Chapter 125 The court is in turmoil, Wei Wenquxing, the crisis appears again
Inside the Sutra Collection Pavilion of the Great Wei Dynasty.
As a white figure walked slowly towards him, Xu Qingxiao couldn't help but look at it.
This is a woman, wearing white clothes, walking towards her with a detached temperament. A beam of light shines down, making her look like a fairy. She just stands there, eclipsing everything else in the world.
The difference from the empress is that the empress is aloof and domineering.
The coldness of the woman in front of her was the kind of coldness that came from the inside out.
Such stunning beauty, Xu Qingxiao couldn't help but admire in her heart.
But just for a moment, Xu Qingxiao withdrew her gaze. It was not like she had never seen such stunning beauty in the world, so being a little surprised was a normal reaction.
Not far away, Shui Yunyan stood quietly. She glanced at Xu Qingxiao, her eyes were very calm.
But she didn't move forward, feeling a little resistant.
Xu Qingxiao didn't even look at her. She was aloof and stunning, with something wrong with her brain. To put it bluntly, she was arrogant.
Xu Qingxiao doesn't like this. The more arrogant Xu Qingxiao is, the less she likes her. Let me ask, that man doesn't like a good sister who is gentle and virtuous? Who likes a sister who has a cold face all day long?
Having finished reading the books here, Xu Qingxiao went to the next area and finally came to the Tibetan Scripture Pavilion. There was no reason to just read some medicinal scriptures.
Xu Qingxiao also needs to search hard for things about the saint.
Xu Qingxiao left, deliberately leaving from the other side to avoid contact with the other party.
Seeing Xu Qingxiao leaving, Shui Yunyan slowly breathed a sigh of relief. After a while, he set off, came to where Xu Qingxiao was just now, and started reading.
at the same time.
In the Palace of the Wei Dynasty.
Li Yanlong, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, slowly came to the Yangxin Hall.
"My lord, Li Yanlong, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, pays homage to Your Majesty."
Li Yanlong opened his mouth and came over with a thick stack of manuscripts.
"Plain body."
The empress spoke.
And the latter spoke immediately.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Industry spent three days to prepare a budget. For this waterwheel project, fifty counties and lands were selected. If all of them are made of high-quality materials, fifty million taels is barely enough. But if labor costs are added, more will be needed.
Add a budget of 10 million taels."
Li Yanlong handed over the budget book and said seriously.
Sitting on the dragon throne, the empress showed no expression after hearing the price again. She had made her own calculations in her heart.
There is indeed nothing wrong with the price, but she cannot accept it.
After casually glancing at the budget book, the empress couldn't help but speak.
"Fifty million taels, labor, materials, maintenance and other costs must be included in it. It can't be more but less. Can Aiqing do it?"
The empress asked.
Upon hearing this, Li Yanlong immediately smiled bitterly.
"Your Majesty, I have already reduced the budget to the minimum. If I lower the budget any further, I am worried that there will be villains causing trouble."
"If your majesty is not satisfied, you can only go to the Ministry of Revenue to settle the matter. Besides, I have been thinking about it for a long time when I went back. I still have to discuss it with Gu Shangshu in any case."
"This involves many things, including material purchase, labor hiring, local allocations, etc. The Ministry of Industry alone cannot guarantee that it will be perfect."
Li Yanlong told the truth that in such a large project, many problems will definitely arise. For example, in order to make profits, some businessmen exchanged very poor materials, colluded with others, and embezzled money.
We can still find ways to prevent this, but when it comes to purchasing materials, if you suddenly need such a large amount of materials, will everyone raise the price? After all, businessmen cannot afford to be early because they are unprofitable. As long as everyone adds up, they will definitely raise the price on purpose.
Make money.
Then, it’s okay to buy materials for 50,000 taels, but what about the labor? You can’t let the people help in vain? Let the government publicize it?
There is no problem with government propaganda, but the question is, are the people willing to agree?
Giving money is the most real thing.
Therefore, this matter must be discussed with the Ministry of Accounts, which is responsible for this.
"Let's talk about it in court tomorrow."
The empress spoke, but she remained indifferent.
Indeed, with 50,000 taels, it is very difficult to implement it in fifty counties.
But she would not be reconciled to the reduction. After all, the waterwheel project benefits the country and the people.
It is still difficult to get past the Ministry of Revenue, but if the Ministry of Revenue really takes over the matter, it will cause a lot of trouble. It is not the problem of the Ministry of Revenue, but that some people will not let this water wheel project be implemented.
trade off.
For an emperor, everything is a trade-off.
She must carry out the waterwheel project, even if there are obstacles, she cannot let it go.
"Your Majesty is wise."
