Volume 3 Chapter 46: Many Small Problems (Part 2)
It is said that Emperor Zhao came here this time with the original intention of holding a New Year's symposium with the students of the Imperial College to exchange ideas and soothe people's hearts. However, he was unexpectedly stumped by the question asked by Chen Gongfu, the chief academician of the Imperial College, which made the emperor panic for a while.
However, thanks to the training of fighting with the ministers, Emperor Zhao was indeed a veteran of many battles. He did not change his expression, but his mind was full of thoughts. He just opened his mouth and said some evasive words:
"This is a complicated matter. The first argument is that the court should fight against the Jin in the first place, and we should not easily change our mindset, otherwise people's hearts will be shaken. The second argument is that the way to fight should be pragmatic, and the new learning of utilitarianism should be in line with the pragmatic trend and should not be abandoned lightly. As for Feng Dao in the Five Dynasties, he served four surnames and eight emperors..."
You know what, at this point, Emperor Zhao suddenly thought of a sophistry: "As for Feng Dao of the Five Dynasties, although he served four surnames and eight emperors, I am not knowledgeable enough, and I don't know if there was a Khitan Yelu among the four surnames and eight emperors?"
Chen Gongfu was slightly startled, but then he bowed and said seriously: "Good instructor, you know that Feng Dao actually served no less than ten emperors, but none of them were from the Yelu clan of the Khitan. And although he also intervened to maintain the situation with the Khitan when the Khitan destroyed the Later Jin Dynasty, historians generally believe that Feng Dao's advising the Liao ruler to gather his subordinates and protect the people of the Central Plains was a rare act of virtue on his part..."
"I don't think so."
Zhao Jiu had an idea when he heard this, but he interrupted him. "I think the affairs of the world are first about the upper and lower, and second about the inside and outside... And the affairs of the Five Dynasties were about the upper and lower. At that time, the soldiers in power repeatedly wreaked havoc, and no one cared about the people under their feet. Feng Dao survived in the chaotic times and served ten rulers. Although he was wrong, he was able to save his own life and try his best to save the lives of the people under him, which is particularly valuable. And today's affairs are about the inside and outside. The Jin people are like tigers outside, and the Song Dynasty is in danger of being destroyed. At this time, we should abandon all disputes and focus on resisting the Jin. As for Wang Shuwang (Wang Anshi)'s comments on Feng Dao, in my opinion, it is more or less just to take Feng Dao's pragmatic point, and there is no intention to promote him."
Upon hearing this, Chen Gongfu smiled bitterly and said, "Although I do not agree with your 'pragmatic' response, I have to admit that your words are connected and reasonable. I have nothing to say."
Zhao Jiu was sweating all over at this time. He was proud of his quick wit. On the other hand, he saw that the other party did not worry about the orthodoxy, which made him feel more favorable. He smiled at him:
"In fact, this is what I always say. No matter who it is, as long as they are willing to resist the Jin, I am willing to accept them. This is also the original intention of my saying that the upper and lower classes should tolerate each other for the sake of the country... Even now, Mr. Chen does not agree, but I do not care, because as long as Mr. Chen is also willing to 'tolerate each other for the sake of the country', I am willing to 'link up' with Mr. Chen."
The emperor was in a high position, and there was no tradition of bursting into laughter. On the contrary, when this cold joke came out, even the normally relaxed Chen Gongfu became serious, bowed solemnly, and then answered with dignity:
"I deeply agree with your words, Your Excellency."
Zhao Jiu liked this person more and more.
Not only that, after this conversation, Zhao Jiu grasped the key, which is the word "resist the Jin"... In fact, he also figured out why he came out?
Reassure people by listening to their opinions.
Why do we need to appease the people? Isn't it because after seeing that Zhang Rong took control of the river, the people in Tokyo became a little restless and worried about a major war. They are afraid that there will be panic and people will be uneasy, so they come here to emphasize again that the anti-Jin cause must not be abandoned?
Therefore, those words were also from his heart.
Moreover, this was not the first time he emphasized the resistance against the Jin army, but he had always done so.
Turning back, since Zhao Jiu had grasped the core of this theoretical issue, and the remaining students were trembling even when they stood up, they just asked a question in a daze and then sat down in a daze, and everything went smoothly afterwards.
However, later on, the students gradually realized that these theoretical discussions did not seem to have much significance after Emperor Zhao repeatedly emphasized the need to resist the Jin army. So as many people became more relaxed, more and more people began to ask some detailed and practical questions.
