Han Shizu

It is early autumn, and the scholars and people in Xijing will usher in a period of joy and pleasant days. Yankang Street is still bustling with traffic and people, and Taihe Tower still stands in the most conspicuous street, overlooking the imperial city.

The style inside the building is still very high. The guests are either dignitaries, nobles, or well-known students. The threshold is still so high that not ordinary people can cross it.

Compared with the hustle and bustle of the market, the building is much more elegant and quiet. The melodious sound of the piano is so sweet that the guests can't help but be intoxicated. On the piano table, they are immersed in it. The person playing the strings and playing the piano is a handsome but handsome man. A middle-aged man with gray hair and stubble.

Of course, he also has an identity that is more concerning to people, the owner of Taihe Tower, Liu Hui, Duke of Wu.

Liu Hui was literally imprisoned by Zongzheng Temple for a whole year. Even though his living conditions were not negligent, the blow to his spirit and morale was huge. Just looking at the changes in his image and behavior, you can tell that he was sinking. His temperament can always give people a sense of Qi Qi. When he was at Zongzheng Temple, Liu Hui gave himself another nickname: Qi Ran Jushi.

After being released at the end of his term, Liu Hui returned to the palace and handed over the power to handle all affairs of the palace to his eldest son Liu Wenyu. If it were not for the restriction of etiquette, he even wanted to pass on the Duke of Wu in advance.

Liu Hui himself no longer cared about those "mundane affairs", but indulged in sensuality, focusing on drinking, playing the piano, and writing poetry. Liuguang Garden, which was once bustling for a while, has long been deserted, so Liu Hui moved his position to the Taihe Building under the name of the Duke's Mansion.

After years of development, Taihe Tower has become a gathering place for celebrities and dignitaries in Beijing. Of course, there are many similar places in Beijing, and the most special thing about it is that it is also a place where bureaucrats and scholars in Beijing can discuss as much as they want (key) In a place of Taoism (government), the standard of freedom is even higher than in the court. After all, the atmosphere in Taihe Tower is not so serious, and there is no need to worry too much.

And this characteristic is extremely attractive to many marginalized people who are not in their position. Because as the reputation spread, many real dignitaries came to Taihe Tower to observe and observe. It was a platform for those with unrecognized talents to show themselves.

At this time, there were three people arguing in the lobby. Liu Jun, the editor of the History Museum, Yang Yi, the scholar of the Hanlin Academy, and Zhu Qi, the administrator of the Hongwen Academy. All three of them were Ming Jing scholars.

In the Han Dynasty, the older the practical officer, the better. In contrast, for those who study scriptures, it is important to "be famous as early as possible". These three people are now less than thirty, but they have surpassed thousands of "mediocre" people and can be said to be the leaders among young scholars.

Yang Yi, in particular, is another child prodigy. He was born in the literary class at the age of seven. At the age of eleven, he wrote the poem "Xi Chao Jing Que" in Beijing, which has become a legend. Moreover, Yang Yi is the only one who has not been scientifically tested in the past ten years. , people who are awarded Jinshi status directly through interviews at the Hanlin Academy can be said to be exceptional promotions. Such people can see their talents and achievements in literature.

Liu Jun was not as astonishing as Yang Yi. After passing the Ming Jing Ke, he also behaved indifferently. During his editing period, he was discovered by Li Fang and brought into the editing team of "Wenyuan Yinghua". From then on, his talents gradually developed, and he was especially famous for his poetry.

As for Zhu Qi, to put it simply, he is a rising star among the Xiangjiang School. When Emperor Shizu visited the south, he had a conversation with Liao Mingyong, the leader of Hunan Studies. He admired their scholarly philosophy of being practical and practical, so he asked him to recommend some outstanding scholars to go north. This started the process of spreading breakthroughs of Xiang Studies to the upper class of the Han Dynasty. the way.

The dissemination and development of any school of thought or theory cannot be separated from the support of political buildings, and Hunan Studies is also average. After stepping out of the comfort zone of Hunan, its development in Gyeonggi Province was not smooth.

Although Shizu's will can be used as an endorsement, Shizu has been away for many years after all. Although Emperor Yongxi Liu Yang admired their emperor-serving and pragmatic attitude, he did not accept them in full. More importantly, the people in Gyeonggi Province Among political and academic factions, Hunan studies are extremely rejected.

