Chapter 16: Anger Kangxi manages government affairs, frankly and honestly, Tianbao Chen
The task of cleaning up the deficit had been vigorously carried out for two and a half years. As soon as Yinxiang was transferred, it ceased to exist in name only. After the autumn, all provinces stopped collecting debts. Shi Shilun and You Mingtang finally found peace because of Kangxi's protection. They only suffered.
The small officials who were originally assigned to work in various provinces turned out to be like rats crossing the street, with everyone shouting and beating them. Of course, when these debt collectors were dismissed, it was not stated that it was because of "harsh debt collection." However,
There is a lot of knowledge in the officialdom. "Old and weak", "weak", "self-willed", "poor political performance" and "vulgar character" can all be used as crimes. Within a few months, these debt collection heroes were all dismissed one after another.
Less than half a month after Aling'a took office, he ordered the opening of a treasury to "give aid" to "poor" officials in the capital, and issued one hundred thousand silver, named "Yanglian" silver. Although the amount was not large, it immediately became a law when it was passed down, and the treasuries of various provinces and vassals
It was also the opening of the imperial court, and many people followed suit. The trend changed. First, a group of ministers who retired from the country and became official officials made a petition in unison, asking the court to forgive the repayment of national debts. Some of these people had made military exploits, and some had served as soldiers.
Over the years, I wrote every word in blood and every word in tears, and it was extremely pitiful. Then, memorials and memorials from governors from other provinces requesting to stop calling for debts to be paid flew into the Forbidden City. There were also some memorials praising Aling'a for how he had done his best for the court when he took office.
Running errands made the people happy with their jobs and grateful for the emperor's great kindness. Although no one dared to say anything bad about Yin Reng, Yin Reng felt that he was in the wrong and simply stopped interfering in the affairs of the household department. Yin Zhen and Yin Xiang were secretly angry in their hearts.
Kangxi knew the whole story, but remained calm. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, he sent Li Delun to the Ministry of Household Affairs to inquire. The treasury had once again lost 14 million taels of silver. However, Aling'a's official reputation was greatly boosted, and there was chaos everywhere.
Although Kangxi hated him very much, he was afraid that if he were to be removed immediately, another uproar would be caused. According to his original idea: first maintain the results of clearing debts in the household department, and then use the Fifth Brother incident to launch a killing spree and punish a group of officials.
Corrupt officials can make a good start in reforming the bad government. Unexpectedly, on the third day after the Mid-Autumn Festival, a joint memorial signed by Yinshu and Yinzhen came in, saying that all the ministers and ministers of the Ministry of Punishment were all upright officials who attracted attention from the government and the public. Zhili, Shun, etc.
In Tianfu and the provincial bureaus, "only one or two villains were responsible", "which gave the national bureaus an unclean reputation." More than 30 Dao, prefecture and county officials were involved in openly accepting bribes, sacrificing human life, and miscarrying the case.
Official. As for the "White Duck Killing" case, "it was verified that there was only one person, Zhang Wuge." The original offender Qiu Yunsheng "because he was born alone in the fifth family, his concubine was pregnant, and he did not know whether it was a boy or a girl, so he had no choice but to
He bankrupted his family and bribed He Min, secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, to change his age without authorization." "Shuntian Prefecture's criminal officials and subordinates all cheated and exchanged Brother Zhang Wu for it." As for the woman Qiu Yunsheng raped, she was not a martyr, but a tenant who paid off his debts.
Qiu was a slave in the Qiu Mansion. According to the law, Qiu Yunsheng could only be punished by having a cane and a concubine. Almost all of Qiu Yunsheng's original cases were overturned. In the end, only Zhang Wuge, who had "a criminal record of selling salt", was punished!
"Lots of nonsense!" After reading the memorial, Kangxi was so angry that his hands and feet were cold. He threw it aside, punched the case, and let out a long sigh. Walking to the entrance of Yangxin Hall, Kangxi stroked his shaved forehead with his hand, and was stunned.
Looking blankly at the courtyard, he asked Zhang Tingyu who was standing behind him: "Have you read this excerpt? What did the Crown Prince say? And Ma Qi, Tong Guowei, what do you think?"
Zhang Tingyu looked very melancholy, and after a while he bowed and replied: "All the servants have seen it. The Crown Prince didn't say anything after seeing it, he just asked to forward it to the Emperor. Since it was Sheng Gong's decision to appoint Yinhu on errands, it was naturally inconvenient for the Crown Prince.
