Emperor Taizong's Growth Plan

Chapter 256 The implementation of the millet worship and the high military expenditure

Yunguo Imperial Palace, in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The little eunuch walked to the side of Yang Yanhe, who was walking in the cabinet, handed over a bright yellow silk imperial decree, and ordered:

"This is His Majesty's imperial decree, Lord Yang please polish it."

Yang Yanhe nodded upon hearing this, took the edict from the eunuch, and looked at it casually.

But with 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 His Majesty meant?"

Hearing this, the little eunuch was stunned for a moment, somewhat confused as to why Yang Yanhe asked such a question suddenly.

After receiving the affirmative reply from the little eunuch, a look of hesitation appeared on Yang Yanhe's face.

Xiao Yu, who was also walking for the cabinet, happened to notice the situation here, and immediately came over and asked:

"Master Yang, do you need help?"

Yang Yanhe didn't speak, but just handed over the will in his hand.

Xiao Yu stretched out his hand to take it indifferently, but when he saw the content clearly, his eyes widened suddenly, and his expression was even more exaggerated than Yang Yanhe just now.

"This, this, this is..." Xiao Yu looked unacceptable.

Yang Yanhe pondered for a moment, then looked into the inner hall and said:

"Why don't you go see His Majesty and ask clearly..."

Previously, the inner hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation was the resting place for the emperors of all dynasties.

But since Xiao Cheng established the cabinet and ordered a group of cabinets to walk in the Hall of Mental Cultivation to run errands, the inner hall was removed from the bed and changed into a place for Xiao Cheng to deal with government affairs on a daily basis.

The family background that Goldfinger arranged for Xiao Yu was the clan of Yun Kingdom.So in Xiao Yu's cognition, his relationship with His Majesty can be regarded as close.Hearing Yang Yanhe's proposal at this time, he nodded in agreement without hesitation, and immediately let the eunuch go in to report.

Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu, Xiao Cheng has great trust in them.Even though their qualifications are not deep, the two of them have already begun to take on the heavy responsibility of the cabinet.The waiters in the palace are always the most winking, so naturally it is impossible to stop them, so they hurriedly entered the inner hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation to report.

Not long after, in the inner hall, Xiao Chenglang's voice was heard:

"come in!"

When Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu heard the words, they immediately stepped into the inner hall.

"See Your Majesty!" The two bowed and saluted.

In the inner hall, there are high memorials piled up on the table.Xiao Cheng leaned over to review the memorial, even if the two of them entered the inner hall, they didn't bother to raise their heads, and said casually:
"Why do you want to see me?"

Hearing this, Yang Yanhe glanced slightly at Xiao Yu who was at the side.

Xiao Yu did not back down, holding the imperial decree in his hand, and said in a deep voice:
"I came here because of His Majesty's will..."

"Dare to ask Your Majesty, who are the ten figures above the imperial decree? What kind of merits have they made, and they need to be rewarded by the Marquis of Neiting within the imperial court?"

Xiao Cheng, who was at the top of the list, paused slightly when he was reviewing the memorial when he heard the words, looked up at the two of them, nodded and said:

"It turned out to be for this matter!"

Xiao Cheng paused for a moment, then continued:
"These people are big merchants in the country. The plague in the northern counties in the past few months depends on them to maintain the supply of supplies. To contribute to the country, I naturally don't want to chill their hearts!"

The reason why Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu showed such expressions at this time was that the imperial decree they were holding in their hands that needed their embellishment turned out to be a decree for dozens of people to be canonized as Marquis of Neiting.

Hearing Xiao Cheng's acknowledgment, Yang Yanhe coughed lightly, remonstrating:
"Your Majesty, this court official title is the foundation of governing the country, how can it be easily granted to others?"

Xiao Cheng blinked his eyes when he heard this, and said:
"It's just for the Marquis Xujue of Neiting, but not for the salary..."

Ten miles is a pavilion, and Tinghou refers to the title of a pavilion in the feudal city.

Neitinghou, its other name, Dutinghou, may be more familiar to people.And the so-called capital pavilion is a pavilion in the city.

However, no matter which country is ancient or modern, China or foreign countries, the situation of a country within a country rarely occurs.Therefore, the feudal towns in this city are just a name.

Strictly speaking, it means that the imperial court gave you a virtual title of Marquis of Ting.The name is given to you, but you don’t have real land, and then every year the imperial court will send you a little money symbolically, which will be regarded as the tax of the fiefdom.

And for these merchants, even this little money is not needed!These people are all big merchants in Yunguo, they are really poor and only have money left...

Under the background of feudal society, for merchants, "the poor only have money left" 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 Miscellaneous Family, who is now under the law, this great merchant who can affect the prosperity of the entire Yunguo market, under the pressure of the imperial power and the imperial court, unless he has the idea of ​​killing the fish and breaking the net, there is no way at all. Any way to resist.

