There is no suspense about the result of the palace examination. However, after opening the book, it was discovered that the policy paper that the emperor and the cabinet liked most was not written by Dou Qing, the number one scholar, but by Li Dan, the prostitute! After being shocked, some people said that it was not an error during the transcription, right?
After calling the original volume for comparison, not only did no problems be found, Li Dan's handwriting when writing poems shocked the audience. .z.
"Ahem, cough," Su Buzhou, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, this year's examiner, said, "Have you all seen clearly? The original scroll of Tanhualang matches the transcript, is there no doubt about it?" This gentleman is said to be a descendant of Su Che.
He was supposed to be the examiner in the last exam, but as a result, the emperor did a favor and gave it to Zhu Zhanchang temporarily. This time he finally showed his face, and some people suspected that the two volumes were inconsistent, which made him very angry.
The chief assistant looked at everyone and saw that everyone was silent, so he said: "It seems that Tanhualang is really talented, and this is a blessing to the country!" This was nonsense, but as the chief assistant, he had to say something.
Liu Kan watched the papers being presented again, sneered in his heart, and placed both papers on the imperial desk for the emperor to compare.
Because Li Dan usually wrote with a pencil or quill and showed it to Zhao Tuo, the emperor saw his handwriting for the first time and couldn't help but cheered: "Good calligraphy, just like the person he wrote!" There was a sudden chorus of agreement.
Han Wei was a little confused, thinking that the emperor's words sounded as if you and Li Dan were very familiar with each other. He raised his hands and said, "Congratulations to Your Majesty for acquiring this talented person, but...how should I rank them? Please be patient and decisive."
The meaning is very clear: Your Majesty, if you think this person is pretty good, then do you think you should depose Tanhua, or take away the number one scholar as well? Just give me a word.
"I think it's inappropriate." Xie Minhong shook his head: "Although Li Tanhua did a good job in policy analysis, after all, the imperial examination is based on sacred knowledge. In the classical sense, the number one and the second place are more powerful. Just because of a policy essay, the order has to be adjusted. Isn’t that rash?”
"I second the proposal!" Sun Fu also stood up to support. Although he and Xie Minhong had different positions, Sun Fu looked down upon the vacillation of the chief minister on this issue. "There has never been a reason to adjust the first grade in the Golden Palace Examination!" he said.
"How about... let the three of them write a sutra meaning each?" Someone whispered, and the surrounding people immediately booed.
"There's no need to make it so complicated, right? This shouldn't be a big deal. Let's get it resolved quickly. I have more important things to discuss with you!" Zhao Tuo waved his hand and asked, "As usual, the top three in the last session should be there. Here, right? What suggestions do you have?"
Hong Lang, the minister of Deqing Pavilion, Liu Wencan, the minister of Fuyuan Pavilion, and Wei Congxi, the inspector of Zhongshu Pavilion, immediately stood up and communicated with each other. Hong Lang expressed support for Mr. Xie's statement on behalf of everyone. Xie Minhong's face was slightly colored.
Zheng Shou was afraid that Han Wei would not come to the stage, so he took a step forward and said, "Your Majesty should have already made up his mind, so please make your decision."
"Hey, everything is decided by me, so why do you still have to come to court? Why don't you just go and implement what I said?" Zhao Tuo waved his hand dissatisfiedly and asked him to leave.
At this time, the secretary Lang Xu Baozhong on the side said: "I have something to say."
"What does Xu Qing want to say? Just tell me."
"I believe that the order has been decided and it is not appropriate to change it easily. Moreover, the new number one scholar is talented and handsome. His performance in the palace was appropriate and his majesty also praised him for his extensive knowledge. How can the order be changed just because of a policy statement?
As for Zhou Junlan, who was second on the list, he had been writing books since he was young and was quite famous in Henan and Shandong. If he were deposed, I was worried that he would cause dissatisfaction among the scholars.
