I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 133 Gao Ruona’s number one nemesis, Ouyang Xiu starts spraying!
Inside the Daqing Hall.

After Zhao Zhen fluttered his sleeves and left, the officials looked at each other in shock.

Chen Zhizhong looked at the memorials scattered on the ground with a dark face, and said coldly: "Whose memorials belong to each of you? Pick them up individually!"

Immediately, several ministers depressedly picked up their respective memorials.

"Those of you who submitted the memorial, as well as those standing at the door, I won't go into details about what you are going to do next!"

Hearing this, these ministers felt chilled.

What else can be done is to submit a memorial to admit his mistake and request to be demoted and released.

Immediately, Chen Zhizhong looked around and raised his voice: "Later, Zhongshu will formulate a speech code to avoid all kinds of memorials that are made out of nothing, malicious attacks, and fabricated baseless words. You can also mention it. Put forward your opinions, and then we will jointly sign and submit them to the officials to clear up the dirty speech habits in the current court."

"Yes, Prime Minister Chen!" All officials raised their hands in unison.

And this moment.

Zhao Zhen was sitting in the side hall, drinking herbal tea.

Not only was there no anger on his face, but he was very happy.

He followed the advice given by Su Liang at the Sutra banquet: the king's anger is a good way to govern his ministers.

I tried it today and it works very well.

……

Early the next morning.

Zhongshu then submitted to the imperial court a memorial jointly signed by all ministers on the principles of speech and conduct.

In addition, more than a dozen officials suspected of maliciously slandering and framing their colleagues also submitted confessions and requested to be released.

Zhao Zhen did not punish the ministers.

But for the dozen or so officials, they were all demoted one level and all released.

The one who received the heaviest punishment was Zhao Yunchu, the king of Boping County. Zhao Zhen directly ordered him to go to the imperial mausoleum and observe filial piety for half a year.

When Zhao Yunchu received the order, he was completely confused.

He didn't know Fei Wu at all.

Fei Wu's threat of carrion was not his plan, but was made by his servants after deliberation because their interests were at stake.

But Zhao Yunchu did not dare to appeal at all, because he was the master of Fei Wu.

No one in the court interceded on his behalf.

Zhao Zhen treated his clan relatives very well, but when they made mistakes, Zhao Zhen's punishment was also very harsh.

Therefore, although the relatives of the clan were very arrogant in front of the scholar-bureaucrats, they were like little sheep in front of Zhao Zhen.

Such punishment is also intended to scare the monkeys.

In order to prevent some relatives from outside the clan from trying to take advantage of the southern suburbs market in the future.

Three days later.

The number of memorials on the imperial desk in Chui Gong Hall was reduced by half compared to the past.

The remaining half of the memorial was all meaningful, which gave Zhao Zhen enough energy again.

……

July [-]th.

Because of a piece of paper, a special piece of paper, Qizhou once again became a hotly debated place among the people of Kaifeng Prefecture.

Wang Anshi and Sima Guang established a state newspaper department in Qizhou.

Modeled after the Jinzouyuandi newspaper, a newspaper especially suitable for the general public to read - Qizhou Prefecture Newspaper was created.

Qizhou Prefectural Newspaper is one foot and eight minutes long and one foot and three minutes wide.

Use thick green and white paper, print on both sides, and issue in monthly installments.

What is different from the official imperial newspaper Jinzouyuandi newspaper and the folk tabloid is——

The information above in the Qizhou State Newspaper.

They are all knowledge related to people's livelihood such as farming, breeding, brewing, weaving, fishing, and textiles.

The price of this quote is five cents per piece.

In other words, the price of a bowl of vegetable porridge is affordable to ordinary people.

The content of the first issue of Qizhou Prefecture Newspaper is particularly solid, revealing many secret recipes hidden among the people.

For a time, the people were looting frantically.

Even people from other places rushed to buy this newspaper through some passing merchants.

Most people have little interest in books of sages.

Because they don't take the test of merit.

Some even couldn't even recognize all the words in the sages' books.

But the content of this newspaper is closely related to their lives and can even affect how much money they earn.

Such as farming tips, wine-making techniques, textile steps, etc.

Many wonderful recipes have been summarized by people from all over the world for generations. Some of them are even hidden and will not be spread to the outside world at all.

The bookstores that produced tabloids in Bianjing City were the most business-savvy, and they printed or copied Qizhou newspapers one after another and sold them outside the city.

