Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Chapter 615 Shelved

"Field clearing?"

The retired emperor finally sat up straighter; it seemed he was hearing this word for the first time.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Jing quickly explained the meaning of the land survey to the Emperor Emeritus, emphasizing that the court would survey the land of even the princes and relatives of the emperor, and his words were quite inflammatory.

Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, the princes of the royal family at the far right of the main hall became restless.

"Grand Secretary Xiao is right!" An old prince suddenly stood up, walking towards the center of the hall while crying, "My dear brother, you must stand up for us! We really can't go on like this..."

The imperial family of our Great Wei has always lived a harder life than the previous dynasty, with all their income relying on the meager output from their estates.

You know your younger brother. He has been stupid and unloved since childhood. Although he is the emperor's son, he has only ever been a prince, with a salary of only five thousand taels of silver a year. What is that enough?

My family is large, and we already live a very hard life. We don't even dare to ask the steward to buy too much pork, for fear that we won't have enough money in the mansion to handle some important business... But that's alright, with my brother in charge, at least we won't starve.

But my brother, I am almost seventy and will soon be buried. After I die, all that will be left of my family is the title of Duke of Zhenguo, and my salary will be pitifully low. If we also lose the income from the estate, how will my dozen or so good-for-nothing sons survive...?"

His tearful account was both infuriating and laughable. What a joke! A prince of the mighty Wei Dynasty couldn't even afford pork? Truly astonishing!

However, some lamented that the imperial clan of the Great Wei Dynasty was indeed different from that of previous dynasties. All members of the imperial clan were confined to the capital, unable to return to their posts, and barred from holding official positions unless under special circumstances. Under such circumstances, those idle members of the imperial clan did indeed live a somewhat impoverished life.

But regardless of whether what the old prince said was true or false, the stance he represented was in line with the interests of many people.

Therefore, as soon as the old prince finished speaking, seven or eight more people immediately stood up from their seats among the imperial clan. Without exception, these people were either princes or dukes.

They all gathered in the center of the hall and knelt down, echoing Xiao Jing and the old prince's opinions, and requesting the Emperor Emeritus to intervene and rescind the land survey policy.

Looking at the princes and nobles kneeling on the ground, Emperor Ningkang felt both anger and a chill.

If he remembered correctly, many of these princes had previously expressed their support for the new policies...

Is their current reversal of stance opportunistic, or was it premeditated? Were their previous statements merely a delaying tactic to lull him into a false sense of security?

If it was premeditated, where did they get their audacity? "You've ruined my birthday!"

The retired emperor finally spoke, and his first words expressed his dissatisfaction.

Just as Xiao Jing and the princes were apologizing, the Emperor Emeritus changed the subject: "But since we've come this far, let's make things clear."

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the magnificent hall. "What do you all think? Is this land survey policy good or bad? Should it be implemented?"

As the retired emperor asked the question, the princes and ministers in the hall looked at each other in bewilderment.

Originally, it was thought that the imperial court's policy of clearing up land was inevitable. Even those whose interests were harmed were only thinking about how to avoid harm and reduce losses as much as possible.

Unexpectedly, things took an unexpected turn, and there was still room for maneuver in this matter.

Although everyone knew that making a statement at this time would inevitably displease Emperor Ningkang, the opportunity was only once, and most people are quite intelligent and decisive when faced with matters involving their own interests.

"Your Majesty, I believe you are right. To ensure the stability of our Great Wei, I request that the land survey policy be rescinded!"

"I second that opinion."

"I second that opinion."

"..."

One after another, and then one after another, soon more than half of the people in the hall had risen and knelt down, expressing their truest thoughts.

The remaining people in the seats were either the leaders and supporters of this land reclamation policy, or they had no land at all, so this land reclamation had little to do with them.

In short, they were all very nervous to see so many people kneeling down and begging the retired emperor to rescind the land survey policy.

Everyone understood that at this point, a single sentence from the retired emperor could essentially decide whether or not this national policy, which had been discussed in court and among the people for months, could be implemented!

