I studied in modern times

Chapter 820 Fighting for favor
Zhao Xu's instructions were executed very quickly.

Even a little too fast!

On the second night after the order was issued, Shi Deyi came to report: "Everyone, after learning of your message, the officials of the various towns and supervisors in the prefecture all said: We are grateful for your grace, Your Majesty, and we will follow your instructions and obey your will..."

After Zhao Xu heard this, his eyelids twitched, and then he reacted: "Wait a minute..."

He looked at Shi Deyi and asked, "What are the officials in charge of the prefecture?"

"Are all the supervisors and officials of the Thirty-One Towns related to me or the two palaces?"

Shi Deyi lowered his head and said, "Everyone is wise!"

Zhao Xu held his forehead and sighed.

But, this is the Song Dynasty!

A dynasty based on feudal bureaucratic monopoly of the economy and a feudal scholar-official aristocratic republican system!

A deformed dynasty that stitched together various laws, policies and systems invented by the officials from the late Tang Dynasty to the Five Dynasties and then to the Song Dynasty.

A dynasty that comes with all kinds of debuffs in the womb!
So, is it hard to imagine that people with connections have monopolized the lucrative jobs in the Gyeonggi region?
I'm afraid it would be news if it weren't the people with connections who took up these lucrative jobs!

Zhao Xu waved his hand and said to Shi De: "That's it!"

"Inform Wang Zishao and ask the Ministry of Personnel to accept the selection documents of the officials in the prefecture. Then, let Wang Zishao think of a way to invent and create more positions in the Jiaozhou Youjiang Pacification Office and the Xihe Border Defense Finance Office to assign these people to these positions!"

"promise!"

Zhao Xu sent Shi Deyi away, then shook his head and sighed softly: "My Song Dynasty...if it doesn't change, it's really doomed!"

This was also the driving force behind Wang Anshi's reforms and his desire to inherit the throne in his previous life.

The ruling group has found itself with one foot on the edge of a cliff.

In order to save ourselves, we have no choice but to seek change.

However, whether it was Wang Anshi's reform or the Shaosheng Shaoshu he carried out in his previous life, they were actually just repairs within the original framework.

If the productive forces were not developed and the production relations were not changed, even if the reform was successful, it would only extend the life of the Song Dynasty for another ten years.

……

The Ministry of Personnel soon became lively.

Dozens of royal relatives rushed into the Ministry of Personnel's office in Xingguofang.

Everyone held his own certificate bag in his hand, which was filled with colorful silk papers. On the paper were written the identity information of these guys' ancestors for three generations, their hometown, and themselves, as well as the most important certificates of appointment to office.

Because there are so many documents, they have to be put in a bag.

When the officials of the Ministry of Personnel saw these ancestors, their eyes were so wide with smiles.

Looking at them is like seeing moving coins.

They came forward to greet him enthusiastically, and secretly began to sharpen their knives.

The Ministry of Personnel has its own rules for selecting officials.

Are you allowed to choose from those vacancies? How do you choose? When do you choose?
They all have their own names!

You also have to ask people to pay money to smooth over the relationship.

On this point, even the royal family members are treated equally.

This is why the Ministry of Personnel is called the "Ministry of Laws".

There are rules for everything!

Even if the king of heaven comes, he has to follow their rules!

If you have the ability, go through the channels of the capital to remove him or ask the emperor to decree the removal personally.

Otherwise, no matter who you are, you will be subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Personnel.

The royal family members are naturally well aware of these intricacies.

So, as soon as they entered the door, they took various business cards and visiting cards, found their respective connections, and started running around to select positions.

Naturally, they all want a good one.

But the problem is...

The Frontier Defense Finance Office of Xihe Road and the Youjiang Pacification Office and Xuanwei Office of Jiaozhou were all invented temporarily by Wang Zishao.

Their duties are mostly vague and the wording is ambiguous.

Which one is the lucrative job? Which one is the promising job?

This will be a test of the luck of these royal relatives and their closeness to the Xiang and Gao families.

The hustle and bustle of the Ministry of Personnel soon attracted the attention of court officials who were also renting low-rent housing (Zhang Ji's old residence) in Xingguofang.

Especially the crows in the Censorate, all of them stared at the Ministry of Personnel's official residence with their eyes wide open.

People like Lu Tao even hired people to guard the official residence of the Ministry of Personnel around the clock and keep an eye on every move inside.

They even had people follow some key figures and record their actions.

The crows at this time are like squirrels storing food for the winter.

They carefully observed and recorded what they saw and heard.

This information may not be useful to them now.

But who can predict what will happen in the future?
What if?
By then, these things recorded by oneself might become evidence of crime.

