Chen Zhizhong's father, Chen Shu, was a political advisor during the Taizong period and was known as a virtuous man. The "History of the Song Dynasty" praised him as "the leader of capable officials".
Thanks to his father's influence, Chen Zhizhong became a secretary and was promoted several times.
When Kou Ji entered the palace to study with Zhao Zhen, Chen Zhizhong happened to be one of Zhao Zhen's many gentlemen.
What I taught Zhao Zhen was "Li" from the Six Classics.
Kou Ji has also attended the class, so you can call him sir in private.
Chen Zhizhong smiled bitterly, Kou Ji lifted him up so high as soon as he opened his mouth, obviously not intending to let him speak.
Because he was the one asking for help and Kou Ji was the one being asked for, it was him who should lift Kou Ji up.
"Kou Xiang is joking, and the subordinate officials are not very talented and have little knowledge. How can they teach Kou Xiang."
Kou Ji said with a surprised look on his face: "Sir's old teachings are still echoing in my ears. Why should you do this?"
Chen Zhizhong wiped away his face and said with a wry smile: "I must ask for something from others..."
Kou Ji sat up straight and said carelessly: "Sir, if you have anything to do, just ask me. If I can help, I will definitely help."
Chen Zhizhong stood up slowly and saluted Kou Ji with a grimace, "Please show mercy to Prime Minister Kou."
Kou Ji stood up and shouted: "No, no, sir, please sit down quickly."
After asking Chen Zhizhong to sit down again, Kou Ji asked with a puzzled look on his face: "Why did you say this, sir?"
Chen Zhizhong stared at Kou Ji and said, "Kou Prime Minister really doesn't know?"
Kou Ji slowly shook his head.
Chen Zhizhong gritted his teeth and said, "Did Prime Minister Kou really ask the subordinate to explain his words clearly?"
Kou Ji smiled and said: "I am stupid and don't like guessing."
Chen Zhi sighed inwardly and said sadly: "What happened behind the Bafang Jiaozipu, was it the Kou Prime Minister?"
Kou Ji ordered the servant to bring the tea. While tasting the tea, he smiled and asked, "Why do you think so, sir?"
Chen Zhizhong said straight to the point: "The only people who can confuse the fake with the real and mobilize a large number of capable people in Bianjing City are the officials and the Kou Prime Minister.
The official family would not care about a few small businessmen.
Then this matter must have been done by Prime Minister Kou."
Chen Zhizhong said this, and Kou Ji had nothing to hide, so he immediately nodded and said: "The eight owners behind Bafang Jiaozi Shop once used tricks among the people to embarrass the officials.
Now, Jiaozipu has been opened to prevent the officials from implementing national policies. The officials wanted to teach them a lesson, but they couldn't do it, so they had no choice but to let me take action."
Chen Zhizhong said in shock: "Are you embarrassing the officials?"
Kou Ji said with a smile: "You came here to intercede for someone, but you don't know the inside story behind it?"
Chen Zhizhong's face looked a little ugly.
Kou Ji narrowed his eyes slightly and asked: "How much benefit have you received from others, and you are actually willing to risk offending the officials to plead for mercy?"
Chen Zhizhong's expression changed.
Although Chen Zhizhong is not famous, he also does not have great abilities.
But there is one rule that he always abides by, and that is not to deceive the emperor.
Like Wang Deyong, he followed the word loyalty as an official.
Now that the matter involves Zhao Zhen, his face naturally looks ugly.
Kou Ji looked Chen Zhizhong up and down and sighed: "It seems you really don't know the truth behind it. No wonder you were so happy when you first collected the money. Since you don't know, I won't embarrass you. Write a note.
, submit it to the Political Affairs Hall, I will hand it over to the officials for disposal after I have read it.
Whether the official will keep you or not depends on the official's wishes.
Remember to put the money you collect into the national treasury."
Chen Zhizhong saluted Kou Ji with an ugly face and said in a deep voice: "Please show mercy to Prime Minister Kou on this matter..."
Kou Ji raised his brows, stared at Chen Zhizhong and said: "It seems that you have benefited a lot from taking advantage of others? Otherwise, how could you dare to plead for mercy after knowing the truth? Did you know that the prince came to my house a few days ago and spoke frankly about Bafang Jiaozi?
Pu was the cause of chaos in the Song Dynasty, and he wished he could lead his troops to pacify Bafang Jiaozi Pu on the spot.
In such a situation, do you still dare to ask for mercy?"
The implication.
It was not only Zhao Zhen who was dissatisfied with Bafang Jiaozipu, but also Zhengshitang.
