Chapter 7 The Seventh Round of the Imperial Examinations, Students Compete for Talents Against Natural Disasters
Seeing that the examination date was approaching day by day, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui began to get busy, and Chu Liang was now the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, so naturally he couldn't be idle.
Schools in the Tang Dynasty were dominated by official schools and supplemented by private schools.The official school is divided into two categories, namely the central government school and the local state and county government school.Various central government schools are affiliated to Guozijian, including Guozixue, Taixue, Simenxue, Law, Calligraphy, and Mathematical Sciences, etc. There are strict regulations on the number of students and qualifications for admission.For example, Guozixue, the number of students is 300, and the students are the descendants of civil and military officials of the third rank and above, or the great-grandchildren of the second rank and above, and the sons of the second rank of the honorary officer, and the sons of the county and capital officials of the fourth rank and the third rank.There are also restrictions on the number of apprentices in other states and counties.In the annual general examination, most of the students who take the examination in various government schools are in the majority.In other elections, candidates are not selected from schools, but preliminaries are held in prefectures and counties to select candidates, which is called Xianggong.These two types of people constitute the Juren who participate in the annual examination.
The disciples gathered in the capital, all dressed in white sackcloth, which became a unique scenery in the capital, which was once called "sackcloth like snow".They have to take the examinations of Jinshi, Mingjing, Mingfa, Mingzi, Mingshu, Minghistory and other subjects.Among them, because Mingfa, Mingzi, Mingshu, Minghistory and other subjects could not be high-ranking officials, they have never been valued by scholars.Only Jinshi and Mingjing are the main ways to select talents, which is the trend of scholars. Eighty-nine out of ten of the total number of people who take the examination of these two subjects.The subjects of the examination are roughly divided into four categories, namely, post scriptures, scriptures and meanings, policy theory, and poetry and prose.
Since Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui and Chu Liang presided over the examination, and Li Shimin also said that he personally attended the Wenxi Banquet and attached great importance to this examination, the three of them naturally did not dare to neglect.The students who participated in the examination, because of their strict status restrictions on admission, most of them have prominent family backgrounds.As for those shortlisted through Xianggong, because there are restrictions on three people from Shangzhou, two from Zhongzhou, and one person from Xiazhou, Xianggong candidates are also inextricably linked with the governor of the state.Since the reign of Wude, these candidates have to get through various joints inside and outside the examination room after they arrive in the capital.In addition to routine tasks such as delivering ultimatums and pleadings to the office for registration, they also have famous tricks such as travel documents and Wenjuan.The so-called writing papers means that candidates write their own historical talents, poetic writing skills, and arguments into papers and send them to the chief division. The most important thing is to tell the examiner their background.After a few days, they made a copy of the article and sent it back, named Wen Juan.During this process, powerful families will greet the chief examiner, and most of them will try to meet the chief examiner and present gold and silk.The three of Fang Xuanling first ordered the abolition of the old rules such as the examination paper and the moderate paper, and then Chu Liang suggested that the exam adopt the "fuzzy name" system.
In the past, when the examinations of Tiejing, Jingyi, Policy Theory, Poetry and Fu were held, candidates would fill in their names on the papers, and when the examiners marked the papers, they could see the owner of the papers.If the examinee colludes with the chief examiner, it is very easy to tamper with the test paper.Chu Liang suggested that after candidates write their names on the paper, the Tribute Academy will send someone to paste paper on the name and seal it with the seal of the Tribute Academy.After the test takers hand in the papers, they will shuffle all the papers in order and then number them. Numbers are used as symbols when marking papers and assigning results.One hour before the release of the list, the examiner and officials from Yushitai and Dali Temple supervised the opening of the papers on the spot, and then the list was released.
Li Shimin was in favor of this. He came to the Hongwen Museum on this day and praised Chu Liang: "Chu Qing reads a lot and is not rigid. This time the invention of the 'fuzzy name' system is a great achievement. It seems like a small thing, but it can actually show our integrity. , the spirit of justice."
Lu Deming, Kong Yingda, Yan Shigu and the others were very excited. They saw the corruption of the imperial examination before, and even though they were angry at the disadvantages, they had no choice but to be able to select scholars based on their ability this time was also their dream for many days.Lu Deming said: "The atmosphere of the new dynasty must be reflected in the imperial examination. How to select scholars is covered here. The veteran has also met several candidates who came to the examination these days. Listening to their talks, he is full of confidence in this examination. In the past, after the exams, there were often unsuccessful candidates crying in the street, scolding the unfairness of the exam. These candidates said that even if they fail this time, they will feel relieved, after all, the exam is fair to everyone.”
Li Shimin nodded to Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Chu Liangliang, expressing his appreciation, and said: "Using the method of "fuzzy names" is only the first part of the exam. Now that all the sages have finished gathering, I am here today, it is Ying Xuanling, Ru Please, I would like to discuss the next step with you. In the past, candidates complained the most because their answers were not standard. Lu Qing, what do you think?"
Lu Deming thought for a while, and replied: "Your Majesty, in the past, the answer was not one. There are two main reasons: one is man-made. If the examiner is entrusted by someone, he will definitely think of the answer as far-fetched; Confucianism, the classics of the predecessors were incomplete, lost and scattered. Although they were repaired by the people of the Han Dynasty, they were riddled with holes. Afterwards, wars continued, and errors in the scriptures accumulated more and more. Taking the "Five Classics" as an example, there are far more versions circulating in the world today Dozens? Your Majesty is practicing Qingming politics, and Fang and Du Pu shot at the Lord in this meeting, so the man-made reasons can be avoided. However, if the scriptures are corrupted, it will not take a few days to save them."
Kong Yingda and Yan Shigu obviously suffered from it, and they both sighed heavily.
Li Shimin also sighed, and said: "The so-called prosperity of all industries means that the accumulated evils are too deep. If all the dynasties were peaceful and prosperous, the classics and laws would be passed on smoothly, and there is no need to clean up from scratch. Well, this matter should not be underestimated. After the Southern and Northern Dynasties, due to the confrontation between the North and the South, each had their own masters, and inherited the old theory, it was unavoidable to spread rumors in the process of spreading. In the Sui Dynasty, Liu Zhuo and Liu Xuan pioneered the unification of Confucian classics. Unfortunately, the Sui Dynasty was short-lived and could not be completed. After the war at the end of the Sui Dynasty, the old chapters of the previous dynasties and the legacy of the past were wiped out. Now that the world is gradually leveling off, it is time to unify the study of classics. Mr. Yan, you don’t pass on your family business, read a lot of books, and study exegesis intensively. It is up to you to verify the Five Classics."
