first minister

[Prime Minister Xia Shi Jingyun is more loyal and righteous than the sages, and his talent is not allowed to go to the saints. Defining the rule of Yuyan will bring peace to the territory; planning a new policy will bring a surplus to the treasury. The stars galloped early in the night to save the Queen Mother from danger; she remained calm in the face of danger and calmed the chaos in the court. Enter the elixir to save the emperor's life, and offer the magic method to stabilize the emperor's body. Meritorious service is of great importance and should be generously rewarded. He was specially granted the title of Duke of the Kingdom, and was hereditary. He was granted a settlement of 5,000 households and was given an imperial village.】

In the court hall the next day, Wang De slowly read out the imperial edict that he had discussed with Xia Jingyun yesterday in front of the courtiers. None of the courtiers present were surprised.

When His Majesty was assassinated and the Queen Mother was attacked, Wan Wenbi and Yan Songwen forced the palace with the intention of proclaiming themselves king. The situation had already reached that critical moment. Thanks to Xia Xiang, he rushed back from thousands of miles away and rescued the Queen Mother at the critical moment, and then stabilized the court. Only then did we have the current situation.

Not to mention the title of Duke, some people even thought about whether the Queen Mother would directly grant him a title of king.

Daxia Shuangbi and Jiang Yuhu were both crowned kings, so it was totally reasonable for Xia Jingyun to be crowned king.

Fortunately, the Queen Mother still had a steady hand. I don't know whether she was worried that Xia Xiang would be too powerful and rise too fast and be jealous of the heavens, or she was afraid that he would be unblockable in the future.

However, those four words [hereditary and irreplaceable] also vividly demonstrated the Queen Mother's preference and trust.

All in all, there was almost no objection between the government and the public about Xia Jingyun's reward, and many people even didn't have much emotional fluctuations, because it was what he deserved.

However, when Wang De took out another imperial edict and read out another person's reward, everyone's hearts couldn't help but be in a state of flux.

[The Chen family is rich, loyal and courageous, and has achieved outstanding achievements. When the chaos is restored, he protects the people in danger; when the traitors show off their evil deeds, they punish them on the spot. In addition, for his meritorious service in Changshan County's great victory and defense of the city, he was granted the title of Marquis of Ningdu County, General Yunhui, and was appointed deputy commander of the imperial army. He was given a settlement of 500 households, an imperial village, and a jade belt.]

Seeing the tall man who was as honest as a farmer and kowtowed in thanks, the ministers in the palace had no objections but were filled with emotion.

A guard was made a marquis!

Moreover, it makes people unable to find fault and is convinced!

This leaves them, the officials with their bright heads and poor scriptures, who are they going to talk to for explanation?

In this life, it is so damn important to be with the right person!

After the court ended, many people did not dare to surround Xia Jingyun. They just raised their hands to congratulate him and then went to surround Chen Fugui to try to make friends.

After Chen Fugui finally got rid of these people who could knock out anyone with one punch and made dinner appointments, he came to the carriage in a slightly embarrassed manner.

Seeing Xia Jingyun already waiting beside the carriage, he made preparations to drive.

Seeing that Chen Fugui wanted to become a coachman again, Xia Jingyun said with a smile: "Brother Chen, you are now a Marquis, a serious General Yunhui, and the deputy commander of the Forbidden Army. It is unreasonable for you to drive for me again."

Chen Fugui hurriedly said: "Young Master, my family knows their own affairs. I owe everything I have today to you. Even if I have to drive for you all my life, I am willing to do it!"

"Of course I understand what you mean, but the imperial court has its own rules and regulations, and hundreds of officials have discussed it in the history books, so we can never act like this again."

Chen Fugui was not a fool who didn't understand anything. He immediately understood what Xia Jingyun said.

Xia Jingyun smiled and patted his shoulder, "Then I won't take the car at all. Come and walk with me."

Chen Fugui hummed and walked out with Xia Jingyun.

As for the carriage, you don't have to worry about it. Not to mention the accompanying guards to help get it back. Even if it is thrown here, no one will dare to covet the carriage with the Prime Minister's brand.

"The burden of the Forbidden Palace will fall on you in the future."

