102. Chapter 102
"none"
Qi You and the Fourth Prince went to see Emperor Kangxi together and reported their proposed bidding plan. The river had always been important, and after years of trying every possible means, they had failed. After listening carefully, Emperor Kangxi quickly agreed.
Tender documents must have standardized formats and requirements, and must be adjusted based on current circumstances. While creating something from scratch might seem simple, the details are complex and time-consuming.
Qi You was not used to the vague descriptions in today's books and various records. For example, when he read many tool books, such as "Qi Min Yao Shu", many of the farming methods in them were confusing.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Qi You planned to establish a new rule. From now on, all official documents involving data must be accurate and follow the standards of later manuals.
The weather outside was hot, so Qi You did not go out. He stayed in the pavilion in the middle of the lake and concentrated on his work.
The Fourth Prince was completely attracted and would come whenever he had time to discuss and check the terms with Qi You, and more often he would ask for advice.
Qi You doesn't like to use ambiguous words, and often uses words with emphatic tone such as "must".
The Fourth Prince was unable to adapt to the situation for a while, remaining accustomed to a reserved manner of speaking, even in official correspondence. His most common phrase was, "Seventh Brother, isn't this too blunt?"
Qi You could understand that when the Fourth Prince was dealing with his subordinates, those in a higher position would leave room for maneuver. This was to establish authority, control, intimidate, and demonstrate their unfathomable power.
When facing superiors such as Prince Kangxi, you should be very tactful when speaking. It is foolish to tell everything you know.
Once the news of the bidding was released, Li Guangdi's worries were solved. No one paid attention to those who failed the assessment, and everyone focused on the Ministry of Works' river project.
There are many smart people who can keenly sense that this is unusual.
In addition to river repairs, will other tasks involving government funding, such as city repairs, government office repairs, etc., be changed in the future?
How could someone who didn't understand river management and other construction projects be a supervisor? Qi You then suggested to Kangxi that the supervisors of various projects must pass an examination.
Kangxi was not so forthcoming in agreeing this time. He refused almost without hesitation, frowning and saying, "A censor must first be loyal, honest, and upright. If one only knows how to study, he will not be able to handle this task well."
This is the point of conflict between Qi You and Kangxi.
Kangxi emphasized winning people over with virtue. Of course, all emperors emphasized morality. Ruler-ruler, minister-minister, father-father, son-son, and ethical principles were the foundation of imperial rule.
But this "virtue" was fundamentally cryptic. Morality was meant to govern oneself, not to impose upon others. The royal family constantly touted morality, and as a member of the royal family, Qi You felt deeply ashamed.
If you can't even abide by the bottom line of morality, trying to elevate yourself to a higher level is like building a high-rise building in a swamp without laying a foundation.
Like a mirage, it collapsed at the slightest breeze.
The censors reported rumors based on what they heard, without verifying them. Although it takes only one mouth to spread rumors, but it takes a lot of effort to refute them, those who were reported had to refute and respond.
In modern judicial system, whoever advocates the theory has the final say. Now, whoever wants to prove his innocence needs to find evidence to prove it himself.
Especially when it comes to various moral issues, such as adultery, relationships between men and women, etc., it is extremely difficult to produce evidence.
Fortunately, it was proven, and in the end, no one cared. Human nature has not changed much from ancient times to the present day, and people still enjoy hearing all kinds of bizarre and juicy gossip.
What Qi You wanted was an imperial censor who was professional and subject to legal supervision, not just one with virtue.
Qi You insisted on his own ideas and convinced Kangxi with his reasoning: "Khan, what is integrity? Is it only daring to speak frankly and offer advice?"
The most annoying thing about Kangxi was the outspoken censors, who would go on and on about the smallest of matters. Kangxi hated the censors the most, and sometimes he wished he could sew their mouths shut.
After several rounds of rectification of the Censorate, Kangxi finally had peace of mind. Those annoying censors no longer dared to target him and only dared to report on the officials under him.
Kangxi's face flushed slightly at Qi You's question. He was aware of his own double standards. But he was the emperor, and who could challenge him?
Kangxi quickly regained his composure and returned to his normal demeanor, saying, "Those who dare to speak out and offer advice are certainly considered upright."
Qi You immediately asked, "Does that count as a false accusation?"
Kangxi frowned and said to Qi You with displeasure, "There's no smoke without fire. How can you frame someone? The job of a censor is such that we can't let go of any clues."
Qi You didn't flinch and continued to ask, "What about the evidence? No need for evidence, just relying on a pen and a mouth? Moreover, because the supervising censor is ignorant, the construction period is delayed. Who will be held responsible for this loss?"
Everything else is fine, but the flood waits for no one. Not to mention the emperor, even God himself wouldn't be able to stop it.
