The Red Mansions

Chapter 776 Those who do not seek the overall situation are not enough to seek a domain

Outside the city of Gusu, there are high-walled lanes and alleys, and the houses look like houses. It is the golden autumn and October.

At the ferry on the shore, Zhang Yongchuan, the governor of the south of the Yangtze River, led a few staff members of the governor's yamen, waiting eagerly for a long time.

As Jia Heng abandoned the boat and landed on the dry bank, Zhang Yongchuan, the governor of the south of the Yangtze River, led a group of aides, walked forward a few steps, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have seen Uncle Yongning."

Jia Heng looked at Zhang Yongchuan, the middle-aged official's face under the black black gauze hat, with fair skin, slender eyebrows and deep eyes, short beard under the chin, the standard scholarly temperament of a family background.

Jia Heng walked forward, supported Zhang Yongchuan's arm, smiled and said: "Master Zhang, there is no need to be polite, I am really disturbed to trouble Mr. Zhang to wait for a long time."

Zhang Yongchuan got up and said with a smile: "Lord Jia, I came from Liangjiang Governor's Yamen the day before yesterday and heard that Yongning Bo's writing had arrived at the Suzhou mansion. Come here and ask Yongning Bo for advice."

"I don't dare to ask for advice. It's just that one person thinks about the shortcomings and two people think about the long. I originally wanted to go to the governor's office tomorrow to discuss with Mr. Zhang. Since Mr. Zhang has asked, I can also make it clear in advance." Jia Heng smiled slightly and said .

Zhang Yongchuan nodded and said: "Uncle Yongning, this is not a place to speak, can you take a moment to speak? Your servant is preparing a light banquet at the Fude Restaurant not far away, and I invite Uncle Yongning to go over and talk about it."

Jia Heng nodded and stretched out his hand to invite: "Master Zhang, please come forward."

"Please, Uncle Yongning." Zhang Yongchuan also stretched out his hand to invite.

Jia Heng nodded, and then told Chen Xiao, who was accompanying him, to escort Daiyu, Zhen Xi and other girls back to their mansion in Suzhou City, and then, accompanied by a group of Jinyi mansion guards, went to Ford Restaurant.

On the second floor of the restaurant, in the box

The two sides were divided into guests and hosts. Jia Heng looked at Zhang Yongchuan, the governor of Jiangnan, thinking about the purpose of this feudal official who took the initiative to wait and pay a respectful visit. In fact, he could guess about seven or eight points.

Now the governor of Liangjiang, Shen Fang, has been dismissed and retained, and the post of governor of Liangjiang is promoted by the governor of Jiangnan according to the usual practice.

Zhang Yongchuan came here to establish a good relationship in advance, or to actively cooperate with him in military affairs afterwards, so as to show his face in the court and seek promotion.

However, this class of civil servants is thoughtful and scheming, and one must always be on guard when dealing with them.

As a matter of fact, at the level of a province's frontier closure, the way of the gentleman's tyranny of pretending to be a snake and breaking his promise has been applied to perfection.

It is commonplace for a good thing to change.

In this regard, of course it is not as good as in-laws like Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding.

Thinking of this, Jia Heng asked straight-forward: "Master Zhang, previously the captives plundered Suzhou Prefecture and harassed the coastal counties under Suzhou Prefecture. I don't know how many casualties and property losses there are? Which coastal defense battlements need to be rebuilt, and which guards are urgently needed?" Do you need to prepare your weapons?"

Zhang Yongchuan sighed and said: "The casualties were not small, more than 200 people were killed. In addition, there was a lot of property loss. The bandits were afraid of the officers and soldiers rushing to help, and robbed many shops of goods. Although Suzhou Wei provided timely support, but The captives and bandits are all desperadoes, fearless of death. After all, the Suzhou Guards have been at peace for a long time. They fought with the enemy and suffered a lot of casualties. The bandits gradually retreated after the cavalry from the Fubiao Camp and the Jiangnan Camp came to the aid. In Yongningbo's victory at Haimen, the bandits are afraid, and there is no longer the danger of landing along the coast."

As the governor of the south of the Yangtze River stationed in Suzhou Prefecture, he raised the civil affairs of a province, and also managed the food and pay for the military. He also had a bidding battalion under his command for support.

