The Red Mansions

Chapter 143

Chapter 143

In Daming Palace——

Listening to He Juncheng's apology from Minister of Rites, Emperor Chongping's face was indifferent, and he didn't speak for a long time, neither the words of apologizing nor other words, but the air in Daming Palace was gradually condensing.

Just as He Juncheng bowed and his back was sore, Emperor Chongping looked at Yang Guochang, the chief minister of the cabinet, and said, "Mr. Yang Ge, how do you think this matter should be handled?"

There was a trace of thought on Yang Guochang's old face, and after a while, he said in a cang voice: "My lord, the old minister thinks that he can send important officials from the court to investigate this matter, and he will reveal the truth to the world, and give the court and Shilin an explanation, old minister. He thinks that Mr. He Ge is an important minister of the cabinet and also in charge of the Ministry of Rites, so he will conduct self-examination first, and then he can go to the Ministry of Punishment to detain the subordinate officials of the Wucheng Bingmasi Yamen and the subordinate officials of the Jingzhao Yamen involved in the case for interrogation."

He Juncheng, who was bowing himself with apprehension, glanced gratefully at Yang Guochang, cupped his hands, raised his old face, and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister is willing to commit crimes and perform meritorious service, and investigate this case strictly. Dutiful officials, no matter who is involved, investigate to the end, and will never tolerate it!"

Emperor Chongping looked at Han Huang, the second assistant of the cabinet, with a majestic face, he said, "What do Han Qing think?"

Han Huang's fair and elegant face showed a dignified look, and he said loudly: "My lord, since this matter involves the dereliction of duty by the soldiers and horses of the five cities and the officials of the Jingzhao Yamen, I think it can be investigated by the Metropolitan Procuratorate."

Li Zan squinted his eyes from the side, glanced at Han Huang, and thought, this leader of the Zhejiang Party wants to take advantage of the opportunity?

"The Metropolitan Procuratorate?" Emperor Chongping thought for a while, and said: "Jiang Qing of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, because of his old age, frailty, and serious illness, will retire next year. Such a major case that scholars pay attention to, consumes energy and energy. The presiding judge did not want to feel sympathetic to the old ministers, the left and right deputy capital censors, and they went out of the province to inspect and did not return, Han Qing is a heavenly official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, is there anyone suitable for election?"

Jiang Haonian, the censor of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, is nearly seventy years old, suffering from asthma and coughing, and can no longer see things.

And this kind of case that has caused an uproar in the public opinion of science and Taoism requires an explanation from the top and bottom, and the process of pushing the court is bound to be very hard.

As for the left and right deputy capital censors, one inspected Jiangsu and Zhejiang to supervise the collection of this year's autumn grain by the household department in local prefectures and counties, and the other went to Shandong to supervise the relief of the victims.

Both of them have sent imperial envoys, but they can't be transferred.

Further down are the left and right censors, and the censor in charge. For such a big case, the censor in charge is obviously not enough, and it does not reflect the meaning of the court's attention. At least one censor is needed.

Han Huang's heart moved, he thought for a while, observed the face of the emperor, and said: "Returning to the emperor, I think that Youqian is the censor Yude, honest and straightforward, and has clear laws and regulations, so he can take on this role."

Emperor Chongping nodded, his eyes flickered, and he said: "Yu De, I have the impression that the memorial to the impeachment of Jia Zhen has both legal principles and clear writing, and your clear comments on laws and regulations are indeed appropriate. De assists in the interrogation of this case, and one more person is needed. The former Jing Zhaoyin was convicted of corruption, and this case is to be sent to his post! Since it is a matter of Jingzhao Yamen, Xu Lu can conduct self-examination and correction, and the case will be tried together."

When Han Huang heard the words, he was determined, and he cupped his hands and said: "I think that Xu Deqing has a good temperament and is upright. Since he became Jing Zhaoyin, he has defied the powerful and enforced the law impartially. I think it is more appropriate for him to hear this case together."

Jia Heng looked at Han Huang and realized something.

Jiang Hao, the censor of the left capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, became an official, and the post of censor was vacant. The emperor obviously preferred to give it to Xu Lu. Xu Deqing assumed the new chief constitution, and the Metropolitan Procuratorate will undergo major personnel changes.

Because the emperor wants to refresh the official administration, the so-called new people and new atmosphere, after Xu Lu assumes the new position, the two original left and right deputy capital censors are bound to be transferred to the outside world, and the emperor will definitely ask Xu Lu for his opinion on the vacated positions.

