Chapter 4 The implementation of the lord of the millet and the high military expenditure
Yun Kingdom Palace, in the Yangxin Hall.
The little eunuch walked to Yang Yanhe, who was walking in the cabinet, handed over a bright yellow silk imperial edict, and ordered:
"This is His Majesty's imperial edict. Please polish it up, Mr. Yang."
When Yang Yanhe heard this, he nodded, took the decree from the eunuch, and looked at it casually.
After just one glance, the expression on Yang Yanhe's face suddenly became a little unsightly.
He frowned slightly and confirmed to the little eunuch again:
"Is this what Your Majesty means?"
When the young eunuch heard this, he was stunned for a moment. He didn't understand why Yang Yanhe suddenly asked such a question.
After receiving a positive reply from the young eunuch, Yang Yanhe had a look on his face that was hesitant to speak.
Xiao Yu, who was also walking in the cabinet, happened to notice the situation here, and immediately came over and asked:
"Mr. Yang, do you need help?"
Yang Yanhe did not speak, but handed over the will in his hand.
Xiao Yu reached out and took it without caring, but when he saw the content clearly, his eyes suddenly widened, and his expression was even more exaggerated than Yang Yanhe just now.
"This, this, this is..." Xiao Yu looked hard to accept.
Yang Yanhe pondered for a moment, then looked into the inner hall and said:
"How about going to see His Majesty and asking for details..."
Previously, the inner hall of Yangxin Hall was the resting place for emperors of all dynasties.
But since Xiao Cheng established the cabinet and ordered all the cabinet members to walk in the Yangxin Hall to conduct errands, the beds were removed from the inner hall and turned into a place where Xiao Cheng handles government affairs on a daily basis.
The origin arranged by Golden Finger for Xiao Yu was from the clan of the Yun Kingdom. Therefore, in Xiao Yu's understanding, he was close to His Majesty. When he heard Yang Yanhe's proposal, he did not hesitate
He nodded in agreement and immediately asked the eunuch to go in and report.
Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu, Xiao Cheng has great trust in them. Even though they are not very senior, they have already begun to take on important cabinet responsibilities. The waiters in the palace have always been the most discerning, so naturally they don't
Maybe he was blocked, so he quickly entered the inner hall of Yangxin Hall to report.
Not long after, Xiao Chenglang's voice was heard in the inner hall:
"Come in!"
When Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu heard this, they immediately stepped into the inner hall.
"See Your Majesty!" The two men bowed and saluted.
In the inner hall, memorials were piled high on the table. Xiao Cheng leaned over them to review the memorials. Even when the two of them entered the inner hall, they did not bother to raise their heads and said casually:
"Why do you want to see me?"
When Yang Yanhe heard this, he glanced slightly at Xiao Yu who was standing aside.
Xiao Yu did not retreat, held the imperial edict in his hand and said in a deep voice:
"I have come here because of your Majesty's decree..."
"I would like to ask Your Majesty, who are the ten figures above the imperial edict? What kind of achievements have they made that require the imperial court to reward them with the title of Marquis of Neiting?"
Xiao Cheng, who was at the top, heard the words and paused slightly with his hands reviewing the memorial. He looked up at the two of them and nodded:
"So that's what happened!"
Xiao Cheng paused for a moment and then said:
"These people are all big merchants in the country. In the past few months, the plague in the northern counties has relied on them to maintain the supply of materials. Naturally, I can't help but chill their hearts by contributing to the country!"
The reason why Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu showed such expressions at this time was that the imperial edict they were holding in their hands that needed to be polished turned out to be an edict conferring the title of Neitinghou to dozens of people.
After hearing Xiao Cheng's admission, Yang Yanhe coughed lightly and admonished:
"Your Majesty, this imperial title is the foundation of governing the country. How can we grant it to others so easily?"
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he blinked his eyes and said:
"It's just to confer a virtual title to the Marquis of Neiting. It's still the kind that doesn't give a salary..."
Ten miles is a pavilion, and pavilion hou refers to the title of a pavilion in a city.
Neitinghou, its other name, Dutinghou, may be more familiar to people. The so-called Dutinghou is a pavilion in the city.
No matter which country in ancient and modern times, at home and abroad, there is rarely a situation of a country within a country. Therefore, the fiefdoms in this city are just the meaning of the name.
Strictly speaking, it means that the court gives you the virtual title of Tinghou. The title is given to you, but you do not have a real estate. Then the court gives you a symbolic amount of money every year, which is regarded as a tax for the estate.
And for these merchants, they don’t even need this little money! These people are all big merchants in the Yun Kingdom. They are really poor and have only money...
In the background of feudal society, for merchants, "all they have left is money" is not a Versailles saying, but a true and objective description with a hint of sadness.
