I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 579 Extra Chapter 12: Su Liang’s Curse - Military Generals
Autumn of the third year of Huangyou.

As the imperial court merged government offices and cut a large number of officials and labor service duties, the problem of redundant officials and clerks was greatly alleviated.

At this time, there is still a thorny problem that needs to be solved urgently.

That is: military generals engaging in business has become an rampant problem.

Since the beginning of the third year of Huangyou, the imperial court began to crack down on the bad habits of officials engaging in business.

It is strictly forbidden for any official to engage in business in any form.

"If one exceeds 300 guan, he will be dismissed from his post; if one exceeds 1,000 guan, his property will be confiscated and he will be exiled 1,500 li; if one exceeds 3,000 guan, he will be beheaded."

Due to the constraints of the Hundred-Day Performance Evaluation Law and the supervision of the people, civil officials basically dared not violate the law and make money for themselves.

However, the military camps are still the hardest hit areas and are becoming increasingly hidden.

Since the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties.

Military generals gradually prospered in business, and it did not violate the law.

The reason was that in the early Song Dynasty, the imperial court was short of military funds, and there were often no actual rewards for rewarding soldiers.

Emperor Taizong of Song allowed the army to "return to business and make profits", that is, to engage in business and make money.

The original intention was to subsidize military expenses for public use.

Fan Zhongyan and Di Qing also engaged in Huiyi activities when they were in the northwest.

After this gap is opened.

Some military generals began to frantically amass wealth in the name of "supporting the army through Huiyi" and enriched themselves, and this led to the development of many forms of Huiyi.

Some people sold daily necessities such as food, wood, yarn, silk, paper, and medicine.

Some people smuggled tea, wine, spices and other items that were exclusively used by the imperial court.

Some people even worked as full-time businessmen and part-time soldiers, running real estate, opening teahouses, restaurants, brothels, lending money, organizing soldiers to weave and burn charcoal, and buying and selling goods through official circles.

Use the court's soldiers, carriages, and ships to make your own money.

After strict control by the imperial court, these military generals placed their business with their subordinates, servants, family members or designated private merchants.

This makes it difficult to identify who owns some businesses, making them difficult to regulate.

If we launch a thorough investigation throughout the Song Dynasty, then unless we do this, the reform will be difficult to proceed normally.

There is another important reason why military generals are obsessed with business.

The imperial court respected both civil and military officials.

The attitude towards military generals has always been: give them generous salaries but little respect.

A sixth-rank military officer dreams of changing his job to become an eighth-rank civil servant and a county magistrate, but without honors and achievements, it is simply impossible.

It is just like the old saying goes: All the nobles in the court are scholars.

The warriors had no experience in fighting and no prospects for their careers in politics, and the civil officials in the court were wary of them at every turn.

Therefore, many mid-level generals focused their attention on doing business and making money, wanting to become Tao Zhugong.

No fighting spirit at all.

This was extremely damaging to the morale of the Song Dynasty army.

……

On this day, the Reform Office.

Zhao Zhen, Fan Zhongyan, Fu Bi, Wang Yaochen, Zeng Gongliang, Liang Shi, Su Liang, Wang Anshi, Sima Guang and others gathered together.

"Official, there is no construction without destruction! I suggest that a comprehensive investigation be conducted on military officers who engage in private business for profit, and those found out should be severely punished to correct the official style!" Fu Bi said with his chest puffed out.

Wang Yaochen, the Third Secretary, shook his head like a rattle.

"No, no. We have just laid off a large number of civil servants, and the local area is already not peaceful. If we strictly investigate the military officers who are engaged in business, I guess that at least five out of ten people will have problems. If we really punish them severely, I am afraid that the local imperial guards and garrison troops will be in chaos!"

"Many soldiers are thieves. If they are guilty of doing business, they will probably rebel immediately. At this moment, the army must not be in chaos!"

Fan Zhongyan nodded in approval.

"What the Prime Minister said makes sense. I think we should take our time with this matter. It is the law of our ancestors that military generals engage in business. It will not work to cut it off rashly and violently. We need to guide them slowly."

Liang Shi added: "Military generals are engaged in business, and local relations are complicated. If the whole Song Dynasty is investigated, then our court will probably only be able to do this next. It is harmful to the reform and should not be carried out."

Wang Anshi frowned.

"But if we don't investigate, this bad habit will be like a thorn in the side of our Great Song Dynasty's commerce, undermining fairness, rules, and morals. I suggest that we should suspend other commercial laws and resolve this matter first."

"Jiefu, don't be anxious! It is harmful for military generals to do business, but it is also a way to stabilize the army at the moment. The most taboo thing about local affairs is to take a one-size-fits-all approach. If those homeless soldiers really make trouble, it will cause great harm to the local area and the people!" Sima Guang said.

……

Then, everyone started arguing.

Some people agree that an immediate and comprehensive investigation should be conducted into military officers engaging in business, and all of them should be severely punished.

Some people agree that it should be done slowly, reducing this bad habit rather than completely cutting it off.

Others have suggested increasing the salaries of military generals, strengthening the intensity of training and military camp management, so that the generals have no time to do other things.

