In the Wenhua Hall, King Zhou and others frowned and looked at each other.
The emperor's performance just now made them feel that the court was short of money, so they wanted to make plans for King Yi.
Frankly speaking, the emperor's behavior made them feel a little petty, but it was acceptable.
After all, the imperial court has indeed had many difficulties in the past two years. As a clan, it doesn't matter if they give some food and wealth to make the emperor happy.
Of course, what's more important is that over the years, the vassal kings from all over the world, except for some who are really poor, have indeed accumulated a lot of wealth.
For them, they tolerated the land reorganization of the military camp and gave them some money. Although they felt distressed, as long as they could live in peace and stability, that was all.
However, the emperor's words made them confused for a while.
After pondering for a moment, King Zhou said.
"Your Majesty has learned clearly that as vassal kings, I have my own responsibilities as a vassal. If the court needs it, I will naturally do my best."
"However, the court has regulations on disaster relief methods everywhere. How can I dare to intervene without authorization? What's more, I have never had any experience in doing anything. Even if I participate in it, I am afraid it will be a disservice."
"I am naturally aware of the difficulties that the imperial court has experienced in the past two years. If there is a disaster this year, I am willing to donate 10,000 dan of grain to the national treasury to provide relief to the victims."
Unlike King Yi, King Zhou has always been famous for his virtues. Naturally, he was also highly valued by the previous emperors. Zhou Fan's annual salary was among the highest among the kings, reaching a terrifying twelve thousand stone. Moreover,
All withdrawals are made in true colors, without folding colors or folding banknotes.
Therefore, King Zhou is the real rich man. For him, ten thousand shi of grain is nothing. In fact, he can give more if necessary. However, King Yi took five thousand shi in front. If he
Taking too much will make King Yi feel embarrassed.
After hearing this, King Lu on the side also said:
"Your Majesty, I am also willing to donate eight thousand stones of grain to the national treasury. If necessary, I and the King of Zhou can discuss it with other kings later and each can contribute some more to serve the country. I will not wait for you.
Dare to refuse."
In just a short moment, it was already 23,000 dan. Moreover, if what King Lu said is true, then the total of these vassal kings in Beijing now totals 70,000 to 80,000 dan.
No problem at all.
It's a good thing that Shen Shangshu of the Ministry of Revenue is not here, otherwise, I'm afraid he would nod his head like a chicken pecking rice immediately.
Although it is said that these grains need to be converted into silver at a discount, which is actually only tens of thousands of taels of silver, but the national treasury is really empty now.
If these grains can be in place, at least within a month or two, the salaries of the officials in the capital will be secure.
But even so, the faces of King Zhou and others still looked a little worried, and they looked at the emperor sincerely, as if the emperor was not asking them for money now, but they were rushing to hand over the money.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu sighed and said.
"My uncles have really misunderstood. I understand your intentions. However, even if I take these grains, I will not take them to the treasury. After all, these grains are not for the court, but for the people."
"If you are really serious, you can distribute these grains directly to the people affected by the disaster, or cooperate with the local government to provide porridge and disaster relief. These are all good strategies. If necessary, I can issue a decree to the local government and order them to assist. yes."
This was also said sincerely, but after hearing it, the kings were not only not happy, but even more worried.
Immediately, King Zhou, King Lu, and King Yi stood up at the same time and said.
"Your Majesty, the so-called kindness comes from above. Of course, I am willing to share the country's worries. However, it is not my duty to steal heaven's grace to support my hopes. Therefore, your Majesty, please forgive me for not daring to obey the imperial edict."
After saying this, King Zhou even knelt down on the ground to show his solemnity.
King Lu and King Yi did not speak, but they acted in the same way as King Zhou. Obviously, they also had the same attitude.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu's face became serious.
Of course he understood what King Zhou and others were thinking.
If King Yi donated food in order to save money and avoid disaster and leave Beijing as soon as possible, then the subsequent actions of King Zhou and even King Lu had already begun to take shape.
It is difficult to get people to pay, but it also depends on the situation you are facing.
The king of Zhou and others wanted to donate the grain so actively. In the final analysis, it was actually the four words that the king of Zhou said just now.
Grace comes from above!