Since Tan Hwa Lang is good at policy and argumentation, it is better to consider it when appointing officials so that he can make full use of his talents. I thought that when Li Tanhua learned about it, he must understand His Majesty's painstaking efforts and talent.
Talented people can get equal and fair opportunities to fulfill their ambitions for the country. Isn't this the purpose of the imperial examination? "
Xu Baozhong's official position was not high, but he was the emperor's secretary. Everyone in the cabinet listened quietly, chewing on the meaning of his words.
By this time, several people had already seen that the emperor wanted to promote Li Dan, but was hampered by institutional obstacles. Xu Baozhong's words won the Emperor's heart and made him nod frequently.
Wang Gan saw the opportunity and stood up, crossed his hands and said: "Secretary Lang's words make sense. Your Majesty, before Li Dan came to take part in the scientific examination, he had accumulated military merit and received the title of Knight Rider, and he had also served as the Sixth Rank Proclamation of Jiangnan West Road.
Fusi experience.
Although it was a military position, he performed well. It is said that Raozhou Prefecture has been free of banditry for three consecutive years, and the people are prosperous. This is inseparable from the foundation he laid when he served as a regiment training envoy in Raozhou. This son is talented in both civil and military affairs and is capable and pragmatic.
I think it is customary to give the Imperial Academy the post of editor and compiler. Since Li Dancai is both civil and military, and Kerr and others are heading south with their troops, and Monan is raging, it is better to let him go directly to the Ministry of War to serve in the Staff Department. What do you think, Your Majesty? "
"What's the staff hall?" Zhao Tuo said in a long voice while looking at the ceiling. Everyone's hearts were in suspense. Are you still not satisfied? "Not satisfactory!" The emperor shook his head:
"Wouldn't it be a little inappropriate if I asked a prodigy to go directly to the Ministry of War? Maybe someone will criticize me for being reckless and inappropriate." He glanced at the anxious people with his eyes.
"Uh..., how about...," the fat man Zhu Zhanzhen put down the handkerchief he was wiping the sweat on his forehead and said softly, "I guess there is still a vacancy for a member of the Communist Party of China."
"It's accurate!" The emperor slapped the table flatly: "He can take care of the official affairs at the same time!" After saying this, he waved his hand, and Eunuch Liu took a step forward and took out a few pieces of paper from his arms.
"Let's get over this topic and get down to business!" After saying that, the emperor ordered Wei Congxi and Li Zhu to draft the imperial edict. Liu Hui, the minister of Huangmen, went to Renqing Palace to deliver the edict. King Ding presided over the tour of the West Neiyuan with all the new scholars. Hold poetry gatherings and give banquets.
Li Dan's position arrangement seemed to have been decided hastily.
"I have drawn up several ways to win over the various tribes in Monan and promote trade and personnel exchanges. There are also several matters related to the conferment of Qimeier Khan that require you to fill in the gaps for me. Now let Liu My dear friend, I’ll keep you in mind!”
Zhao Tuo couldn't wait to deal with these matters quickly. He couldn't let Qimierhan return to the grassland empty-handed, right?
There was a buzzing sound immediately below. After waiting for so many days, it seemed that the boots had finally landed. "Quiet!" shouted the patrolling censor in the palace.
Liu Kan cleared his throat and began to read aloud. There was a lot of content. After he read part of it, everyone discussed the part, and then changed to another eunuch to continue reading.
At the beginning, some people were filled with righteous indignation and felt that they should not trade or interact with the Egu people, but after listening, everyone could smell it. It was the smell of money, and maybe a lot of silver and gold.
So no one said anything, even if there was a decent person who wanted to refuse the stench of copper wafting throughout the place, he was immediately stopped by others.
Most people understand that behind these plans are huge economic and political interests.
In the past, it was said that iron tools and salt could not be sold to the enemy, but now this premise is gone. As long as you surrender and pay tribute, I will regard you as a member of the empire and not an enemy. Naturally, these things can be traded!
Especially those northern officials who lowered their heads, their eyes were actually shining, and they wanted to go home immediately and tell their bosses the news.
