Although Cao Shuang only restored the two criminal laws of Kun's punishment and tattoo's punishment to replace the cane punishment that could easily kill people, the theory of corporal punishment finally successfully opened the door for reform.
On this day, Cao Shuang met with several ministers of the Secretariat. After explaining a few specific local affairs, he informed He Yan, Deng Yang, Ding Mi, Lu Zhi, Huan Fan and others to the general's mansion. The pavilion.
"Now the reform has finally made a good start. Gu heard that the day before yesterday, in Nanshi, the southern suburb of Luoyang, a man went to buy chicken breasts and chicken eggs. Because they couldn't agree on the price, there was an quarrel. In anger, he accidentally hit According to the original law, he should have been sentenced to forty floggings for cutting off the vendor's fingers, but the new law changed his crime to shaving his head and serving one month in prison, which saved half of his life."
He Yan, Deng Yang, and Ding Mi understood that what Cao Shuang said about saving half of his life was not just a lie. According to the old law of this dynasty, those who fight and injure others should be punished by flogging or flogging from ten to a hundred times. The instrument of flogging is a thorny thorn, taking off the pants and flogging the buttocks and legs. Flogging is using leather to strip off the clothes and flog the back. The flesh and blood of ordinary people, Just one or two lashes are already heart-wrenching and unbearable, let alone dozens or hundreds of lashes? What's more, during the execution, the prisoners took off their clothes and were laughed at by those watching the execution. Some people could not bear the humiliation and even chose to commit suicide.
Nowadays, common and minor violations of the law are punished by torture, tattooing and hard work. It is indeed more merciful than before.
Therefore, after everyone listened to Cao Shuang's words, they all agreed and nodded one after another:
"What the general said is absolutely true."
After Cao Shuang thought for a moment, he spoke out the purpose of summoning them here today:
"Now that the changes to the criminal law have been completed, it is time for us to implement the next step of reform. I wonder if you are here, what do you think?"
Lu Zhi was the first to speak:
"Among the three strategies previously mentioned by Xiahou Zhengxi, the most important ones are the two major matters of abolishing the county level and demoting the Zhongzheng. In view of the humble position, the removal of the county is the most complicated matter, so we should take the lead in it!"
Cao Shuang nodded after listening to Lu Zhi's words. After pondering for a moment, he turned his attention to He Yan, Ding Mi and Deng Yang.
Ding Mi stroked his goatee under his chin and said:
"What Lu Sima said makes sense. In addition, when the county level is abolished, there will be too many county guards who will be moved to the left and decentralized as county magistrates. If it is done in a hurry, I am afraid it will cause dissatisfaction from too many children of aristocratic families. Therefore, Mi thinks that we can first Let those who are relatively idle in the county, such as postal supervisors, five officers, and bookkeepers, go to the major counties to familiarize themselves with their county duties and prepare for the future division of counties into counties!"
After hearing this, Cao Shuang was overjoyed and said:
"What Yan Jing said, let Gu Mao suddenly open up!"
At this time, He Yan also spoke:
"Although the withdrawal of counties should not be done too hastily, we should first gradually divide some large counties. Only in this way can we understand where the resistance to the withdrawal of counties lies. If the pilot project in one county is successful, the whole world can set an example! As for the changes As for clothing, you can do it at any time, so don’t worry.”
Perhaps because of staying up late, Deng Yang seemed not to be in good spirits at the moment. After yawning, he added:
"What you two said about the withdrawal of the county is very reasonable. Yang believes that in addition to the preparations for the withdrawal of the county, the reduction of the powers of the Zhongzheng officials can be done at the same time. With such a two-pronged approach, within ten years, why worry about the reform not being successful?"
Cao Shuang was overjoyed when he heard this. He poured four cups of freshly boiled green plum wine for the four of them with his own hands and handed them to them one by one:
"Okay! With just the strength of you guys, there's no need to worry about the big thing happening!"
After hearing the opinions of several elite soldiers and generals under his command, Cao Shuang was extremely excited. At this moment, he seemed to have seen the success of the reform. After several people drank a glass of hot wine, their hearts were even more excited.
At this moment, He Yan laughed loudly and said:
"General, if we want to achieve great things, how can just a few of us be enough?"
"Oh? From what Uncle Ping said, is he going to recommend talented people again?"