The so-called "Five Classics" refers to the five ancient classics, "Book of Changes", "Shangshu", "Book of Rites", and "Spring and Autumn".As Li Shimin said, the Five Classics have been circulated for a long time, and there are many errors in the text.In addition, the north and south are divided, the versions are different, and each relies on being authentic.Now that the world is unified, the "Five Classics" will inevitably become the textbook for students to study and the test for candidates. Because there is no unified version, students and candidates are at a loss for what to say.Therefore, it is an urgent matter to revise the "Five Classics" now and change the distress of students who are at a loss in seeking scriptures.Yan Shigu inherited the basic skills of studying Confucian classics from his family, and he has long felt the pain of the different versions of the "Five Classics". , stood up from the chair and bowed: "Your Majesty attaches so much importance to your subjects, Shigu can only be grateful."
Li Shimin said: "You can browse all the books in the Secretary's Department and Hongwen Library. I will also issue an edict to order the common people and scholars to submit books to prepare for the examination and revision. Mr. Yan, since you have taken charge of this matter , Don’t worry too much about the affairs of the Ministry of Education. Wen Qing, Mr. Yan’s official position is still in the Ministry of Education, and the specific details can be handed over to others.”
"I obey the order." Wen Yanbo and Yan Shigu agreed in unison.Yan Shigu is currently the Minister of Zhongshu, he is the third rank, and he is the largest official under the Zhongshu Order in the Zhongshu Province. He is responsible for a lot of daily affairs, so he is busy.
Lu Deming said: "Your Majesty's research and revision of the Five Classics is a beautiful thing that has stirred up scholars. The veteran has been immersed in the classics for a long time, so there is no need to say more about the joy. The veteran thinks that after the teacher Gu's research and revision of the "Five Classics", there is another more arduous task. The only thing to do is to make a unified commentary on the scriptures. Nowadays, there are many Confucianisms, and the chapters and sentences are complicated, and there is often a lack of unified answers during the imperial examinations, which is the reason."
Li Shimin nodded, and said: "I have thought about this, but the "Five Classics" has not yet been verified, so it is not easy to comment on it. Well, since Mr. Lu said so, we must start to do it now. Mr. Kong, do you really care about it? In the "Five Classics" of the Ming Dynasty, at the end of the Sui Dynasty, at the end of the Sui Dynasty, I once debated the difficult meanings of the scriptures with Liu Zhuo, a well-known Confucian teacher in China. It can be seen that you have a deep knowledge of the study of the Northern and Southern Confucian classics, and it is up to you to comment on the "Five Classics". You can choose from all over the world. Famous Confucianism is considered as an assistant, so do some preparatory work first. After Mr. Yan is done, let him help you. The name can also be decided now. This commentary can be called "Five Classics Yi Shu."
Kong Yingda was also overjoyed and bowed to receive the order.
After Li Shimin decided on these things, he suddenly realized that the distant water could not quench his near thirst, so he said: "As for the current test, we have to rely more on manpower. Like propositions, judging papers, and reviewing, Xuanling, Ruhui, Chu, and others are all responsible. Mr. Lu, Kong, Yan, Yu, etc. have worked hard. It is the great cause of the country to select talents and scholars, so don't be slack, I think you will not waste my thoughts."
Lu Deming cupped his hands and said: "Since your majesty came to the throne, although the time has been short, you have made great efforts to govern, and everything has gradually taken shape. Proposition, judging and review are related to the great cause of obtaining scholars, and the ministers dare not neglect. Veterans used to like to dig into the horns of the dead. When encountering Dare not be ambiguous about such important matters, and explain each chapter and sentence clearly to others, and dare not be good at it.”
Lu Deming is old, well-known, and has a leading position among scholars. When encountering academic disputes, he often makes the final decision.His conclusion may not convince everyone, but because of his reputation, everyone dare not say a word.Today he said in class that it is really rare to actively communicate with others.When the people around heard it, they couldn't help but feel grateful, and Li Shimin also agreed, smiling at him and nodding.
The examination was held in an orderly manner.On the day of the exam, the examinees prepared their own candles, food and beverages, and all kinds of things used in the exam, passed through the checkpoints, and filed into the Gongyuan.These exams start in the morning and leave at dusk.According to the regulations of the Tang Dynasty, if the candidates have not handed in the papers at night, they are allowed to burn three candles.If three candlesticks are used up, the paper must be handed in.
After Li Shimin went to court this morning, Qingche Jiancong came to watch from the tower opposite the Gongyuan.I saw more than a thousand people carrying fat candle tableware in their hands and single seats on their shoulders, and they entered when they heard the officials call their surnames.At that time, the sky was still dark, and the team like a long dragon slowly moved into the Gongyuan.Li Shimin looked at it for a while, and suddenly laughed loudly: "All the heroes of the world are in my pocket."
On the day when the list was released, there were thousands of people in front of the list.On the Yellow List of the Jinshi Section, Chu Suiliang won the first place and became the number one scholar in the new section.Some people in the crowd knew Chu Suiliang's background, so they couldn't help muttering: "Do you know who this Chu Suiliang is? He is the son of the current official secretary. It is said that this test is fair and impartial, it seems that it may not be so."
In fact, it took a lot of twists and turns for Chu Suiliang to win the first prize.
After the examinees passed the examinations of the scriptures, scriptures, strategies, and poems, Lu Deming and a group of people carefully checked the papers and reviewed them. Among them, the candidate No. 117 of the Jinshi Division ranked first in terms of comprehensive scores and became the champion of the Jinshi Division.An hour before the release of the list, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Chu Liang, and personnel from Yushitai and Dali Temple came to the Gongyuan to supervise the process of unveiling the names.As the most prominent subject of Jinshi, the name of the number one scholar naturally attracted everyone's attention.The two officials carefully peeled off the pasted paper of the test paper No. 117, checked it carefully, and then shouted: "Candidate No. 117 of the Jinshi Division is called Chu Suiliang."
