Everyone Knows I’m a Good Man

Chapter 45

Not only Grandpa Ji and Grandma Ji's father are working hard to protect her, but Ji's mother, who went back to her parents' home to see the old man this morning, also said when she came back that some relatives in her parents' family wanted to make their daughter a concubine for their son.

To put it bluntly, their family is from a business background, and they are not a very profitable family. Most of their relatives and friends work in the fields. For these people who may not even be able to fill their stomachs after a year of hard work. He said that if a girl in the family could be a concubine for Ji Changze, who was an official, not only would she be famous, but she would also be able to win over the rest of the family.

In addition, there are some wealthy people who want to get close to Mr. Ji who has become the prefect.

Originally, their thoughts were pretty good. Everyone knew that Ji Changze was in the state capital. He only had his parents and grandparents at home, and the Ji family was just an ordinary merchant before Ji Changze came into his own. He certainly didn't have much horizons. At this time, they came to visit him affectionately. , gave the family's daughter as a concubine, and then gave gold, silver and jewelry, the family would definitely happily agree.

Unexpectedly, the elders of the Ji family were all indifferent.

Your daughter is beautiful and beautiful, and the jewelry you gave her is worth a lot of money. It's so easy for them to reject all of them.

My daughter is beautiful and fragrant? That's not good. Their parents are now valued by His Majesty. They are so busy working for the state capital that they don't even have time for a decent lady. What do you want to do by sending a stunning beauty here at this time? Do you want to ruin my Nagasawa's body?

As for the rare treasures, maybe they would have been shocked before, but Ji Changze has never been short of money since he opened the Yuanhua Pancake factory, and he would send people to send things and money home from time to time. The Ji family At first, I was worried that the money came from improper sources, but I felt relieved when I saw a letter written by Ji Changze saying that he had earned it openly and that His Majesty also knew about it.

After seeing too many good things, they naturally don't pay attention to these ordinary objects sent by others.

There is still some anger in my heart at being looked down upon: Do you think my family is short of money? You want us to sell our son/grandson by sending you such a useless thing.

That's right, after Ji Changze brainwashed his family for a long time, in the eyes of the entire Ji family, taking concubines means losing money sooner or later, and giving gifts to others to please them means selling them out.

No matter how you calculate it, it is their family that suffers (the family who gave away money:...), these people are really cruel.

The family of four finished their meal happily, and the old lady ran outside and sat down again.

Although he doesn't like those who want to give women to his grandson, he still likes other people who speak nicely (flatter him).

After eating every day, he usually just sits at the door, and then the neighbors who are out for a walk gather around him and start praising him for having a good grandson in his family, how capable he is, and how filial he is to his elders.

Just as he was talking, the person sent by Ji Changze to deliver the letter arrived.

He had come so often that he was already familiar with the Ji family. As soon as he saw him coming, the servant waiting on the old lady at the door happily reminded him: "Old lady, your Lord's messenger is here again."

"Um?"

The old man, who was listening comfortably to others praising his family, opened his eyes and stood up with a face full of joy.

"My grandson has sent another letter."

There was another burst of flattery all around, but before the messenger came forward to speak, there was another burst of gongs and drums.

The person who came to deliver Gaoming's decree to Grandma Ji and Mother Ji came, and Mrs. Gaoming's clothes and jewelry, along with the Holy Spirit's decree of reward, walked majestically to the front of Ji's house.

The old lady had never seen such a battle before, and was stunned at that time.

The rest of the Ji family in the house were shocked by the movement and ran out.

"What's going on? What's going on?"

"But Nagasawa sent someone again?"

The messenger knew what Mr. Ji had asked him to tell his family, so he immediately smiled and stepped forward to greet him: "Old Madam, what a happy event. Your Majesty has invited me to give orders to the Madam and Mrs. You two. , she will be Mrs. Gaoming in the future.”

Grandma Ji and Mother Ji both looked shocked.

Since Ji Changze became an official, they have also made up their mind on official knowledge, so they naturally know what the imperial edict is.

