters of the Shi family?" Jia Heng paused slightly, thinking in his mind.
Secretly, I don’t know whether it is Baoling Hou Shi Nai or Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding.
As for whether he came for Xiangyun, it was probably impossible, because he could just call Xiangyun back and send his daughter-in-law or even his mother-in-law to come over. How could Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding come in person?
"So, this is because of me."
Jia Heng already had some guesses. Without further delay, he went to the flower hall to meet Yuanyang.
