As for Chang Qingqing's adoptive father Gan Shaolong, when Zhao Kuangyi mentioned it, Guo Rong also asked about Chang Qingqing and found out that he was no longer alive.
"At the beginning, there were thirty or forty households. At that time...at that time, the grassroots formed a group of their own. With some martial arts, they forcibly collected begging fees from the wealth begged by the surrounding beggars..." Fang Changsheng looked ashamed and paused.
After a while, he said: "Even those who are unkind to the rich will force begging and accumulate some wealth to survive."
Glancing at Guo Rong, who was listening attentively and with a calm face, Fang Changsheng added: "Later I met Knight Gan and learned from his good advice. I collected the income from begging for the refugees every day and distributed rations to them to live in peace. After a while,
On that day, combined with the money I had saved, I rented some houses and resettled the homeless people. Later, more and more refugees came here because of their reputation. I think the two states recognized the refugees from the grassroots... I remember there were more than 4,000 people."
Thinking that the refugees who recognized him as mentioned by Fang Changsheng were the beggars who obeyed his orders, Jiang Qiubai smiled at him when he heard his words.
"Natural disasters, wars, chaos, and chaos make it difficult for beggars to survive. In addition, there are many refugees, which means that food rations cannot be supplied. Fortunately, Gan Xiashi and Cao Min and others have some martial arts and often go to the deep mountains and wilderness to hunt and kill some mountains.
For animals, making dried preserves solves most of the food ration worries.
After Emperor Taizu ascended the throne, thanks to the emperor's great grace, the unowned land, official fields, and houses were distributed to the people. As a result, most of the people who were assigned the fields were naturalized and lived in peace, without having to worry about being bullied by Fang."
Guo Rong also heard that the so-called bullying by him was an irony, and he couldn't help but sigh: "The world is in chaos and people's livelihood is difficult. If there are more heroes like Gan and Mr. Fang, they will be a blessing to the people. King
What a blessing."
Guo Rong paused for a moment and then said: "Then the strong man who came with you today has no farmland? Why is this? Last year, due to the famine in Youzhou, more people moved into the Central Plains. The late emperor specially gave all the land in Guanzhuang to the refugees and divided it equally among the refugees.
, when registered in the state or county where you are located, everyone except those who commit crimes will be affected. Could it be that..."
But fearing that Guo Rong might have misunderstood, Fang Changsheng hurriedly explained, "A total of 117 people came with the grassroots this time. Except for more than 30 people who were alone like the grassroots, the rest were people with their families.
, and have never done anything illegal..."
"Then why don't you get allotment of land? Don't you want to be my subject and naturalize in the Central Plains court?" Guo Rong frowned.
"That's not the case." Fang Changsheng said hurriedly: "They also went to the county government to register, but... But when it came time to allocate the land, the government said that the camp land was not enough to allocate, and asked them to go to other prefectures and counties.
have a look……"
Guo Rong thought for a moment and nodded slightly, "After I return in triumph, I will check and see what households are included in Xiangzhou's camp..."
"But..." Fang Changsheng hesitated to speak.
Guo Rong smiled and said, "Mr. Fang has something to say, but please speak up."
"But according to what the people heard later, some county governments took the opportunity to sell their farmland to philanthropists to build temples. In some cases, the monasteries themselves bought it to expand the temples, or sold it to the philanthropists who originally donated incense..."
"Oh?" Guo Rong's eyes suddenly condensed, "Is this really happening?"
If we talk about the construction and expansion of the temple, the camp land, the household department, and the state government will all be given as appropriate. What's more, the temple financed the purchase, but it is obvious that the temple also sold the land to philanthropists.
"The group of people who came with the grass-roots people today have not always been begging in Xiangzhou, Ci, Zhen, Lu, Yi, Zhao and other states, but they have been coming to the Central Plains for many years." Fang Changsheng said: "I think they think what the grass-roots people are doing is feasible.
, I came to Xiangzhou for help the year before last, and from what they said, this kind of thing happened in every state..."
