Fortunately, Zhang Fei ran fast, otherwise, someone would have caught him and made irresponsible remarks.
Because as soon as he left Xizhou, a fight broke out on the border between Xizhou and Xixia.
In fact, in February of this year, the Empress Dowager Liang of Xixia had nominally returned power to their country's ruler, but in fact the Empress Dowager Liang still held the highest authority.
But no matter what, she is already morally untenable, so she can only rely on means to consolidate her power.
The Song Dynasty was a key factor for her to consolidate her authority, because Li Bingchang, the leader of the Xixia Kingdom, was relatively close to the Song Dynasty, and especially liked Han culture and Confucian etiquette, so everyone on his side respected Han etiquette, but there were many in Xixia
The nobles were firmly opposed to Han rituals and wanted to promote their own culture.
Since the Empress Dowager Liang was a Han, she had to be more anti-Song than others if she wanted to take power in Xixia.
So for the Empress Dowager Liang, by quarreling with the Song Dynasty, not only could she gain the support of many nobles in the country, but she could also use this to attack Li Bingchang's power.
It kills two birds with one stone.
Before returning to power, the Empress Dowager Liang had already provoked a conflict with the Song Dynasty, that is, blocking the trade channel with Xizhou, but she ignored two points.
First, businessmen are willing to risk their lives for profit. Many businessmen still take risks and smuggle salt, medicinal materials and other hugely profitable commodities into Xizhou.
Second, on the border with the Xihe region, the influence of merchants is not small. At the same time, they also receive support from domestic pro-Song factions and the Xihe region.
The pro-Song faction in Xixia were not fools. How could they not see the intention of Empress Dowager Liang? If they did not resist, they would just sit back and wait for death. However, they did not dare to openly resist Empress Dowager Liang, so they could only use businessmen to follow her.
Empress Dowager Liang’s struggle.
With the support of the pro-Song faction in the country and the Xihe area, Xixia merchants on the border directly gathered troops and broke through the checkpoints set up by the Empress Dowager Liang. At the same time, they killed the officials sent by the Empress Dowager Liang.
This immediately caused turmoil in Xixia.
Empress Dowager Liang directly ordered her younger brother Liang Yimi to lead his troops to suppress the attack.
Liang Yi came over and saw that Xizhou actually accommodated these smugglers. Could he not understand what was going on?
So he directly led his troops to invade the territory, intending to intimidate Xizhou.
But unfortunately, his own ability was not enough for him to show off, and he was repulsed by Wang Shao's troops. Although the attack was very reluctant with Xihe's troops, defense was not a problem. Of course, Liang Yimi did not lead
Elite troops came to Xizhou.
If elite troops are transferred here, what will happen to the northern line?
The main force of the Song Army is all over there!
The two sides actually fought a battle with each other.
The Empress Dowager Liang also knew in her heart what the Song Dynasty was planning, but a slap in the face could not make a difference. After all, the Song army did not violate the country. It was mainly the pro-Song faction in the country that was causing trouble. To fight against the outside world, the country must be settled first, so she
Simply close the trade with the Song Dynasty.
Anyway, the Song Dynasty did not trade with my people, they only traded with those pro-Song factions. If this was not closed, their power would become stronger and stronger.
Then he arranged for his cronies to lead troops to station at the border.
In fact, this game is a bright card for all three parties. The pro-Song faction in Xixia also knows very well that if the quarrel does not continue and Empress Dowager Liang frees her hands, they will be doomed.
Therefore, the pro-Song Dynasty dignitaries also began to increase their efforts to support the border. The key is that they will not lose money by doing so, because they are fighting for trade channels. The more closed you are, the higher the smuggling price will be.
However, Xizhou is also cooperating. Even if the price of salt is raised, there is no need to raise it, because even if the price of Xixia salt increases, it will still be cheaper than Jieyan and Shu salt.
Since it is profitable, the businessmen in Xizhou are also starting to make moves.
The key is that they found that Xixia couldn't get in, so for them, this became a matter of making money.
Coupled with Wang Shao's propaganda and Ma Tianhao's operations, the demand for Xixia commodities continued to increase, causing Xizhou merchants to start forming caravans, sneaking into Xixia for smuggling, and following those Xixia merchants to deal with the local defenders.
Anyway, it’s already like this, with your head already pinned to the belt of your pants, and Xizhou is also opening its arms and not rejecting anyone who comes, so we might as well just open up and do it, or at worst, we’ll go to Xizhou.
Yunzhen Temple.
