RNP Chapter 1573 Gao Zhongping: Obsessed with power, his desires are insatiable!
Chapter 1573 Gao Zhongping: Obsessed with power, his desires are insatiable!
Chapter 1573 Gao Zhongping: Obsessed with power, his desires are insatiable!
Palace, palace
Jia Heng's expression paused slightly, and he looked with sparkling eyes at Zhen Qing, who was lying softly on the bed. Looking at her beautiful face, he couldn't help but feel an inexplicable joy in his heart.
While Jia Heng was speaking, he stood up, took the dragon robe from the bed beside him, tied a silk belt around it, and his face was as calm as mysterious water.
Zhen Qing turned her fiery, beautiful face, and under her emerald eyebrows, she stared at the young man in the python robe. Her sparkling eyes were filled with a hint of seduction, and she whispered, "Are you leaving before you eat lunch?"
When the beauty opened her mouth, her voice sounded lazy and coquettish, which made people's bones go soft.
Jia Heng smiled and said, "No more eating. Be careful not to let outsiders see it."
Zhen Qing responded softly, and waved her hand under her beautiful curved eyebrows, saying, "Go, I'll call you next time."
Jia Heng: "..."
Even at this time, the millstone is still releasing its enchanting power.
However, thinking of the tenderness between the bed curtains just now, Jia Heng's heart began to beat again.
Jia Heng didn't say anything else, then walked out of the hall and went to the outer room.
Ningguo Mansion, in the study room——
Chen Xiaocuili raised her eyebrows, looked up at the young man in the python robe, and whispered: "The secret agent of Jinyifu reported that the King of Wei and the King of Liang entered Bashu, and the brothers Gao Yong and Gao Bo also went to Bashu together."
Jia Heng paused for a moment, stared at Chen Xiao, and said in a gentle voice: "Let the Jinyifu in Sichuan and other places investigate, increase patrols, and deliver news to Shenjing at any time."
Although objectively, Sichuan, Northwest China and Tibet were allowed to fall into chaos together, it did not mean that we would allow these places to completely fall into chaos and corrupt other provinces.
Chen Xiaochun's clear eyes were as bright as water under her dark eyebrows. She whispered, "The Jinyifu has already sent troops over. What are the rules of the court now? When will Gao Zhongping collude with the White Lotus demon?"
Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "Let's deal with Lu Jiang and Lu Li first, and let's put Gao Zhongping's matter on hold for now."
The Gao family has deep roots in Sichuan, with many branches and leaves. If they really want to take action, it will not be ordinary.
Jia Heng added: "In the Jiangnan area, the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps, I plan to transfer Wei Che to the south to take charge of the military power."
In the current Han Dynasty, as long as he does not really attempt to usurp the throne, the people's hearts will be on his side. However, if he really does attempt to usurp the throne, the local governors will most likely not sit idly by.
If he were to collude with the local powerful forces that hated him, then it would really be like the eighteen princes coming together to attack Jia.
Therefore, he also needed an internal war to completely eliminate internal opposition forces, and then replace local governors and place his confidants in place.
In other words, killing the chicken to scare the monkey!
The Gao family undoubtedly fits the role of this chicken.
This was also the reason why he let the Jinyifu sit idly by and watch the King of Wei and the King of Liang escape from the Shenjing City and go to Bashu to cause chaos.
Gu Ruoqing was holding a teacup in her hand not far away, her eyes as bright as water, looking intently at the young man in the python costume.
Jia Heng said: "The Khoshut and Dzungar tribes should also be wiped out at the same time."
Chen Xiao sighed and said, "The world has only been peaceful for a year or two, and now war is about to break out again. Fortunately, the external threat has been resolved, otherwise the internal strife would have been taken advantage of by the Eastern Tartars."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "There is no other way. After this battle, the world will be completely stable."
It can be predicted that after this battle, a new group of military nobles will emerge, and these will be his basic base.
Chen Xiao said: "The special examination cannot be delayed too much. Let your father-in-law from the Lin family be the chief examiner and train a group of trusted civil officials who can be used in the local areas in the future."
Jia Heng pondered and said, "Now we are trying to bring Zhao Yi into the cabinet, but... Li Gao and the others may not agree."
Chen Xiao said: "Lü Jiang and Lu Li instigated and instigated the Imperial College students. They deserve death penalty, but the cabinet may protect these two people."
After all, Lu Jiang and Lu Li were civil officials, and they were trying to "overthrow Jia." Although they failed, they were still civil officials, and they felt grief for the loss of one and might want to bring this matter up for debate.
Jia Heng said, "Then let's make a deal out of this matter."
This struggle and compromise with the bureaucracy will continue throughout his life now and in the future.
Jia Heng glanced at the sky outside and said, "Okay, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's have lunch first. I'm a little hungry now."