Fang Changsheng went from being a beggar leader fighting for begging territory to being the respected "Beggar King of Xiangzhou". It was because of Gan Shaolong's influence that he helped the refugees, supported the weak and punished the evil.
The evildoers he punishes are not only the criminals who mix among the refugees, but also some local bullies who bully the people. After the chivalrous name spread far and wide, refugees from various states came to join him, so he had a great influence on the people's livelihood everywhere.
Most of the people knew about it, but he saw Guo Rongying's benevolence, so he dared to tell the matter.
"You are deceiving your Majesty but not your superior..." Guo Rong's face showed anger and he slapped the table. The wine bowl on the table vibrated, and the wine naturally overflowed. The eunuch beside him was busy wiping it with a rag.
"Bring me some pen and ink..."
Zhang Shoude and others knew that he acted vigorously and resolutely, but they thought that they would soon recover Luzhou and return to the court. They planned to write an edict to investigate the matter of someone selling camp land privately in Zhouzhou County, but they were too impatient. They looked at Guo who was full of anger.
Rong, Zhang Yongde said: "Please calm down the emperor, what Mr. Fang said will be discussed after he returns to the court in triumph..."
Guo Rong shook his head and said: "Tian is the foundation of the people. When the fields are lost, the people will be displaced. The people are the foundation of the country. If the people are destroyed, the country will fall. It is seen that there will be a day of unrest in the four directions, and there will be a time to manage floods and droughts. However, the abuse of farmland will cause harm to generations.
What Mr. Fang said is more urgent than the military situation."
"And it's time for a triumphant return to the court..." Guo Rong glanced at everyone, stopped on Jiang Qiubai, and said with a smile: "I want to take advantage of the victory to regain Taiyuan, what do you think, uncle?"
All the generals were shocked. They did not expect that Guo Rong would have such a plan. If he takes advantage of the victory to attack Hedong, it would indeed be a good time. However, Jiang Qiubai said: "Your Majesty, I think we can take advantage of the victory and pursue..."
"Your Majesty has great talent and great strategy. We will follow your Majesty to recover Taiyuan and capture Liu Ni alive." All the generals stood up and saluted.
"Haha... Okay, okay." Guo Rong nodded and smiled.
At this time, the accompanying eunuch had already wiped the case clean, laid out paper and polished the ink. Guo Rong pondered for a moment, then wrote with a pen. After the ink dried, he folded it up. He turned to look at Fang Changsheng, "Mr. Fang, if I give you
Are they willing to serve the imperial court with those strong men's land and their families?"
Fang Tangsheng was slightly surprised when he heard this. He hesitated and said: "More than twenty of them are probably unwilling, and the rest can be persuaded."
Guo Rong was deeply worried about the rout of six thousand right-wing troops. When he heard that these beggars who dared to fight to the death in the face of more than ten thousand Liao soldiers were willing to defect, he was overjoyed and said with a smile: "Okay, Mr. Lao will be in trouble...
Those twenty or so people who don’t want to join the army must be those without families, right?”
"The common people dare not deceive the emperor. Most of these twenty or so people are people with families."
"Oh, then why don't you want to join the army?" Guo Rong felt strange. If these people join the army as soldiers, not only will they be allocated fields and houses now, but they will also be able to reduce taxes in the future, and the court will also give out consolation money to military families from time to time.
"These twenty-odd people have followed the grassroots for many years and are the leaders of the refugees in various states and counties. Under normal circumstances, they can help the grassroots resettle the refugees. There are also evildoers among the refugees, and they must be punished and trained..."
Hearing this, Guo Rong and Jiang Qiubai looked at each other, silent for a moment, nodded, and sighed: "There is unrest in all directions. Brave and skilled soldiers are needed in front of the battle, and officials who can calm the people are needed in the local area. Mr. Fang's move is indeed
It is to share worries and solve problems with the court...
Since your husband is talented in both civil and military affairs and does not want to join the army, I will submit to you and find a professional title with him in the prefecture and county. I will be responsible for household registration, and it will also be helpful for you to resettle the refugees."
