Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 422: The Prime Minister Returns to Beijing
Tongzhou Wharf, viewed from afar, looks like a forest of masts.

When you are in it, the strongest feeling is clutter.

It was still cold in early spring, but the porters were all shirtless, with a towel tied around their necks, bent over and carrying bags. They earned a little money to survive, but the gangs at the dock had to take a cut of their profits.

The civilian dock was a completely different world compared to the official dock. A dozen or so beasts in human clothing were standing under the awning by the dock chatting, while servants were waiting at the dock, ready to report at any time.

"I didn't expect that Jia Lian, as Zhang Xiang's founding disciple, didn't even come to greet us." Guo Yan couldn't help but say something strange. Although they were all members of the emperor's party, the emperor had different relationships with the emperor, and Guo Yan was very jealous.

After hearing this, Pan Jixun looked at Lin Ruhai who was about to speak and said, "Yue Qi is reorganizing the military system. Jia Lian should go to help. Last year, on the night of the Li Rebellion, Your Majesty did not have time to thoroughly reorganize the military system. Afterwards, things kept happening. Now that Prime Minister Zhang has returned, the cabinet is stable, and the capital is also stable. There is finally time to calmly reform the system."

Ning Ke sat quietly aside and didn't want to say anything. He was the weakest in terms of qualifications or political achievements, and didn't want to or dare to get involved.

Xia Shouzhong was the same. He was ordered to come and meet the civil officials who were fighting openly and secretly. He said, "You guys continue and I will just watch the show."

Lin Ruhai could understand Pan Jixun's intention to speak first, wasn't he just being humble? Could Guo Yan not know that Jia Lian was busy? Did he need you, Pan Jixu, to tell him? Moreover, was Guo Yan talking about Jia Lian in this situation just out of pure jealousy? Is there a possibility that this was intentional? From another perspective, Guo Yan had a good relationship with Jia Lian, Zhang Tingen was Jia Lian's mentor, and Lin Ruhai was his uncle. Didn't you see that Ning Ke consciously created discord with Jia Lian before he entered the cabinet? I can only say that Old Pan is considered a relatively honest person in the cabinet.

Assuming that Guo Yan was acting, Lin Ruhai would of course cooperate, so he took over the conversation and said: "Zhang Xiang is the head of the cabinet, and Lin is the second. Some people say that this is Jia's party."

These words, combined with Lin Ruhai's teasing tone, were full of sarcasm. Xia Shouzhong, who was pretending to be stupid, couldn't help but burst out laughing and quickly folded his arms: "Sorry, I couldn't help it!"

Ning Ke held back, lowering his head and shaking his shoulders continuously.

At the Ministry of War, Yue Qi held Jia Lian and talked to him, not allowing him to leave.

"Master Yue, my mentor is arriving in Beijing today. I have to go and pick him up." Jia Lian was a little unhappy. Yue Qi was asking him for someone. What kind of person did he want? A staff officer. Jia Lian did not refuse to give him the person. Instead, he suggested that Yue Qi report to Emperor Chenghui and propose the establishment of a royal military academy to train the various talents needed.

"When can't I see Prime Minister Zhang? Come on, let's go to the palace to meet the emperor." Yue Qi held Jia Lian tightly and insisted on going to the palace together.

Jia Lian stopped and sighed, "Master Yue, I have already told His Majesty about the military academy."

Yue Qi was stunned. He didn't expect that Jia Lian had mentioned it long ago. Why didn't the emperor take any action? Yue Qi soon understood the opposition. Once a military academy is established, it means the end of the traditional model of nobles leading troops. Seeing that it is just a reform of the Beijing camp, it has been slandered by all kinds of rumors. The resistance to building a military academy before that will be even greater.

"Master Jia, do you mean that the time is ripe now? Why don't you go and make a report yourself?"

In response, Jia Lian said with a smile: "In terms of military ability, Lord Yue is superior to me, not to mention that you are the Minister of War, so your title is legitimate."

Yue Qi paused and said, "Okay, Master Jia, go ahead."

Jia Lian clasped his hands and said goodbye, hurried out of the Ministry of War, and rode at full speed to Tongzhou.

Jia Lian would not get involved in the military reform at all, it was too taboo. When the Shenjiying was first effective, it was split up once. If it was not split up this time, it was because the emperor did not have enough fighting power. Jia Lian was worried that if he paid too much attention to the military reform, it would arouse the emperor's suspicion. The emperor is a creature that can never be overestimated. The emperor will never absolutely trust anyone. Once you have done something, all the benefits in the past will become a performance with ulterior motives.

Jia Lian had never thought of raising the flag of rebellion. Besides, given his age, there was no need to be anxious and he just had to be patient.

When Zhang Tingen's officialdom appeared in sight, the servants waiting on the dock came to report. Everyone stood up and walked forward, waiting on the dock.

It took about half an hour from the time the official ship was seen to the time it docked at the pier. Everyone no longer had the interest to bicker as before and just watched quietly as the official ship slowly approached the shore.

Zhang Tingen did not wait in the cabin, but stood on the deck first. When he saw the officials, he took the initiative to bow and greet them.