Being targeted by Zhao Zhen and Zhengshitang together, he will definitely die.
Chen Zhizhong said with a little trembling: "Please... Prime Minister Kou, please show mercy..."
Kou Jizai looked at Chen Zhizhong carefully and asked, "Is there any inside story?"
Chen Zhizhong had a pretty good reputation in court and had always been loyal to Zhao Zhen.
It is precisely because of this that Kou Ji did not think about killing Chen Zhizhong after he learned that he was collecting illegal money.
But looking at Chen Zhizhong's reaction now, Kou Ji felt something was wrong.
Chen Zhizhong gritted his teeth and was speechless.
Kou Ji pondered for a while, seemed to have thought of something, stared at Chen Zhizhong and sighed: "It's not your brother again, is it?"
Chen Zhizhong’s elder brother is called Chen Zhichun.
A stupid and greedy person.
Chen Zhizhong's father, Chen Shu, was a miser. When he was alive, he was very strict with his sons' pocket money.
As a result, Chen Zhichun lived a very poor life. After becoming an official, under the guidance of three or five friends, he turned bad and let go.
Chen Shu refused to give him money, so he misappropriated public funds.
Other officials are greedy for money, but he embezzles public funds generously.
Then he was accused.
Chen Shu told the emperor that his son was acting like this because he neglected to discipline him.
The emperor felt that this was also the case, so he did not give Chen Zhichun any serious treatment and sent him out as an official.
Chen Zhichun saw that there was no serious punishment for misappropriating public funds, so he became a little dissolute.
It is precisely because of this son that Chen Shugong did not even get a good posthumous title after his death in Sheji.
After Chen Shu's death, the emperor promoted Chen Zhichun as usual.
Chen Zhichun is still greedy for money.
Eventually he was demoted from Bianjing City.
Now Chen Zhizhong looked aggrieved and worried in front of Kou Ji. Kou Ji guessed that his brother Chen Zhichun was also involved behind the eight wealthy families this time.
Otherwise, with Chen Zhizhong's nature, it would be absolutely impossible for him to confront Zhao Zhen.
Chen Zhizhong didn't say a word when faced with Kou Ji's inquiry.
When Kou Ji saw this, he said in a neutral tone: "You can be regarded as watching me step by step into the position of being under Tong Zhongshu's disciples. You should understand my temperament.
If I take action, I will be dead.
Once any North Korean or Chinese officials are found to have taken bribes, I will definitely send them to the guillotine."
Chen Zhizhong's expression completely changed.
Kou Ji told him clearly that if he told the truth, he would still have a way to live, but if he didn't tell him, he would die.
Chen Zhizhong knew that Kou Ji was not a threat, but that he really dared to do this.
Chen Zhizhong looked at Kou Ji and said with an unspeakable expression: "My brother is involved in this matter..."
When Kou Ji heard this, he sighed deeply in his heart.
He used to think that Song Renzong Zhao Zhen only gave Chen Zhizhong a one-word posthumous title because Chen Zhizhong had no great achievements.
Now, combined with what happened to his father Chen Shu and his brother's misbehavior, Kou Jicai discovered that perhaps it was because of his brother's relationship that the father and son could not get a good posthumous title.
Chen Zhizhong doesn't care.
Considering Chen Shu's contribution to the Song Dynasty, he could not even get a posthumous title, but only received a posthumous gift from the Minister of Civil Affairs.
You must know that Chen Shu was in charge of the Song Dynasty's finances for more than ten years, nearly doubling the Song Dynasty's tax revenue.
For such meritorious service, it is appropriate to receive a posthumous title starting with the characters "文", "庄" and "Zhong".
Why did he get a minister of the Ministry of official affairs?
Chen Zhichun really cheated on his father and younger brother, and he refused to change despite repeated admonitions.
Of course, Chen Shu was also wrong.
If he hadn't been so stingy, Chen Zhichun wouldn't have lost control of himself after coming into contact with a large amount of money.
Kou Ji let out a long sigh, "Hey...how deeply is your brother involved?"
Chen Zhizhong said with a grimace: "I collected a lot..."
Kou Ji stared at Chen Zhizhong and said, "In order to take responsibility for your brother, you also accepted it?"
Chen Zhizhong closed his eyes in pain and confessed: "After all, Xianguan has taught Guan Jia, and after this incident happens, Guan Jia will also be spared Guan's life.
But if this matter were left to my brother alone, he might not be able to escape death."
Kou Ji said seriously: "Why bother?"
It is very unwise to ruin the reputation of two generations for a fool.
If it had been placed in someone else's home, I'm afraid they would have been exterminated by justice.
