Measure (up)
Not yet had Hongxi succeeded to the throne, nor had he launched a military campaign, when all the imperial princesses and princes in the palace were born with "poisonous days", violating heaven's will. This finally provoked heaven's wrath and brought down punishment... As soon as these words were spoken and scattered, Yongzheng took action.
In the face of a precarious situation where public sentiment was volatile, Yongzheng demonstrated his extremely astute political acumen by swiftly taking a series of emergency measures to provide relief, offer preferential treatment and stabilize public sentiment.
He is a very intelligent and wise man. Since Li Rongbao suggested using dead prisoners for cowpox experiments, he has been developing the concept of "labor reform" ahead of time. For example, in water treatment, bridge building, road construction... This earthquake is no exception. He brought out all the prisoners near Beijing to participate in rescue and reconstruction work. Those who performed well were given reduced sentences. Among the civilians, healthy young men without illness or injury were first sent to rescue work. Women also helped each other with the wounded or took care of the elderly, just as Ma Qi said: "As long as there is something to do, people will easily become chaotic."
What's more powerful is that, in addition to the Imperial Guards and the Emperor's escort troops, as well as the elite cavalry units stationed in the capital, all eight banner troops, including the Vanguard Regiment, Infantry Regiment, and the Picket Regiment, were mobilized to participate in relief efforts and maintain order. As a result of this unprecedented move, those hoodlums and rascals did not dare to take advantage of the situation to commit theft or evil deeds, and even if some incidents occurred, they were quickly apprehended.
Those Eight Banner soldiers were initially dissatisfied, but after contacting the disaster-stricken masses, they gradually became infected and worked hard. Moreover, the emperor had previously allocated 480,000 taels of silver from the inner treasury to provide relief to the Eight Banner people who lost their homes in the disaster. For officials and soldiers who went out to battle, as long as they had families in the city or outside, he ordered a thorough investigation, comforted and relieved them, not only comforting the Eight Banner soldiers and civilians but also stabilizing the military's mind on the border.
At the same time as initiating this series of measures, he also issued an edict that was somewhat similar to a self-criticism edict and inclined towards the idea of heavenly warning. He said: "The capital suffered an earthquake on July 17th, I fear that I have been remiss in my duties and am deeply moved by Heaven's display of warning signs... The anomaly of the earthquake is actually due to my own failure to be diligent as before, but thanks to Heaven's benevolence in displaying warnings, I have only been able to make amends through self-reflection day and night. Except for rewarding those whose houses collapsed with a thorough investigation, I will make known my heart to all officials inside and outside the court. Special edict."
This time, he took the initiative to take charge, using the name of heaven to promote administrative affairs, and personally launched a powerful attack on politics and public opinion, even Yunzhu couldn't help but feel admiration.
Honghui's arrangement was a step slower, but the effect was also there. The aftershocks continued unabated, and the continuous rainstorms made rescue efforts slow. Many disaster victims had to sleep on the streets, and merchants took advantage of the situation to hoard goods and raise prices. Several thefts and malicious incidents occurred... public grievances were again on the rise.
In the past two years, the imperial court's tax revenue has increased and grain harvests have been abundant everywhere. However, the war with Dzungar has not yielded any spoils of war to distribute, and the expenses in silver and grain have already depleted more than half of the accumulated reserves over several years. Furthermore, successive years of disaster relief efforts in various regions have also incurred some costs. Now it is difficult to find the means to suppress these treacherous merchants... Yongzheng couldn't help but feel a headache.
July 29th is Li Rongbao's birthday, Yunzhu reported to Yongzheng and returned to the Fu family two days in advance. At this time, the big shock had passed for seven days, everything was initially settled, but there were still frequent aftershocks. Although Yunzhu let Guo Yiniang and others return to their hometown to visit, knowing that no relatives died in this disaster, there were still many people who suffered some injuries, especially the elderly San Shu Amur (Ma Wu's wife), who was hit by a falling beam on her shoulder and also suffered a fright, and is now lying in bed recovering.
This time, the timing was tight and Yunzhu didn't even have time to cook for her parents. The house had also collapsed in many places. Fortunately, her eldest brother Fu Guangcheng was working in Beijing, and several of her older brothers, except for the second and ninth brothers, were all safe and sound in Beijing. This allowed the family to be less panicked and worried, and they even had the energy to comfort their relatives.
"You have so many things to do, how can you still come out!" Lady Guwalgiya knew that her daughter was now in charge of the palace affairs, and she was both happy and worried. Seeing her coming out of the palace at this time, she couldn't help but say a few words.
