In the main hall, there is a faint fragrance of tea, and the charcoal fire in the stove is burning brightly, dispelling the cold and humidity of early winter.
Chen Xueli was not in the main hall. He was holding a book in his study and reading it with gusto. This was his habit.
The housekeeper was about to go in to remind him, but was stopped by Yang Fan with a wave of his hand: "We are just waiting in the main hall, so don't disturb our teacher while he is reading."
"Please go buy some meat to satisfy everyone's hunger. You can keep the remaining money to buy some wine!"
With that said, he took out five taels of silver from his pocket and handed it over directly.
The Tang Dynasty was relatively clean and honest, which was completely different from other feudal dynasties.
If you directly give money to others, it will feel disrespectful, but giving some small favors in the name of buying meat and drinking wine can make others remember your goodness.
As expected, the steward said with tears of gratitude: "Okay, Governor, you can do whatever you want. Thank you, Governor, for the reward. I'll go prepare it right away..."
Saying that, the steward was grateful and wished he could serve Yang Fan as an ancestor.
Indeed, as Chen Xueli's manager, his usual salary is not much.
And people like Chen Xueli only focus on reading the books of sages and rarely have any kind of human contact.
Therefore, as a manager, there is still very little oil and water.
A casual move like Yang Fan's would only cost five taels of silver. Although he had to buy some wine and food to eat, at least there would still be about one tael left.
A month's salary for a manager like him is only about three taels, which is a huge reward.
Yang Fan smiled, waved and said, "You're welcome, go ahead and do your work first!"
In later generations, Yang Fan knew how to communicate with others and never hesitated to reward small favors. This habit was also brought to the Tang Dynasty.
This also caused the servants who came into contact with him to have a good impression of him, whether in Guanzhong or Jiangnan.
The steward smiled so hard that he couldn't see his eyes and said softly: "The Governor is too polite. If you have any instructions, just call the ward and I will be waiting outside."
In his opinion, there are many rich people in the world, but not many are as generous as Yang Fan.
What's more important is that it's not how much Yang Fan has rewarded, but that his attitude is that he obviously treats their servants as human beings.
This kind of affirmation is much more valuable than that little money.
Yang Fan nodded with a smile and walked inside.
The steward glanced at Shangguan Yi who was following Yang Fan, nodded slightly, then turned and left.
Entering the main hall, Yang Fan sat on a chair and waited quietly, without disturbing Chen Xueli's reading.
At this moment, there was a book placed on the table in the main hall. Yang Fan was bored, so he picked it up and read it.
It turned out to be the Dharma Sutra.
The Dharma Sutra, as the blueprint for legal codes of all dynasties, is obviously the foundation of Legalism.
Yang Fan was very interested in the Dharma Sutra and read it.
Yang Fan also studied the "Dharma Sutra" of later generations carefully.
Due to war and many reasons, a lot of the content of the Dharma Sutra has been deleted.
But now the one in his hand was almost complete, which made Yang Fan immediately interested.
You know, it will be almost impossible to see the complete other doctrines in the future.
Without him, during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Confucianism was promoted under the suggestion of Dong Zhongshu.
From then on, Confucianism occupied the important position, and all other schools of thought became dregs that could be discarded.
After all, if you study hundreds of other schools of thought, you will rarely get a high position, so who would study it?
In ancient times, instead of saying that everything was inferior, only reading was high, it would be better to say that hundreds of schools of thought were dismissed and Confucianism was respected only.
To put it nicely, it is to use Confucianism to stabilize the political situation and elevate feudal autocracy to unprecedented heights.
To put it bluntly, the exclusive respect for Confucianism has also imprisoned the entire nation's thoughts in the world of Confucianism, and we can no longer see the splendid culture of a hundred flowers blooming.
Yang Fan took a sip of tea, found a comfortable position on the chair, picked up the Dharma Sutra, and read it with relish.
Sandalwood fills the air, intertwined with the fragrance of tea, and time slips away unconsciously.
Shangguan Yi, who was standing beside him, was a little restless.
Since he came in, Yang Fan neither told him to sit down nor asked him to retreat, so naturally he didn't dare to move.
