Chapter 22 Section Eleven

Early the next morning, it started to rain lightly.Shi Jian hurried to the Sang Mansion, could not help but tell the girl to wake up Shi Yue with cold water, straighten his clothes, and urge him to enter the palace.It turned out that as Pan Zhaolin expected, the emperor wanted to summon Shi Yue. After Shi Yue was doused in cold water, he came to his senses. Knowing that everyone was still awake, but he had to rush to see the emperor, he couldn't help laughing at himself: "Sure enough, the rich and the idle are the rarest things." While serving him to change into his official uniform, Shi Jian said with a sneer, "Young master, don't complain about being rich and idle. Didn't you become an idler yesterday? As a result, he was so drunk that Madam asked the girl out to ask no less than ten times in one night, but we didn't dare to say it. "

Shi Yue spat: "The stinky brat has become so courageous." After entering the palace, I realized that the emperor was summoned in the Jiying Hall, so I ran over quickly.At that time, including Han Jiang, the second prime minister and the third ginseng, and several other Hanlin scholars, plus the Privy Councilor, the Third Secretary Envoy, Yushi Zhongcheng, and Lu Huiqing—Shi Yue knew that it was probably a special edict—all coming.He had just confessed his crime, and then he heard Lu Huiqing laughing and said: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, Shi Yue should be given a house closer to Da Nei."

Feng Jing knew that he was mocking Shi Yue for coming too late, and without waiting for Shi Yue to argue, he also smiled and said: "Master Lu is right. Shi Yue's bestowed house is too far away from Da Nei, because His Majesty bestowed it on him, so he dare not buy a new house. What's more He is usually clean and honest, and housing prices in the capital are expensive, so he may not be able to buy as he pleases. On a day like today when he is not supposed to be on duty, there is an urgent need to discuss military and state affairs, so it is rare to arrive in time." Lu Huiqing saw Feng Jingqiang stand out, and said with a dry smile: "Feng Zhizheng knows about Mr. Shi's affairs like the back of his hand. I'm afraid he knows more than Han Shizhong." He said this terribly, and he clearly meant that Feng Jing and Shi Yue formed a clique.Feng Jing's face changed suddenly, and Wu Chong, the privy envoy, had long said: "A minister must have the dignity of a minister."

Wang Anshi disapproved of these three men holding guns and sticks in front of the emperor, but Cai Que took pleasure in their misfortune. In his opinion, it was nothing more than "dog bites dog".Although Zeng Bu is a new party member, he is also hoping that Lu Huiqing will suffer more.Han Jiang and Sun Gu are like wooden figures, keeping their expressions calm. Zhao Xu understood in his heart, but there was nothing he could do, so he pretended to be confused, and said with a smile: "There is no need to discuss these matters now, let's talk about the business first. Shi Qing will leave the capital soon to take care of one side of my pastor, the capital's house, after he returns to the capital It won't be too late." After saying this, Wang Anshi, Cai Que, and Shi Yue remained unmoved, obviously they already knew about it.Everyone around was taken aback. Feng Jing and Wu Chong saw that Han Jiang came back, and the matter of Zhongshu would be even more difficult in the future, and they also hoped to use Shi Yue to help. Unexpectedly, it was only a few days after the recommendation was up, but it was said that Shi Yue was sent out.

Zhao Xu didn't care what they were thinking, and only asked Han Jiang and Sun Gu, "Han Qing, Sun Qing, what do you think about Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong's entrusting a dream?" Han Jiang and Sun Gu looked at each other, and said in their hearts: "Sure enough, I asked about this matter." Before they entered the palace, they had already guessed that the emperor would ask about this matter. They are very strict, and they don't know what the other party is thinking.Although Han and Sun are both in the same body to be punished, they will be in prominent positions when they are recalled one day. Han Jiang is the second chancellor. and smell.However, the Han family is a family of officials in the Northern Song Dynasty. It can be said that it is full of crowns. Sun Gu can't compare with Han Jiang in terms of favor, and Han Jiang is the second prime minister. If you use this matter as the basis for making major decisions, you will be ridiculed by future generations. Please think twice, Your Majesty."

