Chapter 615: Shelved

“Field clearing?”

The Supreme Emperor finally sat upright, as if he had heard this term for the first time.

Seeing this, Xiao Jing quickly explained the meaning of land clearing to the Supreme Emperor, emphasizing that the imperial court must clear out the acres of farmland and land of all the clan kings and relatives of the emperor one by one. His words were quite provocative. sex.

Sure enough, as his words fell, the kings of the clan at the front on the right side of the hall became unable to sit still.

"What Mr. Xiao Ge said is right!" An old prince suddenly stood up and walked towards the middle of the palace, crying: "Old brother, you have to make the decision for us. Life is really bad. We can no longer survive...

Our clan in the Wei Dynasty has already had a harder time than the previous dynasty. All the family’s income depends on the meager output of Zhuangzi.

You know that my younger brother has been stupid and unloved since he was a child. Although he is the son of his father, he has always been just a county prince. His salary is only five thousand taels of silver a year. What is this enough? ?

My family has a large population, and life is already hard. I usually ask the housekeeper to buy more pork, but I don’t dare to buy too much. I’m afraid that I have to do something serious and there is no money in the house to support me... This is not the case. That’s all, in my brother’s hands, I will still starve to death.

But brother, my brother is almost seventy and is about to be buried. When I die, our family will There is only one Duke left, and his salary is even pitifully low. If the income from Zhuangzi is gone, how will the more than ten unsatisfactory sons of my brother live..."

The tearful expression made people angry and funny. Are you kidding me? The prince of the Wei Dynasty can’t even afford pork. It’s really a strange news!

However, some people lamented that the clans of the Wei Dynasty were indeed no better than those of the previous dynasties. All the clans were detained in the capital. Not only could they not serve as officials, but they could not even serve as officials unless there were special circumstances. Under such circumstances, those idle clans were indeed living in a bit of poverty.

But regardless of whether what the old prince said is true or false, the position he represents is in line with the interests of many people.

So as soon as the old prince finished speaking, seven or eight more people stood up on the seats in the clan. Without exception, these people were either princes or county kings.

They all gathered in the center of the hall and knelt down, echoing the opinions of Xiao Jing and the old prince, and asking the Supreme Emperor to make the decision for them and cancel the policy of clearing the land.

Emperor Ning Kang looked at the clan kings kneeling on the ground. While he was angry, he could not help but feel a chill.

If he remembers well, many of these princes have expressed their willingness to support the New Deal before...

Are their counter-arguments now taking advantage of the situation, or are they premeditated? Was his previous statement just to delay and paralyze him?

If it was premeditated, where did their courage come from? "What a wonderful birthday, and I have let you mess it up."

The Supreme Emperor finally spoke, and he expressed his dissatisfaction in the first sentence.

Just when Xiao Jing and the kings were pleading guilty, the Supreme Emperor changed his tone: "But since we have said it all, let's make it clear."

As he looked, he glanced at the magnificent hall, "What about you, do you think this land clearing policy is good or not, and should it be implemented?"

Following the Emperor's question, All the princes and ministers in the palace looked at each other in confusion.

Originally, I thought that the imperial court’s policy of clearing out acres of land was imperative. Even many people whose interests were harmed were just thinking about ways to avoid harm and reduce losses as much as possible.

How could I have imagined that, with all the twists and turns, there is still room for change in this matter?

Although everyone knows that expressing his position at this time will definitely make Emperor Ningkang dissatisfied. However, there is only one chance. When it comes to their own interests, most people are very smart and decisive.

"Wei Chen feels that Mr. Xiao Ge is right. In order to ensure the stability of the foundation of the Wei Dynasty, I would like to cancel the policy of clearing the land!"

"I second the proposal."

　"I second the motion."

　"..."

　One, then one, and then one after another, soon more than half of the hall was filled with People stood up and knelt down to express their truest thoughts.

The remaining people on the seats are either the leaders and supporters of this land clearing policy, or their families have no land at all, and this land clearing has little to do with them.

In short, they were very nervous when they saw so many people kneeling down and begging the Emperor to cancel the land clearing policy.

