I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 104: A piece of paper hurts the people, but a piece of paper supports a state?A policy that actually harms the people
August.

The strategy of recruiting officials and merchants in all the states, prefectures and armies throughout the Song Dynasty was in full swing.

Some goods with local characteristics soon left the state and were welcomed by people in many places. It also made more people aware that the Song Dynasty was so rich in product resources.

For example: Shaochun from Mianzhu, bamboo paper from Yuezhou, yellow tea from Yuezhou, donkey hide glue from Qianzhou and other products that were not very famous at first were all spread to Bianjing City and became popular for a while.

As for Qizhou, it is ahead of all state capitals.

In addition to constantly improving the official investment strategy, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang have begun to experiment with various reform strategies such as the Young Crops Law, the Service Exemption Law, the Market Change Law, and the Farmland Equalization Tax Law.

Everything is going prosperously.

The palace is also systematically cleaning up the poisons of mercury, lead, and cinnabar.

Zhao Zhen was in a surprisingly good mood and became more and more certain that he still had a chance to give birth to a son.

……

September [-]th.

After inspection and selection by Zhongshu Province, the imperial court focused on rewarding the chief officials of Shuzhou, Caizhou and Tangzhou.

The business situation of these three states is relatively backward, but they perform very well in implementing the investment strategy.

Zhao Zhen was in a happy mood.

He immediately wrote three Feibai letters and presented them to the chief officials of the three states.

They are: Shuzhou mulberry paper, Caizhou white inkstone, and Tangzhou jade.

These three categories are the specialty goods of each state. Zhao Zhenyu used this to encourage the officials of the three states to continue their efforts and promote trade.

……

September 25.

Yuezhou suddenly became the most talked about place among the people in Bianjing, and some literati and businessmen had already taken ships to Yuezhou.

The governor of Yuezhou was Teng Zongliang who was demoted in the spring of the fourth year of Qingli.

During his stay in Yuezhou, Teng Zongliang attached great importance to farming and building levees for flood control, and his political achievements and official reputation were very good.

However, in terms of the executive's investment strategy, Yuezhou has not caused much splash since its business is already good.

The reason why Yuezhou has attracted countless people’s discussion and attention.

It was because of an article written by Fan Zhongyan - Yueyang Tower.

After Teng Zongliang expanded the Yueyang Tower, he invited his friend Fan Zhongyan to write an article for the Yueyang Tower.

Never thought.

As soon as Fan Zhongyan took action, it became an eternal masterpiece.

"Holding distant mountains, swallowing the Yangtze River, the vastness of the water, the endless horizon, the morning light and the sunset, the weather is endless, this is the grand view of Yueyang Tower."

"To Ruochun and Jingming, the waves are calm, the sky is bright, a vast expanse of green, sand gulls flying, golden scales swimming, shores of Tinglan, lush and green."

"Don't be happy with things, don't be sad with yourself. If you live in a high temple, you will worry about your people. If you live far away in the rivers and lakes, you will worry about your ruler."

"As you advance, you are also worried, and as you retreat, you are also worried. But when will you be happy? It must be said: Worry about the world's worries first, and then be happy when the world is happy!"

……

The Story of Yueyang Tower instantly sublimates the style of Yueyang Tower, and at the same time shows Fan Zhongyan's open-minded mind.

Not pleased, not to have compassion.

Just ask how many people in the world can do this.

Worry before the world's worries, and rejoice after the world's happiness. This is the highest virtue that the world's scholars and officials should pursue.

An article directly made Yueyang Tower popular.

Countless merchants and literati wanted to stand on the Yueyang Tower and take a look.

How can merchants travel far away without goods? What's more, Yuezhou is close to the Yangtze River and Dongting Lake, and the waterway is very fast and convenient.

For a time, Yuezhou's business suddenly gained momentum.

Fan Zhongyan never expected that one of his articles would double Yuezhou's business tax revenue.

He immediately wrote a letter to Teng Zongliang, suggesting that if he convened foreign businessmen to discuss business at the Yueyang Tower, it would be a good conversation and attract more businessmen to come.

After reading this article, Ouyang Xiu couldn't help but sigh: "Fan Xiwen is really the first-class figure in the world, a saint is nothing more than that!"

And this moment.

The only ones who were not very happy were probably little Su Shi and little Su Che from Meishan.

The two of them had just finished reciting the "Official Investment Promotion Book" co-authored by Su Liang, Wang Anshi, and Sima Guang, and were about to recite "The Story of Yueyang Tower".

Their childhood was spent either endorsing or on the road to endorsing.

……

On the eighth day of October, the weather turns cooler.

Something happened suddenly in Shuzhou.

It was the Shuzhou who was commended by the imperial court more than half a month ago and was given the "Shuzhou Mulberry Paper" by Zhao Zhen.

A civilian paper mill in Shuzhou was burned down by the governor of Shuzhou, Bai Yuanshan, who ordered the governor to burn it because the mulberry paper produced was of poor quality.

When the mulberry paper was burning, the three people in the paper workshop rushed into the flames in a rage and died.

The magistrate of Shuzhou, Baiyuan Shanshu, pleaded guilty and reported the details to Zhao Zhen.