Everyone is not surprised by Han Jiang's attitude. Han Jiang's nickname is "Arhat who holds the law", and it may be a little difficult to make him and Wang Anshi live together.All the officials in the palace cast their eyes on Sun Gu. Shi Yue was also uneasy at this moment.He knew that Sun Gu's attitude was extremely important. At this time, even Feng Jing could not have firm support for him. Sun Gu was recalled by the emperor on purpose. If he could get his approval, then maybe he could persuade the emperor to make some preparations earlier.But if even he objected—Sun Gu never supported Wang Anshi, then the big thing would be gone.He really couldn't ignore the life and death of those tens of millions of people, so he couldn't help but persuade Sun Gu first, so that he would agree with him in front of the emperor.

Sun Gu ignored everyone's reaction, took a step forward, and said arrogantly: "Your Majesty, I think this matter was all started by Shi Yue's young Meng Lang, and it is not enough to discuss in the court!" Suddenly looked at each other in astonishment. The words "Young Meng Lang" can be regarded as the most taboo comment in politics for Shi Yue, who has no deep qualifications and suddenly jumped up.Sun Gu and Shi Yue had no public or personal enmity, and everyone was surprised that they were so merciless. Because Shi Yue was talking about himself, it was difficult to refute, but Feng Jing couldn't help but said: "Shi Yue has always been cautious and mature, Mr. Sun seems to use too harsh words."

Sun Gu squinted at Feng Jing, and said sharply: "The ruling is wrong! The matters discussed today, whether they are true or not, are not enough for future generations. If Shi Yue's dream is false, next year will not If there is no drought, then Yu Shiyue's big crime of deceiving the emperor is still a small matter, and humiliating the spirits of his ancestors and clans is a major matter. As an important minister of the court, Shi Yue has something to do, and he should not speak nonsense. How can the ancestors and Emperor Taizong feel at ease under the Nine Springs? At that time, even if Shi Yue died ten thousand times, he would not be able to pay for his crime."

Feng Jing was very dissatisfied, but he was always clumsy with words and didn't know how to deal with it, so he had no choice but to back down. Shi Yue never expected that Sun Gu not only did not support him, but turned against him. At this time, he knew that the matter could not be undone.Relying on the emperor's favor, he was not too afraid of the emperor's punishment, but he was very dissatisfied with Sun Gu in his heart, and secretly cursed: "Up and down, do you want to show that you are not partial to the party in front of the emperor?" It's not wrong, but under the mental tension, he suddenly realized his own setbacks, and Shi Yue's own mentality made it difficult to maintain justice.

Lu Huiqing and Cai Que looked at each other, both of them were overjoyed.They never expected that Sun Gu would attack Shi Yue, how could they let go of such a god-given opportunity? "Sun Gu's words are reasonable. Shi Yue's matter is indeed frivolous, and it has affected the ancestors. It should be dealt with by a judge. Please make a clear decision, Your Majesty." Cai Que first launched an attack impatiently. However, Lu Huiqing said righteously: "Shi Yue's heart is really unquestionable. Today he pretends to be the name of the people in the world, and the Taoist ancestor entrusted a dream to report the disaster. What he said is not right, which is disrespectful to the ancestors; in case of misfortune, he When he said that the ancestor entrusted him with a dream and asked Shi Yue to do what Yiyin did, does your majesty believe it or not?" When Lu Huiqing said these words, even the emperor was shocked.The officials in the palace are even more thrilling!Who is Yi Yin?On the surface, Yi Yin is an ancient holy figure, but in fact he is a powerful figure who can abolish the emperor!Lu Huiqing is going to put Shi Yue to death.Feng Jing and Wu Chong glanced at each other, they knew something was wrong, and when they were about to speak, Cai Que jumped ahead and said: "What Shi Yue said is indeed almost a monster, it's insulting to gentleness, and it's not worthy of a minister."

