Chapter 1019: Changing Yuan Yuanfeng (two updates in one)
The next day there was a meeting in the palace.
The officials discussed with the ministers and decided to change the Yuan Dynasty the following year.
This was something that the officials discussed with Zhang Yue when they first came to Beijing last year, but Wang Anshi objected and the matter was dropped.
The reason why the number of ten is extremely high is to avoid using the reign name of the eleventh year of Xining, and it is also a sign that the emperor personally presided over the reform, so the change of Yuan Dynasty was carried out naturally.
Prime Ministers Han Jiang and Wang Gui each drafted a year name and presented it to the emperor for discussion in the temple.
Han Jiang proposed the reign name "Meicheng", while Wang Gui proposed the reign name "Fengheng".
Zhang Yue tried to figure out the meaning of these two reign names. Meicheng means great success, which means that the reform will eventually be successful.
As for "Fengheng", it is also an auspicious word, taken from "Fengheng Yuda", which describes the peaceful scene of prosperity and happiness, and also means that the king's virtue is extremely strong. These four words were later dedicated to Cai Jing in another time and space history.
Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, in order to satisfy his great desire for success.
The two prime ministers speculated on the emperor's wishes.
Nowadays, these two era names are written on the gold plate, and the words are arranged with grains, which also means "a good harvest".
In fact, the governors secretly drafted the reign name three days ago for the emperor to see. Today, they brought these two golden plates from the chamberlain to the officials to await his final judgment.
The official, holding an imperial brush covered with cinnabar, first went to the "Meicheng" era name proposed by Han Jiang and said: "The word "Mei" has the character "Yang", and if it is a character, it has "Ge", and "Yang" cannot be combined with "Ge"."
Han Jiang was a little sad when he heard this, while Wang Gui looked a little happy.
After saying this, the official looked at the reign name of "Fengheng" proposed by Wang Gui, and then said: "If the word "Heng" is used as a son, it can be replaced by "Heng".
The ministers thought that the official had rejected Han Jiang's reign name, and originally thought that Wang Gui's reign name would be used, but Wang Gui's reign name was changed.
Officials always want to wield power and refuse to be manipulated by their subordinates.
Zhang Yue slandered and said, "The Sage of Micromanipulation" is well-deserved.
On the side, Wang Gui praised: "Yuan Henry Zhen is one of the four virtues of the Qian hexagram. Your Majesty Yi uses the character 'Yuan', which is most appropriate."
All the ministers looked at Wang Gui. Wang Gui's attitude was that he had no attitude and just followed the emperor's preferences.
Xue Xiang on the side also said: "Yuan means beginning; Heng means Tong; Li means harmony; Zhen means Zheng. The use of Yuan and Yi Heng expresses His Majesty's determination to make great efforts to govern the country from this point onwards."
The official smiled slightly when he heard this and said, "Xue Qing knows my heart."
Zhang Yue thought, Xining's ten years were the time when the foundation was laid, and Yuanfeng's was when the officials really showed their grand ambitions. It seems that it will be more difficult to give advice in the future.
Zhang Yue took another look at Han Jiang, who was disappointed. It seemed that the official's holy will was more in Wang Gui's favor, while Han Jiang was being ignored.
Finally, the title of the reign of the next year [Yuanfeng] will be decided by the palace and then promulgated to the world.
After the palace meeting, Zhang Yue and Yuan Jiang stayed to summon them.
It turned out that three important ministers, Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang, and Zhang Fangping, came together to oppose the imperial court's continued use of troops against Xihe.
The official generals were given to Zhang Yue, and Yuan Jiang read them one by one, and then said: "The three ministers are all important ministers of the country. Is what they say reasonable?"
Among Zhang Yue's readings, Zhang Fangping's was the most eager.
I think that after our army attacked Jiaozhi, many soldiers died of diseases and the army's expenses were huge.
Nowadays, thieves have sprung up in Jingdong and Hebei, so that public and private affairs are in short supply. Grants to the southern suburbs have not been done for a long time. Due to the military boom in Shaanxi, local officials have imposed exorbitant taxes, and the people are crying and crying.
