The King of Beijing in the Red Mansion

She is full of the scent of Keqing, and she doesn't even know how to avoid it.

"By the way, how was your visit to the Central Military Governor's Mansion today?"

The Beijing Prince's Mansion has regained control of the Central Military Governor's Office. This is a big deal. Shui Rong is only in his first day in office, so he must not take it too seriously. Don't let those people think that their good son is kind and easy to bully.

Shui Rong heard the concerns of Concubine Beijing and said with a smile: "It's nothing. The child is a dignified prince, and the people below dare not neglect him."

The Central Military Governor's Office was originally under the control of Prince Beijing's Palace, and it is only natural for Shui Rong to take over now. He was not parachuted in from outside, so who would dare to disobey him?

Now, they are the ones who are worried and scared.

Shui Rong was not worried about what happened today. There were many officials in the Central Army Governor's Office, and there were always people who understood the situation. They were not blind to which side had more shade. Now Shui Rong only needed to sit high on the Diaoyutai and wait for the people below to report and expose the crimes.

Concubine Beijing naturally didn't know the reason, but she felt at ease when she heard that Shui Rong was doing well.

After pacifying Concubine Beijing, Shui Rong looked at Xiangyun again and asked with a smile, "Girl Yun, are you adapting well in the mansion? If you need anything, don't hide it. Your brother-in-law will take care of everything for you."

Xiangyun heard this, her little face was filled with a happy smile, and she said in a coquettish voice: "Everyone in the mansion is good, I have no problem adapting to it."

Since she moved into the palace, all her food, clothing and daily necessities were arranged for her. Her godmother and brother-in-law spoiled her. Her elder sister and third sister were also kind to her. This made Xiangyun feel extremely happy. There was no reason for her to feel uncomfortable.

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Xiangyun was always straightforward and outspoken. She did not hide her thoughts when facing the friendly Concubine Beijing and Shui Rong, so she said in a clear voice: "It's just that there are fewer people in the mansion. The eldest sister and the third sister are busy with the accounts of the mansion. It's not good for godmother to disturb them all the time. Brother-in-law, you have to take care of things outside, and sometimes you are idle and bored!"

Shui Rong didn't say anything after hearing this. After all, Xiangyun's words made sense. Everyone in the mansion had something to do, but Concubine Beijing was getting tired easily at her age. It was Xiangyun who seemed to have nothing to do.

After a pause, Shui Rong said, "Then why don't you go look for your sister Qin?"

In the palace, apart from doing some needlework, Keqing would read "Instructions for Women" and the like, or else study some miscellaneous books. She was a idle person.

Isn't it a good thing for two idle people to get together? Moreover, Xiangyun has always been lively, and she can also promote the relationship between Keqing and Yuanchun and Tanchun, killing two birds with one stone.

Xiangyun frowned after hearing this, biting her lips with her pearly teeth, and said with some embarrassment: "Brother-in-law, I think Sister Qin is not someone who is easy to get close to. Would it be bad if I disturbed Sister Qin?"

Xiangyun naturally knew about Sister Qin. She was shocked by her beauty.

But she had only been there for a short time and didn't know Sister Qin very well. Seeing that she rarely spoke, she felt that she was not someone who was easy to get close to, so she didn't bother her.

Shui Rong chuckled upon hearing this and whispered, "Your sister Qin is a person who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. She is very approachable. If you don't believe me, you might as well ask mother."

Shui Rong knew Keqing very well. She was thoughtful and considerate, so how could she be someone who was difficult to get close to? Her current identity was awkward, so she was taciturn, which was normal. She looked cold on the outside, but was actually very annoying.

Xiangyun looked at Concubine Beijing when she heard this, and seeing her smiling and nodding slightly, she responded, "Okay, then I'll go play with Sister Qin next time. Sister Qin has a fairy-like appearance, and I've long wanted to make friends with her."

Shui Rong chuckled. This Yun girl, what's the point of talking about friendship or not? She thinks she is a female gentleman. Fortunately, Xiangyun is a bachelor, otherwise, based on this sentence, Shui Rong would have to show his displeasure. Keqing is the apple of his eye and he won't allow anyone else to think about her.

After a moment of silence, Shui Rong suddenly said, "Girl Yun, your brother-in-law has given you a task. Think of a way to make Keqing and you get along better. Just consider it as helping your brother-in-law."

Shui Rong was roughly aware of the fact that Keqing was somewhat excluded. After all, among the women in the palace, those from the Jia family accounted for the majority, so she seemed to be left out, which was not what Shui Rong expected.

