Chapter 451 Sima Guang: Your Majesty must be as worried as me
All peoples in the world
After sending Feng Jing away, Zhao Xu returned to the side hall as if nothing had happened and continued to look at the utensils brought by Shen Kuo.
They are all small things, just like planes. They are not technically difficult, but very practical.
Just like the tape measure Zhao Xu is holding in his hand now.
The structure of this thing is very simple, that is, cut the cloth into appropriate strips, and then mark the precise lengths, steps, feet, inches, and minutes on them.
Finally, wrap the cloth strip around an iron ring.
When you need to use it, just pull out the cloth strip.
Of course, it's not as easy to use as a modern tape measure.
The service life is probably not too long either.
But it’s enough!
With the tape measure, in the future, whether officials measure land or measure tools in workshops, they will have tools that are suitable for use.
Zhao Xu played with the tape measure and asked: "Shen Tiju, how many sets of tape measures have you made so far?"
"Your Majesty, I have informed you that there are now more than ten sets." Shen Kuo answered with his head lowered.
"Send them all to Song Yongchen." Zhao Xu ordered: "Just in time, Jing'anfang needs this."
The residential expropriation work in Jing'anfang has now begun in full swing.
The initially set collection price is an increase of 10% from the market price.
This price is very conscientious and can even be said to be the most reasonable price ever.
After all, in the past, although Zhao officials would compensate for the demolished residences.
The money given is nominally the market price. But in fact, everyone knows that if ordinary people want to get money from the government, they can't do it without giving them benefits.
But this time, Zhao Xu asked Song Yongchen and Zhang Yi to take charge of the residential expropriation in Jing'anfang, and it was supervised by the Kaifeng Prefecture's "Promoting Bianjing Inner and Outer Roads and Xiangfang Official Affairs" organization.
In this organization, the ministers that Zhao Xu put in were all ministers who were known for their integrity and caring for the people.
People like Fan Chunren, Lu Dafang, Cheng Yi and others are the kind of people who can't get sand into their eyes.
Don't even think about losing the people's compensation money under the noses of these people.
Of course, these people who have received compensation will not be able to leave Bianjing and become farmers elsewhere unless they take the money.
Otherwise, they would not be able to escape from Zhao Xu's grasp.
As long as they stay in Bianjing, the money in their hands will sooner or later return to Zhao Xu through various channels.
They use the money to rent a house or do business.
It's all just spinning around in Zhao Xu's hands.
Because the largest real estate developer in Bianjing City is Zhao Xu!
Zhao Xu put down the tape measure and picked up other objects to look at.
These things, like tape measures and planes, are tools for patching the current economy and ready-made technology of the Song Dynasty.
After looking at all the artifacts, Zhao Xu asked Feng Jing to take them all to the side hall of Qionglin Garden.
"Let's change the name of this hall." When walking out of the side hall, Zhao Xu suddenly stopped and looked at the plaque hanging under the eaves.
Its name: Zuoyidian.
Just by looking at the name, you can tell that this side hall has never been named by any previous emperor.
Because all members of Zhao Guan's family are young people, they would not give such an uncultured name.
The minister in charge of Qionglin Garden immediately bowed: "Please give me the name of the palace."
"From now on, this hall will be used to display and specialize in the manufacture of objects invented by the Ordnance Bureau." Zhao Xu looked at Shen Kuo with a smile and said softly: "In that case, let's name it after Shen Qing's cousin."
"Cave the middle hall!"
Shen Kuo immediately paid homage and said, "Your Majesty is so kind that I dare not accept it."
Store in the nave?
Name a royal palace after a minister.
Even if this hall is just the back garden side hall of the royal garden Qionglin Garden.
But, for the minister, this is already the highest honor!
Why?
Since Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty established the Qilin Pavilion, he painted portraits of heroes and described their achievements.
Officials of all dynasties are proud to be in the Hall of Meritorious Officials.
Therefore, Guangwu had twenty-eight generals from Yuntai, and Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty had twenty-four meritorious officials from Lingyan Pavilion.
Nowadays, officials have to name a royal palace after his name.
This is destined to go down in history and become a legend for future generations.