When Fang Xuanling and others heard that Chu Suiliang had won the first prize in the Jinshi Department, they all cupped their hands to congratulate Chu Liang.Du Ruhui said: "Mr. Chu, the so-called Shubenwang, Jiangmen Huzi, your son is today. Your son has been praised by the emperor, and today he won the number one prize. It really lives up to his name."
Dali Shaoqing Sun Fujia came to supervise on behalf of Dali Temple today, cupped his hands and congratulated: "Shangshu Chu, your son stands out, which shows that you teach your son well. What Du Pushe said is right. The first general examination after the current emperor ascended the throne, let your son It is even more unusual to win a prize." Seeing his son winning the first prize, Chu Liang was naturally very happy.Hearing the words of congratulations from everyone, he gradually calmed down and said: "This matter is not right. I am now the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, but I let my son win. It is inevitable that I will be suspected of being under the melon field."
Fang Xuanling shook his head, and said: "Mr. Chu is so high-spirited and upright, it is admirable, but it is a bit too much to think this way. The emperor has said many times that employing people must not avoid enemies when they are used externally, and do not avoid relatives when they are used internally. Your son this time Zhegui was tested based on his own strength, and this time the system of "fuzzy names" is the most fair, I think it is not easy to manipulate."
Du Ruhui also said: "That's right. If Mr. Chu thinks this way, won't he put us in an unjust situation?"
Chu Liang was puzzled, and asked, "Unjust situation? Don't scare me."
"This time, the emperor will personally attend the news banquet, and let the three of us be the main examiners. Mr. Lu, Yu, Yan and others carefully set the questions and check the papers carefully. In the end, because your son won the first prize, he will say that this test is unfair. , what will we do in the future?"
Chu Liang insisted on his own opinion: "I appreciate your kindness, but Quanzi is the number one scholar in Jinshi, so the influence is too great. Otherwise, after he is reduced to ten, the influence will be less."
Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui shook their heads and said firmly, "No."
Sun Fujia urged: "Chu Shangshu, since Fang Dupushe said so, don't be stubborn anymore. Now the students outside the Gongyuan Academy are looking forward to it, so don't delay the time for the announcement."
Chu Liang thought for a moment, then got up and walked out.While walking, he said: "This matter is absolutely impossible, I want to argue with the emperor."
Li Shimin is currently in the political affairs hall, Gao Shilian, Wen Yanbo, Changsun Wuji, Wei Zheng are present, Dali Qing Dai Zhou has just arrived here.
When Dai Zhou came to see Li Shimin, he obviously had something urgent to play.After saluting to Li Shimin, he said hastily: "Your Majesty, those two people who took part in the examination under false pretense did not deserve to die."
For this examination, candidates gathered in the capital. As mentioned earlier, those who can become candidates to participate in the examination have strict identity restrictions and pre-selection procedures.During the reign of Wude, due to lax management, the door of entrustment was wide open. People at that time called it "the noble entrusts with power, the rich entrusts with wealth, and the relatives entrust with affection".All kinds of frauds followed. They either forged their identities to obtain the qualifications for the examination, or carried pictures during the examination, or even hired fake hands to take the examination.Although the company repeatedly corrected the rope, it could not be stopped.Li Shimin was well aware of these abuses, and issued several edicts in advance, demanding that they be banned.For example, those who obtained the qualifications for the examination by spoofing an oath, promised to surrender and return to their original places; if they did not surrender, once discovered, they would be punished with death.
As soon as the new emperor's edict came out, many people naturally retreated in horror.However, there were two brave ones who still swaggered to participate in the examination, hoping to get away with it.Dali Temple is responsible for examining the qualifications of candidates. Dai Zhou is a very serious master. He invited several people from the Ministry of Officials to help with the examination.When Li Shimin heard about this, he told Dai Zhou: "On the day when the list is released, these two people can be held in front of Suzaku's gate to be the heads of Yamen owls. This way, the winner will be happy, but the forger will be sad."
Dai Zhou nodded in agreement at the time, after all, it was the emperor's golden mouth imperial edict, which cannot be ambiguous at all.However, after returning to the Yamen, he looked through the "Wu De Law", and found that the law stipulated that the highest punishment for forgers was exile, and the crime was not death, so he hurriedly came to Li Shimin to ask for an order.
Li Shimin was talking about the test with Gao Shilian and the other four with a happy face, but was interrupted by Dai Zhou, which was a bit of a disservice.He stared at Dai Zhou and said: "I asked them to surrender in the previous edict. If they don't surrender, they will die. I have explained it to you personally, and you nodded in agreement. Why did you change your mind again? And those who did not surrender in my edict To die, and now you want to exile them again, to show that the world is not honest, do you want to sell the prison?"
"If your majesty kills him immediately, I dare not say anything. It's just that your majesty entrusts the sinner to the minister, and handles the duty of a minister according to the law. I dare not do anything wrong to the law."
Li Shimin glanced at Wei Zheng, thinking that Dai Zhou had become Wei Zheng's second, so he said, "Wei Qing, you have repeatedly advised me to treat people with integrity, but now Dai Zhou wants to abide by the law, but you have made me lose my trust in others, you see How to deal with this matter?"
Wei Zheng pondered for a moment, then replied: "The emperor treats the world with sincerity, there is nothing wrong with it. I naturally have his reasons for wanting Dai Qing to be like this, and in this matter, law-abiding and dishonesty are not contradictory."
"Well, Dai Qing, you continue."
"Your Majesty, the law-maker, spreads great faith in others, and his words are uttered by a moment of joy and anger. Your Majesty wants to kill him in a moment of anger, but he knows that it is impossible to make him go into exile from the law. This is to endure small anger and keep great faith. In this way, Let the people in the world know that His Majesty has integrity in his heart. If His Majesty kills him, it will be a small anger and a breach of great faith. I really feel sorry for Your Majesty."
Wei Zheng clapped his hands and said, "Okay, Brother Dai's words are indeed the most reasonable. Your Majesty, the country is greater than the law, and maintaining the spirit of the legal system is to maintain your majesty. I think that your majesty should follow what brother Dai said and change the sinners into criminals. flow."
Li Shimin is extremely smart, how can he not understand the truth?He had an idea in a second, and said: "Forget it, since there is the "Wu De Law", the punishment should be according to the law. It's just that the "Wu De Law" has been promulgated for a long time, and the rules and regulations are complicated. Treat people with kindness. Looking at it today, is it a bit too kind? It seems necessary to add or delete."