Now, they are going to become Mrs. Gaoming?

Madam Gaoming!

In the past, even if they fantasized, they only dared to dream about the Lady of Absolution, but now, Nagasawa actually made them become the Lady of Gaoming.

Both of them could only think of the words "Mrs. Gaoming". Mother Ji was fine, but Grandma Ji was so happy that her hands were shaking.

Following the messenger's prompts, they accepted the order and looked at the precious clothes of Madam Gaoming that were delivered. Although they knew that these clothes could only be worn when meeting nobles or entering the palace, it was enough to make the two of them excited and careful. He stepped forward and touched her.

The material was naturally good, but it was not so rare that they couldn't buy it. If they wanted it, Ji Changze would definitely be able to buy them a box of such material.

But these are the clothes given by His Majesty.

She became the wife of Gaoming, and her rank was not low. In the future, even the magistrate of their county would bow to them when they saw them. Of course, the magistrate now was also polite to them.

Forgive these two, they have worked hard all their lives. Apart from Ji Changze, the biggest official they have ever seen is the county magistrate.

Grandma Ji touched and laughed, tears falling down her face. She circled the clothes tremblingly for several times and couldn't bear to stop: "I can become Mrs. Gaoming, and I can have this day, in this radius." No other old lady in Shili is as lucky as me."

It's all thanks to Nagasawa. She must have done a lot of good things in her previous life to have such a good grandchild.

Ji's mother and grandma Ji received His Majesty's imperial edict, and the news of their special orders spread quickly throughout the county.

The Ji family once again had groups of people coming to celebrate, and it was very lively. The head of the Ji family came specifically to congratulate him, and at the same time expressed in a subtle way, "Although Nagasawa's good life now has brought glory to the whole family and even the whole clan, But he is not at home now. You must not take advantage of Nagasawa's power to do bad things, and don't accept too many gifts. I will also restrain the clan members. Although Nagasawa's official position outside is glorious, it is also hard work. We must not hold him back."

The patriarch was originally worried that the Ji family would be a little unhappy if he said such cold water when the Ji family was full of joy. Unexpectedly, the Ji family hit it off with him.

Although they were immersed in the happy news of having a baby in the family and getting a royal title, they had not forgotten that the kid from Nagasawa complained about the difficulty of being an official when he wrote back.

The superiors above cannot offend and must be cured of (the superior who tried to make friends with him: ...) The subordinates below have their own agendas (subordinates who were tossed around: ...) He has so many things to do, but he can only do it himself. (Three people working overtime: ...) I hope that his family can help him take care of the relationship in his hometown, and never accept gifts casually or agree to do what others ask him to do, etc.

The Ji family members have different personalities, but they all have one thing in common, that is, they hurt Ji Changze to the core.

Whatever he said, they would naturally treat it as an imperial edict.

First, he expressed his gratitude to the clan leader, and then gave him the letter written by Ji Changze to the clan leader.

Yes, Ji Changze also wrote a letter to the clan leader, telling him that he planned to buy some land for the clan and to set up a school.

This is also a common practice. If a big shot emerges from the clan, he must give back to the clan.

Ji Changze is not short of money, so doing these things is just a matter of convenience. What's more, he has pulled the people of the clan. When someone from the clan becomes an official in the future, they will be in an alliance by nature.

Just like Lord Wei's family, some members of the clan were arrogant and insulted their fellow clan members, but the clan elders turned a blind eye. When Lord Wei got up, they tried every means to suppress them, which was rare.

While the Ji family was overjoyed, they also tried hard not to hold Ji Changze back. Master Wei received a letter from his son-in-law. The letter very smoothly stated that the patriarch came specially to remind the parents and elders. After finishing school affairs, he stroked his beard and smiled in praise.

This is the real way to open up a clan. Look at their Wei family, what's going on?

He suddenly had an idea and wrote a poem to praise his son-in-law and the clan for their mutual help.

