Chapter 497: All are loyal ministers, no treacherous ministers
Chapter 497: All are loyal ministers, no treacherous ministers
The next morning, Lu Yunyi, who had just woken up, received a message from Qin Kui, the Minister of Industry.
Listening to the visitor's story, Lu Yunyi's expression became extremely strange.
"Someone impeached me?"
"Reporting to the Minister, it is true. The memorial has been delivered to His Majesty's desk, and His Majesty has summoned the officials of the six ministries to discuss the matter."
The official lowered his voice and carefully described what he had seen and heard.
Lu Yunyi sat at the table, listening quietly, and finally he nodded slightly:
"I understand. Please thank Lord Qin for me. You can go back first."
"Yes."
The steward He Bo gave the clerk one or two taels of silver as a reward, and the clerk left happily.
In the main hall, Lu Yunyi looked at the millet porridge in the bowl, a thoughtful look on his face.
The reputation of competing with the people for profit will certainly come.
But he did not expect that it was the head of the Ministry of Revenue who submitted the impeachment document.
Logically speaking, increasing the court's money should be a very good thing for the Ministry of Revenue.
Even though the Minister of Finance showed hostility a few days ago,
But he should be clear-headed in official business. Why would he impeach himself?
Mu Chuting had some opinions of her own, and spoke softly:
"My dear, the problem is not the lack of money, but the inequality. If the bank's money doesn't fall into the hands of the Ministry of Revenue, it will naturally be useless to the Ministry of Revenue."
Lu Yunyi looked at Mu Chuting in surprise and nodded slightly:
"Madam, you are right. What worries us is not the scarcity of wealth but the inequality of wealth. It is because of my husband that I am confused."
Mu Chuting smiled, raised her hand to help him tidy up his hair, and said softly:
"My father once told me that the gentlemen in the court only have two things to do.
One is to save your life, the other is to get promoted and make money.
There are very few people like my husband who care about the country and the people and the court wholeheartedly. "
Lu Yunyi felt a little embarrassed by what she said and waved his hand:
"Everyone has selfish interests, and husbands also have selfish desires."
Mu Chuting laughed and gave Lu Yunyi another bowl of porridge.
Looking at the increasingly bright sun outside, he whispered:
"My dear, you and I sleep until the sun is high in the sky all day long.
If other people knew about this, they would definitely laugh at you and me."
“So what? I work hard every day as a husband.
I'm so tired from working from morning till night.
If anyone dares to talk nonsense, I will smash his mouth."
Lu Yunyi said indifferently.
It was nearly three o'clock when he returned home yesterday.
He even saw several adults rushing to court near the city gate.
The two of them chatted in a random manner.
He did not take the impeachment from the court seriously at all.
If a business could be easily shut down, then the Governor's Office would not be worthy of being called an office on par with the six ministries.
The one who is anxious now is not him, but the officials of the Governor's Office who contributed money and manpower.
"Fuck you, you old bastard!
You jump out to agree with things that harm the country and the people, and you jump out to oppose things that benefit the country and the people!
I think you are really old and blind!"
The huge roar echoed in the empty Wuying Hall, making people frown slightly.
Governor Geng Zhong cursed loudly and glared at the Minister of Revenue Yang Jing.
Yang Jing looked at the finger on his nose with a calm expression:
"Master Geng, please be careful with your words.
I am in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, which manages the money of the country.
The Ministry of Revenue knows best whether the court is competing with the people for profits by opening a business.
You are soldiers, so please don't interfere in this matter."
Geng Zhong suddenly widened his eyes, clenched his fists and was about to rush forward!
"I beat you to death!"
Sun Ke, the Marquis of Quanning, quickly grabbed him and said to comfort him:
"Don't panic, His Majesty is watching us. We can't lose face."
Seeing him like this, Yang Jing's mouth twitched slightly, and a little anger flashed in his eyes.
He turned his head to look at the Hongwu Emperor, and bowed:
"Your Majesty, the governor Geng Zhong disrespected the majesty of heaven. Please order his punishment."
At this time, Zhang Zhi, the Minister of Rites, who was standing quietly at the side, also bowed and said:
"Your Majesty, Geng Zhong's shouting for war and killing in front of the emperor has brought disgrace upon the court. Your Majesty, please punish him."
Geng Zhong didn't mind it at all.
He even punched the two of them twice, with an obvious threat!
