Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 564: Fangs Revealed

The emperor had the right to arbitrarily grant official positions to craftsmen and merchants who had made significant contributions, and these positions could be actual vacancies.

The cabinet’s countermeasure is that for those below the seventh rank, you can tolerate it, but for those above the seventh rank, you must firmly resist it. The Ministry of Personnel will not allow you to go through the procedures and will treat you as if you had donated your money to become an official.

Moreover, this kind of officials can only waste their lives below the seventh rank. Otherwise, if the emperor is allowed to do whatever he wants, what is the meaning of the imperial examination?

Another one is to ask the emperor to tighten the policy of donating money to become an official. In the past, when finances were tight, donating money to become an official was acceptable. But if it is allowed to continue now, isn't that selling official positions and titles?
As a result, some people were unhappy. Who could they ask to pay the five hundred taels for a Dragon Guard?
Qiu Shian even went to the cabinet and pleaded with Zhang Tingen: "These old people in the palace must have an income. Can there be a guarantee for them to retire in the future?"

As the ancestor of the eunuchs, Qiu Shian's move was extremely violent. Although Taizu had a rule that eunuchs were not allowed to interfere in government affairs, who would dare to look down on these eunuchs, even if they were cabinet ministers?
They may not be able to accomplish anything, but they can ruin your plans without even any effort. All they need is a piece of information, or a change in the order of facts presented in front of the emperor.

After Emperor Chenghui's reign was announced to the world, Emperor Chenghui's fighting spirit obviously slackened. Perhaps he was really tired and not as hardworking as before.

In the past six months, Emperor Chenghui has slept less in his study, and the concubines in the harem have welcomed spring.

As the end of the year was approaching, the incident during this year's Lantern Festival had ruined the emperor's mood. For next year's Lantern Festival, the emperor decided to hold another lantern festival to celebrate.

When he discussed the matter with the cabinet, the cabinet members did not object, but only said that the last chaos must not happen again.

Emperor Chenghui naturally asked, "What is Jia Buqi busy with?"

Lin Ruhai stood up and replied, "Your Majesty has granted the marriage. Buqi is busy with this matter. The date is set for February 2 next year."

Emperor Chenghui nodded. He understood this. As a co-wife, she would naturally have to be given a separate place in the Jia Mansion and her level and treatment would be the same as Wang Xifeng.

"Since Qi has nothing else to do, let him be in charge of arranging the lanterns for the Lantern Festival next year." There are not many people that Emperor Chenghui can completely trust now, and Jia Lian is one of them.

After saying this, Emperor Chenghui yawned, stood up and said, "Let's stop here. The cabinet doesn't have to hold meetings for everything. From now on, the cabinet will handle matters that are not military affairs on their own."

This is decentralization. It can be said that except for holding on to the personnel and military power of the top leaders, Emperor Chenghui no longer cares about other powers.

The cabinet ministers did not dare to take the emperor's words seriously and would continue to do things as usual for a while. Only after a while, when they found that the emperor had really delegated power, would they feel relieved.

I don’t know whether the emperor is compensating the cabinet, or whether the emperor is now only focused on making money!

In fact, the inner treasury is very rich now. There are 50 million yuan in bank loans and 30 million yuan in cash. It is winter vegetable season again, and the inner treasury can earn at least 2 million yuan. There are also Kailuan Coal Mine and Shijingshan Steel Plant. The investment will be recovered by the end of next year at the latest, and it will be a net profit in the future.

The largest source of income each year is still the share from the Maritime Customs.

During the more than six years that Jia Lian had been in Guangdong, the tax revenue of the Maritime Customs had increased from the original annual total of 10 million yuan to 30 million yuan.

The inner treasury took 40%, which was 12 million yuan a year. It can be said that the emperor was very rich. In the past year, the emperor was not so frugal.

Zhang Ting'en was someone who could sense the emperor's changes. He was a little worried about whether the subsequent reforms could continue to be promoted. If the gentry and the gentry did not pay taxes together, the tax burden would be a lame step. It would work in the short term, but it would not work in the long run.

The emperor left as soon as he said he would. Zhang Tingen and others watched him leave, and when they turned around, they had different expressions on their faces.

After returning to the office, Zhang Tingen called the Minister of Revenue and told him, "The statistical data submitted by the Ministry of Revenue last month mentioned that the fire consumption ratio of various places has increased in this year's summer and autumn taxes. The Ministry of Revenue will draft a memorial and submit it to Your Majesty."

