Chapter 29: What did the Master promise her?
In Hanzhang Palace, Jingzhao Prefecture Governor Liu Lin presented the files and documents of the case of privately storing weapons in a house outside the capital to the court.
After Emperor Li Tingfeng reviewed the documents, he angrily rebuked the Minister of Revenue in Hanzhang Palace, "Minister Kong, you are so audacious and self-serving."
Empress Dowager Jiang sat behind the curtain, her tone calm and steady. "Emperor, what has made you so angry?"
Eunuch Qian, the chief eunuch beside him, presented the pile of documents and files.
"Your Majesty, please read this."
Queen Mother Jiang scanned the physical evidence, remaining calm and composed. As someone who had experienced many ups and downs with the late emperor, she considered this case to be no big deal.
"Two days ago, Jingzhao Prefecture arrested someone, who they said was a subordinate of Cheng Pushe. Why is the person arrested today someone from the Jingdu Chamber of Commerce? And what about Minister Kong?"
Liu Lin presented a detailed report on the case, "The Jingzhao Prefecture arrested the Imperial Guards for investigating a case outside the capital. It was all a misunderstanding. Han Jinzhang, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards, was ordered by Cheng Pushe to keep an eye on those hiding weapons, but he was falsely accused."
"Jingzhao Prefecture has been ordered to investigate this case. With the help of clues provided by the residents of Changqing Street and Fenglin Lane, the case can be solved within three days."
"The secret hoarding of weapons in the suburbs of Beijing was a collusion between the Minister of Revenue, Kong Fan, and the Chamber of Commerce President, Sun Gui, to resell used weapons in order to make money."
"He was discovered by Cheng Pushe, who was investigating the property tax case. He then tried to frame Sun Gui and divert attention. The Jingzhao Prefecture arrested Sun Gui overnight for interrogation. Sun Gui confessed the entire story, which has been clearly stated in the file."
Empress Dowager Jiang said, "The Ministry of Revenue colluded with the Chamber of Commerce to conceal property taxes and secretly hoard and resell used artifacts. Jingzhao Prefecture uncovered such a serious case in just three days. The Minister of Revenue is, after all, a high-ranking official at court, trusted by His Majesty. While Jingzhao Prefecture has the authority to directly investigate the case without the need for a joint review by the Three Courts, doesn't it require a search warrant to investigate and arrest people?"
Liu Lin remained calm and composed. "Your Majesty, Jingzhao Prefecture must follow its rules when handling cases. A search warrant is naturally in place."
"Oh?" Queen Mother Jiang said coldly.
The Minister of the Central Secretariat, Gongsun Yin, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager, the search warrant was drafted by the Secretariat and handed over to Cheng Pushe to issue the order. Prefect Liu has always been prudent, fair and strict, and would definitely not violate the regulations."
It was Han Zhou who reminded him of this, otherwise Cheng Xianzhi would not have thought of this. That day, Cheng Xianzhi was assassinated outside the city and escaped. He felt that something was wrong. Most of the houses in the city were vacant, but he could get clues from the mouths of the landlords and traces of rental transactions in recent years. The houses were being resold frequently, but the tax revenue did not increase.
It’s not that the tax revenue didn’t increase, but that the Ministry of Revenue collected the tax, but the tax was not entered into the tax account but into other places.
That is where the Ministry of Revenue is short of money.
In the early years, Han Zhou's father, Han Zhangling, the former Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was diligent and incorruptible during his tenure. However, the Ministry of Revenue was plagued by financial losses, which eventually became the straw that broke the camel's back for Minister Han.
Otherwise, Han Zhangling would not have been coerced and embarked on a path of no return. He had been honest for half his life, but he still couldn't resist the word "helpless".
The deficit of the Ministry of Revenue is a bottomless pit. All the expenses of various departments in the court are directed to the Ministry of Revenue. No matter how full the national treasury is, it will eventually be exhausted.
Who was to blame for the deficit that could not be filled? The first person to bear the brunt of the blame was the Minister of Revenue. Whether the deficit was filled or not, he was being forced to death.
Cheng Xianzhi said, "Your Majesty, the reason why the Minister of Revenue Kong Fan took such an unconventional approach is not because he is greedy for money..."
"Although Cheng Pushe has been cleared of suspicion for hoarding weapons, the Ministry of Revenue is still under the jurisdiction of the Secretariat. Is Cheng Pushe in a hurry to distance himself from the matter?" The Censor interrupted Cheng Xianzhi.
