Chapter 134 Killing Chickens and Monkeys
Hangzhou's report was sent to Bianjing at a speed of 100,000 and appeared on the desk of Emperor Zhao Ji!
Zhao Shiju really reversed, and then the results of the illegal salt case were also reported, and Zhao Zongyong, the king of Yuhang County, was the mastermind behind the scenes!
In the vertical arch hall, Zhao Ji's face was gloomy, and the right talent was furious. Soon after ascending the throne, there was a rebellion, and his uncle sold illicit salt, which 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 accidentally angering Long Yan again.
The topic of discussion today is the case of rebellion, as for Zhao Zongyong's matter, everyone knows that it will be very troublesome, so let's discuss it later!
The rebel is the Zhao and Song royal family, the descendants of the Taizu line, which makes the suspicion that the candle shadow was red many years ago resurface. This is not just a rebellion, it's also a scandal!
Pity their monarchs and ministers, from the court to the localities, no one even notices in the slightest.
Coincidentally, it was discovered by Lin Zhao, and then catalyzed, otherwise if this storm of rebellion is allowed to brew, it will suddenly break out one day, and the consequences will be so serious and unimaginable.
A few days ago, they received a report from Lin Zhao about 100,000 urgency, and when they really responded just now, the rebellion had already occurred, and they were still caught off guard. Fortunately, Hangzhou was uneventful, the rebellion was put down overnight, and the bad influence was much less.
And all of this is thanks to Lin Zhao!
Even if many ministers don't like this "murderer" who is angry with Tang Jie, it can be denied that this time he is thanks to his keen courage and quick decision. The report said very clearly, Lin Zhao took the lead, won the door with blood, and was serious about playing with his life. Only then did they discover that Lin Zhao was not just a weak scholar, but also a man of both civil and military affairs.
The rebellion has come to an end, and the aftermath is more troublesome!
On this point, there is a difference of opinion between Zhao and the prime ministers. He originally wanted to take advantage of this rare opportunity to wipe out the Taizu lineage, or at least Zhao Shiju's family. For nearly a hundred years, the Taizu family has been their confidant, and it is rare to have the opportunity to uproot them, how could Zhao Ji be willing to give such a good opportunity?
What's more, there is a case of Zhao Zongyong's father and son selling illicit salt, which is very scary! Even if it's his own uncle, he can't tolerate it. If Zhao Shiju's rebellion case is handled too lightly, what about the subsequent private salt case? Don't look at this emperor as young and weak, but in fact he is a ruthless master, and his ideas are also very far-reaching.
Before the results could be spoken, the prime ministers claimed that they should be merciful, and the benevolent should be the best in the world. The implication is that since Zhao Shiju has killed himself, he should not be widely implicated.
Zhao Ji felt a little uncomfortable in his heart, but with such an attitude of the prime ministers, things should not be rushed, but could only be taken slowly.
"Alright, we'll talk about that later!" Zhao Ji waved his hand and said: "The top priority is to stabilize the situation between the two Zhejiang, many officials in Hangzhou want to either rebel, or collude with officials and businessmen, or the corpse is a vegetarian meal, it is too disappointing, and it must be rectified as soon as possible!" I am interested in the reappointment, what do you think? ”
This is the correct arrangement, naturally no one objected, and it is certain that the two county orders in Hangzhou should be supplemented, but listening to the meaning of the official's words, it seems that there is more than that?
Sure enough, Zhao Ji said later: "Such a major event happened under his rule, Zhizhou Zheng Zheng was unaware of it, and the counterinsurgency was very slow, and it was inevitable that there would be a suspicion of dereliction of duty. ”
The ministers heard it clearly, although there was no punishment, and it was cultivation to say it well, but what is the difference between this and the dismissal? Zheng Zheng is unlucky this time, even if he is a veteran of the Three Dynasties, served as a bachelor of Hanlin, and is a third-grade official who cultivates living notes! There's no way, usually dereliction of duty is a trivial matter, and it's grinding and chirping when you are partial to life and rebellion! But this has already been calculated, there is a royal history to impeach him for being good friends with Zhao Shiju's father Zhao Congzhen, I am afraid of collusion, fortunately, the emperor is not gullible, otherwise it would not be as simple as dismissal!
