I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 563: Su Liang returns home! The head of the official? No, the head of the cattle and horses

Chapter 563: Su Liang returns home! The head of all officials? No, the head of cattle and horses

The eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Near noon.

Zhao Zhen led his army back to the capital and arrived at the city of Bianjing.

Civil and military officials, royal family relatives, merchants and common people in the city came out to welcome him and shouted "Long live the emperor".

Zhao Zhen personally led the army to conquer Yanyun and destroy the Liao Kingdom. His achievements far surpassed those of Taizu and Taizong.

The current Song Dynasty is not yet at its peak.

However, there is no disaster at home, the government is stable and the people are harmonious; there is no war abroad, and the land is fertile and boundless, and the country is already thriving.

The people are proud to be born in this dynasty. Everyone is full of energy and feels that the future is full of hope.

After Zhao Zhen's imperial carriage arrived at Xuande Gate, it was followed by a group of important prisoners.

There are the Liao Emperor Yelu Hongji, the Southern Prime Minister Xiao Weixin, the Northern Prime Minister Yao Jingxing, the Jurchen leader, and so on.

They sat in the prison car, looking at the people of Bianjing City cheering and praising their emperor, and felt very sad in their hearts.

Especially Yelu Hongji.

He was once an admirer of Zhao Zhen and had aspired to be a wise king who won the hearts of the people. However, things did not go as he wished. In order to strengthen his army, he levied heavy taxes and levied heavy taxes. Not only did the people abandon him, but now he has become a king of a fallen country and a prisoner.

Once upon a time, he always thought that if the Liao Kingdom had a Su Liang, all problems could be solved.

I understand now.

Su Liang was just a medicine inducer, and this medicine inducer revitalized the entire Song Dynasty.

And he could have become a medicine like Su Liang to cure Liao's disease.

But he was eager for quick success and instant benefits, and first abandoned the people and then the merchants. In the end, he reaped the consequences and ended up in his current situation.

Xiao Weixin, Yao Jingxing, Li Ji and others looked at the shops lined up on both sides of the street, feeling more envious.

If there is an afterlife, they hope they can become a Song person.

Even an ordinary citizen of the Song Dynasty lives a happier, more fulfilled and more secure life than them.

……

Early morning on the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Zhao Zhen, Wen Yanbo, Wu Yu, Zeng Gongliang, Ouyang Xiu, Wang Yaochen and others gathered in the Chuigong Hall to discuss matters related to post-war appeasement and rewards.

This war between Song and Liao.

Both the upper-level civil servants and generals, as well as the lower-level soldiers, have made outstanding contributions.

Ministers such as Wen Yanbo who were guarding Bian Jing also had a very hard time.

His contribution is no less than that of my husband who is fighting on the battlefield at the front.

In addition, many soldiers sacrificed their lives to win battles.

The imperial court naturally had to reward people according to their merits, comfort and reward the injured and dead officials and soldiers, and give special care to their families.

now.

The two governments and three departments had already drafted a document of appeasement and reward.

For lower-level soldiers who were killed or wounded, the rewards were mainly in the form of money and land; for middle-level officers and soldiers, the rewards were mainly promotions and titles; and for upper-level officials, the rewards were mainly promotions and titles.

The war consumed a huge amount of the national treasury.

Therefore, the rewards for middle and upper-level civil servants and military officers were mainly in the form of additional titles.

As for rewards and additional salaries after being promoted to new titles, calculation will begin one year later to ensure the normal circulation of money in the national treasury.

The emperor and his ministers discussed from early morning until nearly noon, and basically decided on the tone for rewarding people based on their merits.

after that.

The Privy Council, the Three Yamen, and local provincial governments should just follow the policy.

This time, the principle Zhao Zhen adhered to was to increase the financial rewards for military generals and the promotion of civil officials.

This does not mean that Zhao Zhen valued civil affairs over military affairs.

Instead, the current Song Dynasty needs more civil servants to govern, and military generals with the talent to govern local areas will also be given special responsibilities.

Just as the discussion was coming to an end.

Wu Yu, the Vice Minister of State Affairs, said: "Your Majesty, I have no objection to the promotion of titles to the ministers of the two ministries and three departments. We are already the highest officials in the country, and this promotion of titles can be regarded as an unprecedented grace from the emperor."

"But... But for Su Zhongcheng, I think that giving him a higher title is not enough, he should be sent to the Secretariat!"

"Let Su Qing be the Vice Prime Minister?" Zhao Zhen smiled slightly.

"I think it's feasible. I have had this intention for a long time and have appointed him before, but he refused! If he joins the Secretariat, it will be of great benefit to the transformation of the new territory of our Great Song Dynasty. He is indeed qualified!"

It is very rare for a man in his thirties to serve as a vice prime minister in any dynasty.

But if Su Liang were to be appointed as the Vice-Chancellor, no one among the officials of the court and the people of the world would object.

At this time, Prime Minister Wen Yanbo stood up.

