I studied in modern times

Chapter 611 Death of Sima Guang (2)

Sima Guang had no idea of ​​the twists and turns in Zhao Xu's mind.

As soon as he heard Zhao Xu's sincere statement, he immediately felt relieved.

There is no need for a king to lie to his subjects.

Especially a dying veteran.

Therefore, it must be sincere words from the bottom of your heart.

So, he said excitedly: "Your Majesty is a wise man, and the world is blessed!"

For people like Sima Guang, the ideological stamp of anti-war and peace has long been embedded in their minds.

It's not that he is a capitulator.

Rather, he determined that Da Song could not win, and even if he did win, the gains would outweigh the losses.

This is something that has been solidified over decades of life experience.

It is very possible that Wang Anshi deceived the emperor and instilled the heresy of the new law into the young master who placed his hopes on a gentleman and a righteous man, and that everyone would be upright and prosperous.

At least, the people below the third-class households are now indifferent to the new law.

"I am scared, but I hope that your majesty will come to court and be close to virtuous ministers and stay away from villains."

Well, we should pay special attention to Wang Anshi's disciples and old friends.

To be honest, Sima Guang is not outstanding among them.

Sima Guang let out a breath and looked at the officials outside the door.

Zhao Xu saw the right opportunity and took the opportunity to ask: "My husband is concerned with state affairs, but do you have any advice for me?"

Thinking like this, Sima Guang swallowed back the words that came to his lips. He held Zhao Xu's hand and said affectionately: "Old minister Zao Gao is dull. He only knows a few commonplaces about world affairs."

He has been supervising the public opinion guidance of Sima Kang's "Bianjing Yibao".

So they will stubbornly regard these things as truth.

Not only is it annoying, it's also inappropriate.

The reason why those treacherous officials and villains dare not openly discuss, praise, and praise Wang Anshi.

So, absolutely not!

And with Bianjing Xinbao in hand, he could immediately take over Bianjing Yibao, a tabloid that had great influence among the scholar-bureaucrats.

Zhao Xu nodded: "Don't worry, Sir, I will remember it."

It's just because I'm worried about the attitude of the two palaces.

He wanted to take this opportunity to express all his dissatisfaction with Wang Anshi's new law.

Sima Guang was even more moved. He felt that he had no regrets about meeting such a wise king in this life!

is that useful?
Today is different from the past. In Han Jiang, the Dharma-transmitting ascetic (after Wang Anshi resigned as prime minister for the first time, he recommended Han Jiang to take over, and Lu Huiqing assisted him, so people at that time called Han Jiang the Dharma-transmitting ascetic, and Lu Huiqing was the Dharma protector). Under the auspices of the government, the court passed regulations to adjust the new law, which has greatly reduced people's dissatisfaction.

So once the relevant discussions become public.

We can only hint, we can only hope that in a few years, the officials will be in charge and they will be able to maintain the current style of being a wise king and a wise ruler.

There are even heroes from the old party who were once favored by him in the past, but now they are secretly looking for a way out.

In the court, even the relatives and ministers no longer talk about the harm of the new law.

Zhao Xu has seen many such old people in modern times.

Never do such a stupid thing!

Don't repeat Xining's misfortune!
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "I will remember your husband's words."

It is inevitable that he will be curious. When he is curious, he will be recruited to the capital for questioning.

Therefore, Sima Guang is very clear about the harm of bringing up Wang Anshi's new law now.

Sima Guang grabbed Zhao Xu's hand and said emotionally: "May your Majesty be consistent. In this way, the world will be blessed and the people will be blessed."

"Zhuge Wuhou, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, wept with blood and said: "To be close to virtuous ministers, to stay away from villains, is why the Han Dynasty prospered before; to be close to villains, to stay away from virtuous ministers, is why the Han Dynasty has declined since then!"

But privately, there are people trying their best to write letters to Jiangning every day.

It may even lead to discussions about new laws rising to the surface.

When the officials heard about it, they found that Wang Anshi was the late emperor's trusted prime minister.

Name Lu Huiqing and Zhang Dun!
But he can't say it!