That's not all. As time went by, more and more people heard that Emperor Zhao was conducting "local school politics" at the Imperial Academy. Many officials, both in office and not, began to flock to the Imperial Academy after obtaining Emperor Zhao's consent and having their identities verified, and they were not afraid to stand by and watch.
And due to the participation of these middle and low-level officials, the quality of questions is getting higher and higher.
But at this time, Emperor Zhao's helpers also began to gradually gather. The three prime ministers who had not accompanied him before, as well as other important ministers, also came after hearing the news. However, Emperor Zhao directly arranged them to be by his side. When they encountered some difficult or incomprehensible problems, they would directly throw them to these prime ministers, ministers, scholars, and even censors.
That’s right, Chief Censor Li Guang, Supervisory Censor Li Jing, and Palace Attending Censor Wanqi Xie were all summoned to the emperor’s side... This is called using the other person’s spear as your own shield.
In this way, the atmosphere became more and more heated, especially because "Zichan did not destroy the local school" was the great righteousness in "Spring and Autumn Annals". Although the status of "Spring and Autumn Annals" has declined, it has been recognized as the original Confucian classic for many years, and it is still an unquestionable one of the Thirteen Classics. This provides a kind of political legitimacy similar to but far exceeding that of the Imperial Lecture for the behavior of Emperor Zhao today.
Therefore, many people have a strong sense of ritual, and this sense of ritual brings everyone a strong sense of security and accomplishment.
Not to mention anything else, nearly thirty important ministers who arrived one after another were all dressed in court robes, all in red and purple, and sat down in order according to their status and rank on the steps in front of the lobby of the Imperial College. Even though the stools under their buttocks were very simple, they could not withstand the presence of Mr. Kong and Boss Zhao behind them. The satisfaction that came from sitting with the monarch in the presence of the sages and answering questions from low-level officials and students of the Imperial College was truly mysterious.
The lower-level officials, students, and literati on the other side also felt excited and encouraged by the opportunity to directly communicate with the core power structure of such a huge country.
In this regard, Emperor Zhao, who had already thrown all the questions to the ministers, had a subtle feeling after watching for a long time.
This is not to say that he is going to set up a parliament... Although Zhao Jiu couldn't help but think of this at the first time, after all, they are too similar... The real key is that this "pragmatic" official who has been in power for more than two years is keenly aware that this trip to the Imperial College has inadvertently achieved the "sacrificial" effect proposed by Hu Quan in the palace examination.
That is to unite people through simple ritual activities that are recognized by most people and have many participants.
God have mercy on him. With Zhao Jiu's poor political knowledge, he initially just wanted to learn about the Spring Festival visits to appease people's hearts, but the current situation was undoubtedly beyond his imagination.
But in any case, if he hated extravagant and witchcraft-themed sacrifices, why didn't he hold more such Imperial Academy political meetings?
As for any parliament or conference, he really hadn't thought about it, and he didn't have the theoretical level to make a judgment. He just said that at the moment, this measure has an immediate effect, and considering Zhao Guanjia's self-proclaimed "pragmatism", he has no reason to give up.
Everything is for the purpose of resisting the Jin army!
However, such harmonious discussions in the local schools still had some thorns.
As evening was approaching, Emperor Zhao pointed at one person after another and was about to stand up and announce that this was a victorious meeting, but someone in the front row could no longer bear it.
The man saw the opportunity and stood up, bowed, and then said, "Sir, I have something to say!"
When Zhao Jiu saw that it was Hu Quan, he smiled slightly.
It seems that this official has been deliberately avoiding Hu Quan, but now that he is in a good mood, he is calm and unhurried:
"Mr. Hu, the purpose of the township school political discussion is to speak freely, but if it is not orderly and polite, then it is meaningless... If you really have something to say, you can wait a moment and tell me in person on the way back to the palace. But I will not accept your words now, otherwise you will disturb the orderly and polite discussion of the people today!"
As soon as these words were spoken, many students of the Imperial College, who were already somewhat dissatisfied, became prouder, and then looked at this rude man with a slightly contemptuous look, as if they had instantly forgotten that this man was the top student of the Imperial College in the previous months, the first-class Jinshi in this year's special examination, and had also written the kind of ten thousand-word essay that astonished them.
