"Li Qing, the idea of setting up two special zones for experiments is very bold! How did you come up with the idea?" Zhao Tuo asked as he walked in front, he was very interested today.
At the imperial meeting in Chui Gong Hall, Han Wei was eager to change the banknote system of Shaanxi and Gansu, and he did not agree with the idea of cutting off all old banknotes. He also felt that Xie Minhong's proposal of starting from the southeast and then the northwest was unsatisfactory.
In other words, the emperor wanted to change the current situation in Shaanxi and Gansu, but Guanzhong was very important and might affect Bashu, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Ningxia, so he couldn't do anything about it.
Han said that as the chief assistant, he was very disappointed when he thought about things in such a simplistic way. Xie Minhong has always spared no effort to protect Jiangnan, which also makes him feel embarrassed and responsible.
Li Dan's approach is better. First conduct experiments in two places to prepare for nationwide promotion and accumulate experience, talents and technology. You can advance or retreat.
"Your Majesty, no reform should be done too hastily. Being hasty will do the opposite." Li Danwan cited the examples of Wang Mang and Wang Anshi:
"In fact, after Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, he did not erase all the old policies of the Xinmang period, but appropriately changed them and made them gentler.
As for Wang Jiefu's reforms, some improvements were made and used later. It seems that Xining's New Deal laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Huizong period, and it was not without merit.
I actually think that half of the failure of Xining's New Deal was due to Wang Jiefu's lack of consideration and over-ideality, and half of it was due to improper hiring and corruption by corrupt officials. "
"Well, there is some truth." Zhao Tuo nodded: "I have studied the history of the Song Dynasty many times, and the Xining section is very familiar, and it is also very disappointing. If Wang Jiefu succeeds, then there may not be the Jingkang crisis. Got it!"
Li Dan disagreed with this point, but he did not hesitate and continued: "So I think that if your Majesty wants to revive, you should guard against three things: acting too pretentiously, being eager for success, and employing people inappropriately!
The more prepared you are in the front, the more you can accumulate in the future. This is a long-term plan for future generations. I am willing to keep it in mind and encourage each other with Your Majesty! "
If this were said to others, Zhao Tuo might think it was overstepping and offensive, but when it came out of Li Dan's mouth, he didn't think anything of it. Zhao Tuo stopped and sighed:
"Your words are very true. On the one hand, I want to be the leader of the ZTE, but on the other hand, I am afraid that I will make the same mistakes again. Think about it, wasn't Emperor Huizong once so heroic?"
"However, Huizong was greedy for comfort and was proud and complacent in the end, which led to that result." Li Dan smiled bitterly: "But don't worry, Your Majesty, you have ministers here, even if someone wants to be like Cai Jing or Gao Qiu, I will not I will agree!"
"Huh! Huh?" Zhao Tuo turned around and said, "Is there something in your words? Could it be that Chao Zhi...?"
Li Dan looked at the palace maids and eunuchs behind him, and then at Xia Shu. When Eunuch Xia saw the emperor nodding, he immediately stopped everyone.
The emperor walked to the white marble railing. This is the back of the Chui Gong Hall. The left front is the left silver gate. Six mighty guards in golden clothes and soft armor can be seen standing on both sides of the door. Li Dan stepped forward slowly and softly reported Zheng Shou's situation.
The emperor's face fell. In the past two years, he had a prince, defeated Kerge, led troops to Hulan, and established the Hanhai Protectorate. The series of successes brought the imperial authority to a high point. Zhao Tuo not only became more confident, but also more majestic.
He had no words, turned around and walked down Danbi. Eunuch Xia looked at Li Dan in surprise and quickly followed him. Since the emperor did not allow him to retreat, Li Dan had to follow.
The group entered Zuoyinmen and turned west. It seemed that the emperor was going back to his Qianyuan Palace.
After entering the Qiande Hall, the emperor sat down angrily, motioned for Li Dan to sit down as well, and then cursed: "How dare this old man betray his country and betray his master?"
"This matter was discovered when tracking Kelge's spies, but many of the enemy generals who were captured later confessed that there was a 'minister' who was in contact with Yebi Khan. However, those who knew about it, Yebi Khan and his Yellow Sect masters are dead. It cannot be confirmed at the moment.
But it is true that he has close contacts with Changyi.
At first, I thought it was just because of Jinghu. Later, we felt that the exchanges between ministers and the king of the country had exceeded the level they should have. They were too frequent, and it was unusual for the people sent by the other party to appear with different identities.
