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

Chapter 268: The Aftermath of the Plea for Mercy and the Reactions from All Sides!

The third day of the eighth month in the fourth year of the Xifeng era.

The midday sun hangs high, and the cicadas are chirping loudly.

The Secretariat, the Hall of State Affairs.

From top to bottom, chairs stand on either side, with the six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet seated solemnly.

Jiang Zhao, seated at the head of the table, lightly placed the documents aside. He picked up one of them and pondered for a moment.

The other five Grand Secretaries all turned their attention to the direction.

From June to August, the six Grand Secretaries Jiang Zhao, Han Jiang, Tang Jie, Zhang Fangping, Yuan Jiang, and Yu Jing had already discussed politics together about fifty or sixty times.

The new cabinet members are already quite familiar with some of the more conventional methods of deliberation.

In short, it was led by the Grand Chancellor and comprised mainly of Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

The Grand Chancellor cannot regard the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet as an assistant official, nor can the Grand Secretary regard the Grand Chancellor as an equal.

The Prime Minister announces the policy, and the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet can actively participate.

“Recently, three documents have been of particular importance.”

Jiang Zhao pondered for a moment, then looked down and said, "Firstly, the issue of repairing the palace buildings."

Just a few days ago, Jiang Zhao was assassinated.

In order to put pressure on the powerful and noble families, the emperor chose to remain ambiguous about whether to execute three or nine generations of their families. The emperor and his ministers, in a serious manner, went to the imperial study to talk for a long time.

Among the topics discussed was the issue of the palace's renovation.

Using cinnabar to plaster walls, laying lead and mercury on the floor, and spreading spices everywhere are all extremely harmful practices that must be addressed as soon as possible.

After all, you can't expect the emperor to avoid certain buildings, can you?
Jiang Zhaoping said, "Starting from the second year of the Xifeng reign, for two consecutive years, there was a tax surplus. The surplus in the second year of the Xifeng reign was about 30 million strings of cash, and the surplus in the third year of the Xifeng reign was about 40 million strings of cash."

"Two consecutive years of tax surplus means that the reforms on fiscal revenue have achieved considerable results, so there is no need to worry about the fiscal deficit anymore."

"It was a rare fiscal surplus, but unfortunately the palace was filled with a foul stench, and some of the plaster on the walls was peeling off badly. The officials, however, were determined to make some changes."

Should we disturb the ground?

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet squinted as they considered the matter.

Yuan Jiang, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, leaned back in his chair and asked cautiously, "I wonder if His Majesty specifically desires simple repairs or an expansion of the palace?"

Moving earth can be mainly divided into two types:
One type of renovation was inside the palace, and the other was renovation and expansion.

The cost of repairing the palace varies considerably depending on the extent of the repairs.

If it's just simple wall repairs to cover up the odor, I estimate that one or two hundred thousand strings of cash would be enough.

If it involves the construction of a portion of the palace buildings, it's estimated that it would cost at least a million strings of cash.

If one were to undertake large-scale construction of palaces and alter the soil of the imperial palace, the starting capital would be over ten million strings of cash.

If it involves expanding the palace outwards, there's no upper limit!

Even if it costs hundreds of millions of dollars, it wouldn't be surprising at all.

This is mainly because expanding the palace grounds involves a major problem – demolition!
The capital city is large and not easy to live in.

As the political center, the capital region is destined to have extremely high housing prices.

In terms of current market prices, some houses near the outer city gates are worth around three or four hundred strings of cash.

These houses, which could be bought out for three or four hundred strings of cash, were basically only a few feet long and a few feet wide, and were relatively "simple".

If it were larger, it would basically amount to over a thousand strings of cash.

As soon as you enter the inner city gate, you'll gradually see some "mansions".

These "luxury houses" start at tens of thousands of coins for the cheaper ones, and can cost up to one hundred thousand coins for the more expensive ones.

In particular, the mansions in the famous "Five Streets of Bianjing" are worth over 100,000 strings of cash on the market.

Of course, this refers to a proper "mansion," not a house that is only a few feet in size.

Therefore, if demolition really takes place, we must be prepared to spend at least hundreds of millions of dollars!
Even a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet would have to be cautious about such a large sum of money.

"No expansion, just some earthwork on the palace grounds."

