kvmb Chapter 244 Three Years of Jia Zhen's Iron Fist, A Cold Face Reflected in an Ice Pot
Chapter 244 Three Years of Jia Zhen's Iron Fist, A Cold Face Reflected in an Ice Pot
0244 Three years of Jia Zhen's iron-fisted rule, the ice-cold kettle reflects the man's frosty face.
Qiu Rongmu leaned against the carved wooden window, poked at the green tassels in her teacup with a tea needle, and said to Xiao Si: "What you just said, 'The price has really gone up,' reminds me of that amusing incident involving Zhang Jiazhen—his years of glory vanished like dew, only to be demoted to this Binzhou for arbitrarily increasing taxes."
Little Si bounced on the desk, clutching the paperweight, the glass beads clinking crisply: "This word 'increase' is quite clever; it refers to both an increase in taxes and an increase in official rank. It's no wonder he fell from the clouds to the dust!"
As he spoke, he unfurled a yellowed manuscript of poems. "But this man does possess some genuine talent. Look at what he wrote: 'Mountains and rivers appear as battle formations, grasses and trees as soldiers.' In just a few words, he vividly depicted the spirit of military strategy. No wonder Zhang Xunxian recommended him to the Empress back then."
Qiu Rongmu tapped the pages of "Zhenguan Zhengyao" on the table with her fingertips, her eyes softening amidst the fragrant ink: "So you also know the subtlety of the character 'Zhen'? The 'Zhen' in 'Zhenguan,' the 'Zhen' in 'small rhinoceros,' together form a ready-made allusion. Could it be that Heaven wants me to clean up its mess, which is why it exiled us to this Binzhou region under Xianyang's jurisdiction?"
Little Si tiptoed to look out the window at the twilight, then suddenly turned and flipped through the poetry scroll: "Speaking of his poetic talent, when he accompanied Sanlang Zi'an to climb Mount Taihang, the line 'From the summit of Mount Hu, a flying dragon soars high in the sky' was 'It spread throughout the court.' Such loyalty to the emperor is somewhat similar to the character that Brother Mutou transmigrated into."
Qiu Rongmu coughed a few times, choked by the tea: "What a sharp-tongued little rascal! Not to mention that Zhang Jiazhen's hometown is in Yishi, a man who grew up amidst the roar of the Yellow River, how could I, a scholar raised in the bamboo shadows of Jiangnan, compare? Just consider that his governance is as harsh as a cruel official, officials and commoners alike tremble in his presence, unlike me, who is so easy to get along with!"
Little Si peeked out from behind the bookshelf and laughed: "Brother, are you feeling guilty? Back then, the Empress saw Zhang Jiazhen's beautiful appearance and bestowed upon him a green robe and gold belt. If you were to wear that outfit now, the people of Binzhou might mistake you for a banished immortal! Listen to him write, 'The river fish haven't frozen yet, but the larvae in the river are already hearing thunder.' Such keen observation is somewhat similar to the meticulousness you showed when you were working for Ninth Master..."
Dusk crept through the windowpane, mingling their laughter with the scent of ink. In the government office on the banks of the Yellow River, before Qiu Rongmu's eyes, Qiu Rongzhen was writing the poem, "The net opens on three sides, the common people ask about a hundred years," stirring up the dust that had settled there...
During the three years that Qiu Rongmu transmigrated into Zhang Jiazhen's body, he did feel that he was more handsome, and compared to Qi Jing's straightforward nature, his thinking seemed to have become more meticulous and organized, and the strategies he offered could easily hit the nail on the head regarding the current problems.
This was a great treasure to Zhang Xunxian, who summoned Qiu Rongzhen to his staff to act as his chief strategist. Whenever he encountered a difficult decision, he would consult Qiu Rongzhen, and all military and state memorials were written by Qiu Rongzhen.
When Xiao Si was still Mei Xiao Si, he also used this behind-the-scenes strategist. His military plans were based on the "real price increase," and everything he did was timely and appropriate. Every time he pointed the banners in the tiger's tent, he was victorious!
Therefore, after transmigrating, Qiu Rongzhen was entrusted with drafting many memorials. Even a useful tool was given important responsibilities. All documents presented to the Empress by Zhang Xunxian were polished by him. Zhang Xunxian was like a rare gem, so he was invited to serve as a key advisor in the Imperial Secretariat. Memorials that passed through his hands were always to the point, often making the Empress's pen hesitate to be written.
