Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 150 Close the door and let Jia Lian go!

Zhang Ting'en obviously did not accept Kong Zhao's tactics. After taking a leisurely glance, he did not change his original intention: "As a cabinet minister, I cannot judge the situation and only emphasize my position, which is destined to corrupt the state affairs. When is it now? The northern border of the Western Region It was initially decided that the envoys sent by Wang Taiwei were still in peace. The Huo and Huo tribes in southern Xinjiang detained the envoys. During the cabinet meeting, they did not discuss how to deal with it. Instead, they focused on the important ministers who were in charge of the overall situation and found faults. May I ask Prime Minister Kong and Prime Minister Liang about national affairs? How much weight does it hold in your minds?"

Kong Zhao was silent. He could only remain silent, his stiff face expressionless. Liang Daoyuan was not embarrassed at all. After he said those words, his purpose was achieved. Regardless of whether he can plant a seed of suspicion or not, he will not lose anything.

As for Zhang Tingen's questioning, it seemed to Liang Daoyuan that not even a hair could hurt him.

Jia Lian watched carefully on the sidelines, and did not delay in recording when it was time to write it down. However, after copying it, the more he looked at it, the more interesting it became. The more he thought about it, the more he thought it tasted great. He couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This laughter broke the atmosphere of the scene, and everyone's eyes suddenly gathered. It was as if several searchlights of tens of millions were shining on his face. Jia Lian felt a little numb, and raised his hand to cover his mouth, saying that he was wrong.

"What are you laughing at? Say it to make everyone happy." Emperor Chenghui showed a playful expression, and first stood up for Jia Lian to liven up the atmosphere to prevent several cabinet ministers from really getting involved.

After being called by the emperor, Jia Lian had no choice but to stand up and explain: "Returning to your majesty, I just feel that the speaking skills of several elders are unpredictable. Wei Chen carefully figured it out and couldn't help but smile at the understanding. Wei Chen disturbed The order of the venue, the humble minister will take the blame!"

"I ask you what you are laughing about. Do you dare to laugh or dare to say it?" Emperor Chenghui showed a stern look and did not give Jia Lian a chance to change the subject.

Well, there was no way to fool him. Jia Lian could only fold his hands and look around, and said seriously: "So, the humble minister is talking nonsense!"

These words are neither light nor serious, and they take care of both sides.

The original intention was to let Jia Lian stir things up, so that Kong Zhao and Liang Daoyuan would not talk about the so-called guarding against military commanders [ZZ is correct], but they did not expect this guy to be so sharp-tongued.

Kong Zhao nodded and didn't ask any more questions. It was impossible to fake such a big thing.

Li Qing coughed and said: "Jia Lian, pay attention to your wording. As a cabinet minister, you have to deal with many state affairs every day. For any matter, you must consider the overall situation and formulate corresponding countermeasures. There are always areas that cannot be taken care of. Border officers and soldiers are carrying heavy burdens. Okay, everyone in the cabinet, as His Majesty’s assistants, don’t you carry the imperial court on your shoulders?”

Jia Lian stood up and clasped his hands: "Your Majesty, the chaos in the Western Regions is due to the black hands of the Russian state behind it. I have a piece of news here. The Russian state is currently at war with the Ottoman Empire, so it has no time to look eastward. I think we should take this opportunity to rest in peace. The ministries look at the power of the Celestial Kingdom, intimidate the Anxi ministries, and strive to achieve fifty years of peace in northern Xinjiang. After I finished speaking, I asked to sit down."

"The teacher teaches, and the students are taught!" Jia Lian immediately sat down and closed his mouth tightly.

But he still stood up obediently. Just now he was ordered to troll someone, now he had to act like a grandson obediently.

As Jia Lian's speech progressed, the smile on Emperor Chenghui's face became stronger and stronger, thinking to himself, "As expected of the number one scholar, he didn't even use a single curse word when swearing, but it was like a sharp knife stabbing his heart repeatedly." 】

Emperor Chenghui knocked on the table: "Continue!" There was no expression on his face, but what he was thinking was [Close the door and let Jia Lian go! Very useful. 】

Zhang Ting'en also coughed: "Jia Lian, sit down, standing makes you look taller, right? Don't talk nonsense when you go out. I have many disciples and disciples. If I accuse you of being a relative who interferes in politics later, you have no room to reason."

Emperor Chenghui nodded. After Jia Lian sat down, Kong Zhao, the first assistant, immediately asked: "Jia Lian, where did your news come from? Is it accurate?" Jia Lian, who had just sat down, had to stand up. After all, he was also the first assistant.

Perhaps, sitting in the cabinet minister's seat, he has long been numb to attacks.

To be honest, Jia Lian really admired Kong Zhao and Liang Daoyuan. After what they said, they didn't even frown.