I would like to ask for your majesty’s permission to transfer the part of this case involving Changyi to the Wing Dragon Guard School.”
"According to the report!" the emperor finished happily and called Qi Danian, the new eunuch of the Bingbi Department: "The decree is to be given to Yilongwei Liu Mu. Zheng Shou, the Minister of Household Affairs, is suspected of doing something illegal, so he went to the Fangsi Department to take over the relevant files. And continue to investigate and report, I appreciate this!"
After Qi Danian quickly signed the edict and watched him go out to find someone to copy and use the treasure, the emperor asked in a low voice: "Do you think I should dismiss him immediately? Otherwise, the banknote reform and the bank's reform will be carried out later." The implementation of the law is all related to it!"
"There's no rush." Li Dan waved his hand: "If he handles his errands honestly, he will be given a lighter sentence in the future, otherwise your Majesty will have no need to be soft!" The emperor nodded at Ling Ling, and Li Dan said again:
"What is important right now is two things: quickly find a candidate to replace him in the position of the Ministry of Finance, and confirm how many other officials are involved in this matter and the extent of their involvement. In addition... I have another person. Worry."
"you."
"Is the chief minister related to this matter? Everyone in the court knows that he has a close relationship with Zheng Shangshu. This matter will be revealed in the future. The censor will definitely ask the chief minister to step down and apologize. So how to adjust the cabinet, your majesty must quickly have a strategy."
Zhao Tuo's brows gradually relaxed: "You really have to pick up the pieces and make up for it. I know what to do." He smiled completely: "I promised your brother to serve for two years and then go out. I'm sorry to break my promise. Qing. Where do you think it’s best to send him?”
"Why don't Your Majesty send him near Guangzhou?"
"Haha!" Zhao Tuo immediately understood Li Dan's intention and nodded.
Li Dan then pointed out that he had mentioned when he was in Liaoning that not all areas were classified as directly under the jurisdiction of the Chief Envoy, but some places were still classified as military prefectures and handed over to the Capital Commander's Department for management.
This was done not only out of the idea of appeasing the former Liaoning Town, but also because if it were handed over to the Chief Envoy, the territory would be too vast and the newly established agency would not be able to manage it comprehensively. On the contrary, it would cause the peripheral counties to neglect governance and fail to fulfill their jurisdiction. effect. "
Most of these places are bordered by the Egu people and the female straight people. If they cannot be effectively managed, it is better to leave them to the military, which will at least facilitate border protection. "Li Dan:
"But what I'm thinking about is that there are three chief envoys in the mainland who have vast areas but are unable to cope with them, namely Huguang, Lianghu and Sichuan. I suggest that one of them be divided every two years and be divided into three places in five or six years. They split into two.
Huguang is divided into Hubei and Hunan; Guangdong and Guangxi are divided into Guangdong and Guangxi; Sichuan and Shu are divided into Xichuan and Bashu.
This can effectively manage a vast area, enhance the court's jurisdiction, and facilitate the issuance and dissemination of various government orders.
However, since it involves many matters, such as the selection and transfer of officials, the establishment of institutions, etc., I suggest that it be implemented within a slightly longer period of time and not in a hurry.
Your Majesty can consider and discuss with the cabinet the methods and steps for implementation. After the minister returns, he can draw up a detailed plan and submit it to His Majesty for review. "
"Okay, if the cabinet has no objection, let's start with the division of Guangdong and Guangxi!" The emperor thought that this would be beneficial to strengthening the centralization of power, and immediately nodded in agreement. Suddenly he remembered: "You just proposed to create two more departments?"
"Actually, I also feel that if His Majesty intends to implement the New Deal, it is best to have an organization responsible for planning and coordinating the implementation of the imperial strategy, the construction of basic systems and regulations, and the construction of basic equipment and facilities such as major roads, bridges, and water conservancy projects.
This organization can be called the 'New Political Bureau'. It is located in the subordinate department. The appointed supervisor can be at the level of minister, participate in the imperial meeting and report directly to His Majesty. "
Zhao Tuo smiled: "You don't want to recommend yourself, right? Besides, what's the difference between this new political situation and the cabinet?"
"I really want to recommend myself. Your Majesty actually sees it. I'm ashamed. But I'm afraid my level is not enough!"
Li Dan laughed and explained that the New Political Bureau is responsible for planning new policies, new strategies and large-scale national and inter-provincial projects, and has the role of regulation, coordination and supervision.
The cabinet is devoted to handling daily military and political affairs. The emperor coordinated the relationship between the cabinet and the new political situation.
