Yang Ling did not wake up early. He chose to leave when the morning court session was about to end. He wanted to meet the Emperor before the afternoon court session to exchange ideas. Before he left, Yang Ling ran to the front and ordered: "Don't shout. Lower your voice. Hold the flag and don't strike the gong."
Princess Yongfu was a sweet and lovely girl. Because of Yang Ling's carelessness, he chose a sick man as his concubine. The man was so heartbroken that he wanted to become a nun and shave his virginity. Yang Ling felt guilty and hid as much as he could. How could he dare to see her?
As a result, Duke Wei's guard of honor was ambushed. They quietly left the village and didn't strike the gong for fear of alerting the Huang Nunnery.
When he arrived at the Forbidden City, the morning court session had just ended. Before Emperor Zhengde could catch his breath, the Imperial Censorate's Deputy Imperial Censor Yang Fang, Assistant Minister Zhao Jianzhi of the Ministry of Punishments, and Hanlin Academy's Gao Wei caught up with him. Yang Fang used to be Zhan Shi of Zhan Shi's Residence. He was an honest and upright official. However, he had been mixed up with Wang Qiong. First, he opposed Yang Ling, then Liu Jin. In the end, he was sent to another place.
More than half of the officials in the Imperial Censorate had been investigated. When it was time to fill the vacancies, Yang Tinghe remembered this old friend from Zhan Shi Manor and transferred him back. He was now the Deputy Imperial Messenger, and his authority was even greater than before.
These days, Zhengde was exhausted by the affairs of the court. In the end, it was because of the lack of money. In fact, as big as a country and as small as a family, many things ultimately had to be implemented in the economy. Without money, many things could not be carried out, be it the military or the government.
In fact, the lack of money was only the imperial court. There were countless rich people among the people. However, no matter how rich the people were, the imperial court could not steal or rob. It would take too long to improve the economy through normal means. It was not a good policy or a good method that could be immediately effective. On the contrary, many good policies that were conducive to long-term stability always burned money in the beginning.
In this aspect, the Emperor was not good at it. Yang Tinghe was good at financial management and had thought of many ways. However, there were too many places that needed money. His ideas were not very useful. Zhengde had begun to pay attention to the state affairs. Every day, he received a large number of memorials, but they were all related to money. He couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Zhengde knew that Yang Ling had returned to the capital. The two of them liked to discuss things in private. He guessed that Yang Ling would arrive soon, so he was in a good mood. He picked up a meat pie and was about to eat it when he saw Yang Fang walk in with his head high and chest out.
After Yang Fang entered the Imperial Censorate, he did his work quite seriously. He cleaned up many old abuses and practices. He implemented the "Official Examination Law" very strictly. Yang Fang's sleeves were clean, he did not accept bribes, and he did not fear power. He could not find a weakness that others could use against him, so he did not have any misgivings about anyone. Zheng De's impression of him gradually improved, so when he saw him enter, Zheng De did not feel impatient.
With a smile, he asked the servants to show chairs to Yang Fang and the others. Then he took a bite of the pie and asked, "What's the matter that can't be said in the morning or afternoon court, and must be chased into the back hall?"
Yang Fang thanked the emperor and cupped her hands in obeisance. "Your Majesty, I heard that Duke of Wei, Yang Ling, has returned to the capital with a concubine and a daughter. The daughter is almost two years old."
Zhengde was eating with great relish and had bitten the pie into the shape of a crescent moon. As soon as he heard this, he put down the crescent moon and asked curiously, "It's not strange to bring back a concubine, but why is there a daughter? Oh … could it be that he has taken a fancy to a widow? "
Yang Fang hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, that is not the case. According to this official's investigation, that woman is the daughter of a minor official. She is not betrothed to anyone yet. That daughter is also Duke Wei's biological daughter."
