Daming Palace, inner study room
Emperor Chongping summoned Yao Yu, the Minister of Rites, and was giving instructions.
As Qi Kun was promoted to Minister of Household Affairs, anyone with a discerning eye could see that the emperor had begun to adjust the candidates for courtiers.
Emperor Chongping said: "In recent years, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has selected officials based on multiple qualifications and backgrounds rather than on character and talent. What's more, they are restricted to geographical differences for their own selfish interests, which is harmful to the country. After Yao Qing took charge of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, he should Select officials and appoint people according to the Four Patterns and Eight Methods."
Yao Yu said: "I will live up to your Majesty's expectations."
Emperor Chongping said: "Dai Quan drafted the edict of the cabinet and promoted Yao Yu, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Han Huang, the former deputy assistant of the cabinet, was in charge of the Ministry of Rites. Fang Huan, the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was transferred to the Ministry of Rites to assist him. Pang Shilang, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites. He is the left minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
Dai Quan bowed his hands in response and hurried away.
After several days of deliberation, Emperor Chongping Gan Gang decided to transfer relevant officials.
"Your Majesty, there is an urgent report from Xining Mansion." Dai Quan handed over the memorial and said loudly.
Emperor Chongping's face paused slightly, his eyes flashed with confusion, and he asked: "What's the matter?"
Dai Quan handed over the memorial and said: "The king of Xining County has passed away."
When Emperor Chongping heard this, his expression changed suddenly and he said softly: "Is the Prince of Xining County dead?"
The face of Yao Yu standing below also changed slightly. The king of Xining County was in Xining, suppressing tribes such as Qinghai and Mobei Mongolia, as well as various foreign states. Now that he has passed away like this, is there still unrest in the northwest?
Dai Quan quickly bowed forward, handed over the memorandum in his hand, and said: "Your Majesty, this is the testament of the Prince of Xining County. Your Majesty, please read it."
Emperor Chongping took the memorial, lowered his eyes, and read the words on it. After a while, he closed the memorial, his face was like water, and said: "The Marquis of Xuan Yongning has entered the palace, and another person has been sent to inform the Prince of Xining County."
In fact, the Prince of Xining County was old and suffered from old illnesses. He had previously expressed his love for her, but now he couldn't bear it for a long time and passed away in the winter of the fifteenth year of Chongping.
Dai Quan said: "Your Majesty, the Xining County Prince's Mansion has received the bad news, and the spiritual flags have been hung up on the mansion."
Emperor Chongping put down the memorial and said nothing for a long time. He said with a sad face: "Dai Quan, please go to the Prince's Mansion of Xining County to express my condolences on my behalf."
Dai Quan cupped his hands and responded: "I obey the order."
At this moment, the Xining County Prince's Mansion was full of cries. White flowers were hung on the tung oil black wooden plaque in front of the door, and white flags were put up everywhere in the mansion.
There were four princes from the east, west, south, and west of the Han Dynasty. Except for the prince Nan'an who had lived in the capital for a long time, the other princes naturally had their old residences in Shenjing, and some of their clansmen even stayed behind.
When the Prince of Xining County leaves, he will probably be buried in Shenjing. According to the usual practice, the Crown Prince will inherit the title of Prince of the County and go to Xining to take charge.
In Xining County Prince's Mansion, various white mourning flags have been hung in the front hall and backyard. The hall has been decorated as a mourning hall, with tokens, sacrifices and other items placed on the high table.
Jin Xiaoyu, the crown prince of Xining County, knelt on the cold floor paved with blue bricks and cried loudly in front of the spiritual tablet.
"Father, father..."
Some other tribesmen also knelt in the hall, crying towards the spiritual tablets on the table.
"Prince Dongping's Mansion, Duke Li's Mansion, Duke Qi's Mansion, and Duke Zhi's Mansion have come to express their condolences." At this time, a steward said loudly outside.
It was clear that the four princes and eight princes and other nobles came to pay their respects.
