Chapter 530 Chapter 501 Abandoned Son and Carp (Part 1)
On the ninth day of August in the eleventh year of Jinghan, during the early dynasty, Emperor Jinghan Zhou Zhe approved several promotions and appointments of officials. Among them , including the decision of former Nanhe County Magistrate Li Pin and Li Dexin to be promoted to Deputy Envoy of Land and Water Transport on Hedong Road.
In the Wu dynasty, the transport envoys along the way were already equivalent to the official position of provincial governor in later generations when they were at their greatest power. In the capital, the person who truly and directly controls the power of transportation across the country is usually the prime minister, which shows his high status.
Of course, the deputy transfer envoy is a fifth-rank official, which is not considered very big in the capital. Among the officials who were received due to promotion this time, his position is also considered to be the lowest. However, Li Pin was originally a seventh-level county magistrate. His current term was not yet completed. He was directly promoted to a position of real power, such as deputy transfer envoy. It was indeed a three-level promotion in a row.
For this reason, among the officials who were promoted, he still attracted quite a lot of attention.
"...There is a very bad atmosphere among scholars today." After the morning court, when he summoned several ministers to see him, Zhou Zhe said a few words about this matter, "I want to be an official, but I am afraid of being a foreign official." , especially the fear of being a local official, a parent official, the fear of being a county magistrate, the most serious, I am very heartbroken. ”
"In the third year of Jinghan, there was a shortage of 135 county magistrates across the country. In the seventh year of Jinghan, there were still more than 90 vacancies. Especially in the Guangnan area, there were some people who were vacated but were unwilling to take up their posts. In Beijing I know all about procrastination.”
“Of course, the post of county magistrate has heavy responsibilities and strict examination requirements. I may not be able to see my relatives all over the world. But what is a parent officer? The so-called county magistrate is the most basic official in this country, they are the closest to the people! After ten years of hard work, he served the country. In fact, he was just picky and picky. Once he was hired, he eagerly wanted to be in Beijing. Official! To be honest, anyone who gets the position of county magistrate but doesn’t take office will have difficulty in getting an official position in the future! "
Since the serious morning meeting has passed, in order to express my gratitude, it will be difficult for me to hold office again! In this invitation, Zhou Zhe arranged to take a walk near the Imperial Garden, which could make the atmosphere more relaxed. But when talking about these things at this time, the calm emperor put his hands behind his back and his tone became serious, and the courtiers following him followed suit with fear.
Zhou Zhe raised his hand to indicate that they did not need to be so nervous and continued to move forward slowly.
"I once said that anyone who can be a good county magistrate can do anything well. Since the third year of Jinghan, I have promoted more than one county magistrate beyond his duties. De Xin, you are a role model for county magistrates. This time you were promoted to Deputy Transport Envoy. Many people talked, but I looked at you. After your performance in Nanhe, I still decided to give you this position. When you go to Hedong, you have to help Liu Congming and don't disappoint me. The situation in Hedong is very difficult." The Liu Congming he mentioned was Li Pin. Later, he became Shangguan and the transfer envoy of Hedong Road.
Li Pin, who was walking at the back, bowed his head and said, "I will do my best to live up to the expectations of the Holy One."
Zhou Zhe showed a slight smile on his face, turned around and waved his hand: "It's not about living up to my expectations, but it's about not living up to the expectations of the local people..." He pointed at the other people behind him, "You The same is true for you. The world of Wu Dynasty seems to be peaceful and unified, but in fact, there are internal and external troubles."
He said, stepping onto an arch bridge in front: "Outside, Liao. People have gone, but don’t think that the Jin people are easy to get along with. They also come from poor mountains and rivers, and they are ambitious. , difficult to tame. Before the war ended, they tore up the former alliance. Without the efforts of Privy Council Tong, General Guo and many people, Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures would not have been able to get back an inch..."
"... Let's talk about the country. This time, several roads in the north and south were affected by the disaster, and millions of people were in dire straits. But here At this time, there are still many ants and moths ready to destroy the foundation of this country! You must keep these things in mind. If things go wrong, if I don’t do anything to you, the millions of people below will also suffer. I will not let you parents go. You... remember these words, this is what I expect from you.”
When Zhou Zhe said this, the purpose of the call was actually achieved. Afterwards, the monarch and his ministers chatted a few more words. Zhou Zhe even asked about the family affairs of some of the ministers. Although Li Pin was not singled out again, he actually had a lot of limelight in this meeting. After the audience, everyone went out together. Several of them expressed their closeness to Li Pin and made an appointment to have lunch together. When he left the imperial city, he saw several carriages waiting outside. The person in front of the carriages was the shopkeeper of Zhuji, and he was obviously waiting for him.
Li Pin thought that Ning Yi wanted to invite him to celebrate, so he went over to say hello and wanted the other party to leave first. This meal between himself and his colleagues was a must. However, the shopkeeper smiled and bowed: "My boss knows that Mr. Li will definitely have a small gathering with all of you at noon today to talk about personal friendships, so he just asked me to wait here. You can go wherever you want. Let the villain help arrange it."
