Liu Zhen was already sitting with his granddaughter in the hall on the second floor, sipping fragrant tea under the service of servants.
An old servant quickly entered the room, looked at Liu Zhen, and said, "Master, Mr. Tan Ge is here."
On the other side of the room, Liu Zhen put down a blue and white porcelain teacup in his hand, stood up, and said, "I'll go and greet you."
Liu Zhen also knew Tan Jie's name, or they were both high officials in the border areas and had heard each other's names for a long time.
"Master Tan." Liu Zhen saluted to Tan Jie and said.
Tan Jie had a broad smile on his face and said, "Mr. Liu, this journey has been tiring and hard-working."
Liu Zhen stretched out his hand to invite, smiled, and whispered: "Master Tan, it's windy outside. Let's go into the room and talk."
The two of them entered the side room and sat down next to a lacquered wooden table. After a while, a servant brought the tea, then turned and left.
Liu Zhen said: "Master Tan transported grain to the imperial court in Nanjing. He worked hard and meritoriously. I have heard about it in Zhejiang."
This is the official reason for promoting Tan Jie.
Liu Zhen said with a smile: "Now that the court is prosperous, King Wei wants to show off his grand plans and create a prosperous world. It is the time for us to show off our skills and talents."
From a feudal official to a minister of the imperial court, wearing blue and purple clothes, I don't know how many literati thought about it.
In other words, this is the ultimate dream of men of letters to enter politics.
Tan Jie applauded in agreement and said: "Now the people of the Han Dynasty live and work in peace and contentment and are prosperous. I wonder what Mr. Liu Ge thinks of the new learning?"
The two of them were both Jiangnan scholars and came to the capital alone, so naturally they wanted to hug each other for warmth.
Liu Zhendao: "Lao Chan studied new knowledge along the way, discovered this knowledge, studied the principles of things, studied things to gain knowledge, and used it to manage the world."
Tan Jie nodded and said: "Yes, I heard that the iron ships built by the navy were obtained from this method of investigating objects. There are also many novel objects, all of which are beneficial to the country and the people. There may be something in Southern Province.
The great Confucian said anything about strange and obscene skills, but the old man didn't take it seriously."
In the past three or four years, although the Han Dynasty could not say that there had been earth-shaking changes, the repair of the official road from Shenjing to Luoyang also made Tan Jie and Liu Zhen feel a sense of shock.
The neat and spacious cement official road is lined with green willows on both sides, and there is an endless stream of horse-drawn carriages, speeding like flying, but there is no dust at all. Such smooth traffic must be so shocking.
How could this kind of infrastructure convenience from later generations not shock Tan Jie and Liu Zhen.
In fact, this is also the result that Jia Heng wants to create. In the torrent of the times, his change of destiny shows the blessing of divine power and the divine power of kings.
Liu Zhen twirled his beard under his chin with his hand, nodded, and said: "The things studied by this new science will greatly benefit the country and are actually beneficial to the country and the people."
Tan Jie said: "Yes, it can even fly into the sky and escape from the earth, which is really breathtaking."
Liu Zhen nodded and said: "The scholars in Nan Province have not benefited from the new learning, so they have doubts. It is normal."
Tan Jie said: "What Mr. Liu said is reasonable."
While the two were talking, they heard a young servant come in from outside, saluted Liu Zhen and Tan Jie, and said, "Master, King Wei is here."
Liu Zhen and Tan Jie looked at each other and said, "You and I will go to greet King Wei."
In fact, except for Tan Jie who met Jia Heng when he was in Jinling, Liu Zhen had never met Jia Heng before, but this was the first time he met King Wei.
While the two were talking, they came closer and looked at the young man in the python suit.
Liu Zhen walked a few steps quickly, saluted Jia Heng, raised his hands and said, "I have met King Wei."
Jia Heng, who was on the other side of the room, stretched out his two hands to support Liu Zhen, with a warm smile on his resolute and calm face, and said: "Mr. Liu Ge, there is no need to be polite, please get up quickly."
At this moment, Tan Jie also saluted Jia Heng.
Jia Heng stretched out his hands to support Tan Jie's shoulders and said, "Mr. Tan Ge, this journey has been really hard."
Jia Heng had a warm smile on his face and said: "Mr. Liu Ge, there are many affairs in the cabinet now, and we need mature civil servants like Mr. Liu Ge and Mr. Tan Ge to come to Beijing to preside over the overall situation and handle government affairs."
