Chapter 4 The fourth round of extravagance reduction, court burning jade, order Yao Chong's administration

The time has entered the twelfth lunar month, and there should be several snowfalls at this time in previous years. This winter does not seem to be too cold. The sun hangs high in the sky day after day, and there is no sign of snowfall.The seedlings in the fields have cracks due to lack of rain and snow, and the seedlings are waiting to be fed, extremely thirsty. In ancient China, there is a custom of praying for rain in spring. Winter is long, and seedlings spend the winter dormant. The demand for rain is much lower than that of the growing season, so there is no ceremony of praying for snow.In the first year of Elephant in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Qi Han Hu Opera was introduced from Persia.In this play, everyone is naked, and then they are encouraged to jump and play with each other by splashing water to beg for chills.After entering the twelfth lunar month, there have been several performances in the eastern and western cities.At this time in previous years, beggars paraded through the streets, and people along the way joined in one after another. The scene was spectacular. These people even came to the square in front of Chengtian Gate to dance.

According to the Tang system, all officials were ordered in front of the Tonggan Gate and the Guanxiang Gate, with the literature first and the military behind.During the court meeting, all the officials came to the Xuanzheng Gate, the civil officials entered through the east gate, and the military officials entered through the west gate.This day, during the ordering of hundreds of officials, several people looked up and saw the stars twinkling in the sky. The stars seemed to be full of water, and someone muttered: "Look at the astrology, today must be another sunny day." Someone beside him echoed. : "Yeah, God doesn't even have a single snowflake falling this year, so I should be begging for cold."

Yao Chong heard these conversations and was thoughtful there.At that time, people often feared the sky and were extremely pious in their hearts, but Yao Chong didn't think so. He said many times that there were laws of operation between heaven and earth. At the subsequent court meeting, Li Longji mentioned the begging cold play: "When Zhang said it was the order of Zhongshu, he once suggested to me to stop the play of begging cold. Now that it is the twelfth lunar month, Yao Chong can issue an imperial edict. From now on, If you don't ask the Fan Han, it should be banned."

Yao Chong bowed out of the class and replied: "The play of splashing cold, jumping naked, throwing water and throwing mud, is very rude. Your Majesty's abandoning this play now is really a move to change customs." Li Longji smiled and said: "Yao Qing can understand this festival, and I know my heart very well. Well, you are the order of Zhongshu, and you should strictly prohibit things like arrogance, lewdness and harm to politics. I don't need to explain them one by one." Yao Chong knew that Li Longji was very earnest in bringing order out of the chaos, and he kicked out a group of heroes from important positions, that is to let those who have no constraints on him let go of governing.At this time, he raised the wat board, and saw that it was densely written with small characters, and he played loudly: "Your Majesty, I have a number of strategies, please approve them. The first one, now that the "Xianfengguan" is over, and the accumulation over the years There are a lot of vacancies in various official positions, which need to be adjusted urgently. The minister thought that the year is approaching, and it is necessary to conduct examinations for Beijing officials and foreign officials. After determining their merits and demerits, they will be appointed. , and then checked by the staff of Zhongshushe. After discussing with Lu Shizhong, the minister and Lu Shizhong personally presided over the examination, and the survival of the fittest; After the exam, we must break this pattern. I think that the knowledge and insight of Beijing officials are generally good. It would be a waste to let them stay together in Beijing. To the central government can make up for the lack of Beijing officials being close to the people."

Li Longji nodded slightly, and said: "These things should have been done a long time ago. The strict examination system is a rule formed in the Zhenguan Dynasty. It is indeed a bit lax these years. You personally preside over it to set things right. Yao Qing, you propose This is very valuable. It can be as big as the governor of a state, or as small as the magistrate of a county. They are all important positions close to the people. How they manage politics is related to the overall situation of the country. Let’s do this. I don’t care about other exams. I personally preside over the examination of the county magistrate."

Yao Chong thought to himself that there are more than 300 prefectures in the world, and there are many times as many counties, so there are nearly a thousand county magistrates. If the emperor meets all these county magistrates one by one, how much time will it take?Then he reported: "Your Majesty's personal selection of county magistrates can open up the source of real talent and clarify the strictness of officials. However, there are many county magistrates in the world. I think that your majesty can read the volume of county magistrates. As for meeting county magistrates, you can go within the scope of the capital." The county magistrate is appropriate." The so-called Jing County includes Chang'an, Wannian, Henan, Luoyang, Taiyuan, and Jinyang counties; Ji County refers to the counties under the administration of Yongzhou Prefecture, Henan Prefecture, and Taiyuan Prefecture.

Li Longji understood Yao Chong's painstaking efforts, nodded his head in agreement, and urged: "Okay, more than 300 state governors are selected by the official department, and I can roughly understand who they are; however, there are many county magistrates, and the names are mixed. Pay more attention." The Tang system stipulated that in addition to the qualifications for the county officials, Beijing officials with a rank of five or above should recommend one person each. Yao Chongdao: "From now on, after the Ministry of Officials selects a batch of county magistrates, they must enter the Golden Palace to thank His Majesty and accept His Majesty's brief selection."

Seeing that Li Longji had no more words, Yao Chong continued: "The third article, the practice of 'Xianfengguan' in the world will discourage scholars all over the world, thus blocking the way of talents. I think that in the future, strict examinations will be required. And the selection procedure, in order to attract talents from all over the world, it can be done according to the "four o'clock listening and selection" in Zhenguan." The Tang system stipulated that every year, the candidates must gather in the capital for candidates in the winter moon. In the early years of Zhenguan, this rule was broken. Change to four selections.

