I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 320 Recruitment? If it doesn't exist, strong suppression is the way to go!

April 12th.

In order to mourn Bi Sheng, the imperial court announced that the imperial court would be suspended for one day, and all government-run schools and music camps would be closed for three days.

This move attracted praise from countless people.

They saw the court's respect for non-officials and the hope that they could honor their ancestors even if they did not take the imperial examination route.

Some booksellers also closed their bookstores for three days.

To commemorate the inventor of movable type printing that allowed them to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Some people even donated some of their treasured little inventions and secret recipes to Kaifeng Mansion.

This shows support for the court's behavior.

In addition, Cao Ji established a new Confucius Hall in Baijia College and hung Bi Sheng's portrait.

It is also said that anyone from the Hundred Colleges who have made great contributions to the country and the people can enjoy the highest courtesy of the Hundred Colleges.

Even if they risk their lives, they will fight against the imperial court to the end.

"This is a good idea, but...even if these people join the army, they will probably find ways to mine gold mines privately, which will harm the interests of the imperial court." Wang Yaochen, the third envoy, said.

"In the afternoon, the officials will summon all the ministers of the two governments and three departments and all the personnel of the Reform Department to discuss this matter. What do you think?"

The gold output of Luofeng Town affected the gold output of the entire Song Dynasty.

"Now that the imperial court has established an ore prospecting department, it is naturally impossible for the people to mine privately. In addition, mining with gunpowder is also an inevitable trend. The imperial court will definitely not agree to the two conditions proposed by the gold diggers."

But it not only failed to drive away the gold diggers.

Back then, it was Pan Mei who pioneered the use of explosives to mine gold.

The most famous one is the Linglong Gold Mine in Luoshan.

If there's a problem here, it's a big problem.

The gold diggers put forward these two conditions naturally for personal gain.

This also made the Confucian students of Baijia College very motivated.

In addition, gunpowder mining is too noisy and too efficient.

It was the first government-run gold mine founded by Pan Mei, a famous general in the early Song Dynasty, with hundreds of gold caves.

For gold, he dares to do anything, even kill people.

It would easily make it more difficult for them to find gold particles in their sand gold panning method, and it would also cause rockslides, so they strongly opposed the use of gunpowder.

There was a fierce conflict between the two sides, with more than ten people killed and injured.

At present, there are not many gold mines in the Song Dynasty.

After everyone saw it, they couldn't help but frown.

April 23rd, nearly noon.

……

Liang Shi nodded in approval.

If you don't agree.

"I think the best way is to integrate this group of people into the Xiang army. When they become soldiers, they will be honest!"

Within the Reform Department.

Second, government agencies no longer use explosives for mining.

Fu Bi was the first to speak: "This matter is not surprising. This group of gold diggers makes a living by mining gold. Now that the imperial court has cut off their financial path, they will naturally resist. I think the key to solving this matter is how to appease them."

First, the mines are open, retaining the "purchasing and selling by the people" format, and allowing individuals to pay taxes to pan for gold.

This also makes there many desperadoes in the gold mining industry.

Relying on the strength of their numbers and the support of some local businessmen, the gold diggers proposed two conditions to the local government.

Fan Zhongyan placed the documents on the long table.

This caused dissatisfaction among many local gold diggers.

Among them, Jingdong East Road, Dengzhou and Laizhou account for 80%, while the gold mine output of Luoshan, Luofeng Town accounts for 90% of Laizhou's.

However, due to frequent earthquakes and the destruction of cultivated land, it has never been popular with the people. Gunpowder gold mining has always been intermittent and has never reached a large scale.

Instead, the number of gold diggers increased to thousands, and they occupied several gold caves.

If a lucky gold digger works for two or three years, he will be able to live a lifetime of food and drink.

Luo Gu, the magistrate of Laizhou, said that after the Prospecting Department was established, the first law implemented was to abolish the private mining model of "purchasing by the people" and put everything under the control of government-owned site supervision.

Luo Gu, the magistrate of Laizhou, felt that these gold diggers had a vague tendency to gather in crowds to rebel, so he reported the matter to the court.

"These people, who rely on gold mining to make profits, are no longer satisfied with the small profits from farming. Even if they are compensated with several acres of land, I am afraid they will not be able to farm with peace of mind." Zeng Gongliang said.

Seven days ago, hundreds of gold diggers gathered in Luofeng Town, Ye County, Laizhou, and occupied more than 30 gold caves.

The local troops drove them away forcibly.

A transcript of the mining emergency report written by Luo Gu, the magistrate of Laizhou on Jingdong East Road, was passed among Su Liang and others.

"Letting them become Xiang troops can at least prevent rebellion and chaos. If they start to rebel, it will be terrible!" Sima Guang on the side also said.

Wang Anshi shook his head.

"If you do this, I'm afraid miners in other places will get used to it. What's the use of having so many soldiers in the imperial court?"

"I suggest that we should compensate the fields according to the actual situation, as long as it can ensure the food and clothing of the gold diggers. Gold mining will make huge profits. The people in these places have abandoned their farming due to gold mining!"

