My son Yang Jian has the qualities of an emperor

When Bi Gan returned home, he saw several ministers waiting in the hall as soon as he stepped into the door. When they saw Bi Gan, they immediately stood up and greeted him, their eyes full of concern.

"Uncle Wang, you are back. How was the situation in Lutai today?" An elderly minister asked anxiously, with a bit of anxiety in his voice.

Bi Gan sighed deeply and shook his head, his face showing fatigue and helplessness.

"Your Majesty... He has been completely bewitched by treacherous ministers such as Fei Zhong and You Hun. They whispered in Emperor Xin's ears day and night, leading a wise monarch astray, causing the palace to be arrogant and extravagant, and debauched." Bi Gan's voice was low and full of disappointment.

When the ministers heard this, their faces were different, some frowned, some looked worried, and the hall fell into a heavy atmosphere for a while.

"This... How can we do this?" A minister sighed, with obvious worry in his voice, "Your Majesty, if this is the case, how will the court's plan continue?"

"Yes, Your Majesty is addicted to sensual pleasures and neglects state affairs. The government is getting worse and worse, and the people are suffering. What should we ministers do?" Another minister also sighed.

Bigan looked at these ministers who were loyal to the country, and his heart was even more worried. He knew that although he was upright, in this corrupt court, frank words would often only bring about fatal disasters.

"Everyone, I know that everyone is a loyal minister who is concerned about the country and the people, but the current situation is really..." Bigan's voice became lower and lower, and finally almost became a self-talk.

The ministers looked at each other, and no one could figure out why. They knew that once the court fell into chaos and the people suffered, then they, the ministers, would also be to blame.

"Uncle Wang, what should we do?" A minister couldn't help asking, his voice full of helplessness and despair.

Bigan slowly raised his head, his eyes were firm, but also revealed a trace of sadness.

"I will do my best to raise money and food, and try to alleviate the suffering caused by the drought in the southwest and the war in the northeast. As for the court..." He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "As for the court, all we can do is to do our best to persuade His Majesty, hoping that he can wake up soon."

The ministers sighed again. They knew that although Bigan's words were full of determination, in this court with fierce power struggles, the power of one person is ultimately limited.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy and depressing, and everyone's heart was full of worries and frowns. They didn't know where this once glorious Shang Dynasty could go.

Just as the ministers were talking about it, the housekeeper walked in quickly, with a bit of nervousness in his expression: "Uncle Wang, His Majesty has an order, and specially sent the senior doctor You Hun to convey it."

Bigan was shocked when he heard the words, and didn't understand why His Majesty had another order at this time. He pondered for a moment, stood up and walked out to the flower hall, ready to welcome the messenger who delivered the imperial edict. As expected, it was You Hun standing in the hall, with an upright posture and an unquestionable arrogance in his expression.

When You Hun saw Bigan coming, he read out the imperial edict without any politeness: "Uncle Wang, His Majesty has ordered that you must immediately raise enough money and food to deal with the drought in the southwest and the war in the northeast. If there is any mistake within the deadline, the blame will be severe."

After hearing this, Bigan felt like a heavy hammer in his heart and his face was solemn. He knew that this was an arduous task, but as a minister of a country, he could only bow his head and accept the order: "I obey the order and will not let down His Majesty's trust."

When You Hun saw Bigan accept the order, a sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Uncle Wang, you have to work harder and don't let His Majesty down."

After that, he said no more, turned around and left, leaving an uproar.

Bigan stood there, watching You Hun's back going farther and farther away, and the burden in his heart seemed to be heavier.

He turned back to the hall, facing the worried ministers, his eyes revealed a hint of determination: "Everyone, things have come to this point, we can only do our best. I will start this matter immediately, and I hope you can do your best to overcome this difficulty together."

Seeing that Bigan was so responsible, the ministers were worried, but they were also infected by Bigan's determination, and they expressed their willingness to go all out to assist Bigan in completing this arduous task.

In the flower hall, although there was no ridicule from You Hun, there was still a heavy sadness in the air. Everyone's mood was like a sky covered with dark clouds, and they didn't know when they could see a ray of light.

Fortunately, Bigan injected a shot of cardiac stimulant to the ministers in time: "The money and food for disaster relief is not a problem. Mr. Jiang of Yang's business has agreed to provide financial assistance.

