Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 263 Informing!

The first day of the seventh month in the fourth year of the Xifeng era.

A gentle autumn breeze blows, and the clouds are light and the wind is gentle.

Zhaowen Hall.

On a wooden table about ten feet tall, dozens of red-painted documents were laid out one by one.

Jiang Zhao picked up the document and began to read it carefully.

Below him, there were twenty or thirty chairs standing on either side.

All those seated, whether in red or purple, old or young, were all prominent figures in the officialdom.

It takes about the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

Jiang Zhao closed the document and looked down.

Zhang Heng, Zhang Dun, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Bu, Hai Wenren
There were more than twenty people, many of whom were his team members.

Without exception, everyone who took a seat enjoyed the political benefits of the performance evaluation and the reforms.

Zhang Heng, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites and President of the Bank, was promoted to Acting Prefect of Kaifeng, advancing from the third rank to the second rank, thus entering the ranks of "Chancellor-in-Chief".

Shen Kuo, the Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Supervisor of the Ordnance Bureau, and concurrently Grand Master of the Silver Seal and Purple Ribbon, advancing from the third rank to the third rank.

Xue Xiang, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy and Grand Master of the Silver Seal, was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and concurrently served as the President of the Bank, advancing from the third rank to the third rank.

Hai Wenren, the bank's vice president, was promoted to the position of Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, advancing from the fourth rank to the third rank, and thus donned a purple robe.

Zeng Bu, a secretary in the Ministry of Rites, was promoted to Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and from the fifth rank to the fourth rank.

Zhang Dun, a senior official in the Ministry of Personnel, was promoted to Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, advancing from the fifth rank to the fourth rank.

Previously, one of them was in charge of official administration and the other was in charge of land surveying. Both had achieved considerable political success, but they were promoted two ranks at once.

Su Zhe, an assistant director of the Ministry of Revenue, was promoted to deputy commissioner of the Ministry of Justice, advancing from the fifth rank to the fourth rank.

Su Shi, an assistant minister in the Ministry of Works, was promoted to vice minister in the Ministry of Works, and was promoted from the fifth rank to the sixth rank.

Su Song, a Doctor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, was promoted to Deputy Supervisor of the Military Ordnance Bureau, and was granted a scarlet robe and silver belt. He was promoted from the seventh rank to the sixth rank and was given a fifth-rank red robe.

This is Jiang Xiao's father-in-law, the second younger brother of Jiang Zhao. He is a typical scholar and a great Confucian scholar. It is no exaggeration to say that he knows everything about astronomy and geography.

Jiang Zhiqi, the Imperial Censor in charge of miscellaneous affairs, was promoted to Left Censor, from the sixth rank to the fifth rank.

In addition, Gu Tingye and Wang Shao can also be considered members of the Xihe faction.

Many people from both the Korean and Wang factions have been promoted.

Wu Zhongfu, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, was promoted to Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, still holding the rank of Second Grade, but now he was promoted from Second-in-Command to First-in-Command.

Li Chang, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was promoted to Pacification Commissioner of Xihe Circuit, advancing from the third rank to the second rank.

Li Qingchen, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was promoted to Pacification Commissioner of Hedong Circuit, advancing from the third rank to the second rank.

Wu Kui, the Pacification Commissioner of Xihe Road, was promoted to Minister of Rites, advancing from the second rank to the first rank.

All of this can be described as one person attaining enlightenment and even their chickens and dogs ascending to heaven.

With the "old leader" Jiang Zhao taking office, there was virtually no obstacle in the promotion paths of the others.

The Jiang faction's strength is growing at an astonishing rate.

"I have already read through the official documents."

Looking at you all, Jiang Zhao slowly said, "Today, I have summoned you all here specifically to discuss military reforms and military matters, and to hear the plans of the six ministries and various departments for the second half of the year."

The term "mid-year summary" refers to the period between the beginning and the end of the year.

Generally speaking, it involves reporting on the achievements of the first half of the year and the overall plan for the second half.

This has two main purposes:
Firstly, in order to adjust policies in a timely manner.

Taking the Ministry of Revenue as an example, due to the disasters, the Ministry's financial planning was often "unable to keep up with the changes," and the expenditures in the first half of the year would basically exceed the expected planned amount.

Therefore, the Ministry of Revenue's fiscal plan for the second half of the year will definitely need to be adjusted to avoid a fiscal deficit.

Secondly, it is to put some pressure on the newly appointed officials.

A new official taking office may not necessarily understand the governing logic of the new government.

Human nature tends to be "lazy," and without some pressure, newly appointed officials will definitely take much longer to adapt to the government office.

This could potentially hinder the normal operation of government offices.

During the mid-year report, newly appointed officials are not required to submit performance reports, but they are required to write a general plan for the second half of the year.

