Kunning Palace, the lights in the palace are brightly lit, as bright as day.
The candlelight lit by the crane-shaped palace lantern made the gilt-copper crane wings shine brightly, and several figures were vaguely reflected on the illuminated floor.
At this time, Xiang Daiquan in the Daming Palace had already prepared a map of the Han provinces for the internal eunuch and hung it on a screen for Emperor Chongping and Jia Heng to see.
It is marked with the nine-border situation and the number of troops allocated by each province.
"Ziyu, come and take a look." Emperor Chongping called.
Jia Heng responded respectfully and moved forward as close as possible. He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw that Queen Song and Princess Xianning had not left. Well, I almost forgot that this was Kunning Palace.
At this moment, the mother and daughter were sitting behind the table, drinking tea and talking, sometimes looking at the monarch and his ministers.
Dai Quan held the candlestick and looked closely at it.
Emperor Chongping pointed to the map and said in a deep voice: "Zi Yu, the land of finance and taxation in the world lies in the three southeastern provinces. The finance and taxation of Jinling, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces support all provinces. Sichuan has been doing better in recent years. Gao Zhongping has the talent to manage affairs. Although In recent years, there have been constant natural disasters and good times and bad times, but we can still manage to survive. The treasury is still able to support itself. The provinces of Huguang and Guangzhou are still relatively peaceful. However, Shandong, Henan, Hebei and other provinces have not paid taxes to the central government for three years. , civil unrest has been rising one after another. Among them, in the three auxiliary areas of the capital, at the feet of the emperor, last year there were bandits gathering in the mountains and forests to plunder prefectures and counties, but they should be gone now?"
Others say that he favors this young man, who is not as young as a weakling, more than others.
But, I don’t know what it can do.
As for the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty, although there were political malpractices before young, they did not have such talents as kings and assistants.
Only this young man was recommended by Jinyang and played a duel with him, helping him to sort out the country's situation, manage personnel, prioritize and supervise the military and political affairs, all in an orderly manner. It is almost as if Zhuge Kongming and Liu Xuande's "Longzhong Dui" cleared up the clouds and cleared the fog. There is the "Pinglu Ce".
In fact, if we sort out Jia Heng's journey to the Lotus, it all originated from the recommendation of the eldest princess of Jinyang, and then helped Emperor Chongping formulate the ZTE strategy step by step.
In later generations, this would be a figure at the level of a national teacher.
Nowadays, Emperor Chongping is carrying out national policies in the court, and there is no longer the feeling of mental exhaustion caused by the use of power.
Even the Prince of Nan'an, Beijing, Xining, Dongping and others expressed their surrender after the Supreme Emperor completely retired to Chonghua Palace.
However, Heng Yi's advancement was not enough to endanger the imperial power. Firstly, his foundation was shallow, and secondly, his political opponents ranged from civil servants to nobles to vassal kings. Such a person could only be a solid defender of the imperial power.
This is the reason why Emperor Chongping wanted to marry off his daughter to win over her. After all, in the original book of Red Mansions, the imperial concubine Yuanchun was given the title of Concubine Yuanchun for the sake of Prince Teng, who was in charge of the army.
"The land of Sanfu has been much peaceful recently." Jia Heng said, his eyes fell on the map, and said: "Your Majesty has worked hard, and this map can give you a glimpse of the current situation. Although there is still a danger of fish swimming and boiling, your Majesty There are no more problems with elbows and armpits, and I can calm down and rectify the administration of officials. I think that this year I can open an enke, serve as a reserve for the country, and at the same time, I can take advantage of the opportunity to win the hearts of scholars from the north and the south."
He didn't know why the emperor was so emotional today, he actually showed the map in Kunning Palace and discussed the situation of the world. Generally speaking, this was to attract his confidants.
"I originally had this intention. To refresh the official administration and eliminate the old officials, we should select elites to fill the vacancies among ministers and subordinates." Emperor Chongping agreed, and then said: "Today's court discussion has sent Qi Kun south to check for salt. What do you think, Yu?"
Jia Heng said: "In the land south of the Yangtze River, the gentry gathers together, and the chaos in human affairs can be described as tangled. I have never worked with Mr. Qi Ge, and I don't know his temperament and methods. But now the water in Yangzhou is becoming more and more turbid. The case of stabbing Lin the day before yesterday, The real culprit was not captured by the two imperial envoys who went south, and these people will not sit still and wait for death when Qi Ge Lao goes south."
This was the reason why he had doubts. The Qi Party went south to compete with the Zhejiang Party for the leadership of the salt affairs, and most of them would end up in a fierce fight.