"I understand, one is in charge of new affairs and the other is in charge of standing affairs." The emperor thought about it: "This is an interesting suggestion. I have also written it up in a report. Let me think about it carefully. In addition, what is the difference between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry? ?”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the reception and exchanges of foreign royal families, officials, and foreign vassals, the dispatch of envoys abroad, the reception of foreign envoys, speeches and statements on behalf of the court, and the management of overseas Chinese affairs, etc.
The Ministry of Rites focused on internal affairs, such as etiquette regulations, tribute payments, imperial examinations, inter-vassal exchanges and receptions, and national sacrifices.
Of course, I am also considering the important matter of educating people. In the future, the imperial examination affairs may be separately classified into the Ministry of Education. This is a story for later.
The Ministry of Commerce is responsible for formulating and implementing domestic and foreign trade policies, laws and regulations, etc., with the purpose of promoting the rational circulation of goods, price stability, and unification of weights and measures in our country, as well as the export of foreign goods and the procurement of bulk strategic materials needed by the empire.
The Ministry of Works originated from Dongguan, and was originally intended to be in charge of engineering affairs. However, the situation has changed from thousands of years ago to today. The population has multiplied, the territory is vast, and the regional differences are unprecedented in ancient times.
The current scope of responsibilities of the Ministry of Industry is too large and too vague. If it is not clearly sorted out, it will undermine its power and hinder its expertise.
The minister believes that the original currency and Yuheng positions in the Ministry of Industry can be given to the Ministry of Commerce, so that they can specialize in engineering construction, water conservancy and roads, machine manufacturing, mining, metallurgy and textiles.
Among them, the manufacturing of weapons and armaments can be transferred to the Ministry of War, so that the Ministry of Industry will not be involved in military affairs and focus more on people's livelihood. "
"It seems that your intention is to clarify the powers and responsibilities of each department to make them more skilled and specialized?"
"That's right! Only by knowing your own tasks can you better achieve your goals."
"You only care about the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Industry, but you should also consider other ministries, right? You might as well come out and listen." Zhao Tuo narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"I dare you to say that among the various ministries, the Ministry of Personnel has clear and powerful responsibilities. Although it manages officials, it has a limited number of people and limited affairs, so it is not as complicated as other ministries.
The criminal and prison matters under the control of the Ministry of Punishment are relatively clear, but there is one missing item, which is the compilation, revision and transmission of laws and regulations.
His Majesty may issue a decree to establish the Royal Law School and the highest institution specializing in the study of law and criminal justice. Only with the college's diploma and practice license can one engage in the work of prison clerk, clerk, lawyer, as well as lecturer and professor in various branches. job.
The Ministry of Household Affairs is responsible for household registration and finance, and is nominally in charge of the country's territory, land, household registration, taxes, salaries and wages, and all financial matters.
The minister suggested that its financial function should be highlighted, and other matters such as territory, land, household registration, etc. should be formed into a separate Ministry of State-owned Assets, which means land and resources.
This ministry is not only responsible for the above-mentioned aspects, but should also join the three departments of State Reserves, Minerals, Forestry, Livestock and Fishery. As the department that best understands the empire's financial situation, it should provide figures and information for the decision-making of various ministries.
I heard that Su You, the Prime Minister of the Ministry of Works and Maintenance Department, was drawing the "Local Map". What he was doing was the work of the Ministry of State-owned Assets!
The Ministry of Accounts is responsible for managing financial matters such as taxation, revenue and expenditure, currency and bank management, accounting and auditing. At the same time, the minister also proposed to establish a 'Royal Academy of Finance' under it to train financial officials for various governments, provinces and the central government. and related practitioners.
Finally, there is the Ministry of War, which is in charge of the military. As its decentralized agency, the Fifth Military Governor's Office is responsible for war planning, local security, border defense, command delegation, war organization and mobilization;
The Ministry of War directs daily military affairs, such as enemy intelligence, weapons and armaments, horse administration and logistics, recruitment and replacement of soldiers, training and mobilization, etc.
To make preparations here, we can transfer the affairs of the post station in the future and establish a special postal department following the examples of Liaoning and Raozhou.
It is responsible for the long-distance mailing of letters and packages, as well as the delivery of passengers across prefectures and counties. Moreover, this ministry is a relatively profitable organization. The money earned can be used for the repair and maintenance of roads and inland river official terminals within the empire... "
He listened for quite some time, and the emperor listened fascinated. As Zhao Tuo followed his story, a long scroll stretched out in front of him that fascinated him.