Kangxi was choked and speechless for a moment.
Qi You observed Kangxi's expression and said sincerely, "Khan, if the Supervisory Censor doesn't know his job, it's like the Imperial Physician in the Imperial Hospital not knowing how to treat a disease. It will lead to immeasurable consequences. Moreover, the Supervisory Censor must accept supervision. It is the Qing law, not morality, that should constrain them. While it is good to have a gentleman with moral integrity, I think we can't expect too much all at once. It is more appropriate to govern with specific laws and regulations. To be disrespectful, rebellion will result in the extermination of all nine generations of the clan. This is a truth known to everyone in the world. Only with this deterrent can the world be at peace."
The words about the country and the people struck a chord with Kangxi. On second thought, he had already handed the matter over to Qi You. He wanted to hold an examination and appoint capable people to the positions, and there was nothing he could gain from this. The only one who would benefit was the Qing Dynasty.
After much deliberation, Kangxi finally agreed to allow Qi You to be selected as the Supervisory Censor through examination.
This matter may seem insignificant in the eyes of outsiders, but Qi You breathed a sigh of relief.
From morality to law, it can be said to be a qualitative change.
Qi You braved the scorching heat and went to Shunyi. He went to the school to humbly ask the teachers of various subjects for advice and carefully prepared a professional exam paper.
Li Guangdi began to busily send official letters to various prefectures and cities, recruiting supervisory censors throughout the Qing Dynasty.
Qi Youze and the Fourth Beile focused on the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works and began the bidding process.
The bidding documents are detailed and each one is clearly written. Anyone who has read and can read can basically understand it.
People with various plans and intentions all came together. Qi You did not refuse anyone who met the requirements, and the first imperial bidding of the Qing Dynasty began with great fanfare.
The heat of July was scorching, and time passed by in a flash. The autumn wind suddenly picked up, and the time for Qi You's wedding had arrived.
The wedding required a banquet for guests, but Qi You thought about it and decided to only invite relatives and brothers.
Kangxi was watching from the side and was very satisfied that Qi You did not form cliques.
Emperors have ever-changing minds. When Kangxi saw that Qi You had not invited even a single outsider, he became unhappy again and personally ordered him to invite some prominent court officials.
Qi You rarely played a trick and acted as a hands-off boss, begging Kangxi to decide the guest list.
Although Kangxi disliked Qi You for finding things for him to do, he worked very hard and pondered the list every day.
The wedding was solemn and lively. Because the guest list was drawn up by Kangxi himself and Qi You was famous, those who were able to come to the wedding banquet attracted everyone's attention.
At the wedding banquet, Qi You met various high-ranking officials, including the Grand Secretaries and the Vice Ministers of the six ministries. He didn't know what the Crown Prince and the Prince of Zhi would think, but as the groom, he really didn't have the heart to think too much.
Faced with the blank area of marriage, Qi You was truly uneasy and dazed.
Family, country and the world. In his previous life, he was able to live and study only with the love and support of his family.
Back then, he was under the protection of his family. The difference in this life is that he has become the protector of his family.
After seeing off the guests, Qi You returned to the main courtyard. Outside the bridal chamber, the lights were brightly lit, and there was a sense of joy everywhere.
Qi had never been so nervous before. He stood outside the yard for a long time, then took a deep breath and walked in.
The servants guarding the door came together to pay their respects and greet them. Nanny Zhang and the bridesmaid, who served Nala, came out in a hurry, with smiles on their faces and greeted them loudly and congratulated them.
Qi You nodded and thanked him for his hard work. He entered the bridal chamber. Everything was red, making his eyes sparkle.
Nara's maiden name, Haihona, means lark in Manchu. She sat on the edge of the bed, wearing heavy wedding clothes and a heavy jewel of hairpins and rings. Even the thick wedding makeup on her face couldn't hide her deep fatigue.
Seeing Qi You enter the room, Haihona stood up, glanced at him quickly, bowed, stiffly and nervously, and called him "Master".
Qi You met a pair of bright, shy eyes. His voice, though trembling, was still clear and melodious, just like her name. He couldn't help but pause for a moment, then said dryly, "Go wash up first and change into something light."
Haihona quickly bowed and responded yes. Aunt Zhang hurried forward and helped her to the bathroom.
Qi You secretly breathed a sigh of relief and was about to go to another clean room to wash up. Haihona's maid followed him. He paused slightly, turned his head and looked at the bridesmaid who was still standing there, and said, "You all go down, I don't need anyone to serve me."
The bridesmaid was startled for a moment, then quickly bowed and took her leave. The maid came to her senses and followed suit, taking a step behind.