Households in Kaifeng Prefecture rushed to buy it, and it was very popular.

a time.

Kaifeng Prefecture's government schools, county schools, and private schools all triggered a wave of farmers' learning.

Many farmers, whose poles fell over and didn't know how to read a basket, were standing next to some private school teachers.

He pointed at the contents of the Qizhou newspaper with a finger as thick as a rolling pin, asking for explanations.

The atmosphere of seeking knowledge seems to be stronger than that of scholars and students.

This matter naturally reached the court.

Most of the current news in the Song Dynasty comes from Qizhou, which took the lead in launching reforms.

On this day, there will be a meeting.

Fan Zhen, the imperial censor in the palace, stood up.

"The official newspaper in Qizhou is actually a good reward for benefiting the people. I suggest that we should follow the official investment strategy and implement it throughout the Song Dynasty to improve people's livelihood!"

"The newspaper in the courtyard is a newspaper for officials, and the newspaper in Qizhou and Zhou is a newspaper for the people. It should be a newspaper for the people all over the world to eliminate ignorance and confusion." Tang Jie said.

"It is recommended that Kaifeng Prefecture set up a Kaifeng Prefecture newspaper to help civil society and engage in various industries!" Bao Zheng also stood up and said.

"My minister agrees!"

"My minister agrees!"

……

Vice Prime Minister Wu Yu, Zuo Si Jian He Tan, Right Zhengyan Zhao Pian, and Supervisory Censor Su Liang all spoke one after another.

In Su Liang’s eyes, the state newspaper can not only help people’s livelihood.

When the Song Dynasty's reform begins in the future, state newspapers will surely become a powerful tool to convey information to the people in various state capitals, and can effectively eliminate all kinds of rumors.

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly.

"Recently, I have also heard some discussions among the people. Even the people in Kaifeng Prefecture are a little envious of the people in Qizhou. This newspaper is indeed good and should be promoted."

At this time, Gao Ruona, the censor and miscellaneous official, stood up.

"Official officials and ministers believe that the Qizhou Prefecture Newspaper is actually an embroidered pillow that only appeals to the public. If it is implemented throughout the Song Dynasty, it will harm the country and even cause unrest among the people."

"Can you complain about this?" Su Liang looked at Gao Ruona with a puzzled look on his face.

The officials also looked at Gao Ruona.

I want to hear what he said about the reasons for harming the country and causing unrest and unrest among the people.

Gao Ruone took a step forward.

"The paper of Qizhou State Newspaper is fragile and cannot be stored for a long time. It is like a folk tabloid. After only three to five days, it may become waste paper or become a toilet bag."

"But each issue of the state newspaper needs to be printed with type plates. The type plates are all disposable and will be wasted after use, which is a huge consumption."

"Type plates, engravings, paper, and labor are all costs, but the price is only five cents, and even the cost of paper and ink cannot be covered. All of this requires the help of the state government, which is very costly."

"Less than one out of ten people can read, so rather than publishing it in printed newspapers, it is better to teach it orally. The Qizhou state newspaper is really eye-catching, and its form is greater than its quality!"

"Secondly, this report involves many people's secret recipes. If all the states search for people's secrets, it will inevitably cause dissatisfaction among the people and will cause turmoil soon."

“Such a state newspaper that consumes money but is of no great use and can easily cause unrest among the people should be abolished instead of vigorously promoted!”

Hear this.

Su Liang couldn't help but laugh.

Gao Ruonei really has a unique perspective, and he can find arguments to refute this.

Fan Zhen, the imperial censor in the palace, heard this and immediately retorted: "Gao Yushi, I really don't agree with your opinion."

"Don't you know which one is more important, the consumption of type printing and the enlightenment of people's confusion?" "In addition, secret recipes and techniques related to people's livelihood are known to the world through state newspapers, and people benefit from each other. Isn't it a good thing? Why? In your eyes, the people of the Song Dynasty are selfish. If the people are unwilling to pay, the court can buy it with money."

"Fan Yushi, the money of the imperial court does not come from the strong wind. It is clear that oral teaching can clear up the confusion, so why spend more money to engrave the state newspaper?"

"You...you...you...are really a stubborn person!" Fan Zhen was so angry that he wanted to hit someone.

Gao Ruone's idea can be roughly compared to: why eat steamed buns with fillings when you can obviously eat steamed buns to fill your stomach.

