The Red Mansions

Chapter 558 Cut the mess with a quick knife!
Henan government office, back hall

After disposing of the relevant officials and generals of the Luoyang Thousand Households Office, Jia Heng read Lu Qingshan's confession and Tian and Zhou's secret book records.

It generally records the illegal acts of Prince Wei Kang and Prince Zheng Cheng, including but not limited to the violation of basic necessities of life, as well as the illegal acts of bullying men and women by the sons and daughters of the vassal clan, and the illegal acts of keeping child servants. Thinking of the guards as servants, he made armor and weapons privately for this purpose.

There are so many criminal evidences that it is too difficult to write.

"Sir." Seeing Jia Heng's gloomy face, Princess Xianning stared at him with her beautiful eyes, and asked in a concerned tone.

Jia Heng closed the book and said: "The vassals are entrenched in the prefectures and counties, and the evil they do is no less than that of bandits."

Princess Xianning worried: "Sir, do you want to punish the two feudal clans? These two feudal clans are the nephews of the emperor, and they have always been gracious in the past. The emperor often hears impeachment from local officials, but it is difficult to deal with it because of the blood relationship between the heavenly family."

Jia Heng said: "His Royal Highness, the matter of punishing the two vassals is subject to discussion among the princes in Shenjing. Now it is still necessary to get back the imperial court's money and food from the two vassals. Otherwise, the imperial court will not be able to support the suppression of bandits and compensation."

"Sir, it's good to plan." Princess Xianning said softly: "However, I will report the matter here to Father Emperor."

Jia Heng glanced at the cold and handsome girl, and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your righteous words."

This is the advantage of him taking Princess Xianning, because he is not only bringing Xianning, but also Queen Song, Concubine Duan Rong, and King Wei behind him.

"Sir, you're being polite." Princess Xianning said softly, her beautiful eyes flickering, and suddenly her voice trembled a little, and she said, "I'm afraid that my royal father will not fully believe the memorabilia I wrote. .”

Father would probably say that her memorials tended to be obvious, and the credibility was lower, which is unknown.

Jia Heng smiled and said, "It's okay, talking is better than nothing."

Princess Xianning: "???"

In a flash, he knew that the boy was teasing him, he pursed his pink lips, his heart skipped a beat.

While the two were talking, they saw Liu Jixian striding forward from the outside, clasped his hands and said: "Jie Shuai, Henan Governor Meng Jinwen is back, and he is waiting in the lobby."

Jia Heng nodded, then looked at Princess Xianning at the side, and said softly: "Your Highness, go and rest first."

"Sir, I'm not tired." Princess Xianning shook her head and said clearly.

"Your Highness has been busy all the way, and his face is full of sweat. After taking a bath, go to rest for a while, and we will have dinner together later." Jia Heng said softly, seeing the girl still not moving, said: " Alright, Your Highness doesn't need to stay here anymore, I will also go back to rest for a while after meeting the governor of Henan."

Hearing Jia Heng's tone of coaxing children, Princess Xianning lowered her bright eyes, a faint blush appeared on her greasy face, and said softly: "Then sir... I'll go first."

"Go." Jia Heng didn't say anything else, watched Princess Xianning leave, and then, accompanied by Liu Jixian and other guards, went to see Henan Governor Meng Jinwen.

At this moment, in the official hall, Meng Jinwen had been sitting there waiting for a while, when he heard the sound of footsteps, he quickly put down the teacup and looked at the person coming.

I saw Jin Yiwei surrounded by a young man in python with bright eyebrows and bright eyes and a serious face like stars arching the moon. He knew that he was the rightful lord, so he got up and bowed his hands and said: "Meng Jinwen, my subordinate, has seen Mr. Jia."

Jia Heng slightly nodded at Meng Jinwen, and called out: "Meng Fu Yin is free of courtesy."

"Thank you, Master Jia." Meng Jinwen said softly.

While Jia Heng was talking, he sat down on the pear flower wood chair beside the small table, and asked without hesitation: "Meng Fu Yin, I heard from Xie Fu Cheng earlier that the treasury was short of money and it was difficult to supply the army with food, so Meng Fu Yin went there. The two feudal lords of Wei and Zheng are asking for taxes and grains owed over the years, what do the two feudal lords of Wei and Zheng say?"

