Chapter 189 The emperor is confused, is this okay?
Zhu Houzhao put away his thoughts, and his eyes naturally fell on Zhu Fu who was sitting there. Compared to Zhang Maolai, the leader of the noble family, Zhu Fu may have a much lower sense of presence.
But after all, he is one of the few hereditary princes of the Ming Dynasty who still holds a position in the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion. He is the former military governor of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion.
If this were placed at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the former military governors of the Five Military Governors' Palaces were truly powerful officials. Looking at the Ming Dynasty, they were all high-ranking officials.
It's a pity that the authority of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion has been almost completely usurped by the Ministry of War. Therefore, in the absence of real substantive official vacancies, the so-called former Army Governor of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion is just a nice-sounding name in a larger sense.
It's just a name.
Just like Zhang Mao is the Commander-in-Chief of the Central Army in the Commander-in-Chief of the Five Armies. To be honest, he is not much different from Zhu Fu's Commander-in-Chief of Thousands of Armies. However, Zhang Mao has taken over the actual vacancy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Beijing Camp. This makes Zhang Mao
His status in the army was suddenly much higher than that of Zhu Fu.
Although the emperor does not value Zhu Fu, the Duke of Chengguo, as much as the British Duke Zhang Mao, but that is relative. To be honest, the emperors of the Ming Dynasty still valued the nobles, especially after the nobles lost a lot of power.
Extremely preferential treatment.
The emperors of the past dynasties wanted to support the Xungui Group more than once. Unfortunately, the Xungui Group suffered too heavy losses in the Tumu Fort battle, and was suppressed crazily by the civil service group. In addition, as the world became more peaceful, there was no one among the Xungui Group at all.
What kind of outstanding disciple can be used? In this case, even the support of several generations of emperors cannot help this noble group that has fallen a thousand feet.
Glancing at Zhu Fu, Zhu Houzhao slowly said: "It is quite rare for the old Duke to bring his wife and daughter into the palace this time."
Hearing this, Zhu Fu hurriedly said with a bit of panic: "In the past, I didn't want to disturb His Majesty and the Queen, so I didn't let the female family members enter the palace to pay greetings to the Queen. I also asked Your Majesty to forgive me."
Upon seeing this, Zhu Houzhao waved his hand and said, "Okay, I was just talking casually."
Glancing at Zhu Fu, Zhu Houzhao said: "Tell me, you brought your wife and daughter into the palace this time, probably not just to see me and the queen. If you have anything, tell me."
Zhu Fu smiled and said: "I know that I can't hide this little thought from Your Majesty."
After complimenting Zhu Houzhao, Zhu Fu said with a smile: "There is a daughter in the old minister's family. Now that she has reached the age of marriage, I want to ask my wife to take my daughter into the palace to pay homage to the Queen and see if the Queen can
Find a good husband for your little daughter."
Zhu Houzhao subconsciously said after hearing this: "That's it?"
Then he reacted, looked at Zhu Fu, and said with a bit of confusion in his eyes: "No, why do I feel that your purpose, Duke Cheng, is not that simple?"
There is nothing wrong with Zhu Fu's words, but the key is that something is wrong if you think about it carefully.
After all, Zhu Fu has become the duke of the country. How can the daughter of the duke's family not find a husband, let alone want the queen's help? This doesn't look right.
With a thought in his heart, Zhu Hou looked at Zhu Fu and suddenly said: "Mr. Cheng Guo, I think it is fake that you want the Queen's help, but you want to ask me for help."
After Zhu Houzhao exposed his little thoughts, Zhu Fu didn't panic, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. If the emperor couldn't see through this, he would still find a way to expose it. Now that the emperor has seen through it, it's okay
It saved him a lot of thinking.
Taking a deep breath, Zhu Fu stood up and bowed respectfully to Zhu Houzhao and said: "Your Majesty has seen Wanli clearly, and I really want to arrange a marriage for my little girl."
Zhu Houzhao was looking at Zhu Fu now, with a bit of amusement in his eyes. Even Gao Feng, who was waiting on the side, also showed a bit of curiosity. His eyes fell on Zhu Fu, secretly guessing that Zhu Fu had taken a fancy to him.
Whoever, given his status, can order someone to inform the other person and ask him to come to propose marriage as long as he likes the other person.
But now, Zhu Fu was asked to come to the emperor, and he even wanted the emperor to come forward to grant the marriage in person, so this was a bit interesting.
