Red Mansion: After being expelled from the family, I was granted the title of Marquis of Mobei

Chapter 97: Compromise, Marquis's Banquet

Seeing Xiao Qinyan's panic-stricken look, Emperor Yongping sighed in his heart.

He knew very well that if he struck down this blow, it would inevitably cause a shock in the government and the country.

In fact, Emperor Yongping didn't need to do any of this.

Because the land annexation in the Great Zhou is not as serious as it was at the end of the dynasty.

Emperor Yongping only needs to work hard to govern the country, and he will naturally be known as a wise ruler in the future.

However, Emperor Yongping did not have much confidence in his two sons.

Neither the eldest prince nor the second prince could have the power and foresight of Emperor Yongping.

There are many things that, if you don’t do them yourself and leave them to future generations, there will probably be no hope.

Emperor Yongping also felt that no matter what, the stigma on him could not be washed away.

In that case, I might as well be the bad guy myself and try to resolve all the hidden dangers in this country.

In this way, even if the successor king does not have great talent, as long as he can follow the rules of Xiao and Cao, he can ensure that the Zhou Dynasty will last for a hundred years.

As for what would happen a hundred years later, Emperor Yongping was powerless to do anything about it.

If after hundreds of years, the Great Zhou Dynasty has not produced a wise ruler, then it can only be said that this is the end of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

However, in the final analysis, this kind of thing could not be accomplished by Emperor Yongping alone. He still needed enough ministers in the court to assist him.

The memorial sent by Jia Jue from Yuhang was exactly what Emperor Yongping wanted.

Having the leverage over Xiao Qinyan, there is no need to worry that Xiao Qinyan will not bow down.

After all, if there was no such evidence, when Emperor Yongping wanted Xiao Qinyan to take the lead in promoting land reform, Xiao Qinyan would definitely refuse. If it really didn't work, he would simply claim to be sick or resign.

No matter how powerful you are, the emperor, you can't prevent me from getting sick and retiring.

But now that he has this handle, Emperor Yongping can be said to be sitting on the Diaoyutai.

Emperor Yongping looked at Xiao Qinyan nonchalantly and said.

"Why, does Prime Minister Xiao feel embarrassed?"

At this moment, Xiao Qinyan was sweating profusely and didn't know what to say.

Xiao Qinyan had the most intuitive feeling of what it meant to be in a dilemma and what it meant to be caught in a dilemma.

If I don't listen to Your Majesty, I will definitely not have a good ending. I might even end up in the Nine Clans Elimination Chamber.

But if I listen to Your Majesty, I will offend the privileged class in the world.

It is still unknown whether the land reform will succeed in the end, but I am afraid it will be difficult for me to have a good ending.

Seeing Emperor Yongping looking at him quietly, Xiao Qinyan's inner pressure reached its peak.

After hesitating for a long time, Xiao Qinyan said helplessly.

"Your Majesty, this matter is beyond the power of this minister alone. A single move could affect the entire body. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

Emperor Yongping said calmly.

"Since I ascended the throne, I have pacified the Xiongnu, eradicated the corrupt policies in the south of the Yangtze River, and diligently governed the country. The Great Zhou Dynasty has become increasingly prosperous."

"There is nothing I cannot accomplish."

"If Prime Minister Xiao finds this difficult, then forget it. I will select virtuous and capable ministers to assist me. Mr. Xiao, please step aside."

Hearing this, Xiao Qinyan's heart finally settled down.

He originally had a lucky mentality and wanted to see if Emperor Yongping would give it a try.

It now seems that Emperor Yongping is determined to push forward land reform.

In this case, the value of my life is to assist His Majesty in promoting land reform.

If I leave like this today, it would be the greatest irresponsibility to my nine clans.

Having offended all the officials and gentry in the world, Xiao Qinyan might end up dying without a burial place.

But if His Majesty is displeased, it will probably take only a few days for the Imperial Guards to raid your house and confiscate your property and exterminate your entire family.

After making up his mind, Xiao Qinyan bowed and said.

"Your Majesty, I receive your salary, so naturally I must share your worries."

"Since Your Majesty is willing to benefit the people, I should serve you with all my heart."

"I am willing to take charge of this matter, but I am somewhat powerless. I wonder if Your Majesty could select some loyal officials from the court to assist me."

Emperor Yongping said with a calm smile.

"I am very relieved that Prime Minister Xiao can think clearly."

"Don't worry, I won't let you fight alone. You can recuperate at home for the next two days and think carefully about the rules of land reform."

"Submit the memorial after you have thought it through. I will review it carefully."

"The minister obeys the order."

Emperor Yongping then waved his hand, and Xiao Qinyan bowed and left the Qianqing Palace.

When he saw the sun outside, Xiao Qinyan felt as if he was in another world. A breeze blew past, and Xiao Qinyan couldn't help but shiver.