This poem spread quickly, and most people who read it felt that it was inspired by Mr. Wei, but the head of the Wei family felt that the Wei family had been slapped hard in the face.

Look at what is written here. It is written that when Ji Changze had not yet passed the exam, the clan specially collected some silver to give him when he went to the capital to take the exam. Later, after he passed the exam, they did not use his reputation to benefit. Instead, he specifically warned Ji Changze's parents and relatives not to hold him back, as he could be called a good clan in Anguo.

Let’s look at their Wei family clan. When Mr. Wei was young and the pillar of his family passed away, the clan not only did not help, but also turned a blind eye to someone in the clan who was bullying them. Later, when he was admitted to the imperial examination and became an official, they were afraid that he would gain power and take revenge, so they suppressed him several times. , when Mr. Wei took a high position and clearly drew a clear line with the clan, there were still people in the clan who used his name to do evil outside. Later, Mr. Wei personally reported him to the Holy Lord.

Is this a compliment to my son-in-law? This is using this incident to mock their Wei family clan.

Mr. Wei has always had a clean reputation, but some people think he is too cruel for being so cruel to his own clan, and even personally sued the juniors who took advantage of his reputation.

Now that this poem has come out, Ji Changze generously repaid his family after helping him. Isn't everything that Mr. Wei did over there not a reward?

It's just that the Ji family gave Ji Changze candy, and Ji Changze naturally reciprocated with honey.

And the Wei family clan gave Mr. Wei honey, how could he rush to send honey.

A small group of people saw that Mr. Wei was using the matter of his son-in-law to mock the Wei family, but no one stood up and said a word for the Wei family.

What else to say.

It's not like they didn't see what the Wei family did back then. Now Master Wei has been promoted, and his son-in-law Ji Changze is in the heart of the emperor. Although the Wei family is a noble family, it is now the royal family. It doesn't matter if it is a noble family. Does it have any power? It's not His Majesty's decision.

Since you have done something like suppressing, why should you be afraid of what others will say?

When Ji Changze knew about this, he took the letter to Wei Juncan to read. The couple secretly hid in the house and laughed for a long time.

Wei Juncan, in particular, felt very angry.

When she was a child, her father's official position was not very high. At that time, the Wei family suppressed her, her father was angry, and her mother secretly wiped away her tears. She remembered it clearly.

Now that the skin covering the face of the Wei family is thrown away, it is really satisfying.

Ji Changze received another letter from the capital and said to Wei Juncan, "It's about the person who harmed you. She is not living a good life now. Do you want to read it?"

Wei Juncan shook his head, held the child in his arms, and said with a smile: "I'll be fine as long as I live well."

Speaking of which, she still wanted to thank that person.

If it hadn't been for that calculation, she wouldn't have married such a good husband.

Ji Changze agreed; "It's true, the better off you are, the more torture it will be for her."

She took such a big risk and pushed Wei Juncan, hoping to push him into the abyss. Now that she found that the place Wei Juncan fell into was actually heaven, it would be strange if she didn't feel aggrieved to death.

He stepped forward, picked up the fat boy in Wei Juncan's arms and bumped him: "You brat, you are so fat from eating, and you are as round as a ball."

There was a servant knocking on the door outside, saying that the Prime Minister of Wu County was here.

Ji Changze returned the child to Wei Juncan, opened the door and went out and asked, "How does his face look?"

"Facial? Mr. Wu has a good face, as if he has something good to do. Looking at him, Mr. Wu's face is full of smiles."

That should be the matter he had promised before.

Ji Changze patted his sleeves with a smile and strode forward. When he arrived at the study, he opened the door and walked in: "Master Wu is here just in time. I have a new task for you here."

When he saw him coming in, Wuxian Cheng, whose face was full of joy and opened his mouth, was about to say, "Sir, I have completed the task you gave me, let's have a happy holiday"; "..."

Ji Changze Balabala, who firmly believed that "if I arrange the holiday soon enough, you will not be able to catch up with me" assigned the new task and patted Wuxian Cheng on the shoulder: "You can do it. Those who are able will work harder. I believe in you."

