Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 419 The Iron Rooster never plucks a hair

In the summer of the tenth year of Tianbao, Fang Chongyong arrived in Guanzhong with the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, but he did not go directly to Chang'an. Instead, he camped on the outskirts of Wugong County, less than a hundred miles west of Chang'an, waiting for the imperial court's order.

In fact, the army was mobilized from the border to Chang'an in this way. It was impossible for the army to march all the way into Chang'an without the court having no control.

What if some people are just greedy and want to take advantage of the chaos? Therefore, similar institutional prevention has always been implemented meticulously.

However, for several days, the Yizhengtang did not prepare the reward documents for the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army.

On the one hand, the reward amount requested by the other party was too large, on the other hand, the treasury was empty, and much of the money originally allocated to the Ministry of War was used to deal with the border troops, and was not specially prepared for Fang Chongyong and the others.

The Silver Spear Xiaojie Army was previously inconspicuous, its number was small, and it was still being expanded, so it did not attract the attention of the government and the public.

But it's no longer enough if we don't pay attention now. This has become a meritorious force that has made great achievements in the expedition to the Western Regions. It's no good if we don't manage it well.

Li Shizhi and others didn't want to take out the money, and they didn't know how to deal with it, so they delayed it for three days.

In the end, Brother Ji sent an imperial edict to the political hall, asking the prime ministers to resolve the matter quickly. As for how to solve it, he didn't say. However, it is obvious that the money cannot be taken from Taifu Temple, which is run by Brother Ji, but must go through the treasury channel.

Zheng Shuqing didn't even think about it, and just responded directly as a reflex.

Li Shizhi's question made Zheng Shuqing a little confused.

Zuo Xiangfangguan, sitting opposite Li Shi's desk, asked slowly.

Although there was a smile on his face, it was clear that he had bad intentions.

Zheng Shuqing's meaning is very clear: I am just a transparent prime minister. I usually have no power, and my words are of no use.

He rested as much as possible and did not express any objection to any government affairs.

Right Chancellor, the court will handle the matters you decide. If you need to do anything for your subordinates, they will do it.

Li Shizhi was also a little suspicious. He asked with a worried look:
"Mr. Zheng, this matter is no joke. The imperial court really cannot afford the reward. There have been famines everywhere this year, and the imperial court has spent a lot of money and is still dealing with it.

If I were to pursue my own affairs in this position, if I said that I should pay according to the list of merits sent by Fang Guozhong, the court would not listen to me.

If Zheng Shuqing goes to the Yinqian Xiaojie Army camp if the imperial court cannot come up with a reward, he will definitely be disgraced.

Isn't it embarrassing for you to do something stupid like that?

What the official said is probably not important. Do you think this is the truth? "

"Xiangong Li, you are the right prime minister and I am not!
Isn't it up to you to make the final decision on all matters in the imperial court, big and small? A lower official cannot overstep his authority.

"Mr. Zheng, you are also the prime minister. Why don't you take responsibility when things happen?"

"This old dog!"

"Mr. Zheng, what do you think about this matter?"

Zheng Shuqing was not angry, and replied with a smile. It can be said that there is a needle hidden in the cotton, and it is so slippery that it is difficult to grasp!

But Zheng Shuqing did not express any opinions at all. The most common ones are:
"Well, it's okay." "It's better to leave it to the saints." "You might as well give it a try." "The right minister has the final say."

Fang Guan had already thought about what he was going to say if Zheng Shuqing refused, but he didn't expect that the other party actually agreed. He felt like a fist hitting cotton, almost causing internal injuries.

Or to put it another way, this is the tool man installed by the emperor in the political hall, a "spoiler" who usually keeps quiet but intervenes at critical moments.

Now that we are in big trouble, you want me to take the blame, and there is no way!
"Zheng Xianggong, I heard that you and Fang Guozhong have an old relationship. Why don't you go to Wugong County to work on behalf of the court this time? This should be a matter of responsibility, right?"

Because all the prime ministers are "very busy", Zheng Shuqing is the most leisurely, and can almost be described as having nothing to do.

Even if you want me to say it, it doesn’t count if I say it.

"Right Prime Minister, you have the final say on this matter. I don't have any opinions."

"Isn't Mr. Zheng joking?"

Li Shizhi, who had a bad temper, asked, and the atmosphere in the meeting hall suddenly became tense.

Moreover, it was really difficult for Zheng Shuqing to refuse this request.

During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, as long as the official title contained the words "Tong Zhongshu Menxia", he was formally the prime minister. But if you don't serve as the minister or the secretary (respectively, the left prime minister and the right prime minister), then you can only be regarded as a "little prime minister" in name only.

Li Shizhi cursed Zheng Shuqing in his heart for being shameless and obscene! But there is nothing you can do against the other party!

"The right minister can be a witness."

Can you convince those Qiu Ba? "

In fact, Zheng Shuqing fulfilled this position perfectly, fully embodying "the same person without him" without appearing to be an eyesore.