It turned out that Xiao Qinyan's clothes were soaked with cold sweat.

It was too late for Xiao Qinyan to regret at this time. Once he got on the boat, there was no way he could get off.

God have mercy on me. I just wanted to become a powerful official and never thought about doing anything daring to be the first in the world.

Now I am forced to do something I don't want to do.

After sighing for a while, Xiao Qinyan felt his eyes go dark and then he fainted.

There was no way. Xiao Qinyan was already in his fifties. He knelt outside the Qianqing Palace all night without eating or drinking.

Just now in the palace, I was frightened by the words of Emperor Yongping.

He was able to hold on until now before passing out, which means he is in good health.

Upon seeing this, the imperial guards on duty immediately sent Xiao Qinyan back home.

In the next few days, Xiao Qinyan and Xiao Yuehou sold their property while thinking about the rules of land reform. The feeling in his heart was indescribable.

At the Yuhang government office, after receiving the secret decree from Emperor Yongping, Jia Jue began to deal with the officials involved in the customs smuggling case without mercy.

All the main culprits were beheaded and their entire families were exiled. Accomplices were either dismissed from office or exiled with their entire families in serious cases.

In just a few days, the entire Yuhang was filled with the smell of blood.

It was not until the new Yuhang prefect appointed by the Ministry of Personnel arrived that Jia Jue had a brief handover with the new prefect, and then began his journey back to Beijing escorting the confiscated property.

When passing through Jinling, Jia Jue could not refuse the repeated invitation of Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing, so he asked most of the guards to escort the stolen goods back to Beijing first, while he stayed in Jinling with a dozen personal soldiers.

In the evening, in the mansion of Marquis Zhongjing of Jinling, Marquis Zhongjing Shi Ding was hosting a banquet to entertain Jia Jue.

Shi Ding said with a smile after picking up the wine glass.

"Your Majesty has made great contributions this time. Upon returning to the capital, His Majesty will surely commend you. I would like to congratulate you first, please."

The two clinked their glasses and drank it all in one gulp. Jia Jue smiled and said.

"To be loyal to the emperor is to eat his salary. No matter what merits or failures are, they are merely the duty of an official."

"I have been supported by Your Majesty since I was a humble man, and I have gradually reached where I am today."

"To be honest, I am already very satisfied."

Shi Ding said with a chuckle.

"Your Majesty is indeed a man of discerning eye, but the Marquis's military and political skills are also truly impressive."

"Furthermore, this kind of courage is not possessed by ordinary people."

"Whether it was the Jiangnan Salt Administration case or this customs case, the Marquis handled it just right."

"If those civil servants had come here, they would have probably been bribed by the Yuhang officials by now, and there would be no way to investigate the case."

Jia Jue waved his hand and said.

"Marquis Zhongjing is exaggerating."

"Your Majesty's use of me is the same as your use of you." "We are both solitary ministers, without any affiliation or faction, that's all."

"With all the civil servants' cliques and intrigues, how much energy can they devote to assisting His Majesty in handling government affairs?"

"Well, you and I are both in the military, so there's no need to flatter each other."

"By the way, there are some things I would like to ask Marquis Zhongjing for advice. I wonder if it would be convenient for you."

Shi Ding said with a calm smile.

"My Lord, you are too kind. Don't worry, I will tell you everything I know."

Jia Jue nodded slightly and said.

"Although Marquis Zhongjing has lived in Jinling for a long time, I believe you should have heard about the feud between me and the Rongguo Mansion."

"I would like to ask what the current situation is between the Shi family and the Rongguo Mansion."

After hearing this, Shi Ding thought for a while and said.

"My Lord, to be honest, you are the only one who would ask these questions. If it were anyone else, I would never tell them."

"My ancestors in the Shi family were also founding heroes. My grandfather, Shi Taigong, was appointed Shangshu Ling and was granted the title of Baoling Hou."

"The old lady of Rongguo Mansion is my aunt."

"In fact, we are relatives."

"But after Your Majesty ascended the throne, I was awarded the title of Marquis of Zhongjing for my service to the emperor, and my second brother inherited the title of Marquis of Baoling."

“So historians are divided into two.”

"My second brother is trying to please both sides. He doesn't want to break up with the founding fathers, but he also wants to be in the good graces of His Majesty."

“So my second brother moves between the two sides.”

"As for me, I have long been unacceptable among the founding fathers."

"But my Lord, please rest assured that the Shi family will never charge into battle for the Rongguo Mansion."

"The grudge between the Marquis and the Rongguo Mansion should be resolved by their own efforts. We will absolutely not stand aside and watch."

Shi Ding's words were very firm and clear-cut.

This was not unexpected by Jia Jue. After all, Baoling Hou could not get much benefit from Rongguo Mansion. Rongguo Mansion was in trouble itself. How could Baoling Hou go against Jia Jue for Rongguo Mansion? This was illogical.

