Jingming

Chapter 469 Not willing to be lonely

The eldest Guo Xun had already organized his affairs. In order to investigate the situation, he only directly contacted the Duke of Guizhou, Mu Shaoxun, through letters, and then sent his old housekeeper to make insidious inquiries on people of the same status in the Qiu family in the name of ordinary contacts.

Many specific matters are naturally handled by these subordinates. The information obtained from the servants of Xianninghou Mansion is even more useful.

For the other two lines, Yu Chengye and Lu Bing also have their specific manpower.

The matter involves a duke, a marquis and an uncle. In addition to Jiang Fu, Zhu Xizhong and Qiu Luan all hold important positions. Evidence must be collected carefully and carefully.

This matter still needs the cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce.

The person Huang Zuo brought to Zhu Houcong was Zhao Zhenji.

After becoming a Jinshi in the 14th year of Jiajing, Zhao Zhenji failed to take the fast track and enter the imperial study room as he wished. Among his colleagues, Hu Zongxian is now in the Imperial Study Room. In some subjects, no one can enter the Imperial Study Room, and among those who can, there is only one person in a subject at most.

Therefore, Zhao Zhenji was appointed as the head of the Ministry of Finance and Taxation, and then went to the local area to serve as a county magistrate.

Huang Zuo said to Zhu Houcong: "Meng Jing has been magistrate of the county for three years and has passed the examination. This time he was going to be promoted to the position of doctor in the Department of Border Trade of the Ministry of Commerce. Your Majesty told me about the matter. I just recommended Meng Jing to be sent to Mengding, Yunnan, as the governor of Mengding." Trader."

The Border Trade Department was first located in the Ministry of Literary Affairs. After the establishment of the Ministry of Commerce, the biggest piece of cake under the Ministry of Literary Affairs was also transferred to the Ministry of Commerce.

Of course, today's Ministry of Literary Affairs has increasingly focused on foreign affairs and cultural undertakings, and the publishing and performing arts industries have also become new sources of profits for the Ministry of Literary Affairs.

Although it is far less prosperous than the border trade, the Emperor's decree is such that the Ministry of Rites and Foreign Affairs can only adapt and look forward to the future of the new relationship between many vassals and the Ming Dynasty - only the giants of the Ministry of Rites and Foreign Affairs know that underneath People have many opinions.

At this moment, Zhu Houcong looked at Zhao Zhenji and asked: "The person originally proposed to be appointed was a capital official, right? Meng Jing, are you willing to go to Yunnan? This matter is not easy to handle."

"Although I don't know what you are going to do, your Majesty has a mission. How dare you not do your best to accomplish it?"

Isn't the purpose of trying every means to be promoted to a capital official to finally show off one's talents in front of the emperor and get him reused?

Now that Huang Zuo was looking for him instead of anyone else, and the dignified Minister of State gave him this opportunity, it would be just as bad if Zhao Zhenji declined.

At the beginning, I would think too much, but now that Huang Zuo was brought to the emperor, he actually had a separate priority to deal with. That was the best result.

Didn’t you see that even the accompanying bachelors in the Imperial Study Room didn’t announce their arrival at the West Nuan Pavilion of Qianqing Palace?

Zhu Houcong pondered for a while, then looked at Huang Zuo: "There is no need to go to such trouble. If I want to do this, there is no need to go to Yunnan. Meng Jing is willing to take on a big responsibility, so let him handle this matter. Meng Jing has been doing this for many years. They all work in the local area, so he is a new face in Beijing. I have just been appointed to a new position, so it is appropriate for me to visit various houses."

Zhao Zhenji felt even more happy. It would be better if he didn't have to leave the capital.

Zhu Houcong looked at him: "Be quick. I don't plan to investigate this matter slowly. I will get as much evidence as I can within a month. It would be best if I have a clue before I go to the Temple of Heaven and Earth."

After that, he began to assign tasks to Zhao Zhenji.

Zhao Zhenji felt an uproar in his heart. He didn't expect that something went wrong with the Duke, the Marquis, and the Uncle.

The president of the Construction Bureau, the chief military officer of Yunnan, and the Sichuan Superintendent of the Grain Reserve Company.

The evidence the emperor wanted to obtain not only included how they made profits and evaded taxes, but also how they colluded with foreign vassals.

Zhao Zhenji was assigned a new position in the Ministry of Commerce, which is responsible for the industrial layout of enterprises under the Planning Assets Bureau. It's called guidance, but in fact it's directly responsible for the business taxes of many companies.

As the main source of business tax in Ming Dynasty today, although the tax is collected by the Ministry of Finance and Taxation, the tax types and tax rate policies for various industries, as well as license management, business status and financial accounting reporting and filing, are all in the Ministry of Commerce.

