After leaving the Li Mansion, He Xichao did not go to the Prince's Mansion as promised, but returned home directly.

Steward Wang has already organized all the gift lists and handed them to He Xichao in a booklet: "Master, they are all here."

He Xichao didn't pick it up, but raised his chin to signal to put it aside.

Butler Wang withdrew.

Ah Fu on the side asked hesitantly: "Master, are you really going to do this?"

He Xichao glanced at him: "Do you have a good opinion?"

Ah Fu looked embarrassed: "Almost all the famous families in the capital have sent gifts. If you really present it to the emperor, you will offend them all."

He Xichao nodded: "I know, isn't this still under consideration?"

Ah Fu then said nothing more, but there was still some worry between his brows.

"You go down too, I'll think about it."

Ah Fu then saluted, turned around and left, but when he reached the door, he was stopped by He Xichao, who only heard the order: "Bring me a jug of wine."

Ah Fu looked back in shock: "Huh?"

He Xi smiled: "I want to drink."

Since childhood, He Xichao has always been calm and self-possessed beyond ordinary people. Drinking is easy to cause trouble, and he rarely drinks it, especially if it is not for a banquet.

He wants to drink now, that seems a bit big.

Ah Fu poured him a small cup worriedly, but looking at his eyes, he seemed to regret pouring too much.

He Xichao shook his head with a smirk: "Put down the jug, you can go down."

"This...Young master, you are not in good health, it is best not to drink alcohol, or should we have something to eat first? Serve a bowl of noodles?"

"Where there are so many troubles, just go down if you are told to go down."

"Oh..." Ah Fu looked worried, and slowly put down the jug, and walked towards the door, but before he stepped over the threshold, he heard He Xichao give another order: "I don't want to see anyone, including the prince."

Ah Fu almost tripped over the threshold, and suddenly lost his thoughts of going to the Prince's Mansion to find Xiao Hong, turned around and saluted with a smirk: "Yes."

Just as Ah Fu thought, He Xichao was not stumped by any difficult choices, and even on the day of face-to-face, he was calm and composed.

But today, he hesitated.

Alcohol can dilute his reason and give him an impulse to make a choice.

The spicy taste slowly flows down from the throat, from the tip of the tongue to the bottom of the heart, seeping into the blood, washing away the calmness.

The deed in his sleeve is now on the table, spread out in front of him, and his eyes are fixed on his name and handprint.

Compared with this smuggling bonus contract, the rest of the gifts are not important.

He raised his hand and raised his head to drink the wine in the glass.

"Ahem..." I haven't had much entertainment in my life, I don't drink alcohol, my body can't get used to it for a while, and if I go too hard, I choke my throat.

There was a mist of mist on the firm eyes, bringing the struggle hidden in the eyes, and a trace of fear.

That is the fear of the future, forever.

He stretched out his hand. In this life, He Xichao had no worries about food and clothing, and was well cared for, with no flaws in his fingers.

Now the fame is as he imagined, the status is rising steadily, and the fame and fortune are being realized bit by bit. In fact, it is really not necessary to be so resolute and a lonely minister as Li Shangshu said.

crazy!

A gambler always has a certain degree of confidence in his bets, but he put all his wealth and life on his hands, and made an enemy of the world, but he bet on the heart of the future emperor.

He Xichao felt that he was really crazy!

People will only live more and more intelligently, but he lived more and more innocently, holding the rope of life in one person's hands.

Once the man let go, he fell off the cliff and was smashed to pieces.

He Xichao narrowed his eyes, the dim light reflected a touch of water on his lips.

The wine in the jug was poured into the glass, and the sound of the water was clearly audible in the silence. He looked at the rippling wine, and asked in a low voice: "Dare to ask, give me everything, bet you live up to it, is it worth it?"

He Xichao was already the minister of the fourth-rank Honglu Temple, and had the qualifications to go to the early court.

Even if he is at the bottom, he has stepped into the ranks of important ministers.

On the last day of the court meeting before the year, according to the usual practice, as long as it is not an urgent matter, it will not be brought to the court meeting to cause trouble.

Everyone wants to have a good year.

Now that the war is over, there is really nothing important, except...

The eyes of the ministers skimmed towards the end intentionally or unintentionally.

The He family accepted the gifts without hesitation, but there was no movement. From the beginning until now, impeachment memorials have entered the cabinet in an endless stream, before the imperial case.

Although the emperor didn't make any decision, he didn't retreat directly, so it can be seen that he was still waiting.

Everyone thought that He Xichao had other plans, but this is already the last day, so is it really necessary to stay until the end of the year?

It's so blatant that most people don't understand what it means.

Some ministers held the impeachment memorial in their hands, considering whether to come in court.

The other part looked at the Minister of the Household Department, and saw that Master Li was there, as if he had a plan in his chest, and everyone felt at ease immediately.