Chen Xiao responded, raised her eyebrows, moved her nose, looked at Jia Heng with cold eyes, and said unhappily: "Go take a shower first, you smell like a slutty vixen."
It’s either Zhen or Song. I wonder how these two unfaithful queens will face the ancestors of the Han Dynasty in their afterlife.
Jia Heng didn't say anything else at this moment. He went inside to take a bath, and then had dinner with Chen Xiao and Gu Ruoqing in the study.
Just as Jia Heng thought, at this moment the Wuying Palace was indeed discussing the issue of filling the vacant cabinet minister.
Li Zan, the chief minister of the cabinet, sat on a pearwood chair, stared at Qi Kun and Gao Zhongping beside him, and said loudly: "The cabinet is short of a minister, and we should add a cabinet member to assist in the affairs."
Qi Kun said without hesitation: "According to customary practice, this matter should be reported to the higher authorities."
The little emperor today is still just an ignorant child, so the final decision on this matter will be made by the empress dowager.
As everyone knows, the Queen Mother regards Prince Wei as a trusted general, so I'm afraid the decision should be left to Prince Wei.
Li Zan said in a cold voice: "After all, this matter cannot be avoided by Prince Wei. Immediately send the cabinet secretary to inform Prince Wei and discuss the key affairs together."
Gao Zhongping frowned, then relaxed his brows and said in a deep voice, "Looking for Prince Wei?"
Li Zan nodded and said in a gentle voice: "Prince Wei is the Minister of Military Affairs and also has the right to discuss personnel matters."
On this side, Jia Heng had just finished taking a bath and heard that the secretary of the cabinet had summoned him. He could guess what he meant.
As he spoke, Jia Heng mounted a maroon horse and rode towards the palace with the sound of "clatter".
Cabinet, Wenhua Hall, inside the hall——
A young eunuch with a white face and no beard walked quickly into the hall, looked at the two ministers sitting behind the lacquered wooden table, bowed respectfully, and said, "Lord, the King of Wei is here."
Jia Heng walked into the hall, looked at Li Zan, who was wearing the robes of a first-rank civil servant, and bowed, saying, "Lord Li."
Li Zan sat down in the hall and said, "Prince Wei, there is no need to be polite."
Jia Heng sat down at this moment, stared at Li Zan, and said loudly: "Lord Li summoned me here, I wonder why?"
Li Gelao's face was calm, but his tone was particularly gentle as he said, "Now that the cabinet is short of a minister, I will consult with the King of Wei."
Gao Zhongping, who was standing aside, also looked at the young man in the python robe. Under his rough brows, his eyes were filled with scrutiny and examination.
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then asked, "Does Lord Li have a favorite candidate?"
Li Zan thought for a moment and said, "Wang Shu, the Minister of the Dali Temple, is a man of integrity and has been in charge of prison administration for many years. He is qualified for this important task. Should he be admitted to the cabinet?"
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "Wang Shu is old and frail, and there are very few people in this dynasty who have been appointed as the Minister of the Supreme Court."
The cabinet was more responsible for overseeing civil affairs, and the heads of the Dali Temple and the Censorate were not included in the cabinet.
Gao Zhongping thought for a moment and said in a gentle voice: "Yang Da, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has been working diligently and conscientiously in the affairs of the ministry. Can he join the cabinet?"
Jia Heng shook his head and said in a clear voice: "The Ministry of Revenue already has a minister in the cabinet. If we choose another person to join the cabinet, it will also violate the convention. Besides, Yang Da's qualifications are still young, and he may not be accepted by the people if he joins the cabinet."
Gao Zhongping thought for a moment and then spoke again: "The Minister of Personnel Yao Yu is highly respected and well-educated. According to common practice, he should be admitted to the cabinet."
When the former students of the Imperial College were causing trouble, public opinion in the capital was agitated. Yao Yu personally went to the Imperial College to take charge and appease some students who were unaware of the truth.
Qi Kun said, "Shi Jie, the assistant minister of the Ministry of War, is well versed in military affairs and human nature, so he is qualified to join the cabinet."
Jia Heng said: "The Ministry of Personnel is a celestial official, and according to the rules, it is not allowed to enter the palace. Shi Jie is already a military minister, and he knows about military affairs in advance. It is also unreasonable for him to enter the cabinet."
Gao Zhongping looked at the young man in the python robe with a stern gaze and said, "Who do you think is the most suitable person, King Wei?"
As expected, the King of Wei had someone in the group, otherwise he would not have repeatedly denied it.
Jia Heng thought for a moment and said, "The Minister of Works Zhao Yi was originally a cabinet minister. Although he has left the cabinet now, he has been dedicated to his work and has been conscientious. In addition, he was originally a cabinet minister, and now he is re-entering the cabinet. I think there is nothing wrong with this."
