Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 297 It’s time to strengthen the cabinet

It is very tiring to get along with people. If you are too close, people will say you have no sense of distance. If you are too far, people will say you are too arrogant and difficult to approach.

Life is hard enough, so why make it difficult for yourself and care about how others feel about you?
When you really enter the workplace, you will find that everything you care about may not be paid attention to by others at all.

Strength is the foundation for a person to gain a foothold in society, which includes family background and other things that you think are unimportant.

Many times, the person in front of you clearly wants to beat you up, but still endures you with a smile. Do you think it's because you are handsome? Bah, he is facing his sponsor.

Jia Lian didn't like to daydream, but he could only daydream to kill time in the presence of the emperor. Jia Lian was no longer required to take notes at the cabinet meetings, but he was still called to sit in.

As soon as he went out early in the morning, he was stopped by the eunuch and followed into the palace.

The meeting was boring, mainly because of the many government affairs troubles caused by the vacant position of the Minister of Revenue. Things that could have been handled by the Minister of Revenue now had to be sent to the emperor.

The ministers said that it would delay His Majesty's rest time, and they seemed to be concerned about the emperor's health, but in fact it was another matter completely.

This is the case with many things. Whether or not the emperor is involved is two completely different concepts. If something goes wrong with things that the emperor is not involved in, it is called dereliction of duty. If something goes wrong with things that the emperor is involved in, it is called deceiving the emperor.

Just like Jia Lian, who was listening in on the cabinet meeting, he dared not sleep even if he was very sleepy. Otherwise, it would be a crime of impropriety in front of the emperor, which could result in dismissal from office or imprisonment. Even Jia Lian could not escape punishment.

It's really not worth it to punish him for such a small thing.

Jia Lian knew from the beginning that these adults were still eyeing the position of Minister of Revenue. This matter could not be blamed on the adults. It was really that the emperor was too sensitive about money and always felt that others wanted to cheat him of his money. Without Zhang Tingen in the position of Minister of Revenue, he would never feel at ease. Just like the matter of the Royal Bank, despite all the dissatisfaction with the second son, he would give him back after a while.

This is the situation. Jia Lian has no room to say anything. So he has to pretend to listen obediently. He is impatient and bears it!

This is the reality. There are things you don’t want to be involved in, and you don’t want to get into trouble, but things will always find you. For example, when your boss doesn’t like you, he will throw some difficult work to you. Another example is that when something obviously has nothing to do with you, because someone needs to take the blame, your colleagues who love each other secretly collude and make you take the blame.

Just then, when Jia Lian was daydreaming, someone suddenly called his name.

"Lord Jia, Young Master, what are you thinking about? Didn't you get enough rest last night? Lord Jia has many duties, don't overwork yourself. You're distracted so early in the morning. Be careful not to behave improperly in front of the emperor." The person who spoke was Li Chi. He simply felt that this guy had no right to sit here and listen. Although he knew that the emperor was partial to him, he still couldn't help it.

"Ah, thank you for your concern, Lord Li. I was thinking that this year's examination has been cancelled. The candidates who stayed in the capital may have a hard time." Jia Lian was stunned for a moment, and his face looked very ugly. Isn't this deliberately looking for trouble? Seeing that the meeting lasted for such a long time, the emperor refused to give in. With the resentment of the elders, Jia Lian became the target of public criticism. He put away his anger and had an idea.

Being hit unexpectedly, Jia Lian made another note in his notebook. Speaking of which, the two of them had never had any grudges against each other. The old man was secretly weird and had multiple positions. Could he be the commander of the Nine Gates?

As for this position, it's because the emperor couldn't find anyone he could trust for the time being, so he asked me to take over temporarily. Why are you so anxious?

Emperor Chenghui felt very uncomfortable being forced by several cabinet ministers this morning. He said the word "reconsider" many times, but the five cabinet ministers had no intention of giving up and were determined to decide on the candidate for the Minister of Revenue.

Li Chi's sudden action seemed to be directed at Jia Lian, as if he was looking for someone to vent his anger after a morning of fruitless fighting. But in fact, he found someone to share the fire with Emperor Chenghui.

Emperor Chenghui seized the opportunity decisively. He also stared at Jia Lian and asked, "The Ministry of Rites will take care of the imperial examination. Today, you ministers are asking about the Minister of Revenue. If you have something to say, speak up. If you don't, shut up."

How could Jia Lian not know what Emperor Chenghui was thinking? In the past two months, the inner treasury had received 30 million taels of silver, not counting jewelry and fixed assets. The work was done by the Dragon Guard, and the silver was taken by the emperor. The Minister of Revenue was far away in Huguang, and no one could say anything. He could only watch the silver go into the inner treasury. After the silver went into the inner treasury, do you still want it to come out? Unless there is something like a rebellion in the Western Regions, don't even think about it.

