Chapter 6 In the sixth round, he promoted the house, Du left and right servants, shot the officials, governed the capital and merged the provinces.

Li Shimin successfully replaced the important ministers in the court, and he felt very relaxed in his heart.After sunset that day, he took his car to the Hall of Renshou, intending to have dinner with Empress Changsun. The night slowly penetrated into the hall, and the lantern maid unknowingly lit up the surrounding candles, making the hall look bright.The eldest grandson Jiamin gave birth to a new daughter, who is still breastfeeding, so her whole body looks plump, and she also shows a little laziness when she moves.Seeing that Li Shimin was in a good mood, she said, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs daily, and it is rare for him to be at ease. Taking advantage of this good night, my concubine is here to write a chapter. How about asking Your Majesty to comment on it?"

Li Shimin said: "Well, I heard that these days, regardless of your physical weakness, you have been looking at classics and writing hard, and you must have wonderful words. Alright, let me bring you that wonderful essay." The eldest Sun Jiamin smiled sweetly, turned around and went to the desk on the right side of the hall to fetch a volume of documents. Li Shimin unfolded it and saw that it was full of elegant lowercase letters. He recognized the handwriting of Changsun Jiamin, so he praised: "Okay, I don't look at the content, but just look at these handwritings. My heart is already drunk. Hey, sister Min." , I see why your font looks more and more like Wang Xizhi?"

"Your Majesty is making fun of my concubine again. Even if I practice for another hundred years, it will be difficult for my concubine to catch up with Wang Xizhi." Li Shimin stopped talking, and focused on reading the article written by the elder Sun Jiamin.The title of the article is "On Empress Ma", and it is about Ma Shi, the empress of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Empress Ma's virtue and character are all known as the best among the concubines of the Eastern Han Dynasty.She is knowledgeable, sensible, filial to relatives, serving the emperor, and frugal, and history calls her a virtuous queen.In addition to praising these advantages of Empress Ma, Changsun Jiamin criticized her inability to suppress the signs of her relatives' dictatorship.After Emperor Zhang of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne, he respected Empress Ma as empress dowager, and enfeoffed Empress Ma's three older brothers as Liehou.Although Empress Ma admonished her elder brother's family for the power and pomp of "cars are like running water and horses are like swimming dragons", she finally agreed with her elder brother to accept the title and participate in political affairs.Li Shimin nodded while watching, and finally couldn't help reciting aloud: "The prosperity of foreign relatives is actually the source of chaos in government. For example, Empress Ma can't restrain her relatives and make them prosperous in the dynasty, but she only guards against her dragon horse and water cart. Open up the source of its disaster and prevent its end. You should encourage yourself as well as others."

Li Shimin was overjoyed after reading it, and praised: "Wow!" He rolled his eyes and said with a smile: "Sister Min, you let me read this article today, not just to let me appreciate your literary talent?" "Your Majesty is wise, the concubine has something to say. The concubine heard my brother accidentally mention it a few days ago, saying that your majesty wants to promote him as a minister and the right servant. In this way, the concubine thinks it is inappropriate for me to let my relatives live in the post of minister. I wrote this article to advise His Majesty, and please take it back."

Li Shimin disagreed, and said, "I remember you once said that I am a Mingjun, so how can a Mingjun act in a muddle? I made Wuji the rank of the minister, not because he is your elder brother, but because he has the ability to assist the country." .Miss Min, there is an old saying, "External promotion does not avoid enemies, internal promotion does not avoid relatives". Like Wei Zhengyuan, who is my enemy, I can use it; like Wuji, although he is an in-law, I also use it. Because they are loyal For me, and talent." "Your Majesty's thoughts are clear to the ministers and concubines. However, the ministers and concubines entrust themselves to the Purple Palace and are named queens. They are extremely honorable, and they really don't want their brothers and children to be in the court. Lu and Huo of the Han Dynasty can be a bone-cutting warning. As Zaifu." The example given by Changsun Jiamin refers to the monopoly of Zhulu during the Han Hui Emperor and Huo Guang's monopoly under the Han Zhao Emperor. Although they were prosperous at that time, they were eventually destroyed.

The eldest Sun Jiamin first wrote an article to explain the faults of Empress Ma, and then gave examples of Zhu Lu and Huo's dictatorship, which made it difficult for Li Shimin to refute.Li Shimin was at a loss for words for a while, and couldn't help feeling a little annoyed, and asked: "I have discussed rewards and punishments with you many times before, but you have kept silent on the grounds that post-court ladies are not suitable for participating in politics. My change of Wuji's position today is also a political matter, you Why do you want to obstruct it?" "Wuji is the elder brother of the concubine, in order to prevent the in-laws from monopolizing power, such words are the best for the concubine." The eldest Sun Jiamin used to talk to Li Shimin in a soft voice like the wind blowing willows. He has never been so stubborn today. when.

Li Shimin originally wanted to have some tenderness with his eldest grandson Jiamin tonight, but now grandson Jiamin first admonished him with great principles, and then talked back to him, which made him lose any emotion, so he made up his mind to go to Yinmengjie.He got up and said: "Forget it, I don't want to talk about it tonight. In short, Wuji and I are friends of the common people, and they are also the heroes of Zuo Ming. It is not too much for their talents to rank among the prime ministers. You don't need to agree with this matter. It's settled." After speaking, he strode out of the palace door.