Jiang Zhao calmly explained, "The palace is rich in mercury and lead, which the emperor dislikes. Any building with mercury or lead exposed must have its soil turned over to solve the problem underground."

"As for buildings that do not contain mercury or lead, there is no need to repair them for the time being."

"I see!" Yuan Jiang nodded, letting out a sigh of relief.

The simple act of moving some earth in the palace did not incur the great expense symbolized.

Even with a high estimate, it would be around twenty or thirty million strings of cash.

This was mainly because the Great Zhou Imperial Palace was not large.

With the current national treasury reserves of the Great Zhou Dynasty, as long as it does not involve expanding the imperial palace, it is not a big problem!

“I have no objection,” Yuan Jiang stated.

To some extent, repairing the palace was a way to let the emperor experience the results of the reforms, which helped to solidify his attitude towards the reforms and maintain their implementation.

“The Emperor has his reasons for wanting to repair it,” Zhang Fangping, a Grand Secretary of the Zizheng Hall, nodded.

"Han has no objection."

"can."

"The same applies to Yu."

Han Jiang, Grand Secretary of the Jixian Hall, Tang Jie, Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, and Yu Jing, Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion, all nodded in agreement.

For a project involving such a large sum of money, the emperor must have consulted with the chief minister.

Since the Grand Chancellor has no objection, then the Emperor and Chancellor are of one mind, and there is no need to obstruct it.

"If that's the case, let the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Imperial Palace calculate the cost."

Jiang Zhao picked up the document and said slowly, "If there are any objections to the calculated cost at that time, we can discuss it again."

"The second document concerns the war between Champa and Jiaozhi."

Jiang Zhao's expression was complicated. He passed on the document and did not speak further.

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet passed it around for reading.

Yuan Jiang noticed Jiang Zhao's expression and couldn't help but ask in doubt, "Does the Emperor want to fight?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Yuan Jiang realized something was wrong.

Given the Grand Chancellor's temperament, even if the Great Zhou and Jiaozhi were to go to war, he wouldn't act in this way, would he?

really!

Jiang Zhao shook his head and sighed with a slightly complicated expression, "Your Majesty... wants war!"

The same words, spoken in different tones, can have vastly different meanings.

Yuan Jiang was startled and asked doubtfully, "Is the Emperor going to personally lead the expedition?"

The others were all startled and looked over.

"Ah."

Jiang Zhao nodded slightly.

Zhao Ceying is going to lead the army in person!
According to Zhao Ceying, he had two reasons for personally leading the expedition to the border:

First, Jiaozhi was far inferior to Liao, which was a good opportunity for him to "level up".

After all, he would definitely have to launch a "Northern Expedition" against the Liao Dynasty in the future, and he would have to adapt to military life.

Second, with Jiang Da Xiang Gong (a high-ranking official) as a safety net.

If the situation on the border is truly unfavorable and the Emperor is unable to achieve a major victory for a long time, then let Minister Jiang go to the border to clean up the mess!

What can be done?

Jiang Da Xiang Gong had no choice but to agree.

"Does the Grand Master have any advice to offer?" Yuan Jiang asked solemnly.

The emperor personally leading the expedition is not something to be taken lightly.

The tragic state of Li Liangzuo of Western Xia is truly a cause for concern.

As the saying goes, war is a dangerous thing.

Even though the Great Zhou's national strength far surpasses that of Jiaozhi, it must not be careless, lest it capsize unexpectedly.

"We tried to persuade him, but his mind was made up."

Jiang Zhao shook his head and said calmly, "Let the Ministry of War requisition enough provisions for 100,000 men to fight for half a year."

"It's already early August, and the temperature will drop soon. If we really have to send troops, it will probably be next year."

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet nodded in agreement.

"Thirdly, the implementation of military reforms..."

……

Privy Council, Privy Hall.

"The issue of implementing military reform!"

Jiang Zhao, holding the document, passed it down to the next person in the main seat.

The Marquis of Funing, the Duke of Liang, and the Marquis of Zhongjing passed it around and read it in turn.

"Firstly, the Imperial Censor should be ordered to investigate the number of soldiers in the army."

"Secondly, there is the issue of the division of power between the Privy Council and the Ministry of War."

The main purpose of the soldier count was to clarify the number of soldiers.

