Chapter 30 Taizong Chapter 31 Newspaper Siege of Chengdu
"Is the new announcement out yet?" Zhao Kuangyi asked.
"Yes!" Zhao Dechong responded.
"Show it to me!"
As night fell, in the brightly lit Huaxuan, Zhao Kuangyi, who had changed into regular clothes, sat behind the food table, holding a newly released announcement in his hand and reading it carefully.
With the further research and utilization of movable type printing, the newspaper industry of the Han Dynasty also came into being. Of course, this was catalyzed by Emperor Shizu. Needless to say, the Di newspaper has been around since ancient times. However, in the Han Dynasty, there was a big leap forward.
Complete.
It is basically an issue from the 10th to the 15th. Important speeches by the emperor and ministers, major national policies, interpretations of the court's policies, etc. will be selected and published and spread to the world. Basically, Dahan Dibao is a Dahan newspaper
Political outlines have always been handled by the cabinet.
The Announcement, which is as famous as the Di Bao, is published by the Xuanwei Department. It is also a serious newspaper, but the Announcement is more focused on publicity and education. It also assists in the interpretation and publicity of the various policies of the imperial court, focusing on promoting loyalty and filial piety.
Benevolence and righteousness.
The content collected is also more extensive. Regardless of officials or civilians, as long as it meets the core ideological needs of the ruling class of the Han Dynasty, it is possible to publish it. Many major military and political events that occurred in the country, reform status, including some local customs and customs in various places and even overseas are also recorded.
Unlike Di Bao, which is exclusively for nobles, bureaucrats and other groups within the ruling class system, the Announcement is updated more frequently, with an edition published every five to seven days, and is sold to ordinary people at the same time, making it more close to the people.
However, the price is not so close to the people. Each portion costs 20 copper coins, which is definitely not something that ordinary people at the bottom can afford. Of course, the expensiveness of knowledge and information is not targeted at the people of Guizhou.
But even so, the announcement has been very popular since it was officially published, and the sales volume has been very high. Up to now, each issue can maintain more than 100,000 copies.
Of course, it is very common for information to be delayed due to backward transportation. Except for some major emergencies, many of the deeds published in the bulletins may have happened months or even years ago. But for the vast number of intellectuals who have little knowledge,
, for wealthy groups, it still has a strong appeal.
For this reason, the newspaper production workshop under the Xuanwei Department has expanded its scale three times and increased the number of technicians. The newspaper has also become an important income of the Xuanwei Department, which can be described as huge profits, and even for a long time, it can be said that
It's an exclusive business.
Of course, running a newspaper is so profitable that it cannot withstand the coveted gluttonous consequences. Therefore, in the past ten years, various newspapers organized by the government and the people have appeared in the two capitals. However, due to various reasons, they have not been able to do as well as Xuanbao.
Prosperous.
However, five or six years ago, several highly competitive new newspapers emerged in the two capitals. There was the "People's Daily" in Luoyang, and there were two in Kaifeng, one was the "City Daily" and the other was the "Minbao".
"Business newspapers" are all founded by wealthy businessmen, and they are also endorsed by powerful people and relevant ministries and departments.
The content has become richer, especially the market newspapers that reflect the people's livelihood. The contents are even more diverse, and the price is also lower, only half of the public newspapers. They are deeply loved by businessmen and people. The sales volume has increased year by year, the factory has gradually expanded, and it is even sold to Luoyang.
coming.
In the commercial interests of the Han Dynasty, murder, poisoning, kidnapping and threats are common occurrences. What's more, for a department with real power like the Tongxuanwei Department, it is almost instinctive to take everything, and see the interests of the company suffer.
In response to the challenge, the Department of Publicity and Welfare has been instigating the rectification and management of the "emerging industry" of newspapers. The reason is also very strong. It is to prevent ulterior elements from using newspapers to cause trouble.
After all, it is common for some tabloids to spread some bad content, confuse the public with lies, and make rumors that disrupt politics in order to gain attention. Yaou must strengthen its crackdown. Use this as a sharp weapon to beat the powerful people who are also running newspapers.
After the defeat, especially after Guo Guo's uncle Guo Xin took office, he struck hard.
Although the wrestling is still going on, as far as Zhao Kuangyi knows, it is inevitable that Guo Xin will win in this matter. Guo Xin has prepared a complete set of restrictive management regulations for newspapers. A comprehensive ban is too rough, but legally it will
It must be placed under the supervision of the Xuanwei Department.
Of course, sharing some of the benefits from the emerging newspapers was the original intention of many Xuanwei officials to actively promote this matter.
