Let's say that Lu Yao actually began to regret it within a few days after he sent Zhang Mou out. Not to mention whether he could find Jintai or not, the safety along the road alone was a problem. The final result was good.
Zhang Mou came back safely and brought back Jintai. Everything was done well. After Zhang Mou left the house, Tangxi looked at Lu Yao and said that Lu Yao had given Zhang Mou so much money at once, so let him
Some people don't understand. From Tang Xi's point of view, even if Zhang Mou successfully found Jintai, Lu Yao has never been so generous.
Lu Yao looked at Tangxi and said that he didn't know how cruel the robber was.
The political system of the Northern Song Dynasty followed that of the Tang Dynasty. After Song Taizu Zhao Kuangyin ascended the throne, in order to avoid the chaos of separatist vassal towns and eunuch autocratic power in the late Tang Dynasty, he adopted a policy of emphasizing culture and restraining military force, strengthening centralization of power, and depriving generals of their military power. In addition,
, the Northern Song Dynasty also had a new system, namely three redundancies. The so-called three redundancies refer to redundant officials, redundant soldiers, and redundant expenses, which means that there is a certain mutual restraint between the various levels of power in the central government, and the country's army becomes
It has become a tool for the government to recruit and surrender the rebellious people, which to a certain extent has led to a breakdown in military discipline, a significant decline in the military's combat effectiveness, and increased national administrative costs. As manpower has increased, personnel expenses have naturally increased.
The money used by the Northern Song Dynasty government to support officials and soldiers was plundered from the people. The government began to levy a large amount of taxes, and the people were seriously burdened. What was even more excessive was that bureaucrats and aristocratic families annexed large amounts of land to expand their own assets.
The lowest class farmers have no land or food at all. There are more and more beggars on the streets, and more and more people are starving to death in the cold winter.
When the people of the Northern Song Dynasty were in dire straits, they were threatened by ethnic minorities in the north and northwest, and used annual tribute to increase their oppression of the people. Under such pressure from the government, more and more farmers chose to revolt.
It is said that since the founding of the Northern Song Dynasty, peasant uprisings have never stopped. Many common people, under the oppression of the government, have taken over the mountains and become kings, robbing officials, silver, and food. For a time, the soldiers were injured and the people suffered, and it seemed that the common people were
In their hearts, only by robbing the government of food and property could they have a chance to survive.
This led to a situation of rampant thieves in the Northern Song Dynasty, which can be said to be "forced by the officials. The people rebelled, and the people had no choice but to rebel." After Song Shenzong came to the throne, seeing such a scene among the people, he vigorously promoted reforms. At that time, the famous Chinese writer Wang Anshi promoted
"Report" later recorded in "Historical Records" that "the number of thieves decreased by seven or eight compared to the past." Unfortunately, the reform later failed, and thieves in the Northern Song Dynasty became more and more violent. During the reign of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, the four major bandits in the world appeared.
The establishment of the bureaucracy in the Northern Song Dynasty was inherited from the Sui and Tang dynasties and later from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was complex in content and separated in name and reality. It was the most complex bureaucracy in the history of the dynasty, and of course it was also a dynasty in which the civil service system was highly developed. The special phenomenon of separation of positions and officials appeared in the bureaucracy of the Song Dynasty.
This is especially obvious in the system. Military generals have also been suppressed like never before. The story of "releasing military power over a glass of wine" is widely circulated. In order to ensure the stability of his regime and avoid the situation in the late Tang Dynasty, Song Taizu Zhao Kuangyin took back the military power of military generals, resulting in a decline in military strength.
It is low and unable to resist foreign invasion.
It can be said that the Northern Song Dynasty at that time was dominated by civil servants. At the same time, due to the widespread implementation of the three-year promotion system, the number of redundant employees who "seek only no faults, not meritorious service" expanded infinitely. All of this resulted in the top three redundancies, which can be
What I am saying is that there has never been any dynasty that treated scholar-bureaucrats so well, and the Northern Song Dynasty was the first. Whether it was political treatment or economic treatment, it was unprecedented.