The dismissal is only temporary, and there may be a possibility of a resurgence in the future, but it's hard to say when! However, Zheng Zheng is about fifty years old, and his career is basically over. In fact, although Zheng Zheng was later appointed as the governor of Qingzhou again, he was repeatedly frustrated because of his opposition to Wang Anshi's new law. It didn't take long for him to die of illness and take up the idle post of promoting Hongqing Palace, and he died of depression shortly thereafter.
"Hangzhou has just experienced a rebellion, the situation is unstable, the order is chaotic, and it is necessary for a minister of high moral integrity and outstanding ability to defend it. I thought that Zhao Luan would be appointed by the Governor's Yuan, what do you think? "It turns out that the emperor has already chosen someone in his heart.
Zhao Luan, the word reading Dao, a native of Quzhou, was a Jinshi in the first year of Jingyou. He once served as a palace servant in the imperial history, and impeachment was not avoided, because of his dark complexion, he was known as the "Iron Mask Imperial History", and Bao Zheng was equally famous. Such a person is upright, and it is best to deal with the aftermath of the rebellion. He once entered Shu on horseback, with a piano and a crane to follow, and the government was simple. It is not good to rejoice in the achievements and do nothing, which is of great benefit to the recovery of Hangzhou after the turmoil.
It can be seen that Zhao Ji has made some preparations, and it is perfect to choose such a person. Even if someone has another candidate in mind, they can't find fault with it.
"Your Majesty Shengming, Zhao Luan knows the southeast of Hangzhou Ke'an!" Prime Minister Zeng Gongliang agreed, and no one else objected.
Zhao Ji then said: "This time Lin Zhao has made great contributions to the rebellion, I have clear rewards and punishments, and I have crowned him as a man from Qiantang County, do you have any objections?" ”
The prince and uncle, although he is the lowest rank in the meritorious title, he finally has a title and a person of status. Following the birth of Ci Jinshi, Lin Zhao's status was improved again.
The ministers also knew in their hearts that Lin Zhao had indeed made great achievements this time, and he was desperately trying to get a baron, and it would be too much if anyone was against it. You must know that it is normal for the princes to be crowned earls, marquises, and even princes, but Lin Zhao has suffered enough in comparison.
As a capable and meritorious cronie, how could Zhao Ji be so stingy, and the conversation changed and said: "The two counties of Hangzhou are still vacant for the time being, and they must be supplemented. I thought about it, why don't I let Lin Zhao serve as the commander of Qiantang County! ”
Let Lin Zhao serve as the commander of Qiantang County?
Xianggong is all moved, there is a feeling that no one will come out, the emperor can't help but say that the wind is the rain!
Although the county order only has seven grades, in the Song Dynasty, which is low and has a slow promotion speed, the seven grades are already very high. You must know that many Jinshi were initially released as local petty officials above and below the eighth grade, and they held small positions such as signing judgments. Many people have worked for most of their lives before they have the opportunity to sit on the small Qipin county order. What's more, although the grade of the county order is not high, the ruling party is the number one, and it is also a transcendent existence in the far away place of the Tiangao Emperor.
Qiantang County is a rich land, and the county order is a fat shortage, but it is not something that ordinary people can go to. As for Lin Zhao, if in terms of origin and qualifications, he is almost a white body, as for the Jinshi background given by the emperor, he is nominally passable, but in the eyes of the ministers who are from the imperial examination, what is that?
Let such a person know a county, let them have a cold window for ten years, what do the Jinshi who have conducted many scientific examinations think? Don't be envious to death!
"Your Majesty, is Lin Zhao's qualifications ......" Sure enough, someone is talking about this!
"Qualifications? What qualifications? Zhao Ji said disdainfully: "The two county orders before Qiantang and Yuhang were both serious Jinshi backgrounds, right?" But what did they do? What can you do with the qualifications that are mixed with a vegetarian meal? What I care about is ability to dare, and the saints have said that they must appoint people on the basis of merit.
Lin Zhao's original background may not be good, but his ability is obvious to all, the previous case of the envoys of the Liao State, Kaifeng Mansion was helpless, he was able to peel off the cocoon and break it in one fell swoop. Sent an envoy to the Liao State to defend the dignity of the Great Song Dynasty, and when the envoys of the Liao State came to congratulate me on my birthday, they repeatedly praised it. As for the performance in Hangzhou this time, not to mention. Looking at it, how many people of this age in the Great Song Dynasty can compare to Lin Zhao? ”
Speaking of ability, Lin Zhao is really convincing, and the ministers really have nothing to say! However...... "Your Majesty, Lin Zhao is indeed capable in some aspects, but for the county order, he must be in charge of the party, and he must be fully ......"
