Kunning Palace
After the emperor and empress finished talking, Emperor Chongping looked at the young man and said gently: "Ziyu, sit down and talk."
Under the gazes of one after another, Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Empress Song turned around, her beautiful eyes as soft as water sparkling, and she secretly pinched the handkerchief in her hand.
He secretly thought that Ziyu was very neat and tidy before. He resigned from the Wucheng Army and Horses Division and handed everything over to Ran'er. This... he shouldn't be complaining about her coercion, right?
Concubine Duanrong also looked at the young man with full eyes and asked, "Ziyu has been staying in the capital camp these days and hasn't gone home?"
Jia Heng said: "Back to my wife, I have been practicing as a soldier in the army for the past few days, and I can't get away from it."
He did not dare to neglect his mother-in-law, who had been cool and elegant all his life, and whose cool temperament was somewhat like that of a fairy mother.
Concubine Duanrong looked at Jia Heng with her narrow and clear phoenix eyes, nodded and said, "You are still young. It is right to focus on state affairs, and it is not in vain for His Majesty to value you so much."
But there is still a question lingering in my mind: Are Xianning and Ziyu really married? The two young men were making firewood and had a strong fire.
Thinking of this, my heart couldn't help but jump, and I quickly dismissed the thoughts in my mind.
Princess Xianning said softly: "Sir, he is really busy these days. I went to find him, but he didn't even see me."
Have you forgotten that she just became a bride?
Concubine Duanrong glanced at Princess Xianning and said angrily: "Ziyu is busy with business, don't go over and cause trouble."
As a daughter, she really has no need to be reserved at all, and she is not afraid of being laughed at.
Emperor Chongping said: "Zitong, let's have lunch."
At this time, Empress Song greeted Emperor Chongping for lunch. Everyone sat down and various dishes were placed on the tables. There was no rule for the big man to use only three chopsticks for each dish.
After everyone finished their lunch, they sat down to drink tea.
Emperor Chongping said: "Next year, Wei'er will go out to observe government affairs. Have you decided which government office to go to?"
Originally, the prince was an adult and watched the government, but the emperor obviously didn't like the naughty Prince Liang very much, so he sent Prince Liang out of the palace a year earlier.
King Liang was also happy not to be restrained in the palace.
"Wei'er wants to go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and help the palace with things. He said he would be closer to his concubines and your majesty." Empress Song said softly.
Emperor Chongping frowned and said coldly: "There are so many things going on in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, why is he going to the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"
After thinking for a while, he said: "The Ministry of Works is short of people recently, so let him go to the Ministry of Works to observe the politics."
When Queen Song heard this, she sighed slightly in her heart and said with a gentle smile: "Then I will let him go to the Ministry of Industry."
Jia Heng glanced at the beauty, who was smiling more or less forcefully under the emperor's scolding, and his eyes flashed.
Secretly, Empress Song was actually a little pitiful. The emperor was still on guard. The Ministry of Internal Affairs could be said to be the emperor's money bag. How could he let Prince Liang get involved?
The son is not as reliable as the widowed Princess Jinyang.
After lunch, Emperor Chongping and Jia Heng left Kunning Palace again. They walked along the corridor of the palace with red beams, and the soft sunshine of the winter afternoon shone on them.
Emperor Chongping walked to a covered bridge, took a step, held on to the white marble railing with one hand, looked into the distance, and said softly: "Mr. Li Ge has returned to Beijing to report on his work. Ziyu thought that Li Qing was taking charge of the overall situation in the court, or should he continue Are you in charge in Peiping?"
Jia Heng said: "Beiping has just opened up, and the Jurchens may invade the south next year. I thought it would be more appropriate for Mr. Li Ge to be in Peiping to deal with unexpected events. If it is someone else, I would be a little worried."
If Li Zan stays in Peiping, at least he won't be a hindrance. Otherwise, what will happen if his teammates are all pigs?
After hearing this, Emperor Chongping agreed: "That's what I mean too."
Jia Heng secretly thought that the emperor really wanted to use Zhejiang and Chu parties to balance the situation in the government.
