Chapter 936: Changsun Wuji’s efforts to remove the fuel from the cauldron
The autumn rain in the south of the Yangtze River is lingering, and the grass and trees in Guanzhong are already rustling and the cold wind is howling.
His Majesty Li Er, who spent a whole summer wandering in the Kunming Pool, finally returned to Chang'an after autumn. The Tai Chi Palace, which had been idle for several months, became lively again.
In the Shenlong Temple, the earth dragon was burning hot, and the cold wind outside the window passed through the treetops with all their leaves, making a sharp "wuwu" sound.
Having just completed the Winter Solstice Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony, His Majesty Li Er left several ministers behind to discuss important matters.
The palace was as warm as spring. His Majesty Li Er sat in the main seat and ordered the maids to serve fragrant tea to the ministers in front of him. The emperor and his ministers gasped for air, and their frozen bodies relaxed.
"Winter Solstice" was an extremely important festival in ancient times.
During the Zhou and Qin Dynasties, November in winter was the first month, and the winter solstice was the beginning of the year to celebrate the new year. The winter solstice as a festival originated in the Han Dynasty, flourished in the Tang and Song Dynasties, and is still used today.
In the Han Dynasty, the winter solstice was regarded as the "Winter Festival", and the government held a congratulatory ceremony called "Winter Festival". Officials had regular holidays, and the custom of "Winter Worshiping" to congratulate each other was popular in the officialdom. There is such a record in "Book of the Later Han Dynasty": "Before and after the winter solstice, a gentleman settles down, keeps all officials in charge, does not listen to the government, and chooses auspicious times to save trouble." Therefore, on this day, the court has a holiday and rest, the army is on standby, the border fortress is in retreat, and the business travel is closed. , relatives and friends each give each other delicious food, visit each other, and happily spend a "settle down" festival. During the Wei, Jin and Six Dynasties, the winter solstice was called "Ya Sui", and people had to pay homage to their parents and elders. After the Song Dynasty, the winter solstice gradually became a festival to worship ancestors and gods.
In the Sui and Tang dynasties, the winter solstice was a day for worshiping heaven and ancestors. On this day, the emperor would go to the countryside to hold a ceremony to worship heaven, and people would worship their parents and elders on this day...
His Majesty Li Er took a sip of hot tea, stretched his hands and feet, and asked: "Is there any emergency military report from the north recently?"
Every year when the weather gets cold, barbarians outside the Great Wall will invade and plunder, grabbing supplies and food for the winter.
A few days ago, herdsmen from several Tuyuhun tribes close to the border with the Tang Dynasty entered the country to burn, kill and loot, which greatly disturbed the people, soldiers and civilians. The military towns in Hezhou and Minzhou reported to the central government and asked the central government to dispatch troops to support them. , to prevent Tuyuhun from attacking the border.
Li Ji solemnly said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the current situation is not bad. However, there is a severe drought in Tuyuhun and Tubo this year. The grain is not abundant and the water and grass are withered. If there is a severe winter, it will be difficult to survive. Therefore, I have already coordinated with Qinzhou, Qizhou, Xingzhou, Lizhou, and Mianzhou sent troops to the border each to guard against barbarians who would invade and plunder on a large scale without food or clothing, so that the border would be safe. "
His Majesty Li Er nodded happily.
Since Li Jing took office as Minister of War, the military affairs of both Korea and China have been in good order, and all relevant border security threats have been prepared and prepared for emergencies, so that they will not rush to mobilize troops just after the barbarians invade, causing them to be in a hurry.
His Majesty Li Er nodded, changed the topic, and asked: "Does the Shipping Department of Huating Town have a report to submit?"
The operation of the Municipal Shipping Department is the top priority at the moment, and it is no exaggeration to say that it attracts the attention of the whole country.
Tang Jian, who had just been transferred to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, a submission was delivered yesterday. In the submission, Huating Hou said that everything went well. Two hundred and nineteen shops have applied for sea trade qualifications, including two hundred. Eight companies have been approved by the Municipal Shipping Department Afterwards, a business license was issued and a total of 3.76 million guan was collected. The first month's tax is still being calculated and is expected to be about 200,000 guan. After the review, it will be escorted to Beijing and paid. Ministry of Civil Affairs Treasury."
Tang Jian originally planned to retire as an official after retiring from the post of Minister of the Ministry of Industry, but he was appointed Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs by His Majesty Li Er. At first, Tang Jian was reluctant to do it. Everyone knew that the Eastern Expedition was imminent, and everyone in the imperial court had to cut back on food and clothing. As the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which controlled the empire's financial power, it had the greatest responsibility.
He has long been successful and famous, and his descendants have all settled into official positions. He no longer has any political aspirations, let alone the ambition to further take charge of the political hall, so he is very conflicted.
However, His Majesty Li Er insisted on this, and he did not dare to postpone it...
Who would have expected that there would be good news just after taking office. The operation of the Huating Town Shipping Department is like reopening a money making company. It has a monthly income of hundreds of thousands of silver coins from the beginning of operations, which greatly eases the treasury of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The emptiness is urgent.
It is naturally interesting to be the minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Who in the various yamen should not pay small compliments?
When he reported the number, he heard a sound of breathing in his ears...
This Fang Jun is simply a god, and there are endless ways to make money. Could it be that he is really the reincarnation of the "God of Wealth"?
Invariably, everyone subconsciously looked at Fang Xuanling, who was on the lower left side of the emperor.
Fang Xuanling was sitting upright with his eyelids drooped and his face motionless.
But he couldn't help complaining: How can this bastard be so tormented? It's not up to me...
