Kunning Palace, the lights in the palace are brightly lit, as bright as day.
The candlelight lit by the crane-shaped palace lantern made the gilt-copper crane wings shine brightly, and several figures were vaguely reflected on the illuminated floor.
At this time, Xiang Daiquan in the Daming Palace had already prepared a map of the Han provinces for the internal eunuch, and hung it on a screen for Emperor Chongping and Jia Heng to see.
It is marked with the nine-border situation and the number of troops allocated by each province.
"Ziyu, come and take a look." Emperor Chongping called.
Jia Heng responded respectfully and moved forward as close as possible. He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw that Empress Song and Princess Xianning had not left. Well, I almost forgot that this was Kunning Palace.
At this moment, the mother and daughter were sitting behind the table, drinking tea and talking, sometimes looking at the monarch and his ministers.
Dai Quan held the candlestick and came closer to shine.
Emperor Chongping pointed to the map and said in a deep voice: "Zi Yu, the land of finance and taxation in the world lies in the three southeastern provinces, Jinling, Zhejiang, and Fujian. The finance and taxation of the three provinces supports the other provinces. Sichuan has been doing better in recent years. Gao Zhongping has the talent to manage affairs. Although
In recent years, there have been constant natural disasters, and there have been periods of good times and bad times, but we can still manage to survive. The treasury is still able to support itself. The provinces of Huguang and Guangzhou are still relatively peaceful. However, Shandong, Henan, Hebei and other provinces have not paid taxes to the central government for three years.
, civil unrest has been rising one after another. Among them, in the three auxiliary areas of the capital and at the feet of the emperor, last year there were bandits gathering in the mountains and forests to plunder prefectures and counties, but they should be gone now?"
Others say that he favors this young man, who is not yet a young man, more than others.
But, I don’t know what it can do.
As for the civil and military affairs of the Manchu dynasty, although there were political malpractices before young, they did not have such talents as kings and assistants.
Only this young man was recommended by Jinyang and played against him, helping him to sort out the country's situation, manage personnel, prioritize and supervise the military and political affairs, all in an orderly manner. It was almost as if Zhuge Kongming and Liu Xuande's "Longzhong Dui" cleared up the clouds and cleared up the fog.
There is the "Pinglu Ce".
In fact, if we look at Jia Heng's path to the birth of a lotus, it all originated from the recommendation of the eldest princess of Jinyang, and then helped Emperor Chongping formulate the ZTE strategy step by step.
In later generations, this would be a figure at the level of a national teacher.
Nowadays, Emperor Chongping is carrying out national policies in the court, and there is no longer the feeling of mental and physical fatigue caused by the use of power.
Even the Prince of Nan'an, Prince of Beijing, Prince of Xining, and Prince of Dongping expressed their surrender after the Supreme Emperor completely retired to Chonghua Palace.
However, Heng's lucky advancement was not enough to endanger the imperial power. Firstly, his foundation was shallow, and secondly, his political opponents ranged from civil servants to nobles to vassal kings. Such a person could only be a solid defender of the imperial power.
This is the reason why Emperor Chongping wanted to marry off his daughter to win over her. After all, in the original book of Red Mansions, for the sake of Prince Teng, who was in charge of the army, he was granted the title of Imperial Concubine Yuanchun.
"The land of Sanfu has been much peaceful recently." Jia Heng said, his eyes fell on the map and said: "Your Majesty has worked hard, and this map can give you a glimpse of it. Although there is still a danger of fish swimming in the sea, your Majesty
There are no more problems with elbows and armpits, and we can now rest assured to rectify the administration of officials. I think that this year I can open an enke, serve as a reserve for the country, and at the same time, take advantage of the opportunity to win the hearts of scholars from the north and the south."
He didn't know why the emperor was so emotional today, he actually showed the map in Kunning Palace and discussed the situation of the world. Generally speaking, this was to attract his confidants.
"I originally had this intention. To refresh the official administration and eliminate the old officials, we should select elites to fill the vacancies among ministers and subordinates." Emperor Chongping agreed, and then said: "Today's court meeting, Qi Kun was sent south to check for salt.
What do you think?"
Jia Heng said: "In the land south of the Yangtze River, the gentry gathers in large groups, and the human affairs are complicated and complicated. I have never worked with Mr. Qi Ge, and I don't know his temperament and methods. But now the water in Yangzhou is getting muddier. In the case of stabbing Lin the day before yesterday, the real culprit was not involved."
If Qi Ge Lao goes south without being arrested by the two imperial envoys who are going south, these people will not sit still and wait for death."