The eldest grandson Jiamin didn't panic. After sending Li Shimin away, he turned around and hurriedly wrote a few lines in front of the desk, which was sent to the eldest grandson Wuji overnight. In the following two days, Changsun Wuji approached Li Shimin several times and begged for dismissal.It goes without saying that the elder Sun Jiamin must have contributed to this.In the end, Li Shimin was so troubled that he had no choice but to agree to his eldest grandson Wuji: "Okay, I will let Du Ruhui shoot for you as Shangshu's right servant, so you and Jiamin should be satisfied? You two, brother and sister, did you eat the wrong thing?" What kind of medicine? Outsiders will definitely say that you don’t know what to do! It’s just that there is already a candidate for the post of Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and you have become a loose official instead. Is this the best way to take advantage of your wishes?”

Even though Li Shimin said this, he couldn't give up the talent of his elder grandson Wuji.The next day, the imperial edict was promulgated, granting Fang Xuanling the left servant of the Shangshu, Du Ruhui the right servant of the Shangshu, Wen Yanbo the order of the Zhongshu, Li Jing the minister of the Ministry of War, Chu Liang the minister of the Ministry of Officials, and Wei Zheng was granted the title of Admonition Participate in government affairs as a senior official.As for the eldest grandson Wuji, Li Shimin granted him the third division of Kaifu Yitong (named the first-class Wensan official), and asked him to participate in the government.

Back in the harem, Li Shimin proudly said to the eldest grandson Jiamin: "Sister Min, I couldn't hold back Wuji and you, so I had to give Wuji a job. I used to laugh at others for fear of guilt many times. It seems that your Erlang is the same. !" Seeing that Li Shimin obeyed his opinion, the eldest grandson Jiamin couldn't help but beam with joy, so he approached Li Shimin and stroked his hand, saying: "Xiao Min always obeys Erlang. The king is the king of the country, and his relatives are not allowed to monopolize power. In the final analysis , which is still good for the country.”

Li Shimin saw the blush on the elder Sun Jiamin's face, which was very familiar to him, so he stretched out his hand and took her into his arms. A small storm subsided. Changsun Wuji is now Kaifu Yitong Sansi, whose position is no lower than that of Shangshu Youpushe, and still holds the real power.It's just that when people like Changsun Jiamin heard this new word for the first time, they thought it was a false name and were deceived. The first thing Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui did when they took office was to merge the provincial ministers and officials from the six ministries.The Tang system consisted of Zhongshu Province, Menxia Province, Shangshu Province, Secretary Province, Dianzhong Province, and Internal Servant Province. The latter three provinces mainly managed palace affairs, and the first three provinces were mainly responsible for maintaining the operation of the government, that is, the system of three provinces and six ministries.Among them, the Zhongshu Province is the decision-making body, which is mainly in charge of the military and state orders; the Menxia Province is the deliberation body, which discusses and implements the government orders proposed by the Zhongshu Province, and is in charge of the documents issued by the ministers; the Shangshu Province is the implementation Institutions, things that are communicated from top to bottom.Zhongshu Province and Menxia Province have relatively simple affairs and relatively stable personnel with a small number of people, while Shangshu Province has complicated affairs with a large number of people and frequent changes.After Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui took office, they found that the Ministry of Shangshu had too many personnel, with more than 800 registered personnel. The old pair of Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui acted swiftly and resolutely.They worked more than eight hours a day, thought over all the positions, and merged or saved them, leaving only 293 people.The two dared not make decisions about how to arrange the laid-off people, so they approached Li Shimin for an order. Li Shimin briefly listened to the statements of the two, then smiled and said: "It seems that everyone has selfishness, and it is inevitable that you are the prime minister." Fang Du and the two were at a loss. Li Shimin continued: "At the end of my year, let Xuanling and Wuji take the lead and try to annex the provincial officials immediately, but you have not done so. Xuanling, you just came to Shangshu Province, and you have been working day and night to complete this matter. What is it if it’s not partiality?” Fang Xuanling was frightened and frightened, and said: "I did not complete the matter of merger and province as soon as possible, it is indeed my crime. Therefore, I will implement it in Shangshu Province today, and I want to make amends." Du Ruhui smoothed things over and said: "Your Majesty, Xuanling was in Zhongshu Province at that time. Although he wanted to annex the provincial officials according to the emperor's order, all the provinces and ministries said that there were not many people, and some wanted to add more people. It was hard to avoid feeling itchy. To be honest. , This is indeed a bit embarrassing for Brother Xuanling." Li Shimin obviously disapproved of Du Ruhui's words, and scolded: "Nonsense, Xuanling was and is now the governor of a province, and he followed my orders, so why can't he