Su Liang also felt that the punishment should be severe.

Otherwise, if the imperial court continues to turn a blind eye, it will become increasingly difficult to manage in the future.

Zhao Zhen, who was sitting in the front row, frowned and hesitated.

When the ministers have different opinions, his opinion becomes very important. He must make a decision and take responsibility for it.

A quarter of an hour later.

Zhao Zhen sat up straight and coughed twice, and the ministers immediately stopped arguing.

"A comprehensive investigation and severe punishment is a way to cure the root of the problem, but it will inevitably affect the stability of local commerce and cause unrest in the military camp, and will also lead to the stagnation of many measures of the new law. This result is unbearable for the court at the moment, and I think it is not feasible."

"However, if not punished, this stubborn disease will continue to harm the achievements of the reform and undermine our military reform strategy."

"I have decided to severely punish one state as a warning to others, and then give the local states and military garrisons a grace period. If there are still people who refuse to change their ways, we will continue to severely punish them, one state at a time, and strive to completely eradicate them within two years."

All the ministers nodded.

If one state is chosen to impose severe punishment, the harm caused will be acceptable to everyone and is completely within the controllable range.

The court's actions can be considered benevolent.

If military generals from other places still dare to act recklessly, the imperial court will no longer need to be polite to them.

"I have no objection."

"I have no objection."

"I have no objection."

……

All the officials bowed their heads and expressed their agreement with Zhao Zhen's suggestion.

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly and said, "Which state do you think is more suitable?"

All the ministers fell into deep thought.

The state chosen cannot have too few soldiers, but it cannot be a border state located in the northwest, north, or south.

Severe punishment for this state must also have sufficient deterrent effect on other local state governments.

Choosing a poor and remote state is not an option either.

At this time.

Su Liang suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I recommend Hebei West Road, Xiangzhou."

When they heard the word "Xiangzhou", everyone thought for a moment and their eyes lit up.

At this moment, there is no place more suitable than Xiangzhou.

There were nearly 20,000 imperial guards stationed in Xiangzhou, plus local garrison troops and militia, a total of nearly 50,000 soldiers.

This size meets the requirements.

Xiangzhou is located to the north of Bian Jing. Most of the business, whether it is business facing the northwest or the north, passes through here. The military generals here are quite rampant in doing business.

Also.

The Xiangzhou garrison serves as a supplement to the Hebei troops and has extraordinary strategic significance. In the future, they will definitely go to the battlefield against Liao, so their combat effectiveness must be improved.

Seeing that all the ministers had no objection, Zhao Zhen immediately said, "Okay, then let's decide on Xiangzhou. Who do you think is the best person for me to send?"

Swish!Swish!Swish!
All the ministers bowed their hands, wanting to recommend themselves.

Zhao Zhen showed a helpless smile on his face and said, "You all know that this is an offensive assignment."

A military general's business involves many soldiers and civilians, and anyone who cuts off their financial resources will certainly be scolded.

"Your Majesty, for the sake of the great cause of reform in the entire Song Dynasty, we are willing to be scolded!" Liang Shi said loudly.

Zhao Zhen thought about it, looked around, and said, "Let Su Qing go. This time, blood will be shed. His title of beheading censor still has a certain killing power. In addition, this matter should be under the jurisdiction of the Privy Council. Deputy Envoy Zeng should go with Su Qing!"

"I obey your command!" Everyone bowed.

"I obey your command!" Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang stood up.

Zhao Zhen said: "As for what to do, you two should discuss and come up with an idea, and then report to me. My requirement is to punish severely, and those who are extremely evil can be beheaded directly!"

"Yes." Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang bowed again.

……

After the meeting, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang had a discussion and agreed on a countermeasure.

The two did not plan to go to Xiangzhou immediately.

Instead, he took the lead in requesting the dispatch of 500 imperial soldiers and 500 scouts, and also went to the three offices to withdraw a large sum of money.

Then he ordered the thousand soldiers to take the money and go to Xiangzhou first.

Although military generals' business activities are becoming increasingly covert.

Most of them were handed over to family members, servants, or local merchants were sought for cooperation, and they only participated in the dividends.

However, the soldiers’ business could not be hidden from the local people.

The local people may not necessarily cooperate with the government to report military generals, but in order to get rewards, some people will definitely spit out some useful information.

Su Liang planned to use this information to identify all the military generals who were doing business for profit in Xiangzhou.

Five days later.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang dressed in plain clothes, disguised as merchants selling medicinal herbs, and headed towards the border of Xiangzhou with more than ten guards and several carriages.

……

Three days later.

Zeng Gongliang, Su Liang and others arrived at the border of Xiangzhou.

Xiangzhou governs six counties.

They are Anyang, Tangyin, Linlu, Linzhang, Yexian and Yonghe.

The army was organized into battalions, and most of them were stationed in the suburbs. Among them, the Xiangzhou Imperial Guards were mostly stationed in Linzhang County.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang also went straight to Linzhang County and decided to stay in the city first to wait for intelligence.

present.

The prefect of Xiangzhou, the Tongpan and other officials were all busy with the reform affairs throughout the Song Dynasty.

