Just when Lin Jue was happy to have a son, and held a grand banquet to celebrate a few days later, a major incident caused another uproar in the court. It had been quiet for less than half a month, and the court exploded again.
On the morning of July 15th, Guo Chong presided over the court meeting to discuss the upcoming changes to the army of the Zhou Dynasty. Before that, Yan Zhengshu and Fang Dunru spent two days detailing the necessity and necessity of army reform with Guo Chong.
The urgency finally convinced Guo Chong to make up his mind to push the reform further.
But Guo Chong was obviously unsure and hesitant, so he did not simply agree to Yan Fang's request. He told Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru that the military reform was extremely important and needed to be done in this matter.
It is best to consult and persuade all the ministers in the court. Otherwise, it may cause dissatisfaction among the people, and someone will write a letter saying this or that, and Yan Fang and the two may be impeached. Therefore, it is necessary to unify everyone's opinions, which is also for Yan Zhengsheng and He
Fang Dunru’s protection.
Guo Chong's move was actually treacherous. He said he wanted to convince everyone, but in fact he didn't want to make the decision or take the responsibility. After all, the first two new laws had caused a lot of troubles, and they were related to the changes in the army, and even more so.
He needs to be cautious. He doesn't want the ministers to have any resistance to him. If there is resistance, it will be against Yan Fang and the two. Since he is on top, it is best to be a peacemaker. Yan Zhengshu and Fang Dunru must rely on themselves.
Only after he used his strength to convince the ministers could he formally issue an edict on this matter.
One can imagine the atmosphere in the court. When Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru proposed in the form of memorials that the reform of the army was imperative and demanded targeted changes, the court immediately exploded.
When the previous two new laws were promulgated, Yang Jun and others, who had always maintained an indifferent attitude, and even did not get involved when Wu Chunlai performed "Ten Sins" and made the biggest fuss, could not remain silent this time.
. On the contrary, Lu Zhongtian, Wu Chunlai and others were watching the show happily and became indifferent spectators.
"That's nonsense!" Yang Jun's first words set the tone for the whole thing.
"Your Majesty, the military is a major matter for the country. How can we lightly talk about changes and do whatever we want? The Emperor wants to change the law, and I have no objection. But when it comes to the army, the Emperor must consider it carefully. Some people do not care about the stability of our country and the country of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Our enemies from outside the Zhou Dynasty are watching with eager eyes. At this time, if you propose any method to reform the army, you have ulterior motives. Anyone who proposes such a thing must be a treacherous person, fearing that the world will not be in chaos. Such people should be punished!" Yang Jun!
In just a few sentences, each word was violent. In just a few words, Fang Dunru and Yan Zhengsu were identified as treacherous ministers with ulterior motives.
Although Lu Zhongtian's face was expressionless, his heart was full of joy. Yang Jun was Yang Jun, and he was ready to kill people at the slightest disagreement. Only he could say such things in the court. He was the Privy Envoy of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
An important minister with great military exploits in the Great Zhou Dynasty was one of the mainstays of the Great Zhou Dynasty. More importantly, he was a reckless man who killed without blinking an eye and acted regardless of the rules. This time, Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru had stung a hornet's nest.
"What Privy Yang said is absolutely true. Your Majesty, the army is the foundation of the country's stability. How can this foundation be easily tampered with? Some people don't understand the affairs of the army at all. They act recklessly based on the trust of the emperor. There has long been public outrage. Your Majesty is determined.
We cannot allow these people to act recklessly, lest they end up causing chaos in our Zhou Dynasty and the world." Feng Zitang, deputy envoy to the Privy Council, also stood up and agreed.
As soon as the two Privy Councilors opened their mouths, some courtiers began to speak in agreement, and their words became more and more fierce. Some courtiers from the New Law School also began to refute. The court suddenly became noisy.
Guo Chong's face was gloomy and he didn't speak. He knew that this would be the result. But he couldn't say much. This quarrel was expected. What he needed was Fang Dunru and Yan Zhengshen to come forward to resolve the matter, not him.
to respond to these.
"What are you making all the noise about? This is above the court, in front of the Holy Father. Do you think this is a street? It's unreasonable to make noises at will." Wu Chunlai was not willing to be silent at this time. He stood up to maintain order and also brushed his teeth.
To give him a sense of presence. More importantly, he hoped that Fang Dunru and Yan Zhengsheng could talk, and it would be best to have a direct conflict with Yang Jun and have sex in the court. With Yang Jun's temper, they might not be able to speak in front of the emperor.
It would be a good show to give two old guys a good beating.
Wu Chunlai scolded, and all the officials fell silent. Wu Chunlai said with a smile: "If you have something to talk about, noisy will not help. This is a major matter of my great Zhou Dynasty. Those who object and propose should discuss it calmly. Then,
Privy Minister Yang and Deputy Ambassador Feng have just raised their objections. Sir Yan and Sir Fang, it was you who raised the matter. Should we give an explanation to the two lords of the Privy Council?"
Guo Chong said: "Yes, yes, Wu Aiqing is right. Discuss this matter calmly. You are all thinking about the Great Zhou Dynasty. I know it. Aren't we just going to discuss a result today? Yan Aiqing and Fang Aiqing are targeting Privy Yang.
What's your explanation for Privy Feng's question?"
Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru looked calm. All this was actually what they expected. Since Guo Chong wanted to consult everyone's opinions, this could only be the result. The emperor still refused to take responsibility, otherwise he would have made the decision.
.
However, Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru had already discussed it. In any case, the reform should not be abandoned halfway, and they should do their best to do it without leaving any regrets.
