Bastard's Counterattack [Rebirth]

The person who spoke out against it was Wu Yu, Minister of the Ministry of household affairs.

"Oh?" Emperor Chengtian's expression did not change, he was still smiling, and asked kindly, "Why is it wrong?"

Wu Yu's hair was gray, his face was covered with wrinkles, his eye sockets were sunken, and his old voice trembled and he said: "To Your Majesty: The preliminary estimate of the construction capital of the Beijiao Daying is at least ten million taels of silver, and it will take about three years. The Ministry is following the imperial decree and fully cooperating with the arrangement of His Highness King Qing, the Commander of the Northern Camp. At present, nearly 500 million taels of silver have been allocated! The surplus of the treasury has been allocated to the Northern Camp. It has not yet been completed, so it is temporarily unable to provide the Xizhou Defense Barracks I hope His Majesty will see clearly the food and salary."

"I understand what you said." Emperor Chengtian was very patient and said slowly: "However, Xizhou just asked to build a small-scale defensive barracks, with a maximum of [-] to [-] troops, to prevent the bandits in the river from worrying. , the idea is good."

Wu Yu listened carefully, and at the end, he cupped his hands and said earnestly: "I understand. Your Majesty, it seems that about ten years ago, the imperial court intended to build a defensive barracks in Hejian. At that time, the treasury was full and could support it. I couldn't afford the cost of the construction, so I put it on hold. I brought it up again today, but it's "one time, another time". Local defense is important, but the defense of Kyoto is more important. I thought, let Xizhou wait until the Beiying is completed. Let’s discuss it later.”

"Sit down." Emperor Chengtian didn't express his opinion, and pressed down with his palms at will.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wu Yu bowed deeply, and sat down slowly, looking old-fashioned.

"Father, my son thinks that Wu Shangshu's words are justified." The eldest prince then got up, with a solemn expression, cupped his hands and solemnly said: "The matter is prioritized. This year, the treasury has added several new destinations. The expenditure is huge, but the income is basically fixed. Yes, we should consider the stability of the overall situation. Besides, in Hejian, the imperial court sent troops to suppress the bandits several times last year, and wiped out the bandit dens in Jiufeng Mountain. Why did the magistrate of Xizhou invite the court again in the name of "suppressing bandits" Support the construction of barracks?"

Emperor Chengtian sat like a bell, concentrating on meditation, drinking tea absent-mindedly.

Instead, King Qing didn't speak in a hurry. He held the teacup, borrowed the movement of drinking tea, and when he lowered his head, he gave Gao Xin, Minister of the Ministry of War, a look.

Gao Xin understood, thought for a while, stood up and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, the magistrate Rong has only been in office for half a year. During this period, the imperial court did not receive a memorial from Xizhou asking for relief, which shows that he is an official with his heart. This time he asked to build a barracks. I have obtained the consent of Governor Qi Shaozhu. Lord Qi has always been cautious and steady. This is a big matter. The governor must have thought it through carefully, otherwise he will not join the petition. The minister thinks that permission should be given, and he will make a drastic rectification and order the people of Hejian Province as soon as possible. Restoring the days of peace and joy!"

"Father," King Qing stood up at this moment, and he analyzed sincerely, "According to the law, if the local government asks to build a small-scale defensive barracks, it will have to bear all the construction expenses and half of the soldiers' food and salaries. The imperial court only needs to provide The other half of the food and salary will be enough. After the completion, the bandits, water bandits, fugitives, etc. that have plagued the Hejian government can be gradually eliminated, and they can be counted in one fell swoop! My son also believes that the court should allow him to make a request."

"If it is completed, the imperial government's standing military pay will be increased." Emperor Chengtian said slowly.

The Minister of the Household Department got up again, cupped his hands, and said sadly: "Your Majesty, it's June, and the military pay for the next year in Dacheng is being closely raised. Because of the repeated disaster relief last year, there is still a shortage of 240 million shi of food. We can only wait for the summer harvest. Yours have a look--"

"Okay, I know, you sit down." Emperor Chengtian interrupted with a wave of his hand, frowning slightly. He has always given preferential treatment to loyal and diligent veterans, and he will avoid it if he can avoid it.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wu Yu sat down again.His cheeks were covered with brown spots, and he was wrinkled. After sitting down, he raised his hand to support the officer's hat, lowered his eyebrows, and pretended not to notice that there were many hints in his eyes.

