"Starting from tomorrow, the price of food in Xingzhou will increase three times!"
After hearing this, not only Lu Wensheng was shocked on the spot, but the expressions of everyone present also changed drastically.
Even the heads of the other two major Jin gentry families in Xingzhou were deeply surprised.
"Three times? Didn't we agree that we would only increase food prices by 30% for the time being, to test the reaction first?"
Liu Jiahe, the head of the Liu family, couldn't help but raise questions immediately.
"Yeah, it's too much to increase it three times in one breath!"
Song Songgong, the head of the Song family, also suppressed his smile and frowned, with a hint of dissatisfaction flashing across his expression.
Obviously, the initial plan of the Liu, Song, and Li families was to temporarily increase the price of grain by 30% to test Zhao Junchen's reaction. This increase was already very high. Who would have thought that Li Ci would have nothing?
Omen temporarily tampered with this number, directly changing "three percent" to "three times."
Such an astonishing improvement is simply audacious, fearing that the world will not be in chaos!
"That's three times!" Li Ci was still determined: "After the last civil unrest, all the people in Xingzhou have become poor and cannot squeeze out more oil and water, but this time we raise the price of food.
It's not to make money, but to arouse public dissatisfaction again and make the people riot again at any time! On the one hand, it forces Zhao Gechen to bow his head and submit, and on the other hand, it also gives him a way to escape! As long as Zhao Gechen is willing to leave Xingzhou as soon as possible,
If we no longer interfere in Xingzhou’s affairs, we will immediately restore food prices to quell people’s complaints and give him the credit for stabilizing food prices!”
"But... three times is too harsh. I'm afraid people will starve to death immediately! As the official of Xingzhou's parents, I will not be able to absolve myself of the blame when the time comes..." Lu Wensheng was still hesitant.
Li Ci snorted coldly: "It's just a few people who starve to death. It won't cause any trouble at all. With our control, we can easily cover up this matter! The top priority now is to use every possible means and every means
, forcing Zhao Gechen to leave Xingzhou and return to the capital as soon as possible! Haven't everyone seen the situation clearly? The civil unrest in Xingzhou is not a big deal in nature, but the final determination of this civil unrest is
It is related to whether the new agricultural reform policy will survive or not, that is the real big deal!"
While speaking, Li Ci glanced at everyone present.
His eyes were cold and cruel, and his attitude was extremely firm. For a while, even Song Songgong and Liu Jiahe looked away and no longer looked at him.
Li Ci sneered and continued: "In other words, the reason why Zhao Cabinet Minister rushed to Xingzhou in a hurry and planned to stay in Xingzhou for a while was because he wanted to completely control the situation in Xingzhou and bring peace to the civil war in Xingzhou.
He will conclude the coffin, clarify all the controversies of the new agricultural reform policy, and put all the responsibilities on us! In this way, when he returns to the center of the court, he will have the confidence and chance to continue to implement the agricultural reform.
New Deal!
In order to realize this intention, Zhao Junchen will definitely turn Xingzhou upside down, and none of us can survive alone! So we must show a tough attitude to Zhao Junchen and let him understand that we are tough and we can't get rid of him in the short term.
If there is any benefit, it will even cause greater trouble and delay it for longer!
Only in this way will Zhao Junchen retreat in the face of difficulties and choose not to waste time in Xingzhou, but to return to the capital as soon as possible, argue with the big shots in the temple center, and maintain the new agricultural reform policy through party disputes and court discussions.
, then the focus of dispute between the government and the opposition will turn to the center of the temple, Xingzhou will no longer be at the forefront, and we can be safe and sound!"
At this point, Li Ci spoke louder and concluded eloquently: "In short, when things have reached this point, Zhao Junchen will definitely become our enemy. There is no way out, so we must do everything we can! The only way is to risk everything and make a desperate move.
Only then can we gain more chances of winning... What's more, don't forget that we still have the support of the 'Zhou Party', and don't forget the benefits that Song Shangshu promised us!"
After speaking, Li Ci turned his eyes to a middle-aged Confucian scholar.
This middle-aged Confucian scholar has been sitting quietly next to Lu Wensheng. He is about forty or fifty years old. He has handsome appearance and excellent demeanor. He always has a friendly smile, which makes people feel good about him.
After noticing Li Ci's gaze, the middle-aged Confucian scholar showed admiration on his face, nodded with a smile and said: "What Mr. Li said makes sense. Such profound knowledge, such courage and decisiveness, even in the capital."
