Sorting through this mountain of documents is definitely a big project.
Because we are sorting it out here, there will be a mountain of documents on the other side, delivered one after another.
What's more, every document needs to be verified, and all postmen who handle it must sign their names.
When you get to the post station, the post manager of the post station must also conduct random inspections and verifications. After confirming that the information recorded by the post manager is true, he will then sign and stamp it.
The post office then submits it to the post offices in each province, and the post offices also compare it, confirm it is correct, and send it to the Post Office.
Therefore, every document contains not only dense records, but also many signatures and imprints. From the postman to the postmaster to the post office's seal.
But when it comes to this, the clerks here still have to compare and confirm that it is correct, or make sure that there are no errors in the records or missing places in the descriptions, and they also have to sign their names.
At this level, everyone has a responsibility.
Of course, although they have responsibilities, the Postal Department's achievements in the internal regulations are also real. They will receive a double salary at the end of the year and a one-level salary increase in the coming year. Special rewards will be given to those who have achieved outstanding results.
These alone are enough to make everyone work hard.
The postal department's salary is not low, it is enough to support my wife, children, and children. If I add a double salary and a first-level salary, if I don't work hard now, when will I wait?
There are two types of people in the Postal Department. One is just looking at the good treatment at the post station. This additional salary is enough to satisfy them.
The other type is some scholars who gradually join the service in the Postal Service. These people are eager for fame. They can be credited for such things in the future, so they will naturally work harder.
But there were so many documents sent that they were like snowflakes, coming in an endless stream.
For several months, every day was filled with boxes, so that everyone was exhausted to the extreme.
As a last resort, the Postal Department adopted the old method commonly used in Zhili and directly transferred students from the official school, arithmetic school and other universities to assist.
Let them start at first, and as they gradually become familiar with it, teach them to be independent.
But the next problem we encountered was that the warehouse of the Postal Department was no longer enough, so we had to borrow a warehouse from the Ministry of Railways nearby.
On the Ministry Hall side, some warehouses had to be vacated, and even in order to facilitate the entry and exit of people from the Postal Department, the high wall adjacent to the Ministry Hall and the Postal Department was simply cut through to allow people to enter and exit.
Zhang Anshi came to inspect several times. At first he was very interested and said he wanted to set an example.
Who knew that when I saw the posture here and the mountains of documents, I felt that my body was a little out of control. I nodded to express my approval for everyone's hard work, but never mentioned that I had to do it myself.
This matter is a top priority for the Postal Service Department.
Precisely because it was a top priority, Zhang Anshi and Hu Mu had to be involved in everything inside.
In the Postal Department, a special postal code bureau was even set up, and a large amount of money was allocated to provide resources for this investigation.
From the middle of the year to the beginning of winter, in this cold winter, the wind seemed to be biting, but at this moment, Hu Mu finally got a briefing.
Then, Hu Mu read the briefing carefully.
The more he looked, the more suspicious his expression became. He frowned and remained silent for a long time.
"The ambassador's... morning trip... is to go to Qixia to discuss the mail ship with the owner of Ma's Shipping Company..."
The clerk whispered beside him.
But Hu Mu looked at it seriously and did not react.
"ambassador……"
Hu Mu suddenly raised his head and said, "Cancel today's trip."
The clerk was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but said in surprise: "Today's activities are cancelled? But in the afternoon, there is an inspection of the Postal School. This Postal School... Ambassador, you have been talking about it for a long time, saying that you want to see the students. As for what is happening now
For a trip, the owner of Ma's Shipping Company should have prepared a reception. If it is canceled at this time, I'm afraid..."
Compared with the slightly excited reaction of the civil servant, Hu Mu said calmly: "Put it off, push it to tomorrow... No, push it to three days later."
The literary official glanced at Hu Mu again in surprise.
As the chief officer, Hu Mu has actually been working hard and insisting on participating in almost all trips, even if he feels unwell sometimes. After all, none of these things can be delayed.
Changing your mind and postponing your trip at short notice like today did not exist at all in the past.
The official didn't ask any more questions, so he quickly said, "Yes."
No matter how unexpected it was, the civil servants could not continue to persuade him.
