Chapter 3 The third round of Zhenguan Xinyuan Xun courtier Xiande Hall to encourage foreign officials

Every year on the first day of the year, the imperial court will hold a grand ceremony in the hall of Tai Chi as usual.Li Yuan still lives in the Taiji Palace, so the grand ceremony had to be held in the Xiande Hall of the East Palace.Compared with the Taiji Hall, this place is slightly narrower.On the first day of Maoshi, the night still shrouded the earth, and the officials entered the hall one by one to pay respects to the emperor.When they stepped into the gate of the palace, they felt a little different at first. What they played was not the familiar elegant music, but the sonorous and vigorous "Qin Wang Breaking the Array".Playing such a fast-paced music on top of the festive ceremony, some people felt a little dissonant.

Li Shimin accepted the congratulations from all the officials, and the nine-year-old crown prince Li Chengqian read his farewell in a childish voice, embraced by the prince's young teacher Li Gang, the prince's left concubine Yu Zhining, and his right concubine Li Baiyao.After all the congratulatory ceremonies, according to the past practice, Li Shimin should be the first to withdraw, and all the officials should leave the hall in turn.However, Li Shimin didn't do that today, he had something to say. "All dear friends, today is the first day of the first year of Zhenguan. The congratulations are over, and it's time to talk about the future. There must be a new look in the new year, and there are a lot of wastes to be done right now. It is urgent for me and all the ministers to work hard day and night. For the sake of the people. I have made up my mind that today everyone can reunite at home for a day, and from tomorrow onwards, we will be acting on official business. Well, when the world’s major events are more stable, we will resume these holidays.”

Li Shimin's words caught some people off guard. Some banquets that had been arranged had to be cancelled. In previous years, they would not be promoted to the office until the fifth day of the first lunar month. Li Shimin continued: "In a country, the monarch is supreme. This does not only mean that he has a respected status. It also means that he should be a role model for all officials and the people. From now on, you are the ministers of the court. You are the pillars of the court, you are the most contacted by foreign officials, and you should be role models for foreign officials. In this way, as long as the officials are upright and diligent in governing, the people will know that the court is clear and bright, which is in contrast to Emperor Yangdi's administration of officials , is my original intention. Shortening the holiday is a small matter, but the subtleties can reveal the big details. I hope that you will cultivate your morals and make sense in the future, and take it as your duty to prosper our dynasty. You may have noticed that the music played in the palace today is "The King of Qin Breaks This is my idea. I was entrusted with the special collection before, and the folks have this song. Although this song does not have the grace and generosity of literature and virtue, my achievements have come from it. When I play this song, one Not daring to forget the roots has another meaning, that is, everyone should take the great governance of the world as the foundation, discard the complicated legacy of official governance, simplify the complexity, and use the rhythm of the song's generosity as the rhythm to carry forward and work hard.

"As for how to achieve great governance, we have discussed it many times years ago. The main purpose is eight words, that is, 'Comfort the people to calm down, and only emphasize education', and not to impose harsh punishments on the people. I hope that all the gentlemen will perform their duties according to this The main purpose is to formulate detailed affairs and implement them properly. There are a few things right now that the company will do in the next few days. "If you want to save extravagance, you have to start from the palace. The first thing is to cut down the palace staff. This time at least 3,000 people will be laid off. Even if it is not a place of imperial fortune, we should gather more palace people. They do this, and I don’t like it. Letting them out of the palace can save money, and let them belong to their relatives, so that they can be married and have children. Female, which is conducive to the increase of population.

"Second, if you want to lighten the tax and pay less, you must follow the system. Dai Qing, starting from today, Dali Temple can't just indulge in the affairs of the prison. You preside over it, and you must violate the "Equal Land Law" for officials at all levels. Those who are involved in the "Zuyong Tiao Law" are severely punished, and they must not be allowed to expropriate the people's resources and financial resources outside the two laws! Of course, to give the people a chance to breathe, the country must also cut down on food and clothing and exempt them from taxes and servitude. Zhenguan Xinyuan has issued an edict to exempt the two-year-old rent in the customs and the six prefectures of Pu, Rui, Yu, Tai, Shan, and Ding, and give it to the world for one year. This is only an expedient measure, and it is fundamental to strictly follow the two laws. Excessive collection is the gospel of the people."

Dai Zhou also didn't expect that Li Shimin's grand speeches at the Yuan Ri Grand Ceremony would still be as grandiose as they were during the court meeting, with a little bit of unnaturalness.Now that Li Shimin called his name, he hurried out of the shift and replied: "I obey the order." Seeing Dai Zhou, Li Shimin suddenly remembered something again, and said, "Sun Fujia is now the Prime Minister of Dali, isn't he?" "Exactly." "A man named Lawyer Yuan was sentenced to death, and I have already committed it. This is what he committed last year. Sun Fujia said that although this man's crimes are serious, he will not die according to the "Wu De Law". I read the "Wu De Law" for comparison, and it really is. Dai Qing, there are people in Dali Temple who are like this, so why should I worry about it. If you want to reward Sun Fujia greatly, you can promote him as Dali Shaoqing, and give it to Lanling Princess Garden as a place to live .”

As soon as Li Shimin said this, the officials were stunned.Because Sun Fujia was right about one thing, he was promoted and rewarded again.You must know that Lanling Princess Garden is a very famous garden mansion in the capital, worth more than one million dollars.Xiao Yu couldn't bear it anymore, and went out to remonstrate, "Your Majesty, Sun Fujia's direct admonition is meritorious, and it is enough to promote him to an official position. It is really too much to reward such a mansion. His admonition is also an ordinary matter, which is really inappropriate. Your Majesty, please be aware."

