Emperor Yongzheng

Chapter 39 The Emperor's Heart Unexpected
They wiped out Jiangxia Town, captured Ren Bo'an alive, and then seized the secret files privately created by Ren Bo'an in one fell swoop.Kangxi was furious when he received the six-hundred-mile speeding memorial from the prince Feifei at Guazhoudu, and immediately issued an edict:

It was reported on October 25th that I was shocked.Such giant thieves who harm the country and harm the people are rarely seen in history.It was agreed that the fifth son of the emperor, Yinqi, and the ninth son of the emperor, Yin, together with the yamen of Dali Temple, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Shuntian Prefecture, would be the first to offend Ren Bo'an and pursue the mastermind. According to the law, he would be guilty of treason and should not be tolerated.Admire this!
Then he ordered to drive back to Beijing along the canal north.

On November [-]th, Kangxi's imperial convoy passed through Tianjin and rushed back to Beijing by land.At this moment, the weather is already turning into ice, and outside Dongzhimen, there is a lot of snow, and it is completely white.After the reception was over, Emperor Kangxi summoned Yin, Yinzhi, Yinyinqi and Yin's five sons in the temporary reed shed set up in front of the reception hall.

Although it is a "reed shed", it is covered with felt and airtight, and the four huge gold-plated braziers are burning with charcoal, melting like spring.Kangxi was only wearing a red-colored river silk pegasus leather gown and a black fox-legged satin crown on his head. Although he was a little tired, his face was radiant and rosy. It seems that this trip to the south of the Yangtze River left Beijing, a place where power struggles for power and profit. His state of mind is very calm and at ease, after a few months, he seems to be much younger.Watching the sons salute with a smile, he ordered the prince to sit down, and said: "Needless to say, Tingyu, I brought you a person, you may not recognize him!" Zhang Tingyu stood next to Kangxi, and hurriedly said with a smile: " Although I don’t know Mr. Fang, you guys have read Mr. Fang’s books—this is Mr. Fang Bao and Mr. Fang Linggao, leaders of the Tongcheng School of literature.” Fang Bao hurriedly took a step, kowtowed to the crown prince, and greeted Yinzhi and others However, Kangxi smiled and said: "Forget it, you are my friend, unlike Zhang Tingyu, he is my courtier and slave. These are all my sons, and when we meet in the future, we will hold a courteous ceremony - have you all heard?"

Only then did Yin take a closer look at Fang Bao. He was really blind, with a sickly yellow face, an inverted eyebrow, a pointed mouth, and a wretched look on his face. He was wearing a long black fox fur robe that covered his feet.I really don’t know how Kangxi could choose such a person to be his prime minister, and I don’t understand how such an ugly person could be so good at writing.He secretly laughed in his heart, but said in his mouth: "I have admired Mr. Fang's moral articles for a long time, but I have no chance to meet him. Now that Jian is with the emperor, it will be much more convenient to ask for advice in the future." Fang Bao hurriedly bowed and said: "The reputation does not live up to it, and I have wrongly inherited the crown prince's gold medal. "As he spoke, he looked at everyone again, and only for a moment did people see the sparkling sparkle in his eyes.Yin actually met Fang Bao when he was inspecting Fang's mansion in Tongcheng. Later, he and his eighth brother protected Fang Bao in front of Kangxi. After thinking that it was not convenient to recognize each other at this time, he just smiled and nodded in understanding.Yinzhi smiled and said: "I have been reading Mr. Fang's articles since I was a child. "Prison Notes" clearly narrates the evils of the times, and it really penetrates the seven letters. I guess the previous edict was written by Mr. There is something unclear in it, and I would like to ask for advice. Where’s the sir!”

"You are the third master, right?" Fang Bao bowed slightly and said, "I don't know what the third master wants to ask?" Yinzhi smiled and said, "It says that Zhang Shizhi is seeking fame and reputation, but it is not found in historical records. Where does it come from?" Fang Bao smiled and said: "It's in the history books, and you can see it when you pay attention. Zhang is the emperor of Wendi, who is in charge of the judicial power of a country. Zhou Bo was almost killed when he was wronged. Zhang Shi didn't say anything to protect him, but he was fighting against him. He made a big fuss about the last incident of committing crimes against the royal driver. The emperor said that it is very fair for him to seek fame."

