Frankly speaking, the imperial court does not want a cent of the gold, silver, grain and grass supplies that Gao Jie and the others stole from Li Zicheng, but you should not ask the imperial court for a cent of food and salary within three years. That's right, the money will be used to offset the salary! In addition, rewards will be given based on merit.
This made the three of them immediately entangled and unable to make a decision. They looked at each other for a few times but were speechless. Chang Yu coughed lightly: "I went to the kitchen to order the dishes. You three can do it yourself. Whether it succeeds or not will be decided later."
A word from the Governor."
"If it doesn't work, wouldn't it mean that it was all in vain?" As soon as Chang Yu left, Liu Liangzuo shouted in a low voice. He had the least share among the three, so he didn't want to do it.
Gao Jie and Liu Zeqing, on the other hand, looked at each other in silence, obviously still making calculations in their minds.
Logically speaking, what they got from chasing Li Zicheng was definitely far higher than the three-year salary from the imperial court. Moreover, the imperial salary was paid in vain every year. No matter how much you cry for your father or mother, it is like squeezing out toothpaste. If you have it, you will be given some. If you don't have it, you will have to do whatever you want.
But one code equals another, it is perfectly natural to get food and salary from the imperial court for the bloody battle, why should the promised seizures be used to offset it?
But if you don't want to, the little eunuch's hint is enough, that is, the flesh will be cut and the spoils divided. If Zhou Yuji, Li Yanhuang and others get merit, they will need to prepare three copies, Dongchang will need to prepare one, the Ministry of War will need to prepare one, and the imperial court (the emperor) will also need one.
, and the portion of each portion is not small, even if you divide it like this, there will still be a thread!
Also, the matter of narrating the merits is still in the hands of the little eunuch. He can say that the suppression of the thieves was ineffective and the intruders were not captured, or he can say that he chased the enemy for thousands of miles and defeated the enemy and fled west. Whether it is a merit or a fault all depends on his words.
"The court's food and salary, hey, are all empty talk. Do you get what you want? It's real when you hold it in your hands." Liu Zeqing was the first to figure it out, but he didn't know that the court actually had money now.
Gao Jie then smiled bitterly and shook his head: "I never expected that this little eunuch would have such a skill. Anyway, Mr. Liu is right. It is true if you hold it in your hand. You can't count on the food and salary from the court. Besides, the little eunuch is so good.
If the eunuch can do a great service for us, it will not be a loss."
"These two brothers are rich and powerful, have you ever thought about me?" Liu Liangzuo was unwilling. He was given a small share and had nearly 10,000 people under his command. Without food and salary for three years, it would definitely be a loss. Although the court market owed wages, there was always an account.
It can be settled after the due date.
"Huama Liu, in these years, the imperial court has never seen you starved for payment." Gao Jie coldly snorted: "The little eunuch of yours has written down all the things in his notebook, so you can just accept it before he comes to settle accounts with you.
If nothing else is said at the moment, do you believe that he can punish thieves at any time without doing anything to stop him?"
Damn it, Liu Liangzuo cursed secretly, his eyes turned red: "It's a loss-making business for me to travel thousands of miles, so I won't do it. Unless you two help me, we will be in trouble! Even if you don't do your best to suppress the thieves, it's you too.
"Two people matter"
"You are so shameless!" Liu Zeqing scolded, while Liu Liangzuo snorted and glared: "What did you two say before we came? We have been together to keep warm despite the rain and wind. It has only been a few days, and each of us is making small plans. I'm sorry.
I don’t care anymore.”
"Keep your voice down," Gao Jie growled, and then glanced at Liu Zeqing: "Why don't we each take something from him? Let's get through this first. Then when we get back, we can't get something from anywhere without making up for this shortcoming!"
Liu Zeqing snorted: "Let's discuss this matter when we go back. How about we agree to the little eunuch's request now?"
Gao Jie looked at Liu Liangzuo, saw him nodding, and said, "Then I agree."
After a while, Chang Yu personally brought up a plate of braised fish: "The governor cooks it himself, how do you think it tastes?" Gao Jie and the others quickly stood up to express their gratitude: "The fish cooked by the factory governor is worth thousands of gold.
”.