Cao Shuang was in a very good mood at the moment. He smiled and filled up the wine bottles for Yan and others. He Yan continued:
"General, have you ever heard of Lu Qin and Lu Ziruo?"
Cao Shuang's expression changed when he heard this, and Deng Yang, Ding Mi, and Lu Zhi were also surprised when they heard this.
Everyone knows that Lu Yu, who is attached to the Sima family, has long been transferred by Cao Shuang to Guang Luxun, who has no real power. The Lu family and Cao Shuang have already formed a feud, but looking at He Yan's attitude, he insists on recommending it to Cao Shuang. Lu Yu’s eldest son Lu Qin.
He Yan seemed to have expected such a reaction from everyone. He explained:
"It is true that Lu Yu has a grudge against the general, but his son Lu Qin has always been knowledgeable and generous. Now that he heard that the general and Taichu wanted to reform the system and get rid of the bad government, he naturally changed his view of the general. Yan Qianqian the day before After talking to him, I found that not only did he not hate us, but he very much wanted to contribute to the reform. General, our reform may have offended countless aristocratic families, and the resistance we encountered must have been terrifying. It is rare to have Lu Ziruo nowadays. How can the general turn away such a son of an aristocratic family who is enthusiastic about serving the country and not seeking personal gain?"
Cao Shuang was already in a good mood today, and now after hearing He Yan's words, he deeply agreed. If he could boldly appoint a descendant of a noble family like Lu Qin, although it would be impossible to turn enemies into friends with the clan, at least he could Let the resistance to reform become less profound.
Thinking of this, Cao Shuang no longer hesitated:
"What Uncle Ping said is absolutely true, but I don't know where he is now. I hope I can meet him in person."
He Yan, who had been prepared for a long time, bowed and saluted:
"To the general, Lu Ziruo is waiting outside the pavilion for the general's summons!"
When Cao Shuang heard this, he couldn't help laughing and said:
"Well, you consort, it seems that you have been prepared for a long time. Since Lu Ziruo has arrived at the house, please invite him to the pavilion to talk!"
He Yan smiled and saluted:
"Yan is also thinking about the reform plan. I hope the general will not blame him!"
Not long after, Lu Qin received a summons from General Cao Shuang.
He walked along the corridor built on the lotus pond, and finally came to the Wagtail Pavilion where Cao Shuang received guests.
He did not rush into the pavilion, but first carefully observed the wooden pavilion, which was carved with a long-tailed slender wagtail bird.
This Wagtail Pavilion was built by their father Cao Zhen when brothers Cao Shuang and Cao Xi were children.
There is a saying in Xiaoya Tangdi in the Book of Songs: "The wagtail is in the original place, and the brothers are in danger." ', it means that brothers live and die together, and depend on each other for misfortune and good fortune. When Cao Zhen built this pavilion, what he had in mind was that he hoped that his children could help each other and share weal and woe like wagtails.
At this moment, a loud call came from the pavilion:
"Brother Lu is already here, why not come and meet us soon?"
After hearing this, Lu Qin came to his senses and then slowly walked into the pavilion. He raised his eyes and saw that He Yan was an old acquaintance, needless to say, but the others were not acquainted because Lu Qin was not in office and had no chance to get to know each other on weekdays.
In addition to He Yan, on the left side of the pavilion, there is also a scribe with a goatee and a bright look. Of the two people on the right, one has a dejected look and a gloomy face, looking a bit sinister. The other looks dignified and dignified, with bright eyes. At first glance, he is a gentleman. These three people are Ding Mi, Deng Yang and Lu respectively. Zhi.
The person at the top was wearing a royal uniform, with a proud and majestic expression and a sword-like mustache. He looked quite powerful. Lu Qin knew that this must be the general Wu'anhou Cao Shuang, who was quite notorious in the court.
Lu Qin saluted Cao Shuang:
"I'm Fan Yang Luqin, please see the general!"
Cao Shuang saw that this man was young and had extraordinary bearing. He gave people a feeling of being capable and strong from head to toe. Cao Shuang has selected and selected celebrities over the years, which account for basically half of the world, and he can count countless people, so he can tell at a glance that this person is not extraordinary. He smiled and nodded, asked the servant beside him to sit down for Lu Qin, poured a bottle of hot wine, then raised the bottle and said:
"If you have been waiting for a long time, please come and drink this cup first!"