Mentioning this matter, Meng Jinwen sighed and complained: "Your Majesty can talk badly, but Prince Wei's Mansion is still evading the emptiness of the royal mansion's treasury, and in the end only wants to give three thousand stones to support the imperial court in suppressing the bandits."

As he said that, he narrated the journey to King Wei's Mansion in detail.

Jia Heng frowned and asked, "Where is Zheng Fan?"

"Zheng Fan is also talking about the same thing. Prince Zheng Cheng said that there is still rice in Taicang, and it can be used to feed the army, which is enough to support the war." Meng Jinwen said with a bitter face.

What he is doing now is just a little bit of human affairs. With his own strength, it is not enough to restrain Zheng and Wei. No matter what, if he shows a positive attitude, the young man in front of him will never be able to use him.

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "Minister of the Meng Mansion, I was ordered by the emperor to lead a large army to suppress the bandits. According to the usual practice, most of the military supplies and fodder should be delivered from the Henan treasury. If it lasts for three to five days, if it delays the important military and state affairs, does the governor of the Meng family know what crime it is?"

"Your official knows." Feeling the faint warning in the words, Meng Jinwen's face changed slightly, he got up quickly, and said with cupped hands: "But the official is helpless. Repeatedly reminding him to pay, and making excuses for him, as for other methods, the subordinate officials really can't think of any other way."

Jia Heng frowned, and said: "You are the Governor of Henan, can't you impeach Wei and Zheng to the court?"

"This..." Meng Jinwen's heart sank, and he hesitated: "My lord, the two feudal clans have been in Henan for a long time, and they are the emperor's nephew. I'm afraid it's not easy to impeach them?"

Jia Heng said indifferently: "The Wei and Zheng feudal vassals owed grain and rice and occupied the grain fields. If the governor of the Meng government impeaches them and reports them to Shenjing, the civil and military officials of the Manchu dynasty will hear about the evils of the two feudal vassals. Mengfu Yin will play together, Mengfu Yin is willing to impeach?"

Impeachment is only the first step, because we have to punish without teaching. The only way is to let the court officials know the greedy and despicable faces of the two vassal kings in Henan. A consensus between the government and the opposition can be gathered in the next step, and then there will be a basis for public opinion after sharpening the knife.

What happened in Henan, even the emperor vomited blood anxiously, are these vassal kings not worried at all?

Meng Jinwen's complexion was gloomy and flickering, and he nodded quickly in response: "Your Majesty, I will write the impeachment memorandum."

So far, he has no choice.

Jia Heng said: "Come here, prepare a pen and paper."

The two wrote the memorial, handed over the brocade clothes, and reported to Shenjing with a fast horse.

To be seated again to talk.

Xu was jointly involved in the impeachment, Meng Jinwen made up his mind, and he didn't seem to be alienated just now, he asked: "Lord Jia, even if the impeachment of the two vassals is impeached, the imperial court's order is not immediately available. Now that the military situation is urgent, how can we pursue the two vassals of Wei and Zheng?" Asking for food and fodder?"

Jia Heng pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice: "This matter still requires the cooperation of Meng Fu Yin, but before that, first deceive the two kings out."

When it comes to the end, his eyes are deep, and he has a plan in his heart.

"Spoil out?" Meng Jinwen murmured, full of doubts.

Jia Heng didn't explain, but ordered: "Liu Jixian, ask someone to collect the books handed over by the two town governors, call Tiqi, and invite Zheng and Wei to come to the government office to inquire later."

Facing Jin Yiwei, the vassal king would have instinctive fear, so he could deceive him first.

Liu Jixian handed over should be.

Jia Heng said, then looked at Meng Jinwen, and said aggressively: "Master Meng can organize the tax collectors of Henan Prefecture to go to the residences of Wei and Zheng. When the two kings come out, they will immediately seal up the treasury and urge the payment of grain taxes."

