Han Shizu

"Is the new announcement out yet?" Zhao Kuangyi asked.

"Yes!" Zhao Dechong responded.

"Show me!"

As night fell, in the brightly lit Huaxuan, Zhao Kuangyi, who had changed into regular clothes, sat behind the food table, holding a newly released announcement in his hand and reading it carefully.

With the further research and application of movable type printing, the newspaper industry of the Han Dynasty also came into being. Of course, this was prompted by Emperor Shizu. Needless to say, Di Bao has been around since ancient times, but it was only in the Han Dynasty that it was perfected in a big way.

It is basically an issue from the 10th to the 15th. Important speeches by the emperor and ministers, major national policies, interpretations of the court's policies, etc. will be selected for publication and spread to the world. Basically, the Dahan Di Bao is an outline of the political outline of the Han Dynasty, and the cabinet has always been in charge of this matter.

The Announcement, which is as famous as the Di Bao, is published by the Xuanwei Department. It is also a serious newspaper. The Announcement is more focused on publicity and education. It also assists in the interpretation and publicity of the various policies of the imperial court, focusing on promoting loyalty and filial piety. Benevolence and righteousness.

The content is also more extensive. Regardless of officials or civilians, as long as it meets the core ideological needs of the ruling class of the Han Dynasty, it may be published. Many major military and political events and reform conditions that occurred in the country, including some local customs and customs in various places and even overseas, are also recorded.

Unlike Di Bao, which is exclusively for the nobles, bureaucrats and other groups within the ruling class system, the Announcement is updated more frequently, with an edition published every five to seven days, and is sold to ordinary people at the same time, making it more close to the people.

However, the price is not so affordable. Each portion costs 20 copper coins, which is definitely not something that ordinary people at the bottom can afford. Of course, the price of knowledge and information is not aimed at the poor people of Guizhou.

But even so, the announcement has been very popular since it was officially published, and the sales volume has been very high. Up to now, each issue can maintain more than 100,000 copies.

Of course, it is common for news to be delayed due to backward transportation. Except for some major emergencies, many of the deeds published in the bulletin may have happened months or even years ago. But for the vast number of intellectuals and wealthy groups with limited knowledge, it still has a strong appeal.

For this reason, the newspaper production factory under the Xuanwei Department has expanded its scale three times and increased the number of technicians. Announcements have also become an important source of income for the Xuanwei Department, which can be described as huge profits. It can even be said to be an exclusive business for a long time.

Running a newspaper is so profitable, of course, it cannot withstand the coveted gluttonous consequences. Therefore, in the past ten years, various newspapers organized by the government and the people have appeared in the two capitals. However, due to various reasons, they have not been able to do as well as Xuanbao. Prosperous.

However, five or six years ago, several highly competitive new newspapers emerged in Beijing and Beijing. There is the "People's Daily" here in Luoyang, and there are two newspapers in Kaifeng, one is the "City Daily" and the other is the "Business Daily". They are both founded by wealthy businessmen and have endorsements from dignitaries and relevant ministries and departments. .

The content has become richer, especially the market newspapers that reflect the people's livelihood. The contents are even more diverse and the price is lower, only half of the public newspapers. They are very popular among businessmen and people. Sales volume increased year by year, the factory gradually expanded, and even sold to Luoyang.

The commercial interests of the Han Dynasty, murder, poisoning, kidnapping and threats were common occurrences. What's more, for a department with real power like the Xuanwei Department, it is almost instinctive to take everything , the reason is also very strong, to prevent those with ulterior motives and conspiracy to cause trouble through newspapers.

After all, it is common for some tabloids to spread some bad content to attract attention, confuse the public with lies, and make rumors that disrupt politics. Yaoui must strengthen its crackdown. Using this as a sharp weapon, the powerful people who were also running newspapers were defeated steadily. Especially after Guo Guo's uncle Guo Xin took office, he struck hard.

Although the wrestling is still going on, as far as Zhao Kuangyi knows, it is inevitable that Guo Xin will win in this matter. Guo Xin has prepared a complete set of restrictive management regulations for newspapers. A comprehensive ban is too rough, but legally it will It must be placed under the supervision of the Xuanwei Department.

Of course, sharing some of the benefits from the emerging newspapers was the original intention of many Xuanwei officials to actively promote this matter.

Zhao Kuangyi also supported the actions of the second son of the Guo family. He instinctively felt uneasy about public opinion and felt that he had to at least control it in order to feel at ease.

