Chapter 5 Fifth Chapter

In the evening of this day, after reading several memorials, Li Shimin couldn't help feeling bored.He got up and left his seat, slowly walked out of the hall, looked up, and saw the sky full of stars, crescent moon hanging slantingly in the sky.Li Shimin cursed secretly in his heart: "This goddamn god, there is rain hanging in the sky, why doesn't it fall?" Counting with one's fingers, since the end of the new year, there has not been a good rain so far.Although there were a few dark clouds rolled over and a few drops of rain fell, the strong wind blew away the dark clouds and the sky was clear again.Memorials from various places show that the drought in Guanzhong, Shandong, Hebei, Henan and other places is severe.The place near the river canal can be diverted for irrigation, and the place a little farther away from the water can only look at the water and sigh.Now that the spring planting has passed, it is difficult for the seeds to survive due to lack of water.

On that day, Sun Jiamin, the elder Sun Jiamin, led his wives to pick mulberries in the eastern suburbs. When he returned, he told Li Shimin that he found traces of locusts in the forbidden garden.This news made Li Shimin feel even more heavy. After a long drought and no rain, if locusts infested, this year's harvest would not be guaranteed.Thinking of this, Li Shimin felt depressed, turned his head and called out: "Prepare your horse, go to the Forbidden Garden." The eunuchs looked at each other in blank dismay, the emperor rode a horse into the Forbidden Garden at night, that had never happened before, if there was any mistake, he would not be able to escape the great responsibility.Although they murmured to themselves, they rushed to prepare because of the majesty of the emperor.Li Shimin summoned an eunuch and ordered him to go to Xuanwu Gate first to find Chang He to announce the decree: Chang He will lead people to accompany him and be in charge of lighting and guarding.

When I arrived at Xuanwu Gate, I saw Chang He leading a hundred soldiers holding torches waiting there.Li Shimin felt remorse at this time, he actually lit a torch to visit the Forbidden Garden when he came up at night, if this matter got to the ears of Wei Zheng and others, he would have to persuade him again.Because he reprimanded Chang He, he said: "It is enough for you to bring a few people with you, and it is not to go out to fight. It is too big a shock to make such a big show. You leave ten people with you, and the others disperse." Chang He opened his mouth wide in shock.The emperor dispatched thousands of guards, and he only summoned a hundred people, but he was reprimanded.His brain reacted very quickly, and he hurriedly shouted: "Leave ten people as the leader, and the rest immediately extinguish the torches and return to the camp."

After all, these people were well-trained. After hearing the words, they immediately got off their horses and put the torches into the wooden cases that came with them. The torches went out immediately because there was no air contact.At this time, Li Shimin just showed a little smile, and praised: "Well, Chang He, the soldiers are well led. Whether the soldiers can be effective after going into battle depends on how they are trained on a daily basis. My eyesight is relatively accurate, as long as Just by looking at their moves, you can tell how much they train on a daily basis. Alright, let's go."

Xuanwu Gate is not far to the north, which is the Forbidden Garden.This is the royal garden, and ordinary people have never had the opportunity to enter.Entering the south gate of the Forbidden Garden, there is a large pond first, with promenades and gazebos built around the pond, surrounded by exotic flowers and plants, and willows line the water. Because the willows grow luxuriantly, many willow branches hang obliquely into the water. Li Shimin was riding on the horse, causing the leader to slow down.I saw that under the light of the torch, the surroundings were covered by green and night, and only the flowers and leaves moistened by the night dew could be seen nearby.The cobblestone-studded flower path looks like a white belt under the moonlight, faintly extending into the distance.A gust of evening wind blows, the smell of flowers is blowing, and the dark fragrance floats everywhere in the forbidden garden.Probably because of the environment, at this moment, Li Shimin's mood gradually relaxed.He turned his head and said to Chang He: "It's not a pleasant experience to come to the garden on a moonlit night."

Chang He's writing is not deep, and he has been in the army for many years, so he doesn't have any poetic romance in his heart.He was keeping his eyes open and paying attention to the movements on the left and right, thinking about his job as a bodyguard all the time, when he first heard Li Shimin speak, he didn't know how to answer for a moment, so he could only reply in a repeated voice: "Yes, yes, what Your Majesty said is very true." At this time, they didn't realize that they had passed two gardens, and going forward, because they hadn't been plowed, weeds flooded the path.Seeing this, Chang He hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, there are overgrown weeds in front of you. I am afraid that there will be insects and beasts infesting, so I seem to be returning."

Li Shimin nodded, but did not turn around, calling out: "Chang He, you send two people to beat the grass to see if there are any locusts in the forbidden garden." The two soldiers got off their horses according to the order, went to the grass and waved their whips, and four other soldiers with torches illuminated their surroundings.Soon, a soldier shouted: "General Chang, there are really locusts here." Li Shimin shouted sharply: "Submit it." The two soldiers dropped their whips and walked over with two locusts in each hand.They went to Li Shimin, knelt down on their knees, and raised their hands.Chang He scolded: "Stupid thing, you kneel so low, how can the emperor receive it?" He hurriedly dismounted, walked over to pick up the locust and presented it to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin took the locust and saw its green body, a pair of big black compound eyes, and a pair of powerful hind legs, struggling to escape from the hands.If not done well, its sharp hind legs will draw a bloodstain on the hand.Li Shimin is no stranger to locusts. When he was a child, he went to the fields to play, catching big locusts, and then roasting them with a fire. The taste was incomparably burnt.However, he is the king now, and he is working hard on the development of agriculture, this little thing makes him frown.If they gather in piles, they often cover the sky and cover the sky, and when they fall to the ground, they will eat up the crops.