From some memorials in Jinyi Mansion, we can see that Wei Zheng and the two feudal vassals have hoarded a lot of food and fodder in the palace, and he will lead the army tomorrow, so he really has no time to play with these feudal lords like "treating guests, beheading, and accepting the present." dog" game.

Only, cut the mess with a sharp knife.

When I said before and after blocking the Gaoyue bandits, it didn't mean "waiting, stopping, and waiting" to delay time, but also to complete the encirclement of the Gaoyue bandits as quickly as possible.

Meng Jinwen's complexion changed slightly, and he said in a low voice: "Lord Jia, both feudal clans have palace gate troops and nearly thousands of child servants. I'm afraid they won't be able to claim food and fodder at all just relying on government servants."

According to the Han system, the vassal king has the guards of the royal palace, led by the Dianjun, and leads 330 guards, who act as guards of honor and guards. Violation list.

Jia Heng sneered and said: "Meng Fu Yin just rest assured, as soon as the two kings of Wei and Zheng came out, the governor immediately surrounded the two palaces and did not allow anyone to enter or leave. Move the grain, and then reconcile the accounts one by one until it is written off."

"This..." Meng Jinwen was shocked.

"The military situation is like fire, the power is urgent, and the bandits are getting stronger every day. I use the sword of the emperor to supervise the army. How can I let the two feudal kings delay the military plane?" Jia Heng's face was light, and his tone was light, but there was no doubt.

In the name of "protection", he can take over the palaces of Wei and Zheng with soldiers and horses, seal up their treasuries, and count rice and grain.

As for whether the two vassals will impeach him to Jingli Shangshu, it is actually not a big problem, as long as the two vassals of Wei and Zheng are not stabbed with a sword, then there is room for maneuver in everything, it is nothing more than a war of words.

Even if the emperor found out, he would secretly give his thumbs up, and then pretend to say that the matter should be done urgently, and the next step is not an example.

As for the Taishanghuang, he may not say anything. The Taishanghuang is just old, not confused.

If the first-generation vassal kings of the two vassals are alive, there will still be some incense and fire, which will be passed on to the second generation, leaving only some face and affection of the clan.

However, just now, Princess Xianning said that Empress Dowager Feng's relatives were also in Luoyang, so she could persuade the Wei and Zheng feudal lords to demolish the house and open the windows for the middleman to finish.

Otherwise, even if he came to visit the two feudal clans in person, he would most likely be sent back like Meng Jinwen. With scruples in my heart, I will intensify the situation and see the tricks.

Therefore, it is impossible to be courteous before fighting, fighting wits and courage, and then waiting until the conflict is sharp, and the two sides come together to cause disaster, but if you want to beat them down with a stick, the two vassal kings will be dumbfounded on the spot.

Meng Jinwen's complexion changed slightly, and he thought to himself, this Mr. Jia is really young and vigorous, and he is determined to wrestle with these two feudal lords.

After Meng Jinwen listened to Jia Heng's instructions, he bowed his hands and said goodbye, and went to prepare manpower.

After Meng Jinwen left, Jia Heng told Liu Jixian a few more words, saying: "Liu Jixian, if there is anything going on over there, send someone to report at any time."

If something happens over there, he can also go to the rescue.

"Don't worry, my lord, I will go to the humble position." Liu Jixian understood and left as ordered.

As soon as Liu Jixian left, Jia Heng called Cai Quan again, and said in a low voice: "Cai Guerrilla, as long as Zheng and Wei are invited, he will immediately send two thousand cavalry to surround the two palace cities, and say that the bandits are powerful and protect them." Empire."

Cai Quan also surrendered.

After everyone left, Jia Heng also felt mentally exhausted, so he ordered people to keep an eye on the news from Jin Yiwei, call him if there is something urgent, and go to the back office.

Stepping into the backyard, I saw that in the flower hall, on a chair made of huanghuali wood, Xia Houying, who was wearing a beautifully embroidered flying fish suit and holding an embroidered spring knife in her arms, was sitting on the chair, closing her eyes and dozing off. After clicking a little bit, Xu Shi heard Jia Heng's footsteps, suddenly excited, opened his eyes, and cast his cold eyes on the past.

