Jinyang Princess Mansion
A beauty dressed in a scarlet dress embroidered with phoenixes and phoenixes leans her head on a pillow on the bed with her lush hair disheveled. Her eyelashes are hanging down and she is sleeping with her eyes closed, her face is plump and white. The inside is rosy, like delicate peony petals. Under the beautiful neck, there is a rich granary, and under the loose dress, there is a bulging belly.
In the pavilion room, apart from the rising incense, there was still the sound of piano music lingering in the air.
With his back to the Xuan window, Yuanchun was sitting behind a piano table, playing with the strings in his hand, and the sound of the piano tinkled, like a mountain spring flowing through a stream intertwined with bamboos and rocks, clear and sweet.
Then, with the sound of hurried footsteps on the stairs, the eldest princess of Jinyang slowly opened her slightly closed eyes, looked at the girl standing with her hands hanging down, and said, "Lianxue."
Lianxue said happily: "Your Highness, Duke Wei has arrived in Yangzhou."
Hearing this, the eldest princess of Jinyang held down the soft mattress with one hand and stood up. A look of joy appeared on her beautiful face, and her beady voice asked: "Are you in Yangzhou now? Did you say anything? Time to come?"
The strings in Yuanchun's hand were also plucked by restless fingers, and even the tune was a bit messed up.
Lianxue said softly: "We should be able to arrive tomorrow night."
Under the slender eyebrows of Liu Ye, the eldest princess of Jinyang, there was a trace of longing in her beautiful eyes, and she said, "Chanyue, I guess it's time for Xianning to come."
Although having two children is quite irritating, they will live with her for the rest of their lives.
"Didn't the letter say that all the sisters in the mansion will come over?" Yuanchun said with joy on his red lips and pink face, "When the time comes, we can have fun again."
Princess Jinyang chuckled lightly and said, "It's quite boring for us to be here every day. If Yun Yatou and San Yatou can come over, the house will be more lively."
She has been almost bored here these past few months, especially not seeing him.
Yuan Chunxing approached and said warmly: "The Di newspaper said that Brother Heng came to Jiangnan to implement the Four New Deals."
The eldest princess of Jinyang's beautiful eyes twinkled and she said softly: "There has been a lot of commotion recently about clearing the land from the father-in-law's land and dividing it among the people. Not long ago, there was such a big incident in Changzhou Mansion, so the emperor sent him here anyway."
Yuanchun said: "Implementing the New Deal and clearing the land will offend people a lot more than fighting a war."
Princess Jinyang's soft and graceful face was in a state of ecstasy, and she said: "In general, there is nothing wrong with reforms and innovations, but I remember that when he first met the emperor's brother in the inner study, he mentioned the reforms and innovations. , I didn’t want to reach that point after just a few years.”
Yuan Chun said softly: "When Brother Heng comes over, ask him what he will do."
"I hope everything goes well." Princess Jinyang gently stroked her bulging belly, feeling the gestation of life through her loose dress.
It is drizzling outside the window, the courtyard is closed, the pavilions and pavilions in the distance are shadowy, and the willow trees are lush and lush.
…
…
Yangzhou Prefecture, ferry
The next morning, early in the morning, Jia Heng had just finished breakfast. Suddenly, the guard of Jinyi Mansion reported that Gao Zhongping, the governor of Liangjiang, had handed over a famous assassin outside and wanted to see Jia Heng.
Jia Heng looked at Chen Xiao, who was looking at the manuscripts of the Three Kingdoms, and said softly: "The people are coming."
Gao Zhongping came to see him in advance, which did not surprise him. Looking at the history of this man's fortune, he assisted the emperor in his residence to become a great treasure as a single person. He was both vigorous and resolute, but also good at forbearance.
Chen Xiao said softly: "Go over and have a look, I won't go there."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Then wait until I come back..."
With that said, he left the cabin and study and came to the hall. At this moment, Princess Xianning came to greet her. The beauty was dressed in a blue dress and pulled up her hair. Under the willow leaves' thin eyebrows, her clear eyes were clear and moving, and she said: "Sir, Uncle Gao is here."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "He's already here, let's go meet him."
Princess Xianning responded softly, and followed Jia Heng's hand out of the cabin. On the side of the ferry, she saw a dozen people surrounding a burly middle-aged man who was over forty years old.
"Wei Guo Gong." Gao Zhongping saw the python suit on Jia Heng at a glance. In other words, even if Jia Heng was not wearing a python suit, Gao Zhongping could still recognize Jia Heng at a glance just because of his calm and calm demeanor. , walked a few steps quickly and called.
Under the umbrella of the Jinyi guards, Jia Heng accompanied Princess Xianning to the ferry. He raised his hands and said, "I have met Governor Gao."