do it?" Li Shimin said this now, obviously forgetting Xiao Yu and the others Veteran's resistance.He changed the topic, and continued: "But you finally did it today, very good. I think this matter is not done enough, like the other five provinces, as well as Yushi, Sitian Ertai, Taichang, Guanglu, Wei Wei, Zongzheng, Taipu, Dali, Honghe, Sinong, Taifu Nine Temples, Guozi, Shaofu, Jiangzuo, Junqi, Dushui Fourth Supervisor, and the sixteen guards in the army, all must follow the example of Shangshusheng Merge provincial officials. Xuanling, Ruhui, this matter will be handled by you.” The two looked at each other in blank dismay, they had just entered the Shangshu Province, and there were still many things to do.If you take over this matter, not to mention the gray hair, the key is that it will take a lot of time.However, the emperor's will cannot be defied, and the two hurriedly replied: "The minister accepts the order." Li Shimin stared straight ahead and pondered: "As for the people you asked to be laid off? They arrange foreign appointments or other real vacancies, and the young talents selected through the examination every year are blocked by these people. It is not my original intention to let them eat their salaries empty. Xuanling, Ruhui, this time You should have an idea in your mind as to how to proceed." Du Ruhui asked Fang Xuanling's opinion with his gaze, and replied cautiously: "Your Majesty, I once discussed an idea with brother Xuanling, but it was a bit domineering. I'm afraid it's not in line with your Majesty's benevolent government, because I dare not speak out." "Say it, I don't blame you." "After these people are laid off, the imperial court can retain their rank and official salary for one year. They have to rely on their own ability to seek real vacancies within this one-year period, or seek other means of survival. After one year, the imperial court withdraws their Rank and official salary are left to live and die on their own.” Li Shimin frowned slightly, and sighed: "This group of people has different ranks. It is really not easy for them to find their current position. Fend for themselves? It is indeed a bit domineering." He pondered for a long time, and then said: " Do you think this works? If they can no longer seek official positions, they can be sent back to their villages and given half of their official salaries according to their rank, so that they can live on." Fang Xuanling said: "Your Majesty's doing this is a testament to his benevolence. The ministers and others will follow the order and save money, so there is no need to worry about the future." Li Shimin smiled and said: "No worries? Xuanling, as the saying goes, the top rafters die first, and you and Ru Huigan's job is to be the top rafters. These people used to be beautiful and pampered. Come back home, they will definitely scold you to death. Haha, this grievance is enough for you. You have to explain to them that I am the backstage of doing this. Forgive them for not daring to act rashly. Officials win people , it doesn’t matter how many people there are, this matter will be done after all.” In the next few days, Fang and Du led a group of people to annex the civil and military officials in the capital.At that time, there were 2,563 civil and military officials in the capital.These people were in a state of panic all day long, fearing that they would save themselves, they asked for information one after another.But Fang and Du have their words first, if anyone leaks the news, they will definitely be punished severely.The people in charge had no choice but to be stern and selfless, and blocked everyone back. Ten days later, the provincial plan was promulgated by imperial edict, and the remaining personnel in each position were clearly indicated.After the original 2,563 people were merged and saved, only 643 people were retained, and a total of 1,920 people were laid off. When the news came out, the ruling and opposition parties were shaken. Those who stayed in office couldn't help being complacent, while those who were dismissed couldn't help feeling sad, and some even cried bitterly.One of them was furious and went to Shangshu Province to find Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui to settle accounts.He stepped into the main hall of Shangshu Sheng, stretched out his hand to push away the yamen guards who came to block him, and shouted: "Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, let's see what kind of faces you have come to see me, Yu Chigong." Fang and Du had already expected today, when they heard Yuchi Jingde's voice, they rushed out to greet him, one of them held his arm, and said: "It turns out that King Jingde is here, let's go, let's talk in the inner hall .” Unexpectedly, Yuchi Jingde didn't buy it at all, he swung his hands, pulled the two of them to a stagger, and roared: "What backroom? Just say it here! Huh, you two cannibals who don't spit out bones Mr. Accountant, you actually plotted against me, Yu Chigong. Let me ask you, what did I, Yu Chigong, feel sorry for you, and actually cut me off?" The officials and yamen servants of Shangshu Province heard someone yelling here, and they all came to find out what happened.Seeing this, Du Ruhui also yelled: "What are you looking at? Go back to your own positions. Yuchi Jingde, let me tell you, if we have something to say, let's discuss it in the inner hall. If you keep yelling at the court here, the court will have trouble Institutional. Although you are strong, you are no match for six hands. If you are dragged to Dai Zhou, I think your face will be even worse." Seeing that the usually elegant Du Ruhui got angry