Xiao Ming glanced at Xiao Hong beside him. The latter was still as usual, nothing to do, hanging high, waiting to be released, so he couldn't help lowering his eyes and curling his lips into a smile.

"Xiao Ming'er, what's so happy about it?"

Unexpectedly, a carefree voice came from the opposite side.

At some point, Xiao Hongzheng looked at him curiously with folded arms.

Xiao Mingqing coughed, and when he raised his head, he saw Emperor Tianqian looking over following Xiao Hong's question, and he couldn't help saluting solemnly: "Recently, there is peace in the court, and it can be seen that the emperor's internal affairs are improved, and the external peace is approaching. We can have a good year, and everyone is happy."

All the ministers smiled when they heard that, even Emperor Tiangan, the corners of his mouth also rose a little.

"Xiao Ming'er can still talk." Xiao Hong chuckled, "I don't think so much about it. I don't have to brave the cold wind to go to court tomorrow, and I can sleep in for a few nights. Thinking about it will bring tears to my eyes. My lords, don’t you think so?”

A few uncontrollable laughter came from below, His Royal Highness is still so interesting.

"Ahem." His majesty Dan stared over with a warning warning, "Hong'er, speak carefully."

"My son complies with the order." Xiao Hong raised his hand in a salute, he looked like he was being taught, but he was still not right in his bones.

Emperor Tiangan had a headache, so he raised his hand.

Eunuch Huang raised the dust and sang: "Play if you have something to do, and leave the court if you have nothing to do—"

I saw a young courtier walking out from the ranks of his subordinates.

"Your Majesty, I have something to announce."

He Xichao was the youngest one in this hall, but he walked up step by step without any composure.

The official uniform was dull, and could not conceal that outstanding appearance. He was handsome and elegant, and he became the favorite of many ladies in the capital.

The former young man is gradually transforming into a young talent.

All eyes fell on him for a moment.

He walked all the way to the hall, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I have nothing important to report, but I have been troubled by something recently. I don't care about eating and drinking, and I have trouble sleeping and eating. I am afraid that I will not be able to live well for years. I am young and ignorant. Shallow, in the face of such a situation, I don't know what to do..." He Xichao paused at this point, with a wry smile on his face, raised his hand and knocked again, "I wanted to find a way, but the year was approaching, but I can't delay any longer. My humble servant has the cheek to implore the emperor and all your lords to help clear up the confusion and point out a clear path."

As soon as this remark came out, everyone looked at each other in blank dismay, and couldn't help discussing in secret.

Although He Xichao didn't say anything specific, what he was referring to was already clear from the exchange of eyes.

Those who were planning to read the previous book took all the notebooks back and waited and watched.

Suddenly Emperor Tiangan raised his sleeves wide, and all voices were silenced immediately. The emperor changed his sitting posture and seemed to ask with interest: "Aiqing has always been quick in writing and thinking, and has outstanding talents. There are still things that can stump you. Really, really?" I’m curious, let’s hear it.”

"I am ashamed, this is indeed the first time I have encountered such a situation." He Xichao said, "I am honored to be appreciated by the emperor to take up the post of Minister of the Honglu Temple. Although it is an important job, but it is only a fourth rank, and it is the last seat in this court hall. Unexpectedly, the congratulatory gifts that came one after another startled the humble minister. In just one month, the wealth of the minister's family may have increased by more than hundreds of times, which is really frightening."

Gifts in the capital are all very particular. If they are in normal contact, they are usually reciprocated and not considered expensive.

Even if you want to make friends and cling to them, it's just a bit heavy.

Only when you ask someone to do something, do you use money to create a way out, regardless of the cost, depending on the difficulty.

"I have the intention to return it, but there are too many people who give gifts, and there are not a few high-ranking and powerful people. I am afraid that it will not be easy to retreat, and I will offend others. But if you accept it, you will not be rewarded for no merit, and you will feel uncomfortable. The mansion of the minister is just a three-year-old house. Entering the small courtyard, the place is simple, there are few guards, so many valuable things are stored, if they are stolen by thieves and some are lost, the minister will not be able to pay for it even if he loses his family and property, and he will not be able to argue."

"I'm young and ignorant when I first entered the court, so I'm really in a dilemma." He Xichao said, took out a copy, and held it above his head, "Your Majesty, all the gift lists have been collected here. I'm incompetent, please take care of it."

In the huge Hall of Harmony, a needle could be heard for a while.

Everyone looked at He Xichao who was kneeling in the hall in shock.

Since ancient times, many people don't blame them, and they can not accept them, or they can return them. Everyone tacitly agrees to let each other save face.

But no one thought that He Xichao would directly expose this matter to the emperor and shine it in the sun. What is this for?

Do you want the emperor to punish a crime of bribery?

Is there such a thing as offending people?

Could it be crazy!

