Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Jia Cong sighed: "In short, machines will shine, replacing human and animal power in all walks of life, and promoting the rapid development of people's livelihood."

Duan Zhun frowned and said, "Machines? Doesn't the dynasty have them? For example, water wheels, looms, spinning machines, and the like."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Master, the world has changed. You said that these stubborn things ultimately rely on human and water power, which is very small.

I mean machines that are powered by steam or electricity, and that can make great ships, cannons, and all sorts of other things. It's totally different."

Duan Zhun shook his head and said, "Strange and cunning tricks may be able to gain supremacy for a day, but in the end, the right path must be followed in governing a country."

Jia Cong did not argue with him and said, "What Mr. Zhun said makes sense. Cong's idea is that the military affairs office will be in charge of the main affairs in the future, and Cong will just be in charge of the strange and ingenious skills."

Duan Zhun raised his eyebrows. This was good news. He said, "Your Majesty, this is just a joke. How can the Regent only care about tricks? It's not right."

Jia Cong waved his hand and smiled, "Don't worry, Mr. Jun. I have no other intentions. I am not interested in government affairs. Mr. Jun and the other officials in the court should go and discuss with the Empress Dowager. In the future, I will not go to the court unless necessary, to show my intention of letting scholars and officials rule the world."

Duan Zhun looked at Jia Cong deeply, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will take note of what you said."

"Your Excellency is famous for your new laws, and will go down in history in the future. Cong would like to ask you why you promoted the new laws?"

Duan Zhun said: "The accumulated evils of the dynasty are getting worse and worse, and the disease is becoming more and more serious. Only new methods can eliminate the rot and regenerate new flesh, and continue the dynasty's fortune."

Jia Cong clapped his hands and said, "Mr. Zhun is right. That's why when Cong was in Liaodong, he strictly enforced the new law, and the effect was very good.

Now, when Cong looked at the weapons of the Western barbarians, he understood their expertise. If he could not learn from their strengths and overcome his weaknesses and work hard to become stronger, then in a few decades, the barbarians would surely surpass the Celestial Empire.

Therefore, Cong also has some new methods, please help me."

"I'd like to hear the details." Duan Zhun understood that this was Jia Cong's condition for not accepting Cao and Zhuo.

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said, "There are so many things going on, and I have no clue about them now. But the main point can be summed up in one sentence: vigorously develop industry, commerce and overseas trade, and open up ways for talents in the business community to bring honor to their family."

Duan Zhun pondered for a moment and said, "Scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans are the four classes of the country, and the court has always attached great importance to them. If we promote industry and commerce, the people will all pursue profit, and agriculture and sericulture will certainly be impacted.

Farmers are the foundation of a country. If we are not careful, the foundation will be shaken. Isn't this contrary to the original intention of the prince?"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Times have changed. Industry is the foundation of the country. Jun Gong doesn't have to worry about no one farming. If no one is farming, we can reduce agricultural taxes and increase industrial and commercial taxes. Isn't it the same?
Moreover, with the popularization of machines, there will not be a need for so many people to engage in agriculture.

For example, Cong knew that there was a spinning machine in the West that was extremely efficient. One person could spin the same amount of yarn as seven or eight people in the imperial court. Wouldn't the labor saved be used for other things? Isn't that a good thing?"

"Is there such a magical object?" Duan Zhun was shocked.

Jia Cong nodded and said, "If the fields are really barren and no one is farming, Cong will be responsible for getting people and food, whether by buying or robbing, so don't worry.

As long as we have guns in our hands, will we still starve to death? Let alone other things, just talking about Goryeo, as long as the court needs it, Cong can immediately transport a million laborers from Goryeo to farm full-time. "

Duan Zhun said: "It is easy to fill one's stomach, but I am afraid that if this law is implemented, the people's hearts will change, the customs will be impure, and everyone will only pursue profit. It will be difficult for the court to control them, and trouble will arise in the long run."

Jia Cong sneered, "Old man, the common people pursue profit just to live a good life, to have meat to eat, a house to live in, clothes to wear, and books to read. What's wrong with that?