Wei Zheng in the class had a smile on his lips. He knew that Li Shimin did this to encourage his subordinates to speak out. Sure enough, Li Shimin waved his hand to make Xiao Yu go back, and said earnestly: "The reason why I rewarded Sun Fujia generously is for two reasons: first, the death penalty of lawyer Yuan has been decided by me, and Sun Fujia insists on the law and is not afraid Qiang Yan, you dare to speak out, and you have made great achievements. Dai Qing, I rewarded Sun Fujia today, just to let you know that the country is bigger than the law. Even my words must not touch the law. Both, I want Sun Fujia Voga has made a good start, and I hope that all the courtiers will follow suit, and the failure of admonishing the government and the failure of me will open up the atmosphere of admonishing and admonishing."

All the ministers nodded their heads, but people like Yuchi Jingde still thought it was too cheap: You don't need to shoot a knife, you can get a big garden with just a few lines of writing, there is such a beautiful thing in the world. Li Shimin waved Dai Zhou back to the class, and then said: "Since this topic has been brought up, I will say a few more words. A few days ago, Wei Qing once persuaded me to restrain my desires and accept the advice of the officials. I If you think about it, it makes sense. A king who prospers or loses his country with one word has too much authority. I am also a human being, not a god. If there are no laws and regulations of the country, and if there are no ministers to remonstrate, I will lose a lot. Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was not far away. From my view of his poems, he was not a man who did not understand the truth. However, he thought that he was the emperor, and the king ruled the world. The reason why I reward Sun Fujia so much today is because of this.

"Appoint honest officials and visit good officials. This is the third thing I want to talk about. After Wude, there were too many prefectures. Compared with the previous Sui Dynasty, there are not many officials at all, or even surpass them. There are good and bad among them. It must be simplified. This matter is at the discretion of Xuanling. Both Beijing officials and foreign officials must try to abolish and put those capable officials in key positions. In addition, all states in the world can recommend good talents. These In the years of frequent wars, some good talents are inevitably scattered in the countryside, and they must be recruited. Feng Gong, you are the governor of the Ministry of Officials, and you can handle this matter quickly with Wuji.

"Fourth, I am committed to making the people have enough food and clothing, and the governors of the states are the most important. I live in the deep palace, and I cannot see and hear far away. Whether the chaos in various places can be controlled depends on the governors and governors. You can't go through the motions in the performance appraisal, you need to send more people to go out in low clothes, and see how they are doing. Xuanling, you and Wuji can do this well together. Those mediocre people, especially some people, must be lowered. The examination of the locals made it clear that the official positions of the Tang Dynasty are not for rewards, but for the benefit of the common people. After you have completed your examinations, the remaining candidates will be called to the capital at February Wangri, and I want to see them." Feng Deyi, Fang Xuanling, and Changsun Wuji came out to take over the order. Li Shimin was very interested in talking, stood up from the throne, took a few steps forward, looked at the ministers and said: "The four things I just said, compared with the various affairs in the world, are really missing. I know, if you want It is impossible for the country to be governed by me alone. It is necessary to rely on the joint efforts of the ministers, governors, and county magistrates. Only by working together can it be realized. Wei Qing once said that to achieve great governance in the world, there must be clear politics As the cornerstone, I deeply agree. As I said just now, I will restrain my own desires and work hard to govern the country. Put it in the bright place, and there will be no dark scheming. I will try my best not to judge things based on my personal likes and dislikes, and to seek justice impartially. I said today that all the ministers will perform their duties diligently in the future, and it is better not to think about evil Officials. If you go one step further, everyone will take good care of their duties and at the same time, make a statement and offer a plan for the country. Like Sun Fujia, you will be a good official, and I will reward you according to your merit. I will not learn from Qin Shihuang and Sui Yang. As for the advice of my ministers, as long as the heart is for the country, even if it is extreme or even too much, I will not blame you. Also, I don't care what mistakes you have made before, what kind of despicable tricks you have used, from now on , As long as you act upright and upright, and discard your unfaithful and unrighteous words and deeds like trash, you will be an upright minister of our court. If anyone else commits some ghostly tricks, I will definitely punish you severely! "Okay, that's all I'm going to talk about today, everyone go away. Jingde, Zhixuan, Wuji, and Hou Junji, you wait outside the palace first, and follow me to see Brother Shubao." The officials withdrew from the hall one by one, and everyone remained silent, carefully chewing on Li Shimin's words. Li Shimin was a little tired when he left the Hall of Xiande.He asked the maid to clean his face again, and told him to use cold water, so he felt much more energetic, and then he