He is an official who is thirsty for talents and is not ashamed to ask questions from his subordinates.

Therefore, he knows that the discussion on the new law, both inside and outside the government, has taken shape again.

Sima Guang has not been idle these past few months since he was ill.

Be close to a virtuous minister and stay far away from a villain. The point is, who is the judge of who is a virtuous minister and who is a villain?

but……

That would be so sad.

Then, as long as Zhao Xu does not offend the public, he can accurately target a group every time.

Who is a wise minister and who is a villain? Isn’t it obvious at a glance and self-evident?
Seeing this, Sima Guang was greatly encouraged and excited, and continued: "In addition, as a king, you should pay attention to people's livelihood."

"And people's livelihood is nothing more than two things: enough clothing and enough food!"

"Confucius said, if you have enough food and clothing, you will know the etiquette; if you have enough food and clothing, you will know the honor and disgrace!"

"And the world's wealth has its own set number. If officials take more, the people will get less."

"The disadvantage of the Song Dynasty today is that the government gets too much and the people get too little!"

"May your Majesty come to the court, do light corvee and pay little tax, benefit the people, and rest with the people. In this way, the country will be stable, the world will be peaceful, and there will be no trouble in the world!"

This is the philosophy of Sima Guang's group, and it is also a typical theory of Confucianism in the medieval era.

What Zhao Xu was waiting for was Sima Guang's words.

He immediately grabbed Sima Guang's hand and said softly: "I will remember your husband's teachings."

You all saw it!
It was Sima Xianggong who taught me!
You all have to be witnesses for me, so that if something happens in the future, you can have proof.

I am just following Sima Xianggong's instructions to use the government!

Zhao Xu naturally knows journalism!

"When I was listening to the gentlemen's stories in Jiying Hall, I kept thinking about the sage's words: 'Those who choose the greater should not accept the inferior, and those who eat meat should not compete with the common people for profit.'"

"Now that I have been taught by Xianggong, I must work hard to do this and benefit the world!"

Zhao Xu was waiting for Sima Guang to teach him this lesson!
Otherwise, how could he be so aboveboard and justifiable, and dump all the backward production capacity that was caught by the silverfish among the ministers to the local successors?

For example, there are Zhiyuan and Dyeing Yuan in Chengdu, Jiangning, and Yangzhou.

When these industries are almost completely sold off, a new textile revolution will sweep across the country.

At that time, these weaving and dyeing institutes were sold off, and they had to follow the imperial court's textile technology progress in order to survive.

And Zhao Xu had already passed the opportunity of the Queen Mother's Holy Day, and the spinning wheels given to his wife would serve as the mother machine.

As long as these people are not stupid, they will borrow one and copy it themselves.

In this way, an emerging interest group can be supported nationwide in the shortest possible time.

When these people rise up, they will be natural supporters of the technological revolution.

At the same time, they will also be Zhao Xu's most natural support group.

Because, by that time, they will find that they have no choice but to follow Zhao Xu all the way to the dark side.

By the way, Zhao Xu can also take advantage of this opportunity and when the people's hearts are on his side.

Strike hard at supervisory officials in various places.

While collecting gold coins, gather talents.

More than a win-win? There are more than three wins and four wins!

……

Naturally, the governors outside the door listened carefully to the conversations between the monarchs and ministers inside the door.

Han Jiang listened and moved her eyebrows slightly.

Although he didn't know, what kind of medicine was sold in the official gourd?

But he knew very well what this official was really thinking.

Because at the beginning, he was also fooled.

I thought that the Great Song Dynasty was really going to produce a saintly Lord and Mingjun who was kind, benevolent, filial, and loved the people like a son.

Moreover, he is also a holy Lord and Mingzhu whose words and deeds fully meet the requirements of the old party literati and officials!
However, within a few days, Han Jiang saw some problems.

Because anyone can say nice things with their mouth.

The key is how to do it!
And what did the officials do?

Although the city trade office was abolished, the nobles and relatives were forced to pay back the money. Moreover, they had to pay back the principal and interest in full!