Li Longji played and said: "The first subject of Jinshi began to select scholars with poetry and prose since Emperor Gaozong's time. Now poetry and prose are flourishing, so it is not appropriate to change." Afterwards, Yao Chong played several other events, all of which were related to personnel affairs.Li Longji knew that the fight against chaos must start with personnel affairs, one by one.At the beginning, Yao Chong declared ten things to Li Longji in Lishan. Among them, the "class order is barren and miscellaneous". Officials started, it can be said to have grasped the key points.

Recently, after the purge of courtiers by Li Longji, the number of courtiers has been greatly reduced. Although Lu Huaishen mainly kept silent as a servant, Yao Chong basically played the main role.Therefore, when Yao Chong played, the dialogue between the monarch and his ministers was the main focus. After Yao Chong played, the court meeting basically ended. Li Longji got up at this time and said: "All the gentlemen will leave later, and follow me to the courtyard to have a look." The officials didn't know why, so they followed Li Longji out of the hall, and saw a group of eunuchs and maids busy in the courtyard in front of the Taiji Hall.They came and went, and piled up what they had brought on the ground, and it became a big pile.The officials took a closer look, their eyes couldn't help but be brilliant, and they saw that the objects in it were all colorful pearls and jade.Some of the ministers thought: Could it be that the emperor is interested today, and someone can receive the reward?

Li Longji waved his hand and said: "These jewels and jade wares are either stored in the inner palace or worn by concubines. I will take them all today and burn them in front of all the ministers." Everyone didn't understand what it meant, but some people sighed in their hearts: If such a precious thing is burned, wouldn't it be a waste of money? Li Longji went on to say: "Since modern times, the wind of extravagance has become more and more fierce. It is like a five-color skirt that rebelled against the common people, which is worth millions of dollars, and it even made the rare birds in Lingnan disappear for a while. If I want to rule the world today, I must do my best." Advocate frugality and avoid the wind of floating competition. General Gao, light the fire!" After the death of Princess Anle, Li Longji abolished her title of princess and changed her name to "Rebellious Common People". Gao Lishi instructed the eunuchs to light the fire. In order to increase the fire, the eunuchs brought butter, charcoal and mixed it with pearls and jade. gradually became a pool of ashes. Yao Chong understood Li Longji's intentions, and thought that if he took all the jewels and jade from the palace, his words might not be true.However, by doing this, the emperor declared to the world that he was so self-denying, and the people of the world should follow suit.Back then Princess Anle showed off her five-colored dress with a hundred birds in the capital, and the women of the courtiers competed to imitate it, so the feathers and feathers of strange birds and animals in Jiangling were exhausted; Same as Gongye.When Li Longji was the crown prince, he was fond of prostitutes, and he was heard inside and outside the palace. After he ascended the throne, he pursued sensuality even more.On the fifteenth day of the first month of the second year of Xiantian, Li Longji sent someone to build a lamp wheel outside Anfumen, which was 20 feet high, decorated with gold and jade brocade, and lit 50,000 lamps, clustered like flower trees; Luo Qi, Yi Jinxiu, Yao Zhu Cui, Shi Danfen.According to people's estimates at the time, one corolla and one scarf were worth tens of thousands of dollars.It costs three hundred guan to dress up a prostitute, which shows the extravagance of the time.Li Longji's ability to do this today shows his determination to govern the world. Li Longji looked at Yao Chong and said, "Yao Qing, quickly draw up an imperial edict and send it to the world. First, everyone in the palace will not be allowed to wear pearls, jade and brocade from now on. The gold and silver artifacts in the palace will be collected by Yousi and cast into collars for supply." Second, the world is not allowed to use pearls and jade, carved carvings to play with, and make beautiful bead ropes. Anyone who violates the law will be punished with a hundred sticks, and the hired craftsman will be punished with a first-class penalty; third, the old officials in the two capitals and the states The brocade weaving workshop is announced to be closed, and extravagant spending on clothing and wine utensils for Baiguan cars is not allowed." Yao Chong asked: "Your Majesty, now officials of the third rank and above are decorated with jade, fourth ranks are decorated with gold, and fifth ranks are decorated with silver. Will this be changed in the future?" Li Longji shook his head and said: "Don't overcorrect, the clothes of hundreds of officials show their rank, so let's keep it as usual." Li Longji looked at Gao Lishi again and said: "General Gao, I heard rumors outside that I thought I was looking for sensuality and frequently picked women to fill the court. Alas, I suffered for Princess Taiping. I obeyed everything at the beginning. Princess Taiping, how can I refuse to buy women to fill the palace?" At the beginning, Princess Taiping had indeed selected many court ladies from various places in order to please the emperor's elder brother Li Dan.However, after these women entered the palace, Li Longji took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a lot. Gao Lishi bowed and said: "The villain has been in the palace for a long time, and I have not seen your