Zhengde thought for a moment and laughed, "This bastard is also a playboy. He must have flirted everywhere when he went to Jiangnan and hooked up with other people's daughters. Hehehe, eh? Why are you telling this to me? "
Yang Fang patiently said, "That woman's biological father died for the country three years ago in the battle of Chicken Cry Inn. This woman returned to her hometown Jin Ling with mourning. Her brother enlisted in the army and this woman was mourning on behalf of her brother. She should have mourned for her deceased father for three years, but this daughter is already two years old now. It can be seen …"
"Yes, it can be seen that she did not mourn for three years. This fellow, Yang Ling, is too outrageous." Zhengde angrily slammed the table.
Seeing this, Yang Fang was overjoyed and hurriedly said, "That's right, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is wise, Duke Wei, he …"
"He even seduced a woman who is in the mourning period. As expected, he is good with flowery words and is good at seducing women's hearts. But this blockhead, why doesn't he make a move when he should?" Zhengde became sullen and thought to himself, "Zhen's imperial younger sister has the looks and the status. For you, she even became a sister-in-law. How can the imperial family not be worthy of you?"
Seeing that the emperor was angry, Yang Fang couldn't help but be secretly happy. She temporarily put aside the emperor's incomprehensible words and hurriedly continued, "Your Majesty, as an official, the most important thing is morality. How can a person without morality understand propriety, justice, integrity, and shame? As a citizen, the most important thing is filial piety. Mourning for one's father until his death is a great etiquette. However, Yang Ling has failed Your Majesty's grace. During his inspection, he actually had an affair with a woman who was in the mourning period. If this matter were to spread, his morals would be ruined. Your Majesty should severely punish him as a warning to others. "
Zhengde rubbed his chin. Only now did he remember that Yang Fang and Yang Ling had always been at odds. He glanced at Yang Fang, then at the assistant minister of the Ministry of Punishments, Zhao Jianzhi, and the scholar of Hanlin Academy, Gao Wei, and asked, "Are you all here for this matter?"
The three of them nodded and said, "Yes."
Zhengde nodded and thought, "Just based on the fact that Yang Ling has eyes but can't see and didn't even flirt with a little beauty that was sent to his door, zhen should punish him severely. But if I hang a sign of moral deficiency on him, then wouldn't it be more difficult for meimei to marry him?" Thinking to this point, he shook his head again.
Yang Fang saw him nodding and shaking his head, not understanding the Emperor's intentions. She urged, "Your Majesty, Duke Wei has been blessed by the Emperor for a long time, but he can't be a role model for the other officials. If we don't punish him severely, the other officials will follow suit, and their morals will be corrupted and their ethics will be lost."
Emperor Zhengde rolled his eyes. He hated being labeled. In the past, these officials had often done this to him. Even now, he still had a lingering fear when he thought about it. He spread out his hands and impatiently said, "Then what do you all think should be done?"
Zhao Jianzhi immediately said, "He should be stripped of his title of nobility."
Zhengde laughed dryly and said, "Isn't this too serious? Back then, Duke Yan Sheng strangled four people to death and raped forty women … "
Gao Wei hurriedly said, "In my opinion, we should immediately strip Yang Ling of all his duties in the imperial court and let him be a Duke, as a punishment."
Zhengde glared and scolded, "Scoundrel! Even if he's a father, when the imperial court needs people, there's still the method of 'seduction' to compromise. Why is the Emperor not observing filial piety? It's because the country can't be without a ruler for even a day. We can't let personal feelings affect the affairs of the country. The Mongolians beyond the Great Wall are currently in a civil war. If we take action at the right time, Ming Destiny's greatest threat in the Northern Borderline can be quelled in one fell swoop.
The White Bandits roamed the world and their power was like the sun in the sky. If it wasn't for Yang Ling, how could they be quelled so quickly? Strip him of all his duties. Are you going to do this for me? Hmm, come, come. Make a military pledge for me. If you can quell the chaos outside the Great Wall, wipe out the remaining White Bandits, promote the implementation of new policies, and protect Ming Destiny's country, I will immediately strip him of his official position and title. "
Gao Wei was choked to the point of rolling his eyes. He was a bit flustered and exasperated. He was the Imperial Censor and was only responsible for reporting to the emperor. Wasn't the Emperor acting shamelessly? In the future, if the Imperial Censor wanted to report someone, the Emperor could just say, "If you can do it, then I'll do it." Then what's the point of being an Imperial Censor? Everything has been settled. Can't he just enter the Palace and pay his respects to the Prime Minister?