Qiu Rongzhen took on the role of Zhang Jiazhen and served as prime minister for three years. Her insight was as clear as ice in a crystal vase and her strategic decisions were as sharp as a dragon spring drawn from its sheath.
Back then, Mei Xiaosi felt that "Zhen Zhangjia" was not only handsome but also strict and clear-headed, so he bestowed upon him the Heavenly Fragrance Manual, allowing him to enjoy the honor of having his family's wealth and influence recognized by the Vermilion Bird Gate, a family that had been in power for five generations. He also ensured that his son would inherit the position of prime minister again, and that his grandchildren would continue the family's high-ranking posts. It was truly a family of ministers!
In her self-reflection, Qiu Rongzhen realized that her usually decisive and efficient nature was indeed prone to causing discord. Fortunately, with the help of her close friends such as "Green Physician," "The Enemy," and "Inquiry," the group formed the "Second Green Garden" think tank, supporting each other.
Xiao Si quickly explained to Sanlang Zi'an, "The Green Physician is that one, the author of a famous five-line poem. Through his ingenious construction of time and space, he blends scenery, events, emotions, and arguments together, making his writing very exciting and thought-provoking..."
Sanlang Zian: "The bamboo stands tall by the window, its greenness enduring the cold of winter?"
"Exactly! A pure heart is admired, but the bamboo shoots are too small to grow into a pole. The bamboo shoots are the individual sheaths on the bamboo shoot..."
"Green Physician" often reveals subtle clues and hidden meanings in casual conversations, adhering to the philosophy of "simplicity and clarity" in life. He advocates simplifying complex matters, understanding the principles of things, and not setting up barriers to confine oneself, which is very much in line with the sentiments of "Zhangjiazhen".
Meanwhile, Sanlang Zian's strategies for governing the country have become increasingly sophisticated, and he has been able to grasp the essentials and seize the key to the stability of the nation.
Today, Yuan Qianyao vehemently denounced the current abuses: "Many important positions in the court are occupied by the sons of high-ranking officials, and the path to advancement for virtuous scholars from humble backgrounds is almost completely blocked... My three sons are all in important positions in the capital region, and I earnestly request that two of them be transferred to other posts to set things right!"
Sanlang Zian immediately issued an edict to commend Yuan Qianyao, ordering all civil and military officials to emulate his noble character and to persuade their sons and younger brothers to go to the prefectures and counties for training.
With this edict issued, two hundred sons of prominent families volunteered for official posts outside the capital, thus resolving the problem of redundant officials in the capital.
Little Sizi grinned: "So, 'price increase' and 'Zhen' are useful!"
The next day, Sanlang Zian asked Qiu Rongzhen, "However, local officials each have their own agendas, favoring their own families and showing a 'wai's' but 'disobedient' attitude. How should we control them?"
"We should embrace local forces with an open mind, rather than confront them head-on."
"Oh?" Sanlang Zian Anxiang, just after Qiu Rongjing Gong stepped down, another Qiu Rongzhen Gong came. What is this little rhinoceros up to?
Qiu Rongzhen interrupted the conversation: "The governor must be informed that His Majesty has already discovered your secrets!! However, His Majesty must not make any rash statements."
Sanlang Zian clapped his hands and laughed: "I know, it's easier said than done, but I know that only in this way can one show the majesty of an emperor!"
Qiu Rongzhen nodded: "If any of our subjects make any unusual moves, it is a sign that they harbor disloyal intentions! We must not be drawn into their traps and aura. Instead of becoming their enemy, we should despise them as if we were the emperor."
Sanlang Zian nodded: "As a ruler, I should have the capacity to endure humiliation and forgiveness! Even if I am disobedient, I must remain calm. If I treat my officials as enemies, I will fall into the trap of power politics—once I show any signs of scheming, I will be at a disadvantage."
"Your Majesty!"
Sanlang Zian has become increasingly adept at maintaining the majesty of the Nine Heavens Palace, remaining composed even when his heart is filled with turmoil.
As Xiao Si instructed, one's focus should be on how to appease the likes of An Lushan, rather than waiting for them to escalate into the An Lushan Rebellion before taking hasty action. If one falls into the trap set by subordinates, one loses the demeanor of a wise ruler; how can one alter this predetermined destiny?