"Don't worry, the Empress knows I'm coming. If she didn't come back to see her daughter herself, how could she be at peace? Besides, even if the Empress's birthday celebration can't be held, the gifts prepared by the daughter cannot be neglected." Knowing that Guwalgiya was worried about something, Yunzhu smiled and comforted her, "Is anyone in the family injured?"
"Didn't you let Guo's wife take a look already?! At home, only some unstable houses collapsed and many furniture were damaged, but people are fine." Gualjia shook her head, "After marrying out, still worrying about the maternal family is not allowed."
It is estimated that ordinary civilians are still severely affected. "I'm also the daughter of the Fuca family even if I get married, Mother, isn't that right?"
"Ah, that's right." No matter how noble the status is, she is still my daughter Li Rongbao. The expression on Li Rongbao's face was very pleased and satisfied, he turned his head to instruct his wife: "Let someone prepare Yunzhu's favorite dishes first, I want to have a good talk with my daughter."
"Ah." Guanjia knew that her daughter was now considering matters related to the imperial court, the harem, and their family, so she didn't disturb her and turned around to leave the room.
"Amma, how serious is the damage at home?"
"It's just that some edges and corners are damaged, and it can still be used after repair. It's just that our wealthy family can't bear to show it off and lose face." Li Rongbao felt that his daughter wouldn't mention this for no reason, "What's on your mind?"
"Ah-ma would be better off finding some carpenters to repair the furniture used by the slaves, and then donate it to the disaster victims for use... As for some of the good wood, keep it at home or reward the outstanding slaves who manage things well, I think they will be happy. Moreover, Ah-ma can discuss with Uncle and take out some silver savings to donate to the disaster relief efforts, and do something for the disaster victims with a kind heart. However, this donation of silver cannot be too much or too little... This degree still needs to be decided by Ah-ma and Uncle."
"Is there little silver left in the treasury?" Li Rongbao guessed correctly.
Yunzhu nodded, "The emperor is indeed worried about this." She then told a story about a modern real estate developer who built uniform commodity housing, either by subsidizing or exchanging large plots of land for small ones, or vice versa, and also offered installment payments... Li Rongbao's eyes lit up as he listened. After a long while, he said, "Donating to the Ama Temple can bring fame to our family, but this matter concerns the livelihoods of the people, so it would be best if your second uncle were to handle it. Your cousin Baohou has been transferred to serve as the Governor of Huguang, otherwise, he could also submit a memorial to the throne..."
"My daughter has something else to say." Yunzhu hesitated for a moment, but thinking that it would be inconvenient to leave the palace later and that passing on information was a major taboo, she took the opportunity to speak.
"Would it be possible to let the imperial court build a shrine for loyal officials, where portraits of meritorious civil and military ministers are displayed, equivalent to the honor of building an ancestral temple? It would also set a good example for officials across the country. Moreover, soldiers who have donated their lives to the country can enjoy the title of 'martyr', be listed on the monument in the Martyrs' Cemetery, receive worship from the people, and comfort the families of the deceased so that they do not worry about being forgotten... The timing of presenting this proposal should be chosen carefully. If it can be presented when the great army returns triumphantly from the northwest, it would be best. Hmm, it's best if this proposal is secretly submitted to the emperor."
In the Qing dynasty, only those who made outstanding contributions to the country could be honored in the Temple of Heaven, which was a place for the royal family to worship their ancestors. Only a few ministers had this honor; some loyal and capable ministers would also be granted permission by the emperor to build an ancestral temple after their death, but this way, there were more ministers who built temples, which seemed to waste material and human resources.
Li Rongbao immediately thought of the cleverness behind it, the Twenty-Eight Generals of the Han Dynasty's Cloud Platform and the Tang Dynasty's Lingyan Pavilion - those who could enter were not only famous throughout the land but also left their names in history. Which official wasn't for money, power, or fame? And then there was the Martyrs' Mausoleum, this was buying people's hearts... uh, it was a benevolent act, although it secretly presented an opportunity for the emperor to gain eternal fame, yet it could gain more imperial favor and ensure the safety of his family's descendants. This was a great thing! Truly didn't know how his daughter came up with it.
It was probably Li Rongbao's gaze that gave him away, and Yunzhu felt a little embarrassed: "Actually, it was also inspired by the emperor's move to comfort the generals who were fighting in the northwest after this earthquake. The daughter thought that the soldiers who survived from the battlefield had the blessing of promotion and wealth for their children, but those who died in battle, even if they received consolation from the court, were not necessarily good or bad, and many years later, they would still be forgotten by people. If we can engrave these martyrs on a monument for the people to admire, condense a military soul... wouldn't it be better?"
