The Red Mansions

Chapter 889

Daming Palace, Inner Study Room

Emperor Chongping summoned Yao Yu, the servant of the Ministry of Rites, and was giving the opportunity face-to-face.

Following Qi Kunsheng's award of the Minister of the Household Department, anyone with a discerning eye can see that the emperor has begun to adjust the candidates for courtiers.

Emperor Chongping said: "In recent years, the Ministry of Officials has selected officials with multiple qualifications and backgrounds, not in terms of character and ability. What's more, it is based on differences in regions, but for self-interest and harming the community. Select officials and appoint people with four criteria and eight methods."

Yao Yu said: "I will live up to your Majesty's expectations."

Emperor Chongping said: "Dai Quan drafted an edict from the cabinet, and promoted Yao Yu, the left servant of the Ministry of Rites, to be the official secretary of the Ministry of rites. He is the left servant of the Ministry of Officials."

Dai Quan clapped his hands and walked quickly.

After several days of deliberation, Chongping Emperor Gan Gang arbitrarily began to transfer relevant officials.

"Your Majesty, there is an urgent report from Xining Mansion." Dai Quan delivered the memorial and said loudly.

Emperor Chongping paused slightly, his eyes flashed with doubts, and he asked, "What's the matter?"

Dai Quan handed over the memorial and said, "The king of Xining County is dead."

When Emperor Chongping heard the words, his complexion changed suddenly, and he said softly: "Is the king of Xining County dead?"

The face of Yao Yu standing below also changed slightly. The king of Xining County was in Xining to suppress Qinghai and other tribes such as Mobei Mongolia and various foreign states. Now that he is gone, is there still turmoil in the northwest?

Dai Quan hurriedly bowed forward, handed over the memorial in his hand, and said, "Your Majesty, this is the list left by the King of Xining County. Please read it, Your Majesty."

Emperor Chongping received the memorial, lowered his gaze, and read the words on it. After a while, he closed the memorial, with a face like black water, and said: "Xuan Yongning Hou has entered the palace, and another person will be sent to inform the Xining County Prince's Mansion."

In fact, the king of Xining County was old and had an old illness. He had made a petition before, but now he finally couldn't stand it for a long time and passed away in the winter of Chongping's 15th year.

Dai Quan said: "Your Majesty, the Prince's Mansion of Xining County has received bad news, and a spirit flag has been hung on the mansion."

Emperor Chongping put down the memorial and said nothing for a long time, with a sad face on his face, he said, "Dai Quan, you go to the Prince's Mansion of Xining County to offer my condolences on my behalf."

Dai Quan cupped his hands and said, "Your maid obeys the order."

At this moment, the Prince's Mansion of Xining County was full of cries, white flowers had been hung on the tung oil black wood plaque in front of the door, and white banners were set up everywhere in the mansion.

The four county kings in the Han Dynasty, east, west, north, south, and north, except Nan'an County King himself lived in the capital, the other several big county kings naturally had old houses in Shenjing, and even some clansmen stayed behind.

The king of Xining County will probably have to help the spirit to be buried in Shenjing, and then if the custom is followed, the son will inherit the title of the king of the county and go to Xining to sit in the town.

In the Prince's Mansion of Xining County, all kinds of white spiritual flags have been hung in the front hall and backyard, the hall has been arranged as a mourning hall, and tokens and sacrifices are placed on the high table.

Jin Xiaoyu, the prince's son of Xining County, dressed in hemp and filial piety, knelt on the cold floor paved with blue bricks, crying loudly in front of the spirit tablet.

"Father, father..."

And some other clansmen also knelt in the hall, weeping towards the spirit tablet on the table case.

"Dongping County Prince's Mansion, Li Guo Gong Mansion, Qi Guo Gong Mansion, Zhi Guo Gong Mansion, come to offer condolences." At this time, a housekeeper said loudly from outside.

It is clear that the four kings and eight princes and other nobles have come to pay homage.