Zhang Fangping said that thinking about these things, he couldn't sleep at night, couldn't eat enough, and cried loudly when he got up in the middle of the night.
The officials were shocked after seeing the sparseness. The sparseness between the three people actually pointed directly at Zhang Yue's plan to raise an army to attack Huangzhou.
Yuan Jiang on the side said: "Your Majesty, Zhang Fangping's book was written by Su Shi. As a local official, how could Su Shi know everything about the book in the court? This matter is very suspicious!"
Zhang Yue took a closer look and found out that the writing style was so familiar. It was indeed Su Shi's handwriting.
Su Shi, really, why did you get involved in this matter?
The officials were stunned after hearing this, and took a closer look at Zhang Fangping's remarks. If, as Yuan Jiang said, this article was ghostwritten by Su Shi, then who told him. Although Zhang Fangping was an important minister, he had been far away from the center of power for a long time.
Officials hate people most in their lives who "reveal forbidden matters". For example, the last time Zheng Xia said that he wore gold armor under his robes and went to the palace to discuss affairs, which made him hate him very much.
Yuan Jiang said this, this move is a conscious political [circulation] behavior.
Of course Zhang Yue was excluded, because he was the one who led the attack on Huangzhou, so he could not slap himself in the face.
Zhang Yue thought to himself that it was fortunate that Su Shi was opposed to the use of troops, otherwise based on his relationship with him, this matter would definitely be suspected by the concerned officials.
These three books are all true. In today's climate, it is easy for people to suspect that they are forming a clique. This is how Yuan Jiang consciously guided the emperor.
Zhang Yue knew that Su Shi treated Zhang Fangping like his father, and thought that Zhang Fangping was a figure like Zhuge Liang and Kong Rong. Zhang Fangping judged Nanjing (Yingtianfu), and Su Shi knew Xuzhou, so it was normal for them to exchange letters with each other.
Zhang Yue did not explain to Su Shi that in this world it was okay to kill people and set fires, but he must not tell the truth. He had been beaten many times, so the older the official, the more he had to keep his mouth shut.
Jing Yuanjiang said this, and the officials were indeed suspicious of Zhang Fangping and Su Shi's motives, and asked Zhang Yue: "Is what Zhang Fangping said in his book true?"
There is a saying that you can never wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep.
Zhang Yue heard this and said: "I don't know, does your Majesty need to send officials to visit the place?"
"Since it is such a waste of people and money, then the attack on Xihe Road should be stopped for a while according to your opinion?" The official seemed to have something to say.
Zhang Yue listened to the official's instructions: "Your Majesty, the attack on Xihe Road will not waste the people and cost money."
"Xihe Road trades money and salt banknotes every year, and the seigniorage paid is nearly 2 million guan, which can really support the war. In addition, with the merits of farming, starting from next year, the annual fee of Xihe Road can be reduced to 100 yuan.
Within ten thousand.”
Yuan Jiang said: "After all, attacking Xixia from Xihe Road is too far of a detour and the losses are huge. After all, it is better to attack Hengshan from the front from the original Shaanxi Fourth Road."
Zhang Yue said: "Although this road is far away, I can cut off the right arm of Xixia and collect all the Qing and Tang tribes for my use. Once I can capture Liangzhou City from Xihe Road, I will reopen the Silk Road and not only cut off Xixia."
At the same time, Xihe Road can be self-sufficient just from the benefits of market trade, and it can also repay many years of military expenditures."
"Your Majesty, I have prohibited military trade in Xihe, and at the same time set up exchange offices to collect salt banknotes and exchange them. This is all for the benefit of trade and industry, and the income from trade is used to make up for the income from labor and wages. This is a waste of effort.
Dao! Of course we must take Liangzhou City, and if we want to take Liangzhou City, we must first go to Huangzhou!"
The official said: "What Zhang Qing said is indeed what I mean, but Liangzhou City is a must-win place in the Qing and Tang Dynasties, and it will not be easy for Xixia. If Liangzhou City is not captured for one day, the army will be stationed in Xihe
, Such wastefulness is not my original intention.”