However, no matter how other "miscellaneous newspapers" rise and develop, for the middle and upper classes of the Han Dynasty, especially the powerful bureaucrats, Dibao and Xuanpao are must-reads when studying their official careers. What is boring to many middle and lower class people is of special value to them, even prime ministers like Zhao Kuangyi are average.

At this time, Zhao Kuangyi was concerned about the Southwest Rebellion. Naturally, he had already known about it in the court, and it was even more detailed than what was revealed in the announcement. However, from the interpretation of the Xuanwei Division, there was something new. experience.

For example, the announcement mentioned that the rebellion of the Tubo tribe had been put down by Yin Jilun; the rebellions in Yunnan and central Guizhou were completely put down with the cooperation of Wang Shi and the local chieftains; the rebellion on Sichuan East Road was also under the control of veteran general Tian Zhong. , were cut off one by one.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the large-scale turmoil in the southwest caused by the Shu Rebellion has been brought under control. Once the rebel Li Shun's tribe is exterminated by the imperial army, stability will be restored in the southwest.

Compared with the good news in other directions, the situation in Jiannan is somewhat cryptic.

Of course, the two generals Cao Guangshi and Kang Jiying, one old and one young, were clearly victorious against the rebels in Zitong and Basi counties. They wiped out tens of thousands of enemies, dealt a heavy blow to the rebels' arrogance, and further reduced the scope of their activities.

Yang Yanzhao, the commander-in-chief of the Southwest Rebellion, has already led a large number of troops to go south. Of course, he does not predict the specific date, but he expresses firmly and confidently that the time to put down the Shu rebellion is not far away.

"Ding Wei." After reading the southwest section, Zhao Kuangyi couldn't help but pay attention to the author, found this signature, thought about it, and said, "It seems to be the second place in last autumn's exam?"

Only Zhao Dechong was with him at the food table. When asked, he replied with certainty: "Exactly!"

"The imperial examination in the first year is extraordinary. It has only been so long and I can already sign the announcement!" Zhao Kuangyi said with emotion: "Although there is some cunning and scheming in the text, the content reads like a talent!"

"Yang Ye has been serving as the capital inspector for a long time!" Putting down the announcement, Zhao Kuangyi couldn't help but sigh, and turned to look at Zhao Dechong: "Do you know why?"

Zhao Dechong thought for a while and said, "Is it because he recruited Yang Yanzhao?"

In response to this, Zhao Kuangyi did not answer directly, but stroked his beard and said in an emotional tone: "Since Emperor Shizu, the Yang family has been touted as loyal ministers and filial sons. It seems that apart from him, the Yang family has no loyal ministers. Generally speaking, Shizu also specially called Yang Yanzhao as his consort, which can be said to be the most favored thing.

However, His Majesty is not the ancestor of the family, and no matter how much he trusts the Yang family, he will always have reservations. My son is commanding hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers and presiding over the counter-rebellion. At the same time, I am in the government, occupying the prime minister's position and holding great power. This situation will not make anyone feel at ease, especially His Majesty."

After listening to his narration, Zhao Dechong nodded silently, and Zhao Kuangyi said leisurely: "What's more, the power of the Metropolitan Procuratorate is getting heavier and heavier, and the affairs are getting more and more complicated, which are beyond Yang Ye's control.

Yang Ye is an expert in marching and fighting, but when it comes to running political errands, it will be difficult for him to do a good job even if he is given ten years.

If our ancestors had used me to control the Imperial Court, to put it bluntly, the chaos in the past few years could have been reduced by half, and His Majesty would not have been troubled and troubled to deal with the aftermath now."

Hearing what Zhao Kuangyi said, Zhao Dechong could only cater to him. He also knew that his father had been depressed for many years, and there was always a sense of resentment and unwillingness in his heart.

Looking at Zhao Deshong, Zhao Kuangyi said again: "My father has arranged an errand for you to judge affairs in Dali Temple. Report to the Ministry of Civil Affairs tomorrow, and then take office!" Hearing this, Zhao Deshong looked dumbfounded, and then expressed his sincerity. Said: "My son is still serving at home and taking care of government affairs! Now, even if he is promoted suddenly, it is hard to convince people."

Hearing what he said, Zhao Kuangyi suddenly showed dissatisfaction: "If you don't do things or perform, how can you be respected? How can a man be confined to his mansion and be trapped in some mundane chores!

You are getting older and have a family for many years, so it’s time to think about your future! Otherwise, even if you inherit your father's name in the future, how can you compete with your brothers of the same generation? Even your younger brothers may not be convinced by you.