They were not closely connected with the local garrisons and could only mobilize these troops with orders from the Privy Council.

In addition, local troops were frequently rotated, so they had no idea what the local imperial guards were doing on a daily basis.

Moreover, some military generals' business could boost the development of local commerce, so when some civil officials knew about it, they turned a blind eye.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang were not planning to seek help from the local chief officer.

……

Another day, afternoon.

In an inn in the county seat of Linzhang County, Xiangzhou.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang both looked gloomy as they looked at the intelligence that was sent over by the imperial guards and scouts.

At present, less than 30% of the cases have been investigated.

But almost every time you check it, it’s accurate, the only difference is the degree of difference.

From the low-level deputy captains and captains to the middle and senior deputy commanders, commanders, chief military officers, state inspectors, seals, and supervisors, most of them are not clean.

Zeng Gongliang said: "Jingming, the situation in Xiangzhou is far worse than we thought!"

"After the investigation is complete, I'm afraid that seven out of ten have problems. If we punish them all severely, there will be rivers of blood!"

Su Liang smiled helplessly.

"It is estimated that in another five days, we will be able to screen them all, and then we will deal with them according to the situation. Our goal is not to kill people, but to eliminate the bad habit of all Song generals doing business! If rivers of blood work, I don't mind."

"Well, I am not afraid of being labeled as a bloodthirsty person!"

Just then, a guard hurried over.

"Mr. Zeng, Censor Su, a merchant outside saw our medicine cart in the backyard and said he wanted to buy our medicine. I said that these were medicines sent to Daming Prefecture and were not sold in Xiangzhou. He wanted to force the purchase and wanted to see the person in charge."

Su Liang and his team pulled a total of six horse-drawn carts carrying medicinal materials, mainly popular medicinal materials such as Atractylodes macrocephala, Bezoar, and dried ginger, and a small number of people were involved in drying white flower snakes.

The unified story they gave to their subordinates was that they came from Yangzhou and wanted to take the goods to Damingfu to sell.

Zeng Gongliang acted as the chief steward of the escort, and Su Liang acted as his deputy.

Immediately, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang came to the backyard of the inn with several guards.

At this moment, they cannot reveal their identities.

……

In the backyard of the inn, there are medicinal plants.

There stood a middle-aged man with a big belly, pale complexion and a scar next to his ear.

He was followed by two followers.

The middle-aged man looked at Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang who were walking in front, took a look at their clothes, and said with a smile: "You two are the escort managers of these medicinal herbs! If I'm not mistaken, you two should have never escorted a car before. You are probably the owner or manager of these medicinal herbs!"

Zeng Gongliang was stunned.

Unexpectedly, the other party could tell at a glance that he and Su Liang were not professional escorts, but the owner and manager of a medicinal materials business.

The middle-aged man continued, "From the smell, I know that the herbs in the car are all rare and high-quality. Looking at these guards, they are also quite skilled. However, the way they tied the herbs and guarded the herbs don't seem like those of professional escorts. This is only the case when some herbal medicine merchants go on a long journey for the first time and explore the way themselves. I wonder if my inference is correct?"

Zeng Gongliang smiled slightly, and did not comment on the middle-aged man's inference. Instead, he asked, "Sir, what do you want to see us about?"

"My name is Cui Zhi, and I am a local herbal medicine merchant in Xiangzhou. When I smell the scent of your herbs, I know they are not ordinary ones. Such quality is hard to find. How about you sell all these herbs to me?"

The medicinal materials on these carriages were all supplied by the Three Departments to the major pharmacies in Bianjing City, so their quality was naturally top-notch.

Zeng Gongliang shook his head.

"Sorry, this is being shipped to Daming Prefecture. I've already discussed it with the owner and I can't sell it for even a pound!"

"Haha, there are no medicinal herbs in the world that cannot be sold. The price I offer will definitely tempt you two. Can you let me take a look at the herbs first?"

Zeng Gongliang was about to stop him, but Su Liang said first, "Okay."

As a businessman, if an employer asks for a price, whether he wants to buy or not, you should let the other party take a look at the goods. If you don't let the other party see it, it would seem strange.

Immediately, the two guards opened the sacks in the car.

Atractylodes macrocephala, bezoar, dried ginger, ginseng, and dried white snake were all displayed in front of Cui Zhi.

Cui Zhi looked at these herbs as if they were treasures. He looked at them again and again, sniffed them again and again, and praised them constantly: "Good herbs! Good herbs! Really good herbs!"

At this moment, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang wanted to beat up the person who prepared these medicinal herbs for them.

If such high-quality medicinal materials had not been prepared, such an accident would not have happened.

About a quarter of an hour later.

Cui Zhi took out a handkerchief, wiped his hands, and then said: "I'll take all these herbs. As for the price, one liang of white atractylodes is 10 wen, one bezoar is two guan, and one liang of dried ginger is 50 wen. The amount of human ginseng and dried white flower snake is relatively small, so just give them to me!"

Hearing this, Zeng Gongliang widened his eyes.

"Is this a robbery?"

Su Liang waved his hand and the guards surrounded him.

Although Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang were transporting medicinal materials for the first time and their understanding of the industry was general, they still knew the market prices of these medicinal materials.

