Chapter 12 third quarter

"The spirit is not very good after all, and today I can only take care of the most important things." The emperor asked: "Look, besides the military newspaper, what other things must be done first?" "Revealing the emperor, the case of the official money ticket must be decreed as soon as possible." "Yeah." The emperor nodded, "I see. 'Call'!" So Sushun went to "call up" himself.Some military ministers hadn't seen him for two days. After a kiss, they had to exchange a few words and inquire about the emperor's condition at the same time.

"It's much better." Sushun replied, "But it's still too annoying. When you ask the gentlemen to play it right, you don't need to talk too much." Sushun's words were the same as the edict to them, so they could not speak if they could not speak before entering the imperial court. However, the case of the official money ticket was very complicated, so it was not possible to discuss it in detail for a while, so it was put aside again. During this period of shelving, Sushun was enjoying the cool air at home one day, and suddenly thought of a good strategy to expand his power, support party members, and attack political opponents.Entering the palace the next day, I found an opportunity to speak to the emperor.

The conversation started with the funds for repairing the "Mountain Resort".Sushun told the emperor that the profit and loss of the five "Tian" official money houses managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Beijing are related to the expenses in the palace. Repairing the palace will definitely arouse gossip from the censor.In this way, a conclusion naturally emerged: the five "Tian" official money accounts must be assigned a proper person to effectively rectify the management. Of course, this person should be the minister in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

There is no quota for the minister in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.There are two people left in Beijing, one is Bao Yun and the other is Ming Shan. Ming Shan has low qualifications, and his talent and integrity cannot be trusted by the emperor.But Bao Yun was even worse, the emperor had a very bad impression of him. After arriving in Rehe, Bao Yun had two things, which were disobedience.The first thing is that after the Old Summer Palace was burned by the British and French allied forces, Bao Jun, as the minister in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, did not even dare to go out of the city to take a look, and because the key to manage the Old Summer Palace had been handed over by order, he felt that he no longer had the right to guard the garden. He was not responsible, so he didn't ask for punishment, but only made a note of "Zou Wen".The burning of the Old Summer Palace was the emperor's most painful hatred. He was full of worry and anger, and he just vented it in this script. Zhu Bi denounced Bao Yun for having no "people's heart" and "a trash in my Manchuria". , the punishment is: "get rid of all errands, and downgrade to the top five".But not long after, relying on Prince Gong's good offices and the merits of the "city defense" of the capital, the restoration officer was appointed.The friendship between Bao Yun and Prince Gong is so thick that he can joke around at any time, this is the main reason why he is hated by the emperor and excluded by Sushun.

When he arrived in Rehe, he wanted to practice in the palace, so he ordered Baoyun to allocate 200,000 taels of silver for use.I don't know if it's because there is no money, or there are other reasons, but Bao Yun never obeyed the order.This made the emperor even more resentful, so the official money account with the word "Tian" would never be assigned to him to manage it. So Sushun suggested that among the ministers in Beijing, another Jian should be the minister in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and be in charge of this matter.The emperor agreed, and the only thing left to do was to decide who was in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There was a shortage of ministers, and the only choice was to choose from among the ministers of Manchuria.Sushun deliberately said a few unqualified names, and then forced out the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, Quan Qing.

Quan Qing was born in the Imperial Academy, and had been an examiner for the township examinations and a "minister reading papers" for the imperial examination several times. At the same time, he also knew that Quan Qing had some intention of being attached to him, so he took the opportunity to sponsor and win over. The emperor took his advice. "Ask for an order from the emperor again, can the seal key of the Ministry of Internal Affairs still be worn by the slave?" "Of course! What do you mean by that?" "The servant wants to ask the emperor to reward him with a Zhu Yu, stating his will. It will be much more convenient for the servant to discuss business matters with Quan Qing in the future."

This "discussion of business affairs" included the withdrawal of funds from Quanqing, and the emperor naturally supported his request. So the emperor issued an order to the Minister of Military Affairs, Quan Qing, Minister of the Ministry of Officials and the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at the same time: "Sushun still carries the seal key of the Ministry of Internal Affairs." In addition, several memorials approved by Zhu were handed over. , making Zhang Jing, who had been idle for several days, busy again. Only a copy of the memorial approved by Zhu was recorded at the military plane, called "Guo Zhu", and the original copy was handed over to the original memorial office.Officials in Beijing, big and small, have never seen "an edict issued in the open" since the Wanshou Festival, and they have not seen the original document sent back when they went to the yamen of the memorial. As a result, there are so many rumors that everyone cares about them, and they don't know that "the holy bow is not hesitant." To what extent?Therefore, all the officials who were on duty in the inner court were full of visitors in those few days, intending to inquire about the news.Of course, they themselves were asking every day in the palace: "Is there an 'envelope' in Rehe?" Summoning military planes and handling government affairs as usual is of course "holy recovery".