Eunuch Huang was so shocked by He Xichao's move that he didn't recover. He only heard a low cough, then hurried down, took the gift list and presented it to the emperor.

Emperor Tiangan took a deep look at He Xichao, and then opened the gift list.

After a long list of names, there are congratulatory gifts, so you can tell how much it is worth just by looking at the description, let alone the real money.

Emperor Tiangan sneered, closed the folder, and looked at Xiao Hong: "Does the prince know about this?"

Xiao Hong saluted and said: "Father, my son knows."

"Oh, didn't you point out the way for He Qing?"

Xiao Hong shook his head, and said in shame: "Father, it's not that you don't know how poor my son's family is, and even my son can't give away such a valuable thing, how can you give me advice? Shame, shame, please make a decision." !"

"Heh!" The smile on Emperor Tiangan's face suddenly disappeared, his face turned cold, and he dropped the folder with a "slap".

This sound startled the ministers below, who immediately knelt down.

I only heard the emperor say with a chill: "However, the gifts are a bit more expensive, why are everyone kneeling down?"

"Chen wait to be found guilty."

"What crime, why don't I know, Xie Qing." Emperor Tiangan shouted.

Old Xie Ge sighed in his heart, and said, "The minister is here."

"Tell me what's going on, I'm confused."

Xie Ge said: "Your Majesty, I'm afraid it has something to do with the mutual trade in the Western Regions."

"Ha, these are dog's noses, I haven't got it to the public, so everyone knows about it?"

Emperor Tiangan's tone was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp and cold.

Among the six Shangshu, Li Shangshu and Wei Guogong stood most firmly, and the rest kept their heads down even if they did not kneel, for fear of offending the emperor.

Although they were not on the gift list, their relatives, relatives, and old friends were involved.

Speaking of which, everyone gives it away, so there is no reason not to give it away, and there are not a few of them who follow suit.

No one expected that He Xichao would play such a trick!

Isn't he afraid of causing public anger by pulling everyone to suffer?

At this time, Xiao Hong said: "Father, it is not a secret that the young minister of Honghe Temple has signed border trade agreements with countries in the Western Regions. The whole capital probably knows about it. He Xichao was promoted to the minister of Honghe Temple in order to promote border trade and give It makes sense for the person in charge to give gifts."

Emperor Tiangan calmed down after being angry, and asked quietly: "But what does the border market have to do with the ministers?"

Xiao Hong was about to speak, when Li Shangshu behind him suddenly said, "It's for the benefit of smuggling."

As soon as this remark came out, not only Xiao Hong, but also Wei Guogong and Ge Laoshangshu looked at him in surprise. They didn't expect that it was Li Shangshu from the household department who would expose this matter.

Only He Xichao, who was kneeling on the ground, raised the corners of his lips.

Emperor Tiangan took Eunuch Huang's teacup and asked, "What do you mean by what Li Aiqing said?"

Li Shangshu said sternly: "Your Majesty, the border is banned in this dynasty, and merchants are not allowed to communicate with other countries. Although the court prohibits this smuggling, it is just that the smuggling is really profitable, and there are people who are desperate, and they only need to clear the checkpoints. If it is to promote border trade, this smuggling will naturally It is necessary to strictly prohibit it, and naturally some people are anxious."

Xiao Hong blinked his eyes, and really wanted to ask He Xichao what kind of medicine he gave this man, but he said it so clearly.

You must know that this is the big beneficiary of smuggling!Aren't you afraid that the fire will burn you?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look across to Xiao Ming, only to see Prince Li's expression was calm, as if he had expected it long ago.

He rubbed his chin, feeling confused for a moment.

Of course, there are not a few people who have the same idea as Xiao Hong, and they all feel that today's incident is quite strange.

Emperor Tiangan asked: "Li Aiqing is right, so how do you think He Qing should deal with this matter?"

Li Shangshu said: "Smuggling is explicitly prohibited by the imperial court. Participating in it is a violation of national law, and it should be punished as a crime."

"Li Shangshu, I'm afraid this needs to be discussed in the long term, there are too many people." Suddenly Wang Ge said.

"No, if they are all dismissed, half of the shifts here will be empty, wouldn't the court be messed up?" Xiao Yi was a little annoyed, he didn't know what was going on with the Minister of the Ministry of Households, he seemed to be supporting the border trade ban Smuggling, what were they busy with before?And is it really necessary to dismiss all these people?

Thinking of Baihuahua's money and manpower, Xiao Yi couldn't help looking at Xiao Ming, and reminded him, "Third Brother, what do you say?"

However, Xiao Ming did not follow his words, but raised his hand and said: "Second brother, be safe and don't be impatient, such important matters are decided by the emperor."

Xiao Yi was surprised, knowing that the two of them knew a lot about each other, Xiao Ming was willing to give up the benefits of smuggling?

