Leisure time is always short-lived. During the Great Xia Dynasty, there was a ten-day holiday. Once the holiday period was over, everyone returned to their own affairs. On the first day of work, all the officials, big and small, gathered in the government office. , in addition to starting work today, there is another important thing. Zhao Bin sat in the official seat of the government office, and Lin Jingtang handed over the seal of the prefect. The prefect who had been an official in Yancheng for more than ten years finally resigned. Now Yancheng is the fiefdom of King Yan, and the court no longer appoints officials, appoints or removes officials. The power now belongs to King Yan. In fact, everyone has a tacit understanding of the candidate for the next governor. As the magistrate of Yancheng County, Cao Li has performed very well in Prince Yan's Mansion during this period. If nothing else, the King of Yan will definitely let Cao Li take over the post of governor. Of course It is not ruled out that other people in the palace will be appointed, but to be honest, apart from Zhao Bin's two personal maids, the rest of the palace is the guard army, with almost no literati. In fact, there are no good candidates to take over the post of prefect.
Amid everyone's expectations, Zhao Bin finally spoke slowly: "First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Lin for his dedication in Yancheng for more than ten years. Although Mr. Lin has resigned now, Yancheng will never forget it, and neither will I." Forgot, so I plan to establish a new rule. For all officials who retire in Yancheng when they are old, the government will pay a part of their pension every month for ten years."
The officials and civil servants at all levels in the audience were all shocked. You must know that there is no pension system in this era. Many officials can be corrupt during their tenure. Especially in areas where aristocratic families are rich, officials will spare no effort to exploit them. Common people, but in Yancheng, a place where nothing matters, squeezing has become a luxury. It is thankful to God that the heavy taxes of the imperial court can be paid in full. If not, the officials will be implicated, and in In this borderland, people from the Jie tribe would be burned, killed, and robbed at any time, and their lives could be lost at any time, so no one wanted to be an official here, and the wealthy families also looked down upon this bitter and cold place. Except for Lin Jingtang, an unlucky outsider, all the officials in Yancheng were locals of Yancheng. They had read a few books and were considered literate people. If they were literate people, they would be able to make do with it.
Lin Jingtang stood up from his chair, bowed deeply to Zhao Bin and said, "I would like to thank you for your understanding, but I cannot accept this pension. Although I will lose my salary if I lose my official position, I still serve in the government office." , also have a salary. The responsibility of supporting the old and old will naturally be borne by Quanzi. How can it add another burden to Yancheng. Besides, these old and old people have not made the people of Yancheng live a better life. This pension is taken by the old and old. It’s also a shame.”
All the officials looked at Lin Jingtang. They knew Mr. Lin's temperament and style, and they admired Lin Jingtang's conduct. Those officials who committed crimes and oppressed the people were almost They were all replaced by Lin Jingtang. I think this Master Lin was also a person who did not rub dirt in his eyes, otherwise he would not have offended others and was demoted to this place as an official. On the contrary, Lin Jingtang was also familiar with these former subordinates of his. Although he did not dare to say that all of them were honest people, at least they were decent in terms of character and would not have evil intentions or do evil.
The originally exciting scene was suppressed by Lin Jingtang's words. It seemed unexpected, but it seemed that this matter was reasonable. If Lin Jingtang accepted it happily, it would be incredible.
Zhao Bin looked at Lin Jingtang, with a smile on his lips and said: "I know that Mr. Lin cares about the people, but the past is the past, and the future is the future. When I come, I will not let the people suffer anymore. On this point, Mr. Lin can Don't worry, as for the pensions of officials, as long as you do your best to serve the people and the king during your tenure, I will naturally not chill your hearts, and the people of Yancheng will remember your achievements, so the issue of pensions is It's settled." Zhao Bin finalized the matter with unquestionable words.
"Okay, let's talk about the next governor. Cao Li, I know you are a native of Yancheng and you are most familiar with the situation in Yancheng. You can work under Mr. Lin for many years. I believe in your ability and people. Your quality is recognized by everyone, and I have noticed that you have been busy in the palace during this period. From today on, you will take over the post of Yancheng Prefect."