Incorporating into the Xiang army or providing land compensation are the most common methods used by the court to appease thieves and disorderly people.

At this time.

Su Liang said: "I think now is not the time to consider appeasing them."

"Currently, our court has many ways to appeal. You can go through the mailbox at the post station, go directly to Bianjing Dengwen Drum Courtyard to beat the Dengwen Drum, or even go to the censor's stage to complain. But the first choice of these people is to use the name " Under the guise of "the law does not punish the public," he occupied the golden cave and threatened the imperial court!"

"This trend must not rise. These troublemakers must be suppressed first and then discuss other matters."

"First punish those who lead the trouble severely, and then think of solutions based on the actual local situation. I don't agree with letting them join the Xiang army. These people have great power in the local area. Let them become Xiang soldiers to mine gold. There will be endless troubles!”

Since Zhenzong, the emperors and ministers of the Song Dynasty all like to recruit people.

They believe that for every person recruited, there will be one more soldier in the court and one less thief in the mountains.

But to do so is to deceive yourself and others.

Those unruly people and thieves are still unruly people and thieves wearing military uniforms.

Fu Bi looked at Su Liang and asked, "What if they rebel?"

"If they rebel, they will be severely punished according to the crime of rebellion. I guess they dare to negotiate terms with the court so arrogantly because they must be convinced that even if they rebel, the court will just recruit them."

"We can no longer follow the usual routine. Facing those unscrupulous people who still want to harm the imperial court and enrich themselves, the first thing we should do should not be to appease and compensate them, but to suppress them!"

"If we don't kill a few leaders to set an example, there will be big problems in the mine."

Hearing Su Liang's words, Fan Zhongyan stroked his beard and said, "What Jing Ming said makes some sense. Let's explain the reasons in the afternoon and let the officials make a decision!"

Others nodded.

……

In the afternoon, Chui Gong Hall.

The princes of the two governments and three departments, as well as all members of the Reform Department, stood in the hall and told each other their own strategies for solving the gold mining unrest in Laizhou.

The first consensus everyone reached was that it was absolutely impossible to agree to the two conditions proposed by the Laizhou gold diggers.

The profits from the mineral deposits are huge, and now that they have Feng Huo Lei, it is impossible for the imperial court to give up such an excellent way to make money.

Moreover, private gold mining is carried out by private individuals and they destroy trees on the mountain without any regard for the consequences.

Naturally, the imperial court cannot allow it to exist forever.

As for how to solve the problem of gold digger unrest.

Some think that the land should be compensated, some think that they should be incorporated into the Xiang army, and some think that the local government should be allowed to find new jobs for those gold diggers.

But except for Fan Zhongyan and Wang Anshi who agreed with Su Liang's policy of "suppress first, then discuss other matters", no one else agreed.

The reason is also very simple.

Su Liang's move was tantamount to forcing those gold diggers to rebel.

In the eyes of all the ministers.

Every time the people rebel, it is equivalent to putting a black mark on their political achievements.

They cherish their feathers and do not want to become cruel officials in the eyes of the people.

Therefore, if it can be comforted, it will never be suppressed. Seeing Zhao Zhen's hesitation, Su Liang immediately said: "Guan family, our government has always focused on appeasing the rebels and rebellious people. It is indeed a virtuous policy to recruit peace and turn thieves into soldiers. However, now some unruly people are doing evil. They knew that the court would not punish them severely, and that the worst outcome would be to be incorporated into the Xiang army, so they dared to be so reckless. This trend must not increase, especially during the reform period..."

Zhao Zhen thought for a while, looked at Su Liang and asked, "What about the strategy after the suppression?"

"Those who deserve punishment will be punished, and those who deserve repayment will be repaid. Everything should focus on the overall situation!"

Everything is focused on the overall situation.

These words were profound, and Zhao Zhen nodded in approval.

Since the Reform in the Song Dynasty, the court has always followed the principle of putting the overall situation first.

For the benefit of the majority and for the stability of the country, the interests of the few can be sacrificed.

Zhao Zhen looked at the ministers.

"Since the founding of our country, we have always treated the rebels and rebels with a gentle approach."

"The effect produced is not bad, but it cannot be called good. I don't know whether Su Qing's plan will cause greater public resentment, but I want to give it a try. What do you think?"

Zhao Zhen said this.

The opponents were immediately silenced.

The reform movement throughout the Song Dynasty was an unprecedented strategy.

If the officials want to change their past policy and give it a try, they really have no reason to stop it.

And this moment.

Xia Song suddenly strode out and said, "The official family, I think I can give it a try."

"However, it is difficult to control the scale of suppression in this matter. I suggest sending Yushi Su to suppress it!"

Hearing this, Su Liang couldn't help but laugh.

Xia Song was afraid that the officials would ask him to suppress it, so he jumped out immediately.

At the moment, those gold diggers are not claiming to be rebelling. If they try to suppress them at this time, it will be easy to stand on the opposite side of the people and cause public resentment.