Taking King Yi as an example, Luoyang is indeed his fiefdom, but this does not mean that he can do whatever he wants in Luoyang.
As a vassal king, he could oppress the people, rob people's daughters, run horses in the streets, and even kill people. Although these crimes will pay a price, they will not damage the fundamentals.
On the contrary, if he has nothing to do but relieves the people, helps people in need, upholds justice, makes decisions for the people, wins a good reputation, and is praised by everyone among the people, then that is the real way to die.
Therefore, they are not afraid to provide money and food, because it is a one-time deal, and because the emperor has taken advantage of them, he will not continue to embarrass them.
However, if you want to participate in it yourself, you will arouse the suspicion of the court if you are not careful.
What does a vassal king want to do by winning the hearts of the people like this?
You must know that even for a vassal king with a virtuous reputation like King Zhou, his virtuous reputation is only reflected in restraining the prince's palace and not indiscriminately disturbing the people. He also has a "virtuous name" such as giving porridge and disaster relief. Don't dare touch it.
Only the imperial court can provide disaster relief, and only the imperial court can make the people burst into tears of gratitude.
Therefore, the King of Zhou and others would rather go around in a big circle and transfer money and grain to the treasury than do good deeds themselves.
This is not what is called timidity, on the contrary, it is a smart approach.
Because of this, the more "sincere" Zhu Qiyu's words were, the more Zhou Wang and others would feel that Zhu Qiyu was suspicious of them and was testing them in various ways.
In this way, it was naturally a dream for them to provide some money and food to dispel the emperor's suspicion.
It's just that although they understand this truth, they can't say it clearly.
However, Zhu Qiyu repeatedly pretended not to know. King Zhou and others had no choice but to clarify the meaning of these words.
Looking at the three vassal kings kneeling on the ground, Zhu Qiyu pondered and said.
"Several uncles please come up."
So, a chamberlain came forward and helped the old princes up. After they sat down again, Zhu Qiyu continued.
"I understand what you mean, but please rest assured, uncles, I am not saying this not because I don't trust you, nor to test you, but because I sincerely hope that the vassal kings from all over the world can share some of the burden for the imperial court."
Different from the sincerity just now, Zhu Qiyu also said these words very seriously and did not mean to be joking at all.
However, even so, King Zhou and others still lowered their heads and remained silent. The most taboo thing in the court was to believe what others said.
At this time, silence is the best response.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu was a little helpless. After thinking for a moment, he picked up the memorial that had just been sent back and said.
"All my uncles have read this memorial. I think that in recent times, there has been a lot of news in the capital. Even without this memorial, all my uncles should have known about the news that the Ministry of Rites wanted to reform the sect.
"
"In addition to the secret report I just showed you, the Ministry of Rites has actually presented it to me many times to discuss many details. You have also seen the general content of this matter..."
"The so-called emphasis on religious studies, the establishment of subject selection, the system of worship and sweeps, the dismissal of redundant posts, the strict protection of surveys, the establishment of worries, the carefulness of marriages, severe punishments, and the determination of clan salaries involve many things, but the only meaning is to reduce the treatment of clan members and create four more
The business of the people.”
"The measures among them have not yet been agreed upon, and we have no right to do so. However, you uncles need to know that the reason why the Ministry of Rites has made this report is actually because the population of our Ming Dynasty clan is increasing day by day, the court's financial resources are difficult to support, and the lives of lower-level clan members are difficult. In addition...
…”
At this point, Zhu Qiyu stopped talking and glanced at King Yi next to him. As expected, the old prince immediately lowered his head with a guilty conscience.
"Coupled with the fact that some vassal kings and princes disturbed the people and committed crimes, they have become a nuisance. Not only are they unable to control the country, but they have become bullies in the eyes of the people."
"As for the impeachments that the imperial court receives every year, there are countless more. Now, my vassal king of the Ming Dynasty has become a drag on the country in the private discussions of many officials..."
This is not a straightforward statement. Even though they knew it was true, the faces of several feudal princes were still a little confused when they were told this in person.
Especially the two senior vassal kings, King Zhou and King Lu, had already darkened their expressions. If it hadn't been for the emperor who said these words to them, they would have started a lawsuit.