In the past, the Minister of Revenue was concurrently held by a cabinet minister. After Ning Ke left, a new minister named Kang Ning was appointed, but he was not a cabinet minister.

"For their own benefit, local officials encouraged local governments to pay taxes mainly in silver. The fire consumption increased, but the tax revenue did not. They could have exchanged silver dollars at local banks, but they insisted on paying taxes directly in silver. Although the court did not explicitly prohibit this, it was obviously unreasonable. There must be something fishy going on." Kang Ning did not explain it because he was worried that Zhang Tingen would misunderstand it. Instead, he hoped that the cabinet would endorse it.

Zhang Tingen glanced at this sly guy who refused to take responsibility, and said, "Okay, I'll bring it up in person at the cabinet meeting later."

Upon hearing this, Kang Ning hurriedly said, "I will go back and draft a memorial, but it should be submitted directly, so it is better to submit it to the cabinet first."

After so many years of promotion of the silver dollar, it is not that people have not deposited silver among the people, but that they are taking advantage of policy loopholes and even colluding with officials and businessmen.

Huohao was a major source of income for local officials. The court implemented a policy of paying taxes in silver coins and silver, which cut off a source of income for local officials. This is why the cabinet can take half of the seigniorage tax, which is to make up for the huohao. The cabinet also introduced some policies such as position allowances to reasonably compensate the income of officials.

The problem is, you said it was reasonable. Originally, the local governments could make their own decisions. They had the final say on whether it was reasonable or not, and they were the ones who decided how much fire consumption should be.

The difference here is huge. Local officials naturally hope that the taxes collected are in silver, not silver dollars. For the convenience of tax collection, the court allowed the collection of silver while promoting the silver dollar.

This was originally a policy that was convenient for the local area, but it became a bargaining chip for the local area to trade with gentry and businessmen.

There is nothing new in the world. The senior officials of the six ministries of the cabinet all came from the grassroots. How could they not be aware of this?

Minister of Revenue Kang Ning had a desire for progress, so he emphasized this matter in the statistical report. When he brought it up at the cabinet meeting, he knew that it was from the report, and the emperor would definitely praise him and remember his work achievements, so he would not offend anyone. Now let the Ministry of Revenue directly report it and make this matter public, wouldn't that offend people?

Zhang Ting'en's meaning is very clear. You cannot let the cabinet ask you to summarize the problems in the Ministry of Revenue. This is your job.

"Make two copies, one to be submitted to the cabinet, and one to be submitted directly." Although Zhang Tingen didn't like this sly guy, he still didn't make things difficult for him.

Everything has a normal process. The Prime Minister asked us to do our job well. If you bargain, you will be punished.

Kang Ning, who was cunning at the moment, knew that Zhang Tingen had left a bad impression on him this time. But he was not too worried. After all, as the Minister of Revenue, he was also a minister that the emperor trusted more, and he was a reserve for the cabinet minister. It was impossible for such a small matter to affect him too much. Just like Li Qing, someone in the cabinet needed to give Zhang Tingen objections.

Zhang Tingen chose this time to bring up this matter. He just wanted to see how Emperor Chenghui had changed. If it was in the past, the emperor would have dealt with it immediately after receiving such information.

If the matter is not dealt with immediately, it means that the emperor is really slack, which is both a good thing and a bad thing for the cabinet.

The good thing is that the power in his hands is increasing, but the bad thing is that there is huge resistance to reform and the emperor does not have enough support. How can we talk about reform?
As the banner of the reformists, Zhang Tingen must safeguard the achievements and interests of the reformists and hold high the banner of continuing the reform.

The fear is that after Emperor Chenghui decided to open up new tax sources by supporting industry and commerce, he believed that the distribution of land tax was sufficient and the internal reform route should be adjusted.

In this case, Zhang Tingen would be very embarrassed and in danger.

Those who have often carried out reforms know that it is easier to rebuild the system through revolution than to carry out reforms.

Even if there were successful reforms, such as Shang Yang, a doctor of mechanics, their ending was not good.

The key is that Zhang Tingen cannot retreat yet!

After leaving the cabinet, Emperor Chenghui was full of energy and strode towards the harem. Halfway through the journey, he told Qiu Shian, "Take the Golden Arrow Order and ask Jia Lian to organize the Lantern Festival."

Even though Qiu Shian wanted to advise that the Golden Sword Order was not to be used in this way, he still chose to obey and did not spoil the fun.