What choice will the retired emperor make?

Sitting in the middle of the right side, Jia Lian shook his head. In fact, the fact that the retired emperor did not immediately reprimand Xiao Jing and the others, but instead tacitly allowed them to discuss national policies at his birthday banquet, revealed a bit of the retired emperor's intentions.

As for asking about the meaning of Guangda Minister's work, it has a bit of the feel of interviewing people on the train to see if they have bought tickets.

Everyone knew that this national policy, from its inception to its final approval, was almost entirely enforced by Emperor Ningkang and a small group of "reformists." Most ministers, especially those with large estates, disapproved of it, but dared not disobey due to the prevailing trend.

Now that Xiao Jing and others have set up a stage and put on a show, the tide has turned, so why ask them for their opinion at this time?

With Xiao Jing and others backing them up, even if Emperor Ningkang wanted to settle scores later, Xiao Jing and others would be there to protect them, so they naturally dared to express their true thoughts.

As expected, the Emperor Emeritus, looking at the sea of ​​heads below the main hall, quickly understood the public opinion. He said calmly, "Since all my ministers feel that the land survey policy is inappropriate, then let's put this matter aside for now. Now..."

"Father!"

Even though he had a premonition, when he actually heard the retired emperor reject the national policies he had painstakingly formulated, Emperor Ningkang's heart still couldn't help but tremble.

If it were a normal matter, even if it was just to please the retired emperor, he would not argue with him.

But the land survey was of too great significance and importance to him and to the Great Wei. He really didn't understand why the Emperor Emeritus listened to Xiao Jing and others, and why he interfered with him!

Interrupted by Emperor Ningkang, the retired emperor looked somewhat displeased. He looked at Emperor Ningkang and said indifferently, "I have told you long ago that the most important thing for a ruler is the stability of the country, followed by clear rewards and punishments."

You want to conduct a thorough survey of all the land under heaven, which is not wrong in itself. But do you know that this matter is not as simple as sending people to the border to wipe out a few Tatar tribes or kill a few corrupt officials?

Since ancient times, land has been the foundation of the people and the foundation of the nation. I have been extremely cautious in every decision I make on this issue, fearing that a single oversight would cause national turmoil and social unrest, thus failing the trust of the late emperors and the legacy of our ancestors.

But what about you? You act recklessly and are driven by short-sighted gains. Do you even realize the consequences of your so-called land reclamation policy once it's implemented?

Emperor Ningkang hadn't been reprimanded to his face by the retired emperor for many years, and this time, in front of a hall full of princes and ministers, his feelings were extremely complicated. However, he couldn't afford to think too much; he wanted to preserve the state policies he had painstakingly established!

"Your Majesty, I know! It's just that some people, for their own interests, will try every means to obstruct the new policies. But Your Majesty, when it comes to reforming the policies, how can things be smooth sailing? As long as I am certain that the new policies are beneficial to the court and the country, I believe they should be implemented firmly. How can we be timid and hesitant just because some people are obstructing us?"

"I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree. Trust me, your son will handle this matter well and will absolutely not shake the foundations of our Great Wei!"

"Hmph, can you handle this? Let's not even talk about how many people will support you after your new policies leave the capital. What are you going to do with these people right now? Kill them all to show your determination to implement your new policies?"

The retired emperor casually waved his hand, signaling to the hundreds of princes kneeling below. His nonchalant attitude suggested that the lives and deaths of these princes were insignificant matters to him.

Emperor Ningkang subconsciously glanced at those below who couldn't help but shrink back upon hearing this. The Retired Emperor's meaning was easy to understand: Forget about gaining the support of the entire nation; you couldn't even get the support of the princes, nobles, and civil and military officials right under your nose in the capital. How could you possibly accomplish this task? Seeing Emperor Ningkang speechless, the Retired Emperor waved his hand and said, "Alright, this matter needs no further discussion. Hmph, you all usually talk about loyalty and filial piety, but I think it's all just empty words. If you were truly loyal and filial, you wouldn't be bothering me with these troublesome matters today!"