Not only that, Taizu of the Song Dynasty put up an iron sign in the palace, requiring that "no scholar-bureaucrats or those who write letters to speak out are allowed to be killed." From historical tracing, we can know that during Wang Anshi's reforms, he wanted to use the cheese of the scholar-bureaucrat class to reduce the burden on ordinary people.
Wen Yanbo openly told Song Shenzong that his Majesty shared the world with the scholar-bureaucrats, not with all the people.
This move once put this class in a position where one person is below ten thousand people, and they finally became the true rulers of the empire. However, this also intensified the conflict between the government and the people, and thieves were already rampant.
, the Song Dynasty was so big, but there were no officers and soldiers to stop it. The scholar-bureaucrats were aloof, hiding under their own roofs and watching the world with a smile. The military generals had no power and could only watch the thieves run rampant. It can be seen from this that the thieves were rampant and the governance was ineffective in the Northern Song Dynasty.
It is inseparable from these civil servants who only know how to talk. In other words, they are the accomplices of thieves and the instigators of the revision of the law.
Among them, it must be mentioned that at that time, the civil servants of the Northern Song Dynasty were in power and had a high status, but there were also a few sycophants among them. They also secretly intervened in the management of thieves in the Northern Song Dynasty. In fact, the most famous four sycophants were
Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, Yang Jian, and Tong Guan, for their own benefit, killed the thieves ruthlessly, and even one hundred and eight heroes were forced to go to Liangshan.
At this time, the military strength was weak and could not make any difference at all. The people were even more complaining about the government. During the Renzong period of the Northern Song Dynasty, there were rumors that the government gave up the defense when "thieves" came to the city and opened the city to reward them. These
This approach will only make the thieves more rampant and make the people unable to live in peace.
In order to suppress thieves and improve the current situation of rampant thieves, the Northern Song Dynasty government introduced the "Stressing Laws and Local Laws". "Stressing Laws and Local Laws" can be said to be a law stipulated in the Song Dynasty of China that increased the punishment for those who committed the crime of theft in specific areas. "Song Dynasty"
"Historical Records of Criminal Law" says: "In Jiayouzhong, where the law was emphasized, it began in the counties of Kaifeng Prefecture, and later reached the prefectures... By the time of Yuanfeng, Hebei, Jingdong, Huainan, Fujian and other roads were all using the law.
, the counties and counties sleep in a wide range of areas."
Faced with the chaos of law and order caused by thieves and thieves, during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, Renzong first considered the security of the Gyeonggi region and classified the counties of Kaifeng in the capital as "law-heavy areas" and stipulated that those who committed crimes in the "law-heavy areas" would be subject to heavier penalties.
As local people's resistance intensified, the scope of "law-heavy areas" gradually expanded to all important prefectures, states, and armies, and their sentences became increasingly heavier. The criminal laws used against thieves became more severe and cruel, and many people suffered in vain.
Being wronged and subjected to various tortures, the people were miserable for a while, and the thieves hovering in the mountains and forests rose up to resist.
Not only that, Song Renzong first enacted the "Severe Law on Harboring" to severely punish the crime of harboring thieves and eliminate the social foundation of thieves. It not only emphasized the retroactive effect of the law, but also implicated relatives of criminals and confiscated their property, and punished thieves with crimes of rebellion.
Measures and criminal laws cracked down on thieves to a certain extent and reduced the number of thieves at that time. But again, these methods were extremely cruel and inhumane. However, for the public security of the society at that time, these were methods and measures that had to be adopted.
Judging from the politics, economy, transportation, and resources of the Northern Song Dynasty at that time, the rulers adopted these more coercive laws to maintain public order, which indeed in a short period of time could effectively alleviate the current situation of rampant thieves, robbery, murder, and arson everywhere, but this was more extreme
The laws have forced more thieves to oppose increasingly strongly and no longer believe in the government's various recruitment policies, which has triggered more intense social conflicts among officials, common people, and thieves.
