I studied in modern times

Chapter 451 Sima Guang: Your Majesty is like me, worried about all the people in the world
  After sending Feng Jing away, Zhao Xu returned to the side hall as if nothing had happened and continued to look at the utensils brought by Shen Kuo.

They are all small things, just like planes. They are not technically difficult, but very practical.

Just like the tape measure Zhao Xu is holding in his hand now.

The structure of this thing is very simple, that is, cut the cloth into appropriate strips, and then mark the precise feet, steps, feet, inches, and minutes on them.

Finally, wrap the cloth strip around an iron ring.

When you need to use it, just pull out the cloth strip.

Of course, not as easy to use as a modern tape measure.

The service life is probably not too long either.

But it’s enough!

With the tape measure, in the future, whether officials measure land or measure tools in workshops, they will have tools that are suitable for use.

Zhao Xu played with the tape measure and asked, "Shen Tiju, how many sets of tape measures have you made so far?"

"Your Majesty, I have informed you that there are now more than ten sets." Shen Kuo answered with his head lowered.

"Send them all to Song Yongchen." Zhao Xu ordered: "Just in time, Jing'anfang needs this."

The residential expropriation work in Jing'anfang has now begun in full swing.

The initially set collection price is an increase of [-]% from the market price.

The price is very reasonable and can even be said to be the most reasonable price ever.

After all, in the past, although Zhao officials would compensate for the demolished residences.

The money given is nominally the market price. But in fact, everyone knows that if ordinary people want to get money from the government, they can't do it without giving them benefits.

But this time, Zhao Xu put Song Yongchen and Zhang Yi in charge of the expropriation of residential buildings in Jing'anfang, which was supervised by the Kaifeng Prefecture's "promoting internal and external roads and official affairs in Bianjing".

In this organization, Zhao Xu has inserted ministers who are known for their integrity and love for the people.

People like Fan Chunren, Lu Dafang, Cheng Yi and others are the kind of people who can't get sand into their eyes.

Don't even think about losing the people's compensation money under the noses of these people.

Of course, these people who have received compensation will not be able to leave Bianjing to work as farmers elsewhere unless they take the money.

Otherwise, they would not be able to escape from Zhao Xu's grasp.

As long as they stay in Bianjing, the money in their hands will sooner or later return to Zhao Xu through various channels.

They use the money to rent a house or do business.

It's all just spinning around in Zhao Xu's hands.

Because the largest real estate developer in Bianjing City is Zhao Xu!

Zhao Xu put down the tape measure and picked up other objects to look at.

These things, like tape measures and planes, are tools for patching the current Song Dynasty economy and ready-made technology.

After looking at all the artifacts, Zhao Xu asked Feng Jing to take them all to the side hall of Qionglin Garden.

"Let's change the name of this hall." When walking out of the side hall, Zhao Xu suddenly stopped and looked at the plaque hanging under the eaves.

Its name: Zuoyidian.

Just by looking at the name, you can tell that this side hall has never been named by any previous emperor.

Because all members of Zhao Guan's family are young people, they would not give such an uncultured name.

The minister in charge of Qionglin Garden immediately bowed: "Please give me the name of the palace."

"From now on, this hall will be used to display and specialize in the manufacture of objects invented by the Ordnance Bureau." Zhao Xu looked at Shen Kuo with a smile and said softly: "In that case, let's name it after Shen Qing's cousin."

"Cave the middle hall!"

Shen Kuo immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty is so kind to me, I dare not accept it."

Save the nave?
  Name a royal palace after a minister.

Even if this hall is just the back garden side hall of Qionglin Garden, the royal garden.

However, this is already the highest honor for the minister!
  why?
  Since Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty established the Qilin Pavilion, he painted portraits of heroes and described their achievements.

Officials of all dynasties are proud to be in the Hall of Meritorious Officials.

Therefore, Guangwu had twenty-eight generals from Yuntai, and Emperor Taizong had twenty-four meritorious officials from Lingyan Pavilion.

Nowadays, officials have to name a royal palace after his cousin.

This is destined to go down in history and become a legend for future generations.

