Kaifeng Mansion in July.
The weather has turned from scorching hot to cooler.
Outside the Chongzheng Hall, three people were taking turns waiting for the official's summons. They were none other than Zhang Zhi, Zhang Kai and Cai Que, who had made great achievements in Shaanxi this time.
Although Han Jiang was dismissed as prime minister, he did not forget these three people when he left.
Zhang Zhi and Zhang Kai helped him put down the Qingzhou mutiny, while Cai Que and Zhang Kai were his subordinates and contributed a lot.
Therefore, when Han Jiang was re-elected, Shang Shuji said that the merits of the three of them were his.
As soon as the officials heard this, they summoned the three of them back to the capital to see them.
This was not the first time for the three of them to meet the Holy Spirit, but both Zhang Kai and Cai Que were a little excited, but Zhang Zhi was fine.
From time to time, the chamberlain would come down from the steps in front of the palace and give instructions on what to say and what to pay attention to during the audience, such as which brick to bow to, etc.
Zhang Zhi felt that there didn't seem to be so many rules for meeting the emperor in the past, but now there is a lot of red tape... No, the official dignity is getting heavier and heavier.
Thinking of the days when the two were classmates, the two identities were so different that they couldn't be compared to each other.
But he still misses this friendship, but what about the official family?
After a while, the three of them were admitted. Zhang Zhi entered the palace, only to see more than a dozen officials standing in the palace, most of whom were in purple robes.
Zhang Zhi looked inside and saw Wen Yanbo and Wang Anshi.
See after prostrations.
The official said on the throne: "You are all from Shaanxi. If you have any military or public sentiments, you can report them to me and the ministers for detailed information."
After the official finished speaking, the three of them did not dare to answer for a moment.
Wang Anshi said: "There is still a dispute between whether to attack Hengshan from Qinfeng or Chuhehuang. Please tell your Majesty the matter first."
Zhang Kai came forward and said: "Your Majesty, since Zhao Yuanhao's rebellion, he has repeatedly left the Yanyan and Huanqing roads. The reason for this is that these two places are conducive to Xixia's advance, but not conducive to our defense. On the other hand, our army wants to attack the Xithief. , even if we conquer Hengshan, we still have to face a vast sea of 700 miles, and it is difficult to penetrate deeply, so it is really a laborious expedition."
"On the other hand, if Dang Xiang goes out to Qinfeng Road to attack me, it will be a waste of troops for an expedition. Therefore, since Zhao Yuanhao arrived at Zhao Liangzuo and started his army, he has not attacked Qinfeng Road once in a large scale. This is the reason."
"I heard that the two armies are going to fight the enemy at a place that is conducive to our army, rather than fighting at a place that is conducive to the enemy's army. If Dangxiang sends troops from Fuyan and Huanqing, and our army also marches from these two armies, wouldn't it mean that Dangxiang's people have been tricked? On the contrary, our army can manage Lanhui to gain a firm foothold and then cross the Yellow River to advance north, while Dangxiang will focus on one thing and lose another."
After hearing what Zhang Kai said, the official nodded.
Feng Jing on the side asked: "How is the recruitment law in Shaanxi? I heard that the people's livelihood is difficult? The taxes and contributions of these people are already heavy. Fangguo households and official households do not increase taxes, but it is feasible to increase the taxes of the common people. no?"
Cai Que replied: "It is indeed as said, people's livelihood in Shaanxi is very difficult. If the number of households taxed should not be more, but less, this is what it means to facilitate the people."
"But I see that although people's livelihood in Shaanxi is difficult, it is not as difficult as the rumors say. I think the court can collect more taxes in good years to make the remaining money rich, and in bad years, provide more relief to the people , This is in line with the law of the former king."
"As for whether Shaanxi's taxes are heavy or not, I think they are not heavy, but the annexation is too heavy. In addition, due to the current natural disasters, many annexers have stolen the favor of the court. In fact, based on the treatment of the people by your Majesty and the government, The kindness is even greater than that of the three generations, but the violence of the powerful now is far greater than that of the Qin Dynasty."
