Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 702 Loyalty and Filial Piety
Cao Mansion, side hall.

Cao Yong stood up, spread out the Zhuangzi map in his hand, and added a smile on his face.This is the hot spring village that started construction this spring. It took more than half a year to complete the construction.

In the past two years, with the construction of the Tangquan Palace, Shengjia often stayed in Tangquan.The dignitaries in the capital also often built gardens near Xiaotang Mountain.Because of Cao Yong's foresight, he bought a lot of land and made a lot of money.

The first Zhuangzi I built was given away to Brother Sixteen; later there was a small Zhuangzi, but it was a little crude.

There are several places with beautiful scenery and concentrated hot springs, and Cao Yong always keeps them in his hands.

Now, the construction is finally completed, and it seems that this winter will be able to go to the hot springs.

"Master, now the village is covered with wallpaper, and it's all white, just waiting for the furniture to be arranged." He Maocai said with a bow.

"Okay, okay, the furniture has already been ordered, maybe I can take it." Speaking of this, Cao Yong paused, and said: "How is the harvest this year? What happened to the big grandma talking about the rent reduction before?" ?”

He Maocai replied: "Master, reducing the rent rashly is also eye-catching. It is also not good to cause criticism from the neighbors around. In the opinion of a villain, it is better to replace the rent with labor. Before the beginning of winter, dredge several rivers and canals."

Cao Yong heard the words, nodded, and said: "That's fine, just do as you said. By the way, if you have spare time, you can also ask someone to see where there is cheap land. When the land price is low, you can buy it again." Set up a few places."

He Maocai agreed, thinking that he was exhausted in the city, Cao Yong ordered Cao Fang to take him down to rest, and he took Zhuangzi's drawings and returned to Wutong Garden.

It happened that Zijing was also there, and I heard that the hot spring Zhuangzi had been repaired, both Chuyu and Zijing were a little happy, they gathered around the map of Zhuangzi, looking at the various courtyards.

"Sister Zijing, haven't you ordered the furniture? There are still decorations that need to be used. Before it's cold, it's time to send someone over to clean them up." Chu Yu looked at the map and said to Zijing.

Zijing smiled and said: "It just so happens that there is nothing going on in the mansion these days. My wife and grandma are here, so I should take a few people there to clean it up. Not to mention anything else, the newly built kang will burn for ten and a half months. It will only work when the tide rises. And the uncle specially ordered the glazed tiles, and if you want to build a greenhouse, someone has to watch carefully. I don’t worry about giving it to others.”

"Will it be too hard?" Chu Yu hesitated after hearing this.

Cao Yong was standing next to him. Hearing what the two said, he said: "It's better for Zijing to go for a while. It happens to be lukewarm. I just go to Zhuangzi to relax. It's boring to stay in this mansion all year round."

Chu Yu also remembered that she had originally planned to take everyone to Rehe, but because of her injury, the plan was disrupted and the trip did not take place.Therefore, I didn't dissuade her anymore, I just asked Zijing to bring more people, don't be too tired.

During the day, Yaerjiang went to the Yamen of the House of Internal Affairs and brought a piece of news that made Cao Yong a little uneasy.That is, the gold transported to Guangzhou has already started from the capital, not the original budget of 2 taels, but 12 taels.

It seems that Yaerjiang believed in Cao Yong's method of making money, so he got the gold in exchange for it, but Cao Yong couldn't give birth to gratitude.

12 taels of gold, according to the exchange rate in Guangzhou, if it is 13 taels, it will be 1506 million taels of silver; if it is based on the ratio of 14 taels, it will be 1608 million taels.

A large inflow of silver and a sharp decrease in gold will cause silver to be cheap and gold to be expensive, which is still inappropriate.

Besides, 10,000+ taels of gold arrives in Guangzhou at once, but the number of foreign ships entering the dock is limited. Can it be fully exchanged?
However, Yaerjiang's planning has been completed, and Cao Yong has not left time for questioning.

Cao Yong thought about this, so he went back to the study in the front yard and wrote a letter to Wei Xin.Although Wei Xin has decided to go to the West, but the trip will not take place until the winter monsoon.Counting the days, he still has to stay in Guangzhou for a while.

In the letter, Cao Yong said about the exchange of gold, let him pay more attention.If Cui Fei encounters any difficulties, let someone take care of him.

This time, the ones who escorted the gold to Guangzhou were Cui Fei, the foreign steward of Prince Jian's residence, and a steward of the Thirteenth Prince's residence.

Although the two were doing errands for the clan's government, they received a note from the House of Internal Affairs, and they also made up for the vacancies of the House of Internal Affairs.

When Cao Yong put down his pen, the room was already dark, and the servant came in to light the lamp.