Compared with the gloom and gloom of the Prince of Xining, in the Qin residence, there was joy and laughter in the hall.
Qin Ye entertained the visiting couple Jia Heng and Qin Keqing, talking across a lacquered wooden table while the tea was steaming.
Qin Ye's old eyes looked at the young man with great emotion, and said with a smile: "Ziyu worried me to death at the court meeting earlier."
The young man in front of me is now a first-class marquis, and Keqing is now also a marquis.
Jia Heng said: "The conflicts in the court are not just once or twice, and the ups and downs of the officialdom are just ordinary things."
Qin Ye said: "I have rarely seen such a large formation before."
His son-in-law is truly one of a kind, rare in the world.
Not far away, Qin Zhong also looked at the young man with some reverence on his face, holding a book of Three Kingdoms dialects in his hand.
Jia Heng asked: "Father-in-law, how is everything going on with coal mining in Henan?"
Qin Ye explained: "Now the mining is done by the Ministry of Industry, with the cooperation of the local government, recruiting Ding Fu to mine the mines. At present, these coals are given priority to the palace, and the remaining coal mines are taken over by the Department of Seal Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Sell them to Huguang, Jiangsu and Zhejiang to earn profits."
Jia Heng asked: "Where is Beijing? People in Beijing usually use coal for cooking."
In fact, even in later generations, not all people will be able to use gas for cooking. In the vast rural areas, this condition is not available, otherwise the cost of living will increase suddenly.
Therefore, we still have to build a steam engine, but unfortunately this thing is not a problem that ruins the style of painting. The key is that he doesn't know how to do it, and it takes a long time.
But he probably knows the principle.
Qin Ye pondered for a moment and said: "Living in Beijing is not easy. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the land in Guanzhong has gradually become barren. The government does not allow people to enter the Qinling Mountains to collect firewood. They are worried that it will damage the feng shui of the Dragon Vein. Instead, they allow the people to use charcoal, but the yield of charcoal is not high. , the price was high and it was difficult for the common people to afford it. Later, it was gradually liberalized. Nowadays, the homes of rich merchants use charcoal for cooking, while the homes of ordinary people still use firewood for cooking and heating."
The use of coal in China can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. Except for the royal family and dignitaries who used charcoal, many officials used high-quality anthracite coal.
Jia Heng nodded and said softly: "Nowadays, a lot of coal has become cheap. If the people can use it, it will also be a good thing for the country and the people."
In fact, compared with the military and official system, the stories of emperors, generals, talented men and beauties, the daily life of most ancestors was the food, clothing, housing and transportation of ordinary people.
As seen in some old photos from the Qing Dynasty and some documentaries shot by foreigners, the city is surrounded by bare and gray areas, with not a single tree in sight.
If you don't let the people cut down trees, then you are the king of Jie and Zhou. If you let the people take advantage of the rivers and mountains, this is the act of Emperor Wen as a benevolent king who loves the people.
Qin Yedao: "Firstly, the mining cost is not low, and secondly, the coal reserves are not high."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "As for the mining cost, we can increase the production volume and the price will slowly drop, step by step."
This is a systematic project, and compared to military affairs and political disputes, it is undoubtedly a bit trivial and boring.
Qin Yedao: "This matter was not accomplished in a day. Now the Ministry of Industry can only take care of it slowly."
Jia Heng then said: "Father-in-law, the Ministry of Industry can sell the mined coal to ordinary merchants. Everyone can buy and sell it with a ticket to make a profit. The price is cheaper."
The newly established Coal Department is more of a department that organizes production, and sales at downstream terminals are still completed by merchants.
In addition to benefiting the common people, his purpose was also to cultivate a community of interests. Otherwise, the troops in the Beijing camp would be relieved of his military power with just an edict.
Otherwise, the so-called power is rootless duckweed.
Qin Ye said: "You can try this method, but you need to discuss it with Zhao Shangshu and the eldest princess of the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "That's natural."
Qin Keqing picked up the tea cup and took a sip. After hearing this, her charming eyes glanced at Jia Heng.
