Chapter 263: Discussion on Etiquette and Opening
[Song of Righteousness: The Minister of Justice privately replaced the death row prisoner, was demoted, and gained talent points x 100000]
【Talent Points: 713256】
As ministers, the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Punishments are fifty thousand less talented than the Minister of Revenue. It may be because the crimes they committed were not so heinous.
The case needs to be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice, but every time Shen Qingzhou does something, you have to review it according to mine, it's an ironclad case.
The most important point is that the current Minister of Justice is also in trouble himself. The assistant minister in charge is called Cai Quan. Shen Qingzhou has taken over from him several times. He is a loyal minister and can still do something.
This is also the reason why Shen Qingzhou did not disrupt Mei Changsu's plan. For example, the new Minister of Revenue Shen Zhui and the future Minister of Justice Cai Quan were not recovered by Prince Jing because he was afraid of being targeted by the Crown Prince and Prince Yu.
Prince Yu was furious. This time he suffered heavy losses and was at a disadvantage. It was Shen Zheng again. The Crown Prince was happy, but now Prince Yu was even worse off than him. A case of jealousy directly led to the arrest of his two ministers.
If Shen Qingzhou wasn't so skilled in martial arts, he would have made the other party suffer. The only consolation was that Mr. Mei helped him.
Qin Banruo also felt helpless. It was not that her plan was bad, but that Shen Qingzhou was a recluse who never interacted with others. She could not go to his workplace to block him because it would be too easy to be exposed.
Miaoyinfang.
"I am doubly happy to see you today." The two sisters avenged their brother and were naturally grateful to Gong Yu. After hearing about Minister He's stupid prisoner exchange, the dust settled, and with some other things to do, it would not be too conspicuous for them to go to Miaoyinfang to ask to see Gong Yu, as they had contact with each other on weekdays.
"There's no need to be like this. We are all miserable people. What are you doing here?" Gong Yu said. She has outstanding abilities and is able to place spies in Hongxiuzhao City. She is a strong leader.
"Sister, we received a letter today, and one from your sister, so we came to deliver it."
"What letter?" Gong Yu was a little curious.
"It was sent from the government office." The two women were a little nervous and handed the letters in their hands to Gong Yu, one of which had already been opened.
Look at the open ones first.
"You are avenging my brother for a reason. It is lamentable and sad that you are being used as a pawn to avenge a personal grudge. If you have any grievances in the future, you can come to me and let this matter rest." Gong Yu looked at the letter, his head buzzing. He felt like he was discovered, so he quickly opened his letter.
"Considering that the Jiangzuo League has benefited the local people, your actions can be regarded as eradicating all evil, so I will not pursue them. But after all, you did it personally, so as a punishment, Miaoyinfang will not be allowed to open for three months." Gong Yu was shocked.
"Ah." The three women hugged their chests subconsciously, knowing they were being monitored.
"Does Lord Shen know our identities?" The two women were not fools. In this mansion, only Shen Qingzhou could be addressed.
"It's okay, the matter is over." Gong Yu was experienced after all. After comforting the two people, the two returned to Yang Liuxin.
She thought about sending a message in secret. She wanted to go see the sect leader. Although she wanted to go there on weekdays, this was a rare opportunity, but she was not happy at the moment.
In the new Su Mansion, Mei Changsu was assassinated in Ningguo Marquis Mansion. Everyone knew it was Xie Yu's doing, so of course he left.
At night, Gong Yu came to meet Mei Changsu.
"It is true. The letter turned into ashes. It was the work of his martial arts. He had no intention of hurting anyone. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to see me." Mei Changsu was also guessing in his heart. Although there were some loopholes in this matter, how could it be investigated so clearly? He must have made a backup plan.
No matter how many back-up plans there are, they are useless. Shen Qingzhou is using the answer to find the process, so how can it be the same? But he never thought that Gong Yu would be exposed.
However, the only thing he knew was that the other party was not an enemy, otherwise it would be a bit troublesome. In fact, even if Shen Qingzhou showed his ability, he would not be afraid, but having multiple powerful opponents was not always necessary.
……
Another month has passed, and the end of the year is getting closer. Shen Qingzhou's department store and residential area are under intensive construction.
Although the appearance can be concealed, this height is unprecedented. It has been widely circulated in the capital, and even Emperor Liang has asked about it once.
However, Shen Qingzhou still explained that a skilled craftsman had discovered a trick that could make the house built higher. In feudal society, craftsmen did not have a very high status, so Emperor Liang did not care.
During the past six months, he has done a lot of things. The powerful and influential people hate and fear him, but ordinary people, especially the poor, admire him very much.
He really did a lot for ordinary people. As for some businesses, they felt the business environment was different from before.
There are too many powerful people in the capital, and everyone is worried about offending others when doing business, even if there are powerful forces behind them. But after Shen Qingzhou took office, many things were really easy to solve, and all the troubles were taken over by Shen Qingzhou.
In just half a year, Shen Qingzhou took down three ministers. Although it was a party struggle, in the eyes of many people, Duke Qing, Lou Zhijing, and the ministers of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Justice who were removed from office because of He Wenxin were all related to him, and ordinary people did not dare to mess with him.
