Daming Palace, Hanyuan Hall, inner study room
In the evening, the glow was brilliant, and the afterglow of the setting sun passed through the window. It was quiet and beautiful, but the thin figure sitting behind the desk had a gloomy expression.
Dai Quan left and returned after a while, handed over the things in his hands, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, we found out."
With that said, he handed over the note in his hand.
Emperor Chongping took the Zazi, his face paused slightly, and his eyes flashed coldly.
It is written clearly on the letter that Liu Fang and others contacted Yan Hong, the imperial eunuch, the censor of the Imperial Procuratorate, and the Sixth Section to stir up public opinion and impeach Duke Wei.
"They are cowering in military affairs and have no plan at all! They are full of tricks when it comes to collusion between civil and military affairs, jealousy of talents, etc. Ziyu resigned from the Five Cities Army and Horses Division earlier just to avoid suspicion, and you have spread rumors again and again to alienate the emperor and his ministers. Emperor Chongping snorted coldly and said in a low voice.
Dai Quan's heart was shaken, and he bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down."
There was a secret shiver in my heart. The current Duke of Wei, with the power of great victory, could almost be His Majesty's favorite.
Emperor Chongping put the zhazi away, his face was covered with clouds, and he said in a deep voice: "Have the watermelons come down recently? Gather some watermelons into two carts and give them to the Prince of Nan'an County."
When Dai Quan heard this, his expression paused, and he felt a little confused.
Immediately he came to his senses and gave Prince Nan'an food. Was this to make Prince Nan'an shut up?
Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment and said: "I will also make a copy of the reply to Shugong, and you will personally send the original copy to the Duke of Wei."
When Dai Quan heard this, his heart was slightly awe-inspiring and he raised his hands.
After Dai Quan left, Emperor Chongping snorted coldly, as if he was still a little angry.
Whether it was the 12th Regiment Camp of the Beijing Camp or the Jinyi Mansion, Jia Ziyu did his duty. Since taking office, he did not cultivate cronies or install party members. His previous victories against the captives also showed his sincere public spirit.
Moreover, since the Song and Ming Dynasties, no prince-in-law has ever been able to commit rebellion.
What's more, one person can control both the Ning and Rong palaces. In the eyes of the world's scholars, the emperor's favor and honor are extremely great. If he has the intention of being disobedient, the world will condemn him.
In fact, it was the emperor's confidence in controlling the affairs of the court, and Jia Heng had not yet reached the point where all civil and military officials in the dynasty were his disciples and old officials, and they were highly respected.
Emperor Chongping put away the thoughtful look on his face and picked up the memorial again, ready to read it.
This is a memorial to avenge Shanxi merchants. It lists the contributions that Shanxi merchants have made to the court over the years, mainly because there are many doubts about the case of Shanxi merchants smuggling and colluding with the Jurchens. It is hoped that the court will be lenient and forgiving, and guard against the cold intentions of merchants all over the world. .
Emperor Chongping closed the memorial, then picked up another memorial and read the text on it.
"Eight Shanxi merchants colluded to smuggle Jurchens and accumulated more than tens of millions of wealth in decades? If Fei Ziyu went to Taiyuan, how would he have known about the traitorous behavior of these Shanxi merchants?" Chongping frowned and felt cold.
I can't help but think of the memorial just now. The remarks in it are all about impeaching Jia Heng.
It's simply ridiculous that a minister who doesn't shy away from slander, offends his colleagues, and is an aloof person can actually call him a threatening weapon!
While Emperor Chongping was thinking about it, an internal eunuch came in and reported to Emperor Chongping: "Your Majesty, Lin Ruhai, the Minister of Household Affairs, returned to Beijing and just handed over a sign asking to see the Holy Master."
After the Han Dynasty courtiers received imperial errands, they had to enter the palace to meet the saint as soon as possible after returning to Beijing.
Lin Ruhai, as the minister in charge of the military supplies for the West Route Army, after Jia Heng led the Beijing camp's triumphant return north, he went to Taiyuan on behalf of the Ministry of Revenue to clean up the supplies of military supplies, and at the same time cooperated with the Jinyi Mansion to replenish the assets of the eight major Shanxi merchants. He was paid to the national treasury, so he was detained in Taiyuan for a period of time.
