serious man in the red chamber

Chapter 329 Spring Festival 2
There was a lot of snow.

The emperor was not in the capital, and all the palace doors were locked except for the palace door leading to the six departments.

At this time, two large pots of blazing charcoal fire were burning in the cabinet duty room.

The cabinet, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Industry, and the chief officials of Shuntian Prefecture all gathered here at this time.

The sound of wind and snow outside and the heat inside made everyone feel as cold as frost but with flushed faces.

Two cabinet clerks whose ears and noses were flushed by the cold wind were stomping their feet in the corridor outside the door to avoid the cold, when they saw a man staggering towards them in the snow.

The man came closer and turned out to be Shuntian Fu Cheng. He had obviously fallen down and his face was covered with snow and mud.

Shuntian Fu Cheng couldn't care much at this time, so he opened the cotton curtain and got in, gasping: "Something happened! Not only Liangxiang, but also Wanping and Daxing counties, many houses were crushed. Hundreds of people died. Maybe more."

Everyone was shocked and raised their heads, looking at the Chief Assistant Wang Hetang.

Wang Hetang opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but in the end nothing came out.

There was silence, and the air seemed to have solidified.

Finally, Li Mingbo, the governor of Shuntian Prefecture, couldn't help it and said: "We can't wait any longer. We immediately seized all the officials from Liangxiang, Wanping and Daxing counties, confiscated their homes first, and used the money to compensate them." People, stabilize the matter. In addition, we must beware of the royalists, who will definitely take the opportunity to cause trouble. The case must be heard clearly before His Majesty’s decree, and they cannot be allowed to get involved, otherwise this matter It will become more and more serious like a snowball, and it may even start a major case!”

The Minister of the Ministry of Industry stood up and said: "Li Fuyin's words are very reasonable. This matter must have involved a large group of people from the Ministry of Household Affairs, the Ministry of Industry, Shuntian Prefecture to the county. The Queen Mother has just passed away, and your Majesty has If you are not in a good mood, and if you have those people on the sidelines, there is no doubt that a big prison will arise again."

Zhao Zixun looked at him deeply, and then nodded: "Yes. This matter must be investigated by the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Works. They cannot be allowed to interfere. Otherwise, if the investigation is carried out layer by layer, I don't know how many people will be pulled out." Come."

Shi Guangzhu spoke: "I don't care about anything else. The Ministry of Household Affairs cannot be chaotic at this time."

Li Shouzhong cleared his throat: "Several other counties in Shuntian Prefecture will also send people to check to see if there is anything concealed."

One sentence reminded Li Mingbo, and his face immediately turned ugly. He turned to Shuntian Fu Cheng: "Take someone to investigate immediately."

Shuntian Fu Cheng: "Yes." He turned around and ran out.

Yang Cifu spoke: "Take people, ransack homes, and calm people's hearts. Find out the matter and report it to the emperor in the shortest possible time!"

After a pause, "Strike first and strike later will be controlled by others."

Lee Myung-bak then said: "I will go back and clean up Shuntian Mansion now." He also said to Zhao Zixun and the Minister of Industry: "The Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Industry must also clean up immediately. Don't give them a chance!"

Zhao Zixun and the Minister of Industry looked at each other, and then nodded together.

Wang Hetang hesitated for a moment, then sighed: "Hey, let's go."

Li Mingbo, Zhao Zixun and the Minister of Industry stood up and walked out the door.

Shi Guangzhu also stood up and walked out.

Li Shouzhong stood up and said, "This may not be a good thing." After that, he also walked out.

Yang Cifu was stunned. After a while, he came back to his senses and asked Wang Hetang: "Does Mr. Li Ge mean that we give up the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Works?"

Wang Hetang's eyes flickered: "I'm afraid there is also Shuntian Mansion."

Yang Cifu sighed: "There are few officials who are not greedy. They are just greedy for big things, small things, money and fame. Now that these three yamen are handed over to them, they may not be able to manage this family well. What's more, the war between the North and the South has reached a decisive battle. At this time, if there is a big prison, and even the military and nobles are implicated, the world will immediately be in chaos!"