The left and right ministers of the Ministry of Revenue exchanged glances, thinking in their minds: If all nine sides were opened, how much tax could be collected? Even if the tax was halved, how much revenue could be increased to the national treasury?
And what is that "passport" that His Majesty mentioned? There seems to be a fee for applying for a passport and road visa. Who owns the money and how is it used?
As he was reading this, an eunuch came out holding a copy and gave it to everyone. "Your Majesty, in sympathy with all your lords, has specially ordered the pen department and several officials to copy this overnight. Please return it when you leave after reading it.
The last page is manuscript paper. If any adult wants to ask a question, he or she can write it down in pencil for discussion later. "After Eunuch Liu finished speaking, he announced that it would be time for a cup of tea to read carefully and communicate with each other. Suddenly everyone in the hall was whispering to each other and there was a buzz.
Zhao Tuo looked at Eunuch Liu and smiled slightly, thinking that Li Dan's idea was a good idea. He should strike while the iron is hot in this palace and don't go back and murmur behind his back. The Imperial Council, well, that’s a good name!
He looked towards the side of the hall, where several desks had been set up. Wei Congxi, Li Zhu and other officials were polishing ink, preparing to record the meeting later.
Since meeting Li Dan, there have been more and more simple, efficient and interesting things, and the emperor has gradually
Feel your authority and status.
After a cup of tea, the censors loudly reminded everyone to be quiet and asked everyone to return to their seats. The emperor pointed to the ministers standing in the hall and said:
"The war is approaching, so this format will be used in future court meetings. However, please set up tables and chairs for everyone to sit under for writing and recording. Raise your hands when speaking, and stand up to speak after receiving permission.
From now on, everyone must bring their own paper and pen, and any records must be encrypted and stored or destroyed in time. The texts issued by His Majesty or recorded by ministers are regarded as the top secrets of the empire. Anyone who leaks or loses them will be punished!
There will also be a Hanlin in the hall who will take the minutes, which will be transcribed and distributed to everyone after the meeting.
This is called the "Imperial Meeting". As the main form of political discussion, there will be no need to talk about small court meetings, imperial study room meetings, and cabinet court meetings in the future. It will be fixed as a routine.
Each month is divided into five weeks, and the fifth day of each week is the imperial meeting. Participants are the cabinet, provincial ministers and ministers and above, the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the General Affairs Department, Jing Zhaoyin, the five military governors and above, and others who have orders. audiences.
At other times, the ministers will handle government affairs on their own, and I will not comment unless there is any abnormality. If you need to communicate with me urgently, you can do so with the permission of the cabinet and the ministers to pay their respects. "
"I obey the order, thank you!"
Give Tianzao first and then unify the previous messy meetings and court meetings into imperial meetings.
On the surface, the emperor felt sorry for everyone, saying that I did not want to control everything, and was happy to govern by doing nothing and rule from the top. He even gave the participating officials the honor of sitting in the same palace as the emperor and discussing matters.
While satisfying everyone's vanity, a royal conference system with the cabinet responsibility system as its core was established, and the core circle of the bureaucratic group was further clarified.
The three Umrah meetings per month were changed to five, but the purpose of strengthening the imperial power was achieved.
If the emperor gives you face like this, of course everyone will reciprocate the favor. In the ensuing discussion, everyone basically had no objection to the emperor's granting of Qimeier Khan.
As for the establishment of five autonomous territories (state and county levels) in Ula, this is a disguised form of territorial expansion, and it is a great thing that will go down in history!
It's very cheap to give the names of five county kings. If you really want to use the army to conquer this area, how much would it cost to try? So it was unanimously approved.
In this way, the titles of Ergus Khan and Prince Ula of Qimeier, as well as the titles of Tongzhi, the Protector of the Hanhai Protectorate, and General Jiajinshan were decided. At the same time, it was also approved that Kulun be named the Prince of Jiyan County.