today, Yuchi Jingde also knew that Du Ruhui's nature was firm and determined to do what he said, so he couldn't help but take his breath away.He raised his legs and walked towards the inner hall, and said as he walked: "Just go, I, Yu Chigong, am afraid that you will fail? Hmph, if you can't make sense, be careful that I will get angry, and I will definitely blow your entire hall to pieces." Even if I try my best to meet the emperor, I'm not timid at all! Dai Zhou is nothing, can he scare me?" Yuchi Jingde arrived in the inner hall, stood in the middle, groaned angrily and said nothing. Fang Xuanling looked pleasant and said earnestly: "Jingde, Ruhui and I are actually unwilling to see the situation in front of us. However, the matter of retaining provincial officials is determined by the emperor. As for retaining anyone, you have to go through a certain procedure. Yours The credit is obvious to all, and we have made contributions together with the current emperor for many years, how can we have no affection? However, you have been a bit arrogant for a while, and you usually bully your colleagues. looking at you. Alas, the officials of the capital are afraid that they won’t be able to avoid you when they see you, but what you did is actually going too far.” Du Ruhui said: "Yes, Jingde. For your sake, brother Xuanling and I have discussed many times to try to preserve your position, but it is impossible. To tell you the truth, we finally asked the emperor to show us, After weighing it again and again, I felt that the overall situation should be the most important thing, so I pulled you off the retention list." "Where am I hindering you? I am loyal to the emperor, and I have made great achievements in sweeping the world for the emperor and ascending the throne. Even if I don't do anything now, the emperor will not abandon me. In the end , It’s the ghost of the two of you. I used to respect you very much, but I didn’t expect that there is still a difference between civil servants and military officials. People like us martial arts will be tricked by you after all. Forget it, I’ll talk to the emperor.” Fang Xuanling continued to persuade: "Jingde, you have been with the emperor for many days, don't you understand the emperor's mind? The emperor has just ascended the throne now, and he is facing the people of the world, not the people from the Qin Palace. The emperor thinks about things, and now he focuses on the overall situation of the world. Do you remember? At the beginning, some people in the Qin palace complained that the emperor did not miss the old love, and instead hired more enemies from the past, such as Wei Zheng and others. What did the emperor say at that time? Jingde, you Domineering is a discerning thing, and it is not tolerated by colleagues and superiors, and the evaluation of the merit test is also poor. If the emperor insists on using you, everyone's hearts will be chilled. You confess that you are loyal to the emperor, is it because of this matter? Can't you think about the emperor?" The more Yuchi Jingde listened, the more impatient he became, he turned around and made a gesture to leave, and said: "Okay, I don't want to listen to the big truth anymore, seeing you babbling endlessly makes me upset. I can't tell you what the outcome will be." Come, let me ask the emperor for a word." Seeing this, Fang Xuanling immediately put away his smile, and said seriously: "Yuchi Jingde, accept the order." Yuchi Jingde was taken aback for a moment, then turned to see Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui's serious expressions, not seeming to be fake, so he hastily knelt down facing Fang Xuanling, and said: "Your servant, Yuchi, accepts the order respectfully." Fang Xuanling said: "This is the emperor's oral order, and it is specially for you, Yuchi Jingde, to hear: Jingde has been with me for many years, and his loyalty is commendable. However, recently he has taken credit for his pride, and there is something to blame. He was reprimanded by the house. Jingde was dismissed this time because of this. You can ask Jingde to stay at home and think about his mistakes, not to shout and make public. placement." After Yuchi Jingde heard this, he immediately vented his anger and said, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty doesn't want to see me, so... what should I do?" Du Ruhui pulled Yuchi Jingde up from the ground, and said: "Come on, Jingde, sit down and talk first. You have listened to the emperor's will, so it can be seen that the emperor still cares for you. As the emperor's old subordinates, we know If you understand the emperor's intentions, you should always consider the emperor's consideration, and act cautiously, and don't let outsiders take advantage of the situation to make irresponsible remarks. Jingde, you don't read much, and you don't know the past, like Han Gaozu. Is the reason for killing Han Xin, Ying Bu and other heroes only because of the monarch? These heroes took pride in their merits after they established the country, and they did not abide by the laws of the country, which is also the reason for their murder. The current emperor is lenient and misses the old love, but you can’t either It's lawless, and it's not easy to clean up." Li Shimin is the only person in the world that Yuchi Jingde fears now.He is domineering and flamboyant on weekdays, nothing more than taking advantage of Li Shimin's power.Li Shimin didn't want to see him now, this was the first time he had ever encountered such a thing, so he had no choice but to put away his arrogance just now.He kept silent there, actually he didn't listen to Fang Du's advice, thinking: If he