Emperor Chenghui was worried that with the appointment of a Minister of Revenue, the money confiscated would be used to confiscate property. However, Jia Lian believed that the reason why the elders were so diligent was more because the emperor had a tight grip on financial power.

When there is no money, it is not good to sit there. Didn't you see that Guo Yan and Pan Jixun have "turned against the emperor"? The emperor was really not fair. He should at least appoint a minister to take charge, such as Li Chi to take charge of the Ministry of War.

"Your Majesty, I have some immature views, and I don't know if they are presumptuous." Jia Lian looked hesitant, and Emperor Chenghui was secretly delighted when he saw this, thinking that this guy was up to no good.

The reaction of other ministers was to withdraw their focus from Jia Lian and turn to Li Chi. They all seemed to be blaming Li Chi, "Have you forgotten that this guy is a bastard? He has no ability to accomplish anything, and he is the first to do bad things. 】

Emperor Chenghui was overjoyed: "Just speak, no one blames you." He spoke directly to the representatives of the ministers, making them all look angry.

"Then I will speak out boldly! The Minister of Revenue is in charge of distributing money, and he must have sufficient qualifications, otherwise the people below will not be able to control him, and they will quarrel every day over trivial matters, and they will not be able to do their work."

When Jia Lian spoke, the expressions of several elders quickly became serious. The young man was good at talking. Why didn’t they see that before?
Well, the meaning is very clear. If you don't have enough qualifications, you really can't control the situation in a government office like the Ministry of Revenue. In the past, Zhang Tingen barely had the qualifications, but he had the emperor's support.

Now that Zhang Tingen has left, when it comes to replacing him, he must be replaced by someone with sufficient qualifications. When it comes to money, no one is willing to give in, so he must rely on the qualifications of the Shangshu to suppress them? There is nothing wrong with this.

When Emperor Chenghui heard this, his face lengthened. He said, "Who are you in cahoots with, kid? Do you believe that the Minister of Revenue has been confirmed today and that you can work overtime in the evening to ask me for a share of the money from the confiscation of property? I have loved you in vain."

"Secondly, this gentleman must be good at arithmetic and must have experience working in the Ministry of Revenue. He involves the whereabouts of tens of millions of taels of silver every year. It is inevitable that the people below will have confused thoughts and tamper with the accounts. The Minister will not be able to see it and will be treated like a fool, which will bring shame to the court." After Jia Lian added slowly, the faces of several elders lengthened again.

The reason is simple. According to this calculation, none of them are suitable. It's all in vain.

Emperor Chenghui is different. He feels warm in his heart because they are his own people.

Well, the circle has come back again. This time Pan Jixun stood up and said, "Your Majesty, the selection of the Minister of Revenue cannot be delayed any longer. The Ministry of Works has not yet issued approval documents for the use of funds in several places this year."

"Your Majesty, the funds for restarting the imperial examination have not been approved. It is very difficult for me to do this." Guo Yan also stood up and spoke, and everyone returned to the original rhythm. "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Personnel..."

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of War..."

Prime Minister Kong Zhao sat there without moving, and there was no need for him to say anything. No matter what, the position of the Minister of Revenue had to be decided today.

Emperor Chenghui remained silent, but he just didn't want to let go. It's just reviewing, so I have to work overtime at night. It involves financial power and I dare not slack off.

The cabinet bosses refused to give up either. This was a matter of principle and the cabinet's prestige before all the civil and military officials. There had to be a result today no matter what.

"Let's discuss it again now!" Emperor Chenghui planned to use the same old trick to fool the situation.

But something was not right today. The five big men had obviously discussed this beforehand. After Emperor Chenghui finished speaking, Kong Zhao stood up silently, folded his hands, and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, I beg for your bones!"

When Emperor Chenghui was stunned, the rest of the ministers stood up in unison, folded their hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I resign!" (X4)

Emperor Chenghui's face suddenly turned pale, and he raised his hand and pointed at the ministers, saying, "You all..."

Seeing this, Jia Lian quickly spoke up to persuade him: "Your Majesty, calm down! You gentlemen are also doing this for official business."

Emperor Chenghui knew that the situation today was different and it would be difficult to resolve without an explanation. When he was hesitating, Jia Lian added: "Your Majesty, why not let the adults discuss a few suitable candidates and let Your Majesty decide." Emperor Chenghui turned his head and glared at Jia Lian. Seeing his strange expression, he was slightly moved and immediately gave in: "This is the only way."

Kong Zhao immediately seized the opportunity and said, "Your Majesty is wise!" The others agreed, and the matter was finalized.

Emperor Chenghui was in no mood to continue facing the ministers, so he stood up and left. Jia Lian stood there silently. Several ministers came over one by one and patted him on the shoulder to show their appreciation.

At the critical moment, Comrade Xiao Jia still has principles and a stand! He is not stubborn enough to stand on the side of His Majesty.

