The Overlord of the Red Mansion

Chapter 251: Throwing dirty water

Jia Rong, twenty-eight years old, is not very energetic.

It was another hot summer day, and it was Jia Rong's last day at work.

"I will be in seclusion tomorrow. There is no war outside and the country is peaceful and the people are safe. It doesn't matter if I rest for two or three months. If you have anything important to say, please tell me quickly."

Jia Rong took advantage of the coolness in the morning to ask these people to speak quickly.

The Left Prime Minister stood up, holding a notebook in his hand, on which were written in pencil various problems to be solved today.

The advantages of pencil writing are huge. Not only can you write quickly and record quickly, but you also don't have to worry about dirtying other people's desks.

Especially when it comes to taking notes during meetings, pencils are a hundred times better than brushes!
Just like the hairstyle, Jia Rong did not force anyone, but nowadays more and more high-ranking officials have short hair, and more and more people do not have beards.

Official uniforms are mandatory. Everyone has to wear whatever clothes Jia Rong distributes.

Don’t come to court without wearing it.

Imperial power is centralized, and Jia Rong now holds most of the power.

The princes in various places had some power, but Jia Rong had no intention of touching them, nor did he think about being a good emperor.

Some landlords in the south of the Yangtze River did not move for the time being. Jia Rong had never thought of being a good emperor and did not take these things seriously.

But as long as Jia Rong notices it, the conscienceless Jia Rong will definitely not have any moral burden.

The left prime minister quickly said, "Your Majesty, the collection of summer grain has begun in various places this year. The governor of Jiangnan asked about the tax collection this year."

Jia Rong said directly: "We have exempted taxes for a year. The emperor also exempted taxes two years ago. This year, we will collect taxes according to the previous ones. If you still don't know what's good for you, don't blame me for being rude."

"First, find a few rich counties to collect the money, and send an official from Beijing to tell the local gentry and landlords to be more sensible. Otherwise, I will do something like leaving the land but not the people."

Because of the hot weather, Jia Rong stopped pretending and took simple measures to deal with the troublesome situation.

"Yes..." The Left Prime Minister didn't quite recognize Jia Rong. He didn't expect Jia Rong to say such words.

The emperor wouldn't be able to say such words to ordinary people, right?

Even if I want to do it, I can't say it...

The left prime minister quickly said, "There has not been a drop of water in the Zhou territory for three consecutive months since the beginning of spring. The Zhou king requests a tax reduction."

"Yes." Jia Rong agreed casually, and then said, "In the future, when officials from various places submit memorials, they should write down the weather in their respective places, such as whether it was sunny or rainy or snowy on a certain day of a certain month of a certain year. The Grand Secretary of Wenyuan Pavilion will arrange two Hanlin scholars to record the weather, and then make rainfall statistics for various places, so that the weather in each province can be clearly understood in advance."

"In the future, whether it is disaster relief or flood prevention, the court will also be able to know in advance."

The left prime minister said respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Jia Rong looked at all the officials and asked, "Is there anyone who knows about water conservancy, agriculture, mathematics, and calendar?"

Everyone sitting in the conference room of the State Building looked at each other.

Soon, more than a dozen people stood up.

Everyone knows Jia Rong's character. As long as Jia Rong values you, you will naturally have an important task.

The people gathered here are the best people in the country, and they are a group of people who have been selected, not all of them are those who can only write articles.

At least there's no one too stupid sitting here.

Jia Rong saw that there were many people who understood the four fields, so he smiled and said, "Those who understand industry continue to stand."

Soon six of the dozen people who stood up sat down.

Jia Rong looked at these people and said, "Those with real power and positions, please sit down."

Soon a few more people sat down, and finally there were only four people left.

Jia Rong found it very interesting. "I didn't expect that there are still four capable people who haven't taken up their posts. This is my negligence. What are your positions now? What are you responsible for?"

The four of them answered quickly according to their positions.

"Your Majesty, I am the Right Supervisor of Shanglin Garden, a fifth-rank official, in charge of the imperial gardens."