In addition to Wei Xin, the Wang family has bid for the Nanyang Commercial Road, and there are also children in Guangzhou.But Cao Yong didn't want to make extra troubles, so he didn't think about getting them involved with Jian Wangfu.

He Maocai bought the land just now, just in case.

In fact, even if Wei Xin really left and never came back, there were parents and four elder brothers above, and it was not Cao Yong's turn to take care of his children.

However, since he agreed to Wei Xin, Cao Yong also made two-handed preparations.

It is now 1716 in the Western calendar, and the industrial revolution has not yet begun, but the colonial movement in various places is developing vigorously.

Thinking of the East India Company, which already has a station in Guangzhou, Cao Yong felt uncomfortable.

Although I am a mere mortal and have no ability to change the world, if I spend half my life trying to prevent opium from entering the country, does it count as contributing to this country?

If there are signs in Britain now, then should I think of a way to treat him in his own way?
Thinking of this, Cao Yong was a little excited.This is also a way to "get rich". As long as he contributes to the flames and is profitable, it is hard to guarantee that nothing will happen.

Just as he was thinking about it, he heard a young man report through the door: "Master, Master Qing is here."

"Uncle Qing?" Cao Yong heard this, but before he could recover, he saw that the door curtain had been lifted, and a strong man came in.It's not Yongqing, which one is it?
"Fu Ruo, I'm back." Seeing that Cao Yong was still in a daze, Yong Qing grinned.

On Cao Yong's side, it was both joy and surprise.Joy is the reunion of old friends, and it is unexpected that Yongqing chooses to come back at this time.

Seeing him wearing gray clothes, green hat, and white shoes, it is Baixiao's attire this year.

"How many times have we arrived? Why come back at this time?" Cao Yong asked, thinking about Wan Jiha's will.

According to the preparations made by the Ministry of Households and the Ministry of War, it is designated to send troops in the spring of next year.

Tens of thousands of soldiers and horses have been stationed in the Northwest for two years, and there are Mongolian kings leading troops, and they can't be wasted forever. What's the face of the court like that?
These days, the Ministry of War has already held the responsibility of the generals in the Northwest.It is always necessary to excuse the emptiness and incompetence of the court, and someone will bear the crime.

The original head coach, General Xi Zhu of Xi'an, had already been convicted of several major crimes, including hanging and loss of family property; as a counselor, a deputy governor was also proposed to be dismissed and have his family property lost.

Fortunately, on Kangxi's side, he was still sympathetic to his courtiers, but he just stayed in the middle school and didn't follow him.

Yongqing was born in a family of meritorious service, and he is also the son of Heshuogege. As long as he goes out with the army and makes no mistakes, his military exploits will be recorded.

"I didn't arrive until noon today, so I'm really overwhelmed, and in order to avoid Elder Fourteen, I didn't invite myself." Yongqing replied.

Cao Yong waved his hand and said: "The relationship between you and me, who wants you to hand over the name card first? Since you are in the army, you should know that the imperial court has decided to send troops when the grass is sent out next year. Since you have been there for two years, it seems that you will be sent out. If you want to achieve your long-cherished wish, why not wait?"

"As a son of man, it is already unfilial to not be able to provide for the elderly. If you don't run after hearing the funeral, how is it different from an animal?" Yongqing said in a deep voice.

In the first month, after Wan Jiha passed away, Cao Yong thought about writing a letter to Yongqing.But the mother of Yongqing, Princess Fuhui, made a special trip to ask Cao Yong to speak for this.Just ask him not to mention this matter to Yongqing, so as to save Wan Jiha from feeling uneasy.

Whether it is Wan Jiha or Princess Fuhui, they all hope that their son can make military achievements and gain a foothold in front of the tribe again.

Although Cao Yong can't empathize, he can understand this kindness.

Unexpectedly, after half a year, Yongqing still got the news and traveled thousands of miles to come back to observe his filial piety.

For a while, Cao Yong really didn't know whether to praise Yongqing for his sincerity, or to say that he was too rigid.

Seeing that Cao Yong was speechless, Yongqing said in a muffled voice, "Could it be that Fu Ruo also thinks that attending a funeral is a small filial piety, and honoring one's father's order and going to war is a great filial piety?"

Seeing his sunken eyes and the tired look between his brows, Cao Yong shook his head and said: "Everyone is back, why are you still talking about this? Although the fame is good, you have to ask for it openly. Otherwise, even if you don't When I came back, I felt ashamed in my heart, and I may not feel happy when I won the battle."

After hearing these words, Yongqing's expression eased a lot, and with a little excitement, he said: "The one who knows me is Fu Ruoye. Although I didn't go to the northwest this time, I also benefited a lot. If you miss this time, There is also the next thing. In this life, I always have to look like a human being, so as to comfort my parents' kindness."

