Logically speaking, after these three major resolutions come out, ministers like Li Qi will definitely have their busiest days, but Zhao Kai doesn't want his ministers to be like the donkeys who tirelessly turn around.
, he still hopes that the ministers can combine work and rest, so he still gives the ministers annual leave as usual, so that they can have a good New Year at home. "
However, the special department of the Commerce Bureau does not have a holiday during the Chinese New Year. Even the Commerce Bureau has a holiday. Who should the envoys go to discuss trade? Qin Hui also does not have a holiday because he likes this kind of busy work.
In life, he was born for politics, so taking a vacation is a waste for him.
Of course, the entire Tokyo Bianliang is still in a festive atmosphere, and the people are living and working in peace and contentment, so happy.
However, this joy is only the joy of children. Adults still can't take time off and have no choice, because according to the customs of the Han people, during the Chinese New Year, they have to visit various places. Although it is lively, it is also tiring.
Li Qi did not go to Bai Shizhong's place to pay New Year's greetings, because he brought all Bai Shizhong's family to his house to celebrate the New Year on the second day of the Lunar New Year. The whole family had a great time. It was reasonable and reasonable to celebrate the New Year at his son-in-law's house, and Mrs. Bai did not
reject.
Among them, the happiest person is of course Li Zhengxi. He finally has a little playmate. He has been playing like crazy these past few days and is extremely excited.
On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Li Qi and Bai Shizhong went to the Grand Master's Mansion to pay New Year's greetings to Cai Jing. Li Qi and Bai Shizhong, the son-in-laws, have one thing in common, that is, they were both promoted by Cai Jing.
But he should not forget his roots, so whenever Li Qi was in the capital, he would go to Cai Jing every year to pay New Year's greetings.
Arriving at the gate of Taishi's Mansion, the dean was already waiting in front of the gate because Li Qi had sent someone to give him a greeting card two days ago.
"Lao Bai, Privy Councilor, happy New Year."
As soon as the court master saw Bai Shizhong, Li Qi got off the carriage. He hurriedly greeted him and obediently took the gift from Li Qi's hand.
Li Qi smiled and said, "Is the Grand Master at home?"
The court official said: "Yes, yes, but now the master is meeting guests."
"Meeting a guest? Who?"
Li Qi said in astonishment.
The court official said: "He is an old man, but I don't know who he is. He came within an hour. Please forgive me. The two distinguished guests will be invited inside first, and then please be invited outside."
"Haha, I was able to meet a miracle doctor in my later years. It's really my good fortune."
"Master's words are serious. This can only be said to be fate."
"Yes, yes, fate."
When he came to the front yard, Li Qi was dumbfounded. He saw Cai Jing and Gui Jiulang walking out of the house. The two had a lively conversation. He didn't remember when he introduced Gui Jiulang to Cai Jing.
Cai Jing also saw Bai Shizhong and Li Qi, and exclaimed: "Meng Heng, Li Qi, you are here."
Li Qi asked in astonishment: "Weird brother?"
"Weird brother?"
Cai Jing was slightly surprised.
Gui Jiulang stroked his beard and laughed, "Master, he wants to be your equal."
"Hey, weird brother. Don't sow discord here. I know you very well." Li Qi said with a gossipy face: "Weird brother, why are you here?"
Gui Jiulang said: "I never like to owe favors to others. I came here to repay this favor first."
Li Qi was stunned at first. Then he realized that now the imperial court has approved the establishment of a medical department in Taishi College, and Shen Wen is also very willing to join Taishi College as a teacher. Although this is a win-win situation. No one owes anything to anyone, but it is strange.
Who can tell clearly about Jiulang's eccentric character? He must have thought that Shen Wen, a half-year-old boy, could enter the Taishi Academy. He owed Cai Jing a favor, so he came to help Cai Jing diagnose him.
Gui Jiulang felt the pulse, which was really a blessing gained from the previous life, which was enough to repay this so-called favor.
But Li Qi didn't think so, because he felt that this favor should be owed to him, and he was thinking about whether to talk to Wei Jiulang about this favor someday.
Cai Jing hurriedly said: "Brother Jiu, it's too outrageous to say that."
Kaijiulang raised his hand and said lightly: "It's better to settle some things clearly. Well, I'll take my leave first." As he said that, he glanced at Li Qi and then strode away.