Qi You washed up and came out, and Haiho Na also finished and returned to the bedroom. She sat with her hands on her knees, her hair neatly combed, her hairpins removed. Her fair and pretty face, a red hue, perhaps from the candlelight or from shyness, almost blended in with her bright red wedding dress.
Upon seeing this, Aunt Zhang smiled, said a few auspicious words, and bowed to take her leave.
There were only two people left in the room. Apart from the occasional popping of the wedding candles, one could hear their breathing.
Qi You tugged at his collar, his throat felt itchy and he couldn't help coughing a few times.
Haihona was startled and looked up. When her eyes met Qi You's, she was frightened like a deer and quickly lowered her head.
After this back and forth, Qi You actually felt a little more relaxed. He breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "I'm as nervous as you are."
Haihona was stunned for a moment, then slowly raised her eyes to look at Qi You who was standing in front of her.
Qi You smiled at her gently and said, "This is my first marriage, so I don't understand many things. Please forgive me."
Haihona's expression was obviously much more relaxed. She tugged at the hem of her robe with her fingers and whispered, "I don't understand either. If there is anything that is against the rules, please forgive me, Your Highness."
Qi You didn't seek passionate love, nor did he understand how to get along with his wife. He just relied on instinct and his usual demands, hoping that in the future, the couple would respect each other.
He believes that for a blind marriage, one should first have a frank discussion so that both parties can have a certain understanding of each other.
After a pause, Qi You spoke in a gentle voice, "I'm used to doing everything myself, even dressing and washing. Your maid wanted to come and serve you earlier, but I sent her away. I don't know your living habits, so I'm sorry for taking the initiative. You don't have to put up with me. If you need them, you can still do things like you did at your parents' house. I'll try my best to adapt."
Haihona stared at Qi You, nodded, and hummed, "I don't usually call them to serve me. When I got married, my mother chose a nanny and maid for me as a dowry."
Qi You was a prince, and as his wife, the dowry prepared by Nara had to match his status, so as not to bring shame to the royal family.
Hearing Haihona's answer, Qi You felt relieved. He was not afraid that she was a delicate princess, and he could make concessions and cooperate. But he was used to living alone, and he was afraid that he might not pay attention and let her suffer.
Whether she likes it or not, Haihona has to marry him if the marriage is granted. Qi You has lived in the Qing Dynasty for so many years, but he has never learned to accept that a wife must regard her husband as her heaven.
Qi You smiled and said, "Just do what you're used to. I'm usually very busy, so I might not have considered it carefully or overlooked you. Communication is very important between husband and wife, and between people. If you have any thoughts, opinions, or discomfort, don't hide it in your heart, tell me in time. If you can't find me, you can find Gao Guihe. We're not familiar with each other yet, so you might not be able to express yourself at first. Don't worry, take your time."
Haihona's eyes lit up, she pursed her lips, and nodded heavily. The tremor in her voice disappeared, replaced by undisguised joy. She said, "Thank you for your attentiveness, Your Highness. I understand. Everyone says that Your Highness is a gentleman, and it's true."
Qi You laughed and said, "That's thanks to the world for your praise."
Haihona pursed her lips and continued to smile. Qi You couldn't help but laugh with her and said, "I heard that you have studied and can read."
Haihona's smile froze on her face, and she said uneasily, "Your Highness is extremely knowledgeable. I only know a few words, so I dare not say that I have studied in front of Your Highness. If Your Highness despises me, I will definitely work hard to learn more in the future."
Qi You hurriedly comforted her, "I'm not disliking you. It's because I'm busy outside most of the time. You're alone at home. If you like reading and read more, your life won't be so boring. It doesn't matter if you don't like reading. You can find other hobbies, such as planting flowers and raising grass, learning various skills, and doing whatever you want. After a while, I may leave the capital. If you are willing, you can go with me. If you are used to life in the capital and don't want to leave your parents and relatives, you can stay. I will arrange for someone to take care of you."
Haihona stared at Qi You, her eyes gradually turned red, and tears rolled out. She turned her head away, tried to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and then said something, her voice choked and unclear.
Qi You listened to the general idea, as if she was saying, "I'll go with you." He looked gentle and compassionate, looking at Haihona's thin shoulders, and his heart was filled with sadness.
He just did what a human being should do, but he made her unexpectedly excited.
This world is too harsh on women. Even a noble woman like Dai Jia, who has fine clothes and delicious food, is trapped in a gorgeous cage her whole life, and can only reach a small space.
He now felt indebted to his biological mother. As his wife, Hehona was the one they were forced to be with, and he was willing to do his best to treat her well.
Treat people with sincerity and win their hearts with your heart.
It is said that home is a warm harbor. Qi You thought to himself that he was too tired and too hard-working. Could he have some small happiness in the future?
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