One liang of Atractylodes macrocephala costs 15 wen, one bezoar costs 80 guan, and one liang of dried ginger costs wen.

This is the market price of ordinary quality.

The medicinal materials they have can be sold at a price that is at least 20% higher.

The price Cui Zhi proposed was completely cut in half.

This is not doing business, this is robbery!

After being surrounded, Cui Zhi was not anxious, but smiled and said: "Don't worry, just listen to me!"

"If you are willing to do this business, I can help you open up all the trade routes between the northwest and the northern border. You only need to transport the medicinal materials to Xiangzhou, and someone will deliver the medicinal materials to you. There is no need for shipping fees, and I only need to share half of your cost and profit. How about it?"

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang looked puzzled.

Transporting medicinal materials from Xiangzhou to the northwest and northern borders is a long and dangerous journey, requiring the hiring of many guards and requiring high freight costs.

It is enough to offset 60% to 80% of the cost and profit, and even reach 90% in case of bad weather.

It is also worth it if the other party shares half of the profits.

But if the delivery price is pushed to such a low level, no delivery team will be willing to take the job.

Suddenly, Su Liang understood.

Only the army can do this.

When the army transported rations, clothing, salt, tea and rice, they could smuggle medicinal materials.

Su Liang looked at Cui Zhi and asked, "Do you have connections in the army?"

"Oh, I met someone who knows what he's doing! Can you two talk for a moment?" Cui Zhi smiled brightly.

……

moment.

The three of them came to a room on the second floor of the inn.

Cui Zhi said straight to the point: "To be honest, I have someone in my army, and he is an important person. No matter what goods you have, as long as they pass through Xiangzhou, I can find a way to have soldiers deliver the goods to the destination."

"This is equivalent to using the court's people to make our own money. It is safe and fast. I only need to share half of the profits, but I can help the two of you expand your business. This is a win-win business, why not do it?"

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang smiled at each other.

Unexpectedly, I accidentally hit a big fish.

Zeng Gongliang smiled and said, "Using soldiers to transport goods is indeed fast and safe. But...but the court is currently undergoing reforms. If they are discovered, I'm afraid..."

"Don't worry! Those civil servants are too busy with the reform to investigate this matter. And if we really want to investigate, there is basically no one in the local army who is not engaged in business. We can't kill them all. With the support of the bigwigs above, we can make money together, which can also be regarded as contributing to the reform!"

"I dared to cooperate with you without asking about your background because I can guarantee that our business will be smooth sailing. I have been doing this for more than ten years and have never encountered any accidents."

"And think about it carefully. Our Song Dynasty has always valued culture over military power. If a general does some business to supplement his family income, the court can turn a blind eye. But if a general is diligent in training troops every day, the court will probably investigate whether he has any ill intentions!"

After these words were spoken, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang felt a little embarrassed.

In the past two years, this was indeed the overall concept of the court.

At this time, Su Liang said: "Mr. Cui, this is indeed an opportunity to make a lot of money. We are willing to do it. However, can you tell us who the big shot is and let us meet him? If we don't meet him, we will be unsure!"

"Of course, it's just a meeting. If we really want to start cooperation, you will still be the middleman." Su Liang added.

Cui Zhi’s eyes rolled.

"It's not that I can't see you, but it depends on how big your business is. If your business is less than 3,000 guan each time, I will be enough, and that big shot will never see you."

Hearing this, Su Liang understood what Cui Zhi meant.

"Master Cui, let's put it this way. We will give you half of the medicinal materials this time. We will still transport the remaining half to Daming Prefecture. In addition, we will give you 500 strings of cash to take care of the affairs."

"I can assure you that once we meet that great man, we will be relieved. The total value of our cargo in the future will definitely not be less than ten thousand taels. We are a medicinal herb merchant from Yangzhou. This is our boss Zeng Yuanwai, and I am the shopkeeper. You can call me Su Youming."

"As long as we can open up the trade routes between the northwest and the north, we will definitely not lose out on your benefits!"

After saying that, Su Liang took out five hundred strings of Jiaozi notes and handed them to Cui Zhi.

At this moment, Cui Zhi's eyes were shining.

He had never seen such a generous businessman before. He gave away thousands of kilograms of medicinal materials and paid in cash directly.

This is definitely a big businessman.

Cui Zhi stuffed the money into his sleeves and said with a smile: "Brother Zeng, Brother Su, you are really straightforward people. You two can stay in this inn for two days. At the latest, the night after tomorrow, I will let you meet that important person!"

Afterwards, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang sent Cui Zhi out the door and ordered the guards to deliver half of the medicinal materials to him.

The two believed that once they caught this big fish, they would be able to attract more big fish.

……

into the night.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang were looking through intelligence in the house.

A guard walked in quickly.

"Mr. Zeng, Censor Su, Cui Zhi sent four young ladies here. He said... they were all virgins, just bought from outside, and they were sent here especially for you two to have a taste!"

Hearing this, Zeng Gongliang's face turned dark.

"How ridiculous! Using the military as a means of doing business is one thing, but you actually dare to trade in human beings?"

