(2-in-1) In the small courtyard with cornices and carved beasts, the four-sided sloping roof tiles collect all the rainwater into the patio. Although the rain has weakened, the water is still rolling in the patio. The fallen leaves are swirling at the entrance of the underground ditch.
It was sucked away by the current. The rushing water made a whistling sound.
On the long corridor with red paint and carved railings, Lu Zhongtian, who was dressed in purple robe, was standing on the corridor with his hands behind his hands, watching the rainwater rushing in the courtyard, with a calm expression on his face. Behind him, Wu Chunlai, a handsome man with a slim figure, and the deputy prime minister
Qian Qianyi stood there in silence, quietly following Lu Zhongtian's gaze as he looked at the water flowing in the patio and the fallen leaves spinning on the water.
"Haha, the rain has stopped. If it were heavier and lasted longer, our public building might be flooded. The rainwater just now has reached the second step. It seems that there should be some drainage ditches.
It's blocked. In previous years, even heavier rainwater than this can be drained smoothly without accumulation. It must be blocked by these rotten leaves and silt."
Lu Zhongtian turned around with a chuckle, walked slowly back to the public room, and sat on an imperial chair. He shook the sleeves of his official robe, picked up a cup of tea and drank it.
Wu Chunlai and Qian Qianyi also came in. Wu Chunlai imitated Lu Zhongtian and sat down to drink tea. However, Qian Qianyi frowned and came to Lu Zhongtian's side and said in a deep voice: "Prime Minister Lu, can you still be so calm?"
Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru are about to change their lives. Can you tolerate what they do?"
Lu Zhongtian frowned and said with a smile: "What does Mr. Qian mean? Why didn't I understand?"
Qian Qianyi stamped his feet and said: "What kind of riddles are Mr. Lu still trying to play with me? Why are you so calm when people are riding on our heads to shit? I made it clear today that Changpingcang is under his jurisdiction."
.Officials in Changpingcang in various places are held by prefectural and county chiefs. Doesn’t that mean that the prefects and county magistrates in these places are under their control? Such a blatant seizure of power, why didn’t you speak out in the palace today to object? This is to isolate us.
Is it the political hall? Prime Minister Lu doesn't care about it. Isn't this conniving and weak?"
Lu Zhongtian looked at Qian Qianyi's impatient old face blankly, and suddenly laughed loudly: "Hahaha, old Qian, it seems that you are really going to retire. You are a little confused about the situation.
.”
Qian Qianyi said angrily: "I am getting old, and I don't want to be angry with you anymore. I will be serving as an official and going home next year. I don't want to meddle in other people's business anymore. Prime Minister Lu will just pretend that I didn't say what I just said."
Lu Zhongtian pointed at Qian Qianyi and said with a smile: "Look, I'm really angry. Old Qian, I'm not telling you, you really haven't understood the current situation. What happened in the palace today was all done in the palace last night."
Everyone expressed their support in front of the Emperor, so am I going to make a fuss in the palace today? What will the Emperor think?"
Qian Qianyi glared and said, "But what was discussed last night did not include letting the prefect and county magistrate concurrently serve as the chief of Changpingcang. But Changpingcang was placed under their control. Isn't this an ulterior move?"
Lu Zhongtian held a cup of tea and drank tea. Qian Qianyi was still about to ask. Lu Zhongtian shook his head and said, "Chun Lai will explain to Deputy Prime Minister Qian. I believe you must see it more clearly than Deputy Prime Minister Qian."
Wu Chunlai on the side smiled and cupped his hands and said: "Don't dare! Chunlai is stupid, how can he see more than Deputy Prime Minister Qian. But about this matter... Chunlai still realized something. But I don't know if I can talk about it."
Lu Zhongtian smiled and said: "Is there anything I can't say? Are there any outsiders? Tell me. I also want to know if you think the same as I do."
Wu Chunlai stood up and bowed and said: "Okay, then Chunlai will just talk nonsense. Please forgive me if I'm wrong, please forgive me. I also ask Deputy Prime Minister Qian to forgive me."
