Hearing this name, Li Hao felt familiar, and then thought of Ouyang Xiu.
He immediately remembered who this person was and said, "Judge Cai of Kaifeng Mansion, how could my uncle mention him?"
Ouyang Xiu explained: "He was born as a juren, and he became a regent after taking the examination in Guangnan. He has been a local official for more than 20 years.
When it comes to local knowledge, I can't compare to him. It should be of great help if you bring him along.
And because he didn't come from a formal imperial examination, he didn't have so many complicated relationships in the officialdom, so he was relatively more trustworthy. "
But Li Hao was a little worried about this. Although he had already cooperated once when clearing Wuyou Cave, it was safe to assume that Judge Cai had never given him a good look.
Of course, Li Hao could understand. After all, as a newcomer to the court, his initial position had caught up with his more than 20 years of struggle, which would probably make anyone feel uncomfortable.
But this understanding did not mean that Li Hao could trust him, so he said directly: "But I don't understand him after all, just because he knows the secrets of this. If he deliberately conceals it and colludes with people inside and outside, it will be very harmful. .”
Ouyang Xiu said: "You can rest assured in this regard, he is not too concerned about money, but more about fame.
Perhaps because he was born in Juren, he was ostracized everywhere in the officialdom, so he yearned more for success and needed recognition from the officialdom.
Asking him to help you this time is also helping him. As long as you promise him to get this done, let him wear a red robe, and he will help you wholeheartedly. "
Seeing that Ouyang Xiu was so sure, Li Hao didn't say anything more and just let him help make arrangements.
After that, the carriage first sent Ouyang Xiu back to the mansion, and then sent Li Hao there before going back.
When Li Hao entered the house, he was thinking about how to tell the Wei family the news.
I thought that before I was about to get married, I suddenly said that I wanted to go on a business trip, and the time would not be short.
It may not be easy for this matter to go through the Wei family, but this matter cannot be hidden.
If he had said it too late, the situation would have only been worse when Wei heard the news from other people.
There was no other way, so Li Hao had no choice but to build an alliance for himself before talking to Wei, so that he could speak for himself.
So he secretly found Li Jian and told him the matter first so that he could prepare in advance.
If Mrs. Wei really gets angry later, she might as well help to give her some advice.
But after hearing this, Li Jian had some opinions and said: "You, you have to leave Bianjing to investigate at this time, and it will take such a long time.
I don't dare to take care of this matter. You'd better wish for your own happiness. "
After saying that, he turned around and left. The one who escaped was so neat that Li Hao was speechless, thinking that this was his biological father!
But there was nothing he could do. This matter was always explained to him, so after Li Hao had dinner in the evening, he went to see Mrs. Wei.
He told Mr. Wei that he was going south on errands, and the final result was just as Li Hao had imagined.
Wei said directly: "What does this mean? Your marriage was decided by the officials themselves. Now it has been discussed. We only need to confirm the date before we can get married.…
Why should you go south on errands here? There are so many civil and military personnel in the dynasty, why can't others handle this matter? "
Li Hao quickly explained: "The officials asked me to do it because they think I can do it well, which is a good thing.
Moreover, the official also agreed that he would personally explain the matter to the British Duke, and there would be no problem with the British Duke.
In addition, there will be rewards from the officials in a few days, which will be used as betrothal gifts for our family. "
After hearing this, Mrs. Wei's face looked better, but she still said: "That won't work, I don't know how long it will take you to go south.
Our auspicious dates have already been calculated, we are just waiting for the British government's approval.
Once you leave, wait until you come back to calculate the time again. How long will it take? "
After hearing this, Li Hao estimated in his heart that from now on
Judging from the drama, Gu Tingye and Zhao Zongquan took this trip after Minglan became pregnant and came back before Minglan gave birth.
It means no more than eight months at most. But this time I checked it myself. In fact, the basic market is much more stable than Gu Tingye and the others.
With the support of Zhao Zhen, the following ministers can lead hundreds of officials, no matter what, they can be faster than them.
Then he said: "If we go this time, it will take as little as half a year, and as long as it will take no more than ten months. Anyway, mother can find someone to take care of the rest of her life.
When I've finished my errands there, I'll order my people to rush back to Bianjing, and then I'll choose a closer date. "
At this point, although Wei did not relent and agreed, her attitude also improved significantly.
So Li Jian, who was waiting on the side, finally spoke: "Officials are kind-hearted and love the people like sons. What Brother Hao is asked to do now is also a major thing that benefits the country and the people.
This is the trust the officials have in Brother Hao and our family. We cannot let down the officials, nor can we block Brother Hao from doing practical things for the people of the world. "
After persuading Mr. Wei, he said to Li Hao: "You must remember to serve the people sincerely, and don't let down the trust of the government. If there is any news after you go south, remember to send it back in time, so as not to worry your mother, you know. "
Li Hao quickly agreed: "Father, mother, don't worry, my son will definitely work hard and come back with more news."
