The next day, March 28, Zhao Zhen summoned all the ministers of the political affairs hall to decide on the candidates who would go to Shaanxi to preside over the matter of household registration and civilian registration.
When Gao Ruonei heard his name, his whole body went numb.
Could it be that if people sit at home, disaster will come from heaven? He deliberately planned to drive Fan Zhongyan to Shaanxi with Song Xiang, but in the end the matter fell on him?
"How about the general will of the high minister?"
When the official asked about the matter with a gentle look, Gao Ruona could only secretly curse a certain culprit, but he had no choice but to agree against his will: "I... would like to go to Shaanxi."
The expressions of the various ministers on the side were different, among which the most eye-catching ones were Fan Zhongyan, Pang Ji and Song Xiang.
Compared with Fan Zhongyan who seemed to want to laugh but felt it was inappropriate, Pang Ji was a little envious of Gao Ruona, because he actually wanted to take the initiative to go to Shaanxi to take charge of the matter, but he was afraid that it would be difficult to leave Beijing and come back, but if he could go with Zhao Yang Shaanxi, the latter will definitely be able to bring him back to Beijing.
It's a pity that his relationship with Zhao Yang is only average, and they are not very familiar with each other.
As for Song Xiang, after weighing it, he felt that this was not a bad thing, so he did not speak for Gao Ruona.
So the official ordered the imperial edict to be prepared, and Gao Ruona was granted the title of Councilor of Political Affairs and Deputy Privy Envoy. He had the power to send Shaanxi Economic Strategy to recruit and pacify envoys. The three words "quanqian" in it meant that this position was temporary and specifically for household registration. The Qi people were set up once and then canceled after the event was completed. After all, Shaanxi originally had a permanent economic and strategic pacification envoy.
Zhao Yang was appointed as Gao Ruona's deputy, the deputy envoy of Shaanxi Economic Strategy, recruitment and appeasement, and was granted the authority to command and mobilize Tianwu's Fifth Army.
It has always been rare for a deputy envoy to have greater military power than the chief envoy. However, when it comes to Zhao Yang, the ministers are not surprised. Even Fan Zhongyan has gradually adapted to it recently.
This news soon spread to the court, and many people secretly laughed at Gao Ruona. After all, everyone could see that Zhao Yang took the initiative to recommend Gao Ruona simply because he thought this guy was easy to handle. Otherwise, Pang Ji and Han Qi would , which one is not more suitable than Gao Ruone? In the final analysis, Zhao Yang was not familiar with Pang Ji and Han Qi, so he did not dare to recommend him rashly, in order to avoid a stalemate due to disagreements between the principal and deputy positions in the future.
There are also people who secretly envy Gao Ruona.
In the eyes of these people, Gao Ruona's trip to Shaanxi to preside over the task of reorganizing households and reorganizing the people is destined to succeed. After all, Xixia is about to face the attack of the Liao Kingdom. If the Tibetan people are dissatisfied, that is just a problem of the local Tibetan people. The Song Dynasty's military strength in Shaanxi is enough to suppress it. Isn't this a waste of credit?
Gao Ruonei could only turn a deaf ear to these rumors, and at the same time secretly comforted himself: after all, he is now also the Counselor for Political Affairs and Deputy Privy Envoy. Although it cannot last long, it is enough to add a significant mark to his qualifications. In the future, You may not be able to take another step forward.
After all, everyone knows how Chen Zhizhong continues to retain the position of prime minister. Isn't he just following orders? Gao Ruona can do it too.
On the same day, Bi Sheng's family, who came from Lin'an on Liangzhe Road, finally arrived in Bianjing under the escort of the Transport Department of the Third Division, and reported to the main office of the Ministry of Industry with a confused look on their faces.
Similar to Fan Chunli's experience last time, the Bi Sheng family were also frightened by the guards of the Tianwu First Army outside the main office of the Ministry of Industry. They quickly took out their official titles and the imperial edicts wholesale from Lin'an. The third commander of the Tianwu First Army Zheng Rong took a look and immediately guessed that Bi Sheng's family was invited by Zhao Yang, so he hurriedly sent someone to report it to the Yameni.
Not long after, Zhao Yang went out to greet him personally. He saw an old man, four middle-aged men, three teenage children and several women standing outside the office. He was a little confused and asked tentatively: "I'm Zhao. "Hey, I wonder which of them is Bi Sheng Bi Xian Gong?"