When Shi Yue heard the two people's words of attack, his expression became very ugly.Although there is no evidence for what Lu Huiqing refers to, it is a crime of heartbreaking, and every sentence is shocking.He immediately thought of Yang Xiuqing's seance from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and the consequence was that the East Prince's Mansion was finally wiped out in the political struggle!Although the Song Dynasty claimed not to kill scholar-bureaucrats, it was equally merciless when it came to rebellion.Thinking of this, he couldn't help arguing, and he couldn't help pointing his fingers and said sternly: "Lu Huiqing, do you want to use slander to kill people? Shi's loyalty to the Song Dynasty and the emperor can be seen as the sun and the moon!" Zhao Xu, who was sitting on the dragon chair, understood like a mirror in his heart when he heard the words in the palace that he would put stones to death.He knew that if he didn't speak again, the courtiers who were accustomed to moving with the wind would follow one by one and throw stones at Shi Yue's body, and he might not be able to list the "ten crimes" and other crimes by then. The young emperor still had a lot of expectations for Shi Yue, and he was absolutely unwilling to sacrifice him like this.He subconsciously glanced at Wang Anshi, seeing him hesitating to speak, afraid that he would say something more unfavorable to Shi Yue, he quickly waved his hand and said gently: "Shi Yue has always been loyal to the country, and there will never be such a You don't have to worry about things." Cai Que achieved the position of Yushi Zhongcheng, the highest supervisory officer in the country, all along by relying on Xihe the emperor's wishes. When the emperor spoke, he obediently kept silent, as if this had never happened. Seeing Cai Que like this, Lu Huiqing cursed secretly in her heart: "What a villain, if you don't knock Shi Yue down completely at this time, if you let him slow down, one day, Deng Wan will be our generation's predecessor. Cai is really helpless!" Those who are knowledgeable should not seek great things!" With his mind set, he refused to let go, pointed at Shi Yue, and said sharply: "Your Majesty, Wang Mang and Cao Cao may not have been loyal ministers when they first served! In the future, the door of luck and gossip will surely be opened." Knowing that there are two phases and three participants in the Ji Ying Hall, they are a little impatient, and they all remain silent.But the so-called arrow is on the string, it has to be fired, and for a while, I don't care about many. Shi Yue looked around the hall, it was impossible for Sun Gu to speak out for himself, Feng Jing and Wu Chong couldn't count on it for a while, Zeng Bufan refused to do what Wang Anshi objected to, and the rest of the people, as long as they didn't make trouble, would be thankful.At this moment, he had no choice but to defend himself, and said sadly: "Your Majesty, I know that I am guilty, and I dare not argue again. It's just that the honor and disgrace of the guilty minister are not worth mentioning. If what the guilty minister said is true, I hope your Majesty and everyone Please take care of the life and death of thousands of people, and make some preparations, so that you will not fail the trust of your ancestors, and you will show your Majesty's love for Yuan Yuan." Lu Huiqing cursed secretly in her heart: "Advancing by retreating and changing the subject, you are a hypocrite!" But seeing the emperor and Wang Anshi nodding their heads in embarrassment, she already knew in her heart that she would completely defeat Shi Yue, not to mention the emperor's level is still hard to shake Even Wang Anshi probably didn't want to put Shi Yue to death, and he couldn't help but feel jealous and fearful: Since he and Shi Yue are torn apart, they are in the same situation. If Shi Yue can't be brought down, one day, he will turn around. Hand over to deal with yourself. He was about to change the topic of words to attack Shi Yue when he heard the emperor say softly: "Today there is no need to discuss whether Shi Yue's actions are right or wrong. I think that if what he said is true, it is really necessary." Prevention. Therefore, I want to temporarily exempt all the roads in Hebei from exempting the remaining money, and cut taxes a little as appropriate, and then order all localities to promote Changping envoys to inspect the storage, just in case. At the same time, anyone who sells grain to Hebei will be exempted from tax. What is the intention of the prime minister and the ministers?" When Shi Yue heard these words, he knew that the emperor intended to protect himself, and that the method proposed by the emperor would undoubtedly greatly