Until this moment, Lin Ruhai also led the junior officials to Beijing to meet the saint.
"Xuan." Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment, feeling a little relieved from his depression.
Not long after, Lin Ruhai, led by an internal prisoner, arranged his clothes and entered, saluted the middle-aged emperor behind the case and said: "I am a humble minister, Lin Ruhai pays homage to the Holy One, long live long live long live."
"Lin Qingpingsheng." Emperor Chongping's eyes softened a bit and he ordered: "Come, watch your seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lin Ruhai stood up and thanked him, then sat down on the embroidered pier beside him.
Emperor Chongping said: "In Taiyuan, have all the grain and fodder been accounted for?"
Lin Ruhai said: "Back to the Holy Spirit, I have already calculated clearly that the relevant grain and fodder have not been used up. This expedition will use 1.35 million shi of rice grain. Except for the transfer of 300,000 shi from the household department, the rest are all on-site." To purchase grain, in addition, the Ministry of Household Pensions have been allocated."
Emperor Chongping lamented: "Fortunately, the war did not drag on for a long time, otherwise the army would have spent even more money."
Then he asked: "How is the Jinyi Mansion and the Ministry of Revenue investigating the case of Shanxi merchants colluding with Donglu?"
"After thorough interrogation by Jinyi Mansion, it was found that Shanxi Shanxi merchants colluded with Donglu to a great extent, which is shocking. Several merchants even went on errands for imperial merchants from the Jurchen and Fake National Household Departments," Lin Ruhai said.
When Emperor Chongping heard this, murderous intent overflowed in his eyes, and he said coldly: "It seems that there is a connection with the enemy's country, there is no doubt about it."
Lin Ruhai said: "Due to the urgency of the incident, Jinyi Mansion is doing its best to investigate, but in terms of collecting grain, taking the Kang family as an example, only one of their warehouses has more than 30 warehouses, and the amount of grain stored is as high as five to six million dan. Several of them have a net worth of more than one million, many of which came from trading with the Jurchens and making huge profits. Moreover, they have a deep collusion with the Donglu, shadowing the mountains and rivers of Jinzhong, dedicating themselves to the Jurchens, and even becoming internal allies. , once the Jurchens conquer Chahar, declare a large-scale army march, and invade Taiyuan, the consequences will be disastrous."
As an official who was responsible for the confiscation of all the eight major Shanxi merchants, Lin Ruhai was not only shocked by the Shanxi merchants' wealth, but also found it incredible by the Shanxi merchants' traitorous behavior.
Emperor Chongping's eyes flashed, as if he had realized it in hindsight, and said: "Zi Yu's victory in Ping'an Province was not the slave chief's intention to intimidate Taiyuan. Such troops came to the city, and the merchants raised flags to respond. At that time, Guanzhong was in danger."
At this moment, Emperor Chongping seemed to suddenly understand from the original clues.
Seeing Emperor Chongping thinking non-stop, Lin Ruhai said loudly: "Your Majesty, now these illegal properties have been counted by Jinyi Mansion, sealed and stored in the warehouse. The total amount is thirty to forty million, which can be said to be collected by the national treasury in one or two years."
This is the charm of a house raid, almost uprooting it.
It can be said that the reason why Chen Han had no shortage of money and was able to handle all aspects in the past two years began with Jia Heng copying and inspecting the property in Dongcheng.
"By depositing it into the national treasury, the people's taxes will be exempted a bit this year. It hasn't snowed in Shandong this winter, and drought locusts are expected to appear again this year. The imperial court is about to allocate rice and grain relief." Emperor Chongping said softly.
Lin Ruhai responded in a low voice.
Emperor Chongping said: "In the past two years, some people have said that I am an emperor who raids the family and plunders people's wealth. But they don't know that whether it is salt merchants or Shanxi merchants, the officials and businessmen colluded and did many illegal things to amass such wealth. , and the Shanxi merchants are even more hateful than the salt merchants, betraying my Han intelligence and funding the enemy!"
Lin Ruhai said: "Your Majesty, they have done many unjust things. If they are managed according to their duties, the court will not indiscriminately torture them."
