Chapter 1186 Raising food
Since the death of the Prime Minister, the power of the Prime Minister's Office has been divided into three parts.
One part is in the palace, one part is in the Central Protector's Mansion, and the other part is in the Shangshutai.
The Palace and Zhongduhufu inherited most of the power of the Prime Minister's Office, and the Shangshutai drank some soup.
There is no way. Although the Shangshu Ling was recommended by the Prime Minister during his lifetime, it was appointed by the Emperor.
And the Protector of the Central Government happened to also be in charge of the affairs of the Secretariat.
Once the palace and the Central Protectorate reach an agreement, it will be difficult for the Chancellor to make objections.
Fortunately, Jiang Wan, as Shangshu Ling, is an honest man and never likes to fight for power.
At that time, he silently supported the Prime Minister's Northern Expedition from the rear.
Now it seems that he intends to maintain the status quo and silently support the emperor who is in his prime in the Spring and Autumn Period and the young and powerful Zhongduhu to join forces to unify the world and revitalize the Han Dynasty.
Since Jiang Wan was so knowledgeable, the palace and Feng Duhu would naturally reciprocate the favor.
On weekdays, unless it is a matter of great importance, he will basically not interfere in the daily political affairs handled by the Chancellor.
Like this time, things are more serious.
Although the military affairs of the Han Dynasty are now decided by the Central Protectorate, government affairs are handled by the Shangshutai.
But in many cases, the two are intertwined.
Especially when a large army goes out on an expedition, it still needs to rely on the chancellery to allocate grain and grass.
In this case, the importance of Pingshang Shushi is reflected.
If the affairs of the Chancellor are not settled, the Chancellor's desk can suppress the Zhongdu Protectorate from the logistical point of view.
With the right to serve as the Chancellor, the Central Protector can participate in the decision-making of the Secretariat, and no one dares to despise his opinions.
This time, Feng Zhongduhu entered the palace and met with the little fat man. After talking about business, he said a few words and then left. He did not stay as much as usual.
However, after leaving the front hall of Weiyang Palace, Feng Zhongduhu did not leave the palace directly, but turned to the west.
The central official office of the Han Dynasty is located to the west of the front hall of Weiyang Palace.
Among the many central government offices, the most important one is undoubtedly the Chancery.
Feng Duhu, who was also the minister, could enter and leave the minister's desk freely. He did not let anyone inform him in advance and went directly to Jiang Wan's room.
Jiang Wan's check-in room was wide open, and from time to time the minister would send official documents and the like.
Seeing Feng Duhu approaching, he was about to salute.
Feng Duhu waved his hand, indicating not to make any noise.
Shang Shulang understood and all bowed their heads slightly to indicate.
The founding generation has a huge influence on a country, and they also shape the style of the country intentionally or unintentionally.
The late emperor and the prime minister also deeply influenced Ji Han.
Although the late emperor was the successor of the emperor, he had been isolated since he was a child and had been working hard to revive the Han Dynasty for decades. He was not a person who respected his status.
Hence, etiquette should be light and simple, and should not be red tape.
When he was the Prime Minister of Pingyuan, even if he was a commoner in the county, the late emperor could sit with him at the same table and eat with him.
Not to mention the Prime Minister, he has repeatedly valued talents and neglected etiquette.
For example, Pang Tong and Jiang Wan, both of whom were scolded by the late emperor for being impolite.
But the prime minister once defended them in front of the late emperor.
Although the late emperor and the prime minister are no longer here, their legacy is still preserved in the central official offices of the Han Dynasty.
Feng Duhu asked others not to be polite, but they just nodded and walked away.
In Jiang Wan's duty room, the sound of reading official documents could be heard loudly.
Those who don't know the inside story would say that this is Jiang Wan's eccentric way of handling official business.
But in fact, this was Fei Yi reading an official document to Jiang Wan.
Feng Du escorted him into the door and saw Jiang Wan sitting in the middle, with two people sitting on each side.