But Hu Mu seemed to remember something at this time, and then said: "By the way, Di Bao, Di Bao... Di Bao from more than half a month ago, get it for me immediately! It's about that article... Jingbiao Tianxia
The state governments are responsible for checking the yellow records of taxes and levies.”
Seeing Hu Mu's slightly anxious face, the clerk did not dare to neglect and hurriedly went to get it.
Not long after, the newspaper was found and spread out on Ehumu's papers.
Hu Mu then lowered his head and took a closer look. He saw the situation in Ganzhou Prefecture, which was regarded as a model, and then took the briefing and compared it carefully.
The more he looked at it, the deeper Hu Mu's brows furrowed, and the more incredible he felt.
He kept his head lowered, as if he was afraid of missing something. After confirming over and over again, he finally slapped the case firmly.
The civil servant was startled and said hurriedly: "Ambassador..."
Hu Mu raised his head, glanced at him, and then said calmly: "Prepare the car and go to the Song Palace..."
Halfway through what he said, he felt it was inappropriate, and then said: "No, at this time, His Royal Highness the King of Song should be in Wenyuan Pavilion, but... I'm afraid it will be inconvenient to meet him in the palace... You go and tell the news to me.
His Royal Highness the King of Song in the palace sent a message, asking him to leave the palace immediately and come to the Post Office to inform His Highness the King of Song that there is an urgent situation."
After hearing this, the civil servant immediately realized that it was not simple.
What kind of person is His Highness the King of Song? You have to be very careful when visiting him. How dare you call him to the Post Office so easily? This is obviously against etiquette.
If something is abnormal, it is a monster. Then the only possibility is that there is really an urgent matter.
So the literary official did not dare to hesitate any more and hurriedly said: "The student will teach others to deliver the message."
In fact, Hu Mu no longer had the intention to listen to his words.
Because after the explanation, Hu Mu began to absentmindedly continue to lower his head and refer to the newspaper and the briefing.
…………
Zhang Anshi received the news at Wenyuan Pavilion, but instead of being angry, he went to the Post Office happily.
Hu Guang looked at Zhang Anshi and left without saying goodbye, looking like he was in a hurry. He couldn't help but quietly went to look for Yang Rong and whispered: "Mr. Yang, His Highness the King of Song, ran away in good condition... but for some unknown reason."
Yang Rong looked up at Hu Guang and said with a wry smile: "Hu Gong always likes new things."
"Not really." Hu Guang thought for a moment and said, "I discovered a problem."
"Say it."
Hu Guang said seriously: "Instead of racking your brains every day to think about the world's major events, it is better to focus on Jiegong, Yang Gong and Song Wang. Maybe we can see some clues from you. In this way, you will have a better understanding of the world's affairs."
It’s more transparent. Not only can I be a capable minister, but I can also ensure that I don’t make mistakes.”
Yang Rong was dumbfounded and speechless. Although he knew that Hu Guang, a great scholar, was quite capable, he did not expect that Hu Guang could paddle to such an extent even when he was showing off.
Seeing Yang Rong's strange reaction, Hu Guang said, "Mr. Yang... I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. Is it right?"
"It's not wrong." Yang Rong said, dumbfounded.
Hu Guang became very interested again, and then said: "Then Mr. Yang... you said... His Highness the King of Song..."
Yang Rong, however, stared at Hu Guang for a long time and suddenly said: "Hu Gong, you won't go to Jiegong to ask for advice from the King of Song and me. Then go to the King of Song to ask for advice from the Duke of Song and myself.
Or maybe you are here again to seek advice from the King of Song Dynasty and Duke Jiejie..."
Hu Guang's face turned slightly red, and he muttered but did not respond.
Yang Rong: "..."
Seems like the truth is out?
Hu Guang suppressed his blush for a long time, and finally coughed and said: "Mr. Yang, the so-called threesome... there must be my master..."
However, Yang Rong silently lowered his head, took out his pen and ink, took out the memorial and continued to draw up the votes, as if he was ignoring him.
Hu Guang looked at Yang Rong for a long time, feeling puzzled and feeling bored, so he had to quit.