Gao Feng's heart suddenly moved, a look of astonishment appeared in his eyes, and a possibility appeared in his heart. When he looked at Zhu Fu again, his eyes became strange. Could it be that Duke Cheng Guo had fallen in love with that person?
Bar.
Zhu Houzhao had obviously roughly guessed Zhu Fu's purpose. Because of this, he reacted like Gao Feng and looked at Zhu Fu with a strange expression.
However, Zhu Houzhao still slowly said to Zhu Fu: "Oh, I wonder which family's son is so lucky that he has come into the eyes of Duke Cheng?"
Zhu Fu took a deep breath. Since he had already spoken, there was no need to hesitate, just as his son Zhu Lin said.
For an outstanding person like Li Huan, there are countless people who want to pay attention to Li Huan. If you can't strike first, then once someone else takes the lead, it will be too late to regret.
All I could hear was Zhu Fu said: "Back to Your Majesty, I have noticed that Li Huan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Central Military Governor's Mansion, is a rare and handsome man in a hundred years. I wish to marry him, so I have come to ask Your Majesty to grant a marriage to my daughter and Li Huan."
When Zhu Fu said Li Huan's name, a look of understanding appeared on Zhu Houzhao's face.
After understanding the purpose of Zhu Fu's visit, Zhu Hou's expression when looking after Zhu Fu became quite strange.
After Zhu Fu finished speaking, he felt a little uneasy. After all, he had stated his purpose, but he didn't know what the emperor's attitude was.
I was unsure of this. It would be fine if the emperor agreed, but if the emperor did not agree, then his actions today would definitely have a big impact on the Chengguo Palace once word spread.
However, Zhu Fu didn't care too much at this time, and he couldn't just let such a great son-in-law, Chenglong, go like this.
With a slight cough, Zhu Houzhao turned to Zhu Fu and said, "Mr. Cheng Guo, do you still remember that the British Duke also mentioned to me the matter between his daughter and Li Qing?"
When Zhu Fu heard this, he immediately said seriously: "Your Majesty, I will certainly remember it, but if I remember it correctly, the British Duke's death was only mentioned, and he did not say that his daughter must be betrothed to Li Huan."
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but look at Zhu Fu. At this moment, Zhu Houzhao looked at Zhu Fu's righteous expression and couldn't help but sigh. He didn't expect that Zhu Fu really didn't care when he was thick-skinned.
He didn't believe that Zhu Fu didn't know that Zhang Mao didn't mention anything in front of the emperor when he was dying, but he mentioned that he wanted to match Li Huan and his daughter.
Anyone who is not a fool would know what Zhang Mao meant, but he didn't explain it directly. He just wanted the emperor's help in granting a marriage.
But now when it came to Zhu Fu's mouth, things changed.
Think about it, the British Duke Zhang Mao wanted to marry Li Huan before he died, and now even Zhu Fu is thinking about marrying his daughter to Li Huan.
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but sigh for a moment. It was as if Li Huan had suddenly become a popular target and was being targeted by the families of two major princes.
Seeing that Zhu Houzhao didn't speak, Zhu Fu, who was still a little nervous, relaxed a lot. Now he raised his head and said to Zhu Houzhao: "Your Majesty, I have never asked your Majesty for anything in my life. Just this time, I hope that your Majesty can do it for me."
Make the decision."
After saying that, Zhu Fu actually stood up and knelt down to Zhu Houzhao, looking like he was pleading.
Zhu Houzhao didn't know whether to laugh or cry for a moment. He quickly stepped forward and helped Zhu Fu up and said: "Old Duke, please get up quickly. I didn't say I wouldn't agree. What are you doing?"
When Zhu Fu heard this, he was overjoyed and said: "So your Majesty has agreed to grant a marriage to your little girl?"
Zhu Houzhao immediately coughed and said: "Old Duke, I already understand what you mean, but the matter of marrying a wife is not a trivial matter. It affects a lifetime. I have to ask Li Qing what he means, right?"
"
Zhu Houzhao said with some embarrassment: "It's strange for me. I told Li Qing not long ago that I asked him to find an opportunity to meet the daughter of a British official. If Li Qing is satisfied, I will help him give him a gift."
marriage."
When Zhu Fu heard this, he immediately said anxiously: "Your Majesty, you just said..."
Zhu Houzhao looked at Zhu Fu with a wry smile and said, "Don't be anxious, Duke Cheng. Since I said it, I will always give you an explanation."