At this moment, a nun entered the hall and whispered: "Master, uncle, someone from the Ningguo Mansion came and called my uncle back. He said that a father-in-law was sent from the palace to call him back."
Jia Heng's face was startled for a moment, then he turned to look at Qin Ye and said, "Father-in-law, the Holy One has called me. I will go to the palace to meet the Holy One."
Qin Ye smiled and said: "Be careful in front of the saint, and go quickly."
As Jia Heng's holy family, they naturally wouldn't think it was anything bad.
Qin Keqing stood up, looked at the young man with beautiful eyes like water, and called softly: "Husband."
There was a hint of apology on Jia Heng's face, and he smiled and said: "I didn't expect that the palace would summon you. I'll come back after asking questions. Why don't you stay here for one night today?"
With that, he said goodbye to Qin Keqing, and then went straight out of Qin's house. He asked the boy who came to report the news, his face was startled, and he whispered: "Is the Prince of Xining County dead?"
Jia Heng suppressed his surprise, mounted his horse, whipped his horse and headed to the palace with white walls and black tiles.
At this moment, Daming Palace, inner study room
Emperor Chongping convened a group of cabinet ministers to discuss the death of the king of Xining County.
When the king of Xining County passed away, the court had to discuss matters such as granting a posthumous title and conferring a title on his son. In addition, there were also matters concerning who would take over the stability of the northwest border.
Han Huang, the second assistant to the cabinet, had no expression on his fair face and said with cupped hands: "Your Majesty, I think that the king of Xining County has been guarding the border in Qinghai for many years and has made great achievements. I think he should be given a posthumous title to show his merits."
Zhao Mo, the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, after the king of Xining County, the hearts of the Hu Fan states in Qinghai are unstable. I ask your Majesty to select good ministers to guard them."
If Marquis Yongning hadn't had to deal with the captives and sent him to Xining to guard, the court would have avoided a lot of trouble.
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said: "The Qinghai kingdoms have not been in trouble for many years. Besides, the prince of Xining County is still in Beijing. How about guarding Xining with his heir title?"
These are the four major commanderies in the southeast, northwest and northwest of the Han Dynasty. Many forces are intertwined. Although Emperor Chongping has long wanted to take over the military power in the northwest, the Jin family has been cultivating Xining for many years and has established strong influence. Many generals have been promoted by generations of Xining commanders, and even Married to the Prince of Xining County, for example, Hu Jia, the commander-in-chief of Ningxia, was the son-in-law of the Prince of Xining County.
It has gradually become a trend that cannot be lost.
If the guarding general is changed rashly, I am afraid it will cause instability in the northwest.
Now is the key point of the battle with the captives in the north, so naturally these things must be put aside later.
Therefore, if Emperor Chongping wanted to replace the Jin family, he would still tell him immediately that he wanted Jin Xiaoyu to go back. This was out of sympathy for the hero.
Han Huang looked indifferent, sensing the emperor's intentions, he cupped his hands and said: "We thought that Jin Xiaoyu, the crown prince's son, would take over the post of governor of Xining."
After Yang Guochang resigned and went into seclusion, the chief assistant of the cabinet has been vacant to this day. In the past few days, the censors have come to the ministers one after another to suggest that a capable and upright minister should be selected as the chief assistant to assist in the management of yin and yang.
But Emperor Chongping could not hold his composure. After appointing Qi Kun as the Minister of Household Affairs, he did not mention who the chief assistant was. The previous change of Han Huang to the Ministry of Rites finally took the first step.
Dai Quan said: "Your Majesty, Marquis Yongning handed over a sign asking to see His Majesty."
Emperor Chongping's face softened slightly and he quickly said: "Xuan."
After a while, several cabinet ministers in the inner study saw a young man with a tall and tall figure walking in.
He was wearing an exquisite python suit cut from black and red fabrics, with intricate embroidery of python patterns. He walked quickly, majestic, strode into the main hall, came to the front of the emperor, pushed the golden mountain and poured out the jade pillar, and said loudly. : "I have seen Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live."
