Chapter 400: Asking for Credit in Public
As soon as Zhang Xian returned to Chang'an, he submitted a memorial requesting credit, giving the first credit to Lord Lu.
He wrote in the memorial that the strategy to stabilize grain prices in Nanyang was proposed by Lord Lu, and Ji Wuyin was responsible for assisting the government in its operation.
This is what they agreed upon.
Now everyone has a rough idea of what the current person's temperament is like.
The Ji-Liao alliance had earned so much grain this time that even if the exact amount wasn't known, a rough estimate would be possible. Not to mention that he had Zuo Anmin by his side, who hated their success and would definitely spread the news.
The Ji-Liao alliance was destined to show off their wealth, so they decided to push all their profits onto Ji Wuyin. In the eyes of the emperor, Ji Wuyin, the richest man, was a big piece of fat meat, and there was no difference between eight kilograms and ten kilograms.
Not only did Zhang Xian submit a memorial requesting merit, but he also directly requested credit for Lü Desheng when he was specifically asked about the disaster relief work in Nanyang during the first court session after his return.
"...At that time, facing the inflated grain prices in Nanyang, which had reached 260 wen per dou, I was truly helpless. Later, thanks to Lord Lu's letter and his advice, Nanyang's grain prices were able to stabilize in such a short period of time."
At this time, Zhang Xian was not afraid of exposing the fact that he was close to Lord Lu.
To Zhang Xian, Lu Desheng is both a mentor and an ally, so he must be pushed to the position.
Is there any need to choose? Back then, he was at a loss because of the Nanyang issue. Who cared about his life or death?
He had also done some groundwork beforehand. After sending the letter to Lord Lu, he also wrote to several other colleagues with whom he had close ties, asking for advice on disaster relief in Nanyang.
This can also be regarded as a cover for his relationship with Lord Lu. As for whether the emperor believes it or how much he believes it, he has no control over it.
Anyway, their emperor is very suspicious and will doubt everything, so after making preparations, there is no need to worry about what he thinks.
The ministers did not expect that after nearly a year, they would hear the name Lu Desheng again. For a moment, everyone had different expressions.
And look at what they heard. How could they not believe that Lu Desheng had such great wisdom and such exquisite methods?
Some ministers suddenly thought of Lu Songli. Before she was exiled with her husband's family, she single-handedly brought down the Xie family, a fact that was still fresh in their memory.
Just as the ministers were lost in thought, Zhang Xian continued, "Currently, grain prices in Nanyang are subject to a household purchase limit, with each dou of grain costing only one hundred coins. This price is the lowest in Dali. Furthermore, the Ji family has promised that this price will remain until next summer's harvest."
The ministers were shocked to hear this figure for the first time. This truly was unprecedentedly low grain prices, not even affordable grain. No wonder Nanyang stabilized so quickly.
At this price, won’t you lose money?
If it is a loss-making business, then it is simply losing money to gain publicity. What are they trying to achieve?
Zhang Xian concluded by saying, "Therefore, Your Majesty, I believe that Lord Lu deserves the greatest credit for the Nanyang disaster relief effort, and the wealthy merchant Ji Wuyin also made contributions. Please reward them according to their merits."
After hearing this, the ministers felt that they understood. It turned out that Ji's business was seeking the emperor's reward?
As soon as Zhang Xian finished speaking, a minister came out.
"Your Majesty, I think the actions of Ji's Trading Company and Liaodong Chamber of Commerce are a gesture of favor to the people. We should not give them heavy rewards as Lord Zhang said." The speaker was Taiwei Xiao Qun, who was also one of the four ministers of state.
Zhang Xian was not at all anxious when he heard his accusation.
He had submitted a secret memorial to the emperor, which contained an alternative plan. However, this plan would likely bring him discredit and require the use of state funds. Most importantly, if implemented improperly, it could result in losses.
For various reasons, the emperor did not choose that option. Now, the Ji family and the Liaodong Chamber of Commerce have become the center of attention and have won the hearts and minds of the people.
Xiao Qun's words really touched the emperor's heart.
Sure enough, Song Mo's face was gloomy at this moment. He gritted his teeth and thought, how could he not know this? Ah! What a pot that is not open!
In fact, Song Mo felt quite uncomfortable at this moment.
As soon as Xiao Qun started, officials from his faction also followed suit.
"Your Majesty, Lord Zhang is the chief officer in charge of this disaster relief mission. He should be the one who gets the most credit, and Lord Zuo should be second."
"Yes, Master Zhang is too modest. He has made great contributions."
"That's absolutely right."
The ministers who spoke out meant to give all the credit to Zhang Xian and Zuo Anmin.
They all have psychological trauma towards Lu Desheng.
Now that we've finally kicked him out of Chang'an, and he's climbing so fast, isn't that going to mean he'll be back soon? No!
Yao Songwen, the Grand Court Justice, glanced at Xiao Qun and knew he was wary of Lü Desheng using his achievements to restore the Qin family. As the Grand Marshal in charge of military affairs, the Marshal of the Northern Frontier was his trusted confidant.
But this matter concerned Lu Desheng, and he noticed that the emperor was not very happy when he heard what Xiao Qun said.
Yao Songwen stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that rewarding those who have made contributions and punishing those who have made mistakes, while taking into account fairness and justice, is the correct way."
"Lord Lu helped the Emperor stabilize Nanyang. He shouldn't be nitpicking and trying to deny the meritorious service. Not rewarding meritorious service not only disheartens the meritorious service but also disheartens others."
Yao Songwen spoke a fair word. After all, he was able to become the Chief Justice of Dali Temple because of Lu Desheng's favor, and he was repaying the favor now.
Zhang Xian has no objection to this matter, so why should the others worry about it?!
"Your Majesty, Lord Yao is absolutely right. Whoever deserves the credit will take it." Zhang Xian looked around and sneered, "You don't have to repeatedly disregard my wishes under the guise of doing good for me. I, Zhang Xian, am putting my words here. I disdain any credit that doesn't belong to me, Zhang Xian!"
Now that things have come to this, Song Mo of course has to express his opinion.
Song Mo hesitated. If Lü Desheng were to rise further, he would become a provincial governor. Where would he be best placed? There hadn't been any provincial governor vacancies recently.
At this time, there was still a quarrel in the court.
"Alright, everyone, shut up! Lord Shen, please send someone to Liaodong County to confirm this matter."
Chen Wan, one of the regent ministers, came out to receive orders.
The matter was quickly investigated and the people sent returned to Chang'an soon. At the same time, Lu Desheng also submitted a memorial to Chang'an.
In Lu Desheng's memorial, he knew that he had made a contribution, and took the opportunity to ask for the reward he wanted. He hoped to use this achievement in exchange for the opportunity to rehabilitate the Qin family.
Song Mo's mouth twitched slightly. Lu Desheng was still as thick-skinned as ever.
Song Mo knew very well why the Qin family was exiled, and he was always hesitant about rehabilitating the Qin family.
He always knew that there were two lives between him and the Qin family, which was why he suppressed the Qin family.
Song Mo once again sent people to Pingzhou to ask Pingzhou Governor Shi Tao about the Qin family's performance in exile.
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