They are a big family with a big business, and they have always spared no effort to help the people."

The ministers were delighted when they heard this.

They knew the reputation and strength of the Yang family business, which undoubtedly gave them a glimmer of hope.

"The Yang family business is rich enough to rival a country. Since they are willing to contribute to disaster relief, they will definitely be able to borrow some money and food from them to deal with the war in the north." A minister said eagerly, as if he had seen a way to solve the problem.

However, Bigan shook his head, with a hint of bitterness on his face: "Everyone, although the Yang family business is rich, they have always only done good deeds, and they are happy to participate in disaster relief and rescue.

However, providing financial support to suppress rebellion has caused too much killing, which is an area they are unwilling to get involved in."

The joy on the faces of the ministers disappeared immediately after hearing this, and they fell into deep thought again.

Merchants pay attention to interests. It is rare for the Yang family business to be able to generously donate money to disaster relief. It is indeed difficult for them to participate in the military disputes of the court.

Seeing that the ministers were silent, Bigan continued: "The war in the north is urgent and the demand for money and food is huge. We must find another way.

I will personally come forward and discuss with other merchant families to raise the necessary supplies as much as possible. "

A young minister stood up with a firm expression: "Uncle Wang, I am willing to go with you. Maybe I can provide some help in the negotiations between merchants."

"I am also willing to contribute." Another minister also stood up.

Soon, several ministers expressed their willingness to assist Bigan and do their best to share the worries of the court.

Bigan looked at these loyal ministers, and the weight in his heart lightened slightly.

"Okay, since you all have this determination, let's work separately to raise the necessary money and food as soon as possible." Bigan's voice was full of determination, "As for admonishing Your Majesty, I will find an opportunity to write another letter, hoping to be able to move Emperor’s heart.”

All the ministers in the hall nodded. Although the road ahead was difficult, under the leadership of Bigan, they were willing to face it together and get through the difficulties.

Despite the changes in the outside world, at this moment, their hearts have condensed into an unshakable force.

…

The next evening, Bigan's study was brightly lit, but the atmosphere was extremely dull.

Bigan and the ministers were exhausted after a day of running around. Their faces no longer had the determination and hope of yesterday, but were replaced by deep weakness and frustration.

Bigan sat at his desk, holding one reply letter after another in his hand, each one a polite rejection from the merchant family.

He raised his head and glanced at the ministers in front of him. Seeing that they were all dejected, he couldn't help but feel nervous.

"Everyone, how are you doing?" Although Bigan's voice was calm, his eyes could not conceal his anxiety.

The ministers looked at each other, and finally an older minister sighed and said: "Uncle Wang, we have tried our best, but those merchant families, without exception, rejected our request.

Some of them spoke out, while others used various excuses to evade, but in the final analysis, they were all worried that the court would not repay the loan. "

Another minister also continued: "Yes, what the court has done in recent years has made everyone feel in danger. Although those merchant families are rich, they are even more shrewd. They are afraid that once they lend money and food, they will never be able to receive it again. return."

Bigan listened to the reports of the ministers, feeling disappointed and helpless in his heart like a tide.

He knew very well that the current court had no credibility at all. Over the years, Emperor Xin had been exposed to corruption, and the people were complaining. The worries of the merchants were not without purpose.

"Well, we can't blame these merchants." Bigan sighed, "The imperial court can't even guarantee the livelihood of the people, so how can people believe that it will return their money and food?"

The atmosphere in the study became even heavier, the ministers bowed their heads in silence, and no one could come up with a solution.

Bigan was silent for a moment, then slowly stood up and glanced at each minister: "Everyone, although the current situation is not optimistic, we cannot give up just now. I will personally visit several heads of merchant families again and make my last effort ”

The ministers saw that Bigan still did not give up. Although they were moved, they were also worried. They knew that no matter how capable Bi Gan was, there was only so much he could do in the face of such a situation.

"Uncle Wang, you have worked hard enough. If this continues, I'm afraid..." A minister hesitated. He couldn't bear to see Bigan forcing himself like this.

But Bigan waved his hand and said firmly: "No, I can't sit idly by. If even I give up, then who can count on this court?"

The ministers were speechless and could only nod silently. They knew that Bigan was telling the truth. At this precarious moment, Bigan's persistence may be their last hope.

