The next day, the Ministry of War Yamen
Since the Chen and Han Dynasties established the capital in Shenjing, the Six Ministries in Nanjing have still retained the configuration of personnel and government agencies. The Ministry of War has jurisdiction over four divisions, including military selection, staff, chariots, and arsenal.
Because Shaobao and Nanjing Minister of War Xie Yue were old and basically in a state of retirement, the two Nanjing ministers usually took charge of the daily affairs of the yamen.
Early in the morning, Jiang Sucheng, the left minister of the Ministry of War, and Meng Guangyuan, the right minister of the Ministry of War, came to the official hall to sit down and take care of things.
In the summer morning, the cool breeze blows, bringing with it a light rain last night, which subsides the heat and makes it cool and pleasant.
Jiang Xucheng is a thin old man in his early fifties, wearing a scarlet robe official uniform and a black gauze hat. He is sitting behind the desk in the southwest corner of the official hall. He picks up the official document handed to him, looks slightly surprised, and says: "Jiangbei Camp. Lao Meng, what do you think about deposing so many generals and commanders at once?"
As the Jiangbei Camp was in full swing to investigate the past corruption cases of generals and eliminate the remaining evil spirits such as Huang, Yan, and Hu, a large number of generals were dismissed and demoted due to past embezzlement of military pay and violation of military discipline. After that, the rosters were naturally reported to the Ministry of War.
Meng Guangyuan was a fat official in his fifties, with a short beard under his chin. He smiled and said: "He is the Minister of Military and Aircraft. He leads the imperial edict. Even if he moves the school later, he doesn't need to look at our faces." , just to inform you.'
Jiang Sucheng nodded, smiled and said: "I heard that the Jiangnan Camp will also eliminate the old and weak and reorganize the generals. Now, both the south and the north of the Yangtze River are exciting and promising, and the weather has changed. It's really a matter of celebration. .”
This was actually a bit of a joke. Both of them had been at the Nanjing Military Department for a long time, and they knew the combat power of the soldiers and horses in the camps south of the Yangtze River and north of the Yangtze River.
Organizing military equipment is not that simple.
Meng Guangyuan smiled and said: "We will make plans when Master Shen comes over. These generals are all old generals from the Annan battle. Without the Annan Hou, who can handle it?"
Many of the generals in the Jiangnan camp were veterans of the Annan expedition during the Longzhi period. Nowadays, most of them are in a state of retirement in Jinling. Now that Shen Fang is in a state of serious rectification, he naturally needs to have a fight with the leader of the generals, Annan Houxian.
At this moment, the clerk outside the official office came to report that Shen Fang, the governor of Liangjiang, led a group of retinues to the Ministry of War.
Jiang Sucheng and Meng Guangyuan looked at each other and secretly whispered that he was coming. They all got up from their seats and came out of the official hall to greet them.
Not long after, Shen Fang, the governor of Liangjiang, surrounded by chief clerk Bai Sixing, general judge Lu Chaoyun and other clerks and servants, entered the official hall of the Yamen of the Ministry of War.
Because the governor of Liangjiang and the title of censor of Youdu are of the second rank, if he is given the title of Minister of the Ministry of War, such as the original Governor Jia Heng of Henan and the title of minister of the Ministry of War, he is from the first rank, which is one level higher than the two ministers.
The two ministers treated each other with the courtesy of a lower official, saying "low official" verbally and then leaving.
The two parties sat down, the scribe offered tea, and then slowly withdrew.
Jiang Sucheng turned to look at Shen Fang and spoke first: "Master Shen, the ordnance required for the reorganization of the Jiangnan camp was escorted by Zhang Langzhong of the Chariot and Driving Department yesterday. In terms of military pay, the Ministry of Household Affairs has not reissued money and food. It still needs to wait. It will take some time to get everything ready." The two ministers of the Ministry of War are both veterans who have been involved in officialdom for many years. In addition, Jiang Sucheng and Shen Fang, who often interact with feudal officials, usually have a good relationship.
Shen Fang put down the teacup, with a leisurely expression on his old face, and said: "In the Ministry of Revenue, Mr. Pan Ruxi was reprimanded due to the case of reselling official grain, and Mr. Qian Shuwen Qian, the minister, was dismissed from his post and questioned. He is still waiting in the jail of the Ministry of Punishment. Holy Inquisitor, the relevant military salary cannot be raised at the moment."
