eldest son of Ming dynasty

Song Heng, the former director of the Beijing Planning Department and the doctor of the Shaofu, asked the emperor to transfer him to Zhejiang as the chief envoy.

There was no other way, Gu Zuo could only temporarily adjust the manpower.

Under his command as the Young Master, there are two deputies, the official name is the Young Supervisor. Under the Young Supervisor are the Works Department, the Government Office, the Housing Department, the Evernight City and the Capital Planning Department.

The top leader of the Public Works Department is a doctor, and his predecessor was Zhu Weichun. He was removed from his position and sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in the corruption case in Huai'an Prefecture in the fourth year of Zhengde.As of now, the only project of the Works Department is Liangjing Avenue, and the new doctor's name is Zhou Zheng.

During the Battle of Liangxiang, he was the county magistrate at that time and was recommended by Gu Renyi. After the war, he was promoted due to his meritorious service. Last year, Zhu Weichun was arrested and the position became vacant, so he joined the Shaofu upon recommendation.

The Young Mansion is not accessible to ordinary people. The emperor specially established this organization to manage all kinds of new things in the capital.

The government office mainly managed the grain merchants and shipyards established by the royal family, as well as the Ordnance Bureau that was later transferred from the Ministry of Industry. Its doctor was Gongsun Bei, the former chief of the Qing Dynasty Department of Yu Heng of the Ministry of Industry.

The Housing Department is responsible for statistics, management, and approval of various buildings in the capital, and its doctor is Wang Xian, the emperor's former attendant.

At first glance, it seems to conflict with the functions of the Beijing City Planning Department, but in fact it is different. The Beijing City Planning Department has a wider scope of responsibilities, involving roads, the construction and maintenance of Beijing warehouses, the future planning of the capital, and the management and control of areas around the Forbidden City, and also includes some Planning and construction of special or landmark buildings, such as library gardens.

Zhu Houzhao also allowed the Beijing Planning Department to generate its own income.

It turned out that Song Heng and Zhang Chi formed a team headed by Zuo Zonglu and built several special buildings.For example, the six-story Yuezhuang Restaurant invested by Mei.

In this case, other businessmen can entrust them if they want to carry out similar construction.

This matter has formed a positive flow driven by money, and Zhu Houzhao does not need to be particularly concerned. If you have money, do it. If you don't have money, don't do it. It's that simple.

The last city that never sleeps actually did not have the status of a 'department' originally. The first person in charge was a fifth-rank official. However, it has become more and more lively in the few years since it opened. And later it was discovered that if you want to manage this place, you often need to coordinate various dignitaries in the capital.

As a result, the official position of the person in charge of Evernight City was mentioned again and again. In the end, several yamen such as Jinyiwei, Punishment Department, and Si Lijian jointly established a management team. The Shaofu sent someone there, and he also left a sign here.

But the main management tasks were later transferred to the hands of the Supervisor of Ceremonies.

The emperor had promised safety when he was planning to build the city that never sleeps. In order to achieve this, he did not hesitate to mention it again and again. Now the city that never sleeps is managed by the eunuch Bingbi and the chief ceremonial officer.

In this way, everyone at the top and bottom will be honest inside.

The Shaofu itself also found a place and built a square office.

Early this morning, a guest was welcomed here. He was wearing a red robe with a round collar and an official uniform. Although he was not from the young manor, the guards at the door did not dare to stop him.

Behind him, there happened to be two more blue-robed officials directing several guards to move several large boxes. They also said: "Put them away gently and neatly. I will ask Mr. Gu to check them later." "

Beside these people, there are two Jinyi Guardsmen.

Not long after, Gu Zuo came out, "Yi Shan? What did you...Did the Emperor order you to personally escort the stolen silver?"

"Me?" Gu Renyi immediately stood aside and waved her hands repeatedly: "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding. I just came in with them."

