The Concubine Wushuang of Red Mansion

Chapter 138 Another trap arises

"Your Majesty, I think that of the 330 million taels of silver confiscated from the Zhen family, 150 million can be allocated to build the Panyue Tower for the Supreme Emperor first. It just so happens that this batch of silver needs someone to escort it to the capital. It is better to let Jia Cong personally escort it until it arrives in the capital. If Jia Cong is innocent, he will be tried by the three departments again, and his name can be cleared."

The emperor's eyes widened. Is Gu Mingchen himself a fool, or does he think he is a fool?Or maybe you think Jia Cong is too young and treat Jia Cong as a fool?

The emperor felt that perhaps in the eyes of Gu Mingchen and others, he and Jia Cong were both fools.

"What do you think of Gu Mingchen's proposal?" The emperor wanted to use this method to see how much the Gonggun princes in the court thought of Jia Cong.
"I second the proposal!" Liu Fang decided to take back his slanderous opinions on these civil servants. As expected, these scholars have a lot of twists and turns in their stomachs. His stupid brain is really incomparable with these people.

"I think Master Gu's proposal is very appropriate. I don't know whether the rumors about General Jia Cong that I heard are true or false. I believe that the trial of Jia Cong's three divisions will have a fair result. If Jia Cong He is innocent and no one can slander him again!"

Yan Weiyong also hurriedly agreed, "I second my opinion!"

The Prince of Beijing County stood in the first class. After the civil servants finished expressing their opinions, he also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I second the proposal! The so-called groundless theory is true. Although Jia Cong is talented in literature, Tao and military strategy, he is still young after all. , On the battlefield, sometimes one loses judgment and makes one wrong step after another. I think it is not terrible for Jia Cong to make mistakes, but it is really terrible if he cannot correct them in time."

The Prince of Beijing County is a leading figure in the veteran martial arts. Although Shui Rong is not very old, he is quite famous. He was born like a jade tree in the wind. In Jia Cong's words, his acting skills are also very good. He is very good at winning people's hearts. He has a certain conclusion. ability.

"Jia Cong is not much younger than you. So, Xia Jin is both his master and his superior. If he did something that killed a good person and took credit for it, would Xia Jin also be guilty of negligence?"

The emperor was obviously dissatisfied and asked Zhang Qilin, "You are also Jia Cong's master. You also taught him when he was studying in the study. Tell me, what kind of person is Jia Cong?"

Zhang Qilin took a step forward and knelt down and said, "Back to the emperor, when Jia Cong was studying in the study, I saw that he was sincere, rigorous in his studies, respected his teachers, and got along well with his classmates. In a short period of time, he gained the respect of his teachers. The student's praise is like a gentleman's."

Is Zhang Qilin going to make enemies with the civil service group?
Zhao Song was very surprised and reminded him, "Mr. Zhang, the art of identifying people is really unpredictable. There is a saying that goes, 'Knowing the face of a person but not the heart, it is difficult to paint the skin of a tiger but the bones'. I am already going to the grave." I dare not say that I can see through the mind of a three-year-old baby, let alone you, Yu Jia Cong. I thought that someone who could write "One Cut Plum" at such a young age could write a story about the deep resentment of a boudoir. You are by no means a simple person. "

Zhang Qilin said, "Thank you, Lord Chief Assistant, for your teachings. I am just discussing the matter. Since the emperor has asked about it, I must speak my mind no matter what, otherwise I will be deceiving the emperor!"

Seeing that Zhang Qilin refused to repent, Zhao Song couldn't help but get angry. It was all Xiong Bichen's fault. Jia Cong was Xiong Bichen's close disciple. That's why Zhang Qilin was so protective, even at the risk of ruining his own future.

The emperor was very pleased that there were still two people standing on his side in the court.

King Zhongshun also came forward at the right time and said, "Your Majesty, I am also willing to vouch for Jia Cong. I have also led troops and fought in battles. This matter of killing good people and taking credit for their merits seems easy, but it is difficult to do. Even if Jia Cong Cong is so courageous, and Xia Jin is still watching. I think the emperor should rectify the atmosphere in the court, but now in order to eliminate dissidents, can you tell the truth? "

Although King Zhongshun was dissatisfied with Jia Cong in various ways, most of them were personal grudges because of his daughter. King Zhongshun also liked Jia Cong's ability.

He sometimes thought that if Jia Cong didn't have such a background, and Ning Rong's second house wasn't the kind of person who couldn't figure things out, and there hadn't been scandals again and again, he would have been willing to support Jia Cong and let Jia Cong do what he wanted. son-in-law.