Liu Zhen nodded and said: "King Wei's words are serious. Nowadays, everyone in the imperial court is prosperous and they are all people who are proficient in literature, Taoism and military strategy. We, who have little talent and little knowledge, rushed to the sacred capital, just to participate in this holy event together.
"
Tan Jie was a little humble at this moment.
Jia Heng nodded and said: "After Mr. Liu Ge came to Beijing, he assisted in the affairs of the Household Department. Mr. Tan Ge first took charge of the Criminal Department and was in charge of the criminal affairs of the world. We must not slack off."
Tan Jie was silent for a moment. Under his brows, his eyes flickered and he said, "Ministry of Punishment?"
Before Tan Jie entered the cabinet, Tan Jie's position was not mentioned in the imperial edict, but some people in Beijing predicted that it would probably be related to the Ministry of Punishment.
The so-called household rituals, work and punishments were the top priority of the imperial court.
According to common sense, the Ministry of Personnel will not join the cabinet, and the Ministry of War will enter the Ministry of Civil Affairs, so it can only be the Ministry of Punishment.
Jia Heng said: "Nowadays, all industries in the country are prosperous, and the country's power is growing day by day. I originally planned to formulate a "Qiande Huidian" to promulgate it throughout the world, so that officials, businessmen, and the people can abide by it. Especially after the new school became popular, many officials also needed it.
Know the law, act according to it, and administer according to the law.”
"Administration according to law?" Tan Jiepin smashed these four words and felt that they meant something meaningful.
Jia Heng said loudly: "We will look for doctors who are proficient in criminal matters to compile this huge system. Not only the criminal laws, but also the other six regulations should be carefully compiled and used to guide matters."
With six ministries, two academies, and five temples, the current official structure of the Han Dynasty is actually quite complete.
Tan Jie's face was straight, his eyes were deep, and he raised his hands and said: "King Wei, don't worry, I will definitely do my job with heart and heart, and live up to King Wei's trust."
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and said: "Now that the New Deal has been in force in the imperial court for several years, the local land clearing still needs to be deepened. After Mr. Liu Ge takes charge of the Ministry of Household Affairs, he still needs to slowly count the local land tax books."
Liu Zhen nodded and said warmly: "What King Wei said is true."
Jia Heng stared at Liu Zhen, looked surprised, and asked: "Mr. Liu Ge, what do you think of Liaodong today?"
Liu Zhendao: "The new land in Liaodong is an important frontier area for the imperial court, with mixed tribes and complex barbarian sentiments. It needs to be pacified and intimidated, so that it can always be the land of our great Han Dynasty."
Jia Heng smiled and said sternly: "Mr. Liu Ge has read a lot of Liaodong classics along the way. Liaodong will indeed always be the land of our Han Dynasty to protect China."
Liu Zhen felt relieved and said: "King Wei has been over-honored. Now that he is in his position, he should plan his political affairs. The affairs of Liaodong will be an important matter for the court in the next five to ten years. I, as an old man, should be more careful."
I thought to myself that I finally passed this test.
After that, Jia Heng, Liu Zhen, and Tan Jie talked for a while, and then quickly left the post house.
With the arrival of several cabinet ministers in Beijing, the political situation in the Han Dynasty became increasingly stable, which could be said to have swept away the political shadow of Qi Kun and the King of Yan's rebellion.
Soon after, the document issued by the Ministry of Personnel appointing Ye Yanhong, the former Imperial College Secretary, to serve as the left deputy censor of the Nanjing Metropolitan Procuratorate was also issued.
Jia Heng walked to the extremely spacious street, and the guards of Jinyi Mansion came to report that Jingzhao Mansion was sending people to enforce the curfew.
Song Xuan, the fourth younger brother of Empress Song, has been in charge of Jingzhao Mansion for four years. It can be said that he has left no trace in the management of Jingzhao Mansion and never closed his doors at night.
After returning to the mansion, servants came to report that Fan Yi and Cai Quan were outside the mansion asking to see Jia Heng.
Today, Fan Yi is the chief clerk of the Prime Minister's Affairs Yamen. He is in charge of driving and writing, oversees the affairs of the Six Cao Bureau below, and directly handles various affairs with the Military Aircraft Department.
Fan Yi's name is now known to everyone in the capital, and he is in charge of civil affairs. He is the confidant of King Wei.
The six Cao Cao of the Prime Minister's Affairs Office are all talented and learned people discovered by Jia Heng from the new scholars.
Cai Quan, on the other hand, has become the deputy envoy of the Jingying camp, and is in charge of the Jingying camp together with the generals of the Jia family and others.