"I don't understand what you are saying. It's just that you and I don't have any say in this matter, and the royalists can't make the decision. The hilt of the knife is in His Majesty's hand."

"You mean this matter is your Majesty's fault"

"You are overthinking. Now the Chief of Ceremony's spies are all over Zhili. His Majesty may have known earlier than us, or even more clearly. This is also the main reason for my hesitation just now. If we are seriously investigated, we will all have to go to jail to await our punishment. "

Hearing this, Yang Cifu breathed a sigh of relief, as long as this matter had nothing to do with the emperor. As for Wang Hetang's worry that it would involve the cabinet, he believed that the emperor would not do this.

"Master Wang Ziteng, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, is here." The voice of the clerk on duty came from outside the door.

Wang Hetang: "Please come in."

A gust of cold wind blew through the thick door curtain, and Wang Ziteng came in holding an official document.

Wang Hetang glanced at the official document in his hand: "Have the Nanyang Westerners replied to the letter?"

Wang Ziteng: "Yes." He answered, opened the official document and said: "Two points: One is about compensation and the war generals. The Xiyi people are willing to pay the full compensation and an additional 50 taels of silver. , in exchange for the lives of those war-fighting generals. Second, he hoped to sign an alliance with the imperial court and jointly send troops to attack Moscow and eliminate the Rakshasa Kingdom.

As long as the court agrees to these two conditions and signs a contract immediately, all compensation can be paid within three months. "

With a sneer, Wang Hetang turned to Yang Cifu: "Old Duke's navy has completed its sea trials, right?"

Yang Cifu thought for a while: "Calculating the date, it should be within these two days."

Wang Hetang nodded, and then said to Wang Ziteng: "Six hundred miles will be sent to the emperor as soon as possible, and the news that the old Duke's navy has completed its trial voyage will also be reported to him."

Wang Ziteng: "Yes." He answered, turned around and walked out.

After being silent for a while, Wang Hetang stood up and said, "I'll go to various yamen to have a look. I'd like to ask Cifu to handle these official documents." After saying that, he bowed his hands to Yang Cifu and walked out.
At the same time, in the office of the Ministry of Household Affairs opposite the cabinet duty room, Jin Shuqing, who had been demoted to the right minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, was sitting in front of a desk writing quickly.

After finishing writing, Jin Shuqing picked up the chapter and blew it, then put it into a cowhide envelope and sealed it, and then shouted: "Here comes someone!"

A confidant walked in in response.

Jin Shuqing handed over the chapter: "You set off immediately and must deliver this to the imperial mausoleum before noon tomorrow!"

The confidant took the envelope and replied loudly: "Yes!" He turned around and strode out.

Jin Shuqing stood up in excitement and ran back and forth in the office. This time, even if he couldn't move the Ministry of Household Affairs, he could still knock down the Ministry of Works. Thinking of the emperor's promise, he felt ecstatic in his heart.

Maybe he can join forces with Mei Changwen to defeat Zhao Zixun, he would be interested.

There has been a rumor in the court that Mei Changwen's son was supposed to be the number one scholar, but was secretly manipulated by Zhao Zixun and fell to the second place.

Thinking of this, Jin Shuqing picked up the fur cloak and walked out happily.

The floor kang in the flower hall was burning brightly, and two incense cauldrons were added with agarwood burning in them. The room was filled with fragrance and was as warm as spring.

Cups and plates of fruits and vegetables were placed on the Kang table, and poem titles, rhymes, and patterns were posted on the wall.

Everyone did not sit around the Kang and compose poems, but stood in the hall around a screen and looked at it carefully.

Tanchun took the letter from Lin Daiyu, read it, and said with a smile: "Uncle Wang said that this is a gift from the Guangdong General Wu family, and it came on a ship from the Xiyi people. The name of this screen For "Spring Dawn in the Han Palace", there are a total of 24 tea leaves, all carved from red sandalwood. There is white jade in the middle, and the jade is engraved with landscapes, figures, towers, flowers and birds. There are fifty or sixty people on one fan, all of whom are women in palace makeup. , the person’s facial features, mouth, nose, and folds of clothes are carved clearly and delicately. The embellishments and arrangements are all good.”