"Envoy Wang Xuanfu, please rest assured that the salt we are purchasing now is not enough to affect the profit of salt solution. Moreover, we are keeping some of the inferior salt in Xihe for local people to use, and the good salt is
, they are taken away by merchants from various places and sold to their local rich men."
"I can rest assured that."
Wang Shao nodded and said: "There is no small matter in this salt administration. We should be careful. If it affects the interests of the court, we will be impeached again."
Ma Tianhao nodded and said, "We will be very careful about this."
Wang Shao asked again: "How is the situation at Yunzhen Temple recently?"
Ma Tianhao said: "It has fully recovered, even better than in previous years. This is mainly because Xixia took the initiative to close the market and the chaos at the border caused many Western merchants who originally traded through Xixia to choose to go through our Xihe River.
Compared with last year, one hundred thousand more banknotes were issued."
Yunzhen Temple's banknotes are very reflective of Xizhou's economy. These banknotes are not regular currency, but are just for convenience of transactions. You can know the economic status of Xizhou just by looking at the banknotes on the market.
Lu Bin on the side suddenly said: "Mr. Wang Xuan, is the Queen Mother of Xixia so confused? Can she not see our plan?"
Wang Shao said: "This is a power struggle. If you look at this from the perspective of a struggle for interests, you will naturally not understand. In fact, the current advantage is still in the hands of the Empress Dowager Liang, because the nobles who support her will become more supportive of her."
.”
Lu Bin nodded and said: "That's it."
At this time, a police sergeant came in and whispered in Wang Shao's ear.
"Yeah?"
Wang Shao burst into laughter upon hearing this.
Ma Tianhao asked: "Wang Xuanfu, what's going on?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Wang Shao said: "Didn't the Empress Dowager Liang send troops to station here?"
Ma Tianhao nodded.
Wang Shao said: "As a result, those soldiers also started the smuggling business themselves."
"???"
Ma Tianhao and Lu Bin looked at each other.
But Ma Tianhao soon came to his senses, "Yes! You're all working for your life anyway. How can you make money from smuggling as a soldier?"
"That's exactly the reason." Wang Shao laughed.
Lu Bin suddenly said: "Why don't we send someone to report the news and let them kill each other."
Wang Shao waved his hand and said: "There is no rush for now, because our purpose is to stop the Empress Dowager of Xixia's policy. As long as she cannot close the trade with Xihe, she has failed, and she will definitely intensify her efforts."
...
Yanzhou.
"hehe."
Zhong E, who had just arrived in Yanzhou, smiled and said: "The Queen Mother of Xixia is really going to lose her wife and her troops this time!"
Zhe Jishi said: "How do you say this?"
Zhong E said: "The Empress Dowager of Xixia closed down the market, clearly intending to attack the powerful people who supported their ruler. This caused the powerful people near Hengshan to feel panic, but with their own power, they were no match for the Empress Dowager Liang, so
They all came to me, hoping to get support from our Song Dynasty.
Before I even mentioned it, they took the initiative and asked us to follow the example of Xizhou and use smuggling to counter Empress Dowager Liang's ban."
Yao Si said: "But almost all Xixia elites are here, and the risk of smuggling here is not small."
Zhong E said: "They have already designated four areas. Those places are all within their sphere of influence. There should be no problems for the time being. Now let's see how the negotiations go with you."
Zhe Jishi said: "Everything is going well here too. Then Fan Da from Jiekupu is here..."
"Fan Da, this name sounds very familiar." Zhong E frowned.
Zhe Jishi smiled and said: "The young master of Baifan Tower in the capital, and the shopkeeper of Xiekupu in Hezhong Prefecture."
Zhong E immediately said: "I remembered, now fifty-six out of ten of our soldiers' military pay is at their Jiekupu."
"Brother Zhong is right."
Zhe Jishi nodded and said, "After he arrived, he quickly gathered all the smugglers nearby."
Zhong E was surprised and asked: "Is this person really powerful?"
Zhe Jishi said: "Those smugglers have always been using their Jiekupu to transfer the profits to Hezhong Prefecture and even the capital. But this is only one of the reasons. There is also the fact that Xizhou was doing business before.
The businessmen on our side were very dissatisfied. Didn't they often complain to us at that time? Everything was banned over there in Xihe, but everything was banned here. This was unfair.
And now, because of Xizhou, the Queen Mother of Xixia has closed down the few remaining business areas here, which has aroused the anger in their hearts. Now that we have let go, they are thinking of making a big deal.
