Shortly after Feng Bao left the Forbidden City in a sedan chair, Lu Fang learned the whole story from the eunuch who came to report the matter.
After learning the news, Lu Fang was stunned for a moment, then reacted, clenched her fists, and muttered silently to herself.
"Hmph, Feng Bao, Feng Bao, you really know how to seize opportunities!"
After that, Lu Fang didn't hesitate at all, and immediately set off from his residence to Qianqing Palace without stopping.
At this moment, inside Qianqing Palace.
Lu Fang, as usual, waited beside Jiajing like a sculpture.
Feng Bao's move made him feel a deep sense of crisis.
"Oh, if I had known earlier, I would have gone to the Supervisor of Ceremonies, otherwise, I wouldn't have..."
While Lu Fang was still feeling upset about this, he saw the eunuch guiding him into the Qianqing Palace and reporting respectfully.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Yan Ge and the others are outside asking for a meeting!"
"Well, I understand, let them come in!"
When Jiajing heard this, he put aside the memorial in his hand, nodded, and gave instructions.
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
After hearing this, the guiding eunuch bowed to Jiajing and immediately left the Qianqing Palace.
At this moment, Yan Song, Feng Bao and others were waiting respectfully outside Qianqing Palace.
The sun gradually rose, and the scorching sunlight shone on everyone's bodies. The heat wave that hit their faces made people breathless, and beads of sweat continued to leak out on everyone's foreheads.
At this time, Xu Jie wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeves, perhaps to divert his attention and make himself less uncomfortable. He glanced at Yan Song beside him and took the lead in provoking the topic.
"By the way, does Mr. Yan Ge know why His Majesty is looking for us?"
"Oh, is it possible that Mr. Xu Ge knows?"
After Yan Song heard Xu Jie's words, he opened his cloudy eyes with great effort. After glancing at Feng Bao not far away, he turned his gaze to Xu Jie and asked.
Facing Yan Song's extraordinarily curious gaze, Xu Jie nodded imperceptibly, faced the crowd, and explained.
"To be honest, before I came here, I got some gossip. It is said that His Majesty's call for us this time is related to the Banzhou front line!"
No one doubted the gossip revealed by Xu Jie at all, because only this reason could explain why His Majesty summoned everyone to Qianqing Palace in such a hurry.
Just as everyone was thinking about this, the guiding eunuch came quietly to the crowd and said slowly.
"His Majesty is waiting for you inside, you can go in!"
"Excuse me, father-in-law!"
When everyone heard this, they suddenly came to their senses and saluted him respectfully.
Later, under the leadership of Feng Bao, everyone stepped onto the stairs of Qianqing Palace.
The moment they entered the Qianqing Palace, everyone felt that the intense heat that enveloped them before disappeared.
A cool and comfortable feeling lingered in everyone's hearts, and the pores all over their bodies were relaxed at this moment.
"It's so cool!"
Not sure if it was an illusion, but Feng Bao felt that the moment he stepped into Qianqing Palace, a cold gaze fell on him.
But that gaze only stayed on him for a moment, and then moved away.
Immediately, Feng Bao stepped forward, looked at Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, and reported respectfully.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Yan Ge and the others are here!"
"Well, I understand, just go back and rest!"
After listening to Feng Bao's report, Jiajing waved his hand quite casually and gave instructions.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will retire now!"
After Feng Bao respectfully saluted Jiajing, he left the Qianqing Palace without making any pause.
…
Later, under the leadership of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, everyone knelt on the ground and said in unison.
"I bow to your Majesty, long live my emperor!"
"Well, you guys, all get up!"
When Jiajing heard this, he glanced at everyone present and followed up with instructions.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After responding, everyone got up from the ground one after another.
After hearing the tone of Jiajing's words, Yan Song couldn't help but feel happy, because he could tell that the emperor was in a very good mood today.
"Well, it seems that what Xu Jie said before is true. Judging from the current situation, the frontline should be victorious!"
Yan Song thought so, glanced at Xu Jie beside him calmly, and said to himself.
At this moment, Jiajing was seen gently stroking the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand. After looking around, he looked back and spoke with a strong voice.
"The reason why I called you together is because not long ago, I received a battle report from the front line. The imperial army has successfully breached Yang Lie's home base of Hailongtun!"
When Jiajing said this, he glanced at Lu Fang quite indifferently and gave instructions.
"Lu Fang, show them the battle report from the front line!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
After receiving Jiajing's instructions, Lu Fang immediately picked up the battle report sent from the front line from the desk in front of him, and went straight to Yan Song and others.
Afterwards, Yan Song took the battle report sent from the front line from Lu Fang's hand and began to read it carefully.
