Both Zhu Zimei and Li Qingke felt flattered. Although they often came to this study, no concubine had ever enjoyed the honor of assisting His Majesty the Emperor in reading documents since the establishment of the empire. Even the noble An Qier rarely came into contact with these things, but today Wu Feng was so excited that he actually asked the two of them to go to the reading office to read the documents. Although it was just to help read, it was a rare favor in years.
Exchanging looks of surprise, Zhu Zimei and Li Qingke both felt the excitement and vigilance in each other's eyes. It would be great if only they could enjoy this kind of grace, but it's a pity that there is an unsightly character beside them. It's a shame to let such a wonderful thing happen.
Wu Feng did not think so much. Of course, he knew that the empire had long established the principle of strictly prohibiting concubines from intervening in politics, but occasionally asking the concubines to read documents for him to relieve fatigue was nothing. The important military affairs had already been dealt with in time, and the remaining What is being downloaded is just some government affairs, so there is no need to worry about the possibility of leaks. Adjusting the atmosphere in this way will make the second daughter and myself feel much better. At least this kind of pampering can make the second daughter feel that she has compensated for her neglect in the past few months. Now that the most dangerous moment has basically been passed, she can also have some peace of mind. Spend more energy with the concubines. If the resentful wives in the harem are left out for too long, it will cause a lot of trouble, especially the concubines who have no heirs.
Li Qingke and Zhu Zimei didn't think as much as Wu Feng thought. Such an honor already made them happy. The substantive content is not important, but this kind of treatment is undoubtedly an affirmation of the two of them in his mind, and this affirmation is undoubtedly a guarantee of long-term favor for them.
You must know that there are already many women above the imperial concubine level in the palace, including Angel, Situ Yutang, Lin Yuexin, and Annie. Needless to say, in addition to the two daughters Zhu Li, it seems that Sophia will also obtain the status of a noble concubine sooner or later. Her status as the princess of the Kingdom of Jemelo and her ambiguous emotional entanglement with His Majesty made her stand out among the many women surrounding His Majesty.
There is also Situ Yuzhen, a lowly woman with the blood of a singing prostitute, who actually wants to be a noble concubine. Both Li Qingke and Zhu Zimei are a little angry at this point. The same people who overestimate their capabilities are Shi Yawei and the same people from the Shi family. Junshan Clivia, one of the four beauties in the martial arts world, is also very active in the palace. It seems that she is also eager to climb a high branch. In addition, she is from the Indian area and is the daughter of the Duke of Mowal who is known as the most noble daughter in India. Nataguli Movor also arrived in Beijing as a gift from the Indian tribes to pledge their loyalty to the empire and request marriage. Both Li Qingke and Zhu Zimei felt tremendous pressure.
Naturally, Wu Feng couldn't predict the two women's complicated thoughts at that moment, but Wu Feng noticed the two women's brief loss of concentration after the surprise, and he was a little surprised. Are these two people still unwilling to read the documents for themselves? "Qingke, what's wrong with you?"
Suddenly waking up with a start, Li Qingke quickly calmed down and picked up the first document placed on the imperial desk. He said in a manly voice: "I was a little distracted. I thought that if Qing Shi came to read the document for His Majesty, what would happen if Qing Shi came to read the document for His Majesty?" Wouldn't it be better? Qingshi's voice is first-rate. Compared with Qingshi, I'm not that good."
"Damn girl, I'm not appreciating poetry. These are government documents. Read it quickly and look at this thick stack. It's all the work that needs to be completed tonight. As an emperor, I can be considered to be dedicated enough, right?" Wu Feng laughed and slapped Li Qingke's buttocks hard, but never left. The palms of his hands were also strong enough to knead Li Qingke's tight buttocks.
Li Qingke, who felt Wu Feng's wanton teasing for the first time, was obviously a little unable to adapt, especially when there was Zhu Zimei, who could be called a love rival, next to him. Although his lover's hand was in the dark, this kind of blatant teasing was not enough for him. Li Qingke, who has received rigorous court education since childhood, still faces a huge psychological challenge.
Trying his best to focus on the document in his hand, Li Qingke realized that his voice was trembling when he read out: "Merry County's proposal to establish an agricultural product futures exchange in Luxor."
"Qing Ke, you can just talk about it in general terms, there is no need to read the original text." This was also a suggestion that was originally intended to be important, but due to the expansion of the war in the empire, these matters were temporarily shelved. Now that the situation has improved slightly, many things should be considered as appropriate.
Li Qingke read ten lines at a glance and concisely introduced the main contents of Governor Qin Tieliu's suggestions. Wufeng was quite satisfied with what he heard. He was worthy of being from the Yue Jing court, and his introduction to this kind of government affairs was also detailed and appropriate, "The Government Affairs Council's What do you think?"
"Master Xiao has signed the opinion. He suggested to postpone the consideration until the situation in the empire stabilizes before making a final decision." Li Qingke responded obediently.