"I obey," Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru said in bow. They turned around and glanced at the ministers with Yan Zhengshu's stern eyes. Although he was thin, he had a calm demeanor and an impressive aura.
"Colleagues, what we are discussing today is a major matter concerning our great Zhou Dynasty. I hope everyone can put aside their prejudices, think about it carefully, and think about it seriously. Since last year, the imperial court has carried out a series of
The reform measures are now very effective. The goal of the reform is to enrich the country and strengthen the army. Those who make the country rich will change the embarrassing situation of the court's financial shortage and the lack of food, so that all affairs at the top and bottom can return to normal operation. You have also seen the current situation.
This year's finances have greatly improved. It is estimated that the tax revenue will be around 100 million taels, which has reached the scale of the early years of Jinxiu. The court has money to use, and everything will develop in a good direction..."
The ministers listened silently to Yan Zheng's speech. Although some people disagreed because the new law brought too much negative news. But it has to be said that the new law did bring a large amount of fiscal revenue and alleviated many conflicts. Even if there is
The suspicion of seizing the people is a timely blessing for the country's finances. Otherwise, it will face the possibility of a total collapse.
"...Another purpose of the reform is to strengthen the army. Enriching the country and strengthening the army are not separate things, but mutually reinforcing. Many people regard them as two different things, but they are actually the same thing. When the country is rich, there will be sufficient weapons, armor, food, horses, soldiers, pay and other supplies.
, I, the Great Zhou Dynasty, have strong soldiers and horses. Strong soldiers make the country strong. The barbarians dare not invade, and the small countries in the four directions dare not move without permission. This further demonstrates the majesty of our great Zhou Dynasty. It cannot be offended. However, please think about it.
Think about the current situation of the Zhou Dynasty. Although there are many soldiers, it is difficult to intimidate the younger generation. The imperial court has millions of soldiers. It stands to reason that no one dares to covet the Zhou Dynasty, but this is not the case. Last year, the Liao people openly
The act of tearing up the Yan-Yun alliance and threatening to offend me, the Great Zhou Dynasty, is proof of this. Think about it, why?" Yan continued in a solemn voice.
"Stern solemnly, don't talk nonsense. What do you mean, our armies and horses are extremely weak? But how did we establish the country of Zhou? Could it be that the foundation of Zhou was donated by others? We are not ancestors.
You led your troops and horses to fight back inch by inch. You are denying the heroic prowess of the late emperor and obliterating the achievements of the founding heroes. You are committing treason and injustice." Yang Jun shouted sternly.
"Privy Yang, I don't mean that. I will discuss the matter. I will only discuss the current situation. Last year, Yelu Zongyuan's remarks about humiliating me, Zhou Dynasty, are still in my ears. Privy Yang must have forgotten it."
"Bah! Last year's great victory in Youzhou greatly boosted the country's prestige and shocked the kings and ministers of Liao. Why didn't you say these things? Yelu Zongyuan knew the current affairs. If he dared to offend our Zhou Dynasty, he would have been sent back in defeat." Yang Jun
He shouted coldly.
"Privilege Yang, are you talking about the Great Victory in Youzhou? Then let's talk about the Great Victory in Youzhou today. It cost the imperial court millions of troops to fight such a painless little battle and annihilated the enemy with several times the number of troops.
With less than a thousand men and more than 2,000 casualties on our side, is this considered a great victory? When did Privy Yang consider this a great victory? As far as I know, when Privy Yang led his army to quell Li Xuanhao's rebellion in Xixia, he killed 20
Wan fought against Li Xuanhao's 180,000-strong army in the decisive battle on the grassland. He defeated his 180,000-strong army and beheaded tens of thousands of them. That is called a great victory. You are still you, but after more than 20 years, such a battle is not
Are you taking it out to show off?" Yan Zheng shouted coldly.
"What? Do you dare to insult me? Do you dare to obliterate Youzhou's great victory? You have to ask my soldiers in Dazhou Periphery Town if they agree." Yang Jun was furious and reprimanded sternly.
The officials in the hall were also dumbfounded. Although many people knew the inside story of the Youzhou victory, the court's unified statement was that it was a great victory, and the court also needed the victory of that battle as a propaganda statement. Now the court will solemnly declare this
It is too bold to dig out the old facts of the matter and shake out the messy inside story. It will not only offend Yang Jun, but also offend the relevant generals, and I am afraid that the emperor will also be unhappy.
Sure enough, Guo Chong's expression also changed. Although Yan Zhengsheng's words were true, they were tearing open the face and revealing the shameful things wrapped inside, which would harm the court and his own face. Guo Chong began to regret it.
I have made my decision today. Maybe I should ask for opinions on a small scale instead of asking in court, which could get out of hand.
"Your Majesty, I want Master Yan to give an explanation. What is the reason for insulting our soldiers like this? Our soldiers of the Great Zhou Dynasty were exposed to life and death while dining and drinking in the border town, and they were evaluated like this. How can it be tolerated?"
Yang Jun thought Guo Chong shouted.
Before Guo Chong could speak, Fang Dunru spoke coldly: "Privy Yang, Master Yan just told the truth, Privy Yang can't accept it? The reason why I, the Great Zhou Dynasty, want to carry out reforms is because
The atmosphere in the government and the public is very bad. Many things are covered up, and good news is reported but no bad news is reported. Everyone likes to sing praises, but everyone dislikes telling the truth. This habit leads to today's worries. No one says I am a great Zhou
The soldiers did not work hard, and no one said that you, Privy Yang, had no merit. As far as the victory of Youzhou is concerned, you have no idea what the outcome will be? If you are punished for telling the truth, what else can you say? Please, your Majesty,
Master Yan and I will be dismissed from our posts and we will take care of it."
