King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 466 Governor’s Northwest Counter-Rebellion Office

Starting from April [-]th, Zhu Jinghong was very peaceful on the road. Apart from chatting with Ning Huanxiang every day, he also explored the mysteries of life with Ke Qing.

But Wang Pei'an always didn't want him to get what he wanted. He would either teach him a lesson with a book or talk to him on the spot.

How to teach on site? Naturally, when he stopped in the wild, he took him to see the hard work of the people and let him understand the hardship of people's livelihood.

For example, at this time, he was led by Wang Pei'an and walked on the high slope of the loess.

Although he is a modern person and knows that the people are not living well, Zhu Jinghong still felt a little shocked when he saw it with his own eyes.

When he was in Jinling that day, he went deep into the countryside to observe the people's sentiments. At that time, he felt that the people's life was difficult, but compared with Shaanxi and Gansu, Jinling was already good.

"People's livelihood is already extremely difficult," Zhu Jinghong couldn't help but sigh.

At this moment, Wang Pei'an was also very touched. On the one hand, the northwest was indeed too bitter, and on the other hand, it was Zhu Jinghong's reaction.

All along, he felt that he knew this man well enough and thought that Zhu Jinghong was a kind-hearted royal dude.

But after spending a lot of time together recently, Wang Pei'an found that he needed to get to know this person again.

Although he is resistant to understanding the people's sentiments, when he really comes to the people, he will indeed understand the people's sentiments in detail.

What is especially commendable is that Zhu Jinghong will ask some details of people's lives, such as how many acres of land they have at home, how the harvest is, and how they pay taxes every year...

The majesty of a prince, so humble and condescending... The contrast was so strong that it really surprised Wang Pei'an.

So much so that he couldn't help but wonder, could the prince do it? Can King Rui do it?

These two are intent on fighting for power, but how can they really care about the people... This is the judgment given by Wang Pei'an.

"Your Highness, the so-called people are suffering, but now that the imperial court is waging war, the people are living a hard life, with taxes and corvee...!"

Nowadays, the imperial government's finances are still relatively healthy, so there will be little change in taxes, but there will inevitably be an increase in military service.

In the past two months alone, the imperial court has recruited nearly [-] civilians from Sichuan, Shanxi, Gansu and Shuofang to transport military supplies.

If according to ancient sayings, the [-] combat troops on the front line plus these civilians, the court can also claim to have an army of [-] to suppress the rebellion.

It is worth explaining that among the [-] troops of the imperial court, only more than [-] were directly under the imperial court, and the rest were all servants of chieftains from various tribes and alliances.

Wang Pei'an continued to talk about the truth here, but Zhu Jinghong's eyes turned to the official road, where a large group of people were rushing.

"Who are those people?"

Next to Zhu Jinghong, a member of the household replied: "Your Majesty, there are sergeants escorting us. I think they are transporting ordnance to the front line!"

Gao Hong is one of the hundred households of the Banner Guards. He and another hundred households, Zhang Zhongxiang, are responsible for commanding the guards who protect Zhu Jinghong this time.

Zhu Jinghong personally selected the men of Gao Hong and Zhang Zhongxiang, and each one of them was a good fighter.

It is truly unique that he has gone to the flag-bearer guard to pick and choose like this, and he has already done so twice during the opening of the mansion.

"I don't see it as..."

Compared with ordinary people, Zhu Jinghong's eyesight was much better. He found that what was being escorted was not an object but a person. This was a bit strange.

"Go and have a look!" Zhu Jinghong said in a deep voice.

So everyone jumped on their horses and rushed towards the pipeline, including Wang Pei'an.

Wang Pei'an originally had average riding skills, but during this period of time, in order to facilitate his journey, he, a scholar, also practiced it.

After everyone got closer, they saw clearly that in addition to escorting supplies, the sergeants also escorted a large number of young men in the team.

After being informed by his subordinates that a team was approaching, Qianhu, the leader of the team, did not dare to take it lightly. He ordered his subordinates to be on guard, and then he brought people to negotiate.

"Who are you?"