Once pressure is applied, newly appointed officials can adapt to their responsibilities more quickly, and the government offices can naturally operate smoothly without any disruption.

Of course, compared to the annual political discussions, the scale of the mid-term sessions is much smaller.

Apart from a few high-ranking officials who might occasionally be summoned for a private audience, most government offices primarily dealt with submitting official documents. Even high-ranking officials in charge of a region only needed to submit official documents.

"Let's start with the military deployment."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Jiang Zhao calmly picked up several documents.

Since it's a plan, it must be the Grand Chancellor who sets it up, with people from all departments, both inside and outside the government, responsible for its execution.

"Firstly, bomb making."

As Jiang Zhao spoke, he focused his gaze on Shen Kuo, Su Song, and Feng Xu, the Minister of Revenue:
"The key to bomb reserves lies in gunpowder, which cannot be ignored. Last time, during the expansion of Yan and Yun, the bombs prepared by the Ordnance Bureau were almost completely used up."

Recently, Vice Minister Shen has even developed a thunderbolt cannon. The Ministry of Revenue should allocate two million strings of cash specifically for its manufacture.

The so-called "Thunderbolt Cannon" is a modified version of the bomb. Tung oil, wax oil, and petroleum oil were added to the original bomb formula, making its power more like "arson".

"Yes, sir." Minister of Revenue Feng Xu quickly bowed.

If the eldest son requests money, then we will allocate the money.

In any case, since the implementation of the new policy, the Great Zhou has no shortage of money.

"Ah."

With a single word, Jiang Zhao drafted an expenditure plan for two million strings of cash. He nodded, then looked at Wu Kui, the Minister of Rites, and instructed him:

"Secondly, the grand ceremony at the southern suburbs."

"The grand ceremony in the southern suburbs will be held at the end of July. The Ministry of Rites should make sure everything is prepared properly."

The worship of Heaven is the foremost of all sacrifices, and it is a sacrifice that cannot be performed with the slightest error.

"Rest assured, my lord." Wu Kui raised his hand in a salute, his face solemn.

As a former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, he has a wealth of experience.

Thirdly, sons of nobles and meritorious officials entered the capital.

Jiang Zhao focused his attention on Gu Tingye and Wang Shao, as they were the only two military generals to be summoned.

"A grand ceremony will be held in the southern suburbs at the end of July."

“In the local areas, there are many sons of nobles who have suffered for the country and rarely have the opportunity to perform sacrifices in the southern suburbs. Let them all come to the capital and rest for a while.”

“This matter will be entrusted to Zhonghuai to handle,” Jiang Zhao said calmly.

The so-called "suffering for the country" is naturally just an excuse.

The main purpose of this decree was to allow the sons of noble families to enter the capital.

The main reason for this is that many members of the nobility held opposing views.

Military reforms were imminent, and to prevent the sons of noble families from causing trouble, the only option was to temporarily transfer them to the capital.

"promise."

Gu Tingye understood and bowed respectfully.

Nobody's a fool; the sons of noble families can certainly see the court's intention in sending them to the capital.

Forcing the sons of noble families to relinquish their power and enter the capital was bound to cause discontent. There were only two or three military generals capable of doing so, and Gu Tingye was one of them.

Fourth, land was distributed to the border regions.

"In the border region of Xihe, there are many fields that are not cultivated. After the grand ceremony in the southern suburbs, Zichun went to the border to guard the area and collect data on the acreage."

"When the military reform is implemented, the old, weak, sick and disabled can voluntarily go to the border to farm, and return to their fields after being discharged from the army. Zichun, then lead the soldiers to distribute the land."

"Yes, sir." Wang Shao stood up and bowed.

Jiang Zhao nodded.

Sending Wang Shao to the border served two purposes: firstly, to distribute land, and secondly, to give him control over the border troops to prevent anyone from causing trouble.

After arranging several matters, Jiang Zhao looked at the others and waved his hand, saying, "Let's report on the plans for the second half of the year, starting with the Ministry of Personnel."

"Ministry of Personnel..."

……

The sun sets behind the mountains, and twilight descends.

Imperial Street, also known as Heavenly Street.

The main thoroughfare was frequented by powerful and influential people.

There were dozens of households in a row, all with vermilion lacquered bronze doors, bells hanging from the eaves, stone lions and auspicious beasts, and missing door archways.

One of the households had a bronze plaque inscribed with the words "Ningyuan Marquis's Residence," and servants stood solemnly, exuding an imposing aura.

This is the residence of Gu Tingye, the Marquis of Ningyuan, a first-class noble among the military officers!

Marquis of Ningyuan

About a hundred paces away, Qin Yan, the second son of the Marquis of Dongchang, was dressed in coarse linen clothes, looking like a servant, and acting furtively.