Hearing what the emperor said, Zhu Fu breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, he was secretly glad in his heart. Fortunately, it was not too late for him to speak. If it were a little later, the emperor might really want to grant marriage to Li Huan and the British public family.
.
Fortunately, Zhu Houzhao hasn't spoken yet, and their family still has a chance.
Zhu Fu was somewhat glad that Zhang Mao was dead at the moment. Although it was a little unreasonable to think so and he felt sorry for the friendship he had with Zhang Mao for many years, but if Zhang Mao was still alive, with Zhang Mao's methods and plans, he would
There is definitely no chance of competing with Zhang Mao.
Zhu Houzhao rubbed his forehead, glanced at Zhu Fu and said, "Well, I will discuss this matter with Li Qing. I will see what Li Qing thinks when the time comes, and I will give you an explanation, Duke Cheng."
Although it was said that he only got a promise from the emperor, Zhu Fu still nodded. At least there is hope, right?
After coughing slightly, Zhu Fu looked at the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I just saw that there is a sad look between your Majesty's brows, but is there anything that worries you?"
Zhu Houzhao glanced at Zhu Fu, and suddenly his heart moved.
Thinking of the dense network of relationships within the Beijing camp that I had just seen, the relationship between the nobles and nobles accounted for almost half of it.
And Zhu Fu is second only to the British Duke among the nobles. It is impossible for him to be unclear about the situation in the capital camp, so Zhu Houzhao looked at Zhu Fu and slowly said: "Gong Cheng Guo, I order Li Qing to supervise.
Jingying, Aiqing should know about the rectification of Jingying."
When Zhu Fu heard this, he smiled and nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I will naturally know about this."
Zhu Houzhao said again: "In my opinion, with Li Qing's ability, can this matter of rectifying the capital camp be carried out smoothly?"
Zhu Fu looked serious. This time he entered the palace to see the emperor, not only to ask for a marriage from the emperor, but also for the purpose of reminding the emperor.
It can be said that their lineage of nobles and the royal family are both prosperous and disadvantaged. Naturally, they do not want to see trouble occur. Moreover, the Beijing camp is too involved, and even involves many noble families. Zhu Fu does not want to see that when the time comes
Li Huanzhen forcibly reorganized the capital camp, which led to conflicts.
Taking a deep breath, Zhu Fu looked at the emperor and said: "Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. Your Majesty should be very clear about the matter of Beijing Camp. Several generations of emperors have wanted to reorganize Beijing Camp, but in the end they could only give up.
, the difficulties and obstacles are so strong that it cannot be borne by one or two people."
When Zhu Houzhao heard what Zhu Fu said, he couldn't help but said: "This includes your Xungui Group."
Hearing this, Zhu Fu smiled bitterly and said: "Your Majesty, of course I dare not deceive Your Majesty, but Your Majesty, you must also understand that since the Xungui Group has lost a lot of power, the children of each family can only enter the Beijing camp. If even the Beijing camp has
If you can't get in, I'm afraid your last bit of honor will be lost."
Although Xungui Group is now only a showpiece, it still has some influence in the Beijing camp. As Zhu Fu said, the territory and interests of the Beijing camp are regarded as Xungui's last fig leaf.
If even this fig leaf is gone, Xungui will be completely ruined.
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but frowned after hearing this. Although he was very annoyed with the Xungui Group's failure to live up to expectations, he had to admit one thing, that is, the Xungui Group is still somewhat useful nowadays.
All the influence has been lost, and the Xungui Group is really left with a good-looking empty frame.
After glancing at Zhu Fu, Zhu Houzhao said, "What do you mean, Duke Yicheng, that the capital camp cannot be moved?"
Zhu Fu hesitated for a moment and said: "Your Majesty, if Li Huan really wants to move the capital camp, not to mention other things, just tens of thousands of old and weak people will be eliminated. These people may have entered the capital camp since they were teenagers.
In the past ten years, I may have become gray-haired now, relying on the little salary from the Beijing camp to survive. Once it is abolished, there will be tens of thousands of people. What kind of trouble will happen by then, I really can't imagine."
Zhu Houzhao said subconsciously: "Since it is abolition, then just give them a replacement silver tael."
Zhu Fu said immediately: "But has your Majesty ever thought about how much silver is needed to eliminate tens of thousands of old and weak people?"