After passing through the bustling main street and turning into a quieter street, Xia Jingyun said slowly, "I am asking you to be the deputy commander first. I want you to familiarize yourself with the procedures, the layout of the palace, and some of the guards. The rules of the Forbidden Palace. The new commander is Shang Zhicheng’s former deputy. If you don’t understand, you can ask him.”

Chen Fugui nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, sir, I will definitely live up to your and the Queen Mother's expectations."

"It's time for Yue Pingwu to be transferred back. Yang Yinghui is not young at all. Let's see what he wants to do in the future. In short, you and Yue Pingwu will discuss the future defense of the capital. You have an idea in mind."

"okay."

"As for my defense, you don't have to worry. I went to the master's house yesterday to check on it. The batch of seedlings that were selected and sent there have been trained well. I won't be traveling far in the capital, so it will be fine."

"Speaking of which, I have to go and announce the good news to my mentor."

Xia Jingyun smiled when he heard this, "Don't worry, it'll take two days."

Chen Fugui looked around and said, "Sir, where are we going?"

Xia Jingyun raised his chin forward, "Come on, it's right in front."

Soon, the two stopped in front of a large house. Xia Jingyun turned to Chen Fugui and said, "What do you think of this house?"

Chen Fugui looked up and looked around, "It's quite impressive. It should be the residence of a high-ranking member of the court, but why is there no plaque hanging on it?"

Xia Jingyun smiled slightly, "Because the plaque for the Imperial Palace of Ningdu has not been finished yet!"

Chen Fugui, who was born in Ningdu County, Jianning County, Sishui Prefecture, nodded subconsciously and was immediately stunned, Ningdu Marquis? Isn't that me?

Looking at Chen Fugui's expression, Xia Jingyun knew that he had guessed it, and said with a smile: "Now that you are the Marquis, you have so few favors. Living in my house is always inconvenient, so I will do it myself." I suggest that Ali find this house for you in the capital. Although it is not particularly big, it is barely enough, so Brother Chen should not think it is shabby."

Xia Jingyun said this, but how could Chen Fugui, who knew him well, take it seriously.

As the granddaughter of the richest man in Great Xia, Qin Li personally chose a house, so how could it possibly be bad.

Chen Fugui said quickly: "Master, I am alone. It is enough to live in a small courtyard. There is no need for such a big house."

Xia Jingyun glanced at him and smiled playfully, "Why are you alone?"

He walked towards the door and pushed it open.

Chen Fugui, who was following behind him, looked up and was suddenly stunned.

I saw his old father, mother, wife, and young children standing in the courtyard at the door, looking at him with smiles.

"father!"

The eight or nine-year-old child saw his father, whom he had not seen for nearly two years, and was gently pushed by his mother. After a moment of hesitation, he could not resist the affection between father and son and ran up cheering.

Chen Fugui picked him up and held him in his arms, then looked at his wife.

Because the folk customs of Daxia are relatively open and there are no strict ethical restrictions. In Zhongjing City, he has met many famous ladies and rich ladies. Even because of his son's top reputation in the brothel, when he was not married before, he was an oiran. He had met a lot of people, but in his simple heart, he still only loved this ordinary-looking woman who stayed with him when he had nothing.

Accompany him while working in the fields, hand him a bowl of herbal tea and a few steamed buns;

Practice martial arts with him, apply medicine for him, and help him keep his home in order;

And when she received the master's request and hesitated again and again, it was she who made the decision for him, supporting him to repay his master's kindness, work hard in his career, and help him be filial to his parents and raise his young son.

Deeply influenced by Xia Jingyun, he couldn't help himself and took his wife into his arms.

The woman who had never experienced such a battle was immediately dumbfounded and quickly reminded him that Xia Xiang was still there, but Chen Fugui just whispered in her ear, "You have suffered a lot in the past two years."

Tears rolled down from the woman's eyes uncontrollably, and her body gradually softened, letting out the bitterness, fear, and hope of the past two years in the man's strong arms.

After comforting his wife and children, Chen Fugui bowed to his parents again, then directly carried his son to Xia Jingyun, who was watching silently, and said to his son: "Kneel down! Kowtow!"

Xia Jingyun quickly stopped him, "Brother Chen, what are you doing!"