He frowned and stared at Xiao Ming, his thoughts turned quickly, thinking that when someone came to report that day, and He Xichao entered the gate of Li's residence, he was afraid that there might be some private agreement that no one would know.

After all, they are in-laws.

Thinking of this, he suddenly felt unhappy.

Then I just heard Li Shangshu continue: "Your Majesty, although it is a violation of the national law, it has a lot of ramifications after all. Some people just followed in a daze. It's better to punish them with small punishments. I think it's appropriate. After all, once the border trade is implemented, the borders will be strictly controlled." , no one will smuggle them anymore.”

After Li Shangshu finished speaking, Xiao Ming said loudly: "I think it's appropriate."

Xiao Yi twitched the corners of his mouth, but he couldn't help objecting to this situation, so he could only say: "I also agree with you."

"What does the prince think?" Emperor Tiangan turned his head and asked Xiao Hong.

Xiao Hong thought for a while, turned his eyes around these few people, and finally nodded according to what he had discussed with He Xichao: "It's fine, since it's for money, let's punish it accordingly, how many gifts are given?" , according to ten times the fine, to fill up the national treasury, what does the emperor think?"

There are too many people, and I didn't plan to really do anything to this group of people. Fines are considered a political achievement.

Calculated by ten times, nearly one million taels of income would go into the national treasury, which is really a lot of money.

"Can all the gentlemen accept the punishment?"

"Thank you Lord Ron."

The person kneeling on the ground was already sweating profusely on his forehead, but heaved a sigh of relief after hearing this.

Regardless of whether they can pay so many fines, as long as the official position is still there, they have to pay in full even if they sell everything.

I thought the matter was over, but suddenly I heard Emperor Tiangan ask coldly: "Li Aiqing, you know the smuggling matter very well, so you didn't participate in it?"

The emperor is worthy of being an emperor, Xiao Jiujiu under his courtiers can see it clearly.

He Xichao, who stood up with the minister, immediately lowered his eyes, so that no one could see the smile in his eyes.

He got angry, and he was talking about Li Shangshu. When he heard it, he immediately knelt down: "I am loyal to the emperor. I am in this position, so I dare not make mistakes."

Xiao Hong listened and said happily: "The Minister of the Household Department knows about the world's money and wealth, smuggling and profiteering, I don't think I can stay out of it, at least it is a fact that it is hidden and not reported."

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Crown Prince, if you say you hide and don't report it, you are indeed guilty." Li Shangshu said, "It's just that I'm incompetent, and the treasury has been empty for a long time. Every sum of money has a fixed amount. I really can't afford anything else to fill the border army's salary." The vacancy. Although smuggling is against the law, the checkpoint silver just makes up for this part. It is said that the frontier soldiers protect their homes and defend the country, but the officials can't pay the salary. It is really worthy of the name of the Minister of the Ministry of Households. If it is banned again Wouldn't this sum of money make them more difficult, I couldn't bear it, so I could only open and close my eyes..."

"I owe the emperor's grace, please forgive me." After finishing speaking, he bowed himself.

Li Shangshu's words seemed very familiar, but the smile on He Xichao's face became even wider.

What does it mean to be shameless? Compared with this one, Xiao Hong is like a child playing around, not at home.

As Li Shangshu said, the vacancy in payment was filled by smuggling checkpoints. The emperor knew about this and tacitly agreed to it. Naturally, he cannot be blamed.

Emperor Tiangan nodded: "Get up, it's hard to embarrass Aiqing."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Li Shangshu stood up slowly.

However, before he stood up straight, he heard someone in the hall behind him say: "Your Majesty, I still have this report. I impeached the Minister of the Household Department, participated in the crime of instigating border smuggling, accepting bribes and offering bribes! And trying to interfere in border trade, defrauding the king." The crime above!"

He Xichao's clear voice echoed in the hall, but the ministers didn't even dare to breathe, they were so quiet and eerie.

Li Shangshu could never figure out what He Xichao was thinking, why did he do this, is he crazy? !

And Xiao Ming looked at him with disbelief in his eyes.

It was Xiao Yi who came back to his senses first, he thought of the key point almost instantly, and shouted angrily with excitement: "He Xichao, don't make groundless accusations!"

"Of course I have evidence." He Xichao said flatly, and took out the contract from his sleeve.

Li Shangshu's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the thin piece of paper.

"Yesterday, on the birthday of my mother's birth mother, I accompanied her to Li's mansion. This is a gift from Mr. Shangshu. Five smuggling lines, each with a [-]% profit. Compared with this, that little gift is nothing. Hubu Shangshu, generous!"

He Xichao handed the deed to Eunuch Huang, but looked at Li Shangshu who wanted to kill him, smiling like a devil.

Li Shangshu was in a daze, and he hardly dared to watch the emperor's reaction.

The more pleasant the previous words were, the more urgent it was for him.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like