The Red Mansions

Chapter 969 Discuss the title, discuss the title
Shenjingcheng

Time flies, seasons flow, and before you know it, it has been a month since Jia Heng led the Beiping Fucheng Cavalry Army to leave Beiping Fucheng.

And the spring of 16 in Chongping also left quietly, and entered the early summer of May, with the singing of cicadas and the noise of the forest, and the heat was gradually rising.

From Beiping to Datong and Xuanfu, the cavalry troops of the Beijing camp who were away on an expedition also embarked on the journey back to Beijing one after another.

Ezhe Khan of Chahar Mongolia also led a pair of sons and daughters and a large number of trusted ministers and ministers to Shenjing, the capital of the Han Dynasty.

And the rectification of Jizhen, Xuanda and Hebei border affairs is in full swing under Jia Heng's "tactical guidance".

Qi Jianhui, the new chief soldier of Ji Town, and Wang Ziteng, the chief soldier of Xuanfu, went to the two places to take over the defense, and began to implement Jia Heng's early warning and defense system for the Fengdun of the fortress.

As for the Han officials in Shenjing City, they also received the report of Jia Heng's class returning to Beijing, and heard that the army was approaching Shenjing City day by day.

Shenjing City, Daming Palace, Hanyuan Hall

The space in the hall is spacious, the sunlight falls on the floor through the red window, and the hall is silent.

Emperor Chongping is discussing the matter of Jia Heng's discussion with the cabinet ministers, the six ministers and the minister of military affairs.

The emperor sat on the throne, glanced at the group of officials below, and said: "The Marquis of Yongning led the expedition this time, wiped out the barbarians, wiped out [-] enemies, and even killed the slave chieftains, which greatly boosted the morale of our dynasty. The king of stingy rewards, what do you think the Marquis of Yongning should be called, and what is his title? In addition, the generals of the Beijing camp Xie Zaiyi, Pang Shili and others fought bravely and defeated the Eastern captives. They have made outstanding contributions and should also be rewarded. A discussion."

It is impossible to wait until all the meritorious generals and schools return to Beijing and then quarrel with He Jue, which seems quite disgraceful in Chinese official circles.

Of course, the Son of Heaven set the tone right away.

Yao Yu, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, held an ivory jade wat, coughed, and cupped his hands: "Your Majesty, I believe that the merits of the Marquis of Yongning are in defeating the Eastern captives, killing the slave chieftains, and driving the captives out of the fortress... He is the first class Marquis, in terms of merit, you should be a Duke of Jin according to the rules, but the Marquis of Yongning is a young man who is already rich and honored, so I think the Holy One is for the sake of safety, so I think twice."

"How to preserve it? Preserve it with a small reward for its merits. This is to seek fish from a tree." Zhao Yi, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, said immediately, and immediately cupped his hands and said: "If the reward and punishment are not clear, everything can't be done. If the reward and punishment are clear, the four directions can be worked out. Nobility, it can also inspire the generals and soldiers to fight for death and work hard."

At this time, Cen Weishan, the servant of the Ministry of Justice, mused for a moment, cupped his hands and said, "My lord, I do not agree with the words of Mr. Zhao. Since the Marquis of Yongning became an official, he has been promoted from a commoner to a first-class marquis. He has been promoted again and again. Plus, but it’s not enough to reach the weak crown, the humble minister thinks that leaving room for it is also the way to preserve blessings.”

If the first-class public is sealed this time, what are you planning to seal next time?
Emperor Chongping frowned, and said in a deep voice: "Marquis Yongning's today's title is not lucky. , These words of lofty ambition are still in the ears of me and the nobles, since they have made merit, they should be generously rewarded with honors, otherwise the country's laws and regulations will not exist, and the hearts of the school soldiers will be chilled."

Hearing this, Xu Lu, the censor of Zuodu, coughed, cupped his hands and said, "What the Holy Majesty said is very true, I believe that the system cannot be abolished just because of people."

Emperor Chongping's expression was flat, noncommittal, and he said: "Masters, let's discuss according to the system."

The king of Nan'an County frowned while listening to the ministers in the palace discussing the matter of conferring titles, and felt a little anxious in his heart.

