After the cannon fodder father and daughter married into the family, the whole family regretted it

Qing Yan did not deny it and looked at the little girl solemnly.

At that time, the emperor also encountered resistance from all sides before he ascended the throne. After he first ascended the throne, the only person standing in his way was Chen Zijun.

Chen Xiang became the most eye-catching person. Most of the old ministers were in cahoots with him. The important people in the aristocratic families either resigned, were transferred out of Beijing, or reported for illness. Only Chen Xiang was the most eye-catching.

How could the young emperor, who was only a newborn calf, not regard him as a thorn in his side?

The emperor and his ministers were at odds, and Princess Mingzhu was loyal to the royal family. She obtained evidence and presented it to the emperor, and then it became natural for her to turn the tables.

The process of overthrowing Chen was smooth, but who knows if there were any manipulations by those aristocratic families behind the scenes.

Anyway, judging from the clues revealed now, the arrogant assassin is most likely a member of a noble family.

So Jin Yunting sent guards to her. Was it for protection, or was he trying to cooperate with her from inside and outside?

Given his character, there's no need for him to resort to such tactics and expose his weaknesses.

If something happened to her shortly after she got the protection of the Jin family, wouldn't the Jin family become suspicious?

Fang Nanzhi thought of a word: be cautious when using the right weapon to kill a rat.

Perhaps Jin Yunting sent someone away to show that he wanted the assassin behind the scenes to be cautious?

Could it be that the assassin is from the Jin family?

Fang Nanzhi shook her head. No, these were just guesses and she couldn't jump to conclusions.

But in short, the attitude of the aristocratic family is very strange.

Are they really afraid of Chen Zijun's power, or are they deliberately plotting to murder him?

But what did Chen Zijun do to offend so many noble families?

Fang Nanzhi immediately thought of Chen's unit - Shadow Four.

She suddenly grabbed Qing Yan's sleeve and said, "I saved someone. I originally wanted to tell you some things after asking him, but now I think you should meet him."

There was doubt in Qing Yan's eyes, and he nodded in agreement.

"it is good."

When the two came out of the private storehouse, it was already noon. Fang Nanzhi was a little anxious, so he did not have dinner in the palace. The two of them left the palace together.

In the Imperial Study, the Emperor received the news but did not take it seriously.

However, the brows of several old ministers who were sitting there moved slightly.

Jin Ke said solemnly, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is in good health and has reached the age required. Why not select a concubine for him?"

This is different from the previous banquets. The talent show is to gather women of appropriate age and family background from various families, and go through four steps: audition, preliminary selection, re-selection and final selection.

The draft is complicated, so there is a lot of room for manipulation.

Now that the Eastern Palace is stable, some people who used to look down on the Crown Prince have to find ways to build relationships with him.

Unfortunately, the prince was aloof, cruel and "rule-bound". He was so rule-bound that his officials were afraid to use valuables to curry favor with him, but the prince secretly investigated whether they were corrupt.

So they didn't dare to show too much goodwill, and they became anxious and angry.

At this time, stuffing women into the East Palace became the best way.

If men are knives, women are water. How many men have fallen into the hands of women?

Which man is not lustful?

The prince is not easy to get close to now because he is not smart enough and does not know the benefits of women. Once he has tasted sex, then...

"Yes, the Crown Prince is the heir to the throne. It's his responsibility to expand the royal family so that the country can be stable."

The one who gave the advice was Yue Xiang.

Several other ministers seconded the motion.

The general meaning is that Your Majesty trusts the Crown Prince so much, and the Crown Prince has not made any mistakes in government affairs. As the Crown Prince, he has done a good job.

The only drawback is that I have no children.

Emperor, you cannot indulge the Crown Prince.

"Your Majesty, Fang Tong's daughter is still young, but she should be sensible and understand the strict rules between men and women. She saved the Crown Prince's life, and Your Majesty has already rewarded her greatly. She should be more careful and not enter the palace at any time."

Jin Ke's eyes were calm, and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.

But this sounds really uncomfortable.

It seemed as if it was saying that Fang Nanzhi was young, but scheming, and she seduced the prince.

The emperor frowned. "You worry too much, my dear. He's just a child. Besides, are you going to interfere with the Crown Prince's friendships?"

He still had some good feelings towards that brave girl.

"I don't dare."

Jin Ke hurriedly stood up and bowed to apologize, but his voice was flat and there was no sign of apology.

He thought that Yun Ting's statement that the little girl had a good relationship with the prince and touching her would offend the prince was not groundless.

But there's no need to ruin the plan because of this. As long as the prince and Fang Nanzhi become estranged, there won't be any impact, right?

"Well, my dear ministers, please focus on state affairs and share my worries. As for the affairs of the Eastern Palace, I have my own plans."

The emperor ended the topic with a strong attitude.

The prince didn't want to get married now, so what could he do? The last banquet was such a commotion, offending many people. If there was another selection, who knows what that kid would do.