This was the reason why he had doubts. The Qi Party went south to compete with the Zhejiang Party for the leadership of salt affairs, and it was likely to lead to a fierce fight.
The imperial court has sent two groups of imperial envoys. The first one is Liang Yuan, the Minister of Household Affairs, and Yu De, the right minister of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. They went south to investigate the murder of Lin Ruhai, and they found out that he was a salt smuggler.
The retaliation then triggered a new round of crackdowns on salt lords by Yangzhou Prefecture, which only underlined the salt merchants' intentions. It can be said that the big fish was not caught, and it also muddied the water more and more.
Emperor Chongping's eyes fell on the land of Yangzhou, and he seemed to have remembered the memorial during the court meeting, and mused: "The benefits of the salt tax are related to the frontier army and the food, wages and military supplies of the Beijing camp. Let Qi Kun go south to have a look first. If there is still no
progress……"
Immediately, he looked at the young man beside him with stern eyes and asked: "Zi Yu, if I send you south to check for salt, where should you start?"
Jia Heng was shocked, thought for a while, and said: "The transportation departments of the Huaidu and Huaidus and other salt officials, officials of the Jiangnan Fanzhi Division, Yangzhou salt merchants, officials from Yangzhou prefectures and counties... I will start from now on."
As the saying goes, if you can't solve the problem, you can solve the person who caused the problem. Whoever has the problem will be solved.
Emperor Chongping looked at Jia Heng, and he was also satisfied with the courage of "cutting through the thorns". He nodded and said slowly: "Salt merchant underwriting has been customized since Taizong, and it has been established for decades now. In the past,
In the same year, when the emperor visited the south, he did not disturb the people of the prefectures and counties along the way, and relied on donations from salt merchants. By the way, the Zhen family, the president of the imperial envoy Tirenyuan, came to pick him up several times."
At the end, although the emperor's voice was calm, for some reason, it seemed to have a bit of coldness in Jia Heng's ears.
I picked them up several times and left a lot of money in the three major weaving houses!
When Jia Heng heard this, he was silent for a moment.
He actually guessed that the water in the salt business was deeper than imagined, and also considered whether it would implicate the emperor from Chonghua Palace. However, he had only seen the salt merchants and the King of Qi flirting with each other before, and did not find any connection with the Chonghua Palace.
When it comes to contact, it’s not good to make random associations.
Now the Emperor has reminded us that the Emperor's money bag is basically certain. In addition to Zhen Yingjia, the president of the Jinling Tiren Academy, the Yangzhou salt merchants also made a contribution to the Chonghua Palace. Together, they maintained the Emperor's extravagant lifestyle in the Chonghua Palace.
Life.
Of course, Emperor Chongping also acquiesced, or it was the redemption itself.
Various speculations surged in Jia Heng's mind, thinking, "The three major weaving houses of Jinling Tirenyuan, as well as the case of Suzhou Weaving Miaoyu's father, there may also be a father-son battle between Daming Palace and Chonghua Palace."
This means that you have me, and I have you. In terms of military power, Emperor Chongping has taken back the initiative because of him. The Supreme Emperor will no longer interfere in military affairs. Then Emperor Chongping will gradually take back the financial power.
However, Emperor Chongping was obviously worried about the emperor's still presence. Generally speaking, at this time, he would need to ask his close advisors and military bosses for support, which would be enough to strengthen his will.
It would undoubtedly be very appropriate if he could personally supervise the case.
Emperor Chongping's eyes wandered back and forth between Jinling and Yangzhou, and he said in a low voice: "If we want to make a big move, everyone from top to bottom will be implicated. I am doing things to increase revenue and reduce expenditure. What is the plan for reducing expenditure?"
?”
"If your Majesty has ordered me, I will do my best to repay your kindness." Jia Heng's heart was clear at this moment, and he knew the emperor's intention.
In other words, this was Emperor Chongping's plan originally, and there was no need for him to make all kinds of elaborate preparations. As for sending Qi Kun first, it was probably to test the direction of the wind and let all parties really take action... Don't be in a hurry, just play with him.
Emperor Chongping's expression paused and he said, "Don't be too hasty. You should ask Jinyi Mansion to keep an eye on what's going on in Yangzhou Mansion first."
If the literary ones fail, then the military ones will be sent. If not the Commander-in-Chief in Jinyi, who else can be sent?
Jia Heng cupped his hands and said, "I obey your order."
"Recently, the generals from Jiubian are begging for pay more and more urgently." Emperor Chongping brought up another topic and took the initiative to speak.
Jia Heng's face straightened, he cupped his hands and said, "I discussed this matter with Mr. Shi earlier. The Ministry of Revenue postponed the decision because the Nine Border Soldiers had not been reduced to the quota. I don't know if the capital camp will also be affected?"