Zhao Zhenji went to the State-owned Enterprise Management Department to represent various ministries and deal with the clan members.

Within each enterprise, there are already shares of the emperor, clan, and relatives of the Huangming Assets Bureau, and different enterprises also have shares from various ministries. For example, the earliest shareholder of the Construction Bureau was the then Ministry of Industry, the first shareholder of Ming Pao Bank was the Ministry of Rites, etc.

Zhao Zhenji's position is that of the account supervisor assigned to the Huangming Assets Bureau by the Ministry of Commerce, which can be said to be extremely important.

For so many years, some companies have suffered operating losses, so they have to give an explanation to the shareholders outside the Huangming Assets Bureau, right? Zhao Zhenji was in charge of this on behalf of the government officials.

Although his voice is not large, it is directly related to the perception of the civil servants on the business results of the enterprises under the Huangming Assets Bureau monopolizing the major industries of the Ming Dynasty. If it goes too far, won't some people be impeached?

This is also the supervision and check and balance force that Zhu Houcong must introduce to prevent the clan and relatives from messing around relying on their status as the "emperor's money bag".

But after so many years, I'm afraid they have become colluding.

This is also the reason why the Ministry of Commerce was specially set up to replace the people in various ministries and agencies who were already blocking accounts in various enterprises. Originally, they were meant to exercise the "right to know" about state-owned enterprises, but due to the constraints of interests, these positions have become lucrative jobs for various ministries and offices. Taking their place, the report they presented was as beautiful as their family fortune.

Now it is unified under the responsibility of the Commercial Department, and it will be easier to train follow-up teams within one department in the future. If it doesn't look good, just replace it.

"You are a new person. You have to break into the inside, and you also have to help the Prince-in-law restore his moral integrity. You have to grasp the right balance. Let this be the first thing you do as a new official."

"I understand. If there is any difficulty, I will personally consult Huang Guowu."

Zhu Houcong nodded: "Before this thing is done, the fewer people know about it, the better. If you go there in this capacity, and many people are interested in exploring your attitude, a lot of information should be revealed. As long as this thing is done, After that, you will no longer be welcomed among the clan members."

"When you are loyal to your Majesty, don't be afraid of hardships and dangers!"

"Remember, by taking advantage of the Ministry of Commerce to take over the border trade affairs, you have to provide me with evidence that the vassals did not follow the rules and harmed China by accepting the favor of the Ming Dynasty!"

Zhao Zhenji's heart trembled, and he saluted and accepted the order.

After leaving him to do the work, Zhu Houcong began to think quietly.

Under the current circumstances, after all, Ming Dynasty has not publicly declared which vassal states it is enemy of. However, under today's concept, if it is just about profit-making and tax evasion, it is not qualified to punish the honorable ministers.

The gold content of the title has already declined, but it cannot appear so useless.

It's not a serious crime, so it's not easy to deal with severely. If we can't handle it strictly, we can't talk about warning others.

Even if it is later publicly declared that some small countries are no longer vassal states of the Ming Dynasty, but are enemy states, it is not easy to cover up the charges of collaborating with the enemy because of the previous events.

Zhu Houcong also needs to consider the entry point of this matter.

After much deliberation, it turns out that these people are still cowardly and naive.

It’s just that I don’t dare to start with military merit anymore. Even if I want to seek wealth, I don’t know how to figure out my position and direction.

To put it bluntly, clans and relatives are all part of the Ming Dynasty's political system.

Even if you want to seek money, how can you not understand politics?

Being stupid in this regard is the biggest sin of being an honorable relative!

……

The events caused by the activity of the "eminent monks" in Tubo were used by Zhu Houcong to play on the topic. This time, he had the purpose of killing three birds with one stone.

The enterprises under the Assets Bureau discussed the ethos, established the authority of the Ministry of Commerce, and arranged for the vassal country to send envoys to Beijing to sign a convention.

Several people took action together, and as expected, Zhao Zhenji received many invitations and greetings, and he began to get busy quietly.

Just like when Zhang Fujing first arrived in Guangdong, Zhao Zhenji also participated in many "fish feasts". If Zhao Zhenji was to be benefited, how could it be done through open business in various enterprises?

In the process of Zhao Zhenji's deliberate contact with Cheng Guogong, Xianninghou and Dingxibo, he also learned about some of their close surrounding companies, firms and store numbers.

Then through the many files that the Ministry of Commerce has taken over, he can naturally find out a lot of information here: important managers and shopkeepers, local businessmen and wealthy households.

