King of Song

Chapter 133 Kill the chicken to warn the monkey

The report from Hangzhou was sent to Bianjing in a hurry, and appeared on Emperor Zhao Xu's desk!
Sure enough, Zhao Shiju turned his back on it, and then the results of the private salt case were also reported. Zhao Zongyong, the king of Yuhang County, was the mastermind behind the scenes!

In the Chui Gong Palace, Zhao Xu had a gloomy face, and Long Yan was furious just now.Not long after he ascended the throne, a rebellion occurred, and his uncle sold private salt. This was a great blow to his prestige, and it was inevitable that he would be furious.

The prime ministers all lowered their heads and did not dare to speak rashly. In terms of duties, they were all responsible, for fear of offending Longyan again if they were not careful.

The topic of today's discussion is the treason case. As for Zhao Zongyong's matter, everyone knows that it will be very troublesome, so we will discuss it later!
The people who conspired were the royal family of Zhao Song, the descendants of Taizu's line, which brought to the surface again the suspicion that the candle shadow was popular many years ago.This is not just a treason, it is a scandal!
Pitiful for their monarchs and ministers, from the court to the local area, no one even noticed it at all.

Coincidentally, it was discovered by Lin Zhao, and then catalyzed, otherwise, if this storm of rebellion is allowed to continue brewing, and one day it suddenly erupts, the consequences will be so serious and unimaginable.

A few days ago, they received an urgent report from Lin Zhao, and when they had just responded to it, the rebellion had already occurred, and they were still caught off guard.Fortunately, Hangzhou was safe and sound, the rebellion was quelled overnight, and the bad influence was greatly reduced.

And all this is thanks to Lin Zhao!

Even though many ministers disliked the "murderer" who angered Tang Jie, it can be denied that this time he was thanks to his sharpness, bravery and decisive decision.The statement in the report is very clear, Lin Zhao took the lead and took the blood to win the door. Seriously, he was risking his life.Only then did they discover that Lin Zhao was not just a weak scholar, he turned out to be both civil and military.

The rebellion has come to an end, and the aftermath will be more troublesome!
On this point, Zhao Xu and the prime ministers have some differences of opinion.He originally wanted to take advantage of this rare opportunity to wipe out Taizu's lineage, or at least Zhao Shiju's family.For nearly a hundred years, the Taizu family has always been their confidant's trouble, and it is rare to have the opportunity to uproot them. How could Zhao Xu let such a good opportunity pass?

What's more, there is a case of Zhao Zongyong and his son selling illegal salt later on, which is so big and scary!Even his own uncle couldn't tolerate it.If Zhao Shiju's treason case was dealt with too lightly, what about the subsequent private salt case?Although the emperor is young and looks weak, he is actually a ruthless master with very far-reaching thoughts.

The results have not yet been said, and the prime ministers claim that they should be compassionate, and the benevolent will win the world.The implication is that since Zhao Shiju has committed suicide, don't get involved too much.

Zhao Xu felt a little uncomfortable, but the prime ministers had such an attitude, so things should not be rushed, and they could only take their time.

"Okay, let's talk about this later!" Zhao Xu waved his hand and said: "The most urgent thing is to stabilize the situation in Zhejiang and Zhejiang. Many officials in Hangzhou are either rebelling, colluding with government and businessmen, or eating vegetarian food. It is too disappointing and must be rectified as soon as possible! I intend to reappoint you, what do you guys think!"

This is the correct arrangement, and naturally no one objected to it. It is certain that the two county magistrates in Hangzhou will add it, but it seems that there are more than that in the words of the officials?
Sure enough, Zhao Xu said later: "Zheng Xie of Zhizhou didn't realize that such a major event happened under the rule, and he was very slow in suppressing the rebellion. It is inevitable that he will be suspected of dereliction of duty. If you think about his past achievements, let's cultivate for a while!"

The ministers heard it clearly, although there is no punishment, it is self-cultivation to put it nicely, but what is the difference between this and being dismissed from office?Zheng Xie is in trouble this time, even though he is a veteran of the three dynasties, has served as a scholar of the Hanlin Academy, and is a third-rank official who has studied daily life notes!There is no way, dereliction of duty is usually a trivial matter, and when rebellion happens, it will be a grind!However, this has already been calculated. The censor impeached him to make friends with Zhao Shiju's father Zhao Congzhi, and there may be collusion. Fortunately, the emperor did not believe it, otherwise it would not be as simple as dismissing him from office!

