After traveling through time, I became Han Zhang’s grandson?

"Your Majesty, this is a court meeting. How dare I joke about it?"

"The 510,000 tons of blue and white salt tribute from Western Xia each year will become a new round of fiscal taxes for the Great Song Dynasty."

"In this case, we must verify the current share of each salt industry in the Song Dynasty, so as to control the amount of blue and white salt flowing into the civilian population."

"It won't cause the blue and white salt to disturb the people and hit the salt industry."

"It also enables ordinary people to use high-quality and affordable blue-white salt."

"Only by achieving this balance can we create greater economic and livelihood benefits, and this is the best policy for both the country and the people!"

Zeng Mingzhong's generous words made everyone nod slightly and savor the value that could be created.

However, Zhao Zonghao, the emperor's son, and some officials all looked unhappy. When they looked at each other, they could not hide the coldness and resentment in their eyes.

"What Grand Minister Zeng said is quite true. However, in my opinion, although the economic and livelihood benefits of Qingbai Salt are so high, it does not hinder the development of the salt industry in the Song Dynasty, right?"

Zhao Zonghao still wanted to see if he could stop this round of tax inspections.

"Your Majesty, as I have just said, Qingbai salt itself is inexpensive and of exceptional quality."

"If Qingbai Salt is allowed to circulate freely among the people, the salt industry in the Song Dynasty will face even greater difficulties in selling its products."

"To this end, we must thoroughly investigate the salt tax and understand the salt industry level and salt tax situation across the country."

"This will better balance the two sides, protecting the local salt industry while promoting the development of people's livelihood."

"This is a policy that benefits both the country and the people. Why does Your Majesty have to obstruct it again and again?!"

Zeng Mingzhong's words were serious. Zhao Zonghao was not Emperor Renzong and could not tolerate such a tone of questioning in the court!

"My Lord, be careful with your words!"

"How could I possibly obstruct something that concerns the nation's development? It's just that...this tax audit, do we need to proceed slowly?"

Zhao Zonghao tried his best to suppress his inner anger and asked cautiously.

"His Majesty--!"

Han Zhang opened his eyes and glared at Zhao Zonghao with his beard puffed out.

"Since this is a major plan for the country's development and prosperity, it should be implemented and promulgated diligently, rather than prevaricate and evade responsibility."

Han Zhang was even more ruthless than Zeng Mingzhong, and he directly criticized Zhao Zonghao in a teaching tone.

This was basically the norm in the Song Dynasty. All older civil officials would express their qualifications and governing ability by scolding the emperor.

Old ministers like Kou Laoxi during the Zhenzong period and Bao Heizi during the Renzong period all regarded Wei Zheng of the former Tang Taizong period as their idol. They were real big men who dared to go against the government!

Zhao Zonghao clenched his hands tightly under his dragon robe, and stared at Han Zhang, who had a serious expression, and Zeng Mingzhong, who was smiling with squinted eyes.

These two people were loyal ministers left to him by the previous emperor. Moreover, Taizu erected a monument at the beginning of the founding of the country and vowed not to kill scholars and officials or those who wrote letters to express their opinions.

If I, the new emperor, dare to take up the butcher knife against them, the empress in the harem who seems to be indifferent to worldly affairs will be the first to depose me.

Zhao Zonghao took a few deep breaths and cast his gaze at Han Ming, who looked fine, and Zhao Zongquan, the Prince of Pu, who lowered his head and was sweating profusely.

"If we want to inspect taxes, who do you think should be sent to inspect the various places?"

Although Zhao Zonghao was very angry, his rationality prevailed and he asked in a calm tone. This kind of restricted and questioning situation made him very uncomfortable.

"The salt tax and the salt industry are both under the jurisdiction of the Salt and Iron Department, a branch of the Three Departments Yamen. I believe that Zhao Zongquan, the Three Departments Envoy, should be appointed as the Supervising Minister to inspect all areas."

As soon as Han Zhang finished speaking, everyone turned their eyes to Prince Pu Zhao Zongquan, who was somewhat timid.

To be honest, this minister from the royal family who was appointed by the previous emperor, the militia commander from Yuzhou, was jokingly called the "lucky guy who got hit by a pie in the sky" and had a very low sense of existence.

Ever since he was conferred the title of prince for his service to the king, he has been working diligently, handling miscellaneous business in the Zongzheng Temple.

Even at the first grand court meeting after the new emperor ascended the throne, when he was inexplicably pushed to the position of Sansishi, he always kept a low profile.

Do not socialize with others, do not hold large banquets, and do not leave the house.

This constituted Zhao Zongquan's entire life after he came to Beijing. Even the family members of Shen Congying and others who rushed to Beijing excitedly from Yuzhou were strictly forbidden by him to have in-depth contact with the officials' families in Bianliang.

All these things resulted in the new noble King Pu being in a state of being ignored just like Yuzhou.

If it weren't for the sudden revelation of Zhao Zongquan's sister-in-law Xiao Shen's marriage to the Zheng family, no one would be familiar with this "Prime Minister" boss.

However, this incident made Zhao Zongquan so upset that he couldn't sleep all night.

Think about it, the family of a powerful vassal king and the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Guards became relatives. Isn't this obviously trying to please the new emperor?

Zhao Zongquan understands, Zhao Zonghao understands, and Han Ming understands even better.

But this incident happened during the month that Han Ming was on sick leave.

This makes it easy to wonder whether Han Ming is deliberately disgusting Zhao Zonghao, or trying to drive a wedge between Zhao Zonghao and Zhao Zongquan.

In short, Han Ming's "jumping up and down" and his "active performance" among various powerful officials and generals made the new emperor Zhao Zonghao increasingly dissatisfied with him.