Gao Zhongping's heart skipped a beat, and under his thick eyebrows, he looked deeply at Jia Heng.
As expected, Prince Wei was seizing power and placing his trusted cronies in positions of power.
Li Zan frowned, and a thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.
Zhao Yi is supposed to be a senior official, but he is the father-in-law of Jia Heng's brother-in-law, so it is inevitable that he is a capable man sent into the cabinet by Jia Heng.
Gao Zhongping pondered for a moment and said, "Zhao Yi had already married during the reign of Emperor Shizong Xian, so it is not appropriate to select her to join the cabinet now."
Jia Heng shook his head and said in a gentle voice: "No one is perfect. A few years have passed, and Minister of Works Zhao Yi has been working diligently in the Ministry of Works for many years. Isn't he qualified to join the cabinet?"
Gao Zhongping frowned, while Li Zan, who was not far away, had a thoughtful look on his face.
Jia Heng did not say anything else. He looked at Gao Zhongping and said, "Except for the Minister of Works Zhao Yi, is there anyone else in the court who is suitable to be selected into the cabinet?"
Jia Heng pondered for a moment, then said in a gentle voice, "I am acting out of public interest. The Ministry of Works donated cement the other day, which was used to build the mausoleum of Emperor Shizong Xian. From now on, this cement can be used to repair official roads across the country. We also need a cabinet minister to preside over the repair of official roads."
Gao Zhongping pondered for a moment, then asked in surprise, "Official road renovation?"
While Jia Heng was speaking, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and handed it over, saying, "Lord Li, Lord Gao, please take a look at this memorial first."
Then, it was delivered to Li Zan who was standing nearby through a minor official in the cabinet.
Li Zan took a written memorial and looked at the words on it. He couldn't help but frowned, but then relaxed his brows.
It roughly states the importance of cement to transportation.
Li Zan read it and did not make any comment. Instead, he handed the memorial to Gao Zhongping and Qi Kun who were standing beside him.
Gao Zhongping also finished reading, and a thoughtful look appeared on his resolute face. He frowned and asked, "Cement is used to build roads, but so many people are forced to work, which wastes money and labor, and makes the people all over the world angry. How can this be explained?"
Could it be that Prince Wei wanted to create chaos in the world so that he would have the opportunity to usurp the throne?
Jia Heng pondered and said, "This road construction plan will last for 20 years. The first phase is five years. First, we will prepare the road from Shenjing to Luoyang, and then go all the way to Jinling. It will not be completed overnight. As for the corvée workers, they will first be Jurchen captives and prisoners."
Gao Zhongping frowned and said worriedly: "If it is water transport, it is enough for great use, and there is no need to spend huge amounts of money and waste people's money."
Jia Heng said, "It's just a rainy day preparation. In recent years, Mr. Gao may not have noticed that the rainfall in Henan and other places has gradually decreased, and the water in the Bian River is shallow, making it difficult for ships to sail. If the rain stops completely tomorrow, there will be another alternative for transporting grain to the north."
Well, he is not building a large-scale project now, otherwise, it would be the behavior of Wang Mang.
Li Zan was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Lü Jiang and Lu Li, the Jinyi Palace has already filed charges against them. How do you think the prince should punish them?"
Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "The two of them instigated the students to cause trouble, and spread rumors to tarnish the bloodline of the royal family. Their crimes are unforgivable and they should be punished for the crime of disrespect."
Li Zan frowned and advised: "Lü Jiang is a cabinet minister. It is not a good omen to execute a cabinet minister when the new king has just ascended the throne. Besides, God is merciful."
During his tenure as the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, a cabinet minister was beheaded. How do people in later generations view him?
Jia Heng's face was stern, and he said in a deep voice: "As the old man said, the new emperor is still young, and his prestige has not yet been established, so there are such rebellious ministers who do not know reverence and make irresponsible remarks about the bloodline of the royal family. They should be severely punished to warn the people of the world."
When Li Zan heard this, his face seemed a little gloomy and uncertain.
Gao Zhongping, who was not far away, had a gloomy look on his resolute face. He said thoughtfully, "This matter, along with the matter of the cabinet ministers recommending candidates, should be reported to the Queen Mother for her decision."
common……
Obviously, Gao Zhongping had keenly realized Jia Heng's intention, which was to push Zhao Yi into the cabinet.
Li Zan hesitated for a moment and then said, "Then let's follow what Mr. Gao wants."
Seeing this, Jia Heng knew that Gao and Li had already made a concession, so he did not continue to force them.
Qi Kun took over the conversation, with a look of worry in his eyes, and asked, "Chen Ran and Chen Wei escaped from Shenjing City and are now missing. Has the King of Wei sent the Jinyifu Tiqi to hunt down these soldiers?"