The content of the battle report was very concise, only mentioning the 120,000 troops commanded by Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, and the 50,000 troops organized by seven local chieftains of different surnames in Bozhou.
These 170,000 troops besieged Hailongtun, Yang Lie's home base, from three directions: Suiyang, Renhuai, and Tongzi. After more than ten days and nights of fierce fighting, they successfully captured Hailongtun.
Yang Lie himself was killed in the battle, and his family members and relatives were all punished by the court for treason!
When Yan Song saw that the imperial army confiscated nearly 30 million taels of silver from the Yang family in Bozhou, his pupils suddenly shrank, his face was filled with shock, and his breathing became rapid.
Yan Song clearly remembered that during the Pingbo War, the Ministry of Revenue allocated a total of 5.86 million taels of silver for military expenses.
And in the blink of an eye, the imperial court earned 23,760,000 taels of silver with profit!
"Sure enough, Your Majesty never does business at a loss. This time, not only was he able to successfully carry out the land reform and frighten the chieftains who were ready to move, but he also brought 30 million taels of silver income to the court. This is simply killing two birds with one stone!"
After Yan Song finished sighing, he immediately handed the battle report in his hand to Xu Jie who was standing aside.
After Xu Jie finished browsing the contents of the battle report, his face showed the same shock as Yan Song.
What can be foreseen next is that the Ministry of Accounts has to work overtime again to count the silver!
After everyone had read the contents of the battle report, Jiajing raised his eyebrows and asked everyone.
"What do you think about this?"
As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, Xu Jie stood up and spoke first.
"Wei Chen feels that since the traitor Yang Lie has been put to death, the imperial court will be able to use the power of victory as planned earlier to implement the policy of reforming the native land and returning it to the locals in the southwest, thus completely eliminating the southwest. hidden dangers!”
When Jiajing heard what Xu Jie said, he cast an approving look at him and spoke slowly.
"Well, what Mr. Xu Ge said makes sense, but this matter must be done step by step. Now that Bozhou has been decided, the people should be given some time to recuperate."
Gao Gong on the side heard Jiajing's words and immediately stood up and followed up with the suggestion.
"Your Majesty, I would like to propose that officials be sent to measure the fertile land in Bozhou, and all the land annexed by the Yang family should be distributed to the people who have no land, and the taxes in Bozhou should be exempted for one year!"
"Bozhou is already very prosperous due to its proximity to the waterway and abundant products. According to Weichen's estimation, it will only take a year at most for Bozhou to regain its original prosperity!"
"On this basis, the imperial court should also build a garrison in Bozhou, retain relevant generals, and select suitable officials to serve. In addition, the post of Xuan comfort envoy should be abolished and replaced by Bozhou general soldier. Official, used to direct many local affairs in Bozhou!"
When Gao Gong said this, he paused for a moment and then added.
"As for many important positions such as the governor of Bozhou, the governor of Tongzhi, the magistrate of Tongzhi, etc., the imperial court should send suitable officials to serve. As His Majesty said before, the most important thing to do is to make the initial decision on Bozhou. The purpose is to let the people recuperate and recuperate!"
After listening to Gao Gong's suggestion, Jiajing thought about it for a moment and then responded immediately.
"Well, that's right, Gao Gong, do you have anyone to recommend to me?"
Gao Gong couldn't help but look happy when he saw that his proposal was accepted by the emperor. Then, after thinking about it for a long time, he said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, I would like to recommend Shi Bangxian, Commander-in-Chief of the General Command and Tongren Counselor, to the post of Chief Military Officer of Bozhou!"
"Well, Shi Bangxian?"
After hearing the candidates recommended by Gao Gong, Jiajing did not respond immediately. Instead, he tapped the desk in front of him very rhythmically with his index finger, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.
Then, Jiajing came back to his senses, turned his gaze to Gao Gong, and gave instructions in a deep voice.
"Well, yes, this Shi Bangxian fought bravely and performed brilliantly in this battle of Pingbo. Feng Yue also admired him quite a lot. Well, I'm sure, Shi Bangxian will be appointed as the chief military officer of Bozhou and take command. Many local issues in Banshu!”
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
Seeing that Jiajing had made a decision, Gao Gong heard the words and immediately responded respectfully.
At this moment, everyone knew very well that although the newly-established Bozhou Chief Military Officer by the imperial court did not have the name of governor, he had the actual status of governor!
After all, the commander-in-chief of Banzhou will be responsible for all matters in Banzhou!
"Shi Bangxian is really lucky to be recommended by Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, and the cabinet minister Gao Gong at the same time!"
After Yan Song finished sighing, he immediately lowered his eyes and looked at the ground casually.
After listening to Gao Gong's proposal, Yan Shifan on the side also had an inexplicable look in his eyes.
