Red Mansion, Ningfu Scholarly Family

Chapter 123 Elder Jia

……

Only when the government is stable can the local areas be stable and the world be at peace.

This is what the emperor has always believed in.

Therefore, during the Wende period, there were very few changes in the cabinet, and most of them were elderly and talented people. This situation has continued without major changes until the current emperor ascended the throne.

This was the first time in decades that the emperor directly dismissed the current cabinet ministers, leaving almost no dignity behind.

It really shocked some people.

Especially the Prime Minister Ye Gao, who began to think about countermeasures with a frown after returning home.

"Master, Sun Ge...Sun Xiaoye took out 300,000 taels and gave them to the Ministry of Revenue. His whole family quietly left Beijing this afternoon."

What a free and easy departure, it’s only the second day.

Ye Xiang sighed: "What else?"

The housekeeper was puzzled and said, "My lord, there is no more."

"No letter left?" Ye Xiang asked.

The butler shook his head: "No."

"I understand. Go ahead." Ye Xiang waved his hand.

He could understand that Sun Xiaoye was resentful towards him.

If it were a few years ago, he would definitely help.

For example, if the matter is reported to lower levels, at most the governor and the governor-general will be sent to jail together, but the ministers will generally not be involved.

But not anymore.

From the last time the emperor severely punished the Governor-General of Liangjiang Hu Jiansheng, it can be seen that the emperor has changed his mentality of seeking stability and has the idea of ​​drastic reforms to the administration of officials.

In fact, the rectification of officialdom was just a cover. Ye Gao knew that the emperor wanted money, and whoever could get him money would be promoted.

Many emperors throughout history have been like this. They were good at civil and military affairs when they were young, but in their old age they began to indulge in pleasure and squander money.

This is difficult to do.

At least he couldn't do it.

He is a clean person.

Can the Qingliu people make money for the emperor?
Of course not!

That is something only a treacherous minister would do, and he will be infamous for eternity.

He doesn't want to live a clean life and then lose his integrity in his later years.

and so……

Ye Xiang, who had been the Prime Minister for 20 years, soon came up with an idea.

Take a step back.

Staying at home sick, manipulating things behind the scenes.

When the treacherous villains come out and start fighting each other, causing the political situation to become unstable and the people to be resentful, he will stand up and save the tide.

……

"Hahaha……"

"That old fox has also had his day!"

In the study of the Wen residence, Wen Ting, who was nearly sixty years old, had a beaming smile on his face.

Ye Gao had been suppressing him for more than ten years. During these ten years, he was just like a grandson, being ordered around by Ye Xiang.

Now we finally see the light of day!
"Somebody come!"

"master."

"Prepare a banquet and invite Li Niang to come out and dance."

Soon, more than a dozen singers in beautiful costumes filed in and danced in the lobby.

Wen Ting ate and drank while enjoying the feast with a smile.

Slender waist, graceful figure, thin gauze, looming...

"master."

The butler's low voice sounded inappropriately outside the door.

Wen Ting was slightly displeased.

"what's up?"

The housekeeper naturally heard that his master was in a bad mood, and said carefully: "The Minister of Personnel Liu is here to visit, and he is already waiting in the outer hall."

Wen Ting frowned slightly, then waved to the dancers: "Go down first."

"Yes……"

The dancers bowed together, bent their waists and retreated into the inner room.

Wen Ting took another sip of tea leisurely, thought for a while, then stood up, straightened his clothes, and strolled leisurely to the outer hall.

"I am very busy with official duties. I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Brother Liu."

Wen Ting laughed and went in.

Liu Zhi hurriedly bowed and said, "Lord Wen is very busy with all kinds of affairs. He is truly a role model for all officials."

"Ashamed, ashamed."

The two exchanged some pleasantries and sat down.

The servant brought tea.

At this time, Wen Ting smiled and said, "I wonder why Brother Liu came to visit my humble home today?"

Senior officials from the six ministries and cabinet ministers rarely interact with each other in private unless there is something important. They are not afraid of anything else but being accused of forming a clique for personal gain.

