All the Xiao family's children retreated, leaving only Xiao Yu and Fang Jun in the hall.
Fang Jun wondered in his heart, what kind of important matter is it that requires Xiao Yu to avoid even his own children?
I saw Xiao Yu sitting on a chair, leaning his upper body slightly towards Fang Jun, looking into Fang Jun's eyes, and asked: "Erlang has a plan to develop the Dongting?"
Fang Jun was slightly startled...
I didn't talk about this with anyone else, but I just mentioned it to Li Chengqian yesterday. The only person present at that time was Xiao Shu'er, but Xiao Shu'er didn't mention it when she returned home today, so how did Xiao Yu know about it?
That must have been leaked from Li Chengqian.
This matter is not a secret. The development of the two lakes area is always a huge century-old project. It has taken several generations and it may not be fully completed. As long as the plan is put forward, the whole world will definitely know it. But the sieve around Li Chengqian is full of omissions.
, yesterday’s words reached Xiao Yu’s ears today, which shows that there are countless informants from various factions in the East Palace.
When chaos arises, words are regarded as ranks. If the ruler is not secretive, his ministers will be lost; if the minister is not secretive, he will lose his identity; if matters are not secretive, he will be harmed. This is why a gentleman is cautious and does not go out.
As a prince, if you fail to be careful in your words and deeds, wouldn't you be asking for trouble?
It’s no wonder that Li Chengqian played his cards so badly in history that his reserve position was not guaranteed. He wanted to rebel but was suppressed by His Majesty Li Er before taking action...
Fang Jun was a little worried.
That prince is a kind-hearted gentleman, he has little to be wary of, and treats everyone with his heart and soul. To say it sounds good is to be honest, but to say it sounds bad is to say he is childish.
Sometimes this kind of character is an advantage, but it allows the minister to help him wholeheartedly without worrying about his troubles, but sometimes it becomes a fatal weakness. Not only does he fall into crisis, but he also affects the people close to him...
From now on, I should try to persuade others.
This matter is just an idea of his. If it is to be achieved, it requires the cooperation of all parties, and the court must vigorously promote it. It is still possible to succeed with the power of the whole country, so there is no need to hide it, so he nodded and said: "It's just
It's just a plan, and the specific details have not yet been completed, so I have not advised His Majesty, but I don't know how Song Guogong knew about it?"
Xiao Yu laughed, without mentioning the source of the news. He said with warm eyes: "The Xiao family is a famous family in the south of the Yangtze River. It has been in the south of the Yangtze River for hundreds of years. It has deep roots and luxuriant leaves, and has a great reputation. I am not just arrogant. The land in the south of the Yangtze River is adjacent to Dongting.
Local officials, Han people, common people, officials, and even water bandits, the Xiao family all have a say and some influence. If this matter is finally approved by His Majesty and the ruling of the Political Affairs Hall is confirmed, the Xiao family will
I will fully support Erlang."
Fang Junqi said: "Not to mention that this matter is just a castle in the water at the moment and has no shadow at all. Even if it is confirmed, I am afraid it won't be someone's turn to take responsibility, right? There are countless capable ministers and officials in the court, but a certain young man has a weak virtue.
, my qualifications are shallow, I’m afraid I will disappoint Song Guogong.”
Are you kidding me? Even if the matter is settled now, how can the emperor allow the noble families to get involved? At present, it is an established national policy to weaken the noble families. Although it is relatively mild, it will never allow the imperial court to open up virgin territory.
It has also become a paradise for aristocratic families to compete and gain profits.
The results developed through the efforts of the entire country were then stolen by aristocratic families?
Go ahead and dream...
Xiao Yu stroked his beard, smiled, and said meaningfully: "I'm afraid Erlang is thinking that even if the Dongting is developed, the aristocratic family will not be able to get involved, right?"
Fang Jun was silent for a moment, nodded and said, "That's exactly it."
The national policy is there, who can shake His Majesty Li Er's determination?
The current policy of boiling frogs in warm water can be considered moderate. With His Majesty Li Er's fierceness and domineering attitude, if the family members really dared to unite to launch a boycott, would they really dare to kill a bloody man and leave his body lying on his pillow? In history, Li Er
Your Majesty doesn't kill much, and it seems far less powerful than Ming Taizu. In fact, His Majesty Li Er has full confidence in controlling a group of arrogant soldiers and generals under him to fight against him, so there is no need to go on a killing spree to injure himself.
With a reputation of tyranny, once he feels that the court situation is not under his control, the aristocratic families may even unite and threaten to overthrow the imperial power. See if he will do something more decisive and bloody than Ming Taizu!
He dared to kill his own brothers and sisters and force his father to abdicate. Is there anything in the world that he wouldn't dare to do?