The people's mouths are very poisonous.

Sometimes, it is even passed down from father to son, and from son to grandson, scolding an official for hundreds of years, completely ruining his reputation.

Don't talk about Xia Song.

Wen Yanbo, Zhang Fangping, Wu Yu and other ministers were also unwilling to do such thankless things that could easily attract people to curse.

Su Liang didn't care.

He immediately raised his hands and said: "Guan family, I am willing to go to Laizhou to quell the chaos, but I have a request. Can the Long Yu Army be dispatched this time?"

The Five Hundred Dragon Feather Army has been training for two years, and now it's time to put their skills to the test.

"Okay." Zhao Zhen replied readily.

"In addition to the five hundred Long Yu troops, the local officials and garrison will also fully cooperate with you."

Zhao Zhen thought for a while and then said: "Su Qing, remember, no matter what method is used, the result I want is to completely solve the problem, not to make the problem bigger and more difficult to end."

"I understand." Su Liang handed over his hand.

……

That afternoon.

Su Liang received the edict from Zhongshu.

Su Liang was ordered to serve as a censor and a miscellaneous official, to promote Laizhou mining affairs, and to command five hundred dragon-feathered troops to resolve the unrest among the people in Laizhou.

……

Near dusk.

Su Liang went to Long Yu Military Camp.

This time they were facing chaos, so the soldiers of the Long Yu Army naturally did not need to wear heavy armor or carry heavy troops.

One person and one horse, and a short blade is enough.

If you need weapons, you can get them from the Laizhou Armory.

Then, Su Liang divided the 500 people of Long Yu's army into three groups.

The first batch of one hundred people.

Led by Dutou Liu Sandao and Du Lei, they set off tonight for Laizhou.

Su Liang's request was that before he arrived in Laizhou, these people must secretly investigate all the gold mining conditions in Laizhou.

At the moment, Su Liang didn't believe the local officials.

The soldiers of the Long Yu Army had learned reconnaissance for a month from the soldiers of the Imperial City Division. Although they were not very good at it, they were basically good enough.

The second batch of 200 people.

Led by Su Liang and General Xu Mang, the team set off tomorrow morning. In order to reach Laizhou quickly, Su Liang also chose to ride a horse.

The third batch of 200 people.

Led by Dutou Qian Geda and Sun Sheng.

Setting off the day after tomorrow, their mission was to bring five hundred wind and fire mines from the firearms battalion.

Laizhou is about 1300 miles away from Bianjing City. If Su Liang and others ride fast horses, they can travel 200 miles a day and arrive in Laizhou in about seven or eight days.

Late at night, inside Su's house.

Tang Wanmei packed Su Liang's luggage.

"Mei'er, just bring two changes of clothes. I'll have someone accompanying me to take care of the chores." Su Liang said as he put aside the five or six clothes that Tang Wanmei had sorted.

Tang Wanmei suddenly hugged Su Liang's waist from behind.

"There will definitely be dangers in quelling the chaos this time. You must not rush to the front. You have a bad temper. Some unruly people are unwilling to listen to your reasoning. You must remember that you are not a military commander. Your safety is the first priority. of……"

"I know, I know! I'm not stupid, I won't rush forward mindlessly. It's getting late, let's go to bed!" Su Liang said with a smile.

……

The next day, the sky was slightly bright.

Su Liang and Long Yu's army leader Xu Mang, and more than ten soldiers gathered in front of Xuande Gate.

Two hundred people marched together, the formation was too big.

We couldn't even live together in the inn, and setting up a tent would be too troublesome.

Therefore, everyone was divided into teams of more than ten people, and they could regroup after arriving in Laizhou.

at this time.

Ouyang Xiu rode over from a distance on a white horse.

"Jingming, go on!"

Ouyang Xiu threw over a small jar of Fenglelou's Meishou wine.

Su Liang reached out to catch it and said with a smile: "How can anyone drink alcohol so early in the morning?"

"Practice wine, no matter morning or evening. It will take at least a month for you to leave. I am very reluctant to give up. Come on, let's do it!"

After that, Ouyang Xiu picked up another jar of Meishou wine in his arms and drank it gurglingly.

This small jar of wine is a pound of wine.

Not drunk at all.

Su Liang immediately uncorked the wine and started drinking.

They both drank it in one gulp.

Immediately, Ouyang Xiudao said solemnly: "Jingming, take care! Remember, your value is comparable to my Song Dynasty Twenty States, you must not put yourself in danger."

"Yeah, I understand." Su Liang nodded heavily.

Ouyang Xiu said this not only to Su Liang, but also to Xu Mang and others.

Su Liang's value far exceeds the value of five hundred dragon feather troops.

Xu Mang on the side also nodded slightly.

He also knew the value of Su Liang to the Song Dynasty. As long as he was still breathing, he would not let Su Liang be harmed in the slightest.

Immediately, Su Liang and others took the reins and ran towards the north of the city.

(End of this chapter)