was appointed after two months, it would be a big loss of face.Thinking of this, he blurted out: "I, Yu Chigong, have suffered a big somersault this time, and I will lose face in the capital from now on. Forget it, what is there to do in the capital? I get bored seeing this group of people, let him go." Damn, this is the cleanest. Fang Du Pushe, I want to be a foreigner like Yao Jin, what do you think is suitable for me?" When Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui heard that Yuchi Jingde had changed his address, they knew that Yuchi Jingde had changed his mind, so they exchanged glances.Du Ruhui asked back: "Jingde, what place do you like?" Yuchi Jingde thought for a while, and said: "Well, I heard from Yaojin that the mountains and rivers in the south are beautiful and the climate is pleasant, and my step-wife is also from the south. Find me a place in the south." Fang Xuanling nodded and said: "Okay, there is a vacancy in Xiangzhou Governor recently, I will give you the title of Governor of Xiangzhou when I play Ming Sheng. Jingde, if you are appointed as a foreigner, you will be the highest official in the area. , the local military and government affairs are all tied to you. After you take office, you must not do whatever you want according to your current disposition, and you must be careful." Yuchi Jingde was impatient to listen again, so he got up and left. Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui successfully dismissed the irritable Yuchi Jingde, and the other watchmen couldn't help being discouraged after hearing the news, and they didn't dare to come here to provoke again.In this way, the major event of merging provincial officials was completed smoothly and smoothly.After the two finished this matter, they began to organize the internal affairs of Shangshu Province. They summoned six ministers and ministers and asked them how to rectify and reform common affairs.Most of the people showed embarrassment and refused to speak.Pei Ju, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, said: "After this merger, the number of staff remaining in the Ministry of Household Affairs is less than one-third of the original. The officials have been unable to sleep for the past few days. Not too much, but there are so many fewer staff all of a sudden, I can’t help but be in a hurry. If we let Li change the general affairs now, isn’t the time a bit too hasty? Can we talk about it after a while?” Most of the ministers and ministers obviously agreed with Pei Ju’s words , nodded slowly. After Du Ruhui heard this, he immediately blocked him back: "I summoned you today not to discuss whether to do or not to do, but how to do it! In the past, when there were many people, it was because of people; People. I have said many times before that you should do and save things, but you have put them off for various reasons; now that the saving and saving are over, if you operate according to the old routine before, wouldn’t all the previous work be in vain?" When Du Ruhui was Minister of the Ministry of War, he acted vigorously and decisively, capable and measured, and was praised by his colleagues for his toughness. Fang Xuanling said: "The emperor himself said to this official that the official is to win people, not to have too many people. Shangshu Province is in charge of all officials, ceremonies, punishments and duankui. The smooth communication from top to bottom is the most important thing. They are relatively capable people, so they can specialize in one job and have multiple abilities, and combine similar tasks together to improve the efficiency of handling common affairs. As for how to operate, I discussed with Du Pushe, and within ten days, the various ministries Come up with a plan. After verification, it will be implemented." Fang Xuanling was usually elegant and modest, and there were not many loud words like this. Li Jing was newly appointed Minister of the Ministry of War, and he wholeheartedly agreed with Fang and Du's drastic reform of the administration of officials.Since the Tang Dynasty, a man like Li Jing who has conquered the world with military aircraft is actually the first person, and his ability to perceive current events and look forward to the future is also superb.He reached out and took out a volume of documents from the sleeve of his robe, handed it to Du Ruhui, and said: "Fortunately, Du Pushe is the predecessor of the lower official, and the Ministry of War has been reformed for a long time. Li Jing came here to pick up a ready-made bargain. Du Pushe She, this is a draft drawn up by the lower officials, which roughly explains the staffing and functions of the Ministry of War, as well as the procedures for handling general affairs. I wonder if it can be used as a plan?" Du Ruhui unfolded it and saw that it was listed in detail.The whole volume is divided into four chapters: the first is the composition of personnel, including ministers and ministers, and the Ministry of War has only 23 subordinate officials; the second is the scope of duties; The detailed time; the fourth is the emergency plan.Du Ruhui handed it to Fang Xuanling after reading it, and said, "It is said that Li Yaoshi can divination, I have opened my eyes today. That's right, that's what I said about the plan. Afterwards, trying to improve the ability to handle affairs so that government orders can be carried out smoothly and people can do more than they can do is the main purpose of this reform. People say that deeds work well, and we do this. I believe that the following states and counties will not be indifferent.” Chu Liangliang nodded and said: "Du Pushe, please let the officials