Just like Jin Tangfeng, the contemporary chief disciple of the Za family who has now fallen into disgrace, this big businessman who can influence the prosperity of all industries in the entire Yun Kingdom, faced with the overwhelming power of the imperial power and the imperial court, unless he had the idea of destroying everything, he would not be able to do anything.
Resist in any way.
Entering millet and worshiping a nobleman is a benefit to both parties. It is the best of both worlds.
The court of Yun State saved a lot of expenses, and the merchants who contributed their efforts gained the coveted social status.
Xiao Cheng thinks this method is very promising. If implemented properly, it will be a great thing for the court!
At this time, Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu didn't seem to think so.
Yang Yanhe pondered for a while, but then he said:
"Your Majesty, I naturally understand your intention... I am not trying to flatter you. It's just that your Majesty has made such civil and military achievements in his weak years. He eradicated powerful ministers, personally led the army to conquer, and wiped out the long-standing ills in the country. Jixia Academy
, the imperial examination will make His Majesty's wisdom known to the world. In the future, I will definitely praise you as a holy king for hundreds or even thousands of years!"
Xiao Cheng watched Yang Yanhe say these words seriously, and while the hairs on his arms stood up, he felt inexplicably relieved.
Good guy, isn’t this flattering?
"Because of this, His Majesty's words and deeds must be an example for future kings of Dayun. So you need to pay attention to everything from your words and deeds to your administrative methods!"
Xiao Yu, who was on the side, heard this and immediately answered:
"Although your Majesty conferred a false title today, it will be a loophole for future kings. Anyone who sells titles or titles can use the excuse of imitating Your Majesty. People in future generations can also use this to criticize Your Majesty. The reason why I advise you
Admonishment, that’s why!”
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he was slightly stunned.
At this time, he remembered that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty promoted the practice of conferring nobility and nobility in the history. There were indeed many people in later generations who directly blamed Daqing (ahem) for his unabashed original sin of selling nobility and nobility.
On Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
In fact, in all dynasties since the Western Han Dynasty, the donation of officials has never stopped, and even the selection system has evolved. But in so many dynasties, none of them have been so blatant and commonplace as Da Qing!
At this time Yang Yanhe continued:
"There are many ways to reward those who have made meritorious deeds. There is no shortage of gold and silver in the national treasury now. Why do we need to use this method to stain the prestige of His Majesty's holy name?"
With the intelligence and wisdom of Xiao Yu and Yang Yanhe, they obviously would not be so pedantic. They simply opposed it because they simply felt that it was selling their official positions. The reasons for their opposition were that they were worried about leaving an excuse for future generations of incompetent kings of the Yun Kingdom.
I am worried that someone in future generations will use this to discredit Xiao Cheng’s prestige.
Xiao Cheng pondered for a moment, then chuckled, shook his head and said:
"You two are worried, I already know it! But I also have my own plans. This system of rewarding merchants with virtual titles is related to the great cause of unifying the world in the future, and I have already made up my mind to pay attention to it!"
Now these merchants can guarantee the supply of grain and grass supplies to the northern border for several months. When the world goes to war in the future, the army's grain and grass supplies will naturally be able to afford the not too critical part of it.
The army's baggage camp is the main one, and the merchant caravan is the supplement. If the two work together, the loss, time, manpower, gold and silver saved must not be underestimated!
Xiao Cheng raised his head slightly and said in a high-spirited tone:
"It is free for future generations to comment on merits and demerits. But if I were to unify the world and create unprecedented great achievements, would I still be afraid of being smeared by future generations? As for the continued replacement of this country, it is not up to me to make the final decision!"
Even the most prosperous dynasties like the Han and Tang dynasties had their times of collapse. When the dynasty really declined, it would be useless for anyone to come unless they met a hero of all ages...
Even though the two of them have always been sensible, when they think of being able to assist Xiao Cheng in achieving such great achievements and proudly and confidently letting future generations comment on their achievements, they can't help but feel their hearts surging and cannot calm down for a long time.
Yes, originally they came to persuade Xiao Cheng, but in the end, Xiao Cheng persuaded them...
But at this moment, the palace attendant suddenly said outside the palace:
"Your Majesty, Mr. Tao Taiwei is asking for an audience outside the palace!"
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he laughed and said:
"Good guys, it's a coincidence that everyone is here. Please come in quickly!"
Xiao Yu and Yang Yanhe looked at each other, immediately bowed their hands and said in unison:
"Your Majesty, please leave!"
Xiao Cheng slapped his head at this time, raised his hand to signal the two of them to stop, and said:
"By the way, wait, I suddenly remembered it!"
The two of them paused and looked at Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Cheng opened his mouth and said:
"The counties in the north had lost their functions due to wars before. Not long after it was established, Shen Ruiguang's incident happened again, and many officials from the counties were involved. The north faced the Xia Kingdom, and once the war
We are the front line from now on, if we don't send capable people to take charge of government affairs and restore order, I really won't rest assured."