Gao Shilian said: "The Emperor Taishang first formulated the "Wu De Law" with the intention of being lenient and simple, and making it convenient for the time. If it is unified today, we should treat people with a lenient heart, and moreover, we should restrain them with majestic punishments and strict laws. Such a leniency and strictness, Fang is the foundation of governing the country.”
Wei Zheng disagreed, and said: "Law is the foundation of the country. If you impose strict punishments on the law and then shout for leniency, wouldn't that be contradictory? Benevolence and justice are the foundation of reason, and punishment is the end of reason. If you want to use leniency To govern the world with benevolence, we must be cautious about the criminal law. The Supreme Emperor raised troops in Taiyuan, spread grace widely, and finally brought the world back to his heart and accomplished the great cause of a generation. Your Majesty, do you still remember the scene of the argument between the officials and Feng Deyi and others at the beginning of the year? If you want to appease the people and calm down , It is necessary to govern by means of education. Then impose severe punishments on the people, which is inconsistent with the purpose."
Li Shimin nodded and said: "Wei Qing is right. The Supreme Emperor is in the same line as me. It is not my intention to use threatening and strict laws. It's just that the politics and law during the Wude period were neglected, making the "Wu De Law" a mere formality, and the law enforcement officers want to commit crimes. If you want to let go, you should avoid the most serious and ignore the light, which shows the importance of law enforcement. Dai Qing, I use you as Dali Minister because I value your integrity and impartiality. Dali Temple bears the brunt of how the law is enforced."
"I have no knowledge of classics and history and no academics. I dare not criticize how to formulate laws. It is my duty to handle cases in accordance with the law. I dare to violate the law and enforce the law without delay. Your Majesty just suspected that I was selling prisons. Your Majesty Never dare to do it."
"Haha, how did you learn to be as relentless as Wei Qing? Do you think you have done nothing wrong? Let me ask you, as the chief official of Dali Temple, you should memorize the laws and regulations. Why do you want to When you killed these two people, you nodded repeatedly and didn't raise any objections, but you still have to go back to the mansion and open the books to find evidence?"
Li Shimin wanted to find a bone in the egg, and what he said was very reasonable, which made Dai Zhou speechless for a while.
Wen Yanbo smoothed things over and said: "Your Majesty, the "Wu De Law" contains hundreds of thousands of words. If Dai Zhou can memorize it fluently, this... this..." Li Shimin waved his hand and said: "Forget it, you don't have to intercede for him. I want to see his embarrassment. Dai Qing, please smile and let it go. You can save me from my mistakes in sentencing. I believe that even if the law is wrong, you can also correct it. I am very relieved. It’s just that the law still needs to be revised, Wuji Xuanling has been busy with the examinations these days. After the wedding banquet, you can gather a group of bachelor judges with him to reform the law with the spirit of leniency. Dai Qing, before the new law is completed, you still follow the law. Let's enforce the "Wu De Law", as for the deficiencies in the law, it must be rectified with the principle of tolerance and benevolence, and it must not remain unchanged."
Dai Zhou and Changsun Wuji bowed to receive the decree.
Li Shimin said again: "Dai Qing, you are from Anyang, Xiangzhou. You have been an official for a long time, and your current official position is not low. Why do people in the capital often say that your family is the poorest?"
"Your Majesty, the old and the young in the minister's family all depend on the minister's official salary, and they have to support relatives and friends in Anyang every year, so they are somewhat unable to make ends meet. However, I can live with simple food, and the minister does not feel embarrassed."
Wei Zheng interjected: "Brother Dai has been an official since the former Sui Dynasty. He has always followed the law and enforced the law, and refused to favoritism. Because of his family's burden and love to help others, he has been impoverished until now."
Li Shimin sighed: "Dai Qing is a high-ranking official, and he is so embarrassed. It is commendable. I just said that you sold the prison, because I was in a hurry to speak out. If you are an official, you are a model for officials in the world. Wen Qing, you can Draw up an imperial edict to let the officials of the world know about it and follow it. But your family is poor and your official reputation is good, but my face is not honored. Wei Qing, how do you think about this matter?"
Wei Zheng smiled and said: "A gentleman has the right way to get money, and he follows the king's law in every move. Your Majesty loves you, so I don't need to say much."
"Haha, you know that I'm going to lose money, so you can push it cleanly. Dai Qing, I'm giving you 100,000 yuan today. You can use this money to repair your house, pay back the old debts, and make your family's clothes look better. You are my servants." , if everyone is dressed in rags, it is not my original intention."
Dai Zhou bowed to thank him.
Wei Zhengdao: "Brother Dai, the emperor gave you money to improve your family situation. Don't focus on helping the poor. If your family situation has not changed, you have betrayed the emperor's wishes."
"That's right, my family's wealth is also limited, so don't expect me to reward you for it."
Several people couldn't help chuckling after hearing this, Dai Zhou bowed and was about to leave, when Chu Liang just walked in.
After listening to Chu Liang's story, Li Shimin asked back, "What do Xuanling and Ruhui say?"
Chu Liang repeated the words of Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui and Sun Fujia.
Li Shimin said with a smile: "Mr. Chu, you are a scholar just like Xuanling and others. Why do you get confused when you encounter your own affairs? You are the Minister of the Ministry of Officials and the order of the imperial court. Your son's Jinshi today is also according to The regulations of the imperial court have followed suit. As for him standing out and winning the first prize, that is his personal ability, why do you have to insist on it? I think Xuanling and the others are right, what they said is exactly what I want to say, just follow the rules Let's publish the list. I think it should be released now, there is nothing left and right now, everyone follow me out to observe."
Sure enough, when the time came, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui ordered the list to be released immediately, and Chu Suiliang ranked first in the Jinshi department.A group of people who announced the good news from the Gongyuan went out, only to hear the sound of gongs and drums, and there were many spectators.Li Shimin suddenly remembered this when he was on the way, and turned his head to ask Chu Liang to go back to the house to wait: "It is very rare for a champion to be born in the family. Mr. Chu, go back quickly, the person who announces the good news is still waiting for you to reward him." As for Xiqian, this moment should not be missed."
