The chief designer once said that it is necessary to explore reform methods that suit China's national conditions in practice.
Reform cannot be achieved overnight, but it cannot be done haphazardly. It must be in line with national conditions and the optimal solution must be found.
Therefore, although the examination method is only the first step and preliminary implementation, it must be continuously improved during the exploration process and accumulated experience to make it better.
The fuss in the Constitutional Yuan was finally resolved. The plan given by Zhao Jun was to severely punish Lu Gongchuo. Finally, he discussed with Li Di and sentenced him to three years of imprisonment, reduced his status as a scholar, and ordered him to reflect and repent during these three years.
This penalty is almost the same as the crime of accepting bribes by using influence in later generations. If the amount is huge or there are other serious circumstances, the person shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than three years but not more than seven years, and shall also be fined.
Lu Yijian objected, and the two sides had a fierce quarrel.
It was Zhao Zhen who came forward and changed the three years of apprenticeship to three years of confinement. Although he was still in jail, his living conditions were much better than those in Kaifeng Mansion Prison, and he could still study.
In fact, Zhao Jun originally wanted Lu Gongchuo to go to the countryside to become an educated youth. He simply went to the countryside to teach and change the fate of a poor village. This would be a good use of everything and not waste the knowledge he had accumulated through so many years of hard study.
But Lu Yijian almost went crazy when he heard this and firmly disagreed. In the end, he had no choice but to compromise and be imprisoned, which was considered a compromise by all parties.
After all, going to the countryside to teach in this era is no better than going to the countryside to work as an educated youth in later generations. There are trains and cars when going to the countryside in later generations, and our party is also very good at grassroots governance. The village heads and branch secretaries everywhere have ideological awareness, so nothing will go wrong.
Going to the countryside these days is not an exaggeration.
As the Lu Party died down, Zhao Jun took action on Cheng Lin, Lu Gongchuo and others, and finally subdued all dissatisfaction. Fan Zhongyan also announced that performance would be included in the examination method, and those who passed the assessment every month would accumulate performance and receive salary bonuses. More work, more reward.
Under the original punitive measures, a set of stick and carrot tactics successfully aroused the emotions of the officials and brought the farce to an end. The law was firmly implemented.
And in the middle of this commotion, at the end of October, just after the evening shift, Xia Song was sitting in the backyard pavilion of the residence of the left minister of the Ministry of Finance, quietly watching the carp swimming in the pond.
Compared to Zhao Jun's small courtyard, which high-ranking official in the third or fourth grade in Bianliang doesn't have a luxurious villa?
Fan Zhongyan's large mansion with three entrances and three exits is considered the most ordinary. The rest of Lu Yijian's house, with its mansions and mansions, is even better than the imperial palace.
Yan Shu's house has a deep courtyard, resplendent and carved beams and painted buildings.
The Xia Song family is not bad either. The entire courtyard covers an area of several acres and is lined with pavilions and pavilions, just like a manor.
The only difference is that most of these officials live in outer cities.
Firstly, there is not that much space in the inner city, and secondly, the price is too expensive.
Spending 50,000 yuan in the outer city can buy a large mansion covering an area of more than 30 acres.
Zhao Jun's small yard of less than 2,000 square meters in the inner city cost more than 10,000 yuan, and 50,000 yuan could not even build the backyard of a large mansion.
This was pretty good. By the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhao Jun's house had increased to 70,000 to 80,000 guan, and the mansion in the outer city had cost hundreds of thousands of guan, and the inner city had cost more than one million guan.
Ouyang Xiu still doesn't have a house of his own, so he can only rent one in the suburbs, not in the outer city, which shows how expensive the house price is.
At this moment, Xia Song looked at his lotus pond, which was nearly an acre in size, holding a handful of fish food in his hand and throwing it out.
He had just sent away Jiang Ji, the minister of Baowen Pavilion. Although Jiang Ji was only a seventh-grade official, Xia Song still received him very happily and had dinner with him.
The reason is that Jiang Ji is the son of Jiang Zun, the deputy privy envoy during the Tiansheng period. When Jiang Zun served as the patrol envoy in his early years, Xia Song knew Xiangzhou.
