Li Yan, a university graduate and village official dedicated to poverty alleviation, accidentally transmigrated into Li Family Village, nestled in a mountain gully. Her family was impoverished. Due...
When he heard that there were crops as big as five or six adult palms growing under that vine, the emperor was fascinated.
"I was in such a hurry all the way that I was worried about damaging the crops, so I didn't bring them back. I beg Your Majesty to punish me!"
The old emperor was very happy at this time. Instead of blaming the young eunuch, he praised him for his good work and immediately promoted him to walk in front of the palace, which meant that the young eunuch was transferred to serve in the palace.
Unlike the rewards directly given by the emperor, the young eunuch was very happy to be promoted. This job allowed him to have direct contact with the emperor. As long as he could stand firm, there would be no shortage of people who wanted to curry favor with him in the future, right?
The emperor waved the eunuch away, then looked at his ministers, "My dear ministers, do you have anything else to say?"
The Minister of Revenue stepped forward and said, "Since this is true, Your Majesty should commend him."
The old emperor was waiting for this sentence from the Ministry of Revenue. He asked calmly, "How do you think the reward should be?"
All the ministers turned their eyes to the Minister of Revenue, waiting for his next answer.
The Minister of Revenue knew in his heart that the emergence of this high-yield crop was equivalent to saving the fate of the entire dynasty, so the Li family was willing to donate everything they had, which was a great act of righteousness!
Rewarding the Li family is also a positive affirmation of the contributions made by the Li family!
Therefore, when the people learned that the emperor was not a benefactor, they would naturally praise His Majesty for his deep understanding of justice!
The Minister of Revenue was in a dilemma, because he really had no money, and the Ministry of Revenue still owed salaries to local officials and could not pay them.
After a brief pause, he said, "The Li family girl has a heart of righteousness and can help Your Majesty. I suggest that the Li family girl be granted the title of County Princess. Local officials will be appointed to oversee the construction of the County Princess's mansion, and she will also be awarded a thousand acres of farmland. This will be perfect for the County Princess to use to promote high-yield crops! She will continue to help Your Majesty."
The Minister of Revenue thought that since this matter came from Rongcheng, the Magistrate of Rongcheng should be worried about it. Even if the reward was a bit excessive, as long as he didn't have to ask for money, he wouldn't care too much.
As for the county lord enjoying the salary and fiefdom, that was also supported by the local people, so it was not something he had to consider!
The emperor pondered for a moment. Although the title of county lady was usually granted to royal relatives and meritorious officials in the court, it seemed a bit too much to give such a high reward to a small peasant girl. However, considering that she had indeed made great contributions to agriculture and sericulture, and the fact that the crop was grown by the little girl, she was the best candidate to promote it in the north.
Such legendary stories spread among the people, which is conducive to promoting high-yield crops and has a certain promotional effect on them. Secondly, the people will only think that he is a good emperor who clearly rewards and punishes.
In this way, the emperor's glorious and noble image in this matter was established!
After figuring out the key points, the old emperor waved his hand and the matter was settled!
He wanted to promote the cultivation of this plant as soon as possible, preferably with the Li family taking the lead.
The ministers couldn't help but murmur in their hearts that this old fox in the Ministry of Revenue was really scheming.
Not only did he do what the emperor wanted, but he also got himself out of trouble, without any loss!
This really infuriated the forces hostile to him, but they couldn't refute it because there was really no better way than this, which would not only save them money but also please the emperor!
Because the emperor's mood was a little fluctuating today, he felt a little tired. After ordering the Ministry of Rites to get the matter done as soon as possible, he asked the attendants beside him to announce the adjournment of the court.
The court officials walked together in twos and threes, discussing what had happened in the court today.
"Why did you just pull my sleeve to stop me from reporting Qin Bin? It's true that he abused his power for personal gain, using his authority to hoard large amounts of grain. Isn't this a perfect warning to him?"
The man glanced at his colleague and explained, "Your Highness's original intention was to test the Emperor's attitude towards General Qin, not to make an enemy of him. Doesn't your question imply that we are going to oppose General Qin? Even if we can't win him over, we can't offend him to death. Isn't that pushing him into opposition?"
"Besides, the Qin family's actions are everywhere in the dynasty. Can you eliminate them all? The court can't afford military pay, and the soldiers on the front lines have to support their families. Even the saints can turn a blind eye. Do you really think His Majesty doesn't know?"
"Before the situation becomes clear, don't create more enemies for His Highness!"
"The official couldn't help but sweat on his forehead and nodded repeatedly!"
Outside the imperial palace, the second prince's residence.
The confidant sat below the Second Prince and discussed with him what had happened in the court that day.
"The Emperor still has great trust in General Qin. I suggest that Your Highness try to win him over."
The Second Prince said helplessly, "Qin Bin is stubborn. This is too difficult!"
"Second Prince, Qin Bin is difficult to move. Perhaps we can start with his family."
The Second Prince couldn't help but perk up, and with his eyes, he signaled him to continue, "I heard that Qin Bin's youngest son hasn't married yet. Perhaps the Second Prince will start with his marriage!"
The second prince had an idea of the young man he had met in the capital. He was idle and did not seem to be trusted by the general.
"Your Highness, since ancient times, marriage has been a contract between two families. As long as that boy is engaged to the Second Prince's people, it will appear to outsiders that the two families have formed an alliance. It's a silent oath!"
The second prince pondered for a moment, nodded slightly, and agreed to the staff's advice. Even if Qin Yue was no longer favored, he was still the general's son. As long as his son could be tied to his own people, then in the eyes of outsiders, no matter how much you, Qin Bin, claimed to be a loyal minister, the outside world would not believe it!
Seeing the Second Prince's agreement, the staff member continued to suggest, "Your Highness, perhaps you could ask Concubine Hui for help in this matter. Whether it's finding out His Majesty's opinion or starting with the General's wife, Your Majesty shouldn't do it yourself."
It was definitely inappropriate for him to bring up this matter, so he nodded in agreement: "It's been a long time since I had dinner with my mother. I'll go to the palace later!"
After discussing the next plan, everyone left the Second Prince's residence.
After an incense stick of time, the second prince arrived at Concubine Hui's bedroom.
Concubine Hui was very happy to see her son, and immediately instructed the maids to add two more dishes that her son liked today.
Concubine Hui affectionately asked her son to sit down beside her. "You haven't visited me in a long time. How come you have time to come today?"
"It has been a long time since I last dined with my mother. I want to have dinner with you!"
Concubine Hui was delighted by her son's coaxing, and her heart was very comforted, but she said, "I don't know you yet. Tell me, what is it that you are looking for me for this time?"