The person on the left is Fei Yi, and the person on the right is Dong Yun.
One of them holds the official document and reads it, and the other writes the document and waits for it.
After Jiang Wan heard this, he would discuss it in a low voice with the two of them, or directly express his decision.
If the two of them have other opinions, they can also put them forward.
After the three people reached a consensus, Dong Yun wrote a resolution.
There is also a case beside Fei Yi, specifically for the official documents sent over.
The three of them didn't notice Feng Duhu coming in at first. They only thought it was Shangshu Lang who had sent another official document.
It wasn’t until Feng Duhu stood in front of them for a while that they realized something was wrong.
“Zhongduhu?”
Seeing that the three of them were about to get up, Feng Duhu quickly stepped forward and held down Jiang Wan's arm:
“Mr. Jiang is inconvenienced, so don’t be too polite.”
Then he turned to Fei Yi and Dong Yun and said:
“Sit, everyone sits.”
Fei Yi and Dong Yun still stood up and saluted.
Seeing Feng Duhu sitting down next to Jiang Wan, they sat down again.
Jiang Wan's face has begun to show some age spots.
Although there are not many, it shows that this old man has begun to age.
Made Feng Duhu feel a little emotional:
“I remember when Mr. Jiang came from Jincheng to Yuexun to see me, how elegant and elegant he was. I didn’t expect that in the blink of an eye, it would be almost ten years...”
There are also reading glasses made for Jiang Wan by Feng Duhu on the case.
But Jiang Wan seems to use it less and less.
Because he was not only old, but also frail and sick, which was one of the reasons why Fei Yi and Dong Yun came over to help with official affairs.
Another reason is naturally because of the prime minister’s last words before his death.
From the current point of view, the Prime Minister's last words provide a very important guarantee for the normal operation and smooth replacement of the Dahan Center.
Obviously, after Jiang Wan, everyone agreed that Fei Yi and Dong Yun were the successors of Shangshu Ling.
At this time, Fei Yi and Dong Yun were serving as ministers and ministers (the former minister Pushe Li Fu had passed away) and the other as ministers and ministers.
Hearing Feng Duhu’s words, Jiang Wan looked at Feng Duhu with some relief and nostalgia at the same time:
“Yes, it’s been ten years in a blink of an eye. It’s really touching to think that back then, Zhongduhu was still a young man, but now he is the mainstay of the Han Dynasty.”
Feng Duhu waved his hand quickly:
“Mr. Jiang has been praised too much, and I never dare to speak of him as a mainstay. But speaking of his youth, even though he was said to be frivolous, it’s really nostalgic!”
Hearing this, Jiang Wan’s wrinkles on his face relaxed and his eyes were full of smiles:
"Who was not frivolous when he was young? I was almost punished by the late emperor for not caring about the affairs of the county!"
“That’s what Mr. Jiang said. Think about it, the Prime Minister punished me many times when he was here...”
Before they finished speaking, both of them laughed out loud.
“Mr. Jiang, have you ever written back to me these days to say you are safe?”
Jiang Wan's son Jiang Bin was recommended by Feng Duhu as the governor of Hedong.
This was a good thing. Unexpectedly, just over a year later, Wei Yan would mobilize troops and generals in Hedong.
Now, the Han Dynasty and Wei State are at war with each other on the border of Shangdang in Hedong, and the situation is tense.
This made Feng Duhu a little embarrassed. He felt that he had deliberately tricked Mr. Jiang, a great matchmaker.
After all, he was the matchmaker for his two wives.
"There is a large Han imperial army in the east of the river. How dare the thieves act so arrogantly? Besides, Quanzi doesn't have to go into battle himself, so why not be safe?"
Compared to Feng Duhu, Jiang Wan was calm and even a little unfazed.
I don’t know whether it’s because he has seen through the world, or because he has strong confidence in the Han soldiers who have won many battles over the years.