Such as the generals of the Jia family, Jia Fang, Jia Chang, Jia Ling, Jia Qin, and Jia Yun.
For example, Jia Juan, Jia Chen, Jia Qiong, Jia Lin and others mostly worked in civil service in the Beijing camp, and they also had a place.
Jia Dun, Jia Xiao and others all led the troops in the capital camp, and were either military generals or civil servants, and they all had official duties.
Dong Qian held the rank of first-class viscount and became the commander of the Five Cities Military and Horse Division.
As for the other generals who were promoted by Jia Heng, they were all included in the Han army, from the border army to the capital camp, and from the local capital to the garrison.
In the past ten years, Jia Heng has been fighting in the north and south, and his old party members are spread all over the court and outside.
It can be said that after many purges, the Beijing camp has completely become Jia Heng's direct force.
After a while, Fan Yi quickly entered the hall with a solemn expression, bowed to Jia Heng, cupped his hands and said, "I have met the prince in my humble position."
Jia Heng's eyebrows were raised, his eyes were a little warm, and he said: "Master Fan, come here to see Yu Gu. I don't know what's going on?"
Fan Yi suddenly raised her head, looked at the young man in the python suit, and said, "Your Majesty, please take a step to speak."
When Jia Heng heard this, he felt enlightened. He stood up from the case and led Fan Yi towards the hall.
Arriving at the back hall, Jia Heng, Fan Yi, Cai Quan and others took their seats respectively.
Fan Yi said: "Your Majesty, there is no rival for you in the court now, so we can start preparing for auspiciousness."
Jia Heng shook his head and said warmly: "The time is not yet ripe now, so we have to wait a little longer."
As expected, Fan Yi came over to persuade him to join.
Fan Yi raised her two thick eyebrows, her cold and sparkling eyes were a bit clearer, and said: "Your Majesty, everyone in the government and the public are all his disciples and close followers. As long as the prince rises to the top and gives a shout, followers will flock to him.
.”
Cai Quan's face became solemn, he cupped his hands and said: "All the generals and commanders in the capital camp, only the prince is following his lead."
Jia Heng said: "Now is not a good opportunity, but we should take our time and don't be too eager."
Cai Quan asked: "What does the prince mean?"
Jia Heng looked into the distance with bright eyes and said: "After Junggar is pacified, it should be almost done."
Fan Yi paused slightly and asked, "Does the prince want to accept the destiny in a legitimate and legitimate manner?"
Jia Heng nodded and said: "If people are dissatisfied, even if they sit in that position, they will be accused of being unfair to the country. Being crowned as a monkey is not conducive to the long-term stability of the country."
The human heart is an extremely mysterious power. As long as it is believed that it is unfair to win the country, no matter how you describe it, it will be useless.
Fan Yidao said: "Your Majesty is thinking this way out of foresight, but you can't delay it for too long. The young Emperor Qiande is already quite old. In a few years, he will be in charge of the government himself. At that time, there will be tensions in both the government and the public."
The officials are waving flags and cheering for him. The prince has always regarded himself as a loyal minister, so how should he deal with himself at this time?"
As the saying goes, before I get strong, I will change when I get strong.
Jia Heng has raised the banner of being a loyal minister and a good general, and he will continue to erect this memorial arch.
Jia Heng was silent for a while and said: "I keep an eye on the new emperor's side, so it's not a big worry."
After all, he is his own son, so to a certain extent, there is no need to worry too much.
Fan Yi said: "King Wei, can we report the auspicious things in this place secretly to the Suzaku Guard?"
The so-called Suzaku Guard is one of the four secret spies that Jia Heng asked Chen Xiao to build. It is independent of the Jinyi Mansion Guard and mainly absorbs some secret spies from the White Lotus Sect in the past.
The Suzaku Guard put Fan Yi in charge to spy on illegal activities in local prefectures and counties.
Jia Heng looked strange for a moment and said, "It's enough to be aware of this matter, but don't overdo it."
Although he is not ready to usurp the Han Dynasty and stand on his own feet for the time being, the atmosphere of destiny must be heightened to at least let the world know that she has such an idea.
In other words, the Han Dynasty is now prospering, and it is time for heaven to send auspicious signs to show its praise.
…
…
Jinling, ferry——
Officials from the Governor's Office of Liangjiang were waiting on the ferry embankment, waiting for the newly arrived Governor of Liangjiang, Xu Kai, to sail his fleet.
"Coming, coming."
At this moment, a general who was looking into the distance quickly ran forward, shouting with joy.
Today is the day when the new Governor of Liangjiang, Xu Kai, takes office.