Yang Fang grabbed the red-faced Gao Wei and said to Emperor Zhengde, "In Your Majesty's opinion, how should we deal with this?"
Zhengde said slowly, "There are priorities. Personal morality or the country, which is more important? You don't need me to explain it to you, right? State affairs or family affairs, which is more important, do you still need me to say it? Besides, it's a waste of one's youth if one doesn't flirt. King Zhuang of Chu's beloved concubine was molested and he was magnanimous and tolerant. I am the Emperor of Ming Destiny, how can I not be compared to King Zhuang of Chu? If I make a big fuss over such a small matter, what do you think Ming Destiny and the Four Barbarians will think? Will they think that I value filial piety and morality, or will they think that I am an incapable ruler? "
Yang Fang did not expect the Emperor to say such words. When did the Emperor's words become so incisive? During the court debate, Yang Ling used this trick: Using power to oppress others. If you are afraid of power, you have to have scruples when speaking. Once you have scruples, what lethality do you have? Now the Emperor is giving them a choice. If they punish Yang Ling, that means they are narrow-minded and not as good as King Zhuang of Chu. That means they are an incapable ruler. If they are the opposite, they are magnanimous and love their officials. What do you think they should do?
Yang Fang really disliked Yang Ling. She especially hated that as a Duke, he often interfered in political affairs and violated the rules that had been established for hundreds of years. She originally wanted to use this matter to punish him. She did not expect the Emperor to go around in circles and put the blame on himself. Now, whether or not to punish Yang Ling was related to the Emperor's reputation and influence in the Four Barbarians. How could they impeach him?
Yang Fang suppressed her anger and said, "Yes, Your Majesty has considered it thoroughly. It is I who did not consider it thoroughly. I am guilty."
Zhengde chuckled and said, "You are all loyal to the affairs of the country and worry for me. Those who speak are not guilty, those who speak are not guilty. I will not blame you."
Yang Fang laughed bitterly and cupped her hands. "If that is the case, we will take our leave. Your Majesty, please rest."
"Okay, okay, you can all leave. Ah, wait, your loyalty is commendable. Not only will I not be guilty, I will still reward you. Xiao Guizi, take my meat patties away. Each official will reward one. "
The eunuchs hurriedly complied and carried the plates down. Each of them gave a piece of meat patty three sizes smaller than their palms. The three adults held the patty in their palms, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, and bowed to express their thanks again before leaving. With a smile, Zhengde picked up his leftover 'crescent moon' and began to gnaw on it.
As soon as Yang Ling entered the Hall of Preserving Harmony, he saw Yang Fang, three people, were coming out. The three ministers were standing in a straight line, their left sleeves were fluttering, their right hands were raised high. For a moment Yang Ling could not figure out what kind of martial art they were practicing. The three of them also saw Yang Ling. Logically speaking, they should go forward to pay their respects. Fortunately they were holding the gifts from His Majesty in their hands, so there was nothing wrong if they did not salute. The three of them simply pretended not to see him. Their eyes did not look sideways as they flapped their wings and left.
Yang Ling stood in the corner of the hall and curiously watched the three of them leave. Hastily he took out Wudang's secret technique. His left hand hugging the sun and moon, his right hand swinging the heaven and earth, he turned around and entered the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
His martial art skill had never been neglected, especially the internal energy cultivation method. Other than strengthening the body, it also contained the way to maintain one's health. Yang Ling combined it with the thirty-eight bedroom techniques that he and Cheng Qiyun had learned from each other. He felt that other than strengthening the body, using it in bed, even Cheng Qiyun, a top courtesan, would find it hard to endure. Therefore, he was in high spirits and practiced unceasingly.