As soon as Cai Que said this, Wen Yanbo, Feng Jing and other officials couldn't help but look askance.
Feng Jing just asked what this meant?
One of the reasons why Han Jiang resigned as prime minister was that he disagreed with Wang Anshi on collecting the money for exemption from service and the remaining money for exemption from service. Han Jiang arbitrarily rejected this method in Shaanxi, which caused Wang Anshi's displeasure.
but?
Cai Que was recommended by Han Jiang, but now Mian Jun is helping Wang Anshi speak for him. Isn't this a stab at Han Jiang?
However, Cai Que's performance was right, and it was very much in line with the officials' wishes.
Privy Councilor Wen Yanbo, who is the leader of the officials in the right class, said: "I have heard a lot in the capital these days, saying that Dong Fei, Mu Zheng, Yu Longke and others have always been respectful to our dynasty. Since the time of the late emperor, these people have been paying tribute constantly."
"When Wang Shao arrived in the Qingtang Dynasty, he said that he recovered Yu Longke. It would be better to say that he was a minister of the Song Dynasty. He even forced Dong Xiang and Mu Zheng to rebel. How can we take credit for this? In the seventh and eighth years of the ancient Wei Dynasty, he used Is the imperial court spending so much money just to attack these Tibetan tribes who are loyal to my Song Dynasty?"
"Which one of you three can tell the officials about the situation?"
Zhang Zhi was stunned and immediately said: "This is untrue..."
As soon as Zhang Zhi said this, Wen Yanbo became a little unhappy. Didn't this mean that his dignified Privy Council was telling lies? Zhang Zhi calmed down and said: "Your Majesty, although most of the Tibetan tribes in the Qing and Tang Dynasties are of Han ethnicity, they have been transformed for a long time and do not know the etiquette of the Chinese. Therefore, they are afraid of power and not virtuous."
"Dong Felt, although Mu Zheng was respectful before, he only wanted the rewards from this dynasty and had no true loyalty. I believe that in order to truly take the Qing and Tang Dynasties as the foundation and advance the party, we must establish local households and integrate the people. Or in Xizhou, Huizhou, Tongyuan Army, implement the system of government troops..."
Wen Yanbo and Wang Anshi frowned when they heard Zhang Zhi's words.
Wen Yanbo was unhappy. Needless to say, Wang Anshi was also unhappy because Han Qi proposed the establishment of a government-armed system in Shaanxi, while Wang Anshi advocated the Baojia method.
The Baojia Law was implemented in the third year of Xining.
Wang Anshi said: "Since ancient times, soldiers have been recruited for camps, and they have to stop when the military situation is over. This dynasty has so many redundant soldiers and generals that it cannot be stopped. Now the court's implementation of the armor protection method can eliminate this disadvantage, and it can be combined with the recruitment of soldiers. , and also save money on raising troops.”
"There is really no need to improve the system of government troops."
Zhang Zhi heard the words and argued that the implementation of the Baojia Law was okay in the mainland, but not on Qinfeng Road.
Zhang Zhi was about to speak when he saw the official above him moving...
Several ministers stopped talking, and the eunuch signaled that the three of them could finish playing.
Then Zhang Zhi and the other three resigned from the hall.
Afterwards, the officials retreated to the banquet hall, but Wang Anshi stayed alone to report the matter.
After Wang Anshi stayed behind, he said to the official: "Your Majesty, I beg you to go!"
When the officials heard this, they wondered why Wang Anshi was so angry and came to ask for his resignation.
The official comforted him: "Customs are corrupt and difficult to correct. Things are taking the lead. Why do you ask to go? You need to understand what I mean and don't listen to those people's words."
Wang Anshi said: "Your Majesty, I am a minister with weak talents. I am afraid that I might mislead your Majesty. Your Majesty, please look at the masters of the Zhongxing Dynasty in the past. Is there any person who has been in power for several years and still has no change in customs and disciplines? I have been in power for two years and still have no rules." It’s the same as before, it’s really hard to do the job.”