It happened that there was a great famine in Xiangzhou at that time. Xia Song opened public warehouses, distributed food everywhere, and helped 460,000 victims. Jiang Zun reported this achievement, and Song Zhenzong gave him a letter of commendation. He was still in Xiangzhou. The state is carved into a stone tablet and will never be forgotten.
It can be said that Xia Song could not do without the help of various noble people along the way.
Therefore, although all the nobles in the past have left one by one, he still takes good care of the nobles' heirs, and no one has left.
This time Jiang Ji came here to open champagne in advance to celebrate Xia Song's promotion.
Because Xia Song's boss Cheng Lin was involved in the incident and had been arrested by the Imperial City Division, the next step would be a three-chamber joint trial, where he would be dealt with by the Yushitai, Dali Temple, and the Criminal Court, that is, the Public Procuratorate.
At present, ministers in various ministries are divided into left and right, and in the Song Dynasty, the left was respected, so in fact Xia Song was the second-in-command of the Ministry of Finance. When Cheng Lin fell, everyone thought that he would ascend to the throne.
Only Xia Song himself knew that as long as Lu Yijian and Zhao Jun were still in the Constitutional Yuan, the possibility of his promotion was very small.
So at this moment, Xia Song sat by the pond with a face as heavy as water, saying nothing.
Even when his beloved concubine came over and wanted to sit with him, he drove her away and did not allow anyone to disturb her.
Xia Song was thinking about a question.
How can I get promoted, truly enter the Constitutional Yuan, and become a high-ranking official?
The easiest way is to get the appreciation of the officials and appoint them directly.
But is it really that easy?
Nowadays, the officials favor Zhao Jun and hand over the power to the Constitutional Yuan for internal and external governance. In addition to the military power, the Constitutional Yuan can now be said to have monopoly power.
Therefore, looking at the essence through the phenomenon, if you want to enter the Constitutional Yuan, Zhao Jun and Lu Yijian must nod.
Even Lu Yijian is not needed, Zhao Jun is enough.
After all, everyone in the whole court now knows that Li Di and Lu Yijian are mortal enemies, but because they took refuge in Zhao Jun, they have now been promoted to prime minister.
Then can he get Zhao Jun to nod?
Zhiyuan likes doers the most and dislikes those who talk empty talk. In terms of ability, Xia Song asked himself that he has it.
But back then he had "accidentally" offended Zhiyuan.
Xia Song now only hates himself for being a bitch in the past. Why should he be so jealous that he couldn't help but get involved in his opposition to Zhao Jun's rise to power?
In this case, how can he get to the top?
The answer is actually only one.
Go test Zhao Jun's attitude and visit him.
Xia Song hasn't done this these days, mainly for two reasons.
First, in fact, Xia Song did not form an alliance with anyone in history, nor did he form a clique with Lu Yijian and Jia Changchao.
Officials are most taboo about cronies, so Xia Song relied on this move to kill off Fan Zhongyan's group. Naturally, he knew how to protect himself wisely. Only by staying on his own and not being caught by others could he stay in the officialdom for a long time.
Therefore, Xia Song did not want to join a certain force or form a force of his own, which would arouse the suspicion of the officials.
Secondly, he heard that Zhao Jun was petty and would have a hard time with anyone who offended him. Needless to say, Liu Yuanyu's fate was like that. The reason why he has not fallen down until now is simply because he has no stain to catch.
After all, Xia Song had worked his way up from a military attache to his current position as a third-rank official in the imperial court, so he naturally had to be cautious and never dared to take bribes and bend the law. The money to buy a mansion and live a luxurious life was earned from his family's business just like Lu Yijian and Wang Zeng.
He was afraid that Zhao Jun would still hold a grudge and embarrass him if he came to visit him. When the time came, he would instruct the Yushitai to join him in a "catch the wind" or "climb the dragon into the camp" and that would be the end of it.
Therefore, Xia Song never dared to go to Zhao Jun for a hug.
But at the critical moment of Cheng Lin's downfall, this may be his only chance.
Before, he had pinned his hopes on Zhao Jun, Lu Yijian, and Fan Zhongyan to fight among themselves to see if they could make the officials angry and remove them from power.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Zhao Jun came back, he immediately handled the matter with thunderous means and quelled the New Deal riots.