Even if the things they write down now don't come in handy in the end, there will be no loss for them.

……

When the Ministry of Personnel was bustling.

Pu Zongmeng, who was in the capital, met Cai Jing again in his own hall.

"Reporting to the Right Prime Minister, I have discussed with my colleagues in Kaifeng Prefecture, and they all agree that the Right Prime Minister's order can be implemented within three months..." Cai Jing bowed and reported.

Pu Zongmeng did not say anything, but just held the teacup and sipped the tea gently.

In a corner of the command hall, He Zhizhong, the Right Secretary of the Ministry of Shangshu, who was holding a pen and sitting behind a desk, recording the conversation between the Right Prime Minister and the Kaifeng Prefecture, put down his pen at this time, smiled softly and said, "Prefect Cai..."

"It took Kaifeng Prefecture three months to completely abolish a mere tax?"

"Is Kaifeng Prefecture reluctant to part with this money?"

Although he asked with a smile, his tone was quite friendly.

But every word was like a poisonous snake spitting out its tongue.

Especially the last sentence, which is somewhat heartbreaking.

Cai Jing chuckled and looked back at He Zhizhong. He knew that He Zhizhong was actually attacking him on behalf of Pu Zongmeng.

So Cai Jing said softly: "Du Lang doesn't know..."

"I dare to ask the prefect for advice!" He Zhizhong bowed, looking humble and respectful.

He was a Jinshi in the sixth year of Xining, while Cai Jing was a Jinshi in the third year of Xining.

According to official rules, he was the junior and Cai Jing was the senior.

Not to mention, Cai Jing's current status is far above his!

Now, he hasn’t even changed his position as a court official.

I am only a Xuan De Lang, as for the official position?
I didn't even get a chance to proofread in the library.

However, Cai Jing was already a court official, a scholar of the Longtu Pavilion, and the acting governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, and had many other assignments.

Each one is closely related to the emperor.

For example - to be in charge of the official affairs of the internal and external roads of Bianliang.

This dispatch enabled him to go before the emperor to receive his orders.

It's almost like ruling without any announcement!

Therefore, He Zhizhong was very clear that he was just a pawn in front of Cai Jing.

But he was fearless.

In the Song Dynasty, it was not uncommon for a small force to defeat a large one and win the battle.

The most famous one is the legendary story of Han Qi, Duke Zhongxian of Han, who removed four prime ministers with a piece of paper!
Cai Jing chuckled, facing the direction of Baoci Palace, and said with a cupped hand: "Your Majesty is benevolent and holy, and has compassion on the good and the innocent. He has extended his favor to Kaifeng Prefecture and issued an edict to exempt the prefecture from taxes!"

"If Kaifeng Prefecture only implements this ancient sacred policy in three months, wouldn't it be a betrayal of the emperor and the people?!"

"Therefore..."

Cai Jing restrained his smile, looked at Pu Zongmeng solemnly, and bowed: "Kaifeng Prefecture will abolish all taxes within the prefecture for a period of three months..."

"We will also have to take three months to rectify the malpractices of clerks and tax collectors in the 17 counties and 31 towns within the prefecture who illegally extort passing merchants!"

"Therefore..."

"Today, I have signed a military order before the Right Prime Minister: within three months, all taxes in the prefectures and counties will be abolished, and all clerks and tax collectors in the prefectures and counties and towns will be punished for extortion, exploitation and extortion!"

Pu Zongmeng listened, suddenly raised his head, and looked at Cai Jing in disbelief.

Cai Jing smiled and looked at Pu Zongmeng with a calm expression.

……

Send Cai Jing away.

Pu Zongmeng's thoughts became complicated.

After a long while, he finally sighed: "The Yangtze River's back waves push the front waves forward..."

"This Cai Yuanchang is even worse than I was back then!"

In order to gain prominence, he pushed the hand-to-hand method to the ground in front of the late emperor.

Similarly, in order to get promoted.

He was the most outspoken and courageous minister in the court in the past.

In order to get ahead, he dares to scold anyone!

From Sima Guang to Lu Gongzhu, from Wen Yanbo to Fan Zhen.

He attacked all the old party veterans who had names.

It is precisely because he fires nonsense every day that he is hated so much.

That's why the things he did in private were spread publicly.

However, today, he finally saw it.

Cai Jing, this younger generation, is even braver than him!
More motivated than him!
He Zhizhong quietly came to Pu Zongmeng and said leisurely: "Your Excellency, you don't know..." "Our Kaifeng Prefecture Governor has the ambition to become the Prime Minister..."

Pu Zongmeng listened without saying anything, just picked up the teacup and sipped the tea.