majesty order a woman." Li Longji said: "Well, the Emperor Taizong sent out three thousand court ladies. You can choose to send out the court ladies. More than three thousand." Gao Lishi bowed and agreed. Li Longji said again: "Today, I stop begging for cold play in order to abide by Confucian etiquette; I will burn pearls and jade to cast gold and silver to make the people's families happy; as for dismissing the maids, the purpose is to restrain their own desires and make them live and work in peace and contentment. Aiqing, I said that we should act according to the story of Zhenguan. It is not an empty statement, it needs to be gradually accumulated and put into practice. Yao Qing, you declared ten things at that time, and I will practice them personally." After hearing the words, Yao Chong was moved, so he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty will do his best. If you don't do things well, you will be ashamed of your grace. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, you will do your best, just like the minister of Zhenguan." Do your best." Seeing this, all the officials hurriedly knelt together and vowed to do their best. Li Longji said: "Everyone is flat. I can't wait to restore the glory of Zhenguan and Yonghui immediately, but this is not a matter of one day. As long as we, the monarchs and ministers, work hard, I believe that this day will come. Okay, let's go away." Zhao Yanzhao, the imperial historian, was an old friend of Zhang Shuo. He was ordered by Zhang Shuo to impeach Yao Chong twice.Unexpectedly, Yao Chongyu was promoted so suddenly that he became an official in Zhongshu Ling, controlling the power of Zhongshu Province and Shangshu Province, while Zhang Shuo was demoted from Beijing.Zhao Yanzhao didn't expect such an outcome at all, he couldn't help feeling sad, and seeing that Yao Chong is now in full control of power, he will eventually know the original intention of his impeachment in the previous chapter, and every time he thinks about it, he can't help but feel anxious, fearing that Yao Chong will attack him. revenge. However, a period of time passed, and there was no sound from the emperor and Yao Chong, as if they had never seen his memorial at all, and he could still serve as the doctor of the censor at the Yushitai. On that day, the emperor stopped begging for cold dramas, burned pearls and jade, and sent court ladies, which shocked all officials deeply.Zhao Yanzhao, who is familiar with historical events, knows that the emperor's announcement to act in accordance with the Zhenguan story in the future does not seem to be just words!If one acts according to the story of Zhenguan, the Emperor Taizong is open to arguing and remonstrating, and the current emperor will certainly not be biased!The emperor and Yao Chong didn't blame themselves, probably because of this, they didn't want to block the way of talking. Realizing this, Zhao Yanzhao suddenly became energetic.He is determined to use Wei Zheng as a model, strive to be a political minister, and make up for his mistakes.In the following days, Zhao Yanzhao wrote a lot of admonitions every day, and the content of his admonitions was extremely mixed, not only accusing the emperor of the failure of the great government, but also the bad behavior of his relatives and honored officials. Li Longji was very happy to see these memorials, and one day he took Zhao Yanzhao's memorials and said to Yao Chong: "It seems that you were right when you suggested not to deal with Zhao Yanzhao. You see, although there are biases in this person's memorials, overall , very rich in the spirit of Wei Zheng’s admonition.” Yao Chongdao: "People are often fickle, the key depends on the direction at the time. Zhao Yanzhao's change today actually stems from His Majesty's desire to emulate Emperor Taizong's style of admonition." Li Longji nodded and said: "That's right. At the beginning, Emperor Taizong advocated Qingming politics, so Feng Deyi and other former sycophants put away their bad deeds and turned to do some beneficial things. Zhao Yanzhao can do this, I am very relieved." After Yao Chong left, Li Longji sent someone to bring Wang and Queen into the hall.Li Longji waved Zhao Yanzhao's memorial in his hand and said: "Your Wang family is a prominent family in Guanzhong. Since you have been educated by your family, why did you do such an illegal thing?" It turned out that what Zhao Yanzhao played was about the violence and lawlessness of Empress Wang's brother-in-law eldest Sun Xin.At that time, the surnames of Wang and Changsun were both prominent families, and Changsun Xin married a daughter of the Wang family.After that, the wife and elder sister became the empress, and she herself was awarded the title of Shangyi Fengyu. This is a fifth-rank official in charge of the emperor's imperial service.When Li Longji was fighting with his aunt, Chang Sunxin felt that his house was small, so he tried to demolish the neighboring houses. Of course, the method would not be fair.Li Longji's business was completed, Changsun Xin's new house was almost completed, but the neighbors had accumulated grievances, they dared not say anything because of the Queen's power, but private insults were inevitable, so it spread to Zhao Yanzhao's ears . Queen Wang took the memorial and read it again, and said: "Your Majesty, I have been to my sister's house recently, but it is not as grand and extravagant as Dr. Zhao said. As for the disputes between neighbors, they want to ask for more compensation, so they feel aggrieved. That is also there." Li Longji said: "I promised Yao Chong that in the future I will not allow my relatives and noble lords to use each other more. After Chang Sun Xin became an honorary relative, she was so