Princess Xianning also called: "Uncle Gao."
Gao Zhongping looked at Princess Xianning with warm eyes and said with a chuckle: "Xianning is here too. Is your father's health okay?"
Gao Zhongping was once the core strategist for King Yong to seize the throne. The two had such a deep relationship that they almost slept together. They were extraordinary kings and ministers. It could be said that they watched Princess Xianning grow up.
Princess Xianning said: "Uncle Gao, my father's body is safe."
Gao Zhongping nodded, and then looked at the arrogant young man in python suit beside him. The first thing that caught his eye was a pair of sharp eyes, with a hint of divine light, and he whispered: "I have heard the name of Duke Wei for a long time, today Once we meet, we are even more famous when we meet.”
At this moment, the two staff behind Gao Zhongping were secretly looking at the boy in the python suit, with a bit of surprise on their faces, clearly shocked by his young face.
It is really hard to believe that the old and sophisticated strategy that could only be thought up by an old official who worked hard for his family was actually proposed by such a young boy.
Why is it so sophisticated to implement policies?
Jia Heng said loudly: "Governor Gao is too polite."
At this moment, he was also looking at Gao Zhongping, the first official in the border areas of Chen Han Dynasty. He came today in casual clothes. He was wearing a green cloth gown and a pair of cloth shoes. He looked a bit like an old farmer.
The two exchanged simple greetings, and Princess Xianning smiled lightly and said, "Sir, Uncle Gao, this is not the place to talk. Let's talk on the boat first."
Gao Zhongping nodded, waved his hand, indicating that the subordinates did not need to follow him, and followed Jia Heng alone onto the ship.
Arriving at the cabin hall specially used for entertaining guests, the two of them took their seats respectively.
Princess Xianning picked up the teapot and poured tea for the two of them. The girl's voice was as cold as the tinkling of a mountain spring and she said, "My father has been thinking about Uncle Gao for the past two years."
Gao Zhongping nodded, with a look of admiration on his face, and said, "I haven't seen the Holy Lord for many years since we left the capital."
Jia Heng listened quietly to the two men's conversation and also observed Gao Zhongping.
Gao Zhongping said succinctly: "Before Duke Wei came, he should have known about the implementation of the new law in Jiangnan. If we don't know how many acres of land we have, it will be impossible to talk about dividing the land into acres."
Jia Heng nodded slightly and said: "Governor Gao is right, clearing the land is a whipping method, before the land is divided into acres."
Gao Zhongping pondered for a moment and said: "But the people of Changzhou Prefecture secretly united to block the imperial government's new policy plan, and even caused a murder a month ago. Wei Guogong mentioned in his previous letter that Jiangnan's new policy should not be rushed. Now Jiangsu Zhuge Liang Prefectures and counties no longer have clear land ownership, so they should investigate and sort out the situation, but the gentry and the common people know it and do not say anything, and the new policy is at a loss. Does the Duke of Wei have any good strategies?"
Jia Heng thought for a moment and said, "The Holy One sent me south for this reason."
Gao Zhongping looked at the young man and asked, "Where do you think Duke Wei will start?"
Jia Heng's eyes flashed and he said: "Start with the distinguished officials and gentry of Jinling and clear the land of Jiangning Prefecture. After clearing the relevant fields, we can then extend it to the whole province."
When Gao Zhongping heard this, he was startled. He frowned and asked, "Xun Qi, an official and a gentry?"
Jia Heng said: "Since we are clearing the land of our father-in-law and recovering the tax arrears, we should set an example for our officials and gentry."
This is not about returning the money of the gentry to the original route and dividing the money of the common people into 30-70 accounts, but that the first blow must actually fall on these remnants of the party who are blocking the great government.
Gao Zhongping said: "As a result, the opposition will become louder and the implementation of the New Deal will become more difficult."
Gao Zhongping's original idea was to move local areas first, and then make a big noise to mobilize the more difficult relatives. If there were some problems that couldn't be solved, such as the fields of the imperial relatives, then they would not be touched. By that time, the New Deal had already taken shape.
"Isn't there a lot of opposition now? As for those who dare to oppose the imperial government's national policy, they should be dismissed from office and the vacancies should be filled. Now that maritime trade is prosperous, the imperial court is also committed to opening up maritime trade. They use the land to engage in maritime trade and supplement their income. What's the point? No?" Jia Heng said solemnly.
The clearing of landownership and the allocation of land to tenants were originally meant to limit the differentiation between rich and poor.
If we only plunder the property of small and medium-sized landowners, then more small and medium-sized landowners will become poor peasants, triggering a loud resistance. Then these bureaucrats will pretend to be on behalf of the people, contacting scholars and middle- and low-level officials who are former small and medium-sized landowners. Set off a greater wave of resistance.
