Prime Minister

Chapter 514 Desolation Policy (two updates combined into one update)
The flow of the Yellow River east is surging and mighty, and its momentum remains unabated for tens of thousands of miles.

At this moment, after the early spring, not long ago, Lingxun on the upper reaches of the river washed away the dams and destroyed more than [-] mu of land, leaving tens of thousands of people homeless and falling along the river.

The flood of the Yellow River occurs every year, so the court is not surprised by the people who have lost their homes.

In the reeds beside the Yellow River, Zhang Yue, Tang Jiu, and Wang Gong were here. They were going out for an outing in their spare time, taking a look at the majestic scenery of the Yellow River. They never expected to meet so many ragged people along the way.

It was still a peaceful year, but when a flood came, Zhang Yue almost saw the scene of troubled times.

"Master, let's go quickly, don't run into the refugees." Tang Jiu said to Zhang Yue.

Zhang Yue also knew that he had to avoid it, so he immediately got on his horse and looked over from the horse.He happened to see a refugee fall, and the people on the left and right did not help him up, but took the opportunity to strip off his clothes and put them on himself...

The rest of the people continued to walk indifferently...

Some people looked at Zhang Yue, came over to ask loudly, and pointed to the grass mark on their fingers.

Zhang Yue couldn't understand what these people said, but he also knew that they meant selling themselves into slavery.

Tang Jiudao: "My lord, don't pity these people. They have no legitimate background, so you must not show mercy. In the past, thieves mixed with the refugees and sold themselves to the homes of wealthy families, and then... plotted against them."

Zhang Yue knew that when selecting servants in the families of Bianjing officials, they all wanted to be clean, and no matter how bad they were, they needed someone to recommend them.

Zhang Yue said: "This world will drive all good people to ruin."

The crowd left immediately, seeing Zhang Yue and the others leaving, they couldn't help running a few steps.In the end, seeing that they couldn't catch up, Zhang Yue and the others, who were heading far away, spat heavily on the smear, and weapons were exposed from their waists.

"This world is too dangerous!"

After riding away from these refugees on horseback, Zhang Yue and the others continued on their way, and then Zhang stopped to rest at the road pavilion in Junyi County.

There are many civilians and refugees who want to enter the city, but there are officers and soldiers guarding them.A lot of people haunt it, if they are young and strong men, they will look at their mouths like picking animals, if they are women, they will splash water on the face to see if they are good-looking.

Many women and children knelt on the side of the street, and their family members shouted to sell themselves to them.

Wang Gongdao: "It would be great if I can enter Bianjing, at least I can ask for food, and I don't have to sell myself into slavery."

Tang Jiudao: "Bianjing may not be good. There are many underground canals in Bianjing. On weekdays, many desperadoes live in them, and they call themselves Wuyou Cave. They even kidnap and traffic women and children to hide here. Such a place is called Ghost Fanlou. "

"On weekdays, we all see Bianjing's glamorous appearance. When I couldn't eat in Bianjing, I ran into these people several times, and it can be said that they did all kinds of evil."

Zhang Yue drank a bowl of hot tea and ate some snacks by the road pavilion. Seeing a refugee child come up to beg, he waved to the shopkeeper.

After the store arrived, he asked with a smile: "What orders do you have from the high officials? But the food in the small store doesn't suit your appetite?"

Zhang Yue put a sling of money on the table and said: "It's consistent, I want you to make some snacks for the children."

The shopkeeper said with a smile: "Your official, you are really kind. But..."

"But what?"

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Even if I talk too much, your little money won't help you."

Zhang Yue said: "I know, but for the matter of the icy Yellow River, I heard that the local officials have already gone to the court to ask for relief. This Junyi County is under the foot of the emperor, and the people-friendly officials will definitely do their duty."

The shopkeeper smiled and said nothing.

At this time, someone suddenly heard from the side saying: "It's a pity that even under the emperor's feet, there are still mediocre officials who don't do anything."

The voice fell.

Zhang Yue turned his head to look, but he saw a man in his 30s and [-]s wearing a shirt with a rough face and a blue belt around his waist, and he spoke with a rebellious air.

Zhang Yue cupped his hands and said, "I don't know who you are?"

Fang Yan said: "I'm Zheng Xia, the Juren who came to Beijing this time to take the exam."

Zhang Yue thought to Zheng Xia, it couldn't be such a coincidence, could it be the Zheng Xia from the upper class map.

Zhang Yue inquired: "So it's Brother Zheng, why did you say that?"

Zheng Xia looked at Zhang Yue and asked, "Is Xiongtai an official or a scholar?"

Zhang Yuedao: "My surname is Zhang, Zhang Gongchang, and my ancestors had an official from Pucheng to Beijing to rush for the exam. Unfortunately, I failed in the two rural exams. I have been studying in Xishan Temple. It is a pity that I failed again in the current Ke Qiuwei."

After Zhang Yue finished speaking, he showed a very melancholy look, and his feelings of wasting years in the fame and fame were beyond words.

Zheng Xia nodded and said, "So it's Brother Zhang, he's from Fuqing, and Brother Zhang is from Fujian."