"Hey! Why are you being polite? Who doesn't know that you have a lot of ideas? If you want to say it, just say it. What's the point?" Qian Qianyi sat down anxiously, picked up the cup and drank it in one gulp, but then he drank it.
He spat it out and shouted: "Ah, I've been scalded to death. Why is this tea still so hot? That tea maker? Do you want to scald me to death?"
Lu Zhongtian and Wu Chunlai looked at each other and laughed at the same time.
"Lord Qian, do you really think it is weak for Prime Minister Lu to ignore it? Doesn't Lord Qian know what Prime Minister Lu once said?" Wu Chunlai said with a smile.
"Mr. Lu has said too much, how do I know which sentence you are talking about?" Qian Qianyi said angrily as his tongue was hot, painful and numb.
"Prime Minister Lu once said, 'If you want to destroy someone, you must make them crazy.' Crazy people will destroy themselves, so there is no need to spend too much time dealing with them." Wu Chunlai said with a smile.
Qian Qianyi frowned and said: "Isn't it crazy enough now? The new law they promulgated today and their extravagant actions are not crazy enough?"
Wu Chunlai smiled and said: "It's not crazy enough. We need to allow them to continue to be crazy. When they continue to be crazy until even the emperor can't bear it, their doom has come. Who can't see that they are taking the opportunity to seize power? Who can?
Could it be that they did not pay attention to the two governments? They took the opportunity to seize the military, political and financial powers under the banner of reform. A blind person can see it. However, the current situation is that the emperor is being deceived by them.
We will definitely not be able to listen to the opposing opinions now. If anyone stands up to oppose at this time, wouldn't it be asking for trouble? Therefore, at this moment, the best policy is to keep a low profile and wait for the changes, rather than jumping out and confronting them. Even if it is Lu
As the prime minister, opposition may not be effective at this moment. If you displease the emperor, it will be considered as opposing the reform and the strategy of enriching the country and strengthening the army. Didn't you listen to Fang Dunru's performance in the palace? It couldn't be clearer.
, whoever objects will be asked to find ways to deal with the Liao invasion and solve financial problems. Who can afford to take these big hats off?"
Qian Qianyi said blankly: "That's true, but... if we just do nothing, wouldn't it make them more arrogant? Look at those officials, even the heavy rain is said to be the result of the reform to comply with God's will.
Wow, I can't stand this flattery. If we don't express our attitude, these guys will definitely go to Fang Dunru, Yan Zhengsu, to flatter him. These guys who usually surround Lu Xiang will react against him.
It’s water.”
Wu Chunlai sneered and said: "You know the pines and cypresses at the end of the year, and a friend in need is a friend indeed. This is a good thing. Whether the group of people who surround Lu Xiang every day is sincere or fake, now the truth has come to light, and it saves the effort to identify each one. On the wall
Just let them go, you idiots. Who cares about these guys who have no integrity? There will be times when they will regret it."
Qian Qianyi glanced at Lu Zhongtian, who was leaning back on the chair with his eyes closed, smiling half-heartedly, and smacked his lips and said: "I'm afraid... I'm afraid it will make things worse. The new method... Once the new method is successful, Yan Zhengshu and Fang Dunru can
It can't be shaken. When the time comes, I'm afraid it will be Prime Minister Lu's position..."
"Hahaha, what a joke. How could the new law be successful? Mr. Qian, it's not that you are rude and rude. I'm afraid you are really old and confused. How could the new law be successful if it is so eager for quick success and so barbaric and forceful? What makes it possible?
The people return to the land to farm? It’s nothing more than a restraint on annexation. What’s more, lending money to the people is directly taking profits from the people. Now everyone doesn’t quite understand it, but soon they will understand that Yan Zhengsheng wants to cut off the people.
What is the difference between this and raising taxes? I boldly predict that this new law will arouse public outrage, and Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru will be reviled by thousands of people." Wu Chunlai sneered.
"...I really didn't realize it was so serious..." Qian Qianyi murmured.