Zhao Kuangyi also supported the actions of the second son of the Guo family. He instinctively felt uneasy about public opinion and felt that he had to at least control it in order to feel at ease.
However, no matter how other "miscellaneous newspapers" rise and develop, for the middle and upper classes of the Han Dynasty, especially the powerful bureaucrats, Di Bao and Xuan Bao are must-read things for their official career research. For many middle and lower-level scholars, they are boring content.
, but it is of special value to them, even for prime ministers like Zhao Kuangyi.
At this time, Zhao Kuangyi was concerned about the Southwest Rebellion. Naturally, he had already known about it in the court, even more detailed than what was disclosed in the announcement. However, from the interpretation of the Xuanwei Division, there was something new.
experience.
For example, the announcement mentioned that the rebellion of the Tubo tribe had been put out by Yin Jilun; the rebellion in Yunnan and central Guizhou was completely put down with the joint efforts of Wang Shi and the local chieftains; the rebellion on Sichuan East Road was also under the control of veteran general Tian Zhong.
, were cut off one by one.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the large-scale turmoil in the southwest caused by the Shu Rebellion has been brought under control. Once the rebel Li Shun's tribe is exterminated by the imperial army, stability will be restored in the southwest.
Compared with the good news in other directions, the situation in Jiannan is somewhat cryptic.
Of course, Cao Guangshi was mentioned. Kang Jiying, one old and one young general, clearly achieved victory over the rebels in Zitong and Brazil counties, wiping out tens of thousands of enemies. This dealt a heavy blow to the rebels' arrogance and further reduced the scope of their activities.
Yang Yanzhao, the commander-in-chief of the Southwest Rebellion, has already led a large number of troops to go south. Of course, he does not predict the specific date, but he speaks firmly and confidently that the time to put down the Shu rebellion is not far away.
After "Ding Wei" read the southwest section, Zhao Kuangyi couldn't help but pay attention to the author. He noticed this signature, thought about it, and said: "It seems to be the second place in last autumn's exam?"
Only Zhao Dechong was with him at the food table. When asked, he replied firmly: "Exactly!"
"The imperial examination in the first year is extraordinary. It has only been so long and I can already sign the announcement!" Zhao Kuangyi said with emotion: "Although there is some cunning and scheming in the text, the content reads like a talent!"
"Yang Ye has been serving as the capital inspector for a short time!" Putting down the announcement, Zhao Kuangyi couldn't help but sigh, and turned to look at Zhao Dechong: "Do you know why?"
Zhao Dechong thought for a moment and said, "Is it because he recruited Yang Yanzhao?"
In response to this, Zhao Kuangyi did not answer directly, but stroked his beard and said in an emotional tone: "Since Emperor Shizu, the Yang family has been touted as loyal ministers and filial sons. It seems that apart from him, the Yang family has no loyal ministers.
Generally speaking, Shizu also specially called Yang Yanzhao as his consort, which can be said to be a great favor.
However, His Majesty is not the ancestor of the family, and no matter how much he trusts the Yang family, he will always have reservations. His son is commanding hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers and presiding over the counter-rebellion. At the same time, I am in the government, occupying the prime minister's position and holding great power.
"No one would feel at ease in this situation, especially His Majesty."
After listening to his narration, Zhao Dechong nodded silently, and Zhao Kuangyi said leisurely: "What's more, the power of the Metropolitan Procuratorate is getting heavier and heavier, and the affairs are getting more and more complicated, which are beyond Yang Ye's control.
Yang Ye was an expert in marching and fighting, but when it came to running political errands, it would be difficult for him to do a good job even if he was given ten years.
If the founder of the throne had used me to control the Imperial Court, to put it bluntly, the chaos in the past few years could have been reduced by half, and His Majesty would not have to worry so much about cleaning up the aftermath now."
Hearing what Zhao Kuangyi said, Zhao Dechong could only cater to him. He also knew that his father had been depressed for many years, and there was always a sense of resentment and unwillingness in his heart.
Looking at Zhao Deshong, Zhao Kuangyi said again: "My father has arranged a job for you with His Majesty. You will be a judge in Dali Temple. You will report to the Ministry of Civil Affairs tomorrow and then take office!"
Hearing this, Zhao Dechong looked dumbfounded, and then said sincerely: "My son still serves at home and takes care of government affairs! In this case, it is difficult to convince people if he is promoted suddenly."
Hearing what he said, Zhao Kuangyi suddenly showed dissatisfaction: "If you don't do things or perform well, how can anyone expect you to be respected? How can a real man confine himself to the mansion and be trapped in some mundane chores!