As he said this, he motioned to Gu Zuo to deal with the stolen money first.

Gu Zuo also saluted him, "Yishan, please wait a moment."

In the courtyard, Jing Yang led a head of the Household Department and two royal guards forward, "Jing Yang, the servant in the servant's room, has met Gu Shaofu."

"Don't be too polite."

"Gu Shaofu, these are part of the stolen silver of the prisoner Chen Tai, a total of 20 taels. His Majesty ordered that 10 taels be used to increase the salary of private schools and provide extra meals for students, and the other 10 taels will be allocated to the library garden. . Gu Shaofu can send someone to count them, and then sign their names on the receipt and use the Shaofu seal."

Because it was the attendant who announced the order, behind Gu Zuo, the two young eunuchs, as well as Zhou Zheng, Wang Xian and others came out.

"Okay." Gu Zuo waved his hand, and someone behind him went to open the box. "Are they two receipts?"

"Yes," Jing Yang nodded, "the money has been stored in the household department, so one part is given to the head of the household department, Yu, and the other part is given to me to keep in the attendant's room."

This is also true.

It's just that the emperor suddenly handed out the money, and everyone's expressions were very exciting.

"It will take a while to count the money. Please come inside."

After Gu Zuo finished speaking, he called Zhou Zheng again, "Take Gu Yishan to my study. I'll be here right away."

"Yes."

In the West Meeting Room in the main hall of the Shaofu Mansion, Gu Zuo asked the two people to sit down first, then went to the side and signed with a pen, "When the inventory is completed, I will have someone take the seal."

Jing Yang said politely: "It doesn't matter, when it comes to silver, you should be careful."

Because Wang Xian was also there, he even said hello with a look.

Gu Zuo returned to the main seat and sat down, and said with a smile: "It is always a good thing to have money. 10 taels of silver is not much, but it is not much. To increase the salary for dozens of teachings, it must be spent well." For a while...it's true, I guess they never thought that they would be able to use the stolen money of corrupt officials in this life."

"Haha."

Everyone in the room chuckled.

No matter what happens, I will still feel happy.

"Excuse me, Mr. Gu," Jing Yang said, cupping his hands, "His Majesty personally ordered this matter, and this money is unusual. Attendant Jin told me that it would be best for Mr. Gu to have an account book to clearly record the whereabouts of the money."

This is a very good reminder.

Jin Gui's style was meticulous and serious in everything. The reason why the emperor was unwilling to let go after so long was because of this.

Maybe these silver emperors will never ask again, but what if they do?Jin Gui has these account books and he can tell them immediately.Everything is said to be like this, so why not use him?

Gu Zuo didn't think too much and cooperated very well, "Servant Jing, don't worry, I will explain it."

"Thank you, Mr. Gu. There is nothing else to say."

After talking about the main business, they started talking about other things.
"I heard that the total is 30 taels? The other 10 taels went to the academy?"

"good."

"This Chen Tai, I never thought he was such a person." Wang Xian shook his head, "I always thought he was honest and upright. In this case...it is estimated that the prefects and county magistrates of the four prefectures and three states will be implicated."

A young eunuch interjected, "What's more, this matter involves the second son of Lin Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites. I heard that Fei Zichong was reprimanded by the emperor for this."

"Fei Zichong would not normally be so confused. This case involves public sentiment, and the emperor attaches great importance to this issue. He can plead for mercy on other small matters. How can he hesitate to resolve such a major matter?"

……

Zhou Zheng was also saying the same thing to Gu Renyi.

Fei Hong originally brought Gu Renyi from Sichuan, so he knew a little bit about it.

On his way to Beijing, he made sure to report to the emperor the miserable living conditions of the people in the counties of Northern Zhili. At first, Fei Hong did not agree.

Of course the reason is still the same. In the officialdom, it is not good to be not round enough.

Gu Renyi sighed, "Zi Conggong is an upright man and a diligent official, but sometimes he always has scruples."