The matter seemed to be over, but the imperial study was held with the assistance of eunuchs, and Jin Ke's words would definitely spread.

Yue Xiang always felt that something was not right. After thinking about it, he did not rush to take up the post and went to the Ministry of War.

There were not many officials in the Ministry of War's office; most of them were busy in the barracks or the Ordnance Department.

Meng Yi, on the other hand, has been very idle recently, especially this morning. He drank three cups of tea in a row and looked out the door from time to time.

As soon as noon came, he got up and went back home, preparing to skip work for half the afternoon.

My daughter and son-in-law are coming back today. I don’t know why, but ever since my daughter left, I always feel that the house has become a lot emptier.

Not only was his wife in a bad mood and had no energy to do anything, but he, who had always been satisfied with his son-in-law and apprentice, also felt uncomfortable. He felt that his apprentice was not honest and had kidnapped his daughter.

He was planning to ask for leave and wait at home when he returned home today, but his wife pushed him, saying that he was being too lazy and insisted that he come to report for work.

After pretending for a long time but failing to do anything, he really couldn't help it and walked out of the door like a dragon and a tiger, and ran into Yue Xiang.

Meng Yi thought to himself, no way, has Yue Xiang found out that he didn't plan to come in the afternoon?

How could the Prime Minister be so idle that he ends up doing the work of the Censorate?

But he remained calm, his rugged face full of sternness.

"Why is Lord Yue here?"

Yue Xiang and Meng Yi had some friendship, and logically speaking, a civil official and a military general would not have the right to speak to each other.

But Yue Xiang was a wine lover, and Meng Yi had a very good alcohol tolerance, so the two became drinking buddies.

Yue Xiang and Meng Yi found a corner and spoke in low voices to tell Jin Ke what he had said.

"I don't know what's wrong with that old fox, making things difficult for a little girl for no reason."

In Yue Xiang's opinion, selecting a concubine for the crown prince is a serious matter, and he supports it. After all, we have to see whether the crown prince can give birth after his illness is cured, right?

But Jin Ke was very mean when he mentioned Fang Nanzhi.

He came to give Meng Yi some advice because he knew that Meng Yi valued his apprentice and his family very much.

At the same time, it’s also a good thing for Fang Yin.

This is how personal connections work in official circles: you help me and I help you.

Meng Yi frowned, and also felt that the old fox surnamed Jin had bad intentions.

"Thank you, Lord Yue, for the message. I will return home and warn Fang Yin."

After saying that, Meng Yi strode away.

Yue Xiang did not stop them, but after the people had gone far away, he realized something was wrong. He had to continue his duty in half an hour.

General Meng is returning home at this time. Will he come back in the afternoon?

He shook his head and left, thinking, "Never mind, out of sight, out of mind."

Meng Yi rode back home at full speed. As soon as he dismounted, he saw his daughter and son-in-law waiting for him at the gate.

The daughter raised her rosy little face, her big eyes full of admiration, and called out sweetly: "Dad!"

"Ugh!"

Meng Yi grinned immediately. Seeing his daughter like this, he felt that she had not suffered any grievances after getting married.

Fang Yin also called out "Dad" in a deep voice and helped his father-in-law take off his cloak, but Meng Yi just glanced at him and turned his head to continue talking to his daughter.

So, the father and daughter walked towards the mansion while talking affectionately. Fang Yin lagged behind half a step, and Mu Daidai followed.

The servant who was responsible for leading the horse in through the side door couldn't help but shake his head and sympathize with the son-in-law.

After entering the hall, Mrs. Meng smiled and asked someone to serve the food, but she felt helpless.

"My husband is finally back. We were waiting at the door a quarter of an hour ago. He insisted on picking you up. You're not going far away, so why bother?"

The two of them returned home early in the morning, of course.

Mrs. Meng held her daughter's hand and talked privately for a long time, asking her how her marriage consummation went and how she was staying in the Fang Mansion.

Meng Lan blushed, but she was living a good life. She was not restricted by her mother-in-law and was free. Her brothers and sisters were virtuous and generous and had things to talk about with her. Of course, the most important thing was that her husband was very considerate.

He also said that he would take her to soak in warm water after a few days of rest.

Without the male owner at home, Meng Yi was left out in the front yard, but he didn't feel uncomfortable at all.

He has lived in the Meng Mansion for several years. He used to be considered half-owner, but now he is the son-in-law of the Meng Mansion, so he is considered a full owner.

He went to train his troops and talk to the housekeeper.

Then I heard that Lan'er's father-in-law was not doing well during the days after her marriage, especially on the wedding night, when he even cried secretly.

I was afraid that my mother-in-law would find out, so I woke up and cried in the middle of the night.

Fang Yin doesn't have a daughter, but he has a niece. Just think about what would happen if his niece gets married... No, I can't think about it anymore. It makes me sad.

He went to find Lan'er and pick up his father-in-law so that he could see him as soon as he came back.