Zhu Yuanzhang looked down calmly.
His eyes were like the depths of a lake, and one could not tell what he was thinking.
"Okay, you are already old, how can you keep making noise?" Crown Prince Zhu Biao on the side scolded.
Only then did they restrain their body movements.
Zhu Yuanzhang turned his eyes to Fu Youwen, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and said in a rolling voice:
"My dear Fu, what do you think? Is this method competing with the people for profit?"
Fu Youwen is a huge man with a strong face and thick eyebrows like swords.
He doesn't look like a civil servant, but more like a military general mixed in with the civil servants.
He took a step forward, looked respectful, and said in a deep voice:
“Your Majesty, I think it’s time to see if we can compete with the people for profit.
It would be somewhat arbitrary to make such an assertion now.”
After these words were spoken, Yang Jing from the Ministry of Revenue narrowed his eyes slightly, with a gloomy look in his eyes.
Geng Zhong glanced at Yang Jing with some complacency and provocation.
Some officials present also understood the emperor's intention.
Fu Youwen was the younger brother of Fu Youde, Duke of Ying.
Being assigned to the Ministry of Revenue was originally a sand in the sand.
Now that I ask him explicitly, what results can I get?
But knowing it does not affect their opposition.
Ji Yuchen, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, walked out of the team with a serious expression.
As soon as he stepped out of the line, Qin Kui from the Ministry of Works suddenly became gloomy.
The dark circles seemed to spread to the bottom of his eyes, and there was a flash of cruelty in them.
He had always respected this former superior.
Now he always goes against him, which makes him very annoyed.
Ji Yuchen spoke in a deep voice:
“Your Majesty, whether a business is competing with the people for profits is not something that we court officials can determine; it depends on what the people say.
If the people feel that this thing disrupts their livelihood, then that's it.
If the people think this is a good thing,
Then this thing is a good thing that benefits the country and the people, and it can be built in various places in Ming Dynasty one by one."
The atmosphere in Wuying Hall became a little solemn, and many people looked puzzled.
At this moment, even the usually good-tempered Quanning Marquis Sun Ke couldn't help but speak:
“Master Ji, the people are ignorant and can only see a small part of the world.
If everything in the court had to be decided by the people, nothing would get done.
You don't need to build roads or bridges anymore, just stay at home and sleep."
Geng Zhong nodded repeatedly, and his words were much more direct:
“Back then, we led our troops to attack Yuan Dadu.
The people were still crying and shouting, calling us traitors.
They were afraid that we would take away all their property.
But what happened later? The bridge and road construction and tax collection were gone, and the people who used to criticize us in the early years also disappeared.
If we listen to them, will Gu Yuan not fight?"
Ji Yuchen looked at Geng Zhong, frowning:
“Sir Geng, you can’t generalize.
Therefore, the Yuan Dynasty should be destroyed, bridges and roads should be built, and businesses should be opened.
But how to open it and how to open it, do we need to discuss it?
Now I have hurriedly mounted the horse, and spent an unknown amount of money.
Isn't it ridiculous that we only know what the Governor's Office is going to do today?
Moreover, the bicycles and tricycles produced by the Ministry of Industry,
It has been decided that it is a military weapon and will not be released to the public in the short term.
But now?
The people from the Governor's Office actually had to ride tricycles and bicycles to visit the people.
If the common people saw this, wouldn't they accuse the court of being hypocritical?
Furthermore, what would happen if such ostentatious behavior happened again in Yuezhou?
Don’t forget that Yingtian is the place where the Ming Dynasty’s culture and prosperity lies.
The trade and commerce between the Song Dynasty and the Song Dynasty far exceeded that of the old Song Dynasty. It goes without saying how much contribution the carriages and horses made to it.
If the drivers saw this, they would surely cause a commotion.
If the court fails to come up with specific rules and chaos occurs, how will you and I deal with it?"
Ji Yuchen spoke eloquently and fluently.
Governor Geng Zhong closed his eyes and even snored twice!
Seeing this, Ji Yuchen's face instantly turned red, he pointed his finger, and almost started to curse:
"Master Geng, this is His Majesty's presence!!"
Geng Zhong opened his eyes dazedly, half asleep.
After looking around, he finally looked at Ji Yuchen:
"Master Ji, is dinner ready?"
Many people in the Governor's Mansion couldn't help laughing and lowered their heads.
