I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 241 The Three Insufficiencies Discussion Forum where the monarch and his ministers set up a trap and bargained over the price

August 29th, afternoon.

All officials gathered in the Daqing Hall to discuss Wang Anshi's "Three Insufficiencies" and Su Liang's "On the Three Insufficiencies".

Prime Minister Wen Yanbo was the first to speak: "A few days ago, Wang Anshi, the official of the Sansidu branch, a member of the Reform Department, and the city's Yiwu elevator, debated with many Bianjing businessmen in front of the city's Yiwu Yamen, and said, 'There is not enough change in the sky. "Afraid, the ancestors are not worthy of the law, and the words of others are not worthy of compassion." These words caused an uproar among the people in the court!"

"Afterwards, Su Liang, the censor at the imperial censorship station and an acquaintance of miscellaneous affairs, wrote "On Three Insufficiencies" to support what Wang Anshi said, which caused a lot of discussion among the officials and the people. This matter has delayed the political affairs of the court, and a special court meeting was held today. When discussing right and wrong, right and wrong, there should be no malicious criticism of individuals during the debate..."

Immediately, the court meeting officially began.

An officer of the Privy Council was the first to step forward.

"Officials, Wang Anshi's words are really heresies. Since ancient times, everyone who reads the books of sages and sages knows that respecting heaven and the ancestors, and public opinion comes first. However, Wang Anshi violated the law and defied heaven just to show his personal character. It is really disrespectful and should be stopped immediately. His official status was demoted to that of a commoner!"

"Su Liang, who serves as the imperial censor and is an acquaintance of miscellaneous affairs, in order to save Wang Anshi, pretends to be a public servant for personal gain, and talks nonsense. He should also be severely punished for the same crime!"

After the first official set the tone of "depriving Wang Anshi of his official status and severely punishing Su Liang".

All the officials jumped out.

"The saints have words, but God does not speak, but expresses them through actions and deeds. Wang Anshi actually braved the disapproval of the world and spoke out such fallacious truths that went against the way of heaven, his ancestors, and did not care about the words of the people. Without severe punishment, it is not enough to reinvigorate the government! "

"Those ancient sages and sages, capable ministers and officials throughout history, who do not respect the Heavenly Father and dare to go against the will of the people? If Wang Anshi says this today, he may rebel tomorrow. We must not have such people among the scholar-bureaucrats of the Song Dynasty!"

"At the moment, the entire reform department is colluding. Su Liang, who serves the censor and knows miscellaneous things, is working for his own selfish reasons. He intends to attract public opinion and reduce Wang Anshi's guilt. It is actually an act of violating the law."

"Taiwan's remonstrance failed in its duty. Faced with such a vicious incident, he did not say a word and everyone was silent. Everyone should be severely punished!"

……

The officials were salivating and puffing out their chests. From talking about Wang Anshi and Su Liang's mistakes, it directly affected the Reform Department and Yushitai.

A quarter of an hour, two quarters of an hour...

In the blink of an eye, an hour passed.

The officials have said everything that needs to be said, scolded everything that needs to be scolded, and found all the reasons they can find.

For a moment, the hall fell silent.

Officials thought that Su Liang would resist and Tai Jian would speak out.

But both stood firmly, without any desire to speak.

This feeling is like a fist hitting cotton.

"Cough cough..."

At this time, Zhao Zhen said: "Tai Jian has not spoken, but it is my order. Because of Su Liang, Tai Jian needs to avoid suspicion. In addition, this matter has nothing to do with the Reform Department. Don't involve other people!"

All the ministers saw that Zhao Zhen's words were obviously protecting Su Liang and Wang Anshi.

But for their own interests, they had to go against the emperor.

Xia Song frowned slightly, stood up and said, "Officials, since Taiwan's admonishment is to avoid suspicion, the old minister suggested that all Taiwan's admonishment officials, except Su Liang, should also attend today's court meeting."

The courtiers behind him all brightened up at the same time, admiring Xia Song's cunning.

This statement suddenly blocked the mouths of all Taiwan admonishers except Su Liang, and it was reasonable.

