The Red Mansions

Chapter 910 Jia Heng: Sister-in-law might throw a banquet for him again...

Li's house, in the flower hall

It was different from the time in Jinling, because after returning to Beijing, he had a close relationship with Li Wan by accident, so it was inevitable that he felt a little close to the Li family.

"Jiahou."

Just when Jia Heng couldn't help thinking about the tenderness and crying of the young woman in Huaxin again, a hearty voice came from outside the hall. Jia Heng followed the sound and saw an old man in a blue uniform Accompanied by a young man, he entered the room with a refined demeanor and a handsome appearance, with three gray and white beards growing under his chin.

Jia Heng stood up, cupped his hands and said, "Shi Bo, long time no see."

Li Shouzhong looked at the tall and straight young man with a smile, and said, "Zi Yu, I haven't seen you for a while, Zi Yu is now a first-class Marquis."

The last time I saw him, the young man in front of me was still a first-class earl, but now he is a first-class marquis. The speed at which he was promoted to a noble by such military exploits is really amazing.

Jia Heng said: "It's all about the great grace of the emperor."

Li Shouzhong looked at the young man with a little emotion in his eyes. It is really rare to be so calm and not arrogant at such a young age.

No wonder it is very rare for the younger generation to be able to be the head of the prime minister and plan state affairs.

The two parties exchanged pleasantries, and under the guidance of Li Shouzhong, Jia Heng followed Li Shouzhong to the spacious and elegant study to talk. Li Xu served tea and then stood with hands down.

Jia Heng glanced at Li Xu, turned to look at Li Shouzhong, and said softly, "Shi Bo, Jiangnan is now divided into two provinces for the sake of peace and order. Shi Bo should have seen all the edicts and official documents."

Li Shouzhong nodded and said, "Anqing, Huizhou, Chizhou, Taiping, and Ningguo, these prefectures are independently established as a province, and it is also a good thing to have three divisions governing them."

Jia Heng didn't play around, and said softly: "Now that the new province is established, the imperial court has selected the governor to take the post of Fang Bo, and raise Yuan Yuan on behalf of the emperor. important job?"

Li Shouzhong pondered for a moment, then said: "This...the selection of officials and personnel by the imperial court is jointly discussed by the cabinet. Ziyu has the right to recommend officials from Anhui Province?"

Jia Hengdao: "The holy decree entrusts me with the power to depose officials, select talents, and save officials and officials. I think that the ancients have a saying that one should not avoid relatives when one is promoted. No one in the south of the Yangtze River knows about his name, but in order not to leave any sages in the wild, he intends to recommend him as the governor, and guard the place on behalf of Tianmu, is Shi Bo interested?"

Li Shouzhong's previous official position was the fourth-rank Guozijian Jijiu, and although the governor was from the second-rank, it seemed that he had jumped several levels, and he was suspected of being promoted, but in fact he was not.

Because Qingliu's promotion has always been different, especially the position of offering sacrifices to wine in Guozijian, which is very noble.

For example, the fourth-rank Guozijian Jijiu can be promoted to the right and left deputy capital censor, and it is quite appropriate to be the governor of a province with the capital censor.

As soon as this remark came out, Li Shouzhong fell silent for a while, as if he was seriously thinking about the pros and cons of governor of a province.

On the other hand, Li Xu couldn't hide his joy on his face, and his heart was agitated.

Li Shouzhong had been idle at home for several years, and it was very difficult for Li Xuren to be admitted in a place like Jiangnan where there are many cultures.

Li Shouzhong sighed and said: "I do have the ambition to serve as an official and benefit the local area, but in the land of two rivers, there are countless capable ministers and officials like crucian carp crossing the river. My talent is far behind."

Jia Heng said: "Your uncle should not underestimate yourself. He has kept filial piety for his mother for three years. The reputation of filial piety and virtuousness has already been spread all over the south of the Yangtze River. What's more, Shibo previously served as the Imperial Academy to sacrifice wine. The garden full of peaches and plums is also quite popular in the south of the Yangtze River. It's just right."

Compared with when Shi Ding was the governor of Henan, he also said that "the Henan incident has just ended, and a military guard is urgently needed to deal with the changing situation".

In the south of the Yangtze River, the reputation of Li Shouzhong, a famous eunuch in Jinling, plays a decisive role, so the resistance will not be too great, and the position is relatively suitable, but if no one recommends him, he will probably not be considered by Han and Zhao in the cabinet.

At the level of governor, apart from Jane being in the heart of the emperor, he had to find political resources, and someone from above had to grab them.