Li Yanlong shouted, and then he had nothing else to do, so he resigned and left.
After Li Yanlong left.
The empress also sat on the dragon chair and meditated. After a while, a voice suddenly sounded.
It's Zhao Waner's voice.
"Your Majesty, I heard that Hua Xingyun seems to be returning to Kyoto."
Zhao Waner spoke out, causing the empress to come back to her senses from her deep thoughts.
"Hua Xingyun, why is he back?"
The empress was not surprised when she heard the name, but her tone was a little curious.
"It is said that a great scholar from the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty invited him back. It should be for the first imperial examination of the new dynasty."
"Now the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty is looking forward to Hua Xingyun's return. Some news has spread outside, saying that Hua Xingyun has been away for three years and has made clear his intentions. Now that he is back, he will complete his speech on the day of the imperial examination."
Zhao Waner said this.
"Do you want to make a statement?"
"The Great Wei Wen Palace finally felt some pressure. Even Hua Xingyun called back. It seems that Xu Qingxiao put a little too much pressure on them."
"However, Hua Xingyun is away from home all year round and travels around the world. He is afraid that his heart is not stable. He can be reused but cannot be trusted."
"Okay, come with me to relax."
The empress was very calm and seemed to have no favorable impression of Hua Xingyun, but as an emperor, she would not judge a person based on happiness or anger.
As long as it can help Jiangshan Sheji, no matter what.
The empress stood up and left, followed by Zhao Waner.
The sun was shining brightly, but it was not extremely hot inside the palace.
Outside the palace, the heat was unbearable.
But at this time, a piece of news spread, making the capital of Wei Dynasty a little excited.
The people's lifestyle is very simple. They eat, drink, have fun, and then chat about some topics. If nothing serious happens, they talk about whose son is doing well and whose daughter-in-law is doing well. There is new tea in the Chunlou of that family.
But once something big happens, Kyoto becomes extremely lively.
"Hua Xingyun is coming back."
A piece of news reached Kyoto, and at this moment the entire Kyoto began to discuss it heatedly.
"Didn't he travel around the country? Why did he come back suddenly?"
"Hua Xingyun? What a familiar name. Oh, I remember it. Who claims to be the number one scholar in the Wei Dynasty?"
"The hope of Great Wei Wen Palace is that among the Zhu Sage lineage, Hua Xingyun is most likely to become a second-grade sub-sage?"
"Why did he come back suddenly?"
"Who is Hua Xingyun? I just came to the capital and I have never heard of this person."
The people discussed it heatedly. At first, many people were curious about who Hua Xingyun was, but they soon remembered this person.
It's not that Hua Xingyun has no sense of existence, but his name is very famous throughout the Wei Dynasty. However, about three years ago, Hua Xingyun left the Wei Dynasty and went to travel to other countries.
Make a clear statement.
Now three years have passed. The Wei Dynasty has changed emperors and experienced turmoil again and again. In the peaceful and prosperous times, people may not forget these three years.
But at this juncture, after disappearing for three years, no one really remembers this name.
Even if Xu Qingxiao disappeared suddenly for three years during the Northern Expedition of the Wei Dynasty, the people would not remember Xu Qingxiao.
Only when Xu Qingxiao appears again will the people remember Xu Qingxiao.
As the news spread wider and wider, Hua Xingyun's name soon spread throughout the capital of the Wei Dynasty. More and more people thought of this character, and for a while, there was even more discussion.
"Hua Xingyun traveled around the world. I thought he went to serve in other dynasties. I didn't expect that he went to make a clear statement."
"There are talented people from generation to generation. Hua Xingyun three years ago was even more brilliant than Xu Qingxiao now. It's a pity that after three years of silence, Xu Qingxiao is now more famous than him."
"Who is this Hua Xingyun? Can anyone explain it to me? I really don't know."
"Tell me, does Hua Xingyun want to cause trouble for Xu Qingxiao when he comes back at this juncture?"
"It's very possible. It's really possible to come back at this juncture."
"Hey, in the literary world of Wei Dynasty, are two peerless rookies going to fight?"
"Now there's something good to watch."
The people were talking a lot. At first they were just talking about what Hua Xingyun had been doing in these years, but soon some people speculated that Hua Xingyun suddenly appeared at this juncture, and was he going to cause trouble for Xu Qingxiao?
As soon as this speculation emerged, the topic became even more heated in an instant.
After all, one of them was a rising star in the literary world three years ago, and he also received various praises from the Great Wei Wen Palace. Almost all the great scholars in the Great Wei Wen Palace valued Hua Xingyun, and he was extremely prosperous.