Yan Shifan has always been worried about where Gao Hanwen should be transferred next.
After all, Gao Hanwen had made great contributions in the process of converting rice into mulberry. If he were just transferred to a casual position and ignored, it would probably chill the hearts of his subordinates.
But now, Bozhou was initially scheduled to be in short supply of officials. When Gao Hanwen came to the capital, he would be able to persuade him to go to Bozhou and take charge of the education of the people.
Yan Shifan was very sure that not only would Gao Hanwen himself be happy to accept this, but he would also be able to take this opportunity to keep him away from the political whirlpool.
"You can't play in officialdom, so you should take this opportunity to stay away from the right and wrong. This is the only thing I can do for you as a teacher!"
Yan Shifan thought so, a dark and unclear look flashed in his eyes.
After that, Yan Shifan organized the words in his mind, stood up, and proposed to Jiajing.
"Your Majesty, there have always been two academic palaces in Bozhou, namely Baitian and Huangping Academy. However, due to the war and the decline of the people, these two academic palaces have declined!"
"In Bozhou, there are many ethnic groups who come and go, and there are quite a lot of dissatisfaction among them. The minister suggested that Baitian and Huangping Academy should be renovated (qi) to educate the people!"
"In addition, the abandoned inns in the past should be restored in Banzhou so that news can flow smoothly. In this way, the imperial court can keep track of the local trends in Banzhou at any time!"
When Jiajing heard Yan Shifan's words, he nodded without any hesitation and followed up with instructions.
"Well, in that case, the Ministry of Works will be responsible for the renovation of Baitian and Huangping Academy. When we come down later, we will send a report to the Ministry of Accounts and let them allocate the money!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
When Yan Shifan heard this, he suppressed the excitement in his heart and responded in a deep voice.
Then, Jiajing raised his eyebrows, turned his gaze to Yan Shifan, and asked.
"In that case, Yan Shifan, do you have any suitable candidates to recommend to me?"
After Yan Shifan noticed Jiajing's eyes on him, he felt panicked. After hesitating for a long time, he made up his mind, raised his head resolutely, looked at Jiajing, and said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, I would like to recommend Gao Hanwen to serve in Bozhou and be responsible for the education of the local people!"
Xu Jie on the side stood up immediately after hearing the candidates proposed by Yan Shifan to Jiajing. He looked at Yan Shifan with a half-smile, expressing his dissent.
"Mr. Xiao Ge, I remember that Gao Hanwen is your student, right?"
Facing Xu Jie's teasing gaze, Yan Shifan nodded firmly and said in a deep voice.
"Mr. Xu Ge is right, Gao Hanwen is indeed my student?"
"In that case, Mr. Xiao Ge is not afraid of others' comments, saying that Mr. Xiao Ge favors his own students, is there any suspicion of malpractice for personal gain?"
Xu Jie was very serious about the word "favoritism and fraud". At this moment, the atmosphere at the scene suddenly became tense.
Jiajing, on the other hand, seemed completely unaware of this. He just supported his chin with one hand and began to observe with interest.
Seeing this, Yan Song frowned slightly, chuckled, stood up, looked in the direction of Xu Jie, and said slowly.
"What Mr. Xu Ge said is wrong. The right way is not to avoid relatives when doing internal affairs, and not to avoid enemies when doing external affairs. If you blindly avoid suspicion, how can you select useful talents for the country?"
When Yan Song said this, he glanced at Xu Jie calmly, and then continued.
"Gao Hanwen was a man of noble character. When he was in the capital, he was already well-known among scholars. Later, when he was serving in Zhejiang, he worked tirelessly and personally led people to measure the fields in Zhejiang and promoted the national policy of converting rice into mulberry for the imperial court. You have made a great contribution!"
After Yan Song finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon chair, and said respectfully.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. Gao Hanwen is definitely capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of educating the people!"
After hearing what Yan Song said, Xu Jie said to himself with a disdainful expression on his face.
"Hmph, don't avoid relatives when doing internal things, and don't avoid enemies when doing things externally?"
"You, Yan Song, are really thick-skinned. Do you have the nerve to say this in front of His Majesty? Have you forgotten how Song Yiwang, who was the one who impeached Hu Zongxian, was demoted from the imperial censor to the Yiling Prefecture? Was it judged?"
The anger in Xu Jie's heart also continued to accumulate during this process.
Although Xu Jie at this time wished he could immediately throw out the bombshell in his hands, about Ma Ningyuan arbitrarily mobilizing guardsmen, trampling on seedlings, and killing people, catching Yan Song by surprise.
But he knew very well in his heart that it was not the time to detonate the bomb yet, so after a few breaths, Xu Jie's emotions gradually calmed down.