As he spoke, Zhu Fu settled the accounts for Zhu Houzhao and said: "Your Majesty, there are now a total of more than 189,600 soldiers on the roster of the Beijing camp..."
Zhu Houzhao sneered and said: "It would be great if there were really so many people. Do I really not know how serious the problem of empty wages is in the capital camp?"
Zhu Fu was not surprised when he heard this. It was very normal for Zhu Houzhao to know that there was empty pay in the Beijing camp. It would be strange if he really didn't know about it.
So Zhu Fu glanced at Zhu Houzhao and said: "Your Majesty also knows that such things as empty pay could not be completely eliminated even at the beginning of the founding of the country, let alone now. If we take the 30% of people who are empty pay, there are almost
1,340,000 soldiers."
Zhu Houzhao nodded slightly. It was normal for the entire Beijing camp to actually have more than 100,000 people.
Zhu Fu added: "According to the calculation of 140,000 people, once the old, weak, sick and disabled are eliminated, among the hundreds of thousands of people, I am afraid that only 30,000 or 40,000 people can really stay. It would be good."
Zhu Houzhao was speechless. Although he didn't want to admit it, Zhu Fu, an old nobleman, knew the details of the Beijing camp very clearly. It could be said that he had an extremely clear and transparent view. The figures he estimated were definitely very different.
And compared with the information Dongchang provided him, according to Dongchang's estimation, after the dismantling, the Beijing camp could retain at most 40,000 to 50,000 people, which was not much different from what Zhu Fu said.
Zhu Fu stroked his beard and said slowly: "In other words, once it is guessed that there will be nearly one hundred thousand old, weak, sick and disabled people who have lost their support, the imperial court must arrange the aftermath for these nearly one hundred thousand old and weak people, then
I would like to ask Your Majesty, how much money is the court prepared to spend to eliminate one soldier? Ten taels is too little, and one hundred taels is too much. So if we make a compromise, it will be about thirty or fifty taels."
Zhu Houzhao nodded slightly. The pay for soldiers in the Beijing camp was not high, but after a year, a soldier would only need about ten taels. After layers of deductions, these soldiers might only have four or five taels in their hands. But with these four or five taels,
With two silver coins here, no one will starve to death.
If they were to be abolished, each soldier would need at least thirty to fifty taels. Zhu Fu had already said that it would be less. If it were any less, these soldiers would really rebel.
Looking at Zhu Houzhao, Zhu Fu said slowly: "In other words, if you want to completely abolish the old, weak, sick and disabled in the Beijing camp, the imperial court must spend three to five million taels of cash at one time. If you consider re-employment after the abolition,
In terms of the cost of recruiting soldiers, does Your Majesty think that the imperial court can spend at least five million taels of cash for such a thing?"
Gao Feng on the side couldn't help but grunted and swallowed hard.
Even Zhu Houzhao's expression became more and more solemn. He didn't know whether to settle the accounts or not. After settling the accounts, Zhu Houzhao finally understood.
If you want to rectify the capital camp, one of the reasons is the dense network of human relationships up and down the capital camp, and the amount of money that will be consumed is simply not what the imperial court can afford.
You must know that nowadays, the Ming Dynasty's annual taxes, apart from food, silk and other physical goods, only have three to five million taels of cash.
However, this amount of money can barely support the expenses of a dynasty. Even the civil and military officials in the court and the court are afraid of a major natural or man-made disaster somewhere, because the court really does not have much money left. After a few years of good weather,
Perhaps the Ministry of Household Affairs can accumulate a small amount of wealth, but if a major disaster strikes, the wealth accumulated over the past few years may be completely wiped out.
If you want to rectify the capital camp, just by calculation, it will take almost a year's worth of taxes, and it may not be enough. Not to mention Emperor Xianzong and Emperor Xiaozong retreated, and even Zhu Houzhao also regretted it now.
Zhu Houzhao felt extremely regretful when he thought that his head was so hot that he had handed over such a big problem to Li Huan.
The admiral has great authority to rectify the capital camp, but now that he thinks about it, it is just a trap.
Li Huan simply couldn't carry such a heavy burden.
Zhu Fu coughed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, are you worried that Li Huan will not step down?"
Zhu Houzhao raised his head, glanced at Zhu Fu and said, "It's better that Duke Chengguo knows what I'm worried about."
Zhu Fu said with a smile: "Your Majesty, I have a plan to help Li Huan get through easily without being laughed at by all the officials."
