Tang Jian struggled a lot in his heart. For personal reasons, Li Mu was his stepson. Although he knew that Li Mu might not take him seriously, with Sun around, it was impossible for him not to take Li Mu seriously. If the Golden Palace refuted it today
Li Mu, I'm afraid the back house will be uneasy when I go home.
But if he doesn't refute it, he won't be able to pass his own test. As the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, he is in charge of the country's money. If the Ministry of Internal Affairs is established, wouldn't it be equivalent to establishing a new system and elevating the Ministry of Civil Affairs?
?
Not only that, Li Mu did business under the banner of the emperor and entered the private market, and the impact it had was immeasurable. If this had aroused the emperor's desire for success and plundered people's wealth, it would have been a disaster for the world.
For the same reason, the three provinces and six ministries, as well as the civil and military officials, all know it in their hearts. But most of them are involved in Datang Salt Industry and Datang Mining Industry, and above them, there are two principals, Changsun Wuji and Wang.
There were people there, and there was a tall person holding them up when the sky fell. Seeing that they didn't express anything, they didn't say a word.
It's not that Changsun Wuji and Wang didn't know the stakes. The reason they didn't stand up and speak out was because they had hope. The two of them looked at one person at the same time, and it was Wei Zheng who was standing next to them.
Wei Zheng was also hesitating in his heart. His current feelings were not much different from Li Shimin's. Originally, if Li Mu said something, Wei Zheng would be the most likely to object, but now, Wei Zheng still has something to entrust Li Mu to do, and he gave the money first.
, the matter has not been settled yet. If he stands up to refute Li Mu at this time, judging from his past behavior, he will definitely fall out.
What will you do with the 100,000 yuan then? Ask him for money? Can he give it to you?
Wei Zheng gritted his teeth, itching with hatred. If he had known what was going to happen today, he would not have given the money first.
Wei Zheng was different from Tang Jian. He had an upright character and never understood the difference between advance and retreat. If he had understood, he would no longer be Wei Zheng. Even though he knew that Li Mu would fall out if he stood up and spoke, he would still say it.
With a strong heart, Wei Zheng was about to take a step forward. But he didn't expect that there was someone faster than him.
In the middle of the queue of civil servants, a young censor stood up. He looked serious, held up the wat board, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I have something to say!"
A loud shout, like a thunderclap, attracted the attention of all the civil and military officials. When everyone saw it, they all recognized him. Isn't this the Censor Zhongcheng Wang Jingze who has become famous in recent days?
He had recounted the crimes of Wei Zheng and others who falsely accused Zhuluhou, and therefore gained the favor of the emperor. He was promoted from a small supervisory censor to three levels to fill the vacancy of censor Zhongcheng. Just when everyone thought that this man was going to join Li Mu's sect.
, when he became Li Mu's mouthpiece. He also impeached Li Mu, the Marquis of Zhulu, and the King of Shizhong because of the road construction incident, causing everyone to be in an uproar.
He has offended two of the three major forces in the court. Now he only has Xungui whom he has not offended. But judging from the way he handles things, if something happens in the future, he will never give face to Changsun Wuji.
There was a lot of discussion about him between the government and the public. Some people thought he was just trying to gain fame, some thought he was crazy, and some thought he had the brilliance of Wei Zheng when he was young. Wei Zheng's reputation came from his courage to speak out.
Yes, Wang Jingze’s recent actions are definitely worthy of being rebuked.
But in Li Shimin's view, Wang Jingze was far less annoying than Wei Zheng. What Wang Jingze said was mainly reflected in his "direct admonishment". As for contradicting the emperor, he had never done anything. The same was true when Li Mu was impeached last time, although his words were fair.
It was unpleasant to hear and harsh to say, but after Li Shimin made his decision, he became silent.
This made Li Shimin feel a lot of respect. In his heart, this is what an official should do. You can say something if you have something to say, but you cannot force the emperor. I am the emperor, and the emperor makes decisions with his words. How can I allow others to make irresponsible remarks?
Wei Zheng is not like this. He likes to be a gossip, which is why Li Shimin feels disgusted.
Among the hundreds of officials, Wang Jingze was the first to stand up and speak. Li Shimin showed a hint of appreciation in his eyes and said, "Wang Aiqing, if you have anything to say, please tell me."
Wang Jingze's face was solemn, his tone was neither humble nor arrogant, and he said: "Your Majesty, I am brave, I would like to ask a few questions to Marquis Zhulu, and please give me your permission."
Li Mu seemed a little stunned and looked at Wang Jingze and said, "You have something to ask me?"
Wang Jingze ignored him, just looked at Li Shimin and said, "Please give me your permission."
Li Shimin was also a little surprised. He had never heard of Li Mu's "notorious reputation" in the public. He was a person who threw shit at every disagreement. Wang Jingze dared to ask him questions in the Golden Palace. He would never have done it without a little bit of courage.
Arrived.
Li Shimin was happy to see that Li Mu was in trouble and was quite gloating about his misfortune. He said: "Wang Aiqing is the censor and has the responsibility of supervision. Naturally, he can ask questions." After saying that, as if he was worried about Li Mu having an attack, he glanced at him and said solemnly:
"Li Mu, since you propose to establish an internal affairs office, it must be able to withstand discussion. If all the officials don't agree, I can't agree."
Li Mu seemed to be stunned, and said with some reluctance and helplessness: "I understand, please ask Wang Zhongcheng to ask questions."
