noveltune Chapter 5449 Interfering
Chapter 5449 Interfering
Chapter 5449 Interfering
People are very different from one another. Even if they are in the same camp and seem to have the same interests, their motivations often go in completely opposite directions due to differences in their vision, mindset, character, and so on.
When Ma Zhou presented his strategy for developing Liaodong in the Taiji Hall, and Fang Jun openly stood up to strongly support it, this strategy had no choice but to be implemented. Even though Li Chengqian was reluctant and unwilling, he was powerless to forcibly reject it.
Even an emperor cannot openly resist a prime minister who nominally holds all power and a powerful minister who actually wields immense influence, unless he is tired of being emperor and wants to abdicate and become the supreme ruler...
The strategy of developing Liaodong must be implemented; this is the key point.
However, the implementation process and the attitude of the entire "Imperial Party" are another matter entirely.
Xu Jingzong was only concerned with his own interests. He analyzed the situation in Liaodong clearly and thoroughly, but all he wanted was to remain invincible and wait for his opponent to make a mistake, or even let the situation in Liaodong deteriorate and the Crown Prince suffer a complete defeat.
Li Ji took it a step further, viewing it as a competition where everyone would supervise and encourage each other, and regardless of the final outcome, the entire empire would benefit.
Li Chengqian had completely sobered up, and his previous anger had vanished.
Even unparalleled rulers like Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, and Emperor Taizong could not command the world's obedience with their words, let alone Li Chengqian.
He also clearly saw the difference between Li Ji and Xu Jingzong.
Fortunately, he had won Li Ji over to his side, and he did not have much resistance to Xu Jingzong. Whether it was the emperor appointing people or the court appointing officials, the most important thing was not morality but ability. As long as someone had the talent to manage the world and the ability to govern the country, everything else was negotiable.
He said to Xu Jingzong in a deep voice, "Your words are reasonable. My dear minister, you do not need to care about the success or failure of the development of Liaodong. As long as you focus on the development of Dongting Lake and turn those barren lands into fertile fields, you can settle more people. That would be a great achievement, and I will never treat you unfairly."
After Xu Jingzong received the order, he warned, "This competition is crucial to the foundation of the nation. Regardless of the outcome of the Liaodong development, the development of Dongting Lake must be a success!"
Xu Jingzong quickly stood up, bowed, and accepted the order: "Yes, sir!"
For a moment, his heart was filled with lofty ambitions.
He will dedicate the nation's resources to developing Dongting Lake, and at that time he will be stationed in Yuezhou, commanding hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men, tens of millions of strings of cash, and countless supplies of grain and provisions. He will dominate Jingchu, control the Yangtze River, and wield immense power in the south.
By completing this arduous task, one can immediately become a renowned minister of the time and be remembered in history.
Li Chengqian understood that the development of Liaodong could not be stopped, but he was still depressed: "The memorial of the Grand Chancellor said that the development of Liaodong did not require the use of national power, and that the procurement and transportation of various materials could be completed by trading companies alone... But although the trading companies are controlled by the Grand Commandant, the shareholders behind them may not be willing to fill the huge pit of Liaodong with their wealth, right?"
Li Ji, Xu Jingzong, and Pei Huaijie looked at each other in bewilderment.
They understood the implied meaning behind His Majesty's words. They knew that His Majesty's words suggested that they could manipulate or exert some pressure on the shareholders of the merchant group. While not disrupting the overall development of Liaodong, they could hinder its efficiency to gain more advantages for the Dongting Lake area.
Li Ji shook his head and said, "The memorial clearly states that the merchants' investment of manpower and resources to support the development of Liaodong was not free, but rather in exchange for priority rights to purchase grain and so on. With just this one item, the merchants have made countless profits. I'm afraid those shareholders are already flocking to it."
The trading company was established by Fang Jun and received strong support from Emperor Taizong, who became a shareholder in the name of the royal family. Under Emperor Taizong's call, princes, nobles, and powerful families successively invested in the company. In addition to the hidden political benefits, they also made a fortune in recent years due to the prosperity of maritime trade, and even reduced their interest in land acquisition, instead investing their vast assets in maritime trade.
The defining characteristic of aristocratic families lies in "family supremacy," prioritizing the family over the nation, with everything revolving around family inheritance and bloodline continuation, disregarding righteousness and pursuing only profit.
As long as there are enough benefits, betraying the country is commonplace, so why would they care about the emperor's face?
Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "How could I not know this? But the development of Liaodong will bring benefits to these people. Is the development of Dongting Lake not profitable? In this matter, you should take the initiative to negotiate with some families and offer them some favorable conditions, such as promising them priority to purchase some fertile land after the Dongting Lake project is completed, or providing them with some shops in the new city of Yuezhou."
The development of Dongting Lake naturally has its focus, and Yuezhou City will become the political and economic hub of the entire Dongting Lake region after its development. The originally dilapidated urban area will be expanded. Given Fang Jun's successful experience in real estate development projects, the newly built shops and residences in Yuezhou City will be put on sale, which will inevitably attract wealthy and powerful people from all over the country.
Li Ji never expected that such a difficult task would fall on his shoulders. With no other choice, he could only accept the order: "This old minister will do his best."
But they dared not make any promises.
When it comes to such business operations, no one in the world can surpass Fang Jun. It's unlikely that anyone would truly offend Fang Jun for the sake of Yuezhou's interests...
Li Chengqian nodded with pleasure.