Wuxian Cheng: "..."

What else can I say, blame me for being too good.

The muttering in his heart suddenly disappeared when he learned the next day that Master Ji had sent Wang Captou to lead people to exterminate the pirates.

Compared to working overtime and doing clerical work, pirates are really doing it.

If you are not careful, your life may be lost.

Fortunately, Mr. Ji didn't ask him to do this. Wuxian Cheng, who was immersed in a pile of paperwork, was secretly grateful.

Sure enough, I am still happy working overtime.

On the other end, Wang Captou was so excited after receiving this order, especially after Ji Changze directly told him that this matter was approved by His Majesty. If he wins this time, he can recommend Wang Captou to the military attache.

People always want to climb up step by step, but most of the superior officials only focus on climbing up themselves and completely ignore the people below. Master Ji directly handed the ladder to him. How could he not be grateful?

What's more, he had been thinking about exterminating pirates for a day or two. He and his brothers practiced arranging troops every day, sailing ships with swords, guns, sticks and water. Isn't it just for this day?

A real man must dare to kill and fight. If he were asked to do a job like Mr. Wu, he wouldn't be able to do it.

Sure enough, it’s still fun to kill pirates.

In the 176th year of Anguo's reign, the pirates in the waters of the state capital controlled by Ji Changze were wiped out by the government. From then on, in addition to merchant ships, there were also many military ships flying the Anguo flag on the sea.

At first, there were some pirates from other sea areas who did not believe in evil and tried to take over this territory, but every time they came, they died. Not only did the people disappear, but the ships were also snatched back by the murderous government (Ji Changze said that these ships were all pirates) Good thing, it can be recycled and reused). Later, no pirates dared to come to this area of ​​​​the sea.

The state capital under Ji Changze's jurisdiction also gradually became a commercial center because of the opening of sea lanes. New roads were made with cement everywhere on the road, making it easier and faster to transport goods.

He was very measured. He had a special account book for almost everything he made. Every account was clearly recorded and handed over to the emperor.

Ji Changze had no intention of hiding that he had made a lot of money. Why should he hide the money he earned based on his ability? Not only did he not hide it, he also showed it directly to the emperor.

Of course, the premise is that the money he gives to the national treasury is much more than his own net worth.

Under such a premise, the emperor didn't think it was anything at all. Even if someone reported Ji Changze to take advantage of the opportunity to make profits, the emperor retorted.

What happened to profit-making? Did he rob or steal? Is he harmful to the people? Did he keep the taxes as his own? Did he rob other people's fields? Did he have sex?

He did make money, but it was all money he earned based on his own ability. Not only did he earn it himself, but he also brought the people to earn it with him. If you say he is a corrupt official, whose money did he take?

Does having money make you a bad official? According to what you say, then everyone should stop opening shops and buy Zhuangzi, and donate them. Aren’t you good people? Don’t you think it’s a sin for Ji Aiqing to be rich? Please go and take a look, see how the lives of the people in the state capital under Ji Aiqing's management are nourishing, and see that the taxes paid there almost fill half of the national treasury.

Ji Aiqing dares to show me his account book directly. I know where every penny of their family's money comes from and where it is used. Do you who are suing him dare? Do you dare to show me your family's account book and see where your family's money is used?

He is a corrupt official, and he is also corrupt openly and openly. He makes money and builds roads, builds free schools, runs orphanages, and builds official ships to dedicate to the court. Can you do that? Can you do it? If you can't do it, don't push it.

Complainant: "..."

Who can't do good things? The problem is, even if they want to do it, they can't make that much money.

People who originally wanted to say that Ji Changze was full of money and dealt with money every day did not dare to say anything.

His Majesty said so, what else could they do? If they had said so, who knows whether His Majesty would have directly asked them to hand over all their family money.

Everyone knows that money does not have a good reputation among literati. The noble literati always think that it smells like copper, but most people know that without the smell of copper, they will eat, drink, wear and whatever. The emperor just looks down on them. Ji Aiqing, who looks both serious and established at the same time, is pure and unpretentious. She makes no secret of her money. She especially likes to share with him how to make more money.

