The Supreme Emperor finally sat upright, and it seemed that he heard this word for the first time.
Upon seeing this, Xiao Jing quickly explained the meaning of land clearing to the Supreme Emperor, emphasizing that the imperial court, including the royal family, kings, and relatives of the emperor and relatives, had to clear the land one by one. His words were quite inflammatory.
Sure enough, as his words fell, the kings of the clan at the front on the right side of the hall became a little unable to sit still.
"What Mr. Xiao Ge said is right!" An old prince suddenly stood up and walked towards the middle of the palace, crying: "Old brother, you have to make the decision for us. Life is really unbearable...
Our clan in the Wei Dynasty was already suffering more hardships than the previous dynasties. All the income of the family depended on the meager output of Zhuangzi.
You know that my younger brother has been stupid and unloved since he was a child. Although he is the son of his father, he has always been just a county prince. His salary is only five thousand taels of silver a year. What is enough?
My family has a large population, and life is already hard. I usually ask the housekeeper to buy more pork, but I don’t dare to buy too much. I’m afraid that I have to do something serious, and I don’t have the money to send the messenger... That’s all, it’s in my brother’s hands.
At least I won't starve to death.
But my dear brother, my younger brother is almost seventy, and he is about to be buried. When I die, our family will only have the Duke of Zhenguo, and his salary is even pitifully low. If the income from Zhuangzi is even included
It’s gone. How will my more than ten unsatisfied sons survive when the time comes..."
The tearful expression made people angry and funny. Are you kidding me? The family of the majestic prince of Wei can't even afford pork. It's really a strange news!
However, some people lamented that the clans of the Wei Dynasty were indeed no better than those of the previous dynasties. All the clans were detained in the capital. Not only could they not be allowed to serve, but they could not even serve as officials unless there were special circumstances. Under such circumstances, those idle clans were indeed living a slightly poorer life.
Struggle.
But regardless of whether what the old prince said is true or false, the position he represents is in line with the interests of many people.
Therefore, as soon as the old prince finished speaking, seven or eight people stood up from the seats in the clan. Without exception, these people were either princes or county princes.
They all gathered in the center of the hall and knelt down, echoing the opinions of Xiao Jing and the old prince, and begging the Supreme Emperor to make the decision for them and cancel the policy of clearing the land.
Emperor Ningkang looked at the clan kings kneeling on the ground. While he was angry, he could not help but feel a chill in his heart.
If he remembers well, many of these princes have expressed their willingness to support the New Deal before...
Are their current counter-arguments taking advantage of the situation, or are they premeditated? Their previous statements were just to delay and paralyze him?
If it was premeditated, where did their courage come from? "You have messed up a good birthday."
The Emperor finally spoke, expressing his dissatisfaction in the first sentence.
Just when Xiao Jing and the kings were asking for forgiveness, the Supreme Emperor changed his tone: "But since we have said it all, let's make it clear."
As he spoke, he glanced at the magnificent hall, "What about you, do you think this policy of clearing out acres of land is good or bad, and should it be implemented?"
Following the Emperor's question, all the princes and ministers in the palace looked at each other in confusion.
Originally, it was thought that the policy of clearing out acres of land for the imperial court was imperative. Even many people whose interests were harmed were just thinking about ways to avoid harm and reduce losses as much as possible.
Who would have thought that with all the twists and turns, there would be room for change in this matter?
Although everyone knows that taking a stand at this time will definitely make Ning Kangdi dissatisfied. However, there is only one chance. When faced with their own interests, most people are very smart and decisive.
"Wei Chen feels that Mr. Xiao Ge is right. In order to ensure the solid foundation of the Wei Dynasty, I would like to cancel the land clearing policy!"
"I second the proposal."
"I second the proposal."
"..."
One after another, and then one after another, soon more than half of the people in the hall stood up and knelt down, expressing their truest thoughts.
The remaining people on the seats are either the leaders and supporters of this land clearing policy, or their families have no land at all, so this land clearing has little to do with them.
In short, they were very nervous when they saw so many people kneeling down and begging the Emperor to cancel the land clearing policy.