Of course, Jia Heng didn't pay much attention to these things, but didn't say anything to Zhang Yongchuan's statement of facts, but he said everything, and he still didn't forget to compliment Zhang Yongchuan.

But there is no positive answer that those guards need to be rectified.

Jia Heng asked: "Jiang Fang is careless, pirates come and go freely, what does Mr. Zhang think is the root cause?"

"To be honest, it's mainly money and food, and the second is that the navy has been at peace for a long time and lacks drills." Facing Jia Heng's puzzled eyes, Zhang Yongchuan explained: "Take the last time the pirates violated the country as an example. The pirates confronted the sea, and they were unable to take care of them, which is reasonable, but there are 600 people in the Suzhou Guard, but it is a pity that the armor and equipment are dilapidated, and the officers and soldiers are timid and afraid of fighting.

Because there is no capital in Jiangnan Province, and Jiangnan Fuwei has a vast territory, the governor almost directly intervenes in the military affairs of the local Fuwei.

Jia Heng nodded, and praised: "This time the bandits invaded the sea and harassed the counties along the coast. The Suzhou Mansion where Mr. Zhang is stationed can withstand the raids of the pirates, which shows that the management of the place is well organized."

The coastal defense of Suzhou was originally in charge of the Jiangnan Daying Navy, and the Suzhou Guard was only responsible for warning and protecting the people.

"I don't dare to be praised by Bo Yongning. It's just that the soldiers in the south have experienced few battles. Facing the intrusion of bandits, most of them are reluctant to support them. The combat power is worrying. Yongningbo led the soldiers from Jiangbei to defeat the pirates, which is inspiring." Zhang Yongchuan's eyes gleamed. Looking carefully at the boy opposite, he complimented him.

The young man in front of him is a celebrity in front of the emperor. In the previous contest between the Governor of Liangjiang's Yamen and the young man in front of him, the victory was decided by the defeat of Zhen Zhu, the envoy of Zhenhai Jiedu.

It won't be long before Shen Jiefu goes to the throne!

Jia Heng said: "Compared with Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, the military discipline of the lower government guards in Jiangnan Province is more lax, and they should be strictly rectified."

Zhang Yongchuan nodded, and said: "The lower officials also think so, but they have lost their understanding of military matters, and they still want to hear Bo Yongning's advice."

"It's not a high opinion. Jiangnan Daying is going to wait for the Suzhou Fenghou to warn after the rectification."

After talking with Zhang Yongchuan, it was already noon, and all kinds of Jiangnan dishes were placed on the black round table.

Three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Zhang Yongchuan looked expectantly at the young man opposite, and said, "Uncle Yongning, Fuwei's coastal camp, when Uncle Yongning has time, let's inspect it."

The governor didn't mention Liangjiang Governor's Yamen from the beginning to the end. In the officialdom, it is most taboo to talk lightly, but this is just a signal of release. I am not in the same way as Shen Bing.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment, then said: "There is still something to do tomorrow, how about the day after tomorrow?"

Tomorrow, I will go to Kuaiji Prince Consort's Mansion to find the last piece of the Lianghuai salt puzzle. The rest is to train soldiers, prepare captives, and go to Haojing at the same time.

Zhang Yongchuan cupped his hands and said: "Then the next official will not delay Yongningbo's handling of official affairs."

Jia Heng nodded without saying anything else, and then left the Fude Restaurant under the guard of the Jinyi Mansion.

"My lord." He Kuang asked the staff who accompanied the wine.

Zhang Yongchuan picked up the wine cup, took a sip, came to the window, looked at the young man who was riding away surrounded by a few guards in plain clothes, and said, "Be safe, don't be impatient, wait a little longer."

It was indeed unusual to meet this young minister of the Zhu Kingdom just now, how can one look at this as a young man?

Here, Jia Heng left the restaurant and returned to the old house of the Lin family located in the southwest of Gusu City.

Lin Family Mansion
Jia Heng returned to Lin's house, entered the study, and met Chen Xiao head-on.

"What did the governor of Jiangnan say?" the girl with a beautiful face frowned and asked.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, and then said: "I want to use my strength to rise to the top, but I don't want to give up the popularity of Jiangnan Shilin. As long as he manages affairs in a peaceful manner, don't worry about the rest."

