Han Dao world

If it wasn't for Zhong Yao's identity as Po Wei Tao just now, he would never believe that this is the order of Quanling, and it is a bit reluctant to say that it is an official of the county temple.The dignified magistrate of a county, dressed like ordinary people, and has few followers around him, so he is not afraid of any accidents?

After hearing Wei Tao's story, Han Rong's surprise continued unabated.

A demoted official who had strongly opposed Du Tian was able to resume his official position and took office under the eyes of the emperor. What kind of adventure did Wei Tao experience?

This point, Zhong Yao can't tell clearly.

When he was in Bohai, he only heard that Wei Tao had returned to his official position and was serving as county magistrate in Quanling.One of the goals of my trip this time is to verify this rumor.

I didn't expect to meet Wei Tao himself before getting off the boat, what a coincidence.

It also filled him with information about the future.

Wei Tao can resume his official career, as long as I work hard, I can naturally do it.

The three of them went ashore while they were talking, and while they were waiting for Zhou Zhong's officials to carry their luggage and files, Gao Rou hurried over after receiving the news.

"I've seen Duke Zhou and Duke Han."

"Wen Hui, how is the preparation of the law school going?"

"It's going well, but there is a serious shortage of teachers. I am going to ask Zhou Gong for help." Gao Rou smiled, and then turned to Han Rong. "If Han Gong has a favorite student, he is also welcome to come to the law school to take up a job."

Han Rong laughed out loud.

At the beginning, Zhou Zhong hoped that he could recommend his disciples to work in the Sikong Mansion, and now Gao Rou asked him to recommend his disciples to work in the Law School as soon as they met. It seems that the emperor's belief in ruling the country according to the law is very firm.

Although none of his disciples are proficient in Law, Yingchuan definitely does not lack such talents.When the importance of Confucian classics declined and a large number of scholars could not find a way out, Yingchuan people ushered in another choice.

This is a god-sent opportunity in Yingchuan, not to be missed.

Zhou Zhong pulled Gao Rou to chat. Gao Rou was very enthusiastic, chatting and laughing happily, and while walking, he introduced Zhou Zhong's development in the past year, full of passion.

Zhou Zhong was very pleased.

This is the Gao Rou he wants to see, and it is also the reason why he recommended Gao Rou at the risk of angering the emperor.

Gao Rou didn't let him down, and the emperor didn't let him down.

Zhong Yao and Han Rong watched from the side, smiling all over their faces.

They all know Gao Rou's identity, and their academic background is similar to Gao Rou's, mainly leaning towards the Legalists.Gao Rou's ability to gain the trust and reuse of the emperor means that Yingchuan people have great potential in this regard.

When the group entered the city, they saw shops on both sides of the street, and lanterns were hung at the door of the shops.There are not many people shopping, but people looking at lanterns are everywhere. Many people are still comparing which lanterns are more beautiful, and the calligraphy and paintings on them are more beautiful.

"Yuanchang, you're late." Han Rong joked.

Zhong Yao stroked his beard and smiled.

He is good at calligraphy and painting, and everyone in Yingchuan is well known.In the past few years in Bohai, the official business is not too busy, I have more time to study, and the art industry is more refined.

Of course, he would not show his skills on such an occasion, it was too cheap.

"Wen Hui, the Lantern Festival in Quanling is very lively."

Gao Rou said: "That's true, but there are reasons for this year's excitement. One is that the Son of Heaven is staying here, and the people of Quanling are honored. They all say that after Emperor Shun, Quanling ushered in the Holy King again. It should be Congratulations. Look at those lanterns, many of which depict the story of Emperor Shun’s southern tour. The second is that Jiaozhou was pacified, Lingling and Guiyang were meritorious, and the emperor issued an edict to reduce the rent and tax of the two counties for one year. I have money. Of course, the most important thing is that the implementation of the New Deal last year has achieved remarkable results, and the lives of the people have become more prosperous, so I am in the mood to be busy with these things."

"Last year, when the New Deal was implemented, how much did the tax increase? Has Dutian encountered any trouble?"