Jiang Qiubai knew that Fang Changsheng's reluctance to become an official was definitely not the reason for the difference between military attaches and civilians, and he would definitely refuse, so he smiled and said: "Your Majesty, there are some criminals among the refugees, and most of them are
When various puppet dynasties flowed into the Central Plains, Wei Chen believed that Mr. Fang was rectifying the refugees as a refugee leader in the community, which could involve states and counties. His performance was actually better than serving as an official in a state or county... Being in the community, he was actually doing something for the people.
To serve the imperial court."
During the current war, many deserters from various dynasties and prisoners flowed into the Central Plains. Only Fang Changsheng, who lived at the bottom, would know their details. Guo Rong felt that Jiang Qiubai's words were reasonable, and he was overjoyed, "
What the uncle said is true. Well, according to Zhao Kuangyi, Mr. Fang is known as the 'Beggar King of Xiangzhou'... Then I will give Mr. Fang the title of 'Leader of the Beggar Gang', so that he can punish and educate me and make a living by begging to evade the law.
The villain...what do you think, Mr. Fang?"
Fang Changsheng was overjoyed when he heard this. He was already enjoying being the leader of the refugees who begged for a living, just like a man who had become a monk and had no intention of returning to the secular world. But he wanted to become an emperor from being called the "Beggar King of Xiangzhou" by people in the world.
Being crowned the 'Leader of the Beggar Clan' is a great honor.
I also thought that there were many beggars in each dynasty, each competing for territory. Now that I took over the title bestowed by the emperor, I would inevitably have troubles in the future. I was hesitant, but I heard Jiang Qiubai smile and say: "With Mr. Fang's Dragon Subduing Palm
The law is more than enough to punish and educate those evil beggars who are wandering among the refugees, and they deserve to be called the leader of the beggar gang."
Fang Changsheng couldn't help but feel heroic. He stood up and bowed down, "The common people are so disrespectful. Thank you for the honor given by the emperor..."
"Mr. Fang, Gang Leader Fang, please wake up, haha..." Guo Rong laughed.
Zhang Yongde and others felt that this title was really shocking, but they thought you had nothing to say. They looked at each other and smiled, then they all raised their hands to Fang Changsheng who stood up and returned to his seat and said: "Congratulations, Gang Leader Fang..."
"Congratulations to Mr. Fang..."
"As my uncle and Mr. Fang said, there are many scoundrels among the homeless people begging at the moment. I am a member of the 'Beggars' Gang Leader'. I only hope that I can do things conveniently with you, but I will not be above the law." Guo Rong.
After a pause, he said with a smile: "When the world is at peace, I will remove Mr. Fang from the title of 'Leader of the Beggar Clan', and then... change it to the title of 'Mr. Qingping', haha..."
But I think some stubborn villains have already blended into the refugees, and they may kill people when they are punished. Fang Changsheng understood what Guo Rong said, and he felt trembling in his heart, and said hurriedly: "The common people will never dare to
Ignoring the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty, if there is a criminal who mixes among the refugees and does evil, he will definitely be dealt with by the government. If there is a grudge between the rivers and lakes, the common people... will deal with it on their own."
"Okay, okay." Guo Rong nodded slowly as if feeling something, "Mr. Fang sincerely does not deceive me..."
Even in peaceful and prosperous times, it is sometimes difficult for the government to control the armed fighting caused by grievances in the world. When Guo Rongshi left Taibai Academy, he knew that if Wu Wangbo, Chu Nanfeng and others committed murders due to grievances in the world, how could the government be able to stop it?
He didn't know the inside story, but with a wry smile in his heart, he really appreciated Fang Changsheng's honesty in speaking out.
Looking at Chang Qingqing sitting behind Luo Xiaoyao, Guo Rong smiled and waved: "Qingqing, come here..."
Chang Qingqing was slightly surprised, but walked towards Guo Rong calmly, and stood on his left side at Guo Rong's signal.
"I was attacked by Zhang Yuanzheng on the battlefield. If Qingqing had not used poisonous snakes to make his horse stumble, I would have been injured by him. Qingqing not only saved the enemy, but also boosted the morale of our troops and turned defeat into victory. His contribution is indispensable."