violent and lawless, relying on the power of you, the queen! When Princess Anle invaded the house, the people complained about it." Boiling, then Zhao Luwen was eaten raw by the people, why don’t you accept this lesson?” Changsun Xin is the great-grandson of Changsun Wuji, who was forced to commit suicide by Emperor Gaozong, and his descendants were exiled to Lingnan. Fifteen years later At that time, Emperor Gaozong had just restored the official title of Uncle Yuan, and allowed his descendants to be officials. Li Longji thought of Empress Changsun at this point, and said: "I think back to the day when Empress Taizong Wende, in view of the fact that Empress Ma of the Han Dynasty could not restrain her relatives from being in power, begged Emperor Taizong several times not to allow her brother Wuji to be in an important position. Alas, look Empress Lai Wende is really an extraordinary person, she said at the time that it is not conducive to the country, let alone self-protection. If the eldest grandson Wuji is leisurely protecting himself as an honored relative, how can there be any misfortunes later?" Empress Wang panicked and said: "I should use Empress Wende as a model, and I should advise relatives around me more, and don't allow them to do anything wrong." "Well, Empress Wende wrote a booklet called "Women's Principles" before her death. As the master of the harem, you must lead them to learn more about this book. As for Changsun Xin, it's fine if the house has been built. You have to let him Find neighbors one by one to make amends, and give more compensation as usual to settle grievances." "The concubine understands." Queen Wang bowed in agreement and withdrew. Changsun Xin is twenty-seven years old, just at the time when he is young.Queen Wang called her husband and wife into the palace, scolded them angrily, and relayed the emperor's words, ordering them to pay for gifts and money.Changsun Xin agreed in front of the queen, but after leaving the palace, she became angry from the heart, and she turned her anger to Zhao Yanzhao's head, and thus she made an extraordinary move. It was a night full of clouds, the sun faded early, and the ministers walked in the dark when they left the Yamen and returned to their houses.Zhao Yanzhao's mansion is located in Xiuzhengfang on the side of Qujiang River, far away from Yushitai. When Zhao Yanzhao walked to a place three alleys away from his home, the house on the side of the road was already lit with lights, and it was evening. During meal time, there are very few pedestrians on the road. Two people jumped out of the shadows, they came to Zhao Yanzhao without saying a word and immediately punched and kicked, Zhao Yanzhao pushed left and right to block, but after all, he was middle-aged, how could he resist the beating of these two strong men?Soon, Zhao Yanzhao's face was swollen and his nose was blue, and his official uniform was torn. Zhao Yanzhao recognized a person in the shadow of the lamp, and he shouted out of breath, "Chang Sun Xin, you beat me in the street, don't you think there is no law for you?" Changsun Xin saw that Zhao Yanzhao recognized her, so she stopped hitting, and said in a deep voice: "Of course there is a king's law! If you are such a talkative person, you should greet him with fists and kicks." "I'm the imperial censor, and it's my duty to pick up the mistakes of all the officials. The Tang Dynasty has laws and regulations. Even if there are mistakes in my words, I won't be punished for my words. If you beat me now, you are actually going against the laws of the Tang Dynasty. Don't you know the consequences?" The other person stepped forward and kicked Zhao Yanzhao to the ground with both fists, and then stepped on Zhao Yanzhao with his feet, cursing in a low voice: "The talkative person will not end well, today you will be beaten up It's cheap, if you don't correct it in the future, it will be to your advantage!" Changsun Xin also stepped forward and kicked Zhao Yanzhao twice, saying, "That's it." The two then walked away. In the morning order of the second day, the officials saw Zhao Yanzhao's nose was bruised and his face was swollen, his face was still bloodstained, and his official uniform was torn to pieces. The people around him hurriedly asked what happened, but Zhao Yanzhao just shook his head and didn't answer. Doctor Yushi is an official of the third rank, and he stands in the forefront of civil officials during the court meeting.Zhao Yanzhao stood in the Taiji Hall with such an appearance, and Li Longji saw it immediately after he was promoted to the throne.The ministers stood up after meeting the emperor as required, and Li Longji called out Zhao Yanzhao and said, "Qing is the imperial censor, responsible for picking up the mistakes of all officials. I stopped begging and playing nonsense a few days ago to restore Confucian etiquette. You today Being in the hall with rotting clothes and revealing your body, you have lost the dignity of the court, what should you do?" Zhao Yanzhao immediately fell to his knees and said: "I did lose the dignity of the court, but the fault is not on me. I was beaten up to this point on my way back to the house from the Yamen last night." "The world is bright and it is the ground of the capital. Who dares to beat the third-rank officials so boldly?" "I once reported to His Majesty Shang Yifeng Yu Chang Sun Xin's illegal deeds of seizing people's homestead, which aroused Chang Sun Xin's anger. Last night, he led a group of people to beat the minister. The responsible minister should not talk too much." Li Longji was furious when he heard the words, so he shouted: "Chang Sun Xin, is that so?" Changsun Xin stood in the back row from time to time, heard the words and hurried forward