The division of authority mainly abolished the "rotation and garrison system," giving military generals the real right to train troops and to train them for extended periods.

Of course, in order to limit the military officers, the power to distribute military pay, promote or demote officers, and reward or punish them belonged to the Ministry of War.

Jiang Zhao looked down and asked calmly, "Any objections?"

A simple sentence, yet it possesses a unique and powerful style, exuding an air of unquestionable authority.

Marquis of Funing, Duke of Liang, and Marquis of Zhongjing exchanged glances and nodded repeatedly.

"The implementation of military reform is indeed a good strategy."

"The Grand Chancellor's policies are far-reaching and should be implemented."

"Military reform is great! I, Shi, wholeheartedly support it!"

On July 30th, the Grand Chancellor was assassinated, enraging the Emperor.

On the first day of the eighth month, news spread from the palace that nine generations of a family would be executed.

Starting from the second day of the eighth month, Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, and Zhang Ding knelt down together outside the Imperial Study to request an audience.

However, as of now—the third day of the eighth lunar month—after kneeling for more than a day and a night, none of the three have received any sign of being summoned, and they can only continue to kneel.

The suppression by the monarch and the prime minister was truly terrifying.

Even though the three deputy privy councilors were all military officers of the second rank, they dared not object in the slightest.

In fact, all three of them were afraid of agreeing too slowly, lest they incur the displeasure of the eldest son and be subjected to even more forceful suppression.

"it is good!"

Jiang Zhao nodded in satisfaction.

That's more like it!

Why do they have to do such messy things, with such strong opposition and assassination attempts?
After this reprimand, they should finally behave themselves, right?

……

The sun sets in the west, casting its last rays across the landscape.

The Imperial Study, the long corridor.

A hundred or so nobles gathered here.

People frequently glanced at the main entrance of the Imperial Study, their eyes filled with both expectation and worry.

Just now, Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, and Zhang Ding were all summoned by the Emperor.

Whether we live or die depends on this one battle!
Even the several deputy privy councilors couldn't help but frequently glance over.

It took about two incense sticks to burn.

Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, and Zhang Ding all walked out with solemn expressions.

"How is it?" General Zheng asked anxiously. The nobles in the capital are all related to each other to some extent. If it really is a case of executing nine generations of relatives, then the survivors are probably only three or four out of ten.

Gu Tingye lowered his hands, having knelt for more than a day, and said in a low voice, his body still weak: "The main culprits Luo Yi and Gan Ning will have their three clans executed, and the accomplices will have their clans exterminated."

"The informant was Qin Yan, the second son of the Marquis of Dongchang. The Marquis of Dongchang's family was stripped of his title, and the officials of the main branch of the clan were demoted to commoners."

The hundred or so nobles were all taken aback.

Frankly speaking, this sentence is quite severe.

The term "extermination of three clans" refers to the execution of the father's, mother's, and wife's families.

The paternal lineage, namely the grandfather, grandmother, father, uncles, and their spouses and children who were killed in the main line of paternity, are all direct relatives of the paternal line.

The maternal lineage refers to the execution of the maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, mother, aunt, and their spouses and descendants, including maternal uncles and aunts, all of whom are direct maternal relatives.

The wife's family refers to the execution of the father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, brother-in-law's spouse and children.

In terms of social relations alone, the execution of three generations of a family constitutes a comprehensive and wide-ranging blow.

Exterminating one clan is certainly lighter than exterminating three clans, but it is still a devastating blow.

The crimes of more than ten纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy and powerful families) affected at least twenty noble families, and all of them were sentenced to "extermination of the entire family" or more.

Furthermore, even Qin Yan, who took the initiative to inform on others, was stripped of his hereditary title and demoted from an official to a commoner.

The severity of the punishment is evident.

but……

"Fortunately, the Emperor was lenient and only executed three clans, which is truly a blessing for the people!"

"Your Majesty is benevolent, sparing the entire family from punishment; Your Majesty's grace is boundless!"

"Heaven cherishes life, and Your Majesty is benevolent; you are truly a wise ruler for all ages."

"Luckily, it was an execution of three entire families!"

Among the nobles, many praised him as "benevolent".

The reason is simple: compared to the punishment of exterminating nine generations of a family, the punishment of exterminating three generations is far less severe.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the government spared their lives.