Xichun blinked a few times and said, "It's a pity that such a good thing should be gathering dust in the warehouse. It's just right to take two of them apart and put them in my house." After saying that, he looked at Lin Daiyu with a flattering look.

Lin Daiyu was too lazy to pay attention to her and turned her head to talk to Xing Xiuyan.

Xichun pouted, then Tanchun continued: "The Xiyi people also gave me a gift. It was a clock, more than three feet high. It was a child holding a time card. He told the time when it came. There was also a clock inside. Some people were playing ten rounds there. Well, my uncle said that the Xiyi people did not understand the rules, so he temporarily put the clock in the warehouse of the Ministry of Rites and delivered it personally after the first month."

He paused for a moment and said with a smile: "This Xiyi people really don't understand the rules." Everyone laughed.

At this moment, everyone in Lai hurriedly walked in and said to Li Wan: "Grandma, Bao Er and He San got into a drunken fight."

Li Wan was stunned for a moment and asked, "Why don't you go back to the master?"

Lai everyone replied: "The master is out."

Tanchun spoke: "Who are they? What are they fighting for?"

Lai everyone: "They were all working under Zhou Rui to manage the land rent village. The two got drunk and quarreled. Bao Er yelled that He had deducted more than [-] taels of farm income every year for three years and collaborated with outsiders to steal fruits and vegetables from the village. He San then slapped Bao Er, and the two started fighting."

Tan Chun's face sank: "Where is Zhou Rui?"

Thanks to everyone: "He left first during the fight."

With a snort, Tanchun said: "Is this Bao Er drunk and talking nonsense, or is this the case?"

Lai everyone dared to speak and lowered his head.

Tanchun understood: "Have someone tie this He San up immediately!"

Everyone's faces looked troubled: "This"

Tanchun shouted: "Say!"

Lai everyone smiled bitterly: "This He San is not only Zhou Rui's godson, but also the steward who manages the manor for the second wife."

As soon as these words came out, both Li Wan and Tan Chun were startled.

Everyone present was also stunned!
Lin Daiyu spoke: "Although this matter is not important, this custom must not last forever. The old lady and the others dared to fight just two days after they left home. If they are not dealt with, they will become even more arrogant." She said to Li Wan and Tan Chun: " I heard a few words about your Xifu Manor earlier, but I didn’t think it was true. Now it seems that the problem is not small. If we don’t solve it now, it will become more and more difficult to control in the future.”

Then he turned to everyone Lai: "Logically speaking, I shouldn't be involved in this matter, but the old lady is not here."

Lai everyone quickly said: "Girl, you are joking. Even if the old lady is at home, you can still do this!"

Lin Daiyu: "Tie up that Bao Er and give him thirty lashes."

Everyone was surprised: "This"

Li Wan, Tan Chun and others were also shocked and looked at Lin Daiyu together.Lin Daiyu continued: "Reward him with another 200 taels of silver. Tell him that these 200 taels are to reward him for reporting meritoriously and recuperating losses for Rongguo Mansion. The reason for beating him is because he violated the family law and messed up the rules. Merit is merit, fault is fault. It’s a mistake, but the merits and demerits cannot offset each other.”

Everyone's eyes lit up: "Yes."

Lin Daiyu: "Tie up He San and hand it over to the royal soldiers. Just follow my advice and send it to Xishan Coal Mine. In addition, let Zhou Rui lead people to ransack He San's house and repay the loss to Rongguo Mansion."

As soon as this statement came out, everyone present was stunned!
Lai everyone looked at Lin Daiyu blankly for a while, feeling a little embarrassed. No wonder they were able to hold the Dongfu and Jiajia Chamber of Commerce in their hands. With this method, ten Mistresses Lian were no match even if they were tied up. The rewards and punishments were clear. Taking decisive action, especially letting Zhou Rui raid He San's home, not only beat Zhou Rui to wake him up, but also made other Rongfu servants hate him and alienate him, so that he can only work harder to be proud in the future. The government is working hard!

Lin Daiyu spoke again: "Tie up those stewards who are watching the fun and give them fifty lashes. This is more abominable than fighting!"