Strictly speaking, these high-ranking officials in the south of the Yangtze River who have the same age as their teachers are not something he can recruit, and they can use each other for a short time, but they need to be very cautious when attracting them as allies.

In fact, as long as the governor of Jiangnan doesn't make trouble, as long as he has the ability to rise to the top, he doesn't bother to talk to him.

"It's just that the jurisdiction of the Liangjiang area is too wide. In fact, it is the best policy to split some of them. The only problem that needs to be solved is tax collection." Jia Heng said thoughtfully.

In his view, the land of Jiangnan needs to be split into two parts, Jiangsu and Anhui, so as not to make it monolithic.

Not only that, but also to stir up regional conflicts between Jiangbei and Jiangnan, so that scholars and public opinion are not integrated.

Even Jiangsu, which was split off from Jiangnan Province, can be turned into the Thirteenth Taibao in bulk. Only in this way, it depends on the imperial court military and administratively.

Otherwise, the land in the south of the Yangtze River is too rich, and it is still the old capital of the Chen and Han Dynasties, and the people of the gentry are likely to cause an imbalance of power at the central level.

After the split, it will be easier to reform in the future, but this is a major event that needs to be communicated with the emperor.

Chen Xiaodao: "Zhao Yi from Haojing delivered an urgent delivery again, asking when you will go to Haojing."

Jia Heng took the note paper, read the words on it, looked down, his eyes moved slightly, and said softly: "It's just a few days."

Chen Xiao stared at Jia Heng, and said softly, "By the way, I still have news about Duoduo."

When Jia Heng heard this, his heart skipped a beat and he asked, "How do you say that?"

He knew that Chen Xiao, as the Holy Maiden of the White Lotus, had some special sources of information.

Chen Xiao said softly: "Duoduo did not give up. He is still colluding with pirates in the waters of Zhoushan, Zhejiang, and wants to make a comeback. This time, he may even transfer troops from North Korea."

Jia Heng said: "He couldn't win before, and now he can't win even more, but in the waters of Zhoushan, Zhejiang, I will ask people to write a letter to the Yamen of the governor of Zhejiang and the capital of Zhejiang, and prepare a boat navy to sweep away the pirates in the waters of Zhoushan. .”

Chen Xiaodao: "Xu is not in Zhejiang Province at the moment, and I think that with Zhejiang boats and ships, it may not be able to stop Duoduo. Another defeat will encourage the pirates who are waiting and watching, but it will be self-defeating."

If you don't fight, you don't know the strength of the court. Once your strength is exposed, it will give confidence to the pirates.

Jia Heng heard the words, pondered for a moment, looked at the girl with beautiful eyebrows, nodded and said: "It's possible, but you can't just sit back and watch the pirates grow stronger. I will write a letter to Zhan Yigong, the governor of Zhejiang. Dispatch troops cautiously, and at the same time send Jinyi Mansion detectives to find out the area and foothold of the captives in advance."

The key now is that the naval divisions of the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps have not yet been fully established, and there are still issues of inter-provincial command and different military orders.

"I will send a letter to the imperial court later." Jia Heng said in a low voice, and then took a map. This is a map of coastal defense along the coast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. On the long and winding coastline, dots mark the deployment of troops. .

"The pirates in Jiangsu and Zhejiang should number 3 to [-] people. If you contact Yu Hai and other places like Guangdong and North Korea, they will harass our land in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, but they probably won't go ashore." Jia Heng frowned. wrinkled, said in a low voice.

Chen Hanzhou's ships and sailors were sluggish, and he had been out of battle for a long time. If he only relied on the coastline to guard, then he would be passively beaten.

Chen Xiaodao: "Now the Jiangnan and Jiangbei Daying naval divisions add up to only more than 1 people. Even against the Shanghai bandits, their strength is not superior."

Jia Heng nodded, looking from the southern sea to the northern grassland, and said in a low voice: "Once there are police in the southern country, it will be even more difficult for the bandits to deal with the northern land."

Those who do not plan for the overall situation are not planning for a region. If there is a big war in the south, Jurchen may also have military operations in the north, such as taking the opportunity to attack Monan Mongolia and prepare for the full-scale invasion of Han soil in the future.