Jia Jue said with a chuckle.

"That's good. Has Marquis Zhongjing ever thought about what to do in the future?"

Shi Ding said after hesitating for a moment.

"I don't know what you mean by that, Lord. I'm in charge of the Jiangnan camp, and I think I'm pretty diligent."

Jia Jue waved his hand and said.

"Even when I'm in charge of the Jiangnan camp, I have to think about the future."

"Have you never thought about how to share His Majesty's worries?"

Shi Ding became more and more confused.

"My Lord, please forgive my ignorance. I still need your guidance."

Jia Jue said calmly.

"Prince of Nan'an, do you understand?"

After Shi Ding thought about it for a while, he suddenly realized it. Then he dipped his hand in the wine and wrote two words on the table, then looked at Jia Jue and asked.

"My Lord, are you talking about this place?"

Jia Jue nodded slightly and said.

"That's good to hear. Be prepared. Your Majesty will resolve this matter sooner or later. You can't rely on those corrupt founding fathers to accomplish anything."

"You are in charge of the Jiangnan camp, so you have a unique advantage in this matter."

"Train the Jiangnan Navy well. You will be of great use in the future."

"Maybe by then, you and I will fight side by side, who knows."

Shi Ding said with a smile on his face.

"Thank you for your advice, my Lord. If that day ever comes, I will serve you at your command."

The two smiled at each other and then continued drinking.

After eating and drinking, Shi Ding looked at Jia Jue and said with a smile that all men understand.

"My Lord, the scenery of the Qinhuai River in Jinling is beautiful, especially at night, which is perfect for sightseeing."

"I've arranged a pleasure boat. How about we go boating on the river tonight?"

Jia Jue couldn't help but smile after hearing this.

"Marquis Zhongjing does have a leisurely and leisurely time, but I have no interest in those vulgar women. The night view of the Qinhuai River is worth a visit."

"Just do as you please. You don't need to accompany me."

Shi Ding smiled awkwardly, then pointed to the back house and said.

"Please forgive me, my Lord. If I don't accompany you, my Ladyship won't be able to explain it to you."

"Once we leave the house, I will never disturb you, my Lord."

Seeing this, Jia Jue smiled meaningfully.

"I didn't expect that Marquis Zhongjing is actually henpecked."

Shi Ding waved his hand and said.

"How could that be? She's just a woman."

"Why would I be afraid of her?"

"It's just that Madam has been living in fear with me for many years, and I don't want to make Madam angry or make the Marquis laugh."

After hearing this, Jia Jue smiled but said nothing. Everything was implied.

It seems that the wife of Marquis Zhongjing is indeed capable and can control Shi Ding completely.

Afterwards, Jia Jue and Shi Ding left the Marquis' Mansion together and headed straight for the Qinhuai River.

The Qinhuai River, located in the southeast of Jinling, is a famous gathering place for entertainment venues in the south of the Yangtze River.

Every night, the brothels on both sides of the river are brightly lit and filled with singing all night long.

There are also pleasure boats and corridors on the river. The powerful and wealthy businessmen spend money like water and take a few courtesans to go boating on the river, enjoying the romance and the moon. It is so pleasant.

The two sides of the Qinhuai River have also become very prosperous.

After arriving at the Qinhuai River, Shi Ding sent someone to take Jia Jue to the pleasure boat, while he himself went out to play happily.

Sitting in the carriage, Jia Jue opened the door curtain and looked at the scenery on both sides of the Qinhuai River, which was really unique.

Just as the group arrived at the dock, they saw a dispute taking place on the dock. A middle-aged man dressed as a steward was begging a young man in brocade clothes.

"Sir, I beg you, our pleasure boat has already been booked. Can you please come back another day? I'll give you a 20% discount."

As soon as the steward finished speaking, he received a loud slap in the face. The young man in brocade clothes cursed with a defiant look on his face.

"You're blind, but I still owe you this little bit of money. I absolutely must ride on this pleasure boat today. If you know what's good for you, get out of here right now, or I'll make you pay."

At this time, Jia Jue and his group happened to see this scene, and the followers sent by Marquis Zhongjing became angry when they saw this.

My goodness, in Jinling, there are actually people who dare to steal the pleasure boat ordered by our own marquis. They are so bold.

Just as the follower was about to step forward, Jia Jue stopped him and gave him an indifferent order.

"Wait a moment, just go over and negotiate properly. Don't reveal your identity and don't make too much noise."

The attendant nodded in understanding. He also understood that Jia Jue was, after all, an imperial envoy on a southern tour. If people knew that he came to the Qinhuai River for recreation after work, it would not be a good thing to show off.

"Don't worry, my lord. I understand."

(End of this chapter)