Do you think that only those who work like slaves for generations and end up being unable to even get a coffin can be considered good citizens as the saints say?

If the saints think this way, even if Confucius and Mencius were resurrected, Cong would cut off their heads and hang them on the city gate to warn the world. "

Duan Zhun remained silent. In the Confucian ideal, it was best for the common people to stay in their own positions and live an honest life.

If you are a farmer, farm the land all your life; if you are a rickshaw driver, drive the rickshaw all your life; if you are a small businessman, do small business all your life. Don't think about changing and don't cause trouble for the court. Then the world will be at peace.

Jia Cong said: "Master, the common people are first and foremost human beings, just like you and me, not animals. We cannot lock them up in a pen and raise them like pigs and sheep. As long as they are not starving to death, there will be peace and prosperity.

If the court is difficult to govern after the people become active, that is the court's problem, which shows that the court is corrupt and cannot share weal and woe with the people of the world. It even goes against the trend and hinders the people from pursuing a better life.

This kind of crappy court should be overthrown by Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, and a new dynasty should be established!"

Duan Zhun was shocked. Was this what the regent of the dynasty, who had been a noble for generations, said? He was unable to recover for a long time and said, "My Lord, if the court is gone, where will your family and the other noble families go?"

Jia Cong spread his hands and sneered, "Mr. Zhun is well-versed in classics and history, but where did the noble families of the previous dynasties go? Throughout history, has there ever been a dynasty that lasted for thousands of years?

We say that our dynasty will last forever, but that is just self-flattery. Can it really last forever? I think it will be difficult to last for even 10 or 20 generations.

Things that are out of date will naturally disappear, just like old laws. If you want to be everlasting, you must keep pace with the times and benefit the people. This is the only way.

Those who want to survive by exploiting the common people should learn from the demise of dynasties in the past, which is a lesson for you. You should know this well. "

Duan Zhun was silent for a long time, then he sighed, stood up, bowed deeply, and said, "Keep pace with the times and share the benefits with the people.

Your Majesty's eight words are truly a warning to the world. Listening to your words is worth ten years of reading. I am in awe. "

Jia Cong hurriedly helped him up and said with a smile: "Cong is a junior student, so how dare I accept the great ceremony of being a quasi-official? I just think that as long as the court can make the people live a good life, no matter how the people's hearts and customs change, I think they will not want to rebel, right?"

"Your Highness is right. I am short-sighted." Duan Zhun bowed and sighed.

“This has nothing to do with you, old man. After all, it is difficult for people to look at issues beyond their own class. Subconsciously, they all want to protect the interests of their own class, which is understandable.

Oh, the class is, um, the scholar-officials and the common people." Jia Cong said with a smile.

Duan Zhun smiled bitterly and said, "I was born in a poor family and I know the sufferings of the people. I have no intention of bullying the people. I am just doing my job and I dare not fail to consider the country and the people."

Jia Cong said sternly: "Master Zhun, what is Jiangshan? Is it the vast territory? Is it the inheritance of imperial power? Is it the officials in the court? No, none of them.

Cong believed that the country is the people, and the people are the country. He who wins the hearts of the people wins the country, and he who loses the hearts of the people loses the country. It is nothing more than this. "

Duan Zhun was deeply impressed when he heard this, and he bowed his hands and said, "Your Majesty, your words are very enlightening. I will learn from your teachings."

"You are too modest." Jia Cong said, "When the new law is implemented in the future, please pay more attention to it. In addition, Cong dare not say that this law is perfect. There must be many defects and loopholes. I will trouble the officials of the court to work together to make up for the shortcomings. Let's cross the river by feeling the stones together."

Duan Zhun twirled his beard and said, "All reforms in the past have been like this. Your Majesty, there is no need to worry too much. As for whether a method will work or not, we will know once we give it a try."

"What you said is correct. Cong will draw up specific proposals in the future and invite you to discuss them."

