Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

In the same year, according to the suggestion submitted by the border guards, the imperial court decided to build the Kaiyuan Temple Pagoda in Dingzhou City, an important military site. They are all equipped with doors, surrounded by verandas. The octagonal columns in the center of the tower are equipped with brick steps to reach all floors. In order to defend the Liao army, the tower can be used to observe the military situation. Khitan, to predict the enemy's situation, so it is also called the enemy tower. (The Kaiyuan Temple Tower was not officially completed until 1055, the second year of Emperor Renzong Zhihe of Song Dynasty.)

In May, Li Jiqian, the leader of the party, sent Yajiang to Song Gongma, but at the same time he often hijacked and harassed the border towns, which made it difficult to smooth the payment road in the north of the Song Dynasty. For this reason, Zhenzong sent Zhang Qixian and others to Jing and Yuan , Qingyuan Zhuzhou Army to appease the generals.

In the early court, Zhenzong seemed a little unhappy, and all the officials dared not speak. The hall was silent for a while, and Zhenzong said, "Is there no foundation today? If you have no foundation, you can retreat from the court."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Huaizheng, the chief servant, immediately declared, "If you have a copy, come, and if you don't have a copy, you will leave the court!"

Kou Zhun looked left and right, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have nothing to do with you."

The ministers looked at each other when they heard this, Zhenzong was stunned for a moment, and then his face darkened. Seeing this, Defang hurriedly said, "Kou Zhun! Don't be presumptuous in the Golden Palace!"

"What I mean is that although I have no roots, I have something to say."

Defang looked at Zhenzong's gloomy face, turned to Kou Zhun and said, "What is going on with your majesty, tell me quickly."

Kou Zhun said, "Your Majesty, since the founding of the Song Dynasty, the number of state government officials at all levels has continued to increase, but the number of idle officials is incalculable, and the state's financial burden is too heavy. I believe that redundant officials should be replaced to save unnecessary expenses. For military expenses and people's livelihood."

Zhenzong's expression improved slightly when he heard this, and he said, "The redundant officials Kou Aiqing said were originally reserved for all levels. If they are replaced, there may be something wrong."

"Returning to Your Majesty, the number of redundant officials has already exceeded the number of reserve personnel, and the establishment is chaotic. The treasury spends a lot of money on this every year. I think it is very inappropriate."

"Then what is the solution for Aiqing?" Zhenzong asked

"Returning to Your Majesty, the imperial court can send envoys to the states and counties to check the fact that there are redundant officials, and then report to the Ministry of Officials to eliminate and replace them."

Zhenzong looked at the officials and asked, "What do you think?"

"Qi Zuo Your Majesty," Yushi Zhongcheng Zhao Zongting said, "I agree with Mr. Kou's request. The number of redundant officials is already very large, and there is no one in charge. It is not a blessing for the country and the people."

"What's your opinion, brother?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, I also feel that what the two lords said is reasonable. There are many redundant officials in the Song Dynasty, and they spend a lot of money on the treasury every year. The idle officials have no real hands, and they only get their salaries every month. If the redundant officials can be eliminated and replaced , It can also save the treasury silver, and it is more helpful to use it for the national economy and people's livelihood."

"Well, let's do it this way." Zhenzong nodded, "The matter will be handled by the Ministry of Officials, and Yushi Zhongcheng will supervise it on my behalf, and report this matter as soon as possible."

"I obey the order!" Minister of the Ministry of Officials and Zhao Zongting bowed

After coming down to court, Kou Zhun ran to Defang's side, "Your Majesty, why is Your Majesty so displeased today?"

Defang looked at Kou Zhun, "You know that Long Yan is not happy, and you still dare to act presumptuously in the hall. Do you think that your life is too long, or that your life is harder than iron?"

"Kou is just telling the truth, it's really worthless."

Defang raised his golden mace, "Are you looking for a fight? You are still poor with the lonely king!"

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