roccoschili Chapter 5444 Compromise, Compromise
Chapter 5444 Compromise, Compromise
Chapter 5444 Compromise, Compromise
Regarding the future role of Guanzhong in the empire, the court had long been divided into two distinct factions.
The "conservatives" believed that Guanzhong was the foundation of the empire and the place where the dragon rose. With four passes and eight rivers surrounding it, it was bound to be a vital area around the capital and the core of the empire. They believed that it was worthwhile to import all the resources of the world into Guanzhong, because if Guanzhong was stable, the world would be at peace.
The "radicals" argued that Guanzhong had become barren and eroded after thousands of years of development, and that the ever-increasing population consumed countless resources, with most of the supplies now relying on the Grand Canal for replenishment. They believed that "draining the blood of the whole country to nourish Guanzhong" was a losing proposition and that it would be better to move the capital to Luoyang and make Chang'an a secondary capital.
Today, the two factions are deeply divided and each holds their own opinion, which has long since transcended the question of whether Guanzhong is still the core of the empire and risen to the political level.
Supporters of imperial power felt threatened by the growing power of the Crown Prince and held fast to the Guanzhong Plain to maintain the influence of founding nobles, imperial princes, and other powerful figures, waiting for an opportunity to change the heir. Meanwhile, supporters of the Crown Prince were also intimidated by imperial power and believed that only by "going out" and breaking free from the shackles of the "old forces" could they ensure greater benefits.
The policy of "filling Hebei with people from Guanzhong" was tantamount to weakening the power of the founding nobles and princes, and was considered a one-time thing that could not be repeated. Furthermore, the development of Liaodong required the full force of the nation; drawing manpower and resources from Guanzhong again would only further weaken the region.
Therefore, Li Chengqian's personal stand-up and open opposition were tantamount to personally sounding the clarion call for a counterattack, ensuring the interests of the founding nobles and princes of the imperial clan.
Naturally, people will follow suit.
Zongzhengqing and Prince Han Li Yuanjia echoed, "Your Majesty has a keen eye for the world. The climate of Yunmengze is suitable, warm and humid, which is most suitable for crops. If the land where the lake water recedes can be cultivated and planted, it will surely become a major granary of the empire. It will be very convenient for transporting grain to the capital or supplementing Luoyang. With the addition of rice from overseas, the empire will no longer have to worry about food shortages."
Tang Jian also said: "In comparison, Liaodong is bitterly cold, with wilderness everywhere, sparsely populated, and surrounded by various nomadic tribes that are eyeing it covetously and posing a great threat, which is not conducive to development. Of course, this does not mean abandoning the vast land of Liaodong, but rather that the country's strength is limited. We should choose between Liaodong and Yunmengze and concentrate our efforts on one of them. Yunmengze should be the first choice. After Yunmengze is fully developed, we can then plan to develop Liaodong."
Ma Zhou did not refute, but looked at Fang Jun and asked, "What brilliant idea does the Grand Commandant have?"
Fang Jun put down his teacup and straightened his back.
Everyone in the Hall of State Affairs tensed up and focused their attention on the situation.
Everyone knows that Fang Jun is now equivalent to the "Eastern Palace Guardian," always putting the interests of the Eastern Palace first. Even when facing His Majesty, he argues his case and refuses to back down. Would he really dare to openly confront His Majesty in the Hall of State Affairs and cause His Majesty to lose face?
Li Chengqian was also very nervous.
What if this idiot really doesn't give him any face? Should he endure it and "bite the bullet" or publicly retaliate?
Fang Jun remained calm and immediately addressed Li Chengqian: "His Majesty's words..."
He paused deliberately at this point, taking in the tense expressions of everyone present, smiled slightly, and continued, "...prudent and insightful, mature and steady."
Everyone: "..."
Okay, okay, you're just messing with us on purpose, aren't you?
Li Chengqian was speechless. He breathed a sigh of relief and cursed under his breath, "What an idiot!"