Duan Zhun nodded, glanced at Jia Cong, and said, "Does the prince have any plans for the future of the court?"

This is a strategic question. Jia Cong smiled and said, "Cong thinks it is better to let a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend." Duan Zhun was the leader of the New Party after all. He said, "Your Highness, aren't you afraid that some people will be stuck in the past, blinded by greed, and obstruct and interfere with the new law?"

This statement obviously has a hidden meaning. Now that the Neutral Party and the Academic Party are all supporters of Jia Cong, there is naturally no such thing as going against the current. The New Party needs Jia Cong's support, and will not do so. The person he is referring to is naturally Chen.

Jia Cong said, "My heart is not made of stone, it cannot be turned. Lord Zhun can just let it go. If anyone dares to make a move, disrupt the government, and shake up the situation, Cong will chop off his hand, no matter who it is."

Duan Zhun bowed and said, "With the prince here, the world will be stable."

Jia Cong returned the greeting and said, "With Lord Zhun here, the political situation will be settled."

The two men smiled at each other. It was unusual that the two political giants of the Guo Dynasty, who once had some conflicts, not only did not fight to the death after the death of Emperor Xifeng, but actually joined hands.

After Jia Cong and Duan Zhun finished the discussion, he summoned Jiang Feng, Gu Tao, Guan Pu, Feng Yuan, Chen Ji and others to encourage them.

Jiang, Guan and Feng were originally in the same party with him, so everything was self-evident.

Gu Tao, however, felt deeply fortunate and was extremely respectful and grateful. If he had not adopted his wife's suggestion and done Jia Cong a favor in advance, this wave of changes would have probably been stopped. Even if he did not end up like Director Huo, whose property was confiscated and his family was exterminated, he would certainly not be able to stay in the central government.

Chen Ji, however, was somewhat reserved and only exchanged a few perfunctory words with Jia Cong as a matter of routine. To put it nicely, he was neither humble nor arrogant, but to put it bluntly, he did not take Jia Cong, the Grand Tutor, the Chief of the Guardians, and the Regent, seriously.

Jiang Feng, Feng Yuan and others were secretly gloating upon seeing this. "Uncle of the King, why don't you come to the capital city without knowing Jia Cong's character? Isn't it asking for trouble by being so arrogant?"

For the sake of the Empress Dowager, Jia Cong did not argue with him. He just said a few polite words and was about to leave.

But Chen Ji suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I have something to discuss with you."

Upon hearing this, everyone said goodbye and left.

Jia Cong glanced at him and said, "Please speak, my uncle."

Chen Ji said: "Dai Quan, Huo Peng, Dong Yi, Niu Biao and others rebelled the other day, but fortunately the prince put them down. However, such a major case of treason often involves a wide range of people, and many people in the capital are uneasy, fearing that they will suffer an unexpected disaster..."

Jia Cong waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, uncle. This case is a case of treason and unforgivable crimes. The whole family will be killed. However, Cong has always handled cases in an upright manner and will never implicate a large number of people. You can rest assured about this."

Chen Ji said: "Your Majesty is right, and I know that very well. However, the case has not yet been concluded, which makes the whole court uneasy.

The other day, the three princes from the north, west and east discussed this matter with me, saying that their three families had nothing to do with this case, and that they only had some conflicts with the princes in the past. I hope that the Master can see through this and show mercy. "

After saying this, seeing Jia Cong's solemn expression, he quickly added: "This is also what the Grand Empress Dowager meant. Now that the government has just been settled, it is not appropriate to involve too much and cause fear to the world."

Jia Cong glanced at him with a hint of coldness in his eyes. He said, "How bold! How dare you use Changchun Palace to pressure me?"

Yin said calmly: "Since it is the Empress Dowager's intention, this prince should follow it. Xining and Dongping have nothing to do with this matter, which makes sense. As for Prince Beijing... we still need to carefully identify it.

This is a military matter, so you don't have to worry about it anymore. Please report to the Empress Dowager for me, and Cong will take care of the case."