This information was then synchronized to Lu Bing's side, Tiqi Express, as far away as Yunnan and as close as the capital. The Jin Yiwei and local special service teams who were lucky enough to participate in the matter were checking the situation on a daily basis.

But such undercurrents are not worth mentioning under the surface hustle and bustle of the capital.

Right now, everyone is concerned about who will be the No. 1 pick in martial arts this year.

Every three years, the civil examination will be held in the early spring, and the martial arts examination will be held in the autumn. It has now become a rule. The martial arts examination is being held. According to the usual practice, when it comes to the palace examination, the martial arts examination and the literary examination are also held.

It is still the time for the martial arts test, which is outside the city.

Zhu Houcong looked at another group of people competing on the stage, and when he heard the roll call, he looked at one of them.

Liu Xian, Sichuan.

Zhu Houcong had seen this name during the Pujin Bridge incident in Shanxi. I happened to be passing by at that time, and he was very responsible and courageous. He took the risk and repaired it and made a great contribution. Then he asked for a reward, but he said that he was going to Beijing to take the martial arts examination, hoping that he could pass the martial arts examination and receive a reward.

So his name was remembered by Zhu Houcong.

Now, he has actually entered the main list of the martial arts examination and is competing for the top prize in martial arts.

"What were his previous results?"

After the question came out, Guo Xun, who came to preside over the martial arts examination with the emperor, said: "I'm afraid he won't be able to enter the top three. Your Majesty, because of his efforts in Puzhou, Duke Cheng Guo also invited him to his house to listen. Said it was quite encouraging and supportive.”

Zhu Houcong looked at him, and then said: "One code equals one code. He has made great contributions on Pujin Bridge, and Zhu Xizhong should naturally thank him. But their relationship only started with this incident."

"His success was also appreciated by Marquis Pinghu. As for Qiu Luan's business in Yunnan, Marquis Pinghu introduced him to him a lot."

Zhu Houcong stopped looking at him and said calmly: "What's the matter with you? You are in high positions. Who can achieve success completely without you?"

"I..." Guo Xun was a little embarrassed, "I'm just afraid of recommending unworthy people again."

"This is the martial arts palace examination. I have seen it with my own eyes based on my true ability. Do I deserve your recommendation?" Zhu Houcong complained, "I am over sixty years old. I was not very smart back then, and now I think too much."

"I am stupid..."

"You are getting old, and your son should be smarter." Zhu Houcong said truthfully, "If you can't become a general, how can you imitate Zhu Xizhong when you are in a company?"

On the competition stage below, Liu Xian was still fighting with his opponent, while Zhu Houcong was chatting with Guo Xun.

Guo Xun looked slightly sad when he heard the words that he was old.

"I know that being an honorable minister in front of me is no longer easier than before. But look at them, and then look at me." Zhu Houxuan looked at the young people who were fighting for the future, "How can the predecessors plant a tree, and the descendants will not be able to bear it?" Is it possible for generations to enjoy the cool weather? I have to work hard, and you can’t let it go any further. Besides, if you are less capable, you should be more responsible. You are still in the Five Prefectures, and you still want to be a distinguished minister who makes military exploits. You have to help I will tell them these principles."

"I understand..."

"Before the war starts, think it through. If you really care about your life, don't occupy a position and think about whether you can get military honors. Even if you have to be demoted, it will be enough to ensure the safety and wealth of the three generations. If you can't do it yourself, just do it. Educate your children and grandchildren well." Zhu Houcong paused and said leisurely, "Even if I can't educate my children and grandchildren well, the Zhu family will be gone as long as the second and third generations are mediocre."

"When His Majesty the Divine Lord comes to this world, the Ming Dynasty will surely be immortal!"

"You, you have practiced talking in scenes for so many years. I am telling you the truth, and you should take it to heart. Among the ministers, there are too many people who only have little cleverness and no great wisdom. But in the final analysis , they don’t need to be born to understand any great wisdom. Many sages have already made it clear. If you know that your talents are limited, you can always do it, right?"

Zhu Houcong glanced at him again: "Since they are rewarded by the Zhu family and have a high position, then since I am the emperor, my temper cannot be changed, so they have to adapt to me. Why should I punish them this time? Look back. In addition to me instructing everyone again, you also need to let them understand these great wisdoms. You can’t want everything without the ability. Even if you want it for yourself, you don’t understand what I want and what the Ming Dynasty wants.”

In Guo Xun's heart, the emperor indeed had too high demands on his ministers.

However, now he also began to silently reflect on the rest of his life.

Although his talent is average, he at least dares to work hard. After going through dangerous situations, he is now a Duke, the leader of the honourable ministers, and his momentum has surpassed that of several old Dukes.

But what about his son?

Guo Shouqian's talent was the same as his, but his courage was worse.