"After listening to the speeches of Kong and Liang, Weichen couldn't help but wonder, how did they manage to stand and talk without backache? Thinking about it more carefully, Weichen understood a truth, no matter how strong the wind and sand in the Western Regions are, Even if it blows on their faces, the battlefield is full of dangers, and not a drop of blood will fall on them. The soldiers are fed and hungry, and they need three meals a day, and they also need three meals a day. Eat well and pay attention to it. After thinking about it, Wei Chen finally came to the conclusion that the reason why they can sit here and talk without having to go through hardships is because the soldiers at the border are carrying a heavy burden for this country. , Wei Chen laughed, and learned a truth: as a human being, as long as you throw your conscience on the ground, the condemnation of conscience will not hurt you. As long as you tear off the face and put it in your pocket, you will not feel ashamed. So I smiled."

Everyone in Jia Lian is numb, but Mr. Ge is amazing, right? Endless questions?

At this time, Jia Lian suddenly raised his hand, and Emperor Chenghui glared dissatisfied: "Jia Lian, what else do you want to say?"

"Say, the No. 1 scholar should be high-spirited and don't imitate the immature behavior of those young people." Emperor Chenghui said directly. You must know that this is a cabinet meeting and not everyone can speak.

"Return to Mr. Kong, if the matter is true or not, send someone to investigate and we will find out."

Kong Zhao and Liang Daoyuan, who were already eager to attack Jia Lian, were interrupted by Zhang Tingen's words.

Don't think that the pavilion elders have no temper. Today, in front of Emperor Chenghui, if it were any other time, Jia Lian would not have a chance to speak. A bunch of disciples and disciples would drown you in their saliva.

What’s interesting is that even though Jia Lian has died down, some people still refuse to let him go. After Kong Zhao asked, Liang Daoyuan continued: “Jia Lian, since you know such important news in advance, do you have any good plans in mind?”

"Back to Prime Minister Liang, Jia Lian has no good plan!" Jia Lian, who wanted to fight back, was pushed back by Zhang Ting'en's stern look.

At this time, Emperor Chenghui said: "I'm tired, let's rest for a quarter of an hour." After saying that, he stood up and left.

The meeting has been tense since the beginning. A pause will help everyone calm down.

You should still focus your energy on solving the problem, and don't talk about irrelevant things.

Jia Lian also took the time to relax. Before he could go back, he was stopped by Qiu Shian on the way, with a teasing tone: "Uncle Jia Guo, could you please move?"

Jia Lian was embarrassed for a while. He couldn't tear off his wife's side, could he?
"You should call me Jia Lian." In fact, Jia Lian knew very well that Qiu Shi'an was expressing affection.

After all, this time is different from last time. Last time, Jia Lian was not qualified to criticize people at the cabinet meeting.

Besides, Emperor Chenghui just said in a joking tone [Go and call Uncle Jia Guo. 】

Qiu Shian is the person who knows Emperor Chenghui best, so of course he will respond promptly.

Following Qiu Shian, he entered Emperor Chenghui's royal study.

"Jia Lian, Prime Minister Liang asked you if you have any good ideas. You have done a lot of research on the countries in Europe, so I am asking you the same thing!"

Jia Lian sighed silently, still unable to escape. The main reason is that I was too showy in the past, but now I can't even think about staying calm.

In everything, there are gains and losses. For the glory and wealth in this life, you have to suffer the consequences.

"Returning to your majesty, I believe that war is a continuation of politics. The rebellion in the Western Regions is certainly caused by factors such as faith and the lack of power of the court. It is also supported by the ambitions of the northern powers. I would like to explain the situation. Please ask for the map of the world."

Jia Lian was not in a hurry to express his position, but asked for the map first.

Emperor Chenghui was prepared. He raised his hand to indicate on the desk. Jia Lian saw the map. It was not as accurate as modern maps, but the basic prototype was already there. This was the first time he had seen it.

"During the reign of Taizu, the Western missionary Tang Ruowang and others were organized to collaborate with Qin Tianjian to draw it."

What do you mean by this map? My heavenly kingdom is indeed the center of the world. If the Central Plains dynasty had always been strong, the prime meridian should have fallen on the capital. It is a pity that there are no longitude and latitude lines on this map, let alone longitude and latitude.

Pointing to the map, Jia Lian organized his words before speaking: "I believe that the war between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire means that the Russian Empire's strategy of advancing eastward will be changed to advancing westward. All European countries have always strived for a Roman orthodoxy. In the words of the dynasty, orthodoxy means destiny. The Russian Empire regards itself as orthodox to the Eastern Roman Empire, and the Eastern Roman Empire fell to the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, it is naturally correct for the Russian Empire to go to war with the Ottoman Empire to join Europe. Asia’s geographical location urgently needs an outlet to the Mediterranean. On the other hand, sea control is the lifeblood of England, the current European hegemon. France, which also prides itself on being authentic in Rome, must not accept the result of the Ross Empire gaining access to the sea.”