"Your Majesty, do we really want to set up the Hanhai Protectorate?" Li Gengsan, the commander-in-chief of the right army, asked excitedly.
"The Marquis of Qingcheng (Li Gengsan was originally the Marquis of Changyi, because the crown prince of King Xiang changed his title to King Teng and went to Changyi, so he changed his title to Qingcheng, Shandong). The tribes from Monan will come to court one after another, and the establishment of the Hanhai Protectorate It is imperative!
Your Majesty, please discuss as soon as possible to elect a suitable person to be the Protector-General. I will have military affairs to arrange soon! "Zhao Tuo said with a smile. Seeing the old generals dancing, he was very satisfied.
These veterans still have great ambitions, and of course they want to give the younger generations a chance to advance.
"Do you have any opinions or questions regarding open trade and personnel exchanges?" Zhao Tuo knew that this was the highlight of the day!
"Your Majesty, I have a question." Liu Fangpin, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, got permission and stood up:
"Your Majesty, I just mentioned passport and road sign. Are these two different things? How to collect the tolls collected on the road sign and where to use them?" He couldn't wait to ask the question that many people wanted to ask.
"First of all, I have decided to establish the Foreign Affairs Department under the leadership of the Right Minister of Rites, which will be responsible for foreign affairs, foreign vassal exchanges, the dispatch and rotation of resident personnel, normal liaison and communication with overseas countries, information exchange and collection, etc.
It facilitates the entry of foreigners, handles road visas for people coming to China from abroad, and establishes immigration and immigration bureaus in various prefectures along the border. The preparation for this matter will be done by the Ministry of Rites, and we will discuss it in detail with me after the meeting.
As for a passport, it is a booklet. The first page records the person's appearance, place of origin, sponsor, family relationships, etc., so that you don't have to write it down every time.
The passports I intend to issue are of one-year and three-year terms. Foreign missions can issue five-year passports, and you can apply for them when you are one year old.
Inspection records from each customs office are recorded on each page.
Customs clearance time, departure time and entry and exit stamps, so that the passport can be viewed at a glance during the validity period.
If it is not stamped and recorded by the inspection official, it will be considered illegal, and the inspection station or health station may seize it or transfer it to the superior for interrogation. There is a production fee for passports, and the design and production are handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs just mentioned.
The Ministry of Rites drafted the "Regulations on the Protection of the Exchange of Permanent Representatives and Embassy between the Imperial Court and the Wula Autonomous Region" as soon as possible. At the same time, it was agreed that the officials stationed in Jiyan City would return to the grassland with Qimeier this time. "
"I obey the decree!" Wang Gan stood up and agreed.
"No, it's not you. I have another good thing for you to ask for. Leave the matter of drafting the regulations to your right servant." Zhao Tuo said with a smile. Wang Gan looked surprised. Lan Ziying, the right minister of the Ministry of Rites, stood up quickly and agreed.
"As for this road visa fee, it is collected by the Ministry of Rites and used for the expenses and operating expenses of the embassy abroad. It can also be used overseas to collect information, expand contacts, fund Chinese studies, etc.
The fee is charged based on the number of entries and exits. After payment, the import and export customs can be exempted from the per capita tariff, but commercial taxes and goods are still levied according to laws. "
Now everyone understood that there was an additional Foreign Affairs Department. However, it seems that road visa fees and passport printing fees are used to support the Foreign Affairs Department. Since the court does not spend money, the Ministry of Revenue did not say anything.
"Your Majesty, except for weapons, armor, and gunpowder, everything else can be traded. Isn't this... a bit risky? Because these things may flow out to Yeerqiang and Kerge." Yangzhong stood up and raised this question.
The emperor smiled and said: "My dear, if we want to make it an autonomous region of the empire, then we should treat it as equally as possible with the mainland. If 3,000 iron pots are sold and 100 of them fall into the hands of Kelge, I will not care at all. surprise.