What's more important is that he can't figure out Yang Fan's thoughts now, so he can only stand aside uneasily.
After a long time, Yang Fan raised his head from the book and glanced at Shangguan Yi. As if he had just discovered Shangguan Yi's existence at this time, he pointed at the chair beside him and said, "Why don't you sit down? Don't be so formal. Treat this place as... Just do it at home!”
In fact, Yang Fan had already noticed Shangguan Yi's embarrassment, and just deliberately ignored this guy for a while.
At this time, Shangguan Yi was still a bit young and energetic, and needed to polish off this guy's arrogance.
Otherwise, once Shangguan Yi gets angry, he will even dare to contradict himself. Yang Fan doesn't want to cause trouble to himself.
Seeing what Yang Fan said, Shangguan Yi smiled bitterly in his heart: "Do you really think anyone has such a big heart as you? Being in the Jiangnan Confucian's house is like returning to your own home."
"Besides, if you, the governor of Jiangnan Province, don't say anything, who dares to sit down?"
Of course, Shangguan Yi didn't dare to say this, so he could only sit half-assed on the chair and wait quietly.
Only then did he realize that waiting was so torturous!
The main hall became quiet again, with the only sound of Yang Fan turning the pages of a book.
Shangguan Yi didn't wait long before Yang Fan's voice sounded again: "Have you read the Dharma Sutra?"
"Read it!" Shangguan Yi was slightly stunned and quickly replied.
"What is your understanding and opinion of the Dharma Sutra?"
Shangguan Yi did not answer immediately, but collected his thoughts and said: "Legalism is a school of thought in the pre-Qin period and a famous scholar among hundreds of schools of thought."
"There are ten schools of Legalism, divided into "Legal School", "Shu School" and "Shi School", with a total of 217 works."
"The first "Plum", with a total of thirty-two chapters, is the theory of "riching the country and strengthening the army" advocated by Prime Minister Wenhou of Wei during the Warring States Period.
"The second "Shang Jun", chapter 29, Shang Yang was the prime minister of Qin Xiaogong during the Warring States Period and the founder of the "Legal School" of Legalism.
"The third "Shenzi", six chapters, Shen Buhai was the prime minister of Han Zhaohou and the founder of the Legalist "Shu School". Throughout his life, the princes did not dare to invade Korea. As the saying goes, "the body of Shenzi will be the last." The country is well governed and the military is strong, and there will be no invaders of Korea."
"Fourth "Virgin"..."
"The fifth "Shenzi" has a total of forty-two chapters. Shendao is the founder of the "Shi Sect" of Legalism. He preceded Shen Buhai and Han Fei and was praised by Shen Buhai and Han Fei.
"The sixth "Han Zi", fifty-five chapters. Han Fei was a Korean at the end of the Warring States Period. Han Fei advocated equal emphasis on "law", "shu" and "power". He was the master of Legalism."
"The seventh chapter of "You Di Zi", You Di, whose identity is unknown, must be one of the representatives of Legalism in the late Warring States period at the same time as Shen Dao and Han Fei.
"The eighth "Chao Cuo", thirty-one chapters. Chao Cuo was a politician in the Western Han Dynasty who advocated "emphasis on agriculture and suppression of business" and "immigration to solidify borders."
"The ninth "Ten Things about Yan", ten chapters..."
"Ten "Legal Statements", Part Two..."
The representative works of Legalism are derived from the representatives of Legalism, and the representatives of Legalism are mainly Han Feizi, Guanzi, etc.
Han Feizi brought together the thoughts of the three schools of Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism: "Law", "Shu" and "Shi", and he was "the master of Legalist thought".
Han Fei included two chapters in his "Han Feizi", "Explanation of Lao" and "Yu Lao". He directly stated that his thoughts also originated from Laozi, so later generations called him Taoism and Legalism.
Guanzi wrote "Guanzi": The law is used to achieve success and fear violence; the law is used to determine the outcome and stop disputes; the orderer is used to make people aware of things.
In the eyes of students, Legalism has economic ideas.