Hearing the double talk between father and son, Mrs. Wei glanced at them and said, "Okay, since you have already agreed, what else can I say.
Remember to set aside some time at the beginning of next month to go to the British government with me to recruit people, and also explain the situation to them in person. "
After saying that, he turned around and returned to the room. Wei's test was over today.
On the second day, Li Hao went to the Sansi Shangyamen. Of course, the main purpose of coming was to urge Ouyang Xiu to help him select personnel as soon as possible.
This way, before leaving Bianjing, Li Hao would have more time to get acquainted with everyone and develop a tacit understanding.
Ouyang Xiu also attached great importance to this matter. On the same day, he went directly to the Third Division to help Li Hao select eight reliable, smart and capable subordinates.
Then he took Li Hao to Kaifeng Mansion. Of course, before communicating with Cai Xiang in person, the two of them went to see Chen Shengzhi, the current power magistrate of Kaifeng Mansion.
When Ouyang Xiu explained his intention to him, Chen Shengzhi, a member of the reform faction, did not object. He just felt a little strange about appointing a young boy like Li Hao to investigate the salt tax. ….
However, thinking about this matter, since it was decided by the two great ministers and officials personally, they didn't say anything more, so they ordered someone to call Cai Xiang.
After giving the instructions, he teased Ouyang Xiu: "You don't come here usually, but when you come, you will transfer one of my generals."
Ouyang Xiu said: "They are all doing things for the officials, no matter what is yours or mine, and people go to higher places.
Cai Xiang has worked hard over the years, and now that he has such a good opportunity, he should naturally help him. "
Chen Shengzhi also agreed with Ouyang Xiu's words. Cai Xiang had already arrived outside the hall at this time.
After the briefing, Chen Shengzhi said: "It's up to you how to tell him."
Then Cai Xiang walked in. Chen Shengzhi and Cai Xiang briefly explained the situation and went out directly.
Later, Li Hao was still curious about how Ouyang Xiu would persuade him.
But unexpectedly, Ouyang Xiu also asked Li Hao to go out, saying that he had something to say to Cai Xiang alone.
Although Li Hao became more curious about this, he did not refute and followed Chen Sheng out.
Just outside, Li Hao also had a conversation with Chen Shengzhi. Of course, Chen Shengzhi was mainly asking questions and Li Hao was answering.
Anyway, at the end of the day, Chen Shengzhi also greatly appreciated Li Hao's reform proposals.
Just when the two were chatting happily, Ouyang Xiu and Cai Xiang walked out together.
Then Ouyang Xiu said: "Judge Cai has agreed to follow Li Hao south to inspect the salt. If he is promoted, he will be released as promised."
Chen Shengzhi agreed: "This is natural. Wait until the court
After the official document came down, I asked Judge Cai to go and help. "
So Li Hao said a few more polite words to Judge Cai, and then left with Ouyang Xiu.
On the way out, Ouyang Xiu asked, "I just asked you to go out and stay to talk to Cai Xiang alone. Are you surprised?"
Li Hao replied: "I am curious, but my uncle did this for his own reasons, and I understand it."
After that, Ouyang Xiu didn't mention it again, but said, "Now that these people have been identified, you can run away with the rest.
But select the person as soon as possible, and then write a memorial, and then the matter can be announced. "
Li Hao agreed immediately. In fact, Li Hao had already thought about the people in front of the palace who were going to be transferred.
Yuan Wenshao was left in Bianjing to help Gu Tingye; Zhang Wen, who was newly married, was not transferred; this time, Ye Sheng and Jin Chaoxing were brought along, and Yang Wenyuan was asked to lead the team.
The only people left to take with him were Sheng Hong and Yan Fu who had not been notified, so Li Hao planned to go directly to their homes to tell them when he was released from prison.
Among them, Li Hao went to Sheng's house in Jiying Lane first, but when Li Hao arrived at the right time, he found that Sheng Hong had somehow failed to return home in time even after being released from the office.
So I first went to Shou'an Hall to visit the old lady. This visit was a lot quieter. At least Mrs. Wang didn't bring Ru Lan to join in the fun, and Minglan happened to be away as well.
After chatting with the old lady for a while, Sheng Hong and Sheng Changbai returned home together.
Sheng Hong heard that Dong Rong said that Li Hao was here, and now they were at Shou'an Hall, so they came together. ….
After saying hello, Sheng Hong said, "My nephew is going to be hired by the British government soon. Are you ready? Also, have you decided on your wedding date?"
Upon hearing the question, Li Hao said: "My mother has already taken care of the appointment. I just have to wait for it to be delivered on the first day of next month.