Everyone understands that at this time, the Emperor's words can basically determine whether this national policy, which has been discussed by the government and the opposition for several months, can be implemented!

How will the Supreme Emperor choose?

Jia Lian, who was sitting in the middle on the right, shook his head. In fact, it can be seen from the fact that the Supreme Emperor did not scold Xiao Jing and others immediately, but instead allowed them to discuss national policy at his birthday banquet. That's what the emperor meant.

As for what you mean by asking the ministers and workers later? This is somewhat like interviewing people on the train whether they have bought tickets or not.

Who doesn’t know, thisXiang Guozheng, from project establishment to decision-making, was almost all enforced by Emperor Ningkang and a small number of "reformers". Most ministers, especially ministers whose families have a lot of land, disapprove of it in their hearts, but they are just forced by the general trend and dare not disobey it.

Now Xiao Jing and others are taking the stage to sing, and the trend has reversed. What do they mean at this time?

Anyway, with Xiao Jing and others supporting him from the front, even if Emperor Ning Kang wants to settle accounts after the fall, Xiao Jing and others will support him. Naturally, they will dare to express their true inner thoughts.

Sure enough, the Supreme Emperor looked at the mass of black heads under the Grand Highness and quickly understood the public opinion. He said lightly: "Since all of you, my dear friends, think that the land clearing policy is inappropriate, then this Let’s put the matter on hold for now..."

"Father!"

Even if I had a premonition, I really heard that the Emperor had vetoed the national policy he had worked so hard to formulate. , Ning Kangdi’s heart still couldn’t help but tremble.

If it was an ordinary matter, even if it was just to please the Emperor, he would not argue with the Emperor.

But the matter of clearing the land was of great significance and importance to him and to Wei. He really didn’t understand why the Emperor would listen to the words of Xiao Jing and others. Why interfere with him

Being interrupted by Emperor Ning Kang, the Supreme Emperor looked a little displeased. He looked at Emperor Ning Kang and said indifferently: "I have told you a long time ago that the king is the first Emphasis on the stability of the country, and secondly, clear rewards and punishments.

There is nothing wrong with you wanting to clear the land of the world. But do you know that this matter is not about you sending people to the border to annihilate several Tatar tribes? Or it’s as simple as killing a few corrupt officials.

Since ancient times, land has been the foundation of the people and the country. Even every decision I make on this issue is very cautious. I am deeply afraid that a single oversight will destabilize the country, unsettle the country, and betray the great trust of the late emperor and the foundation of our ancestors.

But what about you? You act recklessly and are eager for quick success. Do you know that your so-called strategy of clearing the land and clearing the acres? Once it is promulgated, what will be the consequences?"

Emperor Ning Kang had not been reprimanded by the Supreme Emperor in person for many years, but this time he was still in front of a full palace of princes and ministers. His mood was very complicated. However, he couldn't think too much, he wanted to keep the national affairs that he had spent so much time formulating!

"I know! There are just some people on the left and right, who will try every means to hinder the New Deal because of their own interests. But my father, how can it be smooth sailing if you want to reform the New Deal? As long as I can be sure that the New Deal is effective If it is beneficial to the court and the country, I think it should be carried out resolutely. How can I be timid just because someone obstructs me?

I also ask my father to take back my order. I believe I can handle this matter well. , will never sway meThe foundation of Wei! "

"Hmph, can you handle this? Let’s not talk about how many people will support you after your new policy comes out of Beijing. Just talk about these people now. What do you do? Kill them all to show your determination to implement the New Deal? "

The Supreme Emperor waved his hand and motioned to the hundreds of princes kneeling below. His casual attitude made it seem as if the life and death of all the princes in the palace was just a trivial matter in his eyes.