Interjected. I only asked the slaves to request an order. If there was any order from the Emperor regarding the Ministry of Punishment, the prince immediately obeyed the order and took over. As for the slaves and others, they thought that the Eighth Prince was working hard, and the handling of these thirty people was also very appropriate. It's just that
The incident of 'killing the white duck' was too coincidental, and almost all the cases were overturned. It seems that there is something... This is just the slave's own thinking. Ma Qi and Guowei didn't say anything, please long live the Holy Judgment!"
"Just because you have nothing, you don't necessarily have no ideas." Kangxi sneered, "How can there be such a thing? I found out an injustice. Sure enough, this is the only one? I'm not afraid of big things happening next. What's scary is that even my own
My son also refuses to tell the truth! Yinzhen and Yinzhen are deaf and mute, standing aside and watching with cold eyes. Yinxiang is at odds in his heart and refuses to act. Several elder brothers from the Criminal Department are holding a group of children to bully the king and father. Do you think I am unhappy in my heart?
Do you understand? This is really chilling!" Zhang Tingyu hurriedly explained: "Long live the Lord's words, I'm afraid I can't bear it..." Kangxi smiled coldly and said: "I'm thinking, these people
The children grew up in the palace, and they all read the books of saints and sages, and they don't look stupid. It can only be said that they have ulterior motives!"
"How could that happen?" Zhang Tingyu asked hurriedly, "The emperor must not be suspicious..."
"Why not?" Kangxi gritted his teeth and smiled, breathing a sigh of relief. "You know these things better than I do - hum! Cats should avoid rats when they get old - they are rats bullying old cats! I don't think so
I have been successful, and I hope that I will die soon and give up my throne soon!"
The August wind brought a chill, and Zhang Tingyu shuddered and shrank suddenly. For a moment, neither the monarch nor the minister spoke. The west wind blew hard, and the dead grass and fallen leaves lying in the corner were also trembling.
Large gray clouds flew past the tall palace, and a group of swan geese heard a mournful cry, making it look even more desolate.
"Long live my lord..." Xing Nian, the deputy chief eunuch, came out of the east chamber and saw Kangxi and Zhang Tingyu standing at the entrance of the hall. Their clothes were lifted up by the northwest wind. Lao Gao hurriedly took out a black fox-trimmed cloak and said with a smile.
: "It's windy outside, so be careful if you catch a cold, but what should you do? Long Live Lord has been like this a lot lately, and I'm really worried... It's better to put on a cloak and walk around than to stand. If you're tired, you should lean a little bit -
Would you like to pass a bowl of ginseng soup?" Kangxi nodded with a smile, took the cloak, put it on Zhang Tingyu, and said: "I give you this cloak - you can wear it when you are on duty in the Yangxin Hall.
Although you are old, your body and bones are slightly better than yours, Zhang Tingyu!
Studies!”
While they were talking, Elundai came in and said: "Wang Dong and Zhu Tianbao handed over the sign to invite you, but the master didn't see them?" Kangxi said with a smile: "It's a good thing you came, it saves Xing Nian the trouble of making this trip.
They come in." Kangxi went back to the palace to drink a bowl of ginseng soup, and then heard someone outside reporting: "Your Majesty - Wang Juan, long live Zhu Tianbao!" Kangxi pondered for a moment and said: "Wang Juan comes in first. Zhu Tianbao is here.
Waiting."
Wang Tuan came in. He had become thinner and thinner these days. As soon as he entered the door, he knelt three times and kowtowed nine times to the throne.
"Come to Nuan Pavilion, I'll sit here!" Kangxi couldn't help laughing when he saw that he was so short-sighted: "Tomorrow I'll ask Li Dequan to take you to the glasses store and pick out a suitable pair to wear - you are actually so big
At this age, there is no need to perform such rituals. If you have this kind of heart, you will have everything."
Wang Tuan couldn't help but laugh and sighed: "This servant is old and useless. In the past, he could still look up to the sky all the time. But now in the palace, he is so far away." Kangxi saw that he was so in love with his kindness, and he felt so good.
Feeling emotional, he ordered him to sit on the machine and said with a smile: "I have often felt lonely in recent years, and always want to find a few old people to talk to. But in the past few years, I have been busy with all kinds of things, and my heart can no longer be peaceful - the one around your waist
Is the carbuncle cured? This disease can only be cured by decoction from Yuquan mountain water. So I asked them to give you two loads a day. If it is not enough, you can add more. Ginseng is not used for oral administration. This disease should not be treated with heat.
——It seems that you are just a little thinner, and you seem to have recovered?" Lao Wang bowed, feeling sore and hot in his chest and diaphragm, and said in a choked voice: "Old slave, I have nothing else to repay my master; I only have this heart.