Shi Jie, the servant of the Ministry of War, held an ivory jade wat, and said from the court: "My lord, I think that with the merits of the Marquis of Yongning, he should be named a first-class duke, so as to show the great kindness of the emperor, and to encourage the generals to die."

When Emperor Chongping heard the words, he nodded and said, "Shi Qing's words are not without reason."

Zhao Mo, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment, pondered for a moment, and said: "My lord, I think that the Marquis of Yongning is young after all, and the Jurchen is still alive. Although this time the meritorious service is great, it should not go to the duke suddenly. First, there is nothing to seal, and second, it is easy." Nourish the arrogant heart."

Because Chen Han's highest title with a different surname is the king of the county, so if he is named a first-class duke this time, what should he do next time if he has credit?
If the Jurchen was directly crowned king, but the Jurchens were not completely wiped out, the title would be unassignable, and it would be even more inconsistent with the national law that meritorious service must be rewarded.

At that time, it was added to the county king?
So you can't be a first-class duke all at once.

Emperor Chongping said: "Zhao Qing's words are not without reason."

At this moment, seeing Emperor Chongping change his words, Zhao Mo's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "I think that the title of the Marquis of Yongning as a third-class Duke is enough to reward him for his meritorious deeds, and it can also be used as an encouragement."

Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment, and said: "The third-class duke has the intention of suppressing the hero, and I will not take it."

As soon as this remark came out, Zhao Mo's face was stunned, with a little bit of doubt in his eyes, he cupped his hands and said: "My humble minister is ignorant and doesn't know the holy meaning."

It can be said that the purpose of today's emperor's tricks of pulling power and making such a big detour is to draw attention to the two prefectures of Rongrong and Ningxia.

Otherwise, if you can't go up, you can marry a princess and a princess. Needless to say, the civil and military forces of the whole court objected in unison.

Emperor Chongping pondered and said: "Since the Marquis of Yongning led the army to fight Jierhalang fiercely, killed Huang Taiji, and led the army to chase the invaders out of the Han soil, he has made great contributions, and he has shocked the desert. First Class."

The officials in the palace, such as Nan'an County King's eyes darkened, felt unhappy for a while, and then a sneer rang out from the bottom of their hearts.

Is it a long-term appearance to seal a letter when you are less than twenty years old?
The King of Nan'an finally couldn't hold back anymore, and said loudly: "My lord, since the founding of our country, has there been a Duke who is less than 20 years old?"

At this time, Zhao Yi, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, snorted coldly, and said, "There are not only dukes who are under the age of weak crowns, but there are also county kings."

King Nan'an: "..."

This old man, what benefit does Jia Heng give you, that it is worth your words to protect him?

That's right, if it wasn't for Jia Heng's child, Zhao Yi would have been expelled from the court long ago.

"Ancestor Yu Yin can still be ennobled as a county king, but now he is a leader in martial arts and a leader in the country. Because of his age, his colleagues suspect and criticize him. Every time I think about it, I don't feel terrified of it." Zhao Yi, Minister of the Ministry of Industry With a serious face, holding an ivory jade wat, he said loudly.

I have to say that this is a scholar, and his words are like knives.

The Prince of Nan'an's face was as gloomy as iron, and he didn't say a word.

At this time, Yan Hong, the newly-appointed Guozijian Jijiu, coughed and walked out of the train. He cupped his hands towards Emperor Chongping and said, "My lord, I think that the title of the Marquis of Yongning as a first-class public can show the meaning of clear rewards and punishments." .”

It is said that if you want to give first, you must first take it. Only by letting Marquis Yongning reach the level of the Duke, there is no need for them to remind him. With the emperor's mean and suspicious temperament, the emperor and his ministers will definitely believe it.

Some time ago, the chief assistant of the cabinet was pending, and Han Huang was dragged by Emperor Chongping in various ways, which made Yan Hong feel some resentment towards Emperor Chongping in his heart, and at the same time, he also saw Emperor Chongping's temperament clearly.

Following Yan Hong's speech, the six ministries and nine ministers spoke one after another, saying everything.

