In fact, not only Su Yuanshang and Bai Yunbian were surprised, but Guan Hexiang himself was also surprised.
About ten days ago, he received a visit from the Su family's steward in Zhongjing City.
The other party didn't say anything else, just conveying a secret letter from the head of the family.
The letter was handwritten by the head of the Su family, Su Yuanzheng, and stamped with the seal of the head of the Su family.
Tell him that the Su family has been dormant for many years and will make some moves. The person who bets on the Su family will come to him next, as long as the other party can take out the piece that symbolizes the visit of the head of the Su family, with the full view of Yueyang Tower and Sujiawu engraved on the front and back. gold token, then cooperate fully.
Of course, people like Guan Hexiang, who were also considered important ministers of the dynasty, do not have to comply. After all, they are not slaves of the Su family, and the Su family's hands may not be that long to control him.
However, Mr. Su's kindness back then was profound and his virtues were admirable. People like Guanhe Xiang who still cling to the family and have never changed their family are extremely loyal. In addition to being loyal to the country and the dynasty, they also believe in the Su family's choice.
Xia Jingyun put away the token and said with a smile: "I have nothing to say, I just hope that you can be impartial, cooperate with the superior officer, and do what a minister of household should do."
Guan Hexiang smiled playfully, "Really?"
Xia Jingyun nodded solemnly, "We gather because of benefits, and when benefits are exhausted, we disperse. Only by being like-minded can we unite and endure hardships, just like Mr. Guan did to the Su family."
These words not only complimented Guanhe Township, but also showed his ambition. Hearing Guanhe Township's approval, the senior student couldn't help but nod.
Xia Jingyun stood up and smiled, "Now that things have been agreed, we won't disturb you two old friends anymore. Farewell."
Guan Hexiang stood up quickly and wanted to ask Xia Jingyun to stay for dinner, but Xia Jingyun refused.
So I had to send the gift out.
Sitting on the carriage, Xia Jingyun looked at the white clouds, "Remember, you owe me a banquet at Mingyu Tower!"
Bai Yunbian ignored him, but frowned and asked, "Why didn't you stay for dinner? This is a great opportunity to deepen our contact."
Xia Jingyun smiled and said, "Old friends can be more relaxed. What I should say, what I can say, and even what I can't say, Mr. Su will finish it for me."
Bai Yunbian looked at Xia Jingyun's contented smile and ignited his fighting spirit.
No, just go back and hang from the beam at night!
The carriage returned to Jiang'an Hou Mansion, and the concierge came to report that today a woman, claiming to be sent by the owner of Mingyu Tower, came to look for Xia Jingyun.
Xia Jingyun thought that he was probably here to send money for polishing his pen, so he didn't care. He nodded and walked in.
In the food and hot water, the tense mind of the day is washed away.
——
The next day, in the main hall of the Hubu Yamen, all the ministers and doctors were sitting together.
Jin Youwen, the left servant, swayed his fat body, walked slowly, and sat down on the first position on his left hand, with a relaxed and confident posture.
After a while, the right servant Guan Hexiang came in. As usual, he was as quiet as a flat lake and as silent as a stubborn stone.
Jin Youwen opened his eyes, glanced at him, and nodded slightly.
Guan Hexiang also nodded in return and sat in the first position on his right hand.
After a while, Shangshu Wei Yuanzhi walked in with square steps and sat down directly on the main seat in the middle.
Jin Youwen looked at the chair under his butt, with a hint of gloom in his eyes.
Full of confidence, he spoke first, "Master Shangshu, there have been many refugees in Guangling Prefecture this year, and they have been hit by military disasters many times, especially in two prefectures and three counties. Fortunately, the local officers and soldiers fought hard and fought bloody battles to wipe out the bandits. However, in order to resettle the refugees, local money and food If it’s not enough, they submitted another official document yesterday, hoping to reduce next year’s tax amount. The official believes that this matter can be handled as appropriate.”
In the taxation system of the Great Xia Dynasty, the Ministry of Household Affairs had a certain degree of autonomy in determining the tax amounts for various regions in the coming year.
The range of this change is probably within 5% of the local quota. Anyway, His Majesty and the central government only need to collect enough money and food. As for how to distribute the money and food, the Ministry of Revenue can make some adjustments based on the ancestral law.
Don't underestimate the five percent. If you move it a little bit, it's equivalent to two to three hundred thousand taels in silver.
This also gave officials from the Ministry of Household Affairs another extremely lucrative path.
Wei Yuanzhi turned to look at him, naturally knowing what the other party was planning, and said calmly, "Guangling Prefecture is rich. If Guangling Prefecture wants to cut taxes, will the other states still survive? In the opinion of Jin Shilang, this reduction will Where should the remaining shares be distributed?"
Jin Youwen had already prepared a draft and talked about it eloquently, "My lord, what you said is wrong. Guangling Prefecture is rich. This is because the bureaucrats at all levels in Guangling Prefecture manage it well. The money, grain and taxes paid to the country every year are not bad, but it cannot be said that it is rich." , so they turned a blind eye to their suffering. Now that Guangling Prefecture is in trouble, it is the time for the central government to express its condolences, so as to live up to its sincerity in the past."
"As for distribution, there are always one or two states that fail to meet their quota every year. A difference of one point is a difference, and a difference of two points is also a difference. What's the difference?"
Wei Yuanzhi turned to look at him and said, "In the eyes of Minister Jin, the lives of the people in other states are not life. He himself is incapable of arresting and collecting insufficient collections, and he wants to increase the burden. Is this asking the officials to force the people to rebel?"