He couldn't help but sigh in his heart, it's hard to do things, but it's even harder to be a human being. In the ups and downs of the officialdom, it's really hard to walk on thin ice. It's really difficult.
With such a sigh, I couldn't help but think of my son who was in the Post Office.
Even though I am like this, my son still doesn’t know how to deal with it. When I think about it, I feel that my son is going through such hardships, and I can’t help but feel sad for him silently.
…………
And now, on the other side.
"Your Highness, please take a look..."
"And here..."
"In this briefing, not only the places circled by the official, but also the edict issued by the imperial court in the imperial newspaper last time. In this edict, the number circled by the official..."
Before Zhang Anshi came, Hu Mu had already organized the data to a certain extent and circled all the key data to achieve an intuitive effect.
Zhang Anshi only needs to look closely and he can immediately see the clues.
At this time, Zhang Anshi raised his eyebrows and said: "You mean... the hidden houses discovered by the imperial court do not match those discovered by the Postal Department?"
Hu Mu said: "It's not just a mismatch, it's simply a huge difference. Apart from the numbers, the most terrifying thing..."
Having said this, he paused for a moment, then took out another document and continued: "Your Highness, you will know when you look at this."
Zhang Anshi took the document and looked at it carefully. His eyes suddenly widened and he couldn't help but tremble.
Although he had expected it, Zhang Anshi could not have expected that someone would play such a trick.
Zhang Anshi frowned: "Who knows about this matter?"
Hu Mu then said: "The investigation is being carried out within the Postal Department, and some people should know about it. However... after all, the Postal Department is only responsible for the post station. From the perspective of the world, this is not an important matter, and it does not cause too much concern.
A lot of attention. But even if someone pays attention to the tip of the iceberg, this specific amount, even if it is a lower official, has just been obtained. Naturally, he feels that the situation is serious, so please come here to report it as soon as possible."
Hu Mu paused and then said: "In addition, most of the civil servants in charge are graduates from various universities, or they were transferred from the Railway Department or Qixia Bank. Because the things are complicated,... almost
Everyone is working day and night, and at this time...only His Highness and the lower officials know the news."
Zhang Anshi lowered his eyes and thought deeply for a moment, then said: "Has the Postal Department verified the number? What I require is that the number is accurate, otherwise you know that throwing such things away is not a trivial matter."
Hu Mu said: "After verification, every household registration has been verified by a responsible person, from the postman to the postmaster, to the clerk of the post office and clerk of the postal department who verified it. Everyone who handled it has signed and stamped it."
Zhang Anshi thought about the process carefully, nodded, then glanced at Hu Mu happily and said, "You are better than your father."
Hu Mu was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly said: "I'm going to be the official... I'm going to be the official..."
He didn't know how to respond for a moment, and it seemed that no matter how he responded, it would be wrong.
Zhang Anshi immediately said: "Then... I am here to ask you, if this is the case now, what choice would you make?"
Hu Mu only hesitated for a moment and then said: "Show it to the world."
Zhang Anshi looked at him with bright eyes and said, "Why?"
Hu Mu said: "It's a matter of national importance!"
Zhang Anshi nodded, with a slight smile on his lips, and said: "This is better than your father. In that case, you, the transport envoy of the Postal Department, report it immediately."
Hu Mu was stunned and said in surprise: "Isn't His Highness responsible for reporting?"
Zhang Anshi immediately said: "This is the hard work of the Postal Department. I cannot take the credit for this..."
Hu Mu shook his head hurriedly: "The lower officials and others all act in accordance with His Highness's orders..."
Zhang Anshi waved his hand: "Please enter the palace immediately to see me. I will naturally support you."
Hu Mu nodded.
…………
In Wenyuan Pavilion.
A eunuch came in a hurry and invited the princes of Wenyuan Pavilion to come in.
As soon as the eunuch arrived, Xie Jin and others couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.
So Xie Jin said: "I wonder, father-in-law, what happened?"
"The forwarding envoy of the Postal Department reported to me that he has an important meeting to attend."
Xie Jin frowned slightly, thoughtfully.
Yang Rong glanced at Hu Guang subconsciously.
Hu Guang couldn't help but feel worried.