Emperor Chongping's face was serious, he couldn't see any joy or anger, and suddenly said: "I also thought the same way, but because of the crimes of Rongning and Ning, they either seized the title or exiled, and no one in the clan took up the incense. I have made great contributions to the country, and because there are no successors for the country's honorable ministers, there are no three animals to sacrifice blood to eat, and there is no elegant music to listen to. Every time I think about this, I can't bear it."

All the ministers in the Hanyuan Hall looked at each other in blank dismay, wondering what Emperor Chongping meant by these words?

Aren't you talking about promoting the Marquis of Yongning to the title?Why did he suddenly mention the sacrificial incense of the ancestors of Rongning and Gong Ning?What does this mean?

Do you still want to use Jia Ziyu's merits to give Jia En and Ning Rong to the descendants?
Choose the sons of the clan to bestow nobles, so as to bestow heaven's grace?

Just when the ministers in the palace had different thoughts, Emperor Chongping's eyes were as calm as water, and he said in a warm voice: "In the past, Yao Qing mentioned that there is a law of consecration among the people, which can prevent disputes over etiquette for successors. Yao Qing, you can explain this method in detail with your fellow ministers."

Yao Yu was stunned for a moment when he was called by Emperor Chongping, and then withdrew his mind, held an ivory jade wat, cupped his hands and said, "My lord, the so-called folk method of consecration means that one person consecrates two houses at the same time, and sacrifices incense to the two houses."

After speaking, he briefly introduced the essence of the law of conjugation with the officials in the palace, and all the officials in the palace are also people with outstanding minds, and they understand the joints of this method.

Put an end to the dispute between Puyi and Daliyi.

Before waiting for the ministers below to speak, Emperor Chongping said: "Nowadays there is no one enshrined in Rongning and Ningfu, and the title has also been deprived. I think that the Marquis of Yongning can have both houses, and the line of his biological father will reward the line of the Marquis of Yongning as his nobility. Contributing meritorious service can be extended to the two branches of Rongning and Ning."

Yao Yu: "???"

At this moment, all the ministers in the hall looked at each other, obviously they were not clear about the method of "Jianxiong" suddenly mentioned by Emperor Chongping.

No, what does this have to do with the Marquis of Yongning...

No, it really does matter!

Some thoughtful ones had already come to their senses, and secretly said, "Wonderful, the Son of Heaven is indeed the Son of Heaven."

This undoubtedly solved the problem of high achievement.

No matter how much credit you have, you will not be promoted to the title of your own father's line, but will be awarded the title of Duke Ning Rong. Even if you are one of the three nobles, you are still alone, which is equivalent to diluting the credit in fact. The Duke is the pinnacle of the Marquis of Yongning up.

And even if the descendants inherit multiple titles, if they are inherited in a reduced order, the so-called weak can hardly resist the strong, and it can also prevent the gradual effect of the disease.

It's just that subsidizing the merits of the Marquis of Yongning to the two prefectures of Rongning and Ning, isn't this a suspicion and precaution?
Zhao Mo, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishments, and Cen Weishan, Minister of the Ministry of Punishments, thought of this, and their thoughts moved slightly.

"My sage, my sage, this method of concomitant care, I once wrote a memorandum, it can solve the problem of inheriting the lineage, and it can solve the dilemma of filial piety, and now I try it on Yongning Hou, I think it is an example for the world, and I think it is feasible." Yao Yu said with his hands clasped. .

Zhao Mo cupped his hands and said: "The Holy One is sympathetic to the two Dukes Rong and Ning who sacrificed bloodless food and incense in the ground. This method of grace and compassion is indescribable to the ministers."

This is the way to express your support.

Originally thought that the emperor had no checks and balances on the Marquis of Yongning, but now it seems that the emperor may have already considered the issue of being unsealable for making contributions in the future.

In this way, they don't have to take the risk of offending Yan Zhijian.

Among the officials in the palace, the ranks of the scientific and high-level officials also showed joy on their faces.

Some speech officials also appeared in favor of echoing, with a tacit attitude and the attitude of the people.