The officials on the dock clasped their hands in return. When the boat came to a steady stop, Xia Shouzhong stepped forward, offered his hand, and said with a smile, "Prime Minister Zhang, watch your step."

"Thank you, Mr. Xia!" Zhang Tingen also knew that Xia Shouzhong, who had returned from a trip to Sichuan, had risen in status. Not only was he in charge of the Northern Yamen of the Dragon Guard, he was also supervising the central bank, which was originally assigned by Li Yuan.

"You're welcome. The emperor was talking about it yesterday, saying that Prime Minister Zhang should arrive today." Xia Shouzhong really wasn't trying to please Zhang Tingen. He was just following orders, but he was used to flattering the emperor.

Zhang Ting'en clasped his hands towards the palace and said, "It is difficult to repay the emperor's kindness. I can only serve you with all my heart and soul until my death."

Lin Ruhai led everyone to greet each other one by one, and Zhang Tingen returned the greetings one by one. When they arrived at Ningke, Zhang Tingen specifically asked, "How is the financial situation?"

Ning Ke showed a serious expression and said, "To reply to Prime Minister Zhang, last year many things happened and the national treasury was short of money. Your Majesty spent 5 million taels from the treasury to just cover the expenses."

Zhang Ting'en was not targeting Ning Ke, but the current situation, and could not help but sigh: "It is my fault that Your Majesty has to use the treasury to support the state."

Ning Ke's expression was a little embarrassed, but he had to endure it. Even though he knew Zhang Tingen was not referring to him specifically, he still felt uncomfortable.

The other cabinet ministers did not want to join the discussion. Ning Ke was able to join the cabinet because Kong Zhao resigned and exchanged with the emperor. What could people say about Ning Ke? They could not get close to him. After all, he inherited Kong Zhao's political legacy, so he had to bear some responsibilities and hostility.

How can we describe the current cabinet structure? The Prime Minister Zhang Ting'en, a veteran of the imperial party, started out as a lone minister, and now has a sense of forming his own faction. Because Jia Lian was expelled from school, Zhang Ting'en does not recognize his identity as a member of the Qingyun School. Li Qing, on the other hand, is now the signboard of the Qingyun School, but unfortunately he has not returned yet, and the Qingyun School is a bit weak. Qingyun Academy itself has also experienced some changes and is no longer as powerful as before.

Second Assistant Lin Ruhai, leader of the cabinet, rose to prominence through cases. Because of his noble background, he was not heavily influenced by factions, and was considered a unique faction.

After being attacked many times by the old party, the Fang faction scattered like birds and beasts. Unknowingly, Guo Yan's former identity as an old party member enabled him to attract some of the remnants of the old party and become the banner of the remnants of the old party. Because Lao Guo was more flexible in his stance, officials who claimed to be upright gentlemen were unwilling to follow him. The old party members who could stay in Beijing also had very flexible political bottom lines and were birds of a feather.

I won't talk about Pan Jixun, the leader of the pragmatic faction, but he was corrupted by Jia Lian, and some technical bureaucrats left and turned to the R&D Department to engage in technology and run a technical school. Yes, Jia Lian's school was called a technical school.

Technical school, with the handle next to it, not the single person next to it, don’t mistake it for technician.

In other words, Pan Jixun was a relatively kind person. If someone else had tried to pick on him, he would have written it down in his notebook, regardless of whether it was intentional or not, and would have made a list in the future. Ning Ke was set up as a lone minister, but in fact, everyone knew that Kong Zhao's actions had exposed Ning Ke's true colors.

Especially the matter of the Shanxi Merchants Bank. When Ning Ke was the governor, his power was hollowed out. He disliked the Shanxi gentry and powerful people and impeached them many times. But after he became the Minister of Revenue, he stopped mentioning it.

Ning Ke was a bit impatient by nature, so he made several impatience mistakes, but the emperor still trusted him and allowed him to enter the cabinet. This shows that Emperor Chenghui did it on purpose.

In the cabinet, there must be many factions, and it is impossible for everyone to be harmonious. Even if the relationship between two people is good, they will still target each other for the sake of face. Over time, the original relationship will naturally fade, and they will take the acting seriously. What's more, no matter how good the relationship is, when you are a cabinet minister, if you don't want to fight, the people below will push you away, unless you are a real lone minister.

Well, if we must talk about a lone minister, then the cabinet leader Lin Ruhai is closer to a lone minister in the true sense.

After picking up Zhang Tingen, they took a car back to Beijing. Zhang Tingen said he needed to rest, so he took a car with him. Halfway through the journey, they saw smoke and dust. The Dragon Guard who was clearing the way came to report that Jia Lian was coming to greet them.

Galloping over, Jia Lian quickly dismounted, walked quickly forward, clasped his hands towards Zhang Tingen who was lifting the curtain and said, "Teacher, Jia Lian is late, please forgive me."

Zhang Tingen said with a smile: "Get in the car and talk!"

Everyone knows that Zhang Tingen and Jia Lian have a deep relationship as master and apprentice. Today, I know that the rumors are true. Previously, one person and one car were waiting here.