The official said: "The lords of the previous dynasty were born in decline and were in urgent need of help, so it is not difficult to solve the problem. However, the current dynasty has been suffering for hundreds of years, so there is no way to achieve success overnight. Now we should do our best not to change, as long as we do it slowly , Human feelings gradually change."
Wang Anshi said: "The problem today is that villains are still unwilling to change their minds. If Your Majesty can see through everything and control it based on the interests and harms, how can villains dare to do evil? As long as the people in the court are unwilling to do evil, customs will change."
The officials wondered whether it was because of Han Jiang that Wang Anshi asked to go.
"What's happening in the northwest? How can I meet you, sir?"
"His Majesty promised Han Jiang that the affairs of one side would be subordinate to him, so that he could plan and manage the affairs without any hindrance, and he can do it in the future. As for the fact that Hengshan has not yet descended, it was because Khitan Yin sent troops, and it was not a crime of war. What's more, Zhang Yue, Wang The land of Shaoshoulanhui and two states is hundreds of miles away. This is an unexpected blessing, and all this depends on the proper planning of your majesty's temple."
After a pause, Wang Anshi said again: "I think that your majesty is extremely concerned about everyone's affairs. However, everything should be done with virtue, and virtue should be done with the way. Your majesty should have a clear way to control people, and you should not worry about working hard to manage things. If there is no way to do it right, Although I am worried and diligent, I cannot cure everything."
"Your Majesty and his ministers discuss the way of the emperor, and do nothing, and the feelings of the ministers are fake..."
The officials listened to Wang Anshi's words and sighed in their hearts.
All the ministers under his command were more or less ambitious for power, with only two exceptions. One was Wang Anshi, and the other was Zhang...Zhang Zhi. Of course, Sima Guang could also be counted as one, but he Not of the same mind as oneself.
These people truly take governance as their own responsibility, and they are dedicated to the sake of the country and the country, rather than planning for their own power and position.
The longer officials get along with Wang Anshi, the more they understand this. How rare such ministers are. How lucky you are to have it.
It seems that what Wang Anshi said to himself was completely related to the way of governing the country. The second minister would not have said it to him. Wang Anshi now wants to retreat, but he hopes that as the emperor's officials can carry out reforms on his behalf, he can let go. For Wang Anshi, he had no desire to gain power.
But now the officials are asking themselves, they really can't live without Wang Anshi, at least they don't have any ministers around them who can stand up to him.
The official asked: "What do you think of the three ministers who came to the palace today? What important tasks should they be entrusted with?"
Wang Anshi thought for a while and said: "Zhang Kai is familiar with local affairs and comes from a prominent family. He can be a commander-in-chief in the future. Now he can be assigned to the Cao Si. He will be used when he conducts military campaigns in Shaanxi in the future."
The officials were pleased to hear what Wang Anshi said and recorded what Wang Anshi said in court.
Wang Anshi said: "As for Cai Que, who is shrewd and capable, although he had some shortcomings as an official at the beginning, it does not hinder his great use. He can be ordered to take charge of Gou's official affairs in Kaifeng Mansion, and his talents will be judged by miscellaneous things. If he has merit, he will be promoted to censor."
The official praised: "I also think that Cai is really smart and can understand what I mean."
Wang Anshi said: "As for Zhang Zhi's loyalty and integrity, without him, Qingzhou will undergo great changes. This person's character can be called a pillar of talent, but he is too upright in his work. Your Majesty can keep him by your side, and it will be easier to use him. Damage."
The official said: "I asked him to be appointed as the storyteller of Chongzheng Hall by his uncle. It happens that my son is the same official. Isn't this a good thing?"
Wang Anshi's son Wang Yu now happens to be the storyteller in Chongzheng Hall.
Wang Anshi said: "If your Majesty intends to promote him, it is better to change it to Tongzhi Liyuan."
The official wanted to promote Zhang Zhi, but Wang Anshi blocked him and couldn't help but wonder, maybe he didn't regard him as your son-in-law back then, so he was blocking him. Or is it just a matter of quarrel with Zhang Yue?
