I studied in modern times

Chapter 1063 Making a Move in Jiaozhou (2)

Since the emperor had already spoken to this extent, how could Shen Kuo dare to object?
He immediately said, "Your Majesty's grace is truly appreciated by this subject, Zijing!"

Zhao Xu hummed in agreement and said, "Don't be so happy yet!"

"If he wants to go south to Jiaozhou, he must first agree to a few things..."

Without waiting for Shen Kuo's reply, Zhao Xu went straight to stating his requirements.

"First... Prince Jing must write a letter to the Governor, earnestly reflecting on his mistakes in Fujian Road back then!"

As for what mistakes to reflect on?
Of course, it's for his own selfish reasons, to prevent the opening of Quanzhou Port!

Otherwise, is it because he, back then, in order to complete the late emperor's mission, increased the burden of taxes and levies at every level in Fujian Province, and levied exorbitant taxes?
"Secondly... he also needs to write a memorial and send it to me!"

"In this memorial, he must carefully elaborate on his policy of governance after taking office in Jiaozhou. He must be substantive and not beat around the bush, and he must not give me any false impressions!"

Zhao Xu had always wanted to replicate in the Song Dynasty the procedures that modern officials follow when taking office.

For example, a department, such as the Ministry of Personnel, needs to talk to this person.

Before taking office, this person must report to his superior (the governor), and must have a plan and set a goal.

However, every time Zhao Xu wanted to do it, he gave up due to various concerns.

The main reason is that Zhao Xu made this choice after weighing the various forces he possessed, the forces of the ministers who were determined to follow him, and the forces of the possible opposition.

The lessons learned from the failure of the Qingli Reforms were far too profound for the Zhao family!

Back then, Fan Zhongyan launched the Qingli Reforms, intending to take action against the bureaucratic class.

It's all about reforming the examination and assessment system, cracking down on the privileged lifestyles of privileged sons of officials, and reforming the official selection system...

The results of it?
The counterattack from the bureaucratic group was swift and terrifying!
Not to mention Fan Zhongyan, even Emperor Renzong couldn't withstand it.

Thus, the Qingli Reforms ended in failure, and of all the achievements of Fan Zhongyan's reforms, only the equalization of official land was preserved.

Even this reform measure that was retained was not actually followed in practice.

After all, the Song Dynasty was a dynasty that ruled the country together with the scholar-officials.

Should the imperial court restrict, reduce, and constrain the privileges of officials and scholar-officials?
You, the emperor, do you still want to sleep soundly?
Having learned this lesson, the Zhao officials became extremely cautious about touching the interests of bureaucrats and scholars.

Of course, caution is one thing.

This did not prevent Zhao Xu from testing the waters, gradually making progress day by day by slowly boiling the frog in water.

After hearing Zhao Xu's request, Shen Kuo didn't think too much and immediately bowed his head and replied, "Your Majesty's virtuous teachings will be conveyed to this humble official, Zijing. I believe that after hearing the virtuous teachings of the Emperor, this humble official will gladly accept the decree!"

Zhao Xu hummed in agreement and said nothing more.

He knew very well that Wang Zijing had no choice.

Wang Zijing was a corrupt official who was abandoned by the entire bureaucratic group.

Both the new party and the old party are calling for his execution.

The only person who could use him and save him was Emperor Zhao Xu.

Therefore, he had no choice but to carry out Zhao Xu's orders and decrees without any discount.

……

Not long after seeing Shen Kuo off, Zhao Xu suddenly thrust his pole forward.

Another carp was dragged to the dock.

The young eunuch standing nearby immediately stepped forward with great joy, grabbed a net, and precisely scooped the carp into it.

"Congratulations everyone, this fish must weigh over a pound!" the young eunuch said obsequiously.

Zhao Xu looked at the fish, then at the fish basket in front of him. There were at least seven or eight fish in the basket!
Today is a lucky day for fishing!
For Zhao Xu's fishing career, today's fishing conditions are already enough to make his catch overflow!