Yinzhi poked the prince's scar as soon as they met. Everyone was startled, and Yinzhi couldn't help but feel embarrassed. The good father, son, monarch, and ministers reunited after a long separation, which immediately made everyone uncomfortable.Yinzhi realized that he had made a mistake and was about to say something tactful when he heard Kangxi say: "When it comes to reading, you are all far behind! Tell me, how is Ren Boan's case?"

"Reply to Ama." Yin glanced at Yin, bowed in the chair and said, "Ren Bo'an and Liu Ba'nv asked for the great treason according to the law. Ren Bo'an was the chief offender, Lingchi; Liu Ba'v and 43 people below, together with two division officers from the Ministry of Punishment , ranging from beheading to large extermination, there is also a person who knew about it but did not tell anything, he was a fifth-rank official, and he committed suicide. The case has been closed. "

"The case is closed?" Kangxi seemed a little surprised, turned around to take the cup, put his hand in the hot water, shrunk from the heat, his face was livid, and said coldly: "Isn't it too hasty?"

Although the voice is not high, the tone is very heavy.The brothers looked at each other, but no one dared to speak.Kangxi stood up, paced and said: "Think about Ren Bo'an, who was born in the bureaucracy, an official with a mustard seed, and the future of the firefly. Hmph, no one is in charge, he dares to hire dozens of scramblers, secret Build private files and blackmail all officials? Since weeds are being cut, why not eradicate the roots? Since we are eradicating evil, why not do everything?"

"It was my son's idea." When Yin saw that the prince was silent, he sneered in his heart. He stood up and said calmly, "Please punish me, father. Not only was Ren Bo'an not implicated in his affairs, but even the false files he built were his own doing." It was advocated and burned in public.”

Kangxi stopped suddenly, and his eyes became aggressive: "Huh?! Is it you? You didn't ask for my will for such a big thing, and you didn't inform the prince. You are too good at it!" Yin knelt down with a "plop", but He bowed his head and said nothing.Kangxi shouted angrily: "Why don't you reply?" At this moment, there were hundreds of princes, ministers, guards and eunuchs inside and outside the shed. Seeing Kangxi's long face was furious, everyone's expressions changed to tremble.

"My son, I have nothing to say," Yin stared at Kangxi for a long time, then suddenly lowered his eyelids and kowtowed his head and replied, his voice choked with sobs, "Only this heart can face the sky."

"why?"

Yin pondered for a moment, calmed down, and said: "Long live the poor world, the sage shines alone. That Ren Bo'an was a despicable and humble official. He had been operating in Beijing for decades. He secretly established private companies, blackmailed ministers, controlled six ministries, and committed corruption for personal gain. There were famous ministers in the past such as Jackie Chan and Guo Xiu, and wise ministers in the later years such as Zhang Tingyu and Ma Qi. After the 42nd year of Kangxi, many of the elder brothers were in charge of government affairs. Is it possible that no one investigated his rape case? Who can protect the kings here? Baylor and the ministers and officials were not involved? On that day when Wu Sangui and other three feudal lords were in chaos, his father also burned official letters at the Meridian Gate in public to stabilize the hearts of the ministers. If the fire of the beans does not burn, brothers will live in peace and parties will fight. If the atmosphere is not maintained, then the government will be in peace. For this reason, the son is willing to risk the heavy punishment of Amma, investigate and deal with the culprits to deter the traitors, and burn the scrolls and destroy the evidence to calm the people of the upper and lower ranks. The father thinks that the son is wrong, and the son should behave accordingly. burden."

"Well..." Kangxi looked at Yin and then at Yin, and his heart suddenly moved.Only now did he understand that this case was not sponsored by the prince at all. After thinking about it, his tone softened and he said: "This is different from the San Francisco Rebellion. The situation is different and the plot is also different." Yin kowtowed and answered. Said: "The situation is different but the reasons are the same, the sentiments are different but the hearts are the same. I understand my father's intention and want to use this case to revitalize the court and investigate and punish traitors. However, the country's long-standing evils are difficult to rectify, and it cannot be solved with just one case." Yes. The ministers are thinking left and right, pushing pillows in the middle of the night. They must be done safely, neither hurting the dignity of the royal family nor disturbing the court situation. They can only calm it down and make arrangements. In this way, the panic and people's hearts are at ease, and the atmosphere of party disputes No, the king and his ministers are in peace. There is no gap for the little people to take advantage of."