"Young master, don't stop me." After saying that, Chen Fugui said to his son: "Remember, our old Chen family is here today only because of the reward of the master, your majesty and the queen mother! At the same time, this is your future. Master, if you can learn even half of your skills from the young master, the ancestral graves of my old Chen family will be filled with smoke! If you dare to be disobedient to the young master, I will break your legs! Remember!"

The mountain boy had never experienced such a battle before, and he knocked his head sincerely. Xia Jingyun quickly helped him up without any explanation, rubbed the little boy's slightly red forehead, and said warmly: "Don't be afraid, your father is scaring you. When things are settled, ask your father to bring you to my house, and we can talk about our differences slowly."

After saying that, he looked at Chen Fugui and said, "You too, you're new here, why are you scaring the children like this!"

Chen Fugui looked around the house and his long-lost family members, wiped his eyes, "Sir, your great kindness and virtue, I will never dare to forget even a little bit!"

Xia Jingyun waved his hand, "You deserve this. Without you, I might have died somewhere long ago, and I wouldn't be here today."

He didn't dwell too much on the matter, and said with a smile: "Sister-in-law, you have been working hard these days from traveling. It's time to rest. I also transferred some servants from the house. You can do whatever you want. When you get familiar with the capital, After the situation is met, slowly replace it.”

After another polite conversation, Xia Jingyun walked out of the mansion, and the carriage from Jianninghou Mansion was already waiting at the door.

Watching Xia Jingyun go away, Chen Fugui held his son's shoulders and said, "Son, no matter where you go in the future, always remember that without him, our Chen family would not be what it is today."

Although his son didn't understand, he nodded with equal solemnity after hearing his father's solemn words.

Chen Fugui immediately said: "Why am I telling you this? If you live a few more lifetimes, you won't be as capable as others are now. I really don't need to worry about that."

The ignorant child listened ignorantly, not knowing what kind of road his father had paved for him, which he could not even imagine in his dreams in the ravine.

With Xia Jingyun being granted the title of Duke, and Chen Fugui being granted the title of Marquis, the court, which had been in turmoil since Xuanhu's plan, finally became somewhat calm.

Soon after, news came from the Western Regions that King Jing Jiang Yuhu conquered the seven kingdoms in one day, and then went down to Loulan Ancient Kingdom with Beiliang. The two sides joined forces and headed west. In the city of Zhongjing, there was laughter and joy.

I am happy for the achievement of opening up new territories, and I am also happy that the dispute between the North and the South has shown some signs of ending.

When the news came back from Liyu Port in Guanglingzhou that the Nanyang fertile land really existed and was vast and rich, the entire capital was completely boiling.

The matter of business immigration, which has been discussed for a long time, has completely become the protagonist of the discussion in the streets.

And the method of allocating 10% of the shares of the Daxia family, which Xia Jingyun had deliberately suppressed until now, was finally revealed at this moment.

This portion was divided into one hundred equal parts by Xia Jingyun, each of which had a document stamped with the seal of the imperial court and the Ministry of Household Affairs.

The method of obtaining it is also very simple, two words: auction.

The dignitaries in Beijing who had seen how Xia Jingyun sold five mirrors for hundreds of thousands taels, as well as those smart people from wealthy families, all understood Xia Jingyun and the court's plan in an instant.

But even if you know that if you go there, you will be slaughtered like a fat sheep, but now that the situation is very good, who would be willing to give up that share that may be multiplied countless times?

Who would have the determination to refuse a collective carnival of the entire empire's top brass?

So, three days later, outside the temporary office of the newly established company that had not yet hung a plaque, carriages from various wealthy families surrounded the street in front of them.

The deposit of ten thousand taels of silver was handed over without blinking an eye!

Because each family is limited to buying up to five shares, it also gives the idea to many less powerful families. If one family is not capable enough, then several companies can join forces and fight for one share together. In other words, it is also a guarantee for future generations. , and a sincere heart that moves closer to the imperial power!

On that day, according to the words of Guan Hexiang, the auctioneer who was later promoted to be the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and the then Minister of the Ministry of Revenue:

Originally, he did not fully agree with the innovative direction of the New Deal.

