The beginning of Mengxia.
Xianyang has long since returned to its normal calm.
Under the strict supervision of the government, the quality of Daqin's salt and iron has been greatly improved. The salt content is more abundant and the iron tools are stronger. When the new salt and iron sales standards were introduced, they also won a lot of praise in Guanzhong.
at first.
There was also a period of crazy looting in various places. As more and more ships docked, this crazy looting situation was obviously curbed. The impact of the lack of salt and iron on Guanzhong gradually disappeared in more than half a month. There was no further response. Nobody cares,
Peace has returned to the city.
Outside the city, it was in full swing. In the fields, a large number of Guizhou heads were bent over plowing the fields, creating a lively scene.
Fusu was not idle.
During this month, he was busy with various political affairs. Not only did he have to face complaints and pressure from major government offices, he also had to follow up on the progress of Tingwei Mansion's "Business Law" and "Gong Law", and he also had to supervise the security of Guanzhong. Big inspection.
I'm so busy I'm almost out of breath.
but.
His reputation in Guanzhong was greatly improved.
Xicheng.
Ji Heng still lives his own leisurely life.
It's just that Fusu didn't have time to come over, but Hu Hai came more and more frequently.
After seeing that Fusu Guanzhong's reputation was rising, Hu Hai became increasingly unable to sit still and ran to Ji Heng's side every now and then, asking a lot of puzzled and curious questions.
Ji Heng was not annoyed.
As long as Hu Hai can bring something, he will not avoid it.
today.
Hu Hai is here again.
He looked very familiar. He didn't even make a sound to the door. He just opened the door and walked in. At the same time, he said carelessly: "Ji Heng, I'm here again."
Ji Heng walked slowly from the room.
Hu Hai sat down on a reclining chair very familiarly, and said in wonder: "Ji Heng, how do you think your brain grew, and why can you create this chair? Isn't this more comfortable than sitting with your legs bent?"
Hu Hai patted the recliner with both hands and was very satisfied with this seat.
He stared at the lounge chair for a long time.
It’s just that Ji Heng only had one at home, and Ji Heng would sit by himself every time. He was not very good at talking. He found an opportunity to experience it a few days ago, and immediately felt a different feeling, so he directly asked Ji Heng to find a way. Get him one.
Of course you have to pay.
Looking at Hu Hai's brand-new recliner, Ji Heng's eyes showed a hint of contempt. Hu Hai's recliner was too new. There was no padding on it at all, and it was far less comfortable than his own.
Although the style is better than mine.
But that's it.
He strolled over to his recliner, sat down, then crossed his legs leisurely, and said: "This kind of chair is actually a barbarian chair, but most people in the world hate barbarians, so they won't try it easily. Things belonging to the Hu people, even the Zhao people who carried out the reform of Hu clothing, riding and shooting, are still widely criticized in the world."
"This visceral disdain is always there."
Hu Hai nodded.
He looked at the Hu chair below for a few times and said: "I didn't expect the Hu people to enjoy it, but no matter how they enjoy it, they are still a group of ill-educated Hu people who drink blood like hair and blood. How can they compare with me, Great Qin?" "
Ji Heng glanced at Hu Hai a few times and expressed no comment on his statement.
He said: "Whether it is barbarians or other barbarians, as a qualified country, we should learn from each other's strong points and follow the good ones. Blind contempt will only lead to complacency."
"Taking the essence and discarding the dross is the right way."
Hu Hai curled his lips.
He did not argue with Ji Heng on this point. He rolled his eyes and asked: "During this period, you told me a lot of things, and I did understand a lot. It's just that what you said in prison, I I still don’t understand something, can you elaborate a little more?”
"In prison?" Ji Heng raised his eyelids slightly.
Hu Hai coughed slightly, his face turned red, and then he said confidently: "When you said in prison that the person who killed you was your eldest brother, you accidentally mentioned that my father would join the Wang family to check and balance the Meng family. I never understood this. Please tell me in detail this time."
Hu Hai lowered his head, looking quite guilty.
"Wang family? Meng family?" Ji Heng stared at Hu Hai, as if he thought of something, and closed his eyes slightly. After all, Hu Hai still didn't give up, and still wanted to compete with Fusu.
Hu Hai's wife was from the Wang family.
Therefore, he is relatively close to the Wang family.