For this reason, we can think that the public security system of the Northern Song Dynasty was a success, or it could be said to be a failure. Its success lies in the fact that these legal systems are the inheritance and innovation of the legal systems of previous dynasties, and they are also the basis for traditional Chinese public security thinking.
It has made a huge contribution to the research; and its failure is because the law is too harsh and the criminal law is too cruel. The thieves are wrong, but they should not be tortured with such criminal laws, let alone their families and innocent people.
Common people.
These laws lack some humanization. The traditional legal tradition of "criminalizing the state with heavy laws" has a long history in China, is deeply rooted, and has an influence to this day. "Northern Song Dynasty heavy laws" has been implemented for decades in the Northern Song Dynasty, which is why this tradition spans a long time.
A practice that affected a wide range of areas. However, this practice, this law, not only failed to achieve the expected purpose, but also caused serious social harm.
However, after Lu Yao finished the ring competition, he was obsessed with Jintai boxing. He felt that as long as he found him, it would be a big help for him to participate in the Cao family's competition in the future, so he later got excited and let Zhang
Mou went to look for Jintai. In fact, although Lu Yao had the impression that Jintai should be in Hebei at this time, Lu Yao was not sure whether he was there or not. In this case, he asked Zhang Mou to look for him.
For him, the result may not be good. Moreover, Lu Yao only wanted to learn martial arts at that time, and did not consider the factors of public security and thieves in society. Although Zhang Mou has some kung fu, he is definitely not as good as those robbers.
So when Lu Yao gave Zhang Mou so much money this time, to put it bluntly, it was Lu Yao's compensation for him.
After Zhang Mou left, Lu Yao asked Tangxi to park the carriage outside the house. He first went to the study to talk to his father, Lu Xu, and then went to Jiuzhongxian to meet Su Shi and the others.
Tang Xi said at this time: "Master, do you want to tell the Cao family about your achievements?"
As Lu Yao's housekeeper, Tang Xi understood what Lu Yao meant for Cao Han after Lu Yao wanted to participate in the martial arts competition to recruit a bride, so she said this to Lu Yao now.
Lu Yao said with a smile: "Uncle Cao Guo is probably not interested in my grades, and he might want to see my jokes more. However, there is no harm in telling Cao Yu. Telling him is equivalent to telling him
Sister, you should go now and deal with the carriage matter when you come back. I think it will take some time for me to discuss matters with the master."
Tangxi responded, turned and left.
Lu Yao also rushed to Lu Xu's study.
Different from the previous times, Lu Yao didn't feel uneasy this time. Lu Yao knew that when Lu Xu talked to him about business, he would usually choose to be in the study room. The previous conversations were also very formal. This time
This time should be no exception.
However, Lu Yao knew that this time he came to him to talk about the imperial examination. He was relatively confident in this aspect. In fact, except for the previous showdown with his father about Cao Han and Han Yunyu, Lu Yao was indeed very worried at that time.
Nervous, but after that, Lu Yao basically had nothing to feel nervous about when facing Lu Xu.
Pushing the door open and walking in, Lu Xu did not stand with his hands behind his back and his back like he did a few times before. Instead, he sat next to the desk in the center of the study. Lu Yao saw that there were three or four books on the table. It seemed that Lu Yao was
Xu took it out newly from the bookcase.
"Did you see your name on the list?" After Lu Yao sat down, Lu Xu confirmed with Lu Yao the results of his general examination.
Lu Yao nodded and said: "Yes, but there is no score. During the palace examination, there should only be ranking."
"Yes," Lu Xu said, "This is also to avoid penalizing those candidates with poor grades."
Lu Yao looked at the books on the table and said, "Are these books for me?"
Lu Xu said: "That's right, if you take a closer look when you are free, it will still be helpful to your performance during the imperial examination."
Lu Yao nodded, took the books and placed them on the small table next to his seat.
Lu Xu continued: "Did you know that this palace examination is divided into top three? Are you confident that you will be ranked first?"
