Yamafu Military Affairs

Chapter 226 Ruby Green

Inside the Xingqing Palace, not far to the northeast of the Hua'e Xianghui Tower, there is a tall building named "Qinzhengwuben Building".

When the night was deep and the lights were brightest, Li Longji walked into the Qinzhengwu Building.

We were feasting one moment, but the next moment we felt desolate and silent.

It was as if his life had changed so quickly, from a young man in fine clothes and a vigorous horse to a middle-aged man in high spirits, and in the blink of an eye he had become an old man with white hair.

Once in life, it is difficult to be young again.
"Saint, the suspect is here."

Li Longji, with a gloomy look, looked over and saw that in addition to Ji Wen, a man in a dark blue official robe was brought up and knelt in front of the imperial couch.

"You are just a lowly official of the sixth rank, yet you dare to embezzle military funds? Do you think the salary I give you is not enough?!"

As Li Longji asked this question, Gao Lishi took out several account books and placed them on the imperial desk.

Including the account books of financial departments such as Taifu Treasury, Hubu Duzhi, etc.

Thanks to the huge productivity brought by the Tianrui mines and mechanical technology, the financial and tax revenues of the prosperous Tang Dynasty have become increasingly abundant in recent years, which is more than enough to support the military expenditures of the Anxi Protectorate.

"Your Majesty, I have been handling the affairs of the Ministry of War for a long time. I know that embezzling military pay and food is a serious crime. I would never dare to lack the military equipment of the Shenwu Army, the Youwei Guard, and the Zuojinwu Guard. However, when the money approved by the Ministry of Revenue was sent to the Ministry of War, there was only this much. I have never deducted a single cent!"

Listening to Zeng Tai's explanation, Li Longji flipped through the account book without commenting and threw it on Ji Wen's head.

"Jiwen, tell me, is this true?"

Ji Wen felt a tightness in his heart when he heard the saint's voice, which sounded like the coldest days of winter. However, he still forced himself to stand up and continued speaking along the lines of what Zeng Tai had said, as he had rehearsed beforehand.

"What Mr. Zeng said is correct, but I hope the saint will allow me to explain the actual reason slowly."

Seeing Ji Wen kowtow and confess his guilt, making a thudding sound, Li Longji flicked his sleeves.

"Say!"

"The cause of the incident can be traced back to the winter month (November) before the New Year. At that time, An Lushan, the Prince of Dongping, was leading tens of thousands of Hebei men to open up wasteland and cultivate land. However, the local taxes that should be paid had not yet arrived in Chang'an. The Ministry of Revenue sent people to inquire about it. General An Jie said that the northern border was bitterly cold, and the income from the reclamation of wasteland was not only not enough, but also had to pay one-third of the land taxes from Fanyang and Pinglu to support the lives of the people.

After learning about this, the Right Prime Minister, out of sympathy for the people, promised General An Jie that he could make up the land tax in the future. As a result, the Ministry of Revenue had a temporary shortfall in its revenue, but it was still enough to cover the military expenses of the Western Expedition Army. But on the eve of the New Year, the Tianrui Division suddenly asked for a large sum of money for research. The Ministry of Revenue adhered to the fundamental national policy of giving way to the Tianrui Division, so it allocated the money to the Tianrui Division first.

As a result, the Ministry of Revenue only had time to raise half of the food and supplies for the Western Expedition Army in a short period of time. The war was tense and General Geshu was pressing for more. After the six ministries discussed it, they decided to send 50% of the military equipment to the army first, and the remaining military equipment would be sent to Anxi after it was raised in Hedong and Hexi and dispatched to Chang'an.

I didn't expect General Gao to be so quick in his deployment of troops. He won the battle in just over a month. The military equipment sent by the Ministry of Revenue is still in the Chang'an treasury. General Qin loves his soldiers like his own sons, and the six ministries did make mistakes. This misunderstanding at the banquet tonight has displeased the Saint. I will not refuse to die."