This had to make Xia Song re-examine Zhao Jun's energy and his influence on the official family.
In other words, if he cannot hope that Zhao Jun will fight with others politically and fall, if he does not seize this opportunity, unless he assassinates Zhao Jun, Zhao Jun, who is in his twenties, will have to endure it all his life. It is also impossible to ascend.
Xia Song looked at the fish in the pond and threw out a handful of fish food. In an instant, countless swimming fish swarmed in to grab the food.
This scene made Xia Song, who had been pondering for a long time, suddenly laugh.
'Even fish know that fighting is the only way to survive, so why should I bother with this? '
Thinking of this, Xia Song no longer hesitated, poured down all the fish food in the fish food box in his right hand, then placed the box on the stone table of the pavilion, and turned around and left without hesitation.
About half an hour later.
It was already dusk, almost the end of Youshi and the beginning of Xushi, that is, around seven o'clock in the evening.
It's winter, the days are short and the nights are long. At this moment, the night is gray and has entered the dark night.
Zhao Jun is working with a notebook in his study at home. His study is usually locked. When he goes out without a notebook, the notebook is always locked in the suitcase and hidden in a locked cabinet.
Except for the fact that people would come in and be supervised when doing sanitation, when he was working inside, not even Cao Miaoxin was allowed in.
Cao Miaoxin is pregnant recently and is recuperating. I originally thought that the general's wife would be more aggressive, but I didn't expect to find out after I got married that she was as docile as a kitten, beautiful and gentle, and that he was the throne of the family at home, so comfortable that he could fly.
At this moment, someone suddenly knocked on the door. It was Chunxiang, Zhao Jun's maid. She said softly: "My Lord, someone is visiting."
"Who?"
Zhao Jun was puzzled. There were Imperial Guards outside him, and ordinary people could not get close to them, let alone report.
Chunxiang said: "It's Minister Xia of the Ministry of Finance."
Xia Song?
Zhao Jun was a little dazed at first. He and Xia Song had nothing to do with each other, so he came over to ask what he was doing.
But I figured it out after a second.
Cheng Lin's position should have been vacated and he came to camp.
Then Zhao Jun began to ponder.
Xia Song was historically an opponent of the Qingli New Deal, and he also concocted the Shi Jie case, causing the Qingli New Deal to completely fail.
In addition, this person later continued to persecute the reformists by unscrupulous means, such as framing and spreading rumors, so Zhao Jun was always unhappy.
Especially when he first came to power, although Xia Song did not openly express his position with the officials, he secretly played tricks, which made him even more unhappy.
But when he wanted to find a reason to get rid of Xia Song and looked through Xia Song's information and past political achievements, he realized that this person was completely fine.
They even asked the Imperial City Division to investigate secretly, but they couldn't find any clue.
And looking at his political achievements, Zhao Jun couldn't help but want to promote him.
Because this guy's political achievements and talents are indeed outstanding. He is quite good at managing local areas, managing rivers, destroying cults, and even running the army.
Just thinking that this man's character was too poor, Zhao Jun could only refuse to promote him and let him fend for himself.
He didn't expect that this pass would actually come to him, with the intention of seeking refuge.
'This should be a choice in officialdom. Xia Song chose to come here when it came to choosing whether to come to me or not. '
'And my choice is whether to accept him or not. '
'But maybe he didn't come to seek refuge with me, maybe he just came to test my tone. '
'Of course, the possibility of visiting me specially this late at night and choosing to come to seek refuge with me like Li Di is very high. '
'What should I do? Should you give him this opportunity? '
Zhao Jun pondered for a moment, and finally made up his mind and shouted to Chunxiang outside the door: "Go and tell him that I am dealing with important matters. If he is willing to wait, then wait. If not, just leave by yourself."
The ball was kicked back to Xia Song.
At this time, Xia Song was standing outside the door. The sky was dark and the cold wind was howling. The Imperial Guards around him were watching him with eager eyes. If he hadn't revealed his identity, he might not even be able to get close to the door.
This house located on Qingtai Street, Xihua Gate of the Imperial Palace, is almost as heavily defended as the Imperial Palace.
On weekdays, the streets were full of patrolling soldiers and spies. Even the two mansions on the left and right had been bought by Wang Shouzhong, sent by Zhao Zhen, for the guards to live in.