"Your Majesty, I am the Minister of the Imperial Household Department, a sixth-rank official, responsible for the branding, distribution, feeding, and breeding of horses for cavalry."

"Your Majesty, I am the Right First Officer of the Taoist Records Department, a sixth-rank official, in charge of Taoist affairs."

"Your Majesty, I am a scholar of the Imperial Academy, a fifth-rank official, responsible for compiling books. I translated the Western book 'Elements of Geometry' and also wrote 'The Meaning of the Pythagorean Theory' and 'The Differences and Similarities of Measurement'."

Jia Rong smiled and said, "As expected, talents can be produced in less busy positions. You can study whatever you want. I have set up the position of academician, and the salary will be calculated according to the fourth rank. You four can hand over the positions to others, and find some capable people to form a meteorological engineering department, which will specialize in providing advice on agriculture, industry, military, etc. based on the weather and geographical conditions."

"The weather tables for various places are what you are responsible for. The cabinet will send people to record the weather in the future. You just need to keep statistics. You can do whatever you want in the rest of the time. Research what you want to explore and tell me the results when you summarize them."

The four bosses said in unison: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Jia Rong looked at the Left Prime Minister again.

"Left Prime Minister, continue."

"Yes!" The left prime minister quickly continued to ask questions, "The Far North Rosa and the Western Persian, Indian, Korean, and Western countries all want to trade with our country. Among them, Spain hopes to rent a port for trade."

Jia Rong smiled and said, "Yes, but let the nobles of their country come to talk to me. At least they have to be countesses or duchesses. If they can bring enough wealth, I can provide them with an island to live on under my protection."

Seeing that the matter could not be resolved within at least a year, Prime Minister Zuo continued to discuss other matters.

"The Emperor has been on the throne for a year. Has the construction of the Imperial Mausoleum begun?"

The construction of the tombs of ancient emperors took many years. Preparations basically began from the moment they ascended the throne, and sometimes it took more than ten years to complete.

The short time naturally proves that the ability is insufficient, and the burial place is also a bit shabby.

For example, the emperor's burial was very hasty.

The more luxurious the imperial mausoleum is, the more it proves the emperor's ability.

For ancient rulers, the sooner the imperial mausoleum was built, the better.

Jia Rong said casually, "No need. When I die, I will be burned to ashes and my ashes will be scattered into the Yellow River. There is no need to waste people's money and build an imperial mausoleum. There is no need to mention this matter again. What else is there?"

The left prime minister bowed his head and said, "The imperial inspector reported that someone was secretly making cigarettes and opening a tobacco pipe."

"Investigate. If you find out, it's a capital crime!" Jia Rong said coldly, "Tobacco is a national treasure. It is a weapon I use to raise troops and strengthen the country. Anyone who dares to touch it will have all the men in the family killed! The women will be sent to the Jiaofangsi as slaves, or sent to the border to be given to unmarried soldiers as wives!"

"The Censor of the Inspectorate! The Minister of the Supreme Court! The Censor of the Ministry of Justice! The three of you take the Eastern Camp Thousand Households of the Embroidered Uniformed Army and investigate this matter thoroughly! We must kill a few of them to show those rats who dare to take action! Let them know what money is illegally obtained!!"

The people who were named stood up quickly, "I obey your order!"

Jia Rong has no sense of morality towards those who steal his money!

The left prime minister continued, "The governor of Gansu Province has reported that there are chieftains in the territory who are rebelling and gathering people to cause trouble."

"Send troops, suppress, and kill." Jia Rong made casual arrangements.

The feudal era had its advantages. If there was a flood, it would be flooded. There was no need to rescue.

It doesn’t matter to Jia Rong how many people died outside. His subordinates can just do what they need to do.

Being an emperor is not that hard. Every dynasty has its share of rebellions and uprisings.

Of course rebellion must be suppressed, so why should we just go along with it?

Jia Rong never thought about being a good emperor. Even if he wanted to be a saint, it was just an idea, not a necessity.

Now it’s enough for the court to continue functioning, there’s no need to work so hard on yourself.

The Left Prime Minister had the most things to do, but they were all resolved within an hour.