In the light of the fire, Li Shimin was silent for a long time, and suddenly tears flowed from his eyes.He held up the locust and wished it: "The people depend on the grain for their life, and you eat it. From now on, please don't eat the seedlings of the grain, but you can eat my lungs and intestines." After finishing speaking, he made a gesture to stuff the two locusts into the mouth. Chang He was shocked, and knelt down in front of Li Shimin's horse with a "plop", weeping and said: "Your Majesty must not, locusts are evil, and if you eat them, you may get sick. If your Majesty insists on this, then I will eat them on behalf of Your Majesty. "

Li Shimin sighed: "I am the king of a country. I should suffer disasters for the people. How can others replace me? God, I hope you understand my heart. I am sick. It is nothing. Don't let locusts cause disasters and hurt the people." After finishing speaking, he stuffed two locusts into his mouth and swallowed them into his stomach. The accompanying eunuchs and soldiers knelt down with Chang He, weeping uncontrollably.Chang He said: "Your Majesty... How can the Emperor be like this? I... I don't know what to do." Li Shimin's expression remained unchanged, and he called out: "Get on your horses and return to the palace with me. Chang He, I always believe that everything depends on manpower. The world is so big that I can't be influenced by myself. If you want to overcome disasters, If God doesn't help at all, there's nothing we can do. If there is room for change, it depends on the skills of the governors of various places. Get up, let's go."

After Chen Junbin left the capital that day, he left Tongguan and headed straight to Shanzhou via Hangu Pass, where his family members have been waiting here.The family did not stop, walked diagonally southeast along the official road, and arrived in Dengzhou within a few days. Dengzhou is located in the south-central part of the Nanyang Basin. It was established as Nanyang County in the Qin and Han Dynasties, and now it is changed to Dengzhou.The territory is dominated by flat land, and a Baihe River flows obliquely from the northwest to the southeast, and finally returns to the Han River.This is the main traffic route of Jingxiang Zhuzhou, and merchants have been very developed since ancient times. Chen Junbin walked all the way, paying close attention to the scenery on both sides of the official road, and saw that the village was dilapidated, with few people, and a large area of ​​countryside was barren.His brows gradually frowned. Before leaving, someone mentioned that the Nanyang Basin had not yet recovered after being brutally exploited by Zhu Can. It seemed that his words were true. It was past noon when the whole family rushed to the state government office, and Dengzhou Biejia, Chang Shi and others came out to welcome them.Bie Jia said: "I have long heard that Governor Chen is coming to take office. I have already made people vacate the house, thinking that they will live in it. Let's go, please let the whole family go to the house to rest first, and then go to the banquet to clean up the dust in the evening." Chen Junbin waved his hand, asked everyone's names one by one, and then said: "Biejia Chen, you don't need to wash the dust. You can send someone to lead my family to the residence. As for us, we will go up to discuss matters immediately. I just came out of the capital. The emperor has given up his rest day for the affairs of the world, I think you should have heard about it. As ministers, we should be more diligent." Chen Junbin didn't even wash his face, and went directly to Yashengtang. He first said: "This time I was summoned by the Emperor Meng in the capital, and the Emperor earnestly warned the governors of the states to put the development of agriculture as the top priority, that is, the people are the foundation of the country. I have traveled all the way, and there are many acres of barren land along the way. Chen Bie Jia, you are familiar with the affairs of this state, so you can tell me about it in detail. As for the criminal procedure, it can be handled by various officials, and I don’t want to ask more questions.” Chen Biejia didn't make any preparations beforehand, but after all he has been in office for many years, he is not an idiot. After a little thought, he said: "The governor affirmed the emperor's intention to promote agriculture. We are really excited. After the war in this state, the people were displaced and have not recovered. It's time to start farming." Chen Junbin asked: "What is the population of this state?" "At the peak of the former Sui Dynasty, there were more than 68,000 households, with a total population of 256,000 people. But now it is less than one-third of that, with less than 20,000 households, and a population of 75,257. " Chen Junbin nodded.This other driver can report accurate population figures casually, which shows that he is more careful on weekdays.He then asked: "In your opinion, is it possible for this state to restore the vitality of agriculture and mulberry in a short period of time?" "My lord Chen, according to the officials, the difficulty is not small. First, the population is too small, so it is difficult to cultivate a large amount of wasteland; second, the people have not saved much these years, and the rations are not enough. Now when the spring is plowing, some people have no seeds to plant; three. Or, some people in this state have always attached importance to merchants, they are not willing to farm in their hometown, but are willing to go out and traffic." Chen Junbin turned his gaze to the others: "What do you think when Chen Biejia said that?" Everyone nodded and agreed with Chen