If you want your grandson to be able to become a duke by then, your son can only make contributions in the company.

The emperor was better at educating his son than he was, and the prince was now able to travel around and gain knowledge. The prince, grandson, etc. can at least educate the next two generations to be virtuous kings and follow the path pointed out by your majesty like a god descending into the world?

Zhu Feng had actually taken advantage of the opportunity to make meritorious deeds in the enterprise, and Zheng Kui had done the same.

If he wants a son who can also make a contribution so that his grandson will not be demoted, Guo Xun also needs a Huangming Assets Bureau and various enterprises that understand what the emperor wants better.

He nodded heavily: "I will be careful!"

This is probably the thing he needs to care about most in the next few years besides the war.

The era of old ministers making huge profits by taking advantage of the opportunities provided by various enterprises has passed. Even if Zheng Kui, a craftsman, can become a new prince, they will not be touched.

It is true that he does not have the ability to make contributions in the enterprise, but he only knows how to make money while occupying the position.

Some honorable ministers in the military also want military glory as well as money in the enterprise.

In order to make money, they may even undermine national policies.

In addition to the key projects that the emperor personally pays attention to, it can be seen that the officials in charge of the company are willing to invest the money in some projects to improve technology and craftsmanship?

Wouldn't it be a good idea to make that money through a company outside your home?

Thinking that if his son went to a company, he would definitely face such a situation. It would be difficult to find opportunities to make meritorious deeds in his life. His grandson would become the Marquis of Wu Ding again, and Guo Xun felt uneasy.

I had a very narrow chance of being surrounded and killed by Gunbilik, Duke Yi Guo!

If Gunbilik hadn't been scared off by Yu Dayou first, and if it hadn't happened to be not far from Heye Mountain where Li Jin fought for his life, and if Gunbilik hadn't been scared away for no reason, I would have lost my life in Shuozhou. !

Even so, isn't it a deadly battle outside Jingping City?

In Guo Xun's life, the most impressive thing was not accompanying him in the Northern Expedition, but the Battle of Jingping that year.

It was indeed a bloody battle to win back Duke Yi, and it also proved that following the emperor's ideas did have a future.

"The winner is Sichuan Liu Xian!"

Under the stage, Liu Xian made a military salute in the direction of the emperor. Guo Xun looked at him and said, "He served in Sichuan, and he dared to take the responsibility. After the imperial examination, I thought that this person could be appointed to Sichuan and would come from Sichuan to suppress Tubo."

"That's all easy to arrange."

Zhu Houcong only nodded.

At this time, Yan Song, who was in the State Palace, received another report from the Minister of Rites and Communications.

After reading the content, he suddenly changed his mind: "Who dares to be so bold?"

"Old Patriarch, this matter will naturally be reported. But now the envoys from the vassal states cannot be restrained, and the Tibetan monks have begun to talk about these reincarnation theories to confuse people's hearts. It is said that Gendun Gyatso Dharma Platform has received revelation and will be reincarnated in the Ming Dynasty. Many believers, men and women, are asking Tibetan monks to perform rituals and pray. They also say that they want to be reincarnated in the Ming Dynasty because the Buddha Land is in trouble. After reincarnation on the Dharma Platform, he will be the Living Buddha Maitreya, who came specifically to save the world."

"Buddha Land is in trouble..." Yan Song's face turned dark. To put it bluntly, wasn't it because someone seemed to have leaked the plan at the military affairs meeting?

Since the rise of the Yellow Sect in Tubo at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, it has been unstoppable on its way to unifying believers in the snowy areas. They believed in Maitreya Bodhisattva, not the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva that the Red Sect believed in. Yan Song still knew these things.

However, those who believe in Maitreya Bodhisattva are not good in the eyes of the great ministers in the Central Plains. They always talk about the world being in chaos and Maitreya saving the world.

Even the establishment of the Ming Dynasty had these stories in the process.

At this time and that time, the world is peaceful and the Ming Dynasty is prosperous. What do these Tibetan monks talk about about Maitreya’s salvation?

"They also frequently go to envoys from other vassal states?"

"Exactly! Elder Guo, should we report to His Majesty, or should we keep an eye on these envoys? If we let them go around, I'm afraid it will harm future events. These days, many envoys have said that they have to wait. At the end of last month, the other envoys from the vassal states had not arrived in Beijing. They wanted to study in advance what kind of treaty the Ming Dynasty was going to make this time. I only excused it by saying that I was still studying the results of the visits submitted by the envoys of various countries, but they He's not stupid either. With his mind uncertain, he may be more easily moved by Tubo."

Yan Song said with a sullen face: "I will report to Your Majesty right now!"

(End of this chapter)