Li Shouzhong said with emotion: "It is of great importance to guard a province."

Jia Heng looked at the emotional Li Shouzhong, knowing that his heart had already moved.

No one can resist the temptation of the governor of a province and the big officials in frontiers. This is the rank of high-ranking officials of the Han Dynasty.

This is not a question of being lofty or not, but a question of whether political ideals can be realized.

Jia Heng complimented and said: "It is a blessing to raise millions of Li people in Anhui with Shibo's virtuous, straight and talent, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment for the country and society."

Li Shouzhong said solemnly: "It's just doing our duty for the country."

Jia Heng said: "Uncle Shi, in order to avoid controversy in the future recommendation, I will inspect the two of them again to make up for each other."

Compared with Li Shouzhong's reputation and qualifications, there is no suitable candidate among the two rivers.

"It's natural. The country's famous treasures should be judged by the virtuous and foolish. How can they be passed on privately?" Li Shouzhong nodded.

Jia Heng paused for a moment, and said, "Uncle, that's the first thing to do, I'll go back and check the resumes of Jiangnan officials."

In addition, he did not have a letter from Li Wan in his hand, and he had never seen Li Wan since that night.

Well, after returning home, Mrs. Wan may have another banquet in honor of him.

So is he going or not?

At this time, he couldn't help but think of the joyful, relief-like crying, and the meekness and gentleness at his mercy, which surged up in his heart again like a magical power.

Sister-in-law Wan has had a bit of a hard time these years, otherwise she wouldn't have used her alcoholism... To a certain extent, it can be regarded as a testimony to the original work in which she touched the key around Ping'er's waist while drinking, and the woman who lived outside Daoxiang Village. Fire-breathing red apricot.

Jia Heng quickly dispelled some trivial thoughts from his mind.

Li Shouzhong nodded and said, "Then Ziyu is busy, so I won't keep Ziyu."

The matter was settled in this way, and then Li Shouzhong and Li Xu sent Jia Heng to Yimen, and then returned to the hall.

Without further words, Jia Heng bid farewell to Li Shouzhong and returned to Ningguo Mansion under the guard of Jinyi Mansion.

After watching Jia Heng leave surrounded by guards in brocade clothes wearing flying fish suits and embroidered spring knives, Li Xu's eyes were filled with envy and emotion, and he said in a low voice, "Father, I have already left."

Li Shouzhong also withdrew his complicated eyes, glared at his son, and shouted: "Father, don't you know that you have already left, and you still don't go back to study hard. You have passed the imperial examination, and you have passed the imperial examination. You didn't even pass the examination. You've lost all your face."

Not to mention that Zi Yu was not as weak as the crown, and became an important minister in the court. At least he was a Jinshi at the age of 20, which is not too much.

Li Xu quickly lowered his head, held back the smile that gradually rose from the corner of his mouth, bowed his hands in a salute, and turned around.

He knew that his father was happy today, that he would be able to realize his political ambitions better than being in the Guozijian, and he would not be able to join the cabinet in the future.

Joining the cabinet and assisting the king is the ultimate ideal of literati in this era.

Just like that, the sun rose and the moon set, time passed, and two days passed without knowing it.

During these two days, Jia Heng mainly looked through the resume books of Jiangnan officials, and then conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the officials who were suitable for transfer together with officials from the Department of Examination and Selection of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in Nanjing, as well as the inspectors from the Jinyi Mansion. .

In two or three days, I had a preliminary understanding of the Nanjing Six Ministries and Jiangnan officials.

Officials from the Six Departments of Nanjing who are suitable for transfer, including some Lang Zhong and Yuan Wai Lang, some officials at the rank of Minister of Ministers have the idea of ​​governor, but they don't know the way. Only Jia Heng's strong recommendation can make things happen, so he gave up this idea early.

Just like that, it was time to have dinner as agreed with Jiangnan governor Zhang Yongchuan.

Jia Heng changed into a green shirt and brocade robe, and was about to leave the Ningguo Mansion, when suddenly a young man in a bunt outside said: "Your Majesty, Xu Shikui, Jiang Zuo's chief envoy, is asking to see You Ye outside."

Jia Heng was stunned when he heard the words, and said: "Let him wait in the front hall, Ben Hou will pass right away."

This Xu Shikui, if he remembers correctly, is someone who was entrained by Shen Fang, Governor of Liangjiang.

This is impatient?If Shen Fang found him, did he bring a gun to shoot?

Jia Heng received Xu Shikui, Jiang Zuo's chief envoy, in the hall.