But when he finally saw the horrifying figure of the total auction income on the books, he completely agreed with Xia Xiang's philosophy.

This group of wealthy people will never survive without treatment!

A total of 12.87 million taels!

This works out to 120,000 taels for each portion!

It is equivalent to more than half of the annual fiscal revenue of the Daxia court.

Moreover, looking at this group of people, they still have some energy left and look very relaxed!

Tell me, should this group of wealthy people be dealt with properly?

The money handed over to the court naturally requires real money. Many people thought that Xia Jingyun would allow these wealthy families to trade in their land or antiques and jade and take the opportunity to take back their land, but he did not do this.

Instead, they kindly gave these people a month to raise funds.

So suddenly, the transactions of real estate and antiques on the market boomed, and the price of real estate, which had always been high, also became much lower.

At this time, more than a dozen mysterious buyers appeared in various states and bought a lot of land generously.

Just when everyone was wondering whether the people behind these people were the Ministry of Revenue or the Prime Minister of Xia, the Qin family suddenly announced that they would donate 500,000 acres of land to the court for free to support the implementation of the New Deal. I felt that Xia Jingyun was doing something unnecessary.

But when the imperial court issued a decree to commend the Qin family for their high moral character and change his original title of Duke of Fengyang to a hereditary one, these wealthy families who were eating two of them were speechless and choked with envy.

When the distribution of shares among these aristocratic families is completed, the general business name of the Northern and Southern Dynasties will only have one last unresolved matter left: its name.

Among various suggestions, Xia Jingyun calmly wrote two words: Huaxia.

Therefore, without him having to explain too much, this general trading house jointly established by the Northern and Southern Dynasties was named Huaxia Trading Company.

The political situation of the imperial court was stable, the finances were abundant, and there were no wars in the border areas. The subsequent reform of civil servants was also implemented with almost no resistance.

Dense crops grew in the fields, smoke gradually began to rise in the deserted villages, public security was restored, and the number of business trips on official roads increased day by day.

The first signs of success have been revealed when the government is well-connected and people are harmonious.

The people of Daxia are like weeds, as long as they are not trampled to death, they slowly regain their vitality.

In this way, time gradually came to August with joy and expectation.

Just two years after Xia Jingyun came here, just when the dream finally got off to a good start, a piece of great news came to the new destination like a reward from fate. The Duke's Mansion.

Su Yanyan and Qin Li became pregnant almost at the same time.

So, on the next day, a not-so-secret but relatively private gathering was held quietly at Xia Jingyun's house.

Not to mention the elders of the Su and Qin families, the elders such as Mr. Zhao, Mr. Yun, Su Shidao and Wei Yuanzhi all arrived with their families.

Li Tianfeng, Xing Shigu, Chen Fugui, Zhang Dazhi and other middle-aged people with different statuses today are no exception.

Although Gongsun Jing is still the steward of Jiang'an Marquis Mansion, his status in Zhongjing City is countless times higher than before, and he is accompanying him with the same smile at this moment.

And such an occasion is naturally indispensable for the censor, Huai'an Marquis Baiyun Bianbai, who is now so justified that he can make all the officials lose their temper.

The person responsible for the reception was Shi Shangyu, the new housekeeper after being promoted to Dingguo Gongfu, the former Zezhou Station Yicheng.

The female relatives took the child to the backyard, congratulated Su and Qin one after another, and talked about the precautions for raising and caring for the fetus.

The laughter was especially loud when it came to those plots where one must exercise moderation and be careful while dancing with guns and sticks.

In the front yard, everyone was walking and chatting in twos and threes, discussing some big or small things.

Between talking and laughing, there was finally a somewhat leisurely and relaxed atmosphere.

After the banquet, night fell and the guests were sent away. Xia Jingyun walked back to the room and sat with his family members.

He looked at Su Yanyan and Qin Li and said with a smile, "How are you? Are you not tired today?"

Qin Li smiled and said, "When we stood up and took two steps, they shouted not to move. How could we be tired?"

Su Yanyan also chuckled, "Isn't it? I think we will just have to stay in bed for ten months."

