The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 203: Conspiracy against Korea

Just because the conversation is over, doesn't mean it's over.

On the contrary, the busyness has just begun.

Zhu Biao led the people to make the final improvements to the new tax law, and at the same time began to study the details of the one-whip method and the rationing of farmers into acres.

Chen Jingke naturally had no way of staying out of the matter, and was dragged over to discuss it every day.

Seeing that he couldn't hide from Qingxian, he pulled Zhu Xiongying over.

It’s called studying hard.

Tsk, good brothers should share blessings and hardships.

Zhu Xiongying gritted his teeth with hatred.

The eighteenth year of Hongwu passed like this.

In the new year, the emperor led the civil and military officials to worship the heaven, the ancestral temple and the newly established sage temple.

And all the envoys from the vassal states who went on pilgrimage were required to go to the sage temple to worship.

This matter will also be made a permanent practice.

From now on, all vassal states who go on pilgrimage must first go to the Sage Temple to worship the Chinese sages.

This is equivalent to recognizing their Chinese identity, and the vassal states are naturally very happy.

Chen Jingke is indispensable for socializing this year, after all, his status is different.

Regardless of whether they knew each other or not, they all came to the door to give gifts.

Some he could ignore, and some he had to receive personally.

Fortunately, Fuqing helped him make suggestions, which saved him a lot of trouble.

But overall, this year is still the most tiring year he has ever had.

Just after the New Year, the emperor couldn't wait to issue an order.

Inventory of population and land.

"The King of Jin is responsible for this matter, assisted by the Ministry of Household Affairs, and the Imperial College is responsible for the measurement. All other departments must cooperate with them."

"Anyone who dares to neglect or obstruct will be severely punished."

At the same time, an order was also issued, Fu Youde was in charge of Shanxi for the King of Jin, and Geng Bingwen was in charge of Shaanxi.

As soon as this order came out, all civil and military officials in the dynasty were shocked.

Counting the population and land can be a big or small matter.

To put it mildly, everyone passed by laughing and joking.

The Ministry of Household Affairs compiles data every year, but everyone knows what the statistics are this time.

It was clear that this time the emperor wanted a real number.

Otherwise, the King of Jin would not be put in charge. Everyone knows who the King of Jin Zhu Fan is.

Killing people without blinking an eye.

Putting him in charge is just for killing people.

He also ordered the Imperial College to take measurements. This was to prevent local officials from colluding with big households to make false claims.

This is a big deal.

Everyone knows that there is a lot of population and land hidden in private.

If this is investigated, many people's lives may be at risk.

But no one dared to object to this.

It is normal behavior for Gein to have population and land data.

Anyone who opposes it has something wrong with him.

Fortunately, Zhu Yuanzhang added:

“If anyone conceals the population and land, he can report it to the government within a time limit and he will be exempted from punishment.”

"If the court finds out that you have concealed something or failed to report it, you will be severely punished."

The civil and military officials were relieved. Fortunately, the emperor had left room for everyone.

However, there is inevitably some curiosity in my heart. This is not the emperor's usual behavior.

In the past, it was all about killing and killing, but now they are actually willing to give people a chance.

Everyone immediately thought of Zhu Biao.

Could it be that the prince is begging for mercy?

Thinking about it, there is a high probability that besides the prince, who else can persuade His Majesty.

The queen can be persuaded, but she usually doesn't interfere in government affairs.

Unless the matter gets serious and the ministers take the initiative to ask her for mercy, she will come forward.

So the most likely candidate is the prince.

His Royal Highness is indeed merciful.

Household Department.

Looking at the officially issued order, Zeng Tai sighed.

Last time, I asked the emperor for a large sum of money to help the treasury tide over the difficulties, which won unanimous approval from the government and the opposition.

I thought I could retire with honor, but I didn't expect it.

The emperor suddenly made such a move.

Both population and land are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Household Affairs, so this inventory must be focused on them.

And if you do this job, you will be hated.

My idea of ​​retiring with honor seemed impossible.

Qiu Guangan looked at his boss with sympathy in his heart.

The tenure of this minister was magnificent.

Since he took office, the imperial court has begun to undergo continuous changes.

Baochao reform, military reform, political reform, diversion of the Yellow River, etc., each requires the cooperation of the Ministry of Revenue.

Many are even hosted by the Ministry of Household Affairs.

In order to complete these changes, he worked very hard.

In the past three years, I have become visibly older.

Although everyone calls him Zeng Laoji privately, they are full of respect for him in their hearts.

I thought the change was complete and I could breathe a sigh of relief.