Zhao Xu looked at Shen Kuo and said sincerely: "I love you, no need to refuse."

"The affairs of the Ordnance Bureau, which specializes in manufacturing, are still under the control of Lao Aiqing."

Shen Kuo is one of the most skillful ministers Zhao Xu currently uses.

When I first took office, I worked for Zhao Xu almost every day at [-], and sometimes even at [-].

So Zhao Xu had to issue an edict to his wife, requiring her to strictly control Shen Kuo's working hours.

Even so, according to Zhao Xu's understanding, Shen Kuo is still known as a workaholic in the bureau that specializes in manufacturing weapons.

Almost every day, he is the first to arrive at the Yamen and the last to leave.

Even Tong Guan was so impressed by him that he admired him!

However, Shen Kuo's eyes turned red because he was moved by Zhao Xu, and he bowed repeatedly: "Your Majesty, I have no way to repay you for your kindness. I can only serve your Majesty with my whole life and die!"

Zhao Xu laughed when he heard this and said: "I know your loyalty, and the emperor also knows it!"

"When the imperial examination was in Japan, he told me many times: Minister Shen Kuo is loyal and can be used, and he does not care about himself. Sincerity will only bring disadvantages."

As Shen Kuo listened, tears were already welling up in his eyes.

Although he didn't know, when did the late emperor mention him to the current officials? He also didn't understand why the late emperor wanted to exile him to Suizhou for several years even though he valued him so much.
  But he knew that the late emperor had indeed explained some of his affairs to the current officials.

Moreover, the late emperor valued him extremely and regarded him as the young master's minister.

This matter is now being discussed even among the public.

Many people say that in fact, when the current official family was registered as the king of Yan'an County, the late emperor had already trained him, Shen Kuo and Shen Cunzhong, as a minister of the young master.

The evidence is that when Shen Kuo was registered as the king of Yan'an in today's official family, he was dismissed by the late emperor as the envoy of Yanzhou Road Economic Strategy and Comfort and also knew Yanzhou.

The sincere expectations of two generations of emperors, the late emperor’s kindness in knowing and appreciating opportunities, his cherishing of talents, and today’s importance and trust.

No matter how hard it was for Shen Kuo to control himself, he shed tears in an instant and bowed again with choked sobs.

"Shen Qing, please take care of yourself!" Seeing this, Zhao Xu said sincerely: "I will still need your assistance in the future."

With that said, Zhao Xu gave instructions to the people around him: "You will take note of this and take the best health-preserving medicines from the Royal Medicine Court every ten days, as well as all kinds of delicacies from the Royal Kitchen, to send to Shen Tiju's house."

Shen Kuo was even more moved. He choked with sobs and prostrated in obeisance: "It's hard to repay God's kindness, but I can only die to be loyal to His Majesty!"

To Shen Kuo, Zhao Xu, the young master, was almost the perfect dream king.

It's not just about paying attention to him and caring about him.

In terms of actions and details, it is almost perfect.

It’s not just about undressing and eating.

Even his personal life and private affairs are arranged with great care and consideration.

For example, his nephews who went to Beijing to join him were all arranged by imperial edict to study in Kaifeng Mansion.

From now on, they won't have to go back to their hometowns to apply for the few spots in the exam.

You can directly take the exam in Kaifeng Prefecture.

The difficulty level of Kaifeng Prefecture's FAQ test is the lowest in the world.

If those guys can't even pass the Kaifeng Mansion exam, it can only mean that they are not good at studying, and they should give up their desire to seek fame as soon as possible.

For example, if the emperor's special decree provided for the maids and servants hired by his family, he would use internal funds to provide for them, which in fact raised his status to a minister-in-waiting, and he was also a minister-in-waiting with the title of bachelor.

There is an endless stream of other posthumous gifts from parents and kindness from wives.

Thanks to his blessing, his father Shen Zhou has now been posthumously given the title of Minister of Household Affairs, and his mother has also been posthumously given the title of Mrs. Shangjun Tai.

Nowadays, even the details of life are beginning to be paid attention to.

Shen Kuo was extremely grateful for such a favor.