Everyone looked at the sound and saw a large ship with a tall mast riding the wind and waves on the river. There was a flag embroidered with the word "Xu" hanging on the ship.
As the governor of Liangjiang, Xu Kai came to Jinling to take office this time. He also brought some local specialties from Taiwan and planned to discuss cooperation matters with the wealthy businessmen in Jinling.
Xu Kai was standing at the bow of the ship. He was wearing a crimson official robe and a black gauze hat on his head. His originally fair and elegant face looked a little darker and clumsy.
The man's two sword-shaped eyebrows flew diagonally into his temples and he raised his eyes intently at the Liangjiang officials in the distance, feeling a surge of overwhelming pride in his heart.
It has been ten years since he was sent to Henan as a local official in the 15th year of Chongping. Now Xu Kai is only thirty-eight or nineteen years old, but he is already an important minister like the Governor of Liangjiang. At this age, he is very powerful. It can be foreseen that in the future,
There must be a place in the cabinet.
The experience of serving as a frontier official in Taiwan in the past few years has given Governor Xu a little more dignity and calmness as a frontier official.
Now that he is in charge of Liangjiang, the most important vassal state in the world, Xu Kaixin is not that timid, but is determined to make a career.
"Master Xu is here." At this moment, a large number of officials in front of the Liangjiang Governor's Office gathered around and approached Xu Kai's flag ship.
But seeing the ship approaching, the sailors lowered the deck. Surrounded by guards, Xu Kai also got off the ship and looked at the officials and gentry approaching.
"I have met Mr. Taiwan Maker." Officials from Liangjiang gathered around and bowed.
With an angry brow, Xu Kaiying glanced at the officials present and said, "You don't need to be polite."
"Thank you, Mr. Taiwan Maker." Upon hearing this, all the officials present stood up one after another.
At this time, the leading official said: "Master Xu, we have hosted a banquet in the governor's office."
Xu Kai's resolute and calm face said under his brows: "Everyone, this is not the place to talk. Please come to the governor's office to have a talk."
All the officials present stood up and headed to the government hall in a grand manner.
Then, everyone sat down behind a lacquered wooden table, and the guests and hosts were seated. Then a servant from the Governor's Yamen delivered a cup of fragrant tea, and immediately turned around and left.
Xu Kaidao: "Everyone, the imperial court has appointed me as the governor of Liangjiang. I hope you can work together and help me to jointly manage the vast land of Liangjiang."
When the officials below heard this, they all responded and whispered.
Xu Kai then went to the Governor's Mansion to attend a reception banquet for Liangjiang officials. In October of the fourth year of Qiande, he officially assumed the post of Governor of Liangjiang, beginning a six-year career as the best frontier official in the world.
…
…
Time flies, and the end of the fourth year of Qiande passed quietly in the blink of an eye. The fifth year of Qiande also passed peacefully, and suddenly came the spring of the sixth year of Qiande.
After nearly two years of internal political management, the Han Dynasty became increasingly prosperous. First of all, the New Deal was fully implemented, and the entire Han Dynasty was filled with an atmosphere of enthusiasm and joy.
Then, the immigration to Liaodong was carried out, which was quite effective.
In the eyes of some Han officials, the earth-shaking changes in the Han Dynasty are even more visible to the naked eye.
Jia Heng still showed no signs of plotting to usurp the throne. He really looked like a brave and loyal minister of the Han Dynasty. On the contrary, there were more auspicious reports from various places.
In January of the fifth year of Qiande, the governor of Shanxi reported the discovery of a dragon shadow. In April, traces of unicorns were found in Jiangxi. He Tu Luo Shu, and then Yu Wangding.
Well, the governor of Kaifeng, Henan at that time was Fu Shi.
It was not until the spring of the sixth year of Qiande that the auspicious omens died down slightly, but everyone in the world knew that King Wei could inherit the destiny.
On this day, an urgent military report from the northwest broke the tranquility in the Han court again.
The two armies of the Junggar tribe and the Yarkand Khanate gathered 200,000 troops and horses, and attacked the Seven Guards of Kansai in a mighty manner, and their troops advanced directly towards the Hami Guard.
Palace Garden, Wuying Palace——
At this moment, the cabinet ministers and all military ministers gathered in the palace to discuss military affairs.
At this moment, a white-faced and beardless eunuch stood at the door of the palace, shouting in a sharp voice: "King Wei is here!"
Immediately, I saw the young man in python suit entering the entrance of the palace, surrounded by a group of royal guards.