Should we go or not?

Qin Yan rubbed his hands together, muttering to himself from time to time, pacing back and forth.

Taking a gamble may save you from death, but not taking a gamble means certain death!
More than ten纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy and powerful families), with no room for retreat, plotted and decided to have the Grand Chancellor assassinated in order to obstruct the military reform from the source.

They even swore an oath of blood and signed a pledge for it.

The grand scale of the event was so impressive that even Qin Yan, who was usually rather hesitant, couldn't help but feel encouraged and his blood boiled.

"You mere young master, kill him if you will!"

but.
People have moments of inspiration, and moments of calm.

Inspiration can stir the heart and make the blood boil.

Calmness can bring rationality and tranquility to one's mind.

Less than half a day after the blood oath and signing of the pledge, Qin Yan felt a sense of regret.

A grand ceremony in the southern suburbs, an assassination attempt on the Grand Chancellor?
This decision was truly shocking.

Failure would result in anything from execution to the extermination of one or three generations of one's family.

It could even lead to the execution of nine generations of one's family!

This is not an exaggeration.

The importance of the Grand Chancellor is self-evident.

From the perspective of personal feelings between the emperor and his minister, the Grand Chancellor was a key minister who single-handedly helped the emperor ascend to the throne, almost step by step. In other words, the Grand Chancellor was the emperor's benefactor!

The relationship between the ruler and his minister was like that of fish and water.

From a political perspective, the Grand Chancellor was the core of the reform movement.

Anyone who isn't a fool can see the emperor's ambition to unify the country.

The Grand Chancellor is the greatest help the Emperor in unifying the country!
It's unimaginable how furious the officials would be if such a person were actually murdered.

It's not impossible to exterminate nine generations of a family!

Exterminate one, three, or even nine generations of a family!
Such charges are truly appalling.

Regret, worry, and fear overwhelmed me, and I was tormented by nightmares for several days in a row.

As a result, Qin Yan became a little scared!

"If I report it proactively, is it possible for me to atone for my crime through meritorious service?"

"Gu Erlang, could you save my life?"

Qin Yan lingered, gazing ahead, his eyes filled with hesitation, occasionally tinged with a hint of hope.

The Qin and Gu families have a long history of feuds and conflicts spanning two generations, resulting in a rather chaotic relationship.

Especially Madam Qin, who almost ruined Gu Tingye's reputation, causing his name to plummet and his life to be destroyed.

In this situation, it would be a lie to say that Gu Erlang harbored no resentment.

The irony is that Gu Tingwei, the son of Lady Qin, is actually a kind-hearted person, yet he has a good relationship with Gu Tingye.
Whether it's pure resentment or a mixture of gratitude and grudges, it's really hard to say.

In any case, whether it's primarily hatred or a mix of gratitude and resentment, Gu Tingye is currently the only top-tier nobleman that the Dongchang Marquis's mansion can contact.

Wandering.

quite a while.

Qin Yan gritted his teeth and finally walked over.

It's done!

The main hall of the Ningyuan Marquis's residence.

Gu Tingye, Sheng Minglan, and Gu Shutuan, a husband and wife, and a father and son, gathered together.

"July, August, September."

"Eleven, twelve, thirteen."

Holding a small almanac open in her hand, Sheng Minglan counted the items in a low voice, looking thoughtful.

She wore a light blue brocade dress, her hair was simply tied up with a white jade hairpin, without any complicated patterns, and her whole outfit was simple and elegant, exuding a scholarly air that was unique to the eldest daughter-in-law.

Gu Tingye walked over, his hands and feet getting a little restless: "Madam, are you calculating some auspicious day?"

"Stop fooling around." Sheng Minglan was startled and quickly slapped her husband's hand away, saying softly, "I'm calculating Grandmother's seventieth birthday!"

"Oh?"

"His 70th birthday?"

Gu Tingye understood and became much more obedient: "When?"

"September 13th." Sheng Minglan considered it carefully and said softly, "That's about sixty or seventy days away."

"A seventieth birthday is certainly something to celebrate," Gu Tingye nodded.

As a husband, Gu Tingye was familiar with his wife's experiences and knew what Old Madam Sheng meant to her.

"Hmm." Sheng Minglan nodded, about to say something.

"Master Hou!"

Just then, a voice called out.

Gu Tingye's expression became much more serious as he looked outside.

The guard, Shi Tou, strode in and announced loudly, "My lord, the second son of the Marquis of Dongchang requests an audience."

"The second son of the Marquis of Dongchang?"

Gu Tingye was taken aback, somewhat surprised.

Since the unfortunate passing of Lady Qin, the Gu and Qin families have had little contact.

After all, Madam Qin almost brought him to his knees.

This almost ruined his life.