After saying it twice, Bi Sheng and his son finally understood Zhao Yang's Bianjing accent. Then the old man said in a panic with a Lin'an accent: "You are not worthy of being called a wise worker. This little old man is Bi Sheng."
Zhao Yang could understand the Lin'an accent and couldn't help but open his eyes. After all, in his memory, or rather the image in the book, Bi Sheng was only forty or fifty years old. But when he saw it with his own eyes today, he realized that Bi Sheng was the most At least sixty or seventy years old.
He probed again: "But Bi Xianggong, who pioneered the clay industry?"
"You are just a young man, but I don't dare to call you a good worker." Bi Sheng waved his hands repeatedly.
After confirming that it was correct, Zhao Yang quickly invited Bi Sheng's family into the office and his case room.
When he came to the case room, he ordered the officials in the office to serve tea. Zhao Yang also invited Bi Sheng's family to sit down. However, since there were more than a dozen people in Bi Sheng's family, there were not enough seats and stools in his case room, so he ordered people to bring them in. Seat Bench.
Immediately, he not only confessed his crime but also expressed his feelings: "Thank you for your hard work, you have come all the way from Lin'an to Bianjing. I am Zhao Yang, who is currently a doctor in the Ministry of Industry. I heard Brother Wentong mention that there was a talented worker in Lin'an who improved the printing method." , created his own clay movable type technique, so I asked the imperial court to invite Xian Gong and his family to the Ministry of Industry. I did not consult with Xian Gong in advance. I am extremely sorry. ... I hope that the transfer envoys from Zhejiang and Zhejiang and the prefect of Lin'an have not forced you."
At this time, Bi Sheng realized that the young gentleman in front of him was actually a doctor from the Ministry of Industry. He was so frightened that he quickly stood up and returned the greeting, saying repeatedly: "Shangguan's words are serious. Thanks to Shangguan's favor, the young father and son are too late to be grateful. How dare you blame me?"
Zhao Yang had no choice but to invite Bi Sheng to sit down again. During the conversation, Bi Sheng also introduced his family, including his wife, his four sons, Bi Jia, Bi Wen, Bi Cheng, and Bi Rong, as well as four daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. Bi Wenxian, Bi Wenbin, Bi Wenzhong.
There were a total of thirteen members of the family, and they were all brought to Bianjing by the two Zhejiang Road transfer envoys and the Lin'an magistrate.
The two parties chatted for a while. After hearing the news, Shen Yu also came with his younger brother Shen Liao. After seeing Bi Sheng, he smiled and said, "Bi Gong, do you still remember Shen?"
"Huh?" Bi Sheng's eyes showed some surprise, and Bi Jia, Bi Wen, Bi Cheng, and Bi Rong were also relieved.
It turned out that last year Shen Tao purchased Bi Sheng's books printed with clay type in Lin'an City. He found them novel and interesting, so he took the initiative to find Bi Sheng. The two parties had a long conversation about clay type, including Bi Jia, Bi Wen, Bi Cheng, and Bi Rong. The four brothers are therefore familiar with each other.
With Brother Shen Yu present, Bi Sheng and his son could see that they were much more relaxed.
Zhao Yang also introduced Shen Tao appropriately: "Brother Wentong, you should be familiar with this. The top three candidate in this year's imperial examination is currently the envoy of the Gunpowder Case. After I leave Beijing, he will take up the post of the envoy of the Technology Department on my behalf. In the future, If Bi Gong's family needs anything, they can discuss it with Brother Wentong."
Since Zhao Yang had already mentioned his preparations to go to Shaanxi with Fan Chunren, Shen Yu, Lu Dafang and others after returning to the Yamen of the Ministry of Industry yesterday, which attracted everyone's praise, Shen Yu was naturally no exception.
In fact, Fan Chunren, Shen Yu, Lu Dafang, and Qian Gongfu all hoped to go with Zhao Yang, even if they were to be military chiefs. After all, as Zhao Yang said, they were going to Shaanxi to compile households this time. The people of Qi are related to the future Song Dynasty's conquest of Xixia, and the Jinshi are naturally enthusiastic.
