Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 731 Taking advantage of the topic
The purpose of the negotiations was to cease hostilities, and the American representatives' negotiating opponent was, of course, the overt Donghua King.

Under Li Heng's tough stance, the negotiations proceeded quickly, after all, it was the United States that was eager for a ceasefire, and a fleet was still blocking the waters off New York.

After ten days of negotiations, the results were announced, with the current areas under the actual control of all parties serving as the ceasefire line.

Both sides deliberately manipulated things here, not talking about drawing a border, but about a ceasefire line.

Without clear boundaries, if another fight breaks out, it can't be called an invasion.

Li Heng fell ill shortly after submitting the negotiation results to the emperor in China, and died soon after. The memorials announcing the negotiation results and the memorials announcing his death arrived in the capital almost one after the other.

Li Wan couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions upon seeing these two memorials. The previous generation of the royal family had passed away. It seemed that sixty years old was a curse, and few members of the royal family could overcome this hurdle.

Even those who barely make it through can't escape the age of sixty-three or sixty-six.

The cabinet held a meeting to discuss the affairs and achievements of the King of Donghua. Shen Lei, as always, liked to speak and was the first to step forward, stating that the King of Donghua's affairs should be carried out in accordance with the Decree of Grace. This was to prevent his descendants from becoming too powerful, and in this way, the Donghua Kingdom would gradually be brought under the control of the mainland.

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent. The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, and even Fei Yun was completely dumbfounded. Did they really not give him any prior notice? Did they really think I was their lackey?

The Edict of Grace was fine domestically or in Anxi, because there was the issue of actual control. In Anxi, the court could send troops to garrison there, as it concerned Tsarist Russia's southward ambitions. However, it was highly impractical in the Mongolian Plateau and the Far East because of the insurmountable population problem. Immigrating to the Mongolian Plateau and the Far East has always been the most difficult issue. The Prince of Dongping in the Far East recruited immigrants from Korea and Japan; in the Mongolian Plateau, even Japanese and Koreans wouldn't sell themselves to go. That place was only suitable for herding, and farming was limited to potatoes.

The situation in Donghua Kingdom was the most unique. First, the imperial court's investment was very small, totaling only about 20 million taels of silver. This was the investment made by the previous emperor after the founding of Donghua Kingdom. The majority of the investment came from the spontaneous contributions of the people, and these investments had long since been recouped through trade and taxes over the years. The Donghua Kingdom region had always been a very sensitive topic within the imperial court, a topic that was avoided whenever possible.

Why did Shen Lei propose the Edict of Grace at this moment? The reason is simple: in recent years, the Shen family's trade in Southeast Asia has been restricted, and it has been even more difficult for them to extend their influence in Donghua. The Shen family not only covets the market in Donghua, but also the entire American market, which originates in Southeast Asia.

As Shen Lei's ally, Fei Yun was feeling the pressure. Fei Yun was under immense pressure; the Fei family's trade outside the Great Wall, in the Western Regions, and even in Anxi, was being obstructed by their competitors.

Last year, the Fei family's trade volume dropped by more than half, with their flagship product, tea, seeing a decline of over half. While the tribes of the southern steppes were still relatively willing to trade, they had essentially lost their market in the northern steppes and the Far East as well. Anxi was out of the question; after Lanzhou, the Fei family's caravans dared not continue their journey, having been robbed several times by bandits.

Going to the military is pointless. That area has complex terrain and is rife with bandits; you're not the only one who's encountered them.

Most importantly, the military budget for the past two years has been consistently cutting funding for the Western Regions. Over five million has been cut in total. Shen Lei and Fei Yun haven't touched the navy's funding not because they've had a change of heart, but because the maritime trade profits are too huge for them to touch. However, there are fewer scruples when it comes to the Anxi front. Especially with Anxi, they're going to cut funding even more aggressively.

Jia Lian remained largely silent at the budget meeting, which the emperor viewed as a display of noble character, as an old minister preparing to make way for a newcomer.

Li Wan was caught off guard by the sudden announcement to attack Donghua Kingdom; there hadn't been any prior warning. Or was this just another spur-of-the-moment idea?

No one spoke during the meeting. Shen Lei wanted to continue speaking, but no one cooperated with him. He couldn't help but glance at Fei Yun, hoping that Fei Yun, the third assistant, would step in and make a good comeback.

While the military representative was on sick leave, Ou Zhendong, who was fifth in line, spoke up sarcastically: "Why doesn't Prime Minister Shen just announce that he's the Grand Secretary himself!"

Ou Zhendong is from Guangdong, and he speaks with a slight accent. He probably disliked Shen Lei for a long time and finally couldn't hold back and started criticizing him.

In terms of seniority, Ou Zhendong is second only to Jia Lian. He is usually a good-tempered person who will always be patient, but today he couldn't hold back anymore.

In matters like this, the emperor's opinion must be sought first, and then we can see what Jia Lian thinks. When did it become your turn, Shen Lei, to speak? You might as well just declare yourself Grand Secretary.