Wang Jingze was not polite at all and asked directly: "The Marquis of Zhulu proposed to set up the Ministry of Internal Affairs and recommended himself to be the minister in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This matter did not sound like a problem, but the subordinates knew that the Marquis of Zhulu also had business, and
The profits are huge. If Marquis Zhulu serves as the general minister and helps His Majesty in business, how can the Imperial Village guarantee that it will not use your Majesty's power to expand its own business?"
When all the officials heard this, they secretly thought of the word "hen". Where did Wang Jingze borrow the courage to ask such a question? If Li Mu wants to be the general manager, he will naturally have no profit. Where does this profit come from?
?Either he is greedy for ink, or he is taking advantage of the situation.
Li Mu probably won't be greedy for ink. After all, the emperor is not stupid and will check the accounts regularly. But it is inevitable to take advantage of the situation. For example, in the name of running the imperial estate, Li Mu invested part of his own money in shares and waited for dividends. This
It's just an excuse.
Such an approach is what the question should have meant. Not only did the officials think it was normal, but even Li Shimin also acquiesced. After all, we can't let people work in vain. But Wang Jingze said it out, which would be very embarrassing. If
If you don't allow anyone to take advantage of the situation, then the minister in charge is just busy working in vain. What's the point?
Everyone's eyes were fixed on Li Mu, waiting to hear his answer.
Li Mu's face was as dark as water, as if his thoughts had been exposed. After a long time, he gritted his teeth and sneered at the corner of his mouth: "Wang Zhongcheng asked a good question. It can be seen that Wang Zhongcheng is truly loyal to His Majesty. I am the Marquis."
I am happy for your majesty. But Wang Zhongcheng must not forget that I also dedicated my life to your majesty and died. I can answer this question for you in front of your majesty and the princes. My business and the business of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
The distinction is clear. I am not involved in the voice of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at all. No matter how much profit is made, it will all be attributed to the accounts of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. You are welcome to send people from Yushitai to check the accounts regularly. "
When all the officials heard this, they all secretly felt sorry for Li Mu. The words were said lightly, but the interests involved start at hundreds of thousands. Everyone saw the way Li Mu gritted his teeth. This Wang Jingze,
It's really too hateful.
But at the same time, there was an inexplicable happiness in everyone's heart. I don't know when Baiguan and Li Shimin contracted the same problem. If Li Mu suffered a loss, everyone would gloat and feel happy.
But this time, everyone admitted that Li Mu suffered a big loss. But in this case, it would be impossible to change anyone. Do you want to say that you don't agree? If you don't agree, it is for your own selfish gain.
If you're riding a tiger and it's hard to get off, you have to answer like this.
Wang Jingze smiled, as if he was extremely disdainful of Li Mu, and said: "I still have a question. Marquis Zhulu proposed to establish an internal affairs office. I wonder if taxes will be paid to the national treasury?"
Li Mu snorted coldly and said, "Isn't Wang Zhongcheng illiterate? Isn't the word "house of internal affairs" enough to explain it? When doing business, internal funds are used as capital. If you make money, you will naturally return it to internal funds.
What does it have to do with the treasury? The treasury has not contributed any capital."
Li Shimin unconsciously nodded in agreement, he thought so too. I use my own money to do business, and when I make money, I have to share the profits with the state treasury? I am the emperor, and the world belongs to me, so can't I collect my own taxes?
"No!" When Wang Jingze heard this answer, he immediately said: "The Law of the Tang Dynasty states that merchants pay thirty-one taxes. Although Zhuluhou manages the royal property for His Majesty, he is also among the merchants. Why don't you pay the merchant's behavior?"
Tax?"
"hiss"
A row of gasping sounds rang out from the Golden Palace. Is this Wang Jingze seeking death? What is he talking about? He is saying that Zhuluhou is a merchant, and Zhuluhou is managing royal property for His Majesty. He also said that it is the behavior of a merchant.
, isn’t it saying that Your Majesty is a merchant?
In this era, merchants are looked down upon by people. Their status is even lower than that of farmers. Is he really not afraid of death when he talks like this?
Li Mu's patience seemed to have reached its limit, and he gritted his teeth and said, "I won't hand it over, what do you do with it?"
"No!" Wang Jingze said loudly: "If Marquis Zhulu manages the imperial property without paying taxes, it will definitely happen in the future that merchants will rely on the imperial property to operate under the imperial property in order to pay less taxes. This move has great hidden dangers. My emperor
Being wise can still be controlled, but if the new king is unwise, setting this example will be a disaster for all generations. The official is not targeting the Lu Hou, but as the censor Zhongcheng, he must speak out and remonstrate. Even if he dies, he cannot retreat!
"
"I think you really want to die. Your Majesty will be responsible for all the taxes collected. You..." Li Mu pretended to use fists. Li Shimin quickly stopped him and said: "Li Mu, don't be so presumptuous. What Wang Aiqing said is extremely serious."
Yes, the tax of thirty to one is a law of the Tang Dynasty, and tax exemption cannot be allowed. This matter is based on what Wang Aiqing said, and there can be no further debate."
"Humph!" Li Mu put down his fist and turned his head to the other side, his face turning blue with anger.
When Wang Jingze saw Li Mu's appearance, cold sweat broke out on his back. Although what he said was the content of the letter sent by Li Mu yesterday evening, but seeing Li Mu acting so realistically, he felt unsure.
But before the content of the letter was finished, Wang Jingze gritted his teeth and said, "There is one more thing!"