drank two bowls of millet porridge after dinner.After the meal, I sat on the deck chair and closed my eyes for a short rest, and I immediately recovered my energy. When Li Shimin stepped out of the palace gate, he saw that the servant bureau had prepared a leather cart for him to travel, Yuchi Jingde and four others were also waiting there.After they will follow the leather chariot out of the palace gate, they will get on their horses and drive with them.Li Shimin frowned, waved his hand and said: "You don't need to drive, just bring a horse, I have four people from Jingde to accompany me." Qin Shubao lives in Anyefang on the west side of Zhuque Street.They rode five horses out of the palace gate, passed through the Forbidden Garden, and then entered Fanglin Gate, and went south on Zhuque Street, galloping for a while.Since Li Shimin succeeded in seizing the palace, except for the last time he met Jieli by the Weishui River, it had been a long time since Li Shimin had galloped with the generals.Although the city is not as spacious as the fields, walking on the street, you can see that the homes on both sides are hanging banners and lights, and there are many passers-by on the road, their faces are full of festive joy, which is a unique style. Li Shimin turned his head and asked Hou Junji, "Brother Shubao has always been in good health, so why did he fall ill when he fell ill?" Hou Junji said: "Actually, General Qin has been in a bad mood since the second half of last year. I think he has been holding on for His Majesty's affairs. Now that the major event has been decided, he has nothing to worry about, so he just lies down. Alas, I heard that When he reached the end of the year, the symptoms seemed to get worse." "What symptoms?" "Pain and weakness all over the body, often coughing up blood, and his face is sallow and white, like paper." "Have you seen the doctor?" "I've seen it. The imperial doctor said that he became sick from overwork and his internal injuries recurred. He needs to be recuperated slowly." Li Shimin remembered Qin Shubao and Yuchi Jingde being on duty for him last year, and sighed: "His body is like this, and he has been on duty for me for several days. Alas, maybe his illness was caused by that time." While speaking, they had arrived at the gate of Qin Shubao's residence.Hou Junji asked the disciples to come in to announce, but Li Shimin waved his hand to stop him, and said: "Don't bother, if brother Shubao knows I'm coming, he must force himself to stand up and salute, so this is not the original intention of my coming to see him." The famous doorman led the way, and led several people through the door and courtyard, and went straight to the back hall where Qin Shubao lived.The room was slightly dark, and there was a pot of red charcoal fire in the center, which burned the room warmly.In front of the table and couch on the left, a red lantern was lit.Qin Shubao lay on the couch with his eyes closed, the soft light shone on his face, adding a little rosiness. Sitting in front of the couch was a woman, presumably Qin Shubao's wife, and a maid standing beside her was holding a porcelain cup, not knowing whether to feed Shubao medicine or food.After the doorman entered the room, he reported softly that Mrs. Shubao had never seen Li Shimin before, but now she heard that the emperor had arrived, she immediately became flustered.She got up in a hurry to bow down to Li Shimin, and accidentally knocked over the porcelain cup in the maid's hand.There was only a sound of "bang", and the porcelain cup fell to pieces on the ground. This sound awakened Qin Shubao, he opened his eyes and saw that Li Shimin and others had walked to the bed, struggling to get up, and said: "I have not met the emperor in time, I deserve death." Li Shimin stretched out his hand to push him back, and said softly: "Brother Shubao, I came here quietly, and I didn't let them inform you in advance. You are heavy and don't move rashly, and you must not aggravate the symptoms." Yuchi Jingde said beside him: "Brother Shubao, just lie down and don't make any mistakes because of this." Qin Shubao nodded, and slowly lay down again. Tears welled up in his eyes suddenly, and he choked up and said, "The emperor has just ascended the throne, and it is time for me to wait for my strength. Alas, my body is really not up to par, and I can't serve the emperor. Said, I am still tired of the emperor's concern, and my heart... my heart... is really uneasy." Mrs. Qin fetched a chair, and Li Shimin nodded and sat down.The others did not dare to sit, but still stood behind Li Shimin. Li Shimin put his hand on the back of Qin Shubao's hand, and comforted him: "Brother Shubao, in previous battles, when the enemy's soldiers were showing off, I ordered you to rush into the enemy's line to seize their power. Every time you fulfill your mission, The prancing horse charged forward with a gun, and charged and killed among the crowd. We said that day, you have gone through more than two hundred battles, you have been seriously injured, and you have bled countless times before and after, how can you not be sick? It’s so big, why worry? If I say anxiety, I’m still the most disturbed. Now that the world is gradually leveling off, it’s time for you heroes to rest, but you’ve got such a serious illness, alas! Right now, I can only visit famous doctors for you and use medicine stones. , and try to recover as soon as possible, so my heart will be at ease." "Your Majesty said this, and I am so grateful. I see the current situation, I can't get up to serve the Emperor, but I still have an official position in the court, and the Emperor has given me a generous seal. Your Majesty, I have something to ask. " "Brother Shubao just say it." "I can't serve the