Jia Lian got on the carriage without any hesitation. After the carriage started moving, Zhang Tingen asked, "How is the overall situation in the capital?"

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While being away from home, Zhang Tingen obtained a lot of information and knew everything he should know, but it was definitely not comparable to Jia Lian who was in the capital.

"The old emperor is gone, and the capital is a bit messy and chaotic now. It's generally stable, but I think your majesty is a bit more impatient than before. It's not that there's something wrong with his health, but his patience is almost exhausted. Therefore, the policies will become more and more tough, and your majesty is unwilling to tolerate things that he could tolerate before. In terms of finance, Ning Ke took over the debt collection and was very harsh on the nobles, forcing many of them to sell their belongings to repay the debts. On the other hand, his attitude towards the old civil servants was much more relaxed. The silver owed by Fang Ge Lao's family has never been repaid. On the contrary, Lin Ruhai raided a group of civil servants in Shanxi and Sichuan, and obtained more than 8 million silver taels, most of which went into the treasury."

Jia Lian picked out some things that he thought were valuable and that Zhang Tingen had ignored. Zhang Tingen nodded to show that he understood and asked, "What about you?"

"There's only one word to describe being a student: tired! Their life is to work!" What Jia Lian said was true, but it was not comprehensive.

Zhang Tingen was deeply touched after hearing this. He knew Emperor Chenghui well. He knew that if ministers were useful, they must be used to the death.

"Where is Lin Ruhai?" Zhang Tingen asked suddenly.

Jia Lian leaned back lazily: "Lin Ruhai is not in good health. He has been working hard for several times in a row without resting. He is holding on with one breath. I am worried that he will suddenly collapse and get sick and never get up."

To be honest, Jia Lian also advised Lin Ruhai to take a rest for a while. Lin Ruhai meant that he would take sick leave after the Shanxi merchant case was settled. He should finish what he started.

Zhang Ting'en hummed: "You are still young, it's right not to rush."

Jia Lian smiled and said, "I have never been anxious."

Zhang Tingen thought back to the past and felt that what Jia Lian said was true, and couldn't help but laugh.

When they arrived outside the palace, all the ministers said goodbye and went to their respective posts. Zhang Tingen went into the palace alone to meet the emperor. Jia Lian got off the carriage and sent his master's wife and others home.

Zhang Tingen's family had three more children, one was born to a palace maid sent by the emperor, and the other was born to a maid who came as a dowry with his master's wife, a boy and a girl.

The maidservant beside the master's wife was also pregnant with a son, who should be her own. Otherwise, even if there was a biological mother, she would have to recognize the master's wife as her legal mother.

Jia Lian had already sent people to clean the Zhang family's house in Beijing, so people could move in directly when they arrived, and everything had been prepared in advance.

After the teacher's wife looked around inside, she praised Jia Lian, saying, "You are such a thoughtful student. You always think ahead of the teacher in everything."

Jia Lian smiled and said something modest, then asked, "How is Brother Anzhong?"

"After going to Sichuan, he was promoted to the sixth rank of prefectural chancellor. He was not as good as the best, but better than the worst."

Jia Lian complained: "It's impossible to have no one in the Ministry of Personnel. There are so many positions in Sichuan, and my teacher is the designated Prime Minister, but he is only a sixth-rank official."

Wu laughed and scolded, "That's easy to say, but is the imperial court owned by the Zhang family?"

As they were talking, there was a commotion outside the door and the imperial envoy arrived.

Wu hurried out to greet him and said to the messenger, "The angel has come at an unfortunate time. My husband is in the palace and has not returned yet."

The one who came was Eunuch Sun who served the Queen. He smiled and replied, "We all know what Madam said. Prime Minister Zhang is appointed as the Prime Minister. His Majesty specially sent us to announce the decree, promoting Madam to the first rank. The Queen also has a message for you. Please rest well and come into the palace to talk."

Zhang Tingen was meeting the emperor over there, and the eunuchs were reading out the imperial edict as well as the empress's decree. For a time, Wu's glory reached its peak.

Jia Lian witnessed this scene with his own eyes, and his understanding of Emperor Chenghui deepened a little. Once the emperor trusts a minister, he will really treat you very well.

In the palace, Emperor Chenghui could not help but feel a lot of emotion when facing Zhang Tingen. The two of them got along very well. Now that he thought about it, he had sent Sun, Zhang, and Li out of the palace one after another in order to accelerate their experience accumulation. In hindsight, it was a risky move. Kong Zhao, Liang Daoyuan, and others were not considerate enough. If something went wrong, they could not be relied on. Thanks to Jia Lian's bloody battle that night, the situation was stabilized. Otherwise, with the White Lotus Sect and Li's rebellion, the consequences would be hard to say.

"I'll be honest with you. Now everything in the capital is under control. I accept Jia Lian's suggestion and want to set up a royal military academy. I will be the principal. When there is success, all the middle and low-level officials in each department will be disciples of the emperor, changing the past situation where soldiers are the masters. Yue Qi's reform of the Ministry of War is just the first step. Let's see how the nobles react."

(End of this chapter)