Chapter 759 761. Monarch and Ministers
After the court was dismissed, this time the officials did not rush back to the yamen, but walked out in groups of three or four.
Bai Yugang was originally a military general, but unexpectedly, when he reached middle age, he turned to be a literary person. During those years, he got along very well with the civil officials and gradually became estranged from the military generals.
Now that the person has left, the relationship between the two sides is lukewarm, and after the memorial service, only some topics of conversation are left.
"Bai Yugang sided with those sour scholars at the time, and in the end, he became a joke." Cao Xiangqian sighed, "Now everyone is wondering whether the emperor will let Bai Shizi take over the position of Lord Bai, or will he be demoted to inherit the throne."
Zhou Shixiong, "...I think everyone is predicting the bad news."
Cao Xiangqian said, "You are right. Everyone is betting privately that the possibility of demotion is greater."
As a nobleman, Cao Xiangqian was even more concerned about this matter. "I heard that this matter caused such a big incident, causing Lord Bai to pass away, and it was also related to Gu Wenheng and the others."
Zhou Shixiong also got the news, "It's just money that makes people happy, but they forgot that although Bai Jinglie is in charge of maritime trade, he doesn't really have much say.
The fact that His Majesty didn't even give him the slightest benefit and sent people to assist him is enough to explain a lot of problems."
Zhou Shixiong didn't dare to say that he knew Hua Shunming very well, but he knew him at least 60% of the time.
Bai Jinglie was only the future Marquis of Wu'an. Although he had no military power, his father-in-law, Deng Zhiyi, the general of the southwestern border, did.
When he married the daughter of the Deng family, Bai Yugang handed over the remaining military power to him, but the emperor was suspicious by nature and Bai Jinglie was in charge of his private wealth.
Judging from Hua Shunming's behavior in recent years, Bai Jinglie should be even more careful in what he does.
"Gu Wenheng and the others still hold a share of the maritime trade..." Cao Xiangqian still has children and grandchildren in Lucheng, and they also have the support of Gu Wenheng's remaining influence, so naturally he had to ask a few more questions.
Zhou Shixiong, "These are all allowed by His Majesty. Nothing will happen in the next few years. Lord Cao doesn't need to worry."
If it takes any longer, he can't guarantee it.
Considering how smart Gu Wenheng and his wife are, they won't keep these things for long.
"Alas, my children and grandchildren are all debts," Cao Xiangqian saw that Zhou Shixiong understood his worries, "I will ask those guys to come back in a few years. I am old now and I just want my children and grandchildren to surround me."
Zhou Shixiong naturally didn't mind giving him some face, "When the time comes, Lord Cao will have many children and grandchildren, and he can enjoy a peaceful life."
"I'll take your good words..."
After returning to the mansion, Zhou Shixiong immediately asked people to prepare writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone.
In less than a moment, two letters were sent from Zhou Mansion, one from the south and one from the north.
Before he could catch his breath, someone from the palace came to summon him.
He hurriedly changed into clean official robes and walked all the way to the Qinzheng Hall.
After some formalities, Zhou Shixiong was given a seat.
"My dear Zhou, come and take a look at these memorials." Hua Shunming asked Le San to stand next to Zhou Shixiong holding a pile of memorials.
Zhou Shixiong picked up the first book with both hands. This matter reported that there was unrest in the rear quarters of Marquis Wu'an's mansion, and that Prince Bai was unfaithful and unfilial, and was not qualified to succeed the position of Marquis Wu'an.
The three books I flipped through were all the same. It was as if these people had made an appointment and their words were very confident, but the contents were almost the same.
Zhou Shixiong was about to stop when Hua Shunming motioned him to continue reading.
This time, I finally saw some different content. The person who was reported was Gu Wenheng.
Many far-fetched charges were thrown at them, such as competing for profits with the people and being unkind due to wealth.
In fact, the main content is that Gu Wenheng has enjoyed the benefits of maritime trade for so many years, and now he should not monopolize it anymore. In order to show justice, he should take from the people and use it for the people.
Zhou Shixiong stamped the last memorial and sat respectfully in silence.
"What do you think of these memorials, Lord Zhou?"
Zhou Shixiong looked embarrassed, "Your Majesty, I am stupid, why don't we ask other adults to come and discuss it together?"
"I didn't think of looking for anyone else for this matter. These old bastards always shirk responsibility when it comes to serious matters, and they always give ambiguous opinions.
Even if I have made up my mind, these people will still go against me. I have long lost my patience."
Zhou Shixiong lowered his head. He knew that if he spoke too much, he would make mistakes. He didn't know what the man was up to today, so he decided to wait and see.
“The backyard of the Marquis of Wu’an is indeed in chaos. I didn’t even know that the Marquis’ wife, who has been active in the capital for so many years, was not included in the family tree.
He even attended many palace banquets. Bai Yugang really deserves to die."
A concubine entering and leaving the palace many times is the greatest insult to the royal family.
"...Prince Bai should not know about this." Zhou Shixiong and Bai Jinglie did not have much friendship, but at this moment, he still said something fair.
"He doesn't know," Hua Shunming found it relatively easy to use Bai Jinglie. Although he had some small ideas, his ability to get things done was still okay.
Over the years, his private treasury has become increasingly prosperous, all thanks to Bai Jinglie.
This is what is troubling him now. "He is still loyal, but I cannot swallow this insult."
"This person has his own actions and should be held responsible. The evil deeds done by Lord Bai can be traced back to him." Zhou Shixiong knew how to answer after hearing his tone.
The emperor is also a human being, and what he needs is a step.
"I want to strip Marquis Wu'an of his title and have him buried as a commoner.
As for Bai Jinglie, he has been loyal to me over the years and has traveled all over the country for me. I cannot disappoint the people below me. He can still take over the Marquis of Wu'an Mansion, but he can forget about inheriting the throne."
Zhou Shixiong repeatedly praised the emperor for his wisdom, saying that this was already the best outcome.
If Bai Jinglie works harder in the future, or has some luck, he will have a chance to pass on the title.
"What do you think of Gu Wenheng's share of the sea trade?"
Zhou Shixiong knew that this was the real topic. After hesitating for a moment, he carefully replied, "Your Majesty, the maritime trade was established by Madam Gu. Madam Gu has made great contributions to the current development of Lucheng.
Besides, this person was sensible and did not take maritime trade too seriously.
You see, she has left less than 10% of the market now, which has little impact on the development of the entire maritime trade."
Hua Shunming stared at him and smiled, "I forgot that Lord Zhou has a good personal relationship with the Gu family. It seems that I was wrong to ask you to come here."
Zhou Shixiong quickly stood up and apologized, "I am just a rough man, I don't know how to beat around the bush when I speak.
My life was saved by them, and they have helped me a lot over the years. I naturally hope that they will live a peaceful and smooth life."
"Lord Zhou is still a man who values love," Hua Shunming said with a smile, "So many years have passed, even if it was a life-saving favor, you have almost repaid it over the years.
I remember that you gave me a valuable gift and sent people to protect me.
If you hadn't been in Lucheng, they wouldn't have been able to gain a foothold so quickly.
I heard that the maids in his mansion were all requested by you through asking the Queen."
"Brother Gu is loyal to the emperor and loves the people. He is also able to serve the people of the world. I have always admired him."
(End of this chapter)
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