If we target the bureaucrats and relatives from the beginning and use coercion and inducement to make them give up their profits, the administrative cost will be minimal. It only requires the absolute will of the emperor and the joint pressure of Gao Zhongping and him.
Before the small and medium-sized landowners and poor peasants were stabbed, they usually clapped their hands and applauded, and when the policies were implemented, their relatives would not speak up for them.
This is the way of differentiation, checks and balances. First, unite the rich peasants, middle peasants, and poor people to transform the big landlords. Then, after the big landlords are gone, it will be the turn of the rich peasants...
Gao Zhongping pondered for a moment and said: "In this case, it will be more difficult at the beginning because these relatives are blocking it."
"They don't dare to directly confront the imperial government! As the saying goes, if you don't attack these relatives at first, the longer the fight will last, just like the affairs in Changzhou Prefecture, which are happening one after another in the local area, even if it is the emperor. The ministers at the center of the imperial court will also waver and hesitate, and the New Deal matters will be ignored." Jia Heng said.
Many things are only hot for the first three minutes. If we don’t take advantage of these three minutes to get good feedback, the pressure will be transmitted and the confidence of the decision-makers will be shaken.
Of course, what Gao Zhongping said makes sense. He first created an environment where the new law was in full swing, and used public opinion to put pressure on the hesitant and resentful noble gentry. But the problem is not only that the dignitaries survived in the end, but accepted it instead. The support offered by some small and medium-sized gentry still lies in collusion and constraints at all levels, unless soldiers from the Jiangnan camp are used.
The turmoil it caused would be relatively large. If there was a large-scale conflict between soldiers and civilians, the New Deal would become a bad deal.
The upper management also opposed it, and so did the middle management.
Gao Zhongping said: "In this case, this method is perfect."
It will only lead to resentment and slander.
Jia Heng asked: "Governor Gao, how many relatives of Jinling have cultivated land in the area now? How many families of high-ranking officials and dignitaries are there?"
Gao Zhongping pondered and said: "According to the previous calculations by the officials, there are five or six families of royal relatives, and there are more than a dozen families of distinguished officials. If we count the families of famous officials, there are about twenty families."
At this moment, Jia Heng's strategy was basically implemented.
Jia Heng's eyes flashed and he said: "After arriving in Jinling, my Jia family, the Shi family, the eldest princess and some of my relatives will start clearing the land. At that time, I will pay as much land tax as is required by law. All of this will be done at the same time. I I don’t believe it, even if the emperor’s relatives and honorable men follow the national policy, it will be so difficult to implement it?”
Gao Zhongping was shocked when he heard this and said, "Duke Wei, this..."
Jia Heng said: "For the sake of the Han Dynasty, we are duty-bound."
In fact, after clearing the land, the extra taxes paid were not enough to dig deep, and there was no step-up tax. These people felt hurt. They were really greedy and their desires were hard to satisfy!
Do we have to wait for the ship to sink and die together?
As for the historians, Wang family and Jia family, the New Deal is a national policy and they will not be confused about the importance.
In fact, in this way, in the eyes of the wise people in the center and the gentry in the south of the Yangtze River, the psychology will be much more balanced.
This did not allow him to destroy the family and provide relief, but only distributed some benefits to the country.
Gao Zhongping had a little more reverence in his eyes and said loudly: "The Duke of Wei is highly righteous."
At first, there was some suspicion that there might be someone else who was a master of the New Deal, guiding Duke Wei behind his back. Now it seems that this person's structure is indeed extraordinary.
Jia Heng said: "Just find out the status of the land and acres of these honorable relatives in various places, and directly implement it to the people, so as to put pressure on them. They have received the emperor's favor, but they are just clearing their land, and they are so decadent in paying back taxes. They have ruined our great Han Dynasty." Where?"
As for whether it will cause resentment from the officials and gentry, or even offend the noble gentry in Jiangnan, it is inevitable.
But in the future, other means can be used, such as opening up financial resources to cultivate emerging forces, and he can also become a representative of emerging forces.
Opening up the sea was the first source of income, but we still had to develop maritime divisions and colonize foreign countries, thus prompting the gentry in the south of the Yangtze River to expand overseas, China Resources Vanguard.
He felt that Chen Han's historical progress was really too slow. He should promote some historical processes, but he needed to move to a higher position.
Gao Zhongping looked at the young man with complex eyes at this moment, and said loudly: "Gong Wei, since the matter has been decided, Gao will not stay long. Gao will be waiting for the arrival of Duke Wei in Jinling."
This time I came here, and what I gained was unexpected. If there was such strong support, the New Deal would have the dawn of victory in the world.
Jia Heng stood up and said, "Then I will send Governor Gao off."
