Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 112 Throwing out a piece of fat

Emperor Chenghui was an emperor who was "good at listening" to his ministers' opinions. When the five cabinet ministers faced Emperor Chenghui, the first two chose to behave badly. During meetings, if I have an opinion, I just say that it doesn’t matter whether it is adopted or not. I just pretend to fight for it to show that I have struggled, and then it doesn’t matter anymore.

As the third eldest son, Sun Huazhen rarely gave advice unless the emperor asked. When Emperor Chenghui asked Sun Huazhen in private why he rarely gave advice, Sun Huazhen modestly said that his ability was slightly insufficient in terms of execution and planning. With His Majesty coordinating the overall situation, there is often no need to express his immature opinions.

As the fourth cabinet minister, Li Qing's position was also very clear. He proactively often asked to see the emperor and asked for private talks. If you have any ideas or suggestions, you must first talk to the emperor in private, and then speak to the emperor in a meeting after reaching an agreement.

Zhang Ting'en, who was ranked last, never took the initiative to ask for an audience with the emperor unless there was a big deal, but he did have Emperor Hui's trust in his cabinet ministers. As long as there is a big event, Zhang Ting'en must be summoned first. In private, the two of them list all the possibilities they can think of. Zhang Ting'en never makes the decision for Emperor Chenghui. He tells Emperor Chenghui everything he can think of. Come and make a decision.

Because he had to face frequent inquiries from Emperor Chenghui, after the teacher-student relationship between Zhang Tingen and Jia Lian was established, they initially talked briefly about the political situation in private, and gradually evolved into Zhang Tingen calling Jia Lian over whenever something happened. Ask.

It's not that Jia Lian's answer is necessarily correct, but Zhang Ting'en found that Jia Lian, a student, has a wide range of ideas, eclectic ideas, and can always find angles that others cannot see. From the initial exchange of government affairs with the intention of teaching students, Zhang Ting'en has now shown that he attaches great importance to Jia Lian's suggestions.

Even though Jia Lian's suggestion of government-supervised commercial affairs seemed a bit naive at first glance, Zhang Ting'en still considered the issue more carefully. I think it is naive because if the strategy of government supervision of commercial affairs was implemented in the Zhou Dynasty, it would actually be equivalent to government affairs, or even worse than direct management.

It is impossible for the Civil Service Group, the Eunuch Group, the Wuxun Group, or the Zongren Mansion to just watch and hold back on such an errand that involves handling large sums of money.

It is too difficult to establish an official-supervised business operation. All parties will compete for this new point of interest, and there is also a Supreme Emperor who is trying to interfere with Emperor Chenghui.

Jia Lian did not retort, but just smiled silently, with a hint of joking in his expression.

Emperor Chenghui also felt that Jia Lian's idea was too naive at first. How could it be possible? But when I heard Zhang Tingen's final conclusion, I couldn't help but fall into deep thought. Zhang Tingen did not give his thinking process, but only gave a conclusion.

The hardships of wise kings are all different, but the joys of faint kings are often similar.

Let's put it this way, in this era, no businessman can escape the official shackles.

"Farewell, student!" Jia Lian stood up and hugged his hands with a smile. He actually didn't know what Zhang Ting'en wanted to understand. After all, he was pretending, and he was not a god. The original intention of laughing but not saying anything is that it is certainly difficult to handle commercial affairs under government supervision, but it is still better than government affairs. Besides, if things are easy to handle, wouldn't it be too easy to be an emperor?

Emperor Chenghui wants to make a difference, but how can it be possible easily? If it were easy to be an emperor, then he must be a foolish emperor.

Jia Lian said, "If possible, I would also like to live a simple and happy life. Isn't this not allowed by reality?"

As usual, Zhang Ting'en, who requested to meet the emperor, had a smooth journey. After seeing Emperor Chenghui's routine salute, he started talking about today's private discussion about the bank with Jia Lian, and finally came to a conclusion: "The official oversees the business, and it is your Majesty's responsibility." It’s helpful.”

The bank issued and supervised it, and the branches below were responsible for its operations. From the emperor's point of view, there was enough room for advancement and retreat. If the government supervises the business, there will not be too much opposition from the people. After all, Huitong Tianxia can greatly facilitate businessmen and at the same time greatly reduce the risk of fund transfer.

Naturally, Emperor Chenghui thought of aspects related to the current struggle for imperial power, and quickly got into the mood.

Emperor Chenghui subconsciously raised his head and glanced at Zhang Ting'en. The old man was standing there with his eyes closed and concentrating. Only then did Emperor Chenghui remember that he had forgotten to offer him a seat. So he didn't worry too much and asked Qiu Shi'an to bring a chair.

There are some things that Zhang Tingen can remind, but he must not say. As long as he makes a gesture of "I can't say", Emperor Chenghui will think in a certain way, because the possibilities are limited.