Are you flirting with me?!
"The water level of Yunmengze has been dropping year after year, exposing more of the lakebed that has been submerged for hundreds of years. This land is extremely fertile, and once developed, it will surely yield a high output. Moreover, its location between Shannan East Circuit and Jiangnan West Circuit makes it easier to allocate manpower and resources. However, the development of Yunmengze and Liaodong is not mutually exclusive. While focusing on one aspect, we should pursue both simultaneously. Now, we need to formulate a strategy to concentrate our efforts on developing Yunmengze, and also order the Liaodong Protectorate to carefully survey and formulate plans for the land within its territory. Once the development of Yunmengze is completed, the plan to develop Liaodong will be put on the agenda."
Everyone suddenly realized that Fang Jun was making a concession while also sticking to his position.
Li Chengqian pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "The Grand Commandant's words make a lot of sense. Whether it is Yunmengze or Liaodong, they are all the territory of the Great Tang. Although the national strength is limited and the development will be carried out at different times, they must eventually be cultivated and planted with grain to feed the people of the Great Tang."
The ministers all breathed a sigh of relief.
Your Majesty is hot-tempered. If you were to argue with Fang Jun and resolutely disagree with the development of Liaodong or postpone it indefinitely, it would not only deepen the rift between the emperor and his ministers but also affect national policy.
In fact, Liaodong should have been developed first. After all, while developing Liaodong, we could also launch a campaign to suppress and eliminate the Liaodong tribes, so that the vast Liaodong region could be completely brought under the control of the Tang Dynasty without any worries.
However, once Liaodong is developed, it will inevitably be dominated by the Eastern Palace faction, which is something His Majesty will find difficult to tolerate...
Since His Majesty has compromised, everyone is happy.
Then comes an even more important question: "Who will lead the development of Yunmengze?"
Yunmengze is vast and covers an area of great size. As the water level recedes year by year, more and more land is exposed above the water. The manpower and resources required for its development are astronomical. The person in charge has great power. Who wouldn't covet it?
This is bound to be a position that attracts everyone's attention.
The sun was high in the sky, the shadows of the trees outside the government building swayed, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and cicadas chirped incessantly.
The meeting continued.
Tang Jian spoke first: "This old minister recommends Xu Jingzong, the Minister of Rites. Minister Xu handled the previous national policy of measuring land with great skill and made great contributions. He has demonstrated his ability to coordinate with all parties and to plan carefully. He is most suitable for this task."
The Minister of Revenue has a lot of say on the topic of developing the host of Yunmengze, since the Ministry of Revenue has to fully cooperate in allocating manpower and resources.
Pei Huaijie glanced at His Majesty's stern face and finally spoke: "I agree with the Duke of Ju's proposal. Minister Xu is highly qualified, has made outstanding contributions, and is exceptionally capable, having achieved remarkable feats. He will surely be able to properly implement the development plan."
Xu Jingzong, who had been an observer from the beginning, picked up his teacup and took a sip of water. Even with his composure, he couldn't help but feel emotionally turbulent, anxious and nervous.
The position of Minister of Rites seems very prestigious, and although it is nominally the head of the six ministries, in reality, most of its duties are more focused on abstract matters, such as promoting the imperial examinations and educating the people. It certainly has power, but it is far from Xu Jingzong's ideal.
The kind of power he admires is the kind that grants absolute authority and commands absolute obedience, rather than the kind that allows one to tyrannize and oppress others in a particular area...
His previous failure to secure the position of Attendant-in-Ordinary was a major blow to his career. If he could oversee the development of Yunmengze, it would be like a meteoric rise to power. However, if he failed again, his career would essentially be over. He would only be able to spend a few more years as Minister of Rites before retiring from office.
Li Chengqian remained calm and noncommittal.