At this moment, under the tacit understanding of checks and balances of Wu Xun, the shocking act of giving marriage to the princess and the princess at the same time, was passed in a calm manner in the hall of Chen Hanchao.

This is called taking advantage of the situation and pushing the boat along the way.

In other words, Emperor Chongping's power and artifice in controlling the court has reached the point of perfection.

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, and said: "Since this is the case, the Marquis of Yongning will take care of the two prefectures of Yongning. However, since he is both, of course there should be a wife to match him. I have a daughter Xianning who grows up to a young age. Chun, can be a good match for the Marquis of Yongning, inheriting the lineage of Ningguo."

At this moment, the emperor introduced his own daughter, and he also felt a little strange.

His daughter is sometimes like a boy, and has nothing to do with Xian Shuyong and these words, and he is also a little boastful now.

The ministers: "..."

Therefore, the Son of Heaven wanted to marry Princess Xianning to Jia Heng as his wife, and he made such a big detour just for these reasons.

I couldn't help but suddenly realized.

Some courtiers who just agreed to use the method of coercion to hold Jia Heng hostage, felt that their thighs were broken, and they regretted it secretly.

For the younger Ke Dao, jealousy and resentment inevitably arose in his heart.

It is such an honor for the young Wu Xun to be worthy of the princess, and to be a relative of the emperor from now on. Moreover, this young Wu Xun already has a wife.

In order to marry a daughter, the Holy Majesty can come up with all kinds of tricks to stop Youyou's mouth.

Some courtiers wanted to speak out to object, but they had already said what they said just now, and then changed their course again, which would be repeated villains.

Most people don't have this face.

For a moment, the minds of the officials present were different, and they fell into peace for a while.

Han Huang frowned, and a look of worry flashed in his eyes.

The emperor really took great pains for Jia Ziyu.

In fact, he had a faint feeling that something was wrong just now, the emperor really had hidden scheming, in fact, this was also an emperor's power trick to win over Jia Ziyu's heart, but Jia Ziyu has since gained the importance of his relatives, and going in and out of the forbidden place will endanger the community?

And Qin Ye, the servant of the Ministry of Industry below, paused, and secretly sighed in his heart.

Her daughter mentioned this matter the day before yesterday, saying that Princess Xianning was probably going to give Ziyu a marriage.
But what can he, an old man, say?Now the Ninth Five-Year Supreme is also Ziyu's father-in-law.

Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment, then continued: "As for the Rongguo lineage, I still have a niece, who is still waiting for her concubine, and named Qinghe Princess, and now she promises Jia Ziyu to be his wife and inherit Rongguo."

As soon as this remark came out, the officials in the palace were in an uproar.

Here's another one?
Marrying a princess is not enough, but also marrying a princess?
How does the emperor treat Jia Ziyu so kindly?
Some young censors, when they thought of the two beautiful and delicate clan ladies marrying Jia Heng together, the jealousy in their hearts could not help but blaze.

"What kind of system is it?" At this time, a censor said, and then he got out of the train and said: "My minister, Wu Jingqi, the censor of Zhejiang Province, has never heard of it."

Emperor Chongping frowned, his eyes flickering coldly.

Facing the eyes of all the people in the hall, Wu Jingqi raised his head and bowed, and said impassionedly: "Your Majesty, it is already shocking for the emperor to serve one husband with others. Now it is possible that the daughter of the clan is still the main wife, and one person has three wives. What's the face of the royal family? I feel that this is really inappropriate, and I hope the Holy Majesty will think twice."

As soon as this remark came out, the faces of the officials in the palace paused, and some wanted to agree, but seeing the expression of the middle-aged emperor sitting at the top, they endured it again.

Yao Yu hesitated for a while, and said: "If you use the method of conjugal marriage, you will both be regular wives. It is originally a ritual system, and the married daughter of the Tian family takes the lead in setting an example, and she is also a model for the world."

Wu Jingqi kowtowed and bowed again, saying: "My lord, I think the law of consecration can be used by the people, but it is not suitable for the heavenly family."

As soon as this remark aroused controversy, Li Ke frowned at Hu Yi, and said: "If it is only suitable for the common people, but isolated from the Tian family, Master Yao will teach you to use the method of both. What's the benefit of joining the law?"