to leave the class, knelt together with Zhao Yanzhao and said: "Your Majesty, I met Dr. Zhao on the way last night, and because of a disagreement, I fought." Li Longji said coldly: "Doctor Zhao is like this, but your clothes are very glamorous. Let me ask you, who is the person who fought with you?" Chang Sunxin replied: "At that time, I was walking with my brother-in-law Yang Xianyu. He couldn't see it at that time, so he helped." Li Longji's face turned livid at this time, and seeing Yao Chong standing there leisurely, he thought that Chang Sun Xin was obviously talking nonsense, and that it was the truth that he was waiting for an opportunity to beat Zhao Yanzhao with personal anger.Changsun Xin, as an honorary relative, is also the queen's brother-in-law. If she doesn't give a satisfactory explanation to the ministers today, she won't be able to mention other matters.He thought of this, and shouted: "General Gao, send someone to bring Yang Xianyu quickly!" He then said softly to Zhao Yanzhao, "Zhao Qing, get up. After Yang Xianyu arrives, I will definitely give you an explanation." Zhao Yanzhao got up slowly, not forgetting to add more details: "Your Majesty, please investigate what happened last night. I thought that Changsun Xin had damaged my hair and skin, and even though my body was in pain, that's all. Have the heart to humiliate the country!" Li Longji nodded and said: "I see, Zhao Qing, you go back." He turned to stare at Chang Sun Xin who was prostrate on the ground and said, "Zhao Qing is nearly fifty, you and Yang Xianyu are in their prime, Beating Zhao Qing like this is obviously deliberate. As a state official, you don't think about the king's laws and regulations, and you even roared and insulted the official uniform, which is really insulting to the state. Royal relatives, you should be modest and prudent, but you are bullying others with your power and domineering. This is the second crime; Empress Taizong Wende did not preempt the government affairs, and invited Emperor Taizong to suppress the power of her relatives, so your name will last forever. You are a descendant of Empress Wende's family However, to do such bad deeds really insults the name of Empress Wende, and there are three crimes." Changsun Xin didn't expect this matter to reach such a point, and only then did he feel some remorse in his heart. He kowtowed and said, "I have found out my crime, and I am willing to heal Dr. Zhao's injuries and make compensation, as a way of apologizing." Li Longji snorted, and turned to Yao Chong and Lu Huaishen: "Yao Qing, Lu Qing, according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, how should we deal with it?" Of course, Lu Huaishen took Yao Chong's suggestion as the standard, and Yao Chong said: "Your Majesty, Chang Sun Xin, as the emperor's relative, committed such a bad behavior. It really insults the official system and should be severely punished. I think that the imperial staff should be given thirty to go Dr. Zhao's anger; another abolished as exiled, to see the effect later." The ministers could not help sighing inwardly when they heard the words, they thought that Yao Chong was really cruel, for such a fight, thirty blows with a cane and a fine of official salary would be enough. Li Longji didn't think so, and said: "Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong has not allowed his relatives to interfere in politics. At the beginning, Changsun Wuji's official position was not because of his relatives, but because Changsun Wuji helped Emperor Taizong rule the world. The ability to govern the country. However, after Empress Zetian, there was Wu's chaos in politics first, and then Webster's conspiracy, which put the Tang Dynasty in danger of overthrowing. Chang Sunxin's seemingly trivial things like this are actually the same. Yao Qing Words are not enough to change this disadvantage." Hearing what the emperor said, the ministers thought that it would be too light to deal with Chang Sun Xin in this way, so how would the emperor deal with him? After a while, Yang Xianyu was brought to the hall, and the officials quickly had a dumbfounding answer.At this time, Li Longji was unwilling to confirm what happened last night from Yang Xianyu's mouth, and said leisurely: "My dear friends, when Emperor Taizong revised the "Law of Zhenguan", it was based on the lessons learned from the tyrannical government of the previous Sui Dynasty, and the new law was determined with a simple rule. Therefore, there was a time when no one was sentenced to death. Things are very different now, and the times have been chaotic for many years, and heavy codes must be used. Chang Sun Xin and Yang Xianyu, you should be severely punished for your violence and lawlessness, and you can’t blame others! Come on, when Palace stick to kill these two thieves!" The ministers were shocked when they heard the words, but frightened by Li Longji's power, no one dared to plead with the emperor at this time.Hearing this, Sun Xin and Yang Xianyu collapsed on the ground.To say that Yang Xianyu was the most wronged, he just helped his uncle with a punch, but unexpectedly lost his life. More than a dozen soldiers like wolves and tigers entered the Golden Palace. They stepped forward and picked up the two elders, Sun Xin, and threw them to the ground.The two people screamed terribly at first, and as the two sticks slammed into the heads of the two, their screams stopped abruptly one after another, only red and white brains burst out, and it was obvious that they could not live. In the resplendent and resplendent Taiji Hall, two dead bodies were added like this, which looked extremely hideous.Some timid people among the officials were already frightened or closed their eyes, or felt like