But even so, Xiangxue has spread to a certain extent in the past few years and has established a firm foothold in the capital. Hunan officials and businessmen raised funds to build a Xiangjiang Guild Hall to spread and teach the concepts of Hunanxue.

The fundamental reason is that many literati have discovered that the Xiangjiang School's approach, even if it flatters the emperor and the powerful, is easily recognized by the higher authorities and is theoretically helpful for officials. As for being an official, this is the belief of almost all Han scholars.

In the Yongxi year, a group of scholars from Hunan were organized to go north. This Zhu Qi was among the second group. In the spring of the fourth year of the Yongxi reign, he ranked first in the Ming Jing Ke in the high school and was also a very talented person, especially It is eloquence and eloquence.

At this time, the three young literary talents were debating the issue of "agricultural officials" that was a commonplace issue in the court. Since the time of King Sezu, both the government and the public had been concerned about the establishment of agricultural subjects in the imperial examinations and the appointment of agricultural officials in agriculture. attack.

Obviously, in the minds of a large number of scholars, the imperial court was acting in a perverse and degrading manner. It was juxtaposing Yangchun Baixue with the people of Lower Liba, and letting people with lofty ideals and ambitions to study farming and mulberry management was actually a waste of time. Boiling Crane with Music and Music

In the simple cognition of some scholars, they certainly recognized the importance of farming and mulberry trees. However, this emphasis was only in words and could not be put into practice, let alone go to the ground and study it seriously. Perhaps it is enough not to bully farmers, to ensure that the farming season is not missed, and to collect taxes on time and according to regulations.

However, in the current political trend of the Han Dynasty, officials are increasingly required to have knowledge of agricultural production and agricultural technology. From the emperor down and many powerful dignitaries who hold real power, they are less and less dependent on "poems and classics" to govern the country. This For traditional Confucian scholars, this is an extremely serious problem and once caused panic.

Of course, there are those who are clinging to the old and conservative, and there are also those who adapt to the times and seek changes, such as the Xiangjiang School, and the Fujian and Zhejiang schools where Yang Yi was born.

Just this summer, at the suggestion of Emperor Liu Yang, Shangshu Ling Lu Duan and Finance Envoy Zhang Qixian presided over the decision to establish the Ministry of Agriculture to take charge of all matters related to agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery and forestry in the country, to further strengthen the authority of the agricultural port from an institutional perspective, and to strengthen the " "Agriculture-based" governance philosophy.

Of course, the establishment of a new ministry is also accompanied by changes in the government and the division of power. Regarding the organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture, specific details are still being discussed and implemented, but what is clear is that the responsibilities will be basically separated from the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Household Affairs, and will be temporarily placed under the Finance Department like the Ministry of Household Affairs.

It is conceivable that the power of the Financial Secretary will be further expanded and will become the most powerful department in the Central Committee of the Han Dynasty. No matter how long this situation lasts, at least at this stage, the Prime Minister Zhang Qixian, who also serves as the Financial Envoy, will also have a say in the political affairs hall. Further improvement also means that the emperor's power continues to increase.

Those who are interested are more concerned about the positions and power opportunities that the establishment of a new department or a powerful ministry will bring.

What Yang Yi, Liu Jun, and Zhu Qi were debating was precisely the issue behind the establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture, related to increasing the number of agricultural scholars, and increasing the assessment of agricultural affairs and knowledge of officials.

As a Hunan scholar, Zhu Qi did not follow the imperial policies outright, but he always interpreted them from all aspects, and his political stance was particularly firm.

Of course, Yang Yi and Liu Jun did not dare to deny the imperial government's policies. At least they were very firm in their politically correct attitude towards farming. Their objections focused on agricultural science and agricultural official affairs.

Yang and Liu's views were very clear. The imperial court should emphasize agriculture and encourage production. However, if the power and status of agricultural officials were too high, it would cause dissatisfaction among the scholars and would be detrimental to the stability and harmony of the imperial court, let alone promote How can a "mud-legged man" manage the country well by following the words of the sage and practicing the way of the sage?

In the final analysis, although they are willing to give political status to agriculture and farmers, they are not willing to share political power.

As for the arguments held by Yang and Liu, Zhu Qi saw clearly because he himself had similar concerns. However, no matter what he thinks in his heart, he is a firm "pragmatist" in his words and refutes their claims one by one.