If they join forces with our people again, this force cannot be underestimated. As for the profits, they can afford the military expenses for the soldiers we send to Xixia."
Zhong E hummed: "They profiteers are really good at settling accounts. In this situation, their smuggling risks are even greater, and they need protection."
Zhe Jishi said: "We have also calculated the accounts. If the cost of this man and the weapons are borne by them, then we will gain a lot."
After all, this military expenditure is allocated to them, but the actual expenditure is borne by the smugglers. Does this mean that all the money has been given to them?
They, the generals of the Western Army, are actually engaged in smuggling business, because they also need money to support their troops. If the military pay from the imperial court is given to them, it will definitely not be enough. If the military pay is not provided, the soldiers will have no combat effectiveness.
That's why, no matter how hard they fight, they still have very good relations with some of the nobles of Xixia.
...
Dengzhou.
Di newspaper courtyard.
"Chen Shoucheng met Dean Yan."
"Young Master, no gift."
Yan Jidao asked again: "I wonder what happened to Young Master?"
Chen Shoucheng said: "Replying to Dean Yan, this is the story magazine of your hospital. Now it is deeply loved by maritime merchants. It is so boring on the ship. If there are stories to read, it can pass the time. The key is Dean.
The story is so well written, it was so enjoyable to read, and we didn’t miss a single one.
Now we find that your hospital's accident magazine is more expensive than some commodities when traded at sea, so why not just sell the story magazine and send it out in packages, which is really a waste."
Yan Jidao asked doubtfully: "Really? Do these maritime merchants recognize Chinese characters?"
Chen Shoucheng said: "Not everyone can read Chinese characters, but there are usually some who can read Chinese characters on large ships. They usually read them to the boatmen. Now many boatmen are learning to read them themselves, just to read this story.
So, could you please think of more stories? It would be best to print them into books and sell them. The money is not a problem."
Yan Jidao pondered for a while and said, "Okay, I can try to urge them to print more."
After Chen Shoucheng left, Yan Jidao came to the central hall, where he saw dozens of literati sitting on the corridor, writing stories.
This group of people was also the first external publicity team of the Song Dynasty.
"Brother Yan."
But I saw a scribe coming over and bowed his hand to Yan Jidao.
This man's name was Huang Tingjian, and he was the dean of Dengzhou Di Newspaper Academy. Of course, he was recommended by Yan Jidao.
Yan Jidao bowed his hand in return and said, "Lu Zhi, can you write this story a little faster and a little longer?"
Huang Tingjian said: "Brother Yan, this story can be written more, but Brother Yan asked to write it based on the situation in the North, which restricts us."
Yan Jidao said: "I didn't expect that our story would be more popular at sea. As long as the number of routes remains unchanged, there is no need to completely target the situation in the Liao Kingdom."
Huang Tingjian nodded and said, "Then we can write more."
...
Yangzhou.
In the depictions of the scholar-bureaucrats in the capital, Yangzhou seemed to be in dire straits, but in fact it was very lively.
It can even be said that the most lively place in the Song Dynasty today is Yangzhou.
Because Yangzhou suddenly endured a series of changes that took several years to brew.
Public Prosecution Law.
Department of Taxation.
Reform of the official system.
Water transportation reform.
Business law reform.
Within one or two years, everything fell on Yangzhou's head.
This is so exciting!
Imperial Court.
"Qi Xiye, you mean that the imperial court turned a blind eye to so many human lives?"
An old master gritted his teeth and glared at Qi Hui.
Qi Hui said with grievance: "The chief judge has made the final judgment. There is no room for maneuver, and I have no choice. Moreover, our Yangzhou judicial officials have also been criticized for this matter. This is the first time since the implementation of the Public Security Law
.”
"The president of the court is the chief judge. That guy is just a boy from Xiaoerbi. Why does he have the right to do it? Does it mean that the president of the court has the final say now?"
"It's the law."
Qi Hui had been suffering from splints here, and he was also angry in his heart. Faced with their constant pestering, he stood up suddenly: "I warned you at the beginning not to confront the tax department head-on. They will really hit you with a crossbow.
You just don’t believe in the government’s gate and want to fight with the tax department.
The result is that the tax department is collecting taxes in accordance with the law, but you are evading taxes. If you go to the court, who can help you speak out?
I, Qi Xiye, can be regarded as the most benevolent and righteous person to all of you, so just keep making trouble. When something happens, don’t come and beg me. I can’t help you either. I have to go to the examination room. Sorry!”