However, all means, all arrangements, and all plans will ultimately converge on one point—the development of Dongting Lake must be successfully completed.
Unable to resist putting pressure on Xu Jingzong again, he said, "All the successes and failures of the past are in the past. I promise you that as long as the development of Dongting Lake is successful, I will do my best to fulfill your wish."
"Your Majesty has entrusted me with this important task; I am willing to go through fire and water, even at the cost of my life!"
Xu Jingzong was very excited.
The previous attempt to secure the position of prime minister failed because, firstly, Fang Jun betrayed him, and secondly, His Majesty held back and was not determined to forcefully push him to the position regardless of the consequences.
If the development of Dongting Lake is successful and His Majesty's prestige is greatly enhanced, he will be overjoyed and naturally regard him as a confidant. When he has another opportunity to plan for the position of prime minister, he will definitely do his best to support him.
In addition to his own qualifications, abilities, and prestige, who could stop him?
At the very least, replacing Pei Huaijie wouldn't be too difficult...
Pei Huaijie had not yet felt that his position was threatened, but he had already been targeted by Xu Jingzong. In order to make up for the impact of being suppressed by Fang Jun and not daring to utter a word, he deliberately put on an image of unity and made a promise: "Prefect Xu can rest assured. As long as the central government needs to coordinate and direct, I will do it personally so that Prefect Xu has no worries!"
Xu Jingzong smiled happily, his eyes gentle: "We are so grateful to you, Your Excellency. I will certainly repay you handsomely when the project is completed!"
Pei Huaijie laughed and patted him on the shoulder: "We share the same ideals and are colleagues, so why should we distinguish between us? We should join hands, overcome all difficulties, and assist His Majesty in achieving a great cause for the ages and a glorious name for all time!"
Li Ji, of course, would not participate in such lofty ambitions. He picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and his eyes were sharp, with a half-smile on his face.
*****
The development of Dongting Lake and Liaodong was not only due to the competition for power at the top, but also because it provided numerous official positions that made middle-level officials and generals flock to them.
Whether they were scions of noble families who had previously been granted official positions through hereditary privilege or scholars from humble backgrounds who had entered officialdom through the imperial examinations in recent years, advancing through the established path was extremely difficult. Everyone hoped to participate in such a grand and magnificent historical process, to gain merit and rise to prominence.
The entire city of Chang'an was engulfed in an unseen yet palpable restlessness. Countless princes, nobles, high-ranking officials, and powerful families were secretly maneuvering through their connections and relationships, attempting to obtain an official position to join this grand event.
Under the cover of night, Chang'an City is brightly lit, and the layout of its 108 wards is clearly visible.
Inside a brothel in Pingkangfang, Li Jingye, tall and muscular, sat in the center, dressed in a round-necked casual robe and wearing a turban. He was imposing and had the air of a seasoned general. He was holding a wine pot and drinking.
At the lower end of the hall, Imperial Censor Wei Siwen, Attendant Censor Tang Zhiqi, Supervising Censor Xue Zhongzhang, and Director of the Imperial Household Department Du Qiuren, among others, took their seats. Each of them was accompanied by beautifully dressed and charming dancers. The hall was filled with the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments, the fragrance of clothes and the shadows of hair, fine wine and delicacies, and bright lights.
Li Jingye finished the wine in one flask, exhaled a long breath of alcohol, casually threw the flask to the ground, and cursed, "Fang Jun, you little brat, you've gone too far!"
The people present were all friends, and they had naturally heard about the conflict that had occurred in Taiji Palace a few days ago, as described by Li Jingye. They also knew that Li Jingye, who seemed rough and bold, was actually narrow-minded, so they were not surprised that he held such a grudge against him.
Born into a prestigious family and achieving early success, he now commands a hundred cavalry and enjoys the emperor's favor. How could he accept being taught a lesson by Fang Jun in the Taiji Palace?
Wei Siwen was cautious. He waved his hand to dismiss the group of singers and dancers before advising, "We understand that you are resentful, but you must understand the principle that trouble comes from the mouth. Fang Jun has been appointed Grand Commandant and has great power. He is now on par with your grandfather. When you encounter trouble, you should avoid his sharp edge and be patient."
Censor Xue Zhongzhang disagreed: "Brother Wei, why boost others' morale while diminishing your own? Fang Jun was a spoiled brat in his youth, reckless and unruly. Did he ever know the principle that trouble comes from the mouth? Yet even when facing powerful figures like Changsun Wuji and Linghu Defen, or even a prince like the Prince of Qi, he never understood the principle of 'forbearance is the best policy'! Why can Fang Jun do it, but Brother Jingye can't? In truth, Chancellor Fang's achievements and power are inferior to those of Duke Ying!"
Tang Zhiqi hiccuped and chimed in, "Back then, Fang Er was just a mere Imperial Son-in-Law Commander who dared to punch Prince Qi. Now, Brother Jingye is the Commander of the Hundred Cavalry, guarding the palace and deeply trusted by the Emperor. Even if he were to face Fang Er, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage. If he were to back down, I'm afraid no one would say 'forbearance is the best policy,' but would only laugh at Brother Jingye for being a coward!"
Wei Siwen said angrily, "How can one or two people with such impulsiveness accomplish great things? Everyone is now scheming for official positions in Yuezhou and hoping to participate in the development of Dongting Lake. Naturally, we must act discreetly, otherwise we will cause trouble and affect our future, and it will be too late to regret it!"