The official families of the Song Dynasty, in order to protect their power and wealth, would not show mercy at all when killing their own people.
The Chen family can be said to be an alternative among the official family.
Chen Zhizhong gritted his teeth and said, "We are close relatives of flesh and blood, and we dare not let go of them lightly."
Kou Ji said faintly: "Seeing as he only has a few years left to live, I can keep him alive, but don't want his official position. I'm afraid your official position will also have to be moved."
All the money you take will be put into the national treasury.
Don’t think about getting any more salary within a year.”
Chen Zhizhong looked at Kou Ji in disbelief.
He did not expect that King Kou Ji Kou Yama would also be kind one day.
Kou Ji didn't pay attention to Chen Zhizhong's gaze, and continued on his own: "When you go back, tell those eight families that the imperial court wants all their wealth. This is the price for their opposition to the imperial court.
Those in charge must die.
And he had to be beaten to death by the people.
If they can do this, the women and children in the family can survive.
If you can’t do it, then you can only wait until everyone is slaughtered.”
Chen Zhizhong shuddered when he heard the words "Everyone is copying and beheading".
Kou Ji solemnly told Chen Zhizhong, "Look after your brother when you go back. I will show no mercy next time."
Chen Zhizhong stood up quickly and bowed respectfully to Kou Ji.
"Thank you, Mr. Kou, for keeping me alive."
King Kou Yama could forgive him and his brother, as well as the women and children of the eight families, which was an unprecedented mercy. He did not dare to ask for anything else.
A smile appeared on Kou Ji's face, "I'll help you, you help me. The court is a place where people come and go. You have to remember to support whatever the official wants to do later.
Don't go against the officials."
When Chen Zhizhong heard this, his heart was filled with bitterness.
From then on, he became Zhao Zhen and Kou Ji's yes man and vanguard.
Zhao Zhen and Kou Ji are obviously going to do big things.
I'm afraid he will have a hard time in the future.
"I understand..."
After Kou Ji saw Chen Zhizhong off, he walked to the study with satisfaction.
The reason why Chen Zhizhong's brother was spared his life was because he took a fancy to Chen Zhizhong and planned to make Chen Zhizhong a yes man and a vanguard.
Among the six films, only Song Shou and Han Yang are now left to oppose him.
After taking down Song Shou and Han Yang, the only voices left in the court were his and Zhao Zhen's.
When the time comes, whatever the two of them say will be whatever they say.
As for Chen Yaozuo at Yushitai, Kou Ji was not worried at all.
Because he only recently learned that the stubborn Chen Yaozuo actually fell to Zhao Zhen early.
The previous conspiracy with Lu Yijian was to help Zhao Zhen find out the news.
As for his claim that he has a feud with Kou Ji and wants to cause trouble for Kou Ji, he is completely bragging.
His younger brother Chen Yaozi has practiced martial arts for many years and has dreamed of becoming a general for decades. He is extremely excited to be able to fulfill his dream when he is old.
As for the idea that the Chen family's children would join the military and ruin their career, that's all bullshit.
His family already has a prime minister, and he is now on the threshold of becoming a prime minister.
If all three brothers become prime ministers.
Then the Chen family will have great fun.
Zhao Zhen killed a full 90% of the emperor's relatives, and he would certainly not show mercy when he killed the Chen family.
The Three Masters of a Disciple sounds very majestic.
But when Zhao Zhen's butcher's knife falls, no matter how great his majesty is, it will turn into ashes.
After Zhao Zhen killed 90% of the emperor's relatives in one go, no one dared to bet that Zhao Zhen could accommodate an official family with three prime ministers.
…
It was the third day after Chen Zhizhong left Zhuyuan.
The heads of the eight wealthy families in Bafang Jiaozipu dispersed all their wealth and personally sent someone to deliver the five hundred thousand guan saved by the longevity king Zhao Run to Zhuyuan.
Then it was announced that Bafang Jiaozi Shop was out of money.
The depositors of Bafang Jiaozi Shop were instantly angry.
Ignoring the legal constraints, they rushed into the Bafang Jiaozi Shop with red eyes and tore everyone in the Bafang Jiaozi Shop alive.
When the people from the Wucheng Military and Horse Division and the Kaifeng Mansion arrived, all that was left in Bafang Jiaozipu was a pile of ashes.
"Bang!"
Inside the Chui Gong Hall.
Zhao Zhen angrily kicked Long Ben over. Long Ben rolled around on the imperial steps and broke one of his legs.
All the civil and military officials in the court trembled, and they all went out to shout: "The officials should calm down!"
"Go back! Who allowed you to speak?!"