Simply put, why can she think of others but not herself? Li Rongbao thought to himself, perhaps this daughter of his really has an extraordinary origin. Lovable, filial, understanding, virtuous... With her in the Fu Zha clan, it's hard for them not to prosper.
"These I will carefully discuss with your uncle and brothers, tell me about your life in the palace, is there anything that doesn't please you?"
"Of course there are unpleasant things, but where in life is it all smooth sailing without any bumps? Don't worry, I can handle those."
"That's good, if there's anything that needs to be done, just send a message out, don't be afraid!" Li Rongbao and Yongzheng are now in a strange state, like monarch and subject yet also like friends, or even family members. In any case, Li Rongbao's awe for him has lessened somewhat. He treats his daughter poorly, whether he is an emperor or imperial son, and still beats her up."
Yunzhu smiled and changed the subject: "Auntie, I brought a lot of good ginseng and lingzhi medicine this time, there are several packages for Uncle and Cousin, you have time to help me send them." Now she is the imperial son's Fu Jin, and her interactions with relatives are much more cautious.
Li Rongbao nodded, "It's about time, let's go out and see where Mingliang and the others have gone. This little brat has been pestering me all day to go see you..."
"Fortunately, I brought some fruit with me, he will definitely like it."
Li Rongbao was taken aback, "Is the damage at your village severe?"
"It's just that many fruit trees and vegetable fields were damaged, and the fields were also affected. So I put those damaged vegetables and fruits that couldn't be stored for long into the emperor's disaster relief food and sent them to the victims together. Of course, naturally, one has to prioritize their own family members." She also sent condolences to the elderly ladies and gentlemen of the imperial clan, as well as rewards to the hardworking imperial physicians... The fruit forest was already devastated by the great disaster and wouldn't sell for a while, so she didn't care about the few coins. As for the palace's consorts, sorry, in order to set an example for the people, they couldn't live too comfortably, so she saved some money.
Li Rongbao was no longer worried, this daughter was too good at winning people's hearts, she had won the hearts of both the emperor and the common people, once this disaster passed, the emperor would surely reward her in some way.
He also underestimated the praise of the royal relatives for her, which is a force that even the emperor can't handle.
……
The author has something to say: The following is the main body of the text:
Not yet had Hongxi succeeded to the throne, nor had he launched a military campaign, when all the imperial princesses and princes in the palace were born with "poisonous days", violating heaven's will. This finally provoked heaven's wrath and brought down punishment... As soon as these words were spoken and scattered, Yongzheng took action.
In the face of a precarious situation where public sentiment was volatile, Yongzheng demonstrated his extremely astute political acumen by swiftly taking a series of emergency measures to provide relief, offer preferential treatment and stabilize public sentiment.
He is a very intelligent and wise man. Since Li Rongbao suggested using death row prisoners for cowpox experiments, he has been thinking ahead of the curve, developing the concept of "labor reform" in advance, such as in water control, bridge building, road construction... This earthquake was no exception, bringing out all the prisoners near Beijing to participate in rescue and reconstruction work. Those who performed well were given reduced sentences; among the ordinary people, healthy young men without illness or injury were first sent to participate in rescue work, while women helped each other care for the wounded or take care of the elderly and children, just as Ma Qi said: "As long as there is something to do, people will easily become chaotic."
What's more powerful is that, in addition to the Imperial Guards and the Emperor's escort troops, as well as the elite cavalry units stationed in the capital, all eight banner troops including the Vanguard Regiment, Infantry Regiment, and the Picket Regiment were mobilized to participate in relief efforts and maintain order. As a result of this unprecedented move, those hoodlums and rascals did not dare to take advantage of the situation to commit theft or evil deeds, and even if some incidents occurred, they were quickly apprehended.
Those Eight Banner soldiers were initially dissatisfied, but after contacting the disaster-stricken masses, they gradually became infected and worked hard. Moreover, the emperor had previously abolished 480,000 taels of silver to relieve the Eight Banner people who lost their homes, and ordered a thorough investigation and relief for officials and soldiers who went out to fight and had families in Beijing.
At the same time as initiating this series of measures, he also issued an edict that was somewhat similar to a self-criticism edict and inclined towards the idea of heavenly warning. He said: "The capital suffered an earthquake on July 17th, I fear that I have been remiss in my duties and am deeply moved by Heaven's display of warning signs... The anomaly of the earthquake is actually due to my own failure to be in harmony, and my inability to work as diligently as before. I humbly accept Heaven's benevolent display of warning signs, and from now on, I will redouble my efforts to reform myself day and night, so as to atone for Heaven's favor. Apart from investigating and rewarding those whose houses have collapsed in the earthquake, I am specially proclaiming this edict to inform all officials and people inside and outside the court."