Shen Lei was probably caught off guard when the good-natured Ou Zhendong suddenly lost his temper. He could only give Fei Yun a series of meaningful glances.

Ou Zhendong wasn't going to tolerate him. Since he'd already started arguing, he might as well go all the way: "What are you looking at? Looking for backup? Is there such a thing as factionalism in this cabinet?"

Unbeknownst to anyone, Huang Jin quietly slipped out. After an awkward silence of about half an hour, Li Wan, to save face for Shen Lei, announced that the meeting would be adjourned and would continue the discussion.

The original intention was to have a proper talk with Shen Lei after the meeting, but unexpectedly, as soon as the meeting was adjourned, Empress Dowager Zhou appeared at the door, leaning on her cane. She was over eighty years old and pointed at Shen Lei's nose, cursing loudly: "You dog! My son fled thousands of miles away, how did he offend the Shen family? He's dead, and you still won't let him go? Do you think this world belongs to the Shen family?"

The old lady was supported by an empress dowager and an empress, who were carefully helping her, afraid that she might get sick from the anger.

Upon seeing this, Shen Lei was greatly alarmed and immediately knelt down to explain loudly, "Your Majesty, please hear my explanation..."

“Shut up, you dog! Do you really think the world doesn’t know what the Shen family has done? Back then, Jia Lian went south and dealt with the Shen family. You held a grudge against him, and now that you’re in power, you want revenge! If you’re so capable, go after Jia Lian. Why are you taking it out on my son? Do you think my son can’t talk back just because he’s gone? The old lady is still here. She won’t tolerate anyone bullying my grandson.”

This old lady is really old; she speaks without any restraint, saying things that others wouldn't dare to say. I really don't know where she heard all this.

When Jia Lian saw Shen Lei kneeling on the ground, almost collapsing, and everyone else watching the spectacle with great interest, the emperor was dumbfounded and didn't know what to do.

With a sigh, Jia Lian rose and stepped forward to greet the Empress Dowager, saying, "Why have you come? Who was it that was so talkative? If they upset the old lady and something bad happens to her, who will be responsible?"

When Grandma Zhou saw Jia Lian come out to speak, she said irritably, "You're the worst one here. You could have solved the problem by just speaking up, but you insisted on pretending to be mute. You're so young, yet you're full of bad intentions."

Jia Lian was truly at a loss for words. He could accept it from anyone else, but with the old lady saying it, he was utterly speechless. "Your Majesty," Jia Lian quickly said, "don't worry about it. Li Heng and I are old friends; I certainly can't let his descendants suffer. Leave this matter to me, okay?" The old lady then stopped her tirade and spat at Shen Lei on the ground: "You dog! All you do is scheme and plot for your family's little business. You think you're fit to be a cabinet minister? Look at Jia Lian! Even the Emperor Emeritus was working hard for the country, assisting two emperors in building the strongest nation in the world. His nephews and nieces are all working overseas; have you ever seen any of them swaggering around the capital?"

"Alright, alright, old lady, don't praise me. I'm just a cunning old woman, full of bad ideas," Jia Lian continued to coax her. Only then did the old lady turn and leave. Jia Lian went forward to help her, listening to her rambling on and on all the way. The old lady Zhou was now forgetful, but she remembered Li Heng, who was thousands of miles away. At this moment, tears streamed down her face as she spoke of Li Heng's past.

After Jia Lian accompanied the old lady away, Li Wan finally came to her senses. If it weren't for Jia Lian's stabilizing presence, the situation might have spiraled out of control.

Who will bear the stigma of causing the old lady's death? The emperor will certainly bear some responsibility; that would be a grave act of filial impiety!

Looking at Shen Lei sprawled on the ground, Li Wan suddenly felt an indescribable sense of disgust.

Li Wan left in a hurry to see the old lady.

The news of today's events quickly spread throughout the court. Another piece of news also spread very quickly: Shen Lei requested an audience with His Majesty but was refused.

The following day, several officials from the Censorate submitted a memorial impeaching Shen Lei for allowing his clansmen to run rampant in the city, abusing their power and never paying taxes, and obtaining over 30 million yuan in unsecured loans from banks. They also accused his clansmen of extensively acquiring land in Wuxing, seizing others' mulberry fields, and forcing others to sell their businesses at low prices. The Wuxing magistrate was accused of aiding and abetting Shen Lei's crimes.

Shen Lei, who was impeached, defended himself at home as usual.

Li Wan convened a meeting of the Imperial Cabinet to continue discussing Li Heng's funeral arrangements.

This time, Jia Lian didn't play dumb. He advocated for the enfeoffment of the Crown Prince of Donghua as the King of Donghua, and, under the guise of handling funeral arrangements, for the court to fund the purchase of supplies to be bestowed upon the new King of Donghua. At the same time, he issued an edict affirming the achievements of King Li Heng of Donghua in expanding the territory, stating that this was truly politically correct and a matter consistently upheld by the dynasty, and that another batch of rewards would be bestowed upon him, with the specifics to be decided by the emperor.