Even if all three thousand people were exchanged with Kelge for cattle and sheep, so what? Across thousands of miles, the value of these pots has increased countless times. How many cattle and sheep do you think Kerr can have to exchange for the pots?
To exchange one pot for ten cows would require thirty thousand cows! If they want it, how about I double it for them? How many fertile fields can these cattle plow in the Central Plains, but how many herdsmen in Kergo have lost their property?
Don't you understand the principle of one thing going down and the other going up? Besides, we can control the quantity, category and quality of exported ironware, so what do you have to worry about? "
Yang Zhong opened his mouth wide and patted his forehead for a while: "How can your majesty's mind and vision be comparable to that of a humble minister? I admire you so much!"
The emperor's metaphor opened a window before everyone's eyes. Yes, what is needed on the grassland is not just iron pots. Which of tea, wine, medicinal materials, cloth and silk is not in demand? My God, how many cattle, sheep, and horses would have to be exchanged for that!
"Tobe."
"I'm waiting here!" An Zai stood up in a hurry.
"Oh, I have always forgotten that you are still acting as minister." The emperor remembered Cui Junyong who was dismissed from his post, and turned around and said: "Secretary, please write down:
He is exempted from Cui Junyong, the Minister of Household Affairs, and is expected to become an official. Appointed An Zai as Minister of Household Affairs. After Zhao Tuo finished speaking, he pointed to his side: "Is this the right servant?"
"Your Majesty, You Cunxi, the right minister of the Ministry of Hubu, has met your Majesty. I was appointed by Yin of Shuntian Prefecture last month to serve in the Ministry of Hubu of the capital."
"Remember, you used to be the magistrate of Yanzhou Prefecture, and later went to Shuntian Prefecture from Yangzhou Yanzheng." The emperor nodded:
"Very good. Since you are a capable minister, I will give you more responsibilities, but you have to find a Zuo Shilang for the Anqing family as soon as possible!" After hearing this, the two of them hurriedly thanked him.
Zhao Tuo then arranged: "You Qing's family, you will take the lead in establishing a commerce department, which will be responsible for promoting domestic and foreign trade and economic cooperation, such as the export control strategy I mentioned just now, as well as maintaining market order, organizing cargo transshipment, and court procurement and storage. etc.
In addition, the Anqing family and the Ministry of Household Affairs established the General Administration of Taxation and Banknote Customs, which was presided over by Wai Lang, a member of the fourth rank.
Responsible for two things: drafting and managing tax-related laws and regulations, approving tax items across the country, and supervising the implementation of tax collection and payment. They collect statistics and submit them to the national treasury and local treasury, including customs duties, commercial taxes, excise taxes, and agricultural taxes. , deed tax, etc... "
The first imperial meeting lasted for two hours! To the west, King Ding led the new scholars to enjoy flowers, write poems, and have a banquet in the garden. The emperor's series of actions here were dazzling.
Not only the Ministry of Rites
, the Ministry of Husbandry and the Ministry of Husbandry established several new divisions, and the emperor made it clear to the Ministry of War that he did not support fighting against the various ministries in Monan.
Not only that, he also announced that he would hire a concubine for King Ding from the Seyan tribe, and he would also send envoys to accompany Qimeier Khan to the grasslands to marry his eldest daughter.
Although everyone had heard the news before, it was just a joke, and they didn't expect the emperor to take it seriously. The most pitiful person was Wang Gan. His great deed was to go to Seyan to be a matchmaker for King Ding, which really made him dumbfounded.
"Please go back and do some business. I will discuss some matters with the Ministry of War and the generals first, and then I will send you to discuss it in detail." The emperor said to Wang Gan with a smile: "My big move depends on you. , you can’t let me down!”
"Your Majesty..., accept the order!" Wang Gan thought that was an enemy country. Why should I, a minister, go to such a place? He grinned, but he knew it was forced.
"Friends who read books, don't worry about monthly votes, must-read votes or recommended votes. One vote is approval, two votes are like, three votes are encouragement, four votes...are there that many? Of course the more the merrier."