Because they had known that the emperor would have this question, Yin and Wu Sidao discussed it over and over in the secret room, and finally found out what they said was coherent and reasonable. It was both implicit and unmistakable. Be sincere in serving the country and the people.Yin was angry and frightened after hearing this, and wished he could kick this "princeling" to death, but he couldn't say a word. Yin Zhiyin was relieved and a little jealous, so he stood in a daze without saying a word.When he didn't do anything, Yin kowtowed again and said, "My minister was ordered by Long Live to be in charge of the second department of household punishment. I didn't know that the case was so serious, so I didn't ask for an order from the prince in advance. Later I found out that the prince There are many arrangements, strategizing, and silent help for the son and minister. While the son and minister are asking for forgiveness, they are deeply grateful to the master for his kindness and kindness." This is the end of a generous article, and everyone feels that it is perfect.Yinzhi couldn't help frowning, but Yin stared at him in surprise and said nothing: I didn't expect this person to be so treacherous!
"Ting Yu," Kangxi sighed, "Ma Qi is ill, go and have a look. If he is still able to move, he will be sent to the palace tomorrow. I will summon all the officials to give a lecture."

"Cha!" Zhang Tingyu hurriedly replied, and then asked: "Is the meeting in the Hall of Mental Cultivation?"

"Qingqing Palace." Kangxi bit his lips and said, "The Hall of Mental Cultivation is too small." After saying that, he ordered to drive, and the sound of drums and music outside the shed had already started.

Yin drove to the gate of Donghua, followed the class to retreat, and immediately rode off to Prince Lian's Mansion alone.But he saw that Yin had just gotten off the sedan chair.Seeing Yin, Yin couldn't help but smile and said: "You are so anxious, I thought you would come in the evening! Is there anything big?" Yin followed Yin into the house, sat down in the West Flower Hall, and said, "Nothing big. , I’m just unsettled and want to talk to Myna.”

"Get some snacks." Yin ordered outside, then turned around and said with a smile: "It's not a trivial matter to be upset. I thought Ama would meet you, and it would only take a few words for such a long time. We were outside. They’re all freezing—what’s going on?”

With a sullen face, Yin took the Fujian ginger tea handed over by the girl, took a sip, and slowly told the story of the interview with Zuo Dui, and then said: "It turns out that we thought he was just a dog in front of the prince. I think we underestimated him." Him. Listen to what he said. Is Cao Cao so treacherous? I see that the prince also looks uncomfortable. The fourth child has sold him in front of everyone, and he still has to be surrounded by beautiful people!" Yin half-closed his eyes and thought in thought. After hearing this, Qu Ran smiled and said: "It's heart-warming. The fourth brother is originally a smart man. He must have noticed that the emperor didn't like the prince, so he took refuge in my younger brother, and he couldn't stand it, so he used this method to please him. Your Majesty, he also told us that he is not a 'princeling'. This little trick can't be considered a big deal." Yin listened disapprovingly, shook his head and said: "So I thought so too, but it doesn't look like it. This scheming and scheming should not be underestimated. This time, we and the prince have been treated to a state of disgrace, and their ambition is immeasurable!"

"Really?" Yin was actually a hundred times shocked by Yin, but there were some things he could only say to Yin, because he smiled and said: "To do great things is nothing more than to win the rightful son. The fourth brother is not weak in mind and resourcefulness, and I can't do this." I know. The fatal thing about him is that he has little virtue and only a small amount of money. Only by giving him a favor can he be a good assistant and a good minister. According to his virtue of being harsh and harsh, he must retaliate. With the kindness of Long Live Lord, how can he be so popular? He is on the throne of the prince. , there is not a day without trouble, and everyone below is in danger. If you really want to take the throne on behalf of the second brother, and the world will not be chaotic within three months, you, the ninth, have chosen my eyes! So you see, long live Give him one mission today, and another mission tomorrow, but refuse to give him military power, and do not ask him to interfere in overall affairs - just because he has identified his mean talent. If you are uneasy about this, I advise you to pillow The cushions are high." Just as he was talking, he saw a family member walking over with a woman about 20 years old. He stopped and asked, "Coming?" The family member hurriedly replied: "Coming, this is Liu Qianniang. .”