When Zhu Houzhao heard this, his eyes lit up and he said: "Old Duke, please tell me quickly. If this is really the case, there is no harm in me personally proposing my wife's marriage."
Zhu Fu was overjoyed and suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said: "Your Majesty, you have ordered Li Huan to supervise the capital camp and reorganize the capital camp. If this is the case, then the twelve regiments will be reorganized into three major camps. That's it.
It’s an explanation.”
Zhu Houzhao raised his eyebrows. As the emperor of a country, Zhu Houzhao naturally knew about the changes in the capital camp.
During the reign of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Yuanzhang established five military camps and forty-eight guards, with a total of more than 200,000 people, divided into five armies, which played the role of changing one army and maintaining the system of four armies.
At this time, the Beijing camp refers to the fifth military camp. However, under Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di expanded the Beijing camp from the original 48 guards to 72 guards, and added the Shenji camp and the 3000 camp.
During this period, the Beijing Camp refers to the three major camps of Shenji, Three Thousand and Five Armies.
In the following decades, the three major camps became the Jingying camp.
However, this situation changed during the Yingzong period. Emperor Yingzong was bewitched by Wang Zhen and personally led the three major battalions and all the elites of the nobles. After the battle of Tumubao, the Beijing camp and the elites of the nobles were completely lost.
Under such circumstances, Yu Qian, Minister of the Ministry of War, selected 100,000 elite horse infantrymen from all camps to form ten regiment camps. The old and weak people from the original Beijing camp who were not selected returned to the original camp and were called the old camp. So far.
The Beijing camp system has changed.
The Tenth Regiment Battalion replaced the three major battalions and became the main force of the Beijing Battalion, and the Beijing Battalion became the representative of the Tenth Regiment Battalion. It can be said that during this period, military power was in the hands of the civilian group, and Yu Qian, who was in charge of the Ministry of War, also controlled
Having commanded the tenth regiment camp, it can be said that he has great authority.
However, when Emperor Yingzong seized the throne and returned to the throne, Emperor Yingzong changed the Jingtai system, abolished the ten regiments and camps, returned to the old Yongle system, and reestablished Shenji, Sanqian, and the Five Army's three major camps.
The profound meaning contained in this is that it means to regain military power from the civilian clique through such military reforms.
However, when Emperor Xianzong came, Xianzong ordered 120,000 elites to be selected from the three major camps to establish the 12th Regiment Camp. From then on, the Beijing Camp has been continued as the 12th Regiment Camp to this day.
What Zhu Houzhao didn't know was that Liu Jin, whom he promoted in the future, would be branded as a rebel by the civil service group, and he would be cut into pieces in the execution ground.
Since then, the power of the eunuchs has been greatly reduced, and Zhu Houzhao could only focus on military generals. Therefore, he began to favor Jiang Bin, who was a border soldier, and transferred elite border soldiers from the border town to the capital, named Wai Si Jia.
The Second Regiment Battalion mobilized elite personnel to practice in the West Government Hall, and the Beijing Battalion had several more establishments.
It can be said that Beijing camp has been changing with the changes and needs of the emperor from beginning to end.
Zhu Fu's suggestion to Zhu Houzhao was nothing more than a change in form. The core was not to abolish the old and weak, but to only mobilize the elite of the 12th regiment and reestablish three major battalions. Although this method could not fundamentally change the Beijing camp.
The current situation, but it is better than Li Huan being ordered to rectify the capital camp and getting nothing.
Zhu Houzhao only listened to Zhu Fu's words, and when he understood Zhu Fu's intention, he frowned, nodded slowly and said: "I will consider the words of the old man in a mature and prudent manner."
Zhu Fu nodded slightly and said: "Your Majesty, as long as you don't think the old minister is stupid."
While he was talking, he heard a young chamberlain approaching quickly and saying, "Your Majesty, Chief Inspector Qiu and Taifu Li have already entered the palace and will be there soon."
Zhu Houzhao's spirits were lifted when he heard the words. At this moment, Zhu Fu stood up and saluted Zhu Houzhao and said: "Since your Majesty still wants to summon Mr. Li, I will leave first."
Zhu Houzhao nodded towards Zhu Fu, and then said to Qiu Ju: "Gao Daban, please escort the old prince out of the palace on my behalf."
Then he added: "By the way, send someone and tell the Queen to leave the Duke's wife and daughter to give a banquet in Kunning Palace at noon."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Fu immediately thanked Zhu Houzhao and said, "Old minister, I would like to thank your majesty."