Emperor Ning Kang subconsciously looked at the people below who couldn't help but shrink their necks when they heard the words. The emperor's meaning is easy to understand. Don't ask the people of the world to support you, just these princes under your nose in the capital. If you don't get the support of the nobles, civil and military ministers, how can you handle this matter successfully? Seeing that Emperor Ningkang was speechless, the Supreme Emperor waved his hand and said: "Okay, this matter does not need to be discussed further. Huh, everyone usually talks about being loyal and filial to the emperor, but I think it's just words and duplicity. If you were really loyal to the emperor and filial, you wouldn't bother me with these troublesome things today! "

When Xiao Jing below saw that the Supreme Emperor was angry, he quickly kowtowed and said: "It is the death penalty for a humble minister. Please punish the Supreme Emperor. "

Looking at the Emperor with one arm on the armrest and a displeased face, it seemed that if these people in front of him dared to say anything that made him unhappy, he would walk away. Emperor Ning Kang stood blankly. After a few seconds, he bowed and retreated without saying a word.

Seeing that the matter was settled, the old eunuch in charge of the Chonghua Palace stood up, waved his whisk and said: "All ministers retreat. , birthday party! ”

Accompanied by the sharp sound of his voice, the thick and festive sound of gongs, drums, bells and chimes immediately sounded around the hall.

This atmosphere was forcibly rendered by music. , which suddenly broke the tense atmosphere in the hall.

Many ministers ignored it and returned to their seats with relaxed expressions.

Many people were sighing in their hearts. , it’s better to be the Supreme Emperor. He is worthy of being an old sage loved by all officials. How can we do such obviously unkind national policies as clearing the land? It’s better to shelve it, it’s better to shelve it.

“ Ouch, you are so angry with me, these people are so shameless..."

Beside Jia Lian, while the ministers were returning to their seats, there was a slight noise, and the fourth prince immediately cursed to express his displeasure.< br />
“Jia Lian, you don’t know, that King Cheshire is that old man! He actually dared to say that his family was having a hard time, haha. Haha, I have been to his house in person. Their county and prince’s house was even more luxurious than my prince’s house. His wives, daughters-in-law, and granddaughter-in-laws, who are they? Not wearing gold or silver?

You dare to say that their family doesn’t even dare to buy more pork. Damn, I still obediently called him Uncle Nineteenth Emperor. It really disgusts me. I bet there must be a lot of fields and villages in his family. Absolutely.Far more than 100,000 acres, otherwise he would never have fought against his father's land...the plan to measure the land. "

The fourth prince's voice was not too quiet, but it was not too loud either. It could only reach the ears of seven or eight people around him. In fact, he didn't know whether this land clearing policy was good or not. Bad, because his palace was newly established, and his name was just a few villages awarded by his father, with a total area of ​​about seven or eight thousand acres. This new policy would not affect him at all.

He just knew , his father spent a lot of effort to implement this new policy. This time, because of the opposition of these people, the emperor forcibly shelved it. He could see that his father was very unhappy.

Facing the strong complaints from the fourth prince, what can Jia Lian say?

Don’t say that he was not involved in this matter at all. Even if he was involved, what could he do in the face of such a trend? , what are you talking about?

Even Emperor Ning Kang was suppressed, and the Minister of Household Affairs, who held the country’s financial power and fully supported Emperor Ning Kang’s New Deal, only argued with Xiao Jing at the beginning. A few words. After the Supreme Emperor spoke, he could only shut up obediently and let the situation develop without daring to say more than one sentence.

This was a fight between the Supreme Emperor and Emperor Ning Kang. Obviously, Ning Kang Emperor Kang was completely at a disadvantage.

He could not help, although he also felt that if Emperor Ning Kang could implement the national policy of clearing land, even if it was not perfect, it would be beneficial to the country and the people. Good thing.

Seeing that Jia Lian didn’t reply to his words, the Four Emperors licked their lips and said nothing more.

“Birthday gift~~! "

Accompanied by the old eunuch's singing, the eunuchs outside the palace immediately brought in a batch of birthday gifts in the arranged order.

"The Governor of Sichuan presented a thousand-year gift A pair of white jade Ganoderma lucidum. "

"The governor of Guangdong and Guangxi presented a pair of pure gold foreign guns. "

"The governor of Liangjiang presented a pair of dragon and phoenix jade vases. "

"The governor of Shandong presented a picture of "Boating". ”

When the Supreme Emperor celebrates his birthday, in addition to the fact that officials of the fifth rank or above in Beijing can enter the palace to celebrate his birthday. Officials above the local prefecture level, if they are willing, can also prepare birthday gifts in advance and send them to the capital.