To put it mildly, he is upright but slightly weak.

Zhou Zheng said with a smile: "These are the majority of people. How many of you are like you, Gu Yishan, who want to be an official as if they are risking their lives? That is to say, if the emperor of today is a sage, wise and virtuous king, otherwise your official career will not be successful." Full of thorns?”

Gu Renyi could only smile after being "revealed". They were originally good friends.Weird temper vs. weird temper. If it weren't for him, Zhou Zheng would not have been able to obtain the position of Liangxiang County Magistrate, not to mention the series of encounters that followed.

"By the way, Yishan, why did you think of coming to the Shaofu today? Is it possible that His Majesty has confirmed your new position? Can we live in the same room again in the future?"

"We can live in the same room, but not here." Gu Renyi gave it a try first.

Just as he was talking, Gu Zuo walked in. The business there was just collecting money. It was simple, so he didn’t wait too long. “Yishan, Zhang Chi from the library told me that you have been visiting him every day recently. , why don’t you go today?”

Gu Renyi glanced at Zhou Zheng and said, "I don't go to the Three Treasures Hall for anything. Today I want to ask Mr. Gu about someone he wants."

"Oh?"

"Who do you want?"

"Far in the sky, close in front of you."

"Mr. Zhou Zheng?"

"Yes."

Zhou Zheng thought to himself that he hadn't said a single word until now. This was to surprise him on purpose. Facing Gu Zuo's puzzled eyes, he could only spread his hands and said, "Gu Man, he hasn't said anything yet, and the subordinates don't know about this either." .”

"Let's talk about it below. His Majesty has already made a decree and ordered me to select several young officials to go to sea as envoys. One is to promote the country's prestige, the other is to visit the people's conditions in overseas countries, and the third is to represent the imperial court and rectify the names of various caravans. I am the first one. Then I thought of Zhou Zheng."

Gu Zuo's head felt buzzing and painful as soon as he heard that, "Going to sea as an ambassador? Then doesn't it take a year or two for Mr. Zhou to go?"

"More than that," Gu Renyi said calmly, "The sea is very windy and the waves are rough, and there are many barbarians from the countries scattered on the islands. Maybe... we won't be able to come back."

Gu Zuo was in awe. He didn't expect that the person in front of him was determined to lose his life.

But...

"Yishan, you really think about it. Song Heng, the director of the Capital Planning Department, has just been transferred away. I was worried that there was no one available. It's good, you still need someone."

"If it's really inconvenient..."

"Oh, no." Gu Renyi waved her hand immediately, "Since His Majesty ordered you to pick someone, you should take them away. I'll think of a way here."

Even though he said that, he still looked troubled.

Zhou Zheng was stunned. Within a few words, he was drifting on the sea.

"Why do you suddenly want to go to sea as an envoy? Your Majesty, are you trying to imitate Zheng He's old deeds?"

Gu Renyi was not sure, "Your Majesty's intentions have always been lofty, and they must be the same this time. Once I have chosen someone, I will come to the palace to see you. I am sure your Majesty will explain it to you."

They were chatting here, and suddenly there was an excited shout from outside.

Then someone rushed in and apologized to Gu Zuo.

"what happened?"

"Yes, it's Zhang Yuanzheng who is here."

The person who shouted was Zhang Chi. He ran all the way over, laughing to the top of his ears. He said a little smugly: "I heard that one hundred thousand silver was deposited into the account. This subordinate came all the way from the library garden! Young Master Gu! Mansion, my subordinate was rude. The main reason is that I just need a sum of money to renovate some books. I am really dozing off and I gave you a pillow. Your Majesty, you caught this corrupt official well! Haha!"

After he finished speaking, he realized that his leader had a guest, so the expression on his face immediately stopped, and he went back to the outside and walked again, "I am the official Zhang Chi, please see Gu Shaofu."

"Pretend. Get in!"