"On the other hand, the Protector of the Central Government, except for going to court, rarely enters the palace these days. Is it possible that he came to the palace just to chat with me?"
“Jiang Gong has a keen eye!”
Feng Duhu cupped his hands and said, "Actually, I just came from His Majesty's side."
“Oh?” Jiang Wan nodded thoughtfully, “Very good.”
As one of the important officials of the Han Dynasty, Jiang Wan naturally heard about the marriage between the royal family and the children of the Feng Mansion.
Now it seems that Feng Duhu personally entered the palace, and even if the matter has not been resolved, it has been eased.
Very good, very good!
Your Majesty is a benevolent emperor, and the Han Dynasty has always been generous to his ministers.
Not to mention that Zhongduhu has made great achievements over the years.
The hope of reviving the Han Dynasty is getting bigger and bigger. Jiang Wan naturally does not want the monarch and his ministers to get into discord at this critical moment.
It damaged the reputation of the emperor and chilled the hearts of the heroes.
To put it more selfishly, if the emperor can tolerate the behavior of the Central Protector, then he will naturally be able to tolerate other ministers.
Very good, very good...
“Isn’t Mr. Jiang curious about the reason why I came to the palace this time?”
“I’m afraid it’s not easy for us to comment on the matter between the Central Protector and Your Majesty, right?”
When Jiang Wan said this, he also included Fei Yi and Dong Yun, who had been listening silently.
Fei Yi and Dong Yun knew that this was Jiang Gong giving him a reminder on how to get along with the Central Protector in the future.
In other words, it is a hint on how to maintain the relatively independent operation of the Chancery between the palace and the Central Protectorate.
“Hey, that’s wrong!” Feng Duhu waved his hand, “This time when I enter the palace, I really have a big event, and I need Duke Jiang’s help later.”
“The Protector Dan said, as long as it is a major national matter, how can I not cooperate with it wholeheartedly?”
“Mr. Jiang is righteous!” Feng Duhu gave a thumbs up, and then said, “The State of Wu sent a secret envoy over the day before yesterday, asking me to lead the army out of Wuguan and cooperate with their actions in the south.”
"oh?!"
Jiang Wan did not hear anything about this matter, which shows that the palace kept this matter strictly confidential.
"A few days ago, it was said that the Wu people were fighting fiercely with the Wei thieves in Jingzhou and Jianghuai. At this time, the Wu people sent a secret envoy here. Could it be that the war has changed?"
"Jingzhou is still the same, but Jianghuai is too far away. Even if it comes here, the news will be at least a month ago."
Feng Duhu shook his head, "But no matter what, the Wu people sent a secret envoy this time and wanted me to lead the army personally. The matter is probably not small."
Jiang Wan nodded: "What the Central Protector said is true! What should we do according to the Central Protector's wishes?"
“Your Majesty and I both intend to agree to the request of the Wu people and capture the Caoqiao Pass of the Wei thieves. If this happens, the Wuguan Road will be completely opened.”
Jiang Wan stroked his beard and finally understood Feng Duhu’s intention:
"I think I don't do as much as the Central Protector in matters concerning the military formation! Since both Your Majesty and the Central Protector intend to do this, then is the Central Protector here just for food and grass?"
Hearing this, Feng Duhu laughed and said:
“It’s a pleasure to talk to Mr. Jiang!”
“But I don’t know when the Central Protector will go out to fight? How many soldiers will he lead?”
"Two to thirty thousand, of course, the sooner the better." Feng Duhu looked at Jiang Wan, "Time is a bit tight, does Mr. Jiang have time to prepare?"
This is also the reason why he came to inform Jiang Wan in person.
There is obviously a war in the east, but now without preparation, they suddenly plan to use troops in the southeast.
In addition, it is now a critical period to resume production in Xinfu and Fuzhou.
This matter may indeed be a bit stressful for the big housekeepers of Han Dynasty.
Even to Shangshu Ling, this matter felt like an afterthought.