Zhao Xu looked at Shen Kuo and said sincerely: "I love you, so there is no need to refuse."
"The affairs of the Ordnance Bureau, which specializes in manufacturing, are still under the control of Lao Aiqing."
Shen Kuo is one of the most skillful ministers Zhao Xu currently uses.
When I first took office, I worked for Zhao Xu almost every day at 9:96, and sometimes even at 0:07.
So Zhao Xu had to issue an edict to his wife, requiring her to strictly control Shen Kuo's working hours.
Even so, according to Zhao Xu's understanding, Shen Kuo is still known as a workaholic in the bureau that specializes in manufacturing weapons.
Almost every day, he is the first to arrive at the Yamen and the last to leave.
Even Tong Guan was so impressed by him that he admired him!
However, Shen Kuo's eyes were reddened by Zhao Xu's move, and he bowed repeatedly: "Your Majesty, I have no way to repay you for your kindness. I can only serve your Majesty with my whole life and die!"
Zhao Xu laughed when he heard this and said: "I know your loyalty, and the emperor also knows it!"
"When the imperial examination was in Japan, he told me many times: Minister Shen Kuo is loyal and can be used. He does not care about himself and is sincere to his own disadvantages."
As Shen Kuo listened, tears were already welling up in his eyes.
Although he didn't know when the late emperor mentioned him to the current officials? He also didn't understand why the late emperor wanted to exile him to Suizhou for several years even though he valued him so much.
But he knew that the late emperor had indeed explained some of his affairs to the current officials.
Moreover, the late emperor valued him very much and regarded him as the young master's minister.
This matter is now being discussed even among the public.
Many people say that in fact, when the current official family was registered as the Prince of Yan'an County, the late emperor had already trained him, Shen Kuo and Shen Cunzhong, as a minister of the young master.
The evidence is this - when he, Shen Kuo, was registered as the Prince of Yan'an in the current official family, he was dismissed by the late emperor as the envoy of the Yanzhou Road Economic Strategy and Appeasement and also knew Yanzhou.
The sincere expectations of two generations of emperors, the late emperor’s kindness in knowing and appreciating his talents, his cherishing of talents, and today’s importance and trust.
No matter how hard it was for Shen Kuo to control himself, he shed tears in an instant and bowed again with choked sobs.
"Shen Qing, please take care of yourself!" Seeing this, Zhao Xu said sincerely: "I will still need your help in the future."
After saying that, Zhao Xu gave instructions to the people around him: "You will take note of this and take the best health-preserving medicine from the imperial medicine courtyard every ten days, as well as all kinds of delicacies from the royal kitchen, and send them to Shen Tiju's house."
Shen Kuo was even more moved, and choked with sobs, he prostrated and bowed: "It is difficult to repay God's kindness, but I can only die to be loyal to His Majesty!"
To Shen Kuo, Zhao Xu, the young master, was almost the perfect dream king.
It's not just about paying attention to him and caring about him.
In terms of actions and details, it is almost perfect.
It's not just about undressing and eating.
Even his personal life and private affairs are arranged with great care and consideration.
For example, his nephews who went to Beijing to join him were all arranged by imperial edict to study in Kaifeng Mansion.
From now on, they won't have to go back to their hometowns to apply for the few spots in the exam.
You can directly take the exam in Kaifeng Prefecture.
The difficulty level of Kaifeng Prefecture's FAQ test is the lowest in the world.
If those guys can't even pass the Kaifeng Mansion exam, it can only mean that they are not good at studying and should give up on seeking fame as soon as possible.
For example, if his family hired maids and servants, the emperor's special decree provided for them with internal funds, which in fact raised his status to a minister-in-waiting, and he was also a minister-in-waiting with the title of bachelor's degree.
There is an endless stream of other posthumous gifts from parents and kindness from my wife.
Thanks to his blessing, his father Shen Zhou has now been posthumously given the title of Minister of the Ministry of Finance, and his mother has been posthumously given the title of Mrs. Shangjun Tai.
Nowadays, even the details of life have begun to pay attention.
Shen Kuo was extremely grateful for such a favor.