For example, "In the Spring and Autumn Period, hundreds of schools of thought contended, so the words of peasants are not worthy of the words of saints?";

Another example is “Which is more important, the words of today’s saints or the words of ancient sages?”;

Also, the original intention of the imperial court was to encourage scholars to study agriculture, encourage agriculture, and protect people's livelihood, not the other way around. How can we put the cart before the horse?

Farming is not prosperous and the country is not solid. Small farmers can at least observe the weather and manage their fields without distinguishing between grains. How can those who only know how to play with scriptures and cling to the weak and deficient handle government affairs and implement the government's policy of "rejuvenating the country through agriculture"?

When Zhu Qi became more aggressive, especially when he started to engage in "personal attacks", Yang and Liu were of course not to be outdone. They refuted one by one, quoted classics and were eloquent, which was also their strength. After the anger was aroused, the atmosphere It’s also very lively.

Not only were the onlookers full of interest and concentration, but Liu Hui, who was playing the piano on the piano platform, moved his hands quickly, and the melodious tunes were hurried, as if to encourage both sides of the debate.

In the Accord on the second floor, there is also a special spectator, the pilgrim Liu Yang. He had also heard of the name of Taihe Tower for a long time. Wang Yue, the envoy of the Imperial City, had previously reported and asked whether he should give a warning. After all, he was located in a market place, so he was afraid of having a bad impact if he indulged in discussing politics.

However, Liu Yang refused without any hesitation. The reason was very simple. He followed the royal way and governed the country in an upright way. He always talked to his subjects. He only worried that the policies and guidelines of the imperial court were not spread far enough and comprehensively enough. , why be afraid of discussion.

What's more, it's good to have such a place, just to listen to different opinions, draw parallels, and understand through listening. If there are talents and insights, it is also convenient to use.

Liu Yang's insights showed the generosity of an enlightened master. Of course, this was also based on the premise that he was confident enough and could control the situation. Otherwise, how could he be so laissez-faire.

After listening to the emperor's blunt words, Wang Yue not only complimented him, but also asked whether it was inappropriate for Wu Guogong, as a clan relative, to be the owner of Taihe Tower?

Of course Liu Yang understood Wang Yue's implicit meaning, but Liu Yang firstly did not believe that Liu Hui had any ambition or strength to rebel. Secondly, he believed that it was precisely because of Liu Hui's identity that he had just provided such a free theory. Tao space. Of course, if it were King Liu Fang of Zhao, King Liu Ai of Lu, or even King Liu Zhao of Yan, Liu Yang would not be so open-minded. After all, it was different.

Because of this, it was left unchecked until now. Even today, even Liu Yang couldn't bear the curiosity and went out to inspect the palace in person. After seeing it, he felt very satisfied. It was well-deserved.

Of course, Liu Yang didn't care about the arguments among the three people in the room. These didn't mean much to him. What they said made the quarrel in the court even more fierce.

In contrast, Liu Yang pays more attention to the three debaters themselves. Whether it is Yang Yi, Liu Jun or Zhu Qi, they are all young and handsome people in the Yongxi era. It is precisely because such young talents and scholars continue to emerge. , the Han Dynasty’s literature and art flourished.

His eyes fell on Zhu Qi, who was fighting against two enemies. A slight smile appeared on Liu Yang's lips, and he sighed: "Zhu Qi is sharp, Yang Yi is upright, and Liu Jun is wise. They are all talents. I heard them arguing. , I feel a little younger and very excited!”

When the attendants heard the emperor's emotion, Wang Dan said: "The great Han Dynasty has gathered many heroes and talented people. This sign of prosperity is also the result of your majesty's hard work!"

"I don't dare to overestimate my merits!" Hearing this, Liu Yang shook his head and said calmly: "So far, I have barely dared to say that the governance of the country is gradually getting on the right track. However, there are always those who start well and those who conquer the end. Widow, it’s far from time to relax.” Seeing Liu Yang say this, Wang Dan felt moved in his heart. He raised his eyes and noticed a few strands of white hair on Liu Yang’s temples, and his eyes were slightly warm. As a close minister of the cabinet, he was too I understand how hard the emperor has worked since he succeeded to the throne.

"Both sides of the debate, give each of them 10 guan of money!" Liu Yang gave instructions to his chamberlain Zheng Yuan, then waved his hand and said, "Okay, it's time to leave, otherwise I'm afraid someone will recognize you!"

At this time, there were quite a few court officials in the Taihe Tower, and those who were willing to show up were mostly political activists with keen eyesight and smell.

"Yes!" the followers responded.