"Sooner or later, I'll die, that's all." Zhang Tingyu was wearing the cloak given by Kangxi, and her heart was warm. She wanted to say something, but it was inconvenient to interrupt, so she just stood aside and said nothing.
"According to your age and body, it's time for you to retire," Kangxi said with a smile, "I originally thought that following Li Guangdi's example, I would ask you to stay in the capital to be raised. The prince said that there are few people, but in fact, I have to have you like this.
I can rest assured that my master is by my side. Therefore, it is the prince's intention to miss your life. You can't blame me."
Wang Tuan was startled after hearing this, and said with a straight face: "The emperor is the sage king of the world, and the prince is the prince. They are one and the same. How can we talk about them separately? Your Majesty, the prince is so kind to me, so I don't care about taking care of myself."
." Kangxi nodded and said: "Having said that, you are an old man after all. You should do everything in a balanced manner and don't have to force it. If you see something wrong with the prince, just tell me directly and let me handle it. It will always be perfect and comprehensive.
." Wang Dong heard Kangxi tell the prince separately twice in a row. He suddenly became suspicious. He sat up straight and bowed his head and said: "I just said that the emperor and the prince are one! If the prince has something wrong, I will definitely rebuke him!
The emperor dares not to obey the imperial edict!"
Kangxi laughed loudly after hearing this, nodded at Wang Dong and said: "You old Wang! You have the same character as your grandfather! Of course what you said is right, but it's too old-fashioned! What I mean is that you don't have to offend him.
, Wouldn’t it be better for the monarch and his ministers to be more harmonious! I called you in because I was about to tell you that this autumn I will go to Chengde for hunting, and the prince will accompany me. You don’t have to follow me. You can stay in the capital and recover from your illness. You will be a loyal servant to the master.
, I don't care about this incident." Wang Tuan mused: "This servant wants to see the master for another reason. Yesterday I entered Yuqing Palace and saw that all the guards had changed their duties. As a rule, they change every three years.
It is due next spring. It has not yet expired. I wonder why the defense was changed in advance? As for going to Rehe, the emperor thought about the slave's old illness, and the slave was very grateful. I don't know when to set off? If the slave's body can support it, he should still accompany him. "Kangxi
He was surprised and said: "Have they all been changed? This matter was handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. I will go back and check. The minister in charge of the bodyguard is Tong Guowei, and he has the power to make arrangements." Kangxi summoned Wang Tuan, and his original intention was to ask about this matter.
Because Prince Yinfeng and several personal guards had drinks at Yuqing Palace several times at night, and they didn't know what they said. The Ministry of Internal Affairs was afraid that something would happen and informed Tong Guowei, so they mobilized their defense in advance. A new group of nobles were selected from among their disciples.
Yuqing Palace was on duty. I originally wanted to ask about the prince's clique, but Wang Tuan kept saying "the emperor and the prince are one body", so it was difficult to discuss it in depth, so he had to say: "I'm sorry. I left the capital on August 19th for Chengde.
Judging from your health, it is definitely difficult to do so. You might as well live in Yuquan Mountain for a few days to recuperate your health. You can go see Ma Qi and Tong Guowei and let them arrange for you. Now that Wang Shizhen of the Ministry of Punishment is vacated, Shantel of Manchu will also be vacated.
I think, if your crown prince and tutor are not to be moved, how about adding a minister of the Ministry of Justice if there is a shortage - I will give you this title for now, and the matter of taking office will depend on the situation when I come back from Rehe." With that, Zhang Tingyu was ordered:
"Bring the folded copy handed over by Eighth Prince to me for approval."
"Yes!" Zhang Tingyu agreed and hurriedly went to the main hall to get the manuscript. Kangxi stretched his yawn slightly, picked up his pen and applied cinnabar on it, and wrote:
I am very relieved to read the memorial. I hope what I have reported is true. However, the punishment seems to be light and gentle, and I do not think it is strange because of your nature. The execution officer Ma Jin has given me the stolen goods and sold my life. I originally planned to hang him, but he should be executed by beheading instead.
Seventeen officers, including Zhou Demin, Liu Fang, Huang Jingzhou and others, should be dismissed from their posts and never be used again. Santer and Tang Fucheng were charged with negligence and were only intended to be dismissed and retained in office, which was also inappropriate. Therefore, they were dismissed and sent to serve in front of the Xining Army.
The Minister of the Ministry of Punishment has sent a letter, written by the Crown Prince Taifu, and Wang Guan, a great scholar, to supplement it. When the full staff is full, a new draft will be made. This is it! Also - the case of Qiu Yunsheng was indeed an accident of mine. It is a strange coincidence. I can ask Changyin Pavilion to make up a play.