Is that love of money? No!

Ji Aiqing knew that only by making money and having a lot of money in the treasury can the people of Anguo live a good life and be better able to help the people when natural disasters come. He is the noblest and cleanest corrupt official. people.

The emperor was holding back the words he wanted to praise Ji Changze and wanted to talk to someone, but when he looked around, there was no one who told the truth.

Now that the concubines have grown up sons, they are thinking about their sons instead of being with him, let alone the sons. The older they get, the more things they think about. I am afraid that if he praised Ji Aiqing to them today, tomorrow These people can all swarm to "befriend" Ji Aiqing, and it is even more impossible for the palace maids and eunuchs. How can he have a heart-to-heart talk with them.

After thinking about it, the emperor was so frustrated that he simply sent someone to bring the youngest prince born by the queen.

The third prince displeased the emperor because of his previous incident with his concubine, and kicked him out of the list of heirs. Later, he thought that the queen might not be able to raise children, and raised good children without any royal bearing. He did not care about the other children. He didn't like it anymore, so he simply asked someone to bring his youngest legitimate son to him and raise him, trying to practice the trumpet after he lost the big one.

But thinking this way, the youngest prince in the emperor's heart must not be able to sit on the throne. After all, how old is he now? Although he doesn't want to die, he also knows that people will die sooner or later. I am afraid that when the new emperor ascends the throne, this child Not married yet.

It is precisely because I feel that "my youngest son will definitely not be the emperor, and he is too young, so it shouldn't be a big deal for me to chat with him about gossips and my Ji Aiqing, who is capable, reliable, honest, patriotic, and always thinks about me." The youngest son came After that, the emperor hugged him and began to talk and boast about how caring and powerful Ji Aiqing was.

The little prince, who was only four years old, sat ignorantly on his father's lap. Although he still couldn't understand much, his head with a good memory memorized all these words.

Later, the emperor suddenly discovered that his youngest son was a perfect tree hole.

His biological son is not afraid of taboos, he is young, and he is not afraid of other thoughts. He is the legitimate son, and it is natural to dote on the legitimate son. Moreover, he previously neglected the third prince, which caused the queen's prestige in the harem to decline. Now doting on the younger son can also make the harem stable.

Just perfect.

As a result, the four-year-old prince continued to work as a tree hole until he was six years old.

The father's complaints about the court, his dissatisfaction with his ministers, his enjoyment of developing a new system, his expectation for the peace of the country, his love and affection for the people, his ambition for the country, and his daily praise of his beloved, all fell into the ears of the young prince. .

If he were an ordinary child, he would definitely forget what he heard today and forget it tomorrow. However, he was extremely gifted and had perfect memory, so he actually memorized everything.

So, while the other brothers were still studying in the Imperial Study Room, he was already like a sponge, trying hard to absorb his father's "Encyclopedia of Emperor's Experience."

Then, the emperor lived a very long life.

In the year when the little prince had his second child, the emperor was seriously ill and felt that he would soon die. He looked around and found that all his sons with white hair and white beards looked less energetic than him. He looked away in disgust and turned his gaze away. It fell on the youngest son who has been extremely talented, smart and well-behaved since he was a child, and is now in his prime.

In the 196th year of Anguo's reign, the old emperor died and the new emperor succeeded to the throne.

Ji Changze's political opponents were quite gloating about his misfortune, thinking that the former emperor's favored minister who crushed all ministers during his time must be very annoying to the new emperor. Even if they are not suppressed, I am afraid that Mr. Ji's era will be over.

However, the new emperor, who has heard his father say "my caring Ji Aiqing", "my reliable Ji Aiqing" and "my Ji Aiqing who alone can match the civil and military officials of the dynasty" since he was a child, has inherited his father's good tradition.

After he ascended the throne, he just said: "Hurry up and declare my Ji Aiqing."