The candidate who won the exam was already extremely happy, and when he heard that the current emperor would personally host the wedding banquet, he couldn't help being ecstatic.In those days, every time a well-dressed person walked proudly in the capital, people around him would look sideways.Those who can get this special experience, don't ask, they are naturally Xinzhong's candidates.
In a blink of an eye, winter turns to spring, and it is already the spring of the second year of Zhenguan.God seems to continue to have trouble with Li Shimin. After the Spring Festival, there was a long drought and no rain. Due to the drought, there were big holes in the fields, and the seedlings without water gradually dried up and even died.
In the first year of Zhenguan, due to drought and locust plagues, the autumn harvest was only 60% of that of previous years.Although the common people do not need to pay rent or taxes, the food stored at home will not be able to support the coming year. Therefore, after the earth warms up, the people in the severely affected states in the north have run out of food, and seeing that there is no hope of spring sowing due to drought, they leave their hometowns and go to the south to beg for their lives together.
Li Shimin was very worried when he heard the news. On the one hand, he ordered the southern states not to refuse the influx of disaster victims, and on the other hand, he ordered the governors of the northern states to try to appease the people in the state, immediately set up porridge sheds for disaster relief, and tried to replant for self-help.In his spare time, he often strolls around the courtyard, looking at the clear sky and praying for an early rain.One day, he suddenly wanted to hold a ceremony of praying for rain, so he sent someone to summon Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang.
It turned out that Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang had been traveling abroad for many years. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he tried to find them back, and granted Li Chunfeng the title of Taishi Cheng and Yuan Tiangang the title of Minister of Taichang Temple.The Taishi Bureau is in charge of astronomy and calendar; Taichang Temple is in charge of the country's rituals and music, suburban temples, and community affairs.Li Chunfeng is familiar with the group of books, and he knows how to calculate the astronomical calendar; Yuan Tiangang is familiar with "Book of Changes", and he is good at the art of yin and yang.Li Shimin let the two of them work here, it can be said that he knows people well.
After a while, the two entered the palace to have an audience.Li Shimin said face to face: "The sky is suffering from a severe drought, and there is no rain. I want to pray for rain. Er Gong is good at calendar and astronomy, and knows Yin, Yang and five elements. What method do you think is the most effective?"
Since Li Chunfeng took office, he saw severe drought every spring and was thinking about it.In order to arrange the astronomical calendar and understand the laws of the stars, he has been busy making armillary spheres these days.Li Chunfeng searched for ancient materials and finally completed the model of the armillary sphere with his own intelligence.Seeing that Li Shimin was frowning, he was obviously deeply worried, and he answered first: "Drought is the time of day, not by manpower. Your Majesty, I recently made a small toy to explain the phenomenon of the universe. It is very simple. , Your Majesty, please take a look at it."
Li Shimin knew that although Li Chunfeng said it easily, it must be a very important item, so he called someone to fetch it.In fact, when Li Chunfeng came, he had already taken the armillary sphere outside the palace, and the eunuch who went out to fetch the object returned in a short time.They carefully placed the armillary sphere in the middle of the hall, and then lifted the silk covering it, and a delicate instrument made of brass immediately caught everyone's eyes.
Li Chunfeng bowed and said: "Your Majesty, please move closer to have a look, Rong Chen will explain in detail."
Li Shimin got up and came over, and said as he walked: "Looking at this appearance, it seems to be similar to the armillary sphere described in the book. This object has been lost for a long time, and it is rare for Li Qing to make it again." Li Shimin has been reading a lot recently, and has also dabbled in Zhang Heng's deeds .
Yuan Tiangang praised: "Your Majesty has a good eye, this is indeed an armillary sphere. Brother Chunfeng basically built it according to the shape of Zhang Heng's armillary sphere, and worked hard to make the evolution of celestial bodies more detailed, which is a big step forward compared to the past."
Li Shimin went to the armillary sphere to watch carefully, and saw that the two ends of the brass sphere in the center were fixed by axes, showing the positions of the ecliptic, equator, North Pole, and South Pole on it; The ball represents stars such as the moon and the Big Dipper.The lower ball seat is also made of brass. It is not a whole piece, but uses the principle of a waterwheel to make a connected gear system.Next to the armillary sphere, there is another huge clepsydra.
Li Chunfeng said: "Your Majesty, let me watch the minister start the demonstration." After that, he called someone to fetch water and pour it into the clepsydra.
The water in the clepsydra drips into the chute, and the water drives the blades in it to start turning.At this time, only the slight sound of the armillary sphere was heard, and the big and small balls on it began to rotate slowly.
Seeing now, Li Shimin understood the principle of the armillary sphere very well, and couldn't help but praise: "Wonderful."
Li Chunfeng smiled slightly, and said: "Your Majesty has already explained this object very clearly to the minister when he asked the minister just now."
Li Shimin was puzzled: "What's the relationship between the armillary sphere and the drought?"
"Every movement of the heaven and the earth has a routine; the wind and clouds on the ground are changing, not impermanent. For example, the amount of rain can be seen in a year, but it is relatively stable when put into the universe. In short, last year and this year If there is little rain, there will be more rain in the next year or the next. Heaven creates everything, and everything must be roughly balanced."
"As Yiqing said, the rain will come down sooner or later. In fact, there is no need to pray for rain, is there?"
"We still have to pray for rain. There was a severe drought today, and the emperor himself prayed for rain, which can calm the hearts of the people. I heard that in a few days, the emperor will also personally plow the Jitian. The meaning of praying for rain and the ceremony of Jitian have the same meaning, and there are demonstrations." The meaning of the world. I said this, just to ask the emperor to comfort the sacred heart, and not to worry about the lack of rain."
Li Shimin nodded thoughtfully, then asked: "Yuan Qing, you are in charge of this ceremony of praying for rain. When do you think it will be auspicious?"
Yuan Tiangang said: "Your Majesty, in previous years, the sacrifices were held in the eastern suburbs at the vernal equinox, and there was an element of praying for rain, but the ceremony seemed short. This year, if you want to win the hearts of the people, the ceremony of praying for rain must be grander. I have made up my mind. In the east, there is a noble altar of Jiugong to worship the nine gods of Taiyi, Tianyi, Zhaoyao, Xuanyuan, Xianchi, Qinglong, Taiyin, Tianfu, and Sheti. When Jiagu grows old, there will be no disasters. As for the auspicious time, I think that the next day will be Yinshi."