You have been established recently and have been married for many years. It’s time to think about your future! Otherwise, even if you inherit your father’s title, how will you compete with your brothers of the same generation? Even your younger brothers may not be convinced by you.
In this regard, you should really learn from Deming!"
"I have no intention of fighting with my brothers," Zhao Dechong muttered.
"I have the kindness of the emperor above me and my father's orders below me. How dare you disobey me?" Zhao Kuangyi said angrily.
"Yes!" Seeing Zhao Kuangyi getting angry, Zhao Dechong did not dare to refuse anymore.
Compared to Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Kuangyi had more children, but his favorite was Zhao Dechong, the eldest son of his father, whom he regarded as the heir apparent.
In contrast, the other sons who realized that there was no hope of inheritance often began to seek development on their own after they grew up, especially the second son Zhao Deming. At the age of 28, he was already the magistrate of Jiexiu County. Of course, his path was not orthodox.
Chaoguanzhixianluzi.
March in spring is supposed to be a time when flowers bloom and all things grow. However, the Chengdu Plain, which was once prosperous and bustling, is now wrapped in desolation and dilapidation. It is full of devastation, killings, hunger and disease, and chaos after the war.
and disorder, becoming a lingering shadow over the Land of Abundance.
As the largest metropolis in the southwest, Chengdu is immersed in a depressing and cruel atmosphere throughout the city. The walls on all sides bear the scars of the war, and most of the city buildings along the Chengdu city were destroyed.
After the war, the few remnants have also become a place for the rebels to live and survive.
Looking down from the top of the city, the city is in chaos. Dense corpses have replaced the hibiscus that is famous in the southwest.
From the outside of the city, roads, fields, woods, and rivers are either densely packed or scattered, with countless corpses piled up, and no one pays attention to them. The officers and soldiers in Chengdu have the intention of cleaning up, but every time they want to leave the city, they will be kicked out of the city.
The insurgents fought back desperately, with an aura of perish together.
That is to say, the climate has not yet completely warmed up. Otherwise, in such an environment, large-scale epidemics would have broken out.
And on these bones are dozens and millions of people on both sides of the offensive and defensive sides fighting to the death. In the past two months or so, there have been battles almost every day, and there has been an attack on the city every three to five months.
The rebels outside the city, let's just call them rebels, are like ants inexhaustible. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed or injured, and they can be replaced quickly. According to the words of Shangguan Zheng, the city guard, the leader of the thieves, Li Shun, is the leader of Shu.
All the mud-legged people and cheap bones are agitated. No matter how hard they are killed, they can’t be killed.
Things have to start from last year's Shuangliu battle. After Wang Xiaobo died in the battle, the remaining troops fled. It stands to reason that chasing down the remnant bandits and destroying the remaining gang members is a matter of course. Even if there are some twists and turns and it takes some time,
Eventually, Sichuan and Sichuan will regain peace and return to the past order.
However, the twists and turns involved were beyond everyone's imagination, and the huge wave stirred up by the rebels almost submerged the entire Chengdu Plain.
Among them, excessive coercion by the government and army is a very important direct reason. Many generals, for the sake of military exploits and promotion, do not allow the rebels to surrender, and even kill prisoners. As for looting and looting, they are simply gentle.
That's the move.
Although the rebels failed in the Battle of Shuangliu, the anger of the untouchables in neighboring households in Shu had not completely dissipated, and the government and soldiers were even more persecuted. So in an angry and fanatical atmosphere, the "Second Uprising" broke out. The leader
It was Li Shun, Wang Xiaobo's brother-in-law.
After the Shuangliu Battle, he gathered the remaining troops and fled back to Qingcheng. Later, he led thousands of people to attack Qiongzhou in the west, and was captured in one fell swoop.
Although Qiongzhou was barren and isolated, when social conflicts became more acute, it became a good place for it to expand its power. As early as the beginning of Wang Xiaobo's rebellion, there were responses from the Han and barbarian people there, but they were quickly wiped out. After Li Shun's massive Western invasion
Before the attack, the poor people there who were dissatisfied with the status quo were already ready to take action.
Therefore, Li Shunjun who entered Qiongzhou not only temporarily got rid of the pursuit of the official army and rested, but also obtained a large number of soldiers as he continued Wang Xiaobo's idea of "equalizing the rich and the poor". The poor people of Qiongzhou enthusiastically joined in.
The communists resisted the harsh rule, and within a few days, more than 20,000 rebels gathered under Li Shun's command.