Ji Yuchen was even more furious:
"How dare you, to have fun in such an important place in front of the emperor!
The defense of the capital is handed over to Lord Geng. I doubt you are up to the task!"
Geng Zhong was the commander-in-chief of the Left Army, in charge of the Beijing-affiliated guards, Zhejiang Dusi, Liaodong Dusi, and Shandong Dusi.
Except for the twelve upper guards in the capital area, which were not under his command, all other guards were under his jurisdiction.
Hearing Ji Yuchen's words, Geng Zhong was furious and rushed forward.
In the astonishment of everyone, he grabbed Ji Yuchen by the collar and said, "As the Left Vice Minister, you should just do your job well. It is not your turn to interfere in the affairs of the court!
It’s not up to you to judge whether something is good or not!
You are a scholar, and you talk about benevolence, righteousness, and morality, and you always say you are pleading for the people!
They are doing dirty things that betray the people.
Do you know how many villages there are in Jingfu?
Do you know how many roads are blocked?
Do you know how many people are hungry and cold?
I'm putting this out there, you can agree or disagree with me.
Anyone who opposes the business will offend the Left Military Governor's Office and the people of the capital.
When the time comes, the people will bulldoze your houses and chop off your heads.
Don’t blame them for not understanding state affairs!”
"you!!!"
Ji Yuchen's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at him unwillingly.
Yang Jing on the side glanced around calmly, taking in everyone present, and chuckled:
"It's strange today. We are arguing here, but the real culprit is not here."
Cao Kai, the head of the Ministry of Revenue who submitted the impeachment petition, nodded thoughtfully:
"I'm afraid he's sleeping at home."
Sun Ke, the Marquis of Quanning, cursed:
“If you can accomplish this, don’t even think about sleeping soundly!
Even if you sleep with women all day, I will find you one!"
A trace of fear flashed in Cao Kai's eyes, and he quietly took a few steps back.
But when he saw Lord Yang in front of him, he regained his courage and stepped forward again to say something.
The next moment, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince spoke out to stop him!
"That's enough! We are all important officials of the imperial court. How can you be so noisy here?"
"His Royal Highness!"
Geng Zhong turned around with an anxious look on his face, and took the opportunity to tighten Yang Jing's collar a little tighter.
"Let go!" Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked impatient.
At this point, Geng Zhong reluctantly let go of his hand.
Under everyone's gaze, he wiped his hands on Yang Jing's scarlet robe with a look of disgust on his face.
Yang Jing's eyes widened, his gray beard fluttering back and forth, and he had a new understanding of Geng Zhong's shamelessness.
After everyone is standing,
Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled and said calmly:
"It's better to have a quarrel, otherwise the court will be so quiet and I won't know what you are doing."
The faces of many people present changed slightly, and a sense of danger began to spread in their hearts.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Qin Kui and asked:
"What are the regulations of the Ministry of Works regarding the diversion of the Yellow River?"
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Works has already organized personnel to conduct an exploration.
Regardless of the outcome, several dams should be repaired, and I have submitted the plan to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
But the money has not arrived yet, so we are unable to start the subsequent purchases and construction."
"River engineering is related to the people's livelihood.
Yunnan has just been hit by a divine punishment, and the Yellow River is about to change its course. It seems that God is not happy with me."
At one point, many officials present knelt on the ground with their heads bowed.
Zhang Zhi, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, raised his head and spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites has already set up sacrificial sites in all four corners of Yingtian.
We just need to wait for an auspicious day to start the sacrifice and offer sacrifice to the heaven."
"The Ministry of Rites has money?"
"Your Majesty, although the silver is not much, it is enough to manage it and there will be no problem with the sacrifice."
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes moved across the room and soon settled on Yang Jing, looking at him indifferently.
Yang Jing felt a pressure coming and secretly groaned.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue is in deficit.
If you want to build a river bank, you may need to use the money in the treasury."
"Do you still need to deposit money?" Zhu Yuanzhang frowned:
"Yang Jing, the money in the treasury is deposited every year, which is why there is such a large surplus.
I was able to save a little every year in the past, so why is it not enough this year? "
Yang Jing did not dare to talk about the Northern Expedition, he changed the subject:
"Your Majesty, the war in Luchuan has been going on for three years.
The spoils reported by the Governor's Office amounted to nearly 300,000.