Show me!
He gently blew the handwriting dry, carefully folded it up and handed it to Wang Juan, saying: "I know very well that the affairs of the Ministry of Household Affairs have not been done as expected. But money is not as valuable as human life. The punishment is inappropriate and the Heaven is angry.
This is causing resentment, so I have to rely on your old bones - you are in charge of the Criminal Department. Even if you can't investigate everything, at least you won't have another tragedy of "killing the white duck" - recuperate first, and you will take office when you are slightly better. What's the problem?
Tell me."
Wang Tuan could not judge the taste of Kangxi's words in his heart. It seemed that Kangxi did not want him to interfere with the affairs of the East Palace anymore, but he also said that he was still the prince's master. He took the edict and hesitated for a long time before saying: ""Spring and Autumn" says,
"Even if the prison is small or large, it cannot be inspected, but it must be based on emotion." This slave should do his best to carry out his errands - he will not go to Yuquan Mountain."
Wang Tuan left, and Zhu Tianbao came in. He was only twenty years old this year, but he had been following the prince in the East Palace for three years. Zhu Tianbao was very quiet. He bowed to the throne first, and then walked quickly into the Dongnuan Pavilion. While saluting, he said:
"Your Majesty, Zhu Tianbao is here to greet you!" After saying that, his black eyes stared at Kangxi, waiting for questions. Zhang Tingyu couldn't help but secretly praise: This man is so heroic!
"I heard something and wanted to ask you." Kangxi asked coldly with a straight face, "I heard that during the Dragon Boat Festival and July Festival in May, the prince hosted a banquet for the guards at Yuqing Palace. Is this true?
"
"Yes!" Zhu Tianbao was startled and said, "The guests attending the banquet are Geng E, the Minister of War, and the bodyguards E Shan, Qi Shiwu, and Tuo Heqi. There are no foreign ministers. Geng E is also the prince's bodyguard designated by the emperor."
"Why didn't Wang Guan, Chen Jiayou and you join Yan?"
Zhu Tianbao was startled and said: "Wang Juan is ill. I and Chen Jiayou were on errands at the Ministry of Household Affairs and could not return to the palace." Kangxi asked with a smile: "Do you know why he did this? What was said at the banquet?"
"Although the words were not heavy, they contained bones. Zhang Tingyu thought about Kangxi's words today, and moved uneasily, with his heart pounding. Zhu Tianbao hurriedly kowtowed and said: "It is reasonable for the prince to host a banquet to entertain his ministers.
Please give me a clear warning from your Majesty! I am in the East Palace and serve as a minister of the Crown Prince. I have never thought of any other meaning behind the banquet hosted by the Crown Prince. As for what was discussed at the banquet, I did not inquire. Your Majesty wanted to know, so I went to inform them. Your Majesty
Just ask and you will know.”
"Zhu Tianbao," Zhang Tingyu couldn't help but interjected, "this is a long live question today, you are seriously disrespecting me!" Kangxi waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's nothing. Although the prince is unworthy, I think his ministers are still gentlemen. Zhu Tianbao
, Yinreng is my son, and I don’t mean to be suspicious when I ask you these words. However, the situation this year is slightly different. Yinreng has intervened in the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue, and the mission can no longer be completed. Yinhu went to the Ministry of Punishment, and I heard that
Geng E and the others also complain from time to time. Geng E is Suo Etu's domestic slave, and the prince always hangs out with these people. How can I not ask?" Zhu Tianbao paused repeatedly: "The emperor is wise and wise, and since ancient times, few kings have been able to do so.
And, don’t you know that father and son suspect that their family is inauspicious, and that the monarch and his ministers are suspicious, and that the country is in trouble. But I think that the crown prince of our dynasty is indeed different from the previous dynasty, and I hope that the emperor will take a closer look!"
Kangxi laughed and said to Zhang Tingyu: "What's going on today! Everyone is going around in circles around Yinreng! Yinreng is more than weak but not strong enough, but I have never doubted his benevolence and filial piety during the decades since he was established as the crown prince.
.Zhu Tianbao, tell me, how is my treatment of the crown prince different from that of the previous dynasty?"
"Your Majesty!" Zhu Tianbao said, "You have been very kind and kind to the prince. For thirty-six years, every time the prince speaks to us, we are filled with emotion and sigh. In recent years, rumors have spread out from nowhere, saying that the prince has been in trouble.