Zhao Yang persuaded everyone after much hard talk. Finally, after everyone discussed it, it was decided that Fan Chunren and Wen Tong would serve as staff and accompany Zhao Yang to Shaanxi.
Originally, Zhao Yang wanted to ask Fan Chunren to spend more time with his father Fan Zhongyan, but he couldn't get Fan Chunren to do so.
By the way, Fan Chunren's decision was strongly approved by his father Fan Zhongyan. I wonder if Lao Fan felt that it was inconvenient for him to go to Shaanxi at this time, so he sent his son to accompany Zhao Yang.
But it is undeniable that having Fan Chunren by his side will naturally help Zhao Yang get to know and even recruit Fan Zhongyan's former veterans, such as Wang Kang and Guo Kui.
It is a pity that Di Qing, whom Zhao Yang most hopes to meet, is currently working in the Zhending Road area on the border of Song and Liao Dynasties, and he may not be able to meet him in a short period of time.
During the conversation, Zhao Yang also tested whether Bi Sheng and his son could improve and master technologies other than movable type printing. However, the result of the test made him regretful, that is, Bi Sheng and his son only mastered technologies related to printing and had no other inventions. , which not only made Zhao Yang feel regretful, but also dispelled a superstition in his heart: even famous craftsmen who have left their names in history may not be proficient in everything.
At least in his opinion, Bi Sheng, who has been a craftsman all his life, is actually not as good as Yan Su, a bachelor of Longtuge, in terms of technological improvement. However, Bi Sheng improved printing, a technology that can affect the development of the entire Chinese culture. Therefore, Qing Shi left name.
Of course, even if there is a slight regret, the arrival of Bi Sheng and his son will also help Zhao Yang change the composition of educated people in the Song Dynasty.
In the current Song Dynasty, there are actually many top talents. Not only this year, more than 1,300 Jinshi talents have entered the official career in the imperial examination. Even Zhao Yang has no confidence that these people can win, but it is necessary to promote the development of the entire country. Development depends not only on top talents, but also on a large number of middle and lower levels.
Even though the Song Dynasty had as many as 400,000 candidates for the state examination last year, this number is nothing compared to the total population of more than 20 million. Most people in the country are still illiterate. They want to promote the cultural and scientific fields of the Song Dynasty. Development and popularization of education are necessary. Zhao Yang and Fan Zhongyan coincide on this point.
Therefore, the movable type printing technology improved by Bi Sheng and his sons is very crucial. It can greatly reduce the price of books, making knowledge no longer exclusive to rich and poor families, and even ordinary people can afford it.
For this reason, Zhao Yang was ready to have another fight with the civil servants and censors of the DPRK and China. After all, the latter probably did not want him to do this. This was a political difference caused by different class positions.
As a result, Zhao Yang announced on the spot that his technical department had added an engraving case, and appointed Bi Sheng as the head craftsman. In addition to the cooperation of his four sons, he was authorized to invite craftsmen to join him.
To be fair, even the chief craftsmen of various cases under the Technology Department are not among the ranks, but they are official craftsmen after all. This makes Bi Sheng and his son extremely excited, not to mention that Zhao Yang has granted them great autonomy.
Later, Zhao Yang and Shen Tao personally took Bi Sheng and his son to visit the new government office of the Technology Department that was about to be completed. They introduced to them where the new government office was and where the housing options specially prepared by the technology department for the families of officials and officials in the government office were located. address and so on.
Yes, in view of the special nature of the Technology Department, in the future, the officials, craftsmen and their families in the department will have to live in the Technology Department's main office on a daily basis. High walls will be built around them to isolate them from the outside world, and there will even be guards guarding them to prevent secrets from being leaked.
In particular, gunpowder and firearms were top priority, as they were ordered by officials.
For this reason, in the future, there will be a market nearby specifically for the families of technical officials to provide food, clothing, housing and transportation needs. This area is currently under the responsibility of Lu Dafang, including the housing issues for the families of technical officials.
Looking at the huge government office being built by thousands of carpenters, Bi Sheng couldn't help but lament the area occupied by the new government office of his Technology Department. After all, the new government office occupied an area far larger than the original government office of the Ministry of Industry.
When they first improved the clay movable type technique, they never thought that they would be favored by the court and be invited to such an official position.
