first minister

Chapter 163 Shooting yourself in the foot

In fact, not only Su Yuanshang and Bai Yunbian were surprised, but even Guan Hexiang himself was also surprised.

About ten days ago, he received a visit from the manager of the Su family in Zhongjing City.

The other party didn't say anything else, just conveying a secret letter from the Patriarch.

The letter was written by Su Yuanzheng, the patriarch of the Su family, and stamped with the seal of the Patriarch of the Su family.

Tell him that the Su family has been dormant for many years and there will be an action. Next, the bettors of the Su family will come to him. As long as the other party can take out the gold token that symbolizes the presence of the Patriarch of the Su family.

Of course, people like Guanhe Township, who are also regarded as important ministers of the court, naturally don't have to abide by it. After all, they are not Su family slaves, and the Su family's hands may not be so long now, so they have nothing to do with him.

But Mr. Su's kindness back then was profound, and his virtues were also admirable. The people in Guanhe Township are still sticking to people who have never changed their families. Their loyalty cannot be said. Apart from being loyal to the country, they also believe in the choice of the Su family.

Xia Jingyun put away the token, and said with a smile: "I have nothing to order, I just hope that the Lord will be impartial, cooperate with the Shangguan, and do what a servant of the household department should do."

Guan Hexiang smiled playfully, "Really?"

Xia Jingyun nodded solemnly, "Gather together because of benefits, and disperse when benefits are exhausted. Only like-minded people can unite and survive the wind and rain for a long time, just like Master Guan is to the Su family."

These words are not only flattering Guanhe Township, but also a statement of ambition. Hearing the approval of Guanhe Township students, they couldn't help but nod their heads.

Xia Jingyun stood up and smiled, "Since the matter is settled, we won't bother you two old friends to reminisce about the past. Farewell."

Guan Hexiang quickly stood up and wanted Xia Jingyun to stay for dinner, but Xia Jingyun refused.

So he had to send his gift out.

Sitting in the carriage, Xia Jingyun looked at Baiyun, "Remember, you owe me a feast at Mingyulou!"

Bai Yunbian ignored him, but frowned and asked, "Why didn't you stay for dinner, this is a great opportunity to deepen contact."

Xia Jingyun smiled, "It's only between old friends that we can let go. What I should say, what I can say, or even what I can't say, Mr. Su will finish for me."

Looking at Xia Jingyun's contented smile, Bai Yun ignited his fighting spirit.

No, continue to go back to hang the beam at night!

The carriage returned to Jiang'anhou's mansion, and the concierge came to report that there was a woman who claimed to be sent by the owner of Mingyulou to look for Xia Jingyun today.

Xia Jingyun felt that he was probably here to give a fee for the pen, so he didn't care. Hearing this, he nodded and walked in.

In the meals and hot water, the tense mind of the day was washed away.
-
The next day, in the main hall of the yamen of the household department, the doctors of all divisions sat together.

Jin Youwen, the left servant, swayed his fat body, walked slowly, and sat down on the first seat on the left, with a relaxed and confident posture.

After a while, Guan Hexiang, the servant of the right, walked in. As usual, he was as quiet as a flat lake and as silent as a rock.

Jin Youwen opened his eyes, glanced at him, and nodded slightly.

Guan Hexiang also nodded in return, and sat on the first seat on the right.

After a while, Shangshu Wei Yuanzhi walked in with square steps, and sat down directly on the main seat in the middle.

Jin Youwen looked at the chair under his buttocks, a glint of haze flashed in his eyes.

Full of confidence, he spoke first, "Master Shangshu, there have been many refugees in Guangling Prefecture this year, and they have suffered repeated military disasters, especially the two prefectures and three counties. Fortunately, the local officers and soldiers have fought bloody battles to wipe out the bandits. However, in order to resettle the refugees, the local area is short of money and food. They handed over an official document yesterday, hoping to reduce the tax amount next year. The lower officials think that this matter can be handled as appropriate."

In the taxation system of the Great Xia Dynasty, the Ministry of Households had a certain degree of autonomy when approving the tax amounts of various places in the coming year.

This range of change is probably within 5.00% of the local quota. Anyway, His Majesty and the central government only need to collect enough money and food. As for how to distribute the money and food, the Ministry of Households can make some changes based on the ancestors' law.

Don't underestimate the 5.00%, move it a little bit, it is two to three hundred thousand taels in silver.

This also gave officials of the household department another extremely lucrative way.

Wei Yuanzhi turned his head and glanced at him. He naturally knew what the other party was planning, so he kept his composure, "Guangling Prefecture is rich. If Guangling Prefecture has to cut taxes, then the rest of the prefectures will not be able to survive? According to Jin Shilang, where should the reduced share be allocated?"

Jin Youwen had already prepared a draft, and talked eloquently, "My lord's words are wrong. Guangling Prefecture is rich. It is because the bureaucrats at all levels in Guangling Prefecture are well managed, and the money, food and taxes handed over to the country every year are not bad, but it cannot be said that because of its wealth, it turns a blind eye to its suffering. Now that Guangling Prefecture is in trouble, it is time for the center to express its consolation, so as to live up to its sincere heart in the past."

"As for the distribution, there are always one or two states that fail to meet their quota every year. One point is bad, and two points is bad. What's the difference?"

Wei Yuanzhi turned his head and glanced at him, "In Jin Shilang's eyes, the lives of the people in other prefectures are not their lives? They are not capable enough, and the payment is not enough, and they have to increase the amount. Is this to force the people to rebel?"