"Moreover, this attack on Xihe was a sneak attack disguised as a caravan. The courtiers said that this was a loss of benevolence and righteousness. I am afraid that the Tibetan tribes will not interact with us in the future."
From what the officials said, it seemed that they regretted supporting their plan to capture Huangzhou from Xihe, and wanted to return to the frontal route of capturing Hengshan.
Faced with the vacillation of the official family, Zhang Yue knew that he must take a firm stand at this time.
Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, I have heard a story."
"In the past, there was a swordsman who wanted to challenge a famous swordsman. However, this swordsman had been practicing swordsmanship for decades and was beyond the reach of this fledgling swordsman."
"The famous master gave the swordsman three years before challenging himself. So the swordsman thought about it and figured out a method. He took out the sword and chopped the tree five hundred times every day. He used it day after day for three years.
merit."
"On the day of the duel with this master, the swordsman deliberately dressed in rags to see him. Seeing that the master was like this, he took it lightly and allowed the opponent to draw the sword first."
"The swordsman didn't say anything, he pulled out his sword and struck at the man. The swordsman had been practicing this sword for three years. The man was caught off guard and was hacked to death by the swordsman. When he died, he could only touch the handle of the sword.
.”
"This family is also skilled in martial arts, but from the beginning to the end he never used a sword."
After Zhang Yue finished speaking, the official looked shocked.
The story Zhang Yue told is about Batoshu. This is a school in the Japanese country, and its founder is Hayashizaki Kansuke.
This story also reflects the character of this nation. First of all, it is concentration. For three years, it has only practiced the action of drawing a sword and slashing, and it has not changed despite rain or shine.
Secondly, we emphasize practicality and never use those fancy but useless tricks.
The third method is a bit despicable. This technique is said to be a sneak attack, but it does not count.
Zhang Yue also used this story to tell the officials: "If you want to achieve great things, all three of them are indispensable. It has taken more than ten years to open up Xihe Road. A person who travels a hundred miles can only travel half a hundred miles.
Most people fall at the last step and can't make progress. If you want to achieve something, don't be in a hurry. You must work hard and work hard for a long time."
"And the benefits of trade and the use of farming are practical merits. Supporting war with war, exerting effort without wasting effort. The reopening of the Silk Road, the prosperity of the Han and Tang Dynasties, all depended on this."
Why do farming people hate war? It's because war is a loss-making business, which is inferior to the maritime people. Only when doing something is beneficial, will you continue to invest.
"As for the name of benevolence and righteousness, I have already said it before through Mencius. As long as we can open up Hexi, the loss of this reputation will not matter. Now these businessmen do not deal with us, and there will be other businessmen who will deal with us in the future."
The officials nodded frequently after listening to Zhang Yue's words, while Yuan Jiang said sourly: "Then we have to capture Huangzhou. If we lose, not only will there be no benefits, but the name of benevolence and righteousness will also be lost."
The official smiled after hearing Yuan Jiang's sad words.
The official said to Zhang Yue: "Mr. Zhang, I heard that there are many cadres of ministers of the DPRK and China in the Exchange."
Zhang Yue knew that Han Jiang, Wen Yanbo and others had invested in the Exchange, and many of them were secretly given by him back then. Zhang Yue immediately said: "Your Majesty, the shares of the Exchange can be purchased in Bianjing or Luoyang.
So, if there are ministers in the court who are willing to pursue her, it would be extremely reasonable."
The official smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Zhang. In fact, I and the Queen Mother of the two palaces also bought a lot of shares in the Exchange."
"Your intentions are very good. From the time you set up the exchange office in Bianjing, to the use of salt banknotes to solve the problem of money shortage, and finally to the development of the Xihe River and its use in Tibetan trade, you have shown your ability and ability. You are really worthy of it."
A capable minister who works hard."
Yuan Jiang's expression immediately turned ugly after hearing this.