With a good mood, Liu Yang came and went in a low-key manner. But before leaving, I couldn't help but take a look at Liu Hui, who was performing one-handed piano playing and enjoying wine. He was obviously very intoxicated.

In this regard, Liu Yang couldn't help but sigh a little. I think back then, how much Liu Hui was favored by the ancestors and regarded as a literary star of the Tian family, and how high-spirited, amazingly talented, and outstanding in literary talent Liu Hui was.

It has to be said that Liu Hui, mother and son all have a certain sense of tragedy. Liu Hui's mother, Concubine Zhou Shu, fell out of favor in her early years and died in depression; her younger sister, Liu Xuan, was also stubborn and committed suicide for an unscrupulous consort.

Now that he has fallen into the state of a "walking zombie", Liu Yang feels quite sentimental in his heart when he thinks about it.

However, even so, Liu Yang did not say anything about Liu Hui, at least during his lifetime, there would be no more political treatment.

----

In Guangzheng Hall, Emperor Liu Yang arrived, but among the busy central officials, none of them stopped what they were doing and just took a sneak peek. The emperor had already stipulated that his inspections of various ministries were government affairs, and he did not need to greet them, which was a neglect of official duties.

Of course, courtesy reception is still necessary, but this work is the exclusive domain of the political hall bosses. Those on duty in the palace at this time were Lu Duan, Zhao Kuangyi and Zhang Qixian.

The duty system of the Zhengshitang is relatively "reasonable". On weekdays, there are usually three prime ministers, and the rest are either handling affairs in their respective ministries, or patrolling various places on behalf of the sky.

In addition, just like the relationship between Zhao Kuangyi and Murong Defeng, the official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the government and the public knew that the two were at odds, so Lu Duan tried his best to separate the two when scheduling shifts to avoid collisions. At this time, Murong Defeng was ordered to go to Hedong, Hebei, Yanshan Road and Liaodong Road to conduct inspection and guidance work in the administration of officials.

"My lords, please take a seat!" In front of these powerful prime ministers, Liu Yang became more and more comfortable. He calmly took a seat with a strong force and took the seat first. He raised his legs and said, "I know that you all work hard in governing the country. , I came to Guangzheng Hall to sit here."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty!" Lu Duan took the lead and expressed his gratitude to Liu Yang.

With a smile on his face, Liu Yang asked casually, "Is there anything important?"

"I'm just about to report to Your Majesty!" Lu Duan said with a solemn expression: "I'm reporting from Chengdu that Yin Jilun, the minister stationed in Tubo, died of illness in Luoze."

Hearing this, the slight smile on Liu Yang's face immediately disappeared without a trace. He pondered a little and said sadly: "How many loyal and loyal men have been devoured by the snowy plateau!"

After the emperor finished speaking, Lu Duan and others also lowered their heads, as if to express their silence. After being silent for a while, Lu Duan also said with some emotion: "Including counterinsurgency, attacks, and diseases, more than 4,000 soldiers and officials have been laid to rest on the plateau. Nearly half of them are due to unsuitable climate and disease. Die without treatment!”

"There are so many casualties!" Liu Yang frowned almost to death.

Lu Duan lamented: "The geographical climate of Tubo is unusual. It is really difficult for most of the stationed generals to adapt!"

"What solution does the center have?" Liu Yang asked immediately.

Lu Duan replied: "I have discussed this matter and believe that the rotation of the garrison on the plateau may be more frequent, with a period of two to three years. In addition, as for the source of garrison soldiers, we should increase the number of soldiers from Sichuan, Longxi, and Hexi. They adapt to the climate relatively easily.

At the same time, we strive to ensure the supply of supplies for the soldiers stationed in Tubo and increase their salaries and benefits to comfort the morale of the military! "

After hearing what he said, Liu Yang nodded in approval, thought for a while, and then said: "It was passed down as a posthumous gift to Yin Jilun Zhen Xibo as a reward for his special service. He also gave his family 100,000 yuan in money and 50 pieces of brocade each. His descendants, The officials can be promoted at their discretion!"

"Yes!"

"Let's discuss the successor candidates first!" Liu Yang ordered again, with a heavy tone: "I don't know if there is anyone who is willing to go to Luoshang to take charge.

If this issue is placed in the Sichuan-Sichuan officialdom and military circles, there is no doubt that no matter how bitterly cold it is on the plateau, it is still a matter of responsibility. With the garrison in hand, the Tubo tribes have always taken whatever they want. Look at Yin Jilun. Many Tubo tribes secretly call him "King Yin", which shows his majesty.