He complained: 'How can there be a prince who has been in the world for forty years?' The ministers were shocked when they heard this! In fact, the prince's original words were, 'I have been a prince for nearly forty years and have made no achievements in the military and national affairs of the world. I am ashamed to be taught by my father day and night.'
——These two words are so far apart from each other!" He leaned up and said, "Now that the matter has passed, but since there are such rumors, I am very suspicious that there is a villain instigating it!"
Kangxi stared at Zhu Tianbao with bright eyes and said: "Maybe it is a false rumor. The speaker is not guilty, and the person who spreads the message may not be a villain. Just go on." Zhu Tianbao said: "The crown prince is deeply favored by the saints, and he wears clothes and honors.
His appearance and appearance are no less noble than those of the previous dynasties. However, the elder brother has never been involved in government affairs. The elder brothers often serve as imperial envoys, inspecting ministry affairs, or going on foreign tours. They hold high and powerful positions, and the crown prince is in the position of counselor.
He has no control over him. Your Majesty, this is a government with many branches. If there are villains among the ministers who interfere with the government, cling to the gate and compete with the prince, wouldn't it be worrying! Brothers have been in power for a long time, and what if?
Being deceived by bandits and coveting them, how can we deal with the consequences?"
These words really hit the spot! What Zhang Tingyu wanted to say for a long time was clearly said by this young man. Kangxi looked at Zhu Tianbao in surprise and said, "I have thought about this as well. But I have thought about it."
I think what would have happened if we had learned from the Qian Ming Dynasty and divided the princes into fiefs? Just look at the princes of the Qian Ming Dynasty who knew nothing but sensuality! Li Zicheng conquered Luoyang, and King Fu's family had a huge treasure trove of gold and silver, but he had nothing to do with the soldiers who defended the city! -
- In the long run, according to our Qing Dynasty's ancestral system, letting the brothers do their jobs will still bring more benefits than disadvantages! - The former Ming used the method of falling into trouble and finding the rocks; I used the method of rising tide, which lifts all boats. Which method is better? "
This answer was indeed unexpected. Not only Zhu Tianbao, but also Zhang Tingyu was stunned!
"Are there any disadvantages to this method?" Kangxi asked in response, "Yes! What I fear most is that the elder brothers will form cliques and work on their own affairs. Therefore, I want the prince to study the art of controlling the ancient sage king with all his heart;
Brothers, serve the country and never forget to be loyal to the emperor - with these two things, the Qing Dynasty will prosper day by day after my death. If the prince is incompetent, don't be afraid - anyway, the people of the Aisin Gioro family will inherit the throne.
He didn't make others any easier either. Emperor Yongle was stronger than Emperor Jianwen, so if Yongle succeeded to the throne, wouldn't he be Zhu Yuanzhang's son?"
"Your Majesty!" After hearing this, Zhu Tianbao was sweating all over his body and kowtowed, "Your words are horrifying to hear. Although since ancient times, the successful are princes and the defeated are thieves, but the king is the minister and must not be disordered, and there is no rule.
No matter how new the boots are, they cannot be put on the head; no matter how old the hat is, it cannot be worn on the feet. This is a great honor for the country, and the emperor should be careful what he says!"
Kangxi chuckled: "I said these words out of anger, and wasn't it for you? When you are in the East Palace, you should assist the prince well and not be suspicious of anything. I hope that the prince will be an emperor who comes from behind and do better than me.
Strong. As for my brothers, of course I have to ask them to abide by the rules of ministers. If anyone forms a clique for personal gain, I will rule him according to the laws of the ancestors and the court! There must be rules in everything. If he messes up my rules, I will not tolerate him! But as per
What you said doesn't work. If all the brothers are pampering themselves, it won't create a bunch of losers. With only one prince left, if something happens to the country, there won't even be a good helper. What will happen if the rebellious ministers and traitors cause trouble? You go down."
Zhu Tianbao retreated. In the huge Yangxin Hall, only Kangxi and Zhang Tingyu were still meditating. After a long time, Zhang Tingyu asked: "Long live the journey to Rehe, shall I leave it to my servant to arrange it?"
"No, ask Ma Qi to make arrangements, and Tong Guowei stays in Beijing." Kangxi breathed a sigh of relief and said, "You will handle the memorial at my side. Tingyu, maybe you will think that my words today are too heartless. In fact, the Tian family is originally
There is no love between flesh and blood. You are not among them, so you don’t know what it feels like. I have been in charge for nearly fifty years, and it has not been easy. I hope that my future generations will be prosperous and my old age will be safe! If this is the case, I will have to work hard again.
These facts before our eyes are truly terrifying and deplorable!” (To be continued)