All the ministers in the palace were shocked.
It's not just Jia Heng's youth, but his aura that is as deep as the abyss, which makes him even more majestic and majestic after being named a first-class Wuhou.
Coupled with the white lining and black and red walking python suit, the slender and straight figure is outlined to the extreme.
Emperor Chongping's face paused slightly, his eyes were a little gentler, and he said: "Ziyu, please get up."
Jia Heng said, stood up, with a respectful look on his face.
Emperor Chongping's cold eyes were a little gentler, he looked at the young man and said, "Zi Yu, the king of Xining County passed away due to a recurrence of an old illness. Zi Yu thinks that the defense of the northwest needs to be readjusted."
Winter is always difficult for the elderly, but Prince Xining, who was living in the bitter cold in the northwest, could not survive the recurrence of his old illness.
Jia Heng said softly: "I don't think it will have any impact on Liaodong affairs for the time being. The two places are far apart, and the northwest factions are gradually losing their influence. Now I, the big man, should first deal with the Jurchen threat."
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said with emotion: "I and all the ministers also have the same intention. I only lament that with the death of the king of Xining County, my great Han Dynasty has lost another minister of the country."
Jia Heng's face was as dark as water, his eyes flashed, and his thoughts were inexplicable.
In fact, these four major princes are already inexorably strong.
Emperor Chongping was silent for a while, then looked at Han Huang and said: "Han Qing, the cabinet and the Hanlin Academy have agreed on a posthumous title. Jin Xiaoyu, the crown prince of Xining County, will inherit the legacy of the King of Xining County and go to Xining to mourn and support the deceased. In addition, we will not go to court for seven days. To express my condolences.”
Han Huang's face was straightened, his expression was solemn, and he cupped his hands and said, "I obey the order."
With that said, he and several cabinet ministers left the inner study.
After several cabinet ministers left, Emperor Chongping turned to look at Jia Heng and asked, "Has Ziyu been training in the capital camp recently?"
Jia Heng said: "Going back to your Majesty, the troops in the Beijing camp are waiting at the ready and actively preparing for war."
Emperor Chongping nodded and said warmly: "I just came back, so I should rest for a few more days. There is no need to rush."
Jia Heng said: "Return to the Holy Land to raise troops for a thousand days and use them for a while. Now there is an undercurrent of enemy invaders in the north. I can only make more preparations."
"It's rare that you are so worried about state affairs." Emperor Chongping thought for a while, with satisfaction in his eyes.
He saw the modest behavior of the young man in front of him in the past few days. In response to the changes in the cabinet and court officials, he hid in the capital camp and devoted himself to training troops. This was his duty as a martial artist.
Although there was still friendship with Han Hui, the son of Han Huang, now he has parted ways with the Zhejiang Party, and the dispute between Jiangnan and Shen Fang and others can be glimpsed.
Emperor Chongping said: "Wait a while, let's have lunch together and talk to me about side things."
Jia Heng bowed his head in response, and then followed Emperor Chongping towards the harem.
Kunning Palace
Near noon, the palace was filled with beautiful pearls and jade, and several beauties in gorgeous clothes were sitting on an Arhat bed.
Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong sat side by side, while Guiren Zhou and Guiren Wu sat on the embroidered pier beside them, smiling and talking with the concubines.
Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue were also at the side. They sat down, wearing a cyan coat and skirt, and a pink skirt. One had a cool and elegant temperament, and the other was childish and cute.
Princess Xianning still did not tie her hair into a womanly bun, but still dressed as a girl who had not left the palace. The curved willow eyebrows under the airy bangs were still small flat eyebrows, and the clear eyes with tear stains exuded a quiet and elegant charm. Slightly dispersed, someone's charming breath of spring flowers overflowed.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty and Marquis Yongning are here." The eunuch entered the palace and raised his hands towards Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong.
Empress Song's fragrant lotus face had a rippling smile and her voice was soft as she said, "Sister, Your Majesty and Ziyu are here."