Compared with the gloomy cloud of the Prince of Xining, the hall of the Qin residence was full of laughter and laughter.

Qin Ye entertained Jia Heng and Qin Keqing, who were visiting, and they talked through a lacquered wooden table while the tea was steaming.

Qin Ye looked at the young man with great emotion in his old eyes, and said with a smile: "Zi Yu was at the court meeting earlier, but I was worried."

The young man in front of him is now a first-class marquis, and Keqing is now Madam Hou.

Jia Heng said: "The court dispute is not once or twice, and the ups and downs of the officialdom are just ordinary things."

Qin Ye said: "I have rarely seen such a big battle before."

His son-in-law is really a dragon and a phoenix among men, which is rare in the world.

Not far away, Qin Zhong also looked at the young man with some reverence on his face, holding a book of Three Kingdoms in his hand.

Jia Heng asked: "Father-in-law, how is the coal mining in Henan?"

Qin Ye explained: "Now the mining is carried out by the Ministry of Industry with the cooperation of the local government. It recruits Ding Fu to mine the mine. At present, the coal is given priority to the palace, and the remaining coal mines are collected by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Sell ​​to Huguang, Jiangsu and Zhejiang to earn profit."

Jia Heng asked: "What about Beijing? People in Beijing usually use coal for cooking, right?"

In fact, even in later generations, not all people can use gas for cooking. In the vast rural areas, this condition does not exist, otherwise the cost of living will increase sharply.

Therefore, we still have to come up with a steam engine, but unfortunately this thing is not a problem of destroying the style of painting, the key is that he does not know it, and it will take a long time.

But he probably knows the principle.

Qin Ye pondered for a moment, and said: "It is not easy to live in Beijing. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the land in Guanzhong has gradually become barren. The government does not allow people to enter the Qinling Mountains to collect firewood. , the price was so high that it was difficult for the common people to afford it, and then it was gradually relaxed, and now the homes of wealthy businessmen use charcoal for cooking, while the homes of ordinary people still use firewood for cooking and heating."

The use of coal in China can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. Except for the royal family and dignitaries who used charcoal, many officials used high-quality anthracite.

Jia Heng nodded, and said softly: "Nowadays a lot of coal has become cheap, if it is used by the common people, it will also benefit the country and the people."

In fact, compared with the military and official system, the stories of emperors, generals, talented scholars and beautiful women, the basic necessities of ordinary people are the daily life of most ancestors.

As can be seen in some old photos from the Qing Dynasty and some documentaries made by foreigners, the surroundings of the city are bare and gray, without a single tree.

If you don't let the people cut down, you are the king of Jie and Zhou, but let the people take the gifts of rivers, lakes and mountains, this is the act of Emperor Wen's benevolence and love for the people.

Qin Ye said: "Firstly, the mining cost is not low, and secondly, the coal reserves are not high."

Jia Heng nodded and said: "The problem of mining cost can be solved by increasing the output, and the price will gradually drop, step by step."

This is a systematic project, and compared with military affairs and political disputes, it is undoubtedly a bit trivial and boring.

Qin Ye said: "This matter was not accomplished in a day, and now the Ministry of Industry can only figure it out slowly."

Jia Heng turned to say: "Father-in-law, the Ministry of Industry can sell the mined coal to ordinary merchants, and everyone can buy and sell it for profit with a ticket, and the price is cheaper."

The newly established Coal Department is more of a department for organizing production, and the sales at downstream terminals are still completed by merchants.

And his purpose is not only to benefit the common people, but also to cultivate a group of interest communities, otherwise the Beijing camp will be nothing more than an edict to relieve his military power.

Otherwise, the so-called power is rootless duckweed.

Qin Ye said: "You can try this method, but you need to discuss it with Zhao Shangshu and the eldest princess of the House of Internal Affairs."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "That's natural."

Qin Keqing picked up the teacup, took a sip, and glanced at Jia Heng with her charming eyes.