Dismissal is only temporary, maybe there will be a possibility of reinstatement in the future, but it's hard to say when!However, Zheng Xie was already about 50 years old, so his official career was basically over due to the delay.The fact is also the same. Although Zheng Xie became the magistrate of Qingzhou again later, he was repeatedly frustrated because he opposed Wang Anshi's new law.It didn't take long before he was sick and unemployed, and took the idle job of promoting Hongqing Palace, and died of depression shortly thereafter.

"Hangzhou has just experienced a rebellion, the situation is unstable, and the order is chaotic. It must be guarded by a minister with high morals and outstanding abilities. I think Zhao Yan from the Zhijian Yuan will take the post. What do you think?" It turns out that the emperor already has a candidate in mind.

Zhao Bian, courtesy name Yuedao, was born in Quzhou, Jinshi in the first year of Jingyou.He used to serve as an imperial censor in the palace, and impeachment was unavoidable. Because of his dark complexion, he was known as the "iron-faced censor", and he was as famous as Bao Zheng.Such a person is upright, and it is best to deal with the aftermath of the rebellion.He once entered Shu with a horse, accompanied by a qin and a crane, and his administration was simple.Don't be overjoyed, and do nothing to govern, which will be of great benefit to Hangzhou's recovery after the turmoil.

It can be seen that Zhao Xu has made some preparations, and it is perfect to choose such a person who has everything.Even if someone already has another candidate in mind, they can't find anything wrong with it.

"Your Majesty is wise, Zhao Bian came out to know that Hangzhou can be in the southeast!" Prime Minister Zeng Gongliang agreed, and the others did not object.

Zhao Xu then said: "This time, Lin Zhao's contribution to suppressing the rebellion is indispensable. I will reward and punish him clearly, and I will make him a male from Qiantang County. Do you have any objections?"
Gonghou Bozinan, although he is the lowest rank in the meritorious title, he finally has a title and is a person with status.After being granted a Jinshi background, Lin Zhao's status was raised again.

The princes also knew in their hearts that Lin Zhao really made a great contribution this time, and he desperately exchanged for a baron. Anyone who opposed it would be too much.You must know that it is normal for the princes to be named earls, marquises, or even state dukes, but Lin Zhao is already at a disadvantage in comparison.

As a capable and meritorious confidant, how could Zhao Xu be so stingy, and changed the subject: "The two counties of Hangzhou are still vacant for the time being, and people must fill them in. If we rush to send some new people there, I am not familiar with the local situation, I am afraid that the government will No, it is of no benefit to the people. After much deliberation, I would rather let Lin Zhao be the county magistrate of Qiantang!"

Let Lin Zhao be the county magistrate of Qiantang?
The faces of all the princes moved, and there was a feeling that no one would come out. The emperor said too much that the wind is the rain!
Although the county magistrate only has the seventh rank, in the Song Dynasty, where the starting point was low and the promotion speed was slow, the seventh rank was already a very high existence.We must know that many Jinshi were originally released to the outside world as low-level local officials of the eighth rank, such as low-level positions such as signing judges.Many people have worked for most of their lives before they have the opportunity to sit on the little seven-rank county magistrate.What's more, although the rank of the county magistrate is not high, the party in charge is the top leader, and he exists aloofly in a place where the sky is high and the emperor is far away.

Qiantang County is a rich and prosperous place, but the county magistrate is a fat job, not something ordinary people can go to.As for Lin Zhao, in terms of background and qualifications, he is almost a white body. As for the Jinshi background bestowed by the emperor, it is decent in name, but in the eyes of the ministers with serious imperial examination backgrounds, what is that?
Let such a person go out to know a county, let them have a ten-year cold window, what do Jinshi who have taken many scientific examinations think?Don't be envious!
"Your Majesty, is Lin Zhao's qualifications..." Sure enough, someone made a point of this!

"Qualifications? What qualifications?" Zhao Xu said disdainfully: "The former two county magistrates of Qiantang and Yuhang were both serious scholars, right? But what did they do? What can the qualifications obtained by mixing corpses and vegetarian meals do? What I care about is ability. Dare, the sages have said,
Be meritocratic.

Lin Zhao's original background may not be good, but his ability is obvious to all. The Kaifeng government was helpless in the case of the envoy of the Liao Kingdom.