Cheng Xianzhi remained composed and remained calm. "Your Majesty, Kong Fan is reselling old furniture to fill the deficit at the Ministry of Revenue. House sales and rentals have been a significant source of revenue for Dalan in recent years. These taxes go to the Ministry of Revenue, but they aren't house tax revenues."
"At the beginning of the year, His Majesty and the Queen Mother ordered the Ministry of Revenue to reorganize tax records. Kong Fan was worried that problems would be discovered in the tax accounts of the past few years, so he came up with a solution."
"Ever since Jiang Guogong quelled the border rebellion, Dalan has been peaceful and stable, its people prosperous and their lives peaceful. Flower production has been booming in Kyoto in recent years, and the flower market has been a huge source of money. Kong Fan took this opportunity to instruct Sun Gui, president of the Chamber of Commerce, to work with flower market merchants to suppress flower prices, buying low and selling high, and making a huge profit from the difference to alleviate their current difficulties."
"Unfortunately, things don't go as planned. Flower farmers are strong-willed and don't accept the oppression of merchants. The Chamber of Commerce can't gain any benefits from this. Kong Fan had no choice but to extend his hand to those useless old utensils. It's not that he intends to rebel."
The ministers in the court whispered to each other when they heard this.
Queen Mother Jiang said, "Kong Fan is desperate and wants to throw dirty water on the Imperial Guards and drag Cheng Pushe into the water. But Cheng Pushe is trying to defend Kong Fan?"
“It’s not an excuse, it’s a statement of fact.”
"What a great way to clarify the facts," Emperor Li Tingfeng applauded. "Lord Cheng is tolerant and has handled this property tax case beautifully. I am fortunate to have such a good minister."
"Your Majesty, thank you for your compliment. This is my humble duty," Cheng Xianzhi said modestly.
"The house tax case has been settled, the truth has been revealed, and Cheng Pushe has done a good job for the emperor by eliminating corrupt officials." Queen Mother Jiang didn't know what to say.
Cheng Xianzhi hadn't finished speaking yet, "Your Majesty, it's impossible for Kong Fan to complete this meticulous plan alone without being noticed by the important officials in the court. As for the transportation of weapons out of the city, if the relevant departments hadn't cleared the necessary checkpoints, how could that batch of old weapons be successfully transported to the suburbs?"
"I'm afraid there's someone behind Kong Fan, and this person's official position is no less than Kong Fan's."
Empress Dowager Jiang's voice filled the hall with intimidation. "Your Majesty, there's no real evidence for what Cheng Pushe said. After this incident, the Ministry of Revenue has been shaken, which is contrary to the stability of the country. Your Majesty has only been on the throne for five years, and you must not allow any destabilization of the country's foundation."
"Empress Dowager..."
"What is the foundation of the country?" Queen Mother Jiang spread her phoenix-feather sleeves, stood up from her seat, and looked down at the ministers in the royal palace. "The foundation of the country is the foundation of the country. Now that the truth has been fully investigated, this matter should be stopped. Otherwise, the government and the people will be in turmoil, which will shake the foundation of the country."
"The Ministry of Revenue is under the jurisdiction of the Secretariat. The two Ministers each have their own duties and are not overseeing the situation properly. Therefore, regarding this housing tax case, Minister Cheng will be the one to clean up the mess. The position of the Secretariat is yet to be considered. Your Majesty, let this be done."
After Queen Mother Jiang said this, Li Tingfeng did not dare to refute it. Many noble families in the court and the country were still the Queen Mother's political party. Jiang Haiyi was guarding Shanhaiguan. When she talked about the foundation of the country with him, wasn't she reminding him that whether the country would be shaken or not ultimately depended on whom?
Li Tingfeng nodded in public. Cheng Xianzhi and Zhongshu Ling Gongsun Yin understood what was going on and endured it for the time being.
After the court was dismissed, Cheng Xianzhi returned to his mansion, and Han Zhou soon entered the Cheng residence's study.
"As you said, the Queen Mother has ordered that further investigation be prohibited." Cheng Xianzhi changed out of his official uniform and put on a bamboo-green robe with wide sleeves embroidered with a black bamboo, looking like an immortal practicing in the green forest.
Han Zhou told him, "We're lucky to have only been able to investigate this far. It's a shame that I wasn't able to take the position of Shangshu Province."
"Those who are planning big things don't have to rush. Those ghosts hiding in the dark can also have some peace for a while. The Queen Mother wants to suppress this matter, so she can only scare Your Majesty with the national capital. But little does she know that the path Kong Fan is taking will also be the path that others will take in the future. The Queen Mother's move seems to stop the loss, but it is actually fraught with danger." Cheng Xianzhi said dimly.