emperor, but I can't occupy the position of the court. Please ask the emperor to grant the minister to return home to recuperate, which is also a way to repay the king's kindness." Li Shimin turned his head and looked at the four people behind him, and said with a sigh: "Brother Shubao is called benevolent, righteous and brave. This section of benevolence and righteousness is not all vigorous and vigorous, but the spirit can be seen from the subtleties. Brother Shubao is so considerate for the court. It is really lamentable to wish the imperial system to be neglected." He turned his head to face Shubao again, shook his head and said: "No. You can take care of your illness now, and don't worry about other things. Now the Korean, Chinese and military officials really need to be cut, but you must not resign. When you are seriously ill, they are not allowed to come. I'm bothering you. When your illness improves, you can let them enter the government to report to you according to your energy. Brother Shubao, today is the first day of the first year of Zhenguan, and the world's major events need to be handled by us monarchs and ministers together. The days are still long." Qin Shubao burst into tears. Li Shimin looked up at the four walls, and saw that the furniture in the room was simple and the light was not good, so he told his elder grandson Wuji: "Wuji, pass on my words. Let the Dianzhong Province find another place for brother Shu Bao, and buy more furniture. The cost will be borne by the Dianzhong." The province will pay for it." If Dianzhong province is to pay the fee, the emperor will pay for it himself, which is like giving Qin Shubao another house. Mrs. Qin has been retreating to one side, feeling anxious in her heart.Now after hearing Li Shimin's words, he finally understands that he will be rewarded with a house.Seeing that Shu Bao was choked up and unable to speak, she hurriedly knelt down and said: "The humble concubine thanked the emperor for the reward on behalf of the humble husband." Li Shimin said: "Get up, you have to take good care of Brother Shubao. As long as his health recovers, it will be your greatest contribution, and I will reward you alone." Li Shimin said a few more words to Qin Shubao, then got up and went out.He walked into the courtyard and passed the central hall, stopped suddenly, turned to Changsun Wuji and said: "Brother Shubao is so benevolent and heroic, you can issue a clear edict to highlight his deeds, so that military officers all over the world will admire him." Changsun Wuji said: "General Qin is benevolent, heroic, honest, and always considers the court. There is a way to show it. The minister ordered the secretary to make the edict as soon as possible." "You'd better tell Ruhui, he knows my intentions, so let him draft an imperial edict and hand it over to the secretary." "The minister obeys the order." At this moment, Yuchi Jingde interjected: "The emperor just said that he wanted to appease the people, but now that the world can't afford to go to war, it seems a bit inappropriate to show off the merits of uncle Bao?" Changsun Wuji glared at Yuchi Jing anxiously after hearing this De glance.Since the Xuanwumen Incident, Yuchi Jingde thought that he had contributed the most, and seemed to have changed his temper.He often reprimanded his colleagues at the same level as his subordinates. Even when he was in front of Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, he would often speak out against them according to his own likes and dislikes.Right now, Li Shimin just said that he would issue an edict to honor Shubao, and he immediately raised objections. Li Shimin didn't feel disgusted after hearing this, he thought for a while and said: "No. To appease the people to be quiet doesn't mean that the horses are set free on Nanshan, and the swords and guns are stored in the warehouse. Right now there are Jieli and Liang Shidu in the north, and the Siyi are not completely stable. Jingde, Right now, there should be no slack, and training in military training cannot stop for a moment." Yuchi Jingde said again: "However there is no battle, many soldiers practice martial arts against empty targets, it really won't do any good." This sentence aroused Li Shimin's vigilance. He glanced at Yuchi Jingde, his tone was still calm, and said: "Since ancient times, arrogant soldiers must be defeated. You, Zhixuan, and Junji are still military officers, so you can't get any arrogance. I said But now it is necessary to suppress the military and cultivate the culture, which is for the governance of the world. However, there must be no slack in military preparations. In the past, when the monarchs were in peace, they often built the Great Wall to prevent foreign invasion. When the Great Wall is repaired, they think that everything is going well. They don’t know that the Great Wall is dead. After all, resisting Waidi depends on people. In this way, you will suffer from the burden of the Great Wall, and you will eventually be defeated. To respect virtue, you must know how to be armed, and you must always be unremitting. What's more, the world is not yet peaceful, so you must not develop arrogance." Yuchi Jingde, Duan Zhixuan and Hou Junji hurriedly agreed, although Yuchi Jingde was supercilious, but he was still afraid in front of Li Shimin. "One more thing." Li Shimin glanced at the four of them, paused for a moment, and continued, "You are all my old subordinates, and you have made great achievements. Compared with other people, you have a layer of affection for me. I know this point, and you know it too, and it can never be changed. However, in front of the officials, you can’t be special, everyone is equal, and there is no distinction between me and me. I am no longer The