Wu Hanchao often praised his determination and determination, he was even more hardworking than when he was forced to practice by his shifu with a stick on the mountain. But he did not know that Yang Ling had such an insignificant purpose.
* * *
"Humble subject pays respect to His Majesty." As soon as Yang Ling entered the door, he called out loudly.
There was no need to perform a formal greeting in the inner hall, but he had just returned from an imperial mission, so he had to perform a monarch and subject greeting. However, Yang Ling's voice was shouted earlier, when he walked in front of the Emperor and put on airs to kneel, the Emperor's' rise, rise 'had already left his mouth, so Yang Ling seized the opportunity to stand up with a grin.
How could Emperor Zhengde not understand his intention? He snorted and quickly finished chewing the meat pie in his mouth. He also picked up the goats milk and drank a big gulp before saying, "All right, sit down, don't pretend in front of Zhen."
He took the towel from Xiao Guizi's hand and wiped his hands. Propping his chin with both hands, his eyes glanced at Yang Ling, and then he sighed and said, "Actually, Zhen knows that it's useless to call you back to the capital, you can't produce any money. Carrying out the new policy, encouraging agriculture, industry and commerce, no matter what, it will take at least two years to see the results. Calling you here is because I don't want Zhen to worry alone, you can accompany Zhen to worry. "
Yang Ling smiled and sat down on a chair at the side, saying, "Emperor, the civil and military officials in the court each have their own strengths, each have their own specialties, this subject naturally does not dare to boast of being a capable official, but there is no harm for Your Majesty to talk to this subject, perhaps this subject can give Your Majesty some ideas."
"What are you talking about, no money, no money, Zhen's treasury is empty, even the daily expenses are not enough. If there is a flood or drought in all directions, or an unexpected change in the battlefield, then what? Every time Zhen thinks of this, Zhen is really deeply worried. Why aren't you saying anything? If you don't have any ideas, then don't look at Zhen like that, Zhen is not a woman. "
Yang Ling stood up, respectfully standing in front of the imperial table, and properly performed a formal greeting. Emperor Zhengde strangely stood up, pressing on the table and stretching his neck to look in front of him, "Just now you didn't want to perform a formal greeting, why are you doing it now? Zhen can tell you first, if you cause trouble again, no matter how well you say it, Zhen will not help you. "
"Your Majesty, this subject is representing the common people of the world to salute our Emperor for ten thousand years," Yang Ling sternly said, "Your Majesty's heart is pure and kind, your intelligence is extraordinary, but because you are still young and have lived in the depths of the palace for a long time, you do not know the suffering of the common people, and your nature is to play and have fun. Today, hearing Your Majesty's words, your heart already contains the country, the common people, living in peace and being able to think of danger, you are truly a wise ruler. This subject feels very fortunate for the people of the world."
Hearing this, the corners of Zhengde's mouth opened, wanting to smile, but he quickly stiffened, coughing twice, he solemnly said, "Rise, rise, this has always been Zhen's responsibility as the ruler of a country. En … it sounds like you are praising Zhen, but why does it sound like Zhen is saying that before today, Zhen was not a wise ruler? "
Yang Ling stood up, smiling as he said, "Your Majesty is thinking too much. Your Majesty, you are worried about the current financial constraints, this subject really does have some ideas. In fact, in this subject's opinion, Great Scholar Yang will certainly be able to think of these ideas, it's just that he might not dare to say them to Your Majesty. In front of Your Majesty, this subject has less scruples. As long as it is beneficial to the country, to the country, to Your Majesty, this subject will not hide anything. "
Zhengde sat down again, saying with great interest, "Then quickly say it, what ideas do you have?"
Yang Ling muttered to himself for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, in fact, to make a country rich and powerful, it is not just to open up new sources of income and to reduce expenditure. Opening up the sea and trade, greatly promoting industry and agriculture, this is opening up new sources of income. To open up new sources of income, we first need to dig canals to draw water. Right now, the national policy that the court is implementing is precisely the process of digging canals to draw water. Although there is some expenditure now, we must persevere. If we persevere, the channels will be opened, and the silver will flow into the treasury of the court like water.