It was still caused by Jia Heng's crackdown on hoarding goods in Huai'an Mansion. Pan Ruxi, the Minister of Revenue, was ordered to go home and reflect behind closed doors because he was involved in his grandson's case. Qian Shuwen, the Minister of Revenue, and another Cangchang Minister were involved in the case. When he passed away, he was dismissed from his post and questioned.
When Jiang Sucheng mentioned the case of reselling official grain, his eyes became darker and his expression became unnatural.
His younger brother Jiang Tingyu also resold grain to Huai'an Fucheng and Huainan, but due to the bad deeds of Uncle Yongning, he returned with a loss.
"Military pay will be paid sooner or later, so there is no need to worry. The land south of the Yangtze River is rich, and during the autumn grain harvest, there is no need to worry about leaving one to two million dan to provide military supplies to the Jiangnan camp." Jiang Sucheng seemed relieved and said.
"This year's autumn grain, the imperial court's demand is the same as in previous years. It is not so easy to withhold." Shen Fang frowned and said in a deep voice. The Governor of Liangjiang supervises the civil and military affairs of Liangjiang, and is responsible for collecting taxes and grains from Jiangnan, Jiangxi and other places. After the taxes and grains are delivered to the Ministry of Household Affairs, he also has to assist in delivering them to Beijing. Only if the errands are done well can he be sent to the capital. Only when the center attracts the attention of Emperor Chongping can he hope to join the cabinet.
Jiang Sucheng did not dwell on the matter and just chatted with Shen Fang, while Meng Guangyuan answered from time to time.
While everyone was talking, suddenly a clerk from outside came to report again, saying: "Sir, the Minister of War, the Minister of Military Aircraft, Uncle Yongning is here."
The expressions of the several scarlet-robed officials present, as well as the several civil servants brought by Shen Fang, all changed. Jiang Sucheng and Meng Guangyuan confessed to Shen Fang, then stood up from their seats and walked quickly to the Yimen.
However, from the threshold of the opened courtyard, a large number of imperial guards wearing flying fish suits and hanging embroidered spring knives came to guard first, and then a young man in python suit walked into the courtyard, with a majestic look, looking at Zixiong.
Such a grand scene...it's nothing more than going out to the police, right? The two ministers of the Ministry of War, as well as several principals and ministers behind them, all felt a sense of solemnity in their hearts.
Of course, it makes sense for Jia Heng to travel in such a vigilant manner, because wasn't he just assassinated by King Lu in Yangzhou?
Jiang Sucheng took a few steps towards the young man in the python suit, cupped his hands and said, "I've seen Mr. Jia before."
Meng Guangyuan also came forward and bowed to Jia Heng in the same way.
This is the etiquette for a lower-ranking official to meet a superior official. No matter what he thinks in his heart or how he stumbles secretly, at least on the surface, no one will find fault with him.
Jia Heng stretched out his hand to help, his face was as calm as water, and his voice was gentle: "Both ministers, please stand up.
During the greetings, accompanied by two ministers, and among the guards of Jinyi Mansion, they walked into the official hall. When they saw the old man Shen Fang sitting on the pearwood backrest chair in the official hall, he smiled and asked: "Master Shen Are you there too?"
Only then did Shen Fang stand up. A smile appeared on his majestic and solemn face, and he said, "Uncle Yongning, long time no see." Jia Heng nodded, sat down, looked at Jiang and Meng, and explained his purpose. Said: "Master Jiang, Master Meng, I am here for arms, food and wages. Now the Jiangbei camp has a new order and is short of food and weapons. The Arsenal Department of the Ministry of War needs to allocate a batch of ordnance to meet the needs of the entire army. .”
When Jiang Sucheng heard this, he hesitated for a moment and said: "Well... Mr. Jia doesn't know something. The Arsenal Department of the Ministry of War has insufficient ordnance reserves. They had previously been allocated to the Jiangnan Camp. Now the Arsenal Department does not have much ordnance allocated. Master Jia, do you want to wait for some more time?"
In fact, it is not Jiang Sucheng's excuse, but it is indeed the case. The Jiangnan camp has 60,000 troops and so many ordnance changes. The quantity is huge. After giving priority to supply, the supply of the Jiangbei camp will naturally not be guaranteed. .
Of course, if they really want to solve it, the Nanjing Ministry of War still has a way.
Jia Heng looked at Shen Fang on the side and said, "Master Shen also came to request for the allocation of ordnance and armor?"