Authority is on the one hand, and there are also visible benefits. The tea-horse trade has always been booming. Cattle, horses, furs, and cordyceps from the plateau are all high-value commodities. The minister stationed in Tubo is in this chain of interests. Obviously there is a fixed share

But similarly, not everyone can do this position, and not everyone is qualified to do it. At least in the center, when the DPRK was discussing candidates, many generals and bureaucrats expressed their rejection and refused to leave.

It's not that they have little knowledge, but that the place is actually an "unknown place". In less than ten years, two ministers died, and even the lucky people like Liu Xi, the noble king of Jin, couldn't resist it. Then As for the others, aren’t they going to die? Those garrison soldiers who died of illness on the plateau were real.

Therefore, the Jiannan side was within reach but not far away, and the Central Center side was within reach but not far away. This situation made Liu Yang very angry. Of course, the final candidate was chosen. Kang Jiying, the commander of Chengdu troops and horses, was promoted because of his outstanding performance in quelling the Shu rebellion. As the son of a general and a loyal man of three generations, he possesses all the qualifications and abilities.

Although the results came out, Emperor Cheng was very dissatisfied. After all, the people who could be proposed as ministers in Tubo were veterans and generals with certain qualifications and military exploits, but they all seemed to have lost their ambition.

Therefore, taking advantage of this incident, Liu Yang started to rectify the army, especially the Forbidden Army and senior generals.

Of course, Liu Yang's rectification was relatively mild, and the dignity he deserved was still given. It's just that a group of rising stars with outstanding performance were selected from various places, especially the border areas, to enrich the Forbidden Army, add fresh blood, and speed up the replacement of the army.

If we want to talk about the intensity of rectification, it is mainly focused on the dispute between sea and land. In recent years, the navy has undoubtedly become more and more powerful, richer and richer, and its status has been continuously improved. This has naturally attracted a large number of generals of the continental army. They are opposed, suspicious and even suppressed.

Needless to say more about the inland, but in coastal areas, as long as there are areas and ports where the navy is stationed, there will be constant disturbances. How should I put it? The Army is somewhat jealous of the interests that the Navy has gained overseas, but if the Navy is willing to do it, it is because they have worked hard to earn it.

Once a conflict of interests is involved, a lot of discord will inevitably arise, but in a conflict of interests, the final reconciliation must also focus on the interests themselves. Under the auspices of Liu Yang, a natural blow was taken from the navy. Part of the wealth earned by the navy overseas must be turned over. The final destination of this part is not the Financial Secretary, but as a "special fund" of the Privy Council. , used in the Army.

Big man, in the final analysis, the Army has the final say. But similarly, the army's top generals were also severely criticized, especially in the construction of military style and military discipline. Many generals were slack in training and were even held accountable.

In this dispute or change, although the navy has lost certain economic benefits, its political status has shown a clear upward trend. You must know that once upon a time, there was no dispute between the sea and the land. There was only the big brother of the army versus the navy. The younger brother's bossy attitude has now risen to the point where the emperor and the Privy Council need to arbitrate and coordinate.

Such progress is groundbreaking. On the other hand, the Army has also begun to proactively propose that it strengthens its military presence overseas to earn money.

Although there have been riots in various places for a long time, and there was also the Shu Rebellion, the Han army still inevitably suffered from some common problems of the peaceful army. The specific manifestations focused on the upper levels of the army. If the upper levels were slack, the officers and soldiers at the grassroots level would be affected. It is inevitable to be affected.

Although Liu Yang focused on cultivating internal strength in governing the country, he did not dare to relax on the construction of the army. After all, under the influence of Shizu, he deeply understood the importance of the army to the stability of the country, and the Han Dynasty was so big that it would always need To consolidate and maintain the army, everything can be messed up, but the army cannot be messed up. This is the basic bottom line.

When fresh faces appeared in the upper echelons of the Han army, the generals who had followed Shizu gradually withered away and disappeared into the Han army. Even if they were still alive and still retained a certain influence, they were also in this kind of situation. Amid the changes, the mark of Emperor Yongxi was stamped, and the influence that still remained of the ancestors began to be further covered and even clarified.

Of course, this point can never be eliminated, it is just a matter of more or less, because there will always be people who carry out political activities under the banner of Shizu, and this banner will never fall, unless future generations dare to risk the disapproval of the world, Do things that forget your ancestors