Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 69 Already had a plan

After taking out the official document and reading it carefully, Zhang Ting'en handed it to his predecessor Yin: "If I remember correctly, this official document was supposed to be submitted to the cabinet for approval on the third day of the twelfth lunar month last year. Why is it still in the Ministry of Household Affairs?"

After Yin Shilang glanced at the official document, he replied expressionlessly: "Last year in the twelfth lunar month, the cabinet was in turmoil, so I took it slow."

Zhang Ting'en had no intention of letting go and stared at Minister Yin: "It is related to the food and wages for the war in the Western Regions. Why don't you submit it to Your Majesty?"

"There is no silver in the household, what can I do?" Shilang Yin tried to calm down, but his hands were already shaking slightly in his sleeves.

"This matter is not settled yet. I forgive Zhang for not being able to hand over the matter. Please say goodbye!" Zhang Ting'en threw the official document on the desk, got up and left.

The Minister of Yin was so anxious that he stood up and said loudly: "Zhang Shangshu doesn't care about the friendship between his colleagues. Is it difficult for Mr. Yin?"

"Master Yanyin, please go and tell your Majesty." Zhang Ting'en paused for a moment without stopping.

Minister Yin sighed, and his old body slowly and tremblingly sat down on the chair.

Zhang Ting'en crossed the courtyard anxiously, with eyes focused in the windows around him. He watched with various emotions as the new minister left in a hurry without completing the handover.

........................

At the Zongren Mansion, Jia Lian successfully obtained the recommendation letter. No one meddleed or dared to meddle with this issue.

Jia Lian was originally qualified to study in the Imperial College. It was a grace given by Taizu that his legitimate son went to study in the Imperial College.

Back at the Imperial College, Liu Yi, the clerk on duty, was still waiting. When he saw Jia Lian, he immediately went out to greet him.

After getting the letter of recommendation, Liu Yi handed over the pre-written documents and number plate with both hands, and specially explained: "The New Year is not considered to be over until the first month is over. Mr. Lian will come back after the first month."

Jia Lian asked with a seemingly casual smile: "Why, aren't all the government offices operating normally from today on?"

"Hey, it's the other yamen. During the first month of the year, a few adults take turns to be on duty. If there is something urgent, the adult on duty will naturally ask someone to notify him. Forget about the Imperial College, Mr. Zheng, the Si Ye who is on duty today, has been there for half of the time. Shi Chen left. There is nothing going on, and it’s boring to stay here, so why bother everyone?"

Liu Yi explained the matter clearly, and Jia Lian was helpless after hearing this. The post-year syndrome in the Imperial College was really serious.

Zhang Tingen successfully met the emperor and reported what happened in the Ministry of Revenue.

"The payment for the prince's salary should have been completed in the middle of the twelfth lunar month last year, but it was delayed until today and has not been submitted to the cabinet."

Emperor Chenghui did not express his position immediately, but first took the paper and read it carefully. After putting down the paper, he said calmly: "It depends on the date. When the paper was delivered, the Yushitai was concentrating on the impeachment of Wang Ziteng. In response to the turmoil in the cabinet, the former chamberlain The first assistant is also the Minister of Household Affairs, so things should have been delayed like this. Thanks to Aiqing for being careful, otherwise it would have been a reason to delay state affairs."

Zhang Ting'en said: "The right minister is in charge of household affairs, but he resigned on the grounds of old age. I will go to the cabinet to handle this matter."

Emperor Chenghui said calmly: "Yin Huayang's intention of succeeding as Minister has failed, so this case is the lowest priority. Fang Baiyi or Yin Huayang, their minds are not on state affairs, but on their private affairs."

As he spoke, Emperor Chenghui pulled out a resignation memorial, and he wrote quickly to prepare for instructions. He said: "Since he has no interest in state affairs, he will fulfill his wish." Zhang Ting'en glanced at it and immediately raised his hand to stop him: "Your Majesty , You need to take care of the dignity of the veteran."

Emperor Chenghui paused and pondered for a few breaths, then slowly put down the pen and said: "It's okay, Yin Huayang has been an official for thirty years, which can be regarded as fulfilling his duties. The dignity that should be given must still be given. I will retain this word twice more .”

"The matter is urgent. I will go to the cabinet immediately." Zhang Ting'en stood up to leave. Emperor Chenghui stopped him and said, "Go and come back quickly."

Emperor Chenghui specially asked a eunuch to follow Zhang Ting'en to express his concern about this matter.

When Zhang Ting'en arrived at the cabinet, the three cabinet ministers discussed it but did not make an immediate decision. The new chief assistant Liang Dong told Zhang Ting'en that military and state affairs, in accordance with Taizu's system, should be decided by the cabinet ministers after discussion with His Majesty.

Therefore, everyone still has to go to see the emperor and discuss it before making a decision.

Zhang Ting'en was very puzzled after hearing this and said: "The matter of countering the rebellion in the Western Regions is a decision made by the cabinet after discussion with His Majesty. At present, the army is waiting for payment. The Chief Assistant can directly approve it and hand it over to His Majesty for his seal. Why bother?"

