Zhu Gaochi smiled brightly, but Xia Yuanji and Jian Yi both had a bad premonition because they saw the shadow of another person in Zhu Gaochi's smile.
That’s right, it’s Xu Jingchang, Duke of Dingguo!
Since this boy went north, the princes in the court have become much more relaxed, and since Zhu Di went north, they can simply celebrate with each other.
The two most troublesome people are gone, and I can finally do things according to my own ideas.
During this period, Jian Yi and Xia Yuanji gave full play to their initiative. For example, Jian Yi formulated a new evaluation standard for officials, which especially emphasized family background. Anyone who is on the right path of academic excellence will have a much higher starting point than other officials.
Correspondingly, promotion rewards are also more generous.
In addition, Jian Yi also assigned carriages to officials in Beijing and built a number of buildings to solve the official's accommodation problem... These two items are not included in the allowance!
After Jian Yi's troubles, the problem of low official salaries in the Ming Dynasty was basically solved.
Take Jian Yi as an example. He can receive almost 500 shi of grain, 500 guan of treasure notes, and another 1,500 guan each year after various allowances.
In addition to the carriages and houses attached to the imperial court, the family lived comfortably and still had a lot of surplus.
Even the lowest official of the eighth or ninth grade can still eat and drink well and have no worries about food and clothing.
Jian Tianguan has simply become a living Bodhisattva and a great benefactor in everyone's eyes.
Xia Yuanji was not idle either. He encouraged large companies to build workshops through the Baochao Bureau and the Shipping Department. In Suzhou alone, 10,000 looms were added. The entire textile industry was no longer dominated by Hanwang alone.
In addition, Xia Yuanji also promoted the planting of cotton in Huguang and other places.
The imperial court provided convenience to large cotton growers.
In an instant, Xia Yuanji also gained a reputation as a financial expert.
The two ministers sat happily in the court, wishing that Xu Jingchang and Zhu Di would never come back.
But the development of the facts was a bit beyond the two people's expectations. Although the two people did not come back, why did Zhu Gaochi, an honest person, start causing trouble?
"We must submit a letter... we must stop His Highness." Jian Yi said seriously.
Xia Yuanji was startled, "Jian Shangshu, His Highness just wants to change the feudal prince's palace into a school. Although it is whimsical and a little deviant, it is not too much after all. Why do you care so much?"
Jian Yi had a sullen face, put his hands on his knees, and said coldly: "You still don't understand? After such a long time, any national policy that applies to the Tianjia must also be suitable for others!"
Xia Yuanji was immediately shocked. Yes, Zhu Gaoxu took the lead in paying taxes and created the commercial tax... If he can change the feudal prince's palace this time, he can't even imagine what he will do next!
"Let me tell you, His Highness the Crown Prince will not bring up this matter for no reason... His Majesty should stop it. It's just an official act. What's the reason?"
"The dignity of the Tian family, the love of brotherhood... No matter what it is, you must stop it!"
…
Peiping, Prince Yan's Mansion.
Zhu Di was leaning on a huge chair, with a piece of tiger skin underneath him. This was a tiger he had hunted with his own hands. He peeled off the skin and made it into a mat.
"You said it's so difficult to kill a beast? Xu Jingchang spent so much money to build a tiger-shooting cart, which really makes people laugh. You, a nephew, are not very good at martial arts."
Queen Xu smiled and said: "I don't plan to let him go to the battlefield. He only has one thing now, and that is to get married as soon as possible and spread the branches of our Xu family... Your Majesty, I have already told the second and third sons, and also asked Huang
Minister, the wedding can be arranged in the near future."
Zhu Di nodded happily, "I listen to you. If you say something, then do it. So what are you going to do?"
Empress Xu didn't care, "What does he care about? My parents ordered me to be a matchmaker, and now I am his mother. If I dare to disobey, I will spank him."
Queen Xu said this, but in fact she had already been angry with Xu Jingchang.
After they had reached a consensus, the wedding was held in the Martyrs' Ancestral Hall, witnessed by the statue of King Zhongshan, witnessed by Zhu Di and Queen Xu, and officiated by Duke Xu Huizu of the State of Wei. The rest of the feudal lords' clans and civil and military ministers in Peiping congratulated the newlyweds.
After the news spread, everyone silently considered that this standard was really high enough, even if the prince got married, that would be it.
"Huang Shangshu, congratulations on getting a virtuous son-in-law."
Facing the congratulations from everyone, Huang Guan suddenly felt empty... The precious girl he had raised for more than ten years was about to become a member of the Xu family.
He was restless all afternoon.
He returned to his residence early and found the girl waiting for him.
"Go and cook some vegetables for your father and boil a pot of wine."
Miss Huang obediently agreed, and her hands and feet were quick and ready for her father.
Huang Guan poured himself a glass first and poured it into his stomach.
Then his face sank and he said solemnly: "As a father, I have a few words to say. You should keep them in mind."
Miss Huang was startled and quickly lowered her head, "My daughter, listen."
"After passing through the family, you must listen to your husband-in-law. You are not allowed to be petty, make arbitrary decisions, or bully your servants."
"My daughter understands."
"Also, the Xu family is unusual. Your Majesty, the Queen, and the Dragon Sons and Grandsons often go there. You must be careful and don't lose your etiquette."