Not long after, Lu Dafang came after hearing the news. Zhao Yang introduced Bi Sheng and his son to Lu Dafang. By the way, he also handed over the settlement of Bi Sheng's family of thirteen to Lu Dafang, and assigned the newly built family residence to Bi Sheng's family lives there.
After staying for nearly an hour, Zhao Yang and Shen Yu took Bi Sheng and his son back to the main office of the Ministry of Industry.
In order to show respect and courtesy to the Bi Sheng family, Zhao Yang deliberately held a banquet at the Ministry of Industry's main office to cleanse the Bi Sheng family.
For this reason, Shen Yu said to Zhao Yang in private: "I won't be here later, how about tomorrow?"
Zhao Yang felt something was inappropriate: "They arrived today, how can they have a banquet tomorrow?"
It turns out that at noon today, the official family is hosting a banquet in Jiying Hall for more than 1,300 people who will take the imperial examination this year. Fan Chunren, Shen Yu, Lu Dafang and others have to attend, so there is a conflict in time.
"It doesn't matter, I'm familiar with Bi Gong, I'll talk to him." Shen Tao vowed.
Sure enough, Bi Sheng had no objection to Shen Yu's arrangements, and was extremely grateful to Zhao Yang for hosting a banquet for them. Not to mention that Zhao Yang later did not even attend the banquet at Jiying Hall, but still ordered the Ministry of Industry to take charge of the banquet. The cook prepared a banquet for the Bi family and his son. It was not considered a reception banquet, but was just for the purpose of getting acquainted with each other.
The next day, February 29th.
Zhao Yang inspected the improvement progress of various cases under his technical department. Except for the iron work case, which was still being stolen from the Salt and Iron Department of the Sansi Yamen, he gave guidance on the improvement of Song Nu in the carpentry case. Shen Yu and Wen Tong also According to his ideas, each drew a drawing, which was quite similar to the structural drawing of the divine arm crossbow.
Immediately, Zhao Yang inspected the gunpowder case and made different research and development requirements for three different types of ammunition: fire bombs, smoke bombs, and explosive bombs, including submunition bombs and thunder bombs.
At the same time, the Technical Department regulations were formulated to strictly prohibit leaking the Technical Department's currently improved gunpowder ratio, purification technology, and additives that support combustion and smoke.
In fact, as early as the day after the exercise, the DPRK, China and Taiwan had all come to the government to advise them, hoping that gunpowder would be listed as a controlled substance and not allowed to be circulated in the private market. The officials were still hesitant about this, but the Privy Council and the Three The Si Yamen have already taken corresponding actions: the former has promulgated gunpowder regulations to the people to limit the gunpowder content of circulating fireworks; the latter has even vigorously abducted craftsmen who are good at making sulfur and gunpowder and hired them into the Third Division Gunpowder Supervisor. , which greatly eliminated the circulation of gunpowder among the people.
In Zhao Yang's opinion, this was a bit overkill.
After all, there is no list of the improved gunpowder ratio, purification technology, and combustion-supporting and smoke-supporting additives of the Technical Department. Those private fireworks and firecrackers are simply not enough to cause any major accidents. Unless someone has ulterior motives and hoards a large amount of gunpowder with evil intentions, this is official business. Case, Kaifeng Mansion is not a vegetarian.
At noon, Fan Chunren, Lu Dafang, Qian Gongfu and others also returned to the main office of the Ministry of Industry. Together with Zhao Yang, Shen Yu, Wen Ting and others, they attended the reception banquet for Bi Sheng's family. Unexpectedly, a group of uninvited guests also came at the same time. , turned out to be the three Liao envoys Xiao Xiaoyou, Xiao Guhe and Qiu Hong.
Zhao Yang felt puzzled. After all, he thought that his relationship with the three Liao envoys was not good enough for the latter to come together to visit them.
When asked about the reason, Zhao Yang found out that there was a conflict between the three Liao envoys and Ye Qingchen, the third envoy, when they were discussing the transaction items.
Due to the rules he had set, Zhao Yang could not invite the three people to the main office of the Ministry of Industry, so he invited the three people to drink at the restaurant at the north end of Yu Street.
After the food and drinks were served, Zhao Yang heard the news, but Xiao Guhe, who had the most violent personality, asked with an unhappy face: "Two days ago, Zhao Sijian said that Liao and Song Dynasties are brothers. Is it possible that he was just teasing us?" ?”
