I studied in modern times

Chapter 705 Pocket Crime

Three days later, it was Gengxu (twenty-sixth) on December of the first year of Yuanyou.

After three days of discussion, the chief minister and three elders put forward their opinions on how to deal with the case of false accusation against Ye Kangzhi.

This opinion is very harsh!

The instigator, Xianyu Qun, the Left Counselor, the Imperial Court Official, and the Director of Baowen Pavilion, was charged with the crime of falsely accusing important state officials and spreading false rumors to mislead the people. His crime is unforgivable!

The special exemption is a real decision, expulsion, suspension, and placement under supervision!
Zeng Zhao, the Secretary of the Central Secretariat, Director of the Jixian Academy, and Court Chamberlain, listened to others, spoke out of his authority, and disturbed the emperor.

He was demoted to the position of Zhongshu Sheren and Zhi Jixianyuan, and was demoted to Xuan De Lang and exiled to a remote military state.

Su Che, the Secretary of the Secretariat, the Lecturer in the Jiying Palace, the Director of the Jixian Academy, and the Counselor of the Court, was unable to distinguish right from wrong, spoke out of his authority, disrupted the laws, and brought disaster to the court.

Considering that he is a close minister of the Emperor, I will show him leniency.

He was demoted to the position of Secretary of the Secretariat and lecturer in Jiying Palace, and was given an additional three years of probation and a fine of 50 kilograms of copper.

The Censor Shangguan Jun, as a censor, could report things based on hearsay, but he was unable to distinguish right from wrong and framed important officials.

He was demoted to Censor-in-Chief, and after three years of probation, he was sent to govern a local area.

……

Other participants were either demoted, subjected to additional punishment, or even sent to jail.

Even the Empress Dowager was shocked after reading such a solution!
It’s too extreme!

"Your Majesty, Queen Mother, isn't this a bit too much?" she asked Zhao Xu and Queen Mother Xiang.

Zhao Xu listened and chuckled in his heart.

In the Song Dynasty, when the emperor and the prime minister faced related cases, one played the good cop and the other played the bad cop.

It has long been a tradition and custom.

Only when the prime minister and court officials call for war and vow to hold the relevant people accountable to the end and punish them severely, can the emperor's forgiveness and grace be highlighted.

However, even though the Empress Dowager had been in power for more than a year, she still could not reach a tacit understanding with the ministers.

And this was exactly the most criticized thing about the Empress Dowager in Zhao Xu's previous life.

Politically, she is so immature!
A typical example is the case of Tsai Que’s carport.

Originally, those people of the old party were just shouting for war and killing as usual, wanting to put on a show and give the Empress Dowager room to forgive and extend favors.

result……

As for her, she just does whatever others tell her to do.

Fan Chunren and Lu Dafang's faces turned pale.

Even radicals like Liu Zhi were restless after leaving court. It is said that Liu Zhi had nightmares for several nights!
Everyone knows that Pandora's box has been opened.

If even the prime minister is falsely accused and demoted to Lingnan, then no one will be safe.

Today it is Tsai Que, tomorrow it will definitely be them!
So, I tried to persuade him with all my strength, but to my surprise, all I got was one sentence: Mountains can be moved, but this state cannot be moved!

At that time, Zhao Xu was beside her, so of course he knew what she was thinking.

Her idea was simple—the imperial edict had already been issued.

You are the ones who come to persuade me to change!
Don’t I have any shame?

This is her personality. She is too impulsive and often only cares about her own ideas without considering the consequences.

This is not only true in court politics and state affairs.

The same is true for Zhao Xu and his biological mother, Zhu.

She was happy herself, and she felt really happy at that time.

But as soon as she died and Zhao Xu took power, everything turned upside down.

The New Party ministers recalled by Zhao Xu began to retaliate against the Old Party with tooth for tooth and blood for blood.

Zhao Xu was thinking about these things when he heard Empress Dowager Xiang say, "Your Majesty, I think this may be the space left by the ministers to show you mercy..."

