Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 30
Li Longji often gave official positions to his ministers after weighing many aspects.Factors such as the other party's merit, proximity, ability, and political checks and balances were taken into consideration.Everyone bids a price, and he only sees what the food is, and throws away the bones according to the dog he raises.

In other words, the "price" offered by Li Longji can definitely only be regarded as an "average price", and there are even many big pitfalls.No one without great wisdom, courage, great wisdom or great ability can do this.

Zheng Shuqing was worried. He was just a person with ordinary ability, ordinary background and ordinary luck in the officialdom of the Tang Dynasty.If you want to climb up, you have to do unusual things and take unusual paths.

In a word, you can't get far just by yourself.

Uncle Zheng cleared his hands and came to Li Linfu's house in Pingkangfang, preparing to ask the other party for an official position.Ever since he refused Jing Zhaoyin's appointment, Zheng Shuqing understood that he was now on Li Longji's blacklist for selecting officials. Without Li Linfu's help, he would probably be kicked back to his hometown in Xingyang as a young boy after he could no longer stay in Chang'an. The official died alone.

It didn't take long, and Zheng Shuqing, as a peripheral member of Li Linfu's party members, was quickly received.

Now that Li Linfu is employing people, this kind of clique formation for personal gain is still within the scope that Li Longji can accept.If every big boss at the center of the imperial court has no party members, how can the decree he wants to implement be implemented smoothly?

This is a very real problem. We cannot let the horse run well without giving the horse grass to eat.It is necessary to form a party in the DPRK, otherwise even the normal government affairs required by the emperor will not be handled, not to mention that Li Longji, who is very happy with his achievements, often makes extra demands.

"Kuizhou's affairs are going well. If you have any questions, the truth can clear up your doubts."

Seeing Zheng Shuqing, who had black eye circles and no energy at all, Li Linfu smiled and said, very kind and warm.

"If you miss the election of officials, please ask the left prime minister to help."

Zheng Shuqing took out a piece of paper from his cuff, handed it to Li Linfu, and said, "The rent adjustment in Kuizhou was purchased by the government in a unified way, and there is quite a surplus. Now the accounts are in order, which is more than in the past. The surplus will not be used by my subordinates, please The Prime Minister of the Left will make arrangements at his own discretion, thinking that the public has money."

"It's wonderful to do things properly."

Li Linfu took the paper and nodded slightly. This is a bill issued by a big bank in Chang'an, with a total of [-] guan. There is no need to withdraw the money. The merchant will send over the interest money every month.

It’s not a lot of money, but it’s definitely legal!

It is very common for local governments to "dispose of" the fiscal surplus they obtain due to "reasonable operations" (not greedy) in a reasonable and compliant manner.

Li Linfu turned the money into "public money" and gave it to businessmen for lending, which was also reasonable and compliant.

The interest on this "extra" public money fell into Li Linfu's own pocket. This matter was also reasonable and compliant. It was a blind spot in the law. The officialdom acquiesced and was beyond reproach.

This has always been done in Chang'an official circles, and no one has said that it is inappropriate.If it is not suitable, who will think of ways to help the government save money when dealing with government affairs in the future?

As an official, I took risks to help the yamen save money.

In the end, if things go well, it won't do me any good. If things go wrong, the superiors will hold me accountable for "not following the rules", so I might as well just lie down from now on!

So even if I don’t take the money, it’s okay to let me eat some interest on the public money, right?

I have to say that Lao Zheng handled this matter very authentically and was impressed by Li Linfu's work style and behavior habits.

Corruption is also operated within the constitution and will not violate the unspoken rules of officialdom.

"The purpose of setting up this situation is to take down Wang Yu, the envoy of Jiannan Jiedu, and Wang Yu is Pei Yaoqing's man. Now that Pei Yaoqing has resigned, Wang Yu is being questioned, and you have played the most important role in it.

But the sage still had a grudge in his heart, thinking that you had the intention of deceiving the emperor, so he asked you to make money in Kuizhou and use it after your reputation was ruined.

I just didn't expect you to be able to collect that money. It's really eye-opening.

The truth is that I deliberately did not tell you the truth, because the sage has said something beforehand, so I can't say anything about it.You won't blame the truth, will you? "

Li Linfu asked with a smile.

Zheng Shuqing understood, nodded slightly and said: "Thank you Prime Minister Zuo for taking care of this subordinate, otherwise a prison disaster will be unavoidable. I am really grateful. As a token of my heart, I have something to offer to Prime Minister Zuo."

Zheng Shuqing put the "red yeast rice" given to him by Fang Chongyong, and the brochures of Honglianchun's koji making method and wine making method on the table in front of Li Linfu.

"So this is Honglianchun."

Li Linfu looked at the red songs that were not very attractive, and said with deep emotion.

"Every man is innocent, but he is guilty. You gave me such a precious thing, how can I deal with it?"