Rarely seen!"
The name of this middle-aged Confucian scholar is Song Qili. He is the younger brother of Song Qiwen, the Minister of Civil Affairs. He was once a high-ranking official in the imperial court, and served as the chief envoy to Jiangxi Province. However, the parents of Song Qiwen and Song Qili passed away three years ago. The Qingliu people seized the opportunity.
He fiercely criticized the two brothers for not observing filial piety, not caring for their parents when they were old, and not accompanying their parents when they died. Song Qili had no choice but to devote himself to preventing disasters, and stayed filial piety for three years on behalf of his brother and himself Ding You.
The filial piety period has just ended recently, and I am waiting for the court to use it again. By the way, I am making suggestions and running errands for the "Zhou Party".
In other words, although Song Qili is still white, he is undoubtedly a core member of the "Zhou Party" and will be reused by the court sooner or later. He is also the top person in charge of the "Zhou Party" who has been hiding behind the scenes to manipulate the situation in Xingzhou in recent times.
For a big shot like Song Qili, his attitude is naturally crucial.
As Song Qili expressed his support, all the Xingzhou officials and Jin gentry at the banquet quickly changed their attitudes and nodded in approval.
Only Song Songgong, the head of the Song family, could not help but feel a trace of jealousy in his heart.
The Song family believes that their family is also a distant relative of the Song Qiwen and Song Qili brothers, and they continue to give generous gifts during holidays. Although the Song Qiwen and Song Qili brothers have not publicly acknowledged that they are relatives, they have never refused generous gifts and even treated them with gifts.
Several tribute student quotas were given to the Song family in Xingzhou.
Who would have thought that when Song Qili came to Xingzhou in person to preside over the situation, he would always be more protective of Li Ci, the head of the Li family, and openly express his admiration for Li Ci many times without any concealment, but on the contrary, he would have a cold attitude towards the people of the Song family.
Damn, this kind of behavior naturally makes everyone in the Song family extremely uncomfortable, disgusted and jealous.
Therefore, Song Songgong couldn't help but raise objections again, saying: "These ideas of the Li family are certainly reasonable, but... what if it ends up being counterproductive and makes Zhao Gechen become more aggressive and attack us harshly? You know,
Zhang Su, the commander-in-chief of Jizhen, has now changed his position and started to support Zhao Junchen. Once the defenders of Jizhen end up, won't we be asking for death?"
Song Qili turned his head and glanced at Song Songgong. He also noticed the jealousy of Song Songgong, and a trace of helplessness flashed in his eyes.
But in the end, Song Qili still had a cold attitude towards Song Songgong, and said slowly: "Don't worry about the fate of the defenders of Ji Town. Ji Town is His Majesty's forbidden concubine. If the defenders of Ji Town fail, it means that His Majesty personally took action, but with His Majesty's temper
, at this time, they will only watch the fire from the other side, and will never get involved in this storm... Otherwise, the Ji Zhen defenders would have taken over the situation in Xingzhou long ago, and it would not have been delayed until now!
At the same time, there is no need to worry that Zhao Junchen will jump over the wall in a hurry. I will give you some reassurance now, because the various forces in the court have been arguing endlessly and have been unable to make a final conclusion on the Xingzhou Civil Uprising, so... Li
Mr. Li Ge and Mr. Li have already received the order and are about to go to Xingzhou in person to investigate the civil unrest! With Mr. Li Ge stepping in to restrain him, Zhao Gechen will never dare to jump over the wall in a hurry!"
After hearing Song Qili's words, all the officials and gentry in Xingzhou became emboldened and no longer had any worries.
After all, Li He was also a cabinet minister. Although his reputation and political achievements were far less than those of Zhao Junchen, since he and Zhao Junchen were both assistant cabinet ministers, there shouldn't be much difference, right?
At least it can restrain Zhao Junchen so that Zhao Junchen cannot act recklessly!
In fact, this idea is not wrong.
As one of the two cabinet ministers of the "Zhou Party", Li He's status in the temple is second only to Zhou Shangjing. He has always been low-key in character and does not show his edge. He is often ignored by others. However, his position has been stable and watertight for many years, almost
He never makes mistakes, and he is also Zhou Shangjing's best friend. He always sings harmoniously with Zhou Shangjing and cooperates with him tacitly. It can be said that he knows the elegant meaning of the song by listening to it. This kind of person is definitely difficult to deal with.