Li Longji looked at Ji Wen, who was so eloquent, and knew that this was definitely not the case. However, he was too lazy to investigate, so he immediately issued an order: "Summon the Right Prime Minister Li Linfu, the General of the Shenwu Army Qin Huai, the General of the Left Yulin Guard An Lushan, the Minister of War Chen Xilie, the Minister of Revenue Pei Kuan, the Minister of Punishment Xiao Yinzhi, the Minister of Justice Li Daosui, and the Junior Minister Yang Shaozhen."

After a while, a group of ministers rushed to the Qinzheng Building and prostrated themselves.

Li Longji did not listen to anyone's opinions and made the most perfect arrangements on his own.

"This case is handled by Xiao Qing, and the Shenwu General Ge Shujing is in charge. Immediately take Ji Wen and Zeng Tai to the Dali Temple for secret trial, and do not alert others. The Tianqi will strengthen the palace defense overnight. Send people to Shendu and Fanyang to retrieve the relevant account books."

"Here."

Li Longji was still concerned about where his money went, and said, "The six ministries transferred the fiscal revenue this time, and there were omissions but they were not reported. Check it out."

"Here."

"Sage, I request that the Right Prime Minister and the Prince of Dongping go to the Dali Temple to assist in the investigation and restore justice to Shenwu."

Geshu, who had been standing by and witnessed Ji Wen's entire argument, said: "I think there must be something hidden behind what happened tonight. Your Excellency must not believe one side of the story!"

Seeing that Geshu Jing was willing to play the good cop, Qin Huai, who was playing the bad cop, also spoke up at the right time: "The Right Prime Minister and the Prince of Dongping are loyal to His Majesty and would never break the law knowingly. They must have been deceived by their subordinates. Your Majesty, why don't you allow me to chat with you two for a while? There is no need to go to the Dali Temple."

"What do the Right Prime Minister and Hu'er mean?"

Seeing Qin Huai taking the initiative to give way, Li Longji felt a little better. He raised his holy eyes and looked at the two of them.

"I am also very curious about the Western Barbarian countries, and I want to talk to Tianqi about it."

Li Linfu swept his cold eyes over Qin Huai. He didn't think that this young boy could get anything from him by his words.

"It's all up to the saints,"

An Lushan didn't take it seriously and took the initiative to back down.

The ministers took their leave.

Li Longji thought for a moment, his eyes suddenly gleamed, and he slowly said: "Let the prince come to see me."

"I will go and invite you now. What about the celebration banquet?"

"Wait."

A major case dampened Li Longji's originally cheerful mood.

Once the mind is no longer filled with music, dance and beauty, the long night becomes boring.

Although he was angry when someone was corrupt, he could not muster any energy. When he was young, he was able to rise to prominence despite the persecution of the Wu Zhou Dynasty. He had already reached the pinnacle of political power. What methods had he not seen?

After a lifetime of fighting, I'm tired and fed up with it.

Lying down on the imperial couch, he felt exhausted. After all, he was over sixty years old. Even though his ministers presented him with auspicious objects like the "Auspicious Apricot", he still couldn't help feeling dizzy, weak, and groggy every time he stayed up late.

But no matter what, in order to demonstrate the national strength of the prosperous Tang Dynasty in front of envoys from all over the world, this banquet must be endured tonight, and the rest of his life must be endured as if it were when he was young, otherwise the ministers will discuss that "the saint is old."

He would never allow anyone to even have this thought in their mind. He was a sage king through the ages, who dared to fight against the heavens, dared to fight against the years, and would never grow old!
Thinking of the "Auspicious Apricot" presented by Qin Huai, Li Longji's ambition for immortality grew even stronger.
-
The candles in the Qinzheng Building went out.

The Hua'e Tower was still bustling with activity and bright lights.

All the ministers returned to the palace. Qin Huai walked to the corridor and looked outside the building. Geshu Jing was walking out with a group of Fire Sky Cavalry.