"There is also Yongzhou. The land of the four states is the homeland of the Li Dynasty. To the north is the Xia Kingdom and to the south is the Li Dynasty. It is more important than the northern border. I have to send someone to take charge!"
When the two heard what Xiao Cheng said, they immediately looked at each other.
Xiao Cheng left the two of them behind at this time, and when they talked about this matter, the meaning became obvious.
"I think this prime minister must be from a state or county. How can he be in the center if he has never been in charge? This time is an opportunity. Are you two willing to give it a try?" Xiao Cheng looked at the two of them and said in a deep voice.
road.
But just now, Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu were so excited by Xiao Cheng's words that they wished they could immediately assist Xiao Cheng in creating a great cause that would go down in history.
After hearing these words at this time, naturally he would not refuse, and quickly said in unison:
"I am willing to serve your Majesty to the death!"
Xiao Cheng nodded and said in a deep voice:
"Since you agree, let's make preparations when we go back!"
"Yes!" The two bowed before turning and leaving.
As soon as the two of them arrived at the palace gate, they happened to bump into the old Taiwei Tao Ai. They bowed respectfully to Tao Ai and moved out of the way.
Tao Ai nodded slightly, walked slowly into the hall, and bowed to Xiao Cheng.
"Old minister Tao Ai, see your Majesty!"
The three families of Ma, Qu, and Tao were regarded as one by the government and the public. Now, Ma Minwen and Qu Cheng have been knighted and returned home to be raised in honor. Only Tao Aishang is left with the post of Taiwei.
Now, Tao Ai is in charge of the preparations for the newly established Fifth Army Governor's Mansion by Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Cheng nodded slightly, smiled and said:
"The old lieutenant is here today, but what went wrong with the preparations for the Fifth Army Commander's Mansion?"
Tao Ai nodded, then shook his head slightly, then took out a memorial from his arms, held it in both hands, and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I did find some problems when preparing for the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion!"
Xiao Cheng raised his hand slightly, and as if a young eunuch from the palace trotted over to take the memorial from Tao Ai, and held it in front of Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Cheng opened it and read it again, but he said with a puzzled face:
"This is the statistical list of money and food consumed by the army in the country. It is no different from what I have seen before! What did the Taiwei want to say when he showed it to me?"
Tao Ai heard this and said in a serious voice:
"Your Majesty, I have read through the notes from the past few years. Wang Xiao maintains his elite frontier army, and the annual military expenditure is about three to four million taels. But this year, it has just reached the halfway point, and the money and food notes reported by the army are,
But it has already reached 4,730,000 taels. Among them, there is something quite unusual. It is because of this that I came to the palace to meet His Majesty!"
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he frowned subconsciously, but after glancing at the military expenditure details again, he couldn't help but laugh and said:
"I have always been clear about the Taiwei's loyalty. However, no one is cheating in this!"
Xiao Chengke has always been aware of the importance of military power. Now the soldiers and horses in the Yun Kingdom, including the 60,000 troops in the north, are in charge of Cheng Bushi. The hundreds of thousands of border troops stationed in Yongzhou in the southeast returned to the capital in Shi'an.
After that, Di Qing took over. In the direction of Xiushan County in the south, Yang Dayan led tens of thousands of troops to closely watch the Li Dynasty.
These people are all loyal and there is no need to doubt them.
As for the Forbidden Army in the center of the capital and the camps on the outskirts of the capital, Xiao Cheng selected his loyal followers to take over.
There may be some local officials who have the courage to deceive superiors and subordinates because the sky is high and the emperor is far away, but this is absolutely impossible in the military!
When Tao Ai heard what Xiao Cheng said, he frowned and said:
"Then why is the army's military expenditure so high this year, almost double that of previous years?
You know, in the past few years, Wang Xiao has been using troops against small countries in the south and has been in the process of conquest.
Although the world is not at peace this year, there are no wars or wars. It stands to reason that military expenditures should be reduced a lot!
When Xiao Cheng heard this, he lowered his head and turned over the details in his hand, frowned, coughed slightly, and said:
"I have ordered someone to train a few troops. Ahem, well, the losses are a bit big..."
Youzhou Assault Cavalry, Guan Ning Iron Cavalry, and Baijie Elite Soldiers, two third-level units, only one second-level one is a heavy armored cavalry. Even though Xiao Cheng has not trained much, the losses are really shocking.
But, for Xiao Cheng, who had already seen the three newly formed troops, it was all worth it!
When Tao Ai heard this, he was stunned and said:
"How many newly trained soldiers and horses? Your Majesty, there are so many elite soldiers in the country, why are we training new soldiers and horses?"
Xiao Cheng smiled slightly and said in a deep voice:
"After some time, I can take this Taiwei to have a look with his own eyes. Then the Taishi will know why I want to train these soldiers and horses!"