Biejia's words. Chen Junbin said to the crowd with piercing eyes: "I also agree with the three points Chen Biejia said. It's just that he left out the most important one, which is the corruption of officials. Gong Shilang told me personally. This is why the original governor became an official.” Everyone looked terrified.If it is said that the former governor should be the "leader" in the corruption of officials, then everyone in the hall also has a share.They didn't expect that when the new governor got off the bus, he would be dismounted first. Chen Junbin continued: "The emperor earnestly warned us to use the corruption of the previous Sui government officials as a good example, so as to reform our government officials and win the hearts of the people. Ladies and gentlemen, I am here today, not to hold you accountable. As long as you remember the emperor's words in the future , Diligent administration, dedicated to agriculture, small mistakes can be forgotten. Of course, those who are greedy for ink and have great public anger cannot be easily let go. I hope everyone can take care of themselves. Literary merits, you can write a document for this official." Everyone listened attentively, thinking that the first document issued by the new governor after taking office was to reform the administration of officials. Unexpectedly, Chen Junbin dictated: "Maybe the county magistrates come here to see me at Sishi tomorrow." Literary meritorious Cao couldn't help showing embarrassment. After sending out the documents in this way, the county magistrates will come after hearing the news. The time is too tight. Chen Junbin understood the thoughts of the literary meritorious Cao, and said: "Do you think time is too tight? Why don't they come in sedan chairs, so they can't ride horses? By the way, you can add one more sentence: I am an official. You should be honest and self-disciplined. If anyone dares to contribute, he will be dismissed immediately, so that they don't spend their minds on this." Literary merit Cao Yiling drafted a document on the spot and sent it to Chen Junbin for review.Chen Junbin slightly changed a few words, asked others to transcribe it separately, and sent a fast horse to send it out. After the county magistrates received the documents, although they complained that the time was too short, they did not dare to neglect. They immediately got on their horses and went on the road, and they all arrived at the Dengzhou government office within the time stipulated by Chen Junbin. Chen Junbin was promoted to the hall at the second quarter of Maoshi, and discussed with the state officials about promoting agriculture.Chen Biejia thought about it last night, and this morning he first presented a big gift to Chen Junbin: "Lord Governor, this state has recently acquired a great treasure. It seems that Lord Governor came here to show auspiciousness." "What big treasure?" "The magistrate of Nanyang County reported the day before yesterday that several hunters accidentally found a granary in the mountains in the west of the county. After hearing the news, the surrounding people went to loot it. The grain. They checked carefully and found that there were as many as five cellars. Because it is the property of the state, they dare not move rashly, so they asked the state government to let them know how to deal with it." Chen Junbin was overjoyed when he heard the words: "There is such a big granary here? Well, it was probably left by the previous dynasty. It has been at least ten years. Are those grains not rotten?" "No. These granaries are built next to the mountains. The temperature and humidity in the granaries are suitable, and they are isolated from the outside world, so they are well preserved. I have some samples from the lower officials. Please take a look, Mr. Chen." After finishing speaking, he took a small cloth bag Handed it to Chen Junbin. Chen Junbin untied the mouth of the bag, slowly spread the grains inside on the table, then picked up a few grains and put them into his mouth, closed his eyes and chewed slowly, savoring the taste carefully.Soon, he opened his eyes and said, "That's right, even though it's old grain, it's still edible. Well, Biejia Chen, this is a good gift." He thought for a while, and then said, "According to reason, I found this The granary needs to be reported to the imperial court. However, these grains are left over from the previous dynasty after all. As long as we use them for the people of this state, it doesn’t matter whether we report it or not. I mean, this granary should not be reported to the imperial court. When we have something to gain in the future, we can contribute more to the imperial court. What do you think?" After all, it is a good thing to keep these grains in this state, and everyone agreed. Chen Junbin raised his brows and said happily: "Well, it's hard for a smart woman to cook without rice. With these grains, it can be regarded as a relief for the official. How to revitalize the state in the future depends on our ability." The six county magistrates arrived one after another, and Chen Junbin stepped forward to meet them one by one, and then retreated to his seat.He said with satisfaction: "The first thing I do when I take office is to summon you. Although the time is a bit rushed, everyone can come on time. It is very good. Orders and prohibitions are the basic elements of official governance. I hope everyone can do it in the future." Follow this example and ask your subordinates to do the same.” Chen Junbin turned his eyes and turned to Liu Tieli, the county magistrate of Nanyang, and said, "Magistrate Liu, you are very good. I just took office, and you sent a big gift. After I heard