Emperor Chongping sighed: "In the past two years, the imperial court has gone through many changes, and the national treasury has become much richer. Only the salt tax and customs duties can deliver six to seven million taels to the national treasury. The military strength of the Beijing camp has gradually recovered. Ziyu mentioned I deeply agree with the efforts to rectify the army in Hebei and Shandong provinces and increase revenue and reduce expenditure."
Now that I think about it, these two items were precisely led by Jia Ziyu. Wouldn't such a minister be reused? Who will deal with the silverfish in the country?
Before Jia Ziyu, no one dared to take on this responsibility.
Emperor Chongping said: "Lin Qing has worked hard on going to Taiyuan this time. When Mr. Qi Ge comes back from Beiping Mansion in two days, you two will take charge of promoting the planting of sweet potatoes in Shanxi, Hebei and other places. Since the beginning of summer, there have been more crops in the north this year." Without a drop of rain, Henan had a bumper harvest of sweet potatoes last year. If they can be widely planted, the people will no longer suffer from a bad harvest this autumn."
It can be said that this year's drought has expanded again, affecting Guanzhong, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, and even Zhejiang in the south.
Lin Ruhai said: "Your Majesty, I have summoned officials in the past few days to plan the rice and grain shortages in various provinces and provide relief to the victims."
"I have issued an edict to Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan the day before yesterday. In the areas where the harvest has failed, we must immediately plant sweet potatoes. We will also allocate a batch of rice grains recently. Taiyuan should have received the edict before." Emperor Chongping said.
Lin Ruhai said: "Before I returned to Beijing, I mentioned to Mr. Gu, the governor of Shanxi, that we would allocate one million dan to support the prefecture and county."
Emperor Chongping suddenly sighed: "This year is another disaster year."
Ever since he ascended the throne, for some reason, there has been no good weather in the past ten years or so. There has been a series of disasters. Sometimes he wonders if he is...
"Your Majesty, during the time of Yao and Shun, there were still droughts and floods. This is the natural order of heaven." Lin Ruhai cupped his hands and said.
Emperor Chongping nodded and said loudly: "It is better to reserve more rice this year to prepare for famine. I will call Ziyu tomorrow to ask questions."
Ziyu should have some idea.
Listening to the emperor who kept talking about Jia Heng, Lin Ruhai had a strange expression on his face. Then, he talked to Emperor Chongping about the affairs of the household department for a while. Seeing that it was almost dusk, he didn't stay any longer and stood up to leave.
Emperor Chongping no longer reviewed memorials in his inner study, but ordered his chamberlain to drive to Kunning Palace.
Kunning Palace
In the evening of Kunning Palace, the red sunset glow falls on the majestic and magnificent palace. Under the glow of the rays, the glazed tiles are magnificent, dreamy and beautiful.
In the palace, Empress Song, dressed in a vermilion dress and a green bun with clouds, was talking to Concubine Rong. Tomorrow is the birthday of Empress Song. In time for the Dragon Boat Festival, various dishes and various activities are being prepared in the palace.
Several older female officials introduced the recent arrangements in the palace to Queen Song, and then slowly left.
Sitting on the embroidered pier at the bottom, Mrs. Shen is wearing a light yellow silk dress. Under her eyebrows, her face is like a small moon, her eyebrows are beautiful, and she has the gentleness and pleasantness of a wealthy family in the south of the Yangtze River.
Sitting next to Mrs. Shen, Song Yan, wearing a bun and a green skirt, with a pair of big and lively eyes, was talking in a low voice with Princess Li Chanyue of Xianning beside her.
Concubine Duanrong asked: "Sister, Wei'er's marriage will be at the end of this year, right?"
Empress Song wore a red dress with pink hair. Due to the hot summer, the clothes were somewhat thin. Under her beautiful neck, she had a large area of crisp white skin, and even her pearl necklace was covered with sweat, making it glistening.
Hearing this, the beauty smiled and said softly: "I think it will be August 15th, the Mid-Autumn Festival will be more lively. Let's get married in Xianning first. This can be regarded as the order of growth."
Liang Wang Chen Wei is one year younger than Princess Xianning. He is seventeen years old this year. At the beginning of the year, he went to open the palace to observe the government. Now Liang Wang's palace has been built.
The candidate for Princess Liang was carefully selected by Empress Song, and the daughter of Prince Dongping was selected.
