Prince Wei's Mansion
This is a palace city that occupies a vast area and has been used for seventy-five princes. It is built with huge stones at the bottom and bricks at the top. It is surrounded by lush trees and plants. It has towering square palace walls inside, with four entrances and exits, and the crenellations of the towers are visible. The palace guards and servants were on guard with knives. The manor was built with pavilions, palaces and waterside pavilions. There was an ancestral temple on the left and a shrine on the right. Although due to regulations, it was not as tall and majestic as the palaces and gardens in Shenjing City, it was still The interior is no less magnificent.
In the palace with a plaque inscribed with the word "Duan Li", the Arhat bed under the Ming Hall is covered with soft mattresses and blankets. Prince Wei Kang is dressed in a python dragon suit, sitting peacefully. There are two clouds piled up in green buns beside him, and their clothes are gorgeous. The women were in their early twenties, beautiful and full of flowers, and they were all concubines accepted by the prince.
The prince was in his early forties, slightly chubby, fair-skinned, and had a black mole under the corner of his mouth. Zhuo Xian'an, the chief historian of the palace, knelt down behind a lacquered wooden table on the left, holding a wine glass in his hand and looking at the dancer on the jade steps with a smile.
Behind the tables on the right hand, Meng Jinwen, the governor of Henan Province, who is wearing a third-grade crimson official robe, has a look of anxiety on his face under a black gauze hat. He is looking at the delicacies placed on the short table in front of him, the dancing girls dancing in the palace, and the pillar curtains. The music and orchestra behind the curtain are completely emotionless.
Previously, the imperial edict was delivered with six hundred miles of expedited delivery. The first-class male of the Han Dynasty, the minister of military aircraft, the deputy general of the Jingying Jiedu, and the Jinyi Commandery had already led the cavalry of the Jingying to Luoyang to suppress the gang in Kaifeng Prefecture. He was a thief and bandit, and was awarded the Emperor's Sword by the Holy Emperor, who could kill local officials first and then kill him. So many soldiers and horses rushed to Luoyang's aid.
"Mengfu Yin can enjoy the singing and dancing with peace of mind. These are girls purchased from Gusu. They are good at singing and dancing. If Mengfu Yin likes any of them later, he can take them back, haha." Seeing Meng Jinwen sitting on pins and needles, Prince Wei Kang put down With the wine cup in his hand, he persuaded with a smile.
Meng Jinwen faced Prince Wei Kang, a third-rank official in his early 40s, and said with cupped hands: "Your Majesty, the civil unrest in Kaifeng is great now. The imperial court has sent a large army from the capital to help. The vassal treasury should provide rice and grain to support the army in suppressing the bandits." , but the current situation of the vassal treasury, the prince also knows that it is difficult to make ends meet, and there is no food stored for a long time. Shouldn’t the taxes and grains that the prince has delayed paying over the years...should also be turned over in part to meet the urgent needs of the treasury."
Prince Wei Kang frowned and said impatiently: "Mengfu Yin, didn't I say before that Luoyang has its own Henan Guard and Luoyang Guard to protect it, which can be said to be as safe as Mount Tai. Now that there is civil unrest in Kaifeng and the imperial court has sent troops to suppress the bandits, my king There is nothing to say, but the imperial court can send troops to bypass Luoyang and attack Kaifeng Mansion, insisting on staying in Luoyang and disturbing the place."
After saying that, Prince Wei Kang waved his hand and signaled the dancer to step back. Qu Le also paused for a moment and said: "Yin Meng, I'm not talking about you. Even if you borrow it from me, I still don't have any food left in the treasury." , The harvest has been sluggish in recent years, and Meng Fuyin is not unaware of it.
Zhuo Xian'an, the chief historian of the palace opposite, said: "Yes, Master Meng, now the prince is also frugal in his daily life to survive the disaster years.
Meng Jinwen frowned and said: "Your Majesty, now Master Jia has received the order from the imperial court and holds the Emperor's Sword in his hand. He can kill local officials first and then report them. If this delays the military plan, I am afraid that not only his official position but also his loss will be affected." I can’t save my head.”