At this moment, a nun entered the hall and said in a low voice: "Master, Uncle, someone came from Ningguo Mansion and summoned Uncle to go back, saying that a father-in-law was sent by the palace to call Uncle back."

Jia Heng's face froze for a moment, then turned to look at Qin Ye, and said, "Father-in-law, the saint has a call, and I'm going to the palace to face the saint."

Qin Ye said with a smile: "Miansheng is urgent, let's go quickly."

With Jia Heng's family members, he naturally wouldn't think it was a bad thing.

Qin Keqing got up, looked at the young man with beautiful eyes like water, and called softly: "Husband."

Jia Heng also had some apology on his face, and smiled and said: "I didn't expect the majesty in the palace to summon me. I'll come back after I have a question. Why don't you stay here for one night today?"

Said, said goodbye to Qin Keqing, then went straight out of the Qin residence, asked the young man who came to report the news, his face was startled, and he whispered: "Is the king of Xining County dead?"

Jia Heng suppressed the surprise in his heart, rode on the steed, whipped the horse and went to the palace with white walls and black tiles.

At this moment, Daming Palace, inner study
Emperor Chongping summoned all the cabinet ministers to discuss the death of Xining County King.

The king of Xining County passed away, and the court had to discuss matters such as bestowing posthumous titles and his son's lordship, as well as the stability of who would take over the northwest border.

The second assistant of the cabinet, Han Huang, showed no expression on his fair face, and cupped his hands and said: "My lord, I think that the king of Xining County has spent many years guarding the border in Qinghai, and he has made great achievements. I think that I should give him a posthumous posthumous title to honor his meritorious deeds."

Zhao Mo, Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, after the Xining County King, the hearts of the Hu Fans in Qinghai are not stable. I ask you to choose good ministers to guard."

If it wasn't for the marquis of Yongning who had to deal with the captives, and sent him to Xining to guard, the court would have avoided a lot of trouble.

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, and said: "The foreign states in Qinghai have not caused chaos for many years, and the son of the prince of Xining County is still in Beijing. How about guarding Xining with his title of successor?"

These are the four major county kings in the Han, southeast, northwest, and many forces are intertwined. Although Emperor Chongping had long wanted to take over the military power in the northwest, the Jin family had cultivated Xining for many years and established a strong influence. Many generals were promoted by generations of Xining county kings, and even Married to the king of Xining County, for example, Hu Jia, the general soldier of Ningxia, is the son-in-law of the king of Xining County.

It has gradually become a trend that cannot be lost.

If you change the guarding general rashly, I'm afraid it will cause instability in the northwest.

Now is the key to the battle with the captives in the north, so these naturally have to be put aside.

Therefore, even if Emperor Chongping wanted to replace the Jin family, he still had to immediately say that he would let Jin Xiaoyu go back.

Han Huang's face was indifferent, sensing the emperor's intentions, he cupped his hands and said, "My minister thought that Jin Xiaoyu, the son of the county prince, would take over the post of guard envoy of Xining."

After Yang Guochang resigned from office and went back to seclusion, the chief assistant of the cabinet has been vacant so far. In the past few days, the censors have made suggestions that they should choose talented and upright ministers as the first assistant to assist Yin and Yang.

But Emperor Chongping was calm. After appointing Qi Kun as Minister of the Ministry of Households, he did not mention who the chief assistant preferred. Before Han Huang was changed to be the head of the Ministry of Rites, the first boot finally fell to the ground.

Dai Quan said: "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Yongning handed over a sign asking to see His Majesty."

Emperor Chongping's expression softened a little, and he said hastily, "Xuan."

Not long after, several cabinet ministers in the inner study saw a young man with a tall and straight figure and an imposing appearance walking in.

He was wearing an exquisite python suit cut from black and red fabric, and the pattern of python patterns was exquisitely embroidered. As he walked quickly, majestic, he strode into the main hall, came to the imperial front, pushed the golden mountain and inverted the jade pillar, and said in a loud voice : "My minister has seen the Holy Majesty, long live long live long live long live."

All the ministers in the palace trembled.