King Qing also frowned, thinking quickly.

"Father, although the original intention of Hejian Zou's invitation is good, we must also consider the actual situation of the court." The eldest prince's eyes were full of concern for the country and the people, and he sighed: "The current state treasury is tight. The petition for excessive spending was basically rejected, not only Hejian, let them wait patiently, at least let the court slow down."

Emperor Chengtian was sullen, thoughtful, and said nothing.

"Father, if they support [-] soldiers, the imperial court only needs to bear the food and salaries of [-] soldiers, plus a small amount of expenses, the treasury should be able to bear it—" King Qing argued.

"Third brother, once the barracks are built, the supply of food and salaries must be continuous, and it won't be possible in three to five years." The eldest prince interrupted with a smile, seeming to teach with concern.

"The emperor's words are very true." King Qing nodded politely, changed his voice, and still tried his best to persuade everyone: "But as long as the defensive barracks can play a role, then it is worthwhile for the court to support it! In fact, the yamen at all levels in Hejian In order to fight against the bandits at any time, there are always different numbers of militiamen, but how can the untrained militiamen be the opponents of the brutal bandits? Day and night, how can the common people live and work in peace and contentment? The minister thought that building a defensive barracks It is necessary and urgent."

Emperor Chengtian heaved a sigh of relief, put down his teacup, raised his hand and pressed it: "You all sit down and talk."

"Yes."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"There is no need to shy away from discussing government affairs, you should tell the truth." Emperor Chengtian sighed, hunched his back slightly, and sighed: "Actually, I have a very headache. Hejian has never been peaceful, and there are frequent disturbances, either natural disasters or dirty officials, and I ask the court for relief all the year round! Thinking about the hundreds of thousands of people, they often order to do their best to support them, but they can’t always rely on the imperial court’s care, they should learn from other provinces, not to mention struggling to fill the treasury, at least be self-reliant, at least let the common people survive.”

"Father is kind and loves the people, it is a great fortune." Qing Wang said with a straight face, serious analysis: "Last year, the imperial court severely punished a large number of corrupt and chaotic parties, and replaced half of the officials at all levels in Hejian. There is a new atmosphere. If security problems can be cured, with time, Hejian’s disadvantage of focusing on one thing and losing another should be reversed.”

"Well." Emperor Chengtian quite agreed, he glanced at all the courtiers, and asked: "Lu Zixing, what do you think?"

Lu Zixing, a scholar of the Royal Study Room, got up, calmly, and cupped his hands: "Your Majesty, Hejian's memorial this time has very good intentions, which benefit the country and the people, but it is also a fact that the treasury is tight. The veteran believes that this matter should be discussed carefully, and it is not appropriate to Hasty decision."

Tsk, the reconciliation is so muddy!

Ping Nanhou, who was silent the whole time, secretly sneered.Since the death of the empress, the grandson of the kingdom of the king, and the power of the commander of the city guard, he has been hit hard, and his aging speed is amazing. In just two months, he has changed from a white-haired child to a chicken skin and white hair. His eyes are cloudy, his eyelids are drooping, and he often looks dumb. He looked stunned.

The atmosphere in the royal study is solemn.

Emperor Chengtian glanced at him from the corner of his eye, and found that Lao Ping Nanhou was distracted, he couldn't help feeling unhappy, and asked in a flat tone: "Yanghou, what do you think?"

"Master Yang?" Emperor Chengtian slightly raised his voice.

Pingnanhou's eyes were fixed, and there was no response.

In the end, the Hubu Shangshu, who was next to him, approached and whispered to remind: "Hou Ye? Hou Ye? Your Majesty is asking you something."

"Ah? Ah! Oh." Marquis Pingnan woke up like a dream, got up in a panic, cupped his hands and said: "The old minister is here."

Thinking of Fa's wife's family's achievements in the past, Emperor Chengtian endured it again and again, his face darkened, and asked: "What do you think of the matter discussed just now?"

Ping Nanhou opened his mouth, and after a while, he said hoarsely: "Your Majesty is wise, what you mean is the most appropriate."

snort!

I just don't know what it means!

Emperor Chengtian took a deep breath, wanting to have a fit but it was inconvenient. Although he had been secretly gathering power, he didn't want to lose the reputation of crossing rivers and demolishing bridges, so he forbeared again and again, feeling quite upset, and said dryly: "That's the end of today's discussion, this memorial Put it aside for discussion!" After speaking, he stood up, with his hands behind his back, walked squarely, and left the imperial study room with his head held high.