So what about this time?

A foolish king is not good for the country, but he must be very happy.

"Official-supervised commercial offices are too whimsical. Any big merchant in the Zhou Dynasty who does not have an official background will spend money to buy one. Even if they don't have one themselves, they will spend money to buy one. For example, the top ten salt merchants in Yangzhou, ranked last He also has the background of Yan Dao and the Jinling Zhen family. The Wang family’s in-laws, the Xue family’s Ziweishe people, were also the purchasing agents for two generations of kings from Taizu to the Supreme Emperor.”

Once the bank is established, the huge benefits will inevitably be coveted by all parties. This is a piece of fat and oily meat, and any party wants to take a bite. As the initiator, Emperor Chenghui has taken the lead. , that is, having the right to distribute benefits. It's not impossible to enforce it, but the results are obvious.

For example, there was a certain emperor in the Han Dynasty. Women in the harem could only wear open-crotch pants.

Zhang Ting'en thanked the emperor, and after sitting down, he continued to close his eyes and rest, patiently waiting for the results of the emperor's thinking.

Obviously these are things that are easy to think of, but what are the things that are not so easy to think of?

But how to talk about this matter? The more I thought about it, the more I thought this method was wonderful.

Zhang Tingen's words explained what the wealthy businessmen of the Zhou Dynasty were like.

If it were another student who was so rude, Zhang Ting'en could slap his two big teeth out. Jia Lian is different, he is not a normal student. Every time, Zhang Ting'en can find some places that he has not seen before after calming down a little.

Soon Zhang Ting'en was stunned, sitting upright leaning against the back of the chair, his eyes wandering, and his mouth seemed to be talking to himself silently, and those who knew lip language would be able to tell some clues. Jia Lian waited patiently. After Zhang Ting'en finally returned to normal, he gave Jia Lian a meaningful look and said, "You go back first, I want to enter the palace."

Before he could fully grasp the entire court, Emperor Chenghui quickly found the answer he wanted.

When he looked up again, Emperor Chenghui coughed. Zhang Tingen raised his head and opened his eyes in cooperation, with a smile on his face: "Your Majesty, you are wise!"

Emperor Chenghui waved his hands a little embarrassedly: "I've passed it, I've passed it." Then he said a little disappointed: "Shuzi monster!"

Zhang Ting'en seized the opportunity to praise Jia Lian: "Your Majesty, I found that Jia Lian has a photographic memory and likes to read all kinds of miscellaneous books. He has this condition in his family, which is something that many ministers cannot compare with when they are growing up. My brother-in-law is also smart. He passed the national examination at the age of seventeen and became a young man. Compared with Jia Lian, he is far behind. I think it is not the difference in IQ but the difference in vision." "You don't need to comfort me. The thoughts of my rebellious sons are all on me. I wandered around this acre of land in the capital. I never bent down to see the world. I couldn't see the hardships of the people's livelihood. I couldn't see that the court's land tax was 30% less than it was during the reign of Taizu. I couldn't see that the Dingkou tax was less Since the reign of Taizu, there has been no increase. They only see my position, but they cannot see me lamenting all day and night."

At the end of the sentence, Emperor Chenghui's emotion weakened slightly. After all, the word "suye sorrowful sigh" seemed to be a bit exaggerated. I’ve been going to Yuanchun a lot lately! Some unfinished official business will also be taken to Yuanchun for further processing.

Emperor Chenghui's behavior was a little deliberate at first, but as time went by, Emperor Chenghui liked Yuanchun's knowledgeable and knowledgeable side. Especially the fact that Yuanchun never mentioned the Jia family in front of the emperor was so comforting!

There was also such a plate thrown by Jia Lian. Emperor Chenghui, who took the initiative, wanted to see how the dogs fought for the plate, and then took it back with a flattering look to flatter their master. Just thinking about it makes me happy! The more I think about it, the better it gets!

Emperor Chenghui quickly got over the discomfort caused by his unfaithful sons. After all, he was still young and could slowly go from the six departments to the local government to observe and hone his political skills. Let's arrange for a few good teachers to lead the area, especially the third child, whose situation is quite special.

After unremitting efforts, Li Heng finally gained more weight in Emperor Chenghui's mind. The influencing factor is Jia Lian.

"My dear, go back and draw up a brochure, explaining in detail the benefits of the bank and the advantages and disadvantages of the local branch official-supervised commercial office. After handing over this brochure, I will let the officials of the fourth rank and above in the DPRK and China discuss it and come up with a comprehensive summary. A feasible plan will be decided after discussion at the cabinet meeting." Emperor Chenghui felt much more relaxed now that he had made up his mind.

Zhang Ting'en thanked him and stepped back. Emperor Chenghui was walking on the road to Yuanchun with a relaxed mood. He suddenly stopped and turned in one direction, heading towards Queen Zhou's residence.