When Yin Zheng was surprised, Liu Qianniang had already come in.Her appearance is not very outstanding. She wears a Zhaojun suit on her head. During the day, she wears a bird-style hair vest and a long pleated skirt with water flowing down her shoulders. She has an oval face with dimples when she smiles, a few freckles, and a pair of watery almond eyes. The spirit is quite lively, but also charming... Nuannuan came in and squatted down with two Wanfu, and said softly: "Eighth master, what do you call me slave?"

"We have been saying all day long that Fourth Brother's house has an iron door bolt that cannot be inserted with a needle or splashed with water." Yin said with a smile, "Look, this is Qianniang from my theater troupe, but she and his housekeeper Gao Fuler We're in love!" Yin looked Qianniang up and down and asked, "Really?"

Although Liu Qianniang didn't recognize Yin, she knew that he was also an elder brother. She nodded sheepishly and said, "He paid for a house in Weijia Hutong, and I lived there." Yin nodded and said with a smile, " It's hard for a general to be a beauty, let alone a little Gao Fu'er? You look so pleasant, you will definitely be able to handle the Eighth Master's mission!" Qianniang rubbed her handkerchief with her hands, her face turned red with embarrassment, and she whispered: "Eighth Master My father has been so kind to me, and my father and brother are all doing well now. I have tried my best to repay Master Ba, even if Qianniang dies right now, there is nothing I can say."

"What are you doing to make you die?" Yin chuckled, "You have a great future! I have already arranged for your brother to be the county magistrate of Guangdong, and he will be promoted gradually. Gao Fu'er is not a bad person, I want you to pull him. The purpose of keeping him is to prevent Fourth Brother from having any ill intentions towards me, and not to harm Fourth Brother. You must not misunderstand me." Liu Qianniang smiled sweetly and said: "He is a 'little man' and has little ability. Fourth Master The government is very strict, and those who are not favored by the fourth master can only polish their skills in the outer courtyard, and even Fu'er cannot enter the study. In fact, Fu'er is still kind to the fourth master, and he even talked to me about four things the night before. My personal opinion was that Nian Gengyao went to the fourth master's house later than him, and because his sister was his aunt, he became a high official when he left. I laughed when I heard that, and said that you are not the material to be an official. Isn’t it easy? You can buy a fourth-grade Taoist platform with 8000 taels of silver. The fourth master is happy and will reward you, won’t you have it?”

This was the first time Yin heard about these extremely important trivial matters in Prince Yong's Mansion. He was fresh and curious, so he smiled and said, "What did Gao Fuler say?" Qianniang blushed and said coyly: "He said...'I will do it if I have you. You're satisfied, you haven't collected the money to redeem yourself yet! The fourth master is not that generous...'" "8000 taels..." Yin held his chin and said thoughtfully, "Debit [-] from my accountant. Take it and look at him. If you are sincere, you can give it to him, but he cannot buy an official position. If you want to be an official, it will fall on me in the future - if you have any other words, it doesn't matter, we will listen."

Liu Qianniang looked up and thought about it, and said: "There's nothing else. I just heard that the fourth master is also looking for someone to repair the tomb in Zunhua, Shunyi, looking for geomantic treasures. He also set up a manor in Miyun. What else is called? Damn it, I hooked up with Fujin's little girl..."

"You are a mediocre person who is asking for land and housing." Yin said, "Old Jiu, listen to the great things he has done!" Then the two chatted a lot more, and Yin resigned.

On the second day, before setting off for the Qianqing Palace, Kangxi first summoned Prince Yin, Yinzhi, Yin, Yin, Zhang Tingyu, Ma Qi, Fang Bao and others at the Yangxin Palace.Kangxi looked a little melancholy. He was wearing a medium-hair natural mink satin crown, a green felt mink coat, and a blue and white silk robe underneath. He walked around the lily bronze tripod filled with incense and said: "I will go to the Qianqing Palace in a moment. I have something to discuss first. I want to issue an imperial edict to divide the provinces in the world into three parts, and exempt them from taxes throughout the year in turn. I want to hear what you have to say."