Zhu Fu naturally understood that Zhu Houzhao asked the queen to give a banquet to his wife and daughter, which was a kind of comfort and reward for him.
Not long after Duke Cheng Zhu Fu left, he saw Qiu Ju and Li Huan coming over.
Entering the main hall, Li Huan stepped forward and saluted the emperor: "Your Majesty, Li Huan, pays homage to your Majesty."
Zhu Houzhao raised his head and glanced at Li Huan, smiled slightly and said: "Li Qing, there is no need to be polite, get up and talk."
Li Huan thanked the emperor, stood up, and said to Zhu Houzhao: "Your Majesty, you have summoned me, but do you have anything to say?"
Zhu Houzhao motioned Li Huan to sit down and said: "I summoned Li Qing to come here, but it is about the matter of the capital camp. I want to ask Li Qing, why don't we just leave this matter of the capital camp."
Li Huan's expression changed immediately when he heard this. He stood up from where he had just sat down, looked at Zhu Houzhao, and said in a deep voice: "Why did your Majesty say this?"
Zhu Hou looked at Li Huan's reaction and felt happy in his heart. Looking at Li Huan, he sighed softly and said: "I was too impulsive before, but I never thought of rectifying the Beijing camp such a heavy burden. It's not like you Li Qing at all."
As much as you can afford. If there is even the slightest mistake in this matter, you will be in danger of ruining your reputation and even your death..."
Li Huan immediately said seriously: "Your Majesty, since I dare to accept this mission, I have never been afraid."
Zhu Houzhao took a deep breath and said: "But I am afraid. I am afraid that something will happen to you, Li Qing. I am afraid of Li Qing..."
Li Huan said slowly: "Your Majesty has great love, and I am very grateful. Although reorganizing the capital camp is dangerous and dangerous, it is not impossible. If I don't have some confidence, how can I dare to do it randomly?"
After having a conversation with Zhu Fu, Zhu Houzhao had no hope of reorganizing the capital camp, but now listening to Li Huan's words, it seems that Li Huan has some way to solve the problem of the capital camp.
This surprised Zhu Houzhao.
You must know that this is a problem that generations of emperors have not been able to solve. After he had an in-depth understanding of it, he also realized how difficult it was to deal with the capital, but he would not give in if possible.
But does Li Huan really have any solution?
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but stare at Li Huan, his eyes full of surprise and confusion and said: "Li Qing, this matter is of great importance. Are you sure you can really solve the problem in Beijing camp?"
Li Huan saw Zhu Houzhao's hesitant look and immediately nodded decisively: "Yes!"
After hearing this, Zhu Houzhao stood up from the throne and looked at Li Huan in great surprise. He stepped forward a few steps and walked to Li Huan. He said with a look of astonishment: "Li Qing, do you know that you want to rectify the capital camp?"
,Are there any problems that need to be solved?”
Li Huan said calmly: "It's nothing more than human relations and money."
Zhu Houzhao's eyes lit up. Since Li Huan could tell the problem so simply and clearly, it was obvious that Li Huan had a thorough understanding of the problems in the Beijing camp. In this case, Li Huan dared to promise him that he could solve the problem in the Beijing camp.
This made Zhu Houzhao even more surprised and curious.
Taking a deep breath, Zhu Houzhao pulled the seat next to him and sat opposite Li Huan, without any concern for his status as a monarch or minister.
"Li Qing, tell me quickly. What methods does the Qing family have to solve these problems? I have thought about it, and I can say that the problem of human relations is easy to say. It is just a tougher attitude, but it is not necessary to eliminate the old, weak, sick and disabled soldiers.
The money needed is the real headache. There is not enough money to appease the soldiers, but if someone tries to mislead and mislead the soldiers, it could lead to a huge disaster in which hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Beijing camp mutiny."
Li Huan nodded and said: "What your Majesty said is true. I have been reading the intelligence on the Beijing camp collected by the Jin Yiwei these days. According to my estimate, just to eliminate the old and the weak will probably require nearly five million taels of silver.
"
Zhu Houzhao had heard Zhu Fu settle accounts for him before. Now when he heard what Li Huan said, it was almost the same as what Zhu Fu said. He knew in his heart that Li Huan had really thought about it carefully. He nodded slightly and said:
"Li Qing is right, I have also settled this account."