Lu Yao thought for a while, and according to the current examination model, candidates who pass the examination are called "Gongshi". The first place in the examination becomes Huiyuan. After passing the examination, they will take part in the examination presided over by the emperor himself or appointed by the ministers.
The palace examination presided over by an agent. Those who pass the examination are collectively called Jinshi, and only tribute scholars are eligible for reference. The palace examination is divided into three levels (third class) for admission. The first class is awarded to Jinshi and the first place, the second class is to the Jinshi origin, and the third class is to the same Jinshi background. The first in the palace examination
He is called the number one scholar, the second place is called the second place, and the third place is called the third flower.
Lu Yao thought about Lu Xu's question and said: "What I mean is to keep the second and fight for the first. When it comes to passing the imperial examination, I don't know if I can do it, but it shouldn't be a problem to pass the imperial examination."
.What's more, if it's only the top three, I guess Mr. Han Yonghe will be unhappy too."
Lu Xu frowned when he heard Han Yonghe's name. He stood up and said, "I heard from Tangxi that you came back from Han Mansion. You did a good job in this matter. Go and tell him about your achievements first."
, how did he react?"
Lu Yao said with a smile: "On the surface, there wasn't much of a reaction. He just asked me if I was sure about the imperial examination."
Lu Xu asked further: "Did he ask you for some standards and requirements, such as what kind of ranking he must give you?"
Lu Yao thought for a while and said: "That's not true, just tell me that I can pass the palace examination."
Lu Xu was a little confused and said: "It's actually like this. The Han Yonghe I know is a proud and arrogant person. Under normal circumstances, for the sake of his official prestige as Lord Shangshu and the face of the Han family, I think he should be able to
I have a request from you."
Lu Yao said: "Maybe it's because the wedding date has been set, and even if he is dissatisfied, he can't break the marriage then. And I may be a special case, or maybe he is more confident in my imperial examination, so he has no requirements."
I."
Lu Xu also thought about it and said: "Anyway, since he didn't ask for it, it's a good thing. Maybe he also knows that even if he doesn't ask for it, I will still make demands for you."
fo
Lu Yao said: "Father, just ask for your request."
Having said that, Lu Yao knew that Lu Xu was still relatively easy on him, and he would not say that he must be the number one pick or the second overall pick.
Just now, Lu Xu first asked Lu Yao about his expectations for his results in the palace examination, maybe just for now.
Lu Xu said: "My request is that you don't have to be a Jinshi, but you must at least be at the level of the second-class. Otherwise, not only will the Han family be embarrassed at the wedding, but I will also lose face."
Lu Yao smiled and said, "Okay, I promise you."
"One more thing, I see that you have been going to Jiuzhongxian every day recently and practicing martial arts at night. It seems that you are determined to participate in the Cao family's martial arts contest to recruit a bride, but the choice of this day, from participating in the contest to the imperial examination,
As for the wedding with the Han family, do you have any plans?"
Lu Yao nodded and said: "Don't worry, Dad, I will definitely do a good job in handling the relationship between the Han family and the Cao family. I will not cause any trouble to you where I can. I will definitely attend the martial arts contest to recruit a bride."
I have already told you the reason for participating."
Lu Xu knew that Lu Yao had made up his mind, so he sighed, waved his hand, and motioned for Lu Yao to go out with the book he chose for him.
Lu Yao had a question in his mind at this time. He looked at Lu Xu and said, "Dad, regarding the elder brother's matter, is it really him who asked to resign? Or is it you..."
Lu Yao did not continue speaking. He thought Lu Xu should understand the meaning of what he said.
Lu Xu looked at Lu Yao and said: "Of course that's not what I meant. Although your ability is indeed higher than that of Lu Hao, I will not let your eldest brother resign and ruin his official career just for you. Your eldest brother
After working in the bank for a period of time, he felt that compared to fighting in officialdom and court, he was more suitable to be a person who could be with his wife anytime, anywhere and do what he wanted to do. In this case, of course I have to respect him.
choice. However, if you do not choose to enter the officialdom, I will naturally not agree with his idea. The Lu family must have a next generation above the court. But now it seems that you have taken the imperial examination and will be in the imperial examination in the future.