The other thing is to reduce expenditure. In the past two years, there have been incessant wars and internal and external disputes. Although we have won a great victory, we have also used up all of the savings of the court. The source of income has not been completed yet, and at this time, the finances are tight. This subject feels that we should start from reducing expenditure, saving expenditure, loving the people, and protecting the foundation of the country in order to tide over this difficult time. "
He pointed to the four walls and said, "Your Majesty, look, the four walls of the palace you are in are brightly lit. Even during the day, the candles are incessantly lit, as if they are afraid that there is a place that cannot be illuminated. In fact, there is no need for them at all. At night, the entire palace is brightly lit. In such a large palace, there are more than nine thousand rooms, and the candles are all of the best quality. If there is some restraint, it would be tens of thousands of taels of silver a month. How much can we save just from this?
Furthermore, Your Majesty's evening banquet has at least a hundred dishes, but in reality, Your Majesty only eats less than ten dishes in front of you. The rest are all for show. The Former Emperor loved the people and wanted to reflect on themselves, so he stipulated that the dishes for show cannot be changed every day. Usually, if they are left for three days, they can only be made again if they are spoiled. But in your subject's opinion, what are these things for? "
Zhengde slapped his thigh and said, "That's right, Zhen is also vexed. When I eat a meal, I sit there, one dish after another is served endlessly. By the time all of them are served, the first few dishes would have already turned cold. Zhen is a lot better in the Leopard Garden, I can eat whatever I want, Zhen is too lazy to serve too many dishes. You are right, these places should be changed. "
Yang Ling continued, "For example, the lanterns for the Lantern Festival, the lanterns cost at least a hundred thousand taels of silver each time. When the country is in a tight situation, there is no harm in saving. The cost of repairing the palace, the reward of the palace treasury, the cost of clothing, the cost of weaving, and so on, for the moment the country's affairs are the priority, we can be frugal. "
With a smile that was not a smile, Zhengde said, "Very good, you have the idea to touch Zhen's head. No wonder you said that Yang Tinghe did not dare to mention it. Hehe, but what you said makes sense. In any case, Zhen is not living in the Palace, why would I put on such a grand show? As for the details, Zhen will have the Ministry of Internal Affairs come up with a detailed report, let Du Fu review it one by one, and then carry it out. Other than the Empress Dowager's palace, all expenses will be reduced. "
"Your Majesty is wise. According to what Chen knows, there are many confiscated treasures in Sishku, piled up there to be weathered and decayed, with no one to manage them. Some low-ranking officials in charge of the treasury even covet them and embezzle from them. In the past, the Ministry of Internal Affairs had a precedent of disposing of surplus goods. Now, there is no harm in following this precedent and having people auction off those confiscated goods. Your Majesty, you do not have money, but there are many people with money among the common people. Your Majesty, the pearls, jades, and gems that you do not take a fancy to are priceless in their eyes.
In addition, these things came from the Imperial Palace, stained with a layer of Your Majesty's rich and noble air, their price will certainly be higher. Take out these useless things that cannot be eaten or worn, piled up in the treasury, and exchange them for the gold and silver that the court urgently needs. Chen believes that this will be a huge fortune. "
Zhengde nodded repeatedly. Yang Ling continued, "These are only temporary. The Imperial Family should always have the majesty of the Imperial Family. When the country is rich, there should still be the necessary ceremonies. However, there are some things in the system that can be taken this opportunity to be straightened out. For example, the overflow of redundant personnel. Liu Jin had cleaned them up when he was still in power, but his purpose was to attack the officials and seek personal benefits. He did not really clean up the redundant personnel. In the end, those who sent gifts were all fine, but many people were inserted. The more officials there are, the more there are. However, this matter should be cautious. I suggest that the cabinet should study it in detail before making a decision.