Since becoming the "little prime minister", Zheng Shuqing has clocked in to work every day, worked (read), drank tea and wine, and clocked in and returned home after get off work.

Fang Guan couldn't believe that someone actually took the initiative to jump into the trap.

Li Shizhi glanced at Zheng Shuqing, who was the third rank of Tongzhongshu and also the minister of the Ministry of Industry, and asked.

Since you have the most leisure time, it’s natural for you to run errands, right?

Zheng Shuqing took care of everything and said nonchalantly.

If you are confused like that, you have never dealt with or made a decision on even one thing alone!

Li Shizhi felt angry after hearing these words!

"It's just running errands. It's all trivial. I'll clean up today and go tomorrow."

Zheng Shuqing was so generous that he agreed directly without bargaining at all.

"Even if I can't convince my subordinates, there's still a right prime minister sitting in the council hall. The right prime minister can always find a way."

Zheng Shuqing chuckled.

"Forget it, Mr. Zheng, let's go and find out what's going on first."

Li Shizhi was also troubled.

This year there was first a plague of locusts and then a flood. Disaster relief was needed in many places across the country. The silk and rice in the treasury were all shipped out one by one!
It's not easy for him to be the prime minister. Since Zheng Shuqing is willing to "explore the path", let's explore the path first.

Li Shizhi regretted a little. The imperial court had cashed in advance the rewards given to other departments in the Anxi Expeditionary Force, and those departments had also returned to the Jiedushi where they were originally located.

However, the Silver Spear Filial Piety Army, which made the most meritorious service and contributed the most, has not been rewarded. It has been delayed until now, and the national treasury is relatively empty.

He wanted to discuss with Fang Chongyong whether to give him less rewards and more honorary titles. It’s not easy to open your mouth, so you definitely need someone to try it out.

Zheng Shuqing is the most suitable candidate.

"Right Prime Minister, please rest assured."

Zheng Shuqing crossed his hands and saluted and said, at least he looked quite sincere. As for what he was thinking in his heart, I'm afraid only he himself knows.

"Then I would like to trouble Mr. Zheng to be the ambassador and visit Wugong County."

Li Shizhi nodded slightly. The court had done this many times in the past, but it was only for the border troops, and it didn't cause any trouble.

I believe it can be resolved satisfactorily this time.

……

In the Chinese army's tent at the Shence Army camp outside Wugong County, Fang Chongyong was playing chess with the civil servant from the Ministry of Rites that the imperial court had sent to the Western Regions to hand over.

This person is none other than the "cultural man" Fang Chongyong knew in his early years: Gu Kuang!

Because he had no backing, Gu Kuang was sent by the court to deal with the destruction of the mission by "bandits". After that, he followed the army back to Guanzhong.

He had been "promoted three levels in a row" and temporarily ascended to the position. After returning to Chang'an this time, he might be promoted again, which could be regarded as a blessing in disguise. "Speaking of this journey, there are really no dangers. I often hear about people being robbed by bandits."

Gu Kuang took a step forward unintentionally, a little scared at the same time.

"Mr. Gu, does he know why the imperial court still hasn't allowed us to return home?"

Fang Chongyong asked with some confusion.

Rewards and rewards were not given out, and they were not allowed to enter Chang'an or the Xuanwumen garrison.

What is the court doing?
Fang Chongyong was confused and felt that something was not quite right.

"Your Highness, I will let you know. It is estimated that the court has no money. The princes and ministers in the court do not want to pay rewards, and they do not know what reason to default on, so they have not yet discussed a charter.

You are away on an expedition, but you don’t know that the royal court’s taxes are getting less and less these days, hehe! "

Gu Kuang is a big "angry young man" who has long been unable to stand a lot of things!

"Oh? Is there such a thing? Aren't there more and more people are born, and are there fewer and fewer household registrations?"

Fang Chongyong asked curiously.

"Your Highness, you just don't understand. There are indeed more and more people, but there are fewer and fewer people paying taxes! This is not a contradiction. If you can't collect taxes, the court will naturally have no rewards. What's the point? Is it worth wondering?

The Yongye fields were divided but could not be recovered, and various dignitaries and those who depended on them did not pay taxes.

That’s just getting less and less. "

Gu Kuang's foul-mouthed and spicy comments showed no mercy. But these words are not allowed to be said in ordinary times, and it is taboo to say them.

The benefits of the "ancestral law" system have gradually disappeared in the early years. On the contrary, in recent years, the disadvantages have begun to explode wildly. No matter which social class you belong to, they are all changing their ways to find loopholes and make profits.

The aristocracy's non-payment of taxes was only one of them. The irrationality of the rent-to-pay system itself also turned many peasants into unruly people.

They do not have the right not to pay taxes, so they choose to combine small households with large ones, change the men to women in the household registration books, or attach themselves to the names of powerful people. Most of them are cunning manipulations.

Gu Kuang didn't even bother to say anything.

"That would be troublesome."

Fang Chongyong sighed and couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.