After sending Gao Zhongping away, Jia Heng returned to the cabin and sat behind the desk, thinking on his face.
Princess Xianning also came over and asked with concern: "Sir, is this matter difficult? Uncle Gao used to be called a capable minister and official by his father, but now he seems to be at a loss."
Jia Heng said: "This new policy is difficult to say, but it is not difficult to say it is not. It is still feasible to make timely adjustments now."
It's just a whip method that adds a lot of people to the area. Even though there is resistance, it is not to the point where the fish is dead and the net is broken.
Taking the Jia family as an example, even if they pay these land taxes, it will not affect their lives too much. In the same way, the same goes for those relatives, but they are just too greedy.
"Sir, when we get to Jinling, I will go with you to visit those royal relatives." Princess Xianning looked at the young man who was frowning in thought and said in a clear voice.
Jia Heng stood up, took Princess Xianning's slender hand, looked at the face as beautiful as jade, met the gaze and dewy eyes, gently stroked the mole under the corner of the eye, and said warmly: "Xianning."
Although Xianning was a bit playful at times, she was still his good wife.
"Sir, we are husband and wife." Princess Xianning leaned her head against Jia Heng's arms, held the boy's hand, chuckled and changed the subject and said, "Why has Chanyue been so clingy to Sir these past two days?"
Jia Heng said: "Well, isn't it normal for newlyweds to be inseparable?"
Princess Xianning chuckled and said: "Sir, I saw it the other day. It was like holding a child and lifting it up."
Jia Heng said: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Princess Xianning asked: "Sir, when will you give me a hug?"
"You're too tall to hold me, maybe next time." Jia Heng said.
Xianning is almost as tall as him. In future generations, even if he becomes a supermodel, this height will be more than enough.
At this moment, a thin, smart voice came from behind the heavy bead curtain, saying: "Husband, are you in the house?"
Princess Xianning turned Yanli's face and said with a chuckle: "Talk about Cao Cao. Cao Cao has arrived and is talking to you. What do you have in your hand?"
"I made the snacks myself, and I want my husband to try them." Li Chanyue's bright eyes fell on the young man's face, and she said softly.
Jia Heng turned to look at the timid girl and said with a smile: "Let me try Chan Yue's craftsmanship. What are you doing? Well, is this lotus cake?"
"What I just learned to do is a bit different." Li Chanyue said softly.
Jia Heng said as he was about to pick up a lotus cake.
Li Chanyue said: "Mr. Xiao Jia, you haven't washed your hands yet, let me get it for you."
With that said, he picked up the lotus cake and handed it to Jia Heng's mouth, his starry eyes shining brightly.
Jia Heng opened his mouth and gently rubbed the girl's bangs.
Princess Xianning chuckled and said: "I also want to try Chanyue's craftsmanship, but Chanyue won't get one for me. I really have a lover and forget about my sister."
Li Chanyue's cheeks turned red with embarrassment, she picked up a lotus cake, handed it over, and said softly: "Here."
"Chan Yue won't feed me a bite?" Princess Xianning blinked her eyes and said softly.
Li Chanyue said shyly and angrily: "Cousin."
But seeing the girl open her mouth, she could only hand over the sweet-scented osmanthus cake.
While the three of them were talking, Chen Xiao came out from the outside, glanced at the family of three, and whispered: "A letter has just been delivered to Jinyi Mansion in Beijing."
Jia Heng took the handkerchief Li Chanyue handed him and wiped his mouth, saying, "Bring it here and let me take a look."
After reading the writing on the paper, he looked strange.
Queen Song is also going south? He also asked him to send someone to pick up and escort him.
"What's wrong, sir?" Seeing Jia Heng's eyes twinkling, Princess Xianning asked curiously.
Could it be that something happened to the war in Xining?
Jia Heng said: "The Song Taigong is seriously ill in Hangzhou, and the Queen is going south."
Princess Xianning: "..."
So the queen mother is going south? Sir, was he beaming with joy just now?
Well, probably not...
Her plan had to be a little faster. In the past few days, she had slept with cousin Yan'er at night and frequently mentioned her husband's deeds, which had successfully aroused cousin Yan'er's curiosity.
"Auntie is coming too?" Li Chanyue asked softly with a look of surprise on her beautiful face.
Jia Heng didn't know what to feel in his heart and said: "We are still packing up in Beijing now. Let's go to Jinling first. When the fleet arrives at Kaifeng Mansion, I will pick it up again."
The capital was far away from Jinling, and it would take a month to get there by boat. He was not in a hurry now, and it would not be too late to pick up Feng Jia once the new policy came to light.
He really didn't have anything else on his mind. Besides, he had already promised Xianning to live a good life.
(End of chapter)