This day finally arrived at Rehe's encirclement. Officials on duty in the inner court, especially those Hanlin who were in high positions and relatively free to move, went to the cabinet to inquire about news.Seeing the calligraphy and painting of "Yubi" is correct and powerful, it shows that the emperor's spirit is very good. The suspense and anxiety for seven or eight days have been swept away from these few words, and everyone is rushing to tell him, with a smile on his face. However, as far as very few people know, this is not the case.Zhu Xueqin is one of these very few.

In Cao Yuying's Tao Ge Mi Zha, it was mentioned that the emperor's illness, the diarrhea had stopped, but the "weakness" became worse, he was short of breath when he moved, and he had hot flashes in the afternoon and night sweats at night. All kinds of syndromes were worrying. What is worrisome is not only the emperor's illness, Sushun seems to be even more favored!Of course, only those who know the inside story can comprehend the role of this, and even Quan Qing himself didn't know that he was secretly used by Sushun, thinking that he was blessed by the holy family, so he had this fate, Apart from being proud, he was in great interest, and almost all the guests who had congratulations were received in person.

When Zhu Xueqin went to congratulate him, he happened to meet Weng Tonghe.They all have a teacher-student friendship with Quan Qing, so they call him "Teacher". As a teacher, there is such a Hong Zhangjing and a student named Hanlin. Quan Qing insisted on keeping them at home for a "drink". Talking and talking, talking about Sushun.Zhu Xueqin is cautious, Weng Tonghe is "peaceful" by nature, and he doesn't like to talk about people's shortcomings, but because his father Weng Xincun was "rectified" by Sushun to the point where he could hardly step down, he naturally didn't like him, so he had to keep silent.