Zhao Ji 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!" ”
All that has been said and done, what else can I do? The emperor insisted on supporting it so much, and Lin Zhao's county order was decided.
"As for the Yuhang County Commander......" Zhao Ji said: "Let's let our new champion go!" ”
Meritocracy, everyone clearly felt this. At the same time, they all understand that this is a disguised change to recruit talents, an obvious signal.
The situation in Hangzhou is very interesting, and the Zhizhou and Tongju belong to conservative officials. The two most important county orders are young people who are full of vigor, and they are very respectful of Wang Anshi's new policy, and now Hangzhou is lively!
"Okay, about Zhao Shiju's disposal, there is also the case of private salt, which will be discussed later!" Zhao Ji felt that he had to think about it.
The prime ministers left, and finally got empty, and Zhao Ji was preparing to go to the Funing Hall to rest for a while. No, there is a waiter on the road to report, and the queen mother wants to see him!
What will happen? Zhao Ji knew that his mother took the initiative to call himself that something must happen! Since the last incident with Zhao Hao, the relationship between their mother and son has not been very harmonious.
Zhao Ji had to turn around and come to the Baoci Palace where the Empress Dowager Gao Tao lived, and asked his mother for peace: "Niangniang is well, is there something wrong with finding a son?" ”
Gao Tao smiled and asked, "What happened to the rebellion in Hangzhou?" ”
Zhao Ji said: "There is Lao Niangniang's memory, thanks to Lin Zhao's quick reaction and recapture of the city overnight, it is already fine, and now there is only the aftermath left!" ”
Hearing Lin Zhao's name, Gao Tao's expression was a little unnatural for a moment, and then he asked, "What about the sale of illicit salt?" ”
Zhao Ji's heart moved, and he already clearly felt that his mother's motive seemed to be more than just simple concern. has always been disgusted with harem politics, even if it's his mother. However, he remained silent on the surface, and replied: "Su Shi's twists and turns have come, and in the past five or six years, the salt affairs of Liangzhejiang Road have been a mess. The magistrates colluded to sell illicit salt, and now there is evidence that the king of Yuhang County was also involved. ”
"And what are you going to do with them?" Gao Tao asked very directly.
Sure enough, this is the true purpose of the mother!
"What did the mother hear? Or is there anyone who has asked for it? "Zhao Ji can guess, it is likely that Zhao Zongyong pleaded with his mother one step in advance, and wanted to use the queen mother to pressure me? The disgust in the little emperor's heart became even stronger.
Gao Taotao knew that deception was useless, and said bluntly: "Yes, the king of Yuhang County has sent a letter to mourn his family, I don't know what the emperor wants?" ”
"Mother wants to intercede for them?" Zhao Ji said: "Niangniang knows that the palace of Yuhang County is the mastermind of the sale of illicit salt on Liangzhejiang Road, and in the past few years, the imperial court has lost millions of salt taxes, which is really outrageous!" ”
Gao Tao said: "These mourners all know, but after all, he is your father's own brother, and he contributed a lot to your father's ascension to the throne of the prince back then.
"Mother, I'm afraid it's very difficult to do!" Zhao Ji frowned and said, "The prime ministers already know, and the Hangzhou magistrates also know that this can't be hidden." If they are spared because they are a clan, then where should the laws of the court and the majesty of the emperor be placed? ”
"The emperor's difficulties and mourning family know that this time they are also ignorant, and the mistakes they made are really unforgivable." Gao said; "But the law is nothing more than human affection, the emperor wants to find a way, extrajudicial grace, and let it be light!"
"Niangniang......" Zhao Ji was very annoyed, why does his mother always help others speak, when can she face herself once!
Seeing this, Gao Tao saw his son's dissatisfaction, and asked: "Does the emperor have any difficulties, or any ideas, can you talk to your mother?" ”
These things, if the emperor has a heart, it is easy to deal with them. Whether the emperor's son can agree or not, there must be other ways, and he must ask clearly. Since the last time Zhao Hao's incident, Gao Taotao found that there was a deep gap between herself and her eldest son, and she had been looking for an opportunity to make up for it.