Even though Hu Quan was fearless, he felt extremely embarrassed at this moment and could only bow his head.
Just like that, this provincial school political discussion ended successfully in a way beyond imagination, and Emperor Zhao stayed behind in person, leading dozens of important ministers to have dinner with the students of the Imperial Academy and many middle and low-level officials who came after hearing the news... Until the lights were turned on in the evening, Zhao Jiu led the important ministers across the Bian River floating bridge on the imperial road, and asked half of the imperial guards to escort the prime ministers and important ministers back to their residences first. Only then was the matter completely over.
It was not until this time that Emperor Zhao called Hu Quan to his side, and talked with him face to face as they walked. There were only about seven or eight close ministers who seemed to be accompanying him... namely, several Hanlin scholars such as Xiaolin Xueshi, several Zhongshu Sheren such as Fan Zongyin, and a few people such as the Palace Attendant Censor Wanqi Xie who came specially... accompanying him from the back.
"Is it about the official report?" Zhao Jiu went straight to the point.
"Yes." Despite having been up all day, Hu Quan still maintained the same eagerness to try as at the beginning.
"I have read your memorial." Zhao Jiu answered frankly. "It does make sense. I was indeed too frivolous..."
After these words were spoken, even Hu Quan, who was full of loyalty and courage and was ready to strongly advise the emperor, was stunned at this moment, because the emperor admitted his mistake right away.
However, Lin Jingmo and Wanqi Xie, who followed closely behind, couldn't help but look at each other.
But that’s not all. Emperor Zhao admitted his fault but still didn’t stop:
"But I also thought about it. This matter is not just my frivolousness. More importantly, the official newspaper is different from the provincial capital. The provincial capital has a secretary who can review government orders, but the official newspaper lacks a 'secretary'..."
Hu Quan became more and more silent. He really didn't know what to say. The ministers behind him were also stunned and thoughtful... because this short sentence from Emperor Zhao not only revealed a huge amount of information, but also seemed absurd.
First of all, the implied political message is basically concentrated in the three words "Jieshi Zhong" mentioned casually by the official.
After the Yuanfeng reform, Jieshizhong was a fourth-rank official, and has always been the highest-ranking and most powerful position among the red-robed officials. This is because the person holding this position has the right to make the final review of the decrees issued by the Menxia Province, and if they encounter a decree from the prime minister that they think is wrong, they can even suspend or refute it.
In other words, this position, like the Censor, is one of the few core positions that can control the prime minister. And considering that once the Censor impeaches the prime minister, it will be a life-and-death battle, the Jieshizhong appears to have more weight in daily work.
And when Emperor Zhao united the three provinces at the foot of Fangcheng Mountain and actually gave the ministers unprecedented governing power, and rarely replaced the ministers unless it was absolutely necessary, this position became even more critical.
After all, the greater the power of the prime minister and the more stable his position, the greater the power of this position.
However, perhaps it was precisely because of this that it was not set up when he was in exile in Huaishang, nor was it set up in Nanyang, and it was still not set up when he returned to Tokyo, as if everyone had forgotten about it.
But now Emperor Zhao blurted out the three words "Jieshi Zhong" and clearly knew the details of this position, which can only mean one thing - the Emperor wants to re-establish the position, or is considering re-establishing the position of Jieshi Zhong.
This means that there will be obvious changes in the power structure within the court.
Isn't this enough to shock everyone?
In comparison, Emperor Zhao's description of the court report using the word "Jieshi Zhong" seems much more absurd.
After all, the court bulletin was just a court bulletin, a collection of official public information sent by the Honglu Temple to various central departments and foreign envoys and generals. Even before Emperor Zhao ordered it to be handed over to the Honglu Temple for special handling, it was basically a miscellaneous work for the subordinates of a provincial government.
It was because the government paid attention to him that he gained some status.
The entire official report system, or even the entire Honglu Temple, is probably not as important as a Jieshi Zhong. This naturally makes people feel that the official's words are incredible.
"I have always wondered if I could make the official newspaper into something serious."
Zhao Jiu seemed to have guessed the thoughts of many people beside him and behind him, and he did not try to hide it, but continued to walk forward while talking nonsense. "Use woodblocks and movable type, print thousands or tens of thousands of copies at a time... Every county magistrate has a copy, every county school has a copy, and every slightly larger town has a copy. In the capital cities of prefectures and counties, unemployed officials and wealthy scholars who want to subscribe can also be given a copy... It not only contains personnel changes and public memorials, but also a special page for them to submit articles and discuss academic classics, and another page for publishing poems and songs... After a long time, it becomes a habit, and then it can publish important new decrees of the court and the results of war..."