"Miss Xiahou just sit down." Jia Heng smiled, looked at the woman in brocade clothes, and asked in a low voice, "Did Your Highness take a rest?"

Xia Houying frowned unobtrusively when she heard Miss Xiahou's words, and said: "After taking a bath, Your Highness changed clothes and rested in the backyard."

Jia Heng nodded, took a seat on the wooden chair opposite, and said softly: "The pommel horse has been tiring all the way, if Miss Xiahou is sleepy, you don't have to stay here, just go to the back house to rest."

The cold look on Xia Houying's face dissipated a little, and she said, "Thank you, Master Jia, for your concern. I'll just squint for a while."

Before Jia Heng could talk about anything else, he took a sip from the teacup on the side, and turned to rest in the wing.

But on the other side, after King Wei sent Meng Jinwen away, he had someone prepare a sedan chair to go to Prince Zheng's mansion.

King Zheng's Mansion, at noon
At the back of the manor with a deep courtyard, there is a water pavilion with octagonal eaves and surrounded by water. Prince Zheng Cheng is sitting on a blue and yellow rattan chair, holding a purple bamboo fishing rod in his hand, fishing comfortably.

Not far behind him, his ten-year-old grandson Chen Xiang was sitting on the embroidered pier. He also picked up a bamboo pole, and under the care of his long follower, he put bait on the hook and threw it towards the rippling lake. Ripples in circles.

A few servants around were waiting not far away, not daring to breathe out, lest they scare away the fish in the lake.

"My lord, the lord of Wei is here." At this moment, from the direction of the water pavilion leading to the moon gate, an old man over fifty years old walked quickly. Beside, said in a low voice.

Prince Zheng Cheng turned his gray-and-white haired head, his thin face showed a strange color, and asked in a cang voice: "He came here at this time, probably because the imperial court sent troops to pay him."

Sun Xun cupped his hands and said, "My lord is clear, that's what Prince Wei said."

"Disappointing." Prince Zheng Cheng muttered in a low voice, handed the fishing rod to the servant at the side, stood up, stretched himself and said, "Sun Changshi will follow me to see you."

Sun Xun responded, and followed Prince Zheng Cheng out of the water pavilion, heading towards the Chengyun Hall where King Zheng usually entertained guests.

In the Chengyun Hall and the main hall, Prince Wei Kang has been waiting for a while under the guidance of the supervisor in charge.

"Brother Zheng Wang." When Prince Wei Kang saw Prince Zheng Cheng approaching, he quickly got up to greet him.

Prince Zheng Cheng smiled and said: "Brother Wei, I haven't seen you for a long time, and it's really good to see you again. Why are you so busy today?"

Prince Wei Kang smiled slightly on his chubby round face, and said, "Brother Zheng Wang, my younger brother will go to the Three Treasures Hall for nothing."

The two greeted each other and sat down.

Prince Wei Kang said: "Brother Zheng Wang, have you seen that Mengfu Yin?"

"Brother Wei, what about Meng Jinwen? He came over early in the morning, came to ask for the bill, and said something that didn't make sense, and I have already dismissed him from afar." Prince Zheng Cheng waved his hand lightly.

However, Prince Wei Kang sighed, and said: "Brother Wang, since he has met the man surnamed Meng, he knows what his plan is. He said that the imperial army stationed in Luo needs to be supplied with military supplies, so let us pay them back." The unpaid grain tax seems to me to be a debt collector in the name of the imperial court suppressing bandits."

Prince Zheng Cheng said: "He told me that the harvest in Henan prefectures has been sluggish these years, how can there be any rice for him."

"That's right, Zhou Dezhen, governor of Henan Province, is also an idiot, and there are also officers and soldiers from the capital of Henan Province. Tens of thousands of people let a small group of thieves take over, and now Kaifeng Mansion has fallen into the hands of thieves." Prince Weikang complained, Then he looked expectantly at Prince Zheng Cheng and said, "Brother Wang, then Meng Jinwen can say, let my mansion give out 30 shi, let Wang's mansion give out 40 shi, what did he say after passing this level? It's over."