Wouldn't that be the epitome of kindness?
For a time, the military and noble families were filled with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow!

……

Caishikou, the execution ground.

"cut!"

At the command, blood splattered.

Many sons of noble families trembled inwardly.

An old nobleman grabbed his spoiled son and shouted, "If you dare to follow in the footsteps of Luo Yi and Gan Ning, I would rather put righteousness above family ties and kill you with one blow!"

"Yes, yes!" The spoiled young master nodded repeatedly, not daring to utter a sound.

Judging from his father's attitude, he had no doubt that if he had really done something so audacious, his father would have killed him to avoid disaster.

You want to ask why?
There's no other reason than fear!

One hundred and twenty households of military and noble families were granted hereditary titles, which would last forever, and they would share the fate of the nation.

This one time alone, twenty-three households were ruined, nearly one-sixth of the total!

From top to bottom, it was all about the annihilation of entire families.

We're truly afraid of those from noble families!

If a spoiled son is truly too dissolute, then it is better to kill the son than to implicate even a single member of the clan.

The same scene plays out almost constantly.

For a time, the decadent atmosphere in the capital improved dramatically!

……

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

Shou'an Hall.

Grandma Sheng, Sheng Hong, and Wang Ruofu, the mother and son, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, all gathered together.

As the younger generation of the Sheng family grew up, their numbers gradually dwindled.

Both Lin Xiaoniang and her daughter Sheng Molan died of illness.

The three women, Sheng Hualan, Sheng Rulan, and Sheng Minglan, have all married men, either by marrying into higher social classes or by marrying men of equal social standing.

Sheng Changfeng passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi, but he failed to become a Shujishi, so he was assigned to a county official position in a remote area.

Sheng Changbai passed the imperial examination and became a junior official, gaining the favor of his brother-in-law Jiang Zhao. However, he was sent to serve as an official in the border region, taking his wife Hai and eldest son Quan Ge'er with him to the Yan-Yun region.

Thus, those who were meant to disperse dispersed, and the once prosperous Sheng family inevitably experienced an indescribable "desolation."

"Assassinating a high-ranking official is tantamount to treason."

"In the second year of the Xifeng reign, the water system of Liangzhe was set ablaze, and the punishment was so severe that it was unprecedented in history."

Old Madam Sheng shook her head repeatedly: "Given this precedent, even a spoiled brat dares to assassinate the head of all officials. Sentencing him to exterminate his entire family is entirely deserved."

Who would have thought that someone would dare to assassinate the Grand Master!

Moreover, the Grand Master is the Grand Master, and Jiang the Grand Master is Jiang the Grand Master.

Jiang Zhao's position is among the most stable, even among all the previous Grand Chancellors.

When the ruler and his minister share the same goals, such a minister can never possibly lose power!

However, even under such circumstances, more than ten spoiled young men dared to attempt an assassination.

If it's not that they deserve it, then what is it?
“Mother is right. Some spoiled brats in the capital are indeed audacious and reckless.”

"Fortunately, Zhao Ge'er is alright. It's truly thanks to the Bodhisattva's blessing and the Three Pure Ones' good fortune," Wang Ruofu said, holding a brocade handkerchief.

She wasn't particularly knowledgeable about politics.

But since the son-in-law is alright, then it's not a big problem.

“Good people are always blessed by Heaven!” Sheng Hong sighed, stroking his beard.

Anyway, he has already roughly planned out the rest of his life—

Unwavering in clinging to the eldest son-in-law's coattails!

Obediently listen to your son Sheng Changbai!
……

Huaizuo, Jiangfu.

"call!"

Hai Xirui let out a long breath, her expression a mixture of emotions.

It's outrageous that even the eldest son of the emperor could be assassinated!

"Someone, distribute porridge and money, and prepare incense and candles. I want to pray for Zhao'er's well-being!"

……

Zhongjing, Dadingfu.

Cultural Hall.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Emperor Yelü Hongji of Liao stared at a document, his expression slightly somber.

Below him, the two prime ministers, one from the south and one from the north, stood solemnly, both with stern expressions.

"Humph!"

With a cold snort, Yelü Hongji exclaimed, "Jiang Zichuan is truly tough to survive!"

As the saying goes, what is sugar to one is poison to another.