Bai Shizhong looked at Wei Jiulang and said, "This man is really strange."
Li Qidao: "My father-in-law, I almost forgot to tell you that this person is Shiniang's master, Guai Jiulang."
"No wonder, no wonder."
When Bai Shizhong heard this, he nodded repeatedly. He had been Liu Yunxi's patient before, so how could he not know the character of this weirdo?
Cai Jing must have known that Li Qi and Gui Jiulang knew each other, so he didn't explain too much. He stretched out his hand and invited Li Qi and Bai Shizhong into the room.
Li Qi and Bai Shizhong followed Cai Jing to the back room, sat in front of the fireplace, and served hot tea.
Bai Shizhong chuckled and said, "How is your health lately, Grand Master?"
Cai Jing nodded and said: "It's not good, but it's not bad either. The miracle doctor just diagnosed me and gave me a prescription, saying that if there are no accidents, I can live for another four or five years.
"
Bai Shizhong frowned and said, "What did this miracle doctor say?"
Cai Jing said: "That's enough, that's enough. Even if I can live for another three years, I'll be satisfied." Cai Jing was very open-minded about this, because with the growth of Taishi Academy, his descendants were finally
Out of danger, even if he is not around, the Cai family will not fall. They have fulfilled a wish and will die in peace. He asked Bai Shizhong again: "Meng Heng, are you in good health?"
Bai Shizhong sighed: "When I get old, that's all."
Cai Jing laughed and said, "You seem to be older than me."
"My father-in-law is a precocious---uh... junior means---this---." Li Qi looked embarrassed and thought to himself, it seems that I said the wrong thing again.
Precocious? Bai Shi pointed at Li Qi angrily, and was speechless.
Cai Jing laughed, waved his hand to calm Bai Shizhong, and said: "Li Qi, the imperial court has been taking many actions recently, and I think this must have a lot to do with you."
Li Qi quickly took up the topic and said: "About the camellia oil, it was the junior who brought it up, and the rest was brought up by the emperor himself."
Cai Jing asked Bai Shizhong again: "Meng Heng, what do you think?"
Bai Shizhong shook his head and said, "I can't understand."
Cai Jing sighed: "Yes, the world has changed really fast. A few years ago, the court tried every means to increase the price of salt in order to meet the court's expenditure. But now the price of salt has fallen instead of rising. I have been in court for more than 100 years.
, this is the first time we have lowered the price of salt.”
Bai Shizhong said: "More than that, throughout the past dynasties, there are few examples of lowering the price of salt."
"The price of salt is more difficult to lower than the price of grain, and the interest relationships are so complicated." Cai Jing was also curious about this, so he asked Li Qi: "Li Qi, there must be a lot of opposition to this.
Bar."
Li Qi smiled and said: "Yes, there must be. Especially the people in Shanxi, because the salt salt is produced there, they will definitely suffer a lot of losses when the price of salt is lowered, but it is not as big as imagined. In fact,
Lowering the price of salt is the general trend, and no one can stop it. After all, the emperor directly asked the Legislative Yuan to legislate, and the law has been issued. What else can they say."
Bai Shizhong frowned and said: "The general trend is the general trend? How to explain this statement?"
Li Qi smiled and said: "The lowering of the salt price this time seems to have reduced it a lot, but it is not the case, because our currency in the Song Dynasty continues to increase in value. If the price of salt is not lowered, then the price of salt will also increase, but the emperor
The drop is relatively large, far lower than the price of currency growth. But after deducting this part of the difference, it is actually acceptable. The emperor did this first of all to benefit the people, and secondly to ensure the growth of the currency and build momentum for the new currency.
.
In fact, let alone the common people, even most wealthy businessmen agree, because now the common people are living affluent lives, and the catering industry is booming again. The price of salt is low, and the catering industry will naturally benefit a lot, and it can also promote the catering industry, and
The catering industry is also a high-tax household. Tea, wine, grain, etc. are all exclusive to the imperial court. If there is an additional restaurant, the imperial court will charge several more pre-tax payments. In addition, my canned goods also benefit a lot, but the tax I pay on canned goods
That’s quite a lot, so after all, the court didn’t lose money, it still made a profit.”
As for the Western Army, it goes without saying that everyone understands its meaning.
"I see."