…
It was already dusk when we returned to Funing Hall.
After Zhao Xu returned to the palace, under the service of the female officials, he took a bath first and then changed into clean clothes.
He had just rested for a while when Feng Jing came to him and said, "Everyone, I heard that Mr. Sima seems to be writing notes at home and is preparing to ask for answers."
Zhao Xu's expression suddenly became exciting.
"Excuse me?" He wondered: "Did Mr. Sima discuss it with other governors?"
Feng Jing shook his head.
Zhao Xu rubbed his hands silently.
Sima Guang did this because he planned to risk his life.
Once this is done, criticism from both inside and outside the government will inevitably follow.
The other governors are probably very uneasy now.
You know, Sima Guang was very popular in the world.
Even though his popularity is not as good as it was last year, the aura of the old party's red banner still surrounds him.
Now, Sima Guang made a desperate move. He did not discuss with the Prime Minister or notify the Prime Minister, so he wrote a letter to seek justice.
Once this matter spreads, what will the world think?
Does anyone think that the current prime minister was deliberately suppressing and ostracizing Sima Guang?
Does anyone think that so-and-so, so-and-so, betrayed Sima Guang?!
This is not possible!
Zhao Xu thought about it for a while and then said to Feng Jing: "Feng Jing, as my envoy, you should immediately go to Sima Gong's residence to convey the order, and ask Sima Gong to come to Chongzheng Hall tomorrow to see you."
What can Zhao Xu do?
The only way is to take action first and minimize the impact.
At least, Sima Guang cannot be allowed to flip the table!
It should be noted that once Sima Guang broke the rules, he wrote a letter to seek redress without consulting other governors or communicating with him.
It was equivalent to a vote of no confidence in all other rulers.
Naturally, in this case, Sima Guang had only one outcome: removal.
And the other governors, one by one, are bound to be involved.
Public opinion inside and outside the government will explode.
Those who regard Sima Guang as their idol and role model will definitely ask a question: Who pushed Sima Gong, a virtuous minister who has the hope of the world, to this point?
The most terrible thing is that Zhao Xu knows that Sima Guang will not live long.
Once Sima Guang died after being dismissed.
All rulers today will fall into moral dilemmas.
For example, Lu Gongzhu, Li Chang and others may be criticized by thousands of people.
Therefore, Zhao Xu thought about it briefly and continued to give Feng Jing instructions: "When you arrive at Sima Gong's residence, remember to comfort him and say, I have been on the throne for more than a year. I have thought about the emperor's instructions and the affairs of the world.
I am frightened, so I invite Duke Sima into the palace to inquire about the world's situation."
"Besides..." Zhao Xu thought for a while and added: "Feng Jing, before going to Sima Gong's residence, first go to the residences of Kang Guogong, Shen Guogong, Taishi Wen, Zhang Jiedu, and Sun Xueshi..."
"Tell all the elders and prime ministers what I mean."
Zhao Xu's acting skills have always been good, especially in details, which he always attaches great importance to.
This time is no exception.
If he only summoned Sima Guang alone, then any fool would know that Zhao Xu was sending people to spy on him, or at least he was also secretly observing the movements of the ministers.
This is not good!
It's too embarrassing.
You know, Zhao Xu has always expressed his attitude of "willing to rule the world together with the world's scholar-bureaucrats."
Therefore, Zhao Xu could only choose to escalate the matter.
Just get all the veterans involved.
Let’s organize this matter into the ‘National Government Affairs Review Meeting on the First Anniversary of the Ascension’.
In this way, Zhao Xu can be picked clean.
At least, it's clean on the surface.
That's what politics is like.
There are many things that everyone knows, and each other can respect each other.
But once it is revealed and made public, no one will be able to show their dignity.
Everyone will lose face.
"No!" Feng Jing memorized it carefully before taking the order and leaving.
But as soon as he reached the entrance of Funing Hall, Zhao Xu stopped him again and told him: "Feng Jing! Before delivering the order, go to the General Meeting Department to discuss with Guo Zhongxiao and arrange the time."
There are rules for all ministers to come together.
It must also be arranged and introduced by the Communications Department.