The day of praying for rain must fall, and the Taichang Temple began to get busy.Yuan Tiangang was appointed as the person in charge of the ceremony, so he was naturally the busiest.It was the time to pray for rain, and on both sides of the street from Miyagi to Chunmingmen, the palace guards held torches as a warning.Li Shimin, dressed in a big fur crown, led all the civil and military officials slowly eastward.The various complicated sacrificial ceremonies are not detailed here. Li Shimin completed the ceremony under the guidance of Yuan Tiangang, and the sun in the east has risen high at this time.Li Chunfeng's words made Li Shimin understand the balance of the sky.However, when it was time for the official sacrifice, Li Shimin came to the solemn and solemn atmosphere in person, and a holy and pious prayer suddenly appeared in his heart, completely forgetting Li Chunfeng's words.He silently prayed to the Nine Gods, begging them to stretch out the hands of the gods and bring down the rain as soon as possible.In the end, Li Shimin's eyes were filled with tears.
A few days later, Yuan Tiangang presided over the Jitian ceremony again.Still in the eastern suburbs of the capital, Li Shimin sacrificed to Xiannong in person, and since then he has stood on a land of thousands of acres.Seeing Genggen carrying Leisi to his side, Sinong Qing took it and knelt down to him.Li Shimin took Leisi and set up a plowing position facing south, and then plowed three times.At this time, all the officials in the capital and the people in the capital were watching, and surrounded the farming land tightly. When they saw Li Shimin starting to farm, they jumped up and cheered.After Li Shimin plowed, the Sangongs, the kings, the ministers, and the Qing entered the field in order to plow.
In a few days, the news that Li Shimin personally presided over the ceremony of praying for rain and the ceremony of plowing the land spread all over the world. When the disaster hit, his actions reassured the officials and the common people. Help yourself to benefit.
After all, the northern states had suffered too much harvest failure. Although the local officials tried their best to relieve the disaster, the people had no food for the night, and more than half of them went out to flee and beg.Pu and Yu prefectures, which were hardest hit by the disaster, had no grain harvest last year due to the lack of rain for several years.Although the government here has set up a lot of porridge sheds, but there are too many people and few porridge, the people are still hungry, and finally choose to go out to beg for their lives.After the New Year's Eve, the people in these two prefectures basically went out.I saw thousands of villages and thousands of households bleak and quiet, and it was difficult to hear the sound of chickens and dogs.
The governors of these two prefectures saw that there were fewer and fewer people under their jurisdiction, and couldn't sit still any longer.You must know that Li Shimin's edict is very strict. Local officials must take good care of the households under their jurisdiction and not let them disperse, and use this as an important indicator for the examination of merit at the end of the year.At present, the people have fled one after another, and the fields are uncultivated, and they cannot explain to the officials at the time of the examination at the end of the year.If someone plays a book during this period, it may not be possible to keep your official position before the end of the year.Although the two governors were separated by hundreds of miles, they had a tacit understanding. They packed their bags and followed the escape route of the refugees to find their traces.
