In the winter of the fifth year of Qianyou's reign, the cold wave was more active than in previous years, and the snow fell earlier. Rain and snow fell in heavy torrents inside and outside Kaifeng, covering the city of Tokyo with a gorgeous white gauze. Due to rain and snow, major urban construction projects in the east and west cities have been suspended, and most of the drafted civilians have been released and allowed to recuperate through the winter.
In the city, tranquility is the main tone of the atmosphere most of the time, and the subjects enjoy the rare peace of the year. In the Duke's Mansion, the black-faced imperial uncle Murong Yanchao was listening to the reports from the city construction officials.
"This God has no eyes, so it's just cold. It rains and snows all the time, which ruins my life!" A pair of big hands turned red under the baking of charcoal fire. Murong Yanchao cursed: "If there is no such charcoal for heating, , winter is hard!”
"This is the charcoal sent by He Fuyin." The steward seemed to have received the benefit and took the opportunity to say.
"Ha! This person with the surname He is really good at being a good person! I heard that this person buys high-quality charcoal from outside Beijing every winter and sends it to high-ranking officials?" Murong Yanchao asked.
The steward replied: "Exactly! This is the first time in my house!"
Murong Yanchao smiled: "This guy is trying to bribe me! This time he donated a lot of money and worked hard, but if word of it reaches the ears of the emperor, I will inevitably be blamed again!"
"Young man, have you withdrawn the charcoal?" the steward's face changed slightly as he asked for instructions.
"If you use everything and then return it, wouldn't it attract more attention! That's all, let's do it!" Murong Yanchao ordered: "But tell He Fuyin that I should be careful about the things he participates in during this city construction. If something goes wrong, I can't forgive him!"
"yes!"
After giving the instructions, Murong Yanchao rubbed his hands and looked at the official, saying, "Where did you just say it? You continue!"
"Yes!" The subordinate bowed and said, "If you want to start the project again, wait until spring starts and the weather gets warmer!"
"No, after March 9, I have to take action before spring begins! In this way, I am already sympathetic to the people's sentiments!" Murong Yanchao said forcefully.
"All the officials who stole money and sold official materials have been captured and will be tried and convicted by the Kaifeng Prefecture!" the official said again.
Hearing this, Murong Yanchao immediately said: "It is an unforgivable crime for such worms and scum. Let the judge give me a severe punishment and let all the officials in charge and staff be more vigilant."
"Also, even if the project is stopped, the materials prepared outside the city and the money and food stored up must be taken care of by me. I have to check the books from time to time! If something like this happens again, don't blame me for being cruel! Your Majesty If you entrust me with the construction of the city, you will have to repair it for me. If anyone messes with me, I will make them regret it."
As he said this, Murong Yanchao couldn't help but murmured: "When have I ever been so honest! How dare these thieves do this? They are looking for death!"
"Have all the resettlement houses outside the city been built?" Murong Yanchao asked.
"Master Fu, we have built a total of 500 courtyards, which can accommodate 2,000 households! The second batch has been selected and is to be built twenty miles south of Kaifeng City!" the official reported.
"Yes!" Nodding slightly, Murong Yanchao asked: "Have you notified all the households that need to be demolished and relocated in the city?"
"The government office has issued a notice, but..."
"But what?"
“There are many households on the street who seem unwilling to move!”
"Hmph!" Murong Yanchao snorted coldly: "The city's overhaul and street market reconstruction are the policies of the imperial court. How can we allow those ordinary people to rebel? The government has built a hospital outside the city for temporary resettlement. There will be compensation in the future. It’s benevolence and righteousness, so what else can you do? I see, these untouchables are too selfish and don’t know the king’s laws!”
"Master, please calm down!" The official said: "The common people may miss their homes and find it difficult to understand the general outline. However, the government has soldiers and servants, and when things happen, they have to move. However, many officials are involved... .”
Hearing his words, Murong Yanchao felt relaxed and said with a bit of gangsterism: "The emperor and your people, if you don't handle the common people in the city well and cause civil unrest, there will be a little trouble. As for the officials, it will be easier to deal with. , they are devouring the emperor's salary, and dare to block the plan to repair the city? I want to see who doesn't want his official position!"
After hearing what Murong Yanchao said, the subordinates had to admit that there was some truth in it. At the same time, I couldn't help feeling that if I worked under such a powerful person with a high status and a strong back, I would have fewer troubles and I would feel more confident. Although Murong Yanchao was vulgar, he was still quite useful in many cases.