If the Tongjian Si didn't know about it and didn't arrange the shift, when the ministers came to the palace according to the imperial edict, the Tongjian Si might be in a hurry.
At the same time, it may also be revealed that Zhao Xu made the decision now.
This is not good!
Feng Jing was stunned for a few seconds, then he came to his senses and bowed immediately: "No, I understand."
…
Tonight, the stars are shining brightly.
Sima Guang's mansion was brightly lit.
Sima Guang was writing quickly at his desk.
"Sir..." Sima Kang's voice came from the door.
"What's the matter?" Sima Guang raised his head and asked.
"Feng Jing, a minister at the emperor's side, is asking for an audience outside the door."
Sima Guang frowned. He stood up, opened the door, looked at Sima Kang who was standing in front of the door, and asked with a sullen face: "I wanted to write a letter to ask for justice, but you leaked it?"
He knew that there was no other person besides his own son who he wanted to write to.
Now, the emperor's trusted ministers are visiting at starry night.
Sima Guang's first reaction was naturally that this traitor had done a good deed!
Sima Kang was so frightened that he immediately knelt down, kowtowed and said, "My lord, how dare you disobey your lord?"
"Why did the emperor's ministers come to visit at starry night?" Sima Guang looked at Sima Kang's appearance and didn't believe the rebellious son's words at all.
not him?
Who else could it be?
Sima Kang trembled and bowed, "Your Majesty, I have heard the angel's words. I first went to the residences of Grand Master Wen, Zhang Jiedu, and Sun Xueshi, and then went to the residences of Han Xianggong and Lu Xianggong."
"I finally arrived here..."
In fact, when Sima Kang heard that there was an angel outside the door, he was frightened and turned pale.
Because he did tell people what his father wanted to write to ask for justice.
After he came back, he accidentally revealed that he was drunk while drinking with Yan Jidao in the editorial office of Bianjing Yibao.
And Yan Jidao disappeared after the afternoon.
Maybe he went to Wazili to get drunk, or maybe he went to an old lover's house for a tryst.
Fortunately, Sima Kang soon learned that the angel went to the mansions of senators and prime ministers, and finally came to his home.
Only then did he let go of his heavy heart.
Sima Guang listened and looked at Sima Kang carefully.
After pondering for a moment, Sima Guang walked out of the study door and said to him: "Let me go with you to see the angel."
If it is true that this traitor has revealed what he wants to write to seek justice.
He will break this traitor’s legs!
…
A quarter of an hour later, Sima Guang finished listening to the official oral message delivered by the angel in his living room.
He looked back at Sima Kang, and his expression finally softened.
If Sima Kang really betrayed him.
Then there is a thief in his house!
This is an unbearable pain for him now.
Fortunately...
This son finally did not betray him.
So, he stood up, cupped his hands to the young minister, and said: "Please tell your majesty, the old minister must know that he will say everything without restraint!"
In his heart, Sima Guang's fighting spirit began to burn brightly.
He feels full of strength now.
Why?
The Emperor is indeed a sage and wise man. He knows how to ask ministers and elders for their views on the affairs of the world in a timely manner. He also knows how to consult ministers extensively for their opinions so as to know the sufferings of the world in a timely manner.
Zhen Nai Mingjun!
When the emperor comes to take charge, he will definitely wipe out Shen Ke, eradicate the old evils, and restore a bright and prosperous world to the world!
Sima Guang has enough confidence in this!
Because that emperor was known to everyone for his frugality, love for the people, benevolence and filial piety!
His three meals a day were never more than three or four dishes.
He also doesn't like rare things. All the clothes he wears in the four seasons are made by the Queen Mother and the Imperial Dowager herself. He doesn't wear any of the clothes presented by Yousi.
It is said that every time he changed the clothes the Queen Mother had sewn for him, he would shed tears and say to his parents: I would not give up the love of the Queen Mother.
Now he even took the initiative to summon the ministers to inquire about the situation in the world.
Such an emperor completely fits the Mingjun imagined by Sima Guang.
Naturally, in Sima Guang's view, his Majesty must be just like him, worried about all the people in the world!