But Jia Cong was too capable and could be manipulated so much that King Zhongshun did not want to be accidentally manipulated by Jia Cong and become jealous of his brother. He would feel uncomfortable being caught between the two of them.

Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing, also stood up at this time and said, "Your Majesty, what Prince Zhongshun said makes sense. I am also a man who has led troops in battles. I think Jia Cong is guilty of killing good people and taking credit for his merits. I think we can send someone to investigate.

Moreover, the Japanese pirates have been serious in the coastal area of ​​Ningbo, which has lasted for decades and has not been eradicated. A large part of the reason is that the Japanese pirates colluded with the local people. For their own selfish interests, those people not only did not rise up to fight against the Japanese, but often pretended to be Japanese invaders. They pretend to be Japanese pirates and in turn oppress good people. I think these people are more hateful than Japanese pirates. "

Shi Ding's words really lead to progress and retreat. If Jia Cong really kills good people and takes credit, he must kill those fake Japanese.

The emperor was overjoyed and slapped the dragon head on the armrest of the dragon chair. "Since Jia Cong is not suspected of killing good people and taking merit, then today's court discussion will end here. In the southeast, the anti-Japanese war has just achieved results. It's time to make persistent efforts, so it's not appropriate to change the general rashly, so let Jia Cong stay there. On the other hand, in Liaodong, the new commander-in-chief has not made any achievements. Think about it carefully, is it time to change?"

The emperor's face darkened as he spoke. He was obviously dissatisfied that there were too many soldiers.

I think so. After Xia entered the southeast, not only did he win three victories against the Japanese, but up to now, the matter of food and salary has not bothered the court at all. Instead, Jia Cong has obtained more than 300 million taels of silver there and poured it out to supply households. department.

When the Supreme Emperor wants money, it depends on the emperor's face. Today, Yan Weiyong wants it, and the emperor is not stupid. Whether the Supreme Emperor wants Jia Cong or money, he can only choose one of the two.

Seeing that the Supreme Emperor was only trembling for the last time after his ascension, he climbed the moon tower together and sang a few good poems. The gods in the sky were happy and opened the gate of heaven. A rainbow bridge can lead the Supreme Emperor up.

Do you still need to think about who to choose?
When the emperor's words came to pass, Liu Fang and others, who had been shouting loudly at the beginning, died down. For the first time, the emperor's decree was not questioned by the Gonggun princes in the court, and passed smoothly, allowing the emperor to realize the truth that money is omnipotent.

If the commander-in-chief of Liaodong is changed again, it is impossible to come up with a charter for a while. At this moment, in the minds of the courtiers, the affairs in the south of the Yangtze River are the most important. Jia Cong is still alive and still jumping around. Liaodong What's the point over there? Nurhachi won't be able to come to Shanhaiguan anytime soon.

The emperor felt sorry for the 150 million taels of silver, and his heart was bleeding.

After the dynasty was over, King Zhongshun, Shi Ding and Zhang Qilin were a little slow. It was not because they were slow on purpose. King Zhongshun was the first in Wu Xun's line. When he turned around and walked out, he must have been the last in line.

Shi Ding and Zhang Qilin, on the other hand, were not liked by others. Everyone wanted to squeeze in front of them, and some people deliberately blocked their way, so they were a step slower.

All three of them were stopped by Song Hong, who called them to Dong Nuan Pavilion.

"I don't understand, and Zhao Song and the others also understand that there is no good land left in the entire Dashun. With the war in the north, the entire border defense is almost reduced to a sieve, and nine out of ten houses are empty.
In places like Henan and Shaanxi, I don’t know how many people froze to death last winter. Even if they didn’t freeze to death, they will starve to death this spring. Those who haven’t starved to death yet don’t know if they can survive this winter. From Shandong From Ningbo to Fujian, everyone is fighting against the Japanese, and there are not even two good citizens left..."

The emperor became angrier and angrier as he spoke, with tears in his eyes. When he couldn't control himself, his voice broke a little, "But look, how many people in this court take my difficulties into their eyes? Do they take them to heart?"

Yes, if there is a change of dynasty, I, the emperor, will not be able to survive. They, the ministers, can change their court clothes and kneel three times and kowtow nine times. "

These words were so serious that Zhang Qilin and Shi Ding knelt on the ground, trembling with fear.