In fact, for the court.

The cost of printing state newspapers is not large and can even be ignored.

Gao Ruona used the excuse of "saving money for the court" to oppose the promotion of state newspapers throughout the Song Dynasty.

At this time, Su Liang was about to stand up and speak.

But when he saw that Ouyang Xiu in front wanted to stand up, he did not.

To deal with Gao Ruona, we still have to look to Ouyang Xiu.

However, as soon as Ouyang Xiu took half a step, Prime Minister Chen Zhizhong stood up.

"Officials, what Gao Yushi said does have some truth. In the past two years, although the weather has been good and business has been prosperous in our dynasty, the money consumption has been huge. We should avoid unnecessary expenses. I suggest that this matter may be postponed! "

When Xia Song heard this, he wanted to stand up and second his opinion, but after thinking about it, he chose to give up.

He always felt that Gao Ruonei was always eccentric in what he said and did, and was a bit crazy.

If you agree with them, you will be easily implicated and fall into the ditch.

Suddenly, Chen Zhizhong was embarrassed.

He thought that after he stood up, those officials who had not seconded the proposal would shout: I second the proposal.

Never thought there was none.

As a prime minister, after expressing his opinions, no official "seconds his opinion". This is the biggest failure of being a prime minister.

He turned to look at Wang Yaochen, the third envoy.

Chen Zhizhong felt that this was a matter of saving money for the court, and Wang Yaochen would be the first to agree. Unexpectedly, Wang Yaochen lowered his head and had no intention of standing up.

At this moment, Wang Yaochen's inner thought was: This money should be spent.

As the third envoy, Wang Yaochen does not advocate blindly saving money.

He believed that the imperial court should spend some money when it should be spent, and save some money when it could be saved. There was no conflict.

Chen Zhizhong thought about it carefully and felt that he had been a little hasty.

He had just been thinking that officials always advocated economy, and he agreed with Gao Ruone's statement, so he stood up and spoke.

Chen Zhizhong thought for a while and quickly went back to make amends.

"However, if all the state newspapers were published throughout the Song Dynasty, the imperial court would be able to afford the expense."

Chen Zhizhong's words directly slapped him in the face who said the previous words.

Saying it means not saying it.

It can be said that the name of "the prime minister who lives on the wall" has been implemented again.

At this time.

Ouyang Xiu walked out slowly.

He first looked at Chen Zhizhong and asked doubtfully: "Mr. Chen, what did you just say? I don't understand where you stand?"

Chen Zhizhong glared at Ouyang Xiu and stopped talking.

If he talks about it again, it will become darker and darker.

Su Liang in the back almost laughed out loud. When it came to hurting others, it was Uncle Ouyang Yong.

Chen Zhizhong's position as prime minister has become increasingly unstable.

Followed by.

Ouyang Xiu looked at Gao Ruona.

At this moment, all the officials in the court straightened up, and even Zhao Zhen sat upright.

The whole court knew that the two had a grudge.

Ouyang Xiu's "Admonishment to Gao Si" became famous all over the world, and everyone in Liao and Xia knew that there was an official named Gao Ruona in the Song Dynasty who "flattered the powerful to protect himself, slandered the wise to feel proud, and no longer knew that there was shame in the world!" "

The two started fighting on the spot, and none of the officials found it strange.

Gao Ruona's lips suddenly trembled.

He seemed to be a little afraid of Ouyang Xiu, and immediately spoke first: "Guan family, I didn't expect that no one of the officials in the court would dare to tell the truth except me. I objected to the publication of newspapers throughout the Song Dynasty because I wanted to save money for the court. Isn’t it wrong to prevent the people from causing chaos?”

Ouyang Xiu smiled and stroked his beard.

"A good man saves money for the court and prevents the people from causing chaos. If there are more officials in our court who think like Gao Yushi, I am afraid that the country will be ruined and there will be no need for Liao and Xia to attack. Within a few years, we will be destroyed." !”

"Three years ago, when the treasury was insufficient, the imperial court still retained the prefecture and county schools expanded by the New Deal. How could this money be saved? Two years ago, the Qizhou Reform was launched, and the three departments moved here and there to meet Qizhou's needs. How much money can be saved for all the necessary needs? A year ago, the imperial court returned the wealth of the relatives of the clan to the people and established the southern suburbs market. How much money can be saved? "

"Today, the imperial court uses paper publications to promote people's wisdom and help people's livelihood, but you claim that it will lead to civil unrest. I, Ouyang Xiu, have been an official for several years, and I have never seen you such an unlearned, ungentleman, eating scabs and chasing odors. Shameless rats who turn white things into black things, are extremely capable of doing dirty things, and spray excrement in the court!"