"This is absolutely impossible." Prince Zheng Cheng waved his hands, and there was a bit of coldness on his face.

Prince Wei Kang said in a worried tone, lowering his voice: "Brother Wang, I heard that Jia Heng is not a fuel-efficient lamp. I asked Zhuo Changshi to inquire about him. , now leading the Beijing camp, the power is very hot, this time leading the army, it is a bit difficult to deal with."

Prince Zheng Cheng looked indifferent, and said: "Don't worry, Brother Wei, now that the emperor is still here, it's not our turn for such a brat to bark his teeth at us! Anyway, our house has no food, who would he like to ask for food?" Looking for food, besides, it is not short of his military supplies. Taicang still has hundreds of thousands of shi of grain hidden, which is enough for him to suppress the rebellion. There are more than a dozen rice merchants in Luoyang, hoarding millions of shi of grain. As long as he takes out the money and still worries about not being able to buy rice, there is no need to embarrass us clans at all."

"Brother Wang, that's what I meant." Prince Wei Kang said with a smile.

The most fearful thing about such a confrontation with important officials of the court is isolation and helplessness. If the two advance and retreat together, they will not be afraid of Jia Heng. At least the two emperors in Shenjing still have to pay attention to some royal face.

However, when the two of them were discussing matters, suddenly a servant from outside hurried over, with a look of panic on his face, and said: "My lord, something is wrong. Jin Yiwei, under the order of the Governor of Jin Yi, wants to ask the prince to ask questions."

Prince Zheng Cheng's brows twitched, his face was filled with anger, and he said: "Commander in Jinyi? Jia Heng, well, who gave them the courage! They actually bullied me."

Prince Wei Kang was also taken aback, thinking to himself, what is Jin Yiti doing riding here?
Frowning, he said: "Brother Zheng Wang, the people from the Jinyi Mansion in Shenjing are afraid that the visitors are not friendly, let's see what their intentions are."

Prince Zheng Cheng said in a cold voice: "Brother Wei, if you go and see, you will also meet this Jia Ziyu."

Prince Wei Kang nodded, and then left the Chengyun Hall with Prince Zheng Cheng, and came to the tower of Renxin Gate.

At this moment, there are hundreds of riders in brocade clothes below, riding tall horses, all wearing flying fish and embroidered spring knives, with serious faces and fierce aura.

"Who are you, acting wild in front of the vassal's mansion!" Li Dianjun shouted and asked.

Liu Jixian looked cold and solemn, sitting on the horse, cupping his hands to the side, his voice was deep and loud like a bell: "My servant, Beizhen Fusi, is in charge of punishing Liu Jixian of thousands of households. On the order of my lord, I would like to invite Prince Zheng to go to the government office to explain."

Prince Zheng Cheng on the three-person-high city gate tower above sneered, and said in a dark voice, "What are you? Let Jia Heng come over and talk to this king."

Liu Jixian raised his eyes to look at the two vassal princes upstairs in the city gate, but took out the book, and said coldly: "According to Lu Qingshan, a thousand households of the Luoyang Qianhu Office, Prince Zheng Cheng and Prince Wei Kang overstepped the rules and bribed Jinyi scouts, raises dead soldiers, hides armored soldiers... Conspiring against the law, intending to rebel, this matter needs to be clearly explained by Prince Zheng Cheng and my lord, otherwise my lord will report to the Holy Majesty and strictly investigate the two feudal clans!"

In fact, only crimes like rebellion deceived the two vassal kings to go to He Jiaheng to argue, because the brothers of Emperor Chongping, King Zhao, Prince Abandoned, and King Zhou were all involved in rebellion in this way. Family perish.

What law is rampant in the fish and meat town, and people ignore you.

When Prince Zheng Cheng heard the word "rebellion", his heart skipped a beat and his face turned pale.

Prince Weikang was not much better, he bought Lu Qingshan, but he just didn't want him to record his family's illegal activities in the imperial court's report, how did it become a conspiracy, an intention to seek rebellion?
What else counts as hiding armored soldiers privately, raising dead soldiers, and adopting child servants as home nurses?
(End of this chapter)