Listening to the shouting from the opposite side, Gao Hong looked at Zhu Jinghong and asked: "Your Majesty... you have to go and say hello!"

"If you go ask about the situation, just say we are from the Governor's Office!"

Ning Huanxiang has established the Northwest Governor's Office, so it is most appropriate to bear his name.

Gao Hong immediately rode forward, first reported his identity and then showed his identity before letting the escorting sergeant explain the situation.

After asking about the situation, Gao Hong immediately rode back, followed by Qian Hu.

"Your Majesty, this is Xu Qianhu. They were responsible for escorting the grain and grass. On the way, the civilians made trouble for pay, so they were captured!" Gao Hong reported.

Xu Youqing originally thought that he was just a staff member of the Governor's Office, so he thought of coming over to pay a visit, but he never expected that he would be a prince in front of him.

Xu Youqing had heard that Zhu Jinghong would go to the northwest to supervise the war this time, and he was traveling with Ning Huanxiang, so he could easily guess the identity of the person in front of him.

Without any delay, Xu Youqing immediately knelt down and paid homage: "I, Xu Youqing, the Qinzhou Guardsman of Qianhu, the Governor of Gansu Province, come to pay homage to the prince!"

"Well...get up!"

Zhu Jinghong responded, and then asked: "The civilians are making trouble for their pay? What's going on?"

Wang Pei'an also kept a close eye on Xu Youqing, and he also wanted to know the inside story.

"Those civilians were called upon to transport military rations, but on the way they said that the wages had not been paid and that their families were running out of money, so they did not want to leave in the middle of the journey, so they started clamoring for wages..."

Recruitment of corvées was tax-free. If the service was completed and there was another sign, the court would have to provide monetary and food subsidies. After all, the time to transport military rations was long, which greatly affected family farming and other agricultural work.

After Xu Youqing told Zhu Jinghong, he learned that the group of people arrested had been drafted into service for the fourth time since February last year.

In other words, from February last year to May this year, they worked for the imperial court for free for ten months out of the thirteen months.

There is a long-term lack of strong labor in the family, and it is very likely that the life will not be able to survive, so it is normal for these civilians to have trouble with wages.

After Xu Youqing finished speaking, Wang Pei'an asked: "Did they really not receive any money or food?"

"This... I really don't know the inside story. I just escort the military supplies to Wuwei safely!" Xu Youqing replied.

In fact, he knew that these people did not receive subsidies from the court, but they just did not want to get involved in these matters, so he said that he did not know.

Compared with other Qianhu, he was already considered a kind person. He only detained the troublemakers instead of directly killing people to establish his authority.

"Your Highness, I'm going to ask about the situation!" Wang Pei'an took the initiative.

After Zhu Jinghong thought for a moment, he said: "Go!"

With Wang Pei'an around, many things would not be easy to handle, so Zhu Jinghong was thinking about how to kick this guy aside along the way.

What happened today gave Zhu Jinghong an idea.

So he looked at Xu Youqing and asked: "Tell me the truth...does this common man owe a lot of money?"

"This……"

Seeing Xu Youqing hesitating, Gao Hong immediately reminded: "The prince is asking me, just tell the truth. Do you think you can hide this kind of thing?"

Arrears of wages are indeed very common. Civil servants are the easiest group of people to deal with, and officials are naturally more willing to take advantage of them.

"According to what I have heard...there is indeed a lack of payment, and there have been several disputes over payment!" Xu Youqing answered very difficultly. He really did not want to be involved in these corruption cases.

"Ok!"

Fortunately, Zhu Jinghong responded and had no intention of asking any more, otherwise Xu Youqing would really want to cry.

"It seems this is a big case, enough to hold him back!" Zhu Jinghong looked in the direction of Wang Pei'an.

At this time, Wang Pei'an was asking questions, chatting very animatedly with the arrested group, and even started laughing in the end.

"I will get your salary back for you, but you must also promise to transport the court's food and grass!" Wang Pei'an looked solemn when he spoke.

Maybe he really has a great sense of righteousness. Anyway, after some persuasion, all the people present believed his words.