vomiting.Zhao Yanzhao also opened his mouth wide in shock, he didn't expect the matter to end like this. Li Longji sat on the throne all the time, and he spent all his time watching the whole process of killing these two people with a stick, and there was no expression of joy or anger on his face.After Gao Lishi stepped forward to check the breath of the two people and reported that they were dead, Li Longji nodded and ordered Gao Lishi to carry the bodies of the two people out of the hall. Although the corpse was carried out, the blood stains in the hall were still there.Li Longji looked at Zhao Yanzhao and said: "Zhao Qing, the eldest Sun Xin is my personal relative, and I have not been strict in discipline, causing him to insult Qing's court clothes. I can hardly absolve myself of the responsibility. Now I will kill these two thieves as palace sticks. It's hard to apologize. I just hope that Aiqing will not change her upright spirit in the future, and continue to speak in front of the palace, and don't think of such murderous people." Zhao Yanzhao was in rags and face at this time, he had already lost the ambition he had when he entered the palace, so he kowtowed on the ground: "Your Majesty has come forward on my behalf, I am very grateful, I don't know what to say." Liu Youqiu, Zhong Shaojing and others were awarded as scattered officials, and they knew that they had positions but no powers from now on.It was snowing that day, Liu Youqiu looked at the falling snow in the courtyard, he meditated for a long time, and then he was so still that he wanted to move, so he called his servants to invite Zhong Shaojing and Cui Riyong to the house for a drink. Zhong Shaojing and Cui Riyong are idlers now, and they came here immediately after hearing Liu Youqiu's call.Seeing Liu Youqiu still standing in the courtyard like a snowman, Zhong Shaojing said with a smile: "The holy decree forbids begging for cold play. Brother Liu begging for cold is very unique." Liu Youqiu shook, stretched out his hand to brush off the snow from his hair, and said with a smile, "It's nothing more than begging for the cold, this year's first snow is quite decent, we must have a good time drinking by the stove in the snow." Cui Riyong also came into the hospital from time to time, and said, "Brother Liu is really interesting, I just invited someone to drink at home, and Brother Liu's people arrived." Liu Youqiu laughed and said: "We are all idlers now, so our hearts are connected. Let's go, please enter the room, the mutton I prepared is already roasted, do you smell the aroma?" The three of them entered the room with each other, only to feel that the room was full of fragrance, they were in a good mood immediately, and then they sat down as the guest and the host, and toasted each other, and after a while, their faces were flushed from drinking.After thirty days of drinking, he speaks without any scruples. Liu Youqiu shook his head and said: "That day, the Holy One killed the elder Sun Xin and the elder Sun Xin with a staff. After I returned to the mansion, that fuzzy pile of red and white brains kept appearing in my head, and I couldn't get it out. I didn't sleep well that night." Zhong Shaojing also said: "So am I." Liu You begged: "Oh, isn't it a bit too much for His Majesty to act like this? Changsun Xin only beat people with his hands, and he lost his life for it! We know that Emperor Taizong was lenient in punishment at that time. It is also said that heavy codes must be used in troubled times, isn't it self-contradictory?" Cui Riyong said: "Brother Liu, can't you see it? I heard that Yao Chong once suggested ten things to the Holy Majesty when he was hunting in Lishan. The Holy Majesty stopped begging for cold dramas, banned pearls and jade, and sent palace ladies. This case suppresses foreign relatives from leading people Admonishment and remonstrance are all the content of Yao Chong's advice at that time." Zhong Shaojing said: "From this point of view, the Holy Majesty did this to fulfill Yao Chong's words?" "It should be like this." Cui Riyong replied. Liu Youqiu sternly said: "Although Yao Chong has been prime minister for three times, he doesn't even look down on Wei Zhigu's background as a petty official, but deep down in his heart he acts like a cruel official! I can't figure it out, what's so good about Yao Chong? Take it seriously, the reason why we became scattered officials is because the Holy Majesty asked us to give Yao Chongteng a way!" Zhong Shaojing said worryingly: "Second brother said this, it really makes me worry for the country. Although Yao Chong is not a cruel official, his heart is as hard as iron, and he is by no means a modest gentleman; and the holy majesty will never be soft in killing and cutting. Brother Liu, remember Shangguan Was it about Wan'er begging for life that night? In fact, Shangguan Wan'er didn't have to kill her, but the Holy Majesty didn't hesitate to kill her on the spot. The Holy Majesty is like this, and Yao Chong is similar, can they practice benevolent government?" Liu Youqiu sneered and said: "We have become idlers from now on. We don't need to worry about the future of the country. Alas, thinking of these makes my heart shudder. We have done so much for the Holy Majesty. We almost lost our heads. There is nothing to do before us. Isn't it true? Are we using our place?" Zhong Shaojing was also very depressed, and sighed: "The three of us have all made great efforts for the Holy One. If it were not for Brother Liu's scheme and Riyong's resolute defection, would there be the Holy One today?" Liu Youqiu smiled and said, "Yes, if you opened the door later that day, how could you have today?" When the three of them talked about the past, they felt depressed, so