But, even so, the two of them couldn't help but speak, saying.
"His Majesty……"
However, as soon as they said two words, Zhu Qiyu raised his hand to stop them and said.
"Of course I know that what these people say is not entirely true. This world belongs to the Zhu family, so naturally we have to guard it, which is the most secure thing."
These words were considered to be comforting, and they barely gave King Zhou and others a step forward, allowing their expressions to soften slightly.
But then, Zhu Qiyu changed the topic and said:
"However, since there is such a discussion, it still shows that there are some problems here. Of course, I understand that the current situation of the feudal prince's clan is not the fault of the clan."
This topic was somewhat sensitive, so Zhu Qiyu only touched on it briefly, without going into details, but quickly turned to the main topic.
"So, after much thought, I feel that if I want to put an end to these discussions, the vassal kings in various places should take on the responsibility of pastoral care. In normal times, they have their own prefectural and county offices to take care of various affairs. But in the event of disaster,
As the king of one party, if you still stand by and watch, you will be betraying the trust of the imperial court."
The issue of vassal kings has always been a worry for Zhu Qiyu.
By the end of the Ming Dynasty, this problem had never been solved. The system of dividing the world established by Emperor Taizu was originally intended to maintain the country, the country, and the country, but in the end, it became a factor that brought down the Ming Dynasty.
important reason.
It should be said that the Ming Dynasty was not without people with outstanding insight and the ability to see problems, nor was it without the courage to reform. However, many attempts proved to be failures in the end.
Even though Zhu Qiyu is leading the vassal reform this time, he is very clear that none of the methods currently proposed can actually solve the vassal problem.
This point is fixed from the very foundation.
If a clan is powerful, it will threaten the imperial court, so it must be suppressed. However, under the patriarchal system, the clan can only be suppressed, but cannot be cancelled.
Therefore, it can only become nondescript in the end, which is not beneficial to the country, but it cannot be canceled. Instead, it must be given privileges and generous treatment.
Zhu Qiyu had many ideas on how to carry out the vassal reform, which were eventually integrated into the vassal reform being prepared by the Ministry of Rites.
As he just said, this reform has two directions, one is to open up the business of the four people and gradually allow the clan to make a living on their own, and the other is to strengthen the control of the clan.
The entire Ming Dynasty actually focused on these two reforms. However, at least among the reforms Zhu Qiyu had seen, they all focused on the second. As for the issue of the clan’s future, before Xuande, the court basically did not
I have thought about it, that is, after Chenghua, this trend gradually appeared, but it is still only a supporting role and the opening is very small.
During this period of time, Zhu Qiyu continued to discuss this matter with Hu Hui. As the various regulations gradually became clearer, he also came up with an idea that was completely different from usual.
Are these vassal kings really just a drag on the imperial court? Is there a way to allow them to play their role without threatening the imperial court, and in turn become a help to the imperial court?
When this idea first came up, Zhu Qiyu himself thought it was ridiculous.
Just as King Zhou and others had just worried, once the vassal king became powerful, he would definitely pose a threat to the imperial court. This is an answer that has been proven countless times in history.
As long as you need to do something, you will inevitably gain power gradually. Take the matter of disaster relief as an example. The feudal king's participation in disaster relief requires the cooperation of local officials. In this way, he will inevitably deal with local officials. If they have a deep friendship, it is inevitable.
Will hook up privately.
In addition, as King Zhou and others said, once the vassal king directly donates porridge or participates in disaster relief in other ways, then the people will thank the vassal king. With such a reputation, won't it pose a threat to the court?
There are many problems that are difficult to solve, and it is almost a dead end.
However, perhaps he has seen too many failures. The more he completes the regulations of the Ministry of Rites, the stronger Zhu Qiyu’s feeling becomes.
And this feeling reached its peak when King Zhou and others entered the palace this time.
You must know that with Zhu Yi's scheming and cunning, and with the secret support of Zhu Qiyu, he was able to move around the capital with almost no disadvantages.
Whether it was Zhang Shi, Zhu Jian, the Sun family in the palace, or the Supreme Emperor, almost all of them were plotted by him.
However, it was Zhu Yi who actually failed in front of King Yi, a vassal king who had always been domineering, absurd and notorious...