If Marshal Jia really chopped him off, he would have no place to reason, and the official document from the imperial court was harshly worded.
"Then I can't help you. Besides, these are the matters of local officials. Why don't Meng Fuyin allocate another 100 yuan of compensation?" Prince Wei Kang rolled his eyes and came up with an idea.
Meng Jinwen looked troubled and said: "Your Majesty, the people in Luoyang are having a hard time making a living now. Besides, without a special decree from the imperial court, the lower officials would not dare to send more money.
"Then let the merchants in the city donate money. I remember that Mr. Zhou was not like this last time. He asked a few people in Kaifeng Prefecture to donate money, and all of a sudden he was able to make up for the expenses of the Henan Dusi's expedition?" Prince Wei Kang opened his mouth and took a grape, vaguely Unclear said.
Meng Jinwen frowned and said: "Zhou Futai was beheaded by bandits a few days ago. I heard that the head was hung on the flagpole."
Prince Wei Kang looked ugly, as if he was disgusted by Meng Jinwen's words.
The two serving ladies also turned pale and said, "Your Majesty, these bandits are really powerful."
Meng Jinwen said: "The merchants in the city have always made donations based on their own volition, and the court cannot force them. In fact, as long as the prince gives these few
Even if only 30% of the annual grain tax arrears is paid, the army will have food and pay, and the lower officials will have an account of their superiors and subordinates. "
It's not impossible to donate and lose, but it requires him, the governor of Henan, to come and force him, offend the vassal, and have an excuse to pay the arrears. The government has always been on guard against the vassal king. At worst, he can just change his official position in another place, but he will offend a lot of people. Gentlemen and merchants would offend even more people if they didn't lose much in donations.
"Mengfu Yin, what do you mean by this?" Prince Wei Kang frowned, with a sullen look on his face, and said: "Those old accounts have been wiped out by the previous Henan Prefecture Yin. Meng Fuyin does not admit it. Right?"
Meng Jinwen looked at Prince Wei Kang and said: "But the official has never seen any records in the official records that Mr. Liang, the governor, was exempted from taxes on the land under the prince's rule. Moreover, the official heard that Mr. Liang was sitting in the Gongling Mausoleum. The case was arrested by Jinyi and is now on the way to Shenjing, so it is difficult for the lower official to seek confirmation from him."
The former governor is Liang Yuan, the current Minister of Household Affairs. He is now appointed to Yangzhou. He has been captured by Jinyi and sent to the capital.
Prince Wei Kang's face was livid. This Meng Jinwen, the little governor of Henan, usually gave him many benefits, but he didn't want to but didn't know what to do. He didn't give him any accommodation at all.
However, he did not know the pressure Meng Jinwen was facing. The government of a province was destroyed by bandits, and the imperial court used military aircraft and important ministers to supervise the suppression. He might be used as a raft at any time.
"But now there is no money or food in the treasury. Even if Meng Fuyin takes the lawsuit to the emperor, I will still say the same thing. Now Henan has been experiencing nine droughts for a thousand years, and the harvests in various places have failed. Last winter, the rice grains were transferred to Beijing from Bashu and Jiangnan. , the imperial court intercepted some for supply to Henan. According to this king, the imperial court cannot suppress the bandits without bringing grain, forest and baggage. Let them bring money to raise their own money, why disturb the unrest in the place." Prince Wei Kang complained.
Meng Jinwen frowned and said, "But there are many fertile fields in the prince's house. As far as I know, the harvest is acceptable."
Prince Wei Kang interrupted: "Well, Zhuo Changshi, I will allocate three thousand stones from the treasury to Meng Fuyin so that he can go on a mission. This can be considered as my contribution to the imperial court's suppression of bandits.
At the end of the sentence, there was a look of pain on his face.
Zhuo Xian'an responded quickly and was about to stand up.