As he spoke, Zhu Houzhao looked at Li Huan with a wry smile on his face, and even spread his hands towards Li Huan and said: "But the imperial court has no money, and I don't have such a large sum of money to give you to eliminate the old and weak in the capital camp."
Li Huan looked at Zhu Houzhao's troubled look and couldn't help but smile and said: "Your Majesty, I don't need a penny from your Majesty or the court."
Zhu Houzhao looked at Li Huan in astonishment and said: "Then...then Li Qing, where will the money you need to abolish the old and weak in the capital camp come from?"
Money will not fall from the sky, and it is impossible for Li Huan to conjure up money. And if the old and weak people in the Beijing camp cannot get the money, they obviously cannot be so obedient and return to their fields.
In the final analysis, everything is still a matter of money. If the imperial court's finances are sufficient and can easily spend hundreds of millions of taels of silver, not to mention the abolition of the Beijing camp, even if it means the abolition of the Beijing camp for two
Tried it three times with no problem.
The key point is that the court really has no money.
Li Huan said with a smile: "It's true that I was negligent and forgot to inform your majesty that the former minister went to Fujian. Didn't he kill dozens of officials in Fujian and confiscate their homes and exterminate their clans?"
Zhu Houzhao was not stupid. When he heard what Li Huan said, he reacted almost instantly.
A look of surprise flashed in his eyes, and Zhu Houzhao said in a trembling voice: "Li Qing, you mean to say that you confiscated the property of those officials in Fujian..."
Li Huan nodded slightly and said: "If I am not wrong in my estimation, this time I confiscated the property of dozens of officials in Fujian, led by Cai Wen, Qian Zhong and others. The money obtained is terrible."
It's not five million, but as much as four million taels."
After hearing Li Huan's words, Zhu Houzhao jumped up from his seat. His face was full of shock. He looked at Li Huan in disbelief and trembled: "Li Qing, what did you say, how much? Did you copy the previous episode?"
How much money did you pay?"
No wonder Zhu Houzhao had such a big reaction. The number Li Huan said was really too shocking. The Ming Dynasty's annual tax revenue was only four to five million taels of cash. But now Li Huan actually told him that he only
They just confiscated a place in Fujian, and the property of dozens of high-ranking officials amounted to four to five million taels, which was enough to be worth the taxes of the Ming Dynasty for one year.
Li Huan said slowly: "I haven't calculated the exact number because I was in a hurry to return to Beijing, but it should be no less than four million taels!"
Zhu Houzhao tried his best to calm down and suppress the turbulence in his heart. He looked at Li Huan with surprise in his eyes. He couldn't help but walk back and forth in the hall. He couldn't help laughing and said: "Okay, okay
, I know, I know that Li Qing, you will not let me down, four million, four million taels of gold and silver."
But soon Zhu Houzhao's expression changed, and he gritted his teeth and said: "Cai Wen, Qian Zhong and others really deserve to be killed. They have only been officials for more than ten years, but they have embezzled so much gold and silver. It is really easy for them to confiscate their homes and exterminate their clans.
"
Zhu Houzhao could imagine that Cai Wen, Qian Zhong and others had confiscated so much property, so it was conceivable to what extent these people had plundered Fujian.
Li Huan said to Zhu Houzhao: "Your Majesty, now they have all been executed. The property they embezzled, I ask your Majesty's permission to use it to eliminate the old and weak in the capital camp."
Having solved a major issue on his mind, Zhu Houzhao was in a good mood. After hearing this, he immediately waved his hands and said, "I'm sure. The money confiscated by the Qing family in Fujian will be used to eliminate the capital camp."
Li Huan cupped his hands towards Zhu Houzhao and said, "I thank your Majesty."
Zhu Houzhao smiled and said: "I didn't expect you, Li Qing, to give me such a big surprise."
The problem that was originally thought to be unsolvable was unexpectedly solved by Li Huan. It is conceivable that Zhu Houzhao was in a good mood at the moment.
But soon Zhu Hou looked after Li Huan and said: "This money should be enough to dismantle the old and weak in the Beijing camp. However, reorganizing the Beijing camp is not just as simple as dismantling the old and weak, but also recruits strong soldiers, which is still needed."
A lot of money, Li Qing, you..."
As he spoke, Zhu Houzhao looked at Li Huan earnestly, obviously wanting to ask Li Huan if he had any solution.
Even Qiu Ju on the side was shocked by what Li Huan said just now. Four million taels still echoed in his mind. Qiu Ju never imagined that Li Huan would steal such things in Fujian.