Li Linfu looked at Zheng Shuqing with a smile and asked.

"Returning to Zuoxiang, red yeast rice wine will definitely enter the homes of ordinary people, but it will not happen overnight. Now Zuoxiang has the method of making koji. Whether it is brewed by oneself or offered to a saint, it is a happy event. Zuoxiang You can decide for yourself.”

Zheng Shuqing suggested calmly.

Li Linfu doesn't lack anything, and it's not appropriate to give any expensive things.Only this method of making red yeast rice wine is harmless to accept, and everyone is happy to donate.

Zheng Shuqing knew very well that success or failure depended on this.

"Now, the position suitable for you is Minister of Household Affairs."

Li Linfu put away the koji and the method of making wine, rubbed his hands, and spoke slowly.

"Please also show my left hand that my subordinates are willing to accept any arrangements."

Zheng Shuqing bowed and made a big salute.

Li Linfu nodded slightly and said: "It's easy to say. I estimate that Wei Jian has the intention to become the prime minister. According to the usual practice, most of the people who become the prime minister have the experience of Jing Zhaoyin. If Wei Jian is the Jing Zhaoyin, no one in the court will be with you. Competing for the position of Minister of Household Affairs.

When the time comes, I will petition the Emperor to grant you the position of Minister of Household Affairs. What do you think?
Wei Jian is proficient in financial management, and is the wife and brother of King Zhong (Li Heng), you can't compete with him. "

Hearing this, Zheng Shuqing instantly understood that his gift-giving was indeed the right one!If you look at the skills of the officialdom, there are very few bigwigs in the imperial court who can resist Li Linfu for a round!

Are you Wei Jian not awesome?

Then try the position of Jing Zhaoyin!

This is the fast track to becoming prime minister. Are you going or not?

It was impossible for Wei Jian not to go, because Li Heng was still standing behind him!His younger sister is Li Heng's concubine, so for a simple reason, Wei Jian had to rush forward.

Having the position of Jing Zhaoyin can bring a lot of convenience to Li Heng.

When he becomes the prime minister in the future, the possibility of Li Heng being crowned prince will be much greater.

Now everyone in the court can see that it is only a matter of time before Li Ying is deposed. Li Longji has already chopped off few of his wings!

It must be said that Li Linfu has his own accurate judgment on the direction of the court situation.Wei Jian is good at managing money and can't stop him from rising to the top, so he might as well help him and push him to a higher position to prevent the other party from taking over the household department and destroying his base.

This is a big chess game. Zheng Shuqing appeared in the right place, just in time to replace the power vacuum caused by Xiao Jiong's demotion.In this way, Li Linfu can play this game of chess successfully.In addition, Zheng Shuqing is obedient and filial, so it is not difficult to rise to the top.

There is a popular saying in Chang'an officialdom:
Follow Zhang Jiuling and he will pull you in depending on the situation. You don't have to help him, but if something goes wrong, he will help you talk to him depending on the situation.

If you follow Li Linfu, he can find a way to push you up. You have to help him with things, but he won't protect you if something goes wrong.

Send money to Gao Lishi, but he will not do anything after receiving the money.If you don't give money to Gao Lishi, he will definitely ruin your affairs.

Now Zheng Shuqing can only count as half of his application for an official, and he has to go to Gao Lishi's side for a while.

"By the way, how about Fang Youde's son?"

Li Linfu suddenly remembered this incident and asked.

"Back to Prime Minister Zuo, this guy has some quick wits. He may be able to do something in 20 years, but it's not worth mentioning now."

Zheng Shuqing said very contemptuously.

"Well, I think so too.

You go, have time to think about how to help the saint with money.Now the expenditure of this center is getting bigger and bigger.At that time, the truth is only a rough decision, and it is you who will actually do the work.

At that time, if the errands of the household department are messed up, don't blame the truth for being ungrateful. "

Li Linfu said calmly, the calmness on his face had been restored, as if those smiles just now were all fake.

"Left Prime Minister, don't worry! This subordinate will do his best!"

Zheng Shuqing wished he could slap his chest loudly!

……

Marriage is a major event in life. Although Fang Chongyong is not yet old, the marriage has already been settled. For this reason, he is extremely uneasy and anxious.

In the middle of the night, he invited Fang Laique's father, Fang Dafu, to have a long talk by candlelight, inquiring about the situation of the Fang family and Chang'an.

"The matter of getting married is indeed true, and this old slave also knows it well. I just don't want Wang Zhongsi to fall to this point, and Alang is already an observer envoy of the Youzhou feudal town, one step away from Jiedu envoy."

Fang Dafu couldn't help but sighed with emotion.

"So, this marriage is real?"

Fang Chongyong frowned slightly. In life, he often cannot make free choices.