reduce the harm of the disaster. Feng Jing and Wu Chong had nothing to say about this matter, but seeing that it was beneficial to Shi Yue, and it was proposed by the emperor himself, there was no need to weigh it, so they immediately agreed. Wang Anshi and Han Jiang couldn't help frowning.As for the matter of Cai just now, Han Jiang knew the emperor's likes and dislikes very well, so he didn't want to offend Shi Yue too much. To be a man, he should leave a way out for himself, and it is not appropriate to kill them all. This is the way he has always believed in.Wang Anshi also felt in his heart that it would be too much to put Shi Yue to death, so they both intended to intercede for Shi Yue, but they both wanted to wait until the emperor had no choice but to punish Shi Yue, and then be a good person and show favor to Shi Yue.Although the two are prime ministers, if Shi Yue can receive his favor and make some emotional investment in this promising young man, even Wang Anshi will not refuse to do so.Unexpectedly, after talking for a long time, the emperor actually showed his favor to Shi Yue very clearly. In fact, he believed in Shi Yue's judgment at all in such a punishment.The two of them calculated in their hearts and were about to express their opinions when they heard that Lu Huiqing, who had been attacking Shi Yue since Shi Yue stepped into the Jiying Hall today, unexpectedly said loudly: "Your Majesty, so Punishment is a surefire solution." Wang Anshi was taken aback by the fact that he was a student, and he realized for the first time that he had no idea what Lu Huiqing was thinking. Sun Gu glanced at Lu Huiqing with disgust, and cursed in his heart: "Small man!" But he is not a speech officer after all, the emperor didn't ask, and he can't attack ministers casually, so he didn't make a sound.Cai Chu sneered in his heart, and secretly wrote down this matter, saving it for later when he dealt with Lu Huiqing to turn over the old account, so that he could say that he wanted to agree with him, and swayed from side to side, but now he didn't speak. At this time, he would have to wait Listen to what Wang Anshi has to say before deciding what to do. Only Han Jiang quietly looked at Lu Huiqing a few times, secretly praised "smart", he secretly glanced at the emperor from the corner of his eyes, and Zhao Xu nodded slightly, obviously admiring that Lu Huiqing was indeed worthy of the title of "sage".Attacking Shi Yue is for the sake of the Zhao family's country, and agreeing to make preparations early is also considered from the perspective of justice... Han Jiang, who knew the emperor's orientation, was considering whether to second the proposal immediately, or to wait for Wang Anshi to express his position before speaking, but he heard the silent third envoy Zeng Bu say sourly: "Your Majesty, if the remaining money for exemption from service is not collected, the treasury If you want to lose a lot of income, the Northwest military spends tens of millions of dollars a day. If you don’t borrow some money from the internal treasury, you will not be able to make ends meet. I’m afraid it’s inevitable.” He complained openly, and when he was done, he still teased Lu Huiqing: “Lord Lu knows Sinong Temple as well. , unexpectedly strongly agreeing, it seems that Sinong Temple will not need to borrow money from the internal treasury in the future." Lu Huiqing scolded Zeng Bu secretly, but just pretended not to hear it.Shi Yue secretly groaned in his heart, no matter what the reason was, Zeng Bu groaned at the operational level at this time, and he would definitely attack his idea of ​​early disaster relief again.The resulting chain reaction is now unpredictable.He naturally knew that Zeng Bu, the third envoy, was doing quite poorly, because the country was unable to make ends meet, and in addition to the finances of the Song Dynasty, there was a very paradoxical thing: the emperor had another internal treasury, which was shared with the third envoy and Si Nong Temple. In the same management of the world's financial revenue, although the emperors of the Song Dynasty did not use money indiscriminately, the money in this treasury was mainly used for military expenses, and when the treasury was insufficient, they could "borrow money" from the emperor, but in the accounts, it was called "the planner". "Zeng Bu, the highest financial officer in the country, does not know how much money the country has.Therefore, when he calculates the income of the country, it will appear even less.Zeng Bu, who had a heartache for Yinzi, was unwilling to express his opposition clearly, considering the emperor's attitude and Shi Yue's personal relationship, but he had to express his attitude on the other hand.But