Just as everyone fell into silence, a minister who usually didn't say much suddenly stood up with a cold and firm voice: "Uncle Wang, the current situation is like this, we might as well consider a more direct method. Borrow money and food by force. At least it can protect the expenses of frontline soldiers.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a heated debate suddenly erupted in the hall.

"This...is this too much? How can we use force to ask for it from the people?" A mild-tempered minister immediately objected.

"But what will happen if there is a shortage of food and arrows on the front line? We cannot watch the soldiers starve to death on the battlefield!" The supporters insisted on their opinion.

The sounds of arguments continued, and the atmosphere in the hall became more tense. Some ministers looked angry, while others frowned. They all held their own opinions and could not reach a consensus.

Bigan listened to their argument quietly, his brows frowning more and more. Finally, he stood up and interrupted everyone's argument with a deep voice: "Everyone, stop making noise!"

The hall suddenly became quiet, and all eyes were focused on Bigan.

Bigan shook his head slowly and said firmly: "Once we use force, it will be equivalent to telling the world that we are desperate.

Doing so is tantamount to forcing those merchant families to the rebel side. If they secretly fund the rebels out of fear, then aren't we digging our own graves? "

The ministers were shocked when they heard this. They did not think deeply about the meaning of Bigan's words. After hearing this analysis, they couldn't help but fell silent.

"What Uncle Wang said is absolutely true. We cannot take such extreme measures out of urgency." An old minister nodded in agreement.

"Then what should we do? Are we just going to watch the court fall into a deeper crisis?" A young minister asked anxiously.

Bigan took a deep breath and looked around at everyone: "I know everyone is thinking about the court. But we cannot give up our faith and cannot choose the path of benefiting ourselves at the expense of others because of difficulties.

I will come forward again and go to Yang's firm to communicate with Mr. Jiang to seek their understanding and support. At the same time, I will also write to His Majesty, detailing the situation, and imploring him to reduce palace expenses and set an example. "

After hearing Bigan's words, although the ministers were still worried, they also knew that this was the safest way at present.

They nodded one after another, expressing their willingness to fully support Bigan's decision.

Bigan looked at these loyal colleagues, and the weight in his heart lightened a little. He knew it was a tough fight, but as long as they worked together, there was always a chance.

"Okay, let's make it. Tomorrow morning, I will set off for Yang's business. Everyone, please work harder in the court during this period to stabilize people's hearts." Bigan finally warned.

All the ministers agreed in unison. They knew that the days to come would be even more difficult, but as long as Bigan was around, they had the courage to move forward.

The lights in the hall were still bright, but Bigan and the ministers were all looking forward to the dawn.

The next day, as the morning sun rose, Bigan hurried to Jiang Ziya's residence.

The ancient trees in front of the door remained the same, and the birds chirping in the courtyard were clear, but Bigan's mood was like a sky covered with dark clouds, heavy and melancholy.

When the housekeeper saw Bigan arriving, he quickly led the way and welcomed him into the elegant living room.

Not long after, Jiang Ziya's figure appeared at the door. His face was still kind, his thin figure was elegant and elegant, and he exuded an aura of immortality.

Bigan knew that Jiang Ziya was a righteous man and not an ordinary person, so he took a few steps forward, bowed, and bluntly explained his purpose: "Mr. Jiang, the court is currently facing a shortage of money and food, drought in the southwest, and war in the northeast. , the people are in dire straits, and the lives of the soldiers are in danger.

I hope your company can lend a helping hand and help the court. "

After hearing this, Jiang Ziya frowned slightly, then shook his head and said: "Uncle Wang, although we are not old acquaintances, I still know a lot about you.

You are an honest official and a person of integrity. I respect you as a good official. However, you also know the position of my Yang Company. We only do good deeds and do not involve ourselves in government affairs. "

Bigan's heart sank when he heard this decisive rejection, but he did not give up. Instead, he pleaded again: "Mr. Jiang, it is true that I understand your company's position, but now the entire court and even the eyes of the people of the world are All focused on Yang's firm.

If you don't help, other merchants will definitely follow suit. When the war breaks out and the world is in ruins, who else will lend a helping hand? "

Jiang Ziya was silent for a moment and said slowly: "Bigan, our Yang's firm does have a certain influence, but we cannot be involved in the right and wrong of the court because of this. Everything we do is for good. For the people.”