……

It was already dusk when we returned to Funing Hall.

After Zhao Xu returned to the palace, under the service of the female officials, he took a bath first and then changed into clean clothes.

He had just rested for a while when Feng Jing came to him and said, "Everyone, I heard that Mr. Sima seems to be writing notes at home and is preparing to ask for justice."

Zhao Xu's expression suddenly became exciting.

"Excuse me?" He wondered: "Did Mr. Sima discuss it with other governors?"

Feng Jing shook his head.

Zhao Xu rubbed his hands silently.

Sima Guang did this because he planned to risk his life.

Once this is done, criticism from both inside and outside the government will inevitably follow. I'm afraid the other governors are also very uneasy now.

You know, Sima Guang is very popular in the world.

Even though his popularity is no longer as high as it was last year, the aura of the old party’s red banner still surrounds him.

Now, Sima Guang made a desperate move. He did not discuss with the Prime Minister or notify the Prime Minister, so he wrote a letter to ask for justice.

Once this matter spreads, what will the world think?
  Does anyone think that the current prime minister was deliberately suppressing and ostracizing him, Sima Guang?
  Will anyone think that so-and-so, so-and-so, betrayed Sima Guang? !

This will not work!

Zhao Xu thought about it for a while and then said to Feng Jing: "Feng Jing, as my envoy, you should immediately go to Sima Gong's residence to deliver the message and ask Sima Gong to come to Chongzheng Hall tomorrow to see you."

What can Zhao Xu do?
  The only way is to take action first to minimize the impact.

At least, Sima Guang cannot be allowed to flip the table!

It should be noted that once Sima Guang broke the rules, he submitted a letter to seek redress without consulting other governors or communicating with them.

It was tantamount to him casting a vote of no confidence in all other rulers.

Naturally, in this case, Sima Guang had only one outcome: removal.

As for the other prime ministers, one by one, they are bound to be involved.

Public opinion inside and outside the government will explode.

Those who regard Sima Guang as their idol and role model will definitely ask a question: Who forced Sima Gong, a virtuous minister who has the hope of the world, to this point?
  The most terrible thing is that Zhao Xu knows that Sima Guang will not live long.

Once Sima Guang died after being dismissed.

All rulers today will fall into moral dilemmas.

People like Lu Gongzhu, Li Chang and others are even more likely to be criticized by thousands of people.

Therefore, Zhao Xu thought about it briefly and continued to give Feng Jing instructions: "When you arrive at Sima Gong's residence, remember to comfort him and say, I have been on the throne for more than a year. I have thought about the emperor's entrustment and the affairs of the world. I am frightened, so I invite Lord Sima into the palace to inquire about the world's situation."

"Besides..." Zhao Xu thought for a while and added: "Feng Jing, before going to Sima Gong's residence, first go to the residences of Kang Guogong, Shen Guogong, Taishi Wen, Zhang Jiedu, and Sun Xueshi..."

"Tell all the elders and prime ministers what I mean."

Zhao Xu's acting skills have always been good, especially in details, which he always attaches great importance to.

This time is no exception.

If he only summoned Sima Guang alone, then any fool would know that Zhao Xu was sending people to spy on him, or at least he was also secretly observing the movements of the ministers.

This is not good!
  It’s too slap in the face.

You know, Zhao Xu has always expressed his attitude of "willing to rule the world together with the world's scholar-bureaucrats."

Therefore, Zhao Xu could only choose to escalate the matter.

Just get all the veterans involved.

Let’s organize this matter into a ‘National Government Affairs Review Meeting on the First Anniversary of Taking the Throne’.

In this way, Zhao Xu can be picked clean.

At least it's clean on the surface.

That's what politics is like.

There are many things that everyone knows, and each other can respect each other.

But once it is exposed and made public, no one will be able to show dignity.

Everyone will lose face.

"No!" Feng Jing wrote it down seriously before taking the order and leaving.

But as soon as he reached the entrance of Funing Hall, Zhao Xu stopped him again and told him: "Feng Jing! Before delivering the order, go to the General Meeting Department to discuss with Guo Zhongxiao and arrange the time."

There are rules for all ministers to be in pairs.