He should also be able to shine in the court, so if Lu Hao wants to resign, I have no reason to refuse."
Lu Xu spoke righteously and seriously when he said this. It didn't look like he was lying. Moreover, Lu Yao knew that his father would never hide anything when facing him. Listen.
After learning the real reason why Lu Hao resigned, Lu Yao breathed a sigh of relief. He really didn't want his father to ask his eldest brother to resign because of his own reasons, which would make him feel really bad.
After figuring out the matter, Lu Yao left the study.
The conversation didn't last long. After Lu Yao returned to the main hall, Tangxi hadn't returned from Cao Mansion yet, so Lu Yao took the time to visit his sister-in-law, Mrs. Xu, and his niece, Lu Qiaoqiao.
The eldest brother Lu Hao is busy working at the bank at the moment, but he should be back home in half an hour depending on the time. Mrs. Xu likes the name Lu Yao gave her niece very much, and is very grateful to Lu Yao for trusting the bank to the two of them.
Go and take care of it. According to Xu's wishes, Lu Hao's management of the bank is only temporary. When Xu's body recovers, Lu Hao will do some business on his own, and then Xu will still be the one to take care of the bank.
Indeed, Lu Yao felt that Xu was much better than Lu Hao in managing money.
Niece Lu Qiaoqiao looks very lovable. In fact, Lu Yao is a person who doesn’t like children very much in real life. He doesn’t quite hear the children’s cries, but when facing Qiaoqiao, even Lu Yao doesn’t like children.
I can't bear to look away from her, maybe this is the charm of new life.
Lu Yao didn't leave until Tang Xi returned to the house, and followed Tang Xi into the carriage. The destination was naturally the Immortal in Wine.
"Did your trip to Cao's Mansion go smoothly this time? I almost forgot, if today is a training day for the Lions, your trip would have been in vain." Lu Yao asked in the car.
Tangxi's voice came, "Today is not a training day for the Lions, and when I arrived at Cao's house, Uncle Cao Guo was not at the house, so I met Cao You directly and told Mr. Cao about your results.
he."
"Oh? What was his reaction?" Lu Yao asked.
Tang Xi said: "He said that it is normal for you to pass the examination, but he specifically asked who is the candidate for this examination."
When Lu Yao heard this, he was stunned for a moment, thinking that he didn't seem to pay much attention to who was number one at the time. Although the ranking was in no particular order, the name of the first place would have special annotations on the list.
But at that time, Lu Yao only focused on seeing his own name and didn't care who was ranked first.
"I really didn't pay attention to that."
Tang Xi continued: "Mr. Cao You said that he will tell Miss Cao Han your results. Please don't worry, Mr. Cao Han."
Lu Yao smiled slightly and stopped talking.
Who is the first place in the test? This question raised by Cao You also made Lu Yao interested. Although he didn't notice it, Su Shi and the others will definitely pay attention. He can ask them when he arrives at Jiuzhongxian later.
Already.
With this idea in mind, Lu Yao arrived at the Immortal in the Wine.
Then, the answer to this question was instantly known.
The first place in this examination was none other than Su Dongpo and Su Shi.
After meeting Su Shi, Su Che, and Zeng Gong, while they were drinking, Zeng Gong's first words were to congratulate Su Shi for winning the Huiyuan in this examination.
Lu Yao felt embarrassed in his heart, but immediately pretended that he already knew the result, and congratulated Su Shi along with Zeng Gong.
Su Shi didn't see any flaws. People like him would never guess other people's thoughts.
So, the four people drank and chatted in the private room. During this period, Lu Yao and Zeng Gong once again strengthened their friendship. Compared with Su Shi and Su Che, Lu Yao felt that Zeng Gong had more of the character and temperament of the literati of this era. Of course, speaking of