"Master, as long as you can make the decision for us, how dare we miss the important matters of the imperial court!"

"We also know that if those barbarians come in, it will be a big disaster. If the family is really unable to survive, we will not cause trouble..."

"Master Wanwang makes the decision!"

Looking at the common people in front of him, Wang Pei'an asked them to get up and told them to talk to Qianhu. After speaking, Wang Pei'an turned back and explained the situation to Zhu Jinghong.

"Your Highness, I think... I think these people are the first offenders and have not caused any trouble, so I can temporarily pardon their crimes!"

"This way, they can be punished and make meritorious service, and the transfer of military rations will not be delayed!"

"Ok!"

Zhu Jinghong responded, but felt a little disappointed. He was worried that Wang Pei'an would let the matter go.

Just listen to Wang Pei'an continue to say: "At the same time, I think this matter should be reported to the Governor's Office and let Governor Ning investigate the case strictly!"

Hearing this, Zhu Jinghong felt relieved, but he pretended to say: "Wang Changshi... This case involves a lot, I'm afraid it won't be easy to investigate!"

Wang Pei'an replied solemnly: "Your Highness, even if it is difficult... it is not as difficult as the common people!"

Zhu Jinghong continued: "You can investigate the case freely, and there are inspectors, censors, and guards... I'm afraid it's not appropriate for you to intervene!"

The reason why Zhu Jinghong said this was entirely to avoid responsibility. He guessed that among the guards he selected personally, there were probably informants in the imperial court.

This is inevitable. Even if these people are clean when he selects them, they will be easy to find and win over later. Everything is driven by interests.

"Before I left, Your Majesty summoned me and ordered me to investigate the public sentiment. I am acting on orders by investigating this case!"

Zhu Jinghong also didn't expect that things would take such a turn.

If Wang Pei'an was investigating the case under orders, then others would really be blameless.

But in fact, the point of Zhu Xianming's words was to ask Wang Peian to investigate Qinghai and Anxi Xingdusi to investigate whether they had mishandled the rebellion in the northwest.

Apparently, the removal of Wu Changhui last year still made the emperor feel that he had done away with evil, so he wanted to let Wang Pei'an continue to dig deeper.

At this time, Zhu Jinghong was overjoyed, but he still said calmly: "That's it...sir, just go check it out!"

"Yes!"

After saying this, Zhu Jinghong looked at Xu Youqing and said in a deep voice: "According to Wang Changshi's wishes, let him go!"

"Your Majesty, what if these people make trouble again? I have delayed the arrival of military rations. I can't bear this crime!" Xu Youqing bowed again.

This is not a question of whether he is accommodating or not, but that he has to take responsibility as long as there is such a possibility, but he simply cannot bear the consequences.

"They have promised me that they will not cause trouble again and will help you deliver food!" Wang Pei'an explained.

Originally, he was scornful of Wang Pei'an, but when he learned that he was an imperial envoy, Xu Youqing could only respond respectfully: "Sir... people's hearts are separated from each other, and no one can guarantee that they will not regret it!"

Just when Wang Pei'an was about to argue with him, Zhu Jinghong took the initiative and said: "Okay... I will guarantee this matter. If they make trouble again and the army rations are delayed, I will explain the situation to the Governor's Office on your behalf!"

At this time, Gao Hong spoke up and said, "You must also know the prince's reputation, so you can rest assured!"

Compared with the hundreds of guards selected in the palace, the two newly recruited by Zhu Jinghong are obviously more capable.

"Yes, yes..." Xu Youqing had no choice but to order the man to be released.

When the people were released, everyone turned towards Wang Pei'an, kowtowed to him, thanked him and shouted "Master Qingtian".

Wang Pei'an went back again and made a promise to a group of people and asked them to deliver the military rations on time. After hearing this, everyone all patted their chests and promised.

If it were the same, it would be difficult for other officials to achieve Wang Pei'an's effect.

It is extremely difficult to convince the people.

After the arrangements were made, Zhu Jinghong asked Xu Youqing to continue on his way, while he led his men back to the Governor's Office.