"You don't have to worry about the salary money of the capital camp. If the household budget is insufficient, I can give you money from internal funds as a gift. You can just train your troops with peace of mind." Emperor Chongping seemed to understand the implication of Jia Heng's words and said comfortingly.
The monarch and his ministers talked for a while, and then Jia Heng said goodbye.
Emperor Chongping raised his eyes and glanced at the sky, and said warmly: "It's already midnight, and the palace door is locked. You will stay in the West Pavilion of Wuying Hall today. You will go back tomorrow and Dai Quan will see you off for me.
By the way, show Jia Ziyu the account books of the salt tax and silver tax of the six regions of the Ministry of Revenue and the accounting books of military expenditures of the Nine Borders."
As the minister of military aircraft, you should also take a look at the annual calculations of the nine-sided military expenditure.
Jia Heng knew that Emperor Chongping had a plan, so he agreed and left with Dai Quan.
As soon as Jia Heng left, accompanied by a burst of fragrance, Empress Song stepped close to Emperor Chongping, holding Emperor Chongping's arm, with a worried look on her beautiful face, and said softly: "Your Majesty, Jia Ziyu, he
…may I take on this responsibility?”
As Emperor Chongping's bedfellow, the queen knew the emperor's real difficulty. After all, it was the emperor in the Chonghua Palace.
Emperor Chongping shook his head and said: "Let's wait for now. This matter cannot be rushed. The time is now mine."
There are some things that cannot be stated directly and need to be understood by the ministers on their own. If you explain them clearly, it will sow the seeds of disaster.
Emperor Chongping was thinking about it and suddenly saw Princess Xianning on the side. His heart moved slightly and he said in a deep voice: "Xianning, you should also go and take a look and see if there is anything missing in the west pavilion of Wuying Palace."
Princess Xianning was startled for a moment, then she felt happy and left as ordered.
But it was said that Jia Heng had just left Kunning Palace and was following Dai Quan towards Wuying Palace. Not long after, a voice as cold as water came from behind him, like the melting iceberg snow flowing through the rocks. It was crisp, sweet, clean and clear.
.
"Mr. Jia."
When Jia Heng heard this, he turned around and saw the lights in the palace, reflecting a slim girl in a green skirt. He asked in surprise: "Your Highness Xianning, is this?"
Princess Xianning didn't know why, but subconsciously she didn't say that Emperor Chongping asked her to see him off, but she said in a clear voice: "I just want to go back to the palace, and I'll go with you sir."
"My servant has met Your Highness." Dai Quan smiled and quickly saluted Princess Xianning.
Secretly, one lives in the harem and the other lives in the front hall, but he doesn't know how he can find the right way?
However, this eunuch Quan, who always tried to figure out the holy will, guessed the thoughts of Emperor Chongping and the Queen. Without asking any more questions, he glanced at Jia Heng and chuckled: "Then your Highness will lead Mr. Jia to the Wuying Palace. I will go first."
Take the Huagai Hall’s money and grain account book from the Ministry of Accounts.”
Princess Xianning turned her eyes and glanced at Dai Quan, and responded: "Then go, Eunuch Dai."
After Dai Quan led the two eunuchs away, Princess Xianning looked at the boy in the python suit and said softly: "Sir, I will take you there."
"Your Highness," Jia Heng said softly, and then walked forward with Princess Xianning. The palace maid held a lantern in front, lighting the way.
"Sir, are you tired from spending the past few days at the military aircraft?" Princess Xianning asked softly.
Jia Heng said: "Reports from all provinces, big and small, are all sent to the military aircraft office. They are a bit busy and dizzy. This shows how hard it is for the Holy One to deal with such a mountain of government affairs every day."
Princess Xianning sighed and said: "My father has been so diligent since he succeeded to the throne. In the past few years, I have been busy with state affairs. I have seen that the white hair on my father's head has gradually increased."
"When a wise king reigns, he is diligent and caring for the people. This is the blessing of the world." Jia Heng said loudly, then turned to Princess Xianning and said, "Your Highness can also advise the Holy One to take better care of her."
Princess Xianning nodded, her bright eyes sparkling under her beautiful eyebrows, and she said with a chuckle: "Speaking of which, my father's mood has improved a lot since Mr.
Jia Heng said: "Your Highness's compliments actually have nothing to do with me."
"Sir, you are still so humble." Princess Xianning chuckled, her eyebrows were curved, and because she was her niece, she looked a bit like Empress Song. However, this Tianhuang nobleman with a slim figure and beautiful face had a slight smile.