"The battle in the south really affects the whole body." Chen Xiaoqing's eyes flickered, and her gaze also fell on the map, she said in a low voice.

Jia Heng said: "After explaining the matter here, let's go to Haojing."

It is impossible for him to wait for Jinyang to come before leaving at this moment, but he should introduce the Hongyi cannon and related firearm manufacturing techniques as soon as possible.

Chen Xiaodao: "Jinling also needs someone who stays behind. If Duoduo hears that you are not in Jinling and takes the opportunity to attack you, you have to guard against this possibility."

The previous Haimen victory was essentially won by Jia Heng relying on the soldiers and horses of the Jiangbei camp. The soldiers and horses of the Jiangnan camp had just been trained and had not yet formed combat power.

Jia Heng said: "It's not a big problem to use the navy of the Jiangbei camp to resist, and then there are cavalry to support it. Qu Guang can take on the big responsibility of the Jiangnan camp in Jinling. Moreover, I sent a letter to Beijing not long ago. The battalion temporarily dispatched a group of generals, and they have already rushed on the road with fast horses."

Earlier, in his biography of Feige to Emperor Chongping, he mentioned that Xie Zaiyi and General Cai Quan were seconded to lead troops south to help.

"If Duoduo landed on the coast to harass, there may still be criticisms from the court. If he urges troops to attack, Qu Guang, the commander of the Henan capital, may not be able to withstand the pressure." Chen Xiao reminded.

Thinking appeared on Jia Heng's face, and after a while, he said: "I will still go to Shushu and Feige to send letters to the emperor. Don't worry about the court. In fact, the last time I went to Shushu, the issue of the military strength of the Jiangnan Camp was mentioned. As for North Korea and China, the Son of Heaven will not rush to send troops, and it will take time for Doduo to integrate his troops, so we should come back as soon as possible."

What Chen Xiao was talking about was a possibility. When he went to Haojing, Duoduo led his troops to harass Jiangnan and Zhejiang. It's okay to harass Zhejiang. Jinling made another foolish move.

Not only should the opponent be considered, but the pig teammates should also be included in the calculation.

"If the cannons in red are attracted, Guangdong will also prepare ships, mules and horses to transport them from Guangdong Sea." Chen Xiao said in a low voice.

Jia Heng said: "These are trivial matters. Right now, the defense of Gusu's coast is properly arranged. I used the pigeons to pass on the letter earlier, and I have sent a few people from the Beijing camp to go south. Then, after we return to Jinling, we will take care of the salt affairs. Go to Haojing."

He has completely entrusted the new salt system to Lin Ruhai and Qi Kun, and it is impossible for him to do everything by himself.

As for military affairs, there are no more than the six guards of the Jiangnan camp, and the leaders of the fifth battalion of the Jiangbei camp. Qu Guang and An Nanhou command the Jiangnan camp.

Then it was waiting for Xie Zaiyi, Cai Quan and other generals to come quickly from Beijing and take over the Jiangbei Camp.

Chen Xiao nodded and said, "It's good that you have a plan."

Jia Heng said softly: "I've been running for a day, you have a good rest, I'm going to see sister Lin."

Chen Xiao: "..."

Time flies, and before you know it, it's just one night.

In the morning of the next day, Jia Heng changed into a python suit under the service of mandarin ducks, and prepared to go to the residence of Princess Kuaiji's son-in-law.

The mandarin duck lowered its head, and hung a beautifully embroidered sachet on Jia Heng's waist, raised its white and greasy duck face, and asked, "Master, are you coming back at noon?"

Jia Heng gently stroked the girl's face, smiled and said, "Maybe I won't be back at noon, you and sister Lin don't have to wait for me."

Yuanyang responded with shy eyes and said softly: "Then I will talk to Miss Lin."

As Jia Heng said, he left the Lin residence under the guards of Jinyi Mansion.

Kuaiji consort mansion

In the back hall, an elegant and exquisite water pavilion is located by the lake. The breeze blows across the lake, causing circles and ripples on the water surface. On the turbulent lake surface, the fish charm moved slightly, and then the bamboo pole was lifted suddenly. A two-inch silver carp emerged from the water, its scales gleaming in the golden morning light.