Su Liang smiled and said, "Mr. Zeng, there are too many such things in the local area. Cui Zhi is thanking us for sending him money!"

Su Liang looked at the guard. "Keep the four young ladies and ask them about their sale. Before we meet the big shot, we must not let them go, and we must not let Cui Zhi see them. Also, we must be wary of these four young ladies, as they may be testing us."

"Yes." The guard bowed.

Officials and businessmen at the local level collude with each other, all for the sake of wine, sex, money and power.

If you meet someone who is not in cahoots with the crowd, it will arouse suspicion.

If Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang send these four young ladies back or let them go back intact tomorrow, Cui Zhi will definitely become suspicious when he finds out.

……

Two days later, around noon, Cui Zhi sent someone to deliver the news.

That evening, the big shot will meet them at the tavern opposite the inn, but only for half an hour, so he asked the two to prepare gifts for the meeting.

Dusk.

Cui Zhi came to Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang.

"You two, have you prepared the gifts?"

Su Liang smiled and took out a wooden box, saying, "It's ready. There are ten gold leaves in total. I wonder if this great man will be satisfied?"

Swish!
Su Liang opened the wooden box, and inside the box was shining with golden light.

Cui Zhi's eyes lit up. He rolled his eyes and said, "Okay, okay. But...but this big shot's favorite number is eight. Giving him ten pieces is a bit too much."

Su Liang immediately understood and took out two slices and handed them to Cui Zhi.

"Thank you for your reminder, Mr. Cui. These two pieces are a gift to you. The rest of our business depends on you!"

"Okay, okay, I like doing business with smart and generous businessmen like you!"

At this time.

Su Liang said again: "Mr. Cui, we are about to meet. I wonder if you could let us know the identity of this important person, otherwise it would be bad if we were to be negligent when we meet!"

Cui Zhi hesitated.

"This big shot won't let me tell anyone his identity. He usually tells others himself. I can tell you, but you have to pretend you don't know. Do you understand?"

"No problem." Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang said in unison.

"He is Cui Hao, the military commander of Xiangzhou. He is a relative of mine. You can just call him General Cui!"

The Bingma Qianxia of Xiangzhou was a sixth-rank military officer, in charge of military garrisons, attack and defense, and other matters. In addition to being able to deploy the imperial guards, he also managed the local garrison troops, and he was indeed capable of smuggling contraband.

"I understand!" Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang bowed.

For businessmen, this is indeed a big shot, and it is enough to make them rich and expand their business.

……

Half an hour later.

Cui Zhi brought Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang to the private room on the second floor of the tavern opposite.

at the same time.

Several guards carrying hidden crossbows were hiding around. As long as Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang gave the order, they would immediately start the capture.

Not long after.

A strong young general came to the private room with two followers.

It was Cui Hao, the military commander of Xiangzhou.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang quickly followed Cui Zhi in bowing.

Cui Hao glanced at the three of them and sat down in the main seat with an expression that showed that he was second only to the boss.

Cui Zhi glanced at Su Liang.

Su Liang immediately understood, walked forward, and placed the box containing eight gold leaves in front of Cui Hao.

"General, it's our first meeting, so I've brought you a small gift. Please accept it!"

Cui Hao opened the box, and when he saw the gold leaves inside, a smile gradually appeared on his face. Then he threw a token engraved with "Qian Xia" on the table.

Only after receiving the money did he treat Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang as his own people.

"Sit down, everyone. Tell me what you want me to do?"

Immediately, Zeng Gongliang and the other two sat down.

Zeng Gongliang said, "General, we are a herbal medicine merchant in Yangzhou. We have a lot of top-quality herbs, but we lack a way to sell them. We want to open up trade routes to the northwest and the north, and would like to ask you to find someone to transport them. As for the remuneration, we have discussed it with Mr. Cui, and it is completely acceptable."

Cui Hao nodded.

"No problem. With this general here, even if you want to sell goods to Xixia or Liao, it is completely feasible."

Zeng Gongliang added: "I didn't expect the general to be so capable. He is really amazing. After our medicinal materials leave Xiangzhou, we don't need to pay any other tributes, right?"

Cui Hao reached out and picked up the gold leaf on the table.

"Don't worry, I have plenty of connections in other places. As long as you serve me well, you can travel smoothly from Xizhou in the west to the Song-Liao market in the north!"

Hearing this, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang looked at each other.

That's exactly what they wanted to hear.

This shows that Cui Hao's smuggling business was very large, and the smuggling chain also involved military generals from other places.

Anything involved.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang prepared to capture him.

"Someone come here!" Zeng Gongliang suddenly shouted.

boom!
Suddenly, the door opened wide and several guards surrounded Cui Hao and Cui Zhi.

Cui Hao's two followers had already been subdued.

"Cui Hao, as the governor of a state, you receive a salary from the court, but instead of repaying the emperor's kindness, protecting the people, and training the army, you engage in this kind of smuggling business. You deserve to die!" Zeng Gongliang shouted angrily.

Cui Hao and Cui Zhi were both a little stunned.

“You…are you from the imperial court?” Cui Hao was the first to react.

