The first county magistrate in history

Chapter 208: Killing the Chicken to Frighten the Monkey

When Xia Mochu saw Qin Zheng and saw that he didn't say anything, she knew that the matter was over.

He added, "This coup has exposed many shortcomings. I and the other ministers should make up for them promptly.

In order to prevent similar incidents from happening again and to maintain a healthy government, starting today, our dynasty will implement the top leader responsibility system. The top leader refers to the heads of various ministries, government offices, and government offices.

From now on, if a subordinate commits a crime, the leader will be jointly and severally liable. And this responsibility will last a lifetime. Previously, there will be no punishment for past offenses!"

The faces of all civil and military officials changed drastically.

Doesn’t this cut off their source of income from selling official positions?

When it comes to selling official positions, who cares whether you have talent or not? Whoever has more money can become a high-ranking official!

If the one-person-in-charge system is implemented, not only will they no longer be able to make money, but even those who bought official positions from them in the past will be held accountable in the future.

Can you afford the responsibility?

The empress's responsibility system is like an invisible beheading knife that kills people!

Some ministers were already breaking out in cold sweats.

Some ministers have decided that after the court is adjourned, they will quickly investigate those who bought official positions, and those who are unqualified will be dismissed immediately or killed secretly.

You must never implicate yourself.

In fact, many ministers wanted to oppose it.

But nowadays, anyone who opposes it is suspected of treason.

No one dared to object.

There was complete silence in the court!

Xia Bitu glanced at Qin Zheng out of the corner of his eye. It must have been the monkey’s suggestion!

This is indeed the decision made by Hongtong County's management method, and it is effective. Xia Mochu has wanted to implement it for a long time, but has never had the opportunity.

This opportunity is just right.

The most powerful force in the court was Xia Bitu. In the past, many of her decisions, if Xia Bitu opposed them, would be opposed by many ministers as well.

But now, the situation has changed.

Qu Zhengzhuo was Xia Bitu's brother-in-law and also his student. How could Xia Bitu possibly object? How could he dare to object?

Not having his crime punished was a great blessing.

According to the nine clans ranking, Xia Bitu is Qu Zhengzhuo's brother-in-law.

As long as Prime Minister Xia Bitu does not object, this bill can be implemented smoothly!

All the ministers were secretly looking at Xia Bitu. The empress suddenly issued a decree, which was obviously a warning to Xia Bitu to make an example of him.

In fact, many ministers were confused as to whether Xia Bitu was the mastermind behind the coup.

If he was the mastermind, why didn't Xia Bitu participate?

If he hadn't been the mastermind, no one would have believed it.

Qu Zhengzhuo is not only his brother-in-law but also his disciple!

At this moment, Xia Bitu's expression was calm, but he was also feeling bitter in his heart!

That person asked Qu Zhengzhuo to take action because he was afraid that he would not take action.

Qu Zhengzhuo is his brother-in-law, and he was promoted by him.

Whether he takes action or not, he cannot escape suspicion.

If it weren't for Qin Zheng, he would have been forced to take action.

Thinking about it now, he still feels scared and fearful.

Xia Bitu felt that he was so wise that he did not choose to take action, but chose to ask Qin Zheng for help!

Otherwise, if the Black Cavalry attacks, he will not survive.

At this moment, Xia Mochu said, "Since no one objects, this bill will be passed."

Xia Mochu was very happy. It was indeed good to have the final say!

In the past, if we opposed it, it would be difficult to end it!

He added, "The position of Minister of War is currently vacant, and there is no suitable candidate for the time being. However, we cannot leave it without a leader for a day. From today on, I will take charge of the Ministry of War!"

The civil and military officials were shocked again.

Did you hear me wrong?

The empress wants to work part-time as the Minister of War?

There has never been such a thing since ancient times?

Qin Zheng knew that this was what the empress learned from the management methods of Hongtong County, centralization.

As an emperor, if you don’t hold the military power in your hands, can you hold your position firmly?

"Dismiss the court!" Xia Mochu dismissed the court without consulting his ministers.

She also learned to have the final say.

She is the empress, she has the right.

Although there are many disadvantages of a one-man rule, Daqian is suitable for a one-man rule at this time!

Qin Zheng was just about to leave with Xia Bitu.

"Master!" Xia Mo Ning caught up and said, "Your Majesty invites you to the library!"

Qin Zheng and Xia Bitu said goodbye and followed Xia Mo Ning to the library.

"Master, you're not angry, are you?" Xia Mo Ning looked at her master's face carefully.

Qin Zheng snorted coldly: "How can I not be angry? I didn't get even a tael of silver!"

Xia Mo Ningxin said, as expected.

He quickly said, "Master, I've been living and eating at the Shaoshi Mansion recently. I've saved all the pocket money my sister gave me. It's over three hundred taels. I'll give it all to you!"

Qin Zheng rubbed Xia Mo Ning's hair and said, "My disciple still cares about his master. If you can collect 500 taels, give it to me!"

"Ah?" Xia Mo Ning said with a sad face: "Master, do you really want it?"

Qin Zheng smiled and said, "This is my disciple's filial piety. How can I refuse?"

Xia Mo Ning was heartbroken and thought to herself, it's a good thing I only said I had three hundred taels, otherwise, all my eight hundred taels would have been taken away.

Xia Mo Ning suddenly asked, "Master, is there any problem with my sister's handling of the situation?"