Feng Duhu came to inform this matter in person, instead of asking the emperor to send a small yellow gate notification, which itself represents respect for Shangshu Ling.
Jiang Wan didn't pay attention to these details. Hearing Feng Duhu's words, a slightly embarrassed look appeared on his face.
Two to thirty thousand elite soldiers. Even if the Han army is supplemented by solid food, the civilians or auxiliary soldiers will still need ten thousand.
Calculating this, the amount of food and grass is not a small sum.
After pondering for a long time, Jiang Wan said slowly:
"In the past few years, the treasury has spent a lot of money. If it weren't for the strong foundation of the big man and the accumulation in his early years, I am afraid it would have been stretched long ago."
Feng Duhu knew that this was not a lie, let alone a word of deferment.
After all, in the battle of Guanzhong, although the victory was great, the cost was also extremely huge.
Coupled with the expenditures for resuming production after the war and the severe drought in the previous two years, the national treasury has been on the verge of warning several times.
Jiang Wan looked at Feng Duhu and said tentatively:
“If we use the final foundation of the treasury, it does not mean that we cannot support the expedition of Zhongduhu.”
Feng Duhu frowned:
"But if this is really the case, what if the war drags on for a long time and something unexpected happens to the big man? This is not appropriate, this is not appropriate!"
“This is the time when summer grain is being put into storage. If the central government is not in a hurry, we can wait a little longer.”
Feng Duhu shook his head:
"No, the war is changing rapidly. The Wu people have already been delayed for a month by sending people from Jingzhou. If we wait any longer, we may lose the opportunity to fight."
Jiang Wan did not speak immediately, but after a while, he said again:
“Unless we take advantage of this summer grain harvest to increase taxes, or suspend the payment of Dingkou tax…”
“It is unacceptable to seek temporary quickness and damage the long-term trust of the imperial court.”
Just now we have promised to the people to reduce taxes, and this is a critical period for the implementation of the apportionment method.
This postponement will arouse many reveries.
Even if it were implemented in the future, it would not be clear how much resistance would be added.
The Han Dynasty is not a Wei thief, let alone a Wu state.
They can impose excessive taxes to survive for a while.
But there is no need for big men to compete with them.
On the contrary, Wei and Wu behaved with violence, while the Han Dynasty behaved with benevolence.
As long as it can become a beacon to the world, when the Han Dynasty enters the Central Plains and pacifies the south of the Yangtze River, why worry about the people not eating pots of pulp to welcome the king's master?
Just like now, many people have fled from Hebei to Bingzhou, including Hu and Han, which is enough to show the support of people.
Of course Jiang Wan knew it would not work. He made these suggestions for Feng Duhu to deny.
“There is no one in the world who can increase the treasury without harming the people like the Protector of the Central Capital. Why don’t you make some suggestions?”
Feng Duhu sighed:
"Mr. Jiang, I came here to ask you for food and grass, but you asked me how to increase the treasury. Is it appropriate?"
Jiang Wan smiled:
“Those who are able should work harder. The Zhongdu Hu has the power to level up the Secretariat, and the Zhongdu Hu also has to participate in the affairs of the Chancery.”
Feng Duhu choked.
However, when he looked at Jiang Wan's expression, his heart moved:
“Is it possible that Mr. Jiang has already made a decision?”
“I have some ideas, but they still need to be approved by the Central Protector.”
"Mr. Jiang, please come." After saying this, he quickly added, "But if you want Xinghanhui to advance the money for food first, I'm afraid it won't work."
The main energy of the Xinghan Hui is currently focused on Jiuyuan and Pingcheng.
Especially Pingcheng.
For Feng Duhu, he would rather give up the attack on Caoqiao Pass than delay the pinging of the city.
Jiang Wan shook his head: "Although it has some relationship with the Xinghan Association, it does not require the Xinghan Association to contribute."
"oh?"
Feng Duhu raised his eyebrows.
Other than the Xinghan Society, who else could have such huge financial resources?
(End of this chapter)