they drank frequently and got drunk. Yao Chong's actions can be described as vigorous and resolute. He worked day and night, and completed all the officials' examinations before the first month.Together with Lu Huaishen, he drew up a list of appointments based on the results of the official performance appraisal.Yao Chong picked out the appointment list of officials above the fifth rank, and then went to the palace alone to meet with Li Longji for approval. Li Longji looked at the appointment of officials above the third rank, and saw that Zhao Yanzhao was awarded as the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, so he asked: "You set Zhao Yanzhao's performance in the examination as the top and bottom, is it true?" There are nine grades in the examination: upper Up, Up Middle, Up Down, Middle Up, Middle Middle, Middle Down, Down Up, Down Middle, Down Down.The level of the test is directly related to the rank of the salary. For those who pass the exam above the middle level, each time they enter the first class, they will be awarded a season of salary.At that time, the exams were very strict, and those who were able to get above middle school were very few in the morning. For Zhao Yanzhao, who was able to get the upper and lower ranks, it was already rare. Yao Chong replied: "Although the minister and Lu Shizhong presided over the exam, everyone is in charge of each level during the process. It is fair and just that no one will make mistakes. No one can control the result. Zhao Yanzhao can have such a comment. , I was also surprised." Li Longji said with a smile: "Zhao Yanzhao has impeached you twice, and he is friendly with Zhang Shuo. I thought it would be very good for him to keep his position. Unexpectedly, he can be promoted as Minister of the Ministry of Officials. Yao Qing, you are very good, you can be said to be gracious." Take it easy." Yao Chong also said with a smile: "If you have a small belly, wouldn't you insult His Majesty's vision?" Li Longji smiled again, handed the list back to Yao Chong, and said, "Okay, let's issue it. 'Xianfengguan' has been abolished, and now all official positions have been appointed, and the administration of officials can be said to be on the right track. Hmm , This time the Beijing officials and local officials have changed a lot, and it is estimated that those Beijing officials who have left Beijing for foreign posts must have some ideas." "There has been a long history of emphasizing the internal and despising the external. It is normal for them to have some thoughts. During the process of conferring this appointment, the ministers and others took this difference into consideration, and promoted those who were above the middle in the performance evaluation to the first rank. For example, Shangshu Youcheng Ni Ruoshui was granted the title of Governor of Bianzhou, which was originally the fourth rank, but is now the third rank." Li Longji shook his head and sighed: "This way he can fulfill his wish? I don't think so. However, as long as they can go to the post and work hard, these humanities are not bad. I believe it will be beneficial to the local area. Yes Yes, I said that I would personally assess the magistrate, although I met the magistrate of Gyeonggi before, the number of people was too small after all. You once said that you would let me meet the new magistrate, do you have any arrangements in the near future?" "Your Majesty, things have been busy recently, and this matter can be slowed down a bit. I think it is appropriate for the second half of the year." "This matter should not be too slow! There are several memorials here, most of which are due to the excessive selection of narratives by the Ministry of Officials, so that the county magistrate is not talented." Yao Chong cupped his hands and said: "I think what you played is true. Your Majesty, there are more than 300 states in the world today, and the number of counties is twice as high. The county magistrate of Ande governor is called his post! I think everything should be done step by step. If you pursue perfection at the beginning, you will be punished." It's tiring." Seeing that Yao Chongzhi was determined, Li Longji stopped pursuing him and said, "Forget it, just follow your advice." Yao Chong handed over the list again, and said, "Your Majesty, this is the list of appointments for officials below the third rank. Your Majesty, please judge." Li Longji was indifferent at this time, he didn't answer the list, let alone talk to Yao Chong. Yao Chong was thinking like lightning, wondering if the topic of the county magistrate just now made the emperor unhappy, so he said: "I will send out patrol envoys in half a year to inspect the county magistrate's merits and deeds so that he can be deposed. Your Majesty, this time In order to confer on the roster of Lang Guan, please obtain the approval of the imperial court." Li Longji still ignored Yao Chong, his body leaned slightly, and he looked at Fang Liang. Yao Chong said it again, but Li Longji still ignored him. Gao Lishi saw Yao Chong's embarrassment from the side, so he stepped forward to smooth things over and said, "Mr. Yao, the Holy Majesty is a little tired. You can step down first." Yao Chong felt uneasy, not understanding why the emperor suddenly treated him like this.He had no choice but to kowtow to the ground, and then quietly exited the hall. After Yao Chong left, Gao Lishi carefully asked, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with Yao Chong?" Li Longji sat up straight, turned his gaze from the roof to level, and said, "Of course he's not right, and he's a bit annoying." Gao Lishi said: "Your Majesty wants to work hard to govern, so he chose Yao Chong to take on the important task. I think that only