"sit!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The monarch and his ministers each settled down in their seats. Liu Chengyou was silent for a while. Wang Jingchong was not impatient and waited for the emperor's inquiry.
"You did a good job in destroying the Buddha in Hedong. I didn't use you wrong!" Liu Chengyou's voice was as usual, and he said in a deep voice: "The events before and after have been detailed, so I won't ask in detail. I heard that you had something in Hedong." The unexpected income is related to King Taiyuan, and I am very interested. Tell me, King Taiyuan is my blood-related uncle. He has guarded Hedong for many years and I have not seen him for a long time. As a junior, I should care about..."
Although Liu Chengyou's tone was calm and calm, Wang Jingchong could feel the turbulence hidden behind it, and there was danger in the calmness.
However, under his tense face, Wang Jingchong was in a slightly surging mood. He knew that his idea in Xinzhou was right again. With the emperor's strength and ambition, how could he tolerate the existence of a nearly "independent kingdom" like Hedong, especially the emperor's uncle Liu Chong.
It was probably an illusion. Looking from bottom to top, Wang Jingchong felt that the emperor's gaze was sharp and terrifying. Quickly calming down, Wang Jingchong still responded cautiously: "Secretary Wude has opened his eyes and ears for Your Majesty. I am in Hedong. I have indeed noticed something and boldly tried to speak. If there is any inappropriateness, please forgive me!"
"Say!" Liu Chengyou grinned: "Being cautious is not your style, Wang Jingchong, so don't be scrupulous!"
With Liu Chengyou's words, Wang Jingchong no longer pretended to be reserved, but he still lowered his voice slightly and solemnly reported: "Your Majesty, I am conducting an on-site inspection and investigation in Hedong. The court needs to be more vigilant against the emperor's uncle!"
After saying this, Liu Chengyou burst out laughing, a little abruptly, and the laughter echoed in the hall. Just like venting, after a few breaths, Liu Chengyou said in an emotional tone: "Beware! Guard the north and the west, guard the inside and the outside. I have heard too many similar remarks. What's going on now? Are my uncles who are close to the emperor on guard? Wang Jingchong, what are your intentions?"
After looking depressed for a long time, and venting his anger like "incompetent rage", Liu Chengyou changed his face and generally restrained his description. He lost his composure, stepped back, and said to Wang Jingchong calmly: "Say it!"
"Your Majesty, after investigation by my ministers, it is found that King Taiyuan is in the east of Hedong and has hidden ambitions. He has already separated from the court. Sooner or later, there will definitely be trouble!"
This time, Liu Chengyou did not interrupt him and let him continue. He had heard some things for a long time, but due to limited energy, he did not pay too much attention and investigation. It is still necessary to listen to the results of Wang Jingchong's "field investigation". Liu Chengyou believes that he used his "heart".
"The King of Taiyuan was amassing wealth in the east of Hedong, but it was almost impossible to restrain it. In the states of Hedong, the property of temples was huge. Most of the money gained by the officers and soldiers from the extermination of Buddhism fell into his hands. According to the report of the Jinyang Detective, the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Extermination of Buddhism fell into his hands. At that time, more than 300 carts filled with money, grain and goods were transported to the city in one day."
"King Taiyuan built three large warehouses in the southeast of the palace, one for grain and grass, two for weapons, and three for money and goods. They collected the wealth of the states east of the river and intercepted most of the tax revenue, money and grain for loss. They always had a thousand armored soldiers to guard them. "
"At the time of the rise of the Han Dynasty, when the army was advancing into the Central Plains, the people east of Hedong were in poverty, which has not been restored for many years. The king of Taiyuan sent many tax collectors, imposed excessive taxes and miscellaneous taxes, disturbed the people too much, and built up deep grudges. This time the Buddha was destroyed, and the people were easily deceived. The frequent turmoil in Hedong was also due to this reason. Although the King of Taiyuan actively suppressed it, he also took the opportunity to seek wealth and harm the people, which greatly damaged their vitality."
