Do you know: I am the crown prince

Chapter 44: Thorough Investigation of Salt Affairs
Fang Zhongrong heard this and asked, "Mother, do you mean to refuse this?"

Cheng smiled bitterly and said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has already spoken. If I refuse, wouldn't that be a disgrace to His Royal Highness?"

"What does mother mean?" Fang Zhongrong asked puzzledly.

"We have no choice but to accept this marriage. Fortunately, I have heard a little about the eldest son of the Zhu family, and he has a good character." Cheng sighed.

Although she could delay by saying that she wanted to consult her husband, there was no point in doing so.

As Zhao Xing's uncle's family, they naturally received a lot of attention from the nobles and officials in Bianliang.

In addition, in order to prevent his uncle from accepting gifts, Zhao Xing had sent imperial guards to stand guard at the gate of Zhu's house, and the news of the incident spread throughout Bian Jing.

In ancient times, when people arranged marriages, in addition to family background, they would also consider the other party's parents and the other party themselves, and not just family background.

After all, in ancient times, if one family committed a serious crime, their relatives would also be implicated. This is why marriage was so important in ancient times.

Once the two sides get married, they can share honor and disgrace.

People in later generations often say that marriage is not a matter between two people, but a matter between two families.

This statement was also very applicable in ancient times.

In Cheng's opinion, Zhu Shiquan was too greedy, otherwise the prince and nephew would not have used that method. This is why she said she didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse.

However, the Fang family could not refuse Zhao Xing's request, and after careful consideration, Cheng decided to agree.

"When the child is on duty tomorrow, can he directly tell His Highness that mother has agreed to this matter?" Fang Zhongrong asked.

"Just tell them that I agree, but the marriage can only be arranged after you inform your father," said Cheng.

"Yes, I understand." Fang Zhongrong said.

……

That day, Zhao Xing returned from school in the evening and was not surprised to get Fang Zhongrong's reply.

His position as crown prince was as stable as that of Zhu Biao, who was known in history as the most stable crown prince.

After all, he doesn't even have a competitor, how can he be unstable?

Therefore, it was impossible for the Fang family to reject his proposal.

After dinner in the evening, Zhao Xing went to Yonghe Palace and told his mother the news.

After hearing this, Concubine Zhu said happily, "I have also heard of the third daughter of the Fang family. She has excellent character. You have chosen a good marriage for your cousin."

Concubine Zhu did not mention the appearance of Miss Fang, just like Mrs. Cheng did not consider Zhu Jingyu's future.

Marry a virtuous wife, keep concubines and enjoy sex.

For a wealthy family, the candidate for the wife may not be beautiful, but she must be virtuous.

If your wife is not good-looking, you can take a concubine, but the wife is the one who manages the household, and there is no way to make up for it if she is not virtuous.

The Cheng family did not consider Zhu Jingyu's future because families like theirs could all enjoy the title of hereditary successor.

The system of hereditary titles was not exclusive to military generals and nobles. The Song Dynasty favored civil officials. According to regulations, civil officials of the fifth rank and above could have their sons enfeoffed.

The disadvantage is that those who do not enter the officialdom through the imperial examination have limited prospects and it is difficult for them to reach a high position.

But the Zhu family is the Crown Prince’s maternal family, so naturally there is no need to consider these things.

"It's useless even if mother is satisfied. My uncle and aunt must be satisfied as well. I have a lot of schoolwork recently and have no time to leave the palace. Mother can summon my aunt to the palace and talk to her about this matter later." Zhao Xing said.

"Don't worry. Your aunt will be so happy when she finds out. She will definitely be happy." Concubine Zhu said with a smile.

……

It was April, and after several months of preparation, the emperor announced at the morning court that he would conduct a thorough investigation into the salt administration.

This statement immediately caused an uproar, and many people stood up to oppose it, saying that the salt administration had been running for many years and there were no problems.

Those who had nothing to do with the salt business kept silent and watched the fun.