When he returned to the national road, Hu Hai rushed back to Xianyang when he heard that Wang Ben was critically ill. After Wang Ben died of illness, Hu Hai followed the Wang family to mourn and did not continue with Fusu and others.
Now that Hu Hai mentioned the checks and balances between Wang and Meng, he probably had an idea in his mind and wanted to know what kind of checks and balances the First Emperor used.
Hu Hai could certainly feel Ji Heng's gaze.
But he didn't dare to look at him.
Ji Heng looked at it for a few times, then withdrew his gaze, and said calmly: "The method of checks and balances has long been on the surface. After Wang Ben died of illness, the First Emperor granted permission to confer Wang Li as the Marquis of Wucheng. Although he followed his father's Wuchenghou, there is only one word difference, but he is still a marquis after all."
"Under Shang Yang's military merit system, the twenty-level titles are roughly divided into four levels from low to high according to actual status and treatment: 'Scholar - Bi Dafu - Qing - Hou'."
"Among them, public servants, Shangzao, hairpins, and non-gentlemen all belong to the 'scholar' level."
"Doctors, official officials, public officials, and public officials all belong to the 'Bi Dafu' level."
"The five higher officials, Zuo Shu Chang, You Shu Chang, Zuo Geng, Zhong Geng, You Geng, Shaoshang Zao, Da Shang Zao Si Chao, and Da Shu Chang all belong to the 'Qing' level."
"The Marquis of Guannei and the Marquis of Che belong to the 'Hou' level."
"At the beginning of the founding of the Qin Dynasty, many marquises were granted, but most of them were Guannei marquises. Guannei marquises only had the title of 'Marquis' and did not have actual fiefdoms. They could only live in Xianyang, the imperial capital, while Wuchenghou Wang Jian and Tonghou Wuhou and Wang Benze all belong to Chehou, and they have their own fiefdoms."
"It's just that the Chehou of Qin is different from the Zhou Dynasty. He only has the power to collect taxes on the fiefdom and cannot actually manage the fiefdom. Even so, the status of Chehou is still very high. After Wang Jian and Wang Ben died of illness, they could be buried directly in the The specifications of the fiefdom Pinyang are the same as those of the princes and kings in the past."
"And this is what Shang Yang advocated, 'Those who have meritorious service will be honored'."
"I don't know whether Wang Li's Marquis of Wucheng is a Marquis of Guannei or a Marquis of Che, but no matter which 'Marquis' he is, his status is far higher than that of Meng Tian. Even the Manchu ministers only have a few people with titles above Wang Li's. Even Meng Tian can't match it."
"Meng Tian's father Meng Wu was the Marquis of Huainan."
"After Meng Wu's death, Meng Tian was demoted one level to inherit his title. He is now the chief concubine. Although he made contributions to the Huns in the north, he was still not named a marquis. This means that Wang Li's status is above Meng Tian."
"Now Wang Li is Meng Tian's deputy general, but Wang Li's title is higher than Meng Tian's. There will definitely be an imbalance between the two. In addition, the Wang family is very prestigious in the army, and many generals will spontaneously get close to Wang Li. Therefore, Meng Tian, who originally had sole control of the military, will have his military power diluted to a certain extent."
"And then achieve a certain check and balance effect."
Hear the words.
Hu Hai was thoughtful.
He probably understood it.
Wang Li did not have outstanding military achievements, but he had a high rank and status, and he was a son of the Wang family with high prestige in the army. Naturally, he would attract many generals to join him. Moreover, people with high rank in Great Qin did not have to salute those with lower rank than themselves. Wang Li only needed to do so. If you are really serious, you don't have to bow to Meng Tian when you see him.
This will inevitably weaken Meng Tian's prestige in the army.
This weakened Meng Tian's influence in the army.
Think of this.
There was excitement in Hu Hai's eyes.
If Wang Li has such great influence in the army and can compete with Meng Tian, doesn't it mean that he is not much worse than Fusu?
However, Hu Hai was not happy for long, and Ji Heng directly poured cold water on him.
Ji Heng said coldly: "I know very well what you are planning. I just advise you not to think too much. Wang Li is only suitable for balancing the forces in the army and is not enough to rely on. He does not have that ability."
"Meng Tian's military achievements are real, while Wang Li's achievements are not much."
"It's better if there is no war, but if there is war"
Ji Heng shook his head.