As for the wedding date, we can’t decide on it yet. Do we need to wait until later? "
Here Sheng Hong asked strangely: "Oh, why can't I order it?"
Li Hao explained: "Oh, that's why I came to see my uncle today. The officials wanted to investigate the salt tax and ordered me to take people south to deal with the matter.
But my uncle also knew that I had no experience as a local official, so I came to ask my uncle for help.
Let's see if my uncle is willing to go with me to help my nephew deal with this matter. "
Hearing this, Sheng Hong was immediately hit with a pie in his head. How important it was to check and manage the salt tax.
If this matter can be done well, it will not be easy to be promoted to an official position, so I am ready to agree.
But at this time Sheng Changbai asked: "Why didn't I hear about such a big thing in the court, such as clearing the salt tax?"
After hearing this, Sheng Hong immediately calmed down and looked at Li Hao, waiting for an answer.
So Li Hao explained: "This matter was decided by the official family in Funing Hall the day before yesterday. The two Grand Prime Ministers and Grand Scholar Ouyang were also present at that time.
The officials ordered me to find some help and go south as soon as possible.
The specific edict still requires me to confirm the manpower here, and it will be circulated after submitting the memorial. "
Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong was full of envy. He was envious that Li Hao could participate in the discussions between the officials and the great ministers, and was entrusted with important tasks.
The old lady was worried about the risks involved. Looking at Sheng Hong's eagerness to try, she wanted to say something, but in the end she didn't say it.
No one stopped him, so Sheng Hong agreed: "Of course there is no problem. The majority of the salt tax lies in the Lianghuai River.
When I was an official in Yangzhou, I also knew some news. Naturally, I want to help you with this matter. "
Li Hao said: "Then I would like to thank my uncle first."
After speaking politely, Sheng Hong asked again: "This time besides me, you also found those people to go with you."
Li Hao then went through the general candidates. When Yan Fu's name was mentioned, Sheng Hong couldn't help but frown.
Seeing this situation, Li Hao said, "Uncle, is there something wrong with my arrangement?"
After hearing Li Hao's question, Sheng Hong hesitated and talked about the situation, which made Li Hao suspicious.
He said, "If there is any problem with this, please let me know. After all, paying the salt tax this time is a big deal, and there is really no room for mistakes."
After hearing this, the old lady also said: "We are all members of the family here. If you have anything to say, just say it. There is nothing to hide."
Then Sheng Hong said: "I know that Yan Fu is a good friend of you, but did you know that his father served as a transshipment envoy on Huainan East Road? This position is closely related to salt merchants."
At this time, Li Hao understood what Sheng Hong meant, but Li Hao never thought that this matter might be traced to the Yan family.
After thinking for a while, he said: "Uncle, don't worry, my senior brother won't be called on this matter. Let's go and find out the matter first."…
Seeing that Li Hao listened to his words, Sheng Hong was still very happy, so he talked to Li Hao about many things about the Yangzhou salt merchants. After talking about the sunset, Li Hao said goodbye and left.
Now that it is confirmed that Yan Fu will not be invited, the candidates for civil servants have been confirmed.
The next day, Li Hao rushed to the front office of the palace and asked Song Chaozhong to settle the matter, and he could be transferred as long as he waited for the official edict.
So Li Hao went back to the Third Division to write the memorial and then went to the palace to submit it.
As a result, Gu Tingye pulled me in again and asked directly: "Have you done anything I asked you to help me with? Why is there no movement at all?"
Li Hao didn't say anything, and directly showed the memorial in his hand to Gu Tingye.
After taking the memorial, Gu Tingye glanced at Li Hao curiously, then opened it and took a second look.
He said, "You are leaving Beijing now. How long will it take you to go? What should I do with my affairs?"
Li Hao listened, pointed to the name on the memorial, and said: "I have taken Sheng Hong away, what are you worried about?
Even if the old lady really wants to book a house for cousin Minglan, she can't go around Sheng Hong, her father. "
Gu Tingye suddenly realized it and said, "If you are good at drawing out the firepower, at least in these few months, I will have room to operate."
Seeing that Gu Tingye understood, Li Hao took the memorial back and said, "I can only help you so far. I hope I can hear good news about you when I return to Beijing."
After saying that, he went to report to Zhao Zhen, and Zhao Zhen didn't say much and directly approved Li Hao's memorial.
So this matter was quickly announced through the political affairs hall, and it immediately caused a stir in the court.
But before it got too big, the two prime ministers and Ouyang Xiu suppressed it.
Of course, Li Hao didn't have time to care about this matter, because with the arrival of official rewards.
Li Hao's betrothal gift was finally ready, so on the first day of the Lunar New Year, he officially came to the British government to collect the betrothal gift. .
Learn from knowledge to power