Xia Jingyun waved his hand, "Don't be too deliberate. You are in the best physical condition now. You have never lacked food and nutrition. You will be fine. Just pay a little attention in the first two months, and then you can live your life as usual. Well, if you are too squeamish, it will be difficult for you to have children in the future."

Su Yanyan smiled playfully, "I forgot that my husband is also a master of gynecology!"

"Ahem! What nonsense are you talking about! My husband just read a few more miscellaneous books!"

Xia Jingyun spoke with a guilty conscience, then changed the subject and said, "Speaking of which, this is the first official meeting for so many of us today. Nothing unpleasant happened, right?"

Su Yanyan shook his head and said with a smile: "In our house, everyone is cautious at heart, and there will be nothing excessive."

"But speaking of it, there is something really interesting." Qin Li said: "Brother Chen's son and Master Xing's daughter are similar in age, and they play together very well. Brother Chen's wife and Mrs. Xing are just like each other." He said that he wanted to arrange a baby wedding, and he asked us to be a witness!"

Su Yanyan also thought of this and hummed with a smile, "I heard that these two children had a hard time in their early years. Now that life is getting better, many of their previous habits have not changed. The two parents have similar temperaments. That’s it.”

Xia Jingyun smiled and nodded, "That's good."

After chatting for a while, the two girls now took care of the baby as their top priority, so they went back to their respective houses. Xia Jingyun did not let Feng Xiuyun or Yanzhi stay to take care of them, but went to the study alone to do some official work.

After he was busy for a while, he slowly put down his pen, walked to the window, and looked at the lake outside the window, his brows furrowed quietly.

The closeness of the children of Chen Fugui and Xing Shigu made him a little wary, not for these two specific people, but for the hidden worries in the future.

Things in this world are, after all, a cycle that starts over and over again.

They have now smashed or weakened the entangled forces of nobles, bureaucrats, and big families in the past, and created such a situation where the government is unified and people are harmonious.

But in the future, no one can say whether the next Lu family, the next Qin Sichuan, or a new family will appear among these descendants.

After all, the boy and the dragon are just two different directions in the interests pattern.

He can see such problems and can temporarily suppress some problems, but with his current ability, there is no way to completely solve them.

After all, that is something that even great men are powerless to do.

He sighed softly, no matter what, let's do our best first.

The night wind blew from the lake, carrying a bit of warm water vapor, which slowly calmed down the anxiety in his heart.

He turned around and walked back to the bedroom.

The next day, Xia Jingyun, who had gotten up early, did not go to the Yamen. Instead, under the protection of the guards, he arrived at Qingbei Tower.

Today is the day when the new Tushan Academy is officially unveiled.

The three masters of Tushan were the emperor's masters, and Xia Jingyun had a good relationship with them. On this occasion, both public and private people were there to watch the ceremony and support them.

After a complicated process, he, the head of the hundred officials, was invited to the stage to say a few words to the students below and the nobles and dignitaries who were watching the ceremony.

As his figure walked towards the stage step by step, the noise around him gradually disappeared with his steps. In the end, only the shouts from far away in the market were left, which became more and more quiet and elegant.

Because, he is not only the head of hundreds of officials, a generation of powerful ministers, but also the second number one scholar in the history of the country to win three yuan in succession, and he is also a generation of poetry immortals whose poetic talent is unparalleled.

From official position and power to talents and achievements, everyone present can be convinced.

"Today is the opening ceremony of Tushan Academy. It is a great honor to be able to gather with you all to celebrate this event. First of all, I wish the academy will be better and better. You can all learn and succeed here, and inherit the legacy of the three old gentlemen. The beauty in my breasts promotes our great civilization!"

After a burst of applause, Xia Jingyun continued: "Before coming, someone asked me why there was a need to establish a Tushan Academy when there is already an Imperial College in Beijing. I believe you are also a little confused, right?"

"Let me clarify the truth here. The Imperial College is an institution of the imperial court, with its own solemnity and regulations. Tushan Academy is just a private academy that is the same as many academies in the world. Even if the three old gentlemen are Wen Zong, Even though they are also Imperial Masters, they are fundamentally different from the Imperial Academy."