"Thank you, General, for the wine!"
The open-minded Lu Qin was not polite. He raised his wine bottle and saluted the five people present, and drank the green plum hot wine in one gulp with a "gu" sound.
Seeing Lu Qin's boldness, Cao Shuang felt more favorable towards him:
"Zi Ruo, I heard what Prince Consort said, you want to work with Gu to implement reforms, but you don't know how Zi Ruo can teach me?"
Lu Qin felt more at ease when he saw that Cao Shuang was a polite corporal and was not as arrogant and rude as the rumors said. He cupped his hands and said:
"Xiahou Zhengxi has long talked about the reform plan. How dare Qin make such nonsense? All Qin can do is to help the general to appease the children of the Lu family of Fan Yang and prevent them from obstructing the reform. In addition, my sister The Lu family is married to Hua Hua Changjun, the son of Boping Hou Huabiao. The Pingyuan Hua family, considering the face of me joining the general's sect, should not block the reform at will. Moreover, my younger brother Lu Jue and Lu Zihuang, The current Taishan Governor of Qingzhou, if the general's reform system is implemented in Qingzhou, he will definitely do his best to help the general implement the new policy!"
After hearing Lu Qin's words, Cao Shuang instantly felt an unexpected joy. Not surprisingly, Lu Qin's role was very important. Cao Shuang couldn't help but cast an appreciative look at He Yan. He left the seat and laughed:
"If you have a son who is such a loyal minister and righteous man, why should you worry about the failure of the reform plan? There are vacancies in the three positions of Taichung Minister of Military Affairs, Minister of Treasury, and Minister of Water Affairs. I think if your son can take up the post of Minister of Military Affairs in Taichung, , very appropriate!”
Lu Qin jumped into the phoenix pond of Shangshutai, and was naturally very grateful to Cao Shuang, so he gave a big salute to Cao Shuang:
"Thank you, General, for your appreciation and promotion!"
He Yan, the bole, finally succeeded again. He was naturally very happy. At this moment, he stood up and suggested to Cao Shuang:
"General, Yan has a big happy event here."
When Cao Shuang heard this, he laughed and said:
"Uncle Ping, please speak!"
He Yan cupped his hands and said:
"Ruan Sizong, a member of the Ruan family who resigned from Jiang Jipun's government five years ago, made a special trip to Luoyang recently. I heard that he was here to celebrate the birthday of Taichu's mother, the head of Deyang Township. Why not take this opportunity to keep this genius Ruan Sizong!"
After hearing He Yan's words, Cao Shuang smiled and patted his thigh and said:
"Uncle Ping, you are so qualified as the official minister!"
The next day, He Yan made a special trip to visit Ruan Ji with his friend Zhongsan doctor Ji Kang.
It is natural to be very happy when old friends meet again.
In less than two hours, several people were already drunk.
When Ruan Ji drank to his heart's content, he directly raised the wine jar and started drinking. After taking a swig, he raised the wine jar and shouted loudly to the bright moon in the sky:
"Since Ruan Ji chooses to be born again, he will definitely achieve great achievements!"
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When He Yan brought Ruan Ji to visit the General's Mansion, Cao Shuang directly appointed Ruan Ji as the Minister of Military Affairs. Ruan Ji recommended his friend Shi Jian and Shi Linbo from Leling, Qingzhou to Cao Shuang. As a result, the three vacancies at the Shangshu desk were all filled at once. Filled up.
Cao Shuang was extremely happy to have obtained the Three Sages within one month. He arranged a banquet for Lu Qin, Ruan Ji, and Shi Jian, as well as the ministers He Yan, Ding Mi, and Deng Yang, as well as the generals Sima Luzhi, and the generals. Yang Zong, the chief secretary, Pei Xiu, the assistant minister of Huangmen, Xunxu, the general secretary of Zhongshu, Wang Bi, the minister, and other disciples and former officials of the general's mansion were all invited to have a banquet.
After getting drunk with wine, Shi Linbo, Shi Jian, bravely spoke to Cao Shuang and said:
"Thanks to the great general's love, I promoted me to Shangshu Lantai. I am extremely grateful. However, I have a close friend whose talents are ten times better than mine. I would like to recommend him to the general's disciples!"
Cao Shuang was already slightly drunk at this moment. After drinking a glass of wine, he smiled and asked Shi Jian:
"Oh? I wonder who Uncle Lin is talking about?"