So much money.
After listening to Zhu Houzhao's words, Qiu Ju also looked at Li Huan expectantly. He was also curious about whether Li Huan had any way to solve this problem.
The biggest problem of the imperial court is lack of money. If there is money, many things will be very easy to do.
Li Huan smiled and said: "Your Majesty, this matter is actually very simple. Has your Majesty forgotten the rebels who were imprisoned in the imperial edict?"
Zhu Houzhao was stunned for a moment, then a look of surprise appeared on his face. He looked at Li Huan and said in surprise: "Search the house?"
Seeing that Zhu Houzhao was self-taught, Li Huan smiled slightly and nodded: "Yes, it was just a house raid. This time, there were dozens of officials involved, and even several nobles. I feel that if these people confiscated nothing,
If you don't come up with millions of taels of silver, then the people who ransacked the house must have been careless. With this money, not to mention reorganizing the capital camp, even His Majesty's internal treasury can be filled up."
Zhu Houzhao was stunned and couldn't help laughing: "Li Qing, Li Qing, all the civil and military officials of the dynasty, even several generations of emperors, and even I couldn't think of a solution, but you actually solved this big problem easily."
, how do you think I should reward you?"
Li Huan shook his head and said: "It is my duty to serve your Majesty, and I do not need any reward from your Majesty."
Zhu Houzhao looked at Li Huan and murmured softly: "How should I reward Li Qing? I'm afraid it won't be possible to confer a knighthood. The ancestral precepts say that you cannot be knighted unless you have military merit. But Li Qing, you are already one of the three princes.
He is considered a very human minister..."
At this moment, Qiu Ju, who was standing aside, suddenly said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, since you can't think of how to reward Brother Li, why not extend your kindness to Brother Li's relatives!"
Zhu Houzhao's eyes suddenly lit up when he heard this, and Qiu Ju added at this moment: "So that Your Majesty will know that the old slave went to deliver the order to Brother Li according to His Majesty's order, and happened to bump into Brother Li's mother coming to Beijing.
"
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but glance at Li Huan, pondered for a while, and said calmly: "In that case, I will confer Li Qing's mother Feng as a first-class royal wife, make Li Qing's son a member of the Jinyi Guards, and give a reward of one hundred taels.
Four horses and a hundred silks."
In this era, a man's highest pursuit is to become a general and become a minister, to have a wife and a son.
Now Zhu Houzhao directly conferred the title of First Grade Lady on Li Huan's mother, and also granted one of his sons the title of Jinyiwei Baihu. This is the title of conferring the title of wife and concubine. Of course, Li Huan is not married yet, so Zhu Houzhao conferred the title of Li Huan's mother on Li Huan. If Li Huan gets married,
Obviously, the reward from Li Huan's wife is also indispensable.
Although Mrs. Yipingaoming has no real power, this is the greatest honor that many civil and military officials can obtain for their mothers and wives.
Of course, Mrs. Gaoming also has another advantage, that is, she can meet officials without bowing, she can enter the palace to ask for an audience with the queen, and participate in grand ceremonies, palace banquets, etc. hosted by the queen. Otherwise, without the corresponding status, she will not be able to integrate into some occasions.
.
Li Huan took a deep breath, stepped forward and bowed to the emperor, saying, "I would like to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for his great kindness."
Zhu Houzhao walked up to Li Huan and helped Li Huan up. He laughed and said, "Compared to what you have done for me, Li Qing, my reward is nothing."
While talking, Zhu Houzhao suddenly thought of something. Duke Yingying and Duke Cheng Guo both wanted to betroth their daughters to Li Huan. So if he married both of his daughters to Li Huan, how would Li Huan react?
Thinking of this, Zhu Houzhao felt an uncontrollable impulse in his heart. He showed a strange smile at the corner of his mouth and looked at Li Huan with a strange look.
Li Huan naturally didn't know what Zhu Houzhao was thinking at this moment, but Li Huan could clearly see the strange look in the emperor's eyes when he looked at him. He didn't know why, but he was looked at by Zhu Houzhao's look.
As he did so, Li Huan felt a bit of a bad feeling in his heart.
Zhu Houzhao suddenly said: "Li Qing, aren't you not yet married? How about I give you a marriage?"
[This is the first update, and there will be a big chapter update tonight. In addition, I would like to thank reader Zhu Xia for his reward of 30,000 privet coins, and thank privet privately for his suggestions on this book. 】