The implementation of the "military remonstrance" by the Guanlong clan not only turned Guanzhong upside down and caused war and disaster, but also made clans from all over the world ready to move, trying to seize more benefits in the coming drastic changes. clans from Hedong, Hexi, and Central Plains mobilized
The private troops of the tribe entering Guanzhong to support Guanlong is only one way. They also set up private checkpoints on their own territory, annexed land, and purchased shops.
Government offices in various places exist in name only.
It seems that except for Guanzhong, no large-scale rebellions have occurred anywhere in the world. Some people even whitewash this as the positive role of the clans in various places. However, it is an indisputable fact that the government is paralyzed and the clans are blocking traffic.
The interruption of merchants is one of the most serious consequences.
Since the commercial tax reform that year, all the heavy taxes and miscellaneous taxes that were once spread all over the country have been abolished. The cost of goods shipped from the place of origin has skyrocketed ten times before they are sold to the place of sale. The situation of dozens of times is no longer the case. Instead, it is until the sale.
A one-time tax was imposed on each link. This move made the empire's finances more than ten times richer, and the tax money in the treasury piled up like a mountain. However, it also caused heavy losses to various local clans who originally relied on privately exploiting commercial taxes.
Nowadays, there is a rebellion in Guanlong, and clans from all over the world are coming back, the government is paralyzed, and all the places are being levied and extorted violently, and the atmosphere is full of chaos.
The central finance is almost cut off.
…
Cen Wenwen took a sip of tea, put down the cup, and said slowly: "First, the Eastern Expedition consumed the country's vitality, and then due to Guan Long's rebellion, various parts of the world were ready to stir up trouble. The situation was turbulent, the world was unstable, and almost all merchants were cut off. Just tea.
The trade has suffered such heavy losses, and what an appalling figure is the total loss of all kinds of goods? What is particularly important is that the reconstruction of Guanzhong after the prince ascended the throne required a lot of money, silk and manpower, and the isolation of trade routes by various clans led to a lack of central finances. How could the prince
Can you sit back and ignore it? At that time, don’t say that you have made contributions to the East Palace and shed blood. Whoever dares to continue to block business routes and monopolize tax revenue will be the prince’s life-and-death enemy.”
After a pause, Cen Wenwen looked at the thoughtful Liu Ji and continued: "The prince and your majesty are different. Your majesty comes from a well-established family. What you have seen and heard has been the custom of the family for decades. Although you are on the throne.
He had to part ways with the clan, and even regarded him as a enemy, but his understanding in his bones would not change. He would always regard himself as a disciple of the clan. The purpose of "family interests above all else" among clans is commonplace, and can be understood. It is not surprising.
. But the prince is different. His highness grew up in the court since childhood and was canonized as the crown prince of the country early on. All he has learned and learned is how to consolidate the imperial power, how to make profits for the empire, how to balance the government... which is naturally contrary to the tradition of the aristocratic family."
Liu Jie nodded repeatedly.
Imperial power is the ultimate form of aristocratic families. It originates from aristocratic families, but it is also superior to all the clans. The interests of the clans themselves are to divide the power of imperial power. The two are entangled with each other and destined to run counter to each other.
Therefore, His Majesty Li Er wanted to weaken the family despite the meritorious ministers who fought with him in the past. Therefore, the prince trusted Fang Jun, who had no friends or parties and did not want to establish his own family... All the ups and downs in the empire, inside and outside the government
, in the final analysis it is a struggle of interests.
Cen Wenwen took the trouble to teach: "As the saying goes, 'One emperor has one courtier,' but in fact it is more accurate to say, 'One emperor has one era.' Every emperor has his own political views. Only by relying on the political views of the emperor can he prosper and prosper."
What he did. The prince's character is a little weaker, but he has his own ambitions, and his will may not be as good as your majesty. As ministers, we must give up our past habits and perceptions. We can criticize, meet, and even imitate Wei Zheng's indifference.
In government affairs, simply be a remonstrating minister...but you must remember that when the interests of the clan conflict with the interests of the empire, the interests of the empire must be placed supreme."
This is not only because the Crown Prince is more determined to weaken the family than His Majesty Li Er, but also because the times are changing.
At the beginning of a new dynasty, when the world is in chaos, aristocratic families can not only compete in the world with their powerful power, but also stabilize the four directions after the founding of the country, and are relied on by the imperial power. However, as the country stabilizes and the imperial power becomes stable, the interests of the aristocratic families begin to change.
Little by little, it conflicts with the imperial power.
At this time, either the aristocratic families are holding on to the imperial power and still dividing the world's power and being proud of one side, or the imperial power is soaring and the aristocratic families are dormant under pressure. There is absolutely no third way.
The current situation is like this. If Guan Long destroys the East Palace in one fell swoop and establishes another prince, then the glory of the family will continue, maybe twenty years, maybe fifty years. But since Guan Long is defeated and the East Palace remains standing,
And the prince is about to ascend the throne, so the final glory belonging to the family will gradually dim.
This is the general trend.
The general trend is like the rushing of the Milky Way and the sweeping tide of the ocean. All attempts to resist will be uprooted and crushed into powder in the face of this absolute power that destroys the world.
As the saying goes, the general trend of the world is vast and powerful. If you follow it, you will prosper and if you go against it, you will perish.