Shi Jian replied:
"This person is from Huai County, Hanoi. His surname is Shan, his given name is Tao, and his courtesy name is Juyuan!"
After Cao Shuang and other guests heard this, they looked at each other and smiled. Cao Shuang laughed loudly and said:
"I asked who Lin Bo recommended, but it turned out to be an old acquaintance of ours. This person was a close friend of Taichu, and he also joined my disciples. However, he liked to travel and resign. I have been traveling. This person’s aunt is the mother of Sima Yi’s original wife, Mrs. Zhang. If Lin Boru can recruit this person to help me, the resistance to the reform will be much smaller, which is naturally a great good thing!"
The guests and hosts drank like this until late in the night. Everyone was very drunk. Pei Xiu, who was good at drawing mountains and rivers maps, took advantage of the drunkenness to draw a scrawled but magnificent map of thousands of miles of rivers and mountains. Xun Xu, who was good at music theory and loved to play the flute, directly asked for a bamboo flute from the musicians of the General's Mansion. After playing the song, even the musicians lowered their heads in shame. Wang Bi originally compared himself to a phoenix. Although he was now a minister, he was still depressed and frustrated. After getting drunk, he directly recited an article from the Tao Te Ching aloud.
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Next to the bamboo forest is the thatched cottage where Shan Tao lives in seclusion.
On this day, Shan Tao, who had returned from visiting friends, returned home and found that his wife Han had prepared meals, so he hurriedly called his five sons, Shan Gai, Shan Chun, Shan Yun, Shan Bing and Shan Mo, and his family. The group sat together and had a lively dinner.
While Shan Tao was eating, he looked at his small and humble thatched cottage, the simple clothes of his wife and children, and couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt in his heart, so he comforted his family and said:
"Madam, I promise you that my husband will definitely bring you wealth in the future!"
After listening to Shan Tao's words, Han swallowed the rice in his mouth and smiled:
"My husband has always loved the life of Xianyun Yehe, why do you suddenly talk about being rich and powerful?"
Shan Tao put down his chopsticks, gently grabbed Han's hand, and said warmly:
"As a husband, I don't really want to indulge in the mountains and rivers. I just don't want to be dependent on others and mess with the powerful. But now that I have passed my forties, I always have to think about you and the children."
After a while, Shantao suddenly smiled again:
"Madam, do you believe that your husband will definitely rank among the three noble men in the future?"
After hearing this, Mrs. Han burst out laughing:
"My husband is not afraid of flashing his tongue when he talks big. If you brag in front of the children, be careful to teach them bad things."
Shan Tao laughed loudly and said:
"Madam, we can wait and see. I'm afraid that my wife is indifferent and won't be able to adapt to her status as the Third Duke's wife."
While the family was having a meal happily, a clerk came outside the door to deliver a message:
"Master Shan, are you at home? This is a recruitment document from the imperial court. Please go to Chuanting to apply for the conscription as soon as possible tomorrow morning!"
After hearing this, Shangyi, the eldest son, ran out of the door and helped his father receive the documents from the court. Shan Tao took the document and glanced at it, and he suddenly saw the words "Hanoi County Merit" written on the document.
The official position of Gongcao is neither big nor small. At any rate, it can be regarded as a high-ranking official second only to the county level. Shan Tao looked back at a few skinny children, and finally made up his mind to become an official again.
Two days later, Shantao arrived at Hanoi County and was received by the prefect Wang Jing, Wang Yanwei and the chief secretary Xiang Xiong.
Wang Jing is also a former disciple of General Cao Shuang. He comes from a peasant family and is a very simple man. Xiang Xiong is the eldest son of Xiang Shao, the prefect of Pengcheng in Xuzhou. Although he is from a small family, he is not arrogant at all. The three of them hit it off. So Wang Jing asked someone to bring the wine brewed in his hometown:
"Brother Juyuan, I heard that you have an extraordinary capacity for drinking. You need to drink eight buckets of wine to get drunk. This is the mellow wine brewed by me in my hometown. Today, Brother Juyuan and I will never get drunk again!"
Shan Tao has always loved wine from the mountains and countryside. He laughed and said:
"Okay, today I will come with Brother Wang and Brother Xiang and he will not come back until he is drunk!"