Jia Lian was afraid that Emperor Chenghui wouldn't understand, so he spoke very slowly. He deliberately paused here for Emperor Chenghui to digest.

The Great Zhou Dynasty had a long coastline, but because the threat had long come from the north, the defense focus had always been on the northern land, so it did not attach importance to sea power. It is difficult to understand the importance of sea control to the European countries.

After Emperor Chenghui thought briefly, he glanced at Jia Lian: "Continue!"

"Historically, the Russian Empire had a history of advancing westward during the period of Peter the Great, and suffered counterattacks from European countries. The subsequent tsar continued this policy and suffered repeated setbacks, so he launched an eastward strategy. By the time of Taizu, he was defeated in Liaodong The Rus Empire turned to develop in the direction of Anxi, the hometown of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The original intention was to open up Tianzhu and find a frost-free port to the sea. From the map, the Rus Empire was suspected of fighting on two fronts. In this case, it should be in Anxi. Wang Taiwei went on a killing spree in his hometown, and he thought the killings were not enough. The Rus Empire bullied the weak and feared the strong, and the same was true for Xi'an at the moment, so he might as well take care of the southern Xinjiang and Tianshan. Provinces were established in the north and south, and the people were incorporated into official governance. Taking this opportunity, they sent envoys to the Rus Empire to ask whether they wanted to go to war with the Celestial Empire. At the same time, they sent envoys to the Ottoman Empire with great fanfare. What was the result? Ignore it, the louder the noise, the better.”

Emperor Chenghui had a very good mind. After Jia Lian finished speaking, he knew Jia Lian's true intention.

"It's easy to bluff and exchange for fifty years of peace, but it's always fake. Nowadays, even Myanmar, a small country in the southeast, dares to show its teeth and claws at the Chinese Empire. I don't know who is behind it."

When Emperor Chenghui talked about this, Jia Lian still had a say, so he said simply: "The situation in Myanmar is relatively complicated. At the moment, England, the overlord of Europe, is focusing on seizing control of Tianzhu. The Netherlands, Portugal, France, and several other There are forces involved. In order to contain Britain, it is normal for these companies to pay a small price to help Myanmar. However, they may not have expected that once Myanmar gains power, it will not only cause trouble for Britain, but also bring trouble to the country. Face. After all, the imperial navy is not strong, otherwise it would take a detour to the south to land. The terrain there is gentle, unlike the poor mountains and rivers in northern Myanmar. The army is limited by the terrain and cannot deploy. , we should recruit troops locally and train troops locally. We don’t need too many troops. We must ensure food, pay and equipment, and select a good general. Twenty thousand elite troops are enough.”

Jia Lian really didn't look down on the other party. The so-called martial virtue was really because he looked at the Central Plains Dynasty.

The problem is that there should be no problems within the Central Plains Dynasty.

Emperor Chenghui nodded, probably knowing a lot. In fact, many of his ideas were in line with Jia Lian's views.

Ideas and specific implementation are actually completely different things. In real history, it is really hard to say. Even if Daoguang chooses to fight to the end and refuses to compromise, sooner or later the people inside will have to explode the powder keg, and the weak nature of the boss empire will still be exposed. Poverty and weakness in modern times are essentially caused by industrial countries fighting against agricultural countries.

Faced with Emperor Chenghui's concern about the maritime territory, Jia Lian couldn't help but point out: "Machine production has appeared in Europe, and its efficiency far exceeds the manual workshops of this dynasty. I think that we should send people there, A comprehensive understanding of the real situation in the European countries shows that these countries are bandit in nature, and they will not hesitate to pounce on us if we show weakness."

Emperor Chenghui's expression became slightly solemn and he said calmly: "Don't be alarmist!"

Jia Lian became anxious and glared: "This dynasty has thousands of miles of sea territory, and the coastal defense is ineffective. At present, the European countries can still obtain enough benefits through trade, so naturally they are not willing to fight against each other. But one day, the gold and silver that the European countries have plundered from colonization all over the world will There are also times when it is not enough, and when the ships are strong and powerful, they will have the wrong idea to come and rob them. It is said that they are equipped with sharp weapons and have a murderous intention. With such a human heart, you should not put your own safety at the risk of others being robbers. Above."

Emperor Chenghui was silent after hearing what he said. He could not calm down for a long time and looked at Jia Lian with complicated eyes.

Looking at the problem from the perspective of a Central Plains dynasty, Jia Lian is really just alarmist.

However, Emperor Chenghui knew that what Jia Lian said was indeed true to his heart, because there was absolutely no need for him to say these things. Pretending to be deaf and dumb would not delay his wealthy life at all.

"Will there really be such a day?" Emperor Chenghui couldn't help but ask.

(End of this chapter)