Just as Ning Jun and the officials from the Ministry of Works were excitedly discussing how to increase income and reduce expenditure to improve everyone's welfare, Jia Zheng, as an official from the Ministry of Works, endured it again and again. He really couldn't bear it anymore and finally took the time to say,"Your Highness, Lord Xu, and fellow colleagues, I think that the Ministry of Works is violating the laws of the Imperial Court by making false claims to amass wealth. Besides the official salary, there were still a considerable number of ice respect, charcoal respect, civil ceremony, consumption envy and so on. This was already too much, how could they make a mistake? I think that even if we can't be like sheep and fish, we should at least keep ourselves clean and clean!”
There was a reason why Jia Zheng's background was so deep, but he had been an official for decades without moving. Such words just now were truly enlightening! He was the only one who could say it without any scruples. Firstly, Jia Zheng often treated himself as a gentleman, and this was his nature. Secondly, Ning Jun had provoked him just now. When he heard that Ning Jun was going to act recklessly again and violate the laws of the imperial court, he naturally had to remonstrate. As for overthrowing everyone with one pole, it could only be said that he was implicated and that was not his original intention.
However, his colleagues all had unfriendly looks in their eyes. Even Minister Xu was tugging at his beard without saying a word. It's really easy to say. You can live in such a huge Public House without a salary for 30 years, but the official salary of a minister is only 100 to 200 silver coins a year! What could he do? Even a trip to Brocade Fragrance Court would cost more than that.
"Lord Jia is right!" Ning Jun laughed. However, we are not accumulating wealth, but raising honest silver.”
This name was very grand and righteous!
"Our Ministry of Works is the Qingshui Yamen, and we manage craftsmen who can't squeeze any oil out of them. We can't compare to the Ministry of Personnel, which has hundreds of officials to pay tribute to, the Ministry of War, which has military salaries deducted, the Ministry of Justice, which has both sides to eat, and the Ministry of Rites, which has ink to moisten the brush. We've always been conscientious and conscientious. We've done more than them, so why should we take less than them? We plan to raise some money ourselves so that we can do our jobs better. As far as I know, the poor officials of the seventh and eighth ranks in the capital have a hard life. With some subsidies, he could live a little more decently.”
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness!" These words struck their hearts. If it weren't for the fact that the occasion wasn't appropriate, they would have long kowtowed.
Jia Zheng was an honest man, quick to think but slow to speak. He felt that King Zhongshun was simply twisting logic, but he opened his mouth, not knowing how to refute. He had never cared about the mundane affairs of the family, and he had always been relaxed as an official. He had never been in charge of anything, so it was naturally difficult for him to understand why he was so poor after becoming an official. He could only cup his hands and say,"I've learned my lesson!"”What he thought was another matter.
A doctor below asked impatiently,"Your highness, minister, which silver do we use? There were three to four hundred thousand taels of silver in Jie Shen's treasury that could not be touched.”
Ning Jun squinted at him." If you touch Jie Shenku, I'll chop you off!"”
The doctor shrank his neck in fear.
Ning Jun laughed." Your eyes are too shallow. You only care about the silver in your hands. You only want to pluck the feathers of the wild geese that pass by. That's all you've got!" I just said that our Ministry of Works will set up a glass factory. The Construction Division repairs the factory, the Yuheng Division oversaw the manufacturing, the Capital Water Division performs the audit, and the Tuntian Division receives the materials. At the same time, our labor is included in the cost. What do you think of my idea?"
Everyone's eyes lit up.
Minister Xu pondered for a while." But this glass has always been made by the Inner Residence's manufacturing office. How can our Ministry of Works…"
Ning Jun waved his hand." The Inner Residence Building Office specializes in making tributes from the inner court. We are here for the common people, especially since the furnace in my residence has already been pulled out with one or two square feet of flat glass yesterday. The technology is exclusive and there are no other branches.”
A thoughtful assistant minister asked,""Since it's your idea, why not…"
Ning Jun straightened his back." I'm a grand prince. Naturally, I'll move my mouth and let you work. There was a phrase called a joint venture between the government and the people. You are the officials, and I am the people. As long as the Retired Emperor, the Emperor, and the Imperial Court are left, I will take 70% and you will take 30%!”
Minister Xu stroked his beard and laughed." Your Highness is really calculative. All the work is done by the Ministry of Works, but you have to enjoy 70% of it. It's unfair!"”
Ning Jun snorted." You guys can go if you want to. Otherwise, you won't even get three points!"”He turned to Wang Xixian and Zheng Jing and said,""Why don't we work together?”
Wang Xixian was very reserved, and Zheng Jing was very tempted. He said half-truthfully to Minister Xu,""Lord Xu, do you think I should agree or not?”
Minister Xu cleared his throat." Your Highness, this matter needs to be carefully planned. We must report it to the Emperor before we can make a decision. Moreover, this was not a place where they could talk.”
A few assistant ministers at the side advised,""Minister is right, this is not the place to talk.”