The roads they took were different, but the scenes they saw along the way were roughly the same.I saw piles of new soil on the slopes that had just sprouted green shoots on both sides of the road. Needless to say, refugees who died of hunger were naturally buried there.The further south they went, the more graves there were, and the mood of the two became heavier day by day.They looked at the luxuriant vines in front of them, and wondered where these refugees would eventually flee to?
A few days later, they arrived at the border of Dengzhou almost at the same time.The refugees seem to have lost all trace when they arrived here, and the newly built graves are no longer seen on both sides of the road.They hurriedly asked the local people to inquire, and the person replied: "Chen Governor Chen of this state is kind, and has ordered the government and households to vacate their residences to accommodate the refugees and provide them with food. They don't need to wander elsewhere."
Puzhou is in the northwest of Dengzhou, and Yuzhou is in the northeast of Dengzhou. Both states are more than 800 miles away from Dengzhou.The two governors couldn't help wondering, Dengzhou also suffered a disaster year, so why can the refugees be accepted even if there is a good harvest?The two of them changed into official uniforms at the same time, and went to meet Chen Junbin, the governor of Dengzhou.
It turned out that the several measures implemented by Chen Junbin last year really had miraculous effects.Although Dengzhou suffered from a drought last year, Chen Junbin ordered the people to cultivate by the water so as to draw water.In order to cope with the continuous drought, Chen Junbin ordered all counties to recruit skilled craftsmen to gather in front of the government office of each county, and then to collect local materials and let them rush to build waterwheels day and night.As soon as the waterwheel was built, it was immediately distributed to various townships for installation, and then began to carry water.Ten people can stand side by side on this kind of waterwheel. When they pedal the blades under their feet, the big shaft starts to rotate, driving the paddles inserted into the water chute to pull upwards, and the water below is continuously driven into the canal to irrigate the land.In those days, the territory of Dengzhou was in full swing, and there was a water truck working there not far from every acre in the fields, and the scene was truly spectacular.The men change shifts to rest and keep the water tankers from idling. The women prepare meals and send them to the men next to the fields.Chen Junbin visited various counties on the hottest day, and felt very relieved to see the tender green seedlings growing vigorously.到了南阳县，他又把县令刘铁立夸赞了一回：“本州人丁兴旺，皆赖你当时发现的大粮仓。如今本州人丁短短半年之间，已经增加了两倍，若没有那些粮食吸引，是难见成效的。有了这些人，荒芜的田亩可以开垦，抗旱之时，车水也无缺人之虞。嗯，你的这件功劳，本官会牢记在心的。”
刘铁立一直怀着心事，怯怯说道：“陈大人，粮仓的事儿按例应该向朝廷禀报，我们私自瞒了下来，万一上面怪罪下来，下官怕吃不消啊！”
“不妨。只要今年秋收大熟，我们将等量的谷物再贡献给朝廷就是，上面不应该再怪罪我们。毕竟，仓中的粮食未入你我的私囊，而是入了百姓的口中，就是当今皇上知道，想他也不会说什么。”
此后北方诸州有蝗灾起来，陈君宾闻讯加倍小心。他令各县组织男丁到河汊沼泽等地，尽去其中丛生的芦苇和杂木，尤其对北境一带最为小心。男丁们手持柴刀，在其间拉网剥离，使蝗虫没有栖息之地，这样修成了一道阔大的隔离带，以与蝗灾之地相绝。是岁，邓州境内因防范缜密，果然蝗灾不起。
秋收之后，邓州全境大熟。百姓收获之后感谢官府之恩，加倍将原赊欠之口粮和种子归还官府。一时间，各县的义仓及南阳县的官仓皆储满了粮食。尽管这样，百姓家中的粮食仍然充足，因无法妥善收藏，甚至发生多起储藏不善使谷物霉变之事。此年，方圆诸州以邓州的谷物最便宜，外州的商贩纷纷来这里收购粮食。陈君宾看在眼里，急在心里，他不允许将谷物卖给他州流散天下。因李世民下诏给复天下一年，陈君宾不敢采取租赋形式征收谷物，思索了数日，终于想出了一条好计。他将州、县中的衙役们尽数遣出，令他们全力搜索商贾，每抓住一名，即令其退出钱粮之后方能离开。他又派人在交通要道上设立卡子，严厉查处私自贩运粮食之人。邓州这样一闹，一下子遏制住了粮食外流的势头，这样又带来了一个后果，即是粮食价格更贱。
如此过了数日，邓州全境内贴出了陈君宾刺史的告示。其中言称官府为了解决百姓储藏粮食难的问题，特议价敞开收购百姓手中的余粮。其所定收购价格为当时邓州境内的市价，比国内的市价要低上一半。百姓看到有处卖粮，且是自己感恩戴德的官府出面收购，他们留足口粮和种子之后，纷纷踊跃卖粮。