Only King Zhongshun, who was qualified to advance and retreat with the emperor, was not suspected of this, so he was not afraid and comforted the emperor, saying, "Brother, there are always loyal ministers in the court. What the emperor said is not a year or two ago. Three feet of ice did not freeze in a day, nor could the emperor's brother reverse the situation in three or two years. The emperor's brother worked diligently, loved the people, and worked hard. The courtiers saw it, and the people also knew it.

Besides, this is an unreasonable extra of more than 300 million taels of silver. The emperor might as well think carefully about how to distribute it and relieve the pressure on all aspects. "

The emperor didn't want to talk about it right now. If we talked about it, he would have to talk about a shortfall of 150 million taels. How could he be willing to do so?
"My intention is to hand over the anti-Japanese affairs in the southeast to Jia Cong and let Xia Jin take over as the commander-in-chief of Liaodong. If Liaodong continues like this, not even Jinzhou can be saved." The emperor became very irritable when he talked about Liaodong.

Liaodong is a bit far from the capital, but it is only separated by the pace of Shanhaiguan.If those Jurchens refuse to fight, Mongolia will move forward, and then it will not only be chaos in Liaodong.

If Jia Cong is placed in the southeast to fight against the Japanese, Jia Cong can't just be a general. Does it mean that Jia Cong will be promoted again?
King Zhongshun did not say a word, but Shi Ding was thinking in his heart that this boy from the Jia family should not be underestimated. He asked, "Your Majesty, Xia Jin is posted as the Commander-in-Chief of Zhejiang Province. If Xia Jin is appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong, then what will happen to Zhejiang Province?" Is Jia Cong the successor to the Commander-in-Chief Army? I think Jia Cong was promoted too quickly?" Originally, the emperor was also muttering about this matter, but he had no choice. He didn't have anyone who could lead the troops in the war. Most of the generals in the court came from the sects of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes. Does the emperor dare to use them?

Jia Cong was indeed too young, and it was inappropriate for him to be promoted too quickly. The emperor said, "Jia Cong will take the post of general for the time being. Let Xia Jin arrange the handover in the south and go to Liaodong as soon as possible. The food and salary will be paid." Xia Jin will find a way to prepare it himself."

Is this last sentence the key point?Only then did King Zhongshun know what the emperor had planned. Jia Cong was Xia Jin's disciple. Now more than 300 million taels of silver were in Jia Cong's hands. It was up to him to see if Jia Cong dared to withdraw the silver from the middle. Gave it to Xia Jin.

If you dare, you will be handing over the handle to the people on the Emperor's side. If you don't dare, the Emperor will definitely be dissatisfied.

Once a hole is leveled, another hole appears.

When Xia Jin received the imperial edict, it was a lie to say that he was not angry. He originally thought that the current emperor who did not practice Taoism must be much better than the previous emperor. He also planned to dedicate his life to the emperor. There was no need. It doesn't matter where you move.

If he was asked to sacrifice his own life, Xia Jin would have nothing to say, but if he was asked to use his disciple's life to fulfill his own destiny, Xia Jin would not be willing to do so.

Jinling, the Yinghua business on the edge of the Qinhuai River, was not affected by the fall of the Zhen family.

On the contrary, the internal strife caused by an outhouse in the Zhen family gave Jia Cong an opportunity to take advantage of it. In the end, it collapsed into a complete defeat and became a topic of conversation for everyone after dinner.

At this time, in Dong Xiaoqing's Helou, a middle-aged man came up shaking a fan without an inscription. Dong Xiaoqing hurriedly held up his skirt to greet him, and bowed down, "Mr. Zhao, why are you here so early? Already?"

This Dong Xiaoqing is sixteen or seventeen years old, with eyebrows like distant mountains and skin as thick as gel. She is wearing a cotton silk jacket embroidered with white plum blossoms. Every smile is charming.

It was also the first time for Zhao Zibi to meet Dong Xiaoqing. He only raised his eyebrows and glanced at her without being moved, but he said what he said on the occasion, "I'm not afraid that you will miss me, why are you not happy that you are here early? "

"Oh, I know how to coax people. Since I can't bear to leave the slave family, why do I still tell the slave family that the person I want to accompany today is a young master? Please tell me, how young is he?" Dong Xiaoqing stepped forward and took Zhao Zibi's arm. , a gust of fragrant wind blew over, and Zhao Zibi was still moved for a moment.

This is such a stunner!

Dong Xiaoqing's river tower is not easy to get into. There are hundreds of river towers on the Qinhuai River. Among them, there are three that have the loudest reputation, all because the owners of these three river towers are all good at sex and art.