It is irrefutable.

If the remonstrator remains silent, the ensuing debate will be much easier.

The opponents didn't believe that one mouth of Su Liang could defeat dozens of their mouths.

Zhao Zhen nodded and said, "Okay."

Followed by.

Zhao Zhen looked at Su Liang: "Su Liang, do you agree with the impeachment of you by the ministers?"

Su Liang walked out slowly, and then cupped his hands towards Zhao Zhen.

"In the official family, I plead guilty, but I can only admit half of the crime. When Wang Anshi was criticized by the people, it was really inappropriate for me to publish this article. It was suspected of favoritism and was not done by a Taiwan admonishment official. But I don't think that I The article was written incorrectly, and I don’t think I have done anything deviant!”

Xia Song glared and said, "You have supported such rebellious remarks, and you still dare to claim that you did not write a wrong article?"

Su Liang straightened his chest and looked directly at Xia Song.

"During the reform period throughout the Song Dynasty, everything was changing. If the market change law was abandoned because of a thunder, it would actually go against the official intention of calling on the ministers to reform at the beginning of the year. "On Three Insufficiencies" is my view from the perspective of reform. It is obtained through analysis, and now most common people approve of this article. If Xia Shuxiang is opposed to it, does that mean he agrees with it?"

Immediately, Su Liang looked at the ministers below.

"Colleagues, in the context of the reform throughout the Song Dynasty, if my "On Three Insufficiencies" has any private thoughts or violates the laws of the Song Dynasty, please tell me in detail!"

The officials who had just made impassioned remonstrances were dumbfounded.

Some people have not read "On the Three Insufficiencies" carefully at all.

Some of them really can't find any flaws.

Su Liang's writing is rigorous and his analysis is based on the "All Song Dynasty Reform". It is really difficult to correct big mistakes if he wants to find them!

At this time.

An official rolled his eyes and said: "Even if you are just suspected of favoritism and have not committed any deviant behavior, Wang Anshi's utterance of outrageous words is still an unpardonable crime!"

"Yes, Wang Anshi is the chief culprit of this matter. He must be punished severely. Otherwise, how can he be worthy of the ancient sages, how can he be worthy of Taizu Taizong and the late emperor!"

"What Wang Anshi said is really destructive to the world. Without severe punishment, it is not enough to set the course of the government and to legislate discipline!"

……

The officials are very smart.

They knew that it was impossible to bring Su Liang down through this matter, but they could remove Wang Anshi from his official position.

Therefore, everyone once again pointed the finger at Wang Anshi.

Su Liang smiled slightly and turned to look at Zhao Gai, the minister of Dali Temple, who was squinting his eyes and pretending to be asleep not far away.

"I dare to ask Zhao Siqing, according to Wang Jiefu's current crime, what crime should he be sentenced to?"

Zhao Gai was suddenly named.

His body couldn't help but tremble violently.

At this moment, everyone was looking at him.

in the hall.

The people who were most familiar with the laws of the Song Dynasty were Zhao Gai, the minister of Dali Temple, and Bao Zheng, the magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture.

However, Bao Zheng and Su Liang had a close personal relationship. To avoid suspicion, Su Liang chose to ask Zhao Gai.

In front of so many officials, Zhao Gai naturally had to speak fairly and impartially.

Otherwise, his position as Minister of Dali Temple will be on the verge of collapse.

"This crime can be light or serious. If the sentence is severe, one should be demoted to serve the people. If the sentence is light, maybe... it may be up to the officials to make a decision!" Zhao Gai gave a range.

He doesn't want to offend anyone.

Su Liang smiled slightly and continued: "Just judge it as cutting jobs to serve the people. I have no objection."

Hearing this, the officials were a little surprised. They didn't expect Su Liang to suddenly compromise.

That's what they're for.

For a scholar-bureaucrat, reducing his position to serve the people is already a very serious punishment.

Su Liang paused and continued: "However, Wang Jiefu said this out of anger when he was arguing with businessmen. His original intention was entirely for reform, and his original intention was good. Should his crime be reduced?"