"Amma," Yinyi bowed and said with a smile, "this is a good deed. I have no objection to it. But you, the most sage, know the situation of the household's treasury. You can only make hats, and there is no surplus at all. So, It's okay to lose one-third at once, but if there is a famine or famine, or if something happens in the outer border and the army is raised, food and salary will not be available. I thought, if good things come slowly, is it better to wait a few years later?" Yin hurriedly said: "The prince is right. I think so too. I am afraid that something will happen out of nowhere and I won't be able to cope with it. I have a few years to go before running the household department. I know the foundation there." Kangxi bowed his head. After thinking for a while, he asked Ma Qi: "What do you think?"

Ma Qi looked really sick, his face was pale, and he was getting taller and thinner. He coughed lightly and said: "I thought that taking turns to be exempted from taxes is a great good thing. It has never happened in the previous dynasty. However, everything Preparation will lead to establishment, failure to do so will result in failure. It is easy to avoid paying taxes, but it is difficult to add taxes. The common people take advantage of this. Once something happens to the court, there will be no money and no money to pay, and it will be extremely difficult to deal with the aftermath." Zhang Tingyu frowned and kept thinking, he also felt that Ma What Qi said made sense, but he didn't agree with everything the prince said. After thinking for a long time, he said: "Every three years seems to be too fast. I thought that every five years would be enough. Since the 29th year of Kangxi's reign, the emperor has been exempted from The total of the corvee tax amounted to 340 yuan. It is already very light. If it is exempted again, the explicit edict will become a system. In the future, the money will be used for things, and the temporary accumulation will cause resentment. So even if it is exempted, it must be ugly. It shows that the country cares about the people's livelihood, and the people should also care about the country, be considerate of the court's love for the people, be willing to lose righteous food, and store food to prepare for shortages. In this way, when there is a need to collect food, they will not be stretched."

This is indeed the old saying of seeking the country, and even Kangxi couldn't help nodding.Fang Bao stood silently on the side all the time. Seeing Kangxi staring at him, he said: "I also think what Zhang Hengchen said is true. The country has no money and no food, so it is a big deal to be unable to deal with emergencies. Can each government set up a free warehouse and recommend local Virtuous and hopeful gentry are in charge of public affairs. When the country has affairs, the funds are borrowed and used for state affairs; Become a thief because of hunger and cold. It is also very beneficial in appeasement.”

"Very good, that's it. Tingyu drafted the edict and will issue it after seeing the ministers." After finishing speaking, Kangxi looked up at the chiming bell, and said, "Let's go too."

Qianqing Palace is the most magnificent palace in the Forbidden City except for the three main halls. It has been the residence of empresses and the place where emperors sleep.But because of its large size, it often introduces one or two officials, or discusses matters with several officials in the study room, which seems empty and too solemn.Therefore, since the death of Queen Hesheli, the rules have been changed here, and it is still the emperor's palace in name. On festivals such as Wanshou, inner court ceremonies or banquets are held here, which are usually not used, but only in the Hall of Mental Cultivation or Changchun Garden to meet people.Emperor Kangxi led a few ministers who went to the study room to enter Yuehuamen, and several elder brothers returned to work to wait on them, but saw the six officials of the black crows under Majesty Dan in front of the palace and the foreign officials who came to Beijing to report their duties.Li Dequan flicked his static whip three times, and hundreds of officials bowed down with their hats off, shouting:

"Long live Long live Long live!"

Kangxi waved his hand to pick up the steps, and walked up to the golden and purple dragon and phoenix Xumizuo under the "Fair and Bright" plaque.Ma Qi and Fang Bao stepped aside and knelt down.Kangxi picked up the tea bowl calmly, took a sip of the floating tea with the lid of the bowl, glanced away, and the grand Qianqing Palace fell silent immediately, without even a sound of coughing.

"Zhang Tingyu is currently drafting an edict in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, which will be promulgated as soon as the court is over." Kangxi's voice was not loud, but it seemed very vigorous in the hall, "I have decided to start this year, three years a week, Take turns exempting the world from taxes."

"Long live!"