Even the late emperor praised Hua Xingyun and said it was a pity that Hua Xingyun was born twenty years late.
Such high praise made Hua Xingyun a new star in the literary world of the Wei Dynasty. But just when Hua Xingyun was attracting the attention of the world, he left the Wei Dynasty and traveled around the country, saying that he wanted to make his words clear.
But more people suspect that Hua Xingyun betrayed the Wei Dynasty and wanted to serve in another country. The Tuxie Dynasty and the Chu Yuan Dynasty wanted to win him over.
Coupled with the turmoil between the government and the public during the Wei Dynasty and the exchange of old and new ones, who knows what will happen.
Therefore, Hua Xingyun's departure also made the people very angry.
Now, I never thought that Hua Xingyun would actually come back after three years.
Back to Wei Dynasty.
At this time, the Wei Dynasty also welcomed an eternal great talent, Xu Qingxiao.
If Hua Xingyun doesn't come back sooner or later, everyone will think there's something wrong if he comes back at this time.
The most likely thing is that he came back for Xu Qingxiao.
There can never be two suns in the literary world at any time.
At this time, the entire capital of the Wei Dynasty was completely lively, and the people liked to watch the excitement, especially when two such topical people collided.
Immediately afterwards, another rumor appeared.
"Hua Xingyun came back this time just for Xu Qingxiao. Xu Qingxiao tarnished Zhu Sheng's lineage. He came back this time to make Xu Qingxiao understand that Zhu Sheng cannot be insulted."
"Hua Xingyun said that he will get the first place in the imperial examination of the new dynasty, so that Xu Qingxiao will know what a true talent is."
"You are mistaken. Hua Xingyun does not want to defeat Xu Qingxiao in the imperial examination. He wants to defeat Xu Qingxiao at the Taiping Poetry Festival and trample under his feet the talent that Xu Qingxiao is most proud of."
"Internal news, internal news, all the great scholars in the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty are waiting for Hua Xingyun. They are ready to ask for orders to go to the court to ask for a position for Hua Xingyun. They want to completely attack Xu Qingxiao from both the Confucian and official aspects."
"What kind of inside information do you think this is? I am the inside information. When the Great Wei Wen Palace saw Xu Qingxiao standing up, he already felt the pressure. This time, he deliberately called Hua Xingyun back from the Tuxie Dynasty, and it was not to attack Xu Qingxiao, but to
Let Xu Qingxiao’s reputation be ruined.”
"Please, tell me, who is Hua Xingyun? I want to interrupt."
Various rumors are circulating in Kyoto, and there are some inexplicable shadows among them, trying to provoke a dispute and make the two rookies fight.
But there are also a few people who don't know who Hua Xingyun is.
But soon, the topic changed again, from why Hua Xingyun suddenly returned, to who is better, Hua Xingyun or Xu Qingxiao.
The first people to speak out were not the common people, but the scholars in Kyoto.
"Do you still need to ask? It must be Hua Xingyun, Brother Hua. You can't understand his talents at all. I met Brother Hua three years ago. When he stood there, I felt like a saint was alive.
Generally speaking, is he worthy of Xu Qingxiao?"
"Well, Brother Xingyun's talent back then was beyond your imagination. How many women in the entire capital fell in love with him. Not to mention the few poems Xu Qingxiao wrote, but these were all elegant works."
"During the Northern Expedition, Brother Xingyun went to the border alone and cooperated with several princes to guard the border, so that the Wei Dynasty did not encounter crisis. Then at the three-way conference, Hua Xingyun even decided the situation with one word.
After a tie, he was hailed as the Great Wei Wenquxing."
"Which of these deeds does not exaggerate the prestige of our great Wei state? On the other hand, what Xu Qingxiao did was disrespectful to the great Confucian scholars and the court, and moreover, he killed the county king for his own selfish desires, regardless of the consequences. He said he was doing it for the people, but really it was
For the common people, it’s Hua Xingyun, Brother Hua.”
"Comparing Xu Qingxiao to Brother Hua is really an insult to Brother Hua."
The scholars in Kyoto were the first to speak. They had unspeakable admiration and respect for Hua Xingyun, but they derogated Xu Qingxiao in various ways.
Fortunately, the people of Kyoto are not stupid. They did not be led astray by these scholars and expressed their opinions.
"Hua Xingyun left Kyoto three years ago, definitely not to make a clear statement. At that time, the Wei Dynasty was in turmoil. He was just afraid that the Wei Dynasty would be gone, so he quickly went to seek refuge with others. He was afraid that it would be too late and it would be too late. Now that the Wei Dynasty has stabilized, he ran away again.
It’s really ridiculous to come back.”