Dong Xiaoqing's family is one of them. From the princes and grandsons to the wealthy businessmen, no one would want to come and have a kiss in this golden land in the south of the Yangtze River.

The people who asked Dong Xiaoqing were scheduled to go out two or three months later. Zhao Zibi also spent a lot of money to buy the time tonight, but it was not for himself.

"Hahaha, he is small, I don't know whether the job is small or not!" Zhao Zibi took the opportunity to pinch Dong Xiaoqing's buttocks, which felt good.

Dong Xiaoqing raised his slender eyebrows and slapped Zhao Zibi's hand, "If you want me to serve two at the same time, I'll have to pay extra!"

"Hahaha, no, no, I'm here mainly for Mr. Jia today. Just serve him well and don't worry about me. If you can't live without me, I'll come back another day."

"How can there be such a thing like you? Baba'er is here and he's just helping others. Hmm, it really hurts the slave family's heart!" Dong Xiaoqing twisted in a seductive manner, which only aroused Zhao Zibi's evil fire. It was getting late at this time, and Zhao Zibi did not dare to make any mistakes, so he just sat and drank tea.

"Xiaoqing's female history, you are an official who doesn't understand the style, so I managed to squeeze in to your place. You are not tempted at all, but you want to give up this good opportunity. But you don't know. At this moment, I even ate it. You have your heart, but it’s a pity that this opportunity today is really not mine!”

"Who is he? Look at your appearance, he is very flattering!"

"Speaking of which, this man is not old and his official position is not high, but he is a promising young man. To tell you the truth, I even lost my son in their hands. But today, if I want to survive, I have to Don’t rely on others!”

No matter how deep the words were, Zhao Zibi couldn't say anything. He didn't care how Dong Xiaoqing flirted with her. He was not moved at all. After waiting for about a cup of tea, he heard voices coming from downstairs. Zhao Zibi Bi hurriedly got up and went to the door.

Jia Cong arrived late, entered the door, and pulled down the pocket on his head, revealing a young and immature face. Dong Xiaoqing was shocked. This... so young, and his hair has not even grown, how can she serve her? ?
"Nv Shi Xiaoqing, this is a young man who is famous in the north and south. Where is the great talent Jia Cong and Jia Yuanze? The words and music you sing are all written by him. Tell me, I will invite him today. Are you the one who takes advantage here?"

Zhao Zibi was afraid that Dong Xiaoqing would look down on Jia Cong and offend him, and his plan would be over.

Dong Xiaoqing's eyes lit up and he hurriedly stepped forward to bow down, "The slave family has met General Jia Shen. Oh, if I had known that it was Jia Shen who was coming, I should have gone out to greet him. What a neglect, what a neglect!"

Dong Xiaoqing reached out to hold Jia Cong's arm, and she was very attentive. She would try her best today to get this talented man to write a poem for her. In the future, even if she gets old, she can rely on this poem to support herself.

"Mr. Zhao, you invited me here. What do you want to say?"

Jia Cong had been busy at the Shenbing Camp all day today, and he finally had some clues about the formula of gunpowder. He was very tired, and sat down on a chair leaning against Dong Xiaoqing. Dong Xiaoqing wanted to sit on his lap, so he Pulling the person aside, he still wanted to sit on the prostitute's lap.

"How about we talk inside? I have prepared a table of wine and food, and we can talk while eating." Zhao Zibi said.

"also!"

After the two sat down, Zhao Zibi personally poured wine for Jia Cong, and after asking Dong Xiaoqing to step aside first, he said, "I wonder if General Jia Cong has received any news from the court?"

"What are you referring to?" Jia Cong twirled the wine glass without intending to drink.

"The emperor transferred Xia Jin to be the commander-in-chief of the Liaodong army and asked him to prepare his own military pay and supplies. I don't understand the meaning of the court. I wonder if General Jia can understand it?"

Jia Cong said, "You are a civil servant. To put it bluntly, you are a money lover of the Supreme Emperor. Mr. Zhao, if I remember correctly, there is some personal grudge between us. You asked me so straightforwardly. How can I be honest?" , even if I knew something, I wouldn’t dare tell you.”

Zhao Zibi no longer dared to look down on Jia Cong. This young man was careful to be ruthless and cruel. The Zhen family and the Jia family had been close relatives for generations, and he would do it right away.

Seeing Jia Cong being so straightforward, Zhao Zibi knew that the young man probably didn't have much patience, so he said, "General Jia, if you intend to rectify Jiangnan officialdom, I am willing to be your vanguard."

(End of this chapter)