"Originally, the ordnance and armor were from several years ago. Jiangnan has abundant rain and humid climate, and many of them are rusty. Now the Jiangnan camp is being reorganized and is in urgent need of replenishment." Shen Fang did not shy away, looking calmly. Looking at Jia Heng, he explained in a subtle way.
Jia Heng smiled and said: "Jiangbei will organize it first, and the official documents will be delivered to the Ministry of War first. Can it be distributed to Jiangbei Camp first? Jiangbei Camp does not need much."
Shen Fang also smiled and said: "I don't agree with Master Jia's words."
Because when it comes to rank, Jia Heng is a military officer of the imperial court. When it comes to civil service, Jia Heng is the military minister and the second-rank minister of the Ministry of War. Shen Fang is neither willing to call himself a subordinate, nor can he call himself an official. He is criticized by others because he is proud of himself, so he calls himself old and decayed.
Shen Fang made a face and said calmly: "The Jiangnan camp is related to the safety of the old capital. The ancestral temple and the country need to replace armored troops as soon as possible. Previously, the Donglu king actually sneaked into Yangzhou, which shows that the Donglu forces have hidden in the south of the Yangtze River. They want to To cause trouble, if the old capital of Nanjing is lost, the consequences will be disastrous! Uncle Yongning is the Minister of Military and Aircraft, and often plans military and national affairs. Doesn't he know the importance of this matter?"
This was actually the reason why Jia Heng used the excuse to rectify the river defense, but before Jia Heng could say anything, Shen Fang grabbed it first and blocked it.
Jia Heng smiled faintly and said: "I never said that Jinling's death was not important. It's just that the soldiers of the Jiangbei camp were sent out first. If there is police in Jiangnan, Jiangbei will also send troops and horses to reinforce. After hearing this from the Privy Council, I realized that Jiangnan and Jiangbei are connected as one. If Jiangbei does not exist, where will the safety of Jiangnan be? Lord Shen should know this when he is planning one side."
He didn't want to argue with Shen Fang about who was more important in the south and the north of the Yangtze River. This was just falling into Shen Fang's trap of words, that was all important.
After Jia Heng finished speaking, his eyes were fixed on Jiang Sucheng who was not far away, and he said softly: "As far as I know, the Nanjing Military Department has 32 ordnance workshops under its jurisdiction. If the work is fully started, it can guarantee the supply of 200,000 armored soldiers."
Chen Xiao was standing behind Jia Heng, looking at the quarrelsome scene in the official hall. His eyes first fell on Jiang and Meng, and then looked at the face of the young man with heroic features.
The lazy and lazy atmosphere in Nanjing's bureaucracy is exactly the same as it was many years ago. In other words, it has been the same throughout the entire Han Dynasty for hundreds of years since the founding of the country and for many years of peace. The only difference...is him.
The girl's clear eyes under her heroic brows glanced at the clear and cold young man, but her heart was somewhat complicated.
Because every time the girl thinks about such a young man with a bright future, who can be a wise king for the Holy Lord, lingering in beauty, she feels schizophrenic and heartbroken.
Look, who are they all hanging out with? The princess is a viper, a poisonous woman, a girl without long yellow hair, what else is there?
How about meat and vegetarian food? Well, it seems that it is gone?
No, even an ordinary young man knows so many tricks, but he is also the seed of a foolish king who is arrogant, extravagant and extravagant.
Should she do something?
Hearing Jia Heng mention the workshops under the Ministry of War, Jiang Zucheng couldn't help but said: "That's how many years of old history... Well, Nanjing has been in peace for a long time, and the soldiers have no intention of fighting. In the ordnance workshop, the craftsmen The workers are dispersed and not much can be produced now.”
Meng Guangyuan also spoke: "Jinling is no longer the same as it was in Taizong's time. Even if we start working at full strength, we can't build many armored soldiers in a month.
At this time, Shen Fang picked up the tea cup and took a sip. He only glanced at Jia Heng with his old eyes and sneered in his heart.
If you think that the officialdom of Nanjing is the sacred capital and you can do whatever you want, chop it with an ax or a knife, you are totally wrong!
The whole Nanjing Sixth Department has this kind of undisciplined and unrestrained atmosphere. If you push too hard, give up your choice directly, and dare to show off your power and act tyrannically, you will only encounter concentrated resistance from the Jiangnan officialdom, making it difficult for you to move forward.
Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "So, once there is a war and the armaments are not fully prepared, how can the Nanjing War Department deal with it?"
In fact, I had already predicted before coming that coming to the Ministry of War to ask for ordnance would not go smoothly. Not to mention Jiang Sucheng's previous affairs with the Huai'an Mansion, the Nanjing Ministry of War would probably be delayed. This was due to the laziness of the Southern Kingdom of Jinling.
Meng Guangyuan answered and said: "Mr. Jia, apart from the time of the founding of the People's Republic of China, there has been no war in Nanjing for nearly a hundred years. Now that the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps are reorganizing military affairs, the Nanjing military department is bound to help each other. It is better to wait for another half month for the Jiangbei camp. Xiaguan and Mr. Jiang will think of a solution."
Jia Heng looked at Shen Fang, who was drinking tea and laughing at the side. His eyes were as sharp as a sword and asked, "Does Mr. Shen mean this too?"
Shen Fang sighed and said: "It is difficult for a clever woman to make a meal without rice. I can understand Uncle Yongning's concern, but now the weapons are insufficient and the Ministry of War cannot produce so many weapons. We can only wait and see."
Jia Heng's expression paused and he said: "Let's do this first. The Ministry of War needs to deliver the ordnance as soon as possible to prepare for the order. I will send someone to contact the Ministry of War later."
Originally, he wanted to use Emperor Chongping's approval to take over the affairs of the Ministry of War with the Minister of War, but he decided to wait, otherwise these birdmen would become vigilant and huddle together, which would be difficult to deal with.
Whether it was because of a lack of ordnance, or because they secretly put the money allocated by the imperial court to the Ministry of War every year into their own pockets, it was probably another bad debt.
The ordnance matter can be investigated secretly. Now we should concentrate on dealing with the Jiangnan Salt Affairs matter.
Jia Heng made up his mind and left the Ministry of War official office without intending to stay any longer.
After Jia Heng left, Jiang Sucheng and Meng Guangyuan looked at each other, then looked at Shen Fang, the governor of Liangjiang, with a solemn expression, and said: "Master Shen, Uncle Yongning..."
Shen Fang said righteously: "Don't worry, you two, the old capital of Jinling is related to the safety of the ancestral temple. I have sent a memorial to Shenjing the day before yesterday to reorganize the Jiangnan camp and reorganize the river defense. This matter is certain."
Meng Guangyuan pondered for a moment and said in a low voice: "I'm afraid that Uncle Yongning will not be willing to accept it and think of other ways to impeach the court..." Jiang Sucheng narrowed his eyes and smiled and said: "Then let's do it first. Holding the ordnance, I remember that there are still five thousand Yanling knives from the third year of Chongping in the arsenal? Send them to the Jiangbei camp first, so that no one can find an opportunity to attack.
Meng Guangyuan nodded and said: "It can only be like this." It was not easy to say it in front of Shen Fang. It had been recast not long ago. Although a batch of old knives that were more than ten years old had not rusted, they were still pressed. The system of the Ministry of War has also reached the time of melting, and you can ask the Ministry of Household for a withdrawal fee again.
But it was said that Jia Heng left the official hall of the Ministry of War and got on his horse. It was only half an afternoon, and the horse's hooves were stepping on the wide and clean bluestone road of Jinling City.
"Are we still going to the household department now?" Chen Xiao tightened the reins in his hands and asked the young man with a calm expression.
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Go and see what the people from the Ministry of Finance will say."
Seeing that the young man's face was as calm as ever, Chen Xiao felt relieved a little, and followed Jia Heng to the Ministry of Household Affairs with a large number of retinues in brocade robes.
The Hubu Yamen is actually only two stone's throw away from the Warbu Yamen. It was nearly noon when Jia Heng arrived outside the Guanyamen.
At this moment, Tan Jie, the minister of household affairs in Nanjing, was in charge of the ministry. He was in his forties and had a black beard. Hearing that the clerk came to report the arrival of Uncle Yong Ning, he was slightly startled and led several ministers. The doctor and the chief came to Yimen and greeted Jia Heng.
"I have met Mr. Jia." Tan Jie and all the household officials behind him bowed their hands in greeting to Jia Heng.
Jia Heng stretched out his hand to support him and said, "Master Tan, no courtesy."
The two of them exchanged pleasantries and entered the official hall. The guests and hosts took their seats, and the clerk served them tea.