Xiangyun raised her lips when she heard this, her bright eyes narrowed slightly, and she said in a coquettish voice: "I can help my brother-in-law, but I have to ask him for a reward."

As soon as these words came out, Concubine Beijing at the side could not help but laugh and scolded: "You clever girl, you are asking for a reward before you even finish the work."

Shui Rong didn't care. He knew in his heart that even if Shui Rong didn't agree, Xiang Yun would still help, so he smiled and said, "Tell me, what's the reward."

If Xiangyun can bring harmony to the rear house, some rewards will not matter. After all, Xiangyun's character is not the kind of person who would do something vulgar. Most of the rewards are just for fun.

Xiangyun's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she felt her little arm and said in a clear voice, "Brother-in-law, I want to learn how to ride a horse?"

After hearing this, Concubine Beijing, who had always doted on Xiangyun, couldn't help but frowned. She took Xiangyun's hand and said in a calm tone: "Yun girl, you are still young, how can you learn to ride a horse? Besides, that is a man's thing. Don't make trouble. It would be bad if you get hurt."

Xiangyun looked disappointed when she heard this, but she didn't say anything. After all, she knew that she could be lively, but she couldn't be unreasonable or become arrogant because of her favor. She would never do that.

Shui Rong didn't care. After all, Xiangyun in the original novel was a bold person. It was common for her to want to learn to ride a horse and gallop freely. So he said, "Mother, our palace was founded on military merits. It's okay for Yun girl to learn to ride a horse. I'll get a few docile ponies. Nothing will go wrong."

Of course, Shui Rong wouldn't do anything rash. Considering Xiangyun's age, it would be fine if he could just get her a few docile ponies to satisfy her.

When Concubine Beijing heard Shui Rong speak up, she thought it made sense, but it was difficult to agree, so she cursed at Shui Rong and said, "Just pamper Yun girl."

When Xiangyun heard that she could ride a horse, her face was filled with excitement. She came forward and pulled Shuirong's arm to rub against him, and said coquettishly, "Brother-in-law, you are just right. Then brother-in-law will be a good person and teach me how to ride a horse."

Shui Rong smiled when he heard this. Xiangyun really knows how to climb up the pole.

After a moment of silence, Shui Rong smiled and replied, "Okay, my brother-in-law has no other skills, but his horse riding skills are first-class."

Although Shui Rong was not from a military background, he was quite experienced in horse riding. There was a horse at his left and right, so he could just mount it and rein it in. If the horse did not obey, he would whip it.

Xiangyun was even happier when she heard this. She just pulled Shuirong's arm, only to find it was cold. She couldn't help but ask, "Brother-in-law, why are your clothes wet?"

After gently twisting it, it seemed a little soft and greasy. Xiangyun couldn't help but move forward to sniff it. Her face suddenly changed, and she covered her nose and spat, "What's that smell? It's weird."

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Chapter 141 Court Meeting

Qianqing Palace.

Emperor Yongkang issued an order to hold court meetings, and most of the cabinet, six ministries, the Chancellery, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Five Military Commanderies were held here.

The so-called court meeting was actually a channel for communication between ministers and the emperor, similar to a meeting.

According to the regulations of the Daqian Dynasty, officials did not have to attend morning court every day. Court meetings were generally held once every ten days, or about five days during special periods. However, as the emperor, he had to meet with some military ministers every day to discuss state affairs.

Moreover, if it is a court meeting, there will be relevant etiquette to regulate the behavior of the monarch and his subjects. This is the regular court ceremony. The first-rank officials in the court stand inside the hall, the second-rank officials stand outside the hall door, and the third-rank officials stand even further outside. Officials below the third rank are not qualified.

Generally speaking, when ministers report to the emperor, it will be done alone or with multiple people, depending on the need. However, if there are major issues that require wider discussion, they will be summoned by imperial decree, which is the case now.

Shui Rong, as the Left Commander-in-Chief of the Central Army Commandery, was also in the hall at this time. He was wearing a silver white dragon python robe and a jade belt around his waist. He looked very impressive, which attracted everyone's attention and whispers.

"The Prince of Beijing is in charge of a prefecture before he even reaches twenty. This shows how much your majesty values ​​him. It's a pity." Minister of War Li Wei said in a low voice at one side.

The so-called twenty and young age is indeed a little short of the mark considering Shui Rong's current age. Moreover, it is rare for a young man to be in charge of the Central Military Governor's Office. Even these important officials feel emotional about this.

The old man with gray hair and a white beard is Yan Zicheng, the chief minister of the cabinet. He understands what the Minister of War means. You must know that since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has neglected the military meritorious service, and there is a tendency for the court to control the military with the civil. According to their idea, the power and responsibility of the Central Army Governor's Office should be managed by the Ministry of War, but they did not expect that it would eventually be returned to the Palace of Prince Beijing.