This is the biggest problem for eunuchs. Everything they have is given by the emperor. They are the emperor’s household slaves and are not disabled.

"Saint, please write a warrant." Since Qiu Shian didn't want to persuade him anymore, he decided to do it in detail.

"That's right, go to Concubine Liang and write." Emperor Chenghui walked faster and faster. This Concubine Liang was a palace maid that the emperor favored three days ago. He suddenly met her and felt attracted to her, so he took action immediately. Then, the status of an ordinary palace maid changed dramatically.

This is the emperor and this is the harem. With just one word from the emperor, a woman's fate will change fundamentally, and it is not up to her to decide.

Qiu Shian also discovered that the emperor had not only favored Concubine Liang recently, but had committed crimes frequently. He often pretended to be a palace maid behind a curtain on a whim.

I really don’t know if after diverting my attention, my energy has been used in a different direction.

Jia Lian was a little surprised when he got the Golden Sword Order. Despite this, he still accepted the assignment, saying that he was on vacation and if the emperor was in a good mood, he could only help.

Before that, Jia Lian had to go to the cabinet to meet Zhang Tingen to confirm.

If there were any objections in the cabinet, Jia Lian would be like a rat in a bellows, being bullied from both sides.

With a sigh, Jia Lian went out. It was a good vacation, but he had to find something to do. Did everyone else die?
After Jia Lian explained the situation, Zhang Ting'en said, "It is true! Your Majesty has used the treasury to hold the Lantern Festival, so there is no need for us to spoil the fun. It is just that His Majesty is worried that the old incident of the Lantern Festival will happen again, so he thought of you."

Jia Lian really didn't know whether to be happy or angry. I'm on vacation. I've been traveling around for so many years, I can't just use someone to death.

"Since the cabinet has no objection, I will do it. But let me say this first, if the commotion gets out of hand, the cabinet won't hold me accountable later." Jia Lian didn't speak so humbly now, after all, he was a senior official who had served as acting governor.

"Teacher still hopes that you can come and help. The full implementation of the land-based tax system will show results next year. After that, the gentry will pay taxes together, which will face too much resistance. For the sake of the country and the people, you should not stand idly by." Zhang Tingen spoke from the bottom of his heart and was extremely sincere.

Jia Lian was somewhat touched, but not much. After all, if the emperor didn't give his approval, everything would be in vain. This was the drawback of the monarch's centralized power.

Everything depends on the emperor's attitude, otherwise the so-called reforms will be nothing but illusions.

After leaving the cabinet, Jia Lian went straight to the Five Cities Military Department. Jia Lian was not familiar with any of the current censors here, but the officers and soldiers under him were all familiar to him.

Before Jia Lian dismounted from his horse at the gate, the doorman rushed out and said, "Greetings to Lord Jia! I wish you an early entry into the cabinet and a title of nobility and prime minister."

"Come on, you're the descendant of Jia, Duke of the State, and you made me a Marquis. How come you were demoted?" Jia Lian joked in a very relaxed manner. Menzi felt proud of it and puffed out his chest.

The doorman rushed in to report, but Jia Lian was not in a hurry to go in. He stood at the gate and looked around. Nothing here has changed much, except that the floor is very clean. These are all things he left behind. Now it can be considered a complete inheritance.

A large group of officials came out, led by the foreman of the imperial censors, who took the lead in paying respect to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian looked at these unfamiliar censors calmly and took out his golden sword: "Your Majesty! You don't have to kneel down, just stand and listen."

After reading out Emperor Chenghui's intention, the officials below looked embarrassed. Jia Lian knew that it was not a good idea to have people on the deck during the Chinese New Year, so he said based on past experience: "Everyone, pay enough overtime, one day counts as three days." This made the expressions of the censors even uglier, and the foreman censor said: "Master Jia, there is no money!"

When Jia Lian heard this, he asked in a very overbearing manner: "I have been generating income for many years. When I left, there were still more than 8 million yuan on the books. It has only been a few years. Even if I haven't earned a penny, I won't cry poor, right?"

All the imperial censors looked bitter and evasive, while the officers and soldiers below all showed indignant expressions.

Jia Lian saw the clue and said, "Okay, I will be domineering again for my brothers."

"No one says anything? Well, let's pretend that you have no money. I will go to His Majesty and use the treasury to give everyone money." After Jia Lian said this, all the civil servants looked happy and praised Jia Lian for his sympathy for the people. However, the officers and soldiers all looked sad and became even more silent.