After the matter of the Left Prime Minister was resolved, Zong Zhengling stood up and saluted.

"Your Majesty, since last Mid-Autumn Festival, nine months have passed without disaster, and the concubines in the harem have all become pregnant. I think it's time to offer sacrifices to the heavens and ancestors to thank God for his protection! I also congratulate Your Majesty on your accession to the throne, which has brought peace and prosperity to the country and the people, and the beginning of a peaceful and prosperous era with all nations paying tribute!" Jia Rong frowned, "I just remembered that the reign title has not been decided yet. I was planning to decide on it after I turned thirty. But since it's been a year since I ascended the throne, this year is a good year for the holy dynasty, with a saint ruling the world and all nations paying tribute."

Zong Zheng was so embarrassed that he couldn't speak.

Several old civil servants with white hair and long beards were so embarrassed that they were speechless.

It’s too big...Aren’t you afraid of spraining your waist?
Although many people were reluctant, the originally chaotic court did flourish under Jia Rong's governance.

Envoys from various countries did indeed surrender and submit one after another during the year or so that Jia Rong ascended the throne.

Jia Rong lived successfully for more than a year. Now that he was willing to use the title of the Holy Dynasty, no one could object.

The third teacher of the crown prince stood up and said, "Your Majesty, the reign title has been decided, and it is time to appoint a crown prince."

Jia Rong said disdainfully: "No hurry, wait until I'm thirty."

The prince's tutor advised, "Your Majesty! Only by appointing a crown prince early can the country be stable! I think Jia Yuanchun, the daughter of the Minister of Works Jia Zheng, is beautiful, virtuous and intelligent. She can be the queen!"

Jia Rong scolded, "My wife stays at home every day, how do you know what she looks like?!"

The prince's three teachers were all embarrassed. They never expected that Jia Rong would care about this.

Jia Rong scolded again, "Don't meddle in my family affairs all day long. I am the emperor, not my son. Besides, you have all read history books. How many princes succeeded to the throne smoothly? Half of them? I was also a top scholar in the imperial examination. I have read more books than you!"

"There is no need to mention the Crown Prince! If I die young, I will select a wise man from among the kings to inherit the throne and return the country to the former royal family."

“Zongzheng, remember this clearly! Even if you are looking for an heir from among the kings, find me one with many descendants. Don’t find someone who has only one son and daughter for three generations. Such people have inherited genetic diseases from their ancestors! Then the whole lineage will be in trouble!”

Jia Rong's words were remembered by everyone.

Zong Zheng said again: "Your Majesty, even if you are looking for one from the royal families, please point to one. We are not talented enough to choose the most suitable successor."

Jia Rong said, "How about this. I will write a name and put it behind the sign above my head today. No one is allowed to peek at it without permission! Otherwise, it will be considered as treason!"

"If something happens to me, you will all take out the note from behind the sign to welcome the new emperor."

Jia Rong used a completely new method of establishing a crown prince.

The Crown Prince's Guardian asked, "Your Majesty! If you appoint a crown prince but don't let him get familiar with government affairs and receive instruction in advance, how is that different from not appointing a crown prince at all?"

Jia Rong scolded, "It is to prevent you from supporting the prince privately and looking for trouble! Do you have to promote the prince so that the treacherous officials can collude and win him over, and cause discord among the brothers?!"

The prince's guard was furious and said anxiously: "I resign! I am going back to my hometown!"

"Yes!" Jia Rong was not lenient with these people at all, and scolded: "To tell you the truth, the late emperor told Your Majesty before his death that you three bastards who instigated the prince to rebel should be killed! If I hadn't persuaded the emperor, you three and those people in the East Palace would have been punished and killed long ago! If you don't believe me, go ask the commander-in-chief of the five armies directly. Those people are not dead yet!!"

The Prince's Junior Tutor was stunned. They didn't expect that the Emperor was so vindictive, nor did they expect that their student, the Emperor, intended to kill them.

After scolding the man, Jia Rong felt much better. He realized that he didn't need to look for trouble all day long.

But at this time, the hot-tempered Prince Junior Tutor shouted loudly: "You are slandering me!"