Emperor Chongping looked at Jia Heng and said: "I want to use Han Huang as the first assistant and Li Zan as the second assistant to deal with side affairs and not to hinder the government and the public. What do you think?"
Jia Heng said softly: "I don't dare to speak nonsense about the selection of cabinet ministers."
He did not dare to say anything about the selection of the chief minister of the cabinet, but Han and Li Pei were indeed a more suitable choice now.
Qi Kun is too junior to take that position, but Han Huang is more suitable. Even if he works for a year or two and then takes it off, it is okay.
Emperor Chongping said: "It doesn't matter. Nowadays, the imperial censors outside are discussing endlessly about the candidate for the cabinet chief, and they have even made suggestions. Ziyu is an important minister in the court, so there is no need to avoid taboos."
Jia Heng did not take these words seriously, but instead held up his hands and said: "The Holy Sage just said that there will be constraints from the government and the public on side matters. I think that with the Holy Sage, there will be no constraints. If the Holy Sage feels that Hange is always suitable, then the Holy Judgment is, If you feel that Mr. Han Ge is not suitable, he will be replaced."
In fact, this is equivalent to no answer, but it can only go so far. It means that Han Huang has nothing to do with constraints. It does not mean that he will not be constrained if he comes to power, nor will he be constrained if he does not take the position.
In fact, the emperor did not allow his ministers to have their own ideas on the appointment of the chief ministers of the cabinet.
Of course, when the emperor asks you, he has to say it, so this answer is very skillful.
Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment and said, "What you said makes sense, but I still have doubts in my heart."
Even though Yao Yu has been transferred to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, once a member of the Zhejiang Party gets the position of chief assistant, one person will be a cabinet minister, and there will be two departments, the Ministry of Punishment and the Ministry of Rites, plus Jiangnan scholars.
Is this okay?
There is always a lack of someone like Yang Guochang in the court who can resist directly. Otherwise, he cannot be allowed to end personally every time.
When Jia Heng heard this, his face was as dark as water, but his heart was trembling.
Some understand the emperor's intention, which is to let him restrain the Zhejiang Party, but this is not said clearly, but depends on his understanding.
Facing the emperor's gaze, Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then seemed to change the topic and said softly: "Your Majesty, when I was in Jiangnan, I saw that Jiangnan Province has a huge territory and a large population, and the comprehensive management of money, food, punishment, and names is often cumbersome and incomplete. , I think that Jiangnan Province can be split, and the Huaiyang Jiangzuo area north of Jiangning, such as Anqing and Huizhou, can be combined with other prefectures and counties to form Anhui Province, with the governor appointed to act as a patrol for heaven, and then Jiangning and Suzhou can be unified Other prefectures and counties will be established as Jiangsu province and governed by the governor of Jiangsu."
When Emperor Chongping heard what Jia Heng said, he was shocked and said in a deep voice: "Split Jiangnan Province? Turn it into Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces?"
Jia Heng said: "Wei Chen believes that Jiangnan Province has a vast territory and many affairs. In addition to the household department, Nanjing is also divided into Jiangzuo and Jiangnan administrative departments. There are many disadvantages in overlapping beds and houses. It is better to split the two provinces. , and another governor was appointed to guard the place, and all the powers of the Nanjing household department were handed over to the governor."
There is nothing taboo about this strategy of dividing power between localities.
Nowadays, the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs and the Chief Secretaries of Jiangnan and Jiangzuo are becoming almost monolithic. But now that they are separated from Anhui and the power of the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs is reduced, a corner of the originally complicated Jiangnan officialdom has been cut off.
After hearing this, Emperor Chongping began to think about the feasibility of this matter. After just thinking about it for a moment, he felt that it was wonderful.
Anhui was governed by northerners, while Jiangsu was governed by southerners. This was the condition he gave Han Huang to take over as chief assistant.
In fact, this is the strategy used by Kangxi in parallel time and space, and it is also the origin of the establishment of Anhui Province. From now on, can Jiangsu still regard Anhui as one entity?
And the final Thirteen Taibao are the highest level of differentiation.
Emperor Chongping nodded and said: "This method is good. It can be used to facilitate both affairs. Since the Nanjing Household Department was originally the place where central officials were raised, they should not take too heavy responsibilities. This would violate the court's intention to show respect for its veterans."