Seeing Jiang Ziya's resolute attitude, Bigan felt anxious, but he still refused to give up his last hope. He whispered: "Mr. Jiang, I'm telling you the truth. The imperial treasury is empty now. If it is really impossible to raise money and food, there is a high probability that it will It can be taken from the people.

The people are already living in poverty. If this continues, the world will soon be in chaos. If Yang's firm donates generously at this time, it is actually doing a good deed and saving the world from fire and water. "

Jiang Ziya's eyes stayed fixedly on Bigan for a long time, as if he was weighing something.

Finally, he sighed and spoke slowly: "Bigan, I understand what you said. I will discuss it with the head of the family again to see if it is possible to provide some help to the court without violating our principles."

When Bigan heard this, the huge stone in his heart finally fell to the ground. He knew that Jiang Ziya always kept his word. At least the Yang Company had promised to solve the drought problem in the southwest, so it was not appropriate to push too hard.

"Thank you Mr. Jiang. If Yang's firm can lend a helping hand, it will definitely make a contribution to the country and be famous in history." Bigan said solemnly.

Jiang Ziya nodded slightly, indicating that Bigan didn't need to be polite. He turned around and told the housekeeper to prepare some refreshments for Bigan to take a short rest, and then left in a hurry.

After a while, Jiang Ziya returned to the flower hall.

Bigan looked at him eagerly, hoping to read some good news from his expression. However, Jiang Ziya's face was still so calm, without too many disturbances.

"Uncle Wang, I have discussed it with the head of the family." Jiang Ziya spoke, his voice calm but with a hint of helplessness. "The head of the family insists that the company should not get involved in the imperial war. He believes that supporting the war is tantamount to committing unprovoked killings. Karma, this is contrary to the purpose of our Yang firm."

Bigan's heart sank when he heard this. He knew that Jiang Ziya was talking about the bottom line of Yang's firm, which was the principle they had adhered to for many years.

Jiang Ziya continued: "Moreover, the head of the family also feels that it would be extremely absurd for the imperial court to threaten us with the safety of the people. Our Yang firm has always been responsible for relieving the poor and doing good deeds, but we will never be involved in this. The whirlpool of power.”

Bigan's face showed embarrassment. He knew that Jiang Ziya's words were reasonable, but the critical situation of the court prevented him from giving up easily.

He took a deep breath and spoke again: "Mr. Jiang, I understand your company's position, but the life and death of the people in the world cannot move your company's compassionate heart?"

Jiang Ziya was silent for a moment, looked at Bigan deeply, and finally sighed: "Bigan, I admire your loyalty.

But you also know that King Shang's arrogance and extravagance has reached the extreme. Even if we lend money and food, I'm afraid it won't be enough for him to squander.

Unless the King of Shang can issue an edict to get rid of these shortcomings and work diligently and love the people, we can only lend it out. "

When Bigan heard this, he struggled in his heart. He knew the character of King Shang, and asking him to issue a sinful edict and change his usual style would be as difficult as climbing to heaven.

But Bigan also understands that this may be the only way to convince Yang's firm.

He took a deep breath, calmed down, and said to Jiang Ziya: "I understand Mr. Jiang's words deeply. I am willing to try to convince His Majesty. Although the chance is slim, I am willing to make the final effort for the court and the people of the world."

Seeing Bigan being so determined, Jiang Ziya's eyes flashed with approval, and he nodded: "If King Shang can truly reflect, issue an edict, and change his style, then our Yang's firm will naturally be willing to share the worries of the court."

Bigan felt relieved for a while, but then he was enveloped by the difficulties of reality.

He knew that getting Emperor Xin to issue an imperial edict and change his living habits for many years would be as difficult as climbing to the sky.

Seeing this, Jiang Ziya added: "Uncle Wang, you also know that the current empty treasury is caused by King Shang's extravagance. Even if we lend money and food, I'm afraid it won't be enough for him to squander."

Bigan nodded silently. He understood the meaning of Jiang Ziya's words. This was not just a matter of borrowing money and food, but also the need for fundamental changes in the entire government.

"I'm willing to try." Bigan finally said with a firm voice. Although the road ahead was bleak, he couldn't give up.

Jiang Ziya looked at Bigan's eyes, which were full of perseverance and unyielding. He smiled slightly and nodded: "Then, I'm looking forward to your good news."