After that, he waved his sleeves, ignored these old masters, and went out.
When he was in Xiangfu County, he was very depressed because of the adultery case. When he came to Yangzhou, he was criticized again and pestered by them every day.
They are both public prosecutors and judicial officers. Su Che is famous in the northwest. Everyone knows it. Local officials have to take a detour when they see him. Qian Yi and Fan Chunren are also very famous in Qingzhou, even debt restructuring.
They got it done.
But he was so angry at being a coward here. Sometimes he really felt that he was too talkative.
Of course, Wang Anshi definitely disagrees.
...
examination room.
Qi Ji, who was here to supervise the examination, saw Qi Hui coming. He immediately stood up and greeted him, "President Qi."
Qi Hui snorted angrily: "You are here drinking tea and enjoying yourself, while I am being scolded over there. You are worthy of being brought out by Chief Zhang..."
Qi Ji looked confused after being scolded and said: "President Qi, I also want to share the burden for you, but I don't have this status, so they only look for you and not me."
Qi Ji was born as a minor official. Who knows him? He is incomparable to Qi Hui, who comes from an official family.
"The most difficult thing in the world is this human connection!"
Qi Hui sighed and looked into the examination room again, "There are quite a few people here!"
Qi Ji nodded and said: "The Public Security Bureau has always been their first choice, especially after they have seen the authority of the Public Security Bureau, followed by the academy and the newspaper hospital, and the hospital can almost be ignored."
Qi Hui nodded and said: "Sima Shangshu has sent a letter. He wants to join the public security, procuratorate, and law. The list and results need to be announced in newspapers and periodicals. We must choose officials with good conduct."
Qi Ji nodded and said, "I understand."
...
The way to implement the reform of the official system is very simple and crude, that is, all the people are stuffed into the Public Security Bureau, Procuratorate, Law and Public Works Departments. If there is no government office that wants them, then they will be directly laid off without any pressure.
But under normal circumstances, this situation is unlikely to occur, mainly because the police department currently lacks police officers who are literate in numbers and literacy.
...
Government office.
"Wang Shangshu, my decree on Yangzhou's grain import and export tax no longer requires the consent of others?"
Xian Yuqian, the prefect of Yangzhou, looked at Wang Gui slightly nervously.
Wang Gui nodded with a smile and said: "Yes, as long as it is not illegal, Xianyu Zhizhou can decide on matters related to the state government's finances, but the responsibility also lies with Xianyu Zhizhou."
Xian Yuqian nodded and said with a smile: "This is a good thing! We can finally do something practical. Although we no longer have judicial power, everyone performs their duties and the division of labor is clear. It is much better than pushing each other back in the past!"
After that, he asked again: "But who should I contact to issue this decree?"
Wang Gui said: "You can contact the swordsmen and pen officials in the government, but it is best to contact the royal police. They have many people and are stationed in various places. They can quickly convey the government orders of Xianyu Zhizhou."
Xian Yuqian asked again: "Does the police station belong to the judiciary or the administration?"
Wang Gui said: "It all counts."
Xian Yuqian nodded and asked: "Then we still rotate every three years?"
Wang Gui said: "No, it depends on political performance and promotion."
Xian Yuqian said cheerfully: "Okay, okay! This is really great."
Excited!
For talented officials like them, the reform of the official system is simply good news. Although their power has been weakened, they still have real power in their hands. This can make a difference!
.....
On the dock.
"Su Qin met Director Cai."
The grain manager who was counting at the dock saw Cai Jing arriving and immediately went to greet him.
Cai Jing said: "How is it?"
Su Qin said with a smile: "These rich men really didn't shed tears until they saw the coffin. They waited until the judgment of the chief judge came, and then they took out the grain and sold it."
"Hmph, if there was no protection, it would be impossible for them to have such wealth. None of them would be able to assess the situation and try to force the court to amend the laws with just a few old lives. It is really wishful thinking."
Cai Jing sneered and asked again: "How much grain was collected?"
Su Qin said: "One hundred thousand stones."
Cai Jing nodded and said, "That's almost it."
Su Qin whispered: "Actually, we can charge a little more."
Cai Jing said: "We can't collect too much. I just got news that Xianyu Zhizhou is planning to issue a grain import and export tax, which will soon stabilize grain prices."
After the final judgment of the chief judge came out, the big landowners in Yangzhou saw no way to save themselves and sold their grains one after another, otherwise they would be fined again this year. This immediately triggered panic and the price of grains plummeted. Cai Jing had already reached this point, so it is
Have been waiting for acquisition.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Su Qin complained: "The government office, do you have to be in such a hurry?"