He Zhizhong understood his subtext and continued, "Your Excellency, I know that in the past few months, a story has been circulating among the idle people in Beijing..."

Pu Zongmeng slowly savored the flavor of the tea, leaning slightly against the back of the chair.

"It is said that during the Xining period..." He Zhizhong observed Pu Zongmeng's expression and said, "When Wang Sikong was in the court, he often lamented with his son-in-law Cai Yuandu that there were no talents available..."

"Hmm?" Pu Zongmeng put down the teacup, his eyes shining, and he started to get serious.

Since this matter involves the legend of Mr. Jiefu, he has to take it seriously!

Now, even a fool knows that Lord Jiefu from Jiangning will never return to the court.

But at the same time, the status of Lord Jiefu in the heart of the current emperor is somewhat bizarrely high!

No need to look at anything else.

Just look at the case of Wu Anchi.

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Anyway, when Pu Zongmeng heard about the case of Wu Anchi, his first reaction was that Lord Jiefu of Jiangning was still in the emperor's heart, and his favor was beyond imagination!
For the sake of Prime Minister Jiefu's happiness in his later years, the current emperor intervened without any scruples and interfered in the family affairs of another prime minister, forcing Wu Anchi to divorce his wife Wang!

Not only that, the rumor went that not only was Wu Anchi forced to divorce, but the Wu family was also forced to return the dowry that Jiefu had sent to Jiangning in its entirety.

Even the son born to Wang and Wu Anchi was sent to Jiangning!

From this we can see how much pressure the emperor secretly put on the Wu family at the beginning.

Since ancient times, no emperor would go to such lengths for a retired minister.

The Wu family has since become socially dead!
The reputation of the prime minister's family was completely trampled underfoot!

This is why, as soon as Wang Anshi came out and announced that he would establish Jiangning Academy in Jiangning, scholars from all over the country were immediately excited and rushed to Jiangning.

They all want to go to Jiangning and become a student of Jiangning Academy or even a disciple of Duke Jing.

Then, you can use this identity to gain many conveniences.

Therefore, even many people from the homes of the old party diehards were rushing to Jiangning.

Even so, it was later reported that Jiangning Academy would no longer teach classics and poetry as the main content.

Instead, arithmetic, money and other subjects will be the main teaching contents of the academy.

It still hasn't extinguished the burning desire to learn in the hearts of scholars all over the world!

Under such circumstances, the competition within the New Party for Wang Anshi's academic and political legacy a hundred years later became increasingly fierce.

Unfortunately, Wang Anshi's eldest son, Wang Pang, who was most qualified to inherit his legacy, died young.

Wang Anshi himself never talked about politics or state affairs in Jiangning, nor did he express any opinions to any court officials.

Even though he came out of retirement to found Jiangning Academy, he only said, "I am deeply indebted to the Emperor for his grace, which I cannot repay. I am willing to spend the rest of my life contributing to the storage of funds and grain for the country..."

He didn't say a word about the government or the officials.

Thus, the sacred artifact has no owner, and only those with virtue can occupy it!
Now, all the ministers who have any connection with Wang Anshi say that they are the Duke of Jing’s favorite student.

Zeng Bu of Yangzhou, Han Zhen of Hangzhou, Huang Lu of Yingchang Prefecture, Xu Jiang of Chengdu, Cai Que of Fujian...and of course, Pu Zongmeng, were all trying to find reasons to prove that they were Jiefu's favorite students/disciples/allies.

Now, another rival appears? !

Pu Zongmeng's killer instinct was instantly activated, and even his eyes changed.

He looked at He Zhizhong.

He Zhizhong lowered his head and continued to speak in a low voice, but every word he said added fuel to the fire.

"It is said that at that time, Prime Minister Jiefu once said to Cai Yuandu: The world is short of talents, and the future is unknown. Who can inherit my mantle, take charge of state affairs, assist the master, and revive the country..."

"Mr. Jiefu also said: My son Wang Yuanze can be considered a ..."

"Then he added: Lu Jifu can be considered one!"

"Mr. Jiefu finally said to Cai Yuandu: Your brother Yuanchang can barely be counted as one!"

"In the end, Jiefu sighed dejectedly: Apart from these three people, there is no one else!"

After listening to this, Pu Zongmeng just looked at He Zhizhong deeply, which made the latter bow and apologize repeatedly, calling him Meng Wang.

Pu Zongmeng waved his hand and said, "Bo Tong, I am tired..."

He looked at He Zhizhong, with a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes.

He knew that He Zhizhong was deliberately trying to flatter Cai Jing in front of him.

Pu Zongmeng can understand He Zhizhong!
When Lu Huiqing, Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu were in the court.