If you lose one piece of money, everyone will be worried about you!
He even did not hesitate to set off a major case, and Xu Guogong's family was uprooted.

Even Zhang Chengyi, who was working as an official outside and was not involved in the whole process, was involved a few months later and ended up being sentenced to death!

From then on, Zhang was removed from the list of honorable ministers!
Another prince-in-law, Guo Xianqing, who was involved in this, is still in Taixue, reading saints' books and practicing saints' rituals every day!
Is this generosity? Is this Ren Sheng?
This is even more cruel than the late emperor's attack!
When the late emperor was here, he had never acted so decisively and cruelly against the relatives of his ministers.

In addition, this official’s attitude towards the new law is too lazy to even act out!
The ministers that the late emperor reused were still reused by him!
Apart from other things, last year he used Zhang Zhijian's head to declare to the world - Lu Huiqing, I am covered!

This is even more true for other things.

Zhang Dun was given command of the Southern Expedition, Wang Zishao was promoted to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and last month Shen Qiche was appointed Minister of Dali Temple, and Wang Zhen was promoted to Minister of Punishment.

Who are these people?

New party!

Moreover, they are all backbones of the new party who are highly controversial in public opinion.

I won’t talk about Zhang Dun and Wang Zishao.

Shen Qi was the initiator of instigating Jiaozhi to invade, while Wang Zhen was the thorn in the side of the New Party in Dali Temple. They have always been a model of adhering to the rule of law to resolve cases.

As a result, even the common people in Bianjing saw it.

How do you say that?

Oh!
"Today's officialdom is quite similar to Chinese writing!"

Han Jiang looked at his nose with his eyes, and his heart with his nose. He just lowered his head, as if the old god was there.

And in his heart, he understands it better than anyone else.

Today's officialdom is more than similar to Chinese language?
Judging from more than a year of observation and insights, this official has learned the essence of Emperor Wen of Han Dynasty.

His mouth is filled with all the people in the world, his heart is filled with money and silk!
Thinking like this, Han Jiang didn't pay much attention to the conversation between the monarch and his ministers in the door.

He only listened vaguely, and the official asked Sima Guang some things.

But, these are very personal questions.

For example, what talents does Sima Guang recommend?
Who else is worried?

What else do you wish for?

These are all false stories.

There is nothing to note, there are rules throughout the ages.

For an important minister like Sima Guang, it would be fine if the emperor did not personally take care of his illness.

Once he comes to comfort him in person, all his final requirements will basically be met.

Maybe I waited for about half an hour.

The conversation between the king and his ministers inside the door finally ended.

The officials came to the door, escorted by a few personal Yulongzhi with imperial equipment.

Han Jiang hurriedly stood upright with her hands in hand, then led the ministers and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty."

"Master, please come into the house and take a look." Zhao Xu said to them: "Let's have a good talk with Mr. Sima."

As he spoke, he shed a tear.

"My lord, I was entrusted by the emperor to take care of my life as a minister. He worked tirelessly on state affairs even though he was sick. He worked day and night without caring about himself, and even became ill due to overwork. He is a model for the world and can set an example for scholars!"

"Sima Xianggong, I should bear in mind the words of advice given and use them to reflect on myself in the future!"

"I also hope that all the princes will be like Sima Xianggong, give me more loyal advice, fill in the gaps, and assist in state affairs!"

As he spoke, he sighed, looking extremely sad.

People who don't know may still think that he regards Sima Guang as the pillar of the country and the hope of the world!

The effect is immediate!
The ministers at the door immediately bowed again: "Promise, I will obey your Majesty's message."

Then, they entered one by one and came to the bedside of Sima Guang to visit this important minister who was once known as the Red Banner of the Old Party and was considered to be able to save the time.

At this time, Sima Guang's complexion had already declined.

The effects of the medicine were wearing off, and his body began to inevitably collapse.

Everyone looked at the old man who was now as skinny as a stick.

The leaders of both the new party and the old party have mixed feelings in their hearts.

As an old friend of Sima Guang, Mr. Lu walked up to him, squatted in front of his bed, held his hand, and asked, "Jun Shi, is there anything else that I need to do?"