Seeing that the Emperor Emeritus was angry, Xiao Jing immediately kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, I deserve to die. Please punish me."

Looking at the retired emperor, who had one arm resting on the armrest and a displeased expression on his face, it seemed that if these people dared to say another word that displeased him, he would storm off. Emperor Ningkang stood there for a few seconds, then bowed and retreated without a word.

Seeing that the matter had been settled, the head eunuch of Chonghua Palace stepped forward, waved his whisk, and said, "All officials, step aside. Let the birthday banquet begin!"

As his voice became sharp, the sound of gongs, drums, bells, and chimes immediately filled the air around the hall, accompanied by a deep and celebratory chorus.

The atmosphere created by the music immediately broke the tension in the hall.

The ministers ignored him and returned to their seats with relaxed expressions.

Many people were thinking to themselves, "The retired emperor was the best. He was indeed the beloved old sage. How could such an obviously inhumane policy as the land reclamation be implemented? It was good that it was shelved, it was good that it was shelved."

"Ugh, I'm so angry! These people are so shameless..."

Beside Jia Lian, taking advantage of the slight commotion as the ministers returned to their seats, the Fourth Prince immediately began to grumble and express his dissatisfaction.

"Jia Lian, you don't know, that Prince Chai, that old man! He actually dared to say that his family was living in poverty, haha, I personally visited his mansion, his princely mansion is decorated more luxuriously than my princely mansion, all his wives, daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law, which one of them is not wearing gold and silver?"

"And he dares to say his family doesn't even dare to buy too much pork? Pah! I used to obediently call him my nineteenth imperial uncle, he's disgusting! I bet his family owns a vast amount of land and estates, definitely well over 100,000 mu, otherwise he wouldn't have fought so fiercely against his father's land...land measurement policy."

The fourth prince's voice wasn't quiet, but it wasn't loud either; it could only reach the ears of seven or eight people around him. In fact, he didn't know whether this land survey policy was good or bad, because his princely residence was newly established, and he only owned a few estates bestowed upon him by his father, totaling about seven or eight thousand acres. This new policy wouldn't affect him at all.

He only knew that his father had devoted a great deal of effort to implementing this new policy. Now, because of the opposition from these people, it had been forcibly shelved by his grandfather, and he could tell that his father was very unhappy.

Faced with the Fourth Prince's strong criticism, what could Jia Lian say?

Even if he hadn't participated in this matter at all, what could he have done or said in the face of such a powerful trend?

Even Emperor Ningkang was suppressed, and the Minister of Revenue, who held supreme financial power and fully supported Emperor Ningkang's new policies, only exchanged a few words with Xiao Jing at the very beginning. After the Emperor Emeritus spoke, he could only obediently shut his mouth and let things develop without daring to say another word.

This was a contest between the retired emperor and Emperor Ningkang, and it was clear that Emperor Ningkang was completely at a disadvantage.

He couldn't help, even though he felt that if Emperor Ningkang could implement the land survey policy, even if it wasn't perfect, it would still be a good thing for the country and its people.

Seeing that Jia Lian did not reply, the Fourth Prince nodded and said nothing more.

"A birthday gift!"

As the old eunuch chanted, the eunuchs outside the hall immediately carried in a batch of birthday gifts in the pre-arranged order.

"The Governor-General of Sichuan presented a pair of thousand-year-old white jade Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms."

"The Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi presented a pair of pure gold foreign guns."

"The Governor-General of Liangjiang presented a pair of jade vases with dragon and phoenix motifs."

"The Governor of Shandong presented a painting entitled 'Boating on a Boat'."

On the Emperor Emeritus's birthday, in addition to officials of the fifth rank and above in the capital who could enter the palace to offer their congratulations, local officials of the prefectural rank and above could also prepare birthday gifts in advance and send them to the capital if they wished.

Of course, according to custom, local high-ranking officials such as governors and provincial governors are required to send birthday gifts.