Guo Rong turned his gaze to Chang Shan, paused for a moment, turned his head to look at Chang Qingqing, and muttered: "I want to make Qingqing the princess for my military achievements. What do you think?"
Although Zhang Yuanhui would not have hurt Guo Rong if he had not stumbled on horseback. Seeing Chang Qingqing, who had just reached her prime, being able to use poisonous snakes in the midst of chaos, Guo Rong was greatly impressed by her calm mind and calmness.
I originally wanted to accept her as my adopted daughter, but I thought that Chang Shan and her were brother and sister, and Chang Shan was my uncle. Even if I accepted Chang Qingqing as my imperial sister, it would be against etiquette, so I conferred the title with military merit.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Guo Rong adopted Chang Qingqing as his imperial sister, adopted daughter, and was granted the title of princess. Many generals did not know that due to Chang Shan's seniority, Guo Rong was given the title for his military exploits. They were surprised for a moment and did not dare to answer. .
Guo Rong himself could not explain the reason. He looked at Jiang Qiubai and said with a smile: "Uncle Master, is it feasible to grant a title based on military merit?"
If they are not relatives of the royal family, only the daughters of princes, generals and ministers with outstanding military exploits can be given this title. Jiang Qiubai knew that Guo Rong granted Chang Qingqing the title of princess. He really wanted to be a favor to Taibai Academy, and also to recruit Chang Shan and Meng Xiaohu in the future. It will pave the way for college students to enter officialdom.
However, although it is possible to directly grant the title of princess to the princess based on military exploits, there is no precedent to follow. Jiang Qiubai was unable to answer for a while, so he looked at Chang Qingqing, "Your Majesty, I think it is feasible, but I don't know if Qingqing is willing... …”
When Guo Rong heard that he seemed to agree and passed the decision-making power to Chang Qingqing, he couldn't help but be startled and his thoughts suddenly changed. However, he thought that Jiang Qiubai was worried that there were no precedents to follow and he was afraid of arousing criticism from the officials, so he smiled to himself. He whispered a few words to the surprised Chang Qingqing, but when he saw Chang Qingqing's smile, he walked to the case and knelt down and knelt down: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."
Jiang Qiubai, Fang Changsheng, and Elder Luo Xiaoyaofu all have alchemy cultivation, but when they heard Guo Rong whisper to her, they couldn't help but smile at each other. It turned out that Guo Rong said: "You have become the princess, and Mr. Fang will resettle the refugees. If you need help, I will give you a mansion so that your brother and Xiaohu can have a place to stay."
As for mansions, Chang Qingqing doesn't care. After her parents were killed, she went through life and death several times and followed Gan Shaolong. Fang Changsheng saw the miserable days of the beggars and refugees around her, and knew that it was her foster father Gan Shaolong who allowed the refugees and beggars to live a stable life. , Fang Changsheng’s wish, but knowing that if he became the princess, he could indeed help Fang Changsheng in many things, so he was happy to agree after hearing this.
Seeing Chang Qingqing agreeing, Guo Rong laughed loudly, paused, and pondered: "Well, what title should I choose? Gaoping, Gaoping... Well, let's take the title of Princess Gaoping. What do you think? ?We should remember the difficulty of the great victory in this battle...the bravery of all the soldiers to kill the enemy with bloodshed, and the anger of the right army's retreat."
Gaoping is only a county. If the name Changqingqing is given after the place name, it can only be the name of the county owner. However, Guo Rong did not mention the city and the fiefdom, but it is okay to give the title in the name of commemorating the war. Everyone looked at each other. , they all stood up and saluted Chang Qingqing, "I have met the princess..."
The etiquette in the court is very particular. The so-called Lord of Heaven and Earth saw Jiang Qiubai. Fang Changsheng stood up and raised his hands. However, Chang Qingqing, who was calm, was shocked. He covered his eyes with his hands and said, "No, no.
…”
Everyone laughed when they saw this, Guo Rong picked up the wine bowl in front of him and stood up, "Thanks to the bravery of all the soldiers today, we should be rewarded, but Liu Ci is still chasing the remaining bandits, and Gaoping has not yet been recovered. We will wait until we get to Gaoping City tomorrow.
