Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 591 Inspection Team

Lin Ruhai was a traditional scholar-official and his style of doing things was relatively conservative.

To put it nicely, we should tolerate each other for the sake of the country and live in harmony with each other. To put it bluntly, we are all officials and helping each other is the norm.

When he was in charge of the Inspectorate, Lin Ruhai always left a way out when handling cases and rarely went to extremes.

In contrast, Jia Lian has a different style. He does practical things and focuses on the matter rather than the person. Over time, it is inevitable that he and Lin Ruhai have some estrangement.

Jia Lian didn't want to say much. There were many things that shouldn't have happened. If Lin Ruhai had been a little more assertive, others wouldn't have thought it was okay to be a little bolder.

The people below will only become more and more daring, and in the end, the situation will be out of control.

As the Prime Minister, you have to be ruthless when necessary. This will help you avoid many things that are difficult to resolve and it will also help you establish your prestige.

Lin Ruhai's conservatism was precisely caused by his lack of prestige.

If it were someone else, Jia Lian would not say these words. Isn’t this his father-in-law?

After hearing what Jia Lian said, Lin Ruhai waved his hand without saying anything, signaling him to leave.

Jia Lian felt that this was not a relapse of an old illness, but that it had never been cured.

Jia Lian couldn't say how much effect private communication would have. At Lin Ruhai's age, he had his own persistence on many things. It was useless to persuade him. He had to figure it out himself.

After finishing his shift, Jia Lian went straight to Daiyu's place. They lay together after working overtime at night and talked about what happened in the yamen and her attitude towards her father-in-law.

Daiyu smiled and said, "Brother, don't worry too much. With mother by your side, father will figure it out."

When Jia Lian heard this, he realized that his aunt Jia Min was not an ordinary person. From Daiyu's tone, it was not difficult to see that if Lin Ruhai really encountered something, he would tell Jia Min.

After the story was told, Jia Lian felt much better. Looking at Daiyu's pretty face with a rosy complexion, he became interested again.

When he whispered in her ear, Daiyu blushed and said, "No, it's too embarrassing! I'm a human, not a dog!"

Jia Lian coaxed and deceived Daiyu, saying that if she changed her clothes, she might get pregnant. Only then did Daiyu close her eyes and obey. Jia Lian did not give her a chance to regret and got close to her.

Daiyu hummed and muttered to herself, she has learned bad habits...

Because of Daiyu's identity, Jia Lian felt more excited and had a greater sense of accomplishment.

I'm going to try that in the daytime next time! Others were willing to do it, but Daiyu refused.

After working hard at Daiyu's place at night, Zijuan helped Daiyu get up early the next day and helped her dress up.

Just as he sat down in the Ministry of Works and had just had his teacup served, someone came to invite Jia Lian to the Cabinet.

When Jia Lian arrived, he was taken directly to Lin Ruhai's office, where Fang Song was also inside.

Seeing Jia Lian coming in, Lin Ruhai said directly: "I need to report this to His Majesty. You two should accompany me."

The three of them entered the palace together. After meeting the emperor, Lin Ruhai presented the memorial to the emperor. Emperor Chenghui said that his eyes were uncomfortable and asked Lin Ruhai to tell him the situation directly.

Lin Ruhai told him everything. Emperor Chenghui had kept his eyes closed. When Lin Ruhai finished, he asked with his eyes still closed: "The matter should fall on the two offices of the Governor-General of the River and the Governor-General of Huguang. The Censor of the River, the Censors of Hubei and Jiangxi, are also involved. How does the cabinet plan to deal with it?"

Although he didn't say it, Emperor Chenghui was not very satisfied with Lin Ruhai as the Prime Minister, who was much inferior to Zhang Tingen.

The emperor wants to be lazy now. If there is anything, just report it. It would be irresponsible of him to come and ask for instructions in person.

"I think they should be severely punished! If the governor, provincial governor, and other high-ranking officials are not killed, the prefectures and counties below them will have to lose a few heads in order to stop this unhealthy trend."

Lin Ruhai answered in a sonorous and powerful voice. Emperor Chenghui suddenly opened his eyes, looked at him in surprise, and smiled, "Well, I know!"

"I will take my leave!" Lin Ruhai said goodbye, and Emperor Chenghui said, "Don't leave me alone."

After leaving the house, Fang Song, who had not had a chance to speak, sighed and said, "No one can match Buqi's favor."

Lin Ruhai nodded in approval: "As expected of a man who works hard and is loyal, it is only natural that Your Majesty likes him."

Fang Song nodded slightly dejectedly: "Yes, there is only one person like him among all the civil and military officials in the court. There is no comparison, no comparison."

Seeing this, Lin Ruhai wanted to laugh, but he didn't say it. He secretly muttered in his heart, "You also want to compete with Buqi, you think too much. With the things he did, even a tyrant would like it."