The matter was not yet settled, so he could not speak lightly. After all, Xu Jingzong's failure to be promoted to the position of Attendant-in-Ordinary had already greatly damaged his prestige as emperor. If his proposal was strongly rejected by Fang Jun and others, he would really lose face.
A moment of silence fell over the hall.
Li Ji sighed inwardly and had no choice but to speak: "Minister Xu is exceptionally wise and composed, a truly rare and capable minister. His previous achievements have not been rewarded, so he should be entrusted with important responsibilities again this time, and rewarded after the matter is accomplished."
The achievements of surveying fields and serving as an envoy to the Abbasid Caliphate were temporarily shelved due to the failure to secure a promotion to Attendant-in-Ordinary, and thus could not be recognized. It is a grave taboo to fail to reward merit, and logically, another opportunity should be given, and then all merits should be recognized and rewarded.
Otherwise, how can the fairness of the emperor be demonstrated?
Anyone who opposes appointing Xu Jingzong to oversee the development of Yunmengze is openly opposing Your Majesty and attempting to place Your Majesty in a disadvantageous position where "rewards and punishments are drastically different."
No one answered.
Ma Zhou waited a while and then asked, "If Minister Xu is to take charge of developing Yunmengze, it will inevitably lead to the south. Who will succeed him as Minister of Rites?"
Although the Minister of Rites held a more nominal position than real power, this very fact meant that without seniority and prestige, it was difficult to gain the respect of the people. In other ministries, it was common for the deputy to take over when the head was transferred, but this was not the case in the Ministry of Rites. Even the Left and Right Vice Ministers were more focused on practical matters and lacked seniority and prestige.
Fang Jun said, "Yan Qinli is capable of the task."
The group visited Li Chengqian again.
Who is Yan Qinli?
The younger brother of the great Confucian scholar Yan Shigu, the current head of the Langya Yan clan, was renowned for his unparalleled literary talent.
During the Zhenguan era, Yan Qinli was appointed "Zhanshi Zhubu" by Emperor Taizong. At that time, the "Crown Prince's Grand Tutor" was Fang Xuanling. Therefore, Yan Qinli always regarded himself as Fang Xuanling's "subordinate" and was very respectful and obedient to Fang Xuanling.
Clearly, Fang Jun agreed to Xu Jingzong's condition for overseeing the development of Yunmengze on the condition that Yan Qinli replace Xu Jingzong as Minister of Rites.
With the Ministry of Rites in hand, they can continue to lead the imperial examinations and various reforms.
Li Chengqian remained silent.
He did not want Fang Jun to continue to control the Ministry of Rites, but he could not refuse. Firstly, if he did not agree to let Yan Qinli take over as Minister of Rites, Fang Jun would not agree to let Xu Jingzong take charge of the development of Yunmengze. Secondly, if he rejected Yan Qinli, where in the world could he find a great Confucian scholar who could be on par with Yan Qinli?
This was yet another deal, with Fang Jun forcing him to compromise once again.
Although everyone knows that compromise is the mainstream in the power struggles of the court, the repeated compromises are infuriating to anyone.
Even clay figures have a temper!
Li Ji, who was standing to the side, had been observing Li Chengqian's expression. Seeing that Li Chengqian's face was solemn and his eyes were gloomy, he knew something was wrong and quickly spoke up: "Yan Qinli is a famous scholar in the world, and his reputation is known throughout the land. The Yan family of Langya is all over the world. He is more than qualified to be promoted to the position of Minister of Rites."
Li Chengqian immediately realized the truth.
Refusing to compromise was not only a public disagreement with Fang Jun, but also offended Yan Qinli and the large group of Confucian disciples behind him!
He now consistently upholds the name of "benevolence," and the reputation of a "benevolent ruler" needs to be spread and praised, with Confucian scholars being the main force responsible for this. Once the news of his opposition to Yan Qinli spreads, it will inevitably provoke dissatisfaction and attacks from the entire Confucian school, severely damaging his grand undertaking of "cultivating prestige."