As for Zhao Zongquan, the new emperor still felt that he was more in line with his wishes, and was more inclined to believe that Han Ming was deliberately trying to sow discord between the two.

For this reason, Zhao Zonghao directly chose to facilitate the marriage between General Xiao Zheng and Xiao Shen, and personally acted as a matchmaker to arrange the marriage, implying his trust in Zhao Zongquan.

Of course, if General Xiao Zheng had not been transferred from the Imperial Guards afterwards, Han Ming would still have to give him a thumbs up for this move.

Anyway, after this messy game of chess, the prestige of the new emperor Zhao Zonghao in the court and the country has dropped to the lowest level, commonly known as "la kua"!

"Prince Pu."

Zhao Zonghao shouted in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, here is my minister."

Zhao Zongquan stepped out cautiously to answer.

"The great ministers are considering recommending you as a supervising minister to inspect the salt tax and salt industry in various places. What do you think?"

Zhao Zonghao's question was very insightful. He told Zhao Zongquan that this was the opinion of the prime ministers. I haven't made up my mind yet. What do you think we should do about this?

After all, Zhao Zongquan has been able to protect himself over the years, and he still has some means and ideas. It's just that he just arrived in the capital and is afraid of "standing out" in front of all the big guys.

"Your Majesty, although I am the Minister of the Three Departments, in charge of the national finances, it is not in accordance with the law and principles to serve as a supervising minister."

"If I am away, to whom should the affairs of the various departments under the Three Departments be entrusted?"

"If you, my Lords, have such thoughts, you should also offer concrete opinions. I think it is inappropriate."

Zhao Zongquan had no idea about taking sides or playing games. He would just listen to whoever was the official and the most powerful.

"Well, Prince Pu's words make sense. My Lords, this matter requires careful consideration."

The new emperor Zhao Zonghao was very satisfied with the reaction of his cheap "imperial brother". This was a loyal minister!

Seeing that the emperor wants to use Prince Pu as a shield, that won't work! This matter today must be settled with him!

Han Zhang and Zeng Mingzhong looked at each other, and Ouyang Wenzhong, the newly promoted vice-chancellor behind them, nodded secretly.

Afterwards, all the ministers under the Secretariat knelt on the ground and shouted loudly.

"His Majesty--!"

"His Majesty--!"

"His Majesty--!"

"..."

The new emperor Zhao Zonghao felt dizzy and was almost pissed off by these old men.

"Your Majesty, this major plan that benefits both the country and the people should be implemented as soon as possible. Even if Zhao Zongquan, the Minister of the Three Departments, is not suitable to go out, the head of the Salt and Iron Department should be responsible for promoting this matter."

Han Zhang shouted while holding the jade sceptre.

"Your Majesty, what Grand Chancellor Han said is absolutely correct. If the Three Envoys shouldn't act rashly, then we should appoint Prince Pu's Crown Prince and Judge of the Salt and Iron Department, Zhao Ceying, as the Supervising Minister to inspect the local areas!"

"Your Majesty! What the ministers have said is all good advice. I hope Your Majesty will approve it—"

Ouyang Wenzhong's voice was so loud that it almost shook down the beams of the Wende Hall.

"What? What are you doing?!"

“How shameful… How shameful—!”

The new emperor Zhao Zonghao's cheeks and belly fat kept trembling with anger.

"Your Majesty! How can you hesitate when it comes to matters of national importance? Only when you make a decisive decision can you be a wise ruler!"

Sima Junshi walked out from the Censorate and spoke loudly.

"Your Majesty, I believe that what the ministers have said is beneficial to the country and the people. The inspection of the salt tax is a matter of urgency and should not be delayed any further."

Wang Jiefu, the acting imperial edict drafter, said this in a cold tone.

As these words fell, for a moment, the entire court was filled with people hoping that His Majesty would approve a thorough investigation of the salt tax.

For a time, the Secretariat headed by Han Zhang actually put the new emperor Zhao Zonghao on the fire.

For the first time, the ministers watching the battle felt that the conflict between the new emperor and these ministers was so deep that it had become an irreconcilable mess.

"If I don't comply with your wishes, will we all crash into each other and die under the golden stairs—!"

Zhao Zonghao could no longer suppress his anger.

"Your Majesty, be careful with your words—!"

Han Zhang shouted loudly, interrupting the official's spell.

"Your Majesty, please be careful with your words—!"

"Your Majesty, please be careful with your words—!"

"Your Majesty, please be careful with your words—!"

"..."

This sentence was said by all the officials in the court. After all, the officials have dignity and they cannot accuse the officials of wrongdoings like a shrew in the street.

Zhao Zonghao felt cold sweat running down his face in an instant, and looking at the ministers below him who were dressed in court robes, he couldn't help but feel weak all over.

The hall was completely silent, with everyone watching to see if the new emperor would continue to persevere with Han Zhang and the others.

"Mr. Han...is there no turning point in this matter?"

Zhao Zonghao stared at Old Man Han with a gloomy look as he held his head high and chest puffed out.

Han Zhang didn't say a word, just stared at the other person.

Finally, Zhao Zonghao took a few breaths and fell back on the dragon throne, his face full of fatigue and weakness.

"I...I...allowed."

As Zhao Zonghao waved his hand gently, the court officials breathed a sigh of relief.

This game of chess between the monarch and his ministers, or the power struggle between the Han Party and the new emperor, ended with Zhao Zonghao's failure.

"Your Majesty, we thank you!"

Han Ming walked out first, bowed deeply, and announced the end of the fight.

As Zhao Zonghao looked at Han Ming's gentle smile, the coldness in his eyes grew even stronger...