In addition, the reward fees should be reduced. In the process of the Ministry of War gradually implementing the recruitment system, the cost of passengers and soldiers will be greatly reduced. The sea and river transportation will all be unimpeded. The logistics from the north to the south will speed up, and the losses will be greatly reduced. The various courier stations in Ming Destiny are responsible for providing food, lodging, servants, carriages, and so on for the officials who come and go. They have always been used only for military and national affairs. Now, as long as one is an official, regardless of official or private affairs, even family and servants, all use the courier stations. The cost is astonishing. If all these things are cleaned up, it will not be easy to survive these two years. "
Zhengde clapped his hands and sighed, "If I had known this earlier, why would I be so worried? Hey! However, if these things are not handled well, the top will offend the palace, and the bottom will offend the officials. No wonder no one dares to mention it. All right, just take it as my idea. Tomorrow, I will ask the cabinet to propose it. Don't stand out. The Empress Dowager and the Empress are not very friendly to you. There are many officials in the court who want to find fault with you. "
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for thinking of this official." Yang Ling bowed deeply.
Zhengde suddenly said, "That's right, I saw your report. In the great victory in Jiangnan, only one female bandit escaped. She seems to have escaped back to Taihang. The Ministry of War's report is vague, and Miao Kui's memorial hasn't arrived yet. Do you know the details?"
Yang Ling jumped and said without batting an eyelid, "Yes, only one female bandit, Yang Chuhu, led a group of people and escaped. Originally, they wanted to escape to Shaanxi and rely on the Loess Plateau and Qinling Mountains to further develop. However, Eunuch Miao saw through their tricks and gathered a large number of troops on the Western Front. The remnants of the White Shirts failed on the verge of success and fled back to Taihang Mountains to become bandits."
Zhengde laughed, "Going back to where they came from. They can only live as bandits. Now I am relieved. One female bandit can't do much. Otherwise, if I continue to use the army, I really can't bear it. But even so, I still have to suppress them. Only, I don't need to go to war. "
As he said this, he suddenly remembered Yang Fang's impeachment of Yang Ling. The corners of his mouth tilted, and he glanced at him with a smile that wasn't a smile. "I heard you have a woman in Jinling, and a daughter already?"
Yang Ling said, "Someone reported to Your Majesty so quickly?" He didn't care. He immediately lifted his robe and shouted, "This official is guilty, this official is terrified."
"Alright, alright, don't play dumb with me. You have the ability. Isn't Yang Chuhu a female bandit? Why don't you seduce her back? If you seduce her, how much money will I save? Is she too ugly? "
Yang Ling laughed dryly, "Then … do you want Your Majesty to send this official there again? This official is ordered to seduce a girl?"
"Seduce a girl? What do you mean? "
"Oh, oh, it's ordered to seduce."
Emperor Zhengde snorted unhappily, "If you want to go, then go. Dress me up first and marry an immortal."
At this time, Xiao Guizi tiptoed over and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, it's time for the afternoon court."
Zhengde nodded and said, "I'm going to court. There are still many things I want to discuss with you. But now that the money has been settled and my urgent need has been resolved, I'm finally at ease. You've just returned, rest more in the residence. If there's anything, you don't need to go to court. Just go to the leopard garden to find me. "
"Oh, right, Yongfu has already gone to the Huang nunnery. If you have nothing to do, go there more often."
"Ah? This official is a man. Go to the nunnery more often? "
"Nonsense, isn't Yu Mei still not a nun? She's cultivating with her hair. Help me persuade her. Why would she become a nun at such a young age? Subject Yang, you must help me with this matter. I'll give you an edict now, allowing you to do whatever you want. No matter what you do, as long as Yu Mei doesn't become a nun, I won't blame you. "
"What else can this official do? Can this official kidnap Her Highness the Princess back? "
"Do as you see fit. I'm going to court. Oh, right, take this! "Zhengde picked up the plate and stuffed the last meat pie into Yang Ling's palm.
Yang Ling's eyes widened, "What is this?"
"Meat pie. Don't waste it. We have to be thrifty in times of crisis."
Emperor Zhengde hurriedly went to court. Yang Ling held the meat pie in his hand. Only now did he understand why Yang Fang and the other two looked like models on a runway.
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