If he hadn't met the Grand Master, he probably would never have had any hope of rising to power, let alone inheriting a title and becoming a member of the elite.

Under these circumstances, Gu Tingye's decision not to actively suppress the Qin family was already considered extremely benevolent.

The Qin family, of course, was also aware of their own limitations and dared not take the initiative to curry favor with them.

Now, they haven't even sent a visiting card, yet they're visiting in the middle of the night?

"Let him in," Gu Tingye said thoughtfully, waving his hand.

If someone visits in the middle of the night, they probably have something special to discuss, so it wouldn't hurt to meet them.

“The Book Club.” Sheng Minglan raised her eyebrows slightly, waved her hand, and was about to retreat with her son.

She wouldn't inquire about political matters unless her husband told her about them.

Women should just live a good life honestly.

"It's nothing." Gu Tingye waved his sleeve, looking completely unconcerned: "What serious matter could the second son of the Marquis of Dongchang possibly have?"

Sheng Minglan nodded gently.

Special events are never the same as important events.

The second son of the Marquis of Dongchang is of such low rank that he has no chance of being involved in important political affairs. He is probably just seeking an official position or some kind of assignment.

After all, with Gu Tingye's power and status, he could change the impoverished state of the Dongchang Marquis's mansion with just a word!
……

About twenty breaths later, Qin Yanfu entered.

"Qin Yan greets Your Excellency." Qin Yan bowed.

"No gift."

"Please sit down."

Gu Tingye waved his hand and looked over: "In the middle of the night, Erlang comes to visit. I wonder what important matter you have to discuss?"

"this--"

A hint of hesitation flashed in Qin Yan's eyes, and he hesitated several times before speaking.

Gu Tingye glanced over indifferently, without saying a word.

It's not unusual to find it hard to ask for a favor!
About ten breaths.

Qin Yan gritted his teeth, suddenly knelt down, and bowed deeply: "I am visiting in the middle of the night to beg Lord Gu to save my life!"

Help?

Gu Tingye was somewhat surprised.

"What do you mean by saving lives?"

"Just recently, Qin conspired with more than ten playboys in the capital to assassinate the Grand Chancellor."

"Now that I have realized my mistake, I have come to inform on you and beg Lord Gu to save my life!"

Gu Tingye's expression changed, and he asked again with some disbelief, "Assassinate whom?"

"Assassinate the Grand Chancellor!" Qin Yan said, his body trembling.

In short, the entire main hall fell silent.

Gu Tingye stared over, his face frighteningly grim.

In terms of friendship, Zichuan was his closest friend.

In terms of opportunity, Zichuan was his benefactor.

In terms of kinship, Zichuan is his brother-in-law.

Politically speaking, Zichuan was his former superior.

The two were already deeply bound together, like fish and water.

As a result, someone actually wanted to assassinate Zichuan?

Beside her, Sheng Minglan's eyelids twitched and her expression changed slightly.

To assassinate the Grand Chancellor.

How much courage does that take?

Regardless of success or failure, it is an absolutely serious crime.

Even if you don't take any action, just having the idea is a top-level serious crime!
They actually dared to do that? That's incredibly reckless!
"Please, Lord Gu, save my life!" Qin Yan kowtowed.

"Why did you kill the Grand Chancellor?" Gu Tingye asked with a stern face.

"Military reform!"

"The dozen or so people who conspired to assassinate the Grand Chancellor are all纨绔子弟 (spoiled brats) with many murders on their hands. Once the military reforms are implemented and the censors investigate the military camps, they will surely uncover our crimes."

"Therefore, the only option is to kill the Grand Chancellor and thus cancel the military reform order."

Qin Yan explained, “Killing the Grand Chancellor might save your life, but not killing him means certain death.”

"More than ten people put together a plan, and that's how the plan to kill the Grand Chancellor came about."

"How do you all plan to kill them?" Gu Tingye asked again.

"The Grand Ceremony in the Southern Suburbs is mainly overseen by the Grand Master."

"In order to inspect the sacrificial arrangements, the Grand Master will definitely arrive half an hour earlier than the Emperor."

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, we will place a martyr's orphan into the Imperial Guard, kill him in full view of everyone, and then commit suicide by poison."

"In this way, it will be done without anyone noticing, and the military reform will be cancelled as a result."

Qin Yan responded honestly.

Half an hour earlier!
Gu Tingye's face was somber.

That's incredibly detailed!
"Stone, tie him up."

"Send someone to immediately invite the Duke of Yingguo and the Earl of Zhennan to the Jiang residence."

Gu Tingye gave an order, then looked at his wife and said, "Get some rest. I'm going to find Zichuan."

Sheng Minglan nodded and gave a silent bow.

Tonight is destined to be a sleepless night!

……

(End of this chapter)