Zhao Yang felt confused and turned to look at Xiao Xiaoyou and Qiu Hong: "What happened?"
Qiu Hong explained: "When we were discussing with Ye Jixiang and other officials from your country's third department on the list of permitted trade items, your officials did not allow books other than the Nine Classics to flow into Daliao, so we were angry. ... Facts Above, I, Daliao, have also collected many books from Chinese history, and I think they are no less than your country, but there are not many civilians. However, the attitude of the officials of the third division of your country towards the barbarians is really irritating.… ...So we discussed it a bit and wanted to hear Zhao Sijian’s attitude.”
Zhao Yang thought for a while and said with a smile: "I agree with the flow of books from the Song Dynasty into your country. Of course, I also agree with the flow of books from your country into the Song Dynasty. As a country of brothers, cultural exchanges are more important. The three of you. Your Majesty, please be patient. I will ask the officials to state my interests and ask them to send three people to the palace library. I can ask the officials to give free books to the Lord of Liao for any books that are not available in your country. One set can be copied or engraved. ...Of course, the control documents that seem to record gunpowder, firearms, etc. are not included, unless your country opens high-quality war horses to our Song Dynasty."
Xiao Xiaoyou, Xiao Guhe, and Qiu Hong were all moved and shocked by Zhao Yang's attitude.
Xiao Guhe was even more sincere and said: "Today I know that Zhao Sijian sincerely regards Daliao as a brotherly country. It is a pity that there are very few people in your country who are as open-minded as Zhao Sijian. Although many people say that The superiors are silent, but in reality they still regard us Khitans as barbarians."
Zhao Yang waved his hand, and then his heart moved slightly, and he invited the three of them to drink and eat.
After drinking for three rounds and the atmosphere was suitable, he took the opportunity to ask: "Excuse me, what is your country's strategy for this campaign against Xixia? Is it a quick victory or a steady advance of troops? How long is the expected campaign?"
"Huh?" Xiao Xiaoyou and the other three looked at each other in confusion.
Seeing this, Zhao Yang explained half-truthfully: "Don't worry, I will definitely not leak it out. The reason why I ask this is because I am about to go to Shaanxi... You don't know, yesterday the official gave me the Shaanxi Scriptures I have been recruited to serve as deputy envoy to appease you, and I have been ordered to go to Shaanxi to support your country's invasion of troops. Only if I know your country's strategy can I respond from a distance and support your country."
Xiao Xiaoyou and the other two exchanged glances, doubtful of Zhao Yang's words.
It's not that they doubt anything else, at least they believe that the real purpose of the Song State is not to sideline the Liao State, but mostly to do something while Xixia has no time to take care of him.
After thinking for a while, Xiao Guhe said in a deep voice: "This matter should not be disclosed, but Zhao Sijian and I have a temper, so there is no harm in informing... This time I have raised 200,000 troops in Daliao. As for a quick victory, it is better to Steadily advance the army, I can't say much about this at the moment, it depends on the situation of the war at that time, but naturally it is better to win quickly if we can, and it is best to defeat Xixia in a few months and force them to surrender and sue for peace."
After hearing this, Zhao Yang shook his head and said: "Haste makes waste. Although the Xixia Kingdom is small, its folk customs are strong and all the people are soldiers. I advise your country to advance steadily and conquer a city in a few days. After conquering the city, repair it in a few days. Everyone must make predictions and not be greedy for success. In particular, we must be prepared for a protracted confrontation with Xixia. We must not be lucky and think that Xixia will sue for peace in a few months."
Xiao Guhe was stunned for a moment, then laughed loudly and said, "I have taken note of Zhao Sijian's advice."
Xiao Xiaoyou and Qiu Hong also laughed and said nothing.
Looking at the attitudes of the three of them, Zhao Yang guessed that they didn't take it to heart.
In fact, the reason why he wanted to persuade the Liao State to march steadily was not only to delay the war so that the Song State could have more time to organize households and people, but he also had good intentions. After all, in his opinion, any side in a war that seeks quick victory will rarely end well in the end, so he has to expect leniency from the enemy.
It's a pity that the three Liao envoys couldn't listen, which made him shake his head secretly.
It is estimated that the Liao Kingdom will find it difficult to win this battle.
Anyway, at least it's not a bad thing for the Song Dynasty.