Liang Dong replied very rudely: "Zhang Shangshu is not a cabinet minister yet, so it is not your turn to teach cabinet ministers how to do things."

It's not hard to guess what Liang Dong is thinking, which is to figure out whose responsibility it is.

The matter happened last year. At that time, Fang Baiyi, as the chief assistant, delayed the matter, so this responsibility did not fall on Liang Dong. Furthermore, as the third-ranked minister in the previous cabinet, Liang Dong was very aware of the current situation of the Ministry of Household Affairs.

The Ministry of Revenue had no money, so Wang Ziteng asked for two million taels of silver. Where did he get the money? You want to say that when the summer grain harvest comes in, the day lilies are cold, and the payment is not timely, which delays the war in the Western Regions. Who is responsible?

As soon as he sat on the chief minister's chair, Liang Dong didn't want to be overthrown by his colleagues who were watching him eagerly below.

Don't look at the civil servants grouping together to deal with nobles, that's for the outside world. Internally, the civil service clique is still fighting to the death.

Not to mention, how did Li Qing, the Minister of Rites, come to be? That was the deal between the emperor and his former chief minister and second minister.

It is true that Liang Dong is the chief minister, but he is from Shanxi, and the Shanxi clique has never been the mainstream in the court.

He, a cabinet minister, got the position by chance just to balance the cabinet, and now he is the chief minister because the emperor was impatient with Fang Baiyi and others and got the position by chance again. It is true to say that Liang Dong is lucky. But looking at the problem from Liang Dong's perspective, he can stand firm in the court and continue to rise, relying on his attitude of not getting involved in everything.

As a Shanxi native, if he didn't have much influence in the court, he might have resigned together with Fang Baiyi.

In a word, if you want to secure your position as chief minister and eliminate the threat posed by the covetous people below, it depends on the attitude of the emperor.

Under normal circumstances, there are four cabinet ministers, one chief minister and three cabinet ministers. There are only three cabinet ministers now, so it is easy to see who the one seat is reserved for, but who can guarantee that other officials will not suddenly come out? What if we can find out something about an existing cabinet minister, and maybe there will be another one available?

Emperor Chenghui seemed to have anticipated this situation, so he had already arranged for the servants to bring stools. When he saw the cabinet ministers, he smiled and said: "My beloved ministers, sit down and talk."

As soon as this attitude came out, the three cabinet ministers headed by Liang Dong calmed down.

Your Majesty is sensible! This is a very natural inner portrayal.

Zhang Tingen is no longer anxious. There is no point in being anxious. Now it seems that as long as he does not step into this pit, he will be lucky. The Ministry of Household Affairs has no money. This is the most realistic thing. Where can we find two million taels of silver?

Emperor Chenghui confidently picked up a memorial and said: "This is a memorial from Lin Ruhai, the salt inspector. The last payment of last year's salt tax was collected, a total of 1.5 million taels. With this money, I If we allocate another 500,000 taels from internal funds, the problem will be solved. But things cannot always be done this way, and we cannot always count on internal funds. Your beloved ministers still have to find ways to replenish the Treasury of the Ministry of Revenue."

"I am incompetent, I am guilty." Liang Dong stood up, and everyone else also stood up, folded their hands and bowed at 90 degrees, speaking in unison as if they had been rehearsed in advance.

To be honest, Emperor Chenghui was helpless when he saw this scene. After all, he had seen it too many times.

If you admit that you are incompetent and guilty, you will not solve the problem, right?

If Jia Lian saw this scene, he would definitely express with emotion that he had found the teacher who had "the spirit of craftsmanship" in his childhood.

You see, I have admitted that I am incompetent and guilty, what else do you want?

Emperor Chenghui waved his hands and said: "This matter has little to do with you dear ladies, so I will not hold you accountable. The salt tax will come to Beijing soon, dear dear ladies, please hurry up to handle the handover and get started. The war in the Western Region cannot be rushed, nor can it be done urgently. Can’t delay.”

Zhang Ting'en deeply felt Emperor Chenghui's sophisticated skills from below. How should this be said? The problems that should have been solved last year have been delayed until this year. On the one hand, there is no money, on the other hand, they are probably waiting for Lin Ruhai's money, and on the other hand, they are showing favor to the current cabinet.

The most hidden point is the handling of the salt tax. If it weren't for this matter and the handling skills, the cabinet would definitely have to pluck out the salt tax.

As expected, Liang Dong, as the chief assistant, naturally wanted to "resist". He stepped forward and bowed with his arms folded: "Your Majesty, Wu Yuhui, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, has announced that the grain and grass in front of the army in the Western Regions can be purchased in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces and shipped to the Western Regions. In front of the army."

Emperor Chenghui also knew that Liang Dong was "resistance" on a routine basis. This was the duty of the chief assistant.

