On the ninth day of the eighth month in the eleventh year of Jinghan's reign, Emperor Jinghan Zhou Zhe approved the promotion of several officials. Among them was the promotion of Li Pin, the former Nanhe County Magistrate, to the Deputy Transport Commissioner of the East River Road.
During the First Martial Dynasty, the transport envoys were already equivalent to provincial governors in later generations when their authority was at its peak. In the capital, the person who had direct control over the transport of the entire country was usually the prime minister.
Of course, the Deputy Transport Commissioner was only a fifth-rank official. In the capital, his position was not very high. Among the officials who received an audience with the promotion, his position was also the lowest. But Li Pin was originally a seventh-rank county magistrate. His promotion to the position of Deputy Transport Commissioner before his term was up was indeed a three-rank promotion.
Because of this, he was the center of attention among the officials who had been promoted.
"… Nowadays, there is a bad atmosphere among the scholars." After the morning court, Zhou Zhe said a few words about this matter when he summoned the officials for an audience. "They want to be officials, but they are afraid of being outside. They are especially afraid of being a local official or a parent official. They are afraid of being a county magistrate. This is the most serious problem. I am very distressed."
"In the third year of Jinghan's reign, the entire country lacked a hundred and thirty-five people. In the seventh year of Jinghan's reign, there were still more than ninety people. Especially in Guangnan, there are people who are unwilling to take up the post and delay in the capital. I know all of this. "
"Of course, the position of a county magistrate is burdensome and strict. Once you take up the post, you might not even be able to see your family. I understand all of this. But parent officials! What is a parent official? The so-called county magistrate is the most basic official in the country. They are closest to the people! They say that they work hard for the country for ten years, but in reality, they are just picky. Once they are hired, they want to be officials in the capital! Honestly speaking, those who get the position of county magistrate but don't take up the post will not be able to become an official in the future! I know all of this in my heart. "
As the serious morning court was over, Zhou Zhe arranged for them to walk around the Imperial Garden in order to show their closeness. This made the atmosphere a little more relaxed. But now that he was talking about these things, the calm Emperor put his hands behind his back, and his tone became serious. The officials behind him followed him in fear and trepidation.
Zhou Zhe raised his hand to indicate that they did not need to be so nervous and continued walking slowly.
"I once said that anyone who can be a good county magistrate can do anything well. In the third year of Jinghan, I have promoted more than one county magistrate. De Xin, you are the example of the County Magistrate. Many people are against promoting you to the position of Deputy Transport Commissioner, but after seeing your performance in Nanhe, Zhen still decided to give you this position. Go to Hedong and help Liu Congming. Do your job well and do not disappoint me. The situation in Hedong county magistrate Liu Congming is very bad. Liu of County magistrate. Congming's position.
Li Pin, who was walking at the back, bowed and lowered her head: "This official will do my best and not let Your Majesty down."
A faint smile appeared on Zhou Zhe's face. He turned and waved his hand. "It's not that you don't disappoint me, but don't disappoint the local people …" He pointed at the others behind him. "You all do the same. The Wu dynasty seems to be celebrating peace and harmony, but in reality, there are internal and external troubles. "
As he spoke, he stepped onto an arch bridge. "On the outside, the Liao people have already left. But don't think that the Jin people are easy to deal with. They also came from barren mountains and unruly rivers. They have wild ambitions and are hard to tame. Before the war was over, they tore up the alliance. If not for Tong Shumi, General Guo, and the efforts of many others, not a single inch of Yan Yun Sixteen Prefectures could have been taken back … "
"… Let's talk about the country. This time, several roads in the north and south have suffered. Millions of people are in dire straits. And at this time, there are still many ants and vermin stirring restlessly, wanting to destroy the foundation of this country! All of you must remember these things in your hearts. If things go wrong, even if I don't punish you, the millions of people will not let you off. All of you … remember these words. This is my expectation of all of you. "
At this point, Zhou Zhe's purpose of summoning them had actually been achieved. Then, the ruler and the officials chatted a little more. Zhou Zhe even asked about the family affairs of a few of the officials. Although he didn't single Li Pin out again, he had already been in the limelight during this summoning. After the meeting, the crowd walked out. A few of them even expressed their closeness to Li Pin and made an appointment to eat lunch together. When he left the Imperial City, he saw a few carriages already waiting outside. The person at the front of the carriages was the shopkeeper of Takeshi. Obviously, he had been waiting for him.
Li Pin thought that Ning Yi wanted to invite him for a celebration. He went over to greet him, wanting him to leave first. He and his colleagues had to eat this meal. However, the shopkeeper smiled and bowed. "My master knows that Lord Li will definitely have a small gathering with all of you this afternoon to reminisce. Therefore, he only asked this lowly one to wait here. Wherever all of you want to go, you can ask this lowly one to help arrange it."