"Three thousand shi of grain, I'm afraid I won't be able to explain to the court." Meng Jinwen looked solemn and said loudly: "Your Majesty, otherwise, the prince's contribution of 20% will be 300,000 shi, and Prince Zheng's palace will If you give me another 20%, which is 400,000 stones, and 80 square stones on both sides, I think it’s almost enough, how about we get over this hurdle first?”
"Three hundred thousand dan? Even if I drink from the northwest wind, I can't get this food together." Prince Wei Kang said, and then said displeasedly: "Mengfu Yin, look at how many things there are inside and outside the palace. People have to eat with every mouth they open. I have already saved these three thousand shi by tightening my belt. If I want to pay back 300,000 shi, I would like to borrow 300,000 shi from Meng Fuyin in rice and food. By the way, Isn't there still food in Taicang? Let it be used by the army first, why let the autumn wind hit me here?"
Meng Jinwen looked ugly and said: "Taicang grain is the life-saving food for the people. I don't dare to touch it rashly."
"These three thousand stones are also life-saving food for this king, and they cannot be touched." Prince Wei Kang said without giving in.
Zhuo Xian'an quickly smoothed things over and said: "Mr. Meng, Mr. Meng, both the lower officials and the prince are aware of the difficulties in the government office, but no one can produce food. It is impossible for the imperial court to suppress the bandits this time without bringing them with them." For gold and silver, Luoyang is a thoroughfare for water transportation from north to south, and there are many grain merchants. Just let Jia Jieshuai buy it with the silver."
When Prince Wei Kang saw his parents, the historian, winking at him, he softened his tone and said, "Mengfu Yin, I mean the same thing. After all, we are old friends. I still want you to get these three thousand stones." Take it over and give me some thought, I really don't have much."
Meng Jinwen's face was as cold as ice and he said nothing. As a third-rank official, he had his own temperament.
At this time, a clerk suddenly entered the hall and took a look at Prince Wei Kang sitting at the head, hesitating.
Meng Jinwen was furious and said coldly: "Say."
"Sir, just now Xie Fu Cheng asked Zhou Baotou to ride a fast horse to report. The military minister sent by the imperial court, Mr. Jia, has already led troops to the government office." The clerk said in a low voice.
Meng Jinwen's face was solemn, and his heart felt "grateful".
Why did he not hesitate to offend Wei and Zheng, besides the two vassals having great influence in the court?
There are limits to how he can be restrained, and he is also afraid of Jia Ziyu.
He had specially found someone to look through the Di newspapers from before and after the previous year. He had found someone who had gone through the ranks in the past few days. This powerful man, who had risen to the top, had a prosperous official career and a great family. Now he was leading the Beijing camp to suppress the bandits, and he was wearing the Emperor's Sword to supervise the local area. Such a person If you don't respond well, then you will be beaten to scare the monkeys, and there will be no place to complain.
Prince Wei Kang said: "Meng Fuyin, since Lord Jia is here, Meng Fuyin should also go and receive him.
Meng Jinwen stood up, expressionless, and said with cupped hands: "Then I will come to visit the prince later."
With that said, without further words, he led the scribe away.
After Meng Jinwen left, Prince Wei Kang threw the wine cup down the stairs and cursed angrily: "What the hell!
Zhuo Xian'an's expression suddenly changed, he stood up quickly and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down."
"This man surnamed Meng goes too far!" Prince Wei Kang said angrily with a gloomy look on his face.
Zhuo Xian'an's expression changed, and he whispered: "Your Majesty, let go of your thunderous wrath. Mengfu Yin is also afraid of trouble. I heard that an official document was urgently delivered from the capital, saying that this time Jia Ziyu, the governor of the army, was The imperial court gave the power to kill first and report later. This kind of power was only granted by Taizu and Taizong at the founding of the country to a Duke of Bi to inspect the place. It is normal for Mengfu Yin to be afraid. "
Prince Wei Kang said coldly: "He is a dignified third-grade official. As long as he doesn't know how to violate orders, if anyone dares to touch him, I don't believe that the civil servants in the cabinet will allow Jia Heng to act recklessly!"