Mulberry paper is mainly produced in the north.

Shuzhou mulberry paper is unique due to its pasting and hammering process. The paper is white and smooth, and is deeply loved by readers.

Since the implementation of the official investment strategy, Bai Yuanshan has regarded mulberry paper as the focus of Shuzhou's trade and proposed: One paper can support a city.

Bai Yuanshan works vigorously and resolutely.

He quickly raised the price of mulberry paper and handed over the mulberry paper of Shuzhou paper households to merchants to sell as a whole, thereby increasing the profits of mulberry paper.

He also said: Paper cheapness hurts the people.

Only when mulberry paper becomes more expensive can the people of Shuzhou live a good life.

It was precisely because of Bai Yuanshan's sayings that "a piece of paper supports a city" and "paper is cheap and hurts the people" that Zhao Zhen had a good impression of Bai Yuanshan and felt that he was a capable minister.

In order to sell mulberry paper outside, Baiyuanshan strictly inspected the quality, which led to the closure of many small workshops whose papermaking quality was not up to standard.

A large amount of mulberry paper that was used instinctively was burned directly.

In addition, Baiyuan Mountain prohibited the people of Shuzhou from buying and selling mulberry paper freely. They would rather destroy it than sell it at a low price.

This time, three people died accidentally due to the destruction of mulberry paper.

According to the laws and regulations of the Song Dynasty, this situation will most likely be punished as official negligence and demotion.

But then.Xu Tong, the general magistrate of Shuzhou, reported that this matter was not Bai Yuanshan's fault, but was entirely caused by the people's failure to implement the executive officer's investment strategy.

Xu Tong also submitted a petition signed by hundreds of people in Shuzhou.

The people of Shuzhou said: Shuzhou today cannot do without Baiyuan Mountain, and they begged the court to avoid being demoted.

Zhao Zhen had a very good impression of Bai Yuanshan, and he was very fond of the new concepts of "paper being cheap hurts the people" and "supporting a state with a piece of paper".

After careful consideration, he decided to receive a lighter punishment.

Immediately give instructions, take responsibility, and deduct one quarter's salary.

But when this instruction was sent to Zhongshu, it caused disagreements among the three ministers, Du Yan, Wu Yu and Chen Zhizhong.

"Zhizhou Bai Yuanshan, the governor of Shuzhou, was too strict in his administration and caused accidental deaths of the people. How can he just blame him and deduct one quarter of his salary? This punishment is too light and he must be demoted!" Du Yan said seriously.

"Prime Minister Du, it was the unruly people of Shuzhou who obstructed the official investment promotion law. Bai Yuanshan is deeply supported by the people of Shuzhou. If he is demoted, I am afraid... I am afraid that many people will not be willing to do so, and it will easily damage the local officials' implementation of official investment promotion." The energy to make plans!" Chen Zhizhong said, he indeed considered everything from Zhao Zhen's perspective.

"No, no, no, Prime Minister Chen, these common people have not hindered the official's strategy of attracting investment, but they are just not good at making mulberry paper. If the quality is not good, it cannot be considered a crime!"

"These are three human lives, and no reason can be a reason to avoid being demoted!" Du Yan said with a straight face.

"However, without Bai Yuanshan in Shuzhou, who would be able to implement the ideas of 'paper is cheap and hurts the people' and 'paper is used to support a state'. Are the two husbands opposing the implementation of the official investment strategy?" Chen Zhizhong Also came the temper.

……

The three of them suddenly got into a quarrel.

This matter quickly attracted the attention of Yushitai and Jianyuan.

When there are disputes over court affairs, Taiwanese remonstrance must be involved.

Immediately, Tang Jie and Ouyang Xiu distributed relevant information on the matter to the Taiwanese admonishers.

If the prime ministers discuss this matter at the court meeting tomorrow, Taiwan's admonishers will naturally participate in the discussion.

After reading all the files on this matter, Su Liang couldn't help but look solemn and murmured: "This is not a trivial matter. I'm afraid this governor is on the wrong path!"

……

The next day, there was a court meeting.

As soon as Du Yan came out, he raised the death case of Shuzhou Zhihu.

"In the official family, the death of three paper households in Shuzhou was caused by the harsh government of Bai Yuanshan, the magistrate of Shuzhou. According to the laws of the Song Dynasty, they must be demoted!"

Immediately, Chen Zhizhong stood up.

"I believe that Bai Yuanshan has no fault at all. This matter is clearly caused by unruly people and hinders the implementation of the official investment law. Bai Yuanshan has an excellent official reputation in Shuzhou and is deeply supported by the people. He also proposed that 'paper cheapness hurts the people' and 'the If the new concept of "a piece of paper supports a state" is relegated, I'm afraid it will be a small loss but a big loss, and the development of the entire Shuzhou's business and trade will be delayed!"

"I can't agree with Prime Minister Chen's point of view. According to Bai Yuanshan's own words, he did force people to destroy mulberry paper without compensation. This was an act of oppression by power. Now he has caused people to lose their lives. It is not enough to be demoted. To maintain stability among the people!" Ouyang Xiudao.

