The Concubine Wushuang of Red Mansion

Chapter 165 Visiting Daiyu at Night
After Jia Cong finished suppressing the bandits, he rushed to send the memorial to the capital. The memorial passed by the eunuch sent by Emperor Taiqi to deliver the order. After he received the order from the suburbs, his marching speed slowed down.

After setting up camp on the outskirts of Beijing, Emperor Taiqi sent someone to announce that he would come to Beijing overnight to meet the emperor.

Jia Cong could understand why he was so anxious. He almost turned half of the south of the Yangtze River upside down. Although every detail was reported to the capital through a secret report and made known to the emperor, it was still not as clear as the report.

"Ai Qing, please come to Dong Nuan Pavilion to talk to me!"

Emperor Taiqi went in first, followed closely by Jia Cong. After taking two steps, when he saw Song Hong following, Jia Cong stepped aside to give way. Song Hong was shocked and said, "Master Marquis, you have ruined our family!"

Jia Cong smiled. Since he had made a gesture of humility and Song Hong had already appreciated it, there was no need for him to act any more. He entered Dongnuan Pavilion with a particularly humble attitude.

"Give a seat!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"My dear, please sit down. My dear, you have grown a lot in recent years. I haven't seen you for many years, and I miss you very much. You were studying in the South Study Room with all my princes. It's still yesterday."

Jia Cong seemed to be touched. Tears filled his eyes, and he choked with sobs and said, "I don't think about the emperor all the time. I was just a person begging for mercy in the corner of the Rongguo Palace. Without the emperor's mercy, I really don't know." Where I am today and where I am destined to go, I dare not even imagine!"

Seeing this, Emperor Taiqi was relieved, and his goal was achieved. This is why he dared to reuse Jia Cong. As Jia Cong said, a person who is not tolerated by the family and who is persecuted at a young age will definitely He regards the person who is willing to give him a hand as his only support.

This is also the reason why Emperor Taiqi regarded Jia Cong as his nephew. Touching people with emotion rather than the righteousness of the monarch and his ministers should be able to win over the young man's heart more.

"I already know everything about what you did in Jiangnan. To me, you are an unparalleled horse. When the country is in such a difficult time, I am really happy to have a talented person like you come to the world to help me protect my life and safety."

It was also just now that Jia Cong showed humility to Song Hong, which was noticed by Emperor Taiqi. He did not expect that Jia Cong, who was granted the title of Marquis at a young age, had no arrogance at all, which was even more rare.

It can be seen that Jia Cong always has the heart of a king and a father in his heart. If Jia Cong becomes elated after entering the palace, even if he shows a little arrogance, then this will not be what Emperor Taiqi said at this time.

Tomorrow's suburban welcome will have a very different meaning.

Jia Cong hurriedly stood up from the embroidered pier, knelt down and said, "I dare not claim to be talented. I only want to relieve the worries of my father and seek the welfare of the people. I cannot bear to see the people in the southeast suffering from bandits day and night, as if they are in purgatory." , I feel that I have been abandoned by my father; I cannot bear to see those aristocratic families enjoying the well-being brought by the dynasty, but colluding with Japanese pirates just for their own selfish interests; I cannot bear to see my father appointing virtuous people, being vigilant, sleeping at night and eating late at night, but……"

He raised his head and looked at Emperor Tai Qi with tearful eyes. His eyes paused on his temples for a moment, then he lowered his head humbly, "Seeing that the emperor's temples are gray and thin, I really can't bear it, and my insides are burning!"

Emperor Taiqi was also moved by this innocent heart, and couldn't help but have tears in his eyes. He stretched out his hand to support Jia Cong's arm and exerted a slight force. Jia Cong quickly got up from the ground, sat on the embroidered pier, and took out the handkerchief. The prince wiped his tears and said, "Your Majesty, I have behaved inappropriately in front of you. Please punish me!"

"My beloved showed his true feelings, and I am really touched. How can I bear to punish him?" Emperor Tai Qi gradually calmed down the inner lake that was stirred up by Jia Cong. After many years, in addition to being angry, worried, and helpless, he also He was rarely touched anymore, and the emperor's heart became increasingly numb, making it difficult to feel the true feelings of the world.

This feeling is both strange and scary.