"Your Majesty, you don't know. This Jia Ziyu advised the Holy One and established the Military Aircraft Department. Now that he is the Minister of Military Aircraft, he may not be afraid of those civil servants." Zhuo Xian'an persuaded again.
Prince Wei Kang looked gloomy for a moment and asked: "Zhuo Changshi, doesn't the official document say that he is allowed to control the local area? I am not among the local officials. No matter how powerful he is, he can't touch me, right?"
"Your Majesty, it's hard to say this. Jia Ziyu is still the governor of Jinyi. The imperial court has been monitoring the clan for many years. Although Lu Qianhu..." Zhuo Xian'an said, and quickly paused. Obviously, what he said later was a bit sensitive. .
It's okay for an idle clan to dominate the local area, but when you encounter a big official from the imperial court, you can't help but feel wary. No matter how you retaliate afterwards, there are many ways to manipulate you now.
"In this way, we need to discuss it with Prince Zheng's Mansion." Prince Wei Kang also felt worried in his heart, murmured, and then backed away from the two ladies beside him.
Zhuo Xian'an whispered: "Your Majesty, I'm afraid Prince Zheng's Mansion is also in dire straits now. They owe more in food taxes."
Prince Wei Kang said coldly: "If this person named Jia dares to act recklessly, I and Prince Zheng's Palace will jointly impeach this person named Jia. The emperor has always treated the clan preferentially, but I still don't believe it. This person named Jia dares to act recklessly." .”
Zhuo Xianan nodded in agreement.
Not mentioning that Prince Wei Kang was worried about Jia Heng coming to Henan, he said that in the back hall of the Henan Mansion Office, Jia Heng, Princess Xianning, Xia Houying, and Liu Jixian came to the main hall.
"I have met the governor in my humble position." Liu Jixian came close and said with his hands in hand.
Qianhu Lu Qingshan of Luoyang Jinyi Qianhu Institute, who was already restless in his chair, quickly stood up, bowed to the young man in python suit and said: "In this humble position, Lu Qingshan of Qianhu of Luoyang Qianhu Institute, see you Pass the governor."
Jia Heng looked indifferent and passed by him, sat down, looked at Lu Qingshan, who was in his early thirties and wearing a flying fish suit, and asked in a deep voice: "Lu Qianhu, do you know your guilt?
Lu Qingshan's face darkened, he raised his eyes and said, "I don't know what crime you have committed because of your humble position?" "Take down this beast!"
"Yes." Liu Jixian promised, and Jin Yi pushed Lu Qingshan down behind him.
"I'm wronged by you, Commander, what kind of crime did you commit, and you want to take me down?" Lu Qingshan was anxious, craning his neck, looking at the young man in python suit who was sitting next to the small table, holding a tea cup and drinking tea.
Jia Heng said: "There is chaos in Henan, and the Jinyi Mansion sent a letter sent by flying pigeons to inquire about Runing. You are the representative of thousands of households in Luoyang, and you don't send people to investigate carefully. You need Jinyi Mansion in the divine capital to come here. Am I not guilty? I Jinyi has his own family law, Liu Jixian, and others will strictly interrogate him and investigate his illegal activities since he was in Henan."
Liu Jixian handed over his hand.
Jia Heng's face was like water, and he said in a deep voice: "In addition, bring over all the deputy Qianhu and the governor of Qianhu Office. I want to question them one by one."
Liu Jixian responded with his hand, and then dragged Lu Qing, who had an earth-colored face.
The mountain goes out. Waiting to take people out.
Princess Xianning was surprised and said: "Sir, this person? Don't you ask, sir?"
"In Jinyi, everyone obeys orders. I don't have time to listen to his excuses. The chaos in Henan actually required the Jinyi Mansion in the capital to send talents to find out the situation in Runing Mansion. It can be seen that they have occupied the place for a long time, have great power, and have taken over the place." The gentry and merchants win over each other, and they have no respect for Shenjing. They will torture him first, and then interrogate other Jinyi to find out the illegal things and deal with them personally." Jia Heng put down the tea cup and said.