Then, Xu Jie showed a warm smile, looked in the direction of Yan Song, and said slowly.
"Since Mr. Yan Ge is willing to come forward to vouch for Gao Hanwen, then I, Xu Jie, have nothing to say!"
Yan Song felt very unhappy when he saw that he had been tricked by Xu Jie secretly. Just when he was about to explain, Xu Jie turned around, looked at Jiajing and said respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I also think that Gao Hanwen is the most suitable candidate. Let Gao Hanwen be responsible for the education of the local people in Bozhou!"
Seeing this situation, Jiajing nodded slightly and immediately gave instructions.
"Well, since Mr. Yan Ge and Mr. Xu Ge have recommended Gao Hanwen to me, then the matter is settled. Next, Gao Hanwen will be responsible for the education of the local people in Bozhou!"
"Your Majesty, I am a minister..."
Seeing this situation, Yan Song couldn't help but have a look of panic on his face, but in the end, he swallowed the words that came to his lips.
Then, he was seen leaning down tremblingly and saluting Jiajing.
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
Jiajing couldn't tell that Yan Shifan planned to take this opportunity to send his student Gao Hanwen to Bozhou to take up a post, so as to keep him away from the capital, a place of right and wrong.
Then, Jiajing coughed twice, drawing the attention of everyone present to him, and then said slowly.
"I believe you have all read the contents of the battle report, right?"
After everyone heard Jiajing's confusing question, they couldn't help but feel confused, and doubts appeared on their faces.
Jiajing took in the expressions on everyone's faces, raised his eyebrows, and explained.
"It was mentioned in the battle report earlier that among the troops participating in the siege of Hailongtun, in addition to the 120,000 troops from the imperial court, there were also 50,000 troops organized by seven local chieftains with different surnames in Bozhou!"
"As far as I know, these seven small chieftain families with different surnames and the Bozhou Yang family are the same species. The local people have suffered greatly. However, due to the fact that these families have been operating for many years and are deeply rooted, the people have no way to appeal and have to hide their faces. boohoo."
"Who do you think is more important than them or the hundreds of thousands of people in Banzhou?"
As early as when Jiajing had just grown up, Zhang Juzheng had already keenly sensed the meaning of the emperor's words - after annihilating the Yang family in Bozhou, the court's next target was the remaining seven small chieftains with different surnames!
After realizing this, Zhang Juzheng stood up and responded in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, of course it is more important not to have them!"
When Jiajing saw that Zhang Juzheng had understood what he meant, a look of relief appeared on his face, he nodded and repeated it.
"Well, Zhang Juzheng is right. Without them, it is very important to me!"
Yan Song on the side heard this, and after thinking about it for a moment, he stood up and asked Jiajing cautiously.
"Your Majesty means to ask Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang who is still stationed in Bozhou, to take action to wipe out these seven little chieftains with different surnames?"
Jiajing heard Yan Song's words, glanced at him, and spoke unhurriedly.
"Well, that's right. If the imperial court does not clear out these aristocratic families that have been operating in Bozhou for many years and have deep roots, it will be very difficult to carry out the reform in Bozhou, and they will definitely be hindered by these aristocratic families!"
"In this case, it is better to take advantage of the fact that the imperial court's 120,000 troops are still stationed in Bozhou and deal with them all!"
"In this way, we can save a lot of trouble, just think of it as clearing the obstacles in advance for the return of the land!"
When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment and then added something.
"In order to avoid causing too much trouble, we should wait until the officials sent by the imperial court officially take office in Bozhou before taking action!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
Seeing that Jiajing had made a decision, everyone lowered their heads and responded respectfully.
Then, Jiajing looked around and gave instructions in a deep voice.
"According to my decree, Feng Yue, the governor of Huguang, was awarded the title of General Xuanwu for leading the army to quell the rebellion! Shi Bangxian, the commander-in-chief of Qianshi and Tongren Counselor, who fought bravely and made many military exploits, was appointed as the chief military officer of Bozhou!"
"The rest of the generals will be promoted based on their performance in this battle and their accumulated military merits!"
"In addition, all the soldiers who participated in this battle will be given double pay, and the soldiers who died in the battle will also be given double the pension. Those with children can go to the free schools run by the government, and those with elderly people will be given double pay. The government will fund his support and provide for him until his death!"
Seeing that Jiajing had already announced the appointment, everyone did not dare to raise any objections. They all lowered their heads and said in unison.
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
Then, Jiajing looked back, waved his hand, and gave instructions.
"Okay, do you have anything else to report to me next? If not, you can resign!"
"Your Majesty, I will retire now!"
(End of chapter)