It's not just Jia Heng's youth, but also his imposing aura, which looks even more majestic and extraordinary after being named a first-class Marquis.

Coupled with the black and red running python suit lined with white, it outlines the slender and straight figure like a sword to the extreme.

Emperor Chongping's face paused slightly, his eyes were gentle, and he said, "Please get up, Ziyu."

Jia Heng said, and stood up with a respectful expression.

Emperor Chongping looked at the boy coldly and softly, and said, "Ziyu, the king of Xining County passed away due to a relapse of an old illness. Ziyu thought that the defense of the northwest region needed to be readjusted."

Originally, winter was difficult for the old man. The king of Xining County was in the bitter cold area in the northwest, and his old illness had relapsed, so he didn't survive it.

Jia Heng said softly: "I think it will not affect the affairs of Liaodong for the time being. The distance between the two places is far away, and the northwestern tribes are gradually becoming less and less prosperous. Now, I, a big man, should first relieve the threat of Jurchen."

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, and said with emotion: "I and Zhuqing also mean the same thing. I only regret that once the king of Xining County is gone, my great man loses another minister of the kingdom."

Jia Heng's face was like dark water, his eyes flickered, and his thoughts were inexplicable.

In fact, the four kings of the four counties are already on the verge of becoming irreversible.

Emperor Chongping was silent for a while, looked at Han Huang, and said: "Han Qing, the cabinet and the Imperial Academy agreed on the posthumous title, and Jin Xiaoyu, the son of the prince of Xining County, will inherit the legacy of the king of Xining County and go to Xining to attend the funeral and help the spirit. To express my condolences."

Han Huang's face was changed, his voice was solemn, and he cupped his hands and said, "I obey the order."

With that said, he left the inner study with several cabinet ministers.

After several cabinet ministers left, Emperor Chongping turned to look at Jia Heng and asked, "Zi Yu has been training in the Beijing camp recently?"

Jia Heng said: "Returning to the Holy Lord, the soldiers of the Beijing camp are on standby, actively preparing for battle."

Emperor Chongping nodded, and said softly: "Just came back, I should rest for a few more days, don't be in a hurry."

Jia Heng said: "Returning to the Holy Lord, you will raise troops for a thousand days and use them for a while. Now that there are undercurrents of enemies in the north, I can only make more preparations."

"It's rare for you to be so worried about state affairs." Emperor Chongping thought for a while, and his eyes filled with satisfaction.

He has noticed the humble and prudent performance of the young man in front of him in the past few days. Regarding the changes in the cabinet and courtiers of the court, he hid in the capital camp and devoted himself to training soldiers. This is the duty of martial arts.

Although he still had friendship with Han Hui, the son of Han Huang, but now he parted ways with the Zhejiang Party, you can get a glimpse of the dispute between Jiangnan and Shen Fang and others.

Emperor Chongping said: "Wait a while, let's have lunch together and talk to me about side matters."

Jia Heng bowed his head in response, and then followed Emperor Chongping towards the harem.

Kunning Palace

Near noon, the palace was full of pearls and jade, and several beauties in gorgeous clothes were sitting on an arhat bed.

Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong sat side by side, while Guiren Zhou and Guiren Wu sat on the embroidered pier beside them, laughing and talking with the concubine.

Princess Xianning and Li Chanyue were also on the side, sitting down, one was wearing a blue jacket and the other was a pink dress, one had a cool and elegant demeanor, the other was childish and cute.

Princess Xianning is still not tied into a woman's bun, but is still dressed as a girl who has not yet come out of the court. The curved willow eyebrows under the air bangs are still small flat eyebrows, and the clear eyes with tear moles are full of seductive and beautiful charm. Slightly dissipated, some people overflowed with a charming breath of spring flowers.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty and the Marquis of Yongning are here." The inner eunuch entered the hall and cupped his hands towards Empress Song and Concubine Duanrong.

Empress Song's beautiful and heavenly lotus face, with a rippling smile, said in a soft voice, "Sister, Your Majesty and Ziyu are here."