At this time, Xia Song's chest puffed up.

"Bai Yuanshan, the governor of Shuzhou, has always had good political achievements. This time he is an example of the implementation of the official investment policy. I believe that such capable ministers should be treated leniently. If they follow the rules and demote them, Shuzhou will face greater difficulties. Loss!"

"Without Bai Yuanshan, wouldn't it be possible for Shuzhou to develop trade? He did it, so he should be demoted!"

……

In the Chui Gong Hall, the quarrel broke out again.

One side demands a heavy sentence and a relegation; the other side demands a light sentence, and fines and punishments are sufficient.

Bao Zheng, Tang Jie, He Tan, Fan Zhen, Zhao Peng and others all participated.

Most of the remonstrators in Taiwan relied on the laws of the Song Dynasty and demanded severe sentences and demotions.

After half an hour, all the officials were tired from the discussion.

Su Liangcai walked out slowly.

"As an official, I believe that we should neither fine him lightly nor demote him. Instead, we should immediately depose Bai Yuanshan!"

Swish!
Su Liang's words attracted everyone's attention to him.

Deposed.

Only serious crimes could remove a state official from office.

Su Liang was always able to speak astonishingly in court.

Su Liang said slowly: "I can't judge who is at fault between Bai Yuanshan and the three deceased paper households, but just based on Bai Yuanshan's decision of 'paper being cheap hurts the people' and 'one paper supports a state', He should be deposed immediately, otherwise the people of Shuzhou will be harmed by him!"

"This decision is a big mistake!"

"First of all, it is a fallacy that cheap paper hurts the people. I have always worshiped literature, but most scholars from poor backgrounds still cannot afford pens, inks, paper and inkstones. Cheap paper does not necessarily hurt the people, but expensive paper will definitely hurt scholars all over the world!"

"The original price of Shuzhou mulberry paper was the same as Daqingbai paper, only seven or eight cents a piece. But after Bai Yuanshan's operation, it was sold for eighteen cents a piece. It was an ordinary paper, but it became Paper that ordinary people can’t afford.”

"The quality of Shuzhou mulberry paper is roughly similar to that of Fengxiang and Meixian mulberry paper, but it is far inferior to rattan paper from Sichuan, Sichuan, Jiangnan, coastal sea paper, bamboo white paper, white fist paper, Jilin paper, etc. , booksellers are not fools, how could they choose Shuzhou mulberry paper after knowing the price!"

"If things go on like this, Shuzhou mulberry paper will inevitably be eliminated due to price. By then, the reputation of Shuzhou mulberry paper will be bad. Bai Yuanshan may move to another place to become an official, but how will the paper households in Shuzhou make a living? ?”

"It is a big joke that one paper can support a city. Shuzhou mulberry paper is only sold in the surrounding four states of Huangzhou, Ezhou, Guangzhou and Luzhou. Scholars in Bianjing City will choose to use Shuzhou mulberry paper Paper? Will Jiangnan students choose to use Shuzhou mulberry and linen paper? Will your colleagues choose to use Shuzhou mulberry and linen paper?"

"A piece of paper cannot support Shuzhou at all. Looking at the sky from the bottom of a well in Baiyuan Mountain, I was short-sighted and made this decision without any investigation at all. It is totally a great success. It is more hateful than an ordinary official. It is really the harm of Shuzhou. .Shouldn’t such officials be dismissed immediately?”

"Even if it is the Qizhou Reform, no matter how high our tolerance is, if we make such a despicable mistake, we must be severely punished. No punishment is not enough to correct the atmosphere and not enough to let local state officials see that their wrong behavior will be As a result, how many people are in dire straits!"

"The ruler of a state should bear its responsibilities if he is given the power. If he does not bear the responsibility for this kind of decision-making error, should he let the people bear it?"

Su Liang's words made many ministers dumbfounded.

The eyes of the officials included surprise, envy, solemnity, dullness, and confusion...

Su Liang's cognition, foresight, and knowledge are simply not what a young man in his 20s possesses.

The vast majority of people here.

When I saw the gorgeous words "paper is cheap and hurts the people" and "a piece of paper supports a city", I was instantly tempted. I didn't think about it at all. There was such a huge decision-making error here.

Not far away, Bao Zheng looked at Su Liang, his eyes full of appreciation.

Since Su Liang came to Taiwan to admonish, every word he spoke was purposeful and not an empty word.

Moreover, Su Liang never used extreme methods such as beating a pillar to remonstrate, going on a hunger strike, or banishing others to remonstrate.

This is a very rare quality for Taiwanese admonishers.

As the saying goes, listening to you is worth ten years of reading.On this day, Su Liang taught a lesson to all officials in the DPRK.

Including Zhao Zhen on the throne.

Zhao Zhen also scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. Compared with Su Liang, his thinking was too simple.

Su Liang also revealed the little thoughts of many local officials today.

On the official side, for only two or three years, many officials actually create a gimmick to show off their merits and gain attention.

Most of the things they do can have immediate results, such as building bridges and roads, catering to the people's wishes, asking questions, etc. This is actually the greatest disrespect for the people.

(End of this chapter)