Cao Li hurriedly stood up from his chair, walked to the center of the hall, lifted up his long robe, knelt on his knees and kowtowed: "I thank you for your humble position, and I swear allegiance to your highness, Prince Yan, for your humble position." Although it was expected, when things were implemented At that moment, Cao Li was still very excited. , this excitement is not only the recognition of the position of prefect, but also the gratitude for Zhao Bin's recognition. Zhao Bin has been in Yancheng for less than half a year, but the situation in Yancheng has changed a lot. Taxation is not only It has been greatly reduced. Cattle and sheep have been divided into people's homes, and iron farm tools have been distributed. More importantly, the research and development of refined salt has brought great benefits to Yancheng. This is something that he and Lin Jingtang have not achieved in the past ten years. He has reached such a height that he is already sincerely convinced by this young prince.
"He Miao, Yang Guangtai County" Zhao Bin read softly
The two stood up and stood in the middle of the hall.
"The same goes for you two. You have worked hard during this period. You two have taken over the positions of county magistrate and chief registrar respectively."
The two knelt down and kowtowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will swear allegiance to you in this humble position."
"Wei Xiang?"
When Wei Xiang heard Zhao Bin's call, he hurriedly took two steps forward, clasped his fists and said, "I'm here for my humble duty."
Zhao Bin looked at Wei Xiang with a smile and said: "During this period, I took the people to mine iron ore in the north. I have made a lot of contributions. I have been wanting to reward you. What do you want?"
When Wei Xiang heard that Zhao Bin was going to reward him, he couldn't help but smile and said, "Do you really mean what you said?"
"Bastard, what are you talking about? Your Majesty is playing tricks on you in front of many officials in Yancheng." Cao Li scolded.
Wei Xiang also realized that he had said something wrong and hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty, forgive me, I didn't mean it like this. I didn't expect any reward, it was just a little unexpected."
"Okay, get up. You haven't thought about it. I can't pretend not to see people who have merit. In terms of official positions, I have nothing to promote you. That kid Qin Fang doesn't belong to us. No matter what, I can’t let you be the captain, tell me what you want.”
Wei Xiang touched his chin, thought for a moment and then said: "Your Majesty, can you please have a pair of armor? It's the kind worn by the palace guards."
When Cao Li heard this, he was startled again and hurriedly stepped forward and said, "My lord, please forgive me. Wei Xiang made a slip of the tongue and had absolutely no intention." Everyone was also shocked. According to the laws of Daxia, hiding armor in private is considered to be treason. , to be beheaded in public display.
Wei Xiang almost fainted from anger, he thought to himself, I want a reward, why should I keep it privately? The armors in the palace are all organized and quantity-issued by the imperial court, not made by myself. , when you say that, I feel like I’m rebelling.
Zhao Bin said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, the armors of the palace are not privately made, and they are all in quantity, but you know how to know the goods. Although the armor worn by the guards of the palace is not the best, it is a set of I'm afraid the cost is not a few hundred taels of silver, okay, I'll reward you."
"Hey, hey, thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Majesty." Wei Xiang knelt down and kowtowed with excitement.
All the officials were also envious. Of course, they were not envious of the armor, but of its value.
"Get up. In addition, there are some changes in the positions of other officials. Cao Li and you three are discussing it privately. Then you can come up with a plan and show it to me. Now let's talk about the things in the next period of time. There is still one month left before spring plowing. During this period of time, coal and iron ore mining will start immediately, so as to reserve more before spring plowing. Secondly, after the spring plowing begins, all efforts will be devoted to spring plowing, and oxen and iron plows have been distributed to farmers. This year, we must expand the area of cultivated land by two to three times. Food security is a fatal problem, and we must ensure sufficient food production. Officials at all levels must also go to the countryside to inspect during the spring plowing period. If they encounter problems, they must report them at any time and solve them in a timely manner. , if someone slacks off and delays the spring plowing, I will not be lenient. Of course, if the summer grain harvest is good, I promise that the salary of officials at all levels will be increased by 10%."
All the officials in the audience said in unison: "It's the prince."
After agreeing on some details, officials at all levels began to return to their respective posts, and government officials also went out of the city to issue notices on the resumption of work in villages.