"If I remember correctly, in September last year, Wu Yuhui reported that there was a severe drought in the four prefectures of Guanzhong, and asked the court to exempt money and grain. Since there is a drought and the grain harvest is poor, where can the grain and grass be sold?" Emperor Chenghui had a good memory, but He did not intend to let Wu Yuhui go, so he turned to Liang Dong and said: "Ask Yushitai to send someone to Guanzhong to see if it is really what Wu Yuhui played."

Liang Dong couldn't help but feel bitter after hearing this. To the courtiers, His Majesty was really not an open-minded person. Just such a small matter was on the line. It's also to blame that Wu Yuhui is too greedy and wants to make some money. Isn't it catching up with the fact that the court has no money now?

"I obey the decree!" Liang Dong could only hold his nose and admit it. He would not think that Wu Yuhui was involved. It's Wu Yuhui's fault that he took advantage of this trick and used it to "resist". As the chief assistant, you must resist, especially when large amounts of money and food are involved.

Emperor Chenghui knew very well that officials could not withstand investigation, and Liang Dong also knew very well that he would not know if he did not investigate. It is normal to be shocked if he does.

But how to say it? Didn't you catch up?

Besides, the Western Region is thousands of miles away from Longyou. How can I transport it if I faint after buying food? There are deserts along the way.

Isn't this clearly looking for trouble? To be more serious, it is suspected of bullying the emperor.

…………

Jia Lian will continue to be idle for the next year, but Jia Zhu seems to be very active, telling Li Wan every day that he is going to the Imperial College.

After hearing the gossip brought by Guixiang, Jia Lian wanted to laugh, but failed.

What suddenly came to mind was Jia Zheng beating Jia Baoyu, and Mrs. Wang mentioned Jia Zhu when she stopped him.

Jia Lian couldn't help but shuddered. Could it be that Jia Zhu died after being injured by Jia Zheng?

Thinking about it carefully, Jia Zhu's body really couldn't withstand Jia Zheng's fighting style.

So the question is, why was Jia Zhu beaten? Could it be related to the fact that Jia Zhu goes to "school" every day?

Jia Lian did not dare to think too much, and preferred to believe that Jia Zhu died of illness.

A few days later, Jia Lian received the newspaper sent by Zhang Tingen. After reading it carefully, the most important information was the news that Yin Huayang, the right minister of the Ministry of Revenue, resigned and returned to his hometown. This news was nothing at all. The old minister returned to his hometown. Well. The problem is that after the drama between Emperor Chenghui and Yin Huayang, Yin Huayang was not promoted, but retired as the right minister of household affairs.

This is very particular. Why can't you add an official to a normal person? For example, add a title like Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, or Crown Prince Shaobao. Anyway, it is to honor the old ministers. Emperor Chenghui didn't give him anything. How much does he dislike Yin Huayang?

Seeing that the first month is about to pass, Jia Lian is still reading at home. He is really reading. The Four Books and Five Classics themselves do not have much content, but there are many extended interpretations that need to be read, such as articles by Zhu Xi, Er Cheng and others.

Jia Lian, who was studying, was taken out of the house. Helpless, Jia Lian could only send someone to ask Jia Rong to go out with him.

There are things that Jia Rong can do but Jia Lian cannot. In other words, Jia Lian was counting on Jia Rong to take the blame from the beginning.

There are too many cases in history where courtiers got involved in the emperor's family affairs and died badly. Naturally, Jia Lian would not touch this easily.

But what can I say? Some people will seek death even if you stop them.

Yes, Jia Lian is talking about Jia Zhen. In that case, why not let Jia Rong do it?

Li Heng was still very particular and rented a house specially to meet Jia Lian in this rented house.

When he saw Jia Rong behind Jia Lian, Li Heng was a little surprised. He paused for a moment, then stepped forward with a smile on his face and said, "Brother Lian, happy New Year."

Jia Lian clasped his hands without a good expression: "It's fine if you don't come to me, but it's not good if you come to me."

Li Heng suddenly smiled awkwardly, but he didn't have an attack. No matter how unhappy he felt, he had to endure it now.

"Isn't this what we agreed to do years ago?" Li Heng smiled and chatted awkwardly, and Jia Lian really admired him for having such determination at such a young age.

"Introduction, this is Jia Rong, my nephew, and this is Li Sanlang. I will give you advice on future matters. Brother Rong only needs to bring his eyes. If there is anything important, just let him bring a message. "

When Li Heng heard this, he immediately understood what Jia Lian meant. Anyway, Jia Lian just didn't want to get involved. Jia Rong, the nephew, is probably really a messenger.

Jia Lian walked around the room with his hands behind his back, and ignored Li Heng's expectant eyes. Jia Rong opened his eyes curiously, trying to figure out what was going on. What was the significance of being brought here today?

He waved to Li Heng, and when he got closer, Jia Lian whispered: "Let me ask you a question, what are your rights?"

Li Heng, who didn't expect to answer the question, blinked and hesitated before saying, "Brother Lian, can you be more direct?"

Jia Lian looked at the third prince speechlessly, struggling with what to say to him next.

(End of this chapter)