"Ye Xiang is sick."

Liu Zhiyi spoke straight to the point.

"I know." Wen Ting nodded.

"What does Ye Xiang mean?" Liu Yizhi asked.

"What do you mean?" Wen Ting smiled and said, "Being sick is being sick, what's the meaning? Everyone is born, grows old, gets sick and dies, right?"

Liu Zhi nodded: "Mr. Wen, that's a good idea."

Wen Ting smiled slightly: "It's not really a brilliant idea."

After all, he is sick.

No matter whether he is really sick or faking it.

In short, he was sick and could not attend court.

The cabinet originally consisted of four people.

Sun Xiaoye was dismissed and Ye Xiang fell ill again.

There are only two people left, so at least two more should be added in, right?
Liu Yizhi lowered his profile and said with a smile, "I am sorry to bother you today. It is not for any other reason. I just got half a pound of top-quality pre-rain Longjing tea a few days ago. Please have a taste, Lord."

Although Longjing tea before the rain is precious, it also depends on the person.

When they are in this position, not to mention half a catty, even ten catties can be easily obtained.

What matters is attitude.

Moreover, half a pound of tea cannot be considered a bribe, and the balance is struck very well.

Wen Ting smiled slightly.

When the butler said that the Minister of Personnel was coming to visit, he understood something.

Psychologically, he didn't want Liu Zhiyi to enter the cabinet. The Minister of Personnel was already in a high position with great power, and once he entered the cabinet, it would pose a threat to his position.

But he liked Liu Yizhi's attitude more. With his support, he would not be afraid even if Ye Xiang made a comeback.

"This tea is pretty good."

"As long as the Lord likes it."

The two were unconvinced.

Soon Liu Yizhi said goodbye and left.

……

Sun Xiaoye was dismissed from office, Ye Xiang was sick at home, and a series of major events in the cabinet led to some turmoil in the court.

Therefore, at the instruction of the Supreme Emperor, on the first day of October, the Deputy Prime Minister Wen Ting presided over a meeting to select cabinet ministers.

The two elders of the cabinet, the six ministries and nine officials and other officials will discuss together and nominate two to four cabinet ministers, and the final decision will be made by the emperor.

After half a day of postponement, four places were announced.

They are the Minister of Personnel Liu Yizhi.

Minister of War Jia Jing.

Li Minzhi, Minister of Rites.

The president of the Hanlin Academy is Yu Renjie.

Wen Ting handed over the list, and the emperor looked at it and frowned slightly.

He had appointed the Minister of War Jia Jing to join the cabinet because he needed Jia Jing to do things for him.

The Minister of Personnel Liu Yizhi was originally a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel. If he entered the cabinet, his power would be too great, which might affect Jia Jing's work for him.

But he was not satisfied with the remaining two.

One is the new emperor’s man and is not considered.

He didn't want to give up power so early.

One is Ye Xiang’s disciple, whom he doesn’t like.

Think about it.

"This time, we will recommend someone to join the cabinet first, let's say the Minister of War Jia Jing, and then we will recommend another person after the new year."

Wen Ting was slightly disappointed.

"Sir, obey the order."

……

"Brother Liu, you have also seen that the Emperor has only chosen one cabinet minister. I can't do anything about it. But don't worry, Brother Liu. There will be another meeting after the new year. You should be able to have some confidence." Wen Ting comforted him kindly.

Although Liu Yizhi was disappointed, he also understood that it was the emperor's intention to send Jia Jing to the cabinet this time, and he could not argue with him, so he smiled and said, "It's okay, it's okay, thank you for your concern."

"I'm glad you understand." Wen Ting nodded and comforted him, "Jia Jing is not a clean person. He is also entangled with eunuchs. He will never achieve anything. He is only used by the emperor when he is short of money."

"Brother Liu, do you understand what I mean?"

Liu Yi smiled and said, "I understand what you mean, Lord."

It's nothing more than discarding it after use.

How many people’s interests will be affected by the commercial tax reform?
Whether it can succeed is another matter.

Since ancient times, no reform has ever ended well!