"Your Majesty has seen Lord Hou." When Xu Shikui saw Jia Heng, he quickly took a few steps and respectfully saluted him.

Jia Heng stretched out his hand to support her, and said, "Master Xu, why did you come here in such a hurry?"

Xu Shikui said: "Master Hou, this official is here to tell you about the income and expenditure of Jiangzuo Chief Secretary in recent years, so that Lord Hou can inquire about it."

Jia Heng's face was light, and he said: "Master Xu, there is no need to be so troublesome. I remember that a few days ago when I asked Mr. Shen at the Governor's Yamen of Liangjiang, Mr. Shen mentioned that the corresponding Dingkou household registration book has been brought over, and the experience department is now Organize the manpower summary book."

"Master Hou, you may not know the details of the situation on the record of the secretary." Xu Shikui said.

Now he doesn't even think about whether he can take over as governor smoothly, but whether he can keep his current position as governor, his heart is pounding.

For example, the master of Taiwan, but because of the guilt of being dismissed and retained, he dare not say more about the division of Jiangnan provinces.

Jia Heng looked at Xu Shikui who had a smile on his face, thought for a while, and said, "Since Mr. Xu has a sense of elegance, you might as well talk about the taxes, money and food that Jiang Zuo's chief envoy has paid for these years."

It is true that Jiangzuo chief envoy cannot be promoted to Anhui smoothly, otherwise the significance of Anhui's separation from Jiangnan Province will be weakened, but it does not mean that Xu Shikui cannot be transferred elsewhere.

And all of this is in his commentary.

Xu Shikui then babbled, not to mention, this chubby-cheeked Xu Buzheng did not know whether it was because of his strong professional ability, or because he had done a lot of homework, and everything was detailed.

Jia Heng listened to Xu Shikui's introduction, nodded, and said, "Is Mr. Xu the third rank, or the second rank?"

In the Han Dynasty, the political envoys started from the second rank, almost at the same level as the governor. However, since the founding of the country for a hundred years, with the governor as the central imperial envoy, holding the banner of the king's orders, his authority has gradually increased, and he has the power of impeachment and investigation. Wear half a frame.

Xu Shikui said: "The lower officials are from the second rank, and the two rivers are no different. There are left and right governors, the left governor is from the second rank, and the right governor is from the third rank, and they are under the governor of Jiangnan."

This is his advantage, whether it is the governor or the chief envoy of Anhui, the position should be his.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment, then said: "Then Mr. Xu should be transferred to Mo Kan."

When Xu Shikui heard this, his heart moved slightly. Could this be implying that he could be recommended as governor?
But what does he need to pay?
Jia Heng didn't continue talking, but glanced at the sky outside, and said: "Master Xu, it's getting late, if you have nothing to do, go back first, the Marquis has something to do later."

When Xu Shikui heard this, the smile on his face froze for a moment, he was really not sure what the young Marquis Wu was thinking, but when he saw the young man serving tea to the guests, he had no choice but to say goodbye.

Jia Heng put down the teacup, looked calm, shook his head secretly, then ordered his servants to prepare chariots and horses, and went to the Spring Breeze Restaurant agreed with Jiangnan Governor Zhang Yongchuan.

But Xu Shikui sat on a sedan chair carried by four people, but stopped at the corner of the street. After a while, he heard the servant come hurriedly and said in a low voice: "My lord, Marquis Yongning has gone to the Spring Breeze Restaurant."

Hearing this, Xu Shikui's eyes turned dark and mysterious, without even thinking about it, he ordered the servant: "Send someone to the Spring Breeze Restaurant to watch and see who the Marquis of Yongning has seen."

The servant looked distressed, and said: "My lord, the Marquis of Yongning is the governor of Jinyi, if he notices it, my little one..."

Xu Shikui's complexion changed when he heard this, he waved his hands and said, "No need to go."

Even if he knew who the Marquis of Yongning was seeing, he couldn't change anything, instead it was self-defeating.

Spring Breeze Restaurant, [-]nd Floor

Jiangnan governor Zhang Yongchuan led Jia Heng to the box, smiled and said: "Jia Hou, please take a seat."

Jia Heng sat down, looked at Zhang Yongchuan opposite, and asked, "Zhang Futai is here alone?"

He originally thought that Zhang Yongchuan would bring Gan Yuanqin over, but he didn't expect that Zhang Yongchuan would come alone, he obviously had other plans.

The two sat down, and the attendant brought by Zhang Yongchuan poured wine for them, then left the box, and stood outside waiting for each other.

