I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 69: The court trap, this new law should not change (2 in 1, please read it)

Three days later.

Sima Guang also came to Bianjing.

His style of doing things was completely different from Wang Anshi's. After reporting to Zhongshu, he moved into the official residence.

He would almost never refuse an appointment with an official, but only for tea and chat.

He speaks elegantly, treats others with courtesy, and has a humble and respectful attitude.

If you are not particularly close to others, you will not feel as high-minded and reclusive as Wang Anshi.

The principle of "the friendship between gentlemen is as light as water" is followed everywhere.

It is like a model taught by Confucianism.

Of course, he and Wang Anshi both have one thing in common - diligence.

Lack of strength during the day is followed by night.

Both of them are famous for staying up late. In this regard, they are much more diligent than Su Liang who went home from the office.

……

It's early in the morning on the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Wang Anshi and Sima Guang were summoned into the palace.

Zhao Zhen personally summoned the two of them to play a duel.

The three monarchs and ministers chatted from morning to night. It was not until the time of palace confinement that Wang Anshi and Sima Guang left.

None of the ministers knew what they were talking about, but Su Liang had an idea.

Wang Anshi once told Su Liang.

If he is the magistrate of Qizhou and implements reforms, the court must give him sufficient power.

The governor of Qizhou and the general magistrate should all go beyond the Jingdong Road chief official, and report all matters directly to Zhongshu Sheng and the emperor.

During the reform process, all affairs should be carried out according to the local conditions in Qizhou, and the imperial court must not control it remotely.

To put it bluntly, Wang Anshi learned from Fan Fu’s New Deal experience.

Reform should not be top-down, but bottom-up.

What he wants to be is not a hand extended by the imperial court to Qizhou, but a good remedy that can cure Qizhou's hidden diseases.

Su Liang predicted that although these requests were somewhat unconventional, Zhao Zhen would still accept them with a high probability.

……

The next day, it was time for the court meeting again.

Su Liang was wearing a green round-collared wide-sleeved robe, a straight-legged turban on his head, and holding a wooden wat in his hand (those above the sixth rank can hold an elephant wat), standing at the back of the main hall.

The main thing in today's court meeting is to officially announce the beginning of the Qizhou Reform and to make both Wang Anshi and Sima Guang appear.

First, Zhao Zhen delivered a speech.

From Taizu Taizong talking about the current dynasty, it probably means that the country of the Song Dynasty was hard-won, and now it is even more difficult to defend it. The king is thinking about ways to strengthen the country, strengthen the army, and enrich the people every day.

After Zhao Zhen finished speaking, Wang Anshi and Sima Guang stood up.

The two spoke separately, one thanked the Holy Grace, and the other expressed their determination to serve the country.

They are all indispensable scene words, focusing on a sense of ceremony and imploring all courtiers to help.

Subsequently.

Prime Minister Du Yan read out the special policies granted to Qizhou by the imperial court: such as Qizhou's three-year autonomy, all land policies, business tax details only need to be reported to Zhongshu, etc.

Of course, the focus of this reform is still the issue of land annexation, and it still follows the main purpose of the "Book on the Change of a State".

Other reform strategies are all auxiliary.

Zhao Zhen had already communicated with all the prime ministers about these matters in advance.

Naturally, everyone in the palace accepted it, and no one objected.

Just when Su Liang thought that this court meeting was just a formality and was about to end.

Censor Zhongcheng Wang Gongchen suddenly stood up.

"Officials, I have no objections to the above-mentioned reform strategies. But what I want to ask is, if after three years, the people's livelihood and commerce in Qizhou have not improved, and the conflicts over land annexation have worsened, who should bear this responsibility? "

As soon as these words came out, the entire hall fell silent.

Even before Qizhou's reform began, some people wanted to investigate the faults after the failure of the reform.

This is to force the ministers who advocate reform to express their stance.

Wang Gongchen continued: "Three years is not a short period of time. It can bring success to the people of a state, or it can destroy the people of a state. Now that the officials have granted such privileges to Qizhou, if in the end it is just a big thunder and a small rain, it will not only fail the holy will , and harming the people of a state, this is a serious crime!"

When the young and energetic Wang Anshi and Sima Guang heard this, they looked at each other and stood up almost at the same time.

"If Qizhou's reform fails, I am willing to take the blame and resign!" The two men looked serious, and they were willing to go through fire and water for Qizhou's reform.

At this time, Privy Councilor Jia Changchao stood up.

"Taking the blame and resigning? Can this shirk all responsibility? Those are the people of a state. If they have been harmed for three years, how can you two young officials bear this responsibility?"

"Besides, Qizhou has always had strong folk customs. If it causes unrest among the people, it will endanger the entire Jingdong Road. Jingdong Road is an important barrier to protect Bianjing City. If there is civil strife here and the Liao Kingdom leads troops south, this responsibility is Can you two afford it?"

