Chapter 27: The Small Court Gathering

  Yinxiang came back to his senses and saw the shocked expression on Yinzhong's face and the bewildered look on Yinxun, and couldn't help but ask: "Did Fourteenth leave? What else did he say afterwards?"

  Yuan Hong said in a bad temper: "This old fourteen is getting more and more unscrupulous, it seems that there is still a sentence behind him, be careful of the second brother and the fourth brother."

  "It's indeed so." Yong Yi smiled and said: "The Fourteenth had suspicions about Fourth Brother long ago."

  Yuan Yun said with a puzzled expression: "But at this moment, I really can't see anything unusual about Fourth Brother."

  "Do you still doubt the vision of fourteen?" Yunxiang said with a hint of displeasure.

  "That's not the case." Yongzheng let out a long sigh, "In the past, Eighth Brother said that he was profound and had a long-term vision, unique, I didn't believe it, but looking at what he has done, one can't help but be convinced. When it comes to imperial power, he is particularly incisive, as if his words are awakening people from their dreams. He indeed sees through things more clearly than we do."

  "Fortunately, fourteen is our brother. Otherwise, the eighth brother really dare not think about it. No matter whether it's making money or having insight, fourteen are all thieves. Don't blame old ten, he's indeed busy now." After finishing speaking, he muttered to himself: "This fourth brother, why did old fourteen remind us to be careful? We've always been very cautious with the crown prince, so why does fourteen need to remind us to be careful?"

  Yin Yun said hesitantly, "Doesn't Eighth Brother feel that the Crown Prince has been too calm lately? When things are abnormal, they must be ominous. The Crown Prince must be brewing something. Does Fourteenth mean we should be careful to protect ourselves?"

  Xuanwu Gate coup? Yi Zong's mind suddenly flashed with this thought, but he shook his head again. History is not comparable, and there are so many brothers in the family. No, it's not a coup, it's a remonstrance! He himself was also stunned by this sudden thought. Had the Crown Prince really gone to such an extent?

  Yongzheng returned to the mansion and summoned Zheng Shichang, Min Mingwo, Hai Feng, Bao Fuquan, Da Chun, Yang Min, Bai Ziyun, Ding Shanji and others. Dai Ziyi wanted to send someone to pick them up. Shanghai not only wanted to let 'Four Great Gangs' build a branch, but also wanted to transport a large amount of silver to go there. Yongzheng wanted to show off his skills in Shanghai, which couldn't be done without money. Of course, he wouldn't forget to send someone to Shanghai to grab land and buy properties before others did.

  In addition, relatives and friends must be given benefits. The children in their families should take this opportunity to follow Yizheng, whether it's a errand or joining the navy, both are good career paths. The guards and attendants who followed Yizheng to Shanghai also need to be settled. It is hoped that the management of the Yi School will also be determined, and Minming will lead the recruitment of various Western talents to Shanghai, regardless of whether they are missionaries or businessmen, sailors, military officers, craftsmen, all are in great demand.

  After all this was discussed, it was already midnight. Dazed and confused, Yongzheng had slept for less than two hours when he was called up again; the time to attend court had arrived.

  "What's the logic in this, having to get up at 5 am?"

  Fortunately, it was not the usual morning lecture on the fifth day of the month (the 5th, 15th, and 25th are major lectures), there were not many people, and nothing special happened. After the routine ceremony, Kangxi brought up the book "Encouraging Agriculture", not only did Yin Zhen perk up, but all the officials present also became more spirited.

  "The 'Nong Shu' has been published in the official gazette, and the response has been overwhelming. My intention is that although there may be some shortcomings, the proposal to establish an agricultural academy is beneficial for the current generation and will have lasting effects for a thousand years. Li Jin of Yanzhou is well-versed in agriculture and has always loved the people. I appoint him as the sixth-rank official in charge of the Jiangning Agricultural Academy. Also, I appoint Beizi Yunzhen, who is open-minded, intelligent, and skilled in practical matters, to take my place in inspecting the two Guangs, two Jangs, Fujian, and Zhejiang, and to oversee the affairs of the agricultural academy."

  Yin Zhen's mind was a bit confused, who is Li Jin? Never heard of it, and the hospital officials are all fifth-grade, how come this agricultural college official only gave a sixth-grade? Besides supervising the construction of the Agricultural College, why did he also serve as an observer? And it's a seven-province observer. However, being confused aside, he still quickly stepped out to thank him.

  When the officials heard that Kangxi only established the Imperial Agricultural College, but did not mention the future ranks of the students, they were all puzzled by Kangxi's intentions. Moreover, Kangxi had already said that establishing the Imperial Agricultural College would bring benefits to the current generation and fame for a thousand years to come. This emperor was famous for his good reputation, who would dare to provoke him?

  It was some officials who came forward and flattered them in a perfunctory manner.