Cao Yong recalled what he said just now "Fourteenth Brother", and said: "What's the matter with Fourteenth Brother? He stopped you from coming back?"

Yongqing nodded and said with a wry smile: "Fu Ruo guessed right. I was originally recommended by the fourteenth elder brother when I was promoted from a local post to the army. I got the news of Ama's death. This is where I got the news. He wrote a few letters to get people to dissuade me on the way. Although it is good intentions, but in the end, as the Son of Man, there is something that must be done, which has failed his good intentions."

Cao Yong heard it in his ears, but he didn't have the slightest regret, but felt lucky.

Fortunately, Yongqing doesn't have to stay in the army, otherwise, seeing the [-]th elder brother's courtship, and the [-]th Fujin's relationship, it would be difficult for Yongqing not to be labeled as the "[-]th Party".

"It's a blessing in disguise, how can you know it's not a blessing? Now that you're back, don't think too much about it. How many of the military officers in the Manchu Dynasty have fought in the field? When the time comes, work hard on the job and work through your qualifications. There will always be a day when you will stand out." Cao Yong asked.

"Well, let's borrow Furuoji's words." Yong Qing agreed, saying: "I have been away from Beijing for the past two years, and Furuo has been taking care of me in the mansion. I have already heard from Yongsheng that Ahma's big event, It is also thanks to Fu Ruo's help that it is considered decent. These kindness..."

Cao Yong couldn't listen anymore, waved his hand, and said: "Okay, okay, the more you talk, the farther you go, it's just something you should do your best, and it has become a kindness? If you say that, if I'm not in the capital, I entrust you to take care of me." Parents, do you still want to treat you as a benefactor? Didn’t you say that the barracks are full of straightforward men? You’ve been here for two years, and you’ve learned these tricks.”

Hearing what Cao Yong said, Yongqing sneered twice, and said: "It's mine, it's different from Beijing in the past few years, there are more rules outside, and there is no need to save troubles in Beijing... ..."

*
Inside Xinjiekou, Wanyan Mansion, living room.

Seeing the sky getting dark outside, Elder Fourteen frowned, got up from his seat, and said to Yong Sheng who accompanied him: "We are about to leave the palace gate, I won't wait any longer. When your brother comes back, just say what I said , let him go to the Ministry of War Yamen to see the Lord tomorrow."

"Yes, Master Fourteen, I've made a note of it, and I will definitely pass it on." Yongsheng bowed.

Fourteenth elder brother let out a long breath, looked Yongsheng up and down, still couldn't get rid of his anger, and said coldly: "Your brother is confused, you
Be smart here.Could it be that a good man from Manchuria has to live off his ancestors?Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety have always been difficult.Fighting for the country is really the duty of a passionate man.I don't believe it anymore, who would label your brother as 'unfilial' because of this?To be so ungrateful in my heart is to be a lord empress in vain! "

The more he spoke, the more angry he became. At the end, he couldn't help but raise his voice, stare his eyes, and looked a little fierce.

Yongsheng was so trained that his face turned red and white. Seeing that the fourteenth elder brother was angry, he didn't dare to defend his brother, so he could only nod his head.

Brother Fourteen finished speaking in one breath, and felt more at ease in his heart.Since he was in a hurry to return to the palace, he strode out of the living room without delay.

Yongsheng delivered it to the gate in person, watched the fourteenth elder brother gallop away on horseback, then called a steward and ordered a message to Cao's house...

*
Boluo and Tun, Shengjia is here.

Today is the last siege of this year. In addition to rewarding the Mongolian prince Taiji silver coins and pommel horses, the Mongolian officers and soldiers accompanying the siege also rewarded two pieces of silver cloth.

Tomorrow, Shengjia will return to Rehe, and all the Mongolian princes who came to court will also return to their fiefdoms.

In the imperial tent, apart from Kangxi, there are also several princes who are accompanying him.

Hearing that Kangxi wanted to order the third elder brother to return to Beijing, the sixteenth elder brother couldn't help but stepped forward and said, "Huang Ama, since the siege is over, the ministers there will also return to Beijing with the emperor's brother? The construction of Tangquan The two new palaces, my son is really worried."

After finishing the business, Kangxi was also in a good mood. Hearing what Elder Sixteen said, he said, "There are two ministers in charge in the capital. You are young, so don't always think that you have to do everything yourself. I see that you have reduced the number of people in recent days." , Is the errand too tiring?"

In the end, there was already a bit of concern.

The third elder brother and the fifteenth elder brother are next to each other, they really have different tastes.

Since Elder Eighteen died of illness, I don't know if it was because of empathy, the emperor's father has become better and better to Elder Sixteen.Every time I go on tour, there is no time when I don’t take it with me.At a young age, let him take charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Speaking of which, this pampering is no less than that of the thirteenth elder brother back then, nor is it inferior to the current fourteenth elder brother.