"Xu Qingxiao does things for the people and puts the people first. What about Hua Xingyun? He said he went to guard the border, but wasn't it because he wanted to gain merit? Do we really think we are stupid? Those great scholars in the Wen Palace of Wei Dynasty have long since
It’s all clearly arranged.”
"When I mentioned the border, I remembered that he seemed to have had some disputes with the Champion Hou back then, right? Tsk tsk, it would be much more interesting if the Champion Hou also came back."
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, the Champion Hou scolded Hua Xingyun for not being a son of man, but Hua Xingyun didn't dare to say a word of nonsense. Unfortunately, the Champion Hou is guarding the border now, and he probably won't be able to come back for a short time."
"That's different. Many things are just rumors. I have actually seen Hua Xingyun. He is indeed extraordinary and talented. The late emperor did praise him."
People's comments on Hua Xingyun are somewhat polarized. Half of the people seem to remember some things and are very disgusted with Hua Xingyun, while some people have no prejudice against Hua Xingyun.
After all, many things are just rumors, and what makes most people angry is actually because of one thing.
When the Wei Dynasty was in turmoil, it was just an excuse for him to leave and travel around the country. At least no matter what, it was inappropriate for Hua Xingyun to choose to leave at this juncture.
But no matter what, on this day, Wei Jing was completely in a state of excitement.
And at this time.
Inside the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty.
In a study room, four great scholars were sitting quietly.
Chen Zhengru, Sun Jing'an, Wang Xinzhi, and one Chen Xin.
Four great scholars gathered together, and the study looked a little serious.
Soon, Chen Zhengru's voice slowly sounded.
"Xingyun, why did you suddenly return? Chen Ru?"
Chen Zhengru said calmly and looked at Chen Xin.
Hua Xingyun’s mentor is Chen Xin.
"I don't know, I just received the news today."
Master Chen Xin shook his head. He was not lying, and it was relatively sudden. He got the news today when his apprentice came back.
Chen Zhengru did not speak, but looked at Sun Jing'an.
The latter was very silent, but under Chen Zhengru's gaze, Sun Jing'an still spoke.
"There is no problem for Xingyun to come back. After all, the time has come. The first imperial examination of the new dynasty cannot be missed. In addition, the Taiping Poetry Society. Even if he comes back, it will at least give our Great Wei Wen Palace some face, so that we will not really let someone
Some people think they are awesome."
His words were naturally directed at Xu Qingxiao.
"absurd!"
Chen Zhengru reprimanded angrily, looked at Sun Jing'an and spoke directly.
"When Xingyun left the Wei Dynasty, I said that he would lose the support of the people unless he made a clear statement and returned. Now he is just clarifying his intentions. If he comes back, the voice of the people will most likely destroy his Confucianism."
"In order to suppress Xu Qingxiao, you actually called Xingyun back. Sun Ru, what you did is really not worthy of the position of a great scholar."
Chen Zhengru was a little angry.
But Sun Jing'an was also a great Confucian. Although his official position was not as good as that of Chen Zhengru, his status in the Wen Palace of the Wei Dynasty was average, so he was naturally unhappy to be reprimanded like this.
"Chen Ru, Xingyun is not calling him back, but he wants to come back. Moreover, Xingyun also said that he came back this time to make a statement, and he made a statement on the day of the imperial examination. Come back earlier, come back later.
, aren’t they all the same?”
"One more thing, Chen Ru, you may want to pay attention. Xu Qingxiao is not a scholar of Zhu Sheng's lineage like us. Even if I really suppress him, so what? Confucianism and Taoism follow the heart, and if he can compare with Xingyun, it doesn't matter.
But if he can’t compare to Xingyun, then it can only be said that Xu Qingxiao’s talent is not good enough.”
"Why am I not worthy of the position of great Confucian? Everything I do is for Zhu Sheng and for the scholars in the world. But Chen Ru, you are in a high position. I am afraid you are a little lost, right?"
Sun Jing'an's words were also extremely rude, and he almost pointed his nose at Chen Zhengru and scolded Chen Zhengru for having been an official for a long time and showing off his authority here.
"Sun Ru is really eloquent."
Chen Zhengru was not angry. This kind of ridicule was nothing. He was a great scholar and did not care about such ridicule. Moreover, since he was in a high position, he would be questioned by others.
He was angry just now because Sun Jing'an brought Hua Xingyun here in order to suppress Xu Qingxiao.
The court was finally quiet for a while, and he could see that Xu Qingxiao wanted to keep a low profile, but he didn't expect that Sun Jing'an wanted to provoke Xu Qingxiao.
And he called this person back directly.