Zhang Yongchuan looked at the young man opposite, and said with a smile: "Jia Hou, the chef of this restaurant used to be the royal chef in the early years, and the dishes he made are unique in the entire Jinling City. You can try this dish, Lord Hou."

Jia Heng put down the wine cup, looked at Zhang Yongchuan on the opposite side with serious eyes, and said, "If you have anything to say about Zhang Futai, why not speak up?"

These old bureaucrats don't speak directly, and often go around in circles to prevent being caught.

Zhang Yongchuan said with a smile: "Jia Hou is safe and don't be impatient."

Jia Heng raised the wine cup and took a sip, noncommittal.

Zhang Yongchuan observed the young man's expression, considered his words, and said: "When the Jiangnan camp was being rectified, the lower officials heard that the master of Taiwan and the fourth master of the Zhen family had rebuilt the navy, while Jia Hou had already had a lot of troubles in his chest. .”

Jia Heng raised his eyes from the wine cup where he was drinking with his head down, looked deeply at Zhang Yongchuan, and said softly: "This is indeed an old thing, but after the great victory in Haimen, Shen Zhitai was ordered to be accused by the court and dismissed from office." Keep it, this matter has already been opened."

Sure enough, where there are people, there are rivers and lakes. Zhang Yongchuan clearly pointed the finger at his immediate boss, Shen Fang.

In fact, it is not surprising that the next stop of many Jiangnan governors is either to become a minister in the Ministry, or to be promoted to the governor of Liangjiang, and then to enter the cabinet. Han Huang is like this. If Emperor Chongping did not deliberately suppress Shen Fang, he would have already reached the period of entering the cabinet. .

Of course, after this dismissal and retention, the matter of joining the cabinet was postponed again. In fact, it is not without mistakes that they entered the cabinet.

Jia Heng looked aggressively at Zhang Yongchuan, and said in a deep voice, "What does Zhang Futai mean? Is this trying to provoke the relationship between Benhou and Shen Jiefu?"

Zhang Yongchuan said hastily: "I don't dare, I just feel that the state affairs are harmed because of personal disputes, and I don't like it."

Just like this, in the atmosphere of gradually suppressed silence, Jia Heng smiled to himself, and said: "Actually, Ben Hou is also puzzled. Shen Jiefu and Ben Hou don't have much contact with each other, but I don't know where this personal enmity started?"

In fact, he knew it well, and this only prompted Zhang Yongchuan to show more sincerity, and he couldn't just fight here.

In fact, if he wanted to bring down Shen Fang, he couldn't take action directly, otherwise Han and Zhao in the cabinet would definitely end, and it was normal for the internal factions in the Jiangnan officialdom to update and iterate.

"Master Hou didn't know something. When Lord Hou was stationed in Huai'an to rectify the river affairs, Gao Bin, the former governor of the river, was Mr. Shen's brother-in-law. He committed suicide because of corruption and dereliction of duty. It may be because of this incident that he hated Hou. Lord?" Zhang Yongchuan said in a low voice.

Jia Heng said: "At that time, there was a natural disaster, the flood broke the embankment, and the people suffered a lot. Even if there is no real lord, the imperial court will send important officials to investigate. What does Gao Bin commit suicide in fear of crime and this lord has nothing to do with it?"

Zhang Yongchuan stared deeply, and said with a smile: "But some people don't think so."

Jia Heng said: "Forget it, these quarrels, the Marquis is dedicated to the public, and I don't care about villains' criticisms. Right and wrong are clear. The emperor's holy eyes are like torches, and the candles illuminate thousands of miles. Demons and ghosts, there should be nowhere to hide!"

"Master Hou didn't know something. At that time, Lord Hou was in Jinling City waiting coldly for a chance to fight. At that time, the Yamen of the governors of the two rivers secretly connected with each other." Zhang Yongchuan looked at the young man who threw the ground, his mind moved slightly, he gritted his teeth secretly, and then Throw a chip.

Today's event is a bet.

Jia Heng turned to look at Zhang Yongchuan, with some scrutiny in his eyes, he looked at the latter a little uncomfortable, and said: "Zhang Futai is well-informed."

In fact, at this moment, there is already a hint of a villain plotting to kill people. If it is in a TV series, what he has taken is a proper villain script.

Just when Zhang Yongchuan was feeling uneasy, Jia Heng said: "This time the Marquis is going south, the main reason is to prepare for the division of provinces in the south of the Yangtze River. This is the imperial court's major plan for the country, and Governor Zhang is good to do it himself."

He will not intervene in any matter. This is a struggle within the Zhejiang Party faction, and he will push it at the right time.