It’s not just the old party that scolds them.
The young and vigorous members of the New Party were also secretly hoping that these three people would make a fool of themselves.

no way!
Lu Huiqing, Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu during the Xining period were too young!

Young ones are a bit too much!
Therefore, the old party called them "lucky youngsters", and the old members of the new party were also at odds with them every day.

The Cai Jing of today is the Lu Huiqing, Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu of those days.

They all have one thing in common – they are young!
Cai Jing is a stumbling block for every young and strong minister now.

He is only about forty years old this year!
But he was already the acting magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture, a court official, and a scholar of Longtu Pavilion!

The next step is definitely to enter the two governments.

A cool umbrella is always at hand!
Just like Lu Huiqing, Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu back then.

Can……

This is not a reason for He Zhizhong to add fuel to the fire or stir up trouble in front of him.

Yousi Langzhong should be his staff member.

Staff cannot have their own ideas!

Otherwise, he had just recommended He Zhizhong to the emperor, and this person also had some relationship with Lu Dian.

Pu Zongmeng has already dismissed him!

He Zhizhong was a little anxious.

He knew that he was in a difficult situation and had to find a way to restore his image in front of Pu Zongmeng.

So, He Zhizhong did not leave immediately, but stepped forward, bowed and reminded Pu Zongmeng: "Ensign..."

"I have no old grudge against Cai Yuanchang, nor am I jealous of his talent..."

"This humble official is completely thinking about the Prime Minister!"

"Hmm?" Pu Zongmeng was a little unhappy.

Are you still coming?
Am I so gullible?

He Zhizhong bowed again and said, "Ensir, the imperial examination will be held next year..."

"This subject is the current emperor's Dragon Flying Ranking!"

"By then, if Cai Yuanchang is still in office in Kaifeng Prefecture... I am afraid that the emperor will appoint him as the head of the imperial examination..."

"Once this happens, Cai Yuanchang will become a threat to Prime Minister En!"

Pu Zongmeng suddenly looked up, his eyes shining brightly!

Yes!

Dragon Flying List!
Upon the ascension of a new monarch, he held the first imperial examination to recruit scholars. The Jinshi selected were inherently superior to the Jinshi of other subjects in terms of promotion speed and future prospects!
However, if Cai Jing could stay in the position of Kaifeng Prefecture smoothly until next year.

So, apart from him, there would be no one else who would be considered for the task of being in charge of the imperial examinations!
There is simply no one who can compete with it.

But as the newly appointed right prime minister, he was in urgent need of people.

If he cannot push one of his own to the position of chief imperial examiner.

It will be a heavy blow to his prestige!
Cai Jing might have taken the opportunity to step on him as the right prime minister to rise to power.

With Cai Jing's ambition and desire for power.

As long as he succeeds once, he will definitely catch this sheep and pull it to the end.

……

Send He Zhizhong away.

Pu Zongmeng leaned back in his chair, thinking about Cai Jing's expression in front of him.

He also thought about the day when Cai Jing left his capital and turned around to go to the Inner East Gate to hand in a letter requesting an audience with the emperor.

"This boy..." Pu Zongmeng said slowly, "He is quite similar to me!"

In official circles, a politician’s biggest opponent is always another person who is similar to himself.

Because, once such a person appears, it means that two people are competing in the same ecological niche!
What’s even more terrible is that this person will also allow the emperor to have a backup plan.

You don't want to do it, right?
I use XX to do it!

Therefore, competition in the same ecological niche will be fierce and involve close combat.

only……

Cai Jing had been by the emperor's side before him.

and so……

He, Pu Zongmeng, is the latecomer!
Moreover, Pu Zongmeng has now become the prime minister.

This means that he had more time to meet the emperor and have close contact with him than Cai Jing.

so……

Why is he the one who is anxious?
It should be Cai Yuanchang!
"As long as I am in the court, Cai Yuanchang will be suppressed by me!" Pu Zongmeng said slowly.

He has strong confidence in this!
So Pu Zongmeng sat up, took the document on the desk and looked at it carefully.

Cai Jing, today, signed a military order in front of him.

Not only will all taxes within the prefecture be abolished within three months, but all taxes levied on it will also be abolished.

At the same time, we must rectify the clerks and tax collectors within the prefecture and strictly enforce the tax laws.

Although I don’t know what Cai Jing plans to do?
But Pu Zongmeng knew that people like them would do anything and use any means to climb up and win the emperor's favor!

And once it succeeds, the emperor will surely look upon it with favor.

and so……

Pu Zongmeng knew that he had to achieve more and better results besides Cai Jing!

He can't lose to Cai Jing!
(End of this chapter)