If it is because of the youngest son, there are seventeen elder brothers and several younger elder brothers; if it is because of the love of the concubine Wang, the fifteen elder brothers from the same mother are mediocre.

Brother Fifteen is just a mortal, how can he be strong without desire?There is jealousy in my heart, but he and the sixteenth elder brother were born of the same mother, and we share weal and woe, so we can't care about many things.

Besides, even if he cares about it, what's the use?A concubine born to a prince with a low-status biological mother is not as respectable as the prince in the prince's palace outside.

The third elder brother has already wondered what the sixteenth elder brother likes most.In the past few months, although he has the intention to win over, Brother Sixteen is not holding back, either he pretends to be confused, or he diverts the conversation, and there is no one to believe him.

Hearing that Elder Sixteen offered to go back to Beijing with him, he seemed to have seen the light of day and started to think about it.

If they can really go back to the capital together, show affection and reason, and take this younger brother under the sect, it will be regarded as an added boost.

But he didn't want to think about it, if Brother Sixteen's sperm hadn't had other reasons, how could he be willing to walk with him.

For Kangxi's question, Elder Sixteen was also quite flattered, and said with some gratitude: "I am very grateful for Huang Ama's concern. My son is fine, I am just thinking about my errands, and I am a little worried That's all."

Kangxi said: "Cao Yong is a stable person. Dong Dianbang is an old man in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. With them two in Beijing, you should stop thinking about it. If you feel tired, take a good rest for two days. When you arrive in Rehe, the Empress Dowager will drive , I am still waiting for you to entertain your relatives in colorful clothes."

The golden mouth and jade teeth have already said, what else can Elder Sixteen say, so he has no choice but to bow down.

The brothers came out of the imperial tent, the third elder brother stopped, smiled and said to the fifteenth elder brother and the sixteenth elder brother: "Tomorrow, as a brother, I will leave for Beijing. If the two younger brothers are all right, we will arrive soon I'll sit over there."

Elder Brother Fifteen nodded and said, "Okay, it just so happened that Meng Ketetaiji of Khalkha gave me two jars of high-quality kumiss, and I will practice it for my third brother today."

While speaking, he looked at Brother Sixteen.

On the Sixteenth Elder Brother's side, he stroked his forehead and said apologetically, "I've been busy with banquets for the past two days, and I haven't had a good rest. Right now I have a splitting headache. I hope my brothers will be sympathetic, and I won't join in the fun today. .Wake up tomorrow morning, and the younger brother will lead the horse for the third brother."

The third elder brother listened, his face had already changed, but he still couldn't get angry.

Elder Sixteen's face is thinner, his face is dark, his eyes are black and bloodshot, and there is something wrong with him.

The third elder brother restrained his anger, let out a "cough", and said with great concern: "Brother Sixteen is overworked and injured, I'd better pass it on to the imperial doctor to take a good nourishment and nourishment. Even if you are young, don't be careless about your body, be careful It's good to manage."

"My brother thanked the third brother for thinking about it, but I haven't slept much these two days, and I'm a little tired, so I'll be fine after a night of sleep." Elder Sixteen replied with a smile.

The third elder brother still seemed worried, and said: "Since you are tired today, you should rest earlier. If you are not energetic tomorrow, you must call the imperial physician." At this point, he looked at the fifteenth elder brother and ordered Said: "Fifth brother, this time you stare at Little Sixteen. How old are you, and you don't know how to take care of yourself."

The fifteenth elder brother agreed, and the sixteenth elder brother couldn't bear it anymore, so he stopped talking to the two of them and went back to his own tent.

But he didn't see that the third elder brother and the fifteenth elder brother did not leave immediately, but stayed where they were, watching his back.

The third elder brother looked at the sixteenth elder brother's hurried footsteps and swaying body, and said to the fifteenth elder brother: "What's the matter with the little sixteenth elder brother? Seeing that he was trembling when he turned around just now, won't you?" Is it typhoid?"

Brother Fifteen heard this, and his face was already showing a bit of worry...

*
Back in the tent, Elder Sixteen couldn't bear it any longer, and lay down on the soft couch, hugging the quilt, with a pained look on his face.

Zhao Feng was beside him, already very anxious, leaned over and said: "Master, how can this be good? The ointment is gone, why don't you look for dry smoke?"

The sixteenth brother's body was like an ant bite, and he was also scratching his heart and liver. He endured it for half a quarter of an hour, and couldn't bear it anymore. Remembering that the third elder brother mentioned the imperial doctor just now, he immediately opened his eyes and said loudly to Zhao Feng. : "Go, send a doctor..."

*
Tears ran, the list fell down again, asking for a few monthly tickets. . .

(End of this chapter)