The representative is Shang Yang's "Book of Shang Jun": "If the people are weak, the country will be strong, and if the people are strong, the country will be weak. Therefore, a country with Taoism must serve the weak people. ... If the people are humiliated, they will be noble, if they are weak, they will be respected by officials, and if they are poor, they will be rewarded generously. If you are rich, you will be rewarded lightly... In the past, those who could control the world must first control their people."
The entire hall was filled with Shangguan Yi's views on Dharma scriptures.
Seeing that Shangguan Yi cherished all the family treasures, Yang Fan was not shocked by the honor and disgrace on his face, but he was secretly happy in his heart.
I really didn’t expect Shangguan Yi to be so talented and have such a thorough understanding of Dharma scriptures.
It also made Yang Fan more convinced that Shangguan Yi was the talent he was looking for.
Indeed, in fact, political economic thought has long appeared in ancient times, which can be seen from Shang Yang's reform, from feudalism to autocratic centralization and the county system, etc.
At this time, the steward appeared again and asked softly: "Grand Governor, my servant has prepared lunch. How about I go to the study and invite the master to come out and have a meal together?"
Yang Fan put down the book in his hand and said with a smile: "Thank you for your work. I am really hungry. My teacher is indeed a great scholar. He doesn't even have an hour to read. Go and call him."
The steward bent down and said, "This is what the master is like. I will call you immediately."
Soon, Chen Xueli was led by the steward to the main hall for dinner.
As soon as he saw Fang Jun, Chen Xueli complained: "Yishan, how come you didn't even hear a word when you came? Have you been waiting for a long time?"
"It didn't take long. I just arrived. The student is a layman and is hungry, so I disturbed my teacher." Yang Fan stood up and helped Chen Xueli to the main seat.
Chen Xueli did not delay, smiled and sighed: "Yishan, some of my students sent news from Guanzhong, I heard that you are in big trouble this time!"
Hearing this, Yang Fan was not surprised. Instead, he smiled and said: "I have to worry about my teacher. However, life is too short to be without a little trouble. My teacher is studying in the study for the sake of his students, so you have to work hard." Got it!"
"It's hard work, but I can't help much with this matter, so I wanted to see what breakthroughs I can make from the book. Alas, my teacher is incompetent!" Chen Xueli felt a little ashamed.
Shangguan Yi on the side didn't know what the two were talking about. He stood up, bowed deeply and said respectfully: "Student Shangguan Yi, I would like to pay my respects to Master Chen..."
Chen Xueli was stunned for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "No need to be polite, are you also a Jiangnan student?"
Shangguan Yi said: "The student is ashamed. He has accomplished nothing so far. He dare not call himself a Jiangnan student. However, the student knows a few words and can be regarded as a scholar."
Chen Xueli glanced at Yang Fan. Since Yang Fan could bring Shangguan Yi with him, he naturally understood that Yang Fan thought this person could be of great use.
But, what does it have to do with myself?
Yang Fan knew it well and explained with a smile: "Teacher, it's time to eat, why don't we talk while eating."
After saying that, he turned to Shangguan Yi and waved his hand: "Come over and have a meal together."
Shangguan Yi was flattered and quickly declined: "Students don't dare!"
Yang Fan said carelessly: "What are you afraid of? We are not tigers. Just fill your belly."
After saying that, he sat directly opposite Chen Xueli, leaving the seat on the side free.
Of course Chen Xueli saw that Yang Fan valued this Shangguan Yi, and said happily: "That's good, it will be fun if we all use it together, Shangguan Yi, right? Sit down quickly, don't be restrained, let's have a few drinks together."
Shangguan Yi was ecstatic with excitement.
I originally thought that Yang Fan would bring him to see Chen Xueli and then let him eat with the guards.
Only then did he realize that Yang Fan was just introducing him to Chen Xueli. He was simply valuing himself.
Shangguan Yi was moved, took a deep breath, and said gratefully: "Please forgive the student for being rude."
After saying that, he sat down next to Yang Fan.
Chen Xueli called a servant to pour wine, and Yang Fan first toasted to Chen Xueli.
Putting down his wine glass, Chen Xueli said: "Yishan seems to have known that he would be impeached?"
Yang Fan took a bite of his food, shook his head and said, "The student doesn't know, it's just a premonition."