Bai Shizhong nodded thoughtfully
Cai Jing smiled and said: "I remember you mentioned this a few years ago. It sounded incredible at the time, but I didn't know it would really happen today. But the emperor is really courageous now. The emperor actually made such a major decision.
It really makes me feel overwhelmed to just let the Legislative Yuan promulgate the bill without consulting the ministers."
Bai Shizhong let out a long sigh and said, "Yes, the current emperor's talents and strategies are indeed far superior to those of the Supreme Emperor."
This is already an indisputable fact.
Cai Jing asked again: "What about this hospital?"
Li Qi smiled and said: "Does the Grand Master also want to participate?"
Cai Jing chuckled: "I do have this idea."
This hospital benefits the people, how could Cai Jing miss it?
Li Qi's heart was like a mirror and he said: "If the Grand Master wants to host the world's first private hospital, Li Qi is very willing to do his best."
Cai Jing laughed, pointed at Li Qi and said, "You still win my heart."
At this time, Cai Yong suddenly walked in and said: "Master, Mr. Wang is here."
Bai Shizhong made a sound and said: "Zhong Ling?"
Cai Jing chuckled and said, "I almost forgot to tell you. Zhong Ling also handed me a greeting card the day before yesterday. I was thinking that you would come today, so I asked him to come today too." Then he said to Cai Yong: "Please quickly invite Zhong Ling in.
.”
Li Qi said with a bad smile: "Master, aren't you afraid that Uncle Wang will be embarrassed when he sees us?"
Cai Jing was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter and said, "You kid, you should restrain yourself later. Zhong Ling is thin-skinned, so everything should be done in moderation."
Fatty Wang is thin-skinned? Are you kidding me? Li Qi smiled and nodded on the surface, but in his heart he didn't think so at all.
After a while, Wang Zhongling entered the house. As expected, when he saw Li Qi and Bai Shizhong, he looked very embarrassed and said in surprise: "Brother Bai, Li Qi, you are also there."
Li Qi stood up and cupped his hands and said, "Li Qi has met Uncle Wang. I wish Uncle Wang good health and back to one hundred and thirty pounds in the new year."
"It's Chinese New Year, can you say a nice word?"
Wang Zhongling was extremely depressed after hearing this, and even shook the fat on his body to express his strong dissatisfaction.
Bai Shizhong said: "You still don't understand this kid, don't be like him."
Cai Jing chuckled and said, "Come on, Zhong Ling, come and sit down quickly."
"yes."
Wang Zhongling came forward and sat next to Bai Shizhong.
Li Qi chuckled and asked, "Uncle Wang, what are you doing here today?"
Wang Zhongling asked: "What are you here for?"
"I'm here to pay New Year's greetings to the Grand Master."
"Am I allowed to come only if you are allowed to come?" Wang Zhongling said with a slight guilty conscience.
Li Qi wanted to say more, but Bai Shizhong frowned and said, "Are you still finished?"
The father-in-law had all spoken. Li Qi could only laugh a few times and said nothing more.
This guy really makes people love and hate him at the same time. Cai Jing smiled and shook his head and said: "Zhong Ling, you must feel very uncomfortable taking off this official robe."
Wang Zhongling sighed, nodded and said: "Anyway, I have been wearing it for decades, and I am really not used to it being taken off suddenly. Especially in the first few days, I still got up before the fifth watch every day.
, I put on my clothes and prepared to go to court. Fortunately, my wife stopped me so I didn’t make a joke. I used to complain a little when I went to court every day, especially in this winter, but now it’s better. I don’t have to go to court anymore, but
I couldn’t stay idle, so I wandered around the house all day long, not knowing what to do.”
Li Qi smiled and said, "Then come to Taishi College."
When did you become so direct? Wang Zhongling's face suddenly froze. It was obvious that he came here for the Taishi Academy. Now that Li Qi had pointed it out, of course he felt embarrassed.
Cai Jing laughed and said: "Li Qi is right. My Taishi Academy still lacks a pillar. Although Sui'er is also good, he is not as good as Zhongling in terms of academics. If you are willing, Zhongling, you can
Come and help me."
He originally planned to get acquainted first, but when Li Qi pointed it out, he simply stopped hiding it. However, his tone still had a hint of invitation, which also gave Wang Zhongling a step down.
Bai Shizhong chuckled and said, "Yes, I can't walk anymore. I'm beyond my strength. Zhong Ling, you are still young, so there is no harm in helping the Grand Master."