Hua Xingyun is a double-edged sword. If used well, it can help the Great Wei Wen Palace overcome thorns and thorns. But if it is not used, this sword will hurt itself sooner or later.
Both of them are very proud, but Xu Qingxiao is more radical, but Hua Xingyun is not radical. He is very deep, so deep that it is difficult for them to see through. He was pointed at the nose by the champion and scolded for not being a son of man.
He, Hua Xingyun, had endured it, but if it had been Xu Qingxiao, Xu Qingxiao would have fought the champion long ago.
This kind of person is too scary, but it happens that this kind of person is extremely talented in Confucianism and Taoism. He is only twenty-four years old this year, but he is already half-foot on the road to establishing himself.
Moreover, the origin of Hua Xingyun is very scary and full of secrets.
Chen Zhengru does not want Hua Xingyun to return to the Wei Dynasty, at least not now. He hopes that the Wei Dynasty will live a good life in peace and stability for two years. The battle in the court is already in deep trouble, so there should be no more extraneous matters at this juncture.
But he never thought that Sun Jing'an secretly sent a secret letter to Hua Xingyun and asked him to come.
Disrupted all situations.
"Chen Ru was joking."
Sun Jing'an also spoke coldly.
"Okay, let's stop arguing. In fact, both of them are for the good of the Wei Dynasty. Sun Ru hopes that the Wen Palace can be stable, and Chen Ru hopes that the Wei Dynasty will be stable. They are both good and good."
"Since Nebula is here, let's do it. We shouldn't argue about this matter now. What we should discuss now is which department to let Nebula serve in. When he comes back this time, he will definitely join the court."
"Now Wen Gong's power in the court is indeed a bit weak. Furthermore, Your Majesty is going to launch another Northern Expedition. No matter what the outcome is, we must be prepared, so it is a good thing for Xingyun to come back."
Wang Xinzhi spoke and asked the two to stop arguing and talk about business.
As soon as he said this, Chen Zhengru said nothing. After all, at their level and having lived for so many years, they knew in their hearts that everything had happened and there was really no need to argue.
Is fighting useful? Nothing can be changed.
"Go to the Etiquette Department. You can also arrange a host and guest from the Etiquette Department."
Chen Zhengru spoke directly and asked Hua Xingyun to be the host and guest, an eighth-grade official, neither high nor low.
"No!"
"Xingyun's talent is the Wenquxing of the Great Wei Dynasty. How can he be the host and guest? Chen Ru, don't be biased. Three years ago, the late emperor wanted Xingyun to serve as the minister. Three years later, you asked him to be the host and guest? Furthermore,
, Go to the Ministry of Rites? Isn’t this overkill?”
Sun Jing'an refused at first.
The most talented man in the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty actually went to the Ministry of Etiquette to be the host and guest? Isn't this a joke?
Besides, Xu Qingxiao was in charge when he came up. From a seventh-rank official, a talented man from their Great Wei Wen Palace, to an eighth-rank official? It wouldn’t work no matter what.
"Why not? Three years ago was three years ago. Nebula didn't cherish him three years ago. When he comes back three years later, is it possible for him to be a minister? Do you think His Majesty will agree? The people of Kyoto have some complaints about him. He
He has lost some of the people's support and it is just right for him to be the host and guest. There is nothing wrong with it."
Chen Zhengru said directly, it was three years ago. At that time, you did not leave the Wei Dynasty. It was okay for you to be the minister, but you did not want it, so you had to leave the Wei Dynasty.
You talk about traveling around the world and making your intentions clear, but who can guarantee what you really want to do?
Furthermore, although traveling around the world has increased his knowledge, there is no guarantee that he will not change his mind.
"Eighth-grade host and guest, this really humiliates my great Wei Wengong, Chen Ru, no matter what, I won't agree to it. It doesn't matter if you can't become a fourth-grade minister. At least you must have a fifth-grade official position. Otherwise, this will not be the end of the world."
Do you want to humiliate me, Great Wei Wen Palace?"
Sun Jing'an's attitude was firm, and Hua Xingyun's official rank was at least a fifth-rank official.
"Chen Ru, there is indeed something wrong with the eighth-grade host and guest."
Wang Xinzhi spoke. Although he felt uncomfortable, he also believed that Sun Jing'an's words made sense.
"Fifth grade? Sun Ru really knows how to speak. Then if you speak to His Majesty, I won't do it."
"But I have to remind you that Wei Dynasty is not Confucian."
Chen Zhengru said coldly, "Is this Sun Jing'an talking about the fifth rank? He really doesn't regard officialdom as officialdom. How many people can't be promoted to the fifth rank in their lifetime? Even if Hua Xingyun is talented and has unparalleled qualifications, what can he do?"