The civil and military personnel of the Manchu Dynasty retreated back to the train like quails, their heads lowered, not daring to make another sound.
Zhao Zhen was so angry that he roared in Chui Gong Hall, "Kill people! Dismember bodies! Set fire?! Is this my capital of the Song Dynasty, or is it a bandit den?!"
"Five Cities Soldiers and Horses Envoy?!"
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is here!"
"I really want to know how such a large yard was burned down in front of everyone? What do you do for food?!"
"I am guilty!"
"Dismissal! Search your home!"
"I thank the officials for not killing me!"
"Prefect of Kaifeng Prefecture?!"
"I'm here!"
"What are the water dragons on Zhouqiao Street used for? It's next to the Bianhe River, so it can't extinguish the fire? If one day, my palace is set on fire, will I have to watch it turn into ashes?!"
"I deserve death for my crime!"
"Dismissal! Search your home!"
"..."
Zhao Zhen, who was furious, dismissed five important ministers in succession before he lost his temper. He sat down on his seat with a sullen face and asked in a cold voice: "Now, tell me, can I still live in Bianjing City?
"
The civil and military officials in the court lowered their heads and said nothing.
Zhao Zhen roared angrily: "If you commit murder at my feet, do you have any royal rules? Do you take me seriously?"
Wang Zeng slowly left work despite Zhao Zhen's anger, and said in a deep voice: "Guan family, it was the people from Bafang Jiaozipu who aroused public anger, which led to this disaster.
At that time, countless people rushed into Bafangjiaozipu..."
Zhao Zhen stared at Wang Zeng and asked, "What do you want to say? Doesn't the law punish everyone?"
Wang Zeng hurriedly said: "The leaders still need to be punished..."
Zhao Zhen asked coldly: "How to punish?"
"Fair distribution!"
Wang Zeng gave his own answer.
An angry look appeared on Zhao Zhen's face again.
"My world is not a place where there is no place to redress grievances, nor is it a place where there is no way to appeal. If they have grievances, they can go to the Yamen to complain, and the Yamen will mediate.
Why do you want to kill people?
And why did you set fire to the city regardless of the life and death of everyone in Bianjing City?"
Zhao Zhen asked angrily.
Wang Zeng gritted his teeth and said: "In the official family, everything happens for a reason, and the law does not punish everyone..."
Zhao Zhen stood up slowly, stared at Wang Zeng and said: "According to your statement, one day you guys will jointly burn down my palace, and I can only hold it in?"
Wang Zeng's expression changed, "I have never thought of it this way..."
Zhao Zhen wanted to slam the table angrily, but when he raised his hand, he remembered that Long An had been kicked down by him.
He stared at Wang Zeng and gritted his teeth and said: "The state has national laws, and every family has family rules. This is what you often mention in front of me. Now, you are going to violate the national laws?"
You guys have told me the right and wrong, so what do I say?"
Wang Zeng looked terrified.
Zhao Zhen continued resolutely: "If you make a mistake, you should be punished according to the law. You cannot ignore the national law just because of the number of followers."
"Where is the Criminal Department?"
"I'm here!"
"Capture a bunch of people and punish all the guilty ones! The rest will be exiled to Hanhai Mansion."
"..."
"Official?!"
Wang Zeng shouted loudly.
Zhao Zhen said coldly: "In addition to the culprit, those who set the fire will also be punished!"
Wang Zeng's face turned pale and he did not dare to say another word.
He was afraid that if he opened his mouth, Zhao Zhen would continue to be implicated.
Wang Zeng suddenly looked at Kou Ji, but Kou Ji stood there with his eyes closed and concentrating.
Wang Zeng ignored the court etiquette and stared at Kou Ji: "Isn't Kou Prime Minister going to say something?"
Kou Ji slowly opened his eyes, held the Chao Hut and cupped his hands towards Zhao Zhen and said: "The official family, I think, should put up a notice to tell the people of Bianjing City to take this as a warning and report to the Yamen first if anything happens.
The yamen will deal with it, rather than gathering people to vent their personal anger."
After Zhao Zhen listened to Kou Ji's words, without even thinking about it, he waved his hands coldly and said: "It's accurate!"
Wang Zeng stared at Kou Ji and asked: "Don't Prime Minister Kou think that the implication is too wide? It should be noted that the common people are also victims. In the final analysis, it is the people of Bafang Jiaozipu who acted indiscriminately. Without the hard-earned money of the common people, the common people
Then he lost his mind and rushed in to commit murder."
Kou Ji held the Chao Hut in his arms and said nothing.
Wang Zeng came close to Kou Ji, blew his beard and stared.