Moreover, given His Majesty Li Er's control over the Sixteenth Guards, the military power is definitely in his hands. Once he goes crazy, the consequences will be unimaginable...
Fang Jun doesn't think that these wealthy families that have lasted for hundreds or even hundreds of years can't see clearly the kind of person His Majesty Li Er is. These wealthy families are as selfish as the emperor. As long as they sense danger, let them kneel down and call daddy.
No matter what, it’s useless to endure the humiliation and bear the burden!
They would never openly fight against the imperial power, but would only engage in conspiracy and conspiracy secretly. They would either depose the emperor and establish a new emperor, support rebellion and change the dynasty, or simply collude with foreigners to bloodbath the Central Plains, smashing everything together...
When interests are at stake, it is expected that aristocratic families will have even a tiny bit of bottom line.
Xiao Yu was quite dissatisfied with Fang Jun's answer. He patted the armrest of the chair and said softly: "How big of a project is it to develop Dongting? Without the participation of the aristocratic family members... it is impossible to succeed. The policy of weakening the aristocratic family is inconsistent with
In comparison, His Majesty can tell which one is more important, so let’s wait and see.”
Fang Jun was silent and did not comment.
It is true that in this era, the aristocratic families controlled the vast majority of social resources, and even the emperor had to bow to them and did not dare to use harsh means to eliminate them, but it does not mean that the world will never change without them.
"Let's go, the banquet is ready, let's take a seat, Erlang must not get drunk or come home today!"
Xiao Yu said no more, stood up and invited Fang Jun with a smile.
"Being respectful is worse than obeying orders."
Fang Jun also responded with a smile.
The two stood up, walked out of the main hall, and walked into the flower hall on one side.
As expected, the banquet was prepared, and three tables were opened. Not only were the direct descendants of the Xiao family present, but also many in-laws and old relatives of the Xiao family. It was obvious that the Xiao family attached great importance to their new uncle Fang Jun, and the whole family came out to entertain them warmly.
.
Fang Jun has a good drinker, but he can't really eat and drink on such occasions. After drinking until he is slightly tipsy, he will cover his glass and refuse to drink. No matter who tries to persuade him to drink, he will just smile in front of him, but he will not drink a drop of wine again.
After the banquet was over, Fang Jun took Xiao Shuer and said goodbye. He also packed several large cars full of gifts in return from the Xiao family, and the courtesy was thoughtful.
After Fang Jun left, Xiao Yu sat in the side hall, drinking hot tea to relieve his hangover.
Although he was the head of the family and had seniority and title, no one dared to persuade him to drink. But he was old, so he only drank a few glasses and became a little tipsy.
While drinking tea, he called Xiao Rui over and asked about Xiao Siye's situation in front of the house.
Xiao Rui said worriedly: "Siye has been in the frontier for a long time. After all, he lacks some rules and is a bit arrogant. If he stays in Chang'an, given time, he might even have a conflict with Fang Jun. Right now, the focus of my family is
I showed my kindness to His Majesty through Fang Jun, for which I have been criticized by the Jiangnan nobles, and there are many dissatisfied people. If I offend Fang Jun and create a rift, then I am really not a good person inside and outside."
Xiao Yu frowned, pondered for a while, and asked: "In your opinion, how should we deal with it?"
Xiao Rui had already planned and immediately said: "If we still let Siye go to Dingxiang, his temperament is too unruly and lacks tact, and it will be difficult for him to gain a foothold in the court. Not only can he not help the family, but he will offend others. My family has always lacked
Military power, none of the disciples has charisma in the army. Although Siye's official position is also a civilian official, he is in charge of tens of thousands of Turks who belong to him. He is also a force that cannot be underestimated, and with the family
Internally and externally, civil and military forces want to harmonize and echo each other, and there are many benefits.”
He was really annoyed with Xiao Siye.
All day long you are dissatisfied and angry, and you are angry with the sky, the earth, and the air. Who do you think you are?
This kind of unruly guy should be left in the frontier to work on his temper instead of staying in Chang'an and causing trouble for the family.
Xiao Yu rubbed his swollen temples and sighed: "As you know, Yi Nan's two sons, Bazhuo and Jielibi, have been quite restless recently. Logically speaking, winter is a peaceful time on the grassland, but Bazhuo and Jielibi are not.
Frequently gathering troops, Dingxiang has been reporting urgently to Beijing in the past few days, requesting the imperial court to send reinforcements in case of emergencies. His Majesty has sent Ashina Simo to Dingxiang to control the Eastern Turkic tribes within and resist the possible attack.
War. At this time, I asked Si Ye to go to Dingxiang and get involved in the war without any reason. My father and Ashina Simo have always had a bad relationship. Maybe the barbarian took the opportunity and harmed Si Ye..."