Ranked fifth? What about ten years later? Climb directly to your position?
"Master Chen's words are meaningless. Hua Xingyun is not an ordinary person. He has been to the border, served as an ambassador, has literary and military skills, and has the ability to govern the country. The late emperor once praised him, so why can't he be a five-year-old?
A good official?"
Sun Jing'an sneered and said, he didn't call him Chen Ru anymore, just Mr. Chen, which seemed a little sarcastic.
There are fights in every place. There are fights in the imperial court. There are also fights in the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty. Wherever there are people, there are rivers and lakes. The fight between Sun Jing'an and Chen Zhengru made Chen Xindaru sigh.
Take a breath.
"Don't you two argue anymore."
"Hua Xingyun is my student. Logically speaking, I support Sun Ru. But I thought about it and found out what Chen Ru said is true. It's better to be the boss. A seventh-grade boss is fine."
"As for which department to go to, let Xingyun decide for himself. What do you two think?"
Chen Xin spoke. Even if Sun Jing'an was a little unhappy, there was nothing he could do. After all, Hua Xingyun was his student, and the teacher said this. What could he do?
Chen Zhengru thought for a while and just nodded, but still spoke.
"The Department of Husbandry and the Department of Personnel cannot go. The other four departments are free to do as they please."
Chen Zhengru said this, it is very simple not to come to the Ministry of Personnel. This department is in deeper water, and Hua Xingyun must not be allowed to come, especially when Hua Xingyun travels around the world, how can he come to the Ministry of Personnel.
The reason why he couldn't go to the Ministry of Household Affairs was also very simple. Xu Qingxiao was at the Ministry of Household Affairs. He didn't want the two to fight, especially one was a fourth-grade minister and the other was a seventh-grade chief official. According to their arrogance, they might get into trouble on the first day.
To cause trouble.
The three of them all agreed on this point and could understand it, but Sun Jing'an still stood up and said.
"Chen Ru, I still have something to remind you. Confucianism and Taoism have been prosperous for thousands of years. We are all disciples of saints. There are some things you need to think carefully about."
After saying this, he turned around and left without looking back.
Chen Zhengru and the other three were left silent.
Hua Xingyun's imminent arrival has made the entire Wei Jing capital a little uneasy.
Just like that, time passes.
The next day.
Above the court hall.
Perhaps it is because the imperial court has become rich recently, the treasury is well fed, and the friction between civil and military officials has decreased a lot.
Moreover, each department also had its own things to do. The Ministry of War was writing new strategies for the Northern Expedition day and night, the Ministry of Rites was preparing for the arrival of envoys from all nations, and the Ministry of Husbandry was planning how to develop the Wei Dynasty.
The Ministry of Punishment has also made various rules because of the business affairs. Including the Ministry of Industry, I don’t know what they are busy with recently. If I have to say leisurely, the Ministry of Personnel is relatively leisurely now.
After nearly half an hour of deliberation on major national affairs, Sun Jing'an was the first to speak out.
"Your Majesty, I learned today that Hua Xingyun, the star of the literary world of the Wei Dynasty, will return to Kyoto in the next two days. Xingyun is talented and has the ability to govern the country. The late emperor once praised him many times."
"Nowadays, Xingyun travels around the country and has achieved great results in his studies. However, the Wei Dynasty is currently in ruins and lacks talents. Therefore, I am willing to seek an official position for Xingyun so that he can serve the Wei Dynasty and do his best."
Sun Jing'an was the first to speak and offered to seek an official position for Hua Xingyun.
"What position are you looking for?"
The empress spoke calmly.
"I think that being a member of the Ministry of War is a good position. Hua Xingyun has been to the border and has good military capabilities. Moreover, the Ministry of War is currently busy and is in urgent need of manpower, so he can go to the Ministry of War."
Sun Jing'an spoke out and asked for help from Hua Xingyun, a member of the military department.
Everyone is well aware of its purpose.
But as soon as he said this, the Minister of War couldn't help but stand up.
"Your Majesty, I think it is inappropriate."
"Hua Xingyun has traveled around the world for three years. I dare not say whether Hua Xingyun has made any progress, but the Ministry of War is now full of people. Moreover, positions are arranged before the people arrive. Although the court cherishes talents, it does not cherish talents so much.
.”
"I think it would be better to arrange for him to be assigned to the Ministry of Rites and be in charge. After all, Hua Xingyun has been on a diplomatic mission before. His Majesty's birthday is coming soon, and the Ministry of Rites is also very busy, so he can just go and receive the foreign envoys."
The Minister of War immediately objected.