It was originally intended to solve the turmoil caused by the succession of the emperor without heirs and the adoption of the same clan. If you don't use it for the Tian family, it will cause chaos in the rules of etiquette.

Otherwise, the emperor clamors to name your biological father the emperor, and this method is to let you recognize your father, but you cannot give your biological father the title of emperor, otherwise the lineage will be cut off and the court will be corrupted.

Li Ke gave the matter to Hu Yi, and added with a calm face: "Just now, Mr. Wu is the second person who agrees to apply this law to the Marquis of Yongning."

Wu Jingqi's face turned red, he hesitated and said: "I..."

This kind of back and forth behavior is generally shameless.

But that Marquis of Yongning killed the slave chieftains, indeed, he had some great achievements, and if he didn't use the method of concubine, he would be unsealable in the future, and it would cause turmoil instead.

Speaking of this, Emperor Chongping turned his attention to Jia Zheng and said, "Where is the General Secretary and General Jia Qing?"

Hearing the emperor's name-calling inquiry, Jia Zheng hurried out of the shift to respond, "My lord, my minister is here."

Just now I have been listening to the officials in the palace discussing the matter of conferring titles, because I am a member of the Jia family, in order to avoid suspicion, I can only listen to it secretly anxiously.

Emperor Chongping pondered and said: "In the Rongguo lineage, there is no one to inherit the incense. Jia Ziyu inherits the incense from the Rongguo Mansion, and Jia Qing is the second wife of the Rongguo. I am willing to agree."

Hearing this, Jia Zheng's eyes were excited, and he bowed to the prime minister, with an impassioned voice, and said: "My lord, I am just asking for it. The ancestors of the Jia family were rewarded by the emperor of the Han Dynasty and made dukes, and our descendants are not filial. Jue, the ancestors shook their heads under the nine springs and shamed them, and the blood and food gradually faded away from the past. Now that Ziyu can be named a duke, and pass on the incense of the ancestors with the method of consecration, I am grateful and don't know what to say."

As soon as this remark came out, the faces of the officials in the palace were a little strange, but they felt empathy immediately.

Jia Heng is also from the Rongguo lineage, which means that after making contributions, the future heirs will be from the Rongguo lineage, and because they are inherited from the Rongguo lineage, in order to show generosity, they will definitely treat the original Rongguo lineage. Family relatives treat you kindly.

From this situation, the impoverished Rongguo Mansion has since revived.

As for Jia Zheng's lineage, they were originally second wives. Under the premise of losing their ancestral titles, they were somewhat uncomfortable among the Jia clan, but now that the Rongguo lineage has revived their family reputation, they can also... .

When Emperor Chongping heard the words, he looked at Jia Zheng with gentle eyes, and said, "After Jia Qing becomes a hero, the imperial court will not treat the ministers who have made great achievements for me in the past lightly."

Since the parties agree, there will be no major resistance to this matter.

Jia Zheng's voice was choked up, and he said: "My humble minister thanked the Holy One, the Holy Majesty's kindness is immense, and this humble minister is deeply grateful."

When Jia Zheng was weeping, Emperor Chongping looked down at the civil and military officials of the Han Dynasty who had no idea what to say, and said indifferently, "Since this is the case, the Marquis of Yongning should be named a third-class duke, and you should discuss the title to commend meritorious deeds." special achievement."

The ministers: "..."

Third class?Not first class?

So still suspicious?
Maybe the Holy One has a combination of grace and restraint?
Perhaps it also just shows that the emperor has no worries about Jia Ziyu's unsealable future.

Also, who made Yongninghou so good at fighting?

Yao Yu, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, clasped his hands and said: "The Holy Majesty is now granting the duke as a gift, and at the same time entrusting Ningrong and Rong's two houses. It can be said that the emperor's grace is mighty. Downgrading to the third class also has the effect of encouragement."

Now everyone is indeed happy, because Jia Heng married the princess and the princess, although it is a concubine, but it is also a great grace, so it is logical to be reduced to the third class in the title.