So, with Li Ci's lead and encouragement, and Song Qili's support, the officials and gentry in Xingzhou finally made up their minds and expressed their opinions one after another!
[Currently used, it is the most complete and best-used app for listening to books. It integrates 4 major speech synthesis engines and over 100 sounds. It is also a source-changing artifact and source-changing app that supports offline reading]
"Since Mr. Song said so, let's do it!"
"Starting from tomorrow, the price of food in Xingzhou will triple. Even if the King of Heaven comes, I won't be able to stop it!"
"Unless Zhao Junchen leaves Xingzhou immediately and stops causing trouble for us, he will be waiting for another civil uprising!"
*
Seeing that the situation had been decided and everyone agreed with his proposal, Li Ci, the head of the Li family, couldn't help but smile.
But Li Ci's mood at this moment was neither proud nor arrogant, but relaxed!
Li Ci knew very well that although the three Jin gentry families of Liu, Song and Li had deep roots in Xingzhou, they were only limited to Xingzhou. Zhao Junchen was the most powerful official in the temple after Zhou Shangjing.
, will not take them seriously at all.
Zhao Junchen regards the Li family as a fat chicken waiting to be slaughtered, which is actually a compliment to the Li family. Considering the huge difference in strength between the two sides, the Li family can be regarded as a grasshopper at best.
Li Ci knew very well that the targets that Zhao Junchen was afraid of were never the three major Jin gentry in Xingzhou, but the entire Jin gentry class represented by these three Jin gentry families!
Li Ci also knew very well that among the three major gentry families in Xingzhou, the Li family had the smallest foundation, the weakest backing, and the deepest public resentment. The Li family had expanded its power the fastest in recent years, just because Li Ci sacrificed his own daughter.
, has secured the greatest support from his patrons. If Zhao Junchen makes up his mind to become an enemy of the Xingzhou Jin gentry, the Li family will definitely bear the brunt!
Li Ci also heard that Zhao Junchen repatriated a large number of Xingzhou refugees from Shanhaiguan. These refugees were all from the Li family's sphere of influence. This news further aggravated Li Ci's worries and made Li Ci feel uneasy.
That's why Li Ci decided to go all out and make a desperate decision to further escalate the situation in Xingzhou!
In this way, the Li family can further bind all the forces in Xingzhou, trigger a larger public opinion between the government and the public, attract the attention of the gentry class all over the world, and win more protection from the "Zhou Party"
and support!
Only in this way can Zhao Junchen be able to use the rat weapon to prevent the Li family from targeting the Li family alone, and the Li family can ensure that they are worry-free to the greatest extent.
*
Put aside Li Ci's inner calculations.
However, after discussing and deciding on the follow-up countermeasures, the banquet in Qingshan Pavilion quickly came to an end. The officials and gentry in Xingzhou left one after another and returned to their respective yamen and families to make preparations.
Among the people, when Song Songgong, the head of the Song family, left Qingshan Pavilion, thinking about Song Qili's strong support for Li Ci, the head of the Li family, and his cold attitude towards him, he became even more depressed, so he did not leave in the sedan chair, but
I chose to walk home, hoping to take the opportunity to relieve my inner boredom.
However, Duke Song of Song and several of his followers had just taken a few steps when they found someone blocking their way.
After seeing this person, Song Songgong couldn't help but change his expression, quickly put on a smile, and asked with a hint of hope: "Brother Cheng, why are you looking for me? Could it be..."
It turns out that this "Brother Cheng" is named Cheng Hu, and he is Song Qili's close follower. His appearance undoubtedly represents Song Qili's attitude.
Before Song Songgong could finish speaking, Cheng Hu waved his hand and interrupted: "Just as you thought, my second master wants to meet you in private."
After saying that, Cheng Hu turned around and led the way, not giving Song Songgong any chance to refuse.
In fact, Song Songgong certainly would not refuse this meeting, and he was even a little flattered, because this was Song Qili's first private meeting with him after arriving in Xingzhou, and he quickly followed behind.
After a while, Song Songgong found himself back in Qingshan Pavilion and was taken into a private room by Cheng Hu.
After entering the private room, Song Songgong couldn't help but be shocked when he saw the situation in the room.
