Chapter 198 Qi Heng's Choice
This remark caused a burst of friendly laughter, and Liu Wenxuan's cheeks were as red as a blooming peach blossom, and she lowered her head in shame.
Chang Feng heard this and realized that he had lost his composure, but he could not hide his joy. Liu Wenxuan secretly raised her head and caught a glimpse of Chang Feng's handsome face. She secretly praised him and had a better impression of this future husband.
Everyone sat down, and Liu Wenxuan and Chang Feng were deliberately arranged to sit together to create opportunities for them. The two of them sat together, and they both seemed a little reserved and shy. The occasional eye contact could stir up ripples in their hearts. Seeing this, the others knew not to disturb too much, but chatted about their own topics in pairs.
Qi Heng carefully served the dishes to Minglan. Minglan picked up the dishes in the bowl with a smile in her eyes. Seeing that there was a dark spot under Qi Heng's eyes, Minglan felt distressed and asked softly, "You must have been too busy recently?"
Feeling Minglan's concern, Qi Heng smiled at her with satisfaction, "It's a bit busy, but I can still handle it. Is everything going well for you? His Majesty has been very active recently, and there are even more old ministers. I'm afraid the Queen Mother is in a bad mood, and it's not going well for you."
Minglan smiled and shook her head at Qi Heng, her bright eyes flashing with wisdom, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, as if everything was under control. "The Queen Mother is not a moody person. Even if she is angry, she would just smash some teacups and would not take it out on others.
It's just that your Majesty's new policies are overwhelming, directly targeting the current malpractices, rectifying the administration, and promoting the equal taxation of square fields. Every step is taken firmly and decisively. Those noble families will not give up their vested interests easily, so they naturally try to stop them in every way. But your Majesty, with the power of thunder and lightning, borrowed the limits of grace and shadow to let The old ministers were caught off guard and had to retreat.
The Queen Mother originally wanted to support new people to continue the old ministers' duties, but she did not expect that His Majesty would move step by step and completely disrupt the chess game. The Queen Mother had only a few chess pieces left, and even if she wanted to stop it, she was afraid she would be powerless. "
Speaking of this, Minglan's eyes flashed with a hint of complex emotions, with both admiration for His Majesty's decisiveness and sighs for the Queen Mother's predicament.
Minglan sighed softly, and her eyes fell gently on Qi Heng again.
Minglan looked at Qi Heng, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. She sighed softly: "Your Majesty's new policy is indeed for the benefit of the people, but its implementation is full of thorns and obstacles from vested interests and conservative forces. Every time I think of this, although I know that the Queen Mother has her considerations, I still feel that if it is for the world, "The Queen Mother shouldn't...shouldn't hinder her livelihood."
Minglan paused, as if considering her words, and finally continued softly: "Behind the Queen Mother stand those entrenched aristocratic families, whose interests run counter to the new policies, so the two sides are like water and fire. Brother Yuanruo, you all..." At this point, Minglan's words stopped abruptly, and her eyes revealed some worry.
Qi Heng understood Minglan's meaning. He looked at Minglan seriously with a firm gaze, and looked back at her seriously, "I support your majesty's new policy. Regarding the equal taxation law for square fields, I have discussed it with my father and mother. The Qi family must actively respond and never hide the land and evade taxes. As for restricting the system of favoritism, my father and mother originally have me as their only son, and I also entered the government through the imperial examination. However, there are always people in the family who hope to use my father's connections to enter the government. This system reform is not a bad thing for my Qi family, but it can save us a lot of trouble. A lot of troubles."
Minglan heard this, a trace of relief flashed in her eyes, and then she returned to her solemn look. She was silent for a moment, and finally asked: "Did Second Brother Gu look for you?"
Qi Heng's hand holding the food paused slightly, and then nodded in response, "It is true. A few days ago, Second Uncle Gu came to visit and mentioned that Your Majesty intends to promote me to the position of Zhongshu Sheren."
Minglan pondered and said, "The position of Zhongshu Sheren is important and powerful. Not only does he need to draft imperial edicts, but he also needs to participate in state affairs, and he can also serve His Majesty and announce the emperor's intentions. To be the Emperor's Grace, only a man who is highly trusted by Your Majesty and has both talent and virtue can be qualified for the post. Your Majesty's move is both an appreciation and a test, that is, you have to make a choice between him and the Queen Mother."
Minglan gently put down her bowl and chopsticks, her expression solemn, "However, the reason why Your Majesty asked Brother Gu to inform you in advance is actually to leave you a little leeway, intending to show that if you are unwilling, you will not force it. This is the kindness and wisdom of the king."
Qi Heng heard this, frowned slightly, and after a moment he slowly said: "This is "Your Majesty is very smart. I have a deep friendship with Uncle Gu, and the Queen Mother has been displeased by me for repeatedly raising objections to her policies. Uncle Gu knows that I am loyal to the country and put the people first. He knows that I will not refuse easily. I am indeed grateful to the Queen Mother, but in my heart, the rise and fall of the country and the safety of the people are more important. Your Majesty and Uncle Gu's plan is actually a conspiracy, and it is difficult for me to refuse."
Minglan sighed, her eyes full of worry about Qi Heng, "Then you... agreed?"
Qi Heng nodded.
Rulan and Molan wanted to talk to Minglan, but seeing that Minglan and Qi Heng were very close, they thought that the two were talking to each other and were sweet, so they did not disturb them.
In fact, Minglan was very worried. She whispered to Qi Heng, "Since you have agreed, His Majesty will probably formally announce this matter at the court meeting tomorrow. However, the Queen Mother will certainly challenge His Majesty about the new policy tomorrow, and His Majesty will certainly ask for your opinion then. If you turn against her, the Queen Mother will not let you off easily. In addition, His Majesty has appointed you as the Secretary of the Central Secretariat... Brother Yuanruo, you can only be a lone minister."
Qi Heng's eyes were deep and dark, but he still Old Minglan was firm, "No regrets for the move. My Qi family is devoted to the Song Dynasty. It doesn't matter if I am a lone minister!"
After a moment of silence, Qi Heng spoke again, his words full of concern for Minglan, "I am more worried about you being with the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother might be angry with you because of me. How will you deal with it then?"
Minglan smiled slightly, "I am the Princess Protector of the Country, personally conferred by the late Emperor. No one will touch me in public! I will also act prudently to ensure safety!"
…
At the Grand Court Meeting
When the emperor was about to announce the appointment, a minister came forward and said, “I have a report.”
When the emperor saw the official coming forward, he knew that he was going to discuss the new policy again. Sure enough, he talked endlessly and listed the disadvantages of the new policy. Then an official refuted him. The disadvantages he listed were all aimed at the wealthy and powerful, and the common people were not mentioned at all. As for the loss of property to the working people, it was nonsense. The equal taxation law required the investigation and measurement of the cultivated land in each state and county to determine the specific amount of land owned by each household, which was to prevent the wealthy and powerful from occupying the land. This was a good thing for the country and the people.