Everyone understands that at this time, the Emperor's words can basically determine whether this national policy, which has been discussed by the government and the opposition for several months, can be implemented!
How will the Supreme Emperor choose?
Jia Lian, who was sitting in the middle on the right, shook his head. In fact, we can see a little bit of the Emperor's intention from the fact that the Emperor did not immediately scold Xiao Jing and others, but instead allowed them to discuss national policy at his birthday banquet.
As for the purpose of asking the ministers of Guangdong and Guangdong later? This is somewhat suspicious of asking everyone on the train whether they have bought tickets.
Who doesn’t know that this national policy, from project establishment to decision-making, was almost enforced by Emperor Ningkang and a handful of “reformers”. Most ministers, especially ministers whose families had a lot of land, disapproved of it.
It’s just that I dare not disobey due to the general trend.
Now Xiao Jing and others are taking the stage to sing, and the trend has reversed. What do they mean at this time?
Anyway, with Xiao Jing and others supporting him from the front, even if Emperor Ning Kang wants to settle accounts with his wife, Xiao Jing and others will support him. Naturally, they will dare to express their true inner thoughts.
Sure enough, the Supreme Emperor looked at the dark crowd of heads under his Highness and quickly understood the public opinion. He said calmly: "Since all of you feel that the land clearing policy is inappropriate, let's put this matter aside for the time being. Now
…”
"Father!"
Even though he had a premonition, Emperor Ning Kang couldn't help but tremble when he heard that the Supreme Emperor had vetoed the national policy he had worked so hard to formulate.
If it was an ordinary matter, even if it was just to please the Emperor, he would not argue with the Emperor.
But the matter of land clearing was of great significance and importance to him and to Wei. He really didn't understand why the Supreme Emperor listened to the words of Xiao Jing and others, and why he interfered with him!
Being interrupted by Emperor Ningkang, the Supreme Emperor looked a little displeased. He looked at Emperor Ningkang and said indifferently: "I have told you a long time ago that as a king, the first priority is the stability of the country, and the second is clear rewards and punishments.
There is nothing wrong with you wanting to clear up all the land in the world. But do you know that this matter is not as simple as sending people to the border to annihilate a few Tatar tribes, or killing a few corrupt officials.
Since ancient times, land has been the foundation of the people and the country. Even every decision I make on this issue is made with great caution. I am deeply afraid that a single oversight will cause turmoil to the country, unrest to the country, and let down the great trust of the late emperor.
, the inheritance of our ancestors.
But what about you? You act recklessly and are eager for quick success. Do you know what the consequences will be if your so-called land clearing policy is promulgated?"
Emperor Ningkang had not been reprimanded by the Supreme Emperor in person for many years. This time he was in front of a palace full of princes and ministers. His mood was very complicated. However, he could not think too much. He wanted to preserve the national affairs that he had spent so much time formulating!
"I know! There are just some people on the left and right who will try every means to hinder the New Deal because of their own interests. But my father, if you want to reform the New Deal, how can it be smooth sailing? As long as I can be sure that the New Deal is beneficial to the court and the country,
I think it should be carried out resolutely. How can I be timid just because someone obstructs me?
I also ask my father to take back my order, I believe that I will be able to handle this matter well and will never shake the foundation of the Wei Dynasty!"
"Huh, can you handle this? Let's not talk about how many people will support you after your new deal comes out of Beijing. What are you going to do with these people now? Kill them all to show that you are implementing the new deal.
determination?"
The Supreme Emperor waved his hand casually, signaling to the hundreds of princes kneeling below. His casual attitude seemed to indicate that the life and death of all the princes in the palace was just a trivial matter in his eyes.
Emperor Ningkang subconsciously looked at the people below who couldn't help but shrink their necks when they heard the words. The emperor's meaning is easy to understand. Let alone the support of the people in the world, just the support of these princes, nobles, civil and military ministers under your nose in the capital.
If you don't get it, how can you handle this matter well? Seeing that Emperor Ningkang was at a loss for words, the Supreme Emperor waved his hand and said: "Okay, there is no need to discuss this matter anymore. Humph, I can't see what everyone usually talks about being loyal to the emperor and filial piety.