Chen Xueli looked slightly anxious and said: "I received news today that Wang Yuanquan, the young minister of Dali Temple, led a group of Jiangnan noble officials to impeach you for being an aide in Jiangnan and disrupting the order of Jiangnan. Please ask the emperor to issue an order to recall you to Chang'an."
"Yu Shitai Huang Luan, Cui Bao and other supervising censors jointly submitted a letter to impeach you for being cruel and unethical in Jiangnan, disregarding the king's law, and trying to improve the status of Rongshang, cholera and Chao Gang, etc.!"
"It is said that the whole court was in a quarrel. You didn't see the situation. Even the emperor had to stop court."
Although Yang Fan had already expected that some people would not sit back and watch him dominate Jiangnan, he also expected that his reform in Jiangnan would encounter great resistance.
Even Xiao Yu warned him before returning to Beijing, but Yang Fan still didn't expect that so many officials would impeach him.
He couldn't help but laugh at himself: "Listening to what the teacher said, why does Wei Chen feel that he is about to become a traitor that everyone wants to beat?"
Chen Xueli said angrily: "You are still joking. If you spread business in the south of the Yangtze River and improve the status of merchants, the famous families in the world will naturally come out to oppose you."
"If that stubborn old man Wei Zheng hadn't acted stubbornly and joined forces with Fang Xuanling and others to support you and make those officials retreat, do you think the emperor alone can protect you?"
Shangguan Yi listened with fear.
With so many public officials rallying to impeach Yang Fan, how much does Yang Fan deserve to be hated?
What on earth did Yang Fan do that made people so angry that the aristocratic families gathered together to attack him?
Shangguan Yi looked at the Governor next to him with a normal expression in bewilderment, admiring him to the extreme.
Things are still as stable as an old dog. How big a heart does Yang Fan have to be able to still talk and laugh in such a situation?
Yang Fan smiled disapprovingly and said, "Teacher, I think this is a good thing. The implementation of any measure requires everyone's discussion."
"For officials to be so concerned about my actions in Jiangnan, this can also give Jiangnan officials an effective warning and be able to concretely implement it for the well-being of the people. This is a blessing for the people of Jiangnan!"
"Besides, with their supervision, I can see my own shortcomings. After all, absolute power can easily lead to corruption. No matter how smart you are, every decision cannot always be correct."
"When someone can stand up and correct a measure, it can become reasonable and mature through continuous demonstration!"
Absolute power can easily lead to absolute corruption...
Only when someone supervises you can you discover your own shortcomings...
Yang Fan's deafening voice almost shocked Chen Xueli and Shangguan Yi.
As an official, if you want to make some achievements, who wants to have the slightest stain!
Even if there is a wrong move, he will try his best to cover it up.
It is rare to see people like Yang Fan who are willing to let others demonstrate and discuss.
Shangguan Yi calmed down, wasn't this the integrity and calmness that he had been pursuing.
It was as if the fog in front of my eyes had been blown away by the strong wind, and my whole person became suddenly enlightened.
He couldn't help raising his glass and toasted to Yang Fan respectfully: "The Governor is always pushing himself. Shangguan Yi is so impressed that he is so impressed that I would like to toast you with this wine!"
Chen Xueli also took a deep breath and said with a wry smile: "The words you talk about good things are so inspiring. As a teacher, I feel ashamed! I am no longer worthy of being a teacher because of your great talent in talking about good things."
"But I still have to remind you that you must not ignore this matter, otherwise the good situation in Jiangnan will be ruined."
"If the emperor cannot withstand the pressure of many officials, you may not be able to escape the charge of disrupting people's livelihood and subverting the government's agenda!"
Yang Fan raised his glass, laughed, and said proudly: "My teacher, I worry too much. Extraordinary people do extraordinary things, and they must use extraordinary methods! If we follow the rules, how can we open up the situation in Jiangnan."
"Only by practicing methods that have never been done before can we create an unprecedented situation! For the people in Jiangnan to live and work in peace and contentment, and for the empire to be strong and prosperous, I am willing to accept any doubts and accusations. I am drunk now, and we will worry about it now." Don’t think too much, come and drink together!”
"cheers!"
The three wine glasses clinked together and drank in one gulp.
(End of chapter)