Su Liang looked at Zhao Gai.

"It makes sense. The crime should be reduced to one level." Zhao Gai said seriously.

There is indeed this law in the Song Dynasty's criminal system. The penalties for speaking rebellious words are different in different speaking occasions and backgrounds.

Su Liang added: "In addition, most of the people in Bianjing City currently support Wang Anshi, and some are even willing to beat other opponents for him. This is what the people want, and the punishment should be reduced as appropriate. Can the crime be reduced to another level?"

"After the crime is reduced by two levels, what crime should be sentenced?"  "Wang Anshi's original position is the official of the third division branch. After the crime is reduced by two levels, he should go to a remote and poor county to serve as a prison official." Zhao Gai answered seriously again .

The county supervisor is the lowest official position among elected officials.

Lower than the county magistrate or county magistrate.

Generally speaking, if a county supervisor wants to be promoted to a county magistrate, he needs to work hard for at least ten years.

Immediately, Su Liang looked at Zhao Zhen and held his hands heavily.

"Officially, Wang Anshi did make a mistake, but after reducing his sentence by two levels, I suggest that he be demoted to a certain county prison and serve as an official!"

The opposing officials were somewhat surprised.

Their purpose was to drive Wang Anshi out of Kaifeng Mansion.

At this time, Zhao Zhen said loudly: "Do you have any objections to this punishment?"

Immediately, no one raised any objections from His Highness.

Just when all the ministers thought that the official was about to announce a decision, Fan Zhongyan strode out.

"Officials, just this morning, Fu Bi, the pacifier of Jingdong Road, presented the "Zha Zi" to promote Qizhou to Jinan Prefecture. He also spoke highly of Wang Anshi and Sima Guang's achievements in Qizhou. The people of Qizhou also petitioned collectively. , I hope Wang Anshi will be punished lightly, I think the crime can be reduced to one level!"

Immediately, Fan Zhongyan presented the "Zha Zi of Qizhou Shengfu".

On the side, Wen Yanbo, Zhang Fangping, Song Xiang, and Wu Yu were all stunned.

This morning, they saw this memorial together.

I thought I would submit it to the imperial court after the court meeting, but I didn't expect Fan Zhongyan to take it to Daqing Hall.

moment.

After Zhao Zhen saw it, he said: "Qizhou's political achievements are indeed beautiful. I think it can completely reduce the crime!"

In a short while, Wang Anshi had his crime reduced to third degree.

All the ministers were a little confused. It was such a coincidence that the "Zha Zi of Qizhou Shengfu" came.

But the ministers could not find fault.

At this moment, before Su Liang could look at him, Zhao Gai cupped his hands and said: "After the crime is reduced to three levels, Wang Anshi can be demoted to the county magistrate."

Zhao Zhen looked down and said loudly: "Wang Anshi made sarcastic remarks and was demoted to a county magistrate. Su Liang was his assistant. Although his words were correct, he was suspected of being partial. He was fined three months' salary. What can you do? Opinion?"

Xia Song and other opponents never came forward.

Wang Anshi's ability to be demoted has met their psychological expectations.

"Do you have any opinions, sir? Do you have any opinions, sir?" Zhao Zhen asked twice.

"I have no objection!" The ministers handed over their hands at the same time.

Zhao Zhen smiled slightly and said, "In which county should Wang Anshi be demoted to take office?"

Wang Yaochen, the Third Chief of Staff, quickly stood up.

"In the official family, I suggest that Wang Anshi be appointed as the magistrate of Dongming County, Kaifeng Prefecture. Not long ago, when the magistrate and magistrate of Dongming County were imprisoned, Wang Anshi was temporarily appointed as magistrate of Dongming County. His political performance was very good and he was well supported by the people!"

"I think it's feasible, so let's do it! Wang Anshi can still serve as county magistrate and continue to carry out the tasks of the Reform Department." Zhao Zhen said simply and decisively.

As soon as these words came out, all the officials were stunned.

Went around in a circle.

They all fell into the trap designed by Guan Jia, Su Liang, Fan Zhongyan, Wang Yaochen and others.