Liu Ji's face was ugly, and he tried to speak several times, but in the end he remained silent.
Cen Wenwen breathed out a sigh of relief and said with infinite regret: "Imperial power changes and times change. We cannot always cling to the prejudices of the past and think that a set of principles can be used for hundreds of years. We must know how to advance with the times, and more importantly, how to cater to the times. Only in this way can we
Follow the general trend and stand firm. Otherwise, no matter how powerful you are, you will still suffer a bloody blow and be completely defeated in the face of the surging general trend."
There is nothing better than this to make heroes out of the times.
Gu/span Liu Jie opened his mouth, and after a long time he said in a low voice: "The words of my predecessors are so inspiring that I will keep them in mind."
He was born in the Liu family of Nanyang, but his father and ancestors moved to Jingzhou to settle down in his early years. He gradually lost contact with his ancestral family and established a separate family, so he was not considered a son of a wealthy family in the strict sense. In his early years, he served under Xiao Mian, and later Xiao Mian
After losing the battle, he surrendered to Li Tang and was re-employed. However, as he was in the court controlled by the Guanlong clan, he was able to work tirelessly to transform his character and style into a child of a noble family and integrate into the influence of various clans.
Only then did he have a prosperous official career and become the center of imperial power.
However, now, we have to face the changes of the times and the changes of the general situation, and strive to transform into a minister who is loyal to the emperor and the empire, and regards the interests of the empire above all else...
Didn’t I go astray in the first half of my life and achieve nothing?
But he also understood that Cen Wenwen's words were golden words that could not be refuted, so he had to accept them in a low voice, but it was difficult to change his mind for a while...
Cen Wenwen touched the teapot and found that the tea was already lukewarm. He simply pushed the teacup away and sighed: "When the prince ascends the throne, I will retire from office and return to my hometown in fine clothes. I will no longer care about the affairs of the court. Today is the last day for you."
A reminder, whether you can understand my deep meaning depends on you. From now on, you will have to go through this officialdom by yourself. Whether it will be smooth and successful, or it will be bumpy and wasted, no one can help you. "
Today's words can be regarded as the most benevolent and righteous. Originally, Liu Ji was trained to become his successor to pave the way for his nephew Cen Changqian. But now Cen Changqian follows Fang Jun firmly on the prince's side and has made great achievements to become the prince's confidant.
This move is actually of no use.
Just a few words to clarify the current situation for him, that's all...
*****
In the back hall, the prince changed into regular clothes and came out. He saw Fang Jun kneeling at the table in front of the window, so he walked forward, knelt down opposite him, and asked with a smile: "Is Gao Yang looking for trouble for you?"
In front of the two armies, Gao Kan actually proposed a "marriage". Although it would be of great benefit to the East Palace and Fang Jun, with Princess Gaoyang's temper, she would definitely not let her go...
Fang Jun smiled bitterly: "It's what it should be, and Wei Chen can't escape... But this matter can completely bring Guan Long to His Highness's side, allowing them to drive His Highness with peace of mind. Even if Wei Chen feels a little wronged,
It’s nothing. Besides, His Highness Gao Yang knows the general situation, and the quarrel only lasts for three to five days. After this period, I will naturally understand the profound meaning of His Highness’s operations and will be considerate.”
Li Chengqian was stunned, touched the short mustache on his lips and frowned, thought for a while, glared and waved his hands: "No, no, what does this matter have to do with Gu? It is clearly Gao Kan who wants you to gain Guan Longzhi's support in the future.
The imperial court was protected from Shandong and Jiangnan factions who jointly suppressed this matter, and Gu was just pushing the boat along, showing the beauty of adulthood. You got your backer, and even the ladies from famous families were brought into the palace for your pleasure, but the fault came from Gu.
Come and bear it, there is no such truth in the world!"
"Ha ha……"
Fang Jun laughed twice and excused himself: "As human ministers, we should do our best to be loyal to His Highness. As long as His Highness gives an edict, we will go through fire and water, even if we die!" By marrying Guan Long, it seems that the ministers will get benefits, but in fact
On a deeper level, His Highness's foundation has become more and more stable. What the humble ministers get is only immediate benefits, but what Your Highness gets is a foundation that will last for thousands of years."
"Hey!"
Li Chengqian laughed angrily and said angrily: "Not only do Hezuo Gu have to take the blame for you, but he also has to thank you for your heroic sacrifice for Gu's great cause?"
Fang Jun laughed: "As long as His Highness remembers the minister's small merits, it is enough. As for sacrifice, it doesn't count, it doesn't count."
Li Chengqian knew that he was clumsy in speaking and could not convince him, so he shook his head helplessly.
The waiter served fragrant tea, and the monarch and his ministers poured tea and drank together. After putting down the tea cups, Li Chengqian asked: "What do you think of Erlang going his own way?"
Fang Jun thought for a while and said: "As a prince, it is important to accept advice with an open mind, but it is even more important to have the unswerving courage after making up your mind. Otherwise, if you are not strong-willed and swing around, it will easily lead to changes in the government and political instability.
, His Highness has done a good job in this regard."
As a superior, sometimes courage is more important than ability.
It's just that the prince showed his courage later. If he had shown such courage in his early years, how could His Majesty Li Er look down on him and be obsessed with Yi Chu?