As a result, the emperor suddenly wanted to inventory the population and land again, which was to use Zeng Shangshu to death.

But thinking about his situation, Qiu Guangan's sympathy turned into bitterness.

The minister is usually a distant leader and is responsible for communicating with the emperor. The person who is really responsible for the specific work is Zuo Shilang.

Therefore, his life has not been easier than Zeng Tai's in the past three years.

This time the population and land inventory was conducted, and he could not escape infamy.

"Hey." Thinking of this, he sighed heavily.

The emperor is really willing to use it to death if it is easy to use.

Can't you just change someone else?

Hearing his sigh, Zeng Tai couldn't help laughing:

"Guang'an, young people, don't worry all day long. The forty-year-old left minister of household affairs is the envy of others."

Qiu Guang'an smiled bitterly and said, "Don't you always sigh? It feels like what's sitting under your butt is not Zuo Shilang's chair, but a volcano crater."

Zeng Tai said pointedly: "You really don't want to bear this infamy?"

Qiu Guang'an was overjoyed and said, "Do you always have a way?"

Zeng Tai regained his composure as Minister of the Ministry of Finance, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said:

"There are many ways. I can assign you any errand and keep you out of it, but are you sure you want to do this?"

Qiu Guangan was stunned for a moment, then reacted immediately and said impassionedly:

"At a time when the imperial court is employing people, how can I shrink back just because of a mere reputation?"

"I will fully assist King Jin to complete the population and land inventory."

Zeng Tai smiled and said, "Is this right? Your Majesty is ambitious and wants to create a prosperous world. How can someone who is looking forward and looking back be able to catch his eye?"

Qiu Guangan couldn't help but smile bitterly. It was so difficult to get into the emperor's eyes. But between fame and a future, he still chose the latter without hesitation.

Zeng Tai suddenly said with emotion: "I have been sitting in the position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue for three and a half years."

"If we can complete this year, it will be four and a half years. This is something we can't find many in our Hongwu Dynasty."

Qiu Guang'an complimented: "This is because the minister's ability is outstanding and he has won the trust of your majesty."

Zeng Tai shook his head and said: "What does it mean for me to have outstanding abilities? His Majesty only gave me this honor because he saw that I was diligent in my work."

"It's a pity that I'm older and I always feel low on energy recently."

"I originally wanted to resign in the near future, but His Majesty wants to conduct an inventory of the population and land."

"At this critical moment, how can I just walk away? I can only do my best."

Qiu Guang'an was a little confused as to why he was talking so confusingly.

But the other party was a superior, so he couldn't say anything and could only say perfunctorily:

"Zeng Shangshu must not do it. The Ministry of Revenue cannot do without you."

Zeng Tai just smiled and ignored his words, but said:

"But when the population and land census is completed, I will definitely resign."

Having said this, he stared at Qiu Guangan and said:

"When I resign, I will recommend you to your Majesty to take my place."

This is also a rule in the officialdom. If the predecessor retires with honor, he is qualified to recommend a successor.

Of course, only with honorable retirement.

As for whether the emperor will adopt it or not, no one knows.

But the emperor will definitely include the recommended persons on the inspection list.

This is the opportunity.

"Thank you Zeng Shangshu for your kindness, but I really don't want to be a lower-ranking official."

Qiu Guangan was overjoyed, but as a political veteran, he also increased his vigilance.

Showing courtesy for nothing is either a traitor or a thief. What is Zeng Laoji's plan?

How could Zeng Tai not know the doubts in his heart? He smiled and said:

"I am also a member of the Household Department. If the Household Department is good, I will still have glory even if I am idle at home."

"I recognize your ability and trust your character. Recommending you is just a matter of course."

"If I have any request, I just hope that you can take care of my descendants in the future."

Qiu Guangan naturally didn't believe everything he said, but he didn't question it either. Instead, he looked grateful and said:

"What did Zeng Shangshu say? Thank you for your care in the past three years..."

"Even if you don't recommend me, if I meet your descendants, they will definitely help me if they can."

Zeng Tai smiled and said: "I trust you Guang'an... This census of population and land will offend many people."

"But it's also your chance to show off. Only by doing this well will you be more likely to win His Majesty's attention."

Qiu Guangxin said, it's all nonsense, who doesn't know this.

By the way, is this Zeng Laoji trying to make me move forward?

Zeng Tai continued: "But if you bear too many infamy, it will also affect your promotion."

"So you can't be too high-profile this time."

"Get things done quietly, and if anything happens, just push it on me."

At this point, he said jokingly: "You don't think that I want to take your credit, do you?"