Zhang Yongchuan smiled and said, "Your official understands."

As he spoke, he raised his wine cup and respected each other: "Your Majesty, I would like to offer a cup to Lord Hou."

So far, so far, no further discussion.

Jia Heng raised the wine cup and clinked a glass with Zhang Yongchuan, looked at him, but there was some understanding in his heart.

The land in the south of the Yangtze River is more complicated than he imagined. In fact, it can be seen from the differences between Han Huang and Zhao Mo on major issues at the beginning that no one is a follower who follows suit, but that the overall direction of interests is convergent. And act in unison.

As for Zhang Yongchuan, he obviously wanted to jump in line after seeing Shen Fang dismissed and retained.

Jia Heng took a sip of wine, and this time he and Zhang Yongchuan did not talk about the court situation, but casually mentioned the 48 scenes of Jinling.

Just like that, after a banquet, Jia Heng returned to Ningguo Mansion when the night came to You.

Ningguo Mansion

In the back house, a cluster of candles were lit on the candlesticks in the inner hall. After hearing the movement in the front yard, Yuan Chun took Shui Xin's hand and approached slowly, worried: "Brother Heng, are you back? Go out to drink gone?"

Jia Heng looked at the plump and soft beauty under the orange light, and said with a light smile, "Have a couple of drinks, Big Sister, have you had dinner yet?"

If it wasn't for Xin Xin watching from the side, he would have wanted to hug Yuan Chun, the softness like a cotton ball is hard for ordinary people to match.

Yuan Chun's beautiful eyes were as bright as water, when he saw a young man, his cheeks were slightly red, his eyes were clear, and his feet didn't falter, and he said softly: "I haven't eaten yet, I'm waiting for Brother Heng."

Shui Xin took her white and greasy little hand and fanned it under her nose, and said softly, "Daddy, why are you drinking again?"

Although he said so, he still ran over and took Jia Heng's hand, wanting to hug him.

Jia Heng squatted down, hugged the soft and cute little loli, kissed the plump and pink face, smiled lightly and said, "Xinxin, I'll take a bath later."

"Daddy, I want to take a bath too, let's take a bath together." Shui Xin said in a waxy voice with her arms around Jia Heng's neck.

Jia Heng: "..."

"Xin Xin is a big girl, I really don't feel ashamed, and I want to take a bath with Daddy." Jia Heng rubbed Xin Xin's pink and fair face, and said with a light smile.

He doesn't have any special hobbies, and the little girl is just being intimate with him.

Jia Heng quarreled with Xin Xin for a while, then turned to look at Yuan Chun, and said, "Elder Sister, are you okay this afternoon?"

Yuan Chun called the maid to prepare hot water, handed over a cup of tea, and said softly: "Today, His Highness sent someone over to ask when you have time to go?"

Although the eldest princess of Jinyang is pregnant, she calls Jia Heng for something, mainly because of her attachment during pregnancy.

Jia Heng thought for a while and said, "Then I'll go to the house tomorrow to have a look."

"Brother Heng, tomorrow is Xiaonian." Yuan Chun reminded.

Jia Heng smiled and said: "Xiao Nian? If you don't say it, I almost forgot. Let's go to the Princess's Mansion tomorrow. I'm still busy these days. Try to confirm some government officials before the year."

As for the battle between Shen Fang and Zhang Yongchuan, he watched from the other side.

Shui Xin said: "Father, when will mother and aunt come over? Let's spend the new year together."

Jia Heng laughed lightly and said, "Tomorrow morning I will send someone to invite you. When it gets dark, Daddy will go to your Jinyang aunt's place."

He would accompany Jinyang at night, Mopan and Xueer in the morning and before afternoon.

Shui Xin pouted, hugged Jia Heng and said, "Daddy, can't our family of three live a happy new year?"

Even though Yuan Chun had long been used to Xinxin's surprising words, upon hearing the words, Fang's heart would inevitably feel strange.

This girl, a child is not very old, and she speaks adult words every day.

And at this moment, the servant girl announced: "The hot water is ready."

Jia Heng turned to look at Yuan Chun, smiled, and said softly: "Big sister handed Xin Xin to Bao Qin, I have something to say to you."

Yuan Chun met those fiery eyes, her plump cheeks were blushing like a peach blossom under the orange light, and she gave a soft "hmm".

Brother Heng likes to play around these two days, and he is not afraid of catching cold. Fortunately, she has a lot of firepower, and there are charcoal stoves burning in the house to keep warm.

(End of this chapter)