objectively, it was already very unfavorable to Shi Yue. Wang Anshi nodded secretly, approving in his heart that Zeng Bu said a very real question.But at the same time, he is inevitably a little troubled: managing money, managing money, and helping the country manage money are the biggest political ambitions of his life.It is indeed unacceptable for Wang Anshi to use a non-existent thing to disrupt the existing tax policy and directly affect the country's large fiscal revenue.But the emperor's attitude cannot be ignored.After a long silence, Wang Anshi finally spoke: "Your Majesty, I think this matter has too much impact. Either believe in Shi Yue and secretly prepare for disaster relief, or don't believe it and don't disrupt the progress of the reform. Make a decision, and it will be easy to handle. Minister They don’t believe in the words of strange powers and chaotic gods, Taizu and Emperor Taizong, there is no reason to entrust a dream to a courtier.” As soon as Wang Anshi's words fell, Cai Jianli said: "Your Majesty, I also think that this matter is not thorough. If you act according to your Majesty's words, then it is undoubtedly that what Shi Yue said is true. If it fails, the historian's pen , the ridicule of future generations, you must not be afraid!" Sun Gu also said decisively: "If this is the case, I dare not rush!" Seeing the voices of opposition again, Shi Yue finally couldn't restrain himself, and said to Cai Que angrily, "Why is Zhong Cheng only afraid of the ridicule of future generations, and disregarding the life and death of the people?" Cai Que sneered and said, "I don't care about the life and death of the people, but I just don't want to disturb the government because of evil words." "If there is a drought next year, I don't know if Zhongcheng will feel ashamed of the people who suffered from the disaster!" Shi Yue looked at Wang Anshi, who was a head shorter than himself, and he knew that no matter how many people opposed or supported him, the key was Wang Anshi, as long as "Yuan Xianggong" nodded, everything would go smoothly. "My lord, the country's wealth is taken from the people and used for the people. How can you ignore the life and death of the people and just be a miser?" Shi Yue's words were already very urgent. Wang Anshi glanced at Shi Yue indifferently, and said to the emperor: "Are you a miser? I just follow the teachings of the saints, and dare not talk about strange powers. If you know for sure that there will be a drought next year, you will suspend the new law, and you will be in the same place." No hesitation." Sun Gu didn't wait for Shi Yue to ask, but also said loudly: "It is better to die by keeping the way than to live without the way!" Shi Yue sneered: "You die for keeping the way! It's a pity that if you really want to die, it's innocent people who die!" He also became more and more stern in his speech, which made Sun Gu's neck turn red. Feng Jing saw that the matter had just been salvaged, but unexpectedly when Zeng Bu opened his mouth, the matter took a turn for the worse, and he didn't know what to think.He said cautiously: "It is really impossible to determine the truth and falsehood now. I think that what your Majesty said is lenient on the outside and prepared on the inside is the most wise. All these measures can be promulgated under various names. Financial constraints , the imperial court may not be unable to support the saving of expenses." "There is no right or wrong in the statement made by the ruling party. The minister thought that Shi Yue had to be punished for his remarks. And there is no need to believe in such illusory things. It is the responsibility of the Secretary to inspect the warehouse for emergency, and there is no need to declare it specifically. In fact, I think that if Shi Yue's predictions are true, the chaos in this dynasty will only be the beginning!" Sun Gu retorted coldly. The meaning behind this proverb made Shi Yue shudder. Outside the Jiying Hall, the drizzle became heavier and heavier, and the sound of pattering rain spread into the hall. The so-called "serious drought" seemed more and more out of reach.Zhao Xu inspected the officials from Wang Anshi down with his eyes, and saw that most of the officials in the highest power center of the dynasty opposed Shi Yue's proposition, and the few supporters seemed to lack confidence. It was really just Shi Yue. nightmare?Zhao Xu didn't know that he had unknowingly gotten used to the thought of "Shi Yue is always right", and at this time he could not help but hesitate to make a decision that was completely contrary to Shi Yue's opinion. However, at this time, in the Jiying Hall, Sun Gu's stubborn voice echoed silently: "I dare not obey the imperial edict..."