With the joyful voice of a child clapping his hands, he said, "Grandpa, it's a silver carp."

Kuaiji Consort Guo Shaonian also got up from the rattan chair at this moment, the servants on the left and right hurried forward to take the silver carp and put it into the bucket.

This former salt transport envoy was in his early fifties, with gray hair, a clean and elegant face, thin eyebrows and phoenix eyes, and rosy cheeks. In terms of bearing and facial features, he was handsome and elegant when he was young. generation.

Beside the bucket is a five or six-year-old boy with braids, playing with silver carp beside the bucket.

"Grandpa, these fish are not big." The little boy reached into the bucket, grabbed the silver carp, and said with a smile.

"Grandpa will catch a big fish for you later." Guo Shaonian looked at the boy lovingly, said with a smile, then picked up a finger, hissed: "Slow down, don't scare the big fish away. "

The little boy hastily closed his mouth, his pupils like black grapes rolled up.

The quaint-faced housekeeper hung the bait on the side, and said softly: "Master, Uncle Yongning arrived in Gusu the day before yesterday, and he just met the governor Zhang Yongchuan yesterday, so I don't know what he said."

The smile on Guo Shaonian's face faded a little, he sighed, and said: "I think he should be here too, and I think he will come in these two days."

Some of the silver of the Salt Transportation Department was used by the emperor, and some was owed and embezzled by the salt merchants. He has account books for each transaction.

The steward lowered his voice and reminded: "Master, this Uncle Yongning came to Suzhou and said he came for Jiang Fang, but since I was a slave, I'm afraid he came here for the master."

Guo Shaonian looked indifferent, and said: "Since the palace wants to check those old accounts, you go and collect those account books in the bookcase, and when Yongning Bo comes, he can take them to check."

"Master, this..." The housekeeper frowned, with some disbelief in his eyes.

"I'm an old man, if it's really a thunderstorm, the left and the right will just die, it all depends on the meaning of that person in the palace." Guo Shaonian said.

Since King Yong planned to recover the remaining silver from the Salt Transport Department, he was not in a position to obstruct it. As for the future of the Guo family, after the emperor stopped caring about the affairs of foreign courts, King Yong had no choice but to think about it.

Hearing Guo Shaonian's words, the butler bowed his head in response, and then went to the secret room of the study to collect the account books.

And Guo Shaonian picked up the fishing rod and threw it towards the lake again. Following the ripples, he leaned back on the rattan chair and continued fishing.

It's just that not long after passing by, a servant came quickly along the stone path from Yuelianmen Cave, walked up to Guo Shaonian, and said, "Master, Uncle Yongning is here."

Guo Shaonian put down his fishing rod, took a handkerchief beside him and wiped his hands, looked at the servant serving beside him, and said, "Hold the young master."

"Yes, sir." The nanny said hastily.

As Guo Shaonian said, guided by his servants, he went to the flower hall in the front yard.

At this moment, Jia Heng had been seated in the flower hall for a while, looking at the layout of the Guo family's flower hall, the clean huanghuali wood, exquisite workmanship, very valuable at first glance, very rare.

As for Chen Xiao, for fear of being recognized by Guo Shaonian, she waited outside and did not follow in.

"Uncle Yongning came to visit the humble house, and the old man was disappointed to welcome him, but he still looked at Haihan." At this time, accompanied by a burst of angry voice, Kuaiji Consort Guo Shaonian entered the hall, and bowed to Jia Heng.

Jia Heng got up, returned a salute and said, "You are welcome, old gentleman."

Guo Shaonian is the captain-in-law, and now he has no official position, so it is difficult for him to address others, so he calls him Old Mister.

Guo Shaonian looked at the boy in the python suit opposite, and said with a smile: "Jiangnan people say that Uncle Yongning is eight feet long, has a handsome appearance, and has the demeanor of a gentle Marquis and Xueli. When I met him today, he is really more famous when we meet."

Jia Heng said: "Mr. Guo is polite."

He secretly thought, it is no wonder that Guo Shaonian will become a son-in-law, his appearance and demeanor are nothing to say, it is really hard to imagine that this is a salt transport envoy who helped Emperor Longzhi earn a lot of money.

(End of this chapter)