Bigan bowed deeply to express his gratitude, then said goodbye and left.

He knew that what he would face next would be a more difficult struggle. He needed to convince Di Xin, and he needed to make a king who was addicted to arrogance and extravagance truly think about the people. This was an almost impossible task.

However, even if there is a faint hope, Bigan will never give up.

Bigan returned home, the fatigue on his face could not hide the anxiety in his heart. He immediately summoned a group of ministers to tell them all about his conversation with Jiang Ziya, and told them that he planned to go to the palace to remonstrate, hoping that His Majesty could issue an edict to change the situation.

After hearing this, all the ministers started talking, and the air in the hall seemed to freeze. Most of them looked down upon Bigan's plan, considering it a path fraught with danger.

"Uncle Wang, you are joking with your own life!" An older minister said worriedly, "His Majesty has always been arbitrary and never allowed others to accuse him of his mistakes. If you give direct advice like this, I'm afraid you will get into trouble. "

"Yes, we all know that you are loyal, but this kind of thing..." Another minister shook his head and sighed, "I'm afraid it will put you in an irreversible situation."

Bigan's eyes swept among the ministers one by one, and his eyes showed perseverance: "I know this is a road full of thorns, but if even I can't move forward, then who else in the court can stand up? ? Only if His Majesty truly corrects his evil ways can we, the great merchants, be saved and the people can be saved from suffering. "

After hearing this, all the ministers fell into silence. They knew that what Bigan said was true, but such a decision was too dangerous.

Finally, a minister who usually had good relations with Bigan stood up. Although his voice was low, he was extremely firm: "Uncle Wang, we are all ministers of the imperial court and sons and daughters of this land. If you decide If you go to the palace to give advice, we are also willing to advance and retreat with you."

Bigan looked at the minister, a hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes, and then his eyes rested on the others one by one, waiting for their responses.

After a moment, all the ministers nodded. Although they were still worried, Bigan's courage and determination infected them, and they were willing to support Bigan, even if it meant embarking on a road of no return.

Bigan took a deep look at them, and the burden in his heart seemed to be lighter: "Everyone, I am fully aware of the importance of this decision, but I also believe that as long as we unite as one, our voices will be heard by His Majesty.

Tomorrow, I will enter the palace. Regardless of life or death, I will fulfill my final responsibility for the court and the people. "

All the ministers agreed in unison and were determined. They all knew that the road Bigan was going to take would be a road full of unknowns, but for the sake of the country and the people, they were willing to go forward with Bigan.

Early the next morning, the palace looked particularly solemn and solemn under the morning glow.

Bigan put on a grand costume made of brocade and gold-woven silk, took a deep breath, and walked slowly towards the palace.

Although he was worried in his heart, there was a calm look on his face.

He knew that everything he said and did today would determine the future of the Shang Dynasty and the fate of countless people.

Bigan was ushered into the palace by the palace guards. Emperor Xin, the king of Shang, was sitting on the dragon chair, looking noble and majestic in his dragon robe.

His eyes fell on Bigan, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Bigan, have you raised the money and food?" Di Xin's voice sounded coldly, asking directly.

Bigan knelt on the ground and lowered his head slightly, with a hint of firmness in his voice: "Your Majesty, I have an outline, but I need your Majesty to make a decision."

"Oh?" Di Xin raised his eyebrows, looking a little curious, "Tell me about it."

Bigan took a deep breath and said slowly: "Your Majesty, if you are willing to issue a self-criticism edict, admit your past shortcomings, change your extravagant and debauched lifestyle, and work hard to save the people, Yang's company is willing to lend money and grain to help the country out of its crisis."

As soon as the words fell, the air in the entire palace seemed to freeze. Emperor Xin's face instantly became gloomy, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

"Bigan!" Emperor Xin's voice suddenly rose, full of anger, "What do you mean? How dare you say such treasonous words in front of me!"

Bigan's heart tightened, but he did not retreat, still kneeling, without raising his head: "Your Majesty, I have no intention of offending you, but for the sake of the Shang Dynasty and the people of the world, I have to speak frankly."

Emperor Xin was furious, stood up, pointed at Bigan and shouted: "Are you teaching me a lesson?

I am the king of men, I sit on the world, all of this is mine, I can do whatever I want, even if you are my uncle, you are just a mere minister, how dare you teach me!

You are harboring evil intentions!"