He can peel off cocoons and break through in one fell swoop.I went to Liao to defend the dignity of the Song Dynasty. When the Liao envoys came to congratulate me on my birthday, they praised me repeatedly.As for the performance in Hangzhou this time, let alone.Looking around, how many people of this age in the Song Dynasty can compare with Lin Zhao? "

When it comes to ability, Lin Zhao is really convincing, and the husbands really have nothing to say!but……

"Your Majesty, Lin Zhao is indeed outstanding in some aspects, but to be a county magistrate, he must be in charge of the administration, and must be comprehensive..."

Zhao Xu waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, I believe that Lin Zhao has this ability, and I am willing to give her this opportunity to exercise!"

Having said all of this, what else can I do?The emperor was so persistent and supportive, Lin Zhao was the county magistrate.

"As for the magistrate of Yuhang County..." Zhao Xu said, "Let our new champion go!"

Only talent is promoted, and everyone clearly feels this.At the same time, they all understand that this is a disguised form to recruit talents, an obvious signal.

The situation in Hangzhou is very interesting. Zhizhou and Tongpan are conservative officials.The two most important county magistrates are young men full of vigor, and they both highly admire Wang Anshi's reform and new policies. Now Hangzhou is lively!
"Okay, about Zhao Shiju's disposal, and the case of private salt, we will discuss it later!" Zhao Xu felt that he had to think about it.

The prime ministers left, and finally had a free time. Zhao Xu was going to Funing Palace to rest for a while.I don't want to, there is a servant coming to report on the way, and the empress dowager wants to see him!

What will happen?Zhao Xu knew that his mother took the initiative to tell him that something must happen!Since the incident with Zhao Hao last time, the relationship between their mother and son has not been very harmonious.

Zhao Xu had no choice but to turn around and come to Baoci Palace where Empress Dowager Gao Taotao lived, and said to his mother, "Hello, Madam, what can I do?"

Gao Taotao asked with a smile, "How about the rebellion in Hangzhou?"

Zhao Xu said: "Mistress Lao is concerned. Thanks to Lin Zhao's quick response, he took back the city overnight. It's all right now. Now there are only matters left to deal with the aftermath!"

Hearing Lin Zhao's name, Gao Taotao's expression was a little unnatural for a moment, and he asked again: "What about the sale of private salt?"

Zhao Xu's heart moved, and he could clearly feel that his mother's motives seemed to be more than pure concern.He has always disliked the harem meddling in politics, even his own mother.But on the surface, he returned calmly and said: "Su Shi's memorial has come. In the past five or six years, the salt affairs on Liangzhe Road have been a mess. Local officials have colluded with them and sold private salt. Now there is evidence that the king of Yuhang County also Get involved."

"Then how are you going to deal with them?" Gao Taotao asked directly.

Sure enough, this is the real purpose of mother!
"What did the empress hear? Or does anyone have a request?" Zhao Xu guessed that it was likely that Zhao Zongyong begged his mother one step ahead of time, and wanted to use the empress dowager to suppress me later?The resentment in the little emperor's heart became even stronger.

Gao Taotao knew that it was useless to deceive, and said bluntly: "Yes, the king of Yuhang County sent a letter to Aijia, I wonder what the emperor wants?"

"Mother wants to intercede for them?" Zhao Xu said: "Your Majesty, do you know that the Prince's Mansion of Yuhang County is the mastermind behind Liangzhe Road selling illicit salt, and over the past few years, the imperial court has lost millions in salt tax because of this, which is really outrageous! "

Gao Taotao said: "These mourners all know it, but he is your father's elder brother after all, and he contributed a lot to your father's ascension to the crown prince. Let him go because of his past achievements!"

"Your Majesty, I'm afraid this is very difficult!" Zhao Xu frowned and said, "The prime ministers already know it, and the local officials in Hangzhou know it too. It can't be hidden. If they are spared because they belong to the clan, then the court will Where should the majesty of the emperor be placed?"

"The emperor's difficulties are known to everyone. They are too ignorant this time, and the mistakes they made are really unforgivable." Gao Tao said; "But the law is nothing more than human feelings. Let it go!"

"Mother..." Zhao Xu was very annoyed, why mother always speaks for others, when can she speak to herself once!

Seeing this, Gao Taotao could see his son's dissatisfaction, and asked, "What's the emperor's difficulty, or do you have any ideas, can you tell my mother?"

If the emperor has the heart to deal with these things, it will be easy to deal with them.Whether the emperor's son can agree or not, there must be other ways, so we must ask clearly.Since what happened to Zhao Hao last time, Gao Taotao found out that there is a deep gap between herself and her eldest son, and she has been looking for opportunities to make up for it.