Song Qili, who has always been polite and elegant, is now holding a fat and oily pig's trotter and gnawing at it. His face and mouth are covered in fat, which can be said to have completely ruined his image.
Song Songgong was stunned for a moment, not knowing how he should react.
Song Qili raised his head, glanced at Song Songgong, and said, "Sit down and talk!"
After saying that, Song Qili continued to chew on the pig's trotters.
Song Songgong quickly sat down next to Song Qili carefully. He still didn't know how he should react. It was obvious that the person who was rude was Song Qili, but the person who was at a loss was Song Songgong. He just said indifferently: "The descendants have met the clan uncle, but I don't know that you summoned the clan uncle."
What's the matter with my descendants?"
Song Songgong and Song Qili are about the same age. In fact, they are distant relatives of Song Qili. There is a clear record in the genealogy that the two are the same generation. Song Songgong is slightly older, so it stands to reason that he is Song Qili's clan brother.
However, in order to cling to Song Qiwen and Song Qili, as well as to please the two brothers and show respect, the Xingzhou Song family took the initiative to downgrade themselves and made themselves a generation shorter. That's why Song Songgong called Song Qili at this time.
Clan uncle".
After hearing the title "Uncle Clan", Song Qili immediately frowned, but still focused on chewing the pig's trotters.
After finishing the pig's trotters like this, Cheng Hu had already brought a basin of water, a handkerchief, and a piece of Yuerongfang soap. Song Qili also washed his face and hands slowly.
The grease has finally restored its usual elegance and grace.
"Such a gaffe makes you laugh!" Song Qili explained with a smile: "In the past three years, I have been keeping filial piety in my hometown in the south of the Yangtze River. In order to prevent the Qingliu people from criticizing me, I have been eating vegetarian food, but I am actually meatless.
I have an unhappy temper, and I have become greedy over the past three years... Qingshan Pavilion's soybean stuffed pig's feet is a must-have, and it is a rare delicacy in the capital, but I need to worry about my image in front of outsiders, so I have to endure it.
I'm greedy, but in front of the Song family master, I don't have to worry about my manners, I can eat whatever I want."
After hearing this, Song Songgong was immediately overjoyed and nodded repeatedly: "Yes! We are our own people, uncle, you don't have to worry at all!"
Song Qili suddenly changed the topic and asked: "Master Song, do you know why my brother and I have never been willing to publicly acknowledge you as relatives?"
Song Songgong was stunned and asked nervously: "No, I don't know, you, tell me."
After Song Qili snorted softly, he said slowly: "It's because you, the Song family in Xingzhou, have demoted themselves. The head of the Song family is obviously my same generation, but he is willing to call himself the nephew of our two brothers! Hey, once this kind of thing is publicized,
How will the world view our brothers? Arrogant and domineering? Bullying distant relatives? How much criticism and ridicule will we incur?
My Song family is a big family in the south of the Yangtze River. The family branches are spread all over the country. There are many seniors, peers and juniors in the family. If you are too many, you will not be too many, and if you are too few, you will be a lot less. Therefore, if the Xingzhou Song family wants to recognize relatives, they can just do so directly.
As long as we show the genealogy as evidence, will our brothers still refuse to admit it? What's more, the Song family in Xingzhou is not a poor relative of a small family. There are many relatives in many families. Don't our brothers understand this truth?
But it’s because of the Master Song’s cleverness that our brothers are unwilling to publicly acknowledge the relationship between our two families! You obviously want to show your kindness, but you have no idea how much trouble this kind of gesture will bring to our brothers!”
When it came to the latter part, Song Qili's expression was serious and his words were scolding.
Song Songgong broke into a cold sweat and apologized quickly: "We are all brothers. I lost my mind and lost my mind. You, please don't blame me. I will restore the family tree immediately, absolutely..."
Song Qili shook his head again and said: "We will discuss the matter of family recognition in a few years after the limelight is over. I am looking for you this time mainly for another matter... Let me ask you, are you
Are you jealous of my partial protection of Li Ci, the head of the Li family?"
After Song Song hesitated for a while, he finally didn't dare to hide it and nodded: "It's not jealousy, it's just that it's a bit tasteful."
Song Qili snorted again and said: "I have also heard the reputation of the Song family leader. They all say that you are a smiling tiger and a hypocrite. Of course, such comments are not pleasant, but I don't hate it because I want to be a smiling tiger and a hypocrite.