That's why Han Huang let Yu De, one sticks two lows...Three relies on, whether it's Shangshufu and taking pictures in advance, or working with Xu Lu, it's all for this purpose.

"As expected of someone who thinks about personnel and affairs, he moistens things silently." Jia Heng also became a little wary of this Han Cifu in his heart.

His household registration is in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and the land of Jiangsu and Zhejiang has always been a heavy taxation area for the imperial court. Han Huang probably also represents the interests of the gentry in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

"Let's take one step at a time. The world is like a new game of chess. It doesn't make much sense to think about things that will never be seen in the future." Jia Heng thought.

Yang Guochang frowned when he heard Han Huang's words. He didn't have any suitable people with him, and the two left and right deputy censors were vacant. "It's just that if you think that Xu Deqing won't promote you, you're totally wrong."

He cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, the veteran also agrees with what Han Ge said. Xu Deqing has a great reputation as an official. He has been in the local court for a long time. He is famous for his long punishment and magic. It is very suitable for him to hear this case together."

Emperor Chongping nodded, his eyes were gentle, and he looked at Li Zan and Zhao Yi. They paused for a moment, then cupped their hands and said, "Your ministers will second you."

Jia Heng was at the side, but he saw the faces of several cabinet ministers, and he became more and more clear about Chen Han's current situation in his heart.

Yang Guochang, the leader of the Qi Party, was the chief assistant, who was in charge of the money and food of the household department, Han Huang, the second assistant of the Zhejiang Party, was in charge of the staff department, and Li Zan, the minister of the Ministry of War, was the Chu Party.

The Minister of Rites, He Juncheng, is more like a neutral faction, but He Juncheng also seems to have some kind of tacit understanding with the chief assistant Yang Guochang.

As for Zhao Yi, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, who has a weak sense of existence, he is more like a tool for the emperor to pull into the cabinet to balance the court.

"Of course, this division of political factions is just a simple distinction. These people are both fighting and uniting. There are also the Criminal Ministry, Dali Temple, Metropolitan Procuratorate, Guozijian, Hanlin Zhanshi Kedao, and local governors...the relationship is intricate and the interests are entangled. You There is me in me, and you in me, which need to be sorted out carefully."

Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes. The so-called gentleman does not have a party is just lip service. People can form cronies because of the convergence of interests and aspirations.

Ouyang Xiu's "Parties Theory" made it clear from the beginning that a gentleman and a gentleman make friends of the same way, and a villain and a villain regard the same interests as friends, which is the principle.

Leaving aside Ouyang Xiu's political EQ, it also shows that cliques really... have been around since ancient times.

Even in later generations, a certain person said that there is no party outside the party, the emperor thinks, and there is no faction inside the party, all kinds of strange things.

Therefore, don't reject objectively existing things, but control and use them.

"This matter is discussed, and we will discuss another matter." Emperor Chongping paused, looked at Jia Heng, and said, "Jia Heng's success in suppressing the bandits this time coincides with the "Cijue Table" he published a few days ago. The book is not gracious to the ancestors, and the fame is self-defeating, gentlemen, this merit is enough to be conferred a title, what do you think is the best title?"

The so-called, ministers are able to do what they can, and the emperor is able to reward and punish. It is impossible for Emperor Chongping not to know this truth.

Without waiting for several cabinet ministers to open their mouths, Jia Heng bowed and saluted, and said in a trembling voice: "My lord, I have received the grand grace of the emperor. I should have served the community and won the title for my merits... I am sincere and frightened and don't know what to say... ..."

He thought to himself, the Son of Heaven cannot let me go, if you continue to discuss and hear that he will be rewarded, if he stands still in a daze, the previous "ancient sages" persona will collapse.

"Jia Qing doesn't have to decline anymore. I have already agreed to your words of disrespect to Zu Yin before, but now you have earned your own fame, so how can you resign without accepting it?" Emperor Chongping's face was serious, but his eyes were gentle, looking Seeing the boy's reaction, he nodded secretly.

No matter how flattered or indifferent, he would suspect that this son has other ambitions.

Li Zan suddenly said coldly: "If the rewards and punishments are not clear, nothing can be done. If the rewards and punishments are clear, all directions can be worked out. I think that rewards should be based on merit and deeds. Commander Jia doesn't need to be too self-effacing."