There is no mention of "guaranteed deposit" in the "Plan of the Shipping Department" submitted by Fang Jun to the Political Affairs Hall. This is a temporary trick made by Fang Jun based on his whims, even if it is implemented without the approval of the Political Affairs Hall. It is said that this kind of behavior is absolutely inappropriate. Regardless of good or bad things, no one can be unorganized and undisciplined, right?
But this move is undoubtedly the favor of His Majesty the Emperor. What worries the Emperor the most is money...
Fang Xuanling took a look at His Majesty Li Er's face, thought for a moment, and said: "Your Majesty, this so-called 'security deposit' has not been reported to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, nor has it been approved by the Political Affairs Hall. Fang Jun's behavior in Huating Town It is an act without authorization, and I sincerely ask your Majesty to deal with it.”
With just one sentence, several ministers who wanted to make a fuss about this matter choked up and shut their mouths obediently.
Although the "guarantee" was obtained in the millions, fundamentally speaking, this was a decision that was beyond Fang Jun's authority and was tantamount to disregarding the court's laws. Just imagine, what would be the consequences if the governors of all states, prefectures and counties all over the world could make up their own tricks to steal money?
Even if the money eventually flows into the national finance, this precedent will never be set. This was an excellent opportunity to impeach Fang Jun. Even if the emperor felt happy, he had to severely punish Fang Jun in accordance with court laws.
But the problem is that when Fang Xuanling stood up and personally accused Fang Jun and asked for punishment, it would be difficult for others to interrupt. This was obviously Fang Xuanling's tactic of retreating in order to advance. Since he had already said that his son should be dealt with, it was absolutely inappropriate for others to aggravate the emperor's small punishment.
Unless you want to break up with Fang Xuanling and be hated by His Majesty the Emperor...
His Majesty Li Er was very happy just now and had not yet thought of the key to this. He was a little surprised to see Fang Xuanling being so "righteous in killing relatives", but he understood Fang Xuanling's intention in a flash.
But the emperor was very dissatisfied.
After understanding the reason why Fang Xuanling "hurt herself eight hundred times", she then thought by extension why Fang Jun did this?
For such a brilliant idea, as long as a memorial is given to the court in advance to explain its operation and benefits, neither the Ministry of Civil Affairs nor the Political Affairs Hall or even His Majesty Li Er will have any reason to stop it.
But why did Fang Jun do this quietly and privately, giving away such a big deal?
His Majesty Li Er was silent and pondered in his heart.
The ministers were silent, and the Shenlong Palace seemed a little quiet. Only a certain minister made a slight "suck" sound when he picked up the tea cup and drank water.
After a long silence, His Majesty Li Er showed a wry smile. He understood Fang Jun's intention of doing this.
The little bastard is in a mood...
"Your Majesty, I have something to say." Changsun Wuji said.
His Majesty Li Er glanced at him and said with a smile: "Auxiliary machine, do you also want to consult Fang Jun and let me punish him?"
There was a smile on his face, but he was a little bored in his heart.
After all, you are also a prince of the country and have made numerous meritorious deeds. Why do you always have trouble with a junior, and always add insult to injury whenever you get an opportunity? In the final analysis, the incident involving Chang Sun Chong had nothing to do with Fang Jun. It was Chang Sun Chong's own evil intentions that led to the final result. Is it because of this incident that he never forgets to do things against him?
The air volume is too narrow!
Changsun Wuji seemed not to understand the meaning of His Majesty Li Er's smile, and said easily: "How could the old minister have such an idea? Strictly speaking at this time, Fang Jun has lost his stability and violated the court's laws and should be punished. But in the final analysis, this matter It's a good thing. Such a sum of money will definitely fill the national treasury. It's also a great achievement. The merits are balanced, so the old minister doesn't want to reward or punish him. However, this incident also shows that Fang Jun's talent is outstanding. He is a formidable young man who deserves to be old. The most outstanding talents among the younger generation. Nowadays, the chief and deputy general managers of Canghai Road have been appointed. The city shipping department has also been officially opened. The prospects are promising. The situation in Jiangnan has achieved unprecedented stability. These are also things that Fang Jun cannot deny. Credit. The old minister thinks that since the situation in Jiangnan has opened up, there is not much use for Fang Jun to stay in Jiangnan. His Majesty has clear rewards and punishments, so why not recall Fang Jun to the capital and entrust him with important tasks to train him in order to reward him? "
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As soon as these words came out, everyone in the hall was a little surprised.
Who in Guanzhong is not aware of the grievances between the Changsun family and Fang Jun? The cause of the incident actually had nothing to do with Fang Jun, but the eldest son's family had never concealed their hatred for Fang Jun.
Why are you saying good things to Fang Jun now?
That Fang Jun is now the Marquis of Huating, and his last official position was the chief marching officer of Canghaidao. If he is recalled to Chang'an and "entrusted with important tasks", what kind of official position will he be?
It is estimated that at least it has to be the official position of the Six Ministers!
Six ministers who are not yet twenty years old...
Everyone felt that it was strange. Although in ancient times, Gan Luo worshiped the prime minister Meiyu at the age of twelve, Gan Luo was only named "Shangqing" by the King of Qin. His status was equivalent to that of the prime minister. In fact, it was just an honorary title and had no real power. .
Is the Tang Dynasty about to usher in a six-book minister who is under twenty years old and has real power?
In the midst of doubts, I suddenly heard someone say loudly: "Your Majesty, you must not do this!" Sorry, just one chapter for today. Things are almost over and it will definitely explode!
(End of chapter)