A bit chilly.
Jia Heng glanced at it and looked away.
"Sir, do you still remember when we first met outside the city?" Princess Xianning seemed to be a little happy when she saw that fleeting dodge. She pursed her lips and asked suddenly.
Jia Heng looked intently at the octagonal palace lantern in front of him, chuckled and said, "I don't want Your Highness to still remember."
"I was hunting with Brother Sanhuang at that time, and I saw my husband practicing archery. Looking back now, I can still remember it as if it was yesterday." Princess Xianning said with some emotion.
Sometimes she had to lament the encounters in her life. The young man she had only glanced at that day had just discussed military and political affairs with her father.
Jia Heng said: "His Royal Highness's valiant and heroic appearance is also vivid in my mind."
"Sir... you are joking." Princess Xianning's heart trembled slightly and she whispered, taking a peek at the face of the boy in the python suit. However, seeing the light reflecting the light and his profile facing her, she couldn't make out his expression clearly.
Princess Xianning's beautiful eyebrows lowered her eyes slightly and asked: "In the middle of this month, the imperial brother's mansion was completed. At that time, the grass was growing and the orioles were flying, and the willows were blooming. The three emperors suggested that we go together.
I'm out for an outing outside the city, I wonder if you, sir, are free?"
If Brother Wei invited him, he would probably refuse. For Brother Wei's sake, she should invite him.
Jia Heng's face paused slightly and he said: "His Royal Highness also met me just now. He is busy with military affairs recently and there are also political affairs in the Military Aircraft Department. I'm afraid I won't be able to spare time."
On the twelfth day of this month, Daiyu will give birth to her son. In the middle of the month, Xu and Keqing will go back to her parents' home to meet her father-in-law.
Princess Xianning's clear eyes dimmed for a moment, because she was declined politely, her cold smile was a little unnatural, and she said: "It's okay, I'll talk about it later when sir."
Jia Heng thought for a while and said: "Your Highness, you might as well take a look. Maybe you will be free when that day comes, but we don't know."
Princess Xianning nodded her head, her mood brightened immediately, and she softly said "hmm".
In fact, she will give birth to a son on the fifteenth day of next month, and the Third Emperor Brother is going to celebrate her birthday with her.
The two were talking, and Jia Heng saw Wuying Palace in front of him and said, "Your Highness, please stay."
This is the place where the duty minister of the Military Aircraft Department stays overnight in case of war. After leaving the door, turn around the side hall and go directly to the Military Aircraft Department to read official documents. It is very convenient.
Jia Heng saw several eunuchs laying out quilts and sheets in front of the bed against the wall. It was clear that they had received orders from the Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty.
"Sir, this is a temporary dormitory. After all, it is a bit shabby. I feel sorry for you, sir." Princess Xianning looked around the guest room and said with a frown.
Fortunately, each of the five military aircraft has a dormitory, and internal supervisors often come in to clean it.
Jia Heng said: "I was used to it in the past."
"Sir, it's cold at night, and there are no earthworms here. There is only a pair of quilts, which may not keep you warm." Princess Xianning looked at the busy eunuchs inside and saw a bed covered by a curtain, with a thin mattress underneath and a
A pair of thin quilts, he said softly, and then ordered with the female officer on the side: "Go and move the pair of quilts in the neutral wardrobe of this palace, and bring the incense cage to calm the nerves and incense."
Jia Heng was already sitting at the desk, picking up a pile of official documents and reading them by the light. After hearing this, he quickly stood up and said, "Your Highness, it doesn't have to be like this. It's just a temporary place to stay."
Princess Xianning's cold and elegant appearance showed firmness, and said: "Sir, as the minister of military aircraft, he is on duty at the military aircraft station, so he should not be neglected."
After saying that, he glanced at the female officer who was stunned on the spot, and the female officer immediately left.
Jia Heng looked at Princess Xianning gratefully, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Sir, you're welcome." Princess Xianning said softly, and ordered the palace maids to prepare refreshments. Then she looked at the prisoner, frowned, and said, "Put this quilt down. Alas, you are so clumsy.
I’m here, I’m going to clean the house and get a basin of hot water.”
As Princess Xianning spoke, she stepped forward, picked up the quilt and spread it, asking the two palace maids to help her. Her tall and bright figure was projected on the window.
When Jia Heng saw this, his expression changed slightly and he said hurriedly: "Your Highness has really defeated me."
Princess Xianning actually made his bed and quilt. Emperor Chongping wanted to hear about it, but why didn't he say that he was domineering?
"It's okay." Princess Xianning's face was also a little flushed at this moment, but she couldn't see clearly due to the light.