He rolled his eyes and said first: "My two lords, please don't arrest me first. I... I have someone above me. If you arrest me, my career... my career will definitely be over!"

"Who?" Zeng Gongliang asked back.

"Tell me first, who are you?"

As soon as Cui Hao finished speaking, a dagger was placed at his neck.

"I... I'll tell you, I'll tell you! The person standing behind me is Mr. Zeng Gongliang, the Deputy Privy Councilor of the Privy Council. He is also involved. You... if you offend him, you should know what will happen to you!"

After hearing this, Zeng Gongliang was confused.

Su Liang was also a little amused and helpless. The other party's bragging actually hit the real person.

Zeng Gongliang patiently asked, "What evidence do you have to prove that the person behind you is Zeng Gongliang, the Deputy Privy Councilor of the current dynasty?"

"My father... my father Cui Sanyue is a clerk in the Privy Council, and the most trusted clerk around Mr. Zeng. If you find out my father's position around Mr. Zeng, you will know that what I said is true. Or... or you can ask my father, but don't ask Mr. Zeng directly. He is very careful about his reputation. If he knows that I have confessed that he accepted bribes, he will kill me!"

Cui Hao straightened his back, looking confident.

Zeng Gongliang said slowly, "There is indeed a clerk in the Privy Council named Cui Sanyue. Last year during the Chinese New Year, he gave Zeng Xianggong a big rooster. Apart from that, the two of them had no other financial transactions!"

"You actually... actually knew about my father sending chickens? It seems that you know what I said is true. Sending chickens is just an open thing. How can you know what my father sent privately! Let me go first, otherwise if this matter gets out of hand, I will make you pay for it!"

Cui Hao's tone was very arrogant.

At this time, Zeng Gongliang suddenly walked up to Cui Hao and slapped him.

Snapped!
The sound is crisp and clear.

"Do you know who I am? I am the Deputy Privy Councilor Zeng Gongliang. I have never taken a penny from your father!"

Suddenly, Cui Hao and Cui Zhi were stunned.

Su Liang said loudly: "I am the Supervisory Censor Su Liang. Prime Minister Zeng and I were ordered by the emperor to secretly investigate the business affairs of the military commanders in Xiangzhou. Unexpectedly, we found that someone dared to frame the prime minister. Do you know what crime this is?"

"If you want to live, tell the truth. If you lie or hide anything, we will execute you immediately!"

Su Liang's name is even more famous than Zeng Gongliang's.

Pfft!
Cui Hao and Cui Zhi both knelt on the ground.

Cui Hao had a bitter face. He had relied on the reputation of "my father was the clerk of Zeng Xianggong" to show off many times, but he didn't expect to hit a stone this time.

He is finished, and his father is finished too.

……

That evening, Cui Hao and Cui Zhi confessed everything.

Their business activities have involved several states. In addition to buying and selling goods, opening pawnshops, casinos, and brothels, they are also involved in the buying and selling of human beings, and there are more than 30 low- and middle-level military generals involved.

If this matter had been investigated two years later, I'm afraid these people would have been able to form a huge business network.

at the same time.

The imperial soldiers found out that there were problems with senior generals including the provincial inspector, provincial governor, deputy provincial commander, and provincial military commander of Xiangzhou.

……

Three days later, in the afternoon.

A thousand soldiers responsible for reconnaissance completed their mission, sorted out all the information, and put it in front of Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang.

After seeing this, the two of them were so angry that their noses almost got crooked.

There were a total of 1,863 military generals above the rank of deputy governor in Xiangzhou, of whom 1,524 abused their power for personal gain.

Among the remaining 300 people, some are honest and self-disciplined, but most of them are incompetent and cowardly, or have completely given up and are waiting to be retired.

This shows that the local military camp in Xiangzhou has been completely corrupted, and such an army certainly cannot have any strong combat effectiveness.

If this is the case in Xiangzhou, the situation in other provincial capitals will certainly not be much different.

After discussing for a long time, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang made up their minds: kill some, imprison some, surrender some, beat some, and warn some.

This punishment must make all the military generals in the Song Dynasty no longer dare to abuse their power for personal gain.

On that day, Zeng Gongliang issued an order in the name of the Privy Council:
In Xiangzhou, all military officers and generals above the rank of deputy captain must assemble at the Xiangzhou Imperial Guards camp ten miles south of Xiangzhou city before noon two days later.

Military orders are like imperial decrees to military generals. No local military general dares to disobey the orders of the Privy Council.

……

Two days later, around noon, at the military camp south of Xiangzhou City.

After receiving the military order, the generals rushed to the military camp.

And this moment.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang were sitting in front of a battlefield, drinking tea expressionlessly.

Not far away, several commanders of the imperial guards looked confused. After asking for a long time, they still didn't know why Zeng Gongliang issued this military order.

However, looking at the expressions of Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang, plus the thousands of personal soldiers behind them armed with swords, sticks, bows and crossbows.

They had a vague feeling that nothing good was going to happen.

Just then, Su Liang looked at them.

"Commanders, it's almost noon, don't you need to line up?"

The commanders were stunned. They didn't expect that they also had to line up. They immediately bowed to Zeng Gongliang and then returned to the queue one after another.