"That's right!" Thinking of something, Murong Yanchao's dark face showed anger: "Where are those merchants who broke the contract? How are the arrests going?"
"There is news from Xuzhou Prefecture that he fled back to his hometown, hid his family's wealth, and moved his family to hide in the mountains. The officials are investigating him. Now he has been captured by the Xuzhou police and taken to Tokyo for questioning!"
"Haha! These merchants are greedy for money and profit. They have accumulated so much money and wealth, but they are unwilling to allocate it to the court. How dare they break the contract and escape! Can they escape? These people should all have their homes confiscated and lose their property!" Murong Yan Chao's mouth was full of hatred.
In this world, there are always people who are short-sighted and greedy for profit. Some time ago, Kaifeng Prefecture raised money and food for city construction, and merchants were invited to pledge donations. Afterwards, most people tried their best to raise money and donated according to the book. Even if there were some shortcomings, he took the initiative to submit the request and postpone the time, and Murong Yanchao agreed.
However, three merchants, not knowing whether they had made an appointment, went to property, pretended to be raising money, fled Tokyo, took their money and hid it, and then regretted it. Such a selfish and unwise move naturally made Murong Yanchao furious. This was a disgrace to his uncle Murong, and it was an unforgivable crime.
Afterwards, Murong Yanchao issued a government order approving the arrest and assisted the local government. But these people were certainly prepared and moved quickly.
"Where are those two people from Hebei?" Murong Yanchao asked again.
Shaking his head, he replied: "There is no news yet? However, in the whole world, is it possible for the king to support the old and the young, and bring a lot of wealth, how can he live in seclusion for a long time! There are arrest notices in his villages, prefectures and counties, and high bounties are set. , given time, there will be results!”
Although he was a little unhappy about the result, Murong Yanchao suppressed his anger and said in a grumpy voice: "These people don't know the current affairs. Originally, they only received a little money and food, and the government would not treat them badly. Now, since If you take advantage of this misfortune and hide it among the people, you will lose your entire family property. It just so happens that you still need money and food to build the city!
Let people monitor and investigate the clans in Ershang Township, Hebei more, and then reward them with high-ranking officials. I think there will be some gains! "
"yes!"
"These profiteers really ruin my mood..." Apparently, Murong Yanchao couldn't help but get angry when he mentioned it.
"Put all these matters into a document, and report them to the emperor when I enter the palace!" Murong Yanchao yawned, leaned against the incense burner again, and at the same time ordered: "If you have nothing else to do, please step aside first. !”
After bowing his hands in a salute, the official showed a trace of hesitation on his face and said in a deep voice: "Master Fu, there is one more thing that I don't know whether to talk to you or not!"
"What should I say?" Murong Yanchao said casually, "You have already opened your mouth, what is there to say?"
The official said: "I also heard occasionally that the minister of the Ministry of Industry, Chang Gong, took advantage of his authority to accept benefits and make things convenient for others in city construction matters."
After hearing the report, Murong Yanchao frowned and couldn't help but cursed: "This old greedy Chang Si donated a hundred thousand coins, but he is not happy in his heart! He is thinking of ways to make up for the loss!"
"However, this matter is still a rumor and has yet to be confirmed!" the official added.
"What rumors? I don't think this can be true. Changsi, that old man, I don't know yet? He is greedy for money and stingy. Why was he transferred back to Tokyo to seize the Luzhou Festival? He is so old and still doesn't know how to respect himself. !" Murong Yanchao said disdainfully.
"Fu Jun is wise!" He licked and asked, "May I ask Fu Jun, how should you deal with this matter?"
After thinking for a while, Murong Yanchao ordered: "Send someone to keep an eye on this matter first, investigate the situation clearly, keep the evidence, and I have to think about how to deal with it!"
"yes!"
If according to Murong Yanchao's temperament, Chang Si dared to enrich himself and use public money for personal gain under his nose, especially when Murong Mansion Lord was rarely innocent, he would have to knock on the door and take Chang Si's old man's money. Yijin asked him.
However, Murong Yanchao's personality has indeed become much more restrained now, and he is more thoughtful when encountering problems. I have an extra layer of consideration for the old generals and ministers from Hedong, but I will never allow them to ruin other major events or ruin his political achievements.