After Jia Heng finished speaking, he said no more and allowed Emperor Chongping to sigh. It was not easy to highlight him at this time.
After Emperor Chongping finished thinking, he turned his gaze to the young man and said: "Ziyu, in fact, Huguang Province can also be divided into northern and southern provinces."
There are actually two chief envoys in the Huguang Chief Envoy Department, and Huguang has a vast territory and does not have a governor or governor. In the past, there were many inconveniences in central administration.
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "I think it can be tried, but we still need to figure it out slowly."
The change of Huguang into northern and southern provinces was indeed the regional division of the later Qing Dynasty, and it has a certain scientific basis.
Emperor Chongping nodded and stopped talking about this matter. Instead, he asked: "Ziyu, did you say you would go to Datong and Taiyuan after the new year?"
Jia Heng said: "After the new year, I will lead the soldiers from the Beijing camp to Datong to rectify the border army. Before that, I plan to go to Jiangnan in the middle of the month to inspect the military preparations and defense of the Jiangnan camp and the navy. I also ask for permission from the Holy Emperor."
He, a military minister and a first-class Wuhou, wanted to go south secretly. He had to report it to the emperor. Otherwise, when the emperor summoned him one day, he would not be in the capital?
Therefore, Mopan and Jinyang really posed a problem for him.
After hearing this, Emperor Chongping thought for a while and said: "If Ziyu goes to Jiangnan, he can clearly decide on the division of Jiangnan into provinces. By the way, he can inspect the candidates for the governor of Anhui on my behalf. If there are suitable officials, he can also recommend them to me." come over."
Jia Heng: "..."
As soon as I thought about it, I realized that the emperor wanted to use him to further check and balance with the Zhejiang Party. In order to achieve his goal, he even gave him the right to elect and recommend the first governor of Anhui.
Although he had been planning this matter, the emperor's "playing into his heart" made him feel a little uneasy.
Jia Heng said: "Your Majesty, I am a martial artist, and I dare not make unreasonable comments on the personnel affairs of our territory."
Emperor Chongping said: "But Ziyu is also a minister of military aircraft, and the land north of the Yangtze River has been invaded many times before, so it is most appropriate for Ziyu to recommend capable ministers. By the way, I vaguely remember that in the study room of the Daming Palace, Ziyu and Did I mention the reform?"
As the emperor's son-in-law, how can he always want to hide behind him? He was at odds with the Qi Party before, and now there is no need to be on good terms with the Zhejiang Party.
Moreover, it was Ziyu who proposed the issue of dividing borders and provinces, so it would be best for him to take the lead in this matter.
When Jia Heng heard this, his face was silent, trying to figure out Emperor Chongping's intention, and said: "Your Majesty, reform and innovation should not be done too hastily. At the beginning, I mentioned the need to take advantage of the power of a great victory to eradicate the centuries-old abuses since the founding of the country. Now the war with the captives has not yet begun. To achieve such a great victory.”
This was the emperor's imperial power, and he planned to support him as a force to check and balance the Zhejiang Party, but he had no choice.
Then Li Shouzhong or others could be recommended as governor of Anhui, but he was unhappy instead of worried.
Because Emperor Chongping was deeply scheming, he had revealed some of the black dragon's self-centeredness.
But I have to say that the emperor's move is indeed the optimal solution.
In the court, he was used as a sword to fight with the Zhejiang Party and suppress the growing number of Jiangnan scholars. In the army, he was also checked and balanced by the Prince of Nan'an County and other nobles.
As for his safety, it was naturally under the control of the emperor. Once he had different intentions or became arrogant, the emperor would use civil servants to suppress him.
But now he needs to compete with the Zhejiang Party and even the Jiangnan scholars so that the emperor can continue to use him without reservation.
None of this was stated explicitly, but rather a hint to him.
"Recovering Liaodong is only the first step. I also want to create peace for all eternity. In the future, the reform and innovation will not be carried out without Ziyu." Emperor Chongping looked at the palace wall in the distance and said in a low voice.
