Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 4725: Children of aristocratic families
In the eyes of the world, children from poor families whose families have fallen into poverty and are in dire straits should naturally be more calm, down-to-earth, and realistic, so as to accumulate family property as soon as possible and strive to get ahead; children from wealthy families with abundant resources do not need to engage in scheming and form cliques for personal gain, but should be ambitious and worry about the country and the people.

However, the opposite is true.

The children of aristocratic families have been exposed to the art of power and intrigue since childhood, and have a deep understanding of the general situation in the world, so they spend more time focusing on building their network and maintaining their interests. They know that this is the foundation for maintaining family inheritance.

However, children from poor families lack understanding of the world. Their minds are influenced by books and classics. They regard "sacrifice one's life for righteousness", "loyalty, filial piety, benevolence and righteousness" and so on as their guiding principles and are more idealistic.

Pei Xingjian was born into a prominent family. He was influenced by his family since childhood and understood that personal ability is important, but the resources behind are the basis for determining a person's ultimate height. Without the strong support and resource allocation of the entire family, the children of aristocratic families may not be better than those of poor families.

Even a scholar like Liu Rengui, whose family was impoverished and who had to work as a servant, was supported by Fang Jun and rose rapidly to the position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. This shows the true nature of the so-called "official career".

"Don't be fooled by Lu Dongzan's words and actions. He is known as the 'first wise man in Tubo' for no reason. He was able to assist Songtsen Gampo in unifying the plateau and subjugating the various tribes. He even managed to gain a vast territory like Qinghai Lake under Songtsen Gampo's full suppression. How could he be easily defeated? So you must always be vigilant. If necessary, you would rather give up your strategic goals and withdraw in time. You must never be forced by him to go to war with Tubo."

Fang Jun gave many warnings and instructions. He believed in Pei Xingjian's ability, but he would never underestimate Lu Dongzan's wisdom and strategy. Even in the most dangerous and desperate situation, he still believed that this man had the means to turn the situation around.

The strategy of forcing the Gar family to attack the city of Lhasa, resulting in mutual destruction on both sides, could ensure the stability of the Tang Dynasty's border for twenty years. Without the assistance of Lu Dongzan and the Gar family, Songtsen Gampo might not be able to firmly control the Tibetan tribes as in history and establish the once-powerful Tibetan Empire.

However, the Tang Dynasty absolutely could not go to war with Tubo directly. The Tang Dynasty’s army was currently seriously lacking in training for plateau warfare. Even if the training was rigorous and the equipment was sophisticated, once they reached the plateau and developed altitude sickness, they would become a sick cat like a tiger, and a "proxy war" would become a protracted war of attrition in which they would be trapped.

This is absolutely not allowed in the current Tang Dynasty.

Pei Xingjian nodded heavily and said, "Don't worry, Marshal. Just as you said before, 'underestimate the enemy strategically, but take the enemy seriously tactically'. I will always keep this in mind. I will not belittle myself or become timid because of the enemy's strength, nor will I become arrogant or look down on others because of the enemy's weakness."

Fang Jun said cheerfully: "I never doubt your ability. As long as you stay alert at all times, you will definitely achieve great things."

Some people are born to do great things. Even if they are buried in the sand, they can still stand out and shine.

*****
The Ministry of Civil Affairs is the second largest of the six ministries after the Ministry of Personnel, but it is the busiest among the six ministries every day. It is responsible for the delivery of taxes to prefectures, counties, and accounts, as well as the review of appropriations by the six ministries and nine temples of the imperial court. Each of these is a large project that requires dozens or even hundreds of people working day and night under the leadership of the chief officer.

In recent days, officials have been discussing privately while being busy, with mixed opinions on the fact that Tang Jiahui, a doctor in the Ministry of Finance, was responsible for the issuance of "paper money".

The work of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is extremely tedious, and the numbers are extremely precise. The slightest mistake may lead to serious consequences. If you do it right, it is what you should do, but it may not be considered an achievement. If you do it wrong, it will be a crime that will be punished severely. It often takes decades to get to the position of doctor or assistant minister, but it often only takes a few days to fall from the position of doctor or assistant minister or even go to jail...

Under such circumstances, competition is naturally fierce, and people often fight fiercely for a project that is certain to have political achievements.

It would have been fine if the Minister of Civil Affairs Tang Jian had placed his own son in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, but now he is so shameless that he has taken the initiative to secure for his son the opportunity to issue "paper money" in various places in front of His Majesty. Everyone knows that once this task is completed, he will be promoted, so although they are afraid of the power of their superiors and dare not speak out, they are also extremely dissatisfied.

It is unheard of that people eat in such an ugly way.

Inside the government residence, the Tang family's father and son sat opposite each other. Outside, people were coming and going, making a lot of noise. Inside the house, the father and son were drinking tea opposite each other, in a state of silence.

After a long while, Tang Jiahui sighed and complained: "Father, I am deeply grateful for your concern, but it is indeed inappropriate to use public resources for personal gain in such a blatant way. I don't mind the endless rumors outside, but I am really uneasy about the damage to your reputation."