This time, Li Wan quickly made a decision, drafting an edict according to Jia Lian's wishes, but without requiring the court to pay. He would instead use ten million taels of silver from the imperial treasury to purchase the necessary supplies for the Donghua Kingdom, as a reward for territorial expansion and to cover funeral expenses. Meanwhile, Jia Zhi was awarded the title of Duke of Haidong for his outstanding performance in the defensive counterattack against American provocations, along with a batch of supplies, the decision to be made by the Ministry of Rites.

After the matter was resolved, the meeting was about to adjourn. Ou Zhendong stood up again and said, "Regarding the Censorate's impeachment of Shen Lei, doesn't His Majesty give his ministers an explanation?"

Li Wan immediately looked troubled. In any case, Shen Lei was the second-ranking minister of the cabinet whom he had promoted after ascending the throne. He had to complete his term, after all, he also had to save face.

Jia Lian stood up, glanced at Ou Zhendong slowly, and said, "Old Ou, let's not talk about this today. Prime Minister Shen is still at home writing his self-defense memorial. Let's see what he has to say before we decide."

Ou Zhendong said, "Prime Minister Jia, the memorials from the Censorate impeaching the Shen family members in Jiangnan are piling up like mountains. They've all been suppressed by the Chief Censor. As the Grand Secretary, you should have taken action long ago."

Jia Lian was speechless for a moment, and could only darken his face: "How dare you! Are you trying to force me to abdicate?"

"Your humble servant has been disobedient!" Ou Zhendong immediately cowered. Jia Lian was furious; this was no joke. As natives of Guangdong, everyone felt grateful to Jia Lian. Ou Zhendong was no exception. Without Jia Lian's personal governance, Guangdong would never have become so prosperous, second only to Jiangnan in terms of wealth and status.

Seeing that Jia Lian had suppressed Ou Zhendong, Li Wan was deeply moved. Yesterday and today, it was Jia Lian who stepped in to keep things in order at crucial moments.

Jia Lian usually pretends to be mute to make way for my personal rule. If I hadn't entered the Jia mansion at night, Jia Lian would probably already be at home taking care of his grandson.

Yesterday's events were a mixed bag. The Empress Dowager complained, and the Empress Dowager also complained. It was the Empress Dowager who told the old Empress Dowager about the Shen family's affairs. The Empress Dowager's relatives had suffered greatly at the hands of the Shen family, and due to the rules against interference in politics announced later, they used this as an excuse to kill them. During the late Emperor's reign, the Empress Dowager's relatives were no pushovers either, committing many disgraceful acts.

In comparison, it's clear that the Jia family was truly worry-free. The Grand Secretary, the Jia clan, surprisingly had virtually no business in the capital; their only decent venture was a cigarette-making business.

Everything else was small-scale, and as for maritime trade, it was really not worth mentioning.

Thinking of the Empress Dowager's relatives gave Li Wan an even bigger headache. Recently, the Empress Dowager's relatives had their eyes on the stock market and wanted to list a company. The China Securities Regulatory Commission wouldn't allow it, so the Empress Dowager's relatives asked the Emperor to issue an imperial edict to force it through. Li Wan absolutely refused to agree, and yesterday's visit was probably for revenge. Fortunately, Jia Lian persuaded the Empress Dowager to leave.

That's true. Among all the officials, only Jia Lian can speak with the old lady. The others aren't qualified.

Amidst a whirlwind of thoughts, Li Wan finally came to a conclusion: "Then let the Censorate investigate. The Shen clan should also rein themselves in."

Li Wan was well aware of some things; the Imperial Guards were not just for show. Did they really think the emperor was blind?

Upon hearing Li Wan's words, Jia Lian sighed and stepped back in silence, while Ou Zhendong was overjoyed: "Your humble servant obeys the decree!"

Fei Yun, as an ally, remained silent from beginning to end, simply observing everything coldly. Who could guarantee that this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment charade?

However, Shen Lei brought this upon himself. The Shen clan members are insatiable and have committed numerous evils. He is asking for death. What does it have to do with me?

Some people cannot withstand investigation, or even be investigated. As soon as the emperor relented, a stack of files was sent to the emperor that very night.

These are all things the Shen family has been doing recently!
In Suzhou, the Lin family, descendants of former Grand Secretary Lin Ruhai, who had long held leadership positions in the raw silk guild, have been replaced by the Shen family. The Shen family has acquired shares in two Suzhou textile factories at a low price and is currently working on listing them on the stock exchange. The Shen family has also acquired tens of thousands of acres of mulberry fields; the original owners, dissatisfied, sued the magistrate of Wuxing County, but were falsely accused. Shen Lei's eldest son, despite mediocre exam results, was admitted to the highest institution of learning. A member of the Shen family stole his place, driving the examinee, Zhang, to his death. Zhang's father appealed to the Governor-General of Liangjiang, but the case was suppressed.

(End of this chapter)