What you say is not what you mean, if you were truly loyal and filial, you wouldn’t be bothering me with these bad things today!”
Xiao Jing, who was down there, saw that the Supreme Emperor was angry, and quickly kowtowed and said: "It is the death penalty for a humble minister, please give me a punishment from the Supreme Emperor."
Looking at the Emperor with one arm on the armrest and a displeased look on his face, it seemed that if these people in front of him dared to say anything that made him unhappy, he would walk away. Emperor Ning Kang stood there for a few seconds, then bowed and said,
He retreated without saying a word.
Seeing that the matter was settled, the old eunuch in charge of the Chonghua Palace stood up, waved his whisk and said: "All ministers retreat, let's have a birthday banquet!"
Accompanied by the sharp sound of his voice, thick and festive sounds of gongs, drums, bells and chimes immediately sounded around the hall.
The atmosphere forced by the music suddenly broke the tense atmosphere in the hall.
Many ministers ignored him and returned to their seats with relaxed expressions.
Many people are sighing in their hearts, it is better for the emperor to be the emperor. He is worthy of being an old saint loved by all officials. How can we do such obviously unhumane national policies as clearing the land? It is better to shelve it. It is better to shelve it.
"Oh my god, I'm so angry. These people are so shameless..."
Beside Jia Lian, while the ministers were returning to their seats and making a slight noise, the fourth prince immediately cursed to express his displeasure.
"Jia Lian, you don't know that the Prince of Cheshire is that old man! How dare he say that his family's life is miserable. Haha, I have been to his house in person. Their Prince's Palace is more decorated than my Prince's Palace.
To be extravagant, which of his wives, daughters-in-law, and granddaughter-in-laws is not wearing gold and silver?
You dare to say that their family doesn't even dare to buy more pork. Damn, I still obediently called him the Nineteenth Emperor's uncle. It really disgusted me. I bet that his family must have many fields and villages.
It's very large, definitely far more than 100,000 acres, otherwise he would never have fought tooth and nail against his father's land...the plan to measure the land."
The fourth prince's voice was not too quiet, but it was not too loud either. It could only reach the ears of seven or eight people around him. In fact, he didn't know whether this land clearing policy was good or bad, because his palace was newly established and his name was
As for the few villages his father had given him, the total area was about seven or eight thousand acres. This new policy would not affect him at all.
He just knew that his father had spent a lot of energy to implement this new policy. This time, because of the opposition of these people, the emperor forcibly shelved it. He could see that his father was very unhappy.
Faced with the strong complaints from the fourth prince, what can Jia Lian say?
Not to mention that he was not involved in this matter at all. Even if he was involved, what could he do or say in the face of such a general trend?
Even Emperor Ningkang was suppressed, and the Minister of Household Affairs, who was in charge of the country's financial power and fully supported Emperor Ningkang's new policy, only argued a few words with Xiao Jing at the beginning. After the Supreme Emperor spoke, he could only obey.
Shut up and let the situation develop without daring to say more than one word.
This is a battle between the Supreme Emperor and Emperor Ningkang. Obviously, Emperor Ningkang is completely at a disadvantage.
He couldn't help, although he also felt that if Emperor Ningkang could implement the national policy of clearing land, even if it was not perfect, it would be a good thing for the country and the people.
Seeing that Jia Lian did not reply to his words, the four emperors licked their lips, but did not say any more.
"Birthday gift~~!"
Accompanied by the old eunuch's singing, the eunuchs outside the palace immediately brought in a batch of birthday gifts in the arranged order.
"The Governor of Sichuan presented a pair of thousand-year-old white jade Ganoderma lucidum."
"The Governor of Guangdong and Guangxi presented a pair of pure gold foreign guns."
"The governor of Liangjiang presented a pair of dragon and phoenix jade vases."
"The governor of Shandong presented a piece of "Boating Picture"."