vassal king of the past is now the king of a country. He should put aside his own selfishness and seek the harmony of the world. Jingde, I heard that you have become more aggressive recently, bullying your colleagues at every turn, and even quarreling with Xuanling and Ruhui. If you always Reasonable, I appreciate your integrity, but if it is caused by arrogance, it is not allowed to think that you have made great achievements at any time. Wei Zheng advised me to restrain my desires, which is for the sake of the country. You, as ministers, restrain your desires , strive to be well-behaved, live in harmony with colleagues, and do things for the country wholeheartedly, that is also for the sake of the country. Do you understand my intentions?" The four agreed in unison, and in this cold courtyard, cold sweat dripped from Yuchi Jingde's black face. Several people went out and got on their horses, and left in the dust. On the second day of February, the governors of all states gathered in the Xiande Hall of the East Palace, preparing to have an audience with Li Shimin.In the Xiande Hall, the civil and military officials of the capital stood on both sides in groups, and the governors of various states stood in the middle.The hall, which was already a bit narrow, seemed even more crowded today. Li Shimin ascended to the throne and was worshiped by the officials.I saw everyone next to each other in front of me, and there was little room to move.At this time, the deacon eunuch declared: "The emperor has a decree. Because there are many people in the hall, you can avoid kneeling and worshiping. Everyone can hold the wat and bow." The officials bowed to Li Shimin's body and shouted long live three times. spectacular. After the salute was over, the hall returned to tranquility, and the officials waited quietly for Li Shimin to speak.Li Shimin said: "Everyone is flat. Today's court meeting is slightly different from the previous system because the governors of various states came to participate. Here are two edicts that have been clearly issued. I think the officials in Beijing have seen it and sent it to other places. Maybe it’s still on the way. Xuanling, you can explain the edict that analyzes the world into ten ways to the ministers. Feng Gong, after Xuanling finishes speaking, you can also tell the edict to the world’s officials.” It turns out that since Tang ruled the country, counties were changed to states. With the gradual expansion of the territory under its jurisdiction, there are more and more state capitals.The governor of the state capital is the highest officer, and there are hundreds of governors at this time.The affairs of the states are directly related to the six books of the Shangshu, and the six books are too troublesome, so it is inevitable that many omissions will be missed.In order to relatively centralize the affairs of the various states, straighten out the procedures, and to more directly examine redundant staff and make corresponding abolitions, Fang Xuanling proposed to set up a road between the state capital and the Six Departments of Shangshu.This suggestion was approved by Li Shimin and discussed by relevant ministers, and finally it was clarified, and finally sent to various places in the form of imperial edicts.The imperial court dispatched important ministers as inspector ambassadors to inspect the Quartet and depose officials.In this way, due to the establishment of various departments and the appointment of important ministers as ambassadors in each provincial committee, they can act cheaply and deal with the affairs of the states more directly, which strengthens the connection between the central and local governments, and is conducive to realizing the will of the imperial court in various places in a timely manner. After Fang Xuanling read out the edict, the governors of various states had different attitudes.Putting oneself under the management of different ways in this way is a disaster or a blessing, and it is difficult to know for a while.One thing is certain, in the future, the imperial court will strengthen its inspections of the states, and some far-flung states will try to act recklessly, thinking that they can form their own unity away from the imperial court, which is impossible. In fact, the establishment of ten ways in the Tang Dynasty was not the first, but was inspired by the Western Han Dynasty.In the Tang Dynasty, there were 295 state capitals and 1,321 counties in the whole country.The counties in the Western Han Dynasty were the same as the prefectures in the Tang Dynasty. In the Western Han Dynasty, prefectures were set up above the prefecture-state, and the prefectures set up governors. Now Tang can no longer set up governors in Taoism, because there are ambassadors.However, there are also differences between the prefectures of the Western Han Dynasty and the Dao of the Tang Dynasty. The Ten Dao of the Tang Dynasty were established according to the situation of mountains and rivers, which has more economic and military significance.For example, the Guannei Road leans against Zhongnan Mountain in the south and the river in the east. It not only has military support, but also can set up a special pass for this purpose.Its west leans on Longdi, which is already dangerous and can control the Qingshui River Valley at the foot of Liupan Mountain.Although the north is a desert, but guarding the edge of the desert, and there is a shady mountain there, the northern nomadic tribes dare not go south easily to herd horses.From an economic point of view, for example, Henan Province and Hebei Province are the main grain-producing areas, and they are also rich in silk fabrics. It is beneficial to management to divide them into one area. The edict read out by Feng Deyi