"Dutian didn't encounter any trouble. Quanling didn't have much arable land, and there were few rich clans, so the annexation wasn't serious. The big clans occupied most of the mines." Gao Rou smiled. "They pretended to be bandits, besieged Quanling, and offended Chengyu. They were all cleaned up. After the imperial court took over the mine, they sent people to clean it up. Now both technology and production have been greatly improved, and the taxes of the entire Lingling County have also increased. [-]%."

Zhou Zhong clicked his tongue for it.

It has increased by [-]% in just one year. It seems that the output of these mines is really amazing. No wonder the emperor has repeatedly proposed to pay attention to industry and commerce, which is much better than farming.

"With so little arable land, is there enough food?" Han Rong pointed around. "The Son of Heaven stays here, so food consumption will also increase a lot, right?"

"Mr. Han is worthy of being an old minister. There is a rice shop in front of him. Let's go and ask about the price."

Han Rong readily agreed, and walked into a nearby rice shop with Gao Rou.

The owner of the rice store was instructing the staff to hang up the lanterns. Seeing that Gao Rou was wearing an official uniform, and Han Rong's beard and hair were almost white, and he didn't look like he was here to buy rice, he called out loudly, "Look at it, I've hung up the lanterns." Come." He kept busy to himself.

Han Rong stood still in front of the rice cabinet, stretched out his hand to pick up a handful of rice, looked at it, and then looked at the price, somewhat surprised.

The quality of the rice is good, but the price is a bit high, ranging from around a hundred dollars a stone to over two hundred dollars, but it’s not outrageous.

Han Rong thought for a while and asked, "Where is this rice?"

"Which one is the old man talking about?" A little girl with pigtails came from behind, holding a book in her hand, and looked at Han Rong curiously.

Han Rong casually pointed to the most expensive one.

The little girl glanced, and said directly: "The one in Jiaozhou Rinan is far away, so it is a little more expensive. If the old man treats guests, you can buy less, as long as it is enough. If you are eating for yourself, you might as well wait a little longer. At most The price will be reduced in three months."

Han Rong was very surprised. "Why?"

"Jiaozhou is pacified, and a large amount of rice from Nichinan will be shipped north." The little girl tilted her head, looking after Han Rong curiously. "This is the first time for me to come to Quanling, right? Everyone in Quanling knows that they are waiting to eat Nichinan rice in summer. When we plant Nichinan rice here, the price of rice in autumn will be even cheaper."

Han Rong looked at the little girl, happy from the bottom of his heart. "What book are you reading?"

""Shiming", a new book just published by Yinfang."

The little girl handed over the book in her arms, and Han Rong took it in his hand, flipped through it, and was surprised to find that this book was actually the new book of his old friend Liu Xi.

"Has Liu Chengguo come to Quanling?"

Gao Rou shook her head. "I haven't heard of it. It should be that he sent someone to send the manuscript to Quanling for printing. After the printing workshop in Quanling was built, more than half of the business came from Jiaozhou."

"Mr. Liu has come to Quanling, just arrived the day before yesterday." The little girl said: "I heard that he is going to open a school in Quanling, and he is choosing a site."

Gao Rou was also taken aback. "where does he live?"

The little girl walked to the door and pointed. "Tianzhu Inn."

Chapter 1245

Han Rong and Liu Xi haven't seen each other for many years. Hearing that Liu Xi is in the city, he couldn't hold back and went to find Liu Xi immediately.

Zhou Zhong also knew Liu Xi, but the relationship was not that close, and because he was on official business, he didn't go with Han Rong. He just asked Han Rong to say hello and make an appointment to visit again.

The three walked along the street, talking while walking.

Speaking of the changes brought about by the emperor in Quanling for a year, Gao Rou talked endlessly and was filled with emotion.

He is also very busy this year, preparing to build a law school, training officials for various counties, and still sorting out previous laws and regulations, and there is almost no time for rest.But he was very busy and didn't feel tired at all. On the contrary, he felt that there was too much time wasted before, and now he should work harder to make up for the time.

He spoke sincerely, without realizing that Zhou Zhong and Zhong Yao had weird eyes.

Gao Rou is only in her early thirties, and she acts as if she is over fifty years old. How can they be bothered when they are really over fifty years old?

During the conversation, Gao Rou came to the compound where the emperor was walking, and Gao Rou cupped his hands and said: "The emperor must have a lot to say when he sees Ergong, so I won't bother you. When you two meet the emperor, I will hold a banquet Treat the two of you."