The smell of camphor with a faint scent of osmanthus came from behind. Qin Huai turned around and met the eyes of Lady Yang Yuyao of Guo State who had just come out of the veranda after changing clothes.

"Mrs. Yao came here to look for me, is there something wrong?"

"Erlang, please follow me. Yuhuan has something to tell you."

She lowered her head and walked towards the deserted back hall at the corner of the corridor.

Several thoughts flashed through Qin Huai's mind, and he silently followed.

In the magnificent back hall, several objects placed on gold plates and silver foil were placed on the imperial table in front of Yang Yuhuan.

As soon as Qin Huai came in, he saw Yang Yuhuan pounding something in a fine gold mortar with a small white jade pestle.

Are you preparing medicinal materials and preparing to make the elixir?

Qin Huai's expertise in traditional Chinese medicine was not low. With just a glance at the imperial desk, he recognized what these red medicinal herbs were.

Peony bark, talc, almond, talcum powder.
Without exception, they are all rare medicinal stones that have been transformed and strengthened by Tianrui.

"Wait a moment, Erlang, while I prepare this jade paste."

Yang Yuhuan smiled gently at Qin Huai, and a barely perceptible green luster flashed across her slender jade fingers.

"All right."

After a while, Qin Huai heard Yang Yuhuan's soft cry, and his eyes turned from the pleasing picture of the beauty pounding medicine to the small jade bowl.

Category: Consumables
Quality: Rare

One of Yang Taizhen's unique beauty secrets, [Taizhen Magic Makeup], after applying it for ten days, your face will be as ruby-red. It can inhibit bacteria, remove dirt, moisturize the skin and benefit the orifices.

It can benefit the pores of the skin and hair on the upper part, and the urethra of the lower part. Regular use can restore your youthful appearance and stop aging for three years.

Note: When combined with oil paint tricks, eyebrow and face painting and other related code skills and secret enhancements, it can produce unexpected and amazing effects.

Good stuff. According to the introduction, Hongying should be able to use it too.

Just as Qin Huai was staring at [Hong Yuqing] in a daze, missing the beautiful figure in his heart, Yang Yuhuan had already stood up, took a small box from the palace maid beside her and handed it to him.

"Doctor Ji Wenji has done me some favors. I wonder if Erlang can spare his life for Yuhuan's sake?"

Qin Huai took the small box and looked at it. There was a gold fish bag quietly inside.

[Lianshan Fish Bag]: It is in the shape of a fish and made of knotted silk. It is a symbol of fish and strength. It is a token of Yamafu that contains the power of rat. After use, it increases the awakening degree of any inheritance by 7%.

7% awakening in exchange for a villain's life, this deal is worth it.

not to mention
Qin Huai bowed slightly and smiled, "Since it is your sincere wish, I will obey."

"My Yang family owes Ji Wen a lot of favors, and we should repay them."

Yang Yuyao said: "But the Right Prime Minister has been in the court for a long time. If Erlang wants this Suo Douji to give some benefits, it may be difficult."

"Yao Niang misjudged me. Huai's move tonight was just to find an excuse to have a good chat with the Right Prime Minister."

Qin Huai shook his head and said nothing more.

Yang Yuhuan looked very curious and asked in a low voice: "Did the Saint see it?"

"The saint naturally saw it. Huai would not have acted this way without his tacit approval."

Yang Yuhuan thought about it for a moment and suddenly realized that all the forces involved in the case tonight were probably well aware of Tianqi's purpose, so they did not take any further action and let Shenwu make the arrangements.

After figuring out the key, she no longer worried about Qin Huai doing anything out of the ordinary and watched him leave the back hall.

"Sister, I always feel that Erlang is different this time when he comes back."

Yang Yuyao gently stroked Yang Yuhuan, who was nestled in her arms, with a somewhat sour tone in her voice.

"It's a good thing that Erlang, the sharpest sword in the world, can be less sharp."

Yang Yuhuan patted her third sister's proud long legs, her beautiful eyes shining with excitement, and no one knew what she was thinking.