When Gao Zhongping heard this, he pricked up his ears and secretly paid attention to what Jia Heng said.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment, his eyes warm, and he said softly: "The Jinyifu has already searched for him and divided into several groups to track down the two vassals. I think it won't take long before they can capture him."
Qi Kun said: "The two vassal states are colluding with the remnants of the King of Zhao, which can easily cause chaos in the local area."
Jia Heng nodded and said in a deep voice: "The Beijing army is a battle-hardened army. If there is a rebellion in the local area, it can be quelled overnight."
As he spoke, he glanced at Gao Zhongping vaguely.
Gao Zhongping is worthy of being an old fox who has experienced many ups and downs in the officialdom. At this moment, he remains calm.
Li Zan looked at Jia Heng intently and said in a deep voice, "Prince Wei, let's leave it at that for now. There is no need to worry about anything else."
Jia Heng nodded, and without saying anything else, he said in a gentle voice: "This prince has one more thing to say. According to the report from the Jinyifu Guards, there have been some unusual movements between the Khoshut and Dzungar Khanates recently. The troops of the Beijing Camp must hurry up to conduct drills. Within one or two years, they can be sent out to pacify the northwest and Tibet, and completely eliminate the border troubles for future generations."
Li Zan frowned, his eyes flickered, and he whispered, "The court just used military force a few years ago, and now it is going to use military force again. Not to mention the lack of military funds in the national treasury, the soldiers in the Beijing camp are tired of war, which is not good for the military affairs."
Li Zan paused for a moment, then looked at the young man in the python robe and reminded him, "King Wei, even if your country is big, it will perish if it loves war."
Jia Heng said: "What Li Gelao said is not without reason, but if the Junggar and Khoshut led troops to invade the border, how can our Han Dynasty sit idly by and watch the invaders plunder our border? As the saying goes, it is better to be prepared for a rainy day."
When Li Zan heard this, he remained silent for a while.
Gao Zhongping frowned, then relaxed his brows. However, Jia Heng's next words made Gao Zhongping feel nervous again.
"If the two kings of Wei and Liang, together with the king of Zhao, stir up trouble in the local area and collude with the Khoshut and Dzungar, then the court will need to respond early to prepare for the unexpected." Jia Heng said in a deep voice with a stern expression.
Upon hearing this, Li Zan remained silent for a while.
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "There is another saying of the elder, forgetting to fight will lead to danger."
Gao Zhongping nodded and said in a gentle voice: "The Junggar and Khoshut tribes were previously conquered by the imperial army, and their tribes suffered heavy losses. It will take three to five years for them to start a rebellion. The imperial court is taking this opportunity to recuperate."
Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "The Jinyifu has already sent more scouts. These two divisions have been resting for the past two years. Moreover, our great Han has just pacified Liaodong, and the army is old and the soldiers are tired. These foreign tribes are worried that our great Han will recover and lead troops to attack. They will definitely take the opportunity to cause chaos. Moreover, now that the ruler is young and the country is in doubt, they have an opportunity."
At this point, Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "So, earlier, I ordered the Jinyifu guards in the two places to investigate more. As expected, there are some abnormalities. The two departments are now preparing for war, and their intentions are unclear."
Li Zan said: "If this is the case, it is reasonable for the court to prepare for war."
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "Now that the Wei and Liang clans have left the capital and are nowhere to be found, if the two forces collude internally and externally, the consequences will be disastrous."
Li Zan, Gao Zhongping and Qi Kun nodded.
Jia Heng left Wuying Palace without saying anything else.
After Jia Heng left, Li Zan looked at Gao Zhongping standing beside him, and couldn't help but sighed, saying, "The King of Wei is no longer the same as he was before."
Gao Zhongping's expression was indifferent, and he said in a cold voice: "The desire for power is insatiable!"
Qi Kun, who was standing by, had a twinkle in his eye under his dark green eyebrows and said softly, "What the King of Wei said earlier is not without reason."
Gao Zhongping said: "It's just true and false, real and fake."
Li Zan waved his hand to stop Qi Kun from saying anything, and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. The two vassal states of Wei and Liang are on the run, which can easily lead to civil unrest. The cabinet should send a letter to all prefectures and counties across the country, draw pictures of them, and search for them strictly."
Gao Zhongping pondered for a moment and said, "As Prince Wei said, if there are any unusual movements in the northwest and Tibet, the imperial court must also make preparations for food, fodder and military equipment."
Qi Kun looked thoughtful and said, "The treasury does not lack money and grain. If the court uses troops in the northwest and Tibet, it can support it for one or two years."
Li Zan nodded, his eyes deep, and said: "The granaries are well-stocked, and there is already a sense of prosperity."
Gao Zhongping sighed and said, "It's all the legacy of the late emperor."
After these words were spoken, several cabinet ministers in Wuying Hall fell silent.
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