"Oh, Li Heng..."
There are eight officials promoted this time. Regardless of their official positions, most of them will be placed in other places. Their relationship in the capital is also deep and shallow, but no matter what, the meal used to enhance the important relationship in the capital is usually held in the evening. At noon, the eight of them will have a meal together. After hearing Ning Yi's arrangement for help, Li Pin couldn't help but smile, but there was not much joy in that smile.
This kind of behavior of a businessman who can arrange everything in advance makes him a little worried after all. Especially after the Holy One said those words, seeing such things related to wealth and power immediately made him unable to have a good impression in his heart.
However, seeing these connections with Li Pin, others were somewhat interested. To them, although Li Pin's official position was still small, there was obviously someone in the capital. For this kind of thing, everyone usually just guesses. At this time, from Zhu Ji to the Prime Minister's Mansion, and from the Prime Minister's Mansion to Qin Siyuan and Li Gang, it is a good thing to get close. Among these people, the other two officials who have close contacts with the Prime Minister's Office are able to enjoy all this with peace of mind because they are older and have more experience.
After finishing the meal at noon, the shopkeeper asked where Li Pin was going from now on, and conveyed Ning Yi's intention to help him celebrate.
Li Pin has just been promoted. In the first few nights, he naturally has to build relationships with some important people, such as Qin Siyuan, who is now his backstage, the most important one. Ning Yi is nothing more than a businessman in the capital. It is impossible to invite him to dinner that night to celebrate. However, Li Pin thought about it and said: "Please ask Mr. Li to send me to the Prime Minister's Mansion later. I will be promoted this time." , I want to return to Xie Xiangye, but... I also ask shopkeeper Li to return Tell Li Heng, if the prime minister is not free tonight, I wonder if Li Heng is free tonight, please let me... prepare some drinks and thank you."
The shopkeeper Li naturally nodded in agreement, and then asked everyone. The car sent Li Pin to the Prime Minister's Mansion, and he told Ning Yi what Li Pin said. When he came to Ning Mansion to find Ning Yi, Ning Yi was in the yard, holding Ning Xi and teaching him one, two, three and four. Su Tan'er was sitting at the pavilion not far away while embroidering and watching the father and son. Shopkeeper Li When he came, Ning Yi let go of the child and let him stagger towards his mother.
After listening to shopkeeper Li’s words, Ning Yi was a little confused: “Prime Minister Qin has an appointment with Grand Master Cai tonight and is not available. You go prepare a better dinner, and by the way... call me above. As long as Ding Wen and others are free, they can go over and join in the fun. Li Pin is quite a good person. They can get along with each other and become familiar with each other. I'll call Qin Shaoyu. Well, it should be about the same. ”
Su Tan'er walked over there with her child in her arms. When shopkeeper Li went out, she asked softly: "For these things, can you just have a meal in private? Wen Dingwen will let them go there instead." "Are you adding to the chaos?"
Ning Yi shook his head: "I know Li Pin. All dealings were fair and honest. Since he was promoted now, he might as well treat it as a gathering among friends to celebrate, not to mention that in the past at Yushan Academy, he occasionally helped give lectures, and that was not the case with Wen Ding and others. I don’t know him, so that’s okay. What’s strange to me is...how did he Why would you invite me today?"
Su Tan'er laughed and said, "Maybe he feels that it is because of you that he is appreciated and promoted by Prime Minister Qin."
" Not necessarily." Ning Yi smiled, "Official life is officialdom, and personal friendship is personal friendship. He has just been promoted. It's hard to do things this time, so it's time to try to make things easier for him in the future..."
"It's your men's business anyway. ." Su Tan'er imitated him and shrugged, lifting the child up and teasing it a few times. When she got married to Ning Yi, although she was gentle, she still had the sharp edge of a girl. But at this time, the exposed edge has gradually subsided, and she has become more compatible with Ning Yi. She occasionally joked and joked with Ning Yi, and she became It's more casual, and it's no longer awkward because it's "immodest". In fact, she is still twenty-one or twelve years old after all. She is young and beautiful, and although she is calm, she is still full of gratifying vitality.
At home, the relationship between two people and their status in the eyes of others are also more clear. Ning Yi is calm and reliable, and Su Tan'er, the head mistress, also has enough majesty and convincing ability. Almost any matter, as long as it is reported to one of the couple, there will definitely be a way to deal with it. Although the styles are slightly different, both of them can actually handle the other side's affairs very well.
After saying a few words at this time, Su Tan'er no longer paid attention to Li Pin. On the evening of the arrival, Ning Yi hosted a banquet for Li Pin at Zhuji. During the period, Su Wending, Su Wenfang and others, together with Qin Shaoyu and others, also invited several beautiful women from Fanlou to have a drink. Have fun. This continued until the banquet was about to end, and when everyone was having an insignificant fight with the woman, Ning Yi went to the balcony of the box to look at the night scene outside, and Li Pin came over with a wine glass.