Now that the Ministry of War is wholeheartedly discussing the new strategy for the Northern Expedition, you official want to arrange for someone to come over to monitor you? Just dream on you.
"Your Majesty, there is no shortage of people in the Ministry of Rites. I think that the Ministry of War can do it. Sir, this new Northern Expedition policy is of great importance. Hua Xingyun has traveled around the world and gained a lot of knowledge. I am in the Ministry of War. It is indeed like a fish in water."
The Minister of Rites stood up and pushed Hua Xingyun over again.
Their intention is very simple. Hua Xingyun goes to the Ministry of War to monitor the Ministry of War's new strategy for the Northern Expedition. If he finds anything wrong, he should notify him as soon as possible so that everyone can make plans and impeach and find faults when going to court.
If there is no problem with the new strategy of the Northern Expedition and His Majesty has agreed to it, and if we really want to launch the Northern Expedition again, then it will be no problem. Hua Xingyun will take credit for the past. Assuming that the Northern Expedition fails again, what does Hua Xingyun, a small boss, have to do with him?
If it succeeds, Hua Xingyun will gain a huge amount of merit for nothing.
Anyway, Confucianism and Taoism are not bad.
"It's ridiculous. How can one enter the Ministry of War by traveling around the world? According to what Shi Lang Xu said, if one leaves the Wei Dynasty, one can come to our Ministry of War?"
"Your Majesty, please give me a clear warning."
The Minister of War is not stupid. How could he let Hua Xingyun come over to pick peaches?
The two sides quarreled, but the empress had no intention of caring about this matter at all. She stopped the fight in the court and spoke directly.
"Okay, let's wait until Hua Xingyun comes to court to discuss this matter, and we'll discuss it the next day."
When she said this, both parties shut up. The emperor also spoke, and they had nothing to say.
At this moment, the empress spoke directly.
"Dear ladies, there is something I need to talk about today."
When the voice sounded, all the civil and military officials were a little curious. Generally speaking, His Majesty would not take the initiative to mention anything, but once he did, it was definitely not a trivial matter.
"A few days ago, the fertile fields were harvested, and the land in the capital of southern Yu was 40% more valuable than early rice."
"Because of a thing called a waterwheel, it can transport water from hundreds of miles away to people's fertile fields."
"It greatly solves the problem of land without water. It is an artifact of the Wei Dynasty. I have asked the Ministry of Industry to build a model. Dear friends, you can take a closer look."
When the empress said this, several eunuchs slowly walked over, moved a model over, and then placed it in the court hall.
All of a sudden, all the civil and military officials looked at him.
A small waterwheel appeared, running on its own.
"Waterwheel? What is this?"
"Transporting water hundreds of miles away? Is it so magical?"
"It seems simple, but it does have such magical effects."
"Is this a new invention from the Ministry of Industry?"
The officials discussed it, full of curiosity. They were all the smartest people in the world. They just glanced at it and thought about it for a moment, and they could realize the importance of this thing.
At this moment, Li Yanlong, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, slowly walked out.
"Your Majesty! My lords, the Ministry of Materials and Engineering has been studying this for several days, and it is indeed possible to transport water, and it is easy to operate. It can increase grain production for the Wei Dynasty."
"Conservative estimates suggest that the grain output of the Wei Dynasty can be doubled."
Li Yanlong didn't dare to say too much. He could only say double it. This was based on his speculation. Of course, if abandoned farmland was used, it would be impossible to tell, and it might be more.
But just doubling it, at this moment the whole court was in an uproar, both civil and military.
“Doubling grain production?”
"This thing can actually double the grain output of the Wei Dynasty? Li Shangshu, is this true or false?"
"If it can really double the grain output of the Wei Dynasty, this thing can really be called a magical weapon of the Wei Dynasty."
"With such a thing, the revival of the Wei Dynasty is just around the corner."
Everyone was shocked.
Apart from anything else, the most intuitive reason for doubling grain production is that the people can have enough to eat, and everyone can have children with confidence, and the tax revenue of the Wei Dynasty can also be doubled. After all, 70% of the national tax comes from the good land tax.
It is not an exaggeration to say that it is an artifact of the Wei Dynasty.
But at this moment, a voice sounded.
It belongs to Gu Yan, the Minister of Hubu.
"Your Majesty, how much silver will it cost to build this thing?"
Gu Yan asked directly. He was shocked at first, and even a little excited. After all, the grain output had doubled, and the revenue of the national treasury could skyrocket again.
But the problem is, this thing doesn't feel very cheap.
The empress did not answer, but Li Yanlong spoke up.
"Looking back at the book of ministers, a waterwheel extending for fifty miles costs ten thousand taels."
Li Yanlong answered.
Ten thousand taels? Not much.