The official said deliberately: "Yes, these three people have a very close relationship with Zhang Yue. What do you think of him?"
Wang Anshi said: "Zhang Yue is His Majesty's confidant, and I dare not discuss it."
The officials seemed to have said what Wang Anshi said, but they seemed not to have said it.
The official finally said: "It is a pity that Lu Huiqing will not be able to return to Beijing until October next year."
After retreating from Chongzheng Hall, Zhang Zhi and Cai Que were all very excited after not visiting Bianjing for a long time, so they met to have a drink at Fanlou.
Although Zhang Zhi was thinking about his wife in his heart, he could not stop Cai Que from going with him for the sake of his face.
The three of them were sitting on the high floor of Fan Tower, looking at the bustling city of Bianjing. The scene of busy traffic was something that could not be seen from a place like Shaanxi.
After returning from the flames of war, the three of them looked at the scenery, enjoyed the fine wine and delicacies in the building, and listened to the beautiful woman playing the ditty, as if they were in another world.
Cai Que raised his wine cup to Zhang Zhi, and Zhang and Qi said: "When I left Bianjing after becoming a Jinshi, I vowed to develop my ambitions in the local area. When I come to the capital again, I want everyone to know my name, Cai Que. , now we have a little bit of hope.”
Zhang Zhi said: "Isn't that why Uncle Cai spoke about the recruitment law in the palace?"
Cai Que couldn't help laughing when he heard this and said: "What a Xi, your name has the character "Zhi", and you are really Zhi. But you are Du Zhi's nephew, so I will answer you."
"Axi, there are two classes of people who can leave a lasting legacy and achieve great things in this world."
"Which two grades?"
Cai Quedao: "The first is to do whatever it takes, and the second is to not change the original intention. For this reason, the two are either tyrants or heroes. Ah Xi, you must know what you want, and then face him, Look for the shortest shortcut and pounce."
Zhang Kai said: "The difference between these words is that there is only one way in this world, and that is to not change your original intention."
Cai Que said: "As you can see, wealth lies in skills, not in hard work; profit lies in position, not in hard work. Do you want to get it without changing your original intention? Look at the number of people in the world who are working hard. They did not change their original intentions and took advantage of the situation, but did the people who worked hard become rich in the end?"
"It's easy to say that you won't change your original intention, but if you don't have the wisdom and determination to do it, it will be abandoned halfway."
Zhang Kai said: "I don't want to be rich, I just want to have a clear conscience in this life."
Cai Que smiled when he heard this and poured himself a glass of wine: "If you can always do this, I'll give you this glass of wine."
Zhang Zhi thought for a while and said: "Actually, in my opinion, as long as you don't change your original intention and do whatever you want, this is the right path."
Cai Que and Zhang Qi both nodded.
While the three of them were talking, someone went upstairs to face Zhang Zhi and said, "Your Excellency, are you the judge of Zhang? My husband-in-law has invited me!"
Zhang Zhi looked at the post and found out that it was Wang Anshi who invited him.
Cai Que looked at Zhang Zhi with a look of envy and jealousy. Zhang Zhi also thought, today the three people in the palace actually did not give the best answer. It seems that even if the other party does not become Wang Anshi's son-in-law, he can still be appreciated by Wang Anshi.
Zhang Zhi looked embarrassed. It wasn't that he didn't want to go, but that he was afraid of seeing Wang Yu. Moreover, I heard that Cai Bian and the girl from the Wang family were married, but Cai Bian was an official outside the country and did not have a house in Beijing, so the girl from the Wang family might still be at Wang Anshi's home.
By then, Zhang Zhi would be in a state of embarrassment.
Cai Que saw that Zhang Zhi still didn't want to go, with a look of resentment, and he kicked Zhang Zhi under the table.
Only then did Zhang Zhi realize that Cai Que had reminded him not to show any hesitation.
Zhang Zhi said: "I am very frightened when my husband invites me. I am just arriving in the capital for the first time. How can I come here empty-handed?"