"Your Majesty, I share this idea. However, I think that the position of deputy prime minister is not enough for Jingming to realize his ambitions. I hope he can set a precedent in our dynasty and serve as prime minister, becoming the head of all officials!"

Wen Yanbo continued, "I say this not because Jingming's achievements are far greater than those of an old minister, but for the sake of the future of our Song Dynasty."

"In terms of reform, there is Sima Guang in the northwest and Wang Anshi in Liao. These two have proven that although they are young, they are more capable than me. In particular, they have the courage and ability to make drastic changes and reforms. I do not think I am better than these two."

"At present, our dynasty is welcoming a new atmosphere, and we need young officials like this to make breakthroughs and fight. The talents of Sima Guang and Wang Anshi mostly come from Su Zhongcheng. If Su Zhongcheng is the head of all officials, the pace of our Song Dynasty towards prosperity will be faster!"

"Your Majesty, let me say something a little selfish. I expect to be a minister in a prosperous era much more than to be a pioneer in creating a prosperous era. I also want to see the day when my Great Song Dynasty far surpasses the prosperous Tang Dynasty in my remaining life. I want to see what kind of miracles my Great Song Dynasty can create."

"I am the head of all officials and in charge of everything. If I want to surpass the prosperous Tang Dynasty, it may take ten, twenty years, or even my entire life. If Su Zhongcheng leads all officials, he will definitely be faster than me!"

"I also want to enjoy the prosperity of our Great Song Dynasty, so I recommend Su Zhongcheng as prime minister!" Wen Yanbo bowed heavily.

Zhao Zhen nodded in approval.

Wen Yanbo's recommendation does make sense.

If Su Liang were the prime minister, with his talent and gifts, the Song Dynasty would definitely be able to create a prosperous era more quickly.

"I second the proposal!"

……

Wu Yu, Zeng Gongliang and Wang Yaochen on the side bowed one after another.

And this time.

Ouyang Xiu frowned and stood up, saying, "What if Jingming doesn't want to be the prime minister?"

Wen Yanbo was stunned for a moment, then said with full energy: "For the future of the Song Dynasty, for the creation of a prosperous era, and for the people of the world, he cannot refuse, and cannot refuse!"

Ouyang Xiu shook his head.

"Minister Wen, this reason may work for others, but it may not work for Jingming."

"Based on my understanding of Jingming, it would be difficult for him to be the vice prime minister, let alone the prime minister. He likes leisure the most. In the eyes of others, the position of prime minister is the highest position in the country and the honor of a scholar-official in his life, but in Jingming's eyes, it may be a shackle around his neck!"

"As long as the emperor issues an order, can Jingming still disobey it?" Wen Yanbo asked back.

Zhao Zhen smiled helplessly.

"Wenqing, he really dared to disobey my order, and I couldn't do anything about him. Jingming has expressed to me more than once that his dream for the rest of his life is to return to his hometown of Yangzhou and become a leisurely gourmet and fisherman."

Hearing this, Wen Yanbo was suddenly speechless. He could not use common sense to infer Su Liang's choice.

At this time, Wang Yaochen, the Third Secretary, said, "Indeed. Jingming has always loved freedom, and he really doesn't like it if he stays in the government hall every day."

Zhao Zhen nodded.

"In addition, I also feel that we are too dependent on Jingming. The world's difficulties cannot be solved by Jingming alone. We must also reflect on ourselves and not tire Jingming out!"

"How about this! I will first write a letter to Jingming to ask his opinion. After reading his reply, I will decide whether to let him join the Secretariat and serve as vice-chancellor or prime minister!" All the ministers nodded.

At this time, Wen Yanbo rolled his eyes and said, "Your Majesty, when Jingming returns to the capital, I am willing to bring officials from the two governments and three ministries to meet him outside the city and put him up first. For the prosperity of the Song Dynasty, I still want him to work harder!"

"Okay, let's follow Prime Minister Wen!" Zhao Zhen said with a smile. Su Liang's contribution deserves the welcome of all the ministers.

……

On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, Su Liang traveled to the Hebei Road area and was expected to arrive in Bianjing City on the evening of the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Near dusk.

The soldiers of the Longyu Army are setting up camp and setting up stoves.

Xu Mang and Liu Sandao delivered a handwritten letter from Zhao Zhen to Su Liang.

Zhao Zhen said in the letter: After the war, it will be time for the new Song Dynasty to carry out comprehensive reforms and create a prosperous era, and Su Liang is the most proficient in this.

All the ministers of the two governments and three ministries recommended Su Liang to join the Secretariat as vice-chancellor or prime minister, to lead the civil and military officials of the Song Dynasty and create a prosperous era far surpassing the Tang Dynasty. Zhao Zhen wanted to hear Su Liang's ideas.

After reading it, Su Liang frowned and pouted.

For other scholar-officials, reaching the highest position in the country was a great honor, but for Su Liang, it was a shackle.

He has a very clear understanding of himself.

As the head of the censors, he had no scruples, no need to think too much and could do his work freely.