Zhang Yue said with a smile: "It's really a pleasure to meet a fellow countryman thousands of miles away. Seeing that Brother Zheng's conversation is very good, who did he learn from?"

Zheng Xiadao: "I have worshiped many teachers, but when I was studying in Jiangning, I worshiped under the former imperial eunuch Wang Jixian."

Zhang Yuexin thought that the other party was really Wang Anshi's disciple, but he deliberately exclaimed on his face: "Could it be that brother Zheng is Mr. Jiefu's disciple? I really disrespect and disrespect."

Zheng Xia laughed and said: "Brother Zhang is so young, it's no problem if he wants to achieve fame, so don't be discouraged."

Zhang Yue obviously didn't want to talk more about the topic of the imperial examination, but asked: "Brother Zheng, what did you say about the local officials? But Brother Zheng, you are about to compete, I have a word to remind you, you must be careful, otherwise it will spread It is difficult to get into the ears of examiners."

Zheng Xia snorted and said: "It's just a mere fame, do you think I can stop me from speaking out? Brother Zhang is really a timid person. Brother Zhang, how old are you? If you are so angry, how can you write a good article and let the examiner appreciate it?"

Zhang Yue said sincerely and sincerely: "Brother Zheng saw and taught me that it's my short-sightedness."

Speaking of this, Zheng Xia said: "Since Brother Zhang wants to know about the relief, just follow me to the porridge market to have a look."

Zhang Yue followed Zheng Xia to the porridge market, which was run by the government and guarded by soldiers on the left and right.

There are a few fluffy heads hanging on the conspicuous heights. It is estimated that the disaster victims rushed to the porridge in the past.

But I saw that there are two places in the porridge market to give porridge to the refugees.

There was a long line of refugees at one porridge pot, almost hundreds of people, but there were not many refugees at the other porridge pot.

Zhang Yue asked Zheng Xia, "What's going on?"

Zheng Xia said: "One side of the porridge is free, but there are only a few rice grains in the soup. The other side of the porridge is full, but it costs ten yuan a bowl."

Zhang Yue's expression changed after hearing this, and he said: "The imperial government has its own system for its own administration, and they all come from Changping warehouses. How can there be such gruel?"

Zheng Xia said: "You don't know something about this."

"How can you tell if you are a refugee? What if there are idlers among the local people who come to eat a bowl of porridge? How can there be so much food in the Changping warehouse?"

"Therefore, even idlers in the city would not want to drink the porridge that does not cost money, but the porridge that requires money must be bought by the victims themselves, and the local officials will make a fortune from it. How can the court lose money?"

Zhang Yue was speechless after listening.

Zheng Xia said: "This is also the case. Nowadays, there is a lack of government in various places. It's just that I really can't stand it."

At this time, one person in the porridge team suddenly fell to the ground, and immediately officers and soldiers ordered civilian husbands to carry him away and throw him to the mass grave. The people complained that the porridge was not enough to drink.

Seeing this, Zhang Yue immediately stepped forward to the porridge market, but saw that there were people cursing at the free porridge: "If you see a woman, scoop up a little more, that's all for us, it's not even enough to rinse your mouth."

Zhang Yue jumped over the long line of refugees, but was stopped by officers and soldiers.Seeing Zhang Yue's attire, the other party couldn't help asking: "Why are you here for porridge too?"

Zhang Yue said: "I am a scholar, and I want to see you in charge."

After hearing the release from the officers and soldiers, Zhang Yue came to the porridge field, but he saw that the person who distributed the porridge only gave each commoner half a spoonful of porridge, and the porridge was really clear soup with little water. Burning, I can't wait to swallow the whole pot of porridge in one bite.

"Who is in charge?"

An official in his fifties stood up and asked, "Who are you?"

Zhang Yue said: "I am a scholar living in the middle of Beijing. Today I traveled to Gui County to see this scene. The imperial court's compensation for the victims is naturally from the kindness of the Tian family."

"But now I see that a bowl of porridge that can fill your stomach is ten yuan a bowl, and those who don't need money will not be able to eat. Look at this porridge field and starve to death, so what will the victims do?"

The official said with a smile: "Is it possible that this scholar has become a fool with his studies, and he has his own rules for how to serve porridge. I just do my duty here. No matter how many people starve to death outside, I have nothing to do with it. I didn't starve them to death."

Zhang Yue said: "Construction is constitution, but there is nothing more than human feelings outside of constitution."

"What's more, ten pennies can buy a bucket of rice. How can there be a catty of rice in this bowl of porridge? Is there a trick here?"

The other party's countenance changed and he said, "You scholar, are you here to find fault?"

The officials on the left and right glared at Zhang Yue, and Zhang Yue said: "I am not looking for faults, I am here to teach you a way today. Aren't you afraid that someone will pretend to be a refugee? Then I will teach you that everyone who drinks this bowl of porridge will shave Lose half of your eyebrows!"

When the left and right refugees heard Zhang Yue's method, they all applauded.

"This way is good!"

"You really deserve to be a scholar!"