He dared not be jealous.

……

At the grand court meeting the next day, Jia Jing was promoted to the title of Grand Secretary of the Dongge and entered the cabinet as the Minister of War to assist in state affairs.

Everyone congratulated.

"Brother Jing has joined the cabinet?"

Rongguo Mansion.

Grandmother Jia was sitting on the couch drinking tea when she suddenly heard the news that Jia Jing had entered the cabinet. She felt mixed emotions and didn't know whether she should be happy or worried.

To outsiders, the two governments are naturally as close as one family, and they prosper together and suffer together.

But she knew very well that Jia Jing was very ambitious!

If this continues, Rongguo Mansion will be annexed sooner or later.

Not only Rongguo Mansion, but also the other four major families:
Although the Xue family still existed on the surface, it had actually been swallowed up and became a tool for the Ningguo Mansion to make money.

Needless to say, although Wang Ziteng and Madam Wang are still lingering on, they are just lingering on. When they will pass away depends entirely on Jia Jing's words.

Historian... not bad.

But how long can it last?
Grandmother Jia was filled with anxiety, fearing that her own family would fall into the tiger's mouth.

However, the officials from the royal, duke, and marquisate mansions who came to congratulate were unaware of all these twists and turns. They only knew that the two Jia families were as close as one family.

When Jia Jing was promoted to cabinet minister in Ningguo Mansion, everyone had to stay away from him, especially the nobles with titles.

But there was nothing wrong with Lady Gaoming chatting with Lady Jia or even giving her gifts.

then……

The Concubine Dowager Nan'an, the Princess Beijing, the Princess Dongping, the old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, the old lady of the Duke of Liguo's Mansion, and other four princes and eight dukes gathered at the Rongguo Mansion with Lady Jia. The huge crowd almost broke down the threshold.

Although Grandmother Jia felt a little uncomfortable, she could not resist so many people's flattery, especially the high-ranking Concubine Nan'an, Princess Beijing and others, who were also polite to her and did not dare to be arrogant. She suddenly felt a lot of glory on her face.

I have the same sense of glory as when Duke Rong was alive.

"My dear sisters, now that Lord Jia is in the court, your family ranks the most prominent in the capital. You have to take care of us old relatives when something happens." The Nan'an Concubine held Lady Jia's hand, her eyes full of envy.

Everyone agreed.

The nobles have been feeling very aggrieved in recent years. Even a few princes only have an empty title of prince and have almost no real power.

Grandmother Jia was repeatedly humble, saying that her family was not yet qualified.

But I couldn't help but feel a little dizzy in my heart.

If Jia Jing could bring her so many compliments and honors, it seemed that it was not impossible to turn a blind eye to some things...

After all, the two governments are one family.

After the banquet, everyone went to the Grand Hall for tea. Princess Beijing asked with a smile, "Where are the girls in the mansion?"

Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "They are all shy. They are probably going to the East Mansion to play. Our two mansions are inseparable. The girls play together. Sometimes they stay here, and if they like, they stay there for a while."

Concubine Nan'an smiled and said, "In that case, go and invite him to come and meet us."

Grandmother Jia thought about it and was afraid that she could not invite Xichun, so she ordered Yuanyang to invite all the sisters together.

In this way, Xichun had no choice but to follow.

Princess Beijing said enviously: "I really envy the relationship between your two families, which is closer than that of a family."

"Haha..." Grandmother Jia smiled.

At this time, Concubine Nan'an smiled and said, "Where is your Qilinzi? Please come out and let us meet him."

Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Lady Jia.

Full of possessiveness.

The talented son of the Jia family is now a junior cabinet minister!

Most importantly, she is still unmarried...

Although Jia Jingceng had said that unless he passed the imperial examination, he would not be allowed to marry before the age of 30.

But it doesn’t say that you are not allowed to take concubines.

You can send your concubine's daughter to be the young prime minister's concubine first.

From now on, no matter whether Qilinzi passes the imperial examination or gets married at the age of thirty, he can take advantage of the situation and marry his legitimate daughter to him first.

……

(End of this chapter)