"Well, this matter is handled according to the opinions of the Government Affairs Council. The empire doesn't have that much thought to pay attention to it now. Besides, training officials who are proficient in financial affairs will also take a certain amount of time. The Ministry of Finance will not rest assured just relying on the personnel recruited from the Western Continent. ." Wu Feng shook his head. This war has delayed too many development opportunities, but it must be fought. It is better to fight early than to fight late. Once the war is over, it will free up time to think about how to make such a huge empire move forward at full speed. forward development.
"The Minister of Ceremonies, Laomin, requested to confer the title of Noble of the Year 701 to Chang Bin and other thirty-three people." Zhu Zimei's heart couldn't help but secretly jump when she saw this memorial. The competition within the empire for the title of these nobles is very fierce. It can even be said that it has reached a fever pitch. Zhu Zimei is well aware of this. There are even people who quietly come to the palace through connections and want to influence this matter by blowing pillow wind. She is also entrusted by others. , as far as she knew, at least Situ Yuzhen was also involved.
Since the founding of the empire, the issue of granting noble titles has been very strict and even harsh. Except for those foreign princes and nobles who have surrendered to the empire and can receive corresponding downgrades and titles, other requirements in terms of military merit and political performance are very strict. It is harsh. Xiao Tang and Su Qin, who are prime ministers of the Government Affairs Council, are only earls. There are not even a single nobleman who has been awarded the title of marquis or above due to their military and political achievements. On the contrary, some people who have made outstanding contributions among the people have correspondingly more opportunities. Some, such as overseas adventures to discover territories and colonies, or great breakthroughs in scientific research and technological innovation, or celebrities with outstanding achievements and prestige in the field of culture and art.
At one time, the gentry and merchants who made great economic contributions to the empire also received some low-level titles, but this condition was soon raised to a very high level. In 701, the nobility of each county was awarded to them for their economic contributions. There were more than 80 people eligible for nomination, but at the level of the Ceremony Department, they were eliminated to less than 20 people. This once aroused widespread concern and criticism from people in the business community, but the Ceremony Department still went its own way and insisted on following its own rules. The opinions are evaluated and corresponding rules are formulated.
As a result of obtaining the title of nobility, you gain the right to select and be elected as a representative of the Senate. Once elected, a representative of the Senate can obtain judicial immunity and the qualification to participate in national government affairs discussions and advise, and can attend some government affairs meetings of the Government Affairs Council. This This kind of respected treatment cannot be obtained just by having money, so the competition among business people in this area is quite fierce, which also leads to these people hoping to exert influence from all angles.
"Thirty-three people? I remember that there seemed to be only twenty-five people in this batch. Where did these extra eight people come from?" Wu Feng was a little surprised. The working people would not have such a big problem on such an important issue. Mistake
"Your Majesty, Mr. Lao has stated in the memorial that it is difficult to choose qualified candidates after selection, so I ask you to make the decision." Zhu Zimei certainly knows how much pressure she has endured on this issue as the Minister of Ceremony, at least she has done so at one time or more It was a little hint that he had overworked the people to take care of someone. Now this guy is also cunning and actually kicked the problem at the feet of His Majesty. It seems that he would rather offend His Majesty the Emperor than offend anyone else.
"Hmph, this guy really knows how to be a good person and let me be the evil one." Wu Feng was a little unhappy, "How did Xiao Tang give the instructions?"
"Master Xiao also gave instructions for your Majesty's approval." Zhu Zimei originally wanted to say a word or two, but she noticed that Wu Feng was a little angry, so she did not dare to say anything casually at this time.
"Hmph, I will act like a good person and send it back to the Government Affairs Council for the Ceremony Department to re-examine. They are not sure of the number of suitable candidates, so I will not sign and approve it." Wu Feng said angrily.
"Your Majesty, I have a bold suggestion. I wonder whether I should say it or not?" Seeing Zhu Zimei's hesitant look, Li Qingke's beautiful eyes were filled with anticipation and she said with a sweet smile.
"Oh? Even though Qing Ke said that you and I should be husband and wife, why should I blame you?" Wu Feng said casually.
"Your Majesty, I have heard many people's comments during my trip south. Many people have some opinions on the empire's strict control of noble titles. Many people do not hope that the status of nobles can bring them much substantial benefits. interests, they value more the opportunity to participate in state affairs discussions or the power to elect people they trust to represent their opinions in the imperial government, because that symbolizes the empire's recognition of their great contributions to the empire. So I am a concubine. Privately, I think the empire should make some changes in this regard, such as weakening the actual privileges of the nobility, for example, judicial immunity should be restricted or abolished under certain conditions, substantive fiefs should be abolished and replaced with symbolic fiefs, and the number of nobles should be expanded to a certain extent. , and consciously tilt the proportion towards the economic sector, which can effectively stabilize the empire’s ruling foundation and at the same time stimulate the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of the empire’s business community.”