Ning Jun rolled his eyes." I'm just telling you first. I'll definitely go to the Emperor to ask for an edict. Otherwise, I'll be overstepping my authority." Also, I think the news bureau can get involved and use the newspapers to advertise. Wouldn't that be twice the result with half the effort? The Hanlin Academy is a noble yamen. I want to invite a few Hanlin officials who are good at painting and calligraphy to take the time to guide the people under me on how to make things that match the interest of the scholar-bureaucrats. The cost of polishing the brush will definitely not be small. How about it?”
"As long as the Emperor gives his permission, how dare the General Administration Department disobey?"”
"We're also opening up new sources of income for the Imperial Court!" said Ning Jun with a smile.”
As the saying goes, a gentleman does not talk about profit. Jia Zheng and the others were talking about how to make money, so they felt very uncomfortable. Coincidentally, Jia Lian came over to call him, and Jia Zheng took the opportunity to apologize to Ning Jun.
Ning Jun looked at the handsome young master in front of him and asked with a smile,"Lord Jia, this is?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, this is my brother's Di son, Jia Lian."”"Lian 'er, quickly come and greet Prince Zhongshun, Minister Xu, and the other lords!"”
Jia Lian's appearance was not ordinary, and he acted like a young master of a big family. Ning Jun could not help but look at the color of his hat.
"I wonder where he is working?"
Jia Lian bowed." I'm not talented. I temporarily donated a fifth-grade Tongzhi of Pingan Prefecture before the new year."”
"So that's how it is. Your rank is higher than your uncle's?" Ning Jun laughed.”Bring up the sore spot!
Jia Zheng forced a smile and brought Jia Lian to the other side.
However, someone immediately said worriedly,"Your Highness, this Jia Zheng has always been different from us. If he tells the Prince of Nan 'an and the others about what we just discussed, I'm afraid we'll be in trouble."”
"That's right!" "Other than a few families, which one of their martial relatives is not good at doing things?" The others echoed. Once he got the news, he would definitely mess up this matter.”
"Your Highness, we have to be careful!"
"There's no sign of it yet!" Ning Jun laughed. If the emperor doesn't allow it, I might as well do it myself. It's just a little more effort. When the time comes, I'll give you more ice and charcoal offerings.”
"But…" People are never satisfied. Ning Jun casually said something, and they couldn't sit still. They looked at Ning Jun with eager eyes."Your Highness, you can't go back on your word!"”They treat us like Sunday!
Even the two little princes joined in and begged,"Eighth Imperial Uncle, we nephews will work with you!”
Ning Jun looked at a twelve-year-old boy and a ten-year-old boy. He gave them a slap each." Your mansion doesn't have one yet? What do you need silver for?"
"Wangye, why don't you let this subject go and sound them out?”Commandant Qiu, who had been silent all this while, volunteered.
Logically speaking, he should have been a martial arts master, but Shui Rong and the others despised the father and son's behavior and did not like him, so they changed their family.
Ning Jun nodded and smiled." I'm going to pay my respects to the Duke of South Peace and the Duke of Water. I won't be going."”He continued to joke with the two royal nephews.
In less than 15 minutes, Commandant Qiu came back with a red face.
Ning Jun glanced at him and teased,"What's wrong? Did you cry for Xining Prince again?"
Commandant Qiu looked at them angrily." I was thinking too much. I'm not worthy of being with them."”
Ning Jun smiled and patted his shoulder." It's rare for you to have such awareness."”The eyes of the people from the Ministry of Works also flashed with ridicule, but they did not laugh loudly because of Ning Jun.
Commandant Qiu was dejected. Ning Jun stood up. You have to look at your master before you beat a dog! Moreover, Ning Jun only had this dog to use now.
He walked over with his hands behind his back. Commandant Qiu was stunned and quickly followed. The Ministry of Works and the others did not move.
When the Prince of Nan 'an saw Ning Jun coming over, he quickly stood up and bowed. The dozens of people in the crowd all cupped their hands. Ning Jun only recognized a few of them, and he had no impression of the others.
"How's Prince Nan 'an's health?" Ning Jun asked with concern.”
The Prince of Nan 'an bowed and replied," Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I'm still in good health."”
" The four kings of the east, west, south, and north have always been the pillars of the imperial court," Ning Jun said." In just over a month, half of them have been lost. It's really a pity." No matter what, His Highness still needs to take care of his body for the sake of the Imperial Court.”
The Prince of Nan 'an said," This old man's old bones have long been useless. Now is the time for Shui Rong and his generation to display their talents. This old man can still help them on their horses and send them off."”
"The old prince is truly dedicated to the country. He's a role model for his subjects!" Ning Jun praised. Back then, the Four Great Eight Princes were so famous that the foreigners did not dare to face the Celestial Dynasty. Even now, they were still awe-inspiring. But with Xining Prince's departure, the four kings became three kings. It's really…" He wiped his dry eyes.
The Nan 'an Commandery Prince and the others were just discussing how to request for the late Xining Commandery Prince's son to be conferred the title of heir.