take a look at the plan of the Ministry of War in a moment. This time, Fang Du Pushe will implement the merger and save things, and then change the management of officials. Most of them are the affairs of the Ministry of Officials." Alas, from now on, the Ministry of Officials must realize their shame and be courageous, and they will not be left behind in whatever they say.” Du Ruhui smiled slightly and said: "Mr. Chu used to be in charge of literature, but this time you are in charge of the Ministry of Officials, the emperor actually attaches the most importance to your 'integrity'. We are doing things and saving, and reforming is just a superficial matter. We have to finish these two things as soon as possible, and then better serve the emperor's will. Like the Ministry of Household Affairs, agriculture must be the top priority. This year, there is drought and little rain, and there are locust plagues. How to ensure the autumn harvest? To reduce losses, it depends on how the household department coordinates the localities. In addition, the emperor said that there are two ways to select good officials: one is to find out among the current officials, and the other is to pass the imperial examinations to appoint talents. Mr. Chu, How the officials will be governed in the future depends on how the officials know people." Chu Liang waved his hands again and again, and said: "Knowing people with eyesight is not the strong point of a subordinate official. Fang Du and Er Pushe have visited countless people with the emperor for many years, and I can only help." Fang Xuanling looked away from the document, and said to everyone: "That's it, everyone can submit the plan according to the Ministry of War's example. I originally wanted to limit it to ten days, but now it seems too long, let's let it be five days." After Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui entered the Shangshu Province, the place suddenly took on a new look.The two governed with diligence, fairness and sternness.They devote themselves to Shangshu Province's affairs, and often stay up all night, seldom going home when they are free.Sometimes when they get busy, they even forget about going to the political affairs hall to attend the regular meeting of the prime minister. The political affairs hall is located in Menxia Province, where the prime minister handles affairs.Li Shimin often likes to go to two places when he is not listening to the imperial court: one is the Hongwen Hall in the East Palace, where he often discusses historical events with learned scholars, and thinks it will be used today; the other place is the Zhengshitang, where he often talks with The prime ministers discuss state affairs. According to the Tang system, the three masters (Taishi, Taifu, and Taibao) and the three princes (Taiwei, Situ, and Sikong) were all prime ministers; the governors of the three provinces discussed state affairs together and were also prime ministers.However, there are many members of the three masters and three princes, and now only Pei Ji is the Sikong, and Li Shimin only allows Pei Ji to have the title of Sikong, but he is not allowed to participate in the government affairs and come to the political affairs hall to discuss affairs.Those who often come here to discuss matters include Gao Shilian, the servant of the school, Wen Yanbo, the secretary of the Zhongshu Province, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, the left and right servants of the Shangshu, and recently Zhangsun Wuji and Wei Zheng, there are six people in total. After the court was over that day, Wen Yanbo, Gao Shilian, Changsun Wuji, and Wei Zheng entered the Zhengshitang as usual, but Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui did not come.It turned out that the two of them ran directly to Shangshu Sheng after they came down from court, apparently forgot about this matter.This is not the first time that such a thing has happened. Wen Yanbo, who was in charge of convening the ministers to discuss matters, knew the reason for their future, and while sending someone to Shangshu Province to urge them, he muttered dissatisfiedly: "Since you are the minister, you should think about it." The affairs of the world. They think about the affairs of the province all day long, so why don't they be ministers." The topic of the day was the memorial to excavation of canals reported by Mianzhou and other places. In view of the disaster caused by Emperor Sui Yang's excavation of canals, Li Shimin was extremely cautious about this matter, and asked the Zhengshitang to discuss it before making a decision.Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui are the masters of this matter, if they don't come, this matter cannot be discussed.Several people had to sit opposite each other and chat casually. Wei Zheng was the first to speak: "After these two servants took office, they have been busy all day long, and it is still somewhat effective. I have observed and unannounced visits these days, and I feel that the style of government has indeed changed. The two of them are ruthless and selfless there. He is fair in dealing with affairs, and he doesn't like his subordinates to be greedy for selfishness and sycophancy. Seeing this, the people below have to put aside their shortcomings and work diligently. Among the provinces, Shangshu Province used to have the most lucrative money, and its atmosphere is not correct. Now they are dedicated to the administration of officials. It really had an immediate effect.” Changsun Wuji smiled and said, "It is said that Dr. Wei's eyesight is accurate, and it is true. It is the responsibility of the Yushitai to