The postal transport envoy sounds like a big deal, but in fact, at the level of the palace, he is just a third-rank official like the salt transport envoy.
Of course, in addition, the Postal Department is a new government office, and the chief official is not as good as the salt transport envoy. It was officially promoted by the imperial court, and its value is greatly reduced. From a third-level perspective, it is not even considered a formal minister.
It is equivalent to serving as an official.
The so-called official appointment means that the emperor directly appoints officials without going through the official selection process, such as court recommendation and ministry consultation.
This violated the normal procedures of the court, but it was just to satisfy the wishes of the emperor or a concubine or eunuch in the harem, so... it was not accepted by the world.
Because of this, now that Hu Mu took the initiative to meet the saint, Hu Guang was naturally worried.
Xie Jin looked directly at Hu Guang and said: "Mr. Hu, does Mr. Hu know in advance what your son is going to report today?"
Hu Guang was not blushing on the face, but he was embarrassed in his heart, and it was difficult to talk about his son. He knew nothing about it, so he muttered, trying to find out something.
But he was afraid that Xie Jin would ask further questions. In this case, what was his son reporting, and why couldn't he answer it?
He immediately drooped his head and said in frustration: "I don't know."
Xie Jin nodded and said with a clear look: "That's pretty much it. It should be the instruction of His Highness the King of Song Dynasty."
After saying that, Xie Jin looked at the eunuch and said, "Father, did you only call me and other great bachelors?"
"And the Metropolitan Procuratorate..."
There was no expression on Xie Jin's face, and he just nodded calmly: "Let's go and see you."
Everyone was in different moods and filed silently towards the Wenlou.
In the literary building, Zhu Di had not yet ascended to the throne, but Zhang Anshi and Hu Mu had already arrived.
When acquaintances meet, it is inevitable that everyone will feel a little embarrassed at this time. The complexity of the interpersonal relationships here has a bit of the flavor of an outside drama, which is difficult to explain at the moment.
So everyone seemed to be waiting cautiously, so no one said a word.
After that, dozens or hundreds of people from the Imperial Procuratorate came in large numbers. These people obviously had doubts in their hearts and did not know why they were summoned.
It can be seen that the atmosphere here is solemn, and people dare not show their dignity.
After a long time, Zhu Di came slowly and ascended to the throne. He received a petition, saying that Hu Mu, the transfer envoy of the Postal Department, came to see him. Then, Zhang Anshi came to present again, and what he wanted to petition was the matter of the Yellow Book.
Zhu Di felt something was strange, so he summoned all the great scholars and the censors of the Metropolitan Procuratorate at the same time.
However, Zhu Di is obviously looking good and in a happy mood these days. The world is peaceful. When a person grows old and has done so many great things, it is not an exaggeration to call him a saint and leave it to his children and grandchildren in the future.
With such a big family background, I feel more at ease.
From another perspective, even if he went to see Emperor Taizu Gao and showed off his achievements, Emperor Taizu Gao would probably not beat himself up.
All in all, Zhu Di was quite satisfied deep in his heart at this time.
Zhu Di smiled and said: "Which one is Hu Mu?"
Hu Mu stood up.
Zhu Di looked at him, nodded and said: "The last time I saw the Qing family, the Qing family was injured and couldn't take a closer look. Today I saw them, but they were very impressive. After all, what are you going to do with such a big fanfare?"
Hu Mu then said: "Your Majesty, the Postal Department has received much love from Your Majesty since its establishment..."
Zhu Di frowned slightly, glanced at Hu Guang displeasedly, and said, "Hu Qing's family."
"Ah... I'm here..." Hu Guang was still lost in thought when he was suddenly called upon. At this time, he came back to his senses and showed a look of sincerity and fear.
Zhu Di said coldly: "Your son... just like you, likes to be verbose."
Hu Guang felt that he was a little wronged. Well, why did he talk about him from his son? He could only say helplessly: "Wan Shi."
After Hu Mu heard this, he understood it immediately and said without hesitation: "The Post Office inspected the world's yellow records and now got a number, but this number is too shocking. I realize that the matter is serious, so I came here to see you."
Having said that, he bowed to the room, his body was trembling slightly, perhaps due to nervousness.