Seeing this, Kou Ji said calmly: "If they are just committing murder, I can understand it. But if they set fire, then I can't understand it.
Zhouqiao Street is a rare prosperous place in Bianjing City.
There are countless cars and horses around, and there are many shops.
If the fire had not been controlled in time, all that would have been missing would be Zhouqiao Street instead of a Bafang Jiaozi shop.
When the time comes, there will be countless casualties, who will take their lives?
Is it reasonable to say that one sentence does not blame everyone?
If we don’t take responsibility seriously and everyone follows suit in the future, will there be peace in Bianjing City?”
Wang Zeng wanted to speak, but Zhao Zhen said coldly: "Wang Zeng has violated the rules in front of the palace and will be fined half a year's salary."
Zhao Zhen didn't speak just now, so speaking now is a warning to Wang Zeng.
Wang Zeng could only grit his teeth and return to the train.
Zhao Zhen sat upright on his seat and looked at the ministers, "This tragedy in Bafang Jiaozipu has been witnessed by all of you. You all know the reason why it happened.
Jiaozipu is an important weapon of the country. If it is set up by private citizens, it will bring endless disasters.
There was the Jiaozipu tragedy in Shuzhong before, and the Jiaozipu tragedy in Bafang later.
It's enough to explain everything.
Therefore, I have to lay down certain rules for Jiaozi."
The civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty looked at me and I looked at you, and they all raised their hands and said: "Everything is decided by the officials..."
Zhao Zhen nodded and continued: "Businessmen value profits and ignore human lives. Once disaster occurs, it will be a catastrophic disaster, so the relevant business laws must be changed."
As soon as these words came out, the civil and military officials of the entire court were no longer silent.
Someone gritted his teeth and said: "The official and commercial laws are of great importance and must be discussed in the long term..."
"Officials, you also said that businessmen value profits and ignore human lives. If the imperial court changes the business laws, it will definitely cause dissatisfaction among the businessmen, and I am afraid there will be endless disasters..."
"Guan family, now that the murder case has just been solved, it is not appropriate to cause another disturbance..."
"..."
In the civil and military affairs of the DPRK, many people were on duty, and you and I kept talking.
Zhao Zhen listened quietly to the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty talking to each other without saying a word.
All civil and military officials in the court felt something was wrong and closed their mouths one after another.
Zhao Zhen stared at the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, "Are you done?"
Facing Zhao Zhen's inquiry, no one dared to answer.
Zhao Zhen said in a cold tone: "Am I discussing with you?"
When the civil and military officials in the court heard this, their faces were very ugly.
Zhao Zhen snorted heavily, "Don't think that I don't know that someone in each of your families is engaged in business. You are eager to stand up and refute my revision of the business laws because you are afraid that I will affect your money.
I just want to ask you, have you each made enough?"
All civil and military officials in the court lowered their heads.
Zhao Zhen said this in public, which shows that he has all the evidence in his hands.
Whoever goes out now will be shot.
Zhao Zhen pointed at the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty and yelled, "I give you face, but you are shameless! I give you such a high salary, but you still get it?"
With my salary, they covet the treasury and the people's money, and they still do business, making everyone fat.
I think you have made enough money over the years, right?
I am going to revise the business laws and ask you to put your hands down, so that you can achieve justice between the king and his ministers.
But I gave you face, but you thought I was easy to bully.
Do you really want me to bring out the evidence and put a knife on your necks before you are willing to do so?"
Zhao Zhen took a few breaths and said angrily: "It is clearly written in the national law that officials are not allowed to engage in business. What was it for you at that time? I was making some money, but you were yelling at me not to compete with the people for profit.
Why don't you see anyone shouting when you make your own money?
Eighty percent of the shops on Zhouqiao Street belong to you!
Why don’t you keep claiming that you don’t want to compete with the people?”
When Zhao Zhen said this, he no longer paid attention to the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty. He shouted, "Yang Wenguang! Chen Yaozi!"
"I'm here!"
"I'm here!"
Yang Wenguang and Chen Yaozi came out of class and bowed to salute.
Zhao Zhen coldly ordered, "I will establish an iron rule now. Officials are not allowed to engage in business. Those who engage in business will be dismissed from office, beheaded, and their families will be distributed.
Future generations may not change or violate it.
After returning to the imperial court, I will dispatch all the express stations in the capital to spread my laws and orders throughout the world.
Three days later, the two of you will send an order to all localities to impose forbidden troops and local soldiers, and cooperate with the local Wude Department manpower and local supervisors to investigate the officials from all over the world.
There were also officials who were engaged in business and were killed on the spot."