supervise the officials. If you are so busy, you are not afraid of others saying that you can stretch your hands." Is it too long?" At this time, I heard someone answering from outside: "Whose hand is stretched too long?" Before the words fell, Li Shimin had already stepped into the hall. Several people hurriedly stood up to greet them.It turned out that Li Shimin had something to say, if he came to the political affairs hall, everyone would no longer have to bow down. After everyone sat down, Changsun Wuji told Li Shimin the conversation he had just had with Wei Zheng. When Li Shimin heard Changsun Wuji say that Wei Zheng has a good nose, he suddenly remembered what he said to Wei Zheng when he faced Changsun Jiamin, and couldn't help laughing "puchi", and immediately turned serious and said: "Wei Qing is so good. I saw it yesterday. Pei Ju submitted a memorial to remonstrate my mistake. This memorial also has something to do with Wei Qing, Xuan Ling, and Ru Hui." It turned out that Li Shimin was suffering from corruption among officials, so he asked Chang He to send guards to pretend to be people of various colors to work in various departments, and tried to bribe those in charge.A door order from the household department promised to accommodate, and quietly received a piece of silk.When Li Shimin heard about this, he immediately ordered the man to be executed.As the Minister of the Household Department, Pei Ju soon knew the whole story of the matter, so he went up and said: "Accepting bribes for officials is a crime worthy of death; but if your majesty makes others accept bribes, you will fall into the law. I am afraid it is not the so-called 'Tao is based on morality, and harmony is based on propriety'." After reading it, Li Shimin found it reasonable, so he ordered that the famous family leader be released from his post, and Pei Ju was ordered to give him a heavy admonition and not to punish him for any crime. Li Shimin briefly explained the process, and then said: "The relationship between this matter and Wei Qing is that Wei Qing was the first voice to remonstrate. Although Pei Ju was not among the remonstrators, he came to remonstrate upon hearing my mistakes. I remember that Wei Qing once advised me to treat people with sincerity, and I sent people to secretly bribe officials, which is deceitful, and followed in the footsteps of Cao Mengde. From this point of view, both Wei Qing and Pei Ju have kept the word 'reasonable'. As for The relationship with Xuanling and Ruhui, as Wei Qing said, they rectified the official style of Shangshu Province and made people act with a fair heart. People like Pei Ju, who used to adapt to the wind in the former Sui Dynasty, came to the It's really not easy for me to become loyal and upright. Pei Ju is indeed influenced by the ministers to be able to be what he is today." After hearing this, everyone found it very reasonable. Gao Shilian said: "Your Majesty is actually humble, and all officials are like this, because the monarch is the first to be good. Don't you hear that 'the king is evil and he hears his faults, and he turns loyalty into a sycophant; Junle heard that bluntly, Is it a sentence that turns flattery into loyalty? The reason why Pei Ju was flattering in the Sui Dynasty and loyal to the Tang Dynasty is not because of any change in his temperament, but because the monarch is different." Li Shimin couldn't help being a little proud, looked at Wei Zheng and said, "Wei Qing, what do you think?" Wei Zheng nodded, and said: "What Gao Shizhong said, I also think so. It's just that the way of politics should not be taken lightly, let alone be complacent after seeing a little effect. That's why the sage said that he is prepared for danger in times of peace. Your Majesty, the current governance The transformation has just begun, and it’s not the time to be happy.” Li Shimin's joy was dispelled by Wei Zheng's words, and he couldn't help feeling embarrassed.However, he has experienced such scenes more recently, especially in front of Wei Zheng, he has become accustomed to it, so he quickly adjusted his demeanor.At this moment, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui stepped into the hall, they saw Li Shimin sitting in the hall, they hurriedly bowed to salute. Li Shimin frowned slightly, and while beckoning them to sit down, he said: "Xuanling, Ruhui, you two are usually the most organized people, why did you forget to come here to discuss matters? Listen to Wen Qing, you two It's not the first time. Since you are the prime minister, you have to take the affairs of the world as your own responsibility, and you can't get caught up in the affairs of the Minister of Ministers every day, it's not good." Fang Xuanling replied carefully: "The emperor is very responsible, but the minister and Ruhui have just entered the Minister of Ministers, and everything is busy, and I can't figure it out for a while." "Yes, I see that you are really busy. Since you are serving as servants, you should seek out sages and appoint them according to talents. This is also your main duty as prime minister. I heard that you often listen to resignations and lawsuits, and you never get tired of it. Do you still have time to seek sages for me? From today onwards, the small matters related to Shangshu Province can be handed over to the left and right ministers of Shangshu, only major matters and other responsibilities are allowed to ask you." Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui hurriedly stood up and replied in unison: "I obey the order." Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Let's get down to business, hurry up and discuss the matter." The construction of water conservancy projects reported by various places includes that Guozhou wants to build Hongnong Canal, Fuzhou wants to build Caitang, Mianzhou wants to build Zhejiaotang and Yunmen Weir, and Bingzhou wants to build Zhacheng Canal.The amount of these projects is actually not large, but since this year Li Shimin has ordered many times not to abuse the people's power. Wen Yanbo briefly described the above projects, and then raised his head to ask for everyone's opinions. Fang Xuanling said: "This year there has been a severe drought, the fields have no water, and the seedlings are hungry and thirsty. I have read the reports from various prefectures. The drought is a little milder. The reason is that the canals and other canals built in the former Sui Dynasty made it easier for the people along the way to draw water and be able to irrigate, so the disaster was alleviated. The construction of water conservancy is beneficial to agriculture and mulberry, but the people are now withered, and it seems that they will not be expropriated. It's better to serve." Changsun Wuji said with a smile: "It seems that Emperor Sui Yang was not useless. He dug many rivers and canals. Although it caused harm to the people of the time, it was beneficial to our court." Wei Zheng disapproved of Changsun Wuji's point of view, and retorted: "Emperor Yang of Sui exhausted his people's power, and the canal he left behind was just a mirror for reference. How can we be complacent because of small profits? Wuji, we are the prime minister, There should be no such thought.” Changsun Wuji said to him: "What Dr. Wei said is the way of sages and philosophers, but now the people along the canal are benefiting from it. This is a fact! You can't leave him behind just to speak out about Sui Yang's faults." All the things from the previous dynasty were discarded, or the ditches dug by them were simply refilled. If I want to promote agriculture and mulberry, in addition to taking agriculture as the foundation, I should also make full use of the things left by the previous dynasty. It is justified. Like the original The Dujiangyan built by Li Bing, the prefect of Shu County, is still in use today, which is an example.” Wei Zheng was annoyed and funny: "I... I... When did I say that the ditch was going to be filled?" Wen Yanbo waved his hands and said: "Don't talk too far, the emperor is by his side, we still have to discuss the topic. Are you bickering like this between ministers?" Li Shimin couldn't help laughing when he saw Wei Zheng's panicked look.I thought to myself that Wei Zheng, who has always been eloquent, was at a loss when he encountered Changsun Wuji's unreasonable reasoning, which is really interesting. After that, Gao Shilian and Du Ruhui spoke one after another, and Wei Zheng and Changsun Wuji also expressed their opinions.This matter is not complicated, and I can tell the general idea in a few words.The construction of water conservancy can drain floods and fight drought, and also benefit from boats and boats. It is a matter of all benefits and no harm.只是眼前不能滥征民力，这就显得很矛盾。诸人议论罢，齐齐眼望李世民，由其一锤定音。 李世民心里已经有了主意，徐徐说道：“朕以前多次说过，致政须顾民心。兴修水利是为百姓谋利，不滥征民力也是体恤百姓，这两件事情都应该做。其实百姓农忙之时也是有时辰的，若其农闲之时也不能将时间荒废。此次兴修渠塘要改变以往的征役方式，可由当地官府召集所修渠塘能受益的百姓，先问明他们是否自愿出工修筑，若无阻碍，即可利用农闲时候开工。各州只要依此方法办理，不是强索民力，今后不用再报，即可便宜行事。你们若以为无不妥，就拟诏发下去吧。如晦，渠塘修筑时候，你要让户部派员下去明察暗访，防止州县官吏为出政绩，变着法儿滥征民力。唉，天下之大，不可放任不管呀。往往一道诏令下去，总有人变着法儿想对策。现在的吏治之风虽逐渐好起来，但也不能掉以轻心。” 李世民在堂上行了几步，转头又道：“大力兴修水利是不错的。天下山川纵横，雨水不均。今年天旱已久，有些地方颗粒无收；然将来也有暴雨成灾、大水泛滥的年份。现在国力有限，难以筹措大量人力、物力兴修水利。待将来有了积累，这件事情还是要做的。玄龄、如晦，户部的水部郎中和员外郎主持此事，要让他们立刻重新绘制天下的渠梁、堤堰、沟洫、运漕总图，将来在其紧要处逐年修建、疏通。隋炀帝修筑渠沟使我朝借利，然他当时好大喜功，幻想自己驾龙舟纵横天下，滥使了当时的民力、财力。这一点，朕任何时候均不会取之。兴修水利且修筑有度，此为朕之本意。” 议完了这些事情，李世民又将话题转到选才任能上。他说道：“玄龄、如晦，你们随朕多年，知道朕对举贤才的态度。当初朕令封德彝举才，然他许久未荐一人，并说天下无才可荐。朕当时就呵斥了他，须知天下并非无良才，惜未被发现或者人未尽其才。你们两人现在主事尚书省，朕刚才说了，要将一应庶务付与左右丞办理，把你们的精力放在选贤任能上。还有，原来吏部侍郎刘林甫曾奏选人要四时听选，随阙注拟，朕也准了。眼下虽逢灾年，然这件事情不可耽搁，现在进行得怎么样？” 房玄龄答道：“按旧例选人须在十一月毕集京城，自从陛下准了刘林甫所奏，吏部已经知会各州，算来到八月初，第一批来会试的举子就该到京城了。” 李世民屈指一算，现在离八月仅有二十余日，遂说道：“哦，没想到眨眼就到了。此次会试要提高主事者的规格，玄龄、如晦，就由你们来主持吧，具体事务由吏部考功员外郎辅佐你们。” “还有，闻喜宴之时朕要亲临，宴饮所费由内府支出。嘿，这一下子吏部考功员外郎当不成座主了，举子们成了朕的门生。” 举子会试之后，放榜得中者由状元领头，前去拜谢吏部考功员外郎知遇之恩，敬称其为“座主”，并自称门生。然后，及第举子凑钱在曲江设宴，邀请其“座主”居于主席，即为闻喜宴。李世民今日金口一出，此次闻喜宴不用得中举子自掏腰包，皇上又亲临，岂不成了惊动天下的大事。 魏征谏道：“陛下为天子，则天下举子皆为天子门生。眼下用人之际，陛下提高规格以示重视，实在有必要。只是数年之后，须依国家制度进行会试铨选，臣以为恢复常制即可。” Li Shimin nodded. 魏征又说道：“陛下求贤若渴，臣想举荐两人。然臣为谏官之身，不知当讲不当讲？” 李世民笑道：“举荐真才固然需要有司层层选拔，然你们作为朕的股肱重臣，居于中枢之地，眼光要比常人高上一筹，你们阅人又多，当然有义不容辞的责任。” “如此，臣就冒昧举荐了。臣以为侯君集和杜正伦两人，皆有为相之才，可堪重用。请陛下细加审视，果如臣言，不妨简拔授用。” 侯君集多年跟随李世民征战，玄武门之变中立有大功，被授为车骑将军，封为全椒县子。不言而喻，他是李世民的心腹大将。至于杜正伦，就要籍籍无名许多。他为相州人，曾经被举为隋朝秀才，在当地有些虚名。李世民经略河北的时候，房玄龄闻其名将之收入秦王府文学馆，现在一直在弘文馆内托名学士。 李世民听说魏征举荐这两人，不免诧异，说道：“魏卿能举朕旧府之人，实出意料。我的宗亲旧属，若其无能无才，终究不授任他一官半职。像侯君集，朕一直以为他可为良帅，因命李靖教他兵法，使其有所受益将来能有大用。你说他有相才，朕确实没有看出来。至于杜正伦，他一直在府里籍籍无名，整日里沉默寡言。魏卿，你因何判断他们有大用呢？” “臣曾经在多种场合里接触他们，并用心体察。侯君集虽为武将，然胸襟开阔，谋事甚详，又善于孜孜求教，则有无尽潜力。其矫饰之举经过皇上谆谆训导，近年来也尽行隐去。又如杜正伦，其忠直无出臣之右，且文章天成，有汪洋恣肆之气，从中可见其韬略风范。鉴于此，臣以为他们可堪为用。” 李世民微微颔首，沉吟不语。这时，杜如晦也奏道：“陛下，臣这些日子细细观察，觉得岑文本颇具才能。其为邓州人，性格沉静敏达，又善文辞。曾任萧铣之中书侍郎，赵郡王孝恭袭破荆州时，文本归降。那时赵郡王部下欲行掠夺之事，文本挺身而出，说赵郡王道：'隋无道天下大乱，我等所以归降大唐，意欲去危就安。大王若纵兵掠夺，则江、岭以南人心离散。不如勒兵规范，并厚抚荆江，示唐皇之恩惠。如此，则归附者众。'赵郡王听其言而行之，果然效果明显。陛下，仅从此事上看，岑文本之见识要高人一筹，且怀仁抚之心。臣特向陛下举荐岑文本。” 房玄龄说道：“陛下，如晦说得不错，臣愿意一同举荐。” 李世民转向高士廉、长孙无忌、温彦博道：“你们对这三人有何评语呢？” 高士廉三人很为难，觉得不好说话，高士廉嗫嚅道：“房杜二仆射多替陛下取人，眼光是不会差的。魏大夫心存百姓，唯以才具取人，他既这么说，也是不会错的。臣等与这三人接触不多，又未多加留心，不敢妄置闲言。陛下如今求贤若渴，他们既然可堪为用，可以试用无妨。” 长孙无忌和温彦博缓缓点头。 李世民说道：“你们既然这样以为，也就是赞成了。嗯，侯君集既任车骑将军，又有爵位，实封也丰厚，其职位亦算高了，此次不用变动，朕再留心察看一番吧。杜正伦与岑文本既善文辞，可安排他们到中枢机要之地历练一番。擢杜正伦为给事中，专掌朕之起居注。他居于朕的身边，也让我可以就近观察他的才华。岑文本嘛，可授他为秘书郎，兼值中书省，与颜师古一同掌诏诰策令等初拟。” 李世民今天来到政事堂，本想顺便转一圈，没料到却遇到这么多事情。今天既当场定下了兴修水利之事和会试选人的体例，又意外得了几名被举荐之人，心中甚是畅快。他立起身来，说道：“就这样吧，大家都散去吧。”说罢，起身离去。