If her son insists on this matter and has sufficient reasons, she will support it.It's not cost-effective to deepen the misunderstanding with his son for the sake of his uncle's request. Gao Taotao is shrewd in his heart!
Zhao Xu pondered for a moment, and said, "Ma'am, don't you think that the brothers when the father retired to the mansion were all a little too much? They were the sons of the emperor's ancestor King Pu, and they made contributions to the father's position as the emperor's prince, so they were arrogant and domineering." , taking credit and pride, even I never paid attention to it.

Zhao Zongyong dared to act recklessly and recklessly in Hangzhou, didn't he just see this point?They regard themselves as the benefactors of our mother and child, and do such despicable and illegal things, which are really hateful.Back then they owed a lot to their father, I don't deny this, for the sake of family affection, it's okay to spare them..."

Gao Taotao's face was gloomy, what the emperor's son said was not true.

Zhao Xu continued: "Father's more than 20 brothers, all of them broke the rules and made princes and county kings. They are already good to them, but they are not satisfied! Violating the law and discipline, relying on the identity of the emperor's relatives, using power for personal gain, doing shady things It's not just Zhao Zongyong's family!
Have you ever thought about it, if Zhao Zongyong is spared this time, they will think that we are weak and can be bullied, and they will accommodate them, even if we make a mistake, they will not pursue it too much.Over time, it will fuel their arrogance, and they will get worse. When others make mistakes, they will use them as an example.
Furthermore, just this time Zhao Zongyong has stolen millions of dollars in taxes, what about the others?As time goes by, my Great Song Dynasty has not been riddled with holes from being eaten by these moths?Empress, if you tolerate rape, you will have endless troubles!What's more, if their crimes are not punished this time, it will be difficult to explain to the subjects of the world, and it will damage the majesty of the court, and the gain will outweigh the loss! "

Gao Taotao was also moved by Zhao Xu's righteous words.After the death of her son, a court woman who has been in charge of the court and assisted her grandson for many years, how can ordinary people compare her powers?Maybe it was because of family affection before, and I couldn't save face.But now, when her son said this, she suddenly realized.

Before and after her husband Emperor Yingzong ascended the throne, these brothers were indeed the most reliable right-hand man and the strongest backing.But as time goes by, the tail has gradually become too big to let go, and it has become an obstacle for the son.It's also to blame that they don't know how to restrain themselves. Their actions have obviously harmed the interests of the country and are not conducive to the consolidation of imperial power.

It seems that it is time to beat and beat, and it is not unreasonable for the son to want to touch them.After all, Zhao Xu is his own son. How difficult it is for her husband and son to be the emperor. She knows the hardships better than anyone else. How can others threaten the stability of the throne?

Seeing his mother wavering, Zhao Xu took advantage of the situation and said: "Mother, these uncles, the emperor can still restrain them when he is still. But what about my son? How many of them take me seriously? If you move them for no reason, others will If you say that I am ungrateful, you will be accused of being unfilial. Now that they have committed a crime themselves, how can they waste such a good excuse!"

These words strengthened Gao Taotao's mind, and she found that her son had grown up, and the emperor's tactics became more and more shrewd.He was very pleased about this, but he was vaguely worried, would he deal with himself or his second son Zhao Hao because of this?

Gao Taotao nodded and said: "Then do as the emperor wants! But there is one thing, after all, you have not been on the throne for a long time, and your foundation is still shallow, and you still need the help of these uncles. So this matter is enough, just enough to shake the mountain and shock the tiger, and deter others. Yes. It’s true to get rid of the constraints, but it can’t shake the foundation!”

Zhao Xu is already very satisfied that his mother can stand on his side, and what he said is right, killing chickens and banning monkeys is enough.

"There is also Zhao Shiju..." Gao Taotao said: "I think the emperor also has his own ideas, but Aijia suggested that you don't have to be too cruel. The emperor is now accumulating fame, and when the subjects return to their hearts, they should show more benevolence... The big house is a bit People have crooked minds, but they can't make any big waves... The emperor and the prime ministers should discuss it!"

"Yes!" Zhao Xu knew in his heart that what his mother said was fair and for his own sake.What's more, the evidence is not complete now, and many things have not been sorted out. Wait for Su Shi and Lin Zhao to report everything before making a decision!
However, killing chickens and monkeys is inevitable!
(End of this chapter)