, at least there needs to be a certain amount of city government and calculations! But now it seems that the city government and the calculations of the Song Family Master are not worthy of evaluation! Have you never thought about why I deliberately ignored your Xingzhou Song Family?
, but he praises the Li family so much?"
Seeing that Song Songgong still had a blank expression, Song Qili shook his head in disappointment and further explained: "Within Xingzhou, the Song family in the south, the Liu family in the north, and the Li family in the east have always been equally famous and similar in strength. If I arrive in Xingzhou, I will have a strong influence on Xingzhou."
If the Song family shows goodwill, the Song family in Xingzhou will quickly surpass the Liu and Li families and become the leader of the local Jin gentry!
If it were normal times, I would be happy to help you, but currently Xingzhou is at the cusp of the storm, and Zhao Junchen is the enemy. No one can predict the future direction of the situation. Under such circumstances, let you become the leader of the Xingzhou gentry.
, that is a bird that stands out, and it is never a good thing to show off in the forest! That’s why I deliberately ignored you, but it was out of protection, do you understand? "
Song Songgong finally realized it and was naturally deeply grateful and thanked him profusely.
But then, Duke Song of Song Dynasty noticed Song Qili's strange statement just now - "Xingzhou is currently at the forefront of the storm, and it is against Zhao Junchen. No one can predict the future direction of the situation!"
So Song Song carefully asked: "You just said that you can't predict the future direction of the situation in Xingzhou. Could it be that with the strong support of the 'Zhou Party', plus all the officials and gentry in Xingzhou, you can't predict the future direction of the situation in Xingzhou."
Is it difficult to defeat Zhao Junchen?"
"You must not leak the next words!" Song Qili thought for a moment and decided to tell Song Song the true plan of the "Zhou Party": "For our 'Zhou Party', can we completely control the situation this time?"
The situation in the state is not important! Even if Zhao Junchen cannot overthrow the new agricultural reform policy in the end and allows Zhao Junchen to hold on to this situation, it is not unacceptable! To put it bluntly, if Zhao Junchen had been ruthless, everything would have been wiped out.
The Xingzhou government and Xingzhou Jin gentry might actually be a good thing!"
At this point, Song Qili ignored Song Song's horrified expression and continued: "The important thing is to make the Xingzhou matter a big deal, so that all the gentry in the government and the public can see that the 'Zhou Party' is on their side.
, is their interest representative and is willing to stand up for justice for them, but Zhao Junchen is hostile to them and wants to damage their vested interests and status!
Under such circumstances, the 'Zhou Party' can gain the greatest support from the gentry all over the world, and can also lead the gentry all over the world to hate Zhao Junchen! As long as the situation develops to this point, then the 'Zhou Party' will have a complete victory.
Got it!"
Song Songgong finally came to his senses and said: "So that's it! If that's the case, then you will be in an invincible position!"
Song Qili nodded lightly and commented calmly: "Zhou Shoufu is old and his health is deteriorating. He is the backbone of the 'Zhou Party'. Once Zhou Shoufu is lost, the influence of the 'Zhou Party' will fall into a downturn in a short period of time. It can be said that
This is the biggest worry! At the same time, Zhao Junchen has risen too fast and his methods are extremely clever. Once he loses Zhou Shoufu, no one in the 'Zhou Party' can compete with him! It's like this.
If things go on for a long time, maybe the power of the 'Zhao Party' will completely overwhelm the 'Zhou Party'...
All the things in Xingzhou are the back-up arrangements arranged by Zhou Shoufu, and are personally presided over by my brother. Once the plan is successfully realized, the number of supporters of the 'Zhou Party' will increase significantly, and the basic base will be improved.
As it becomes more and more stable, his brother has enough prestige to continue to control the 'Zhou Party'. On the contrary, Zhao Junchen's foundation has been shaken, he has made countless enemies, and he can no longer suppress the 'Zhou Party'!
Huh! Zhao Junchen's forced introduction of the new agricultural reform policy has already aroused dissatisfaction among the gentry all over the world. It is only because this policy is currently only implemented in a few places. The gentry are waiting to see which direction the trend will take and feel that they can follow the trend and violate it, so it is not widespread.
There has been a fierce rebound, and our 'Zhou Party' will naturally not miss this opportunity! At this time of changing circumstances, we will establish a winning streak for the future!"
…
Two chapters combined into one chapter, 6,500 words.