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! On the Emperor's birthday, in addition to the officials above the fifth rank in Beijing who can enter the palace to celebrate his birthday. Officials above the local prefecture, if they are willing, can also prepare birthday gifts in advance and send them
Send people to the capital.
Of course, according to custom, senior local officials at the governor and governor level must give birthday gifts.
However, there were too many people giving gifts. Today alone, there were one or two thousand people entering the palace (most of whom were nobles in the clan). If the Emperor were to see each item, he would not be able to finish them all in one day. Moreover, many of the birthday gifts are not interesting.
, so those who can be carried into the Chonghua Palace and presented to the Supreme Emperor in person have been carefully selected by the eunuchs, at least they cannot be cheap.
The birthday gift can also be said to be the most interesting and interesting part of the Emperor's birthday.
After all, for most people, expensive and special birthday gifts cannot be found and cannot be afforded. Looking at what others have prepared is also a time to watch the fun and gain insights.
After several rounds of birthday gifts, not to mention that the courtiers found it quite eye-opening, even the Emperor, who was obviously unhappy before, gradually changed his expression. With the attentive and joyful introduction of the person who presented the gifts, he was also in the mood to ask.
If you like it, you will also give a few words of praise.
Many people who were worried that the Emperor's birthday party would be spent in depression secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"The Prince's Palace in Beijing presents an ivory screen."
"The Rongguo Duke's Mansion presents a pair of jade unicorns."
"The government of the town presented two pure gold fishing rods."
"Linzi Bo's Mansion presents a pair of five-hundred-year-old ginseng."
Next to Jia Lian, the fourth prince who had been silent for a while suddenly heard the words "Rongguo Mansion" and immediately turned his head and patted Jia Lian's sleeve, "Ha, your family has been chosen too!"
Looking down at Jia Zheng, who was standing upright behind Beijing Palace Chief Shi, preparing to introduce birthday gifts, Jia Lian smiled slightly.
Jia Zheng paid special attention to preparing birthday gifts for the Supreme Emperor. Jia Zheng heard that this pair of jade unicorns had been placed in the Rongxi Hall when he was a child. They can be said to be some of the most valuable antiques in the Rongguo Mansion.
The paper was also taken out.
Jia Lian knew that Jia Zheng knew that he was going to be promoted, so he wanted to seek favor in front of the royal family so that the emperor could arrange a better job for him.
But Jia Lian wants to say that Jia Zheng's thoughts are probably completely different. Judging from the current situation, I am afraid that the more clever the birthday gifts presented today will please the Supreme Emperor, the less likely they will please Emperor Ning Kang.
The bigger.
Thinking of this, Jia Lian was a little lucky to have given this opportunity to show his face to Jia Zheng today.
"Kirin?"
Sure enough, when the pair of jade unicorns polished by Jia Zheng appeared in front of the Emperor, the Emperor seemed to be a little interested.
Jia Zheng was overjoyed, and was about to tell the Supreme Emperor clearly about the past and present life of the pair of treasures, when he heard the Supreme Emperor say: "It's just a dead thing, but I heard that your Jia family has a Qilin son, Yun Wen Yun Wu
, I really want to see this living Qilin'er."
The Emperor's words aroused the attention of the whole palace.
Most people present understood who the Jia family Qilin'er was talking about. What is incredible is that the Supreme Emperor, who was so high up that he could not even meet the cabinet ministers, not only knew that Qilin'er was born in the Jia family, but also
At this time, do you want to see me personally?
What a great honor this is.
For a time, many people glanced at Jia Lian, who was in a daze, with envious eyes.
"Why, he didn't come?"
Seeing that Jia Zheng was a little slow to react, the Supreme Emperor frowned and asked. Although Jia Zheng's official position was not high, he had been an official in the central government for many years and was qualified to go to court. The Supreme Emperor also recognized him.
"No, no, report back to the Supreme Emperor, he is here..."
Jia Zheng was a little at a loss. When he realized what he was doing, he replied and waved to Jia Lian who was watching the show.
Jia Lian had no choice but to get up and leave the table quickly, came to Jia Zheng's side, and gave the Supreme Emperor a big gift.