was based on Li Shimin's instructions, and Yu Shinan listed and elaborated on the strategy of governing the country that had been formed through debates and discussions in the previous period.Li Shimin ordered the edict to be published all over the country, and ordered all states to copy the edict and distribute it to all counties so that officials at all levels can know it. After Fang Xuanling and Feng Deyi read out the edict, they returned to the class one after another.At this time, the hall became completely silent, and all the ministers stared at Li Shimin in unison, waiting for him to speak. Li Shimin stood up, walked to the imperial platform, stood still on the front, slowly scanned the hall, and then fixed his gaze on the group of foreign officials in the middle.His eyes were soft yet very majestic, and everyone below felt that his eyes were staring at themselves. Li Shimin said: "Since I came to the throne, today is the first time I have met with the governors of various prefectures. The Ministry of Officials has passed the test. You can stand here now, which shows that your official reputation is good and you have done your best for the country and the people. I have always believed that if you want to achieve great order in the world, it all depends on your being an official and your kindness. Well, the kindness mentioned here is not your personal kindness, but the court’s major political policy announced by Feng Gong just now, which is a public kindness. That’s it , my thoughts are truly guaranteed. There are now 295 state capitals under the jurisdiction of the Tang Dynasty. Most of them are governors, and I don’t know them. However, I will always remember you in my heart. The names of all of you are listed above, and every time there is a memorial to talk about your merits and demerits, I will list them under your names one by one. I know it well. Is Yaojin here?" Cheng Yaojin hurried out of the shift, holding a wat and playing: "The minister is here." It turned out that Cheng Yaojin was sent by Li Jiancheng to Kangzhou as the governor, and it was Li Jiancheng who wanted to cut off Li Shimin's wings.Unexpectedly, Cheng Yaojin became addicted after going to the local area for a few days.After the change of Xuanwumen, Li Shimin first appointed him as the prince Youwei, and then moved him to the general of Youwuwei. Cheng Yaojin didn't want to be an official in the capital, and clamored to let him go outside.Li Shimin had no choice but to let him still serve as the general of Youwuwei, and also appointed him as the governor of Luzhou and the governor of Luzhou.This time Li Shimin summoned the governors of various states, and Cheng Yaojin also came along. Li Shimin said: "Bai Jin used to fight with me, and his military exploits are known all over the world. But he is illiterate, and his good humor has lost his seriousness. I was not at ease at the beginning when I awarded him the title of governor. So I thought about it. , put him in Luzhou, where the land is sparsely populated, and the mountains and rivers are criss-crossing, and it is closer to Nan Liao. I put him there, but the point is to let him take care of the military there, to supervise Nan Liao, and ask him to take care of Nan Liao. There are many political affairs committees in Luzhou, Bie Jia, Chang Shi and others. However, what I didn't expect was that Yao Jin was strict in military affairs, but at the same time, he also took care of state government affairs. There are two or three things about Yao Jin recorded on the screen wall at the back of the palace. He is fair and never favoritism. Every time a case is decided, he must inquire in detail, listen to the opinions of his subordinates, and then make a decision impartially. Second, he is close to the people. There are complex tribes in Luzhou, and there are many conflicts. He is unwilling to use military repression. To calm things down, to ensure the peace of the people, so that they can live in their own homes. The third is to persuade the people to harvest crops and relieve floods. Wuji, how did the officials decide the final exam for Yaojin?" Changsun Wuji said: "The official department's examination of Yaojin is the upper middle school, saying that he is clear, prudent, fair, and diligent." Li Shimin nodded and said: "Well, since the official department has this test, it will not be biased. Bite gold, I praised you in public today, not because you were originally from the Qin family, but because your official reputation is good , that’s what you did thousands of miles away from the capital.” Cheng Yaojin nodded and said: "Although I am far away from the emperor, I always think that I am someone close to the emperor. I know that everything I do and say is related to your majesty's reputation. Therefore, I cheered up and said to my majesty." I will set an example for you, and strive to emulate it. Your Majesty greeted me in public today, and on the one hand, I am grateful, but on the other hand, this hanging heart can finally be placed in my belly." There was a slight laugh from the crowd.Li Shimin also smiled and said, "Bite gold, as long as you are in office for a day, you can't keep this heart in your stomach. I praised you today, and I will do better in the future. You don't know how to read and write, so you should try to make up for it." it is good." "I know this is a great shortcoming, and I also want to read some books. But I don't know many characters, and I feel sleepy when I touch a book. I really can't do it. I can't do this reading well. I really feel ashamed in my heart, and sometimes scold myself for not studying earlier. However, the matter has come to this point, and it is useless to scold again, so I have to redouble my efforts in office and work diligently