about it today, I am still very happy. .” The other five county magistrates looked at each other, thinking that Liu Tieli was the first to arrive and gave the gift first.Chen Junbin continued: "This gift from County Magistrate Liu really benefits the people of the six counties in this prefecture. Don't be suspicious, this gift is actually a granary left by the former Sui Dynasty. County Magistrate Liu, speaking of Nanyang, In addition to Emperor Guangwu and his subordinates, I think of three other people: Zhuge Wuhou, Zhang Zhongjing, and Zhang Heng. Zhuge Wuhou built a thatched hut in Wolonggang, and later assisted Liu Bei in governing the Kingdom of Shu. He was a generation of famous officials and made great contributions Needless to say, Zhang Zhongjing is known as the "King of Medicine" and is good at treating typhoid fever; Zhang Heng built a seismograph and an armillary sphere. From the perspective of these people, it can be said that Nanyang is a land of outstanding people. County magistrate Liu, do the remains of these people still exist?" Chen Junbin didn't get into the topic, but seemed like a well-educated Confucian scholar was quoting scriptures here, making everyone confused.Liu Tieli replied: "My lord, the tombs of Zhang Zhongjing and Zhang Heng are still there, and the tombstones were re-erected during the reign of Wude. As for Zhuge Wuhou, the Wuhou Temple was built in Wolonggang in the previous Sui Dynasty, and it was repaired when he was appointed as an official. .Because the common people believe in its efficacy, the incense has been very prosperous." Chen Junbin nodded: "Marquis Zhuge Wu lived in a hut in Wollongang because he saw the beauty of the mountains and rivers here. Ladies and gentlemen, when I mentioned these famous figures of the previous generation, I did not mean to be scholarly, but to say that our Deng Zhou is a good place. By the way, County Magistrate Chu, didn’t there be a Fan Li in your place? The mountains and rivers are more beautiful here, because there are many outstanding people. Although the fields are barren now, it is only because of the impact of the war. It was caused by the failure of the previous governor to govern properly. Well, as long as we start working hard from today onwards, I believe we can recover." The county magistrate of Chu is the county magistrate of Lintuan, and it is said that Fan Li was born in Lintuan. The faces of the people below are quite strange. The new governor directly said that the former governor was ineffective in governance, so everyone under him should also have a share.They were speechless and listened quietly to Chen Junbin's lecture like puppets. "I have already said that as long as your past mistakes are not heinous and the people are very angry, I will not pursue them, but you must do a good job in the future. Everyone is here today, and you must take care of these things when you go back. The first thing is to seize the opportunity of spring plowing, try our best to restore the barren fields and replant them as soon as possible. I heard that some families cannot cultivate due to lack of seeds. These seeds must be purchased by the government and distributed to farmers. " The people below frowned when they heard that the government had organized the seeds.Liu Tieli said eagerly: "My lord, it is really a huge difficulty for the government to buy seeds. The subordinate officials can't even pay their subordinates on time every month. The government really doesn't have money for overnight, so where is it?" How about money to buy seeds?" Chen Junbin said: "I have made up my mind. The government can guarantee to go out to raise seeds. As for the money needed, on the one hand, let the farmers save a part of their food and clothing, and explain to them repeatedly that only by going through this difficult period, the fields will be replanted." On the other hand, the government will withhold part of the salaries of all officials, 30% of which will be used as seed money. Of course, this part of the money is borrowed by the farmers, and they can use it during the autumn harvest. The grain discount is also added. Well, plus interest. "The second thing is to recruit people in exile to cultivate wasteland in this prefecture. Magistrate Liu, the granary you found will come in handy. All the people who come to this prefecture to farm will be given three months' rations by the government, and Distribution of seeds, of course, these rations and seeds are not white hair, they have to calculate the interest to repay after autumn. Huang Changshi, you will preside over the distribution of rations, but you can go to Nanyang County recently and let Liu County I will assist you, and the booklet will be issued." Huang Changshi agreed, and then asked suspiciously: "The refugees have no fixed place to live. If they get rations and escape from the state, wouldn't they be beaten?" Chen Junbin is full of confidence: "It's okay, as long as they have food to eat and land to plant, I understand that they will not escape easily. As the saying goes, their homeland is hard to leave. If their homeland can really survive, can they easily abandon it? It means that some people really run away. After all, it is a minority, and it does not affect the overall situation. However, some precautionary measures must also be kept up. For example, they have received rations and seeds, and they can use ten households as a guarantee according to geography, so as to supervise each other and not leave without authorization. These are actually It is also the last day, they have food to eat now, and they are looking at the crops that can be harvested, so they will definitely not run away. County Magistrate Liu, if