Sima Guang struggled to hold himself up and nestled in Sima Kang's arms. He showed an extremely bright smile and said to Lu Gong: "Uncle Hui..."

"I have no regrets!"

Yes, what else does he regret?

The wise and benevolent officials have taken the initiative to express their intention to reduce the government's control and monopoly on various industries to benefit the people.

For him, this life was complete.

Can you ask for more?
Lu Gongzhu fell silent, and in the crowd, Fan Chunren, Lu Dafang, and Su Che, who had received his care and favor, silently began to shed tears.

When new parties such as Li Qingchen, An Tao, and Zhang Hong were in power, it was a bit unpleasant.

Because the courtesy Sima Guang received was a bit excessive in their opinion.

Sima Guang ignored all this. He already felt that his life was coming to an end.

So, he stretched out his hand hard and called out a name: "Chunfu...Chunfu..."

His student and successor Fan Zuyu came forward in tears and knelt down in front of his couch: "Your Majesty, the student is here!"

Sima Guang grabbed Fan Zuyu's hand and said: "Don't forget, don't forget..."

Fan Zuyu knew it as soon as he heard it, and immediately bowed: "The student will not forget it."

"The book Jigulu will be compiled by the students according to Enxiang's ideas."

Jigulu is Sima Guang's supplement to Zizhi Tongjian.

At the same time, he also improved the shortcomings of Zizhi Tongjian, which was too long and could not be read by many people.

Its purpose is to record the past, so it is divided into three chapters: "Review of the Past", "Pictures of the Years", and "List of Hundreds of Officials and Ministers of the Dynasty" to provide an outline and make it easier for later readers to read and consult.

Sima Guang was already writing when he was in Luoyang.

After entering Beijing, he didn't stop, and he worked on it day and night while he was sick.

Unfortunately, he never had the chance to fully complete it.

Now, he can only leave this task to his successor.

"Good!" Sima Guang looked at Fan Zuyu and smiled happily.

So academically and politically, he no longer has any regrets!
At the door, Zhao Xu looked at the withered flowers and plants in the yard ahead.

Sima Guang, like his previous life, has reached the end of his life at the end of August.

But Wang Anshi from Jiangning is still alive and kicking.

Zhao Xu heard that the prime minister had gone to Baoning Temple since his daughter returned home and stopped eating fast and chanting Buddha's name.

Especially after his grandson Wu Mou also arrived in Jiangning, I went crazy and made delicious food for my precious grandson at home every day.

Because Wu Mou liked to eat ducks, the prime minister ordered people to buy back many ducks and keep them in Baoning Temple.

Every now and then, I have to figure out how to make it delicious.

I even wrote letters to exchange experiences with Su Shi!

You don't care about the affairs of the court at all!

Zhao Xu shook his head inwardly as he thought about it.

In his previous life, Wang Anshi died in loneliness and despair.

It's even possible that he wanted to die on purpose.

Better now!

He lives in an apartment in Jiangning and is very comfortable.

The beloved daughter escaped from that terrible marriage and returned to his lap.

Even my grandson was taken to Jiangning!
Wang Di, the heir and grandson, was on Zhang Dun's side, and Zhang Dun taught him step by step.

Don’t be too comfortable in your little life!
If he continues to study food like this, by the end of this year, when a large amount of Jiaozhou's cane sugar comes on the market, he might be able to make Jiangning people fall in love with roast duck two or three hundred years in advance.

I just thought that as an emperor, he had to work hard every day to perform, but Wang Anshi could enjoy the happiness of his family in Jiangning.

Moreover, he is still so leisurely and contented with his salary.

Zhao Xu felt very uncomfortable! Very uncomfortable!
What boss can bear it? The company's executives, with their salaries and shares, study delicious food at home every day?

Therefore, Zhao Xu decided to find something for Wang Anshi to do in a few days.

At least, we can't let him continue to take his salary and not work, just leisurely wandering around Jiangning every day!
If you take his money, you must work for him!
(End of this chapter)