"Ah, Liheng …"
There were a total of eight officials promoted this time. Regardless of their rank, most of them would be sent to other places. Their relationships in the capital were also deep and shallow. In any case, the meal used to promote important relationships in the capital would mostly be held at night. This afternoon, the eight of them would have a meal together. After hearing Ning Yi's arrangements, Li Pin couldn't help but smile. However, there wasn't much joy in that smile.
This kind of business behavior that could be arranged one step in advance ultimately made him a little worried. Especially after the Emperor's words, he immediately saw such matters related to wealth and power. In the end, he didn't have a good impression of them.
However, seeing that Li Pin had these connections, the others were more or less interested. To them, although Li Pin's rank was still low, he clearly had connections in the capital. Regarding such matters, everyone usually guessed. At this moment, from Takeshi to the Prime Minister's residence, from the Prime Minister's residence to Qin Siyuan and Li Gang, it was ultimately a good thing to be able to get close to them. And among these people, the other two officials who had close relations with the Prime Minister's residence, because they were older and more experienced, could also enjoy all of this with a clear conscience.
After the noon meal, the shopkeeper then asked about Li Pin's whereabouts and at the same time conveyed Ning Yi's wish to help him celebrate.
Li Pin had just been promoted, the first few nights were naturally to build relationships with some important people. For example, as his backer now, Qin Siyuan was the most important. Ning Yi was nothing more than a merchant in the capital. It was impossible for him to treat her to a meal to celebrate. However, Li Pin thought for a moment, then said, "I'll have to trouble shopkeeper Li to send me to the Right Minister's residence later. My promotion this time is to thank the Prime Minister, but … I'll have to ask shopkeeper Li to tell Li Heng that if the Prime Minister is not free tonight, I don't know if Li Heng is free tonight, let me … prepare some wine to thank him."
That Shopkeeper Li naturally nodded and then had the cart send Li Pin to the Prime Minister's residence, while he himself told Ning Yi Li Pin's words. When he came to the Ning Residence to find Ning Yi, Ning Yi was in the courtyard, holding Ning Xi and teaching him one, two, three, four. Su Tan'er sat at the pavilion not far away, embroidering as she watched the father and son. When Shopkeeper Li came, Ning Yi let go of the child, letting him walk unsteadily towards his mother.
After listening to Shopkeeper Li's words, Ning Yi was more or less puzzled. "Prime Minister Qin has an appointment with Grand Preceptor Cai tonight. He won't be free. Go and prepare a good meal. While you're at it … call Wen Ding and Wen Fang. As long as they're free, they can go and join in the fun. Li Pin is a good person, it's good for them to get acquainted. I will also go call Qin Shaoyu, en, it should be about time. "
Su Tan 'er walked over with the child in her arms. She waited until Manager Li had left before she asked softly, "Shouldn't you just have a private meal with Wen Ding and Wen Fang? Wouldn't it be more troublesome if they went?"
Ning Yi shook his head. "I know Li Pin, and our interactions are all open and aboveboard. Now that he has been promoted, since he wants to invite me, why not treat it as a gathering of friends to celebrate. Moreover, in the past at Yu Shan Academy, he would occasionally help to teach. It isn't like he doesn't know Wen Ding and Wen Fang. What I am curious about is … why did he invite me today? "
Su Tan'er smiled. "Maybe he feels that Prime Minister Qin appreciates and promotes him because of you, Husband."
"Not necessarily." Ning Yi smiled. "Official circles are official circles, and personal friendships are personal friendships. He has just been promoted, and this matter is not easy to handle. He should make some connections to make it easier for him in the future. He can't not understand these things … "
"Anyway, it's your man's business." Su Tan'er shrugged and raised the child to tease him a few times. When she married Ning Yi, although she was gentle, she still had the sharpness of a young girl. But at this time, the sharpness had gradually been restrained, and she had become more compatible with Ning Yi. Occasionally, she would joke with Ning Yi and become more casual. She was no longer awkward because of this matter. In fact, she was still twenty-one or twenty-two years old after all. She was young, beautiful, and calm, but also brimming with delightful vitality.
And in the family, the relationship between the two people and their status in the eyes of others was also more clear. Ning Yi was calm and reliable, and Su Tan'er, as the mistress of the family, also had enough dignity and convincing ability. Almost any matter, as long as it was reported to one of the husband and wife, there would definitely be a way to deal with it. Although their styles were slightly different, the two could actually deal with each other's side very well.
At this time, after a few words, Su Tan'er no longer paid attention to Li Pin. That night, Ning Yi held a banquet in Takeshi and invited Li Pin. During this time, Su Wending, Su Wenfang, Qin Shaoyu, and the others accompanied them. They also called a few beautiful women from Fan Lou. As they toasted, it could be said that the guests and the host were enjoying themselves. This continued until the banquet was about to end. Everyone played with the women and lost their image. Ning Yi went to the balcony of the private room to look at the night view outside. Li Pin walked over with a wine glass.
After Takeshi and Fan Lou cooperated for some business, the two sides had close contact. Su Wending and the others were old acquaintances with the Fan Lou women who came this time, and they played happily in the private room. Li Pin looked at the pedestrians coming and going on the street not far away, and the lively scene of merchants hawking their goods. She casually chatted with Ning Yi for a while. In any case, she deliberated and opened her mouth.