the monarch and his ministers can reach a consensus together, so that we can try to rule the world. Just now Yao Chong asked Your Majesty, but His Majesty ignored it, so he did not accept it." The minister's words made the minister fearful, how could the minister dare to speak in the future?" Li Longji said: "Hmph, I have ordered Yao Chong to take on the great responsibility, and I have made it clear to him several times that in the future, I will of course discuss with him about major affairs in the court. It is decided within the jurisdiction that he has come to bother me again and again today, isn't he just asking for trouble?" Gao Lishi suddenly realized, and said: "Your Majesty is thinking, and Yao Chong may not be able to understand. I request you to go to Zhongshu Province now, can you?" "Well, you go. You tell Yao Chong that I have no doubts about employing people, as long as it is out of public interest, there is no taboo." Yao Chong was thinking about it in the Yamen at that time, but Li Longji suddenly lowered his face, which made him confused, not knowing where he had offended the emperor.After Gao Lishi entered the yamen, he explained in detail, and Yao Chong just smiled and said: "The emperor trusts his ministers so much. There is no such case in ancient times. General Gao, please report to the emperor, and say that Yao Chong will let go of the government in the future, and dare not It has failed the Holy Majesty's will." Gao Lishi said: "That's right, if Mr. Yao can do this, my running is not in vain." Yao Chong stared at Gao Lishi and said: "General Gao, I was very rude to eunuchs before. It is a blessing for the country to have an internal official like you in front of the emperor. Come, I want to salute you today and show my heart." Gao Lishi stepped forward to support Yao Chong, and said, "Mr. Yao can't. As long as foreign ministers and internal officials do their best for the Holy One, there is no difference. Please rest assured, Mr. Yao. I dare not interfere with the government. I will do my best to benefit the Holy Majesty and the country." Yao Chong bowed deeply, this move was really sincere.For Gao Lishi to receive such a courteous reception from Yao Chong, it was nothing less than the emperor's compliment, and he really felt complacent. Li Longji killed eldest Sun Xin with the palace stick, of course Queen Wang felt bad about it.However, Li Longji used "Women's Rules" to demand himself before, and he showed dissatisfaction in his words. Queen Wang knew that her lack of children was a weakness, and she did not dare to complain about the death of Changsun Xin.What's more, when the brother-in-law died, the younger sister could find someone else to remarry. There was really no need to be heartbroken for Chang Sunxin. Li Longji hadn't let Queen Wang sleep in for a long time, and Queen Wang knew that Concubine Zhao Li was the most in the harem.赵丽妃既尊敬王皇后，在后宫中人缘又好，王皇后也就不以为意。 李隆基这日晚间又让赵丽妃侍寝，赵丽妃默契地替李隆基宽衣解带，然后一同躺入锦衾之中。丽妃是年二十三岁，虽已生过一子一女，身子较之初识李隆基时丰腴不少，然周身皮肤犹滑如凝脂，让李隆基觉得愈有滋味。李隆基的后宫佳丽甚多，其发现特别之女时不免起意，然而这些人侍寝之后，李隆基又感到兴趣索然。缘于这些佳丽侍奉龙体之时，多是心中既恐惧又羞涩，不免手脚忙乱，令李隆基甚不畅快。而赵丽妃甚懂李隆基心思，其单独面对李隆基的时候，柔情满腔，恨不得死在对方身上。李隆基爱怜之情顿时涌起，与之云雨大得趣味，令其念念不忘，认为与丽妃相处实为人生中的极大乐事。 却说二人一番欢畅后，丽妃伏于李隆基身上渐渐恢复平静。李隆基用手轻轻摩挲丽妃之背，闭目说道：“敏儿，遥想你初在潞州时羞涩至极，不料数年之间，你竟奋进如斯。” 丽妃并不回答，只是双手又紧抱了一下李隆基的腰间。 赵丽妃过了一会儿，方才缓缓说道：“陛下提起潞州，妾想起一件事儿，不知当讲不当讲？” “你不说出来，朕如何知道当讲不当讲？” “皇后这些日子督促我们读文德皇后的《女则》，妾知道后宫不许干政，因而深恐言语之间涉嫌政事。” “不妨，你说来听听。” “今日午后，张员外夫人入宫聊些往事。说话间，她忽然垂下泪来，说张员外在府里经常长吁短叹，甚多心事，她眼瞧着心里也难受。”赵丽妃一直称呼张暐为张员外，至今未改。 李隆基森然道：“张暐如此慨叹，莫非有怨言吗？” “非也。张员外知道陛下让他们悠闲自保的好意，不敢有怨言。只是觉得如此一来与陛下聚少离多，因而心里难受。” 李隆基笑道：“如此小事，还用日日长吁短叹吗？朕这些日子忙乱得很，哪儿有时间凭空消闲？待将来诸事理顺后，可诏他们夫妻入宫叙叙旧事，亦无不可呀。”李隆基此次夺功臣实权，然对他们还是有区别的。如张暐与刘幽求等人相比，虽一样是功臣，然张暐还有不同之处，其为李隆基亲信之人。张暐豪爽仗义，饮酒无度，有对李隆基的绝对忠心，李隆基还是非常喜欢这个优缺点明显的忠心之人的。 “陛下，张员外夫人让妾转呈陛下，说张员外有要事请求入宫，不知陛下能准否？” 李隆基伸手刮了一下赵丽妃那玲珑的小鼻儿，笑道：“他们夫妻二人也颇有心机，张暐有事想见朕，自可当面奏请，何必如此绕着弯儿让你来转呈？哈哈，他们想让朕念着旧情，多对张暐好一些而已。敏儿，你告诉他们，今后不可如此了。” 赵丽妃又泛出那令李隆基为之情迷的眼神，说道：“妾明白。不过若没有他们，妾此生如何能侍奉陛下？那时的张员外，又如何知道陛下今后能成为皇帝呢？陛下，妾日日还念起张员外拨给的那座宅子，只觉得比此宫里更温馨。” 李隆基道：“是呀，人皆有私，那是一点不假的。朕虽为皇帝，也不能免俗，谁让我们当初接受张暐的巴结呢？” 丽妃闻言，不禁浅浅而笑。 后一日午后，李隆基在殿内将奏章批阅完毕，忽然忆起赵丽妃之语，遂让高力士派人传张暐入宫觐见。 张暐入殿后，即抢至李隆基面前叩拜，然后眼含热泪，说道：“臣近来闲住府里，只是念记陛下得紧，今日既蒙召见，心中不禁为之鼓荡，难以自已。” 李隆基令其平身，微笑道：“你在府中清闲无比？朕看未必吧。朕听说你府里来人穿梭不已，又是游方道士，又是游侠逸士，似比朕还要忙乱一些。” 张暐闻听此言，脸上不禁为之一变。他知道皇帝起事之初以结交这些人为多，如今昔日的阿瞒成了皇帝，当然不许臣下再行阴谋之举，他急忙辩解道：“臣在府中确实见了不少旧人，臣之所以如此，还是基于对陛下忠心的缘故。” 李隆基依旧微笑道：“好嘛，朕想听听你的忠心在何处。” “臣以为，天下承平不久，此前陛下先诛韦氏，再清太平公主之党，由此积怨不少。臣所以频召故人，无非想多知道一些讯息，以为陛下耳目。” 李隆基颔首道：“嗯，朕若非知道你对朕忠心，早就要问你了。你说有要事相告，现在可以说了。” 张暐转头看了看殿内，李隆基明白其心意，说道：“高将军是无妨的。高将军，你可让其他人全部出殿。” 殿内由此仅剩下三人，张暐低声禀道：“臣有两件要紧事儿，可谓十万火急。第一件事儿，陛下起用姚崇，让所有功臣优闲自保，陛下知道这些功臣们的近况吗？” “朕不甚了了，只知道刘幽求、钟绍京等人私下里交往甚频。朕就不明白了，你也为功臣也为闲人，为何不与他们一起扎堆儿饮酒谈说？” “他们也数次叫过臣，然臣皆以托词却之。臣以为陛下让功臣优闲自保，其实意蕴深远，若功臣们不听圣言继续扎堆儿，那就是失了自保之道。” 李隆基颔首，目视高力士道：“刘幽求他们博闻识见，哪一个不比张暐强？奈何如此浅显的道理，他们愣是弄不明白。” 张暐躬身道：“陛下，他们不明白也就罢了，更为可恨的是他们不念圣恩，对陛下口出怨言！” 李隆基脸上变色道：“你未参与聚会，如何能知他们口吐怨言？” “臣知道他们经常聚会，由此就上了心。陛下知道，臣若想在刘幽求宅中安插耳目，那是不用大费力气的。”张暐此后将刘幽求他们的对话一五一十复述出来，李隆基听至大半，心中已然震怒，遂拍案呼道：“高将军，速传姚崇过来！” 高力士离殿后，李隆基脸色稍和，说道：“张卿，这件事儿就不用说了。第二件是什么事儿？” 张暐放下刘幽求等人的话题，脸色变得更加凝重，说道：“陛下，此件事儿尚需时日打探，臣也是刚刚嗅出一点苗头。最近入臣府中的一些故人言道，东都洛阳那里有人放言，说陛下的皇位非为正统，这个皇位应该是李重茂的。” 当初唐中宗李显暴崩，韦皇后立李显的小儿子李重茂为皇帝。此后李隆基与太平公主联手诛灭韦氏之党，事变结束后，太平公主从御座上将李重茂提溜下来，说道：“天下之心已归相王，此非儿座！”如此相王李旦就成为皇帝，李隆基成为太子，李重茂被封为温王囿于内宫。李隆基与张暐皆是事变过程的主要参与者，当然知道李旦的皇帝位是靠抢夺而来的，那么李隆基的皇位由此延续而来，说到底不会令人心服。 李隆基脸上恢复平淡之色，释然道：“天下悠悠，如何能堵众人之口？他们愿意如此说，就随其去吧。” 张暐摇头道：“不然。臣感到其中有人推波助澜，显系有意为之。臣已探知一人，此人现在虽化名隐居，然有人识得其面貌，识得此人正是太平公主府典签王师虔。” “哦，王师虔？若这些流言由王师虔所发，确实需要郑重对待。王师虔当初化名逃逸，莫非隐居在洛阳吗？” “一月前有人在洛阳孟津见过王师虔，臣听说后暗里派人去访查，然不知所终。” 李隆基凝思片刻道：“张卿，你很好。若有王师虔出现，则其志不小，不可小视之。此事还要继续访查，朕要好好想想此事，容后再议。” "I understand." 姚崇在高力士带领下进入殿来，李隆基厉声道：“姚卿，刘幽求、钟绍京和崔日用三人不思君恩，动辄说些怨谤之言。你即日起将此三人圈禁中书省内，由你亲自查核，视实情予以发落。” 姚崇不明所以，期期艾艾说道：“臣奉旨。然此三人说话并无对证，臣当以何法审之？” “张卿这里有人证！张卿，你速将人证带至中书省。” 姚崇此时完全明白张暐为告密者，遂躬身领旨，其目光飘过张暐的脸庞时，眼中透出一丝复杂之色来。