Lu Zhongtian, who was sitting on the chair, suddenly opened his eyes and sat up, and said with a smile: "Vice Minister Qian, what is more serious than this is yet to come. It will not only arouse public anger, but also official resentment. Those millions of idle people
Returning to the land for farming is naturally an excellent idea. I just want to ask, these people have sold their acres and are living in exile, and want to return to the land. Where do they get the acres for them to cultivate? Rich families also spent money to buy the acres. With that,
What are they farming for? Hehe, the next step, Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru must solve this matter. I really know how they can get the land back from the big family. According to the temperament of these two people
, it is estimated that the methods are extremely tough. Then they have offended not only the common people, but also the rich and powerful. At that time, who else will speak for them? Without putting the knife on their necks, they all clapped their hands.
Yelling. When the knife is placed on his own neck, who of us can still yell? Just wait, the fun will come later."
Qian Qianyi finally understood. It was not that Prime Minister Lu was not weak and could be bullied, but that Prime Minister Lu had already seen through everything. He was just sitting back and watching the trends, looking for opportunities. He once again exposed his IQ, which made him feel a little embarrassed. Qian Qianyi
In fact, he doesn't want to become an official. He also wants to continue working as deputy prime minister, but all this requires the support of Lu Zhongtian. Just like when Lu Zhongtian forcefully pulled him into this position, regardless of everyone's objections, money
Qianyi himself also knew that he was not qualified. But now, he was afraid that he really could not stay in this position because Wu Chunlai was much better than him. What Lu Xiang needed next to him was Wu Chunlai who could see things clearly.
It's someone else, not himself. Although he has some regrets, Qian Qianyi actually doesn't have too much resentment. This position of Prime Minister does not belong to him in the first place. He has done it for so many years and it is enough. Moreover, the Chao Dynasty
It looks like things are going to get messy soon, so I'd better leave in peace, and don't get involved with it because of my intelligence.
The rain stopped, Qian Qianyi said goodbye and left. Only Lu Zhongtian and Wu Chunlai were left in the public room. Lu Zhongtian smiled and said to Wu Chunlai: "Chunlai, you are really in tune with me. Your views are the same as mine. I didn't look at it.
You're wrong. Qian Qianyi is too confused. I want you to take his place instead. Qian Qianyi did some things for me back then, and I promoted him to deputy prime minister. He has not made any achievements over the years, which is of no use to me.
The situation in the DPRK is complicated and changing, and I need you to stand up. In a few days, I will persuade Qian Qianyi to retire early and ask you to be the deputy prime minister. What do you think?"
Wu Chunlai knelt down and kowtowed excitedly, and said loudly: "Thank you very much, Prime Minister Lu, for your kindness in cultivating me. I will follow Prime Minister Lu to the death. I will not give up until my death."
Lu Zhongtian waved his hands and said: "Don't be like this, you are not loyal to me, you are loyal to the imperial court. Regarding the reform, Yan Zhengshu and Fang Dunru deceived the Holy Emperor and ruined the imperial court. We cannot sit back and watch their nonsense. But now the Holy Emperor treats them
Full support, we can only wait and see what happens. Although this new law has many disadvantages, as long as it is implemented properly, it will be effective. To tell you the truth, I am actually a little bit embarrassed in my heart, if it is really done by them
, even if there are shortcomings and public grievances, as long as it is beneficial to the court's finances, the emperor will definitely approve it. By then, we will be in an embarrassing situation. "
Wu Chunlai said in a deep voice: "It won't succeed. Don't worry, Mr. Lu, this new law will definitely fail. I won't let it succeed due to my humble position. If these two people occupy the imperial court, will there be any place for us? The new law has obvious disadvantages.
, there are ten thousand ways to make it difficult for the humble official to succeed. But doing so seems to go against the expectations of the imperial court. After all, the imperial court’s financial constraints are also a problem that urgently needs to be solved.”
Lu Zhongtian raised his eyebrows and said softly: "You can do whatever you want. The problems of the imperial court do need to be solved, but those who disrupt the imperial court will never be tolerated. Disrupting the imperial court will shake people's hearts a hundred times more than the fiscal affairs of the imperial court.
