Chapter 975: Understanding the Master's Intentions, the Prostitute Slaps Her Face
In his early years, Emperor Jiajing parted ways with his ministers and retreated to the Western Garden. Apart from the prime minister, he rarely saw any outside officials on weekdays.
Therefore, the outside world has no idea what the emperor's temper is like or what he likes and dislikes are.
Even Yan Song and his son, under the Taoist's riddle-like instructions, had to rack their brains to guess the Taoist's thoughts, for fear of being criticized if they guessed wrong.
When Jiang Qingzhi was found, the news caused a wave of gossip in the capital. Some people even said that Jiang Qingzhi was the Taoist's illegitimate son, and that he was fostered among the people in his early years because he was afraid of being harmed by others.
The fact that people believe such gossip shows how unfamiliar the outside world is with Emperor Jiajing.
This is even more true for the officials below.
For example, Chen Lian, after learning about the relationship between Jiang Qingzhi and Emperor Jiajing, even felt that the theory of an illegitimate child made sense.
But later news came from the capital that Jiang Qingzhi got along well with the two princes, and the two princes regarded him as their teacher.
You can do anything these days, but you can't mess up the moral code. Didn't you see that Yang Tinghe and others used the moral code to put pressure on Emperor Jiajing and set off the great ritual debate?
When brothers play the master-disciple game, it is a violation of family ethics. This is even more true for uncle-nephew relationships.
Therefore, the claim of illegitimate child was easily refuted.
Later, when Jiang Qingzhi led his army north, the news came. Chen Lian thought to himself, if this boy was really His Majesty's illegitimate son, why would he let him go to the border to take risks?
Chen Lian even had another thought, thinking that Emperor Jiajing did not take his cousin Jiang Qingzhi seriously.
But now he knew he was wrong.
Big mistake!
He smiled at Sun Chonglou, thinking that since Emperor Jiajing valued Jiang Qingzhi so much and was willing to let him go north, there was only one possibility...
The new boss had demonstrated his abilities as a famous general in front of Emperor Jiajing.
Was he still a teenager at that time?
This young boy was valued so much by Emperor Jiajing, and with his relationship as an imperial relative, wow!
As long as he does not commit treason, he can almost be guaranteed the position of the most powerful official in the future Ming Dynasty.
Yan Song!
What a shit!
Chen Lian's heart was burning with anger, and his eyes inevitably revealed some of that, which caught Sun Chonglou's eyes and reminded him of the type of people the young master had talked about.
"Old Chen, you don't like that, do you?"
"Nonsense." Chen Lian laughed, "Yin and Yang complement each other, which is the way of heaven. How many people who go against heaven will have a good ending?"
The guy's smile was as kind as a grandfather's, which reminded Sun Chonglou of Fucheng.
Xu Wei knew very well that this person wanted to save the country through Sun Chonglou and win over some people around Jiang Qingzhi. Many times, your efforts for a long time are not as good as a word from the people around the boss.
He is a smart man.
But Xu Wei didn't think this person could threaten his position beside Jiang Qingzhi.
Not everyone can be a think tank.
Hu Zongxian knew that he was not suited to be a think tank, so he gradually turned to coordinating, controlling information from all parties, and screening matters.
Mr. Xia Yan, please don't disturb his mood for strolling unless necessary.
Tang Shunzhi is a free-spirited wanderer.
Instead, Xu Wei became the most dazzling person around Jiang Qingzhi.
He turned his eyes away, but he didn't know that Chen Lian had been secretly observing him. Seeing this, he smiled and said, "Mr. Xu is so famous in the south. Someone once said that there are eight talents in Jiangnan, and Xu Wenchang alone has five of them. I thought this was exaggerated in the past, but today I see... it's just right."
These words were said so kindly and Chen Lian looked so sincere that one could not help but feel that he spoke from the bottom of his heart.
Even someone as smart as Xu Wei couldn't help but feel a liking for this man.
Jiang Qingzhi watched from the sidelines, thinking about what to do next.
Chen Lian's attempt to please Sun Chonglou and Xu Wei in front of him was a test.
——Boss, do you allow internal competition?
The horse racing mechanism is not popular in this era, and it relies more on relationships and qualifications.
But the new policy must emphasize the word "new". Those who rely on old achievements will not be able to get by with Jiang Qingzhi.
So he acquiesced.
Chen Lian's eyes were clear, and after showing some goodwill, he said seriously: "Master, now that the arson case has been investigated, it's time to take action. Should we still kill the monkey to scare the chickens, or..."
To kill the monkey to scare the chickens, the target must be the Xu family.
Jiang Qingzhi took out the medicinal cigarette and said, "Tell me about it."
This is an inspection and a test... Chen Lian thought so. He said confidently, "At the moment, Songjiang Prefecture seems to be very excited, but in fact, many people are secretly calculating their own land and population. I learned that many people are hiding their land and population. Many officials in Songjiang Prefecture have been drunk all day long recently..."
Xu Wei said: "But do you want to change the owner of those fields?"
"That's right." Chen Lian said, "Those people wanted to transfer the land to their relatives or servants to avoid the subsequent investigation. I have recorded everything and am waiting for you to speak... Whether to punish them severely or forgive them, it will be up to you to decide."
Power and authority can only come from those in a higher position. Chen Lian said this very beautifully.
Seeing that Jiang Qingzhi did not object, Chen Lian continued, "As soon as you arrived in Songjiang, you dealt a heavy blow to those people. The eldest son of the Xu family retreated, but you should not think that this person is afraid.
From what I know about Xu Fan, he is greedy and ruthless, and definitely not the type to sit and wait for death. He retreated, and I think it was more because of the instructions of Xu Gelao from the capital. "This analysis was very detailed, and Jiang Qingzhi nodded slightly to show encouragement.