In the entire court, only a few people, led by Grand Chancellor Han Zhang, agreed with this matter.

Just when those opposing officials thought that the resistance was too great and the government would give up, the government directly ordered people to take out the evidence collected during this period and shut these people up.

"Why are you all silent? The salt administration is so corrupt, what do you think? Should we investigate it?" the official said calmly. "Your Majesty, I did not expect that the salt administration would have such a big problem. I am guilty of negligence. However, the salt administration has a lot of implications, so we should take a long-term view." The salt administration envoy said stiffly.

The Salt Commissioner was the highest official in the Salt Administration, in charge of the country's salt affairs.

He naturally knew about the problems in the salt administration and could not escape blame.

The government had laid out the evidence, so he naturally could not stop it from conducting a thorough investigation into the salt business. He could only try to delay it.

As long as we can delay for a while, the government will send people to investigate thoroughly but will not find anything.

The emperor sneered when he heard this and said, "If I remember correctly, Wen Qing has been in charge of the salt affairs of the country for five years, right?"

Wen Xuan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, it has indeed been five years."

"The salt administration problem is so serious. Has Lord Wen really only committed negligence during his five years in office?" the official said indifferently.

Wen Xuan's forehead broke out in cold sweat when he heard this, and he said, "Your Majesty, I am guilty."

The official stared at him for a while before saying, "Since you say you are guilty, then stay at home for now. I will investigate the salt business and then find out what crime you have committed!"

Wen Xuan's legs went weak when he heard this and he almost fell down.

It took him a while to come back to his senses, took off his black hat, bowed and said, "I obey your order!"

After saying this, he walked out with a dejected look on his face, holding his black hat.

All the civil and military officials in the court were shocked to see that the government directly dismissed the Salt Commissioner. It seemed that the government was serious this time.

"Mr. Yu!" the official said in a deep voice.

"You once served as the Minister of Justice. The salt business is too complex and I would like to ask you to conduct a thorough investigation. Do you have the confidence?" the emperor asked.

"I am not sure about the current situation and I am not sure that I can thoroughly investigate the salt affairs, but since your majesty has appointed me as the commander, I can guarantee that I will do my best to thoroughly investigate the salt affairs." said Prime Minister Yu.

"Mr. Yu is mature, prudent and upright. I am relieved to leave this matter to you."

The emperor nodded with a smile and said, "The thorough investigation of the salt business will be led by Yu Lao Xianggong. The Censorate and the Court of Remonstrance will accompany you. Ningyuan Marquis Gu Yankai will lead 5,000 soldiers to escort you. You must thoroughly investigate the salt business for me."

"I will obey your orders!"

Yu Xianggong, Gu Yankai and the chief official of the Censorate stepped out to respond.

"Let's adjourn the court!" the official waved his hand.

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

All the civil and military officials bowed and shouted in unison, and only left the hall with different expressions after the emperor left.

Officials involved in the salt administration were all worried, and even those not involved were concerned.

The government is now determined to investigate the salt business and will not stop until it gets to the bottom of it.

Who knows if the government will investigate other things after investigating the salt affairs.

Some people even had a bad idea in their minds: Is the government planning to reform again?

……

"Officer, what's wrong with you?"

When Princess Pingning saw Duke Qi coming back, she was about to say hello, but she noticed that Duke Qi was absent-minded and looked very bad.

Duke Qi came and sat down beside Princess Pingning. He took the tea brought by the maid and took a sip. Then he put the teacup down and asked all the servants in the hall to leave.

"Sir, what happened?" asked Princess Pingning.

"The emperor issued an edict early this morning, ordering Yu Xianggong to conduct a thorough investigation of the salt business." Duke Qi said.

"Hasn't it been checked before? There is nothing for you to worry about, sir?" Princess Pingning said indifferently.

Thanks to Mingliang and csj Zhuangzhuang for the tips.

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(End of this chapter)