Yang Guozhong during the Li Tang Dynasty was good at managing money and earned a lot of money for the court. But what? The decline of Li Tang Dynasty began when Yang Guozhong took power. This is the disadvantage of valuing profits over righteousness. We must not cover up his bias with one skill. An important minister of the country
, what is important is the way of loyalty, not the skill of making profit. Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru read the books of sages in vain. They want everyone in the world to pursue profit. This will corrupt the atmosphere of our great Zhou Dynasty and will never be tolerated."
Wu Chunlai bowed and cupped his hands and said: "I have been taught, I understand."
…
On the south side of the Political Hall, the atmosphere in the public room behind the independent courtyard where the three Ordinance Departments are located was dull. There was no joy at all after the Ordinance Department promulgated the new law. Because after returning to the public room, Du Weijian looked gloomy.
Sitting behind his desk, he was sulking. Several people in his dormitory knew that this person was not easy to mess with, so they all kept silent.
Lin Jue was actually in a bad mood and had no intention of doing anything, so he moved a stool and sat on the porch to watch the rain.
Liu Xiding leaned close to Lin Jue and laughed softly: "Look at Mr. Du, today's promulgation of the new law is a great event for our Ordinance Department, but he seems to have lost his soul and is dissatisfied. Is there something wrong with this person?"
"
Lin Jue frowned and said, "Master Liu, why don't you ask him why he is dissatisfied?"
Liu Xiding said: "It's not because his suggestions were ignored. He didn't think about his own identity. He didn't make the decision here. The final terms needed to be decided by Master Yan and Master Fang. He actually regarded himself as a person.
"
Lin Jue said coldly: "Then what does Mr. Liu think of himself? Is he just a brainless puppet who is manipulated by others? Doesn't he have his own ideas?"
Liu Xiding was stunned, and looked at Lin Jue with his face flushed. Lin Jue knew that his words were too strong, so he softened his tone and said: "Master Liu, stop talking behind people's backs. This will make me look down on you. Master Du and I
There is no grudge between us, but you always say some incomprehensible things. Are you just happy to see Mr. Du and I quarreling? I don’t like hearing these words."
Liu Xiding looked ashamed and ashamed. Lin Jue looked at him and sighed: "I don't want to embarrass you. There is a kind of person in the officialdom that I dislike the most. I really hope you don't become that kind of person."
"Yes, Lord Lin, don't worry, I won't talk about these flowers again." Liu Xiding said with a gloomy face.
Lin Jue stood up and walked into the public room. He glanced at Du Weijian who was sitting behind the desk with a livid face. He walked to his desk and sat down. He slowly polished the ink, took a brush and dipped it in the ink.
After thinking for a while, he laid out paper and started writing. After a while, he finished writing a piece of paper, puffed his cheeks and blew dry the ink, Lin Jue carefully folded it and put it in his sleeves, stood up and walked out.
"Master Lin, please stay!" Suddenly, Du Weijian, who was sitting behind Lin Jue, shouted.
Lin Jue stopped, turned around and said with a smile, "Master Du, what advice do you have?"
Du Weijian said in a deep voice: "Mr. Lin, do you have no opinion at all about today's matter? Then do you have no opinion at all about the terms of the new law?"
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Master Du, the deal is done, the new law has been announced, what else can you say now?"
Du Weijian said angrily: "Is it possible that we are all puppets made of clay and wood? The actions of these two adults are really disappointing. Du came here with a heart full of admiration and wanted to help with the reform. But he did not expect to be treated with such neglect.
You don’t agree with the terms we proposed, but why are you pretending to agree? What does this mean, do you think we are not human beings?”
Du Weijian's voice was very loud, like a shout. Tian Muyuan, another reviewer sitting in the last position, was frightened to stand up, waved his hands and said: "Master Du, Master Du, please keep your voice down. Don't teach these two."
Your Excellency heard it."
"So what if I heard? Not only do I have to teach you how to hear, I also have to go and argue in person." Du Weijian shouted, slapping the table.