Empress Song thought about it, and finally felt that her niece Song Yan was still young and had a weaker family background. It would be better to find a daughter of an honorable minister like Prince Dongping, who could give more help to her precious son, Prince Wei. .
Concubine Duanrong said softly: "Sister, my father sent a letter the day before yesterday, saying that the ship has arrived at Jinling. In a while, we can reach Hangzhou Prefecture by heading south along the canal."
Empress Song's father, Song Taigong, felt that his health was not good as he got older and that there was not much time left, so he planned to return to his roots. A few months ago, under the escort of his son Song Jing, he returned to Hangzhou, intending to take care of himself in his hometown. Year.
Empress Song's snow-skinned and beautiful face was full of sadness, and she said: "It would be quite unfilial to not be able to see her off at Hangzhou Mansion."
Concubine Duanrong said: "My father is really old. Last time I saw him, he was already much older. I hope the journey back to Hangzhou will be safe and smooth."
Queen Song suddenly asked: "The edict from Guining has been issued. What are the Zhou and Wu families doing?"
Concubine Duanrong said: "Now the Zhou family and the Wu family have built a provincial villa, and are preparing to welcome the two nobles Zhou and Wu. It should be next year's Lantern Festival."
As soon as he heard this, he knew that his sister also had some thoughts of returning to her hometown.
But the trip of the empress whose mother is in love with the world is unusual.
At this moment, the high-pitched voice of the eunuch outside sounded: "Your Majesty has arrived."
Not long after, Emperor Chongping was seen walking into the palace. The middle-aged emperor showed a trace of exhaustion from dealing with state affairs on his face.
Empress Song, Concubine Duanrong, and Lady Shen hurriedly greeted the general. Yingyingfu saluted and said, "I have seen your Majesty."
Emperor Chongping nodded, looked calmly at Empress Song, and said, "Zitong, how are the preparations for Ziyu and Xianning's marriage?"
Empress Song smiled slightly and said, "According to the rules of the princess's marriage, celebrations are held in Xihe Palace and sacrifices are made to the Ancestral Temple. The Sixth Palace is already busy."
Emperor Chongping nodded slightly, then turned to look at Princess Xianning and said, "Xianning, have you been looking for Ziyu these days?"
Looking over at her one after another, Princess Xianning was a little shy and said softly: "Father, isn't it possible to find someone from your husband's family before getting married?"
Emperor Chongping smiled and said, "Yes, but those are folk rules. The Tian family does not have such heavy rules."
Rules are used to restrain the people of the world, and the Tian family does not have so many rules.
Emperor Chongping thought for a while, then suddenly looked at Empress Song and asked, "What is King Wei busy with recently?"
Empress Song's beautiful eyes were filled with a smile, and she said with a chuckle: "Your Majesty, of course, he is not busy with the Ministry of Etiquette recently. The new scholar wants to go to the Sixth Ministry to observe the government. He is so busy that his feet do not touch the ground, and there is this child. I even said that I would celebrate my concubine’s birthday tomorrow.”
In March of this year, King Chen Ran of Wei finally got his wish and went to the Ministry of Rites to observe the government, and assisted Han Huang, the chief minister of the cabinet, and Fang Huan, the minister of Rites, took charge of the imperial examination.
Emperor Chongping frowned and asked: "Prince Wei, he has been married for more than a year, why don't he have an heir?"
Empress Song's heart skipped a beat, and the smile on her face faded a little, and she said softly: "I am still puzzled. I sent the imperial doctor to have a look. She only said that Yiliu's child was too strong in blood and would be difficult to conceive. Son, just take care of yourself and take care of yourself."
At this time, listening to the Queen Song sisters and the Emperor discussing the King of Wei, Mrs. Shen frowned, and knowingly took the hands of Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue. At the same time, she also took Song Yan's bare hand and headed towards Tangli Palace.
Emperor Chongping pondered and said: "The succession of descendants of the Tian family is no small matter. As a mother, you should take care of it."
When Queen Song heard this, her beautiful eyes under her willow eyebrows showed concern. She nodded and said softly: "I have been talking about getting a concubine for Ran'er these days."
If there is no heir, it is natural to have a concubine. Otherwise, if there is no son in the future, it will not be easy to establish him as the Eastern Palace in the eyes of foreign ministers.