Jia Rong saw the old man come out from his seat, walk straight to Jia Rong's throne, raise his arm and curse: "You beast who has no king and no father!!"

Jia Rong frowned. He had no feelings for his father, but he was unhappy that the old man was pointing at him and scolding him.

The old man continued to curse: "Little beast! Do you dare to kill me?!"

Jia Rong showed a puzzled expression and quickly took out a gun from his trouser pocket.

"boom!"

Gunshots rang out!

Jia Rong fired!

The Prince's Tutor was shot!
He's not dead yet!

boom!
boom!
boom!
he died……

Jia Rong stood up with a frown and looked at the dead old man.

All the ministers were silent, and even the guards nearby were extremely quiet.

Of course Jia Rong is not guilty of murder because he is the emperor.

Moreover, this old man was so ignorant of his own danger that he dared to curse the emperor in the court. If it were any other emperor, he would have ended up with his property confiscated and his clan exterminated.

Jia Rong quickly walked down from the throne and looked at the old man's body on the ground.

Under the gaze of his ministers, Jia Rong pulled out a white hair from the old man who was lying twisted in a pool of blood.

"This old man is the assassin. Come here! Search his house thoroughly!"

"Catch these two too! Damn it, I suspected the eunuchs and palace maids before, but I didn't suspect these three old men who often walked around the palace!"

Seeing this, the guards nearby quickly came over to arrest the man.

Although no one believed that these three skinny old men were capable of charging into the camp, since the emperor had given the order, they naturally had to obey.

"It's unfair! It's unfair!" The Prince's Junior Master shouted, "How could I be an assassin? It's unfair!"

Jia Rong looked at the two people who were controlled and cursed, "How dare you quibble! When you were in the capital, the capital was in turmoil. When you were in the palace, the emperor was stabbed. When you went to Jiangnan, the emperor was also killed! Who else could it be but you?!"

The prince's guard shouted, "You are talking nonsense! The three of us are loyal, and the sun and the moon can testify to that!!!"

Jia Rong sneered, "There will be a banquet in the palace tonight. If he is not the murderer, then I should be punished for killing the wrong person."

"Pass the order! Have the Music Bureau send someone to perform a dance!"

"Zongzheng! Right Prime Minister! Take the troops and take control of these three families immediately! Don't let anyone go!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wang Ziteng felt that Jia Rong would not kill someone and also throw dirty water on him.

Besides, you can find other bad things to throw mud at others. There is no need to bring up a lie that could be exposed at any time.

Soon Jia Rong asked the ministers to go home and write their wills, and then gathered outside the Cining Palace to set up tables and chairs and build a stage.

Although many beautiful women came to dance that night, no one paid attention to them and no one had the heart to appreciate the music.

Everyone was waiting in fear, and people kept going to the toilet to hide.

Finally, the singing and dancing ended, and everyone stayed up all night to review memorials, just like doing homework on a summer night. Some slept, some worked.

"Your Majesty! It's dawn."

The palace maid walked up to Jia Rong and reminded him gently.

Jia Rong, who had slept on the dragon throne for half the night, stood up feeling uncomfortable and stretched his waist.

"Shoot the two old men and burn the three men's bodies to avoid any trouble."

"According to the order."

Soon, the three teachers of the crown prince were burned to death, and the family behind them was also confiscated, and all their assets were turned into the national treasury.

Many people did not believe that the three old men could be the night assassins, but Jia Rong said yes, and the three old men all had white hair, and they followed the late emperor around, and wherever they went, something went wrong.

In particular, he was very familiar with the palace and ministers, and was hostile to the other princes, and he was always clamoring to establish a crown prince.

And the most important thing is a head of long white hair!

In order to avoid suspicion, many old men decisively cut their hair short and dared not stick to the old ways anymore.

Is the assassin really dead?
Wang Ziteng thought that it was impossible. How could an assassin who had been rampant in the capital for eighteen years die so easily?
Not only Wang Ziteng didn't believe it, but even the princes from all over the country didn't believe it, and the royal family members in the court didn't believe it either.

(End of this chapter)