"Today, I would like to take advantage of this occasion to announce two things. First, Your Majesty, the Queen Mother, is deeply gracious and cares about the students all over the world. We have made an agreement with the Central Committee and the decree will be issued to the world later. From now on, we will be exempted from the Imperial College. Tuition fees for county schools and all official schools. I hope that everyone in the world who is determined to study will not have their ambitions thwarted by their family background. Just as His Majesty once said when he became a disciple, he would be able to live in thousands of mansions and shelter all the poor people in the world. !”

The cheers suddenly thundered. No matter from any aspect, this matter was a great benevolence for these Qingliu scholars who had the right to speak in public opinion.

Some who go too far even shout to the heavens and the earth, shouting that the Holy Emperor is above, that the road will finally be like the blue sky, bathing all the people!

After the scene calmed down for the time being, Xia Jingyun continued: "The second thing is that Tushan Academy does not assume any official responsibilities. Imperial College students, including those from any state or county school, can enter as long as they pass Tushan Academy's own entrance test. Study. At the same time, all the expenses of Tushan Academy are paid by the Ministry of Household Affairs. This is a token of His Majesty’s affection for his teacher, and it is also the only preferential treatment Tushan Academy enjoys. Don’t have any objections, hehe.”

After saying this, many people who originally represented the interests of the official academic system and the Imperial College were relieved and started laughing.

Just when he thought that Xia Jingyun's words were about to end, he looked at the students sitting in the field who had passed the Tushan Academy test, and said slowly: "Today, all the talents have gathered, and the young and old have gathered together. The talents who have passed the academy examination and are about to be admitted to study, as well as the sages who came to watch the ceremony, are all outstanding among people. I have a question and I would like to ask you to answer my question."

When everyone heard this, they immediately sat upright.

With Xia Jingyun's ability and reputation, if he could really answer this question, he would probably become famous all over the world in an instant.

Xia Jingyun said slowly: "Everyone must be familiar with history. In the past dynasties, or if you have ever seen a family or a clan, when we first gathered together to start a business, we often worked together, and there was nothing that was not done without care, and no one was without working hard. Even in the midst of hardships, one can still survive in death.”

He paused and said, "Finally, all the hard work paid off. The situation got better, but the spirit gradually relaxed, and people became more and more lazy. Then there was the pursuit of profits, internal fighting, corruption, and decline. Government laziness can sometimes be caused by government officials, and people can die and the government can stop. There are also those who seek glory and humiliation. It is said that their prosperity is rapid, and their demise is sudden."

He glanced at everyone present and said seriously: "I would like to ask you, is there a way for our country, which is in a good situation now, to break out of this cycle of chaos, and to be able to survive decades or centuries later? , can we still have such a prosperous and united sunrise atmosphere as now?"

Looking at the stunned people below, Xia Jingyun whispered in a voice that only he could hear clearly: "If not, I hope this question will make that day come later."

He didn't wait for an answer and stepped off the platform, leaving behind a bunch of people who were stunned or thoughtful.

The three masters of Tushan sat aside and watched him leave. Mr. Linxi said softly: "Aspiring to the sky, we still underestimated him after all!"

Although Mr. Wan Lin and Mr. Kongbi did not speak, they looked at the young figure with sincere admiration for the first time.
-

The first year of Daxia Yongping, the Mid-Autumn Festival.

After the court meeting, Xia Jingyun stepped out, suddenly his heart moved slightly, and he stopped and looked back.

Behind him were all the officials who stopped and did not dare to take a step.

After the officials, there is the majestic main hall of the court under the sun.

In a daze, he seemed to see the thin and frail figure in the labor camp, carrying an earthen basket, walking precariously towards him.

Along the way, the thin and dirty linen clothes were changed into ordinary robes, put on the red robe of the number one scholar, and finally settled on the official uniform of the prime minister;

The fierce battle in Jiang'an City, the mountains and rivers of Yunmeng Prefecture, the turmoil in Longshou Prefecture, and the freezing coldness of Yuyan Prefecture intertwined into the blooming flowers of Zhongjing City.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival two years ago, he became the adoptive brother of Concubine De, who was visiting relatives. He washed away his grievances and began his own ideal path.

Now, he seems to have reached the end in the eyes of others, but he understands that the journey has just begun.

He smiled slightly, turned around and strode away. (End of chapter)