The emperor was immediately delighted and said, "Excellent!"

"Today, all the eunuchs and ladies-in-waiting present will be given five strings of cash!"

"All the Imperial City Guards who are diligent and loyal are also granted five strings of cash!"

"Tong Guan will be rewarded with one hundred strings of cash!"

Immediately, everyone present was beaming with joy.

Even the Imperial City Guards on the perimeter were overjoyed!

Five strings of cash! That's almost equivalent to more than a month's salary for them!
He truly is a holy emperor!
Unfortunately, the guards accompanying the emperor were never fixed.

Even the Imperial Dragons take turns.

Therefore, although the emperor would come to the inner pond to fish three to five times a month, he would also leave the palace every month to inspect and encourage the Kaifeng Prefecture government, the special weapons manufacturing bureau, and the Imperial Dragon First General Camp outside the city.

However, the guards accompanying the entourage were different each time!

Generally, each of the Imperial City Guard's personal guards can only have one opportunity per month!
Of course, there are exceptions—the guards of the First Commander of the Left Guard of the Imperial Dragon are always his personal bodyguards.

Thinking of this, many officials looked enviously at the Imperial Guards who, even in the sweltering summer heat, always wore armor and silently protected the emperor.

They are now the envy of the entire Imperial City Guard.

In a month, the rewards from the attendants alone could amount to at least thirty to fifty strings of cash.

In addition, the emperor bestows various gifts upon the emperor each month.

It can be said that the guards of the Imperial Dragon Left Guard, after a month, receive a salary and bonuses that are comparable to those of an eighth-rank official in the capital!

but……

Everyone was just envious; no one was jealous.

Because everyone knows how the guards under the first command of the Imperial Dragon Left Guard received this treatment.
At that time, the late emperor was seriously ill, and the current emperor was living in seclusion in Qingning Palace. The court and the country were in turmoil, and there was unrest both inside and outside the court.

These are the guards who are now the first commander of the Imperial Dragon Left Guard, and under the leadership of the three sons of Yan Shuai, they protect the emperor day and night in Qingning Palace.

It can be said that they risked their lives to gain wealth!

Therefore, they deserve this generous reward and favor!

"I wonder when we'll be able to perform such a service of protecting the emperor!"

Many people were thinking about this.

The Emperor is wise and always rewards those who have rendered meritorious service. He is especially kind to these imperial guards!

If there is a chance...

Everyone will rush to repay the Emperor's favor!
……

Back at the Hall of Heroes, Zhao Xu finished his bath and changed into new clothes.

Then, he sat down on the recliner in the study, slowly closed his eyes, and began to ponder.

"I wonder if Wang Zijing is even capable of being used..."

"But it doesn't matter... let's give it a try... it doesn't cost anything anyway..."

"It's time to break up the pairing of Lü Jiawen and Gao Zunhui!"

"These two bastards, all they care about now is money!"

"They're even starting to dodge the questions I gave them!"

Zhao Xu did a good job in supervising local areas.

He not only strengthened the original function of the patrolmen in handling official business, but also placed a large number of patrolmen among merchants through the Investigation Bureau.

In addition, Zhao Xu would periodically send officers of the Imperial Guards south to conduct official business.

Place one or two informants among these people.

Meanwhile, the local chieftains would also regularly report on local conditions to Zhao Xu.

By comparing these methods, one can basically understand the situation of the surrounding prefectures and counties.

Generally speaking, unless a genius bureaucrat like Wang Danwang emerges, corrupting everyone and forming a defensive alliance, such a situation is unlikely to occur.

Otherwise, Zhao Xu would always know about the changes in the local area.

Besides, Lü Jiawen and Gao Zunhui did nothing to hide it from him!
They even proactively reported some things as their own political achievements.

But they didn't consider that Zhao Xuruo really only wanted to make money.

Why send them?

"Let's see what's going on!"

"If they still don't change their ways after Prince Jing goes south... then I'll have no choice but to replace them!"

(End of this chapter)