Lai everyone: "Yes."

Lin Daiyu looked at her: "General Manager Lai also wants fifty lashes!"

Everyone was stunned for a moment and replied: "Yes."

Lin Daiyu waved her hand: "Go."

Lai everyone said: "Yes." He answered and walked out quickly.

"."

Li Wan stared at Lin Daiyu blankly, feeling complicated in his heart. He was usually soft and weak, but when it came to managing the house, he was particularly vigorous and resolute, as if he was a different person.

Tanchun was extremely envious. Look at others, and then look at himself. How great it would be if he also had this power and confidence!
At this time, Zijuan came over with a bowl of tea and said with a smile: "Girl, take a sip of tea to moisten your throat."

Lin Daiyu took a sip and said with a smile: "Don't stand here anymore, let's go up to the kang and sit down." As she said that, she walked to the kang and sat down. She first glanced at the red plums in the vase under the window, and then He said with a smile: "Today I will use the three words 'red plum blossom' as a rhyme, and each person will have a seven-rhyme poem."

Perhaps because the snow fell too much in the fourth year of Jianwu, there was no snow on the first day of the first lunar month in the fifth year of Jianwu. The clouds in the sky were thinner, and the sun could still be seen sometimes.

The empty prairie is covered with more than a foot of snow. At the foot of the mountain, a group of wild sheep are looking for food in the snow. A group of wild wolves lurking on the hillside are targeting them. The already hungry wild wolves are waiting for the sheep to relax. After being alert, they immediately launched an attack.

The wolves, which were full of energy, jumped up from the snow and rushed towards the sheep from the west, south and north. The huge sheep had no power to fight back and fled in all directions. At this time, an eagle cry was heard in the sky. Several huge goshawks were circling in the sky.

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves was earth-shattering, followed by human voices, horn sounds, and dog barks.

Jia Hu was holding a bow and arrow in his hand, leading the Mongolian nobles and galloping on horseback.

A wild wolf that was biting a wild sheep turned around.

Jia Hu drew his bow, took aim, and shot.

The wild wolf was pinned to the snow by the powerful arrows, struggled for a moment and then died.

All the Mongolian nobles cheered loudly: "Okay!"

Jia Hu laughed: "Cum! Cum all of you!"

All the Mongolian nobles opened their bows and arrows and shot at the wild wolves and wild sheep.

Under the leadership of the alpha wolf, the wild wolves began to retreat toward the hillside.

Jia Hu's Pegasus nocked an arrow and fired his bow left and right.

As soon as an arrow was shot, a wild wolf was hit by the arrow and fell to the ground.

Lin San led a group of tough soldiers, waving the lasso, and with a whoosh, the lasso flew out, and each wild wolf was caught around the neck and dragged to the ground.

At this moment, the desperate alpha wolf led the remaining dozen wild wolves to attack Jia Hu, who was hunting them alone.

Jia Hu was startled at first, then laughed. He put away his bow and arrows, pulled out the saber from his waist, clamped his legs, and rode his horse straight towards the rushing wolves.

The alpha wolf leaped up, opened its mouth and bit the horse's neck. Jia Hu slashed away with his saber.

With a flash of sword light, the wolf's head immediately flew out!

Jia Hu waved his hand and dropped the knife, slashing left and right. In an instant, more than a dozen wild wolves were chopped to the ground, and the blood dyed the snow red.

The Mongolian nobles immediately burst into cheers!
At this moment, a bear's roar came from the forest, followed by the sound of firecrackers.

Jia Hu was slightly startled. Are there bears here?
Montemu came over and explained with a smile: "Back to your lord, this is a brown bear unique to Ulyasutai. It lives in the desert Gobi area. It hides in the mountains and forests during the winter. The soldiers on patrol probably woke it up. "

Jia Hu nodded.

After a while, Jia Yun led a group of cavalry and rushed over. He threw a skinny brown bear with bullet holes all over the snow and said: "Your Majesty, when we were patrolling the mountain just now, a soldier accidentally stepped on this bear. A bear’s tree hole.”

Jia Hu: "Is he okay?"

Jia Yun: "It's just a sprained foot. I've already sent him back."