"The reason why I summoned you to the palace overnight is because I wanted to hear what you said in the secret memorial about sending treasure ships south to visit the Western countries, to conduct overseas trade, and to enrich the internal affairs."

Jia Cong knew that the emperor's biggest dilemma at the moment was lack of money. A country without money is the same as a family or a company without money. Once the capital chain is broken, it can easily lead to collapse.

Although at present, Jia Cong has copied Tan Jing and five major Jiangnan families and made a lot of money, but the money comes and goes quickly.

The country wants money everywhere. The situation in Liaodong is unstable and must be supported by money. The northern barbarians are ready to move, and money must be spent on defense. The current situation is unstable and civil strife is frequent. If there is no money to suppress it, once a spark sets the prairie fire, the country's power will be destroyed. Will be gone and never come back.

Therefore, it is necessary to find a way to make money. First, decorate this house that is in dire straits and exposed to wind and rain. As for extending its life, that is a matter for later.

"The benefits of sea trade were dozens or even hundreds of times. Therefore, the Jiangnan clans dared to violate the imperial ban, take desperate risks, and even collude with Japanese pirates to commit evil in order to obtain huge profits.

I think that the current situation in the country is urgent and the court needs money everywhere. It is better for the emperor to form a fleet of treasure ships and use the things of our court to obtain the treasures of other countries in the name of trade rewards.

After returning home, these treasures are put on the market, which has little impact on ordinary people, but can make the rich and wealthy people spend money to buy them. The profits gained can increase in value several times. If they are used for the people, they can solve their urgent needs. "

This is the fastest and most powerful solution that Jia Cong can think of at the moment. After all, he can't possibly confiscate the homes of all the powerful and wealthy people in Dashun, right?

It's hard to say that as he returned to Beijing, many people in Shenjing City could not sleep at this time. Naturally, these people would definitely gather together and think of ways to deal with him.

In the history of his previous life, Zhu Di was a war maniac. After taking office, he repeatedly used troops against Mongolia for various reasons, including five times when he went north to conquer Mongolia himself.

The army was not moved, and the grain and crops were sent first, but the Ming Dynasty was not brought down. What was the reason?

Is Prince Zhu Gaochi really capable?
Zheng He made seven voyages to the West. Wang Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty recorded in "The Collection of Yanshan Hall": "The second was Zheng He, the eunuch and eunuch. In the fourth year of Yongle, he led 7000 troops to Haibozhai and ordered gold and silk to be sent to the West. More than [-] countries, including Soli and Siam, followed their envoys to the DPRK, and donated and exchanged unnamed treasures amounting to tens of thousands."

As for its expenditure, Mingyan Congjian recorded in "Shuyu Zhouzilu": "(Liu) Daxia said to him: Sanbao (Zheng He) spent hundreds of thousands of money and food on his voyage to the West, and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians died. Even though it was surprising What benefit will it bring to the country if we take the treasure back?"

Liu Daxia was a charioteer at the time, and the "hundreds of thousands" he mentioned was just the cost of food and fodder for the officers and soldiers who went overseas, so it should be quite accurate.

Liu Daxia said, "Even if you get rare treasures and return them, what will it do to the country?" He means that many rare treasures are often used by the emperor, which is of no benefit to the country or the people.

Some of the artifacts unearthed from the Dingling Mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty in later generations and the tomb of King Zhuang of Liang can conclusively be found that Zheng He brought back Western treasures and adopted them for his own use in the royal family.

Therefore, Jia Cong would only suggest putting the treasures on the market when he was right, so that the rich and powerful class could buy them, and the proceeds would be used for the people.

As for how much the cycle and income can be at one time, Jia Cong has already calculated it clearly in the memorial. Naturally, he also made some statistical analysis with reference to the data from Zheng He's voyage to the West.

As for who to choose, Jia Cong was not worried that Emperor Taiqi would send him there. This kind of thing should be done by the royal servants. As for who to choose, Emperor Taiqi would naturally consider it. Anyway, he would appoint people according to the conditions of the Three Treasures. , made suggestions.

A good planning document must naturally include a SWTO analysis, and all aspects must be included for the superior to make a decision. It cannot be left blank. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, whoever made the suggestion will take the blame.