Entering millet to pay homage to the noble is a matter for both parties, and it is the best of both worlds.

The court of Yunguo saved a lot of expenses, and the merchants who worked hard got the social status they dreamed of.

Xiao Cheng felt that this method was very promising.If implemented properly, it would be an excellent thing for the imperial court!
At this time, Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu didn't seem to think so.

Yang Yanhe pondered for a while, but opened his mouth and said:

"Your Majesty, the ministers naturally understand your intentions... Chen Te is not flattering the emperor, but your majesty is only a weak year, and has such civil and military achievements. Eliminate powerful ministers, imperial conquests, and sweep away the country's long-term ills. , Imperial Examination, so that His Majesty's sages will be praised to the world, and in the future, I will definitely be the sage who will praise the hundred or even thousand years!"

Xiao Cheng watched Yang Yanhe say these words with a serious face, 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 a model for future kings to follow. Therefore, we need to pay attention to everything from words and deeds to administrative methods!"

Xiao Yu on the side heard the words, and immediately answered:

"Although His Majesty conferred false titles today, it is a loophole for future generations of kings. Selling titles and officials can be used as an excuse to imitate Your Majesty. People in future generations can also use this to attack Your Majesty. The reason why the ministers persuaded Remonstrance, it is because of this reason!"

Hearing this, Xiao Cheng was slightly stunned.

At this time, he remembered, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty who promoted the worship of millet in history.There are indeed many people in later generations who directly pinned my Daqing (cough cough) original sin of prostitution to the emperor of the Han Dynasty directly on Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.

In fact, since the Western Han Dynasty, the donation of officials has never stopped, and even evolved the system of election.But in so many dynasties, I, Daqing, have never been so blatant and made conventions!

At this time Yang Yanhe continued:
"There are many ways to reward those who have meritorious service. Now that there is no shortage of gold and silver in the treasury, why use such a method to taint His Majesty's holy name and prestige?"

From the resourceful perspective of Xiao Yu, Yang Yan and the two of them, it is obvious that they are not so pedantic, but they just objected because they simply felt that this was selling an official position.The reasons for their opposition are firstly that they are worried about leaving an excuse for the future generations who are incapable of the king of the Yun Kingdom, and secondly that they are worried that some people in future generations will use this to discredit Xiao Cheng's prestige.

Xiao Cheng pondered for a moment, but chuckled lightly, shook his head and said:
"The two of you are worried, and I already know it! It's just that I also have my plan. This system of rewarding merchants with vain titles is related to the great cause of unifying the world in the future. I have already made up my mind!"

Now these merchants can guarantee the supply of grain, grass and materials in the northern border for a few months, and when the world wars, the army's grain, grass and materials will naturally be able to afford the less critical part of it.

The supply battalion in the army is the main one, and the merchant caravan is the supplementary. The combination of the two will save loss, time, manpower, gold and silver, which must not be underestimated!
Xiao Cheng raised his head slightly, and said in a high-spirited tone:

"Comments on merits and demerits are free for future generations. But if I rule the world and create an unprecedented great cause, are I still afraid of being smeared by future generations? As for the continuation and replacement of this society, it is not up to me to be the master!"

Even the most prosperous dynasties such as the Han and Tang dynasties sometimes collapsed.When it really comes to the decline of the dynasty, unless you meet an eternal hero, it will be useless for anyone to come...

Although the two of them are always sensible, but as long as they think that they can assist Xiao Cheng to create such a great cause, and proudly and confidently let the posterity comment on his achievements, they can't help but feel a surge of emotion, and they can't be calm for a long time.

Well, originally they came to persuade Xiao Cheng, but in the end, Xiao Cheng persuaded them...

But at this time, the palace attendant suddenly said outside the palace:
"Your Majesty Qizuo, Old Taiwei Tao is asking to see you outside the hall!"

Hearing this, Xiao Cheng laughed uncontrollably and said:
"Good guy, it's just a coincidence. Please come in!"

Xiao Yu and Yang Yanhe looked at each other, and immediately bowed their hands and said in unison:
"Sir, please retire!"

Xiao Cheng slapped his head at this time, raised his hand to signal the two to stop, and said:

"By the way, wait, I suddenly remembered!"

The two paused, and Qi Qi looked at Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng said:

"The counties in the northern border had lost their functions because of the war before. Not long after it was established, Shen Ruiguang happened again. Many officials in the counties went in. The northern border faces Xia Guo directly. Once the war Since it is the front line, if we don’t send competent people to manage government affairs and restore order, I really don’t feel at ease.”