Celebrating the great victory with all the soldiers, I and all the ministers drank this wine to pay tribute to the fallen heroes..."
When everyone heard this, they bent down and raised their bowls to their eyebrows. After a while, they drank all the wine. Guo Rong put down the bowl and said, "There will still be war tomorrow, and we will discuss it in Gaoping. We are tired today, so all the ministers will go back to the camp to rest...Uncle Master"
, Xiaoyao, you two will stay here for now, I have something to discuss."
After hearing this, everyone looked at each other and retreated. Guo Rong looked at Luo Xiaoyao and said: "There are no outsiders here. Junior brother, don't be known as a commoner. I originally wanted to reward you for your military achievements... Alas, but it's hard to satisfy my heart.
As you wish.”
He knew in his heart that Luo Xiaoyao, like Chu Nanfeng, was indifferent to fame and wealth, and could help him only because he was educated at Taibai Academy, so he never rewarded Luo Xiaoyao in front of Zhang Yongde, Li Chongjin and other officials.
Luo Xiaoyao and Jiang Qiubai looked at each other, smiling and saying nothing.
"But Junior Brother Luo didn't come to help me for glory and wealth, but to let me know the value of friendship." Guo Rong smiled, and then said after a while: "I have something that I want Junior Brother to help me, but I don't know if Junior Brother is willing..."
"Your Majesty, please tell me, Xiaoyao should do his best."
"I just heard what Mr. Fang said... Some officials colluded with the temple and took advantage of the land given to the refugees by the late emperor to sell it privately. I am deeply worried."
Guo Rong said slowly: "I want to investigate this matter in detail, but it is inevitable that officials in the court will leak the information, so I want to conduct a secret investigation so that those who have stolen the king's law will be punished.
Since Mr. Fang is placed at the bottom of the common people, it may be difficult to know the truth behind the scenes... Tongbao Pavilion bank accounts are spread all over the states, and the people who come and go in the bank accounts are either rich or noble. It would be easy to know it secretly, so I want my junior brother to invite Master Luo
Help and save a lot of time.”
Luo Xiaoyao never thought that Guo Rong would ask him to use Tongbao Pavilion's connections to investigate the private sale of camp fields. But he knew that with Tongbao Pavilion's power, Guo Rong's plan would be twice the result with half the effort. But he didn't know what Luo Hanshui was thinking. Luo Xiaoyao
Although he was willing to help Guo Rong rectify corrupt officials and benefit the people, he did not dare to agree directly and said: "Xiao Yao will tell his father about the emperor's kindness."
Guo Rong seemed to be lacking confidence when he heard his answer. He hesitated and said, "Then I will write another letter to Uncle Luo..."
Jiang Qiubai continued: "The loss of cultivated land will bring endless disasters. I think that Senior Brother Luo understands the righteousness, and after Xiaoyao tells it, he will know the seriousness of the matter."
However, he thought that after Luo Xiaoyao told him, and then wrote a letter to persuade him, he might be underestimating Luo Hanshui's views and moral character. Guo Rong heard the meaning behind Jiang Qiubai's words and nodded, "Shi Zhenzong, Saint Miao
Taoism helps the world and encourages good deeds, and its benefits are very great. However, some monks and nuns are engaged in committing crimes and committing crimes, living privately in temples, ignoring the law... Now they occupy fertile land to build, expand and build temples.
The people live in peace and contentment and violate the teachings, and their evil is visible."
"If he had not had the virtue of preaching and persuading good deeds, how could the imperial court have given the good land to build temples? Nowadays, China is in a state of chaos, and there are even more young and strong people who are deserting the army and hiding in it. Now they dare to collude with the officials.
, occupying fertile farmland, this is a mistake that cannot be forgiven... This evil must be addressed, and we must not allow evil deeds to become common, stupid people to be lazy, and weaken our national strength."
"Therefore, this secret investigation... must identify these temples that use the name of promoting Buddhism, despise national laws, and harm the people." Guo Rong said coldly: "We will investigate and deal with corrupt officials at that time..."