Kangxi waved his hands and said: "The so-called 'long live' is just the intention you should have as a courtier. Since ancient times, there has been no emperor who is a hundred years old. How dare I live for ten thousand years? 'Life is seventy since ancient times is rare', and you can live to be 70 years old. I am satisfied." At this point, he slowly got up and walked under the shiny gold bricks, sometimes walking among the ministers, sometimes wandering around the seat, "Why did you issue this edict? It's not because the treasury is too full. There are too many places to put them. During this southern tour, I sometimes go out for a walk in modest clothes. The people are living too hard... The land of Suzhou and Hangzhou is said to be "paradise". There are those who eat fern roots and Guanyin soil. The people are the foundation of the country, and preventing the changes of the people is more important than preventing Sichuan, how can I remain indifferent?"

"So we have to be exempted!" Kangxi's blood rushed to his face, flushing, "I collected one tael of silver, and the next group of lowly officials Cao dared to ask for two taels of fire consumption. When they were collected in the treasury, they were borrowed. The people are desperate, and the court is still a deficit, a deficit, a deficit! Then, I will waive the gift, simply don't want it, or deprive them of the title of stealing and plundering?"

At this moment, the silence in the hall was so dead that a needle could be heard. Only the emperor's boots rattled in Kangxi's blue satin shade. After a long time, Kangxi sighed and said: "Of course, it is also because the country is at its peak that no knife was used." As for guns, if you can afford it, it’s too late to do it when you can’t afford it!”

"This time I left Beijing for a tour to the south. The prince who stayed in Beijing was very careful in handling affairs and handled many government affairs well. I felt very happy." Kangxi slowly briefly explained the case of Ren Bo'an, and then said: "The fourth elder brother and the thirteenth elder brother I assisted the prince in getting rid of this common thief, so of course he deserves a reward. Immediately, he sent an order to Guanglu Temple, saying that Yinxiang will be given double royal stipends, and Yinxiang will be given double beile stipends!"

Yinwan, who was kneeling in front of him, did not expect that Kangxi would suddenly praise him in this way in front of the civil and military officials of the court. His face suddenly turned blood red, and he knelt forward and kowtowed: "Thank you, Emperor Amaren! You and I have done their duty." The thing is not surprising. I feel uneasy to receive such a heavy reward for doing my job, so I beg my father..."

"What is rare these days is to actually do your job, so what is not surprising becomes a surprise." Kangxi raised his face and looked out of the hall, "My fourth elder brother was a bit moody when he was young. In the past ten years, he has been studying a lot. If you succeed, you must cultivate your character and cultivate your virtues, be steady and capable in doing things, and know how to follow the rules. It can be seen that everything in the world depends on human beings." Yinyin kowtowed repeatedly and said: "This is all the result of the father's teachings! My son did have a disease of unstable mood and anger when he was young. Today Change it after knowing the past. Since my father has said this, I beg your father to remove this comment from the living room and exempt my parents from the royal salary. My son has been deeply blessed!" Kangxi smiled slightly, nodded and said: "Okay, it's up to you."

The three of them, Yin and Yin, were kneeling side by side. After hearing this, Yin only smiled faintly.When Yin saw the prince taking out a handkerchief to wipe his nose, he pushed Yin, but Yin looked at his fourteenth elder brother Yin with a slight squint.Yin's face was expressionless, and he was kneeling straight with his head erect, thinking that he was on errands at the Ministry of War, and he did his "duties" without hesitation. He had also given commendations many times, but now he was praising his fourth son alone. The boss in my heart was unconvinced and didn't dare to say anything.A few people were just imagining things, when Kangxi suddenly raised his voice:

"Ren Bo'an is a low-level official who buys and sells officials, buys and sells his life, fills in the shortfalls on behalf of others, and has done all the deeds of destroying human relations. He runs six departments like chess pieces, and directs officials like cattle and horses. Why? You guys? Who can answer?"

"He created a private file. Everyone is afraid that he will expose his shortcomings and ruin his future, isn't it?"

"Fellow ministers!" Kangxi looked at this large group of speechless ministers. He felt that everyone was stubborn and shameless, and their faces were hateful. Angry fire flashed in his eyes, and he said viciously: "Please wait until midnight to check your heart. Really?" He is public-spirited towards the court and the world, truly loyal to his cause, and has no privacy concerns. What can he remember about Ren? How can he blackmail you?"

Everyone was frightened by Kangxi's stern reprimand, and they lay still with their backs stabbed, not daring to look at Kangxi.After a long time, when he looked up, Kangxi had already gone.

(End of this chapter)