Let Wang Anshi plead guilty first, and then gradually reduce the penalty.

Now Wang Anshi knows that Dongming County has only lowered his position and salary, which will not delay him in the implementation of the reform strategy.

This kind of punishment is almost the same as no punishment. You may be reinstated in a few months.

This trap.

If the officials had not known it in advance, it would have been impossible to implement it.

In addition, the third-class reduction of the crime must have been arranged, otherwise Fu Bi's "Qizhou Shengfu Zhazi" would happen to arrive this morning.

The officials got it all.

Punishing Wang Anshi lightly and leaving him in Kaifeng Mansion must be the official's intention.

The officials thought about it carefully.

The saying "There is no need to fear the changes of heaven, no law to the ancestors, no sympathy to the words of men" actually does more good than harm to the imperial power.

Because the scholar-bureaucrats used the methods of their ancestors and changes in nature the most when admonishing the emperor.

For a moment, the officials were silent.

Although they were angry that the officials were showing favoritism and protecting Su Liang and Wang Anshi, the current Zhao Zhen was not someone they could bully at all.

prior to.

Su Liang persuaded Zhao Zhen to side with him for three reasons that Zhao Zhen could not refuse.

First, this remark helped the imperial power to be arbitrary and freed it from the shackles of the power of scholar-bureaucrats.

Secondly, although the opposing officials felt that Zhao Zhen was partial, this move was beneficial to the reform and the country of the Song Dynasty.

Thirdly, this kind of result, both punished and demoted, does not violate the laws of the ancestors on the surface, so Zhao Zhen does not have to have the slightest scruples. Even if future generations see this scene in the history books, they will still understand it. He cannot be scolded for ignoring the laws of heaven, the laws of his ancestors, and the opinions of the people.

Zhao Zhen had no reason to refuse for these reasons.

At this time, Zhao Zhen slowly stood up and said: "The two governments will take another look at the "Qizhou Prosperity Notes". If there is no doubt, the government will be promoted by the end of the year. If you have nothing else to do, the court meeting will be held today. Come here!"

Zhao Zhen waited for a few breaths and saw that all the officials were silent, so he walked towards the back hall.

And this moment.

The ministers and admonishment officials from the two governments and three departments all looked at Su Liang with admiration.

Su Jingming was probably the only one in the entire court who could bring such a treasonous case to an end so calmly.

After Ouyang Xiu understood the whole story, as soon as he walked out of Chui Gong Hall, he walked next to Su Liang and said with a smile: "Jing Ming, a man from heaven descends to earth!"

These words made everyone laugh.

……

After half an hour.

Su Liang and Sima Guang came to Wang Anshi's house to tell him the good news.

As soon as the two entered the gate, they saw Wang Anshi ordering his family to pack their things.

As soon as he saw Su Liang and Sima Guang, he said, "Brother Jing Ming and Brother Jun Shi, are you here to see them off now?"

"Don't worry, you two. Even though I, Wang Anshi, have left Kaifeng Mansion, my heart is still in the Reform Department. I will write to you often. As for that sentence, it is what I, Wang Anshi, say in my heart, and I will not change it until my death. "

"I am thoughtful and not good at maintaining my health. I will probably go ahead of you two. When I die, you two don't need to write an epitaph for me. You can just carve my words on the tombstone."

Wang Anshi, who is in his twenties, seems to be explaining his funeral arrangements.

Sima Guang smiled and said: "Jiefu, do you know where you were relegated?"

"Relegated? Aren't you cutting positions to serve the people?" Wang Anshi was a little dazed and asked tentatively: "Qiongzhou? Lingnan? Chaozhou?"

Su Liang shook his head and said word for word: "The official ordered you to serve as the county magistrate of Dongming County, Kaifeng Prefecture, and continue to carry out the tasks of the Reform Department!"

"Ah? Really?" Wang Anshi looked at Sima Guang.

After Sima Guang nodded, Wang Anshi gave Su Liang a bear hug.

Su Liang couldn't help shouting: "Jiefu, you... how long has it been since you took a shower?"

(End of this chapter)