"Pushing Kong Fan out to protect the person behind him can also be considered as winning people's hearts. Power is a double-edged sword. You can't take all the good things for yourself. Your Excellency may say yes or no." Han Zhou teased.
Cheng Xianzhi didn't hold him back anymore.
"So what if it's not?" Cheng Xianzhi said, "Your Majesty doesn't dare to speak out, and even the most persistent Censor has been silenced. We, as ministers, are not at the point of risking our lives for giving advice."
Han Zhou laughed at him and changed the subject, "The reason why Kong Fan successfully admitted his guilt wasn't because he had a change of heart, but because someone submitted a letter of complaint to Jingzhao Prefecture."
Cheng Xianzhi was unaware of this. "Do you know who sent the letter?"
"Real name," Han Zhou said concisely, "Changqing Street, Luo Yunchu."
Luo Yunchu...
Cheng Xianzhi pondered the name.
"Luo Yunchu and Kong Fan are cousins, why didn't they report this letter before? After the people from Jingzhao Prefecture entered the Minister's Mansion, this letter came. It really is a case of seizing the opportunity at the right time and sacrificing relatives for the sake of justice."
"Sun Gui was executed for bribing officials. His position in the Chamber of Commerce was revoked, and the president's life was in danger. The position in the Chamber of Commerce became vacant." Han Zhou reminded.
These words seemed to be said intentionally for Cheng Xianzhi to hear.
Cheng Xianzhi was reminded, "Luo Yunchu isn't just trying to protect himself. Besides, his hands are clean, nothing can be found out about him. He's also well-known in Changqing Street and Fenglin Lane. I think he should be able to convince everyone to take the position of Chamber of Commerce President."
"Sir, you have a keen eye for talent." Han Zhou said with a smile.
"Last night..." Han Zhou asked hesitantly, "Is Jiang Yanli from Zhichun the daughter of the Lu family, the second wife of the mansion?"
But Cheng Xianzhi said "hmm" calmly.
Han Zhou understood what he meant. He thought that he had managed the matter, otherwise he wouldn't be so calm.
"What is your plan, sir?"
"No need to plan, let her do whatever she wants. The news she can get into Jinhua Palace will not be harmful to me. If she dares to play tricks under my nose, I will send Lu Mingqian and Queen Mother Jiang a corpse." There is a giant beast hidden under the cold appearance, with no mercy at all. In the quagmire of the power struggle between the emperor and the queen mother, he will not take it lightly.
"The Empress Dowager and Lu Pushe, do you know that this chess piece is not loyal?" Han Zhou said.
"That depends on who offers conditions that are more attractive to Lu Tingwan." Cheng Xianzhi said.
"What did the Lord promise her?"
"Divorce!" Cheng Xianzhi spat out the two words casually.
"Divorce?" Han Zhou's elbow, which was supporting his head, slipped down. "Lu Tingwan and the adults took the initiative to propose a divorce?"
After thinking about it, he found it funny again, "It seems that our Cheng Pushe's charm is just this."
Han Zhou used to be a noble young man. When he was a scholar in the Hanlin Academy, he was full of vigor and vitality. He would drink, play chess, write poetry and talk about love and romance with his classmates. After experiencing family changes, the youthful arrogance of the past was restrained a lot, and others saw him as steady and profound.
Only at this time would Cheng Xianzhi occasionally reveal his youthfulness.
Cheng Xianzhi casually copied a book and threw it at him, but Han Zhou was quick and caught it.
"She has a close relationship with Luo Yunchu." Cheng Xianzhi hinted at something.
"How can you tolerate any grain of sand in your eyes?" Han Zhou suppressed his smile. "Is letting Luo Yunchu take the position of Chamber of Commerce president related to Lu Tingwan?"
Cheng Xianzhi said slowly, "Just wait and see, then you'll know."
***
Inside Jinhua Palace, the Empress Dowager took off her court robes and the heavy and complicated hairpins and rings, and gently pinched her forehead with her jade fingers. Palace Master Hong brought her a bowl of chilled lotus seed and lily soup.
Hong Zhanggong wiped his hands with a wet handkerchief, placed his palms lightly on the temples on both sides of Empress Dowager Jiang, and massaged them with his skillful fingers, and her tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed.
Palace Master Hong consoled her, "Your Majesty has been troubled by the administration of state affairs. Today, in Hanzhang Palace, His Majesty has ordered that no further investigation be conducted. Your Majesty may rest assured."