Qiu Guang'an naturally wouldn't think so. This credit is not easy to receive, and many people even avoid it.

Zeng Tai's point is, to put it plainly, I will take the credit for the work and bear the blame, but I will give you a chance to perform in front of the emperor.

This is a standard Fu Yi Cheng.

"Shang Shu is joking, how could a lower official think like this? It's too late to thank you."

"If one day things really turn out as expected, Guang'an will never dare to forget your great kindness."
-

After leaving the Hubu Yamen, Qiu Guangan made an appointment with Chen Jingke to talk about the matter in general and asked him for his opinion.

Chen Jingke still didn't know what the other party meant, so he just asked himself whether he supported this matter:

"The position of Minister of the Ministry of Finance is not easy to sit in."

"The situation we will face in the next few years will be even more complicated."

It’s not easy to sit down, but I just have a chance.

Qiu Guangan was overjoyed and said seriously: "How can it be said that it is difficult to serve the country?"

Chen Jingke didn't say much, nor did he give him any guarantee.

There is no need and no guarantee can be given.

After returning to the palace, he did not tell Zhu Yuanzhang about the matter.

Lao Zhu's people are always watching around him, so he must have known about the meeting between the two.

If Lao Zhu thinks it's appropriate, he will definitely let Qiu Guang'an take over.

If he feels it is not appropriate and goes to lobby for it himself, it will make everyone look bad.

This is a tacit understanding.

But speaking of it, he has really not been idle recently. In addition to working with Zhu Biao to improve the new tax law, he also takes time to study the situation in Korea.

The land of North Korea has had a deep connection with the Central Plains since ancient times.

Especially in terms of culture, it is even more integrated with the Central Plains.

How deep is the bond between the two parties? The whole world has always regarded them as part of the Central Plains Dynasty.

The first article of the Treaty of Shimonoseki is that the Qing government recognized Korean independence.

But for political reasons, this article was deleted from the textbook.

Before, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Fan said they would attack Liaodong, and Chen Jingke was wondering if he could take the opportunity to defeat Goryeo.

The so-called hunting rabbits in the grass is just a matter of hand.

However, playing Goryeo is not that simple. Now you have to consider whether it is suitable.

Don't let the mutton go uneaten and you'll end up in a mess.

The more he studied, the more he felt that now was the best time to attack Korea, and it would be difficult to miss this opportunity.

However, if you want to attack Goryeo, you still need to make some preparations. This year is not so suitable for sending troops.

After sorting out his thoughts, he hurriedly went to find Zhu Yuanzhang.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang was discussing with Xu Da, Feng Sheng, Lan Yu and others the specific strategy for attacking Liaodong.

After learning his purpose, he said to everyone: "Don't discuss it now, something may change about this matter."

Everyone was a little surprised.

They all heard it, and just now Sun Fu came to report that Chen Bandu was asking for an audience and had some new ideas about Liaodong affairs.

But just because of such a sentence, without even saying any reason, can the emperor change his mind?

Is Chen Bandu's influence on the emperor so great?

Lan Yu was not only shocked, but also more happy than others.

Chen Jingke is a die-hard Taisun Party member and has a sworn relationship with the Lan family. The more powerful he is, the more beneficial it will be to the Lan family.

Xu Daze was not surprised. The only thing he didn't expect was that the emperor decided to let Chen Jingke come to the stage so quickly.

What he didn't know was that Zhu Yuanzhang was also helpless.

According to the original plan, when Zhu Biao ascended the throne, Zhu Xiongying would start to stand up a few years older, and then Chen Jingke would be allowed to come to the front.

But Zhu Biao's health suddenly broke down, disrupting all his plans.

Zhu Xiongying must stand up in advance and bear the responsibilities that Zhu Biao should bear.

As his most capable assistant, Chen Jingke naturally had to stand in front of the stage in advance.

These people in front of him are all Lao Zhu's most trusted ministers. Let Chen Jingke stand up and show his talents to gain the trust of these people.

helpful for future work.

Chen Jingke was a little confused when he learned that Lao Zhu did not meet him in private, but asked him to express his opinions in public.

When I woke up, I couldn't help but get excited.

It’s really hard not to be excited to show off your talents in front of so many big guys.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the hall.

After meeting everyone, Zhu Yuanzhang said straight to the point:

"Tell me, what do you think about the Battle of Liaodong? Let all the ministers listen and give advice."

Chen Jingke was not polite and said under the gaze of everyone:

"I don't think it's suitable to send troops to Liaodong this year."

(End of this chapter)