"If you think you've gone too far, I can show you some mercy..."

"Is that so?" The Empress Dowager was stunned for a moment: "So that's it."

So he discussed the matter with Empress Dowager Xiang.

Zhao Xu did not speak during this process.

Instead, he picked up the memorial on the desk and started reading it.

Since the winter solstice, he has not paid much attention to the country's personnel appointments and dismissals for a long time.

This look actually allowed him to see some key information.

The Changping Division of Shaanxi Road reported: The prefect of Huazhou said that the Xiaofu Valley in Zheng County (a famous scenic spot in Huashan, where many literati and poets have written poems) collapsed and injured the people. (It should be an earthquake that caused the landslide)

This is a big deal!

Huashan is the Western Peak!
According to the traditional theory of correspondence between heaven and man, the Xiyue earthquake was a warning from heaven.

Even the literati of the Song Dynasty did not believe in the connection between heaven and man.

But they still hope that the emperor will believe it!
Therefore, many people wrote letters to express their opinions.

As for his speech, it was the same as always, with a lot of reflection tickets stuffed in - the Xiyue Earthquake, the mountain collapsed, although Your Majesty did not seem to have done anything against heaven and earth, but Your Majesty should still reflect on it! (Your Majesty is deeply reflective and fearful, and does not take it lightly, the world is fortunate!).

This can be regarded as the reverse PUA of the literati.

This method has been used for thousands of years since Dong Zhongshu, and the effect has always been good.

The two palaces accepted it completely.

After all, they are all devout Buddhists and are best at reflection.

Therefore, he ordered officials to investigate the disaster and sent Taichang Doctor Yan Fu to offer sacrifices at the Xiyue Temple on Mount Huashan in the name of Zhao Xu.

At the same time, Wang Guangzu, the transport commissioner of Zizhou Road, the pacification commissioner of Lunan, the governor of Luzhou (after Li Cong was demoted, Wang Guangzu was promoted to the position by Zhao Xu), and Ma Bohu, the official in charge of Lunan, reported: Lunan's beggar brother died this year, and the new barbarian leader Aji and others personally carved a token and sent people to Lunan to surrender and ask for command from the court.

Therefore, the two palaces approved Wang Guangzu and Ma Bohu to allow Aji and others to surrender.

This put an end to the Luzhou barbarian rebellion that started during the Xining period.

Qidi used his death to buy his people an opportunity to surrender.

From now on, the name Luzhou Man will become a historical term and will never appear in history again.

Zhao Xu knew that the descendants of the leaders who surrendered now would wear Confucian robes and caps in the future.

Then the scholars in other states and counties in the entire Zizhou Road were swept into tears.

Towards the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, when facing the Mongolian iron hoof, the local people of Luzhou staged a series of heroic tragedies that are worthy of praise and moving.

And among them, I don’t know how many are the descendants of those who have surrendered and accepted the amnesty now.

Shenbi City will become a sad place for the Mongolian cavalry.

It was not until the people of Luzhou were constantly suspected by the Southern Song court and became disappointed that they surrendered to the Mongols.

And in modern times, everything that once existed has disappeared.

All that is left to the world is a liquor brand called Luzhou Laojiao.

Zhao Xu sighed a few times and continued reading the memorial.

Cao Song, the envoy of introduction, governor of Kangzhou, and chief secretary of the Privy Council, was appointed as the commander of the militia and sent to Baozhou.

This person was the cousin of Cao Yi, Prince of Xingyang, the grandson of Cao Bin, and also the great-uncle of Zhao Xu. His wife was Princess Yan'an, the sister of Yingmiao.

"Are you appointed as the governor of Baozhou?" Zhao Xu pursed his lips.

Baozhou was the front line between Song and Liao, facing the Liao's Nanjing Road. If the Liao soldiers went south, Baozhou, Dingzhou, Xiongzhou and Cangzhou would be the first to bear the brunt.