After a pause, Yan Shoufu said in a low voice: "This is the intention of His Majesty, so please do not say anything more."

The matter is done and there is no point in saying more. Moreover, Prince Beijing has a special status. Even if he is in charge of a mansion at the age of less than twenty, no one is allowed to interfere.

When everyone saw the Prime Minister speak, they all remained silent. However, since ancient times, there has been opposition between civil and military officials. It was not easy for these unruly military heroes to be suppressed, and now there is the intention of revival. What they are thinking is unknown.

Wu Xun's side was also not quiet. There was a man next to Shui Rong. He was in his early thirties, with regular features and a short beard. He was also wearing a dragon robe. He was the Prince of Nan'an, who was currently in charge of the Rear Army Governor's Office.

The Prince of Nan'an had a kind face. He looked at Shui Rong and said in a gentle voice, "Nephew, you are the new commander of the Central Army Command. If you encounter any difficulties, just let me know."

Upon hearing this, Shui Rong looked at the Prince of Nan'an. The word "nephew" was meant to emphasize the old friendship between the two prefectures. As for the words "first-time leader", it was simply because he felt that Prince Nan'an was young and shallow and could not handle the affairs of an entire prefecture.

Faced with the so-called good intentions, Shui Rong did not think too much and replied with a smile: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Uncle Shi."

The Prince of Nan'an saw that Shui Rong had a humble personality and a smiling face, and that they were of the same lineage as Wu Xun, so it was natural for them to stick together in the court. Moreover, Shui Rong was currently highly regarded by the emperor, which was a good thing for Wu Xun.

After a pause, the Prince of Nan'an asked in a low voice, "Nephew, I wonder what important matter His Majesty has summoned us for. Have you received any news?"

It was not a court meeting at this time, but Emperor Yongkang summoned so many ministers, obviously there was something important. However, they did not know what it was, so they thought of asking Shui Rong so that they could be mentally prepared.

Shui Rong groaned for a moment, then smiled and said, "It's about Marquis Haining's business."

Since they were both honored with military honors, Shui Rong felt that there was no need to hide it. After all, they would know the truth when Emperor Yongkang arrived. Informing them in advance at this time was to express goodwill and to let them know what was going on.

Hearing Shui Rong's words, the people around him gathered around. One of them was in his early forties. He was the grandson of Duke Chen Yi of Qi, the hereditary third-rank general, and the current right commander of the rear army commander's office, Chen Ruiwen. He was surprised and said, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Haining is just jealous, why would he mobilize so many troops?"

In the eyes of everyone, Marquis Haining had only committed some problems in his lifestyle. Even if he was to be punished, there was no need to summon so many court ministers. Now it seemed that there was something they didn't know.

Shui Rong looked around. These people were the backbone of the military merit lineage. He did not intend to be a lone minister. His eyes moved slightly, and he reminded them meaningfully: "Marquis Haining spent 100,000 taels to redeem an otaku. Do you know where this 100,000 taels came from?"

Everyone was stunned when they heard this. Some were surprised at the heroic act of Marquis Haining, while some smart people guessed the meaning behind this move.

The Prince of Nan'an's expression flickered, and just when he was about to ask for clarification, he heard a eunuch's shout from outside the hall, which made the Prince of Nan'an swallow his words.

At this time, the hall fell silent. Everyone stood in accordance with their ranks and waited respectfully without saying anything more. Although Shui Rong and Prince Nan'an both held the title of Prince, Shui Rong had a special status, so he stood at the first position.

Not long after, Emperor Yongkang, dressed in an apricot-yellow robe, walked in from the side door with the gait of a dragon and a tiger, and sat directly on the golden throne. Everyone bowed to greet him.

Emperor Yongkang sat on the throne, his sharp eyes swept over the ministers, and said calmly: "My dear ministers, I summoned you this time because of the matter of Marquis Haining. What do you think?"

The civil officials were all shocked to see that Emperor Yongkang was only holding Haining Marquis accountable. However, since the emperor had asked, the Minister of Punishment had no choice but to answer. After thinking for a moment, he stepped out of the line and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, according to the Daqian law, any official who stays with a prostitute shall be caned 60 times." Haining Marquis knew the law but broke it, and everyone in the city knew about it. He should be severely punished."

As the Minister of War expressed his opinion, the censors responded one by one. Kang Kai made a statement that the criminals must be severely punished.