The Jinyi Mansion is also a human being, which does not mean that it is isolated from the world and is not eroded by power and temptation. Moreover, even if nothing happens, he will take advantage of the situation to clean up the local Jinyi.
Princess Xianning nodded and suddenly said: "I see." Xia Houying's eyes flashed and she secretly agreed with this statement.
This is the rule of Jinyi Mansion. As long as the superiors feel that the subordinates are dishonest and disloyal, they will be replaced immediately without saying a word.
While they were talking, Fan Qunjie, the deputy Qianhu Office of Luoyang Qianhu Office, and Tian Xicheng and Zhou Zongheng from the town office came in one after another and saluted the young man sitting in the python suit.
Several people had learned that Lu Qingshan, a member of Qianhui in Jinyi, had been punished with "family law". When they entered the hall, they had a look of fear on their faces.
Jia Heng asked: "Shenjing has made several inquiries and asked the Luoyang Qianhu Office to investigate the situation in Runing Mansion. Why have you not come to report for so long?"
Fan Qunjie's expression changed slightly and he said in a trembling voice: "Captain, Lu Qianhu handled this matter single-handedly. He is in charge of printing thousands of households. He holds a humble position and only holds gold books. He doesn't know the details."
Jia Heng's face was as steely as he said coldly: "Lu Qingshan has neglected his duties and has been removed from his post for investigation. I also suspect that he is in Luoyang, corrupt, perverting the law, and colluding with the local government. Several of you work with the government and should know the inside story." , but if there is anyone who reports his evildoing, let the capital supervise him out and take care of him according to the family law."
As he spoke, he placed the tea cup in his hand on the small table beside him and made a "click" sound. The family laws of Jinyi Mansion are not only for themselves, but also for their family members. Fan Qunjie's face changed slightly, and large beads of sweat oozed from his forehead.
Jia Heng snorted coldly, got up, walked to Tian Xicheng and Zhou Zongheng, and said in a deep voice: "Tian and Zhou, two governors, and two chief ministers, don't have anything to say?"
Tian Xicheng and Zhou Zongheng looked at each other, and Tian Xicheng said: "Captain, I know from my humble position that Lu Qingshan was framed in Luoyang, blackmailing wealthy merchants and demanding ransom."
"that's it?"
"Also, Lu Qingshan framed three members of his family to death for robbing a common girl." Tian Xicheng said in a low voice.
Princess Xianning listened on the sidelines, with a trace of disgust in her longing eyes. This kind of fact is really abominable.
Jia Heng looked indifferent, turned to look at Zhou Zongheng, and asked: "Where is Zhou Zhenfu? Do you have anything to say?"
Zhou Zongheng's face straightened, he cupped his hands and said: "Captain, Lu Qingshan has been flirting with Prince Wei's Mansion, and has concealed and reported many illegal things about Prince Wei's Mansion. Deputy Fan turned a blind eye and did not say anything, and even tried to cover it up in every possible way."
As soon as these words came out, Fan Qunjie turned pale, secretly thinking something was wrong, and said angrily: "Zhou Zongheng, you are spitting blood!"
Jia Heng looked at Fan Qunjie with a stern look and shouted coldly: "Deputy Fan Qianhu, you are so brave!"
He had just presumed guilt, but he didn't expect that he would actually lie about Luoyang Qianhu Office.
Jin Yi, who was monitoring the vassal king, actually flirted with the vassal king. No wonder Luoyang Qianhu Station didn't pay much attention to the greetings.
Fan Qunjie knelt down with a bang, his face was pale, and he said urgently: "Captain, I have no choice but to hold a low position. Na Lu Qingshan wanted to be so arrogant, and Deputy Zhao's thousand households were squeezed out by him. I have to write it off as a humiliation. But I promise from my humble position that I have never had any connection with the Wei and Zheng dynasties, so I ask the Commander-in-Chief to investigate."
Jia Heng frowned and asked in confusion: "Fu Zhao Qianhu?"