Jia Lian walked away smiling and headed straight for the Inspectorate. The doorman, who had just arrived and didn't know him, tried to stop him but was kicked to the ground.

Jia Lian strode in, found Fang Song's office, and kicked the door open.

Fang Song, who was dozing off inside, was startled awake and jumped up. Seeing that it was Jia Lian, he breathed a sigh of relief: "Brother Buqi, I didn't offend you, did I?"

"You emptied the Wucheng Bingmasi. I wanted to give more money to the brothers who worked overtime during the New Year so that they would have no money during the New Year. Do you think I have offended you? I am so embarrassed, Mr. General." Jia Lian's angry look frightened Fang Song. He quickly arranged to serve tea and invite him to sit down, and kept explaining: "This is really not my fault."

Jia Lian sneered, "Who else can I go to if not you, the inspector of the city, to solve his problem?"

Fang Song was not afraid and said with a smile: "You have to find the Second Prince for this matter. When he was in charge of the Five Cities Military Department, he delegated too much power to the censors below. Now I can't even control them. Last year, I wanted to replace a few of them, but the Ministry of Personnel directly sent a report back. In my opinion, even though I am in the position of Chief Censor, the people below rely on their backers and don't take me seriously at all."

Jia Lian understood immediately and said with a smile: "Okay, I don't blame you. I'm sorry that I can't help you with the affairs of the Inspectorate. Goodbye!"

Jia Lian immediately went to the palace and handed over the golden medal to ask for an audience.

Soon, a eunuch led him to the Qianqing Palace and explained that His Majesty was busy with something and asked Lord Jia to wait for a moment.

Jia Lian thanked him and thrust a banknote into his hand. The eunuch then said quickly and in a low voice, "Your Majesty has shown great favor this year."

Jia Lian... Damn it, where is that hardworking emperor? Give it back to me!
No wonder, this time when I came back, I always felt that the atmosphere was not right. Zhang Tingen was also hiding things.

MD, this old dog Xia Shouzhong was very straightforward when collecting money, but he was not timely in reporting the news.

After waiting for more than an hour, Emperor Chenghui finally appeared with a rosy face. Upon closer inspection, it was found that his eye sockets were a little sunken.

Jia Lian didn't say anything about Your Majesty taking care of your health, and he himself was not a good person.

"Your Majesty, your humble servant greets you. It will cost a lot of money to complete the matter you have instructed us to do." Jia Lian came up and touched upon Emperor Chenghui's sore spot, asking him for money.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chenghui's expression immediately froze: "What's the matter? The Ministry of Internal Affairs has given you a hard time. I said I would allocate one million yuan from the treasury to make the Lantern Festival a great success."

After saying that, Emperor Chenghui turned around and shouted, "Qiu Shian, come here."

Jia Lian quickly stopped him and said, "Your Majesty, this has nothing to do with Mr. Qiu or the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

Emperor Chenghui finally calmed down and smiled: "Why?"

Jia Lian then told the story of the Wucheng Bingmasi, and then explained: "Your Majesty, when I left, there were 80 million yuan in the account. It took many years to accumulate the family assets, but it was squandered in just a few years. It can be said that the Second Prince delegated too much power, but it is not the Second Prince's fault. They don't even take General Fang seriously."

Emperor Chenghui's face instantly darkened when he heard this. The two things the emperor was most sensitive to were money and power.

The sharp knife in my hand was actually sidelined in the Supervisory Office. What do you want to do? Lin Ruhai? No, Lin Ruhai can't do this. Even if it's Lin Ruhai, Jia Lian can't come here.

"What do you want to do?" Emperor Chenghui asked in a low voice. This sentence must be understood correctly. The translation is as follows: [What do you want to do? ]

"These five inspectors, plus the foreman, a total of six people, must be thoroughly investigated. Eight million, with this money, the officers and soldiers of the Five Cities Military Department will have no worries about what they do. If they are injured or disabled, they will all have a pension. Now that they are doing this, no matter who the money goes into, I will not ask, as long as the money that should not be spent is returned to me."

Emperor Chenghui thought for a moment and said, "I will give Fang Song an order to investigate. My dear minister, I will pay for this from the treasury. Please get to work first and don't delay the Lantern Festival."

"I thank your majesty for your concern, but I have not been in the capital for many years. Some people think that my fangs have been pulled out. I want to show them off." Jia Lian said with a smile. Emperor Chenghui shook his head and nodded at Jia Lian silently: "Okay, I will let Fang Song assist you."

(End of this chapter)