In the blink of an eye, it was noon.

"Reporting to Deputy Envoy Zeng, all 1,863 officers and generals above the rank of deputy captain in Xiangzhou have arrived. Please review them!"

Zeng Gongliang slowed down and said, "Stand for half an hour first!"

Then, Zeng Gongliang and Su Liang continued to drink tea, talking and laughing from time to time, while more than a thousand generals stood upright on the battlefield, not daring to move.

Half an hour later.

Zeng Gongliang and Su Liangcai slowly stood up and came in front of the crowd.

Zeng Gongliang stood on the high platform and looked around below.

"I didn't expect that! The soldiers of Xiangzhou are all brave and resourceful. I underestimated you!"

Hearing this praise, all the generals were confused.

Zeng Gongliang continued: "It's a pity that you don't become businessmen!"

"Some people opened a wine shop and became the best in the whole state. Some people sold tea in the Song and Liao markets. Some people pretended not to like women, but secretly owned five brothels. Some people seemed to be honest and kind, not greedy or robbing, but they had already bought thousands of acres of fertile land at home..."

As the generals listened, they realized something was wrong and gradually realized that Zeng Gongliang was scolding them for doing business privately.

At this time, Cui Hao, the military commander of Xiangzhou, was brought over.

At this moment, Cui Hao was wearing a white prison uniform and his body was covered with blood.

Many generals recognized him.

"Xiangzhou Military Commander Cui Hao has confessed that he used his official power to engage in business for personal gain. I know very well which of you has unclean hands. Stand up immediately!"

"Xiangzhou military commander Cui Hao has pleaded guilty. Anyone who uses public power for personal gain, please step out immediately!" The imperial soldiers surrounding the battlefield shouted loudly to make sure everyone could hear.

After a while, people came out one after another.

Half a quarter of an hour later, about thirty people stood up.

Zeng Gongliang frowned slightly and looked at Su Liang.

Su Liang walked slowly onto the platform.

Punishing officials is the main responsibility of the censors.

"Liu Hu, the two spice shops and three moneylending houses in the south of Xiangzhou City are all yours, right? Do you think that handing them over to your business partners will ensure that they are safe?"

"Sun Ming, you are a smart man. You opened three temples and made profits by lending money. Do you think that if you stuff money and other things into the belly of the Buddha statue, no one will know?"

"Hong Fei, Hong Yuhou, you organized soldiers to weave and brew wine, and occasionally you even robbed people on the official roads. Is there a penny of the money you earned that is not tainted by blood?"

"Deputy Commander Jiang Shou, your three servants and four cousins ​​all have multiple residences and shops in Jiangnan. Do you want to come forward and explain how you obtained them?"

……

Su Liang listed the crimes of more than 30 generals in one breath, and most of them were high-ranking generals in Xiangzhou.

These people collapsed on the ground, their faces as pale as wax.

"If anyone uses public power to engage in business for personal gain, please come forward immediately. I can reduce the crime and pardon the guilty. Those who persist will be severely punished!" Su Liang said loudly.

Afterwards, the imperial city soldiers repeated Su Liang's words.

Suddenly.

Batch after batch of generals walked out of the battlefield and knelt on the ground.

Before long, nearly 60% of the generals knelt down.

Su Liang looked around and said, "I will give you one last chance. There is a big difference between voluntarily admitting the crime and being caught!"

After a while, another group of people stood up.

Su Liang looked around again and found that there were still more than 500 people who had not stood up.

These people still have hope.

Su Liang waved to the soldiers in the imperial city, who immediately understood and collected the identity badges of the remaining people.

After collecting.

Su Liang said loudly again: "Half a month ago, 500 imperial soldiers and 500 scouts went to Xiangzhou to investigate the business of military commanders. The result was: among the 1,863 military commanders above the rank of deputy governor of Xiangzhou, 1,524 of them used their power for personal gain."

"There are only over 300 people who are clean, and now there are over 200 people who are lying. Once the truth is revealed, these 200 people will be charged with a third degree of guilt!"

After these words were spoken, some generals who stood out secretly felt lucky, while most of the more than 200 generals who did not stand out felt their legs go weak and they collapsed to the ground.

They understand what they have done and know what their crime is after the aggravated crime.

Soon, these two hundred people were caught and made to kneel on one side of the battlefield.

At this time, Su Liang took out a document from his arms.

"Everyone, Deputy Envoy Zeng and I came to Xiangzhou with the purpose of investigating the business activities of military commanders. According to the imperial decree, all of them will be severely punished. After investigation and evidence collection, I will be the first to announce the results of the investigation."

"There are 1,524 people above the level of deputy governor of Xiangzhou who have used their power for personal gain. According to their crimes, there are 72 people who need to be beheaded. They are..."

"A total of 326 people were dismissed from office and sentenced to exile. They are..."

"There are 562 people who were dismissed from office and given 50 strokes of the cane. They are..."

"There are a total of 28 people who were demoted from one level to three levels, and they are..."

……

"All punishments will be carried out in five days. The generals who were charged with three levels of crimes will be charged separately. There will be no appeal or defense for this punishment, and no changes will be made!"

Hearing this, the generals below were all panicked.