for the emperor." "That's good. My family, as an official, you must have a public heart, no matter how much you study, this should be done. Today, when I praise Cheng Yaojin here, I am actually praising him as a public heart. With this point, When the ministers are officials, there will be no deviation. "Bite gold, it's a pity that you don't know how to read and write. I will help you find a way. You might as well ask Mr. Chu." Chu Liang is now a regular attendant of the casual rider, and he is also standing in the class. Cheng Yaojin thought that Li Shimin asked him to ask Chu Liang to be his teacher, so he waved his hands again and again: "Your Majesty, I dare not bother Mr. Chu." "Wrong, haven't you heard the literary name of Suiliang, the son of Mr. Chu? I heard that he not only dabbles in literature and history, but also works in official script. You can ask Mr. Chu to release Suiliang to you, or let Suiliang accompany you side, can help you; the two can give Suiliang some experience. Mr. Chu, what do you think?" Chu Liang came out of the class and said: "The dog is so blue-eyed by the emperor, how dare you disobey the order? I obey the order." Li Shimin went on to say: "Bite gold, the way of governing seems complicated, but it is actually simple. As long as you keep the people in your heart and serve the court faithfully, that is the right way. The reason why I praise you today is not because you are my old subordinate, not because you are my old subordinate. I did some useful things for you during your tenure, and I didn’t want you to go beyond the true qualities of a military general to study literature and politics. I want to tell the officials all over the world through you that you must follow your duties when you serve as an official, regardless of the size of the official position or the amount of ability. Maintain a simple and simple look, follow the court system, and take the initiative to do something, and you will be a good official. If there are more and more good officials in the world, it will not be far to achieve great rule in the world." Cheng Yaojin's mood was agitated, and he choked up and said: "The emperor... the emperor treats his ministers like this, and the minister... the ministers can only repay the emperor with loyalty." Li Shimin smiled and said: "You go back. Yaojin, before you take office, you can visit Shubao. Last time I went to see him, he was still thinking about you when he was sick." Li Shimin's voice was soft, Let the officials feel the tenderness in his heart.Seeing Cheng Yaojin retreat to the class, Li Shimin called again: "The new governor of Dengzhou, Chen Junbin, can come forward." A man in his fifties stepped out from the crowd. He was tall, with a white beard, a Jinxian crown on his head, and a green uniform.This official uniform has been washed a little white, and there are a few inconspicuous patches on the elbows and other places that are easy to wear.Coupled with his dry body and thin body, the first impression he gives is the word "Luo Tuo".He stood still in front of Li Shimin, held his wat and played: "My minister Chen Junbin kowtowed to the emperor." Li Shimin frowned slightly, as he usually loves beauty, he was obviously not used to Chen Junbin's appearance like this.He quickly adjusted his expression, looked at Chen Junbin, and asked: "You are Chen Junbin, do you know why I called you?" "I don't know." "I've seen the exams of the Ministry of Officials, and I rated you as the best, above the gold." "I am the governor of one party, but I know the system of the imperial court. I don't dare to do anything wrong. I am dedicated to governing and loving the people, but I have done my duty as a minister. As for the examination of the Ministry of Officials, I think it is too flattering to the minister. The minister these days , I can't help feeling anxious." "This year's examination by the Ministry of Officials has been carefully checked several times according to my will. There is no false bias, and the comments on you can be said to be pertinent. Under your reputation, you are neither arrogant nor impetuous, and have a modest style. Yes, yes .You used to be governor of Xingzhou, now you are going to Dengzhou, have you taken office already?" "Your Majesty, I have just been appointed as the Inspector of Dengzhou. Before I took up the post, I received an imperial edict from the imperial court to go to Beijing at the same time. I want to go straight to Dengzhou to take up the post after I finish my work in the capital." "Well, that's fine. Chen Junbin, you're not the only one who gets to be commented on in the official examination. Do you know why I called you out alone?" "I don't know." "You are the son of Chen Boshan, the king of Shenyang in the Southern Chen Dynasty. You served as the general guard of Xiangguo in the Sui Dynasty. The Supreme Emperor raised troops to revitalize the Tang Dynasty. You recognized the general trend and did not bother me with a sword and a soldier. You resolutely brought the county back to the Tang Dynasty because you were named Dongyang County Duke. Now that the world has been established for the first time, there are many officials who transferred the land to the Tang Dynasty. Although most of them are due to the situation, after all, they have avoided setbacks and saved the people from disturbance. This credit will be remembered forever. However, today I do not want to be single I commend you for your contribution. What I value is that you did not take credit for bringing down the land to the Tang Dynasty, but lived a simple and frugal life and tried every means to restore the vitality of the area under your jurisdiction. Xingzhou suffered from the invasion of the Turks, and there are also Liu Heitai. The situation