"Brother Zhongshun, Xining King's Mansion is still here."”
"Why would the Water King say that?" Ning Jun asked in surprise. According to the system of the dynasty, the title of nobility decreased, but the official residence could be passed down to the descendants. Xining King's Mansion was still there. It was as if Rong Mansion and Ningguo Mansion were still around!”
The topic changed and the Jia family was mentioned. In fact, many people sitting here were the same. Although they had the title of Duke, Marquis, and Earl's Residence, their titles were only at the third or fourth rank, and there were many who could not continue.
Ning Jun's words pierced their hearts. He was a prince, so what could they do?
The Prince of Nan 'an sighed slightly.
"How does Brother Zhongshun know that the Emperor won't bestow Brother Li the title of County Lord?"”
Ning Jun looked at Shui Rong. His eyes were abnormally red. Ning Jun thought to himself, I was just joking about my fiancée. Why is it so serious? "I don't know if my brother will, but this is the system of the country." The succession of the Water King was already a special case, and since it was a special case, it could be one, not two.”
The atmosphere immediately turned cold.
The Prince of Nan 'an coughed twice, and Shui Rong quickly supported him.
The Prince of Nan 'an said," This matter is not urgent. After the funeral is over, I will only ask the Emperor for a ruling." You all sit here, this old man still wants to offer Xining King a cup of wine. We've been brothers for decades. Once we're separated forever, let's talk again!”
Shui Rong supported the Prince of Nan 'an and slowly walked out of the door to the mourning hall.
This time, Wu Xun didn't have a leader, so he couldn't even speak in front of Ning Jun.
Only the First Earl Minister of War Niu Jizong hesitated for a long time before cupping his hands and saying to Ning Jun,"Wangye, this subject has a matter that I don't know if I should ask.”
"Since you don't know, then don't ask. I might not answer." Ning Jun smiled warmly.”
Niu Jizong spread his hands." Please forgive me, Your Highness. It's not that I'm meddling, but it concerns the security of the Divine Capital, so I dare not ask.”
Ning Jun stepped forward and sat on the chair that the Prince of Nan 'an had just sat on. He chose a comfortable position and crossed his legs." Then you can ask!"”
"Are the so-called street squads on the streets of the Divine Capital His Highness's subordinates?" Niu Jizong bowed.”
Ning Jun smiled." That's right. The so-called clean street is to take in all the beggars who are scattered in the streets of the Divine Capital. They will be sent to the Sanatorium for settlement so that they can earn their own living." What do they have to do with the Bureau of Military Personnel?”
"Your Highness, don't misunderstand." Niu Jizong hurriedly explained. However, in the past few days, the people from the Military Department had reported to the Bureau of Military Personnel that the Cleansing Street Squad were mostly rogues and scoundrels. They formed groups to extort merchants, officials, and civilians. If they didn't obey, they would punch and kick them. The impact was extremely bad. Therefore, they requested the Ministry of War to disband them and punish those who were guilty.”
Ning Jun shook his head." The Military Department has the responsibility to maintain the security of the Divine Capital. If the Cleansing Squad is really like what Minister Niu said, why didn't they arrest them immediately? Don't say that you didn't dare to arrest them because of me. It's clearly the Cleansing Street Squad that has taken care of those scoundrels you're talking about, giving the Military Department no reason to punish the merchants. Don't tell me you don't know Minister Niu?"
Niu Jizong smiled." Your Highness, what you said makes sense. What I mean is to put the Cleansing Street Squad under the jurisdiction of the Military Department. That way, we can have both sides."”
In his opinion, the so-called street cleansing team was an army with weapons, and naturally should be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War.
This reminded Ning Jun that the Military and Military Department was in charge of patrolling and arresting thieves, fire restrictions, and other matters. Why couldn't the Street Cleansing Squad be in charge of city management?
"I will tell the emperor about this matter. Lord Niu, don't worry about it.”It should be managed by the Ministry of Works!
Niu Jizong wanted to say something, but Ning Jun turned his head and stopped someone," Brother Zhen, don't go!”It was Jia Zhen.
Seeing that he couldn't avoid it, Jia Zhen could only cup his hands and say,""Greetings, Your Highness."
Ning Jun did not stand on ceremony with him. He smiled and said,"I still have something with you. Remember to return it to me!”
"Your Highness, please tell me!" Jia Zhen asked cautiously.”
Ning Jun pointed at him." You're still pretending in front of me!”
Jia Zhen didn't know what was going on. The two girls flashed past her eyes.”Your Highness…"
"Forget it!" Ning Jun interrupted him." When I come to ask for it, don't refuse!”
Jia Zhen's heart sank. What do you want? You can take the Ningguo Manor. Only then will I be convinced by you!
Perhaps, Jia Zhen did not know that Ning Jun was thinking this way.
As they spoke, Xining King's Mansion had already set up the table for the filial son and grandson to invite. Only then did the room of nobles and ministers stop talking and leave in pairs.
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