Cai Jing said with a smile: "This is different from the past. After this restructuring, if the magistrate wants to be promoted, he must take care of the local people, including business. They will definitely not care about us."
Su Qin added: "Then how do we transport this grain to the capital? I heard that the water transportation reform is still in progress. I'm afraid it won't be possible this year."
Cai Jingdao: "I just came over there. We have already discussed it. Let's try it first to see how much the shipping cost is for these 100,000 shi of grain. They also plan to make changes while transporting it."
...
As various reforms were implemented one by one at the local level, the entire Song Dynasty seemed to be glowing with vitality, and the states and counties were so lively!
Naturally, the capital city is not far behind. The appearance of the Chief Justice seems to have changed the power structure in the court.
No one thought in advance that the Chief Justice could bring about such a big change.
Zhang family.
Xu Zun had just returned home and found Zhang Fei and Gao Wenyin playing in the courtyard with their two sons. He couldn't help but wonder: "Zhang San, why are you resting at home again if you haven't been busy with matters at the Supreme Court recently?"
This "again" is actually more spiritual.
Zhang Fei first took his two sons and bowed to Xu Zun, and then explained: "The Supreme Imperial Court has Bachelor Sima to help. I have nothing to do."
Xu Zun said angrily: "Why are you bothering Bachelor Sima with everything?"
"My son-in-law doesn't know how."
Zhang Fei said: "His Majesty requested that some bachelors be selected from among the bachelors of the various pavilions to go to the Supreme Court, but I don't know those bachelors. It just so happens that Bachelor Sima is willing to help, then..."
The appointment of the Chief Justice has already set off two fires, but currently there is not even an official office, which is outrageous. Zhao Xu also quickly gave the Supreme Court an official office, and then set up a bachelor of the imperial court, from among the bachelors of the cabinet.
, select a group of people to station in the Supreme Court to assist the Chief Justice.
Anyway, it’s enough to arrange noodles.
"You!"
Xu Zun shook his head helplessly. Zhang Fei's character was sometimes hard for him to understand, and he said, "Go inside, I have something to tell you."
"yes."
Zhang Fei handed Zhang Xing and Zhang Buzhi to Gao Wenyin, and followed Xu Zun into the house.
"Recently, the DPRK and the Central Government have been in an uproar over the Xizhou household registration issue, and most officials are quite opposed to it."
"Why?"
Zhang Fei asked.
Xu Zun replied: "The main reason is that everyone thinks that area has been away from the Central Plains for too long. There are many parties there, Tubo, and the customs and culture are very different from those in the Central Plains. They think these people are difficult to control, so they still hope to adopt a restraint system.
.Only Wang Jiefu and Xue Shizheng supported the reform of Xizhou household registration, but they only expressed their opinions tactfully and did not push too hard."
Having said this, he sighed, "I find this very difficult. After all, there have been many foreign riots in history, and everyone is very wary of this."
Zhang Fei nodded and looked at Xu Zundao: "What do you think, father-in-law?"'
Xu Zun hesitated a little and said: "To tell you the truth, I have some reservations about this, but of course I still give priority to your opinion. However, the resistance in the DPRK is so great. Even if you are the president of the Grand Court, you have no right to represent the political affairs hall."
Making decisions, in the final analysis, how to determine household registration is not the power of the chief judge."
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "I can't help them make decisions, but I can force them to make decisions. To be honest with my father-in-law, I have already had enough of the court's efficiency. I can argue for a long time about big things, so I should."
Give them a few whips."
...
Legislative Council.
"In my opinion, this household registration matter may not be possible."
Wen Yanbo shook his head and said: "I just let out a little bit of wind, but I encountered a lot of resistance in the court. Even Wang Jiefu only verbally agreed. And I heard that Lu Huiqing and the others didn't want to get involved in this matter. It can be seen that they all
I don’t want to take this responsibility.”
Fu Bi stroked his beard and nodded, "In that case, it still depends on the methods of our Chief Justice."
Wen Yanbo said: "This household registration matter must be based on the decision-making of the Political Affairs Hall. At most, the Chief Justice can only rely on litigation to intervene, but cannot help our Political Affairs Hall make decisions. If the Chief Justice has such great power
, then why should the political affairs hall be used?"
Fu Bi said: "Having said that, I think he will be able to do it. This new official has three fires after taking office, and this is his third fire. If he dares to raise this matter, there must be a way to solve it."