"In the official family, Qizhou's reform is of great importance. I really can't bear to see some people just talking about it. If it succeeds, he has merit; if it fails, he has no fault. This kind of official is the most evil person in the court!" "

As soon as these words came out, some people looked at Ouyang Xiu.

He was the first person to recommend Qizhou's reform.

Ouyang Xiu has a very strong temperament, and the thing he is least afraid of is being punished, so he strode out immediately.

"I strongly advocate the reform in Qizhou, and I am the main author of the "Book on the Change of a State". If the reform in Qizhou fails, I will bear the responsibility, and I am willing to take the blame and resign!"

As soon as Ouyang Xiu finished speaking, the impatient Tang Jie couldn't help but stand up.

"I also participated in writing the "Book on the Reform of a State". If the Qizhou Reform fails, I am also willing to take the blame and resign!"

At this time, Chen Zhizhong stood up on the side.

"I was once in charge of Jingdong Road. Although Qizhou is not as wealthy as Qingzhou and Yunzhou, the folk customs are indeed strong. After the reform started, someone really needs to take responsibility. Otherwise, it will be irresponsible to the people of our Song Dynasty. It is also Zhongshu Dereliction of duty!"

Chen Zhizhong obviously meant something.

Others didn't understand, but Prime Minister Du Yan and Vice Minister Wu Yu understood it instantly.

He also stood up immediately.

"Wang Jiefu was recommended by my ministers. If Qizhou's reform failed, I am willing to take the blame and resign!" Du Yan and Wu Yu said almost at the same time.

At this time, Pang Ji, the deputy privy envoy, came out.

"Sima Jun is actually recommended by my ministers. If Qizhou's reform fails, I am willing to take the blame and resign!"

The ministers all had firm eyes and supported the new law, telling everyone that they were willing to take responsibility for the reform.

Zhao Zhen was very pleased to see that all the ministers could not help but risk their careers for the reform.

At this time, Su Liang was also full of fighting spirit.

Just when he was about to stand up and express his opinion, the newly appointed Jian Yuan Zuo Sijian He Tan suddenly pulled him and whispered: "Don't be caught in one sweep!"

Su Liang was stunned and stood there.

He looked at the few people standing in front and couldn't help but understand.

Jia Changchao, Chen Zhizhong, and Wang Gongchen launched attacks one after another, causing all those who supported the new law to stand up. The purpose was not to let everyone express their stance.

Instead, he thought that after the failure of the New Deal, he could bring everyone down in one fell swoop!Du Yan, Wu Yu, and Pang Ji only recommended officials, but now they are also tied to the rope of "if the new law fails, you will be guilty."

Taking the blame and resigning, these four words carry a lot of weight.

These officials who cherish feathers all have one characteristic: spitting is a thorn.

If Qizhou's reform fails in three years, they will definitely petition to resign.

At that time, not to mention being persuaded by others, even if the officials do not allow it, they will ask themselves to resign.

Not for anything else, just for a good reputation.

Reputation is more important than life, let alone official position.

Jia Changchao and others took advantage of this characteristic and provoked the ministers to take the blame and resign.

If Su Liang takes a stand, he will naturally be tied to this rope.

Su Liang thought for a while and walked out slowly.

He said loudly: "Officials, if Qizhou's reform fails, I will never take the blame and resign, let alone bear any responsibility!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes were focused on Su Liang's face.

Wang Gongchen's mouth trembled and he looked at Su Liang in great surprise. The expression on his face seemed to say: How did you have the nerve to say such shameless words? "

Su Liang smiled faintly.

"Since ancient times, reforms have always been a matter of near-death. I have predicted that at the beginning of Qizhou's reform, various mistakes will inevitably occur. This is a normal phenomenon. I believe that such mistakes are a symbol of progress. If we don't catch the mistakes, what will happen in the future? Avoid mistakes!”

"The success or failure of the Qizhou Reform is not important. What is important is that we can see which roads are wrong and which roads are right."

"What Prime Minister Jia Shu, Vice Prime Minister Chen and Wang Zhongcheng said just now emphasize Qizhou's sins after the failed reform. I think this is to put pressure on those who want to reform, and is suspected of obstructing the reform in disguise!"

Hearing this, Wang Gongchen was about to open his mouth to defend, but Su Liang didn't give him a chance to speak.

Su Liang took a step forward.

"The three people who just said that if there are any mistakes in Qizhou's new law will harm the people of the state, or even cause civil unrest and endanger the country, I think these are all unfounded worries!"

"On Jingdong Road, the army is stationed in Qingzhou. With how much trouble the people of Qizhou can cause, does Prime Minister Jia have such a disdain for our local army? If he can't defeat Liaoxia, how can he not prevent himself from rebelling against the people!"

Su Liang's words not only slapped everyone in the Privy Council in the face, but even made Zhao Zhen's face look a little uneasy.

"Besides, the so-called harm to the people of one state is even more nonsense! Why we chose to reform one state instead of starting a nationwide reform is because the imperial court can afford this risk! If in three years, everyone in Qizhou They have no food to eat, no clothes to cover their bodies, and their lives are not as good as they were three years ago, so the imperial court will definitely be able to help them with money and materials!"