At Ziyu's age, he is so capable. It can be said that no one among the disciples can control him. He also needs to make some plans for the future.
When reforms and innovations are carried out, slanders are added to one's body. Only then can they be used by future kings by taking advantage of the situation and denouncing them.
It is also the way to preserve it for a long time.
Jia Heng's face paused slightly, and he cupped his hands and said: "I have been cultivated by the Holy Master, and I came from a commoner to the Marquis of Wu. I will definitely repay the Holy Master with my heart and soul. I will use my ax and ax to help your majesty complete the great cause of ZTE. I hope that your majesty will take care of your dragon body."
The emperor's words naturally had a somewhat comforting meaning in this situation, but in line with the emperor's methods, they seemed somewhat cold.
Emperor Chongping's eyes were a little gentler, and he looked at the young man with a sincere face and cold eyes glistening with tears. He said warmly: "It doesn't have to be like this. I am not Song Shenzong. I have been busy in the capital camp these days. Xianning has been thinking about it, go and see him." See Xianning."
He married his daughter to Ziyu, and even got married to a niece. What happened to him? As long as he remains modest and prudent in the future, he will have a good death and become a good story for his ruler and his ministers.
Jia Heng said: "That minister resigned."
With that said, he bowed his hands and walked towards Kunning Palace.
At this moment, Princess Xianning and Princess Qinghe had come out of the palace of Kunning Palace. They saw the young man in the black and red python suit with white lining. She came closer and took Jia Heng's hand. With bright eyes like water, she asked: "Mr. I’ve met my father.”
Jia Heng nodded, looked at the graceful girl, smiled and said, "I've seen her before. I'm getting ready to leave the palace."
Princess Xianning bit her cherry lips, her clear eyes seemed to be sucking a hint of charm, and she said softly: "Sir, go to my palace."
Jia Heng whispered: "This is not convenient. Let's go to the eldest princess's house."
If you get tired of Xianning and suddenly can't hold it back, this would be considered... a mess in the palace, right?
Princess Xianning said softly: "That's fine."
With that said, he took Jia Heng's hand and prepared to return to the Princess Jinyang's Mansion with Li Chanyue.
However, at this moment, the female official called from a distance: "Your Highness, the Queen is calling Yongning Hou to come over."
Before Li Chanyue approached Jia Heng, she said softly: "Mr. Jia, my aunt wants to talk to you about Brother Wei Wang."
Jia Heng's expression paused, guessing that it was probably because of the previous Wei King's control of the Five Cities Military and Horse Division.
"Xianning, go to Kunning Palace first." Jia Heng said softly.
Kunning Palace
At this moment, Concubine Duanrong is not here. She has already returned to her palace after having lunch. At this moment, only the Empress of Song is left wearing exquisitely woven and embroidered light yellow palace clothes and a majestic bun.
The female official said: "My dear, the Marquis Yongning and Princess Xianning are here."
The beauty's beautiful face was slightly raised, her pink lips parted slightly, she stared at the serious-looking young man in python suit, and asked, "Xianning, Ziyu, here you go."
Princess Xianning bowed happily and said: "Mother."
Jia Heng also bowed to Empress Song and said softly: "Wei Chen has met your empress."
Queen Song said softly: "Xianning, you and Chanyue go down first, and I will have a few words with Ziyu."
Jia Heng: "???"
Princess Xianning's beauty was stunned for a moment, then she realized what she was doing. She turned her clear eyes to look at Jia Heng and said, "Sir, Chan Yue and I are waiting for you outside the palace."
Jia Heng nodded, and then looked at the beautiful lady in the light yellow palace clothes, her eyes twinkling, and her heart was thoughtful.
Of course, he wouldn't think that this was Empress Song trying to tell him about the fatal contact. It should still be King Wei's business.
Queen Song's beautiful eyes were like dew under her willow eyebrows, and her voice was soft and soft as she said softly: "Zi Yu, the Five Cities Soldiers and Horses Division..."