Queen Mother Jiang closed her eyes and dozed off when the voice of a maidservant greeting her came from outside the bedroom.
"Your Majesty."
As she expected, the emperor came to pay his respects after finishing his government affairs.
"The Emperor is here. I'm afraid it's more than just a simple greeting. Let's go and welcome him."
Queen Mother Jiang propped herself up and took a scripture to read. When the emperor came in, he first paid his respects. Queen Mother Jiang was not Li Tingfeng's biological mother, but the late emperor doted on her and raised Li Tingfeng under her wing. The two of them were not estranged from each other, but they were not as close as biological children.
Li Tingfeng attaches great importance to filial piety. When he is in better health, it is essential for him to pay his respects every day.
"The Emperor has arrived. He seems to be in much better shape these days. His health is paramount." Queen Mother Jiang's every move exuded elegance and nobility. "Does the Emperor wish to inquire about the Kong Fan case that occurred during today's court session?"
Queen Mother Jiang knew what he was going to ask and spoke first.
"Nothing can be hidden from the Empress Dowager," Li Tingfeng said. "According to the investigation records in the files, there is someone behind Kong Fan. Cheng Pushe's words are not wrong. The Empress Dowager did not allow a thorough investigation and also reneged on the previous agreement."
"The Emperor has come to blame me," Queen Mother Jiang said, closing the sutra. "I know you rely on Cheng Xianzhi. Cheng Xianzhi is steady and methodical. The Emperor trusts him, not only for his talent, but also for Gongsun Yin, who is behind him. Both are pillars of the court."
"But even if there were people behind Kong Fan, they wouldn't be the backbone of the court?"
"I asked you to stop, not intentionally to protect any official. As Cheng Xianzhi said, Kong Fan was able to get through to all the key positions. Just from the transportation of this batch of old equipment from the Ministry of War, you can imagine how many people went through the process of drafting documents, reviewing and approving them, and issuing orders. Can the emperor even imagine this?"
"It's certainly satisfying to purge corrupt officials in one fell swoop, but there's no guarantee that members of the royal family won't be implicated. If the emperor wants to investigate, he'll have to root them out, root and mud. How many of these people are veteran officials? Don't they have any contributions to Dalan?"
"When a new emperor ascends the throne, it's a time when people are in high demand. A wise ruler not only has the courage to purge corrupt officials, but also the ability to tolerate others. He should bide his time and let others kill to scare the monkeys. Does he have to destroy all enemies and shake the government to be considered a wise ruler?"
"Your Majesty, you must understand that when water is too clear, fish will not live there. If you wish to secure your throne, you must be able to tolerate even the smallest grain of sand. If the power you hold is insufficient to withstand the consequences of a collapse, you must retreat."
"Even after a warning, one must be given a chance to correct one's mistakes. If one pushes too hard, it will chill the hearts of the court officials. Your Majesty has been intelligent since childhood. You can figure things out on your own without my further explanation."
What Queen Mother Jiang said makes sense. If we uproot the problem, the whole body will be affected and no one can control the consequences. Instead of pressing on step by step and rushing into things, it is better to take a step back and slowly settle the accounts. This is the right thing to do.
"Cheng Xianzhi and the emperor are still young. While it is important to investigate corruption head-on, a gradual approach is the best way to achieve long-term success."
Li Tingfeng respectfully accepted the instruction, "The Queen Mother's instruction is correct, and I will keep it in mind."
"I can follow the Queen Mother's wishes and not investigate for now, but the position of the Secretariat has been vacant for a long time. I..."
"Who the Emperor wants to appoint to this position is your Majesty's business. Now that Kong Fan's incident has occurred within the Six Ministries, the Emperor still insists on promoting Cheng Xianzhi to this position. This doesn't convince the public," Empress Dowager Jiang said solemnly. "Cheng Xianzhi is the Right Minister of State. With such corruption within the Six Ministries, both the Left and Right Ministers are equally responsible. Not holding them accountable in front of Hanzhang Palace today is a measure of Heaven's grace. If your Majesty wants to favor a new minister, the timing must be appropriate. Now is not the right time."
Empress Dowager Jiang was not afraid to make things clear to Li Tingfeng. Lu Mingqian would not get the position of Shangshu Province, and Cheng Xianzhi could not take the position easily. It seemed that she was considering the emperor in everything, but in fact it was just a stopgap measure.
After Li Tingfeng finished his teacup, he consciously left Jinhua Palace.
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