"If our government can't even save a single state, then it doesn't matter if this law doesn't change!"

Du Yan, Ouyang Xiu, Tang Jie and others all had smiles on their faces.

Su Liang's words severely slapped Jia Changchao and others in the face.

You are saying that a civil commotion in Qizhou will endanger the country and the country. You are mocking the Qingzhou garrison on Jingdong Road for being useless!

You are saying that the new law may harm the people of a state. You are mocking the imperial court for not having the power to save a state!
Jia Changchao, Chen Zhizhong and Wang Gongchen were speechless for a moment, not knowing how to defend themselves.

Zhao Zhen, who was sitting on it, couldn't help but laugh, and secretly thought in his heart that Su Liang's eloquence was at least among the top three in the current dynasty.

However, Su Liang wasn't done yet.

He glanced at Jia Changchao and the others, cupped his hands and said: "In the official family, the three ministers raised questions about guilt before the reform, and forced all the ministers to say, 'Qizhou's reform failed, and I am willing to take the blame and resign.'" I suspect that they will hinder the implementation of the new law, and then in three years, these colleagues who have come forward will be wiped out!"

This is a big crime!
The temperature in Chui Gong Hall suddenly dropped.

Du Yan and others realized that these three people were digging a hole for them by stimulating their fighting spirit with words.

This plan is very sinister!

On the side, the courtiers watching the excitement looked at Su Liang, their eyes full of admiration.

The only one who can talk like this without any evidence and accuse three important officials in front of the officials is this little firecracker who is not afraid of anything!

Jia Changchao, Chen Zhizhong and Wang Gongchen all had pale faces.

"Su Liang, don't spit on anyone!"

"Guan Jia, Su Liang has no evidence and has framed us like this in front of you. I beg the officials to clear our names!"

Zhao Zhen glared at Su Liang.

"Su Liang, please don't talk nonsense in court, please apologize quickly!"

The ministers looked at Su Liang, feeling nervous.

I thought that Su Liang, who was so irritable, would not even give the official family face!
At this time, Su Liang walked up to Jia Changchao and the other three, and held his hands heavily.

"Prime Minister Jia Shu, Vice Prime Minister Chen, and Wang Zhongcheng, the officials just spoke indiscriminately, were too reckless, and said the wrong thing. I'm really sorry, I'm sorry!"

Su Liang's tone of admitting his mistake was very sincere.

This change of attitude surprised all the officials.

This is really flexible and flexible.

Just now he was complaining angrily, and then he turned around and apologized.

But soon, all the ministers reacted.

Su Liang's move was not reckless, it was clearly intentional.

As soon as these words came out, if there was any unexpected trouble in Qizhou's reform in the future, everyone would be the first to suspect Jia Changchao and the others.

This is the best way to protect Qizhou's reform.

Wang Anshi and Sima Guang stood in the main hall, stunned.

They thought that there would be serious disputes in the court, but they didn't expect that there would be so many twists and turns.

If you are not careful, you will fall into a trap.

Zhao Zhen also saw Su Liang's intention. He coughed dryly and said: "Qizhou Reform will continue as usual. As for whether we will be held accountable in three years, we will tell you in three years!"

Zhao Zhen made the final decision.

Immediately, Zhao Zhen looked at Wang Anshi and Sima Guang and said, "You two, remember, I have my support for anything that cannot be solved, so just do it boldly!"

"My lord, I obey!" Zhao Zhen's words immediately made Wang Anshi and Sima Guang full of confidence.

……

After a while, he hung up outside the palace.

The weather is cold and windy, and a heavy snow is coming.

Su Liang smiled and said: "You two, it's freezing cold and I'm leaving the office today. Can you have a drink?"

"Okay, okay." Wang Anshi and Sima Guang nodded excitedly.

After Su Liang said, "If our government can't even save one state, then this law won't change." The two of them had already admired Su Liang.

At this time, Tang Jie and Ouyang Xiu walked side by side.

Tang Jie looked at Du Yan, Chen Zhizhong and Wu Yu who were parallel to each other not far away, and then looked at Su Liang and Su Liang who were parallel to each other in front.

"Sister Ouyang, over time, will these three young people become the three old ones?"

Ouyang Xiu stroked his beard, looked at Du Yan and the others, and curled his lips and said, "No matter how bad these three young ones are, they are still better than those three old guys. Otherwise, how can I, the Song Dynasty, become rich and powerful?"

"Hahahaha..." Tang Jie couldn't help laughing.

He was referring to the fact that Su Liang and the others had the appearance of being a leader, but he never thought that Ouyang Xiu would actually compare the two.

In Ouyang Xiu's eyes, the only people who can support Zhongshu Province at the moment are Fan Zhongyan and Fu Bi.

He was dissatisfied with everyone else.

　Thank you to book friends My Long Live, The Turtle That Cannot Swim, and Changshan Prefect for their rewards. Thank you very much!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)