The court has sent two groups of imperial envoys. One is Liang Yuan, the Minister of Household Affairs, and Yu De, the censor of the Imperial Procuratorate. They went south to investigate the murder of Lin Ruhai, and they found out that the salt smuggler was a smuggler. The retaliation then triggered a new round of crackdowns on the salt lords by Yangzhou Prefecture, which only reflected the salt merchants' intentions. It can be said that the big fish was not caught, and it also muddied the water more and more.
Emperor Chongping's eyes fell on the land of Yangzhou, and he seemed to have remembered the memorial during the court meeting, and mused: "The benefits of the salt tax are related to the food and military supplies of the frontier army and the Beijing camp. Let Qi Kun go south to have a look first. If there is still no progress……"
Immediately, he looked at the young man beside him with stern eyes and asked, "Zi Yu, if I send you south to check for salt, where should you start?"
Jia Heng was shocked, thought for a while, and said: "The transportation department of the Huaidu and Huaidus and other salt officials, the officials of the two departments of Jiangnan Fanzhi, the salt merchants of Yangzhou, the officials of Yangzhou prefectures and counties... I will start from now on."
As the same saying goes, if you can't solve the problem, you can solve the person who caused the problem. Whoever has the problem will be solved.
Emperor Chongping looked at Jia Heng, and was satisfied with the courage of "cutting through thorns". He nodded and said slowly: "Salt merchant underwriting has been custom-made since Taizong, and it has been established for decades now. In the past, In the same year, when the emperor visited the south, he did not disturb the people of the prefectures and counties along the way, and relied on donations from salt merchants. By the way, there was also the Zhen family, the president of the imperial envoy Tirenyuan, who came to pick him up several times."
At the end, although the emperor's voice was calm, for some reason, it seemed to be a little cold in Jia Heng's ears.
I picked him up several times and left a lot of money in the three major weaving houses!
When Jia Heng heard this, he was silent for a moment.
He actually guessed that the water in the salt business was deeper than imagined, and also considered whether it would implicate the emperor of Chonghua Palace. However, he had only seen the salt merchant and the King of Qi flirting with each other before, and did not find out about the relationship with the Chonghua Palace. It’s not easy to make random connections when it comes to contact.
Now the emperor has reminded us that the emperor's money bag is basically certain. In addition to Zhen Yingjia, the president of the Jinling Tiren Academy, the Yangzhou salt merchants also made a contribution to the Chonghua Palace. Together, they maintained the emperor's extravagant lifestyle in the Chonghua Palace. Life.
Of course, Emperor Chongping also acquiesced, or it was a redemption in itself.
Various speculations surged in Jia Heng's mind, thinking, "The three major weaving houses in Jinling Tirenyuan, as well as the case of Suzhou Weaving Miaoyu's father, there may also be a father-son battle between Daming Palace and Chonghua Palace."
This means that you have me in you, and you have me in you. In terms of military power, Emperor Chongping has taken back the initiative because of him. The Supreme Emperor will no longer interfere in military affairs. Then Emperor Chongping will gradually take back the financial power.
But Emperor Chongping was obviously worried about the emperor's still presence. Generally speaking, at this time, he needed to ask his close ministers. The support of the military bosses was enough to strengthen his will.
It would undoubtedly be very appropriate if he could personally supervise the case.
Emperor Chongping's eyes wandered back and forth between Jinling and Yangzhou, and he said in a low voice: "If there is to be a big move, there will be many people involved up and down. I am working on increasing revenue and reducing expenditure. What is the plan for reducing expenditure? What is the plan for increasing revenue?" ?”
"If your Majesty has ordered me, I will do my best to repay your kindness." Jia Heng's heart was clear at this moment, and he knew the emperor's intention.
In other words, this was Emperor Chongping's plan originally, and there was no need for him to make all kinds of elaborate preparations. As for sending Qi Kun first, it was probably to test the direction of the wind and let all parties really take action... Don't be in a hurry, just play with him.
Emperor Chongping's expression paused and he said, "Don't be too hasty. You ask Jinyi Mansion to keep an eye on what's going on in Yangzhou Mansion first."
If the literary ones fail, then the military ones will be sent. If not the commander in chief, who else can be sent?
Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "I obey your order."
"Recently, the generals from Jiubian are begging for pay more and more urgently." Emperor Chongping brought up another topic and took the initiative to speak.
Jia Heng's face straightened, he cupped his hands and said, "I discussed this matter with Mr. Shi earlier. The Ministry of Revenue postponed the decision because the Nine Border Soldiers had not been reduced to the quota. I don't know if the capital camp will also be affected?"