At the same time, Baozhou was under the jurisdiction of Zhending Prefecture, so it was also the base camp of the Cao family.

At this time, Cao Song was appointed as the governor of Baozhou?

Do you think he went to guard the border for the country? Or did he go to find a market for the products in the Cao family's workshop?

Zhao Xu nodded with satisfaction!

The in-laws of the Song Dynasty are indeed very proactive.

Especially when it comes to making money, no one is more active than them. Thinking about the Liao people, Zhao Xu remembered that after the Xinglong Festival, Xing Shu told him that Yelu Yongchang, the Liao envoy who celebrated the Sheng Festival, had been following Yelu Ju and was active in the night markets and taverns of Bianjing.

Moreover, he had close contacts with the owners of the several ecstasy caves such as Sangjiawazi and Panlou.

According to Xing Shu, they were planning to send the palace maids and female officials from the Goryeo Palace in Pyongyang who were captured after the Liao Kingdom conquered Pyongyang to the Song Dynasty.

According to Yelu Yongchang, their ancestors were separated and had no one to rely on, which was truly miserable and pitiful.

These families in the Song Dynasty were all well-known philanthropists.

His good reputation was even heard of in Liao.

Therefore, I would like to ask these kind-hearted people to show mercy and adopt these poor women and children who are "helpless".

And great kind people are indeed kind.

When I heard about this, I immediately said that I had no choice but to do it!

Willing to adopt these poor women and let them recognize themselves or their brothers and family members as their godfathers.

Teach them how to survive and give them relevant skills.

Therefore, it is estimated that by the beginning of next spring, or at the latest by April or May, there will be Silla maids in all the major brothels and theaters in Bianliang.

I just don't know whether these bars will create some new brands.

Zhao Xu feels that it should be possible!
After all, the old brands such as Li Shishi, Xu Poxi, Wang Jingnu and Feng Yinu have already made the people of Bianjing somewhat aesthetically fatigued.

It's time to launch a few new labels to attract public attention.

Well, the development of the entertainment industry in the Song Dynasty is beyond your imagination.

Even those that entertain people with sex are divided into several different tracks.

As far as Zhao Xu knows, the two labels Li Shishi and Xu Poxi specialize in the small singing track (similar to the modern sweet song track, the notes of Song people say that small singers have 'soft and beautiful voices'), while Wang Jingnu and Zuo Xiaosi specialize in the purgative singing track (the popular track, the records of Song people [all the songs of the present time, compared with the ancient Zheng and Wei, are more lewd, and those with the old tunes and the floating, are called purgative singing]), and there are also those that specialize in acting cute to please the customers, such as Maotuan, An Niang and other labels.

In addition, there is the Lady of Noble Family track, represented by the label Mengzishu from Sangjiawazili.

Therefore, it is almost certain that when Silla Bi arrives, there will be new brands to attract customers.

Zhao Xu was daydreaming. Beside him, the two palaces had already finished discussing their opinions on how to deal with the situation.

"Sixth brother, please take a look at this. This is the disposition that the Empress Dowager and I have planned for the relevant people." Empress Dowager Xiang placed a piece of Yuanshu paper in front of him.

Zhao Xu looked down and hummed.

The solution reached by the two palaces was undoubtedly countless times more lenient than the previous opinions of the prime ministers and elders in the capital.

Xianyu Qun was accused of framing state ministers and confusing the people, and was demoted to the position of Left Counselor and Direct Baowen Pavilion. He was then sent to Xuzhou as a Chaofeng Doctor.

There was no demotion, no special exemption, and certainly no expulsion, suspension, or placement under surveillance.

This is the normal way for the Song Dynasty to deal with officials!
Civil officials and scholars, if found guilty, would be demoted.

The higher the official rank, the greater the preferential treatment received.

This is normal!

It is not just talk that the Song Dynasty and the literati rule the world together.

Instead, it was put into practical action and put into practice!