They thought they would be punished, but they didn't expect it to be so severe.

"I... I don't accept it! There are many military officers doing business in the world, why are you punishing only the military officers from Xiangzhou? Military officers doing business is a tradition of our ancestors. I am innocent, I am innocent!"

"I... am not guilty either. I... I will file a petition to the government, and I want the Dali Temple to sentence me. A mere censor like you has no right to convict me!"

"According to the Song Dynasty Criminal Code, I should not have committed such a serious crime. I refuse to accept this. I want to see the emperor and see the imperial edict sentencing me to death!"

……

The battlefield became chaotic, and some people even wanted to escape.

At this time, Zeng Gongliang shouted: "If anyone attempts to escape, shoot them directly!"

Whoosh!Whoosh!Whoosh!
As soon as he finished speaking, three crossbow arrows pierced the chests of the three generals, and the latter fell down.

Soon he was out of breath.

"The emperor has specially authorized me to act at my own discretion. I will follow military orders to determine the sentence and will not violate any laws. Anyone who resists again will be killed!" Zeng Gongliang said coldly.

Suddenly, the military camp became quiet.

No one dared to speak anymore.

If he were a scholar, he might dare to make some noise.

But they are soldiers. Anyone who disobeys military orders within the barracks may be sentenced to death and executed on the spot.

Zeng Gongliang has this power.

Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Su Liang slowly spoke again.

"Do you think the punishment is too heavy? Do you think he should not be punished? Who dares to stand up and tell me that he is innocent!"

None of the generals below dared to look up.

Su Liang continued, "You are soldiers of the Song Dynasty, a wall of the northern border of the Song Dynasty. The court supports you for what purpose? You are used to protect the country and the people and resist the Khitans and Dangxiangs. And what have you done?"

"Should people who traffic in people and force women into prostitution be put to death? Should people who open casinos and lend money at high interest rates be put to death? Should people who abuse their power for personal gain and evade taxes be put to death?"

"You are soldiers who protect the people and the country, but you are doing the work of thieves. Should you be severely punished? If all the soldiers of the Song Dynasty are like you, can the Song Dynasty become better? Will the people not be bullied?"

"Some people think they are innocent because they are sure that the law does not punish the masses. If other military generals can engage in business for personal gain, they can also engage in business for personal gain. They are sure that the army's business is approved by Emperor Taizong, so they are unscrupulous and reckless. But have you ever thought about what Emperor Taizong's purpose is and what your purpose is?"

"When you forced women of good character into prostitution, did you ever think about your own wives and daughters? When you stuffed handfuls of dirty money into your pockets, did you ever think about the poor people who couldn't get enough food because of you? When you indulged in sensual pleasures, did you ever think about the oath you took when you joined the army?"

"You are the parasites of the Song Dynasty. You are rotten to the core. You are more despicable than thieves and the Tanguts who disturb the border!"

"During the current reform of the entire Song Dynasty, the imperial court has been working hard to improve the status of military generals and send more generals to the army, so that military generals have a higher status. What is the purpose? Once there is a war, the military generals can fight and charge, and can protect our country and people of the Song Dynasty!"

"But what about you?"

"You worms, you say that good men don't join the army, you look down on yourselves, you despise yourself, you give up on yourself. Now, Yanyun has not been conquered, Xixia and Liao are eyeing you covetously, you don't think about training your bodies, but have become useless people who bring trouble to the court and harm the people. Tell me, are you guilty? Should you be severely punished?"

……

Su Liang's words were not only directed at these people, but also at all the generals in the world.

At present, the imperial court has promised to improve the status of military generals, but the behavior and consciousness of most military generals are not worthy of the imperial court's promise.

……

"If anyone feels that they have been wronged, you can argue with me. If I have wronged you, I apologize to you!" Su Liang raised his voice and said it three times.

There was total silence below, and all the punished generals felt guilty.

……

Five days later.

Nearly a hundred generals who were to be executed were dragged to the south of Xiangzhou City, and the entire nation watched the execution.

The people of Xiangzhou applauded.

At the same time, any military generals from other places who had connections with the criminal generals in Xiangzhou were also recorded and would be severely punished.

……

Three days later.

As the news spread to various local states, it also reached the city of Bianjing.

Zhao Zhen immediately ordered the Secretariat to draft an edict, ordering the chief officials of various prefectures and cities to strictly investigate the matter of "military generals engaging in business". The court would give a one-month grace period. After one month, if there were still military generals involved in commerce, they would all be severely punished.

One month is enough for the generals to clean up their own mess.

at the same time.

He ordered the Censor Su Liang to patrol the local areas, and if he encountered any military generals who continued to engage in business and do evil, he could execute them first and report to the emperor later.

Su Liang, known as the Beheading Censor, is the nightmare of all military commanders.

They may not be afraid of the prime minister, but they are extremely afraid of Su Liang, who is really daring enough to chop off people without hesitation.

For a time, military generals from all over the country abandoned their wealth to protect themselves, and merchants applauded.

After getting rid of this evil, the trade in the Song Dynasty became more fair and just. With the support of the new laws of the court, the common people also became richer and richer...

(End of this chapter)