Concubine Duanrong said softly: "In the past few days, I heard His Majesty said that he was training soldiers in the Beijing camp. It's hard for him to be so obsessed with military affairs just after he came back."

I don't know if she is supercilious, but I always feel that in the past few days, my daughter's childish eyebrows and eyes have a little bit of a charming spring charm that is not a boudoir girl, and I don't know what tricks the two of them have made.

At this time, Princess Xianning's beautiful and clear face was also covered with a layer of joy, she took Li Chanyue's hand and looked towards the entrance of the palace.

I haven't seen Jia Heng in the past few days, the girl went to the Beijing camp to look for it, but Jia Heng sent someone to say that she would stay alone in the Beijing camp for a few days, so Princess Xianning stopped clinging to Jia Heng.

It's just that there is no secret resentment in Fangxin's heart. She is a bride for the first time, so the husband should spend more time with her.

While the few people were talking, Emperor Chongping entered the hall, and half a step behind him was the young man in python that Xiao Xuan raised.

The young man was wearing a cloak, with the Son of Heaven sword on his waist, guarding Emperor Chongping.

"Your Majesty." Empress Song's beautiful eyes were condensed, she blinked lightly, and looked at Emperor Chongping with a sweet smile.

Emperor Chongping didn't have many smile lines on his face, and said softly: "Zitong, prepare lunch, Ziyu and I will eat some together."

The smile on Empress Song's beautiful jade face was still as bright as a crabapple flower, and she said: "The concubine is just saying to send someone to call for His Majesty."

Emperor Chongping nodded, but said in a low voice: "There is news from Xining Mansion that the king of Xining County is dead."

The smile on Empress Song's face faded slightly, and she said in shock, "Your Majesty, Prince of Xining...why is it so sudden?"

Emperor Chongping sighed, and said: "The Prince of Xining County is also old. He had an old illness in his body, and he was neglected by me a few months ago. This winter is hard."

Empress Song comforted, "My condolences to Your Majesty."

At that time, the king of Xining County was not a die-hard supporter of Emperor Chongping, but had an inseparable relationship with King Zhou, almost a life-and-death friend.

Emperor Chongping waved his hand, sat down, and said: "I have sent Dai Quan to the Jin Mansion to pay homage to him for seven days to express his condolences."

Because the coffin of Xining County King was not in the capital, Emperor Chongping did not go to Xining County King's Mansion in person.

Empress Song thought for a while, pursed her pink lips, and said softly: "The concubine sent the female officer to condolences to the female family members of the Prince's Mansion in Xining County."

Emperor Chongping nodded, then looked at the two concubines Wu Guiren and Zhou Guiren, and asked, "Why are you here?"

Guiren Wu hurriedly bowed, and said timidly and softly: "The concubine has seen Your Majesty."

Seeing Emperor Chongping's surprise, Empress Song explained softly: "These palace people have been at home for a long time, their flesh and blood are separated, and it is difficult to get together with each other. The concubine is thinking whether to let Guining visit relatives and visit his family?"

In fact, she also wanted to go back to Jinling to see her family, but the queen is the lord of the six palaces, so she can't leave the palace easily.

Emperor Chongping thought for a while, and said softly: "I will give the imperial concubines an order to build a house for visiting relatives."

There is a strict and complete etiquette system for concubines going out of the palace to visit relatives, and they will not stay overnight in the mansion. This is the method of the Tian family to prevent some palace scandals.

Wu Guiren and Zhou Guiren kowtowed to thank Shengen one after another, and then left.

Jia Heng glanced at the two concubines, Zhou and Wu, with emotion in his heart.

If he hadn't brought Yuan Chun out at the beginning, I'm afraid Yuan Chun would also be the one to visit his relatives, and by then...

Thinking of Yuan Chun's tenderness and softness that almost enveloped her, as well as that gentle temperament like water, there is also a little bit of yearning in my heart.

(End of this chapter)