Although, if it succeeds, the leaders may not want to get the proposer, but if it fails, the person who takes the blame will have no choice.At this time, Emperor Taiqi still had Jia Cong's secret memorial in his hand. He had memorized almost all the content in it, and he already had a direction in his mind. But if Jia Cong played it in front of him, his rational understanding would be deeper. .

"What about the Municipal Shipping Department? Including the system, the reform of taxation and banking, this is related to national affairs. Your Majesty said in the secret report before that the Municipal Shipping Department should be listed separately. What is the reason?"

This involves the reform of imperial court institutions.

Jia Cong said, "My concerns are, firstly, the large amount of tax collected by the Municipal Shipping Department; secondly, the current official administration needs to be rectified; thirdly, the functions of the Municipal Shipping Department will be changed in the future. If the Municipal Shipping Department is still under the direct jurisdiction of the province, The income tax is passed through the hands of the province and the Ministry of Accounts. I wonder how much of it will go into the national treasury?"

The reason why Jia Cong dared to speak frankly about the administration of officials in front of the emperor was because Emperor Taiqi himself proposed the national policy of rectifying the administration of officials. Even Emperor Taiqi himself could not stand the current corruption in the administration of officials.

Emperor Tai Qi's face looked very ugly, and Jia Cong also quickly showed fear, regretting that he had been reckless and offended Long Yan.

"What you have said is an old man's advice for seeking the country. You can speak frankly! I don't care whether it's right or wrong, I only talk about my true intentions."

Kuang Jiacong's broad thinking was different from that of the cabinet, and looking overseas also made Emperor Taiqi feel fresh. The most important thing is that these measures are indeed feasible and can break the current predicament.

"I think that we can build a general customs office in the south of the Yangtze River and appoint capable ministers to oversee customs clearance, collect customs duties, and arrest smuggling."

Jia Cong said, and Emperor Taiqi nodded again and again. He seemed to have seen the booming sea trade on the southeast coast. In this way, the country's taxation would no longer have to rely entirely on the three provinces of Jiangnan, and the constraints would be greatly reduced. .

"This national policy will be discussed with you after you return to the court tomorrow. I have also seen the memorial sent by Xia Jin from Liaodong and the muskets and artillery from the Shen Barracks. The power is greatly increased than before, the range has also been improved, and the accuracy is also higher. Is this better than the Franco machine gun artillery? "

Jia Cong said, "Your Majesty is aware that the Divine Barracks has achieved a small success. The Emperor has not mentioned it, but I have to request an order from the Emperor to grant a yamen for the placement of the Divine Barracks. Furthermore, the Divine Barracks is now gaining momentum and should be expanded." Regarding the scale, I also implore the emperor to send capable ministers and officials to regulate the divine army camp. "

Jia Cong's original intention was naturally to control the Shenbing camp in his own hands. It would be very convenient for him to do something.For Jia Cong, the weapons developed by the Shenbing Camp are not the most valuable, but the talents within them are the foundation.

However, the Divine Barracks has gradually shown its power. If he does not make some gestures, it will easily arouse the king's suspicion.

No matter how stupid the emperor is, he is still an emperor. What's more, if Emperor Taiqi can seize the throne from his father and brother, he will never be a stupid emperor, at least not under the current situation of being attacked internally and externally.

"I have already made a space for the yamen of the Shenbing camp next to the Jinyiwei, and it will be available when we enter the capital tomorrow. The production bureau has also been properly arranged. As for the preparations for the firearms camp, we will wait until you return to the court."

I have said enough today, and the content is also very complicated. Jia Cong is a person who has gained experience through later generations. For him, these are all conventional things in his mind, but for Emperor Tai Qi, they are all new things. , it is quite difficult to accept it, and it cannot be understood thoroughly overnight.

"Yes, I obey the order!" Jia Cong also knew that today's confrontation between the emperor and his ministers ended here.

"I summoned you to the palace overnight, mainly because I haven't seen you for many years and miss you very much. You are here in a hurry, haven't you eaten yet?" After saying that, Emperor Taiqi did not wait for Jia Cong to decline politely, and called Song Hong, "Let the imperial dining room Send me some food. After talking for a long time, I am also hungry, so I asked Marquis Ning Guo to accompany me and use some."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness!" Jia Cong once again looked moved to tears. Emperor Tai Qi felt relieved and looked at him as if he were a nephew, "I can't wait to see him. I want to see you!"

