RPAGF Chapter 1031 Regret
Chapter 1031 Regret
If we're talking about the person who knows the most about the situation in the palace right now, besides Cui Ling, it's Zheng Ping. He himself was castrated and entered the palace at a young age. Even though he has left the palace now, he still has connections in the palace, and all sorts of rumors can't be kept from him.
Sometimes, palace servants who seem as insignificant as ants may know far more secrets than the concubines in the palace.
While Zhou Pu hesitated and could not make a decision, it was already the end of July. Zheng Ping felt that he could not wait any longer. After repeated consideration, he finally decided to help the Zhang family and went to the palace for the second time to personally advise the emperor.
This time, he directly stated his opinion, suggesting that Zhou Pu place the person in the Huainan region.
"The reason I suggest placing Zhang Ping'an in Huainan is that, looking at the whole country, Huainan is the most suitable place for him. Although Huainan appears prosperous on the surface, it has the largest tax deficit, a relatively loose economy, and many local strongmen. Zhang Ping'an has his own methods in this regard. Moreover, Huainan connects all corners of the country, serving as a central hub. It can transport supplies from any direction if needed. Based on my understanding of Zhang Ping'an, he is a very reliable person, but also someone who is not willing to take risks. He is tactful, knows when to advance and retreat, and is flexible and adaptable. If Your Majesty appoints him as the military governor of Huainan, it may solve Your Majesty's current urgent problem!"
“Well, I naturally trust his abilities, but the Huainan region is quite important. Currently, disasters are frequent throughout the country, and people are struggling. Compared to most other regions, the Huainan region is relatively wealthy. If he harbors any disloyal intentions, things will get complicated,” Zhou Pu said, this was what he had been struggling with.
From a young age, he was taught by the late emperor that once a rift develops with a subordinate, one must never be soft-hearted and allow the other party to climb higher, giving them the opportunity to bite back. There are countless examples of people who, instead of killing the snake, are bitten instead. For an emperor, being soft-hearted is even more fatal.
Although it hasn't been said openly, he knows that the Zhang family already knows his intentions and distrust of them. Under these circumstances, it seems inappropriate to send them to the wealthy Huainan.
Zheng Ping had a different opinion: "Your Majesty, it is precisely because disasters are frequently occurring throughout the country and people are struggling to make a living that we should protect the relatively wealthy areas. If any surrounding areas need relief in the future, we can order relief to be provided from Huainan, so that Huainan can share the burden. If Zhang Ping'an's performance in Huainan is poor, then it will be his dereliction of duty, and Your Majesty can deal with him then in a just and proper manner, without leaving any grounds for criticism."
Zhou Pu thought it made some sense. Most importantly, he knew that Zheng Ping was absolutely loyal to him. Zheng Ping was a eunuch and had no offspring.
Moreover, he was personally nurtured by the late emperor and grew up by his side. He might not listen to others, but he would still listen to Zheng Ping to some extent.
"What you said makes some sense. Let me think about it some more." Zhou Pu did not give an answer at the moment.
Zheng Ping did not urge him, but reminded him: "Your Majesty, it is the time of autumn harvest now. If the transfer order is issued now, Zhang Ping'an will arrive in Huainan to take up his post just when the autumn tax is being collected. At that time, the accounts of various government offices are the most complicated and difficult to check. At the same time, the loopholes are the biggest and it is the easiest time to falsify accounts. If you want to test him, this is the most appropriate time."
After saying this, he respectfully withdrew, leaving Zhou Pu alone in the hall, head bowed in deep thought.
Perhaps these words had an effect, because three days later, the eunuch went to the Zhang family to deliver the imperial decree, which indeed transferred Zhang Ping'an to be the military governor of Huainan.
After Zhang Ping'an and his family respectfully received the imperial decree, he secretly instructed his steward to give a reward to the eunuchs who delivered the decree. He dared not show the slightest joy on his face, remaining as humble and gentle as ever. Only he knew that he was secretly relieved.
Little Fish admires his father's uncanny ability to predict the future, but at the same time, he also feels a sense of urgency.
To avoid criticism from others for having both father and son transferred to different places at the same time, they resigned from their official positions as previously agreed.
He was a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations and had a smooth career. Most people could understand why he suddenly resigned. Some thought he was decisive, while others thought he was foolish.
Upon learning this news, the young Crown Prince Zhou Ding locked himself in the East Palace for an entire day without going out or receiving any guests.
This commotion naturally did not escape the ears of Zhou Pu and Cui Rong. "He's still a child, it's normal to feel reluctant to part with him."
Cui Rong smiled and chimed in, "Yes, His Highness the Crown Prince is still young!"
They're not going to amount to anything yet, nothing to fear!
Having made preparations in advance, the Zhang family quickly packed their bags after saying goodbye to each other and prepared to go to Huainan to take up their new posts.
Originally, Zhang Ping'an planned to travel by water, but when he reached the dock on the outskirts of Beijing, he suddenly changed his mind and decided to travel by land.
"Father, why did you suddenly change your mind?"
"But is something wrong?" asked the beady-eyed man.
Because he had a very close personal relationship with Zhang Ping'an, he took leave today to come to the dock to see Zhang Ping'an off. They both knew that this separation might mean not seeing each other for many years.
Therefore, Green Bean Eyes was very reluctant to see the Zhang family leave, but at the same time, he also knew that it was the most suitable choice for Zhang Ping'an under the current circumstances. Perhaps in the near future, he might follow in his footsteps.
Looking at the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, Zhang Ping'an pressed his throbbing temples.
"Although waterways are convenient, none of us are particularly good swimmers, and naval warfare is even more difficult. Moreover, we have two elderly people traveling with us. I've thought about it carefully again, and it's safer to take the land route. Besides, there are many of my classmates who are serving as officials along the way from the capital to Huainan. When I pass through, I can visit them for a cup of tea, get to know them again, and rebuild our relationships. Perhaps they will be of use in the future. Huainan is rich, but it's not free because it's caught in the middle."
"I see," Green Bean said thoughtfully, sensing a hint of unease in her words.
Little Fish thought about it again and realized that was indeed the case. However, he added, "If Grandpa and Grandma were to travel such a long distance by carriage, I'm afraid their bodies might not be able to handle it!"
Zhang Ping'an was aware of this, but he always felt that traveling by water would definitely lead to trouble, so he preferred to take his parents by carriage.
Anxiety is contagious, so Zhang Ping'an didn't intend to say much, but simply and firmly said, "It's better to travel by land. Just put more blankets on the carriage."
Little Fish realized the problem too. He didn't say anything or ask any more questions. He turned around and had his luggage moved back onto the carriage.