At this point, Zhao Jiu suddenly stopped and turned back, and asked the already flustered Hu Quan sternly: "Mr. Hu, do you think this kind of court report should have a secretary?"
Hu Quan nodded blankly, but then suddenly realized something, and then he saluted on the spot: "Your Majesty, I am willing to be the secretary of the imperial court."
"Then you can take on the job of the Honglu Temple." Zhao Jiu nodded in response. "In fact, I originally wanted to let Scholar Lin handle this matter, but as an internal official, his status is too important, and it would be eye-catching if he did this... You go there, try this idea first and see if it works. Take one step at a time. If you encounter any difficulties, go directly to find Scholar Lin."
When Zhao Jiu said the last sentence, he turned around and glanced at several close ministers behind him, but in the end, his gaze fell on Lin Jingmo... and this obviously made Wanqi Yuanzhong a little disappointed. With the latter's intelligence, how could he not know that if this official report could really be completed, it would be an important thing?
Hu Quan bowed again and Lin Jingmo also stepped forward and saluted.
Having said this, Zhao Jiu, who had been tired for the whole day, finally showed some signs of fatigue. He said goodbye to several close ministers behind him and asked them to go home and rest early. Then he mounted his horse and, escorted by dozens of loyal cavalry squadrons in front of the emperor, headed north along the Imperial Street back to the palace.
After the government team left, only a few close ministers were left. Hu Quan received the instructions, but had something on his mind, so he just said goodbye to the remaining people, got on his donkey, and hurried back to the small house he had bought.
The rest of the people also dispersed.
However, Lin Jingmo and Wanqi Xie declined the armored warriors left behind by the government, and only took one or two of their own followers with them, walking side by side for a few steps along the way.
When they reached an intersection, Wanqi Xie suddenly spoke in the twilight:
"The government seems to be a little too hasty these days, and seems to have lost its sense of proportion. I wonder why?"
"Maybe there is a reason." Lin Jingmo responded on the spot, but that was all.
Wanqi Xie nodded without further investigation. The two of them parted ways from then on, each with their own thoughts.
Without mentioning the separation of Lin and Wanqi, on the other hand, in the Imperial College, because the Imperial College was expanded when the country was prosperous in the past, there were many houses, and many officials chose to stay overnight.
Among them, there was an important official who openly moved into the residence of Chen Gongfu, the chief academician of the Imperial College, and slept on the same bed with Chen Gongfu. He was none other than the Chief Censor of the dynasty, Li Guang Li Taifa.
It turned out that the two were from the same hometown and close friends, and they were only two years apart in age and had always been friendly with each other.
In this case, it is no wonder that after Taixue turned from virtual to real, many people watched Chen Gongfu occupy such an important position, but no one could do anything to him.
"Why is Brother Guozuo (Chen Gongfu's name) so tactful today and let the emperor off so easily?" The two of them went to their respective beds, and Li Guang was the first to laugh and tease. "With such an attitude, wouldn't it be a betrayal of your own reputation as a straight-forward person, and also a betrayal of the remnants of Li Gongxiang's gang?"
Chen Gongfu also laughed when he heard this.
It turns out that this Chen Gongfu, Chen Jijiu, who was the first place in the upper-level examination (which is equivalent to the top scholar) after the implementation of the Three-Shed System at that time, was also a person with a fierce temper. Not to mention his youth, he was promoted to the position of You Sijian (a low-level Jieshi Zhong) during the Jing Kang period. He has always been a bold and outspoken advocate of war. He has argued with the prime minister in the court many times and refuted Yuansheng (Song Qinzong) face to face.
Therefore, after the peace faction came to power, they simply exiled him in the name of Li Gang's remnants.
Later, when Li Gang came to power, he transferred him back from other places to serve as the chief academic officer of the Imperial College, in preparation for settling down the country one day and having him take control of the key position of the Imperial College... and judging from this action and today's results, his identity as a remnant of Li Gang has undoubtedly been confirmed.
However, after Chen Gongfu finished laughing, he suddenly asked back on the couch:
"Does Taifa really think I'm a remnant of Li Gongxiang?"
Li Guang was slightly startled and was about to say something else.
