Changsha in October is as humid and cold as ever. The steaming steamers on the street are constantly being opened, and the thick mist of water vapor fills the entire street. Along with the fragrance, it continues to seduce pedestrians on the road.
Du Yinxi was riding in a sedan, and the aroma of steamed buns filling his nose interrupted his thoughts.
"Go buy a drawer of steamed buns and bring them over."
His stomach was growling, so he ordered without politeness.
"Okay!" The attendant on the side immediately agreed.
Immediately, the hot steamed buns entered his mouth, which made his depressed mood a little better.
The King of Yu sent troops into Guizhou, and not only recruited He Tengjiao's troops, but also suppressed the chieftains in Guizhou who tried to collude with the Western bandits, which greatly boosted morale.
But the consequence was that He Tengjiao left Guizhou in disgrace, in a state of disgrace.
The King of Yu severely disgraced the court.
That’s all. After all, the Western thieves are wreaking havoc in Yunnan, so we must endure it for the sake of the country!
But as soon as Li Jizu arrived in Guizhou, he was busy destroying Tusi and plundering people's wealth. He famously said that when fighting against foreign forces, you must first secure the inside and strengthen your troops. Only when you are fully prepared can you be effective.
That's it for others. Du Yinxi has broad knowledge and doesn't know anything about it. This is just an excuse.
"From the beginning, King Yu's thoughts were on Guizhou, not on saving Yunnan——"
This thought came to me like a thunderbolt.
He was shocked, and the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
His thoughts spread, and the more he thought about it, the more terrifying he became. Is King Yu planning to fall out with the court?
"What should I do? Surrender to the King of Yu or the imperial court?"
Biting into the tender and juicy buns, he fell into a dilemma.
Soon, the Yamen arrived.
As soon as he crossed the threshold, his fellow acquaintance Wang Cheng couldn't wait to greet him and said eagerly: "Master Fu, you are finally here."
"how?"
Seeing the nervousness on his face, and even pulling him regardless of dignity, Du Yinxi was a little unhappy: "How is this appropriate?"
Seeing the serious look on Du Yinxi's face, Wang Cheng couldn't wait to say: "The shogunate sent people down. I heard that they were personally sent by Zhao, the head of the Military and Political Department, with the edict of King Yu."
"Shogunate——"
Du Yinxi's pupils shrank, and his steps immediately became much brisker.
Whether it is the shogunate or the military and political affairs department, they are the immediate superiors to the local yamen, especially the removal of the third provincial department, which determines the promotion, appointment and dismissal of local officials, which can be said to have great power.
Although he is a little noble and stubborn, he is not stupid.
Soon, when we came to the hall, the magistrate and other government officials gathered together, everyone was cautious.
In front of them, there was a green-robed official who looked no more than thirty. He held his head high and enjoyed the respect of everyone, looking proud of himself.
He is proud of having this qualification.
Lang Guan of the Military and Political Department is basically sent to the local area in about half a year, either as a county magistrate or as a general magistrate. They have a bright future.
"The governor of Changsha, Du Yinxi, has met the royal envoy!"
Du Yinxi bent down and saluted respectfully.
"Prefect, please rise -" the young man turned around and responded politely. He had a different status and could accept the gift.
"Prefecture Du, His Highness and the Military and Government Secretary have ordered that Changsha Prefecture must recruit 5,000 civilians, 2,000 mules and horses, and 20,000 stones of grain and grass to go to Xiangyang..."
As he spoke in detail, everyone present listened and suddenly took a breath of air.
On this winter day, many people even couldn't help but shudder.
Although it was not stated explicitly, everyone was not a fool and could understand that King Yu actually decided to send troops in winter.
There are only a few directions, and Nanjing is extremely sensitive...
Du Yinxi naturally had suspicions in his mind, but he still held back and bowed: "I will accept your order!"
"The king's order has been conveyed, so I will take the first step."
The young man nodded and left eagerly.
No one stopped him, it was obvious that the envoy had other tasks.
After Du Yinxi waited for him to leave, he saw everyone's faces full of speculation, and his expression became serious: "The task has been handed down, it must be completed, and there can be no delay-"
"Yes!" Everyone hurriedly responded.
Suddenly, there was great turmoil in Changsha.
The magistrates and counties also learned about the government's decree and started to implement it hurriedly.
The subordinate officials and government officials were everywhere, as if there were whips behind them, eager and attentive.
So, when He Tengjiao came to Changsha Mansion, he saw people leading donkeys and mules along the way, reluctantly heading towards Changsha.
The government officials scattered in all directions, followed closely by the white servant, carrying a wooden stick and rushing from village to house to deliver the notice to the government office.
Even the requests for bribes from wealthy families had no effect at this time. They were all ruthlessly rejected by the government officials and forced to register the names.
Of course, corvee service is the power of the imperial court. Requisitioning mules, horses and livestock is equivalent to plundering, and Du Yinxi naturally knows what to do.
The government announced that anyone who borrows mules or horses will be exempted from corvee service for five years. If there is any loss, compensation will be paid according to the price.
In this way, many people use it unwillingly.
"The people are running around, the livestock are neighing, and the harsh government is as fierce as a tiger!"
There were hundreds of people. Seeing this scene in front of them, many scholars who had left Guizhou to study could not help but sigh.
I suddenly felt disgusted with King Yu.
And He Tengjiao, who was sitting in the carriage, laughed a little when he heard the scholar's sigh, and lowered the curtain again.
"Governor Xian, this King of Yu has imposed violent levies and plundered the people. Not only are you not happy, but you are also a little worried. Why is this?"
Hearing the bad words of King Yu, Zuo Liangyu was really happy in his heart. This was the rhythm of King Yu's demise.
But the expression of Governor He in front of him changed drastically, and he was not happy at all, which made him feel suspicious.
He Tengjiao glanced at Zuo Liangyu. This veteran was not very good at fighting, and his ability to observe words and emotions was first-rate.
Sure enough, there are no famous generals in the country.
He felt contempt in his heart, but he sighed and said with emotion: "As generals, you still don't know much about local affairs."
"Where in every state and county is there no corruption? Those officials are only interested in profit, and everyone is obsessed with money."
"However, that was before Chongzhen. At that time, although the local authorities were greedy, they were able to obey orders and do things reluctantly, and they were also obedient.
But now, even if it is profitable, those subordinates are too lazy to do things, or even bother to fool around."
"Of course, these are the local gentry who also ignore the yamen. The subordinate officials who show off their power even dare not go to the countryside because of this, for fear of losing their lives."
"Are you saying that under the rule of King Yu, we have returned to the Tianqi era?"
Zuo Liangyu was stunned and couldn't help but said.
Although the situation deteriorated during the Tianqi period, it was never so corrupt. Especially compared with the Chongzhen period, it was like a prosperous era.
Therefore, Wanli and Tianqi years are even mentioned in many people's mouths.
After all, the imperial court at that time still had some prestige, and no general dared to act arrogantly.
"It's almost the same!"
He Tengjiao was in a bad mood: "The gentry had to sacrifice their livestock, and the government servants dared to do things. This is already much better than Jiangnan."