Zhang Yue said: "As long as Liangzhou City is captured and the Silk Road is reopened, the salt money will be used to guide foreign peoples, and our dynasty will profit from it, which will be several times more than when we attacked Xihe. Minister
Your Majesty, please enlighten me!"
"Very good! Very good!"
The officials praised him repeatedly.
Seeing that the officials were in a good mood, Zhang Yue immediately said: "As for what the three ministers said about the poverty of the people, it is also true. I sincerely request your majesty to exempt the servants from paying for household service to relieve the people's poverty!"
The official's smile disappeared immediately after hearing this, and Yuan Jiang, who was originally depressed, couldn't help but snicker.
The official said: "I have asked your Third Division and Sinong Temple to discuss this matter. Don't mention it again!"
Zhang Yue cursed in his heart, "Are you perfunctory with me?"
The original harmonious atmosphere between monarch and ministers disappeared.
After walking out of the palace door, Yuan Jiang poured cold water on Zhang Yue and said: "Mr. Zhang, please don't mention the exemption from the household service law. The first to third class households in the world account for only 10% of the households, while the fourth and fifth class households
It’s 90%.”
"Even if you only count the fifth-class households, there are still 70% of them. You want to exempt 70% of the people in the world from the military service money in one go. How can the officials agree? Mr. Zhang, why don't you forget it and stop insisting on this matter."
Zhang Yue said: "Ninety percent of the lower-class households and 70% of the fifth-class households. This means that the people are still living a miserable life, so we have to spend this money. As husbands and wives, you and I can eat enough and sleep well."
Have a peaceful sleep! I don’t know what happened to Mr. Yuan, but when Zhang thinks of this, he can’t eat or sleep!”
Yuan Jiang said sarcastically: "I just wanted to remind Mr. Zhang out of kindness. Why don't we divide the fifth-class households into upper and lower classes like Zhejiang Luli and eliminate the fifth class and lower class? Is this feasible?"
Zhang Yue said: "If you want to be exempted, you will be exempted from 70%. There is no such thing as five grades."
…
Zhang Yue returned to Zhongshu's inspection hall, and Cai Jing came to report: "Li Chengzhi escorted his son to Kaifeng Mansion this morning!"
Zhang Yue said: "This person is stubborn and ineffective."
Cai Jingdao: "Li Chengzhi is extremely upright, and it is difficult to find handles. He also has a resolute temperament. He seems to be a person who cannot be coerced."
Zhang Yue said: "There is no one in the world who is immune to coercion. If a cow doesn't drink water, it will be forced to have its head pressed!"
Cai Jingdao: "Then I instruct the Kaifeng Mansion to interrogate his son severely! Take this case seriously!"
Zhang Yue said: "No need. What is the official position of the Qingzhou magistrate who released Li Chengzhi's son now?"
Cai Jingdao: "Ren Qunmu Judge!"
Zhang Yue said: "Is it Li Qunmu? His wife is very jealous, but her wife has raised a son for him. A few days ago, he came to ask me to find an official position for his son.
But don’t let his wife know.”
"Go and tell Li Qunmu to come forward and testify against Li Chengzhi's bribery to cover up his son's case."
Cai Jing heard this and immediately said: "Yes."
…
Yuan Jiang was eating a vegetarian meal in his mansion. As usual, he ate every grain of rice. Then he sat cross-legged with his knees crossed and held a rosary in his hand to recite the sutra.
After Yuan Jiang recited the sutra, he said to himself: "The monk I met that day told me that I would become prime minister in the coming year."
"Now it seems that Han Jiang and Zhang Yue have repeatedly violated the emperor's wishes, so it's time for me to take another step forward."
"I have eaten fast and done good deeds throughout my life, and have cultivated virtue through frugality. There is absolutely no reason why God will not bless good people."
Thinking of this, Yuan Jiang summoned his servants and said: "The world is in trouble and the people are suffering. From tomorrow on, everyone in the house will eat one less dish as a sign of thrift!"
After giving the instructions, Yuan Jiang said: "Yuanfeng, Yuanfeng, is it God's intention to grant my Yuan family a good harvest?