"There is also Yongzhou, the land of the four states is the homeland of the Li Dynasty, the Xia Kingdom is to the north, and the Li Dynasty is to the south. This place is more important than the northern border. I will also send someone to preside over it!"

When the two heard what Xiao Cheng said, they immediately looked at each other.

Xiao Cheng left the two of them at this time, and when he talked about this matter, the meaning was obvious.

"I feel that this prime minister must have originated from a prefecture and county. He has never been in charge of a party, so how can he be in the center? This time, it is also 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.

Just now, Yang Yanhe and Xiao Yu were excited by Xiao Cheng's words, and they could only wish to assist Xiao Cheng to create a great achievement that will be recorded in history.

Hearing these words at this time, naturally he would not feel any rejection, and quickly said in unison:
"The ministers are willing to work hard for His Majesty!"

Xiao Cheng nodded and said in a deep voice:

"Since you agree, then go back and make preparations early!"

"Yes!" The two bowed and then turned to leave.

Just before the two arrived at the gate of the palace, they happened to meet the old Tai Wei Tao Ai.They saluted Tao Ai respectfully and got 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 considered as one by the government and the public, now Ma Minwen and Qu Cheng have been ennobled and returned home to be honored and raised, leaving only Tao Aishang as the Taiwei.

Now Tao Ai is presiding over the preparations for Xiao Chengxin's Fifth Army Commander's Mansion.

Xiao Cheng nodded slightly, smiled and said:

"The old Taiwei came today, but what happened to the preparations of the Fifth Army Commander's Mansion?"

Tao Ai nodded, then shook his head slightly, then took out a memorial from his bosom, held it in both hands, and said solemnly:

"Qizou Your Majesty, the old minister did find some problems when he was preparing for the Fifth Army Commander's Mansion!"

Xiao Cheng raised his hand slightly, and when even a young eunuch in the palace trotted to take the memorial from Tao Ai's hand, he held it in front of Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng opened it and read it again, but he said with a puzzled expression:
"This is the statistical list of money and food consumed by the army in the middle of the country. It is no different from what I have seen before! What did the captain want to say for showing me?"

Tao Ai heard this, and said in a serious voice:

"Your Majesty, the old minister has read the notes from the past few years. Wang Xiao maintains his elite frontier army, and the annual military expenditure is about three or four million taels. But this year, it is only halfway through, and the money and food notes reported by the army are not It's already as high as 400 million taels. Among them, there is something unusual. It is because of this that the old minister entered the palace to meet His Majesty!"

Hearing this, Xiao Cheng subconsciously frowned, but glanced at the military expenditure details again, and couldn't help laughing, saying:
"I have always been aware of the loyalty of the Taiwei. But among them, no one is cheating!"

Xiao Cheng has always been very aware of the importance of military power, and now the soldiers and horses in Yunguo, the [-] army in the north, are controlled by Cheng Bushi.The tens of thousands of frontier troops stationed in Yongzhou in the southeast were taken over by Di Qing after Shi An was ordered to return to Beijing.In the south of Xiushan County, Yang Dayan also led an army of tens of thousands to watch Li Chao closely.

These people are all loyal people without doubt.

As for the Forbidden Army in Central Beijing and the Great Camp in the outskirts of Beijing, they were also selected by Xiao Cheng's confidants to take over.

There may still be officials in the local area who have the courage to deceive the superior and the inferior, relying on the height of the sky and the distance of the emperor, but there is absolutely no such possibility in the army!
Tao Ai frowned when he heard what Xiao Cheng said:

"Then why is the military expenditure of the army so high this year, almost double that of previous years?
You know, in the past few years, Wang Xiao has been using troops against the small southern countries and has been fighting.

Although the world is not peaceful this year, there is no war after all. It stands to reason that the military expenditure should drop a lot!
Hearing this, Xiao Cheng lowered his head and flipped through the details in his hand, frowned, coughed lightly, and said:
"I ordered someone to train a few soldiers and horses. Cough cough, um, the loss is a bit large..."

Youzhou tu cavalry, Guanning iron cavalry, and white cavalry, two third-tier troops, and only one second-tier cavalry is heavy armored cavalry. Even though Xiao Cheng didn't train much, the attrition was astonishing.

But, for Xiao Cheng who has already seen the three soldiers and horses that have just formed, all this is worth it!
Tao Ai was stunned when he heard this, and said:
"A few newly trained soldiers and horses? Your Majesty, there are so many elite soldiers in the country, why do you have to train new soldiers and horses?"

Xiao Cheng smiled slightly, and said in a deep voice:
"After a while, I can take the Taiwei to have a look with my own eyes, and the Taishi will know why I want to train these soldiers and horses!"

　This chapter has political key content, so it will be blocked again...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)