"Su Liu is a person who can be said to be 'famous all over the world, and slander follows him'." Quan Qing, who was a little bit drunk, stroked his mustache and said loudly: "It is said that he looks down on our own banner people, according to me See, this can’t be generalized.” As he spoke, he raised his glass and watched from one student to another, meaning to ask them to express some opinions. Zhu and Weng glanced at each other. Zhu Xueqin was older and had an earlier name, so it was "obligatory" for him to speak before Weng Tonghe. "Senior Hanyuan, the teacher, has a clear look. Of course, Su Zhongtang dare not disrespect him." "That's right! Su Liu himself doesn't know much about reading, but he knows how to respect scholars best. It has to be said that it is one of his strengths." This is more or less the truth, and because of the teacher's face, Zhu Xiubo and Weng Tonghe had to agree.So Quan Qing talked about Sushun even more vigorously. When talking about the imperial examination case in the eighth year of Xianfeng, Quan Qing defended Sushun again, saying that after this rectification, the examination hall was completely free from corruption, which was entirely due to Sushun, so He believed that Sushun strongly advocated that the chief examiner, Dashi Baiyu, should be placed in the heavy code of Dabi, which is upright and decent.At the same time, he also revealed that he was in favor of Sushun's proposition at that time. This statement made Zhu Xueqin suddenly realize that Sushun's sponsor Quanqing had a long history, and further confirmation can be obtained from this. Sushun's sponsorship of Quanqing was not only a show of favor, but a planned cultivation of party members. The next day, he told Wen Xiang his opinion. Wen Xiang, named Bo Chuan, was the only Minister of Military Aircraft who stayed in Beijing.He and Bao Yun are recognized as the right and left hands of Prince Gong, but the government and the public all think that he is much higher than Bao Yun, and he is the first-rate talent in the Manchurian family. After hearing Zhu Xueqin's words, Wen Xiang fell silent. After a long time, he picked up the Shixian book and flipped through it, and said to himself, "The second day of July is the beginning of autumn." Zhu Xueqin was puzzled, "Master Wen!" he asked, "What about Li Qiu?" "Did you forget?" Wen Xiang replied, "Didn't Li Deli say that once the summer is over, the emperor's illness will improve." Those words were spoken a few months ago, but Wen Xiang still cannot forget them.Zhu Xueqin couldn't help admiring this piece of loyalty to the emperor, overflowing with poetry. "I hope it's as you said. But..." He smiled wryly, and felt that there was no need to say any more. "Uncle Xiu!" Wen Xiang cheered up suddenly, looked at him with piercing eyes and said, "Don't be sad! You and I are both people who know what we can't do. Besides, there is an optimistic side to the overall situation. You and I look up Get up and see farther." Zhu Xueqin was naturally deeply moved when a senior officer comforted his subordinates with such an equal tone.Because of this, he felt even more responsible for telling the truth about everything, so he responded respectfully: "Yes!" He lowered his voice again, "In my opinion, the situation can change from day to day, and the prince should make a plan sooner rather than later! " "Didn't there be a solution long ago? Cao Zhuo said in the letter that it is a good solution. But we can only wait and see what happens, and there is no way to prepare for it until the last moment." The so-called "last moment" was when the emperor was in his prime, and the imperial edict sent ministers to Gu Ming. With the name of Prince Gong, he could justifiably take over the power at that time.Prior to this, if there were any tougher actions, it would be enough to give people facts and aggravate the rumors that "Prince Gong is going to rebel". Of course Zhu Xueqin also understood this point, but seeing Sushun's continuous expansion of power, he was afraid that at the "last moment", Prince Gong would end up with an unexpected result.Therefore, even if there is no action, there should be arrangements, and if necessary, "follow Duke Zhou's punishment", there must be enough troops. It is inconvenient to say this clearly, he hinted insinuatingly: "Cao Zhuoru said in the letter that there should be someone who is 'urgent and reliable'. I don't know if there is such a person in my lord's mind?" "Let's talk about it later!" This was the cue to end the conversation, and Zhu Xueqin got up and resigned, but his influence was completely left behind.At dusk that day, Wen Xiang was alone at home, meditating slowly, thinking of all possible changes in the overall situation. According to his ideal, the best thing is that King Gong and Sushun can help each other and make use of each other's strengths.He saw Sushun's strengths very clearly. The kind of vigor to promote advantages and eliminate disadvantages, and the courage to know people and do things well, had long been lost among the princes and ministers of Manchuria.As for Sushun's shortcomings: stubbornness, arrogance, and ignorance of external influences, you can find ways to eliminate and remedy them.The most important thing is to convince Su Shun that Prince Gong is not willing to be his enemy, and that Prince Gong will use his strengths as much as possible, and that Prince Gong's strengths, such as dealing with foreign affairs, just make up for his weaknesses.In addition, a group of veterans from Hanyuan in the imperial court are well-educated and dignified. If they can get their support, plus the Huaiyong of the Hunan Army who is loyal and hardworking in the southeast, internally and externally, and the top and bottom are united, will the overall situation be stable?It is not difficult to rejuvenate the dynasty.Wen Xiang longed for this. However, Prince Gong's hostility towards Sushun can be dispelled, but Sushun's suspicion of King Gong, but how to resolve it?It seems that my own ideas will eventually become extravagant hopes! Therefore, the most practical consideration at present is that once the emperor dies, if there is a power struggle between Sushun and King Gong, what will happen then?Of course, it is inevitable that I must stand on the side of Prince Gong, but no matter what, I can't let them meet each other in battle!He doesn't believe that the Forbidden Army in the capital and Rehe will have the possibility