Jiang Qiubai also knew that many temples housed criminals who committed crimes in various dynasties, and also allowed some deserters to hide in the temples. He knew that this was a serious disadvantage, and he was greatly shocked when he heard that Guo Rong wanted to rectify it.
Support, "Xiaoyao, this matter is quite important. You can tell Senior Brother Chu what the emperor said and let him discuss it with your father..."
"Master?" Luo Xiaoyao asked suspiciously: "Master, he is in Fairy Lake..."
Luo Xiaoyao was greatly puzzled when he heard that Chu Nanfeng was specifically looking for Chu Nanfeng to meet with Luo Hanshui to discuss investigating the private occupation of land by officials and temples.
"Senior Brother Chu is currently in a branch in Bianjing." Jiang Qiubai had just met Luo Xiaoyao, but he never told him about Chu Nanfeng's injury in the fight with Zhiguang. Looking at Luo Xiaoyao's confused look, he smiled and said, "And
Your father must also be in Bianjing."
Chu Nanfeng said that day that he would be in seclusion for half a month to recover from his injuries, and at the same time he made an appointment with Luo Hanshui to meet him at the branch pavilion. It had just been ten days, so Jiang Qiubai concluded that Luo Hanshui should also be in Kaifeng City.
"Oh? Father, is he in Kaifeng?" Luo Xiaoyao was even more surprised when he heard this.
"The reason... you will know when you go there." Jiang Qiubai smiled slightly.
"It's uncle." But seeing that Jiang Qiubai had no intention of telling him, Luo Xiaoyao didn't dare to ask.
With a thought in his mind, Guo Rong asked the eunuch accompanying him to sharpen his ink, wrote another folded letter, merged the original sealed letter, and handed it to Luo Xiaoyao, saying: "Junior brother can take Qingqing and the two junior uncles with him tomorrow."
Return to Bianjing and give this secret to Wang Pu, the minister of the Secretariat... and let him act accordingly."
Turning to Jiang Qiubai, he said: "Wang Pu acted calmly and pragmatically. I asked him to send people to carefully check the ratio of the camp fields to the households that moved out that day, to see which states and counties had a large amount of entry and exit, and at the same time, check the wastelands of the states and counties... This
When he goes to conquer Hedong, there will definitely be a large influx of refugees. When he finds out the data, Mr. Fang can guide the refugees to open up wasteland and cultivate land, and the court will give priority to planting seasonal grains..."
"Find a house near the Kaifeng government office and repair it with Qingqing as the princess's mansion. If Mr. Fang needs property then, he can ask Qingqing to tell me. But if during the conquest and recovery of Taiyuan, there is money needed to resettle the refugees, he can ask Qingqing to find it.
Wang Pu will give it as he sees fit, and I have talked to him about the compromise... Alas, this is just the right thing to do, but the amount of money will make it very difficult for Mr. Fang."
Jiang Qiubai greatly admired Guo Rong's meticulousness and decisiveness in handling matters, but he knew that the current campaign against the imperial court would cost a lot, resettling the refugees, and opening up wasteland and farming would also be a big expense. Guo Rong was unwilling to give more to the people, saying that
With the word "discretionary" in the text, he saw that he had financial difficulties, and with a thought, he looked at Luo Xiaoyao, "As for the emperor's words and Mr. Fang's future move to resettle the refugees, you should discuss this matter with your father..."
Luo Xiaoyao naturally understood what he meant, thinking that he wanted Tongbao Pavilion to donate money to help the people. He had also seen the suffering of the people when he was Zhenzhou to help the people, but he thought that if the imperial court's financial resources were not limited, Jiang Qiubai would not have warned him in words.
.
If he were asked to go into battle with the army and kill the enemy, he might not agree, but it would be feasible to donate money to help the people. Hearing this, he smiled and said: "Uncle Master, if you don't tell me, Xiaoyao will tell his father..."
"I'm very lucky..." Guo Rong sighed, and then said: "Then I will let Mr. Fang take up the post of leader of the Beggar Clan tomorrow... Oh, one more thing, Elder Fu, I think I have to wait for the day when the master returns to the court.