Li Qidao: "Uncle Wang, you would rather be the head of a chicken than the queen of an ox. The right prime minister is just the deputy prime minister, and there are prime ministers above him. When you come to Taishi Academy, I will definitely find a way to push you to become the leader of Mohism."
, when the time comes, you will respond to a hundred calls, how majestic you are, what else do you need to consider."
Cai Jing heard something was wrong, so he asked: "Who is the chicken and who is the cow?"
Yes, am I not saying that Mr. Cai is a chicken and Qin Hui is a cow? Li Qi said sarcastically: "Uh... I haven't read any books. In fact, I don't really understand the meaning of this sentence. I just heard it."
Yes, if it is used inappropriately, the Grand Master will forgive me."
Cai Jing pointed at Li Qi with a hint of blame, and then said to Wang Zhongling: "Zhongling, what do you think?"
Wang Zhongling said shyly: "But I have never done such a thing."
Damn it! You are too shy. Li Qi saw Wang Zhongling showing off his acting skills and despised him fiercely.
Cai Jing said: "With Li Qi here, you don't have to worry about other things."
Now that the conversation has reached this point, if Wang Zhongling keeps pretending, he will not be called the Best Actor, but will be pretentious. He cupped his hands and said: "Since the Grand Master thinks so highly of Zhong Ling, then Zhong Ling will be disrespectful."
Cai Jing laughed and said, "Okay, with your help, Zhong Ling, I can rest in peace."
"Master's words are serious."
Bai Shizhong said with emotion: "The three of us are all Confucian scholars, but in the end we will be the enemies of this Confucian scholar. It is really unpredictable."
Cai Jingdao: "To tell you the truth, this was once my concern, but now I have figured it out. Times are changing, so how can we remain unchanged? In fact, the dispute between schools is just an extension of political struggle. We
Doing this is not against Confucianism, it is just political necessity."
Wang Zhongling, Bai Shizhong nodded slightly when he heard this.
Cai Jing said to Li Qi again: "Okay, now that Zhong Ling has agreed, what is your next step?"
Li Qidao: "The Grand Master said it well. In fact, the dispute between schools is just an extension of political struggle. Since it is a political struggle, we must first let other schools onto the political stage, otherwise there will be nothing to fight with, so this is our purpose.
In any such battle, the first thing we have to do is to create public opinion. Two years ago, we relied on public opinion to reawaken the Mohists and Legalists, but this is not enough. We have to create even greater public opinion and arouse the court's reaction.
This will give me a reason to bring this matter to the court for discussion, and then I will have a way to ask the emperor to add knowledge from other schools of thought to the scientific examination."
Cai Jingdao: "If you want to create public opinion, then it is a confrontation between Confucian Daily News and Song Dynasty Times Weekly."
"That's right." Li Qi nodded and said: "Those who support Confucian Press are nobles, that is, officials' families. These people are big landowners, and their families have a lot of money. It doesn't matter to them whether Confucian Press makes money or not.
Therefore, it is impossible to completely defeat Confucian newspapers. After all, anyone can do money-losing business, and what we do is to attack Confucian newspapers, discredit Confucianism, and induce Confucian newspapers to fight back. In this way, this public opinion will come out
.”
"Smearing Confucianism?" Bai Shizhong said: "Nowadays, all civil and military officials in the dynasty are Confucian students. You are playing with fire by smearing Confucianism."
Cai Jing nodded and said: "I think it's better not to worry about Confucianism. Just give high praise to Mohism and Legalism. Confucianism will naturally fight back."
As Wang Zhongling listened, he began to retreat in his heart. He thought to himself, as soon as I take office, you are going to push me into the fire pit. It is too inhumane. I am determined not to do this job.
"No, no, no, if you don't smear Confucianism, it will be difficult to create public opinion." Li Qi shook his head and continued: "Don't worry, you three. What I said about smearing Confucianism was just an innuendo. It was a roundabout way of criticizing, not an explicit one.
Ridiculously, as long as they have no evidence to say that we are smearing Confucianism, then they have nothing to do with me. I have already thought about the title, and it is called, When three people walk together, they must have my teacher, no middle, no Confucianism."
ps: Another 5,000-word chapter. Today I updated a total of 14,000 words. Please vote for me and recommend me.... (To be continued, please search Piaotian Literature. The novel is better and updated faster!