If it is in other yamen, the words of the top leader can scare the people below to pee their pants.

But in this yamen of the Ministry of Households, Jin Youwen didn't panic in the slightest, and smiled lightly, "Master Wei, everyone is discussing matters, and they can speak freely when discussing matters. Is it the way for you to use justice to suppress people? Is this the way to discuss matters? If you are like this, who in this yamen dares to speak?"

At this time, Guanhe Township spoke up, "Since it's a matter of discussion, it's not a big deal for everyone to speak out what's on their minds. I think it's better not to digress and continue talking about things."

As soon as Guan Hexiang said this sentence, Jin Youwen was overjoyed. He looked at Wei Yuanzhi with complacent eyes. Look at you. The two servants don't support you. So what if you are a minister?
But he didn't know that Wei Yuanzhi was a little uncertain at the moment. Guan Hexiang's words seemed to be supporting Jin Youwen, but why didn't they mean to smooth things over for him?
When going out today, Xia Jingyun's bodyguard was still guarding in front of the mansion, telling him that the matter has been settled, is it true?
Was Guanhe Township bought by Xia Jingyun so easily?
He was still doubting and speculating in his heart, while Jin Youwen had already begun to chase after the victory, "My lord, since you and I have different opinions, why don't we vote with a show of hands. The three of us have one vote per person, and whoever wins wins. If there is a tie, the doctors of each division will raise their hands."

His idea was very simple. According to the past situation, he and Wei Yuanzhi faced each other tit for tat. Guan He Township had nothing to do with him. Either Guan He Township stood on his side, two against one, and won directly, or Guan He Township abstained and the doctors voted. Four of the five doctors in the ministry listened to him, and they all won.

With this method, Wei Yuanzhi can be directly overhead!
Wei Yuanzhi's face turned cold for a moment, "Jin Shilang, what do you mean? The imperial court has its own rules for how the yamen operate. Are you suggesting that you are ignoring the court's laws? Do you treat the important affairs of the state like your children playing around?"

Jin Youwen snorted, and cupped his hands towards the void, "Prime Minister Qin once said clearly that all ministries should pool their wisdom and efforts, and the chief officer must also listen to it, and think that the country is dedicated to the government. Your lord thinks that Prime Minister Qin is wrong?"

Who wouldn't know how to put a hat on, Jin Youwen lifted Qin Xiang out with a backhand.

Before Wei Yuanzhi could speak, Guan Hexiang said: "My lord, I think Jin Shilang's words are polite. You are new here and you are not familiar with the affairs of the Ministry, so it will be more secure."

Jin Youwen is not surprised that Guanhe Township chose, this is something that he will also benefit from and increase the right to speak in his hands, a fool would not do it!

Wei Yuanzhi looked at Guanhe Township silently, his old eyes that had seen everything in the world seemed to penetrate Guanhe Township's calm appearance and look directly into his heart.

Even in such a situation, he still has a way to turn the situation around, it's nothing more than making things ugly, but it's better than being excluded from the program like this.

But Xia Jingyun's words are so convincing that the words still ring in his ears, should he believe it?
Guan Hexiang seemed to sense the gaze on his body, and smiled slightly, "Master Wei, you have to believe in justice."

Jin Youwen only thought it was Guanhe Township's ridicule, and laughed, "That's right, Master Shangshu, you have to believe that justice is at your fingertips!"

Wei Yuanzhi shook his head, Xia Gaoyang, Xia Gaoyang, this old man will trust you just once, don't let this old man down!
"In this case, then follow this law and raise your hand."

He raised his right hand first, "The old man disagrees with the tax reduction for Guangling Prefecture."

Jin Youwen smiled and said: "I'm sorry, Mr. Wei, two pairs"

Before he finished speaking, his smile froze on his face, and Guan Hexiang silently raised his hand, "Lord Jin, I'm sorry, but I don't agree."

In the originally silent hall, the atmosphere seemed to have changed quietly.

A few doctors who were sitting quietly watching the show suddenly felt that something grew under their buttocks, which made them twist their buttocks a little uneasily.

Jin Youwen shouted angrily: "Guan Daoyuan! You!"

Wei Yuanzhi was overjoyed. He didn't expect Xia Jingyun to actually accomplish this. He immediately suppressed a smile, stared at Jin Youwen, and said in a cold tone, "What? You suggested this law, so Mr. Jin must take the lead in not following it?"

Jin Youwen looked at Guanhe Township with devouring eyes, and held his breath, "If that's the case, let's discuss it later!"

As he spoke, he was about to walk away, but Wei Yuanzhi stopped him unexpectedly.

"Where is Jin Shilang going? I'm waiting to discuss matters, not only your case, I also have cases to discuss."

Wei Yuanzhi stroked his beard contentedly, "Last year, there was a severe drought in Baiyang Prefecture, and this year there may be severe floods. I want to reduce its tax amount, allocate money and food, and cooperate with the Ministry of Industry to help it build water conservancy projects, so as to prevent problems before they happen. If everyone has no objections, I will draw up a note and hand it over for His Majesty to decide."

"Second servants, let's vote, I naturally agree to this matter."

After speaking, he raised his right hand.

All eyes immediately stared at Guanhe Township.

Jin Youwen couldn't help but said sinisterly: "Master Guan, you have to think about it! You can't make the same mistake again!"

Guan Hexiang smiled, "Master Jin said well, you can't make the same mistake again and again."

After finishing speaking, he raised his right hand again, "I agree too."

(End of this chapter)