As long as they did not rebel and did not violate the emperor's taboos, high-ranking civil officials like Xianyu Qun would at most be demoted.

Li Ding's case is a special one, an isolated example.

Even Xianyu Qun was only demoted and demoted.

As the Censor-in-Chief, Shangguan Jun could naturally be pardoned.

He was demoted to Censor-in-Chief and sent to Huzhou.

The treatment of Zeng Zhao and Su Che was even more lenient.

He was only sentenced to two more years of probation and fined copper coins, and he was not even demoted from the position of Zhongshu Sheren.

Of course, this is only temporary.

After a while, until next year, we will definitely have to replace people.

And now, the procedure is already underway.

Just now, Zhao Xu saw on the table the new candidate for Zhongshu Sheren recommended by Prime Minister Lu Gongzhu.

Liu Xun, the Imperial Court Official and Director of Baowen Pavilion.

Liu Xun...

This is a funny person like Su Shi, the big bearded man.

Known as the King of Jokes in the Song Dynasty!
Zhao Xu was quite looking forward to whether this guy could add some fun and interest to this boring court after coming to his side.

However, Liu Quan is unable to take office for the time being.

The earliest would be after next spring - he is now in Shushui, Xia County, Shanzhou, assisting Sima Kang in handling Sima Guang's funeral and executing Sima Guang's will regarding property distribution and the elders.

In this matter, not only Liu Jun assisted, but also Fan Zuyu, Liu Anshi, Liang Tao, Xi Ruyan and other old party members who were upright were helping.

For them, this matter was not just about repaying Sima Guang's kindness.

At the same time, it is also a rare opportunity for practice.

Practice what?
Ida!
No Confucian scholar could resist the temptation to actually implement it locally, to build a well-field system society from scratch, just like the paradise on earth in the books!

Therefore, these people are now enjoying themselves in Sushui and have no desire to return to Bianjing.

According to the reports from the scouts who were planted by Zhao Xu, Liu Fu and others had planned that as long as the well-field system in Sushui could be implemented, they would follow Sima Guang's example after their death.

In this way, we can gradually transform the prefectures and counties of the Song Dynasty into an ideal country with the well-field system.

This is obviously overthinking.

However, Zhao Xu was also happy that they were doing this experiment.

He even cooperated and let Tong Guan praise them in the Bian Jing Xin Bao.

Because, like Sima Guang, he distributed his property to his elders after his death.

It is better than setting up charity fields, charity schools and charity estates like Fan Zhongyan did.

The Fan Zhongyan model will eventually lead to the clan society of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Zhao Xu read all the suggestions, then raised his head and looked at the two palaces.

"Grandmother, Queen Mother's idea is excellent. I have no objection..." He said softly, "It's just..."

He looked at the Empress Dowager: "In this way, I am worried that it may damage the reputation of the Empress Dowager..."

The Empress Dowager was stunned for a moment, thinking that Zhao Xu still wanted to reduce the punishment, and she immediately became unhappy.

But what Zhao Xu said next made her extremely happy.

"It's better than this..."

"For the time being, let's keep the ministers' opinions in the court and order the officials to find another crime for these officials."

"For example, embezzlement of government money..."

In the Song Dynasty, embezzlement of ambassador's money was a common crime.

As long as they investigate, even Bao Zheng can find problems with the public money.

Because the diplomatic money is both an official's personal piggy bank and his emergency fund.

Even someone as honest as Bao Zheng would not be able to avoid using public funds.

As long as it is used, non-compliance will definitely be found.

For example, the protagonist in the famous Yueyang Tower Inscription, Fan Zhongyan's close friend, Teng Zongliang, and Teng Zijing were demoted to Yuezhou because of the misuse of 160,000 strings of public money!
However, Teng Zongliang did not actually use the 160,000 strings of money as an envoy for himself.

Instead, it was spent on providing relief to soldiers and civilians and providing relief to the orphans and widows.

Even Teng Zongliang was like this.

What about these people now?

(End of this chapter)