you are displaced and suddenly encounter such a good thing, how will you deal with it?" Liu Tieli grinned and said, "This is a big pie falling from the sky, there's no time to rejoice." There was a sudden chuckle in the hall. Chen Junbin stopped everyone's laughter with a wave of his hand, and said seriously: "There is one more thing, that is, every official should lead his family to reclaim wasteland and cultivate land after governing. After the autumn harvest, everyone's official salary will be calculated as usual, but it will not be distributed to everyone. Each family is self-sufficient when it comes to food and vegetables. Now is an extraordinary period, and we cannot rely on official salaries to sit at home and blindly dictate to the people. Everyone must serve the crops and share the joys and sorrows with the people." Everyone was astonished after hearing this passage.But Chen Junbin refused to let go, and said: "I am the most serious in my actions. Since officials at all levels are allowed to cultivate themselves, no one is allowed to be perfunctory. As the governor, I have to check the farming progress of the officials in the prefectural government every month. Similarly, You can also come to inspect my fields. The state government does this, and the county government should do the same. Magistrates, I will send a patrol ambassador to each county for inspection every month. The people's farming situation, I also check your fields. If I have free time, I will go to your place. My ugly words are in front of me. If someone fails to supervise the farming, hehe, don't say that I am merciless when the time comes. We have to settle the old account with the new account." Chen Junbin's tone changed, and he continued: "When I was in the capital this time, the emperor asked the governors of the states to understand the seasons of farming and mulberry. From now on, I should humbly ask for advice on farming and mulberry. The so-called shameless questioning is not an insult to officials. On the contrary, it makes the people feel reverence. For example, if the water conservancy in this state is not prosperous, it is necessary to reclaim land near the place where it is easy to draw water, in case of drought. Also, I think that the water, fertilizer and grass in this state are prosperous, which can encourage the people to cultivate the fields. Besides, raise more cattle. Cattle do not compete with people for food, and they are the main animal force for farming. If you raise more cattle and sell them to other places, you can get an extra income. This is a good thing that kills multiple birds with one stone. "All in all, the emperor said that 'agriculture is the foundation of the country' and 'to appease the people to calm' is in line with the will of the people. The emperor's edict has been copied to all counties. Please read it after you go back and appreciate it carefully. My official Now that you are in office, everyone who takes the exam next year, this section of promoting agriculture is the most important. As long as the households under the jurisdiction are prosperous and people live and work in peace and contentment, it is a great achievement. As for other imprecise places, I can ignore them. On the contrary Come to say, if someone is good in every way during this year, but makes a mess of farming, he is not a good official, this official will remove him first, and then investigate his loss." Everyone stared wide-eyed and listened to Chen Junbin's lecture, thinking that this unattractive old man must have an addiction to farming.As soon as he took office, he not only asked the officials to urge the people to cultivate the fields vigorously, but also asked the officials to cultivate the land by themselves.The government and the people work together, how can there be any distinction between the government and the people? Chen Junbin's measures really worked. The refugees heard that Dengzhou was releasing grain and seeds here, and they came straight to Dengzhou to help the old and the young.Under Chen Junbin's strict order, all counties set up porridge sheds to receive refugees.After the refugees arrived, they had a full meal, and then went to the designated villages to live in tents.The county government sent them rations and seeds per head.After a short rest, they began to cultivate wasteland in the designated acres.In those days, there was thick smoke everywhere in Dengzhou. The refugees first lit the flammable withered grass in the fields, applied a base fertilizer with plant ash, and then went down to the ground with a lotus hoe to remove the newly grown grass.The ridges are then plowed deep and the seeds carefully spread. While Chen Junbin was busy with the affairs of the state government, he ordered his family to find a piece of wasteland by the Tuan River for reclamation.Chen Junbin had three sons and two daughters. The eldest son stayed in Xingzhou as a small official, and the eldest daughter also married in Xingzhou. The remaining two sons became the main force in reclamation.Chen Junbin bought two yellow cattle with the savings of his eunuch, and asked his daughter to take care of them. The turbulent river flows obliquely to the southeast, the water surface is as flat and wide as a mirror, and the water is crystal clear.Chen Junbin led his wife and son to farm here. The younger daughter was wading in the slightly cool river water to catch crabs and fish. One day, she caught two half-foot-long white fish.This made Chen Junbin very happy, and immediately asked his wife to boil a pot of thick fish soup.The family sat on the ground, chewing the noodle cakes they brought and drinking the fish soup with a fishy smell. The scene was like