In this regard, you should really learn from Deming! "

"I have no intention of fighting with the brothers." Zhao Dechong muttered.

"You have the kindness of the king above and the destiny of the father below. How dare you disobey me?" Zhao Kuangyi said angrily.

"Yes!" Seeing Zhao Kuangyi angry, Zhao Dechong did not dare to refuse anymore.

Compared with Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Kuangyi had more children, but his favorite was Zhao Dechong, the eldest son of his father, whom he regarded as the heir apparent.

In contrast, the other sons who realized that there was no hope of inheritance often began to seek development on their own after they grew up, especially the second son Zhao Deming. At the age of 28, he was already the magistrate of Jiexiu County. Of course, his path was not orthodox. Chao Guanzhi County Road.

March in spring is supposed to be a time when flowers bloom and everything thrives. However, the Chengdu Plain, which was once prosperous and noisy, is now wrapped in desolation and dilapidation. It is full of devastation, killings, hunger and disease, and chaos after the war. and disorder have become a lingering shadow over the Land of Abundance.

As the largest metropolis in the southwest, Chengdu is immersed in a depressing and cruel atmosphere throughout the city. The walls on all sides bear the scars of the war, and most of the city buildings along the Chengdu city were destroyed. After the war, the few remnants have also become a place for the rebels to live and survive.

Looking down from the top of the city, the city was in chaos. Dense corpses were piled under the city foundation instead of the famous hibiscus in the southwest. Large sections of the moat were blocked by the corpses of both attackers and defenders.

And outward from the city, roads, fields, woods, and rivers were either densely packed or scattered, with countless corpses stacked up, and no one paid attention to them. The officers and soldiers in Chengdu did have the intention of cleaning up, but every time they tried to leave the city, they would be beaten back desperately by the rebels outside the city. It was a kind of momentum that they would die together.

That is to say, the climate has not yet completely heated up. Otherwise, in such an environment, large-scale epidemics would have broken out.

And on these bones are the torturous and deadly battles between dozens and millions of people on both sides of the attack and defense. In the past two months or so, there have been battles almost every day, and there has been an attack on the city every three to five months.

The rebels outside the city, let's call them rebels, are as endless as ants. Even if hundreds of thousands of people are killed or injured, they can quickly make up for it. According to the words of the city guard general Shangguan Zheng, the leader of the thieves, Li Shun, has mobilized all the mud-legged and cheap bones in Shu. No matter how hard he kills them, he can't kill them all.

Things have to start from last year's Shuangliu battle. After Wang Xiaobo died in the battle, the remaining troops fled. It stands to reason that chasing down the remaining bandits and destroying the remaining party is a matter of course. Even if there are some twists and turns, it will take some time. Eventually, Sichuan and Shu will regain peace and return to the past order.

However, the twists and turns involved were beyond everyone's imagination, and the huge wave stirred up by the rebels almost submerged the entire Chengdu Plain.

Among them, excessive coercion by the government and army is a very important direct reason. Many generals, for the sake of military exploits and promotion, do not allow the rebels to surrender, and even kill prisoners. As for looting and looting, they are simply gentle. The move was made.

Although the rebels failed in the Battle of Shuangliu, the anger of the outsiders and untouchables in Shu had not completely dissipated, and the government and soldiers were even more persecuted. So in an angry and fanatical atmosphere, the "Second Uprising" broke out. The leaders It is Li Shun, Wang Xiaobo's brother-in-law.

After the Shuangliu Battle, he gathered the remaining troops and fled back to Qingcheng. Later, he led thousands of people to attack Qiongzhou in the west, and was captured in one fell swoop.

Although Qiongzhou is barren and isolated, when social conflicts become more acute, it becomes a good place for it to expand its power. As early as the beginning of Wang Xiaobo's rebellion, there were Han Yi people there who responded, but they were quickly extinguished. After Li Shun's massive Western invasion Before the attack, the poor people there who were dissatisfied with the status quo had already been ready to take action.

Therefore, Li Shunjun who entered Qiongzhou not only temporarily got rid of the pursuit of the official army and rested, but also obtained a large number of soldiers as he continued Wang Xiaobo's idea of ​​"equalizing the rich and the poor". The poor people of Qiongzhou enthusiastically joined in. The Communist Party resisted the harsh rule. Within a few days, more than 20,000 rebels gathered under Li Shun's command.