is chaotic. I deeply feel that the people there are displaced and the land is barren. However, after several years of your governance, the people have gradually stabilized and the population has gradually increased. Last year, you paid a considerable amount of rent as usual. The state's outstanding achievements are all thanks to you." Chen Junbing said: "I listen to the teachings of the court more, and I read more books of sages and sages, so I understand the truth that the people are the foundation of the country. As the governor of a party, I think that as long as the affairs of the area under my jurisdiction are done well, I will live up to it." His Majesty's grace." "Well, 'the people are the foundation of the country', this is exactly what I want to say to all the governors. After the world is in chaos, the people are scattered and the land is withered. How to change this situation, recuperation is the top priority. Since I came to the throne, I first retreated from the Turks. And in the Weishui covenant, the two states will not invade each other. In the past few years, I don't want to go to war in the south and north, so I have set the national policy of "appeasing the people to calm down". The heart of 'the people are the foundation of the country', and secondly, the principle of 'quietness is the foundation of the country'. Chen Junbin, do you understand this principle?" Chen Junbin replied: "I understand. When I was in Xingzhou, I devoted myself to the people's recuperation. Now that I think about it, it coincides with what His Majesty said, 'Quietness is the foundation of agriculture'. Another point is that an official should think about what the people think. If it is conscripted, it must not violate the farming season." "Okay, that's it. This is not against the farming season. It is easy to say, but it is difficult to do. Some officials only think about themselves and respect themselves. They do not consider the interests of the people when they are drafted. They are really disturbing the people. People live on food. If there is no time for conscripts, there will be no crops. Spring planting, summer growth, autumn harvest, and winter storage are the characteristics of the seasons that everyone understands. As governors, you must understand the beginning of spring and the vernal equinox. , Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumnal Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice, the connotation of the eight festivals, we must carefully understand what the people do on these days. I see you for the first time today, so I will not ask you how much you know. I will finish the collection next year ，朕自会挑选数人，查问你们在这些节令时都干了些什么。无忌，来年的考课，须增添这些内容。朕今日说了，凡是在节令之时举行占影、占气等仪式时，统统由州、县、乡各级官府主持。好了，陈君宾，你先退回去吧。朕听说邓州那里，遭受朱粲盘剥日久，民户逃亡很严重，土地大片荒芜，你此行的担子实在不轻啊。” 陈君宾答道：“臣牢记皇上圣谕，不敢有违。” 李世民若有所思，唤出陆德明问道：“陆卿，记得以前有籍田之法，现在缘何废之？” 陆德明答道：“天子亲耕籍田早已有之。籍田之日，由天子亲祭先农，再躬御耒耜，籍于千亩之甸，以示天子重农事之意。自东晋之后，由于中原分裂，战争纷纭，且主政异族风俗不同，此法已被废弃数百年之久。” 李世民略略思索了一会儿，毅然说道：“朕现在既重农事，为了劝课农桑，须恢复此仪式。陆卿，你可先拟就《籍田诏》颁布天下，再由太常寺预作准备。定于明年正月，朕亲祭先农，亲耕籍田。”陆德明答应一声退回班中。 李世民依旧站立着侃侃而谈：“朕刚才单独唤出咬金和陈君宾，非是对他们有偏爱。朕其实是想拿这两人的例子说明：不管你学富五车或者不通文墨，只要不存私心，忠心为朝廷办事，都能做出成绩来，此为一；其二，为官者心存百姓，以农为本，致力于奖励垦荒，增殖人口，劝课农桑，即能出好政绩。你们今日散朝后即分归各地，如何办好这件事儿？朕想你们要做好两件事儿：第一件，即是要让百姓有田可种。隋末丧乱，州县萧索，人口萧条，除了关中等地户殷地狭之外，其他地方闲置有大量空荒地。看来让百姓有田可种似乎不成问题，然有两件事儿你们须依《均田法》加以解决。顺德来了没有？” “臣在。”长孙顺德出班答道，其时他被授为泽州刺史。 “你到任后，发现前刺史张长贵、赵士达侵占境内膏腴之田数十顷，果断追夺并分给贫户。这件事做得很好，听说张长贵、赵士达不服，你后来是如何和他们理论的？” “他们其实不敢正面与臣理论，他们为一方官吏，反而带头破坏朝廷制度。这事儿若闹将起来，他们就是到了皇上面前，想也讨不到好处去。” “说得好。其实朕已知此事，并着吏部及大理寺进一步追究。好，你退回去吧。” “顺德所行此事，其实在狭乡之中经常遇到。前些年，朝廷虽有法度，然督察不严，一些有权有势者在下面胡作非为，看到好田就夺于名下。你们回去后，要将此事清查一遍。凡朝廷官吏皆有实封及俸禄，须有田者皆由实有人给之，不可巧取豪夺。你们清查后，要据实造一名册呈往户部。裴卿，你到时可据名册派员核查，对多占田亩者和弄虚作假者要严加管理，按律处理。”这里所说狭乡与宽乡，主要指该区域人与田亩之比。人口多地少者称为狭乡，人口少地多者称为宽乡。 户部尚书裴矩出班答道：“臣遵旨。” “狭乡如此，宽乡就地广人稀了。可诏关中等户殷之地，鼓励其民迁往宽乡。宽乡官府要制定诸项措施，使他们能够安居乐业，以奖励垦荒。” 这时王珪出班奏道：“陛下，臣以为此议不妥。” 李世民诧异道：“怎么不妥？” 王珪道：“关中虽地狭户殷，然丁男全充府兵。若任令迁移，他们都到了关外，则关中空虚，难以为备，请陛下三思。” 王珪考虑的是若任其迁移会动撼府兵制基础。李世民稍一凝神，觉得其所说实有道理，遂说道：“王卿所谏也有道理，诏令中可以特别注明，关中充府兵者不得迁移。至于其他普通民户，还是要鼓励他们迁往宽乡。 “至于第二件事情，即是按照国家《租庸调法》按例征取，不得在此法以外滥征民力。关于这一点，朕的诏令中及刚才的谈话中已有涉及，朕不再多说。为了休养生息，朕已免关内及蒲、芮、虞、泰、陕、鼎六州二岁租，给复天下一年。朕这样做，并非朝廷仓储溢满。恰恰相反，这些年，为了削平天下，所费无度，仓廪中其实很空虚。为此，朕在这一年中不再兴起战事，并勉宫中及百官节衣缩食。你们要好好抓住这一有利时机，与民同甘苦共患难，多垦荒多种禾谷，争取秋熟之时多收几成。记住，明年征租赋之时严格按法规定，不得妄取。这样，可以激发百姓精耕细作的热情，他们会算着租赋的数量多产禾谷，并多垦荒田。” 李世民的这番话让群臣很吃惊。多少年以来，主政者皆视百姓为愚民，只是奴役和索取的对象，从没有认识到百姓为兴农的主体。他们虽也认识到“水能载舟、亦能覆舟”的道理，然只是认清了奴役百姓要有度，不可太过。 这时，魏征从班中闪了出来，执笏奏道：“禀皇上，臣有事要奏。” 李世民归入御座，点头道：“魏卿，有事可即奏来。” 魏征道：“孔子言'君子讷于言，敏于行'。臣以为陛下这些日子以来，对臣下说的话及所颁诏令，可谓多矣，然行动甚少。臣以为陛下与圣人之言不合，似是敏于言而讷于行呢。” 魏征此言一出，举殿哗然。若按魏征的认识，则今日李世民召集文武百官及天下刺史，其所言即是虚话，有故作声势哗众取宠之嫌。一些人心里想到，魏征不识时务当众直扫李世民的颜面，李世民肯定会龙颜大怒，至少要给魏征一个“大不敬”的罪名。 李世民听后果然恼怒，只见其脖子中的青筋暴起，本来就红润的脸庞变得通红。他的手紧握御座把手，作势又要立起身来。然一转念间，自己前些时还当堂赞孙伏伽敢于直谏，现在若当堂动怒，则自己以前的作为和努力就要付之东流。且魏征身为谏议大夫，又是出名的耿直之人，其当殿谏诤也为本分，自己说什么也不能斥责他。想到这里，他松开双手放松了身体，斜倚在御座内，脸上挤出笑容问道：“魏卿所言，若有所凭，朕愿闻其详。” “陛下多次说过，隋炀帝驱天下以纵欲，罄万物以自奉，采域中之子女，求远方之奇异，誓不学也。臣刚才也听到陛下告诫百官，言要去奢省费，崇尚俭朴。然臣今日见西门外有人运送重木，说是要在武功县重造宫殿。武功那里，太上皇已建有庆善宫，陛下现在又要建设，肯定是重置浪费。如此看来，陛下口头上说的是一套，行动上并非如此，那是当不得真的。” 李世民脸上的血又涌了上来，魏征所奏其事是真实的。李世民春节入宫向李渊献寿时，李渊偶然提起，说其故宅庆善宫的主殿需要翻修，最好将主梁换下。李世民当时就答应下来，承诺年后寻来良木立刻修缮。这本是小事一桩，没想到还是让魏征给撞上了。让李世民最恼火的是，你魏征有的是时间，何必非要在如此多人的场面上给自己难堪。 裴寂走出班来，说道：“魏大夫，想是你不了解内情，老臣倒是知晓。还在去年，太上皇曾经说过，老宅的主殿因年久失修，屋顶漏雨淋坏了主梁。想皇上定是遵太上皇之命，将老宅略作修缮，其实所费并不多。陛下，是这样吗？” 李世民点点头，说道：“不错，正如裴公所言，朕遵太上皇之命将老宅略作修缮。” 魏征不依不饶，强项说道：“陛下既然不愿崇饰宫宇，游赏池台，且如今国家并不富裕，就没有必要再造宫室。现在虽动一砖一瓦，若传之天下，定有人说陛下言不由衷。如今皇室皆在京城，庆善宫那里日常仅仅派人居守，一年内太上皇和皇上也难得回去一趟。如此看来，还是不动土木为好。陛下既要去奢省费，躬行节俭，不能给天下人说嘴的因头。臣以为，请陛下立刻下旨停建，方堵众人之嘴。” 裴寂斥道：“魏大夫越说越没谱了。皇上以仁孝治国，太上皇的话，他能不听吗？若停建庆善宫，岂不让皇上背上不孝的名声？” 魏征道：“裴司空有点危言耸听。太上皇起兵于乱世之中，深谙百姓之苦，皇上欲行新政，太上皇定是赞成。只要皇上将此番话告诉太上皇，想他定会释然。” “如魏大夫这样说，太上皇及皇上修缮了庆善宫，就是不体恤百姓了？”裴寂这一段时间在朝堂之上不多话，今天与魏征当庭相争，似乎找到了一点以前的好感觉。 李世民在那边沉思半天，心中反复了数回，终于权衡利弊有了主意。他挥手道：“裴公，你退回去吧。魏卿，朕想好了，就依你意罢修缮庆善宫之务。太上皇那里，朕自去说服。敏于行而讷于言，朕接受你的诤言，今后尽力行之。好了，朕今日有些乏了，大家散了吧。”