a real farm life. The youngest son teased: "Unexpectedly, as my father's official position became bigger and bigger, we became a family of common people." Tang divided the states into upper, middle, and lower. Xingzhou is Zhongzhou, and Dengzhou is Shangzhou.Chen Junbin moved from Xingzhou Inspector to Dengzhou Inspector, and his rank was promoted from the original fourth rank to the third rank, which is undoubtedly a promotion. Chen Junbin drank the fish soup and said with satisfaction: "We are the people's family, what's wrong? Your elder brother has experienced war and displacement, and knows the ups and downs of life. Now that he has official status, he will handle things cautiously. But your elder brother When I was young, with my official salary, I studied and lived a good life these years, but I don’t know that every meal is hard to come by. Right now, the emperor is trying his best to govern the country first. There are a large number of young talents working for the country. You are here to plow the fields as your father, and you will make up for this lesson, and you will gain fame and fame in the future. When you become an official, you will definitely be grateful for this experience." The second son nodded in agreement, but the youngest son still didn't think so, and said, "It's fine for us. It's just that mother has been with you for so many years, and she has suffered a lot. In the end, she still works in the fields like a peasant woman. My son feels really uneasy." Mrs. Chen Junbin is also a woman who knows the general.She stopped her youngest son and said, "You have to understand your father's painstaking efforts. He is the governor of a state. If he doesn't do it himself, how can he persuade others? Besides, people are not born to enjoy happiness, but rely on personal labor. Only then can I gain something. Although I am a little tired when I come here these days, it is not in the way, and I feel very comfortable in my heart." Chen Junbin nodded and said, "That's it. My sons, although I'm a little tired now, you will be in a good mood when the sown crops show their heads. You will be more happy when the harvest comes in autumn." The whole family's faces were covered with sweat, and they all burst into smiles. Li Shimin saw the severe drought in the world and the locust plague gradually, and felt depressed.On the one hand, he ordered officials from all over the country to be diligent in their duties, organized drought and locust eradication, and started to build water conservancy projects;After finishing these tasks, he said to Feng Deyi: "I am worried about the world, at most. If the disasters and disasters in the world are gradually stopped, it is necessary to rely on the people and county officials to do their best. Also, God feels my sincerity, A few good rains coming early." Feng Deyi replied: "Mencius said, 'Heaven will send a great mission to the people of Sri Lanka, and they must first suffer from their minds, their muscles and bones, and their bodies and skins'. It is not surprising that your Majesty has encountered drought and locust plagues since he took the throne. Believe Your Majesty is blessed with the same blessings as the heavens, and will surely overcome disasters." Li Shimin smiled slightly, and felt that although Feng Deyi's words sounded like flattery, they sounded more comfortable.He suddenly remembered something, and asked: "I asked the states to recommend talents, how is it now?" "I heard from Wuji that all the prefectures have already reported the list to the Ministry of Officials. Wuji has ordered the prefectures to send people to lead them on the road for a few days and go to the capital to be tested by the Ministry of Officials." Li Shimin nodded and said: "Okay, after they come, I will see them one by one. By the way, the foundation of being a public servant is to win people. I have already asked you to promote talents, but today, I haven't seen you recommend anyone to me. You have also seen that things in the world are chaotic, and you should share my worries. If you don't say a word, what should I do?" Feng Deyi replied: "Your Majesty said, how dare I not try my best? It's just that I have observed carefully, so far I haven't seen anyone with extraordinary talents and abilities, because I can't recommend them." Li Shimin shook his head and blamed: "The words of Feng Gong are not correct. The previous Ming emperors made people like weapons, and they all took scholars at that time. It was impossible to borrow talents from other dynasties. Like King Wen of Zhou and Duke Huan of Qi, should they After finding Jiang Ziya and Guan Zhong, will he be in politics again? Jiang Ziya fishes in Weishui, and Guan Zhong lives on the shore of Yingshui. In the thatched hut in Nanyang, Liu Bei visited the thatched hut three times to invite him to come out of the mountain and help him achieve the imperial career. From this point of view, no matter any dynasty, there are talents, but it is because of the ignorance. Feng Gong, you are the governor of the Ministry of officials, and you have not yet reported I recommend someone, and speaking of it, I should blame you first." Li Shimin's words made Feng Deyi's face flushed, so he could only reply repeatedly: "I have neglected my duties, I have neglected my duties, and I will follow the emperor's instructions and visit the aliens as soon as possible. Just." Then he backed away in embarrassment. After all, Feng Deyi did not recommend anyone for Li Shimin. Two days later, Feng Deyi suddenly collapsed while working in Shangshu Province.After Li Shimin heard the news, he came to Shangshu Province to visit him. He saw Feng Deyi lying there with his mouth crooked and eyes