Emperor Chenghui didn't close his eyes to rest at this time, but leaned against the dragon throne, looking very casual: "I heard that the Russian envoy went to protest to you?"

Jia Lian smiled and shook his head indifferently: "Just ignore him. That country is not a good bird at heart. It is afraid of our Great Zhou. It just can't beat us, otherwise it would have come to kill and rob. I just want to let the Ottoman Empire drag it down, slowly bleed Tsarist Russia, and consume its national strength. Make it have no time to look east."

"Oh, I understand. By the way, what major events have happened in Europe recently?" Emperor Chenghui couldn't help laughing after hearing this. He really didn't care about the protest from Tsarist Russia.

"The situation in Europe is serious. It may be in chaos for ten or twenty years. It is a good thing, but not a good thing either." Jia Lian showed a trace of worry, and his tone was a little low.

Emperor Chenghui instantly became interested, sat up straight and said, "Let's talk! Please take a seat!"

Qiu Shian personally brought a round stool over, and Jia Lian sat down without being polite and said, "The main reason is that France is going to have trouble. Louis XVI is a bit absurd, and he is a person who cares a lot about face. In order to disgust Britain, he ignored the country's lack of national strength and forcibly helped the British colonies in North America fight the War of Independence, causing the country to owe a huge debt. Speaking of this debt, Europe is different from us..."

After Jia Lian explained in detail, Emperor Chenghui understood and said angrily: "The court handed over the tax revenue to the tax farmers. How is this different from the Mongols? This is the way to destroy the country."

Jia Lian smiled and said, "Your Majesty is wise! The taxation situation in European countries is too complicated to describe in detail. Generally speaking, European countries lack the ability to govern domestically. Once the internal pressure is too great, they will seek external enemies to divert conflicts. Over the past hundred years, European countries have colonized foreign countries and enriched their treasuries through plunder. In recent years, the pace has slowed down, and the harvest is not enough to make up for the internal conflicts. In my humble opinion, the King of France is afraid that he will destroy the ancestral temple. The royal marriages between European countries will help France restore the king out of concern for their own rule."

Emperor Chenghui nodded and said, "That's right. Go tell the French envoy that our country is willing to provide some help if necessary."

This is a very normal reaction. If he remains indifferent, he would not be an emperor, and the empire would not be a family empire.

"I obey your order! What I am worried about is that European countries have been fighting each other for decades, and their national systems will inevitably develop in a direction more suitable for war. Long-term wars will inevitably lead to the advancement of military theory and the birth of more new weapons. Our country is the only one that has been at peace for a long time. Although we are not warlike, we must not forget war. I suggest that we form an observation group to go to Europe to observe the wars among European countries so that we can know ourselves and the enemy." After Jia Lian expressed his personal opinion, Emperor Chenghui nodded repeatedly: "It's good to pay attention, but can they agree?"

Jia Lian laughed loudly: "Your Majesty, do they dare not agree?"

Emperor Chenghui understood instantly, nodded and smiled: "Indeed! My dear minister, please go ahead and do it. I approve it."

Jia Lian said, "Your Majesty should come up with a name, so that it will be more legitimate."

Emperor Chenghui felt more and more comfortable, and nodded, saying, "I think about it, hmm, why not call it an inspection team, the Zhou Empire's friendly inspection team to Europe." Jia Lian smiled and said, "Your Majesty is wise, I think we can make some minor adjustments and add the word military. What do you think?"

Emperor Chenghui hesitated for a moment and said, "Yes, that's more appropriate!"

Jia Lian added: "In that case, I will submit a memorial after I return, and select some outstanding officers from the graduates of the Royal Military Academy to form an inspection team. Then I will submit it to the cabinet first!"

Emperor Chenghui waved his hand and said, "I understand. No need to elaborate on the details. I trust you."

Jia Lian smiled without saying anything and left.

He would not take anything the emperor said seriously. When it came to important military matters, he would report every detail clearly.

After Jia Lian left, Emperor Chenghui sighed, "If a man does not think ahead, he will have immediate worries. If a country does not have external threats, it will inevitably have internal chaos. We have only had peace for a few years, and the cabinet and the governors are all busy fighting for power. The domestic situation is improving, but only Buqi can look at the world and worry about ten, twenty, or even a hundred years from now."

Qiu Shian still heard nothing and did not respond. Emperor Chenghui talked to himself for a while and then stopped talking.

The matter of Huguang would not be resolved until three months later, so Jia Lian didn't care about it.

Fortunately, Lin Ruhai made up his mind and decided to take ruthless measures to clean up the mess, and he won some points with Emperor Chenghui, which is cause for celebration.

When Jia Lian came home from work and accompanied Daiyu for a walk after dinner, he brought up the matter again. Daiyu was overjoyed and there was a layer of mist in her eyes when she looked at Jia Lian.

If Jia Lian hadn't been afraid that Daiyu would get angry, he would have dragged her behind the rockery.