It is not accurate to call it the Governor's Office. The official office now in charge of Ning Huanxiang is called the Governor's Northwest Counter-Rebellion Office.

Since it is an administrative office, it is similar to the current governor. It is still a temporary assignment.

Today's governor's office is temporarily stationed in Wuwei Mansion, where Ning Huanxiang will meet with officials and generals from Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan.

These people are mainly responsible for the logistics of the frontline army and are the fundamental guarantee for the victory of this war.

As the governor of the northwest, Ning Huanxiang had a wider source of information, which made him more aware of the problems in logistics, among which the so-called arrears of wages for civilians were not a big deal.

After Zhu Jinghong and his party returned to Wuwei City, he returned to his temporary station, while Wang Pei'an went to the Governor's Office.

To investigate the case and get money and food back to the people, he had to communicate with the Governor's Office, and it was best to get Ning Huanxiang's support.

Let's say that Zhu Jinghong entered the house, but Keqing came out after hearing the news, and at the same time arranged for the maid to dust him off.

The wind and sand in the northwest are strong, and it is inevitable to get dusty when going out, especially when Zhu Jinghong rides around on horseback.

After a brief tidying up, Keqing ordered someone to bring out the meal. Six dishes and one soup were all delicious and delicious, which was not much worse than in the palace.

"Your Highness, please take a seat!" Ke Qing pulled Zhu Jinghong to sit down.

Recently, enjoying the "exclusive" treatment of Zhu Jinghong, Keqing felt comfortable from the inside out, and her whole person became more and more radiant.

"My lord, you eat this..."

"You should also eat some of the seasonal vegetables that were just delivered..."

Along the way, Keqing was meticulous in his work, which also made Zhu Jinghong get to know him again.

While eating, Zhu Jinghong didn't talk too much, but was thinking about the next thing.

After he finished eating, he went to the backyard to rest.

Before following Ning Huanxiang out of Yumen Pass, he would maintain his "peaceful" image to prevent Ning Huanxiang from driving him away.

"How many days has it been since you last sent a letter?"

When Ke Qing heard this, he thought for a moment and then replied: "Last time it was... the letter was sent on the twenty-third. Today is the twenty-ninth, six days have passed!"

"Then it's time to write a letter to report that you're safe!" Zhu Jinghong said with a smile.

Every six or seven days, he would send a letter to the capital, not only to report that Baochai and the empress were safe, but also to introduce some of his experiences in the northwest.

"I'll grind it with you!" Ke Qing said immediately.

After Zhu Jinghong sat down, he first wrote to Baochai and greeted Yang Jingting and others inside.

After writing more than ten pages and putting them in an envelope, Zhu Jinghong wrote a letter to the emperor and empress, mainly to express greetings and greetings.

After this operation, half an hour passed.

While sealing the letter, Keqing said: "Your Majesty, I have something to do, and I want to ask for your mercy!"

"What's the matter?" Zhu Jinghong asked.

"My father is in Wuwei, and I want to... want to meet them!" Ke Qing made a request.

After Qin Ye and his son were sent to the northwest, Zhu Jinghong also learned about the follow-up, but later he forgot about it because there were so many things going on.

He only remembered this when Ke Qing mentioned it.

"I remember they were in Ganzhou, how come they came to Wuwei again?" Zhu Jinghong was extremely puzzled.

"Wu Wei was recruited a few months ago and seems to have been assigned to work as a minor official in the county government!"

Talents like Qin Ye who came from a good academic background can easily receive courtesy from local officials even if they are sent to a bitter and cold place like the northwest.

So Qin Ye and his son were initially assigned to the ancient city of Ganzhou, where they stayed as scribes in the local county government.

But as the news spread that Ke Qing was carried into the palace, Qin Ye and his son were transferred to the Ganzhou government office, and their living conditions were much better.

This situation was learned by the Chief Secretary of Gansu at that time, so when Zhu Jinghong set out for the northwest, Qin Ye and his son were transferred for the second time.

He was transferred from Ganzhou to Wuwei Mansion, and the conditions in the latter were slightly better.

(End of this chapter)