After meeting Queen Zhou, Emperor Chenghui naturally asked: "How has the third child been here recently?"

"He comes here almost once every seven or eight days. He is much busier than before. When he came the day before yesterday, I saw that he was much calmer. She also mentioned that there have been a lot of people in the capital recently, and many of them can't find a suitable place to live. He also recruited several poor people to work in the newspaper office, providing them with food and accommodation, and they were very grateful to him."

Queen Zhou is very good at this, she just talks about things and doesn't comment on what any prince has done.

If I have to talk about selfishness, I would say that Li Heng is much calmer. Emperor Chenghui also saw this.

The mother expressed her relief, but she couldn't say this, and the husband and wife stopped seeing each other.

Emperor Chenghui also nodded happily: "Yes, the third child has grown up very quickly. Over at the General Affairs Department, the period of observing the government is almost over. Next, I plan to let him go to the Ministry of Household Affairs to observe the government. What do you think? ?”

"Every mother loves her children. Daily rest expenses can be spent, but political affairs cannot be done." Queen Zhou's attitude was always like this.

Emperor Chenghui smiled slightly after hearing this and said, "I will ask Qiu Shi'an to add 10% to the newspaper's monthly fee."

Emperor Chenghui didn't even hear about the matters concerning several candidates. This was quite normal. The third child is younger than the second child, but in terms of making friends with courtiers, the third child is very restrained. After leaving the palace, he is very responsible. Except for coming into contact with officials when observing government and sitting at work, he never interacts with officials in private. In contrast, the second child often entertains officials or nobles. The honorable noble can also be explained by the relationship between relatives. How can the officials explain it?

The second son’s period of observing government in the Ministry of Personnel must be ended early. Which department should he be assigned to observe government?

Emperor Chenghui leaned on the pillar, enjoying the leg beating of the palace maid next to him. He closed his eyes and looked very relaxed, as if he was resting.

When she arrived, Queen Zhou noticed that the chamberlain beside Qiu Shian was empty-handed and did not bring any memorial to be tried.

Even though he didn't say it, he still felt a little uncomfortable in his heart.

Emperor Chenghui often went to Yuanchun to handle official business after get off work, and he also worked there several times during the day. This kind of treatment used to belong to Queen Zhou. Thinking of this, Queen Zhou was not particularly disappointed. Emperor, isn't that what it is? With so many women in the harem, it was normal for Emperor Chenghui to have a preference. Who hasn’t been young and beautiful?

There was just one thing that the Queen was very concerned about, and that was whether it was Yuanchun or other concubines. After Emperor Chenghui successfully ascended the throne, no more princes were born, and the few who did were all princesses.

Seeing that her two biological sons had grown up and successfully opened a mansion outside of China, Queen Zhou felt a strong sense of superiority.

The next day, Emperor Chenghui issued an edict that the second prince ended his observation of politics in the Ministry of Civil Affairs and went to the Ministry of Industry to observe politics and assist the Minister of Works in handling some official affairs. The third prince Li Heng went to the Ministry of Husbandry to continue his study of politics.

This decree seems to give the second prince some rights to handle affairs of the Ministry of Works, but what kind of yamen is the Ministry of Works?

Among the six ministries, the Ministry of Industry has always been ranked last. During the Zhou Dynasty, the status of craftsmen declined sharply after Taizu.

Emperor Chenghui specially called his second son over and gave an explanation, mainly talking about his attitude towards craftsmen during the reign of Taizu. I hope he can deeply understand Taizu's original intention to treat the craftsmen preferentially, and can calm down and assist the three chief officials of the Ministry of Works in handling government affairs.

As for the third oldest Li Heng, Emperor Chenghui just mentioned casually when Li Heng came to deliver the manuscript that when people were observing government affairs at the Ministry of Household Affairs, they should remember not to point fingers or speak when officials asked for instructions. Only eyes and ears are allowed, not mouths.

Li Heng was very happy at first, but after being mentioned by Emperor Chenghui, he became very depressed. He thought he would have a chance to show off his talents, but unexpectedly, his father was still not optimistic about his abilities.

For this reason, after leaving the palace, Li Heng habitually asked Jia Rong to deliver oral messages, saying that he would go to the Ministry of Household Affairs to observe the government, and also asked Jia Rong to convey Emperor Chenghui's teachings.

How should I put it, since he got the jade card, Li Heng had a bit of blind trust in Jia Lian.

After Jia Lian learned of Jia Rong's message, his expression was stunned for a while.

Why did one blow go to the household department? You know, what Emperor Chenghui pays most attention to right now is the Ministry of Household Affairs.

Not knowing what the emperor was thinking, Jia Lian decided to pretend to be a magic stick and asked Jia Rong to tell him: "Suppress him with tranquility!"

(End of this chapter)