This time, he took the initiative to take charge, using the heavenly way to promote administrative affairs, and personally launched a powerful attack on politics and public opinion, even Yunzhu couldn't help but feel admiration.
Honghui's arrangement was a step slower, but the effect was also there. The aftershocks continued unabated, and the continuous rainstorms made rescue efforts slow. Many disaster victims had to sleep on the streets, and merchants took advantage of the situation to hoard goods and raise prices. Several cases of theft and evil deeds also occurred... Public grievances were again on the rise.
In the past two years, the imperial court's tax revenue has increased and grain harvests have been abundant everywhere. However, the war with Dzungar has not yielded any spoils of war to distribute, and the expenses in money and grain have already used up more than half of what had been accumulated over several years. Furthermore, successive years of disaster relief efforts in various places have also cost a considerable amount. Now it is difficult to find the means to suppress these unscrupulous merchants... Yongzheng couldn't help but feel a headache.
July 29th was Li Rongbao's birthday, Yunzhu reported to Yongzheng and returned to the Fuca Mansion two days in advance. At this time, the big shock had passed for seven days, everything was initially settled, but there were still frequent aftershocks. Although Yunzhu let Guo Yiniang and others return to their hometown to visit, knowing that no family members or relatives died in this disaster, there were still many people who suffered some injuries, especially the elderly San Shu Amur (Ma Wu's wife), who was hit by a falling beam on her shoulder and also suffered a fright, and was lying in bed recovering.
This time, the timing was tight and Yunzhu didn't even have time to cook for her parents. The house had also collapsed in many places. Fortunately, her eldest brother Fu Guangcheng was working in Beijing, and several of her older brothers, except for the second and ninth brothers, were all safe and sound in Beijing. This allowed the family to be less panicked and worried, and they even had the energy to comfort their relatives.
"You have so many things to do, how can you still come out!" Lady Guwalgiya knew that her daughter was now in charge of the palace affairs, and she was both happy and worried. Seeing her coming out of the palace at this time, she couldn't help but say a few words.
"Don't worry, the Empress knows I'm coming. If she didn't come back to see her daughter herself, how could she be at peace? Besides, even if the Empress's birthday celebration can't be held, the gifts prepared by the daughter can't be neglected, right?" Knowing that Guwalgiya was worried about something, Yunzhu smiled and comforted her, "Is anyone in the family injured?"
"Didn't you let Guo's wife take a look already?! At home, only some unstable houses collapsed and many furniture were damaged, but people are fine." Gualjia shook her head, "After marrying out, still worrying about the maternal family is not allowed."
It is estimated that ordinary civilians are still severely affected. "I'm also the daughter of the Fuca family even if I get married, mother, isn't that right?"
"Ah, that's right." No matter how noble the status is, she is still my daughter Li Rongbao. The expression on Li Rongbao's face was very pleased and satisfied, he turned his head to instruct his wife: "Let someone prepare Yunzhu's favorite dishes first, I want to have a good talk with my daughter."
"Ah." Guan Jia knew that her daughter was now considering matters related to the imperial court, the harem, and their family, so she didn't disturb her and turned to leave the room.
"Amma, how badly damaged are the things at home?"
"It's just that some edges and corners are broken, and it can still be used after repair. It's just that our big households can't bear to take it out and lose face." Li Rongbao felt that his daughter wouldn't mention this for no reason, "What's on your mind?"
"Ah-ma would be better off finding some carpenters to repair the furniture used by the slaves, and then donate it to the disaster victims for use... As for some of the good wood, keep it at home or reward the outstanding slaves who manage things well, I think they will all be happy. Moreover, Ah-ma can discuss with Uncle and take out some silver savings to donate to the disaster relief efforts, and do something for the disaster victims with a kind heart. However, this donation of silver cannot be too much or too little... This degree still needs to be decided by Ah-ma and Uncle."
"Is there little silver left in the treasury?" Li Rongbao guessed correctly.
Yunzhu nodded, "The emperor is indeed worried about this." She then told a story about a modern real estate developer building uniform commodity housing, either by subsidizing or exchanging large plots of land for small ones, or vice versa, and also offering installment payments... Li Rongbao's eyes lit up as he listened. After a long while, he said, "Donating to the Ama Temple can bring fame to our family, but this matter concerns the livelihoods of the people, so it would be best if your second uncle were to handle it. Your cousin Baohou has been appointed as the Governor of Huguang, otherwise, he could also submit a memorial..."