"A precious sword cannot be used without a sheath. Don't you have any ideas, sister?"

"It's hard to find a witch, and Erlang and Yuzhu have a deep relationship, so let's just go with the flow."

Just as the Yang sisters were talking privately in the boudoir, Qin Huai had re-entered the hall and stopped three steps behind Li Linfu.

Looking at the four beautiful maids standing in front of him, Qin Huai ignored the faint red light on them and shouted to Li Linfu, "Right Prime Minister, can you talk?"

"Jiao Nu, Run Nu, let him in."

Qin Huai walked to Li Linfu's side, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he naturally put his hands on the shoulders of the right prime minister to loosen up his muscles.

"It's inconvenient to talk here, why don't you follow me, Right Prime Minister?"

Li Linfu's eyes flashed, and he was trying to figure out Qin Huai's intention.

Forget it, it was a night banquet and the emperor and his officials were all here, I don’t think the kid would dare to act violently.

"Where?"

"The lower veranda."

Qin Huai led Li Linfu down the stairs, followed closely by the four fair and radiant slaves. After a while, the two of them sat down at the tea table in the veranda and began to exchange interests.

"I can choose not to delve into the matter of the six ministries' dereliction of duty and the Ministry of Revenue's corruption, but I want the Right Prime Minister to help me with one thing."

Qin Huai was too lazy to play tricks with Li Linfu, who was known for his "sweet words and sharp sword in his heart", so he went straight to the point and opened his bloody mouth.

"what's up?"

Li Linfu asked calmly, gently stroking the jade belt in his hand.

"I want the Right Prime Minister to help me control the four towns of Hexi, Longyou, Anxi, and Beiting, to control Zhaowu and Anxi, and to build an unparalleled achievement for the glorious Tang Dynasty!"

"You are delusional!"

Li Linfu shouted angrily, "Wang Zhongsi conquered the world, but in the end he was only the governor of four towns. You are asking for half of the Tang Dynasty. Aren't you afraid of being starved to death?"

"I have a big appetite, so you don't have to worry. Just give me a nod, and your fifty children can continue to enjoy wealth and prosperity without having to worry about the extermination of the family. Isn't that good?"

Qin Huai twisted his fingers, and a golden-red light danced on his fingertips like a spirit snake.

"presumptuous!"

The four bright and moist slaves spoke at the same time, looking at Qin Huai with eyes like man-eating evil spirits.

Hearing the naked threat, Li Linfu remained silent for a while, stared at Qin Huai and uttered three words.

"You do not dare."

Snapped!
As soon as he finished speaking, a golden-red light flashed, followed by four continuous muffled sounds. Qin Huai shook his hands and sat back in his seat.

"What did the Right Prime Minister say? His voice was too soft just now, I didn't hear it clearly."

Glancing at the four maids who were knocked down in an instant, Li Linfu was shocked, but he still stared at Qin Huai.

"You, don't, dare."

Qin Huai heard it clearly now, but he was too lazy to talk nonsense with the old man. He took out rubber bands and tied up Li Linfu's limbs.

"Qin's son, what do you want to do?"

Li Linfu saw that Qin Huai was not playing by the rules and was about to do something wrong, so he wanted to shout loudly and call someone over.

Uh-huh~
Qingbi Canglan covered his mouth, Qin Huai lifted up Li Linfu's feet, who was lying flat on the ground, and took out a white wet towel.

"But I want to let the Right Prime Minister know that although I am not as proficient in the "Book of Fabrication" as A Jing, I have my own methods when facing some enemy tongues."

Qin Huai squatted down, looked at Li Linfu's status bar, and said leisurely: "If the Right Prime Minister changes his mind, just nod twice and everything can be discussed."

After saying this, Qin Huai pinched the nectar talisman with his hand and looked at Li Linfu, whose face was covered with a white towel, leisurely.

Lao Qin’s special form, the traveling frog is temporarily online.

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(End of this chapter)