This sentence made it difficult for Jia Heng to refuse any more, so he could only express his gratitude and said: "How can I be a minister, to be loved by the Holy One, and to be given a noble salary, dare to repay the Holy One with all my heart."

Seeing this, all the cabinet ministers thought to themselves, this is the truth, and if they refuse to continue, they are too modest and have a lot of ambition.

Emperor Chongping glanced at Li Zan in surprise, nodded his head and said, "What Li Qing said is true, but what do you think is the best title to bestow?"

Yang Guochang's face was indifferent, and he cupped his hands and said: "My lord, if it is based on military merit, the old minister thinks that it would be better to award the second-class light chariot captain and noble merit."

Chen Han set up Duke Hou Bozinan, General, Captain Qingche, Captain Yunqi, Captain Feiqi, each with three ranks.

Han Huang smiled and said: "Mr. Yang Ge, this award seems a little light. Jia Heng was kind to the saint earlier and bestowed the title of commander of the fourth rank. This second-class light car captain is exactly the fourth rank." If it is spread out, it may be suspected of treating heroes less."

Jia Heng's son has already shown the appearance of Kunpeng's soaring, and his son Han Hui is his friend. He is selling a favor at this moment, which is just a favor without cost.

Kuang Tianzi's intention may also have the meaning of giving grace and rewarding.

Yang Guochang frowned and said: "Mr. Han Ge, the title cannot be equated with the salary. Captain Qingche is conferred by the imperial decree, and can be passed on to his descendants."

The subtext is that the previous title and salary are followed by the central decree, how can this decree be issued, it is upright, this is the noble salary that can be passed on to the descendants.

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, and said: "What the two old elders said is not without reason. Li Qing, you are the Chief Sima of the Ministry of War, and you have carefully observed the appearance of military aircraft. Which noble do you think should be rewarded for this merit?"

"Your Majesty, the ancients said that rewards are not sincere and do not persuade, and punishments are not sincere and do not commandeer. I think that Jia Heng can be bestowed with the title of third-class general, to praise his loyalty and bravery, and to inspire the generals to make contributions." Li. Zan said.

In his opinion, the rank of third-class general is the most appropriate, slightly higher, but not too high, so that it can motivate soldiers without the suspicion of rewarding them.

As soon as Li Zan's words came out, not only did he hit Emperor Chongping's arms, but also made all the court officials around him think.

For example, Yang Guochang looked silent and glanced at Li Zan. The reason why he objected just now was because "anger cannot be captured, and joy cannot be bestowed." The emperor loves this young man too much.

Emperor Chongping also showed joy when he heard the words, and looked at Li Zan with a somewhat inexplicable look in his eyes, and said: "What Li Qing said is the words of gold and stone. I am a man who needs such a young man. Just like Jia Heng, why worry about the unrest in the north and the injustice of the captives in the east!"

Jia Heng listened to it from the side, feeling a little helpless in his heart, so he could only lower his eyebrows and look flattered, pretending to be flattered.

He felt that Emperor Chongping must have done it on purpose, and discussing meritorious deeds in front of him was a kind of political trick to win people's hearts.

By the way, look at his reaction again, say a few "winning speeches", in front of all the cabinet ministers, dare not do your best in the future?

At this time, Zhao Yi, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, said with a smile: "I think that the third-class General Yunhui can still be appointed. If it is spread, it will be a good story through the ages."

It was not enough to resign from the title before, and you said that you took the fame yourself, but now it is fine, and you will be awarded the same title if you have merit, and it will be very beautiful after this time and time again.

Emperor Chongping smiled slightly and said, "Very good."

After discussing the nobility rewards, Emperor Chongping cast his majestic eyes on Jia Heng again, and said: "Jia Qing, you have heard everything, but I have one more thing to do. After a short rest, all the bandits in the Sanfu area of ​​Gyeonggi should be arrested. "

Jia Heng's face was flushed, and he said gratefully: "The emperor's kindness is so great, Heng Ming is deeply moved, and dares not to do the hard work of a dog and a horse to repay the emperor."

The work of a dog and a horse...

Emperor Chongping thought about the four words in his heart, waved his hands, smiled and said: "Go back and wait for the imperial decree. I have important matters to discuss with the elders, so I won't keep you for dinner."

The last sentence was full of kindness, like looking at a nephew, which surprised several cabinet ministers, evaluating the weight of Jia Heng in the heart of the emperor.

Jia Heng gave a deep salute and bowed to leave.

(End of this chapter)