Tang Jian waved his hands indifferently, "Nonsense! I recommended the most virtuous person in front of His Majesty, and His Majesty agreed on the spot. None of the civil and military officials objected. We acted completely according to the procedures. How can it be said that I used public resources for personal gain? Besides, I never care about my so-called reputation. I only care about my son's future now."

Tang Jiahui wiped his face and was speechless.

Although I feel somewhat disgusted by my father's protective and partial behavior, he still loves his son. As the beneficiary, wouldn't it be hypocritical if I complain about this and that?

Tang Jian took a sip of tea and sighed, "I will resign after this matter is completed, so this is the last time I will prepare for your future. You will have to rely on yourself in the future, so this matter must be done properly, and there must not be any mistakes. I can shamelessly beg His Majesty to give you this job, but I can't beg His Majesty to exonerate you... In addition, before leaving, go to the princess's mansion to pay a visit to the princess. The princess has treated my family well, so please don't lose the affection and etiquette between uncle and sister-in-law."

Tang Jiahui remained silent.

His elder brother Tang Yi married Emperor Taizong's daughter Princess Yuzhang, and the couple had a harmonious and loving relationship. Although Princess Yuzhang was born to a concubine and lost her mother soon after birth, she was raised by Empress Wende, so she had a high status and was very much loved by Emperor Taizong.

However, misfortunes may come and go at any time. A few years ago, Princess Yuzhang was infected with a serious illness, and no medicine could cure her. It has been delayed until now and there is not much time left. It is conceivable that after her father retires and dies, and the princess passes away, the Tang family will inevitably fall into decline.

The reason why his father cultivated him regardless of his reputation was that he wanted to give him a push and support while he was still capable, hoping that the Tang family would not fall after his father's death...

After drinking a pot of tea that had lost its flavor, Tang Jian watched his son pour out the tea leaves and boil water to make tea again, and then asked, "What are your rules for this mission?"

Tang Jiahui answered while boiling water, "Bring enough guards to ensure the safety of the 'paper money'. Start from Henan Prefecture and hand over the 'paper money' to the noble families who signed the contract. After confirming the receipt is correct, we will continue to Shandong, Jiangnan and other places. This trip will take about a year, so we must pay attention to safety along the way."

"madness!"

"Why did father say this?"

After being scolded by his father, Tang Jiahui was confused. He didn't think he did anything wrong. Was there something wrong with him? Or did he forget something?
Tang Jian was very disappointed: "You have been in the Ministry of Civil Affairs for several years, and this is all you have learned?"

"My child is dull, if I have made any mistakes, please teach me, father."

"You're still not convinced? You're totally wrong!"

"..."

Tang Jian was very angry at this stupid son, but even though he was so stupid, he was still one of the few sons who could show off. What else could he do? If not, he could just teach him.

He patiently persuaded: "Do you know why I chose the most capable person for this job?"

“Isn’t it about accumulating political achievements and accumulating qualifications?”

"This is the first one, there are two more."

"…My son is stupid."

Tang Jian was disappointed: "If you are so stupid, let me ask you, who is in charge of the paper currency issue?"

"Of course it's Fang Jun, Duke of Yue."

"That's right. When you go out of Beijing to various places, you should ask Fang Jun for advice on how to act. You should do whatever he tells you to do."

Tang Jiahui was very confused: "But this mission is the Ministry of Civil Affairs's business, how can he interfere in it?"

Tang Jian was almost in despair. This child seemed okay normally, so how could he be so stupid?

"The minting and issuance of coins are the responsibilities of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, but the printing and issuance of paper money are all led by Fang Jun. In front of the favor of His Majesty, responsibilities mean nothing! The most important reason why your father fought for this job for you is to get in touch with Fang Jun. As long as you catch his eye and get promoted and appointed by him, your future will be secure."

This son is a little bit stupid, but he is diligent and steady in his work, and can be regarded as one of the most talented people among the younger generation. Fang Jun's "ability to judge people" has long been famous all over the world. As long as you can get in touch with him and catch his eye, even if you are less qualified, you will definitely have a good future.

When the princess was still alive, His Majesty, who valued sibling affection, would treat the Tang family much kinder. But once the princess was gone, His Majesty, who valued sibling affection, would not only not feel pity for the Tang family, but might even vent his anger on the Tang family, because it was the Tang family that caused the princess's death...

By that time, only Fang Jun could save the Tang family.

However, these words cannot be spoken out loud, otherwise it would be disrespectful to the royal family and malicious speculation about Your Majesty, which is a serious crime. The son needs to think about, experience, and realize it slowly on his own.

Some things can be stuffed into a child's mouth like an old bird feeding it. This is an innate advantage for children of wealthy families. They have the accumulated experience of their ancestors passed down through words and deeds, and always have a more superior environment than children of poor families or farmers.

But some things cannot be taught, they can only learn and summarize slowly by themselves...