slanted, unable to speak, apparently suffering from a stroke.On the one hand, Li Shimin ordered the imperial physician to diagnose and treat him, and on the other hand, he ordered the Shangnian Bureau to bring him over and send Feng Deyi back to his residence.It was night, Feng Deyi never woke up again, at the age of sixty. When Li Shimin heard the news, he shed a few tears for it, and sighed: "Could it be that the heavens are going to punish me? There was a severe drought and locust plagues, and it hurt my ministers. This year, Ma Sanbao died suddenly, and then Du Yan died again. He died at home, and Qu Tutong, who guarded Luoyang, also died in office. Today, Feng Deyi is added, and he is already the fourth person. People say that Feng Deyi is obedient and good at pretending, but since he worked with me , Counting the loyal policies, it is still a hard work, and now he died suddenly in office, so he can be praised." On the same day, De Yi was granted the title of Sikong by imperial edict, and his posthumous posthumous name was Ming. But it is said that eleven people recommended by Zhuzhou arrived in the capital, and Changsun Wuji reported the matter to Li Shimin, saying that he would have an interview in the Ministry of Officials.Li Shimin was overjoyed, and said: "These eleven people have been screened through layers, and they must be very human. Wuji, how about this, you lead them into the inner hall, and I will talk to them in person." Changsun Wuji led these eleven people into the Hall of Xiande, they bowed to Li Shimin with Changsun Wuji, shouted long live three times, and then stood up tremblingly, some of them even trembled.Li Shimin said kindly, "I am thirsty for talents, and I have ordered the states to recommend good talents. You have been selected here through layers of screening, and you must have strategic talents in your chest. Changsun Shangshu originally wanted to test in the Ministry of Officials according to the law, and now I am employing people. , I just want to avoid these false routines. If one of you can say a thing or two about politics, I can give you the appointment immediately. How about it? Which one of you will speak first? Well, you can’t talk endlessly. There was once a Ming Dynasty edict, the main purpose of which was 'the people are the foundation of the country' and 'to calm the people'. Wuji, you take that Ming Dynasty and read it on the spot, and then let them talk about their opinions." Changsun Wuji had already received Li Shimin's order in advance, so he had someone copy eleven copies of the Ten Thousand Words Edict, and now he distributed them to everyone one by one.The eleven people had received the edict, and they all looked down, and the hall was very quiet for a while. Li Shimin stood up, walked down from the throne, and walked slowly in front of the crowd with his hands behind his back.Seeing those eleven people holding the imperial edict in their hands and burying their heads in watching, many of them trembled in their hands because of the fear in their hearts.A smile flickered across the corner of Li Shimin's mouth, thinking that this group of people had lived in the countryside for a long time and had never seen the world, and it was normal for them to be nervous when they suddenly appeared in front of the emperor. Time passed slowly, and I didn't realize that more than half an hour had passed.Li Shimin returned to the throne and asked: "Everyone has read the edict. If there is anything missing in it, you can criticize it as much as you like. I won't blame you." speak first. Changsun Wuji became impatient, and said a little loudly: "Didn't you hear the emperor's question? It's been an hour, and you don't say a word, are you all dumb?" As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd Among them, three people shook the edict in their hands to the ground, obviously extremely nervous. Li Shimin stopped Changsun Wuji's reprimand, and said with a more amiable face: "Don't be nervous, you should be no different from usual when you get here. Well, if you don't dare to speak first, I will call the roll. Yan Zhongliang, who was recommended by Bingzhou, ten You are the oldest among the people, and the recommendation here says that you have read poetry and books, and you have a lot of scheming. Yan Zhongliang, how about you speak first?" Yan Zhongliang was about fifty years old, with a thin body and a goatee.Hearing Li Shimin call his name, he replied in a panic: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, after reading this edict, the grassroots only feel... only the words are precious. The grassroots think that the emperor's words are... That's not bad at all." After speaking, sweat dripped from his face, and even wet his goatee.In fact, when Yan Zhongliang was reading the imperial edict, his mind went blank, and he didn't read at all what was written in the edict. At this time, Li Shimin felt slightly disappointed, and said to the others: "What do you think Yan Zhongliang said so?" Li Shiminfu said to his eldest grandson Wuji: "Wuji, I think they have just entered the palace, and they have not seen the royal grandeur. They are frightened, which hinders their smooth speech. Let's move them into Shangshu Province and change them to written examinations. Maybe they able to perform normally.” Unexpectedly, this group of people is really mediocre. They went to Shangshu Province, faced with the problem, conceived for a long time, but finally failed to reach the main point.After reading their answer sheets one by one, Li Shimin was greatly disappointed, and sighed: "It seems that haste makes waste. I was eager to seek talent, but things backfired." Changsun Wuji was also very annoyed, and demanded