"You don't have to worry about the salary money of the capital camp. If the household budget is insufficient, I can give you money from internal funds as a gift. You can just train your troops with peace of mind." Emperor Chongping seemed to read the implication of Jia Heng's words and said soothingly.
The monarch and his ministers talked for a while, and then Jia Heng said goodbye.
Emperor Chongping raised his eyes and glanced at the sky, and said warmly: "It's already midnight, and the palace door is locked. You will stay in the West Pavilion of Wuying Hall today. You will go back tomorrow and Dai Quan will see you off for me. By the way, show Jia Ziyu the account books of the salt tax and silver tax of the six regions of the Ministry of Household Affairs, and the account books of the nine military expenditures."
As the minister of military aircraft, he should also take a look at the annual calculations of the nine-sided military expenditure.
Jia Heng knew that Emperor Chongping had a plan, so he agreed and left with Dai Quan.
As soon as Jia Heng left, accompanied by a burst of fragrance, Empress Song stepped close to Emperor Chongping, holding Emperor Chongping's arm, with a worried look on her beautiful face, and said softly: "Your Majesty, Jia Ziyu, he …may I take on this responsibility?”
As Emperor Chongping's bedfellow, the queen knew the emperor's real difficulty. After all, it was the emperor in Chonghua Palace.
Emperor Chongping shook his head and said: "Let's wait for now. This matter cannot be rushed. The time is now mine."
There are some things that cannot be stated directly and need to be understood by the ministers on their own. If they are explained clearly, they will sow the seeds of disaster.
Emperor Chongping was thinking about it and suddenly saw Princess Xianning beside him. His heart moved slightly and he said in a deep voice: "Xianning, you should also go and take a look and see if there is anything missing in the west pavilion of Wuying Palace."
Princess Xianning was startled for a moment, then she felt happy and left as ordered.
But it was said that Jia Heng had just left Kunning Palace and was walking towards Wuying Palace with Dai Quan. Not long after, a voice as cold as water came from behind him, like the melting iceberg snow flowing through the rocks. It was crisp, sweet, clean and clear. .
"Mr. Jia."
Hearing this, Jia Heng turned around and saw the lights in the palace, reflecting a slim girl in a green skirt. He asked in surprise: "Your Highness Xianning, is this?"
Princess Xianning didn't know why, but she subconsciously didn't say that Emperor Chongping asked her to see him off. Instead, she said in a clear voice: "I just want to go back to the palace to meet you sir."
"My servant has met Your Highness." Dai Quan smiled and quickly saluted Princess Xianning.
He secretly thought, one lives in the harem and the other lives in the front hall, but he doesn't know how he can find the right way?
However, this eunuch Quan, who always tried to figure out the holy will, guessed the thoughts of Emperor Chongping and the Queen. Without asking any more questions, he glanced at Jia Heng and said with a chuckle: "Then your Highness will lead Mr. Jia to Wuying Hall. I will go first." Get the money and grain account book of the Ministry of Household Affairs from the Huagai Palace."
Princess Xianning turned her eyes and glanced at Dai Quan, and responded: "Then go, Eunuch Dai."
After Dai Quan led the two eunuchs away, Princess Xianning looked at the boy in the python suit and said softly: "Sir, I will lead you over."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Jia Heng said softly, and then walked forward with Princess Xianning. The palace maid held a lantern in front, lighting the way.
"Sir, are you tired from being at the military aircraft these days?" Princess Xianning asked softly.
Jia Heng said: "Reports from all provinces, big and small, are all sent to the military aircraft office. They are a bit busy and dizzy. This shows how hard it is for the Holy One to deal with such a mountain of government affairs every day."
Princess Xianning sighed and said: "My father has been so diligent since he succeeded to the throne. In the past few years, I have been busy with state affairs. I have seen that the white hair on my father's head has gradually increased."
"When a wise king reigns, he is diligent and caring for the people. This is the blessing of the world." Jia Heng said loudly, then turned to Princess Xianning and said, "Your Highness can also advise the Holy One to take better care of her."
Princess Xianning nodded, her bright eyes sparkling under her beautiful eyebrows, and she said with a chuckle: "Speaking of which, my father has been in a much better mood since Mr.
Jia Heng said: "Your Highness's compliments actually have nothing to do with me."
"Sir, you are still so humble." Princess Xianning chuckled, her eyebrows curved, because she is a niece, she looks a bit like Empress Song, but this Tianhuang nobleman with a slim figure and beautiful face has a slight smile. A bit cold.
Jia Heng glanced at it and looked away.