of "taking over". What do those soldiers look like in the "coated" guard battalion to which they belong?He who had been the "Admiral of the Nine Gates" and now also serves as the "Commander of the Zhenglan Banner Guards" knew it all too well. He remembered the four proverbs he had just heard a few days ago: "The brown rice should be dropped, the thief should run away, the replacement should be hired early, and the camp should be entered less." He couldn't help but smiled wryly.The Eight Banners athletes who were extremely fierce and played a splendid country in the past have now become a laughing stock in the eyes of ordinary people! These good-for-nothing Eight Banners children even have to hire someone to replace them, so how can they fight?Their prestige can only be seen when grain is distributed every month and "brown rice is about to fall". This is Wen Xiang's grasp. Although Sushun, Yi Wang Zaiyuan, and Zheng Wang Duanhua control the imperial army in Rehe, they must not have any effect.Cao Yuying must have seen this level very clearly, so in the letter to King Gong, he suggested calling troops into the defense, without any action, to deter Sushun. Sheng Bao, the imperial envoy before the army, is worthy of this post. Wen Xiang is very cautious, and feels that calling Shengbao to Beijing, even if he does not act, will be a stimulus to Sushun, and may be mistaken for one of Prince Kung's "backtracking", so he does not take Cao Yuying's suggestion seriously.But at this moment, his worries were taken a step further, Sheng Bao was arrogant, greedy and arrogant, and had a great heart for fame and fortune. If Su Shun went first and colluded with him, it would become a confidant's trouble, which must be guarded against. It is also easy to prevent, you might as well pass the paragraph first to make a foreshadowing. So the next day he found Zhu Xueqin and asked him to write a letter to Shengbao.Shengbao has been playing very well recently, and he has been courted by him in the name of congratulating several counties in Krubei. When Shengbao committed crimes in the British and French allied forces, he was ordered to lead reinforcements from all walks of life in Beijing. Although he was defeated in the Battle of Baliqiao in Tongzhou, it can also be said to be a "crime not of war". , I don’t see Shengbao almost every day, so I don’t have anything to say if I want to reminisce about the old friendship. Of course, Prince Gong's "greetings" should also be mentioned in the letter, which is the main purpose of this letter.For Shengbao, not only did he have a bond with Prince Gong in times of trouble, but he should also be grateful to Prince Gong for his kindness in helping him in defeat.In the Battle of Tongzhou, the first close relative of the Qing Dynasty, Prince Horqin of Mongolia from the natal family of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang Borjigit, Seng Gelinqin's army collapsed, and Shengbao was also injured and retreated. At that time, the emperor was followed by Sushun. Fleeing to Rehe in a hurry, I can't take care of myself, how can I get Shengbao?Thanks to Prince Gong cleaning up the mess, the defeated generals had a chance to settle down and make up. From this level of in-depth observation, Shengbao will never have a good impression of Sushun and others.On the other hand, it is self-evident that this letter will make Shengbao fall in love even more! Therefore, while Zhu Xueqin was writing, he admired Wen Xiang in his heart. This "first move" move seemed ordinary, but it was actually an important point. It was an unremarkable move. With this understanding, I dare not be careless about this "entertainment letter".Jun Ji Zhang Jing's pens are all good, and Zhu Xueqin has read a lot and is a good hand, so after careful planning, he wrote this letter in a deep and graceful way, with beautiful diction, and he was quite proud of it after reading it. So he put on his gown, personally sent the letter to Wenxiang, and said with a smile: "I'm afraid the words don't convey the meaning, so I beg for an axe." Wen Xiang didn't read the letter for now, looked at his face, and smiled with his beard: "If there are any regrets in his words!" He said, "If you don't read it, you will know it is good." "Please take a look first." After reading a few lines, Wen Xiang's smile faded away, and Zhu Xueqin couldn't help asking himself in amazement: Is there something that he didn't check carefully that made him see something wrong?So I read my manuscript silently, but I didn't know what was wrong. "Uncle Hugh!" Wen Xiang stood up and handed the letter back to him, saying seriously: "I thought this letter was dispensable, but after reading the draft, I realized that it is absolutely necessary." With such a solemn demeanor and tone, Zhu Xueqin really felt a confidant, so he replied straightforwardly: "This letter is of great importance, and I dare not neglect it. Please consider it carefully and hope for the best." "The writing is excellent, perfect." Wen Xiang said with a smile, "Sheng Kezhai pretends to be a Confucian general, and he writes manuscripts by himself. He likes to show off his literary talents. Let him also see the handwriting of the Military Aircraft Department. Don't think that everything is rushed. Like the "Ting Ji" in the "Ting Ji", it just counts when you understand what you say." With a modest smile, Zhu Xueqin withdrew, sealed the letter separately, and the postman braved the scorching sun and flew it to the army. In the blink of an eye, the second day of the seventh lunar month passed, and according to Wenxiang's hope, the midsummer was over, and the emperor should be looking like a day, but things went against his wishes, and the emperor seemed to be unable to deal with government affairs.Starting from the fifth day of the seventh month, for three days in a row, there was no "clearly issued a decree". There were four cases on the eighth day of the seventh month, and they were broken again on the ninth day of the seventh day. As soon as the news spread, the rumors revived.There is no way to sort out the official money bills, but the shopkeepers of the "Ganyi" and "Tianyuan" two official money accounts, fearing the crime or unable to pay the huge "30% fine", escaped without a trace.Then the "Tianli" money account outside the front door was robbed.This is the scene of a chaotic world. People in the capital are panicked and have a premonition of impending disaster.