Of course, according to custom, high-ranking local officials at the governor and governor level must give birthday gifts.

However, there are too many people giving gifts. Just today, there are more than 100 people who entered the palace. There are two thousand people (there are many nobles in the clan), and if the Emperor can see each item, he will not be able to see them all in one day. Moreover, many of the birthday gifts are not interesting, so they can be carried into the Chonghua Hall and presented to the Emperor in person. They are all carefully selected by the eunuchs, at least they cannot be cheap.

The birthday ceremony can also be said to be the most interesting and interesting part of the Emperor’s birthday.

After all, for most people, they cannot find or afford expensive and special birthday gifts. Looking at what others have prepared is also a time to watch the excitement and gain insights.

Several rounds of birthday gifts were presented, not to mention that the courtiers found it quite eye-opening. Even the Emperor, who was obviously unhappy before, his expression gradually changed. With the attentive and joyful introduction of the person who presented the gifts, he also Ask about the mood. When you meet someone you really like, you will also give a few words of praise.

Many people who were worried that the Emperor’s birthday party would be spent in depression were secretly relieved.

“The Prince of Beijing presented an ivory screen.”

“The Duke of Rongguo presented a pair of jade unicorns.”

“ The Duke's Mansion of Zhenguo presented two pure gold fishing rods."

"The Linzi Bo's Mansion presented a pair of five-hundred-year-old ginseng."

Beside Jia Lian, there was no one for a while The fourth prince who was speaking suddenly heard the words "Rongguo Mansion", and immediately turned around and patted Jia Lian's sleeve, "Ha, your family has also been selected!"

Looking straight down below Jia Zheng, who was standing directly behind Beijing Palace Chief Shi, was about to introduce birthday gifts. Jia Lian smiled slightly.

Jia Zheng paid special attention to preparing birthday gifts for the Supreme Emperor. This pair of jade unicorns was placed in Rongxi Hall when Jia Zheng was a child. It can be said that they are some of the most valuable antiques in Rongguo Mansion, and they were also taken out this time.

Jia Lian knew that Jia Zheng knew that he was going to be promoted, so he wanted to gain favor in front of the royal family so that the emperor could arrange a better job for him.

But Jia Lian wanted to say that Jia Zheng’s thoughts were probably completely different. Judging from the current situation, I'm afraid that the more innovative the birthday gift you present today and the more it pleases the Supreme Emperor, the less it pleases Emperor Ning Kang, and the greater the chance of being scolded in the future.

Thinking of this, Jia Lian was a little lucky to have given Jia Zheng the opportunity to show his face today.

"Qilin?"

Sure enough, when the pair of jade unicorns polished by Jia Zheng appeared in front of the Supreme Emperor, the Supreme Emperor seemed to be a little excited interest.

Jia Zheng was overjoyed. He was about to tell the Supreme Emperor clearly about the past and present life of these two treasures, but he heard the Supreme Emperor say: "These are just dead things. But I heard that your Jia family has a child. I want to see this Qilin son alive. I want to see this Qilin son alive.”

Most of the people present knew who Jia Jia Qilin'er was talking about. What is incredible is that high upOn top of that, the Supreme Emperor, who could not even meet the cabinet ministers, not only knew about the Qilinzi in the Jia family, but also at this time, he personally asked to see him by name?

What an honor this is.

For a time, many people glanced at Jia Lian, who was in a daze, with envious eyes.

"What, he didn't come?"

The Supreme Emperor frowned and asked when he saw that Jia Zheng was a little slow to react. Although Jia Zheng's official position was not high, he had been an official in the central government for many years and was qualified to go to court. The Supreme Emperor also recognized him.

"No, no, report back to the Emperor, he is here..."

Jia Zheng was a little at a loss, but when he realized what he was doing, he quickly replied to the other side. Jia Lian, who was watching the opera, waved.

Jia Lian had no choice but to get up quickly and leave the table. He came to Jia Zheng's side and gave the Supreme Emperor a big gift.