When they heard that Li Shun had rekindled the uprising in Qiongzhou, Wang Xiaobo's remnants, who had been forced to surrender by the army and had no way to escape, also fled to Qiong one after another. For a time, the uprising army regained momentum.
As for the officers and soldiers, they finally sobered up a little from the excitement of gaining military exploits and making money. Shangguan was ordering Zhang Qi, the inspection envoy from the four states who had performed well before, to lead his army to conquer.
This time, perhaps he made the mistake of underestimating the enemy again. Zhang Qi was ambushed by Li Shun during the march. Not only did he lose thousands of troops, but he was also shot dead by the rebels. After defeating Zhang Qi, this wave of conquest troops
Later, Li Shun also completely took up the banner of the Sichuan-Sichuan Rebel Army.
In view of Wang Xiaobo's failure, Li Shun did not dare to stay in Qiongzhou anymore. He could not raise an army there, and the main force of the official army was still in nearby Shuzhou.
Therefore, Li Shun adopted the rogue warfare method, starting from Qiongzhou, making a circuitous route southward, and started fighting against the government troops around the Chengdu Plain. In the southern part of Jiannan, Mei, Jia, Ling, Rong, Zizhou and other areas
, he jumped all over.
Everywhere they arrived, they fought wherever they could. The city could not be left within two days. At the same time, a large number of local poor people were mobilized to fight against landlords and grab food rations. The troops became bigger and bigger, and the commotion became louder and louder.
The officers and soldiers were a little exhausted. From winter to spring, they were fighting with the rebels almost all the time. Although they got bitten several times and suffered a lot of casualties, they did not damage the roots. Compared with the rebels,
After all, the burden on the officers and soldiers is much heavier. They not only have to suppress bandits, but also need to recover the land and calm the people.
After benefiting from the battle against the rogue bandits, Li Shunjun became more energetic and dispatched his subordinates to various parts of Sichuan and Shu to encourage uprisings. This also affected the entire southwest region. After all, even Yunnan heard the news about several incidents.
riot.
In late December of the first year of Yongxi's reign, Li Shun suddenly raised his troops and marched eastward, defeating Puzhou and Fuzhou, intending to join the rebel army in eastern Sichuan. In Luzhou, he encountered Tian Chongjin, the rebel army deployed on the East Road, which was urgently activated by the imperial court.
Tian's army was able to block it, but Li Shun's army suffered heavy casualties and had to retreat all the way to Fuzhou before it stabilized its position.
In November of the first year of the year, in view of the uncertainty of the protracted rebellion in Shu, the imperial court completely lost patience, and the emperor also completely lost trust in the civil and military forces of Jiannan, and formally issued an edict to form a recruiting army, with Yang Yanzhao as the commander-in-chief and Tian Chongjin as the commander-in-chief.
As deputy commander-in-chief, he mobilized 150,000 elite troops from Guan Nei, Shannan, Jingxi, Huguang and Jinei respectively, and divided them into two routes from the north and east to quell the rebellion in Shu.
When Li Shun entered the east, it was the time when Tian Chongjin urgently took office, and the East Route Army had not yet moved in, but with its excellent military command ability and strength, Li Shun was still educated.
After hitting a wall in Luzhou, Li Shun paused for a while, probably sensing the powerful strangulation power of the army. Under the crisis, after the beginning of spring, Li Shun made another big move and concentrated all his strength.
Suddenly he turned around and attacked Zizhou again. After taking it, he led his troops to attack Jianzhou without taking any rest, and took Yang'an, the state capital, regardless of casualties.
After that, they got out of hand and went all the way north, breaking through Hanzhou, going down to Pengzhou, and attacking Mianzhou. Faced with the influx of rebels, and the common people from all over the country came in like a tide of ants, the entire Chengdu Plain was
It was also completely in chaos, with sparks of fire starting a prairie fire, beacon smoke everywhere, and the rebellion in central Sichuan fell into a trend of corruption.
What is even more terrifying is that Chengdu, the heart of the entire Southwest, was surrounded by hundreds of thousands of rebels and mobs.
At that time, the imperial court's conquest army was still on the road. In addition to the vanguard troops setting off quickly, some were even being formed. As the requisition envoy, the commander-in-chief Yang Yanzhao and his personal guardians were serving as the main force of the two guards of the imperial army.
Only then can you enter the inner road of the pass.
If it had not been for the decisive handling of the crisis by Jiannan Chief Minister Xiang Deming, Emperor Liu Yang might have received the bad news of the fall of Chengdu at the imperial banquet on New Year's Eve in the second year of Yongxi's reign.