Miss Huang nodded again, "My daughter knows."
"More..." Huang Guan paused, drank another drink, and then said: "You must remember that if you give birth to a son, you must give it to your father and let me teach him well. Don't fall into this situation.
In Xu Jingchang’s hands, please remember!”
Huang Yunfang was so surprised that her face turned red and she couldn't help but said: "Father, Duke Ding is also very smart. If he is willing to teach me, I'm afraid you may not be able to defeat him."
Huang Guan's eyes widened and he hummed: "Stop talking nonsense, just remember what I said."
Seeing her father's serious face, Miss Huang couldn't say anything, so she could only agree. But she had other concerns in her heart. Anyway, her father was probably the one with the least say, so there was nothing to worry about.
Huang Guan drank a few more drinks, his face turned red, and then he said, "I have never seen such an immoral thing...His Royal Highness wants to confiscate all the palaces and use them to build schools. It's really a shame that they can do it!"
"Them?" Miss Huang was stunned, "Who?"
"Who else! It must be Xu Jingchang!" Huang Guan gritted his teeth and said: "He brought the kings to Peiping, nominally offering sacrifices to the Martyrs' Shrine, and then stuffed them into the school. He also encouraged the prince and took over the palace.
This is to cut the grass and root it out, to eat it up and wipe it clean, leaving nothing behind!"
Huang Guan said angrily: "Just because of his virtue, no matter how good a child he is, he will teach him badly. He must let me teach him."
Huang Yunfang was stunned for a moment, then said: "Father, the vassal clan is a hidden danger to the Ming Dynasty, and Duke Ding is also trying to seek the country!"
Huang Guan rolled his eyelids, "Of course it's a move to seek the country. If not, how could I marry you to him! It's just that his approach is too sinister and not the right path."
Miss Huang didn't like hearing it anymore, "What is the right way? You, the old man, assist Jianwen, but you are upright, but it doesn't work."
Huang Guan stared at his daughter. Although Miss Huang was frightened, she still looked at her father.
After a while, Huang Guan reluctantly gave up, "A married woman throws away water... She's not even married yet, so she and your father are no longer of the same mind. I'm like cold water poured over my head and ice in my arms!"
Huang Guan raised his eyebrows and lamented, earning two big looks from his daughter.
On the other side, Xu Jingchang had also received urgent news... he was about to get married, and he was causing trouble for himself.
Yes, everyone thought he and Zhu Gaochi did it together, but in fact this matter had nothing to do with Xu Jingchang.
"It's all your father. Your father dug a hole for me."
Xu Jingchang angrily said to Zhu Zhanji, "If my wedding is delayed because of this matter, I will never be done with your father again!"
Zhu Zhanji said without hesitation, "Cousin, you can settle accounts with my father as you like. I don't know anything. As long as you don't cheat me, it's fine. We are on the same page, right?"
Xu Jingchang looked at the black boy and couldn't help but want to laugh.
"You stand with me, but do you know how bad your father's move is?"
Zhu Zhanji shook his head.
Xu Jingchang snorted: "He wants to change the palace into a school, which is equivalent to cutting off the return path of all the vassal kings. From then on, dividing the kings has become an empty talk. The kings who have no place to live can only obey the court's arrangements.
You can't control the place. The common people can avoid disturbing you, and you can save a lot of expenses after you ascend the throne."
Zhu Zhanji nodded.
Xu Jingchang added: "At present, there are far more students in the south than in the north. But when it comes to palaces, the north is much better than the south. Not to mention anything else, the nine kings of Seoul use their mansions to build schools. It is close to the border and can not only support
Northern education can also help students cultivate a martial spirit, care about border defense, and protect the Ming Dynasty. In the future, the court will definitely have many more talents. Twenty or thirty years later, when you grow up, the Ming Dynasty is full of talents, and you can pick them up.
Cheap."
The black boy blinked, it seemed that the dog father had done him a great favor!
But he quickly shook his head firmly and said, "Cousin, no matter what, I am with you."
Xu Jingchang was so moved, "In this case, I ask you to help me with something, can you do it?"
Zhu Zhanji paused, "Of course I want to do my best, but I'm afraid that I'm too stupid and will mess up the matter and affect my cousin's major events..."
This guy actually knows how to be humble?
Xu Jingchang glanced at his small eyes that kept turning, and immediately understood that this black guy wanted benefits.
"Okay, how about I get you ten good crickets?"
Zhu Zhanji curled his lips and hummed: "I am no longer a five-year-old child, I want a horse, a big horse!"
Xu Jingchang said helplessly: "Okay, how many do you want?"
"Ten horses!" Zhu Zhanji said: "We must keep our word and not deceive children."
Xu Jingchang nodded, "Okay, then remember, when your grandpa Huang is busy going out, hand these official documents to him. The ones sent by Minister Jian and others must be put last."
Zhu Zhanji said meaningfully: "Cousin, is this just called muddle through?"
Xu Jingchang glared at him fiercely, "Children shouldn't know so much."
Zhu Zhanji had no choice but to do it obediently. Three days later, it would be the golden day for Xu Jingchang to get married... Cao Guogong Li Jinglong wore bright red clothes and led a maroon horse covered in colorful satin, waiting for Xu Jingchang.