Waiting for Jia Heng to have a relatively small amount of credit, because he started as a third-class noble, and even promoted the daughter of the clan, and then promoted to a noble, it would be more calm, and the credit can even be awarded to the two lines of Ning Rong.

The chief assistant of the cabinet, Han Huang, was not as happy as some courtiers in the palace, but his heart was covered with a haze.

Jia Ziyu, who passed on to Princess Xianning, is a son-in-law, a relative.

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, and then threw out the next topic, saying: "You can discuss the title first. Since the Marquis of Yongning is the Duke of the State, he should have a title to praise his achievements and preach to the world."

The Dukes of the Great Han Dynasty generally have a characteristic. They are all one-character, not two-character. The eight founders of the country are all one-character.

Minister of the Ministry of Punishments Zhao Mo thought for a while, held an ivory jade wat, cupped his hands and said: "My lord, I believe that Datong was called Daidi in ancient times, and the Marquis of Yongning can be named Duke of Dai."

"Dai is a small country, since it is third class, it should be given a slightly larger title, why not call it Jin?" Cen Wei, the servant of the Ministry of Punishment, said with a sneer in his eyes.

Doesn't the emperor favor Jia Ziyu?As the Duke of Jin, we will see what the clan and vassals think at that time.

Shi Lang, the Minister of the Ministry of War, pondered for a moment, and said: "The titles of Jin and Chu are the most honorable and noble, and they are often named clan and vassal kings. Since the founding of the country, few people have named meritorious officials and relatives. I think it is not appropriate to confer Jin and Chu. If you want to confer, You can make Yan Guogong."

Among the four kings and eight princes, only Qi Guogong stands out, and he uses the title of Qi Chujin Great Country.

In fact, there is another reason why Dai Guo should not be knighted. It is unlucky.

At this time, Zhao Yi, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, said: "Naturally, there is a word Ning in the title of the Marquis of Yongning, it is better to still be the Duke of Ning."

At this moment, Fang Huan, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, said, "Then what are you talking about?"

Emperor Chongping listened to his ministers discussing titles, pondered for a moment, and said, "Since Han Qing is the head of all officials, why didn't he say a word?"

Han Huang thought for a while, and with a serious look, he cupped his hands and said, "Forgive me, my lord. Just now, I mentioned the Duke of Dai. I couldn't help but think of Li Jing's night attack on Yinshan Mountain in Tang Dynasty, and I was lost in thought for a while."

This is not only an expression, but also a very subtle reminder, and it is difficult for outsiders to appreciate it all at once.

Jia Ziyu can be made the Duke of Wei, and he will be loyal to Chen Han all his life like Li Jing is loyal to Li Tang, but he cannot be a relative like the Duke of Dai, or Yang Jian, the Duke of Sui.

Emperor Chongping was silent for a moment, and said: "Datong and Shuozhou belonged to Daidai in ancient times, and they were enfeoffed as Dai Guogong according to the system, but Jia Ziyu's young martial arts may become the military god of our Han Dynasty. Third-class Wei Guogong, to encourage Jiamao."

He also thought about a few titles before, but after thinking about it, he didn't agree with it. It's not that there are titles like Yan Guo and Wu Guo, but he always feels that he can't be a human minister.

As for the founding of the country, there was only one Duke of Qi.

Ziyu is still young, not suitable for those titles.

The Duke of Wei, the third-class Wei Guo is just and suitable, and he will be promoted successively in the future.

Therefore, winning the First World War and killing Huang Taiji, marrying the emperor's daughter and the clan's daughter together, Yu Gong was promoted to a third-class prince, such a reward for meritorious service is indeed a great grace of the emperor.

And the court discussion on Jia Heng's knighthood has been decided for the time being, and Emperor Chongping said: "Xie and Pang have established special honors in Xuanhua, and they should also be knighted. You can also discuss it."

After hearing the words, all the officials below began to think.

For example, thanks to Xie Zaiyi's merits, it seems that there is no problem in making an exception to be a third-class marquis or a first-class uncle when ordinary military affairs are sluggish. Elite, a group of civil servants always feel that they need to be suppressed.

(End of this chapter)