Meng Yi didn't know this, but he couldn't hide his pride: "Lan'er is close to me, her father. Madam, please don't be jealous."

Mrs. Meng was very happy because her daughter was obviously her little cotton-padded jacket.

However, she did not ignore her son-in-law. She asked him to sit down and glared at Meng Yi.

Before the two children got married, they treated Fang Yin as their own son. Now that they are married, they are truly a family. Why are you acting so arrogant?

Meng Yi also came out of his "bad boy who stole his daughter" mentality and looked at Fang Yin.

"I heard that the first batch of newly made woolen trousers and sweaters have been sent to General An's army, and the second batch will be sent to your camp?"

General An is stationed at the border and probably won't be back until the end of the year. Good things have happened in the capital, but he is so far away that he got the news too late.

But the emperor never forgot this important official. Besides, General An was in the capital, so he often went to the Ministry of War to make his presence felt.

A while ago, the generals in the Ministry of War argued for two days in a row over who would get the woolen trousers first. Meng Yi also participated. In the end, the emperor pointed out that General An had gained the advantage.

The second batch can be given to Fang Yin because he has made many contributions this year. Also, these were thought up by Fang Tong, so they have to be given to his brother first.

"Yes, Dad, when the money comes out, I will give you half of it."

Fang Yin called "Dad" very smoothly.

Meng Yi was also very happy to hear this and thought it was great to have a son-in-law.

Let those people envy you later.

"Okay, today is a family dinner, so stop talking about your government affairs." Mrs. Meng rolled her eyes at her husband, unable to stand him bullying her son-in-law.

In fact, Fang Yin was willing to give half of it away. One reason was that his men had gained a decent harvest from the battle in the southwest this year.

Well, as we all know, the spoils of war must be handed over to the public, but the policy is very lenient and some small items are allowed to be kept privately by subordinates.

From generals to officers of all levels to soldiers, there are all, and generals can get more.

Because the imperial court did not pay enough military salaries, this withholding became a common practice.

Fang Yin was a generous man. He gave half of his share to buy eastern clothes for his subordinates, and also added the money approved by the Ministry of War.

His people will not freeze to death during the winter, so he is willing to honor his father-in-law.

After hearing about this, Fang Nanzhi and Qin Yan went to see their second uncle's spoils.

The war was not against an enemy country; the spoils were obtained by raiding the Marquis family in the southwest. Also, the local tyrants in the southwest were afraid that Fang Yin would continue to fight, so they gave them to him secretly.

The spoils are valuable.

Fang Nanzhi and Qin Yan were both dazzled by the sight, but they also felt that this was wrong.

"The imperial court has been in arrears with military pay for a long time. Do the armies have to take advantage of it for a long time?" Fang Nanzhi touched his chin.

"If all these things were given to the imperial court, would they be enough to pay the soldiers?"

Qin Yan thought more.

"If it is given to the court and sent to the Ministry of Revenue, it will inevitably be used elsewhere. How will the soldiers live then?"

There really is no benefit at all, and it's difficult to survive.

"Not to mention, if it's sent to the court, even if Second Uncle's people don't get involved, will the other high-ranking officials who are involved get involved?"

"If we first provide sufficient military pay, then rectify military discipline, strictly prohibit embezzlement of money and property, and then set up a department to supervise..." Fang Nanzhi touched his chin and thought.

"Then your changes are a bit drastic. Whether the generals are willing to accept them is a question. Besides, even if the current military pay is paid normally, I have calculated that it is barely enough for one person's food and clothing."

"But who doesn't have a family to support?" When soldiers have money, don't they want to take it back home and live a good life with their families?

The military pay is too little, and they are doing a life-threatening job. Qin Yan thinks that this is a big problem.

One of the brother and sister was just a student at the Imperial College, and the other was just a little girl, so they could only discuss this matter first.

I couldn't find a solution for the moment.

In order to increase military pay, the national treasury must be filled, but the most common way to fill the national treasury is to increase taxes.

Raising taxes is equivalent to transferring the pressure of the national treasury to the people. Isn’t that a waste of effort?

"While tax revenue is important, the court's finances should be supported by other means."

Fang Nanzhi suggested.

That is even more difficult, as it involves the court's attitude towards business.

The brother and sister couldn't find the answer, so they just discussed it for a while and kept it in their hearts, waiting to find a solution later.

Today the young lady and her husband are coming back to visit their parents-in-law, and the cook at the Meng Mansion is really putting in all her effort, wanting to use all her cooking skills.

The dishes served were all exquisite and delicious.

Meng Lan had a good appetite: "Mom, this braised fish is not as good as my sister-in-law's, but the wontons are bright and fresh. I'll ask the chef how it's made and tell my sister-in-law later."

Mrs. Meng glared at her daughter, then quietly looked at her son-in-law: "Nonsense, how can you let your sister-in-law cook for you?"

The cook will take care of these chores.