Hu Hai looked embarrassed.
Ji Heng said: "Meng Tian is happy to see the king leave the Beiyuan Army. The current Meng clan is too prominent in the Qin Dynasty. Although he is not as successful as Wang Jian back then, Meng Tian was the general of the Qin Dynasty. One month ago, , his younger brother Meng Yi is also ranked as the Ninth Minister, with such authority, how could Meng Tian not feel uneasy?"
Hu Hai nodded.
He also felt that Montessori was too prominent.
Ji Heng said in a deep voice: "I said before in prison that as long as Fusu ascends the throne, Meng Tian can only be the prime minister. Only in this way can we win over the Meng family and ensure that Fusu's throne is stable. If If Meng Tian continues to be in charge of the army, even Fusu may feel uneasy."
"Military and political power cannot be concentrated in the hands of one family."
"No matter how much you trust me, it won't work."
"Nowadays, the military and political power of Beiyuan County and several nearby counties are in the hands of Meng Tian. The strict military discipline of the Qin Dynasty does not support Meng Tian's subordinates. But after all, he holds a large army, and his younger brother previously took charge of the government. How can this be done? Are you at ease up there?”
"Military and political, Meng can only take one."
"Right now it's just a charter from the First Emperor, but this is destined not to last long. Like the Feng family, three members of the family are in the imperial court, but they are limited to the imperial court and do not dare to interfere in the army. Yang Duan and the Yang family where he is, Clan members Yang Xiong, Yang Wu, Yang Xi, etc. are all in the military, and few members of the clan are directly involved in politics."
"Separation of military and political affairs is Da Qin's red line!"
"So some time ago, the king left Beiyuan to serve as Meng Tian's deputy general. Meng Tian actually accepted it happily. At least this showed that the First Emperor did not really regard him as a threat to the imperial power. During this time, Meng Yi was dismissed from his post. Meng Tian I just feel completely at ease in my heart.”
Hu Hai nodded slightly.
Ji Heng did not say that according to the historical process, Fusu would actually take over the political affairs of several counties in Beiyuan, further weakening Meng Tian's control in the north.
But now it has obviously changed its course.
Ji Heng said: "There is not much to say about Montessori's situation."
"Wang Li can hardly hold a big position."
"He comes from a family of generals. It would be a bit biased to say that he has no ability to lead troops, but compared to his eldest father Wang Jian and his father Wang Ben, he is obviously far behind."
"But precisely because of his prominent family background, Wang Li is arrogant at heart."
"He and Meng Tian are of the same generation."
"He is a 'Marquis', and his status is extremely high. I am afraid that except for the generals he knows, he does not pay much attention to other generals. However, his ability is not enough to support his arrogance, so it is better if there is no war. If If a war breaks out, Wang Li is destined to suffer."
Hu Hai was silent.
Hearing Ji Heng's words, he remembered Wang Ben's comments about Wang Li before his death.
Wang Ben said at that time: "This son has no roots in his ambition and will lead an army to defeat. Please don't appoint this son as a general with the father and son in mind. If you use this son incorrectly, you will doomed to harm the country and the army."
At that time, the First Emperor agreed immediately.
He said that he would only teach Wang Li to gain more experience when he joins the army in the future.
As a result, the First Emperor turned around and assigned Wang Li to the Beiyuan Army as a deputy general.
Hu Hai's face looked slightly strange.
But it soon returned to normal.
As Ji Heng said, Wang Li is not talented enough and can be used to balance the forces in the army, but it is not enough to let him lead the army in war.
The First Emperor only wanted to keep Wang Li in balance, so it was not considered a renegade.
Hu Hai excused the First Emperor.
Ji Heng didn't say much about Wang Li.
Wang Li's biggest problem was that he did not position himself correctly. Although he was born as a general and was awarded the title of marquis, he mistakenly thought that he was truly worthy of his name. Then he became arrogant and did not take others into consideration. In the end, history gave Wang Li a painful fate. a lesson.
Everyone knows about the Battle of the Giant Deer.
But few people know that it was Wang Li who Xiang Yu defeated at that time.
At that time, although Wang Li was beaten to the point of being breathless by Xiang Yu at first, he was born as a general and had a good way of arranging troops. However, he could not wait for reinforcements from Zhang Han. The reason why he could not wait for reinforcements from Zhang Han was precisely because of Wang Li. Li's heart is arrogant.