Chen Ji was stunned when he heard this, not knowing how to respond.

Jia Cong's words sounded polite, but his meaning was not polite at all. Translated into plain language, it means: Are you worthy enough to plead for mercy in front of me?

For the sake of the Empress Dowager, I will only kill one person. If you dare to interfere in military affairs again, don’t blame me for being ruthless. I will go back like this. I am so domineering.

Seeing Jia Cong just waving his sleeves, Chen Ji frowned, what a traitor, he committed treason and controlled the government, is there still any law? So he hurried to Changchun Palace.

After hearing what he said, the Empress Dowager's face became serious and she scolded him, "Brother, you are confused! Who told you to do favors for the three kings on your own initiative?

The three princes were originally at odds with the Jia family. Last year, because of the marriage, even the Nan'an Prince's Mansion was destroyed. You interceded for them and used me to pressure him, offending Jia Cong. What good would that do?"

Chen Ji was scolded by his sister, and his face turned red. He said hurriedly: "Second sister, I just thought that there is no one in our army. It is rare for three princes to come to serve, so how can we not accept them?
Moreover, the three kings have many old friends in the army and their prestige is quite high. If they are suddenly eliminated, there may be chaos in the army, which will be of no benefit to the country. That is why I agreed to speak for them without any selfish motives. "

The Empress Dowager sighed, "Although you said that, you don't know that Jia Cong is a man of strong character. He is not someone that can be looked down upon by ordinary people. Even the late emperor may not be taken seriously by him, let alone you?
You have just entered the court and have a shallow foundation. How dare you teach him how to do things? Look at how Jun Gong treats him. Do you really think he dare not kill you? "

Chen Ji's heart sank, and hesitantly asked, "How dare Jia Cong be so bold? Does he really want to be the Dong Zhuo of the modern age?"

The Empress Dowager looked at him coldly and said, "I am doing my best to avoid this. You must be careful in your words and actions in the future. Anything involving Jia Cong must be reported to me first, and then implemented. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I will obey your order." Chen Ji was glanced at by his sister and hurriedly bowed to obey her orders, with cold sweat already breaking out on his back.

Only then did he feel a little scared. Not to mention that Jia Cong dared to kill him, even if it was the person in front of him, he would sacrifice himself without hesitation if necessary.

The Empress Dowager summoned me to the court to do my bidding, not to cause trouble for her. If I didn't know better, my future would be in jeopardy. After all, the Chen family had many talented people, and it would be the same if someone else entered the cabinet.

"Go, don't interfere in this matter anymore."

"Yes."

When Jia Cong returned home, the imperial edict, golden seal and golden book of enthronement had already been bestowed, and the plaque at the door had also been replaced with four golden characters "Prince Jing's Mansion" written by the Empress Dowager herself.

"Your Highness is here to see His Majesty!"

"Your servants are here to pay their respects to His Majesty!" All the personal soldiers and servants knelt on the ground.

Jia Cong laughed and said, "Let's get up. Both the government and the people will be rewarded with a year's allowance. Let's have some fun together."

Everyone laughed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

Wangcai smiled again and said, "Princess, please come in and talk to the prince when he comes back."

Jia Cong nodded and entered the inner hall, where he saw all the ladies there. Chu Chan, Bao Qin and others had finished handling Xue Wen's funeral and had also returned from Jiangnan.

When they saw him come in, they all smiled and congratulated him.

After greeting each other, Jia Cong looked at Ruyi and asked with a smile, "What's up, Yan'er?"

Ruyi rolled her eyes at him and said, "Sister Chan and Sister Baoqin have just returned. They are exhausted from the journey. You sisters should accompany them to settle down and rest first. We will talk more during dinner."

The girls knew that she wanted to discuss something, so they quickly agreed with a smile and took the two girls away. Besides Jia Cong, there were only Ruyi, Baochai and Daiyu in the room.

"Take it and see how you arrange it. We don't want to worry about it." Ruyi raised her delicate chin, and the palace maid immediately presented a memorial. (End of this chapter)