"People safe is good."

Jia Hu glanced at the dead bear and shook his head, "It's a good bear skin, what a pity!"

At this time, there was a rush of horseshoes, and everyone paid attention.

A policeman galloped towards this side with his horse. He ran to Jia Hu and reined in the reins. He jumped off the horse and loudly reported: "Your Majesty, the Huoli Department of Baikal Lake Grassland is here. The Supervisor of the Army invites your Majesty to go back." ."

Jia Hu: "The Sauron tribe didn't come?"

Fanzi replied: "I haven't seen it."

Jia Hu sneered: "Let's go back to camp!" With a wave of his whip, the war horse rushed forward like an arrow.

Everyone followed
Outside the gate of Zhou's military camp, eunuch Zhao and an old man in his 50s who were so skinny that they could be blown over by the wind stood there to greet Jia Hu.

This old man is Algulun, the leader of the Huli tribe who lives on the shores of Lake Baikal.

Five days ago, he received a personal letter from Jia Hu. Although he was very reluctant, he had to come and brought a large amount of property and gifts for the Sauron people living in the mountains.

"Here we come!" Eunuch Zhao spoke.

Algulen looked up and saw a group of flying black dots approaching at the end of the prairie.

Jia Hu led the Mongolian nobles on flying horses and ran to the gate and stopped.

"Your Majesty!" Eunuch Zhao bowed and saluted.

Algulon knelt down directly.

Jia Hu remained silent, looked at Algulun who was kneeling on the ground, and said, "Let's talk in the big tent." After saying that, he led everyone towards the Chinese army's big tent.
In the large tent of the Chinese army, Jia Hu sat high in front of the big case. He looked down majestically and yet gently at the Mongolian nobles sitting on fox fur mattresses on both sides. He slowly turned his eyes to kneel on the ground and held up the records. Algulun, the leader of the Huoli tribe, has the number of people in the clan's household registration.

Jia Hu: "Bring it up."

Lin San: "Yes." He answered, took the household register from Algulun and handed it to Jia Hu.

Jia Hu took the household registration book and looked down at it.

All the Mongolian nobles held their breath and stared at Jia Hu's expression.

After reading the household register, Jia Hu closed it quietly and said to Algulun, "Thank you for your hard work!"

Algulun hurriedly replied: "It is a blessing for the common people to be able to meet the county king!"

Jia Hu: "I have called you here this time, firstly, for the household registration, and secondly, to inform you that the imperial court will build a city and garrison troops in your tribe, and will also move some Monnan Mongolians there."

Although he had been prepared, Algulun was still stunned for a moment, and then replied: "The Huoli Department obeys the prince's order."

Jia Hu nodded in satisfaction: "Get up."

Algulen: "Yes." He kowtowed heavily again and then got up.

Jia Hu: "Did you bring gifts to the Sauron people?"

Algulon: "Yes. I heard that the prince raised a few falcons, and Sauron's tribe went out to catch a sea turtle. This thing can kill wolves and is difficult to get. In order to catch it, Sauron's tribe died. There are more than a dozen warriors."

Eunuch Zhao: "Bring it in!"

A fan came in carrying an eagle.

Jia Hu took a closer look and said to Eunuch Zhao: "Let me teach you a lesson, and then send it to the capital together with the gifts and household registers from each ministry to present to His Majesty. In addition, send a letter to Sauron's Ministry." ."

Eunuch Zhao: "Yes."

Jia Hu cleared his throat and said: "There is one more thing that I have called you here. I have asked the emperor to set up a protective palace here and bring Ulia Sutai and the surrounding land under the jurisdiction of the imperial court. You will become officials of the imperial court and take charge of the imperial court. The imperial court guards the borders."

After hearing what he said, all the Mongolian nobles breathed a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere in the big tent slowly became lively.

Jia Hu continued: "The land in the northwest has been conquered, and we need people to do it, so we need to separate some of your clansmen to move there. But don't worry, the imperial court will station troops. By the way, today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. The kitchen has prepared dumplings. Let’s talk slowly while eating.” After that,
He stood up and walked towards the door.

Everyone quickly followed him out.

(End of this chapter)