The Second Sister of a Farmer's Family's Path to Imperial Destiny

Chapter 193

However, overnight, the number of people in the prisons in the capital suddenly increased, and almost all of them were high-ranking officials from aristocratic families.

The street notices sparked widespread discussion among the people of Beijing.

"Is this true? These aristocratic families were actually imprisoned?"

"How could it be fake? It's all posted."

"The imperial court actually disciplined them. This is impossible, right?"

"What's impossible? I heard that it was the King of Qi who proposed it to Your Majesty, and Your Majesty agreed."

"I heard that the Prince of Qi is the son of His Majesty's most beloved concubine. Could it be that this is just a way for him to establish his authority?"

"I think……"

The people in the capital were talking about it, and the scholars in the court were first panic-stricken, but then seemed to see hope.

The aristocratic families have held power in the court for a long time. They have tried hard to climb up in the past, but have never succeeded. Therefore, if they want to get to a high position, they have no choice but to attach themselves to the aristocratic families.

When the King of Qi proposed a thorough investigation of corruption a few days ago, they thought it was just a gimmick for fame.

But now it seems to be true.

Many scholars from poor families sent visiting cards to King Qi, all wanting to compete for the vacant position.

Inside the palace, in the study, the emperor and the King of Qi sat opposite each other, each holding a chess piece in their hands.

"There are so many people from aristocratic families in prison now, and too many people have come to the palace to see me recently. It's a good opportunity for me and you to relax together. It's been a long time since we, father and son, have sat facing each other like this."

Then, the chess piece fell, and the topic changed, "What are your plans for the vacant position in the court now?"

Over the years, it has become a common practice for most matters to be decided by the aristocratic families. Although he had done a little suppression on the aristocratic families a few years ago, it was of little use.

They have already formed a network, interwoven very tightly.

Now that all the court officials have been imprisoned, there is no one to take over the court affairs for the time being. It would be fine for one or two days, but it is not acceptable to have no one to take over the affairs for a long time.

Therefore, for this reason, he has not continued to suppress it, but there is a more important reason.

"I have a plan in mind. Many scholars from humble backgrounds in the capital have talents but are unable to display them. For many years, they have been working for the aristocratic families. Therefore, in terms of talent, they are not inferior to me."

"Moreover, some of these scholars are still arrogant and have never sent me a visiting card. After careful investigation, I found that they are all people of excellent character and outstanding talents, and they can be entrusted with important tasks."

The emperor put the black piece in his hand into the chess box, took a sip of tea, and hid the smile on his lips.

He had already discovered this matter, but if he did it, those poor scholars would only be loyal to him, not the next emperor.

If you want to pave the way for the next emperor, you can only tolerate those aristocratic families.

Naturally, compared to Jin'er, he was more satisfied with He'er and wanted to pave the way for him, so this matter was put on hold.

Until a few days ago, he softened his heart.

Jing'an felt very guilty that she could not become his queen and had to be confined to the four corners of the world.

Under Jing'an's earnest request, he finally agreed and let Zhao He see the prosperity of the world for Jing'an.

So this matter was brought up again, but Zhao Jin was never a successor he was satisfied with, so he did not tell him how to perfectly deal with the corruption issue.

Firstly, he wanted to embarrass Zhao Jin and let him see that being a good emperor is not easy.

Secondly, he wanted to test the talents of this prince whom he had relatively ignored.

However, Jin'er's handling of this matter was beyond his expectations. Now it seems that he might become a good emperor in the future.

Compared with the intrigues between the father and son in the palace, Zhao He, who was far away in the frontier, had it much easier.

He looked at the letter of surrender sent by Beidi, and then looked at the Beidi minister who came to deliver the letter of surrender. He was thin and it was obvious that he was a civil official.

Seeing Zhao He looking at him, the Northern Di official cupped his fists in greeting, a smile on his face, but it was difficult to force. "I wonder if the King of Shu has any other requests. If they are reasonable, we can discuss them."

Zhao He pointed at the map presented to him and said, "After three years of fighting, I, Dazhao, have now spared you, the Northern Di, yet you have only given me two cities close to Dazhao? Is this your sincerity?"

The envoy looked at the ground, was silent for a moment, then bowed and looked at Zhao He: "We will send 2,000 cattle and sheep each year for ten years."

Cattle and sheep are the most abundant products of the Northern Di people, but they lack millet and other items. This is why they have always wanted to invade Dazhao.

Zhao He smiled. He had originally thought it would only take five years, so this was a pleasant surprise. He withdrew his pressure and said, "That's easy. The cattle and sheep we want are of the best quality."

After a pause, he continued, "In addition, Dazhao wants to open up border trade with the Northern Di for fifty years."

Guo Xin told him in the letter about the glass workshop, which would definitely require countless craftsmen. If the border market could be opened, it would be convenient for the craftsmen to come here, and their eating habits could also be adopted in Dazhao.

In this case, is there still any worry that the colored glaze of Dazhao cannot be carried forward?

At the same time, opening the border market would not only bring a lot of money to Dazhao, but also help some people in Beidi find a new livelihood. That day, the scene was really too bitter.

The Northern Di envoy responded.

Zhao He raised his eyes and felt excited. After three years, he finally waited for this day. The people would live in peace and happiness, and he could also fulfill his wish.

During the three years at the frontier, he thought every day about returning to Beijing and asking his father to issue an imperial decree to grant marriage, and then rushing back to Suining City to see her. He had rehearsed that scene in his mind hundreds of times.

Thinking of this, he stood up and walked out.

"Prince!! There is a letter from the capital!" The soldier saw Zhao He from afar and immediately shouted loudly.

Zhao He's pace quickened. It must be a letter from Xin'er, and he had to go and read it quickly.

After taking the letter and seeing the wax seal on it, his cheerful expression immediately drooped.

This is not a letter from Xin'er, it is clearly a letter from the palace.

When he returned to the house with the letter, his droopy expression brightened up again.

His father actually wanted him to return to Beijing to get married, and said that it could fulfill his wish?

However, regarding the matter of leaving the capital three years ago, my father still had delusions in his mind. He always wanted him to replace my third brother and ascend the throne of the emperor. The marriages he arranged for him were all with noble ladies from upright families.

For this, he even argued with his father, but the final result was that Xin'er could only be a concubine and not the main wife.

Later, Pei Yuan told him that those who had fought for the court and returned victorious could ask the emperor for a reward, and the emperor would agree to it no matter what it was.

Therefore, he resolutely decided to come here to seek a reward of marriage for himself.

The General of Cavalry walked into the room and saw that Zhao He was exuding joy from head to toe. He guessed that it was related to the letter.

But every time Zhao He was happy, it was related to the letter. Who else could it be except his own granddaughter? He couldn't help but jokingly said, "Your Highness is so happy, has he achieved his wish?"