heavy punishment for these people with vain names. Li Shimin said: "Forget it, you can release them and don't blame them. If you go back to the root cause, the people who recommended them are still sloppy and can't know people. You can punish them severely, so that they are not human, and the crime is aggravated. Alas, A few days ago, I blamed the deceased Feng Gong for not being able to know people. It seems that this way of knowing people is really not easy." Changsun Wuji nodded in agreement. Li Shimin said again: "This time, it is a bit rushed to ask the states to select candidates. We still have to follow the path of imperial examination and selection. However, when there is an urgent need for employment, we still select candidates regularly, and the time is too long." Tang Yisui As an example, the scholars will gather in the capital every November and stop in spring. Changsun Wuji said: "Yes, there are indeed disadvantages in the selection of imperial examinations. By the way, a few days ago, Liu Linfu suggested that you can listen to the selection at any time, and make notes at any time. This may be faster." Liu Linfu is currently an official. The Minister of the Department is Changsun Wuji's right-hand man. 李世民略微思索了一下，大喜道：“这样很好。无忌，可让刘林甫呈来奏折，朕批阅后即可施行。士大夫经历战乱之后，不乐仕进，所以能干的官吏不多。有了这个办法，相信眼前的局面很快就有所改观。” 说到这里，李世民一转话题，又道：“无忌，眼下封德彝逝世，腾出了尚书右仆射这个位置，我想由你来代之。另外，萧公等老臣思想僵化，动辄压制玄龄、如晦等人的言论，我已经隐忍多日了。尚书左仆射的位置由房玄龄担当，尚书省的事务由你和玄龄主之。” 长孙无忌摇头道：“更换宰臣现在很有必要，然这里有两点不妥：一者，臣为外戚，这样日日权重，恐于朝纲不利，最易引起别人的话柄；其二，萧瑀、陈叔达等人皆是忠于陛下的老臣，如此轻易将他们换下，恐会引来诸多说辞。” “这两点皆不妨。你虽为外戚，然随我征战多日，为朝廷立有大功，我用你非因亲戚，实用你才，所谓'外举不避仇，内举不避亲'是也。至于萧、陈他们，我知道他们对我忠心耿耿，然其眼光见识才具已影响了理政大局，非更换不可，这是大节。我这样做并不影响我们之间的感情，我还会经常询之以政道，尊之为前辈，你放心，像裴寂以前那样待我，如今尚且有名有封，何况萧公他们呢？” 长孙无忌见李世民说到这个份上，只好点头答应。 长孙无忌离开后，李世民步出殿外。眼见庭院中绿树葱茏，枝叶繁茂，忽然生出到终南山狩猎游春一回的愿望来。想到这里，他竟不能自已，令太监将那只高丽国献来的海鹞取来，意欲玩赏一回。 这只海鹞名为渔阳白，周身羽毛为白色，神俊异常，模样很惹人喜爱。李世民亲自驯它，如今已经能在李世民的口令下或扑击，或收势，可谓善解人意。李世民这会儿接鹞在手，那边的太监提着鸟笼准备放鸟。李世民打了一下手势，太监急忙打开鸟笼，两只黄鸟扑棱棱地飞上蓝天。李世民解开缚在海鹞脚上的细链，挥手向黄鸟一指。只见海鹞一飞冲天，如箭一般扑向那两只已飞得只剩下两个小点的黄鸟。人还没有看到海鹞如何动作，只见那两只黄鸟直线掉到地面上，海鹞一转身飞回到了李世民的臂膀之上。 李世民哈哈大笑，用手轻抚海鹞的羽毛，赞道：“好鸟。” 李世民未尽兴，忽然收敛起笑容，忙不迭地把海鹞塞入衣怀中，然后正色站立。 只见拐角处走过来一人，矮矮胖胖，步履蹒跚，那模样是李世民熟悉之极的。不言而喻，来人正是魏征。 魏征来到李世民面前一揖道：“臣有事要奏，得知陛下在后殿庭院，因径直来了，请恕臣唐突失礼。” “罢了，朕早就说过，但凡有事要奏，你可以不拣时辰，不拣场合，今日来又有何失礼之处呢？只是这帮该死的太监，都死到哪儿去了。魏大夫来，缘何不早点通报？魏卿，你要奏何事？” “记得年关之后，陛下说厘改吏治，且令房中书并省官员。然直到今日，臣未见有任何动作，心中实在不解，因来问问陛下。” 李世民叹了一口气，说道：“这件事儿有些复杂了。玄龄当时拿出一个方案，孰料遭到封公的极力反对，萧公和陈公也来附和，以为旧官体非常合理，不用更改，并直斥玄龄不懂吏治之道肆意妄为。朕看他们分歧太大，就把事儿先压了下来，过一段时间再说吧。” “陛下向来以果断闻名，缘何在这件事儿上优柔寡断？官家冗员太多，亟须并省，这是不争的事实，岂能因为几名老臣的坚持阻碍了大局？且如今封公已逝，陛下说服萧公他们，早日施行并省之法，臣看现在正是时机。” 李世民感到胸前的海鹞在那里蠕动挣扎，遂用手按住海鹞，令它不可妄动，心不在焉道：“是……是……朕想朝中之事儿，还是力求万全最好。” 魏征看到李世民的胸前有物蠕动，脸现诧异，不解地问道：“陛下胸前似乎有物，莫非有什么痛楚吗？” 李世民脸现尴尬之色，搪塞道：“没什么，朕今日感到有些胸闷，因寻些凉物熨抚。嗯，你说得对，这事儿到了定盘的时候了。” 魏征再奏道：“若行并省之法，则知人最为重要。今欲求人，必须审访其行。若知其善，然后用之，设令此人不能济事，只是才力不及，不为大害。若误用恶人，即使其才具出众，然为害极多。” 李世民觉得胸前的海鹞安静了下来，心境也随之平和下来。 他仔细琢磨魏征的话，点头说道：“魏卿所言极是，古人云，王者须为官择人，不可造次即用。朕今行一事，则为天下所观；出一言，则为天下所听。如用人一节，最为重要。朕若用得正人，则天下皆善；误用恶人，不善者竞进。赏当其劳，无功者自退；罚当其罪，为恶者戒惧。朕因知赏罚不可轻行，用人弥须慎择。如此看来，卿所奏须重德行一节，应作为择官的首要。朕即嘱无忌要将之作为考人的第一课。” 李世民的语气一转，说道：“魏卿，你如何评价自己呢？” 魏征不假思索，脱口答道：“臣往日曾对陛下说过，臣定当鞠躬尽瘁，效先朝前贤良臣之英烈，忠心为皇上办事。” “哈哈，你这话说得滴水不漏，还是不着痕迹嘛。魏卿，朕这是和你开玩笑来着。朕这些天一直在想，若让你在谏议大夫的位置上长期干下去，未免有些屈才了，朕想给你换一个位置。” 李世民说出这样的话，其意思已经很明显，即是要给魏征升官加品。魏征岂有不明白的道理，顿首道：“臣生性禀直，又遇上旷世明君，臣以为继续在谏官的位置做下去最为合适，请陛下不要为臣操心了。” 李世民又哈哈一笑，说道：“魏卿，朕知道你又在动小心眼了。你以为朕不愿意你经常进诤谏之言吗？非也。你即使到了别的位置上，依旧可以保持谏官之本色，朕一点儿都不烦，相反欢喜得紧呢。算了，我们不再说这个话题，你还有什么事儿要奏？” 魏征从袖中取出疏议一道，双手递给李世民，说道：“臣听说有人劝陛下出城狩猎，臣以为目下非常之际，不宜狩猎。因上疏一道，请陛下审示。陛下若以为臣所奏有些道理，可斥那些劝说之人，以理夺之。” 李世民接过疏议，展开一看，只见其中写道：臣闻秋狝冬狩，盖唯恒典，射隼从禽，备乎前诰。伏唯陛下因听览之余辰，顺天道以杀伐，将欲摧班碎掌，亲御皮轩，穷猛兽之窟穴，尽逸材于林薮。夷凶剪暴，以卫黎元，收革擢羽，用充军器，举旗效获，式遵前古。然黄屋之尊，金舆之贵，八方之所仰德，万国之所系心，清道而行，状戒衔橛。斯盖重慎防微，为社稷也。是以马卿直谏于前，张昭变色于后，臣诚细微，敢忘斯义？且天弧星，所殪已多，颁禽赐获，皇恩亦溥。伏愿时息猎车，且韬长戟，不拒刍荛之请，降纳涓浍之流，袒裼徒搏，任之群下，则贻范百王，永光万代。 李世民读完此书，心中暗道：“这个乡巴佬莫非有先见之明？我这里刚刚动了要去终南山狩猎一回的心思，他那边的疏议已经写好了。”遂下意识地摸了摸胸前，多亏自己眼疾手快将海鹞藏起，不然让魏征看到，免不了又是一番劝谏。想到这里，李世民正色道：“魏卿思虑良深，朕甚嘉许。朕一会儿令人将你的这道上疏贴于殿内的照壁上，使朕能随时浏览，以为鉴戒。” 魏征见李世民接受了今日的谏议，遂躬身告退。 李世民看着魏征慢慢走远，既而拐入墙角后隐然不见，急忙低头拨开胸前衣襟取出海鹞，却见这只鸟儿已经周身挺直，显是气绝。原来魏征奏事太久，海鹞在李世民怀中呼吸不畅，竟然活活闷死。 第二日的朝会上，萧瑀和陈叔达同奏一事，然各执一端。两人一开始还能据理申辩，到了后来，竟然脸红脖子粗当堂争吵起来。李世民先是呵斥了几句，然压不下去，最后勃然大怒，令人将他们拉回家中，闭门思过。紧接着一道诏令，以他们两人不敬，予以免职。 到了午后，李世民派人将萧瑀、陈叔达召入宫中，竟欲对他们抚慰一回。 陈叔达、萧瑀的气息未平，两人见面后依然忿忿不已，互不理会。他们又见到诏令，知道被免去官职，觉得李世民小题大做，心中更是烦闷。 李世民脸色严肃，说道：“萧公，陈公，你们作为德高望重的名臣，在朝堂之上竟然失仪争吵，朕的话你们也不听。百官众目睽睽之下，让朕的颜面放在何处？朕今日免了你们的官，你们心中存有怨愤吗？” 萧瑀道：“陛下平日里导人诤谏，臣想只要心为国是，虽方式有些激烈，亦不为过，因在堂上与叔达争论。陛下今免臣职，不敢心存怨愤。其实河水后浪推前浪，臣已老朽，该是致仕的时候了。” 李世民听得出来，萧瑀的言语中明显有怨气。他不接话，转向陈叔达道：“陈公，你以为呢？” 陈叔达比萧瑀明白一些事理，低头说道：“臣回家后，觉得今日朝堂之上确实有些过激。臣与萧公皆是老臣，又得陛下倾心信任，理应为百官示范。我们在堂上一吵，百官定会笑陛下放纵臣下，无规无矩。陛下今日免了我们的官，其实也是咎由自取。” 萧瑀哼了一声，说道：“陛下，臣以为若心为朝廷，可以不拘形式。哼，臣长这么大，还不知道见风使舵的滋味，且这一辈子也不想学。” 陈叔达的脸红起来，也忿忿说道：“陛下，天下的事儿抬不过一个'理'字。明明无理硬要强项说嘴，还以为自己一向正确，臣看也好不到哪里去。” 李世民知道萧瑀是宁折不弯的性格。他侍奉隋炀帝和李渊两朝为臣，其性格一直不改，那是众人皆知的。眼见两人又要在自己的面前吵架，他立起身来走到萧瑀面前，恳切地说道：“萧公，朕知道你的性格和心事。当初朕受隐太子倾轧，你和陈公不随波逐流，与陈公一起在太上皇面前保举我，朕至今难忘。朕现在为君，一心想整顿朝纲，厘改吏治。若任由百官不明规矩，朕有何面目面对天下呢？我中华为泱泱大国，四夷若知道这样，他们又如何来礼我敬我呢？萧公，朕知道你一直心爱于我，那是你知道朕非胡作妄为之人。你说，你如此待我，莫非想舍我而去吗？”李世民提起了过去的事，萧瑀和陈叔达顿时心生柔情。心想那时候不遗余力支持李世民，是瞧中了他的才具和胆略，相信他若为君，定能光大国家。然李世民即位之后，自己在朝堂之上动辄欺凌新臣，坚持己议，若李世民不用自己的意见，则顿时有失落之感。如此看来，自己是有点倚老卖老之嫌呢。想到这里，萧瑀嗫嚅道：“那都是过去的事了。陛下一直不能释怀，是有些太看重老臣了。” 李世民接着道：“朕多次说过，朕不想学汉高祖之举诛杀功臣。今日免了你们的官职，只是做个样子给别人看。过一段时间，朕还会恢复你们的官职的。其实你们赋闲时，朕也不会让你们闲着，这军国大事，朕还要日日向你们咨询的。萧公，你以为如何？” 萧瑀的性子执拗，向来吃软不吃硬，经李世民这一番软语劝说，也就软了下来，因表示道：“陛下，老臣非不明事理之人。陛下既然说到这个份上，老臣定当遵从。我们名为君臣，其实若论辈分，太上皇以前日日称我为萧郎，则陛下为老臣的后辈。话已至此，臣岂敢自恃老脸而执意指斥陛下呢？”萧瑀是李渊母亲独孤氏娘家的女婿，与李渊平辈。李渊在位时不呼其官衔，而是称其为“萧郎”，很是亲近。 眼见一场风波烟消云散，李世民笑容上脸，遂对萧瑀道：“如此，萧公也不可再对陈公疾言厉色了。嗯，我们一同进晚膳吧。你们要当着朕的面对饮几杯，一笑泯恩仇嘛。” 陈叔达笑道：“陛下也太小瞧我们了。想臣与萧公共事多年，岂效小儿女促狭之状？萧公，你说是不是？” 萧瑀以微笑作答。 晚膳之时，李世民心中盘算要马上调整相位。即由房玄龄任尚书左仆射，长孙无忌任尚书右仆射。如今北方无战事，防备东突厥之事由李世、李大亮在那里把守即可，可将李靖抽回来充任中书令一职。 李世民当晚即将房玄龄、高士廉、虞世南、杜如晦和长孙无忌召入宫中，确定了此次授任之事，并让虞世南拟出诏令，规定明日即颁行天下。 眼见一切正按部就班地进行，不想长孙嘉敏半路杀了出来，顿时打乱了李世民的章法。