"Liheng, this time coming to the capital, this foolish brother has many emotions in his heart. I understand that in being able to reach this position, Liheng, you have helped a lot. I remember this matter, but because of this, there are a few words that I have been suppressing in my heart, and I will not be happy if I don't say them. But I also hope that Liheng will not misunderstand that I am the kind of arrogant person who picks on people's faults after being promoted … "
Ning Yi glanced at him. "There is no harm in saying it."
"I want to know, what is Liheng doing?" Li Pin thought for a moment and opened her mouth with some difficulty. "You and I have known each other since the end of Ping Mo. There are many things that do not need to be roundabout. Liheng knows that I have studied hard since I was a child because I originally wanted to make a career. When we were in Jiangning, you and I met, and I admired Liheng's knowledge. I was also curious as to why an outstanding person like Liheng would marry into the family. Regarding this matter, Liheng never gave a direct answer. I could only say that everyone has their own aspirations. Although Liheng did not care about his identity at that time, there were many positive thoughts in his lectures. You were willing to tell those students, and I always believed in my heart that Liheng wanted to do something in the end. "
He paused. "Regarding this, I have never had any doubts in my heart. Liheng's knowledge is profound, and his way of thinking may be different from others, but in the end, the Great Dao is the same. Liheng has always been very capable in various matters, including … the matter with Gu Yanzhen. "
Ning Yi frowned. Li Pin, on the other hand, smiled in understanding. "… including the matter with the imperial merchants, including the danger you encountered in Hangzhou, and the Liangshan bandits. There is no need to doubt Liheng's ability to do things. But … when I came to the capital this time, I saw these things, I saw this Takeshi, the carts you sent out, and I saw the things you researched. I have to say, this business of yours, you've really done very well. I'm afraid the money you've earned is not small. This is your ability. But what do you want to do? "
His voice gradually deepened as he asked this question. Ning Yi's fingers tapped the railing on the balcony, and he nodded slightly. Li Pin paused for a moment, and then lowered her voice again. "Liheng is an intelligent person. Speaking to this point, your foolish brother does not intend to hide anything. These days, your foolish brother has been thinking in his heart, this is the path of the rich and powerful. But Liheng, what path can't you walk? On the surface, these rich and powerful people appear to have a lot of money, but in reality, no one has ever looked up to them. They … are trees without roots, duckweed without water. Even if they can help the Prime Minister's residence manage the finances, so what? With Liheng's intelligence, it is impossible for him not to see that in the end, this path will not lead to anywhere. It is even possible that … "
He hesitated for a moment, and then finally lowered his voice to the lowest possible level. "It is even possible that … it is the path of death."
The noise in the distance and the noise in the room could be heard. When Li Pin finished speaking, it caused the balcony to become silent. Ning Yi's fingers tapped lightly on the railing, and a faint smile appeared on his face. Actually, from the moment the words left his mouth, Ning Yi roughly understood the other party's meaning. He also understood that if Li Pin did not regard their friendship as that of a gentleman, she would not have said these words at this time. Moreover, he had wasted the first day of his promotion, when he could have made friends with her.
However, there were many things in his heart that he could not say to others. He nodded, and at this time, pondered for a long time. When his fingers stopped, he then opened his mouth. "De Xin, let me ask you something. What do you think the reason for arranging for you to be the Vice Transport Commissioner this time?"
Li Pin frowned. "At this time, both the north and south sides are suffering from famine, and the situation is urgent. I know that Lord Liu Congming, Liu Congming, is also secretly Prime Minister Qin's person, but after all, I am a new face. I am able to manage matters, and I am able to take action. Even if I offend people, I naturally have to ensure that the disaster relief food route is smooth, so that the disaster relief food can be smoothly distributed. I am mentally prepared for these things. "
"… That is not all." Ning Yi smiled, and after a moment, shook his head. "This time, your greatest responsibility is not to ensure that the disaster relief food route is smooth, but to ensure that the disaster relief food route is smooth. It won't be long before you understand this. "
"The disaster relief?" Li Pin was puzzled.
However, he heard Ning Yi say on the other side, "The position of the County Magistrate has been promoted by three levels to the Vice Transport Commissioner. Moreover, the position of the Transport Commissioner is a truly important position. De Xin, this matter, for those who are slightly less capable, is no different from arsenic. Even for you, this matter can only be regarded as a great tonic. Sometimes, the tonic of tigers and wolves can save you thirty years of hard work, but the slightest bit of carelessness can backfire on you. It seems that you have a certain degree of mental preparation, and this couldn't be any better. "
After listening to Ning Yi point out this matter, Li Pin's expression became truly serious. At this time, he suddenly understood that regarding this matter, as well as the inside story of his promotion, the Ning Yi in front of him knew far more than he had imagined. In this way, perhaps Ning Yi's position in the Prime Minister's residence was far from as simple as he had previously thought …
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