Qin Zheng knew that Xia Mo Ning wanted to learn, so he said truthfully, "She shouldn't be unfair. She should be clear about rewards and punishments."

Xia Mo Ning said: "My sister is testing you."

Qin Zheng asked, "Was it the eunuch's idea?"

Xia Mo Ning was convinced: "Master, did you guess it?"

Qin Zheng said, "Now you understand why eunuchs are a disaster for the country, right? Because of their defects, they can't live like normal people, so they almost all have psychological deformities.

Not only is he intolerant, he's also incredibly vicious. Sometimes, he's even reckless in his pursuit of revenge. This time, it was me; anyone else would undoubtedly harbor resentment."

Xia Mo Ning nodded in agreement: "Master, when I become the Emperor in the future, I will abolish the eunuch system."

Qin Zheng nodded: "That's great!"

Xia Mo Ning said, "Master, the conditions you put forward at that time scared me to death. Fortunately, you put forward the condition of reading books. If you want to go to the library in the future, I will take you to the palace at any time."

Qin Zheng said: "Actually, I knew the answer would be like this, I did it on purpose!"

Xia Mo Ning was stunned: "Why!"

Qin Zheng's eyes were deep: "I just want your sister to see how eunuchs bring disaster to the country!"

Xia Mo Ning was puzzled: "This is related to this request, how come I didn't see it?" Qin Zheng said: "You didn't see that your sister didn't say anything, and the eunuch took over the responsibility?"

Xia Mo Ning: "I saw it, so what? Uncle An always helps my sister when she's at a loss!"

Qin Zheng said seriously, "Habits become second nature. Your sister is used to it, the eunuchs are used to it, and all the officials will get used to it. Once the entire court, civil and military officials, get used to obeying his orders, what do you think the consequences will be?"

Xia Mo Ning's expression changed: "I understand, Master. I will remind my sister."

Qin Zheng nodded.

At this time, they had already seen the library, so they did not continue the conversation.

The library has five floors in total, and each floor contains countless books, all of which are rare collections.

The higher you go, the more precious it is.

There is a desk on each floor.

The four treasures of the study are prepared on the desk, so you can sit down and read or write down your thoughts.

However, only a few people are qualified to enter the library.

Xia Mochu was sitting behind the desk on the first floor, drinking tea and reading a book, waiting for Qin Zheng.

Seeing Qin Zheng and his sister come in, Xia Mochu smiled and said, "Qin Aiqing, please take a seat. Mo Ning, you come and sit too."

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Qin Zheng saluted and sat down.

Xia Mochu asked directly, "Qin Aiqing, you are not angry, right?"

Qin Zheng was speechless. You know what you did was wrong, why did you still do it?

He had known he would be rewarded, but he also knew the Empress wouldn't give him a position of real power. He didn't care anyway, so why was he angry?

Qin Zheng said calmly: "Your Majesty knows that I am indifferent to fame and fortune."

Xia Mochu smiled: "I'm still worried."

After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "Qin Zheng, do you understand me?"

Qin Zheng nodded: "I understand. But don't do it to others."

Xia Mochu was very happy: "As long as you understand."

After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "What do you think of Uncle An and Uncle Yuan?"

Qin Zheng knew that Xia Mochu had begun to suspect the people around him because of this coup.

He said, "Not them. Your Majesty, if you don't even trust these two, then there is no one else around you you can trust."

Xia Mochu looked at Qin Zheng and asked curiously, "You should have seen that Uncle An doesn't like you, but why are you still speaking for him?"

If it were someone else, they would definitely take the opportunity to add insult to injury and criticize An Dehai.

Qin Zheng laughed and said, "How can personal preferences affect national affairs? He and I simply dislike each other!"

Xia Mochu praised extremely: "I was not wrong about you!"

Qin Zheng added, "But, Your Majesty cannot be without a strong opinion."

Xia Mochu naturally understood what Qin Zheng meant.

Youyou said: "Through this incident, I also realized it."

Qin Zheng nodded: "That's good."

Xia Mochu suddenly looked at Xia Mo Ning and said with a smile: "Mo Ning, go and guard the door. I have something to say to Qin Zheng."

Xia Mo Ning quickly got up and went to the door to look.

Xia Mochu was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked at Qin Zheng and asked very seriously, "Qin Zheng, are you really not coveting the Daqian Empire?"

Qin Zheng knew that Xia Mochu asked this because she wanted to confirm again whether he had any ulterior motives. Presumably, what he was going to say next was of great importance, so Xia Mochu was still a little hesitant.

Qin Zheng said seriously, "If I coveted it, there wouldn't be just one Hongtong County. If I had second thoughts, I wouldn't have exposed my Black Cavalry! I, Qin Zheng, have no big ambitions, but I will do my best to protect my woman, unless she doesn't want to accept my protection!"

Xia Mochu looked at Qin Zheng, a touch of emotion flashing in his eyes.

He nodded and said seriously, "Qin Zheng, through this incident, I have seen your loyalty. Therefore, I have an important matter to entrust to you!"

Qin Zheng became serious: "Your Majesty, please speak frankly!"

The matter entrusted to me by Xia Mochu must be no small matter!

Xia Mochu said, "If one day, I am no longer here, Qin Zheng, you must promise me that you will protect Mo Ning and the Daqian Kingdom!"

Qin Zheng was shocked: "You, what's wrong with you?"

Xia Mochu smiled sadly: "I will not live long!"