If her son insists on this matter and has a good reason, she will support it. For the sake of the eldest uncle's request, deepen the misunderstanding with his son, this matter is not cost-effective, who is the relatives and who is far, Gao Tao is shrewd in his heart!
Zhao Ji pondered for a moment and said, "Niangniang, don't you think that the brothers of my father and emperor were a little too much? They are the sons of the emperor Pu Wang, and they have meritorious service in the position of their father's crown prince, so they are arrogant and arrogant, and they are arrogant, and they don't even take me seriously.
Zhao Zongyong dared to act so recklessly and boldly in Hangzhou, didn't he just see this? It is hateful that they regard themselves as benefactors of our mother and son, and do such a despicable and illegal thing. I don't deny that they owe it to their father back then, and for the sake of family affection, it's not impossible to spare them......"
Gao Taotao's face was gloomy, and what the emperor's son said was not the truth.
Zhao Ji continued: "More than 20 brothers of my father and emperor, all of whom have been crowned princes and county kings, have been good to them, but they are not satisfied!" Violating laws and disciplines, relying on the status of the emperor's relatives and relatives, abusing power for personal gain, it is not only Zhao Zongyong's family who does unsightly things!
Niangniang has thought about it, if Zhao Zongyong is spared this time, they will think that we are weak and can be bullied, and accommodate them, even if we make mistakes, they will not be overly investigated. Over time, it will boost their arrogance, they will become more and more serious, others have made mistakes, they will take this as an example, we are bound to be constrained, they will also be big, for a long time, it will be difficult to govern!
Moreover, this time alone, Zhao Zongyong embezzled millions of yuan in taxes, what about the others? Over time, my Great Song Dynasty has not been eaten by their moths? Niangniang, tolerate and nurture annihilation, there will be endless troubles! What's more, if they 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 imperial court, and the gains outweigh the losses! ”
Zhao Ji said righteous words, Gao Tao was also moved. A court woman who listened to the government and assisted her grandson for many years after her son's death, how can her power and scheming be comparable to ordinary people? Maybe it was because I missed my family before, and I couldn't wipe off my 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 relied on right-hand men and the most powerful backing. But over time, it has gradually become an obstacle to his son. It is also to blame that they do not know how to restrain themselves, and their practices have obviously harmed the interests of the country and are not conducive to consolidating the imperial power.
It seems that it is time to knock and knock, and it is not unreasonable for the son to want to move them. After all, Zhao Ji is her own son, how difficult it is for her husband and son to come to the position of emperor, and she knows better than anyone the hardships, how can she let others threaten the stability of the throne?
Seeing that his mother was shaken, Zhao Ji took advantage of the situation and said: "Niangniang, these uncles, my father can still suppress them when the emperor is there." But what about sons? How many of them have me in their eyes? If you move them for no reason, others will say that I am ungrateful, and I will be charged with unfilial piety. Now that they have committed their own crimes, how can they waste their best truth! ”
This sentence strengthened Gao Tao's heart, and she found that her son had grown up, and the imperial power technique was becoming more and more shrewd. He was very pleased with this, but he was vaguely worried, would he deal with himself or his second son Zhao Hao because of this?
Gao Tao nodded and said, "Then do what 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 assistance of these uncles. So this matter can be stopped in moderation, and it can be used to shock the mountain and deter others. It's all right to get rid of the constraints, but don't let that shake the foundation! ”
Mother can be on her side, Zhao Ji is already very satisfied, and what he said is right, it is enough to kill chickens and ban monkeys.
"And Zhao Shiju......" Gao Tao said: "Presumably the emperor also has his own ideas, but the mourning family suggests that you don't have to be too ruthless." Now is the time for the emperor to accumulate fame and his subjects to return to their hearts, so they should show more benevolence...... Some people in the big house have crooked thoughts, but they can't make any big waves...... The emperor and the prime ministers will discuss it! ”
"Yes!" Zhao Ji knew in his heart that his mother's words were fair, and he was thinking about himself. What's more, the evidence is still incomplete, and many things have not yet been sorted out, so after Su Shi and Lin Zhao report everything, make a decision!
However, it is inevitable to make an example of chickens and monkeys!
(To be continued)