The next day, Jia Zheng, who had been transferred around a lot, finally returned to the capital. He was still in the Ministry of Personnel to handle the handover, but Aunt Zhao came back first.

After Jia Lian got off duty, Baoyu personally waited at the door and invited him to the banquet.

Jia Lian looked at Baoyu, who looked like a cabbage hit by frost, and his whole body was a little wilted. It was better this way, as it was much better than being out of tune all day long.

Even if he just eats and waits for death, being a parasite at home, it is better than hanging around outside.

Jia Lian followed him to see Jia Zheng. Mrs. Wang had prepared the banquet and Aunt Zhao was standing aside obediently.

Jia Lian stepped forward and greeted him, then said with a smile, "Uncle, we don't have to be so formal among family members. How about we have a moment to talk?"

Jia Zheng was stunned for a moment, then quickly smiled and said, "Go to the study!"

After entering the study, Jia Lian said directly: "Second uncle can come back, mainly because of the great efforts of uncle, nephew dare not take credit. Second uncle is holding a banquet today, and I should have hosted a banquet to welcome him, but I have an imperial decree and have to work overtime tonight. I don't know how long I will be busy. I can only thank you for this banquet."

Jia Zheng did not expect Jia Lian to say this. After so many years of tossing around outside, Jia Zheng was less pedantic and more sophisticated than before. He smiled and nodded: "The emperor's order is more important, so I will not keep you. You and I have had many opportunities to drink together as uncle and nephew."

Jia Lian said goodbye and went straight away.

Mrs. Wang asked in surprise, "Why did you leave?"

Jia Zheng explained, "Your Majesty has something to ask him to do, and he dare not drink and delay the work. It just so happens that my husband has been away for many years, so today we can have a good family gathering."

Jia Lian really had to work overtime at night to write a report on the inspection team, including how to arrange the itinerary, what issues to investigate, etc. He explained everything in detail and asked Xiangling to help copy it.

The next day, Jia Lian got up and saw Xiangling sleeping in the same cute and naive manner as before, and he couldn't help but feel his appetite growling.

Xiren, who was waiting outside as usual, heard the noise and couldn't help but sigh secretly. She had served Xiangling wholeheartedly over the years, but she was still not as favored as Xiangling, and her belly was just not doing well.

Qingwen came over with a kettle and saw Xiren standing at the door. She put down the kettle and came forward. She pricked up her ears and listened, then spat, "Not serious again!"

Xiren took a few steps back and whispered, "You and I went through this before, and I never heard you say this."

Qingwen said, "I have to go on duty, and it's not a day off. How can I say no?"

Yuanyang also came and saw the two bickering, so he stepped forward to persuade them: "Stop talking, what do you want me to do? Just bear with it!"

The two of them stopped talking. When Jia Lian invited Qingwen in, he saw that Qingwen looked unhappy and joked, "Are you bickering with someone again?"

Qingwen ignored him. Jia Lian smiled and said, "Even if you don't go on duty, no one will dare to say a word."

Qingwen's expression improved and she said, "My Lord is not afraid of gossips from others, but I, a servant, cannot stand people always calling me a fox."

Jia Lian understood and turned to look at Yuanyang and Xiren. Yuanyang sighed and said, "Master, don't be angry. The woman in the backyard is old and has nothing but a chatterbox."

Jia Lian said calmly, "No matter who backs them, when you guys find them, don't argue, just fight them, and give each of them thirty slaps. If they do it again, we'll just chase them out of the city and send them to the farm."

When Qingwen heard this, her face changed slightly. She came forward, grabbed Jia Lian's hand and shook it a few times, without saying a word, just looking at him eagerly.

Jia Lian put away his indifference and said with a smile: "Speak nicely! If you don't tell me, I won't know."

Qingwen leaned closer and whispered, "Let's just talk about reason and not hit people, okay?"

For some reason, Jia Lian could always think of Qingwen who had cried all night and kept calling for her mother, and his heart softened: "Okay, I'll do as you say. I deserve what I have done."

Qingwen left with a smile. When Jia Lian had finished changing his clothes, Xiren came forward and whispered, "I beg the Second Master to show me some mercy."

Xiren has many faults, but her loyalty is definitely a problem.

Jia Lian hummed, and Xiren whispered, "I want to ask for a job for my brother!"

Jia Lian nodded and said, "Go get some paper and pen!"

Xiren hurried over. Jia Lian picked up a pen and wrote a document without signing his name. He handed it to Xiren and said, "Give it to your brother. Ask him to go to Xue's business and see if there is anything he can do."

Xiren carefully put it away and thanked Jia Lian again and again.

She was very satisfied with this arrangement. After the Xue family business returned to the capital, it became more famous than before. Working there would naturally bring her much better treatment than before.

It’s not that Xiren couldn’t ask Baochai for help, but she knew clearly that she was Jia Lian’s person and had to listen to his arrangements.

(End of this chapter)