"Wei Chen respectfully sends His Majesty."

"My son respectfully sends the father to the emperor."

Everyone then stood up, bowed and cupped their hands.

The results just now were all in King Qing's expectation, so he was not depressed and annoyed, and silently pondered the countermeasures.

The next moment, Emperor Chengtian walked to the door, and suddenly said without turning his head: "The princes are here, I have something to order."

"Yes." The eldest prince responded, and followed his father first.

Since it was the "Emperors", the Fifth and Sixth Princes present humbly said at the same time: "Third brother, please."

"Let's go to Qianming Palace." King Qing didn't hold back, and walked side by side with his two younger brothers.

in two quarters of an hour

Returning to the palace, Emperor Chengtian, who had changed into bright yellow clothes, leaned on the recliner, expressionless, and asked slightly angrily, "Lao Qi is still sick?"

"According to the imperial doctor's report, since the seventh brother fell into the water at the beginning of the year—" At this point, the eldest prince glanced at King Qing meaningfully, withdrew his eyes, and said worriedly: "...then he caught a cold and fell ill. I am mentally weak and have not yet recovered, always complaining of a headache."

"Order the imperial doctor to make a good diagnosis and treatment, and make sure he recovers!" Emperor Chengtian shouted.

"Yes." The eldest prince was respectful.

The queen passed away, and the royal children and grandchildren had to observe filial piety for three years. Some people were happy and some were worried.

For example, Prince Qing and the Seventh Prince were all relieved from the bottom of their hearts.

——Zhao Zewu's "illness" is clear to relatives and friends who are a little familiar: it is not a fever and headache caused by falling into the water at all, but a disease caused by lovesickness.

"Fengtianjian originally chose an auspicious day for the zodiac, and the Ministry of Rites and the woman's family have already made preparations, but because of filial piety, Lao Qi's marriage can only be postponed." Emperor Chengtian lowered his eyes and sighed.

"Then—" The eldest prince hesitated to speak, not sure what his father was thinking, so he simply shut up.

The fifth prince was cautious in his words and deeds, unconsciously playing with his beloved folding fan, and eating a piece of iced fresh fruit from time to time.

"Oh, I am very worried about Lao Qi's long-term illness. Keeping filial piety is important, but the safety of the royal family's heirs is also important. After much deliberation, I can only make an exception for the wedding. Give Lao Qi a boost, and hope it can be resolved. Bad luck is good luck." Emperor Chengtian did not allow disobedience in every word.

Huh?

Happy?

All the princes raised their heads in unison, dumbfounded.

The sixth prince was the first to respond, and agreed: "Don't worry, I will do my best to assist Xiao Wu's marriage!"

"Okay." Emperor Chengtian nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Prince Qing and the fifth prince and told him: "Lao Qi is naturally reckless, as elder brothers, you should supervise and take care of him out of reason."

"Yes." The Fifth Prince bowed his head respectfully.

King Qing hesitated to speak, frowned slightly, and was about to say a few polite words, but heard his father mentioning: "Yong'er, you are too old..."

"My son——" King Qing was at a loss for words immediately, as if he was facing an enemy, he suddenly tensed up, and said carefully, "Father, the seventh brother's filial piety marriage is for joy, but my son is not sick, and there is no reason to violate filial piety."

"Humph."

Emperor Chengtian snorted coldly, and said slowly: "That's natural, I'm just reminding you."

In mid-July, after several times of confrontation, Rong Youtang received the imperial court's approval and a letter from King Qing at the same time.

"Isn't it?"

Wei Jie sighed at the end, wrinkled his face, and shouted: "Your Majesty grants permission, but the imperial court doesn't give you a cent of food and salary? Is the whole place covered?"

"Didn't say no, His Majesty asked us to build the barracks first, and try to supply the food and pay by ourselves temporarily." Rong Youtang touched his nose, unavoidably suspicious, very uncertain, and said hesitantly: "Perhaps... When the national treasury is full, households The Ministry will allocate this part of Xizhou's food and salary."

Zhuo Kai crossed his arms and whispered the truth: "Who knows when? The Year of the Monkey?"

"Let's wait and see." Rong Youtang laughed dumbly, shook King Qing's letter, looked at Zhuo Kai, and told with a sigh:

"His Highness mentioned in the letter that His Highness Seventh is already married!"