At that time, Zhang Han was the main general, but Wang Li always complained about Zhang Han. In the end, when Wang Li asked Zhang Han for help, Zhang Ping, Zhang Han's younger brother, blocked the rescue letter with a grudge. As a result, he never received reinforcements, and was eventually killed by Xiang Yu. The defeat led to the fall of the Qin Empire.
Wang Li's starting point was too high.
And he has no self-awareness of his own abilities.
He was also promoted to a high position, and even became completely inflated. In the end, he was hated by others and harmed others and himself.
But speaking of this.
Many people may not know that Zhang Han is also a second-generation soldier.
His father Zhang Min was a Qin general, and Zhang Hanneng entered the Shaofu as an official in his early thirties, inheriting his father's title. At that time, Zhang Min served under Wang Ben, so Wang Li actually always despised Zhang Han.
Various reasons have led to bad consequences.
Hu Hai hesitated for a long time and asked in a deep voice: "Is Wang Li really useless?"
Ji Heng nodded and said: "He was born too high, he has been favored by others since he was a child, and he is in a high position. In addition, Meng Tian of the same generation has outstanding military achievements. Wang Li subconsciously thinks that he is the same, unable to recognize the reality, and it is difficult to Can you be entrusted with important tasks?”
"In the end, it will only harm others and ourselves."
Hu Hai looked gloomy, but did not refute.
He knew that there was no need for Ji Heng to lie to him about this matter, and Wang Ben had said so about Wang Li at the time. How could it be wrong if he knew his son better than his father?
only
He felt somewhat unwilling to do so.
Ji Heng could obviously tell, he shook his head and said: "You have come so frequently recently, you may have been instigated by Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao estimated that during this period, he has often encouraged you to compete with Fusu. Come here." It’s happened quite a few times, so I’ll just say a few more words.”
"Zhao Gao can't be of much use."
"Can't even believe it."
"In the past six months, he has experienced a period of greatness and a lack of people. It is difficult for him to adjust his mentality. Now he is probably going crazy and climbing up. You can't control this kind of person."
Hu Hai said: "He is my foreign master."
Ji Heng chuckled lightly and said indifferently: "Foreign Master? The only thing he can rely on now is the official position of Foreign Master. A teacher is someone who teaches, learns and resolves doubts, rather than encouraging you to achieve what he wants you to achieve."
"Looking at you, you are very convinced of Zhao Gaofei."
"This is actually normal."
"But don't forget one thing, Zhao Gao is an official."
"The eunuch is ill."
"You may not understand the condition of 'disease'. Let's put it this way. People with physical illnesses are more mentally sensitive and fragile than ordinary people. Once something happens, they can easily go to extremes and become crazy. Because He will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal."
"And there are not a few eunuchs in the imperial city."
"With so many 'ill' people staying together, do you think they will really be harmonious? Compared with the officials in the court, the fights between these people will undoubtedly be more intense, more vicious, and even cruel."
"They are sensitive and vulnerable."
"These people can't stand any stimulation."
"Once you are stimulated, you will go crazy to vent."
"Zhao Gao is obviously stimulated right now."
"From the time he was sentenced to death by Meng Yi, imprisoned, released by the First Emperor, and then involved in Xu Fu's incident, all these ups and downs have probably brought Zhao Gao's insecurity to the extreme, so he is like this I desperately want you to compete with Fusu, and only if you win can he stand up."
"Only can he avenge the humiliation he suffered!"
"But Zhao Gao himself doesn't have much talent."
"He's not even a favorite."
"You seem to have said before that when the Qin Dynasty was founded, there were vacancies in the central government. The First Emperor once asked Zhao Gao if he was interested in serving as an official, but Zhao Gao ultimately refused. This actually shows one thing, that Zhao Gao does not think that he Working in the court can continue to please the First Emperor."
"His talents are all about catering to and pleasing those above him."
"Let him actually do things, but in fact he doesn't have the ability."
"He can only obey orders!!!"
Hear the words.
Hu Hai's pupils shrank.
He looked at Ji Heng deeply for a few times, but finally did not speak.
The courtyard suddenly became quiet.
Ji Heng said nothing more.
