Han Shizu

To put it bluntly, after initially having a brief understanding of the formation and development of scholars and schools of thought in Hunan Province, as well as their influence on the officials and people of Hunan, all that arose in the old emperor's heart was fear, which even led to Thoughts of destruction.

Without him, in the eyes of the old emperor whose desire for control has never diminished, these so-called Hunan scholars are forming a party and a group. Although they are not as obvious as the powerful landlords who breed repeatedly in various places, they are doing similar things. The silent office quietly seized the power of the government, subtly threatening the imperial power from the root, and shaking the authority of the central court.Xueyuan is more hidden and smarter than Qianye, but the degree of danger is not reduced at all.

The murderous intention is real, how dare a little Xiangshi to change the world?However, after listening to Liao Mingyong's story, the old emperor calmed down and thought more. Once he started thinking, his attitude quietly changed.

Of course, the old emperor was not someone who could be easily persuaded. As a conceited and powerful monarch, he also had natural contempt and prejudice against lobbyists.However, the Xiangjiang School created by these Xiang people did have some points that touched the old emperor.

Of course, the old emperor did not accept all the theories and ideas of Hunan Studies, but for him there were always some merits. In addition to the core idea of ​​applying the management of the world, there were also the system of nobles and common people, equal emphasis on civil and military affairs, and food supply. They all put forward clear propositions in terms of strategy, border policy, land policy, etc., propositions from the perspective of the old emperor's decision-making.

In the past ten years, they have begun to advocate foreign land enfeoffment, overseas expansion, and east-west trade.Obviously, Xiangxue is constantly developing and evolving, and its propositions and scholarly content are also constantly enriched.

It even has a bit of a "war" meaning. As an inland state, it advocates overseas colonization and trade. This has always been advocated by some literati in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong.

It is understandable that people are influenced by geography and have interests. You, a group of Changsha "local masters" who have probably never even seen the sea, know nothing about navigation and shout slogans about "colonial trade".

Obviously, the key to the problem is not what his opinions are, but the reasons why they put forward these slogans and opinions. To put it bluntly, they keep up with current affairs and keep a close eye on the ideals.

There is a strong sense of comfort when visiting the old emperor. These Hunan scholars are almost providing theoretical support for his national policies and systems. They evolve in real time and bring forth the new with every policy and theory.With such thoughtfulness, it's not too surprising that he was able to eliminate the old emperor's murderous intention.

Of course, the Hunan School is not entirely harmonious. There is no way to engage in learning or theory without conflict.Take the tax reform that has been going on for several years as an example. Some people continue to look for and invent theoretical support, but some people are hesitant or even opposed. After all, this is a matter of vital interest.

Some theories do not touch the soul or hurt the muscles and bones, so they can naturally be discussed and are not expensive at all.Therefore, the tension and differentiation within Xiangxue had already begun, but it was innocuous. With Xiangxue’s positive and flexible world-concept, at least in the Han dynasty, it had broad development prospects, and it was very suitable for the needs of the supreme ruler.

What's bad is that it's just a suitable opportunity. When the opportunity comes, you can soar into the sky.It was a perfect opportunity for Liao Mingyong to meet the old emperor and explain his ideas personally.

From the perspective of the old emperor, not everything advocated by Liao Mingyong and others was in line with the old emperor's wishes, nor might it be completely conducive to the rule of the Tian family, but in many specific propositions, they actually followed his policy will. Supporting, consolidating and continuing his political ideas.

As time went by, the old emperor became increasingly unsure of how long he could hold on to the various policies he had formulated over the past few decades, the various rules he had established, and the various long-term plans he had made for the Han Empire. .Even empires and dynasties can be overthrown, let alone some restrictive and oppressive systems and rules.

However, if there is the support of ideas, its vitality may be stronger.Of course, with the current strength and influence of the Xiangjiang School, it is obviously unable to undertake such an important task and mission. At the same time, the name "Xiang" itself has high local limitations. There is still a long way to go to reach that height. Need to go.

Recognition and acceptance were the old emperor's attitude towards Hunan studies, but to say how much hope he placed on this school of thought, it was not entirely true. It was just an occasional thought and an idle thought.As for the outcome and the extent to which it will eventually develop, it is not the old emperor's consideration, and he cannot see that day.

As for the ideological voice of such a school, the right to interpret national policies and regulations, and other things that the old emperor was previously afraid of and wanted to destroy, if you think about it carefully, it is really not a big deal.

Heroes and nobles can be tolerated, not to mention some so-called academics who seem to know the times and do their jobs well.There is more than one Xiangjiang School in the world, and the Xiangjiang School has more than one philosophy and proposition.

"Your Majesty, Guo Xin, is hereby summoned to see you!"

The autumn wind chills the pavilion, the water is clear and misty, and a table of wine and food is neatly placed on the stone platform. The dishes are very simple, but the mellow aroma of the wine is permeating the air. The cool breeze can stir the hair, but it cannot blow away the intoxicating aroma.

After a sound of water dripping, the old emperor pushed the wine he poured to the side. Hot steam evaporated from the cup and shone in front of the old emperor's eyes, making his old eyes even more hazy.