  The Kangxi Emperor, however, was not yet satisfied and continued to say: "Since the opening of the sea in the 23rd year, maritime trade has flourished, enriching the people and benefiting the country. However, it has also given rise to countless pirates. As time went on, the pirates became increasingly rampant, initially with just over a hundred men, but now they number in the thousands. Moreover, they have formed internal and external connections, roaming the seas and causing harm to several provinces. Now, Prince Yinzhen is loyal to the country and has proposed building a fleet of warships in Shanghai to sweep away the great pirates of the southeast. What are your views on this, gentlemen?"

  Which of these ministers who can be listed in the imperial court is not a clever person? As soon as he heard Kangxi's words, he smelled the taste in it. These two fathers and sons are probably already conspiring together. Since you said that Yongzheng's suggestion was loyal to the country, what else do we need to say?

  It was a bit chilly, and Tong Guowei suddenly appeared. He is one of the banners of the Eighth Master's party, and he had already received Yongzheng's hint early on. Moreover, Yongzheng also had a favor to ask of his son Longkodo. At this time, he naturally wanted to stand up for the 14th: "I humbly submit to Your Majesty that I think this proposal by Beizhi is very good. The pirates in the southeastern seas are harming the coastal areas, roaming the seas, and plundering passing ships. The severity of the harm and the magnitude of the impact can no longer be ignored. If we don't take action to eliminate them, it will be difficult to get rid of this scourge. This proposal can eliminate future troubles and also make our great Qing dynasty's prestige known overseas."

  Tong Guowei, as the chief minister of the Upper Book House and the spokesperson for the Eighth Master's Party, his words were undoubtedly a weathervane on the imperial court. As soon as he finished speaking, a group of officials rushed out to either echo his sentiments or blow new ideas.

  The Crown Prince Yinre stood by, unable to do anything but stare blankly. The implication of Kangxi's words was already very clear. None of the officials were foolish, either looking at the golden bricks on the ground or the moldings on the beams, those standing in the back simply closed their eyes and meditated, allowing Yinre's gaze to scrape back and forth over them like a knife.

  Seeing the situation was overwhelmingly unfavorable, Yongzheng felt suffocated and wanted to vomit blood. This old fourteen had just made over ten million silver coins, and now he's coming back to grab military power again? The Beiyang Fleet, others may not know, but I, Yongzheng, am not clear about it? Using the Beiyang Fleet to suppress pirates, isn't that like using cannons to hit mosquitoes? Are you kidding me?

  Opposing that is the most unwise, Yongzheng's eyes rolled over and he stood up to say: "I report to the Emperor, my 14th brother is loyal to the country, his heart is commendable, I am ashamed as an older brother. My 13th brother Yongxiang has been familiar with military strategy since childhood and is good at military affairs. I recommend Yongxiang to build a fleet for our Great Qing to sweep away pirates and show off our national prestige."

  Yongzheng and Yongji heard what Yongzhao said, they quickly lowered their heads, afraid that Kangxi would see the expression of gloating on their faces. You dare to interfere with the 14th prince's business, just wait and see how you'll die!

  Kangxi's expressionless face nodded slightly, "This matter will be discussed later." After finishing speaking, he swept his eyes over the group of officials and saw Zhang Yushu with an expression that seemed to want to speak but hesitated. He then called out: "Zhang Yushu, what is your opinion?"

  Zhang Yushu came out and knelt down to memorialize: "To report to the Emperor, the imperial court already has the Fujian Navy, Chongming Navy, Jingkou General's Navy, Nantai Navy Camp and other naval forces. Your humble servant does not understand military affairs, but building a new fleet requires enormous expenses, and after its completion, annual maintenance is also a considerable expenditure. Your humble servant thinks that this proposal should be reconsidered."

  The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhang Penghui, had long been anxious and jumping with his feet. No one was clearer about the national treasury than him. Building a far-reaching ocean fleet? Wouldn't that empty the entire national treasury? Seeing Zhang Yushu fire the first shot, he immediately stood up and said, "I concur."

  Seeing someone jump out to oppose, Yongzheng was secretly delighted, and was about to pull a few people out to make the momentum bigger. However, Kangxi spoke up, "The initial estimate for the cost of the ocean-going fleet is 30 million taels."

  As soon as this was said, all the ministers in the hall were stunned, didn't they hear it wrong? 30 million taels? The silver stored in the national treasury is less than 10 million taels. What kind of warship is so expensive? Those who are more thoughtful and cautious are secretly on guard, and Emperor Kangxi may be using the name of building a fleet to start clearing up debts again. However, Zhang Tingyu and Zhang Pengshou both secretly let out a sigh of relief.

  Kangxi looked at Yinreng with a wicked smile, "Do you still recommend building thirteen ocean-going fleets now?"