"I've met King Wei." Cabinet ministers headed by Lin Ruhai, the chief minister of the cabinet, Zhao Yi, the second minister of the cabinet, Liu Zheng, Liu Zhen, and Tan Jie hurried forward to greet him.
Military ministers such as King Shuirong of Beijing and Duke Xie Zaiyi of England also came forward to greet him.
Lin Ruhai looked solemn and said: "King Wei, something happened in the northwest."
Jia Heng nodded and asked: "Lord Water, what do the military reports say?"
"The 200,000 soldiers and horses of the Junggar and Heshuote tribes divided their forces and advanced. The vanguard troops have already defeated the Quxian Guard and Atuan Guard, and are approaching the Anding Guard and the Handong Guard. The two guards are in a hurry, and the Hami Guard is facing the Junggar Tribe. The main force is more than 100,000." Shui Rong said from the side.
Jia Heng said: "Jinyi Mansion also reported before, and the situation is quite different."
Jinyi Mansion has been monitoring the enemy situation in the northwest during this period, and Jia Heng is not ignorant of this.
Jia Heng was silent for a moment and asked: "What do you think about Qinghai and General Fuyuan?"
Shui Rong said: "Zi Yu, Fuyuan General Jin Xuan has sent news that Qinghai has sent 60,000 cavalry troops to aid Hami."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "Qinghai's defense force is adequate, but the counterattack force is insufficient."
Among the defense structures of the Seven Guards in Kansai, the Hami Guard, Shazhou Guard, and Chijin Mongolian Guard are the focus, used to shield Xining, and the three guards are all equipped with red cannons to defend the city.
Shui Rong asked: "King Wei, will you send troops to Qinghai this time?"
"Of course we have to send troops." Jia Heng said, "How is the British army preparing for the troops in Beijing?"
Xie Zaiyi's voice was firm and powerful, and he said: "King Wei, don't worry, the generals and soldiers of the Beijing camp are ready to send troops at any time."
Jia Heng said: "The Junggar tribe and the Yarkand tribe are brave and good at fighting, and they are in the Western Region, a place suitable for cavalry. Therefore, this time, I, the Han Dynasty, sent troops to use firearms to maximize their strengths and avoid their weaknesses to defeat the enemy."
Kangxi used more firearms to destroy Galdan.
Jia Heng looked at Lin Ruhai, the chief minister of the cabinet, and said: "Mr. Lin Ge, the soldiers and horses have not moved yet, food and grass go first. This time the Beijing camp sends troops, the supply of food and grass for the household department cannot be short, and the front line will be guaranteed."
The army is safe."
Lin Ruhai said: "Ziyu, don't worry, the Ministry of Household Affairs will ensure a sufficient supply of food and grass for the army."
Jia Heng turned to look at Shui Rong and Xie Zaiyi, and said: "As for the Ministry of War, there still needs to be a sufficient supply of armor and crossbow arrows. The army must not be short of anything."
Shui Rong said: "Ziyu, don't worry, the Ministry of War has enough manpower and the supply of ordnance and armor is guaranteed."
Jia Heng said: "Everyone, take back the land in the Western Regions of the Han and Tang Dynasties in one fell swoop!"
In fact, from the perspective of later generations, Jia Heng did make great contributions to China, recovering Liaodong, the Western Regions, Tibet, and Taiwan. In terms of internal affairs, he governed the country with new learning and rejuvenated the country through science and education, advancing the historical process of China by hundreds of years.
At this moment, Shui Rong was eager to give it a try: "King Wei, have you decided on the general for this expedition to the Western Regions?"
Jia Heng said: "The commander of this expedition will be..."
The British Duke Xie Zaiyi looked solemn, clasped his fists and said: "Your Majesty, the last general is willing to lead his troops to attack the Western Regions."
He is already a first-class Duke. If he relies solely on his support in the future, it will not be easy to become a county king.
Wang Shuirong of Beijing saw this. Although he was a little disappointed, he still said: "The British Lord is brave and good at fighting and resourceful. If he leads the army to attack the Western Regions, given time, he will definitely win and achieve great success."
Jia Heng said: "This time the Beijing camp has raised 100,000 troops, commanded by the British Duke. Cao Cao, the Marquis of Shanhai, has become the deputy general and will fight in coordination with the soldiers and horses from Xining. The Western Region must be wiped out."
If we want to destroy the nearly 200,000 troops of the two great khanates, it is essential to raise 100,000 troops from the Beijing camp.
It is worth mentioning that in both tribes, all adult men mounted their horses to fight, so their military strength was huge.