Chang Yu laughed: "Why, it's too expensive!"
Liu Zeqing laughed: "If it's delicious, it's worth the price."
"Absolutely worth the money." Chang Yu motioned for the three of them to sit down and glanced left and right: "Do you want to eat this fish or not?"
Gao Jie coughed lightly: "The factory governor personally cooks the food. It is a must-eat. But, can the price be a little lower..."
"Commander Gao, I have already said that it is worth the money, why can't you trust me?"
"This is a low-level job and I am stupid. Can you, the factory supervisor, give me a little advice?" Gao Jie said with an apologetic smile.
"Okay, since the three of you sincerely want to do this business, the governor will reveal some information." Then he said a little mysteriously: "I heard about the news of bringing you, Shi Kefa wants to join the cabinet, Huang Degong wants to be listed in the Zhuguo, and Zhou Yuji may be arrested."
Knighthood..."
Ah! The three of them were in trouble again.
The Ming Dynasty has had strict regulations on nobility since Emperor Hongwu: "No one can be conferred unless he has made military achievements in the country." They are very strict and cautious about the title of nobility. If there is no merit in the country or illustrious military exploits, don't even think about it. When Hongwu founded the country, he fought
There are countless generals with meritorious services, and there are only six dukes. Even Tang He, who was a brother-in-law with Zhu Yuanzhang, was not ranked as a duke, and Liu Bowen was only an earl.
During the reign of Emperor Chengzu of the Qing Dynasty, Qiu Fu and Zhu Neng, former ministers of King Yan, were granted the title of duke, Zhang Yu and Chen Heng were posthumously granted the title of duke, 13 former ministers of King Yan were granted the title of marquis, and 12 former ministers of King Yan were granted the title of earl.
According to the merit theory of the old ministers of King Yan (although it is not necessarily glorious, but it is a real contribution to Zhu Di), it is not an exaggeration to grant public titles and nobility, and the total number of people is only more than thirty, which shows that the control of nobility is still very strict.
.
In the middle period, there were less wars and more titles were given to the royal family. In the later period, there were also people who were knighted due to internal and external troubles, but they mostly came to power through coups. Perhaps this is the so-called contribution of the country. By the time of the Apocalypse, there were no knights before and after Chongzhen. In history, before the fall of the Ming Dynasty,
In a few months, Emperor Chongzhen gave away a few titles in order to recruit troops to serve the king. By the time of the Southern Ming Dynasty, in order to win over warlords from various places, the number of titles had become too numerous and was worthless.
But in this period, everyone is definitely jealous of the title.
Since ancient times, the ultimate goal of civil servants has been to become a military general and be knighted! When I heard that Zhou Yuji might be knighted for his military exploits, which had only happened in decades, I was naturally shocked and filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.
"We, we also hope that the governor will support us." The three of them could no longer hide it, and they all stood up and held their hands.
Chang Yu picked a piece of fish and put it in his mouth. He chewed it a few times and was very satisfied: "This fish is so delicious. How many of you will eat it or not?"
"Eat, eat, the craftsmanship of the factory supervisor, I am blessed in my humble position." Gao Jie and the other three hurriedly moved their chopsticks and were full of admiration.
Chang Yu took a sip of tea and said as the saying goes: "There is a saying that heroes emerge in troubled times. In troubled times, it is easy to seek merit! The world is in chaos right now, and wars are endless. There are always endless battles to fight, and there are endless merits.
Don’t you see, in the past, those who were knighted mostly rose to the top based on their military exploits. The current world is not a good one, but it is definitely a good one for making meritorious deeds!”
No matter how stupid the three of them were, they still understood the implication, that if they fought hard, they would one day be crowned knights.
In fact, in real history, these people were all knighted. Liu Zeqing, Huang Degong, and Tang Tong were knighted before Emperor Chongzhen died. It was just that Emperor Chongzhen gave them a bargaining chip to beg them to come to Qin, and it was considered a start.
It is a precedent in history. You must know that people have always been awarded titles first for meritorious service and then granted official status. However, they all did the opposite, granting titles first and then doing things. This also shows the helplessness and despair of Emperor Chongzhen at that time.
However, even so, after the title was given, these people did not come to Qinwang.