Shui Rong looked at the turbulent scene and raised his brows. The hostile relationship between the civil and military officials was more serious than he thought. After thinking about it carefully, he felt that it was reasonable. The Daqian Dynasty was conquered by Emperor Gaozu and his military generals. At the beginning of the founding of the country, the status of military generals was very high. Now that the country has been founded for nearly a hundred years, the status of civil officials has been rising step by step, and the conflict between the two has become more and more obvious. How could those civil officials not be happy about the suppression of military merits?

Although the military heroes were reminded by Shui Rong, some of them still did not understand and stepped out to report: "Your Majesty, as far as I know, the Marquis of Haining redeemed her and did not sleep with a prostitute. He was just jealous of someone. I hope Your Majesty will understand."

Shui Rong's brows twitched when he heard this. He was slightly interested in the person who spoke. Just as he said, strictly speaking, Marquis Haining did not "stay with prostitutes" because he was redeeming someone's freedom. In short, it could be said that he took a concubine. This is the so-called quantitative change leading to qualitative change, just like the clubs and mistresses in the previous life, of the same nature. Spending less money is a crime, and spending more money is just a problem of work style, and it does not touch upon the criminal law.

This person is quite capable as he can understand this.

Emperor Yongkang's face turned pale, and he said in a cold voice: "What a jealous person! You all know that the 100,000 taels that Marquis Haining spent on his redemption were all embezzled military pay."

Wu Xun's face changed when he heard this. They understood that since Emperor Yongkang said this, he must have evidence in his hands. Now they also knew why Emperor Yongkang made such a fuss about the Marquis of Haining, and they all remained silent.

On the other hand, the civil officials had a brighter vision. As the right governor of the Central Military Governor's Office was guilty of corruption, his subordinates would certainly not escape responsibility, so they could take this opportunity to continue to suppress them.

Chapter 142 Reshuffle of forces

The palace was filled with solemnity. The Minister of Justice bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I think this matter should be thoroughly investigated."

Once a thorough investigation is conducted, any matter involving corruption will require the intervention of the three courts.

Emperor Yongkang lowered his eyes and glanced at the Minister of Justice, and said calmly: "My dear Li, Prince Beijing has already investigated this matter. Corruption is rampant in the Central Military Governor's Office. From the right governor to the experience officer, everyone is involved. Last year, nearly 30% of the military pay allocated by the Ministry of Revenue was embezzled. This group of corrupt officials who pervert the law should be killed."

Shui Rong remained silent upon hearing this. Just as Emperor Yongkang said, he had already found out everything about the Central Army Governor's Office. The last time he issued an ultimatum in the Governor's Office, many of its subordinates saw that the situation was not right and reported it.

This was not unexpected by Shui Rong. After all, although the Beijing Prince's Mansion had not been in power for three years, they were all the old subordinates of the Beijing Prince's Mansion. It was good to lean on a big tree for shade, so naturally there were many people who came forward to curry favor with them. If it were not for the reputation of the Beijing Prince's Mansion, there would not be so many followers.

Among them, there are people who manage the account books, which record everyone's greed. This saves Shui Rong a lot of effort. This shows the influence of Prince Beijing's Palace.

Everyone looked at Shui Rong, especially Prince Nan'an and others. They didn't expect that it was Shui Rong who did it, without even informing them in advance.

Prime Minister Yan Zicheng groaned for a moment, then bowed and asked, "How does your majesty intend to deal with this?"

Emperor Yongkang did not respond when he heard this. He looked at Shui Rong and asked, "Prince Beijing, you are now an official in the Central Military Commander's Office. How do you think we should deal with you?"

Shui Rong replied loudly, "Your Majesty, I believe that Marquis Haining and his men have disregarded Your Majesty's grace and should be dismissed and investigated. We will not tolerate them."

Shui Rong would have no mercy on the Marquis of Haining and others. They would be accused of corruption, which would not only remove them from their positions but also put them in jail. Worse still, they might even lose their lives.

And why do you think Emperor Yongkang wanted to ask Shui Rong for his opinion? It was because Emperor Yongkang had no intention of acquiescing. It was just that since it involved military merit, the matter was not a small matter, so Shui Rong, as a military meritorious official, needed to express his position. In this way, the matter would not affect Emperor Yongkang.

As expected, Emperor Yongkang nodded with satisfaction and said, "Marquis Haining has disregarded the emperor's grace. I hereby decree that Marquis Haining's inherited title be stripped and the matter be referred to the Ministry for deliberation."

Depriving him of his title is tantamount to abolishing the Haining Marquisate, and he will be handed over to the Ministry for punishment. He himself cannot save himself. I am afraid that the Haining Marquis will never think until his death that just to redeem the courtesan, the entire Haining Mansion will be lost.