"Your Majesty." Jia Heng stopped Queen Song's words, raised his eyes, stared at the beauty with burning eyes, and said: "Your Majesty, I was busy with important matters in the capital camp, and I really had no time to deal with the official affairs of the Five Cities Military and Horse Division. , I am afraid that there will be some mistakes, and the imperial censor will impeach me, and I will leave it to His Highness the King of Wei to deal with it, but it has relieved me of a worry."
Since it's a favor, don't say that again.
Empress Song pursed her pink lips, and her hibiscus jade face looked a little unnatural. She felt that the young man's eyes seemed to be a little too hot, and the handkerchief he was holding was clenched a little tighter, but there was no problem. Said to express sincerity.
"Zi Yu, I have always troubled Zi Yu before. However, I have told this palace several times and learned a lot from Zi Yu."
The beauty smiled sweetly, as if flowers were blooming on an empty mountain, so bright and beautiful that they couldn't be compared to anything else.
"The ministers have not been in the Five Cities Military and Horse Division for a long time. His Royal Highness the King of Wei is very talented." Jia Heng looked at Empress Song with "sincere" eyes and said softly: "Your Majesty, with the talents of the King of Wei, you should be the leader alone." Yamen."
In fact, this was the first time that he looked at Queen Song for such a long time.
Empress Song's face is flawless, she is really flawless, her cheeks are painted with light blush, her face is plump and soft, her whole person is like a graceful and beautiful red peony, and her hair is black and green. The gorgeous jewelry makes your face more beautiful and radiant.
As for the hairpin decoration, it reminds people of Li Zhi's Queen Wang in Liu Xiaoqing's version of "Wu Zetian", but it is slightly more grand and gorgeous than Queen Wang.
The beauty has black eyebrows and phoenix eyes, curved eyelashes and light eye shadow, and a straight bridge of nose. Her two pink lips are almost radiant against the backdrop of her snow-skinned jade face.
And there is a hint of ripeness and beauty in the corners of the eyebrows and eyes. It is a pot of fine wine that has experienced years, moistening every trace of motherhood.
On her slender, white neck is a string of warm pearl necklaces. Her dress is gorgeous and the gold threads are brilliant, showing off her eyes. Below her is the majestic and inviolable sacred snow-capped mountain of the mother of a country.
Not daring to look any further, I turned my gaze away, and a thought suddenly flashed through my mind: I don't know what Queen Song's maiden name was.
Well, what does he want to do with this?
Jia Heng dispersed his chaotic thoughts and calmed down. In fact, his eyes were always clear and his eye management was top-notch.
Jia Heng still has this kind of determination, and just now it was more of a mentality of appreciating poppies.
"Zi Yu, actually there is one more thing I want to ask Zi Yu." Empress Song frowned, her beautiful eyes full of hope and gleaming with a touch of embarrassment, her pink lips were slightly opened, and she looked at the stern face and upright figure. juvenile.
How could this Ziyu look at her like that?
The look just now was the way a man looked at a woman, but she was the empress of the world, the most noble and noble...
Of course it's not Cao Mengde's crazy look, "Madam, would you like to sleep with me tonight?"
It was probably Meng De's surprise when he first met Queen He, and his eyes were lost. There was no immoral intention.
But the more this happens, to Empress Song, whose mother is in the world, it is an indescribable novelty and... an indescribable feeling.
Shame, suspicion, joy, and even some fear.
Especially when I think of Na Xihe’s touch in the palace...
It can be said that in more than thirty years of life, I have never encountered such a bold person. It even made Empress Song forget that she was still a woman.
But that young man, who was almost unparalleled in the world in the Han Dynasty, showed a fleeting surprise, but it caused a faint ripple in his heart.
Jia Heng calmed down, lowered his eyes, looked as usual, cupped his hands and said: "The Queen, please give me your instructions."
Empress Song calmed down, chuckled, and said, "After Chen Wei arrives at the Ministry of Industry, your father-in-law will also be at the Ministry of Industry. I would like you to give him more attention."
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and then said: "Empress, His Royal Highness the Prince of Liang is in the Ministry of Works, and the ministers have to go to the capital camp to ask questions from time to time, but they are just out of reach."
Well, when speaking idioms, there is always a feeling of speaking in a pornographic tone in front of Queen Song.
(End of chapter)