This was Guan Guan's first reaction, but Gu Yan continued to ask.
“How much county water supply is available?”
he asked.
"Uh, the same land."
Li Yanlong was a little slow, but he still answered. There is no way, this topic cannot be avoided.
"hiss!"
The next moment, all the civil and military officials gasped.
Ten thousand taels? A land in one village?
If this was done all over the country, wouldn't it be worth hundreds of millions of taels of silver? No, this doesn't include labor and the like.
Gu Yan's expression changed immediately.
But he kept his composure and looked at the empress.
"Your Majesty, how many waterwheels do you plan to build?"
He asked directly, if it wasn't much, it would be fine. Just spend some silver. Anyway, there is money in the treasury now.
But I'm afraid that the empress will cause trouble.
"I plan to use the fifty counties as a pilot project first, and at the same time, we will increase the grain production of the Wei Dynasty as soon as possible. One more of these can solve some of the hungry people. What do you think, dear friends?"
The empress revealed her plan.
But as soon as the voice fell, the expressions of many ministers changed.
"His Majesty!"
"Absolutely not!"
Gu Yan was the first to object.
He looked at the empress with a serious face and said.
"Although the treasury is now in surplus, the Wei Dynasty still needs a lot of silver. Although this product is excellent, in the final analysis it cannot double the grain output of the Wei Dynasty in an instant."
"Furthermore, the increase in grain production in the capital of the Southern Territory does not mean that all places will adapt."
"I believe that it can be manufactured in large quantities, but it can be used as a pilot project in one county. After one year, if there is a miraculous effect, the number can be gradually increased. It cannot be done in one step."
When Gu Yan opened his mouth, he rejected it directly.
This waterwheel is good, and it does look good, but it is unknown whether it will be useful.
Secondly, even if it is really useful, the Wei treasury does not have much silver. If it is done like this, who will accept it once we return to the pre-liberation period?
According to the current situation, we should save some money, spend what should be spent, and don't spend it randomly.
You can pilot it, but you must not let all fifty counties build such waterwheels at once, as it will easily cause trouble.
"Your Majesty, I also think it's inappropriate. I hope your Majesty will think again."
The next moment, all the military attachés also spoke.
They reacted quickly.
If we really want to vigorously develop this thing, then the Northern Expedition will be hopeless.
Seventy million taels of silver is not enough for the Northern Expedition, not to mention the large-scale production of waterwheels.
Fifty counties, at least fifty million taels, right? Even including labor and other costs, sixty million taels is not too much.
As a result, the treasury of the Wei Dynasty was directly empty, and there was still a fart war.
"I hope your Majesty will think twice."
The civil servants, except for the Ministry of Industry, all remained opposed to it, and they were extremely opposed to it.
Everyone is happy now that the treasury has money. After all, we really need silver, so it is impossible for the Ministry of Accounts not to allocate funds.
But if the national treasury becomes empty again, no one will have a bottom.
Furthermore, whether this thing can be adapted to the whole country is still a question.
Objection is normal and reasonable.
"A weapon that benefits the country, are you trying to stop it like this? Does Aiqing have a better way to increase the value of Wei's grain production?"
The empress' voice was slightly cold, and she looked at the officials indifferently.
As soon as he said this, the faces of the officials changed.
They could hear that the empress was really angry.
If I refuse again, I will make it clear that I don't take His Majesty seriously.
This is a taboo!
But even so, Gu Yan's voice still sounded.
"Your Majesty! This product is indeed beneficial to the country, but today's Wei Dynasty cannot produce this product in large quantities. I hope your Majesty will think twice."
"If Your Majesty insists on having his own way, then I will resign from the Ministry of Household Affairs."
Gu Yan was very determined. He knelt on the ground and spoke decisively.
Spend 50,000 taels in one breath, or even 60,000 taels, or 70,000 taels.
This is for him.
Simply unacceptable.
So he did this and told the empress again.
This thing is impossible.
But the other ministers did not dare to say anything more. This matter was mainly a matter of the Ministry of Revenue. They could not interfere or touch Long Wei.
"Do you think I don't dare?"
Finally, the empress's angry voice sounded.
She has hardly ever been angry since she took the throne, but now she is angry.
"Your Majesty, calm down!"
All the officials knelt down and worshiped.
Gu Yan shook his head.
"Of course I believe it, but I also have the best interests of Wei in mind. If Your Majesty insists on having his own way, I will never compromise."
Gu Yan's attitude was extremely firm.
No, it just won’t work.
Suddenly, in the court hall, needles faced each other.
The atmosphere was so weird that it was disturbing.
The next moment, the empress' voice sounded, with a cold tone.