Emperor Chongping seemed to casually mention the matter of King Chen Ran of Wei, but immediately stopped talking and had dinner with his concubine.
…
…
Ningguo Mansion
Although it was late in the evening and dusk was setting in the west, a group of Jia clan members were having a banquet in the courtyard, and the atmosphere was lively and lively.
In the hall, Jia Heng was sitting in the middle at a table with all kinds of wine and food, while all the men from the Jia tribe below were looking at the young man with reverence.
The younger generation is represented by military officers such as Jia Fang, Jia Chang, Jia Ling, Jia Yun, and Jia Qin, while Jia Qiong, Jia Chen, Jia Juan, and Jia Lin are represented by civil servants.
After the previous battle in the north, Jia Fang, who had outstanding performance, was promoted to the rank of staff general by Jia Heng, and was awarded the title of second-class light vehicle captain based on military merit.
Jia Chang and Jia Ling also gained military merit in the war against the captives. The Jin army was promoted to guerrilla generals and led an army alone. Jia Yun and Jia Qin also became thousands of households. It can be said that everyone in the Jia family can be promoted. .
Jia Heng looked at the young men of the Jia tribe, raised his wine cup, and encouraged the young generals of the Jia tribe, saying: "Now that the Northern Captives have been defeated, it is time for us to use our troops to serve the imperial court."
Everyone said yes one after another, changing cups and cups for a while, it was very lively.
Jia Dairu was sitting together with several juniors of the literary generation. Seeing this scene, his old eyes were filled with tears and he thought, the prosperity of the Jia family has only begun since then.
Until it was time to light the lanterns, the talents of the Jia clan dispersed one after another.
Jia Heng and Jia Zheng came to the study to drink tea and talk.
Jia Heng looked at Jia Zheng aside and asked, "Why was Mr. Zheng so frowning just now?"
Jia Zheng pondered for a moment and said, "Did Ziyu send a letter to the palace yesterday?"
After spending a lot of time in the General Affairs Department, Jia Zheng naturally learned that Jia Heng had just submitted a letter, and there would be a follow-up memorial admonishing Emperor Chongping to be wary of his relatives, so he immediately submitted it to the General Affairs Department.
Jia Heng was startled for a moment, and then explained: "If one's actions are higher than others, the crowd will reject them. If a tree is beautiful in the forest, the wind will destroy it. Now I have won a great victory in Xuanda and Da, and I have been named the Duke of the country. I don't know how many courtiers are suspicious of me." , We are afraid that if we do not avoid the limelight, there may be unexpected dangers. Therefore, Shangshu will temporarily resign from the position of commander of the Beijing Camp."
No matter how harmonious the king and his ministers are, they can't stand the constant slanderous words in their ears.
When Jia Zheng heard this, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Ziyu's prediction is good. Recently, there has been a lot of malicious speculation and rumors about people who have been sparse in the field of science and education."
Jia Heng said: "Now I am taking a break from the limelight."
At this moment, the servant outside said: "Master, the angel from the palace is here."
Jia Heng and Jia Zheng looked at each other, looked serious, and quickly stood up and headed outside to greet them.
It was already the time to light the lanterns, and exquisite lanterns had been hung on the front and rear of the corridor eaves, dispelling the darkness of the night together with the bright moon above the sky.
The visitor was none other than Dai Quan, with a smile on his fair and beardless face, and he said: "Your Majesty has received the memorial from Duke Wei. After reviewing it with a red pen, he ordered us to deliver it to Duke Wei. Please accept it." good."
Jia Heng raised his hands above his head and took the memorial, with a trace of doubt on his face.
Immediately he opened it and read it. As if struck by thunder, he swayed, bowed towards the Daming Palace, and said in a trembling voice: "I thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust. Long live, long live, long live."
The previous remarks were not in vain, at least they staged a drama of a blind date between a father-in-law and a son-in-law, and a relationship between the king and his ministers.
To a certain extent, this is the emperor's use of imperial power to win over people's hearts.
Dai Quan looked at the young man with a smile, his thoughts were a little complicated and inexplicable.
Since His Majesty came to the throne, has he ever had such trust in his subordinates? It seems that he really regards Jia Ziyu as his son-in-law.
No wonder, as the saying goes, a son-in-law is half a son.
(End of chapter)