Zhou Zhong waved his hand. "Go and do your work. I will come to you naturally when I am free."

Zhong Yao also bowed his hands and thanked him.

Gao Rou turned and left.Zhou Zhong looked at his background, feeling ups and downs. "Yuanchang, I really envy them. It's nice to be young, turn around quickly, and have a lot of time. Unlike us, they have heavy habits and their physical strength is not as good as before. It is difficult to change."

Before the words fell, a loud voice came from behind. "Is it Duke Sikong Zhou?"

Zhou Zhong looked back and saw a young man approaching with strides. He was tall and short, with blue eyes and a few soft purple beards under his jaw. It was Sun Jian's second son and Sun Ce's younger brother Sun Quan. He couldn't help laughing.

"Zhongmou, long time no see?"

Sun Quan went forward to salute, greeted Zhong Yao again, and then led Zhou Zhong and Zhong Yao in.

Lanterns were also hanging in the yard, and a group of young officials came in and out, talking and laughing.Some people knew Zhou Zhong, and some knew Zhong Yao, and they all came to say hello.

Entering the atrium, Zhou Zhong saw the emperor at a glance.

The Son of Heaven was standing in front of the steps, looking at a lantern in his hand, and Mrs. Xiaoqiao was standing beside him, holding a pen in his hand, chattering something.The nobleman of Daqiao is sitting in the hall, writing on the lantern.

"Your Majesty." Zhou Zhong and Zhong Yao stepped forward to salute.

Liu Xie turned his head, and just about to speak, Xiaoqiao cheered first. "The great calligrapher is here, don't worry about calligraphy being laughed at."

Liu Xie smacked his lips and reprimanded: "What a big loser, those who celebrate the Chinese New Year, it's so unpleasant to hear."

Xiaoqiao was startled, knowing that he had slipped his words, and smiled awkwardly. "Your Majesty, what the concubine said is a book of calligraphy, not the winner or loser. This is a crime you want to impose, and the concubine cannot afford it."

Zhong Yao smiled heartily and rolled up his sleeves. "Whether it's a book of calligraphy, whether it's winning or losing, it's all right. Your Majesty, I just have an itchy hand, and Rong Chen will sway it, and then I will talk to Your Majesty."

Liu Xie waved his hand, motioning for Xiaoqiao to lead Zhong Yao to the hall.

Zhou Zhong saw it and couldn't help being happy for Zhong Yao.Judging by the emperor's attitude, Zhong Yao's trip would not be in vain.

"Your Majesty, the water and soil in the south of the Yangtze River support people. Qiao Rui, the twin daughters, are really getting better and better as they grow up. They are beautiful and intelligent, and they are very satisfying. They are just suitable for Your Majesty."

Liu Xie smiled. "Duke Zhou is not worried that they are troublesome women?"

Zhou Zhong waved his hand. "Those are all pedantic words, not credible. If you don't support your self-righteousness in the fluffy hemp, even if it's a beauty, as long as the emperor is wise, they can't do it. Jie Zhou is Jie Zhou, what does it have to do with women?"

Liu Xie laughed, walked up the steps, and took Zhou Zhong's arm. "Although Zhou is an old state, its destiny is to be renewed, and so are people. Zhou Gong can not be bound by old habits and keep pace with the times, he should be a model for the world."

Zhou Zhong blushed, and said hastily: "Your Majesty's absurd praise, I dare not do it. Every time I think about the past, I feel so ashamed that I can't do it, and I can't sleep at night."

Liu Xie took Zhou Zhong to the courtyard, admired the hung lanterns, and asked Zhou Zhong what he saw along the way.Regarding Zhou Zhong's own mission, he didn't ask a few words.Regarding the relevant situation, Zhou Zhong has already mentioned in the memorial that the real joint trial will have to wait for Jia Xu and Zhang Ji to discuss together.

After talking for a while, Liu Xie remembered Han Rong.He was also a little surprised to learn that Han Rong was going to meet his old friend Liu Xi halfway.