The marriage between Zha's father and Wang Zhongsi's family is not something he can have the final say on. Wang Zhongsi will revolt sooner or later, and Zha's father is already a high official in Youzhou.The dissolution of a marriage represents a political upheaval.The impact will far exceed Fang Chongyong's expectations.

"The annulment of the engagement is no longer possible. Let's go to the Wang family's residence tomorrow and have a look."

Fang Chongyong lamented.

He is still a child now, why should he undertake so many things!

"In Huaiyuanfang, go out the gate and go northwest."

Fang Dafu said concisely.

Fang Chongyong nodded, it seemed that he had to go to Wang's house.It would be unjustifiable for Wang Zhongsi not to tell his family members about his achievements in border towns.

Because things like "operating" can sometimes be counterproductive.There are countless operations in history that have more success than failure.

"A Lang said before that you shouldn't stay in Chang'an, and you should never even go back to Chang'an. But... you still came back."

Fang Dafu couldn't help but sigh.

Fang Chongyong was greatly surprised by these words. He asked in confusion: "Chang'an has many opportunities for development, why shouldn't it be in Chang'an?"

"Because Alang said that Chang'an will not always be prosperous, and maybe one day a disaster will come. There are many people here, and there are a lot of disputes. You were a bit dull when you were young, and Alang thought you might not be able to protect yourself. Fang Laique is also very stupid, you two How does an idiot deal with adversity?"

Fang Dafu also didn't understand why Fang Youde insisted on throwing Fang Chongyong to Kuizhou to handle affairs by himself.Perhaps, there may not be any plan in it.In Fang Dafu's eyes, Fang Youde is omnipotent.

"It doesn't matter. In Datang, if not Chang'an, where else could we be?"

Fang Chongyong sighed and said, coming to Tang Dynasty without eating grilled fish is like going to a grilled fish restaurant without eating grilled fish.He is not a stoic person who can endure loneliness. Even if he doesn't come to Chang'an now, he will come sooner or later.

"By the way, the Wang family's house should be bestowed by a saint, right?"

Fang Chongyong suddenly remembered that Xu Yuan and others said that the monthly rent for a house like theirs started at seven dollars, and it was still a single room!The rent alone is this price, so you can imagine how expensive it is to buy a house in Chang'an!

It is said that when Bai Juyi first came to work in Chang'an, he had to pay half of his monthly salary in rent. He had been an official for 30 years, and he was able to get enough money to buy a house.

This is true for all officials, which shows how terrifying the housing prices in Chang'an are.

Of course, Chang'an is very big. In terms of residential layout, it is "densified in the north and sparse in the south" and "rich in the west and noble in the east." The slums in the south not only have poor public security and are crowded with various religions, but are also not fully populated.

"That's right, although Wang Zhongsi is a general, his father also died for the country. But if there is no gift from the saint, he would not be able to afford a house in Chang'an."

Fang Dafu said with certainty that he would buy vegetables and cook on weekdays, and he had a very intuitive understanding of the prices in Chang'an.Li Longji rewarded the house because the housing price in Chang'an was too high, which had reached an appalling level.

Ordinary officials can't afford it.

However, to be a general in a foreign town, one must have family members (not necessarily all family members) in Chang'an, and this is also a rule.At the time of the Anshi Incident, the son of An Lushan was also in Chang'an, and unfortunately he was cut off by Li Longji.

After all, Wang Zhongsi had been a general before and came from the palace. It is strange that there is no house in Chang'an!Fang Chongyong thought about it and felt that the Wang family's life in Chang'an should be relatively difficult.

Wang Zhongsi was demoted and his salary was reduced a lot. How will the Wang family live?Not very optimistic when I think about it.Even for people like Zheng Shuqing, who came from an aristocratic family, there were a lot of people in the family crowded into one courtyard, and the living conditions were not comparable to those in his hometown.

There was nothing to say all night, and the next day he was afraid that the big-mouthed Fang Lai Que would talk nonsense, so he just took A Duan to Huaiyuanfang.According to the address given by Wang Zhongsi, go find the residence of the Wang family.

Is my fiancee, Little Loli, a cute girl, or a fat guy?
I heard that Wang Zhongsi's wife was given the marriage by order of Li Longji. She was born in Zangfang, an aunt of the Li family in Longxi.

With a feeling of worry about gain and loss, he successfully passed the gate of Huaiyuanfang and found the place. Fang Chongyong knocked on the door of the Wang family.

"Who are you looking for?"

A handsome young man opened the door, and the smile on his face disappeared as he saw Fang Chongyong's appearance.

"I'm the son-in-law of the Wang family. If I have something to discuss with my mother-in-law."

Fang Zhongyong bowed and said neither humble nor overbearing.

"Since he is the son-in-law, why didn't he even know that the Wang family had moved away? You are not an imposter, are you?"

The handsome young man looked at Fang Chongyong with a confused look on his face, and the two of them stared at each other with big eyes and small eyes.

(End of this chapter)