"It would be a shame for Xiu to share the same court with you!"

"Ouyang Xiu, you...you...you are a prostitute as a young man, you make obscene remarks as a young man, and you are having incest with your niece as a middle-aged man. You have done so many other things. How do you have the right to talk nonsense here!"

……

The literati scolded each other, and every sentence was heartbreaking.

Ouyang Xiu has a rich vocabulary and many ways of scolding.

Gao Ruona focused on Ouyang Xiu's personal moral flaws, and even recited "Wang Jiangnan".

In the court room at this moment.

Ouyang Xiu and Gao Ruona were frothing, standing at each other's side and scolding each other.

All the court officials, including Zhao Zhen who was sitting above, were so immersed in what they were watching that they did not realize that the two men had begun to launch a personal attack.

"Cough cough..."

At this moment, Dingdu, the model scholar-official in the corner, had a dark face and coughed twice.

Today's scolding war will surely go down in history.

All officials are just spectators.

"Enough! Enough! Enough!" Zhao Zhen shouted.

Zhao Zhen shouted three times before Ouyang Xiu and Gao Ruona stopped.

At this moment, Ouyang Xiu was very excited.

He scolded him heartily and was very relieved of his hatred, but Gao Ruonei was speechless at the end and was so angry that he was about to take action.

Su Liang and other officials had unfinished expressions on their faces.

"How unbecoming is it to open your mouth to speak dirty words in the main hall? You two will each be punished with half a year's salary!" Zhao Zhen said angrily.

"Let's discuss today's matters here first. Whether or not the entire Song Dynasty should publish the state newspaper will be discussed another day!" Zhao Zhen waved his sleeves and was about to leave.

At this moment, Su Liang suddenly stood up.

"Officials, I suddenly remembered the contents of the memorial submitted by Wang Jiefu in April this year, which contained strategies to explain the waste of money in printing newspapers and periodicals."

"Huh?" Zhao Zhen sat down again and said, "Speak!"

"According to Wang Jiefu, he knew a carver named Bi Sheng who invented a type of movable type printing."

"The characteristics of this printing technology are that it uses wooden movable type instead of wood blocks. It is typed during printing and dismantled after use. Each character is used multiple times. It is ordered by rhyme and stored in wooden grids."

"It is easy to print and does not require engraving. It is especially suitable for newspapers and periodicals and consumes almost no woodblocks. I read the original version of this issue of Qizhou Prefecture Newspaper. The type spacing is slightly skewed and the ink color is uneven. It is obviously printed with movable type. The cost is extremely low…”

After Su Liang finished explaining, Zhao Zhen felt dumbfounded.

He looked at Su Liang and said, "Su Jingming, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Ruosuliang opened his mouth to explain when Gao Ruona asked questions.

Where is Chen Zhizhong claiming that he is a "foolish prime minister", and where is Ouyang Xiu and Gao Ruona exchanging words!
The officials all looked at Su Liang, secretly saying that Su Liang was the real cunning one.

It was obviously aimed at Gao Ruone, to avenge his impeachment by Gao Ruone a few days ago.

Such Su Liang.

Ouyang Xiu, Tang Jie, Bao Zheng and others like it more and more the more they watch it.

But Chen Zhizhong, Xia Song and others became more and more fearful as they watched.

Back then, Fan Zhongyan and Fu Bi were both handsome gentlemen who repaid evil with kindness and were easy to deal with, but Su Liang was a hedgehog with thorns all over his body.

Su Liang smiled awkwardly and said to Zhao Zhen, "Guan Jia, I... I just remembered."

Zhao Zhen rolled his eyes at Su Liang and stopped pursuing it.

He looked at Chen Zhizhong and said: "Next, Zhongshu will draw up the detailed rules for publishing Yinzhou newspapers throughout the Song Dynasty!"

　When I have time someday, I will write a side story about Ouyang Xiu and Gao Ruona's scolding, so that everyone can enjoy it. I heard that the scolding in Jin Ping Mei is very well written, and everyone can learn from it!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)