Chen Lian was delighted, knowing that his ideas matched those of his boss.
The biggest headache for subordinates is that their own ideas and values are too different from those of their bosses. If this happens, they will go against their boss's wishes when handling daily affairs.
It's okay if it happens once or twice, but if it happens too often, the boss will think, are you doing it on purpose?
Or you may feel that this person is extremely incompetent.
Therefore, Yan Song and his son regarded trying to figure out the Taoist's thoughts as their first priority in governing, and doing things was the second priority.
Understanding the intentions of your superiors is the first key to being an official.
"Xu Fan has never dealt with Lord Bo. Forgive me for being frank, but I didn't know much about Lord Bo before he came to the city, otherwise..."
Chen Lian smiled bitterly, thinking, otherwise how could I dare to resist!
Jiang Qingzhi smiled and said, "Ignorance is not a crime."
"Yes." Chen Lian continued, "Xu Fan is greedy and ruthless, and he will definitely not give up those fields and people. So, if we start with him, it will definitely cause unrest in Songjiang Prefecture."
Sun Chonglou said, "Old Chen, Xu Fan is just a young master, just rush in and capture him."
Chen Lian sighed, "The Xu family is a local tyrant, with influence and connections in Songjiang Prefecture... For example, Xu Fan can command at least 70% of the officials in the prefecture."
This is the real local tyrant.
"Once Xu Fan is pushed into a corner, I think that even if he takes the initiative to report, he will definitely make things difficult for you, Lord."
To be honest, it's hard to guard against a local tyrant trying to trip you up.
"I think we should target a powerful person first," said Chen Lian.
Xu Wei smiled, "You said earlier that a ruthless person made some ruthless remarks..."
This is the preparation.
Sun Chonglou was completely confused. "Ah! Scholars just like to play riddles."
All three of them smiled.
Chen Lian nodded. "That man is called Huang Lin, and he is a tyrant in Songjiang Prefecture. The Huang family has been in Songjiang Prefecture for hundreds of years, and has controlled many businesses in Songjiang Prefecture through marriage and other means. To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that the Xu family had a minister, it would not have been his family's turn to be the most powerful person in Songjiang Prefecture."
Jiang Qingzhi asked, "So, what does this person rely on to make such harsh remarks?"
"My Lord, that's a wise question." Chen Lian sincerely praised his boss and said, "The Huang family controls many businesses in Songjiang Prefecture, including food and other businesses that are related to the lifeblood of the people. If the Huang family takes action... prices may soar if things go wrong."
"There is no business without fraud." Xu Wei said, "My Lord, local tyrants like these should not be underestimated. Once the Huang family takes action, others will follow suit. Once there is a problem with food and other things related to people's livelihood, people with ulterior motives will instigate..."
"That was a disaster," said Chen Lian.
Jiang Qingzhi narrowed his eyes and said, "These words are from the bottom of my heart, Uncle Ben, I understand."
He took a puff of medicinal tobacco, "Killing the monkey to warn the chickens is good. However, it's not easy for His Majesty in the capital. If I start with Xu, it will inevitably seem like I'm targeting Xu Jie. Let His Majesty go easy on me!"
Chen Lian bowed. "My Lord, you are wise."
Jiang Qingzhi tapped Chen Lian with a cigarette and said, "This is not allowed here. Do good things, and be casual at other times."
Chen Lian agreed, but thought to himself, who doesn’t like to be flattered?
He had been an official for many years and had met those stern and serious superiors, but he still fell for it.
Shangguan said he doesn't like flattery, if you really believe it, you are a fool.
People like to be affirmed when they are alive. Even an honest official can't help but feel flattered and think that his life is so damn successful.
This was the truth that Chen Lian had realized. He smiled and said, "In that case, I will send someone to urge Huang to urge him."
Jiang Qingzhi nodded. After Chen Lian left, Nan Mei came and said with a smile, "Master, those ladies have recovered and are a little restless."
These famous prostitutes had such good business that they almost always stayed on the pleasure boats in Nanjing. But when they arrived in Songjiang Prefecture, they suddenly felt as free as little birds.
But if there is no activity, it would be uncomfortable for the person to sit.
Jiang Qingzhi said, "Noon, please! At noon... Old Xu, have someone book a restaurant. I'll treat all the ladies."
"Yes." Xu Wei went out, and Nan Mei said, "My Lord is so busy, yet he is willing to put aside his pride and invite ladies to drink. This shows how kind he is. If anyone doesn't appreciate it and dares to play around in the Oiran Contest, I will punish him."
It seems that this woman has considerable influence in the Qinhuai River.
After Nan Mei returned, she informed the famous prostitutes of the news. They either lazily said it was OK, or casually said it was OK. Nan Mei frowned and said, "Ladies, I shouldn't say this. This person is an important official in charge of the new policy. Let's change the place... Let's not talk about other places, let's just say... Is Ning Yu here?"
"I'm here." Ning Yu stood on the side corridor and did not join the group of famous prostitutes.
Nan Mei said: "If you don't believe me, ask Ning Yu, is Chang Wei Bo so easy to talk to in the capital?"
The group of famous prostitutes looked at Ning Yu, all quite reserved.
After being sought after for so long, these famous prostitutes have become a little arrogant. What emperors and generals... give me money!
Ning Yu said calmly, "There was a famous prostitute in the capital who said that if Lord Changwei was willing to enter her boudoir, she would redeem herself and become Lord Changwei's maid, cooking for him. Someone went to tell Lord Changwei, and he said..."
Ning Yu looked at the famous prostitutes.
"roll!"
(End of this chapter)