After Zhuji and Fanlou cooperated on some business, the two parties had close contacts. Su Wending and others were also old acquaintances with the several Fanlou women who came this time, and they had a good time playing in the box. Li Pin looked at the bustling scene of pedestrians coming and going on the street not far away and merchants selling goods. He chatted casually with Ning Yi for a few words and then spoke after careful consideration.
"Li Heng, Brother Yu has a lot of emotions in his heart this time when he comes to Beijing. I know in my heart that you have helped Li Heng to get to this position. I remember this in my heart, but I also Therefore, there are a few words that I I have been holding it in my heart, but I hope Li Heng will not misunderstand that I am the kind of arrogant villain who finds fault with others after being promoted..."
Ning Yi glanced at him: "But it doesn't matter. .”
"I want to know, what is Li Heng doing?" Li Pin thought for a while, then spoke with some embarrassment, "You and I met in Ping Mo, and there is no need to mince words about many things. Li Heng knows that I myself I studied hard when I was young, just because I wanted to make a career When we were in Jiangning, we got to know each other. I admired Li Heng's knowledge, and I was also curious about why such an outstanding person as Yu Li Heng would get married. Regarding this matter, Li Heng never answered directly, so I could only. It is said that everyone has his own ambitions, although Li Heng was right at the time. I don’t care about my identity, but there are many positive ideas in teaching. If you are willing to tell those students, I always believe in my heart that Li Heng wants to do something after all.”
He paused. After a pause: "For these, I have a feeling in my heart. I have never doubted it. Li Heng is knowledgeable and may have different ideas than others, but the truth is the same after all. Li Heng has always been very capable in various matters, including... Gu Yanzhen's matters."
Ning Yi frowned. Li Pin smiled with understanding: "... Including the later incident with Huang Shang, including your subsequent danger in Hangzhou, including the Liangshan bandits, there has always been no doubt about Li Heng's ability to do things. But... when it comes to this When I came to the capital this time, I saw these things, saw this bamboo record, you sent Those big cars that went out and saw the things you studied. I have to say that you are really successful in this business and you have made a lot of money. But this is your ability. What do you want to do?"
He asked in a deepening voice. Ning Yi tapped his fingers on the railing on the terrace and nodded slightly. Li Pin paused for a moment and lowered his voice: "Li Heng is a smart man. When it comes to this, Brother Yu doesn't intend to hide it. These days , Brother Yu was thinking in his mind, this is the way for the wealthy gentry to make a fortune, but Li Heng, what path are you going to take? These wealthy gentry and wealthy businessmen may appear to be wealthy and prosperous on the surface, but in fact, where are they? They have been looked down upon by others. They are like trees without roots and water without water. Even if they can help the prime minister's finances and accounting, what can they do? Li Heng is so smart that it is impossible not to see that this road will go to the end. , it can't go anywhere, it may even be..."
He hesitated for a moment, and finally lowered his voice: "It may even... be a way to die."
The noise in the distance and the noise in the room were heard. After Li Pin said this, the terrace became silent. Ning Yi tapped the railing with his fingers, and a slight smile appeared on his face. In fact, from the first sentence, Ning Yi roughly understood what the other party meant, and also understood that if he did not really regard the friendship between the two as a gentleman, Li Pin would not be able to say this at this time. , not to mention that he also wasted the time on the first day of promotion when he could build relationships with others.
It was just his own thoughts, many of which he couldn't tell others. He nodded and thought about it for a long time. When his fingers stopped, he spoke: "Dexin, I want to ask you something. Something, do you think this time you are placed in What do you want from the position of deputy transfer envoy?"
Li Pin frowned: "At this time, there is famine in both the north and the south, and the situation is urgent. I know that Mr. Liu Congming is secretly a member of Prime Minister Qin. , but I am a stranger after all , I can handle things well, even if I offend people, I must ensure that the relief food channels are open and the relief food can be distributed smoothly. I am mentally prepared for these things."
"...No. That's all." Ning Yi laughed. Come, for a moment, he shook his head and said, "Your biggest responsibility this time is not to ensure that the relief food routes are open, but to ensure that the trade routes are open. You will understand this matter soon."
" Business?" Li Pin became confused.
But I heard Ning Yi say over there: "The position of county magistrate has been promoted three levels to deputy transfer envoy, and the position of transfer is a really important task. Dexin, this matter is not suitable for those who are less capable." For people, it is no different than arsenic, but even for you, it can only be regarded as a great tonic. Sometimes it can save you thirty years of struggle, but a little. If you are not careful, it will backfire on you. It seems that you are mentally prepared. This is the best thing."
Li Pin's expression became really serious when Ning Yi pointed out this matter. , he suddenly understood at this moment that Ning Yi in front of him knew much more about this matter and even all the inside stories about his promotion than he imagined. As a result, Ning Yi's position in the Prime Minister's Mansion may be far beyond what he once thought...
He frowned, waiting for Ning Yi to continue. (End of this chapter)