It must also be arranged and introduced by the Communications Department.

If the Tongjian Si didn't know about it and didn't arrange the shift, when the ministers came to the palace according to the imperial edict, the Tongjian Si might be in a hurry.

At the same time, it may also be revealed that Zhao Xu made the decision now.

This is not good!
  Feng Jing was stunned for a few seconds, then he reacted and bowed immediately: "No, I understand."

……

Tonight, the stars are shining brightly.

Sima Guang's mansion was brightly lit.

Sima Guang was writing quickly at his desk.

"Sir..." Sima Kang's voice came from the door.

"What's the matter?" Sima Guang raised his head and asked.

"Feng Jing, a minister beside the emperor, is asking for an audience outside the door."

Sima Guang frowned. He stood up, opened the door, looked at Sima Kang who was standing in front of the door, and asked with a sullen face: "I wanted to write a letter to ask for justice, but you leaked it?"

He knew that there was no other person besides his son who he wanted to write to seek justice.

Now, the emperor's trusted ministers came to visit during the starry night.

Sima Guang's first reaction was naturally that this traitor had done a good deed!

Sima Kang was so frightened that he immediately knelt down, kowtowed and said, "My lord, how dare you disobey your lord?"

"Why did the emperor's ministers come to visit him at starry night?" Sima Guang looked at Sima Kang's appearance and didn't believe the rebellious son's words at all.

not him?
  Who else could it be?

Sima Kang trembled and bowed, "Your Majesty, I have heard the angel's words. I first went to the residences of Taishi Wen, Zhang Jiedu, and Sun Xueshi, and then went to the residences of Han Xianggong and Lu Xianggong."

"I finally arrived here..."

In fact, when Sima Kang heard that there was an angel outside the door, he was frightened and turned pale.

Because he did tell people what his father wanted to write to ask for justice.

After he came back, he accidentally revealed that he was drunk while drinking with Yan Jidao in the editorial office of Bianjing Yibao.

And Yan Jidao disappeared after afternoon.

Maybe he went to Wazili to get drunk, or maybe he went to an old lover's house for a tryst.

Fortunately, Sima Kang soon learned that the angel went to the mansions of senators and prime ministers, and finally came to his home.

Only then did he let go of his heavy heart.

Sima Guang listened and looked at Sima Kang carefully.

After pondering for a moment, Sima Guang walked out of the study door and said to him: "Let me go with you to see the angel."

If it is true that this treacherous son has revealed what he is going to write to seek justice.

He will break this traitor's legs!

……

A quarter of an hour later, Sima Guang finished listening to the official oral message delivered by the angel in his living room.

He looked back at Sima Kang, and his expression finally softened.

If Sima Kang really betrayed him.

Then there is a thief in his house!

This is an unbearable pain for him now.

Good thing...

This son finally did not betray him.

So, he stood up, cupped his hands to the young chamberlain, and said, "Please tell your Majesty, I will tell you everything you want to know!"

In his heart, Sima Guang's fighting spirit began to burn brightly.

He felt powerful now.

why?
  The emperor is indeed a sage and knows how to promptly ask ministers and elders about their views on the affairs of the world. He also knows how to consult extensively with ministers to know the sufferings of the world in a timely manner.

Zhen Nai Mingjun!

When the emperor takes charge, he will definitely wipe out Shen Ke, eradicate all old evils, and restore a bright future to the world!
  Sima Guang has enough confidence in this!

Because that emperor was known to everyone for his frugality, love for the people, benevolence and filial piety!

His three meals a day were never more than three or four dishes.

He also didn't like rare things. All the clothes he wore in the four seasons were sewn by the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine. He didn't wear any of the clothes presented by Yousi.

It is said that every time he changed the clothes the Queen Mother had sewn for him, he would shed tears and say to his parents: I would not give up the love of the Queen Mother.

Now he even took the initiative to summon the ministers to inquire about the situation of the world.

Such an emperor completely fits the Mingjun imagined by Sima Guang.

Naturally, in Sima Guang's view, his Majesty must be just like him, worried about all the people in the world!

(End of this chapter)