Liu Xi is not a famous minister, but he is a great scholar.Liu Xie had read his books such as "Shi Ming" a few times in his previous life, and knew that he was a learned man.Before that, he had also heard Liu Xi's name from the news from Jiaozhou, but he didn't know that Liu Xi had already arrived in Quanling and was going to build a school in Quanling.

Zhou Zhong was somewhat surprised. "Your Majesty doesn't know anything?"

Liu Xie was even more surprised. "Should I know? Although Liu Xi was attached to Brother Shi Xie, it was only for food and clothing. It has nothing to do with government affairs, and he has never spoken for anyone."

Zhou Zhong felt relieved.

He heard people say that there is a special news channel around the emperor, but the scale and personnel are unknown, and it is not clear whether it is true or not.But he believed that the emperor would not only rely on the memorials of the ministers, he must have his own sources of information.

This is somewhat disturbing.

It's not that the emperor can't have his own news channel, but that this kind of spy organization is naturally disturbing.If the emperor uses him to monitor ministers, it will be even more catastrophic.

But listening to what the emperor meant, he obviously didn't care much about scholars like Liu Xi, and he didn't even care much about the affairs of Jiaozhou as a whole.

"I take the liberty to ask His Majesty how he intends to deal with Brother Shi Xie." Zhou Zhong asked along the way.

Liu Xie thought about it. "I really haven't thought about it, does Sikong have any good suggestions?"

"Think about it?"

"Yes, this is not a special event. It has happened before, and it may happen again in the future. What is there to be surprised about? Just deal with it according to the established regulations." Liu Xie paused, and then said: "Just plead for Shi Xie There are quite a few, and I will have people transfer the relevant documents to Duke Zhou later, and Duke Zhou will handle them together."

Zhou Zhong's heart skipped a beat.

The emperor seemed to be all smiles, talking and laughing happily, and didn't care much about Shi Xie brothers, but asked him to follow the established regulations.But if you think about it for a while, you know that this is by no means good news.

Because according to the existing provisions, the Shi Xie brothers are considered rebellious, and they cannot follow the previous method of dealing with Dong Zhuo's old department, the Yuan brothers, Liu Biao and others.

That is not an established regulation, but a special event, a compromise when the imperial court's strength is weak.

In other words, the situation is different now, and the imperial court is strong enough. The emperor wants to take this opportunity to severely punish the Shixie brothers, enact the official punishment, and reiterate the court's law.

Not only that, but the Son of Heaven had to deal with those who interceded for the Shixie brothers.

It is not a misdemeanor to intercede for someone who conspired against them.

Chapter 1246

Seeing Zhou Zhong's silence, Liu Xie asked in surprise, "Duke Zhou thinks something is wrong?"

Zhou Zhong weighed the pros and cons, bowed and said: "Your Majesty's words are justified. It's just that Dong Zhuo was cruel and killed innocent people indiscriminately. His Majesty can still remember his merits and forget his mistakes, record his old department, and use it for the imperial court. That's why Shi Xie is revived today. Although the brothers ruled Jiaozhou and disobeyed the orders of the imperial court, they did not commit any atrocities of cruelty to the people, and now they surrendered the city, the punishment should not be too severe, lest the world be misunderstood."

"Misunderstanding?" Liu Xie laughed silently. "Do you think the court bullies the weak and fears the hard?"

Zhou Zhong didn't dare to answer directly, so he could only respond in silence.

Liu Xie was not surprised.After so many years of running-in, he already knew the common faults of these veterans, and he couldn't make too high demands.Zhou Zhong is not a bad person, but his habits are too heavy to be completely changed.

Changing habits and customs is not something that can be done overnight, so there is no rush.

"This matter is neither small nor big, so there is no need to rush." ​​Liu Xie walked slowly with his hands behind his back. "Speaking of Dong Zhuo and his former minions, I have some ideas and would like to discuss them with Duke Zhou."

Zhou Zhong followed. "Your Majesty, please show me."

"There is one person who doesn't know poetry and books, but only knows how to kill. There is another person who knows books and respects rituals, and his words must be loyal. Both of them betrayed. Who is the most guilty?"

Zhou Zhong thought for a while. "Same guilt."

"Same guilt?"

"Same crime." Zhou Zhong gritted his teeth and insisted that his point of view remained unchanged. "About traces regardless of heart, in ancient times there have been no sages."