"A real idler would not shave his eyebrows for a bowl of porridge."

When the official heard Zhang Yue's method, he also admitted in his heart that it was a good method, but he said 'this' in his mouth.

"how?"

Just as the official was about to speak, he heard the voice outside: "The magistrate of this county is here!"

As soon as the official heard this, he hurriedly left the chapter and went out to meet him in a hurry.

Zhang Yue looked over and saw a 40-something-year-old official in a blue official robe walking over under the stars of the yamen servants.

The so-called Baili Hou means that within a hundred li radius he promises everything he says.

Of course, the opponent is very prestigious within a county, but Zhang Yue looked at the green robe on his body and knew that the opponent probably came from a mixed background.

Because the officials of the eighth and ninth ranks in the Song Dynasty were all green robes, and the county magistrates were all between the eighth and ninth ranks, whether they were large or small county officials. However, if you were born as a Jinshi, the emperor would give you a green robe.

At this time, Zheng Xia walked up to Zhang Yue and said, "This man is the local county magistrate Lan, and he is not easy to get along with. I went to the county to talk about the lack of governance, and I almost got a meal. , this is because he sees that I am about to save the test."

Zhang Yue looked at Zheng Xia and said in his heart, you are really a dog, so you knew this was the case and didn't tell me.

"Brother Zhang, let's go!" Zheng Xia reminded.

Zheng Xia just wanted to provoke Zhang Yue on purpose, to see if this person has the courage and chivalry, and whether he is worthy of friendship.

Scholars in the Song Dynasty had a high status, and an official might be concerned about your status, but now that the county magistrate is here, the other party doesn't take you seriously.

But the Lan county magistrate arrived at the congee market, looked around, and then said in front of a group of officials and gentry who followed him: "This dynasty's barbaric government is far better than that of the previous dynasty. The officials of all dynasties love the people like their sons, and have the common people in their hearts. "

"Now that I am a parent officer at the feet of the Son of Heaven, I also follow the holy will. I will not be stingy with the rice grains in the Changping warehouse in this county just because they are refugees."

All the officials and gentry said: "My husband shares the worries of the officials. He is really a first-class capable official."

Xianggong is a respectful title for senior officials, but in a county, local people often use this title to flatter the county magistrate.

Immediately Lan County Magistrate walked to the side of the porridge field, and Zheng Xia tugged on Zhang Yue's sleeve, signaling him to leave immediately, but Zhang Yue stood motionless.

Zheng Xia couldn't help but wonder, could the other party be a fool.He wanted to go first by himself, but felt that it would be embarrassing to leave Zhang behind, so he stayed by his side.

"Who are these two people? Why are they here if they're not refugees?" County Magistrate Lan frowned and asked the officials.

The official whispered a few words in each other's ears.

Lan County Magistrate showed a dazed expression when he heard the words, and walked up to Zhang Yue and Zheng Xia with his hands behind his back.

"It's you again? I spared you last time, why did you bring people to make trouble this time? Could it be that you want to smash this porridge shop?"

Under Lan County Magistrate's words, many refugees on the left and right trembled when they saw it.

Zheng Xia was about to speak, Zhang Yue said first: "Xianggong is really a great official!"

When had the county magistrate Lan been robbed like this before in the county, seeing that the other party didn't pay homage to him when he saw that he was a majestic county magistrate, there seemed to be some reason for his neither humble nor overbearing appearance.

"Who are you?"

Zhang Yue said: "I just passed by a scholar in Gui County. The county magistrate gave porridge to save the people out of good intentions, and it was also the kindness of the emperor, but the county magistrate was in this porridge field. In a moment, I saw three people starve to death. Therefore, he was carried out!"

"Xianggong!" The officials on the side were about to explain in a hurry, but they stopped for Lan County magistrate: "Why do I need you, a young man, to teach me how to do things? The imperial court has its own rules and regulations. This county The office has regulations to follow, what do you mean by blatantly saying that this county is not here?"

Zhang Yue said: "The charter of the Huangzheng came from the promotion of the Changping Division. It is not bad for Xianggong to follow the Changping Division's charter, but governance must not only follow the charter, but also be considerate of human feelings."

"A bowl of solid porridge, ten cents a bowl, is quite expensive? Of course, the ten cents also has its reasons, but if you are afraid that the refugees will take the money, you can shave a refugee's eyebrows..."

"Ridiculous!" the county magistrate angrily said: "Do you think your method is beyond the imagination of this county? But you are also a scholar. Don't you know that your parents shaved off people's eyebrows for no reason? This is also what scholars of your generation did. something?"

Zhang Yue said: "This is better than starving to death alone..."

"What nonsense!"

Lan County Magistrate said: "How can this county be so ignorant when I see you today? This county's good government that loves the people like a son, will not become a bad government if you talk about it indiscriminately and indiscriminately!"

"Come on!"

The county magistrate Lan shouted, and the left and right yamen servants stepped forward.

But Lan County magistrate pointed to Zhang Yue and said, "Cuff this man to me, and show it to the public here!"

(End of this chapter)