Many powerful people believe that Shen Qingzhou will not be able to hold this position for long as he is too young, and he will most likely offend the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, the two next emperors. As long as Emperor Liang is around, it's okay for you to maintain balance, but once Emperor Liang is gone, your whole family will have to wait to follow him.
"Sir, there's news from the outskirts of Beijing that the white-haired monster appeared and left." Shen Sanyang was at the construction site, reporting the information to Shen Qingzhou. Now, he was spending most of his time monitoring this.
"If he doesn't hurt anyone, don't worry about him." Shen Qingzhou thought about it and thought that this seemed to be Xia Dong's husband. He couldn't take care of him now, otherwise he could really catch him back.
"There is one more thing. There was just news from the city that Concubine Yue has been restored to the throne." Shen Sanyang said.
"Well, why is that?" Shen Qingzhou said.
"The Minister of Rites reported that the Crown Prince will hold his last sacrifice at the end of the year, and the position of Concubine Yue is not in accordance with the etiquette." Shen Sanyang said.
In the imperial city, Xie Yu's words about the Red Flame Army made Emperor Liang afraid that Princess Nihuang would become too powerful and he wanted to strike her down. This is the emperor's mind.
"So, I understand." Shen Qingzhou thought to himself that the Minister of Rites was also doomed, and was just waiting for this opportunity. He had not yet made a move when his son was rescued from prison by Xie Yu.
In Prince Mu's Mansion, Xia Dong was also speaking up for Nihuang.
"I was away when the incident happened, and I was chilled to hear about it after returning. The Crown Prince was acquitted on the spot, and now even Concubine Yue has gotten away with it. Where is the word justice?"
"That's right." Mu Qing still sided with his sister.
"Do you really think I'm not angry? I've seen through it. The southern territory has always been peaceful. If I don't establish my authority now, when will I do that?" Nihuang was also very angry.
"Hey, sister, why don't I go find Mr. Su? He always has the most tricks up his sleeve. Otherwise, ask him to think of a way to help you vent your anger." Mu Qing said. He has had a lot of contact with Mei Changsu during this period.
"Otherwise, find Lord Shen Zheng." Seeing that Nihuang was not in a good mood, Xia Dong made a little joke.
"How could I forget about him? If he knows about this, he will definitely find a way to take action." Mu Qing clapped his hands.
"You can't do that." Nihuang was a little helpless. Xia Dong was joking, but Mu Qing took it seriously. During this period, she and Shen Qingzhou hadn't met again. She was busy with other things, and the truth of some things was already before her eyes.
"It's really appropriate to find him. Just let him write a word and throw it directly at Chen Yuanzhi's mansion to scare him to death." Mu Qing said. "Princess, little prince, Commander Meng Zhi wants to see you." Before waiting for a response, Meng Zhi asked for a meeting. Mu Qing didn't have to go to Mei Changsu, Meng Zhi went to Su Mansion for him.
……
"I am writing to impeach the Minister of Rites Chen Yuanzhi, Your Excellency." It was another court meeting, and Shen Qingzhou watched coldly. Just now, Emperor Liang asked about the matter of the last sacrifice, and the crown prince just said that Chen Yuanzhi was handling it on the spot. As soon as Prince Yu showed his true colors, officials from his lineage came out to impeach him.
"How dare you speak nonsense in the court."
"As an imperial censor, Tian Dezhi has the power to impeach. He didn't say anything, so why does the prince think it's nonsense?"
The Crown Prince and Prince Yu were arguing with each other again. Emperor Liang intervened and asked what the impeachment was about. Tian Dezhi had impeached Chen Yuanzhi for so many years but did not correct the mistake of Concubine Yue taking the stage at the last sacrifice, which was a mistake in the procedures. He also impeached the Crown Prince for being unfilial. Anyway, he could just put the blame on him.
The Crown Prince was anxious, and he and Prince Yu fought openly and secretly in the court over this matter. Finally, Emperor Liang agreed to Prince Yu's proposal to discuss etiquette in the court, which was actually to discuss whether there was any problem with what Chen Yuanzhi had done over the years.
"What else?" Emperor Liang felt a little uncomfortable. The whole thing about Concubine Yue was caused by him. Prince Yu's proposal clearly showed that he was dissatisfied with him.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report." Shen Qingzhou stepped out.
"Oh, my dear Minister Shen, is there anything important?" Seeing that it was Shen Qingzhou, Emperor Liang felt relieved. Although he had intended to cause the Crown Prince and Prince Yu to fight, it was sometimes a headache for him. An absolutely neutral minister like Shen Qingzhou was precious, although in his opinion, he did not have any political wisdom.
"I have recently made some effective plans for the city of Jinling. I am planning to build a wonder outside the city. I hope Your Majesty can write a letter of thanks. If Your Majesty can personally attend the event, I believe it will be an encouragement to the people." Shen Qingzhou said.
The department store has been built. Now, we are just waiting for Emperor Liang to give his support. If you don't go, someone will have to go. In feudal society, the title of emperor is still useful.