"Sit!" The old emperor stretched out his hand, lowered his eyes and stared at Guo Xin, and said softly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" After hearing this, Guo Xin slowly stood up and sat down with his head slightly lowered, with only half of the stone bench touching his buttocks, showing his respect for the emperor in a restrained manner.

"I haven't treated you to a bar alone yet!" the old emperor said with emotion.

Following the old emperor's gaze, Guo Xin hurriedly picked up the wine glass with both hands and said respectfully: "I am so lucky to have the holy bow to pour you the wine!" The old emperor smiled lightly, took a sip of his own, and said: "This Let me replenish you with a drink!"

Seeing this, Guo Xin immediately followed and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp. He drank very quickly, but there was nothing strange on his face, showing his excellent drinking capacity.Of course, Guo Xin was very upset at this time.

Normally, if the old emperor gave me wine, I would be honored. I have no other thought except gratitude.However, at this moment, whether it was the political impact of the old emperor's visit to Nanguo Daozhou or the fact that the old emperor personally invited him to drink, Guo Xin had to think more.

When you reach this position, if you don't think more about things, you might be in trouble.What Guo Xin was worried about at this time was that the old emperor's southern tour obviously had a very strong purpose. To put it bluntly, he was here to find fault.

Over in Jiangling, nearly a hundred people were killed and thousands of people were exiled at one time. To this day, the two imperial grandsons are still working diligently to clean up the aftermath, ransacking and reorganizing their homes.

Like Jiangling, what about Changsha?Can be spared?In this regard, it is difficult for Guo Xin to be optimistic.In fact, Guo Xin was mentally prepared for a political turmoil in Changsha. However, after a few days, the old emperor still held back.

In addition to showing a certain interest in Hunan Taoist academic politics and the Xiangjiang School, he spent most of his time in Xingzai, looking like a "clean cultivator and a blessing".

Of course, Guo Xin would not think that the old emperor did not know the situation in Hunan and Changsha because of this. The minions of the Imperial City Division and the Wude Division were not just for free. The old emperor's question when he greeted the emperor that day was enough. Seeing it as a shock, the old emperor was obviously dissatisfied with him as the chief envoy.

With these concerns, how can Guo gain peace of mind?In his view, the longer it is suppressed, the more serious the problem is and the bigger the matter.Jiangling has already killed an uncle, and he, Guo Xin, is also an uncle. The old emperor probably wouldn't use him for surgery, right?
Guo Xin couldn't help but be worried. This was probably the common mentality among the upper-class dignitaries of the Han Dynasty. Except for a few people, most of them had lost the space for mutual trust in their relationship with the old emperor.Today's old emperor does not tolerate outsiders, even close relatives.

Although he was nervous, Guo Xin had a good grasp of the propriety in his actions, including his restrained movements and calm expression, all seemed so natural.

The old emperor held the wine glass and observed him for a long time, and then sighed leisurely: "Everyone says that Erlang of the Guo family is honest and honest, and I have always thought so. But now it seems that he is blinded by that leaf and cannot see Mount Tai.

If you think about it carefully, how can a person with no city government achieve the position of chief official?Just because he is a distinguished official and a relative of mine? "

Hearing what the old emperor said, Guo Xin's expression changed a little, but he didn't respond. He just slowly lowered his head.

Staring at Guo Xin with burning eyes, the old emperor continued with a half-smiling look: "To be honest, I am very dissatisfied with your administration in Hunan. You are doing things in the opposite direction and wasting national power. After three years, No progress.

But what I am curious about is that in the entire Hunan Province, there are not many people who belittle you, including the common people in Guizhou Province. They also scold their parents and officials.Is this because you are too honest, or because you are very clever?"

After hearing what the old emperor said, Guo Xin could no longer sit still. He stood up suddenly, fell to the ground and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty's words make me extremely frightened!"

Seeing this, the old emperor smiled leisurely: "Generally speaking, those who express their fears in front of me have been tricked by me! Or they are echoing my words and dealing with me! Which one are you?"

"I am stupid, do not govern well, and have betrayed the divine grace. Please punish me!" Guo Xin stood up and said with a solemn face, clasping his fists.

Looking directly down at Guo Xin, the old emperor sneered: "Jiang Ling has already killed a brother-in-law. If I deal with your brother-in-law again, I'm afraid everyone in the world will accuse me of disowning him!"

Without waiting for Guo Xin's reply, the old emperor followed up and said: "However, you are not suitable to continue to be the chief envoy of Hunan Province. I originally planned to let you serve as an official and return home, but after thinking about it, I felt that you are still available. place!"

"During this period of time, I have learned something about Changsha's 'Hunan Studies' and am very interested in their ideas and propositions, which is quite valuable!" At this point, the old emperor's eyes were a little blurred, and his tone was full of sighs:

"I plan to use you as my propaganda envoy and go back to Beijing. Although I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of propaganda, public opinion, and ideological fields in the past, there are always shortcomings. A theory like Xiangxue, which is positive and has great potential, has turned a blind eye!
After you take office, you may be able to vigorously explore and promote these ideas and opinions that are beneficial to the country."

Hearing this, Guo Xin looked stunned, and his eyes were filled with confusion for a moment.