At this time, Zhou Zongheng raised his hands and said: "The governor is Zhao Wanrong, Deputy Zhao Qianhu. Deputy Zhao Qianhu and Lu Qingshan did not deal with him, so he made mistakes and reported Lu Qingshan's omissions to the Fusi of Jingnan Town. He was captured two years ago. I lost my job and am now idle at home, my current situation is miserable."
Jia Heng frowned and sneered: "I wonder why there is one deputy Qianhu missing."
Therefore, Zhou Zongheng and Tian Xicheng revealed all the scandals between Lu Qingshan and Fan Qunjie, including accepting bribes from Wei and Zheng Erfan, not only money but also sexual bribes. Deputy Qianhu Fan Qunjie was also dragged into the water. I also turned a blind eye to Lu Qingshan’s deeds.
In this way, there is a palm print of Qianhu, and a deputy Qianhu who manages the golden book, who are mischievous and deceive the court.
This is the characteristic of the yamen of Jinyi Mansion. Power is concentrated in one person. Under the high-pressure situation where all personnel can be changed, there is no mutual hiding at all. They only report and expose each other, and everyone pushes down the wall.
"Catch him and torture him severely." Jia Heng waved his hand and looked coldly at Fan Qunjie, who was already pale and his body was like chaff.
"Captain, I am wronged for my humble position. I am wronged..."
Liu Jixian ordered the guards in brocade clothes and dragged Fan Qunjie, who kept shouting, out.
Jia Heng looked at Zhou and Tian and asked, "You two know everything about Luoyang. Is there any secret record of all the illegal things done by Zheng and Wei in recent years?"
Tian Xicheng said quickly: "I have a copy of my children's book hidden at home."
Zhou Zongheng's face turned gloomy, and he said in a low voice: "Sir, there is also a record of humble positions."
This is also the survival wisdom of the Jinyi Mansion. If you don't remember it openly, remember it secretly. Even if it is thrown out to save your life or framed in the future, it will be evidence.
Princess Xianning looked at this sinister and sneaky scene and frowned her beautiful thin eyebrows, feeling a little unhappy instinctively.
Jia Heng took Princess Xianning's look into his eyes and said with an indifferent expression: "Now I am leading the troops to suppress the bandits. I heard from Henan officials that the Zheng and Wei vassals owe more than millions in taxes and grain. Over the years, Henan officials, The two feudal lords, Wei and Zheng, are kind to each other. You two will compile a book and bring it together. I want to see it later, so go ahead."
"Yes, Governor." Zhou Zongheng and Tian Xicheng responded and quickly walked out of the government hall.
Jia Heng picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and said, "Liu Jixian, let people keep an eye on the two of them."
Liu Jixian cupped his hands and ordered people to leave the Yamen.
Seeing everyone leaving, Princess Xianning sat on a chair nearby and said, "Sir." Jia Heng chuckled lightly and asked, "Your Highness, you feel a little uncomfortable with seeing these."
Princess Xianning was shaken by this smile, and felt her heart skip a beat. She turned her bright eyes and said, "Sir, you were very strict just now, but these Jinyi Mansion report each other and are on guard against each other..."
"The human heart is like this. The reason why His Highness is unhappy is because he is kind-hearted and kind-hearted." Jia Heng looked at the beautiful girl and said softly: "If we don't rebuild the court's eyes and ears in Henan, Ridiculous things like falsifying good news will continue to happen.
When Princess Xianning heard this, her cheeks turned red, she nodded her head, and said softly: "Sir, you are too complimentary." In fact, it was hard for her to say. She had also seen intrigues and scheming in the palace, and there were no more concessions than these, but Mr. Surprise actually regarded it as normal.
Jia Heng thought for a moment, then looked at Xia Houying who was standing by the side, and said: "Commander Xia Hou, take your Highness down to rest. It was a tiring journey, and I didn't get much rest last night."
"Yes, Governor." Xia Houying responded, then looked at Princess Xianning and said, "Your Highness."
"Sir, I'm not tired." Princess Xianning said anxiously with her clear eyes narrowed.
She wanted to be by his side and watch him deal with things, decisively and logically, just like the people in the book.