But Chen Gongfu did not wait for the other party to speak, and spoke again: "Then is Taifa himself a remnant of Li Gongxiang?"
Li Guang finally became serious, but it took him a long time before he looked at his friend across the bed and said solemnly: "A gentleman should not form a party. He should indeed be self-disciplined. Hu Anguo's words that day were absurd, but he said that there were factions in the court and the trend of factional struggles. Although I was the first to be accused of this, I also deeply agree with him... But brother Guozuo, have you ever thought about it? Since the old and new parties in those days, the factional struggles in the Song Dynasty have lasted for decades and have become a routine. Now that everyone in the world sees us this way, we are a party even if we are not a party!"
"That's true, but we still shouldn't have a party, or rather, we shouldn't form a party out of selfishness," Chen Gongfu said solemnly. "Let me ask you, why are we considered to be a party of Li Gongxiang (Li Gang) during the Jingkang period? Is it really because we are all connected and exclude dissidents? Or are we all like you, who have a close personal relationship with Li Gongxiang?"
Li Guang's heart moved slightly.
But before the Chief Censor could respond, Chen Gongfu had already given :
"You and I have never formed a party. The reason why we are regarded as a party by the world is that we both advocated war at that time, and the one who advocated war was Li Gongxiang at that time, so we became Li Gongxiang's party! Even if we are friends, most of them were formed because we shared the same hatred and enemies at that time. For example, why did I help Li Gongxiang in everything when I was the Right Censor at that time? Wasn't it because only Li Gongxiang could take responsibility for the government at that time, and there were only one or two feasible solutions? If we gave in and let Zhang Bangchang and his people gain power, I'm afraid the Jingkang Incident would have come a year earlier!"
Li Guang nodded repeatedly: "Brother Guozuo is right. The party of gentlemen is formed because of justice. We have no regrets."
Hearing this, the originally serious Chen Gongfu suddenly smiled: "Then may I ask Taifa, who is the main battle flag today? As his party member, why should I embarrass him?"
Li Guang was stunned for a moment, so much so that he was dumbfounded, but he always felt that something was wrong, so after a while he still managed to answer: "Brother Guozuo, that is the emperor! As a minister, one should first pick up lost items and give advice and criticism. If you take the emperor as your ally, I am afraid you will be known as a flatterer..."
"With a powerful enemy at hand, for the sake of a mere reputation, instead of helping, are you intent on picking up the missing pieces and making sarcastic comments?" Chen Gongfu remained calm.
"If we are facing a powerful enemy, we must keep quiet and do our best to help Your Majesty eliminate the noise, but isn't the situation good now?" Li Guang still found it difficult to accept because it conflicted with his common sense. "The Yellow River is already in our hands. The main force of the Jin army has not arrived for nearly a year. Although there have been battles of varying sizes during this period, the Song Dynasty has won more than it has lost. It seems that the situation has gradually become a confrontation between the north and the south."
"It's too early!" Chen Gongfu shook his head immediately. "I think the court is far from the point of confrontation... Apart from anything else, if the situation is really good and stable, why would the emperor be in such a hurry during this period? Wouldn't it be better to hide in the palace for half a year and be a role model for the world? At that time, he would have no flaws at all, and even if he wanted to criticize, he wouldn't know what to criticize."
Under the light, Li Guang was silent for a long time before he spoke: "Brother Guozuo, are you saying that there will be a war soon?"
"I don't know." Chen Gongfu still shook his head. "How can you and I understand military affairs? But I understand that the emperor is a little nervous and timid when he is vigorous and resolute... At this time, we, as officials, must first perform our duties conscientiously. If we want to pick up the missing pieces, we should be pragmatic first. Why bother talking about morality? Not to mention undermining the emperor's authority in public."
Li Guang finally laughed: "If that's the case, wouldn't it be better not to ask about that kind of thing in the beginning?"
"Isn't it because he has been idle for a long time and rarely sees the emperor, so he can't bear it for a while?" Chen Gongfu finally laughed. "But the emperor has some quick wits... And how do you know that I haven't been convinced by the opinions of the emperor, both inside and outside?"
"You should ask Brother Guozuo yourself. Anyway, who in the north and south of Zhejiang dares to call themselves smart in front of you?" Li Guang finally lay down with his head raised.
Chen Gongfu immediately blew out the lights, and the two of them didn't speak any more that night.