Even if each person gets ten taels of silver, it would be a total of three million taels of silver.
In addition to the damaged weapons and horses, the city had to be rebuilt, which would cost at least five million taels.
In order to make up for the deficit, the Ministry of Revenue has already diverted next year's budget, which is just enough.
Now we have to repair the river, but the Ministry of Revenue really doesn't have that much money, please understand, Your Majesty."
"Why should the Ministry of Revenue pay for all the losses in the southwest war?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked knowingly.
Yang Jing's body stiffened and he sighed:
"Your Majesty, Luchuan does not have that much silver.
The Ministry of Revenue discussed with him for a long time and finally decided to give him two million taels in the initial stage.
The rest is offset every year by ore, sugar, and trees.
Even if it is these two million taels, it will not be delivered until next year.
But the Beijing troops have already returned, if we don’t give them the reward silver.”
Yang Jing did not say anything more. The war had begun. If the silver was not paid,
If there is a mutiny, he will be in big trouble. Being dragged out and beheaded would be the least of his trouble.
"When will the reward be issued?"
After a pause, Yang Jing continued:
"Your Majesty, we have gained too much in the war in the southwest. I am afraid there is something fishy going on.
We are ordering people to check it carefully, which may take more than a month."
"Son of a bitch!"
Geng Zhong was about to rush forward and punch and kick him again, but was held tightly by Sun Ke, the Marquis of Quanning.
"Yang Jing, are all the people of Luchuan grown from trees? Their heads and bodies are piled up in Yunnan, how could it be fake?
Also, if your Ministry of Revenue cannot get the silver, then the Governor's Office will go and ask for it in person.
Those Luchuan people are of the same virtue as some people.
They always complain that it is hard to even have food, but once their houses are searched, they all become extremely wealthy!
If you have the guts, go and raid their house!
You are really brave to set your sights on rewards.
If this matter gets out, and you can survive past the end of the month, I respect you as a hero!"
"Alright, alright! What are you arguing about!"
Crown Prince Zhu Biao slammed the document in his hand, and the impatience in his voice became even more intense!
“Money, money, money! Money is needed everywhere!
Yang Jing, can you distribute the reward money before the end of the month? "
"Reporting to His Royal Highness, if you don't mind the cost, you can!"
"What do you mean by no matter the cost? You are the head of the Ministry of Revenue. I don't care how you do it, but the money must be paid!
In addition, can the money from the river workers be taken out next month? "
Yang Jing took a deep breath, with helplessness flashing in his eyes: "Your Highness, I can't get it out."
The prince stood up with a bang:
"Well, since we can't afford it, we have to increase revenue and cut expenditure!
As the head of the Ministry of Revenue, do you have any solution?"
"Your Highness, if you can specialize in bicycles and tricycles, maybe..."
Before he could finish, Qin Kui jumped out:
"Master Yang, are you confused? The product has not been manufactured yet. It is too early to talk about monopoly now."
Yang Jing's breathing became a little rapid, and he paused:
"Reporting to His Royal Highness, I can earn some extra money to exempt my husband from marriage, which may help alleviate the current urgent need."
"Absolutely not." Zhang Zhi, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, said quickly:
"The matter of heaven's punishment has not yet subsided, and the officials in Yuezhou have killed civilians again!
If you levy more money to exempt men from marriage, the whole world will be filled with complaints, and they will all blame the court and Your Majesty!"
"This won't work, and that won't work! Your Highness, I have no other options."
"I'll think of a way for you!"
The prince paced at the top and looked at Qin Kui:
"How long will it take for the Ministry of Industry to build the business?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, four months." Qin Kui bowed and spoke.
"Four months?"
"Three, three months!"
"Two months!" Zhu Biao said firmly.
"In two months, I want to see the business open and profitable."
"I will do my best."
“Okay, we’ll open for business in two months, which means it’ll be almost October, and there’ll still be two months until the end of the year.
In the next four months, the Ministry of Revenue must raise at least two million taels for the river repair work, and the remaining two hundred thousand taels will be supplemented by the merchant bank!"
Geng Zhong and Qin Kui both raised their heads suddenly.
What does that mean? Take their money to make up for the Ministry of Revenue?
Just as they were about to speak, Crown Prince Zhu Biao stretched out his hand to stop them, with anger on his face, and spoke in a decisive tone:
"That's it!"
(End of this chapter)