Tian Muyuan smacked his lips and waved his hands: "Oh, Mr. Du, you have just joined the officialdom, don't you understand the rules of the officialdom? We are all subordinates, and the superiors are the ones who make the final decision. Any change in the terms must be a decision made by the two adults.
, that is their right. Is it possible that we want the two adults to listen to us? Don't reverse the priorities."
"If you are wrong, you are wrong. If you are wrong, it will be harmful to the new law. That cannot be decided by one or two people. It is related to the success or failure of the new law. As officials of the Ordinance Department, we should fight for our reasons. Shouldn't everyone be responsible?
What do you want us to do? What do you want us to do? What do you want us to do by codifying the provisions of the new law? The two adults dictated it, and we recorded it. It is our duty to do what we want to do. Otherwise, it would be dereliction of duty." Du said.
Wei Jian said loudly.
"Hey! Mr. Du, don't be angry at the book business. What should I say? As time goes by, you will naturally understand. Calm down your anger and don't do anything drastic. Mr. Lin, please give me some advice." Tian Muyuan frowned.
Lin Jue looked at Du Weijian, who was full of anger and fell silent. Du Weijian frowned and said: "Don't try to persuade me, Master Lin. You can hold back your words, but I can't. Don't try to persuade me, otherwise I will look down on you."
you."
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Master Du, who said I was going to persuade you? Since you are so angry, why don't you go with me to see the two adults? You stopped me just as I was going to see the two adults.
"
"What?" Tian Muyuan cried out in shock: "Mr. Lin, are you so ignorant? Are you going to argue with two adults?"
Lin Jue smiled and said: "I'm not going to argue, I'm going to apply to be transferred out of here."
"Transfer away?" Du Weijian and Tian Muyuan exclaimed.
Lin Jue reached out from his sleeve and took out the piece of paper he had just written on and handed it to Du Weijian. Du Weijian quickly opened it, read it quickly, frowned and said: "You plan to be transferred to be a prime minister? Why is that?"
Lin Jue said in a deep voice: "The purpose of checking the text is to formulate regulations, and to check the implementation of the new law and ensure the implementation of the new law. Now we have made a mistake, although it is not our fault, it is because the two adults insisted on it.
But since I feel that there are flaws in it, I should remedy the flaws. So I applied to be an interested officer to supervise the implementation process of the new law. I went to the front line and used facts to persuade the two adults to amend the new law. Instead of
I am sulking here. My principle is that I am responsible for what I do, and I must actively make amends for the mistakes I make. If I cannot make amends, then I will apply to leave the Ordinance Department. This is my style of conduct."
Du Weijian looked at Lin Jue in bewilderment and said in a deep voice: "Mr. Lin, originally Du was quite unconvinced by you. Even now, Du thinks he is as talented and knowledgeable as you. But in terms of action, you are better.
Much more than Du. Du only knows how to get angry, but you are already ready to take action to make amends. On this point, Du respects you three points. You are right, we need to make up for the mistakes we have made, and I will do the same.
I will serve as a judge of interests and will go to the lower states and counties to patrol and use facts to change the minds of these two adults."
Lin Jue smiled and said: "Then what are you waiting for? Let's go see the two adults together."
Du Weijian said: "Don't worry, I'll write an application for transfer."
Lin Jue laughed and said, "What else should I write? Just sign my name under this one. Does Brother Du think my literary talent is not outstanding enough?"
Du Weijian laughed loudly, picked up the pen and wrote down his name. The two looked at each other, smiled, and left the office hand in hand.
Tian Muyuan stood in the public room blankly, looking at the two people's backs as they walked out the door and murmured: "What's going on? If the two big penholders are gone, what else will be done next? Mr. Lin, why are you making a fuss?
Ah, those two adults, one is your teacher and the other is your teacher’s close friend, aren’t you doing this to cause trouble?”
In the corridor of the public house, Liu Xiding, who had listened with his ears straight the whole time, looked at the backs of Lin Jue and Du Wei gradually leaving, with a strange expression on his face. After a moment, he plunged into the rain that had not stopped, and disappeared through the courtyard gate.