The most important point is that he wants the powerful and wealthy to chase after department stores. Ordinary people only earn a few dollars, and they have to rely on the rich to spend.
"I heard that you have done something big outside the city, and it's about to be completed." Emperor Liang had also heard that Shen Qingzhou had built a tall building outside the city, and he had heard a lot of discussions about it. Who would dare to go up there when it's so high? If it collapsed, they wouldn't be able to get out.
"Yes."
"Sir Shen, this is inappropriate. Your Majesty's body is worth a million dollars. If something happens to your so-called high building, who can afford the responsibility?" Another imperial censor stepped forward.
"It's okay. I'll just write a letter." Emperor Liang would certainly not go. If such a thing appeared in this world, he would not be the first to do it.
He had heard a lot about how this building was built. It was all thanks to Shen Qingzhou using his influence in the business world. That group of businesses paid several times higher prices, almost giving money to Jinling City for free. Many people said that Shen Qingzhou was a fool.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Not long after returning to the government office, the Emperor Liang's handwritten name for the department store was delivered. He did not choose a high-sounding name, but wanted to be more down-to-earth, so he arranged for someone to carve a plaque.
The debate in the court caused a stir among the powerful, but the opening of the department store also became very influential among the common people.
Everyone was curious about what was going on with the messy building that was surrounded. In that feudal society, everyone was still a little scared.
The same is true for residential areas. Shen Qingzhou understands that everyone must accept that this is a very solid thing. They are different from modern people who can understand it seamlessly.
There is a group of people who have been looking forward to the department store for a long time, namely the merchants. Although they have to pay for the space inside after it is built, and it is very expensive, after seeing the site, everyone rushed to pay.
I was surrounded on the outside, but what I saw inside was so shocking. The smooth glass windows had never seen anything like this before.
The Crown Prince and Prince Yu are both inviting various great scholars to Kyoto, but Shen Qingzhou's department store is about to officially open.
Outside the city of Jinling, looking at the buildings in front of you, even though they are still surrounded by black cloth, you can still see their grand scale.
The building is still six stories high, but it is much larger and longer than a residential building. It cannot handle the huge flow of people, which is not possible with a residential building.
In addition to some ordinary people, there are also some people who like to join in the fun, and some people come uninvited.
"Princess, young prince, Mr. Su, Young Master Xiao, Young Master Yan, I didn't expect you all to come." After Shen Qingzhou arrived at the scene, he greeted several people.
"Nihuang is sorry to bother you by coming here uninvited." Nihuang said.
"Lord Shen, you don't know, many curious people want to come, who would have thought that you didn't send out invitations, but we have a good relationship, so they came directly." Yan Yujin said. After all, it was a height that had never been seen before, who wouldn't be curious.
Even if some of them have been seen through other means, but you haven’t seen the full picture, it’s different.
"Sir, the auspicious time has arrived." After exchanging a few words with a few people, Shen Sanyang appeared.
"Then let's get started."
Shen Qingzhou said some plain words that everyone could understand, which was different from others. Mei Changsu and the others could see that Shen Qingzhou was very popular among these common people.
"Lord Shen has done a lot, and everyone recognizes it."
"It would be great if there were officials like Lord Shen everywhere in the world." Mei Changsu sighed.
"From today on, the department store is officially open, and the roads leading to the counties outside Beijing are also officially open." As Shen Qingzhou gave an order, the black cloth on the tall building slowly fell off.
Then, a building that was different from the current buildings appeared. It was not the Chinese style. Although it looked good, for the first time I was afraid that the structure was not solid. It was just a normal square building, connected together.
The most outstanding feature of the two white walls is the floor-to-ceiling windows in the front and back. This is the first time such huge glass has appeared in this world.
"This is, colored glass, such a big piece of colored glass." Yan Yujin said. Although he had mastered the method of making glass, the output of this thing has not yet reached the level of being affordable. Now, it is sold as colored glass.
Many people were a little shocked when they entered the department store. It was clean and bright, with partitions everywhere, and all the regular items you could think of could be bought here.
When they got upstairs, the prices became more and more expensive. Mei Changsu and the others went upstairs. There were items worth hundreds or thousands of taels everywhere. Looking at the sunlight shining through the glass, they felt warm. It was winter now.
Shen Qingzhou did not stay for long, letting everyone enjoy the fun of shopping.
On this day, the city of Jinling went crazy, because everyone knew that the building that looked like a palace in the sky had opened for business.
Everybody was taking advantage of the situation. The first day of business was a real big sale. And the most important thing was that the Shen family's business had new products on the market. Perfumes were hard to come by, and the servants of the various mansions were already lining up desperately.
But for some people, this thing is readily available. Nihuang went around and many businesses offered gifts on their own initiative. The one given by the Shen family business was this perfume. Shen Qingzhou did not explain. This group of people also mistakenly believed that Nihuang was his ideal woman. Even if there was no possibility, it would never hurt to please her.
In addition to the famous osmanthus-scented perfume, there is also an orchid-scented perfume, which is naturally the work of Shen Qingzhou. This new product is designed to reap the money of the rich.
(End of this chapter)