Chapter 31 Ken takes the blame for the emperor

Historically, Qianlong was highly rated, mainly based on his early achievements.However, in his later years, he became irritable and surly, and he was determined to do things his own way, and he would lose his temper if he didn't like it.In fact, most of this is the reason for his old age and lack of energy. Even so, he wants to show others the image of a wise gentleman who is rigorous, diligent and thrifty, and loves the people like a son, and he will not listen to a word of harsh words.Even in the face of such a severe situation, He Shen was still able to sail smoothly, showing He Shen's extraordinary ability in life.So, how did He Shen do this?

He Shen knew that Qianlong was very happy, but the country's financial resources were difficult to support, what should he do?This is not difficult for Heshen, he came up with many ways to make money for Qianlong, so as to satisfy Qianlong's vanity.However, these measures are not policies of diligent administration and peace of the people, which will naturally arouse dissatisfaction among the people, and He Shen willingly took the blame for Qianlong's extravagance.There seems to be a tacit understanding between him and Qianlong. Qianlong ordered in the court to stop extravagance and sang red faces; but Heshen amassed money crazily in private and accepted donations from officials at all levels.The officials are not stupid, knowing that donating tribute can win the favor of the emperor and adults, so they naturally flock to it.Therefore, in the late Qianlong period, the country's financial crisis was often resolved by He Shen.

The so-called food in hand, do not panic.Qianlong was naturally happy when he had silver taels, so he couldn't sit still in the boring palace, and started to make a southern tour, but he was worried about being dubbed a reputation for pleasure and extravagance.How can this be hidden from He Shen's eyes?He Shen knew that the emperor really wanted to go out for a walk, take a look, and inspect the affluent life of the people under his rule for many years.The reason why the emperor hesitated was because he was afraid of the opinions of the ministers and the people. Heshen, who is good at observing the holy will, came up with an idea to solve Qianlong's worries and problems. He assured Qianlong that the products in various places in the south of the Yangtze River were rich, and officials and wealthy businessmen were blessed with the emperor's grace, so they were all safe and peaceful, so they had long been willing to repay the favor. Driving down the south of the Yangtze River, all the expenses are borne by the officials and wealthy businessmen in the south of the Yangtze River.In this way, there is no need to use the treasury's wealth, and those who say that the emperor enjoys himself have nothing to say.The reason why Qianlong has not made a decision for a long time is that this is the only thing to worry about. Seeing what He Shen said, he couldn't help being overjoyed.Of course he knew the relationship between Heshen and officials at all levels in the south of the Yangtze River, but it was really touching that Heshen was so considerate of him. He immediately ordered Heshen to arrange the southern tour with full authority, and Yujia set off immediately.

Seeing that the emperor's worries were gone, He Shen knew that his guess was correct, so he received the emperor's favor even more.The commander-in-chief's tour to the south was very beautiful, so he sent a notice to all parts of the south of the Yangtze River, saying that the emperor would visit the south of the Yangtze River, officials and businessmen in various places must prepare carefully, and encouraged businessmen to donate money and materials as the emperor's expenses along the way.Although there was no requirement in the official document, it was both the emperor's southern tour and He Shen's idea, so of course it should be taken seriously.The officials are all people who only care about their official positions and don't care about the life and death of the people. Whoever dares to neglect, spares no expense in making large-scale construction projects, lest the emperor will not be able to do what he wants.Those officials who wanted to take this opportunity to go further paid tribute wantonly in order to please Heshen and the emperor and get promoted.

As a result, it became common for officials in the south of the Yangtze River to give gifts. Of course, they would not take out their own pockets. In the end, all kinds of burdens still had to be passed on to the common people.Moreover, the common people had to serve corvee, work and pay for dredging canals, building palaces, and repairing dragon boats for Qianlong to have fun.For a while, Jiangnan had a completely new look.However, behind these countless beauties are people's great dissatisfaction and resentment towards Heshen and Qianlong. Finally, Qianlong, who was in a good mood, began to inspect the south. Wherever he passed, there were singing and singing, and the people knelt down to thank him. Qianlong's self-esteem and vanity were greatly satisfied and he was very satisfied.The beautiful scenery in the south of the Yangtze River also made him intoxicated, and he couldn't help but sigh in his heart that the Qing Dynasty was really magnificent under his own rule, and he wrote many poems when he was proud, and he couldn't help praising himself.

Under the careful arrangement of Heshen, the entire trip to the south of the Yangtze River was successfully completed without letting Qianlong use the treasury. Qianlong, who is good at poetry and respects culture, even went to Qufu to worship the Confucian Mansion, the Confucian Temple and the Confucian Forest. People show his benevolent heart of respecting teachers and respecting morality.Qianlong regarded the blood and sweat of millions of people in the south of the Yangtze River as Heshen's credit, and he loved and valued him more and more. He appointed him as the Minister of the Household Department, and handed over the financial management of the entire Qing Dynasty to Heshen.Since Qianlong issued an edict before his departure requiring officials at all levels not to harass the people, the people believed that Heshen was entirely responsible for Qianlong's extravagance and waste, so they pointed the finger at Heshen one after another, so Heshen's reputation worse and worse.Finally, when Jiaqing gave death to Heshen, some people even set off firecrackers to celebrate, because of this.

Of course, Heshen's accusations against the common people are clear to his chest, but his purpose is: to be able to gain the favor and trust of the emperor, and to bear no matter how many scapegoats he bears. Anyway, he has obtained benefits.As for reputation, it doesn't matter much. In this way, Heshen endured humiliation for many years, and he did not know how many scapegoats he took to meet Emperor Qianlong's need for luxury enjoyment. However, he himself also won favor and took the opportunity to accumulate a large amount of wealth.