As one of the few reformers in history to have succeeded in reforming, Jiang Zhaozhi's achievements in reforming the country are well known to everyone.

Even a fool could clearly see that the national strength of the Great Zhou was rising at a rather astonishing rate.

in particular.
Yelü Hongji's face darkened, and he let out a long sigh.

In particular, the Battle of Yanmen Valley, where bombs appeared out of nowhere, caught the Liao Dynasty completely off guard. The "horse startling" tactic easily caused the Liao Dynasty's proud iron cavalry to suffer a crushing defeat.

Of the 60,000 iron cavalry, only 5,000 escaped with their lives, and more than 10,000 heavy cavalry were wiped out, resulting in the loss of four prefectures in Yan and Yun.

Such a blow is truly too harsh.

Let alone the Liao Dynasty, even the prosperous Tang Dynasty might not have been able to withstand such a devastating loss.

The First World War nearly broke the backbone of the Liao Dynasty.

In the past, the Liao Dynasty was militarily strong and the Zhou Dynasty was economically prosperous, and their overall strength was not much different.

So, ever since the Battle of Yanmen Valley, the Liao Dynasty's reputation for "strong army and powerful horses" has become somewhat undeserved, while the Zhou Dynasty's economic prosperity has surpassed that of the past.

The two countries' national strengths have risen and fallen, and a certain gap has emerged between them!

What is sugar to him is poison to me.

The unparalleled wise minister Jiang Zichuan was a sweet treat for the Great Zhou Dynasty, but a deadly poison for the Great Liao Dynasty!
hate it!

Yelü Hongji sighed silently.

How could such a prodigy be from the Great Zhou Dynasty?
It's fair to say that he was hoping for Jiang Zichuan's death every single day!

If Jiang Zichuan really dies, the political situation of the Great Zhou will definitely change drastically, and the Great Liao will have an opportunity to "rise".

What a pity, they're still alive?

"Since Jiang Zichuan's reforms, the power of the Great Zhou has grown stronger day by day."

“If this continues, one side will inevitably decline while the other gains.”

"I'm afraid that the Great Zhou Dynasty will really have the national strength to achieve unification."

Yelü Hongji looked down and sighed, "My two chief ministers, do you have a solution?"

Since the Battle of Yanmen Valley, the situation among the Liao, Zhou, and Xia kingdoms has been subtly changing.

Among these, the main problem for the Liao Dynasty was political instability.

In the Battle of Yanmen Valley, Yelü Hongji's elite troops suffered heavy losses.

The Liao Dynasty was originally a multi-ethnic regime, and the ruling ethnic group was a "minority," with the Khitans making up only one-eighth of the Liao population.

As a result, the Battle of Yanmen Valley resulted in a crushing defeat, with nearly 60,000 troops lost in one fell swoop.

That's 60,000 cavalry, including 10,000 heavy cavalry!

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that such a lineup was the core team that helped the Liao Dynasty consolidate its power.

However, the Liao army suffered a crushing defeat!

The grain and fodder were wasted in vain, the men died tragically in vain, and the king's prestige was greatly diminished.

This made other ethnic groups, whose populations were not necessarily smaller than the Khitans, eager to make their move.

Therefore, Yelü Hongji had no choice but to demote the prime minister Xiao Wuerguna and kill the envoy Xiao Xi, claiming that he had been misled by the two men in order to quell public anger.

Only in this way can the regime barely maintain its rule.

But, that's all.

With the monarch's prestige greatly diminished and other ethnic groups becoming restless, Yelü Hongji was forced to deploy more of his loyal troops to the provinces to pacify the local areas and stabilize the regime.

No one knew whether a large-scale riot would break out in the Liao Dynasty.

Therefore, Yelü Hongji dared not act recklessly.

The defeat at Yanmen Valley was inexplicable, leaving people feeling both resentful and deeply fearful.

"Unite with Xia to resist Zhou!"

The new Southern Chancellor, Zhao Hui, slowly said, "The Great Zhou is growing stronger every day. If the Liao and Xia do not unite, it will be annexed by them sooner or later."

"The Empress Dowager of Western Xia is probably aware of this as well."

Yelü Hongji's expression shifted slightly.

After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, "Okay."

"Have someone try to establish contact with Empress Dowager Liang!"

……

(End of this chapter)