"My daughter has something else to say." Yunzhu hesitated for a moment, but thinking that it would be inconvenient to leave the palace later and that passing on information was a major taboo, she took the opportunity to speak.
"Would it be possible to let the imperial court build a shrine for loyal officials, where portraits of meritorious civil and military ministers are displayed, equivalent to the honor of building an ancestral temple? It would also set a good example for officials across the country. Moreover, soldiers who have donated their lives to the country can enjoy the title of 'martyr', be listed on the monument in the Martyrs' Cemetery, receive worship from the people, and comfort the families of the deceased so that they do not worry about being forgotten... The timing of presenting this proposal should be chosen carefully. If it can be presented when the great army returns triumphantly from the northwest, it would be best. Hmm, it's best if this proposal is secretly submitted to the emperor."
In the Qing dynasty, only those who made outstanding contributions to the country could be honored in the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven was a place where emperors worshiped their ancestors, and it was a rare honor for officials to be included there. Some loyal and capable officials might also receive imperial decrees to build ancestral temples after their death, but this practice became more common and seemed extravagant in terms of manpower and resources.
Li Rongbao immediately thought of the cleverness behind it, the Twenty-Eight Generals of the Han Dynasty's Cloud Platform and the Tang Dynasty's Lingyan Pavilion - those who could enter were not only famous throughout the land but also left their names in history. Which official wasn't for money, power, or fame? And then there was the Martyrs' Mausoleum, this was buying people's hearts... uh, it was a benevolent act, although it secretly presented an opportunity for the emperor to gain eternal fame, yet it could gain more imperial favor and ensure the safety of his family's future generations. This was a great thing! Truly didn't know how his daughter came up with it.
It was probably Li Rongbao's gaze that gave him away, Yunzhu felt a bit embarrassed: "Actually, it was also inspired by the emperor's move to comfort the generals who were fighting in the northwest after this earthquake. The daughter thought that the soldiers who survived from the battlefield had the blessing of promotion and wealth for their children, but those who died in battle, even if they received consolation from the court, were not necessarily good or bad, and many years later, they would still be forgotten by people. If we can engrave these martyrs on a monument for the people to admire, condense a military soul... wouldn't it be better?"
Simply put, why can she think of others but not herself? Li Rongbao thought to himself, perhaps this daughter of his really has an extraordinary origin. Lovable, filial, understanding, virtuous... With her in the Fu Cha clan, it's hard for them not to prosper.
"These I will carefully discuss with your uncle and brothers, tell me about your life in the palace, is there anything that doesn't please you?"
"Of course there are unpleasant things, but where in life is it all smooth sailing without any bumps? Don't worry, I can handle those."
"That's good, if there's anything that needs to be done, just send a message out, don't be afraid!" Li Rongbao and Yongzheng are now in a strange state, like monarch and subject yet also like friends, or even family members. In any case, Li Rongbao's awe for him has lessened somewhat. He treats his daughter poorly, whether he is an emperor or imperial son, and still beats her."
Yunzhu smiled and changed the subject: "Auntie, I brought a lot of good ginseng and lingzhi medicine this time, there are several packages for Uncle and Cousin, you have time to help me send them." Now she is the imperial son's Fu Jin, and her interactions with relatives are much more cautious.
Li Rongbao nodded, "It's about time, let's go out and see where Mingliang and the others have gone. This little brat has been pestering me to go see you all day..."
"Fortunately, I brought a lot of fruit with me, he will definitely like it."
Li Rongbao was taken aback, "Is the damage at your village severe?"
"It's just that many fruit trees and vegetable fields were damaged, and the fields were also affected. So I put those damaged vegetables and fruits that couldn't be stored for long into the emperor's disaster relief food and sent them to the victims together. Of course, naturally, one has to prioritize their own family members." She also sent condolences to the elderly ladies and gentlemen of the imperial clan, as well as rewards to the hardworking imperial physicians... The fruit forest was already devastated by the great disaster and wouldn't sell for a while, so she didn't care about that little money. As for the palace's consorts, sorry, in order to set an example for the people, they couldn't live too comfortably, so she saved some."
Li Rongbao is no longer worried, this daughter is too good at winning people's hearts, she has won the hearts of both the emperor and the people, once this disaster is over, the emperor will surely reward her.
He also underestimated the praise of the royal family members for her, which is a force that even the emperor can't handle.
……