After a while, Chunxiang opened the door, stuck her head out and said, "Jiajun said he was dealing with important matters and didn't have time to receive you. If you are willing to wait, then just wait. If not, then go back by yourself."
"Thank you, girl."
Xia Song's expression didn't change. He just nodded slightly to show that he understood. Then he put his hands behind his back, carrying a roll of gifts there, and stood in front of Zhao Jun's house, walking back and forth.
He understood what Zhao Jun meant. The incident had offended the Zhiyuan, and the Zhiyuan was petty, so it would not be easy to let it go.
So I simply asked him to wait on the street outside the door. It happened to be cold now. When Zhao Jun was satisfied, he would probably be able to go in.
And as long as you can get in, at least 80% of the things will work.
So time passed by like this, and Xia Song went from being bored at the beginning to being tortured in prison at the end. He even squatted outside the wall at the door, holding a piece of grass pulled from the ground in his mouth.
He is fifty-five years old this year, but he is not ashamed of this at all.
To be able to climb from the military attache who was least valued in the Song Dynasty to the third rank among civil servants, in addition to being extremely capable and ruthless, he also had to be thick-skinned.
After waiting for an hour and a half, that is, three hours later, it was almost ten o'clock in the evening.
The door creaked open again, Chunxiang poked her head in and said, "Jiajun has finished his work, let you go in."
"call!"
Xia Song breathed a sigh of relief, got up from the ground, and followed Chunxiang through the door.
Just now I was able to calm down while waiting outside the door.
But for some reason, Xia Song couldn't help but become nervous when facing this Zhiyuan, who was already quite powerful and capable at such a young age.
At this moment, Zhao Jun had already sat down in the vestibule. He did not go to greet him, which basically showed his unfriendly attitude.
After Xia Song came in, he quickly walked over to Zhao Jun and saluted, "I've seen the magistrate before."
"Sit down, Mr. Xia."
Zhao Jun responded and said calmly: "Our court is busy with official business, so we have kept the minister waiting for a long time."
Xia Song said hurriedly: "The magistrate is taking care of His Majesty's worries and serving the country and the people. This is an important state matter. But the official came to disturb me. I heard that the magistrate likes calligraphy and painting, so he took two books. They were not considered valuables. Please know Yuan Haihan’s forgiveness.”
With that said, he handed the gift to Zhao Jun's desk with both hands.
"hehe."
Zhao Jun suddenly laughed.
This guy is really good at talking and doing things, much better than Liu Yongke.
No wonder we are where we are today.
Extraordinary.
"Okay, let's sit down and talk."
Zhao Jun did not refuse Xia Song's gift and waved his hand for him to sit down.
He knew that Xia Song would not be stupid enough to give him something expensive like that. At most, it would be a manuscript left by a great scholar from the Tang Dynasty.
This kind of thing can be bought in the market for a few or at most dozens of coins. It is not expensive, but it is not shameful to give it away, and there will be no clues about it.
"Xie Zhiyuan."
Xia Song sat down.
Zhao Jun knew what was going on and asked: "At midnight, the servant came here. What's the matter?"
"I'm here to accuse you."
Xia Song said seriously.
"oh?"
Zhao Jun seemed to be puzzled and asked: "What crime is the minister guilty of?"
"When Xiaguan was deceived by lard, he actually met Liu Yuanyu by chance in the corridor. He complained to Xiaguan. Xiaguan mentioned it casually, but he didn't expect that he took it seriously. Xiaguan regretted it."
Xia Song suppressed his slightly frightened mood, stood up and cupped his hands to Zhao Jun and said, "That's why I came to apologize. I also ask that the court be magnanimous and not take into account my fault."
Zhao Jun just looked at him for a long time.
Xia Song still maintained the posture of bowing and saluting, feeling terrified in his heart.
If Zhao Jun does not accept it.
Then his life would be over.
However..
About a minute passed.
Zhao Jun suddenly laughed, stood up, helped Xia Song up and said, "I have forgotten these little things a long time ago, but it makes Mr. Zi Qiao worry too much."
In an instant.
Xia Song's worries were relieved.
The atmosphere in the whole room suddenly became relaxed.
thing.
It's probably done.
(End of chapter)