In this picture, he is surrounded by various ministries, and the entire imperial court forms a large spider web with the organizational structure of ministries, bureaus, divisions, offices, and offices.
With the central court as the core and extending downward step by step, the emperor seemed to be standing on the top of a mountain overlooking everything, and everything was no longer as blurry as it is now. This is what I want! he thinks.
Han Wei's sedan turned around and finally landed at the south entrance of Gujing Lane, Jincheng West Road.
He got off the sedan and turned into the alley. In front of him, standing in front of the floor lamp of "Fengrun Hall", was a thin, middle-aged man who looked like a master and wore thick glasses. He held his hands in front of him and said with a smile: "My lord, are you here? My lord. I've been waiting for you, please come with me."
Take him through the door. Inside, turn left along the porch and enter a very quiet place. There is another door on the side of the house in the courtyard. When you enter, you can hear the sound of running water. Inside is a dew hot spring covered by reed mats.
Looking outside, I could only feel the steam inside and couldn't see anything clearly in the foggy swamp, but I could only hear the sound of playing in the water and the chuckle of a young woman. "Mr. Han is here? Please come to the living room for tea!" Zheng Shou's voice said.
Han Wei shook his head: "Old Zheng, can your old bones withstand the rubbing of two people?"
"Han Gong thinks of me. I used to work hard when I was a teenager. What do two girls mean?" Zheng Shou's voice became louder and louder. It seemed that he was going to change clothes.
Soon, as soon as Han Wei took the tea cup from a maid, Zheng Shou appeared looking fresh and fresh. He cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Han, I'm late, I'm sorry!"
"Hey, Mr. Zheng is so generous, and he is still interested in having fun here!" Han said he was dissatisfied.
"Hey, what can I do? He's just a young man with a lot of energy. Why should Mr. Han care too much?"
"He calmly dismissed the opinions of the two cabinet ministers today. This ability and courage are not shared by just anyone!"
"I can't help it. The emperor just likes him. No matter what he says, there's nothing wrong with him. We can't find fault with him. Isn't it too obvious?" Zheng Shou was still cheerful, deliberately trying to provoke Han Wei with his words.
Sure enough, Han Wei couldn't stand it any longer, and leaned forward and whispered: "What on earth do you think? This person is a very popular person in Changyi. You can't do it even if you don't want to mess with him. You won't forget the prince's kindness, will you?" His old man is still sweeping the floor of the imperial mausoleum!"
"Look, you just can't keep your temper." Zheng Shou smacked his lips and sneered: "The first assistant must have the appearance and bearing of the first assistant, isn't it because I don't have any opinions to support you?
Furthermore, he proposed to conduct a pilot project in Shaanxi first, which is almost the same as you expected of scrapping the old and establishing the new. What's the rush? "
"No! There is a big difference between doing a pilot project and discarding the old and creating the new!" Han Wei felt that he was going too far here and quickly turned around:
"I'm not angry about whether he agrees or opposes it. The prince's plan is to take advantage of the chaos in Shaanxi and Gansu due to the currency system to incite the followers of the Yellow Dao Buddha to revolt, and then welcome the Yerqiang and Tubo armies out of Tongguan. In this way, it will be justifiable for us to instigate King Xiang to restore the vassal state. .
If we really let this guy cook Shaanxi porridge over slow fire, wouldn't we have made a dowry for someone else?
You see, we finally made Zhu Zhanzhen look bad, but the emperor just refused to appoint a new person. What's the point of leaving this position empty? Wouldn't it be reserved for that guy? Anyway, I don’t think he will ask you to join the cabinet. "
"That's right, the emperor is not stupid." Zheng Shou fell on the recliner: "I met Li Zedong by chance on the way to the court meeting today and had a few chats."
"Oh? What's the gain?"
"Humph." Zheng Shou picked up a piece of pear and put it into his mouth: "After all, he rose to a high position thanks to the emperor's favor. He talks arrogantly and gets carried away. It's okay to win the battle. We can raise his tail higher. Grab it when you need it.”
He turned around and said, "Isn't this guy going to start a pilot project? If you start the fire again, why not recommend him to go to Shaanxi-Gansu!"
"Oh, oh! How wonderful!" Han said overjoyed: "Play hard to get, put him on the fire to roast, let him taste the taste. Then let's fan the fire even more, haha! Now, with internal and external troubles, we are attacked on three sides. , let’s see how he copes with it!”
Zheng Shou smiled and nodded slightly, but he couldn't help but lament in his heart: "Idiot, if you can't hide things like this, sooner or later I will be unlucky in your hands!"