"Your Majesty's system and the government's government are rarely implemented in Hedong, and they all come from Hedong Jiedu. The generals in various states entrust them without authorization, and few report them to the court. They seem to be in a line of their own."
After saying a lot, Wang Jingchong felt a little guilty for no reason, especially when the emperor was sitting quietly at the imperial court with an expressionless face. After swallowing to moisten his throat, Wang Jingchong gritted his teeth and continued.
However, the voice was not as loud as it was at the beginning: "After Emperor Gaozu entered the Central Plains, the number of troops stationed there was less than 10,000 Jiedu Ya soldiers and state garrison soldiers. Now I have made a rough investigation. Over the past three years, King Taiyuan has recruited warriors. We recruited fugitives and built a large number of soldiers and armor. Now we have as many as 30,000 horse and infantry troops! We ordered the monks to return to secular life, and the King of Taiyuan also sent generals to select their best and strong ones and put them into the army, and gained thousands of soldiers!"
"Is there 300,000 people in Dingkou in the Hedong provinces?" Liu Chengyou suddenly said.
"I'm afraid not at Jidingkou!" Wang Jingchong gave an uncertain answer.
Liu Chengyou said quietly: "With this small population, supporting so many soldiers and horses is beyond description of military force. One can imagine the suffering of the people living under the rule of Hedong."
The emperor's considerations are always far-sighted and different from those of ordinary people. Wang Jingchong had indeed never considered this aspect and made an expression of admiration:
"Your Majesty's words are true!"
After Liu Chengyou spoke, although there were still many things to report, Wang Jingchong was wise and did not continue. Because he found that the "interest" on the emperor's face was gradually disappearing and becoming numb.
After a long time, Liu Chengyou took a deep breath and said softly: "I know what you reported today. It will be rotten in my heart for the time being, and don't let it out."
"Your Majesty..." Liu Chengyou's reaction was beyond Wang Jingchong's expectations. He couldn't help but open his mouth and finally turned it into one word: "Yes!"
"However, regarding the situation in Hedong, we must strengthen supervision and record all information. But we must remember that subordinates of the Wude Department must be careful in their conduct and pay attention to propriety. After all, the emperor's uncle is my emperor's uncle and should not be underestimated or insulted. ..." Liu Chengyou added another sentence.
When Wang Jingchong heard the words, he rolled his eyes and immediately realized that Liu Chengyou had no intention of touching Hedong at the moment, so he immediately responded: "Yes!"
This time, he was not desperate like he did when he defeated Yang in Xingzhou. According to his idea, with today's reward, no matter how the situation in Hedong develops in the future, he will be useful. As long as it is useful, that is the opportunity to make meritorious deeds.
"In the Hedong group, you have made great achievements. I sent out various envoys to monitor the place, and you are the only one who is most in line with me."
"It is my loyal wish to serve His Majesty!" From Liu Chengyou's tone, there was a hint of expectation, and Wang Jingchong remained low-key and humble.
"Official, I won't give you a promotion for the time being!" Liu Chengyou said directly: "I will be promoted to Duke Ren, and I will be given the title of Minister of the Ministry of War. I will live in a city of 300, and I will go to the east of the river. You don't have to hand over the money and goods you get, just treat it as my reward." , it’s up to you!”
When he said this, Liu Chengyou gave Wang Jingchong a playful look, which made his teeth clenched.
Although Liu Chengyou's reward was still far from what Wang Jingchong expected, the emperor had expressed his stance like this. What else could he say? He didn't even dare to show any dissatisfaction and knelt respectfully in the palace to express his gratitude.
"In addition, I want to build a Wude camp with a thousand soldiers. You can lead the right camp!"
Compared with titles, honors, and money, it was Liu Chengyou's reward that made Wang Jingchong overjoyed.
Glancing at the injuries on his body again, Liu Chengyou waved his hand: "Now that I'm back in Beijing, I'll rest and recuperate from my wounds. I'll go to the imperial hospital to seek diagnosis from the imperial doctor and prepare some decoctions!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