When they heard that Li Shun had rekindled the uprising in Qiongzhou, Wang Xiaobo's remnants, who had been forced to surrender by the army and had no way to escape, also fled to Qiong one after another. For a time, the uprising army regained momentum.

As for the officers and soldiers, they finally sobered up from the excitement of gaining military exploits and money. Shangguan was ordering Zhang Qi, the inspection envoy from the four states who had performed well before, to lead his army to conquer.

This time, perhaps he made the mistake of underestimating the enemy again. Zhang Qi was ambushed by Li Shun during the march. Not only did he lose thousands of troops, he was also shot dead by the rebels. After defeating Zhang Qi's wave of conquests, Li Shun also completely took up the banner of the Sichuan-Shu rebel army.

In view of Wang Xiaobo's failure, Li Shun did not dare to stay in Qiongzhou anymore. He could not raise an army there, and the main force of the official army was still in nearby Shuzhou.

Therefore, Li Shun adopted the tactics of rogue bandits, starting from Qiongzhou, and detoured all the way south, around the Chengdu Plain, to start a struggle with the government troops. The southern part of Jiannan, Mei, Jia, Ling, Rong, Zizhou and other areas were attacked by him.

Everywhere they arrived, they fought wherever they could. The city could not be left within two days. At the same time, a large number of local poor people were mobilized to fight against landlords and grab food rations. The team became bigger and bigger, and the commotion became louder and louder.

The officers and soldiers were somewhat exhausted. From winter to spring, they were fighting with the rebels almost all the time. Although they got bitten several times and suffered several considerable casualties, they did not damage the fundamentals. Compared with the rebel army, the burden of the official army is much heavier after all. They not only have to suppress the bandits, but also recover the land and calm the people.

After benefiting from the battle against the rogue bandits, Li Shunjun became more energetic and dispatched his subordinates to various places in Sichuan and Shu to encourage uprisings. This also triggered great turmoil in the entire southwest region. After all, even Yunnan heard the news about several incidents. riot.

In late December of the first year of Yongxi's reign, Li Shun suddenly raised his troops and marched eastward, defeating Puzhou and Fuzhou, intending to join forces with the rebels in eastern Sichuan. In Luzhou, he encountered Tian Chongjin, the rebel army deployed on the East Road, which was urgently activated by the imperial court. Although Tian Jun was able to block it, Li Shun's army suffered heavy casualties and had to retreat all the way to Fuzhou before it stabilized its position.

In November of the first year of the year, in view of the uncertainty of the protracted rebellion in Shuzhong, the imperial court completely lost patience, and the emperor also completely lost trust in the civil and military forces of Jiannan, and formally issued an edict to form a recruiting army, with Yang Yanzhao as the commander-in-chief and Tian Chongjin as the commander-in-chief. As deputy commander-in-chief, he mobilized 150,000 elite troops from Guan Nei, Shannan, Jingxi, Huguang and Jinei respectively, and divided them into two routes from the north and east to quell the rebellion in Shu.

When Li Shun entered the east, it was the time when Tian Chongjin took office urgently, and the East Route Army had not yet arrived, but with its excellent military command ability and strength, Li Shun was still educated.

After hitting a wall in Luzhou, Li Shun paused for a while, probably sensing the powerful strangulation power of the army. Under the crisis, after the beginning of spring, Li Shun made another big move, concentrated all his strength, suddenly turned around, and attacked Zizhou again. After taking it, without waiting for a rest, he led troops to attack Jianzhou and won it regardless of casualties. Yang'an, the prefecture city.

After that, they got out of control and went all the way north, breaking Hanzhou, going down to Pengzhou, and attacking Mianzhou. Faced with the influx of rebels, and the common people from all over the country came in like a tide of ants, the entire Chengdu Plain, It was also in complete chaos, with sparks of fire starting a prairie fire, beacon smoke everywhere, and the rebellion in central Sichuan fell into a trend of corruption.

What is even more terrifying is that Chengdu, the heart of the entire southwest, is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of rebels and rioters.

At that time, the imperial court's conquest army was still on the road. In addition to the vanguard troops setting off quickly, some were even being formed. As the commander of the conquest envoy, Yang Yanzhao, who personally led the main force of the Guardian and Fengguo Guards, Only then can you enter the inner road of the pass.

If Xiang Deming, the chief envoy of Jiannan, had not handled the crisis decisively, Emperor Liu Yang might have received the bad news of the fall of Chengdu at the imperial banquet on New Year's Eve in the second year of Yongxi's reign.