He reminded him all he could. If Hu Hai questioned and refused to listen, he had nothing to do. In his opinion, Zhao Gao was indeed not a favorite and could only be called a domestic slave.
Moreover, he is a domestic slave who is prone to eating his master!
Hu Hai squeezed the handle of the recliner with his palms.
He had some understanding of Zhao Gao's situation.
Zhao Gao has completely lost power.
Although he is still serving as the official of the CRRC, the First Emperor rarely leaves the palace in recent years and usually comes and goes in the palace. Zhao Gao is not of much use. In the past, he could still rely on his superb driving skills. , which made the First Emperor look at him differently, but in the past six months, Zhao Gao basically had no chance to drive for the First Emperor.
On weekdays, I am responsible for arranging carriages and horses.
Because of this.
Zhao Gao came to his side more and more often, and he kept persuading himself to go with Ji Heng, letting Ji Heng make suggestions for him, trying to please the First Emperor and then win the emperor's position.
He actually knows.
But what Zhao Gao said was correct.
Young masters like them have only one choice since they were born, which is to fight for the throne. If they fail to fight for the throne, they will have to look at other people's faces from now on. Once they make others unhappy, they may be impeached and targeted in various ways. Thinking about the future If you live a comfortable life, you can only be the emperor yourself.
He was convinced of this.
He had been in prison for some time and had some understanding of the conditions in prison. If Fusu hadn't brought him food, the food would have been unpalatable. He didn't have the mentality of Ji Heng to face this calmly, so he After Zhao Gao repeatedly persuaded him, he changed his mind.
In the dead of night, he also thought about whether he was really suitable to be emperor.
Especially when he saw that the First Emperor had no food and clothing until midnight, he couldn't help but retreat. However, when Zhao Gao said that he could leave political affairs to his ministers, he became active again.
He figured it out later.
Regardless of whether it's suitable or not, get it first and then talk about it.
And he was indeed a little dissatisfied with Fusu.
Especially when he saw Fusu's recent changes, Hu Hai felt an inexplicable palpitation. He was worried that Fusu would do something to him in the future. Fusu had changed and became much colder.
Ji Heng has closed his eyes.
Fingers gently beat the beat, and the whole person is immersed in a relaxed atmosphere.
Hu Hai looked at Ji Heng and also smiled bitterly.
He was actually confused too.
Why did I end up in this situation?
He hesitated to speak, and finally did not speak. He also followed Ji Heng's example and slowly closed his eyes, quietly enjoying the quiet time in front of him, letting the breeze blow on his face, and listening to the sweet birdsong coming from all around.
Everything is so peaceful.
However, this peaceful atmosphere did not last long.
soon.
Waves of cheers rang out from outside the house, awakening the two people who were resting in the courtyard.
Hu Hai frowned, with a hint of displeasure in his eyes. Hearing the noise, it seemed that it was not coming from nearby, he immediately stood up and asked the nearby attendants to inquire.
Soon, the attendant came back and brought news.
Shejian returned to court!
Hu Hai was stunned for a moment when he heard the news, and then he remembered who Shejian was.
In the courtyard, Ji Heng had opened his eyes. He also heard the news from the attendant. The corner of his mouth curled up and he said with a smile: "My money is back."
Hu Hai's face darkened.
He naturally knew what Ji Heng was talking about.
When the "Guan Shan Hai" was first implemented, Ji Heng made an agreement with his eldest brother that he would take a cut of the money the government gained from it.
This time Shejian returned from counterinsurgency and also brought a large amount of loot.
After all, many merchant families were wiped out.
How can there be less money?
Ji Heng didn't care about Hu Hai's black face.
He didn't care about court affairs.
All he heard was that someone had sent the money.
His life has been a bit tight during this period. If it weren't for Hu Hai's constant help, he would only be able to eat a meal in a few days. Now that his money is back, his life can be greatly improved.
even.
He was thinking about getting some spices.
Have a luxurious barbecue.
Satisfy cravings.
Just when Ji Heng was thinking about the delicacies, Hu Hai had come back. He looked at Ji Heng and asked curiously: "By the way, I heard from my brother a few days ago that many officials from the court and local governments were demoted last time. , in order to arrange for the returning soldiers to suppress the rebellion, but why did you insist on attacking the entire Tingwei Mansion last time?"
"It seems like it's moving as if it's not moving?"
"Why is this?"
(End of chapter)