"Sir, do you still remember when we first met outside the city?" Princess Xianning seemed to be a little happy when she saw that fleeting dodge. She pursed her lips and asked suddenly.
Jia Heng looked intently at the octagonal palace lantern in front of him, chuckled and said, "I don't want Your Highness to still remember."
"I was hunting with Brother Sanhuang at that time, and I saw my husband practicing archery. Looking back now, I can still remember it as if it was yesterday." Princess Xianning said with some emotion.
Sometimes she had to lament the encounters in her life. The young man she had only glanced at that day had just discussed military and political affairs with her father.
Jia Heng said: "His Royal Highness's valiant and heroic appearance is also vivid in my mind."
"Sir... you are joking." Princess Xianning's heart trembled slightly as she whispered, taking a peek at the face of the boy in the python suit. However, seeing the light reflecting the light, his face facing her from the side, he couldn't make out his expression clearly.
Princess Xianning's beautiful eyebrows lowered her eyes slightly and asked: "In the middle of this month, the imperial brother's mansion was completed. At that time, the grass was growing and the willows were flying. The three emperors suggested that we go together. I'm out for an outing outside the city, I wonder if you're free, sir?"
If Brother Wei invited him, he would probably refuse. For Brother Wei's sake, she should invite him.
Jia Heng paused slightly and said, "His Royal Highness also met you just now. He is busy with military affairs recently and there are also political affairs in the Military Aircraft Department, so I'm afraid he won't be able to spare time."
On the twelfth day of this month, Daiyu will give birth to her son. In the middle of the month, Xu and Keqing will go back to her parents' home to meet her father-in-law.
Princess Xianning's clear eyes dimmed for a moment, because she was declined politely, her cold smile was a little unnatural, and she said: "It's okay, I'll talk about it when sir is free."
Jia Heng thought for a while and said: "Your Highness, you might as well take a look again. Maybe you will be free when that day comes, but we don't know."
Princess Xianning nodded her head, her mood immediately brightened up again, and she softly said "hmm".
In fact, she will give birth to a son on the fifteenth day of next month, and the Third Emperor Brother is going to celebrate her birthday with her.
The two were talking, and Jia Heng saw Wuying Palace in front of him and said, "Your Highness, please stay."
"It doesn't matter, I'll accompany you, sir." Princess Xianning said softly.
Wuying Hall, West Pavilion
This is the place where the duty minister of the Military Aircraft Department stays overnight in case of war. After exiting the door, turning around the side hall, he goes directly to the Military Aircraft Department to read official documents, which is very convenient.
Jia Heng saw several internal prisoners laying out quilts and sheets in front of the bed against the wall. It was clear that they had received orders from the Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty.
"Sir, this is a temporary dormitory. It's a bit shabby after all. I'm sorry, sir." Princess Xianning looked around the room and said with a frown.
Fortunately, each of the five military aircraft has a dormitory, and internal supervisors often come in to clean it.
Jia Heng said: "I was used to it in the past."
"Sir, it's cold at night, and there are no ground dragons here. There is only a pair of quilts, which may not keep you warm." Princess Xianning looked at the busy inner prisoner inside, and saw a bed covered by a curtain, with a thin mattress underneath and a A pair of thin quilts, he whispered softly, and then ordered with the female officer on the side: "Go and move the pair of quilts in the neutral wardrobe of this palace, and bring the incense cage to calm the nerves and incense."
Jia Heng was already sitting at the desk, picking up a pile of official documents and reading them by the light. After hearing this, he quickly stood up and said, "Your Highness, it doesn't have to be like this. It's just a temporary place to stay."
Princess Xianning's cold and elegant appearance showed determination, and said: "Sir, as the minister of military aircraft, he is on duty at the military aircraft office, so he should not be neglected."
As he said this, he glanced at the female officer who was stunned on the spot, and the female officer immediately left.
Jia Heng looked at Princess Xianning gratefully, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Sir, you're welcome." Princess Xianning said softly, and ordered the palace maids to prepare refreshments. Then she looked at the prisoner, frowned, and said, "Put this quilt down. Alas, you are so clumsy. I'm here, go clean the house and get a basin of hot water."
As Princess Xianning spoke, she stepped forward, picked up the quilt and spread it, asking the two palace maids to help her. Her tall and bright figure was reflected on the window.
When Jia Heng saw this, his expression changed slightly and he said hurriedly: "Your Highness has really defeated me."
Princess Xianning actually made his bed and folded the quilt. If Emperor Chongping heard about it, wouldn't he say that he was domineering?
"It doesn't matter." Princess Xianning's face was a little flushed at this moment, but she couldn't see clearly due to the light.
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