Concubine Duanrong said softly: "In the past few days, I heard from Your Majesty that he has been training in the capital camp. It is difficult for him to be so obsessed with military affairs just after he came back."
I don't know if she is being careless, but I always feel that in the past few days, my daughter's childlike eyebrows have gained a bit of charm that does not belong to a boudoir girl, and I don't know what tricks the two of them have done.
At this time, Princess Xianning's beautiful and pure face was also covered with a light joy. She took Li Chanyue's hand and looked towards the entrance of the palace.
She didn't see Jia Heng in the past few days, so the girl went to the capital camp to look for her. However, Jia Heng sent someone to tell her that she would stay alone in the capital camp for a few days, so Princess Xianning stopped clinging to Jia Heng.
However, Fang's heart is still secretly resentful. She is a new bride, and her husband should spend more time with her.
While several people were talking, Emperor Chongping entered the palace. Half a step behind him was the young man in python suit Xiao Xuan Shuju.
The young man wore a cloak and held the Emperor's Sword at his waist, guarding Emperor Chongping.
"Your Majesty." Empress Song's beautiful eyes were condensed. She blinked and looked at Emperor Chongping with a smile. The beauty walked gracefully and gracefully. The jasper drops on her bun were shining brightly, showing off her eyes.
Emperor Chongping's face didn't have many smile lines, and he said softly: "Zitong, prepare lunch, I and Ziyu will eat some together."
The smile on Queen Song's gorgeous face was still as bright as a begonia flower, and she said, "I was just saying that I would send someone to call your majesty."
Emperor Chongping nodded, but said in a low voice: "There is news from Xining Mansion that the King of Xining County has passed away."
The smile on Queen Song's face faded slightly, and she said in shock: "Your Majesty, Prince Xining...why is it so sudden?"
Emperor Chongping sighed and said: "The Prince of Xining County is also old and has an old illness. He gave me treatment a few months ago. This winter has been difficult."
Empress Song comforted her and said, "Your Majesty, my condolences."
At that time, the Prince of Xining County was not a die-hard supporter of Emperor Chongping. Instead, he had a close relationship with the King of Zhou and was almost a life-and-death friend.
Emperor Chongping waved his hand, sat down, and said, "I have sent Dai Quan to the Jin Mansion to pay homage. He will not attend court for seven days to express his condolences."
Because the coffin of the Xining County Prince was not in the capital, Emperor Chongping did not go to the Xining County Prince's Mansion in person.
Empress Song thought for a while, pursed her pink lips, and said softly: "Then I sent the female officials to express my condolences to the female relatives of the Prince of Xining County."
Emperor Chongping nodded, then looked at Wu Guiren and Zhou Guiren, and asked, "Why are you here?"
Wu Guiren quickly bowed and said timidly and softly: "I have seen your Majesty."
Seeing Emperor Chongping's surprise, Empress Song explained softly: "These palace people have been at home for a long time, separated from each other, and it is difficult to reunite as a family. I am thinking whether to let Guining visit the relatives and visit the family?"
In fact, she also wanted to go back to Jinling to see her family, but the queen was the lord of the Sixth Palace and could not leave the palace easily.
Emperor Chongping thought for a while and said softly: "I will turn around and give the imperial concubines an order to build a residence for their relatives to receive guests."
There is a strict and complete etiquette system for palace concubines to go out of the palace to visit relatives, and they will not stay overnight in the palace. This is the Tian family's method to prevent some scandals in the palace curtains.
Wu Guiren and Zhou Guiren thanked the Holy Grace one after another, then said goodbye and left.
Jia Heng glanced at the two concubines Zhou and Wu, and felt a sense of emotion in his heart.
If he hadn't taken Yuanchun out in the first place, I'm afraid that Yuanchun would also be the one visiting relatives. By then...
Thinking of Yuanchun's gentleness and softness that almost enveloped her, as well as her gentle and watery temperament, I felt a little missing in my heart.
(End of chapter)