The other party smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, my husband-in-law doesn't care about this. As long as the seal comes to the door, it is a reward."
The servant said it very politely and respectfully. The servants of the Prime Minister's Mansion are the most discerning, and it can be seen from the other party's expression that Wang Anshi attaches great importance to Zhang Zhi.
Immediately Zhang Zhi said goodbye to Cai Que and Zhang Kai, and followed the palace servants to Wang Anshi's residence. Wang Anshi's mansion in the inner city was given to Wang Anshi by his officials after he was promoted to prime minister.
Zhang Zhi arrived at Wang Anshi's mansion, and his servants led him to a small pavilion in the west verandah.
Wang Anshi was sitting alone in a small pavilion, sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, neither reading nor correcting official documents, just sitting there.
Zhang Zhi knew that Wang Anshi was meditating, so he sat down opposite him, then raised his eyes to look at the small pavilion.
Zhang Zhi saw a poem inscribed on the small window in the pavilion, which seemed to be "Shuangyun Snow Bamboo Zhongshan Temple, returning to old age to spend this life." '
Zhang Zhi gently chanted the poem in his mouth.
"This poem was mentioned by chance half a year ago when I was a political official and paid homage to Tong Zhongshu's disciple Ping Zhangshi." Wang Anshi woke up and spoke out without knowing when.
Zhang Zhi suddenly realized that he looked at Wang Anshi in front of him.
When he was studying under Wang Anshi in Jiangning, he knew that the frost and snow bamboo on Zhongshan Temple could be called a grand scene. When Wang Anshi paid homage to the prime minister, he could write this poem when hundreds of officials came to congratulate him, which shows that he saw it. The interest is so high that it is not contaminated by foreign objects at all.
Zhang Zhi said: "When Xianggong looks at this poem, we can see that he wears jade but his heart is like a gauze tree, and when he sets up a court, his intention is in Dongshan."
Wang Anshi smiled and said: "He is not as tall as Xie An. He really regards wealth as a floating cloud. How many people can achieve it."
Wang Anshi said: "I'm calling you here to tell you that the officials wanted you to be a storyteller for Chongzheng Hall, but I blocked it. They just refused to grant you the title of Tongzhi Liyuan. Will you blame me for this?"
Zhang Zhi said: "The imperial court's arrangements must have a purpose. How can a subordinate dare to question it?"
However, Zhang Zhi was quite happy to think of staying in Beijing to accompany his wife.
Seeing Zhang Zhi's behavior, Wang Anshi nodded happily and said, "Uncle Ling wanted to stay in Beijing at first, but I tried to let him leave Beijing again and again. Because Uncle Ling has a well-rounded approach to things, can tolerate anger and ridicule, and manages affairs and manages all kinds of secrets, he can do it." From small to large, if he is a border minister, only Tao Shixing can compare with him. The place is where he can make the most of his talents, and he must not live in the capital just for the sake of temporary comfort."
"But you are different. Although you are upright, it is inevitable that good steel is easy to break. I let you Tongzhiliyuan just to let you read more books and sharpen your temperament. As for the storyteller of Chongzheng Palace, of course it is Changbanjun. You are in front of me, but you are also in the most dangerous place of right and wrong in the world. With your temperament, you will probably offend people, and no matter what your relationship with the officials is, bad things will happen."
Zhang Zhi suddenly realized.
He had previously heard that both Han Jiang and Wu Chong recommended Zhang Yue to return to Beijing for his great achievements, but Wang Anshi blocked him.
People at that time said that Wang Anshi was stingy because the Imperial College's affairs had contradicted him and deliberately hindered his official career.
But now that I don't hear what he said, I really don't know what his intention is in making arrangements.
Zhang Zhi said: "I have thanked my uncle for my uncle."
Wang Anshi said: "These are just small things. I asked you to come here today to tell you that I have great expectations for you. Even if you can't be your son-in-law, it doesn't matter."
"I have been in power for two years, but I have seen that it is difficult to change the current situation. I am also unable to do what I want in the center. I hope that there will be more ministers who dare to take action in the future to assist me."