As for whether Jia Lian was planning some sinister tricks, several cabinet ministers said that what tricks could this young man have? I have crossed more bridges than he has walked, and eaten more salt than he has eaten rice.

The adults are very confident and convinced that today, in the face of the collective unity of the cabinet, the emperor compromised. This is a victory for cabinet unity and a victory for principles.

If we can force out a Minister of Revenue today, Li Chi will be able to serve as the Minister of War tomorrow.

After watching the ministers leave, Jia Lian showed disdain, "You old bastards, you have never seen the world. This little show is nothing!"

Qiu Shian showed up with a burning ass, dragged Jia Lian away, and complained as he walked: "Little ancestor, you are so bold to say that at the cabinet meeting, let it be so, what does it have to do with you?"

Jia Lian followed with a smile, without any explanation. Seeing him like this, Qiu Shian couldn't help but secretly annoyed, damn it, he is so tight-lipped.

Emperor Chenghui was anxious and angry, and had been pacing around in the same place for several times. When he saw Jia Lian come in and noticed his smile, his mood eased a little, and the words he said were not so pleasant.

"Jia Lian, why did you get involved in what happened today? Those people are in collusion for the little money in my hand." When Emperor Chenghui mentioned the money, he slammed the table and said, "If you can't explain it today, I will punish you for deceiving the emperor."

Jia Lian was not in a hurry at all. He looked around and then turned back to glare at Qiu Shian: "You haven't even had a sip of water yet, why are you standing there in a daze?"

Qiu Shian's face turned green, and he turned around and left angrily. When Jia Lian looked back, Emperor Chenghui had already returned to normal and sat down calmly: "Boy, don't hide anything if you have any ideas."

Well, Emperor Chenghui still understood Jia Lian and knew that he was full of bad intentions.

"Your Majesty, the reason why things are difficult is that you haven't jumped out of the existing shackles. If you jump out of the situation and look at it again, it can be called a problem?" Jia Lian said with a confident tone, and his words were undoubtedly a way for the emperor to back down. However, Emperor Chenghui was very individual and did not accept his way out at all: "I would like to jump out of the situation, but I can't do it. Please speak as an outsider."

Jia Lian noticed the emperor's expression and realized that it was pointless to continue pretending, so he put away his smile and said, "Those in the know are confused, and I am just taking advantage of an outsider."

Emperor Chenghui nodded: "Yes, go on."

"If the Ministry of Revenue wants money, it's easy. Take out the fixed assets and auction them off to the whole society. The highest bidder wins. The matter will be handled by the Imperial Household Department and supervised by the Ministry of Revenue. The money earned will belong to the Ministry of Revenue. As for the inner treasury, the Ministry of Revenue should not worry about it. This must be made clear first." As soon as Jia Lian opened his mouth, he solved the problem of the Ministry of Revenue wanting money.

"What if no one offers a high price?" Emperor Chenghui was a little uncertain. Jia Lian smiled and said, "Your Majesty, don't you have a minister? I will arrange for someone to raise the price. Anyone who wants to take advantage of you is dreaming."

Emperor Chenghui nodded calmly, indicating that he believed what Jia Lian said, but he added: "Continue, even if your teacher Zhang Aiqing is appointed as the Minister of Revenue, the people below will still be restless. It's not that I don't trust the ministers below, but there are still many troubles during Zhang Aiqing's tenure. It's clear that the expenditure is 100,000 taels, but the people below can ask for 300,000 taels. The situation of people below spending money without counting must be changed, so we must have a Minister of Revenue like Zhang Aiqing who can satisfy me."

"Your Majesty, I have a plan. No matter who becomes the Minister of Finance, no one can cheat your Majesty of your money. If there is a problem, whoever took the money can't shirk responsibility." Jia Lian knew what he was doing and spoke with confidence. Emperor Chenghui was immediately refreshed and his eyes lit up. Unfortunately, Jia Lian stopped talking at this moment. When Emperor Chenghui saw that Qiu Shian came in, he shut up and didn't ask.

After Qiu Shian put down his teacup, Emperor Chenghui said, "Everyone go away. I have something to discuss with Lord Jia."

Qiu Shian's body trembled slightly. The last minister who could discuss secrets with the emperor was Zhang Tingen. Now, the teacher is gone, and it's the student's turn.

After Qiu Shian left, Jia Lian watched him leave with a smile on his face. It was not because he did not trust you, but because he wanted to strengthen Jia's position in the emperor's mind. Sorry!
At the same time, it's time to give these old bastards in the cabinet some strength!
When Jia Lian turned around and faced Emperor Chenghui, he was like Zhuge Liang discussing the division of the empire into three parts, and spoke confidently: "Your Majesty, my plan is very simple. Introduce a budget system!"

(End of this chapter)