If it were in other yamen, the words from the top leader would scare the people below them into pissing their pants.
But in this Hubu Yamen, Jin Youwen did not panic at all, and smiled lightly, "Master Wei, everyone is discussing matters, and everyone can speak freely during discussions. You are always using your righteousness to pressure others. Is this the way to discuss matters? If you act like this, Who in this yamen dares to speak?"
At this time, Guan Hexiang spoke up, "Since this is a discussion, everyone can express what is on their mind, and it is not a big deal. I think it is better not to digress and continue talking."
As soon as Guan Hexiang said these words, Jin Youwen felt even more happy. He looked at Wei Yuanzhi with a proud look in his eyes. Look at you. The two ministers don't support you. So what if you are the minister?
Little did he know that Wei Yuanzhi was a little uncertain at the moment. Guan Hexiang's words seemed to be supporting Jin Youwen, but why didn't he mean to smooth things over for him?
When he went out today, Xia Jingyun's bodyguard was still standing guard in front of the house, telling him that the matter had been settled. Could it be true?
Was Guanhe Township so easily bought by Xia Jingyun?
He was still suspicious and speculating in his mind, but Jin Youwen had already begun to pursue the victory, "Sir, since you and I have different opinions, why not let us vote by a show of hands. The three of us have one vote, and the one with the most wins. If there is a tie, the masters of each department will win. Raise your hands."
His idea is very simple. According to the past situation, he and Wei Yuanzhi were facing each other tit for tat. Guanhe Township had nothing to do with him. Either Guanhe Township stood on his side, two against one, and won directly, or Guanhe Township abstained and the doctors voted. Four of the five doctors in the department listened to him and won no matter what.
Using this method, Wei Yuanzhi can be directly eliminated!
Wei Yuanzhi's face turned cold for a moment, "Mr. Jin, what do you mean? The imperial court has its own rules for how the yamen operates. Are you suggesting that you want to ignore the laws of the imperial court? It is important for the country and the dynasty to play around like a child in your family. ?"
Jin Youwen snorted and raised his hands to the side, "Prime Minister Qin once said clearly that all ministries should pool their wisdom and work together, and the chief officials should also listen and be wise, thinking that the country and the dynasty are dedicated. Do you think Prime Minister Qin is wrong?"
Who doesn't know how to slap the blame? Jin Youwen lifted Qin Xiang out with his backhand.
Before Wei Yuanzhi could speak, Guan Hexiang said: "Sir, I think Minister Jin's words are polite. You have just arrived and are not familiar with the ministry, so this can be more secure."
Jin Youwen was not surprised by Guanhe Township's choice. This was something that he would also benefit from and increase his right to speak. Only a fool would not do it!
Wei Yuanzhi looked at Guanhe Township in silence, his old eyes that had seen everything in the world seemed to penetrate Guanhe Township's calm appearance and look directly into his heart.
Even in this situation, he could still find a way to turn the situation around. It would just be a bit ugly, but it was still better than being removed from the program like this.
But Xia Jingyun's words were conclusive and still rang in his ears. Should he believe it?
Guan Hexiang seemed to sense the gaze on him and smiled slightly, "Master Wei, you have to believe that justice is in the heart of the people."
Jin Youwen just thought it was Guanhe Township's ridicule, and laughed loudly, "That's right, Master Shangshu must believe that justice is in the heart!"
Wei Yuanzhi was worried, Xia Gaoyang, Xia Gaoyang, I believe in you just once, don't let me down!
"In that case, then follow this method and raise your hands."
He took the lead in raising his right hand and said, "I do not agree with the tax reduction for Guangling Prefecture."
Jin Youwen smiled and said: "I'm sorry then, Mr. Wei, two pairs"
Before he finished speaking, his smile froze on his face, and Guan Hexiang silently raised his hand, "Master Jin, I'm sorry, I don't agree with it either."
The atmosphere in the originally silent hall seemed to have changed quietly.
Several doctors who were sitting quietly watching the show suddenly felt as if something was growing under their buttocks, which made them twist their buttocks uneasily.
Jin Youwen shouted angrily: "Guan Daoyuan! You!"
Wei Yuanzhi was overjoyed. He didn't expect that Xia Jingyun actually accomplished this. He immediately suppressed his laughter, straightened his face, stared at Jin Youwen, and said in a cold tone, "What? You suggested this method. Could it be that Lord Jin wants it?" Taking the lead and not obeying?”
Jin Youwen looked at Guanhe Township with a gnawing look, and held his breath, "In that case, let's discuss it again!"
As he was about to walk away, he was unexpectedly stopped by Wei Yuanzhi.
"Wherever Mr. Jin goes, we are waiting for a discussion. It's not just your case. I also have a case to discuss."
Wei Yuanzhi stroked his beard contentedly, "Bayang Prefecture suffered a severe drought last year, and there may be severe floods this year. I want to reduce its taxes, allocate additional money for food, and cooperate with the Ministry of Industry to help it build water conservancy projects and prevent problems before they happen. If everyone If you have no objection, I will draw up a summary and hand it over to His Majesty for your decision."
"Two ministers, let's vote. I naturally agree with this matter."
After speaking, he raised his right hand.
All eyes immediately stared at Guanhe Township.
Jin Youwen couldn't help but said in a sinister manner: "Master Guan, you have to think about it! You can't make the same mistake again and again!"
Guan Hexiang smiled, "Master Jin said it well, you can't make the same mistake again and again."
After speaking, he raised his right hand again, "I agree."
(End of chapter)