However, there were too many people bringing gifts. Today alone, there were one or two thousand people entering the palace (most of whom were members of the imperial family with titles). If the Emperor Emeritus were to see every single gift, he wouldn't be able to see them all in a day. Moreover, many birthday gifts weren't particularly impressive. Therefore, the gifts that were carried into the Chonghua Hall and presented to the Emperor Emeritus in person had all been carefully selected by the eunuchs and were certainly not cheap.

The birthday celebration ceremony, which can be considered the most interesting and engaging part of the Emperor Emeritus's birthday celebration, is also the part that people are most interested in.

After all, most people can't find or afford expensive and special birthday gifts, so seeing what others have prepared is a good way to enjoy the show and broaden their horizons.

After several rounds of birthday gifts were presented, not only were the officials quite impressed, but even the Emperor Emeritus, who had previously been visibly displeased, gradually softened his expression. As the gift-givers enthusiastically and joyfully introduced the gifts, he even inquired about them. When he encountered something truly pleasing, he would offer a few words of praise.

Many who were worried that the Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet would be spent in a somber atmosphere breathed a sigh of relief.

"The Prince of Bei Jing's residence presented an ivory screen."

"The Rongguo Duke's Mansion presented a pair of jade unicorns."

"The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion presented two pure gold fishing rods."

"The Marquis of Linzi presented a pair of 500-year-old ginseng roots."

The Fourth Prince, who had been silent for a while beside Jia Lian, suddenly heard the words "Rongguo Mansion" and immediately turned around, patting Jia Lian's sleeve. "Ha, your family got selected too!"

Looking down at Jia Zheng, who was standing properly behind the Chief Secretary of the Prince of Beijing's residence, preparing to introduce the birthday gifts, Jia Lian smiled slightly.

Jia Zheng placed great importance on preparing birthday gifts for the Emperor Emeritus. He mentioned that the pair of jade unicorns had been displayed in Rongxi Hall since he was a child, and were considered some of the most valuable antiques in the Rongguo Mansion; they were brought out this time as well.

Jia Lian knew that Jia Zheng knew he was going to be promoted to a post outside the capital, so he wanted to curry favor with the imperial family so that the emperor would arrange a better post for him.

However, Jia Lian thought that Jia Zheng's intentions were probably misguided. Judging from the current situation, the more novel and ingenious the birthday gifts presented today, the less pleased the Emperor Emeritus would be with Emperor Ningkang, and the greater the chance of being targeted in the future.

Thinking about this, Jia Lian felt somewhat fortunate that he had given Jia Zheng the opportunity to shine today.

"A Qilin?"

Sure enough, when the pair of jade unicorns, polished to a gleaming shine by Jia Zheng, were presented to the Emperor Emeritus, the Emperor Emeritus seemed to take a liking to them.

Jia Zheng was overjoyed and was about to tell the Emperor Emeritus the whole story of these two treasures when he heard the Emperor Emeritus say, "This inanimate object is fine, but I have heard that your Jia family has produced a prodigy, who is both scholarly and martial. I would like to see this living prodigy."

The Emperor Emeritus's words drew attention from everyone in the hall.

Most people present understood who the "prodigy" of the Jia family was referring to. What was truly unbelievable was that the Emperor Emeritus, who was so high and mighty that even cabinet ministers rarely saw him, not only knew about the Jia family's prodigy, but also personally requested to meet him at this crucial moment?

What an honor this is!

For a moment, many people glanced at Jia Lian, who was in a daze, with envious eyes.

"What, didn't he come?"

Seeing that Jia Zheng was somewhat slow to react, the retired emperor frowned and asked a question. Although Jia Zheng's official rank was not high, he had served in the central government for many years and was qualified to attend court. The retired emperor also recognized him.

"No, no, I've informed the Emperor Emeritus that he has arrived..."

Jia Zheng seemed a little flustered. After realizing what was happening, he replied while waving to Jia Lian, who was watching the show from the side.

Helpless, Jia Lian had no choice but to quickly get up and leave his seat, go to Jia Zheng's side, and pay his respects to the Emperor Emeritus.

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