Song Hong came back from the mission and saw this scene. He couldn't help but feel grateful for the greatness of this young man's holy family. It was really rare!
In the past few years, the emperor has been working hard on the affairs of the government, and has rarely returned to the harem. Due to the unfavorable state affairs, Long Yan is often angry and less pleasant, not to mention being so tender and affectionate towards his courtiers.

For a moment, Song Hong couldn't help but feel a little more respectful when he saw Jia Cong's eyes.

Because it was a little late, the imperial kitchen brought two bowls of bird's nest porridge, several plates of very small snacks, and two plates of side dishes.

Emperor Taiqi was worried that Jia Cong would not have enough to eat. As the saying goes, a half-grown man is poor, so he asked Song Hong to go and get more. Jia Cong stopped him in a hurry and said, "Your Majesty, this is enough for me. Besides, it's not early. There is a key under the palace door, I will use it with the emperor so that I can leave the palace as soon as possible."

Emperor Taiqi then gave up and ordered Song Hong, "Order the imperial kitchen to pack more snacks for Jia Aiqing to take with her on the way out of the palace."

"Yes!"

Jia Cong had to thank Long En again.

When he left the palace, the moon had already risen on the branches. Jia Cong was galloping through the empty streets of Shenjing with his fast horses. He was dressed in a fiery red flying fish suit, and the followers behind him were all in armor and had weapons in their hands. When encountering the soldiers from the five cities patrolling the streets under curfew, only the latter could avoid them, and no one dared to step forward to ask.

Jia Cong did not leave the city immediately. Anyway, the city gate was closed now. He always had to use the gold medal of "I am here in person" to get out of the city, so he simply led his followers into Ningrong Street.

In the five large rooms of Ningxi Hall, the lights have been turned off. Daiyu is sleeping in the suite on the west side. A large nanmu bed with lanterns and brocade is placed on the bed. She is covered with a red damask quilt embroidered with mandarin ducks, apricots and apricots, which is snug and snug. As he slept with his eyes open, a handful of black hair was dragged beside the pillow, the quilt was only up to his chest, a curved snow-white arm was hanging out of the quilt, and he was wearing a pair of jade bracelets.

She woke up suddenly and heard voices outside the window, so she called out "Zicuckoo". Zicuckoo was sleeping on the bed under the south window. At this time, she also heard the movement outside and hurriedly got up and lit the lamp, "Grandma, I gonna go see!"

She held the candle and walked out. When she got to the bright room, she saw the maid on night duty at the door opened the door, and a young man wearing a red flying fish suit, a beam crown on his head, and a black and red cloak stepped in.

Seeing Zicuckoo, Jia Cong was very excited. He looked behind her and asked, "Where is she?"

"Grandma, the second master is back!" Zijuan was so excited that she turned around and shouted inward.

Inside, Daiyu had already pricked up her ears to listen. When she heard Jia Cong's voice, she got out of bed desperately, not even bothering to put on her clothes. She stepped on the ground with a pair of jade feet, ran towards the outside and stood. Looking at Jia Cong at the door of the second room, his eyes were full of lovesickness.

"Yu'er!"

Jia Cong took a look at her and saw that she had grown taller. Her cheeks were as plump as before, and her chest, which was only wearing a middle coat, was slightly rising and falling. She had the graceful grace of a girl, and her pair of snow-white jade feet were like tender caltrops. On the lichen, there is a glistening jade light.

Jia Cong stepped over in one step, picked her up and kissed her on the forehead desperately, saying in a reproachful tone, "Why did you run out like this without caring about your health? It's still cold. ?”

Behind him, the low voices of the maids could be heard. Apparently they did not expect that their Lord Marquis was so impatient, and turned their backs one after another, fearing that the scene they just saw would cause needle holes in the future.

Daiyu buried her blushing face in his chest, took a deep breath, her nose was full of dust, and quickly raised her face, looking at the young man's dusty face, her heartache was overflowing. With tears rolling down his chest, he shouted softly, "Brother Cong!"

　Happy Dragon Boat Festival!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)