陈君宾获得粮食之后，先是设法储藏了一大半，再将剩余的粮食悄悄运往外地贩卖，这样赚回来的钱正好弥补了因购粮而垫支的官银。陈君宾在那些日子高兴异常，眼瞅着自己手中如今有钱又有粮，他连睡觉都觉得分外踏实。
年关之后，春旱依旧。陈君宾一面下令各县继续抗旱搞好春播，一面不停地到各地巡视。他现在比起去年来显得踏实多了，然而不久，各地灾民纷纷前来乞讨。面对此情况，陈君宾对其属下说道：“邓州能有今天，虽是官民共同努力的结果，然追根溯源，南阳县的粮仓使邓州受益匪浅。如今天下灾民流离，我们能看着不管吗？可令州、县、乡衙逐级设立粥棚，所需粮食由官仓拨给。另说服百姓依据自身能力，分出房屋并给食四方流民。我们这样做，也算是为国家尽一份心力吧。”
流民们听说到了邓州有房住、有饭吃，顿时一传十、十传百，纷纷扶老携幼前来，其中以蒲、虞两州灾民最多。
蒲、虞两州刺史一前一后来到邓州府衙前，投递名刺求见陈君宾，却见州衙里冷冷清清，仅有三人在那里支应。一名主事来回他们：“事情真是不巧，陈大人这会儿正在田亩里劳作，至晚间方回。这样吧，请两位大人先到驿中歇马，等陈大人回来之后，小人立即通报。”
蒲州刺史姓张，虞州刺史姓皇甫。两人听说陈君宾在田亩中劳作，不禁面面相觑，脸现古怪之色。他们刚才在堂上等候的时候，彼此已经互相道过台甫，得知对方来邓州也为寻找辖下流散的民户，不禁哑然失笑，又不免脸现尴尬之色。他们显然急着要见陈君宾，皇甫刺史问主事道：“不知陈大人耕作的地方，离这里远不远？”
“不远，就在州衙北面的湍河边上，离此仅有六里。”
“如此就相烦引路，我们有急事请见陈大人。”
陈君宾去年所种的庄稼也喜获丰收，所获谷物足够全家二年之用。小女儿养的牛又诞下了两头小牛犊子，加上养的大群鸡鸭，陈君宾的家里可以说是“五谷丰登，鸡鸭成群”。小儿子参加了去年的会试，喜中明经科第二十七名。陈君宾现在将本州事务理得井井有条，又加上家务亦顺，可谓“人逢喜事精神爽”。他这会儿身着短裤夹褂，正挥锄清理垄间杂草。小儿子参加关试之后，正在家中等待吏部铨选，这一年间的田间生活，将他原本稚嫩的身子锻炼得很壮健，他也并排和陈君宾一起劳作。他们在那里耕作很专心，并未发现一群人向自己走来。那群人到了田垄旁，主事紧跨几步向陈君宾禀报，陈君宾方才停锄抬起头来。听说是蒲、虞两州刺史来访，他扔掉锄头，一边用衣襟擦汗一边迎上前去。
张刺史、皇甫刺史听说这位农夫即是大名鼎鼎的陈君宾，急忙拱手道：“下官越境来访，请恕失礼唐突。”
陈君宾哈哈大笑：“两位大人太谦虚。若说失礼之处，本官身着葛衣短裤与你们相见，实在有失官体了。”
皇甫刺史真诚地说道：“陈大人躬身稼穑，仅此一节就知道邓州所以兴旺的原因。本官与张大人前来，就是想来向陈大人请教如何行兴农大计。望不吝赐教。”
陈君宾谦让道：“好说，好说。两位大人，这里无可坐之处，请回州衙深谈如何？且时辰已近午时，你们远来疲惫，我也要聊备几杯水酒以为洗尘才是。请，请。”
张刺史眺望湍河两岸风光，见两岸支有无数的水车，因说道：“陈大人，吃饭的事儿不急。我与皇甫大人一直在纳闷，眼下诸州皆受天旱之忧，邓州为何独独能抗水旱于无形？”
“邓州山川湿润，加上河汊较多，地貌有明显的优势。说到底，本官还是占了地利的便宜。当然，巧法儿也想了一些。像眼前的水车，就是对付天旱的一件利器。张大人，蒲州那里两面皆临河水，你若依此水车的式样加以建造，汲取河水以灌溉农田，也许能起到一些作用。”
张刺史摇摇头：“蒲州虽临河水，然境内山冈起伏，不似邓州以平原为多，仅引水一项就要大费周折。若使全境皆受河水之益，其实不易啊。”
皇甫刺史说道：“张大人，邓州的做法须活学活用，不可生搬硬套。若让我说呀，还是让陈大人不厌其烦地将他的做法告诉我们，我们再细细推敲，总能学到有用的地方。”
陈君宾为两位刺史洗尘的酒宴很是简单，仅有数道山野果蔬，以及陈君宾从自己家中提来的鸡、鸭各一只，所喝的酒为南阳产的大坛“卧龙春”。陈君宾举盏祝道：“两位大人，今天的菜也就罢了，所饮之酒还是有一些来历的。知道吗？相传'卧龙春'是诸葛武侯躬耕南阳时所酿，其酿造之法传于今天。来，请饮一盏。”
可惜两位刺史食不甘味，他们本来就满怀心事，现在又见了邓州这里兴旺的景象，心事又加重了一层。他们见陈君宾诚心相劝，遂捧盏心不在焉饮下。
皇甫刺史叹了一口气，说道：“提起诸葛武侯，他也是我心仪已久的人物。这次难得来南阳，本来应该到卧龙岗瞻仰一回才是。可惜呀，眼见灾民到陈大人这里托庇，我心中有愧，实在无颜面去游山玩水。”
张刺史说道：“邓州山川秀美，人杰地灵，诸葛武侯遂隐居于此。陈大人，你此次调职算是来对了。我听说邢州那里，今年沙河断流无水，旱情不轻啊。你若依旧在邢州任刺史，恐怕要比现在费心费力多了。”
陈君宾见这两位刺史心情不好，知道他们既怕上面怪罪丢官，又有些怨天尤人，心想就由着他们说。过了一会儿，他抬箸示意道：“来，尝尝小女养的鸡。此物辅以山间的野菇来煨，滋味最佳，最好趁热来吃。”陈、皇甫两人听言，只好停下话头，伸箸夹起野菇慢慢咀嚼。陈君宾抬起头来，悠然说道：“本官自去年号召所有官吏自耕自足，一开始许多人不解，说是官吏靠官俸养家为古制，实际上他们是难受其苦。现在谁若再问他们，嘿嘿，他们谁也不愿意丢掉家中的耕地了。他们说，吃自家种的粮，食亲手种的菜，是最快活的事儿。”
皇甫刺史赞扬道：“陈大人的这个法儿委实不错。各级官吏居家自耕，一是为百姓树立了榜样，使人人以兴农为第一要务。最近朝廷颁布了《籍田诏》，皇上还在京城东郊亲耕籍田，亦是示范天下之意。二是在粮食短缺的情况下，官吏能够自足，不用向百姓征收，则增加了粮食的数量。好，好，本官回去之后也要在本州推行此法。”
陈君宾感叹道：“人活在世上，皆靠大地来养。我耕种一年有余，方悟大地对人最不吝啬。一分耕种，一分收获，田亩一点都不会亏待你。国内诸州山川不一，形势不同，只要你耐心来侍弄这块地儿，总会有办法的，也定有收获。两位大人，这不是我陈君宾在这里卖嘴，只要你们将全部心思用在兴旺农事上，定有效果。从岁数来说，我比两位要年长许多。想起在隋朝为官的时候，还要用心去对付他人，以防止官场倾轧。当今皇帝诏令以农为本，提出抚民以静，我们为地方大员，则可心无旁骛，一心扑在农事上，这样做即是遵从了皇上的圣意。君宾说的这些，两位大人不妨一试。”
张刺史答道：“陈大人所说的皆是至理，奈何蒲、虞两州已成空壳，举目境内，村落萧疏。我也想使农事兴旺，然无人无粮，俗话说'巧妇难为无米之炊'，这是没有办法的事儿。”
皇甫刺史又叹了一口气，说道：“是啊，想我就任之初，也想干出一番成绩来。奈何天不与便，到头来竟然成了空壳之州。有时候我忽生奇想，觉得不如将自己锁往京城，让朝廷依律问罪，这样最干净，强似在这里苦受折磨。”
陈君宾摇手道：“皇甫大人，不可。须知事在人为，你若一味消极，那是没有出头之日的。眼下遭旱灾的非你蒲、虞两州，相信其他州的刺史同样焦头烂额，你岂能轻言放弃呢？邓州能有今日，一者占了山川的便宜，二者去年以来，各级官吏和百姓心往一处想，劲儿往一处使，才办成了一些事情。你们只要从现在开始踏实地办事，相信也会有结果的。眼下诸州的情况都不好，皇上也一时瞧不出什么差异来，你若自己送上门去，就让逮个正着。”
张刺史苦笑道：“我们已经一筹莫展，望陈大人能够指点迷津。”
陈君宾沉吟片刻，然后说道：“两位大人既然来了，就先在这里小住几日。一来蒲、虞两州灾民散居乡里，我派人前去统计，需要一些时间。两位大人正好借此空儿，各找到辖下民户访贫问苦。二来你们可以抽空到各县走一走，实地看看各县的做法。当然，你们沿途若遇到有什么好看的地方，也不妨游览一番嘛，譬如武侯祠。”
皇甫刺史道：“我在这里小住几日也可以，反正现在回去无事可做，正好在这里看看陈大人的政绩。至于游览山水就免了。张大人，你有心情游览吗？”
张刺史沉默不语。
陈君宾见这两人心情难释，知道不是能用言语相劝的，也就不再说话。他伸箸夹过鸡头和鸡项，然后有滋有味地将其啃食。很快，其项下的案上出现了一堆碎小的鸡骨头，上面已经没有一丝皮肉。张刺史见此光景，凑话道：“想不到陈大人爱吃鸡头和鸡项，按说这里无肉可寻，其中有什么妙处吗？”
“咳，我觉得鸡身上以这里最有滋味。你想呀，汤里的鲜味浸润于此，在啃食时候可以余味无穷。且这里的肉最为鲜嫩，因其肉少，尤为可贵。哈哈，可惜它们都让我享用，你们今日不能再享其口福了。”
张、皇甫两人对鸡头和鸡项素来不爱，心想不吃也罢，有什么好可惜的，然脸上都露出无端的讪笑。
陈君宾饭后起身送客，到了门外，他对两人说道：“两位大人这几日尽管住下来好了，不要再愁闷不已。难道大事临头，一味愁闷就可以解之吗？本官现在有一个初步想法，待你们游历各县之后我们再谈。我敢说，届时定让你们一展愁眉。还是那句话，事在人为。只要我们认真去做，什么事情都不在话下。”
两人连连点头，满嘴说着客套话告辞而去。他们回到住所，都暗自猜测陈君宾有什么高招可以让自己一展愁眉。