Those arrogant and brave generals who have made great achievements in war but have no reward are going to rebel! Fang Chongyong has never seen an army that is invincible regardless of merit and reward!

"Commander Jie, someone from the imperial court is here. They are just outside the camp."

Feng Changqing suddenly walked into the commander's tent and whispered in Fang Chongyong's ear.

"Look, say Cao Cao, Cao Cao is here.

You and I will go together to greet the imperial envoy. "

Fang Chongyong laughed, stood up and left.

When everyone came outside the camp, they saw Zheng Shuqing alone, with no entourage around him. It didn't look like he was here to read out an imperial edict.

Fang Chongyong didn't speak, and Zheng Shuqing didn't speak either. The two of them stared at each other with big eyes. A lot of Qiu Ba watched impatiently, and the atmosphere was awkward for a while.

After a long time, Gu Kuang stood up to smooth things over and said, "Mr. Zheng, why don't you read out the imperial edict?"

If I could read the imperial edict, I would be shaking by now, okay?
Zheng Shuqing cursed Gu Kuang in his heart for not being able to read people's eyes.

"Mr. Zheng has worked hard all the way. Let's go to the camp and rest first."

Fang Chongyong thought of a possibility and came to Zheng Shuqing's rescue with a stiff expression. Based on past experience, as long as you meet Lao Zheng, nothing good will happen!
He's been screwed!

"It's easy to talk about, but the truth is that I'm a little tired."

Zheng Shuqing smiled dryly.

As soon as he heard this, He Changqi, who was watching the excitement in the crowd, muttered loudly: "You will be tired after riding a horse for dozens of miles, just like a girl."

After hearing his words, all the generals snickered, which made Zheng Shuqing standing nearby extremely embarrassed and had to pretend that he was deaf and couldn't hear.

"Mr. Zheng, please come this way."

Fang Chongyong made an invitation gesture and pretended not to be familiar with Zheng Shuqing.

"It's easy to talk about."

Zheng Shuqing felt relieved and followed Fang Chongyong into the camp.

Before he had gone far, he heard the general of the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army behind him shouting: "Mr. Zheng, where are our food and wages, and where are our rewards?"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Shuqing immediately quickened his pace, fearing that Qiu Ba would grab him and ask about the reward.

It’s not that the reward shouldn’t be given, but the imperial treasury is now empty and there really is no money to pay!

Arriving at the commander's tent, Fang Zhongyong screened away the rest of the crowd, then looked at Zheng Shuqing with a solemn expression and asked, "Is there something important?"

"Alas, actually it's not a big deal. It's just that the imperial court has no money and wants to send you away with some friends that won't work in Chang'an City."

Zheng Shuqing rubbed his hands and sighed helplessly, his face filled with worry.

After Li Linfu was assassinated, the imperial court decentralized the Jiaozi issuance rights in the Luoyang area, because many people in the court suspected that Li Linfu forcibly took back the Jiaozi rights in Henan and was assassinated. Afraid of being next.

Then with the assassination of Li Linfu, Liu Yan went to Hebei to conduct a "salt tax pilot project." At Ji Ge's request, the imperial court vigorously promoted the second edition of Chang'an Jiaozi and exchanged the old for the new at the ratio of "one for five".

Five old Jiaozi were exchanged for one new Jiaozi of the same denomination.

Due to the lack of reserves, Xinjiaozi soon began to depreciate rapidly, and Hexi Jiaozi further increased its market share in Guanzhong.

And the currency value is stable!
Li Shizhi tried many times to take back the issuing rights of Hexi Jiaozi, transfer it to Chang'an for printing, and then send cash to Hexi after printing, but it was not implemented due to various reasons.

Today's commercial chaos in Chang'an is much more serious than when Fang Chongyong left Chang'an.

If the new Chang'an Jiaozi is given as a reward to Qiu Ba of the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army, maybe... it would be better not to give it out for the time being.

It's really hard to say what those fooled and hot-headed Qiu Ba people would do when they get excited.

This was the main reason why Zheng Shuqing was sent by Li Shizhi.

After explaining these things, Fang Chongyong simply didn't know what to say.

Although the Silver Spear Xiaojie Army has made enough money privately, these are not counted in the military merits. The court should give you as much military merit as you deserve.

These are completely different things.

In his previous life, employees in ordinary companies would riot if they didn't pay wages for two months. The Silver Spear Filial Piety Army traveled ten thousand miles, going back and forth for more than a year!
Is this a reward that you don’t have to give out just because you say you don’t want to give it out?
“Soldiers went through life and death, traveled ten thousand miles, and returned home with great achievements.

Does the court just want to say thank you and be done with it? "

Fang Chongyong asked in disbelief.

“I don’t want to say it, but the right prime minister just wants nothing more.

Let me come here to bargain with you, so as not to look ugly.

Of course, I won’t give you nothing, but I won’t give you too much.

Just tell me what to do. "

Zheng Shuqing sighed helplessly.

(End of this chapter)