Tan Jie looked at the youngest earl in the history of the Han Dynasty, and he did not dare to ignore it, and asked: "I don't know what Master Jia has to say when he comes to the Hubu Yamen?
Jia Heng said: "Master Tan, the Jiangbei camp is being reorganized and there is a shortage of food and wages. The Ministry of Household Affairs has been in arrears with Jiangbei soldiers' wages for half a year. I don't know when we will be able to reissue them?"
As soon as he said this, Tan Jie suddenly had a troubled look on his face and said: "Master Jia, the Ministry of Revenue is not well off now. Besides, in the past, timely allocations fell into the hands of those corrupt military generals. Now Jiangbei Camp is letting military personnel who are corrupt with military pay It will be recovered, which shows how much more military pay our household department has given to the Jiangbei camp every year. Now the household department is indeed in some difficulties. When entering Xiajiangbei Dashui, Mr. Zhao Ge and the Liangjiang Governor's Yamen requested to allocate some.
Jia Heng looked calm and said: "Now that newly recruited soldiers need to be paid with money, should the Ministry of Household Affairs distribute a military salary? After all, this is a mature system."
Tan Jie said: "The Jiangbei Camp is still under preparation, and there are varying numbers of troop vacancies. Uncle Yongning, how about this? After the Jiangbei Camp's troop quotas are determined, I and my colleagues will raise all the pay and money, and then send them to Jiangbei Camp." how?"
Jia Heng stared at Tan Jie with burning eyes and shouted: "At that time, will your Ministry of Household Affairs continue to delay the issue of handing over the autumn grains at the right time and transporting grains from the south to the north?"
The ordnance could not be collected, because he did not want to openly quarrel with the governor's office of Liangjiang, but the food and salary of the Ministry of Household Affairs must be raised in place.
Otherwise, if we delay like this, we will not know the full moon of the Year of the Monkey. When the subsequent grain and tax payments are due, the Ministry of Revenue will have another excuse.
Seeing the other party's harsh words, Tan Jie's complexion changed slightly and his heart was shocked.
Jia Heng stared at Tan Jie and said in a deep voice: "Half-year military pay for 30,000 soldiers and horses, the Ministry of Household Affairs must reissue it within half a month, otherwise I, as the Minister of Military Aircraft, have been ordered by the emperor to raise the Emperor's Sword to rectify military affairs in the north of the Yangtze River. , we must be punished for neglecting the military aircraft! I will give the envoy as scheduled and I will also go to the imperial court to ask for credit. Now that there is a vacancy in the Nanjing Household Department, you should all encourage me."
As he spoke, his eyes wandered around all the doctors and foreign doctors.
When Tan Jie heard this, his expression changed. The anger in his heart for forcing the cow's head to drink water gradually dissipated, and his thoughts began to come alive.
Is this spending money to buy an official?
Now, everyone in the world doesn’t know that Yong Ningbo’s holy family is so solemn and red in front of the emperor. If he can handle this matter well and get a letter of recommendation from him, there will be many official vacancies in the Ministry of Household Affairs. Would not it be......
If he still refuses to pay the military salary, I am afraid that under the impeachment of his holy family, even if he will not be dismissed from office, he will be transferred from such a good job that is hard to find in the world.
However, at this time, it is not easy to change one's ways when you are in a hurry. You need to slow down before being arrogant and then being respectful.
Several other officials were also shocked.
Tan Jie said hesitantly: "Master Jia, please let me and your colleagues think of something else.
Jia Heng looked at all the household officials, stood up, and said, "Think quickly, the soldiers' pay must be paid within five days, and that's it."
With that said, he stood up and left. When Jia Heng left, the household department started talking about it.
Jia Heng left the Hubu Yamen, got on his horse, picked up the reins, and headed towards Ningguo Mansion.
Chen Xiao looked at the young man who had taken advantage of the opportunity and asked, "Did you already have a plan, one soft and one strong?"
He was not strong in the Ministry of War, but he was overwhelming in the Ministry of Household Affairs.
Jia Heng looked at Chen Xiao and whispered: "Get the silver first. Henan Dusi still has a lot of other ordnance. The Nanjing War Department cannot move it yet, but if it moves, it will be a big move."
On the contrary, if the household department is anxious and does not listen to the greeting, then it will move again.
Chen Xiao thought about the pros and cons and said, "I originally thought you..."
"You think I'm going to force everyone in the Ministry of War?" Jia Heng said with a darker look, "Now is not the time.