However, as someone who entered the Secretariat and was the head of all officials, he was bound to be wary.

This is not the way Su Liang likes to be an official.

Besides, being a prime minister is too tiring.

Su Liang is not selfish, but according to his temperament, if he becomes prime minister, shouldering the heavy responsibility of a country and building a new Song Dynasty, he will most likely die young.

But in the future, the development of the Song Dynasty should be slow and steady, and there is no need to be too fast or too hasty.

aside.

Xu Mang and Liu Sandao couldn't help getting nervous when they saw Su Liang's face gloomy and brows frowned after reading the letter from the official.

Even during the most tense period of the Song-Liao War, Su Liang did not have such an expression, as if something big had happened.

"Boss, is... is there something bad happening?"

Su Liang handed the letter to the two of them.

Xu Mang and Liu Sandao took the letter, were stunned after reading it, and then looked at Su Liang excitedly.

"Boss, this... this is a great thing. You... you are going to become the head of all officials. It is a blessing for our Song Dynasty!" Liu Sandao said excitedly.

"This is such a happy event! Boss, why don't you look very happy?" Xu Mang looked at Su Liang.

Su Liang curled his lips again.

"In your eyes, you are the head of all officials. In my eyes, you are the head of cattle and horses. I will go crazy if I stay in the Political Affairs Hall for half a year."

Su Liang slowed down and looked at Liu Sandao.

"Can you report to the Secretary of State the time of our arrival in Bianjing?"

"Not yet. We have just confirmed today that we can reach Bianjing City at dusk on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month. We will report tomorrow morning."

Su Liang murmured, "The ministers know me well. They pushed me to be the prime minister. They should know that I am not very willing. I guess they will certainly come to the city to welcome me and hold me up first. We will enter the city at nightfall on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month and report to the Secretariat that it will be noon on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month."

"I will go home in the evening. You can go to the military camp outside the city and report back the next day."

A smug smile appeared on Su Liang's face.

"Boss, this... does this count as deceiving the court?" Liu Sandao said.

If he passed on the information in this way, the ministers in the Secretariat would most likely scold the commanders of the Longyu Army, including Su Liang.

It is absolutely not allowed to sneak into Beijing at night even though one has made great contributions.

Su Liang thought for a while.

"Don't worry! I will write a letter to the emperor to tell him the truth and ask him to help conceal it. I will go to the Secretariat to apologize the next day."

In the entire Song Dynasty, only Su Liang could say this.

……

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, night fell.

The city of Bianjing was bustling and filled with the atmosphere of the approaching New Year.

As soon as Su Zimu and Su Qin learned that Su Liang would be returning tomorrow, they bought half a house full of firecrackers, intending to have Su Liang take them to set them off tomorrow night.

And this moment.

Su Liang arrived at the city gate in a carriage.

He originally wanted to go home quietly, but he never expected that Zhang Maoze, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, was already waiting for him.

Zhang Maze and Su Liang were old acquaintances, and he immediately got into Su Liang's carriage.

"On behalf of the emperor, Maize would like to congratulate Prime Minister Su on his triumphant return!" Zhang Maize said with a bow.

Su Liang quickly held Zhang Maze's hand.

"Zhang Duzhi is too polite! Thank you for tolerating my willfulness. Do I need to see you first?"

Zhang Maoze smiled and shook his head.

"The emperor said that he didn't know that you returned to the capital early tonight. Tomorrow, you will explain it to the ministers yourself."

"In addition, the emperor will pretend not to have seen your letter refusing to serve as prime minister. If you can convince the ministers, you can continue to be the chief minister. If you cannot convince them, you will be appointed as the secretary."

"Now, you can go home and reunite with your family!" After saying that, Zhang Maze left.

Su Liang smiled helplessly.

The emperor was very smart. Although he doted on him, he did not stand on the same side with him at all.

"Don't think too much about it, let's go home first!" Su Liang shook his head.

……

Half an hour later, at Su's residence.

As soon as Su Liang walked to the door, he heard Tang Wanmei's clear voice.

"Su Zimu, put down the firecrackers in your hands, wash your hands and eat. Your father will be back tomorrow. I am very happy. Don't let me beat you now!"

Then, Su Qinyi's voice was heard from the courtyard.

"Mom, please don't hit me. I was setting off firecrackers happily because I heard that dad would be back tomorrow."

"Let him go. There's no rush to eat. It's the end of the year and he shouldn't be allowed some freedom!" Tang Ze said.

At this time, Su Liang happily knocked on the gate.

"Who is it?" Uncle Ji opened the door.

"Uncle Ji, Happy New Year!" Su Liang said with a smile.

Uncle Ji was stunned for a moment, then he shouted excitedly into the yard: "The master is back! The master is back!"

not far away.

As soon as Su Zimu and Su Qin saw Su Liang, they rushed over.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

Both of them had grown taller and almost knocked Su Liang to the ground.

At this time, Tang Wanmei and Tang Ze also came out. When they saw Su Liang, their faces were full of surprise.