Chapter 17 Chapter 17 Prohibition of Evil Money

Li Longji was reading memorials in the "Government Affairs Main Building" today, feeling a little tired, so he got up and opened the window to stand on the balcony.It was the cold winter season, the last snow had not yet melted, and there was a lot of snow in the houses and shades as far as he could see, which made the cold air even more bitter.Li Longji was jolted by the cold, and felt his head, which was a little swollen, refreshed a lot. At this moment, a thought suddenly flashed in his mind: I haven't seen him for a long time, how is he busy with his affairs? With this thought in mind, Li Longji immediately ordered Gao Lishi to arrange a ride to watch it.

The house Li Longji built for his party is located in Changlefang in the northeast corner of the city. The terrain here is relatively high, and a high platform is built in the courtyard, which is beneficial for the party to observe the sky. The group and others were busy on the high platform at that time, when they heard that the emperor was coming, they hurriedly got off the stage and knelt down to greet him.Li Longji drove down to the ground with his father, went forward with a group, and asked: "It's freezing cold today, you don't keep warm inside the house, but you are braving the cold on the high platform, what are you busy with?"

Pointing to the things on the table, a group of people said: "Your Majesty, the poor monk ordered to supervise the construction of the armillary sphere. Its big shape has been completed, and it has reached the final installation stage." Li Longji was very interested when he heard the words, and said, "Oh? Is this really an armillary sphere? Alright, Zen Master, please take me to have a look." The high platform is covered with a lot of things, including round brass balls, iron sinks and wheels, wooden cabinets, and two wooden figures, which are a bit messy because they haven't been installed yet.Li Longji looked it over, but he didn't understand why, so he asked: "Master Yixing, why do these objects become armillary spheres?"

A group pointed to the brass ball and said: "Your Majesty, please look, this copper object is the edge of the round sky, and there are sun, moon and stars outside the boundary, engraved with the equator and the degree of the sky; these water tanks and runners are used to fill water. The exciting wheel makes it rotate." Li Longji said: "There is a saying in ancient books that Zhang Heng of the Han Dynasty built an armillary sphere for water transportation, is it similar to this?" "Your Majesty's sage is this thing. However, compared with Zhang Heng's creation, the precision of the technique and the precision of the precision of this thing should not be the same."

Li Longji became interested and said: "Okay, the precision of this skill and the precision of the degree, please tell the Zen master." Li Longji has a wide range of interests, and he loves to pay attention to novelty.He had only learned the name of the Armillary Sphere from books before, but unfortunately he had not seen the real thing, so he was very interested. "Your Majesty, please see that the water stimulates the wheel, and the images of the round sky rotate according to their respective trajectories. One day and one night, the sky makes a full circle, the sun and the moon turn westward for one turn, the sun travels eastward for one degree, and the moon travels for thirteen degrees and nineteen degrees. 7/10. If there is more than twenty-nine turns, the sun and the moon will meet, and if there are three hundred and sixty-five turns, the sun will move."

Li Longji didn't understand the terminology that Xingxing said, but he roughly understood its meaning, and said: "According to the Zen master, this armillary sphere is to imitate the movement of celestial phenomena, and the positions of the sun and the moon show the daily and annual degrees?" "What His Majesty said is true." "Well, what's the use of these two wooden figures?" "Your Majesty, please look at this wooden cabinet. It is flat on the ground. Half of the armillary sphere is on the cabinet and the other half is inside the cabinet. This way, you can adjust its slowing speed when it is dark and bright. These two people are standing on the wooden cabinet, with the clock in front. Drums, waiting for the hour. Every moment, the drums will be played naturally, and every hour, the bell will be struck naturally."

Li Longji roughly understood it, and then sighed: "The Zen master said that this object is so fine, he is not boasting. This object roughly rounds the image of the sky, showing not only the year, the month, but also the hour, which is really wonderful." Li Longji pointed to the two little wooden figures again and said: "Zen Master, these two little wooden figures are very interesting. With this thing, when you hit the drum when you are engraved, and when you ring the bell when you are in the morning, those hourglasses, sundials and other things seem too stupid." The object made by Yiyi is a celestial phenomenon, and the two small wooden figures attached to it are actually the ancestors of later clocks, six centuries earlier than the world's first clock, the Wick Clock.

A group said modestly: "This thing has to be transported by water, and it costs a lot of money. Compared with hourglasses and sundials, it fails to adapt to local conditions." Li Longji said enthusiastically: "Well, after the Zen master makes the armillary sphere, it can be placed in front of the Wucheng Hall, so that all officials can see the Zen master's craftsmanship." The zodiac travel instrument and many other strange tools, and then said: "The Zen master is so diligent, and with these instruments supplemented, the new calendar is ready to come out." The party shook their heads and said: "Your Majesty, although these instruments have auxiliary functions, they are built behind closed doors after all, and there is still a gap between them and the reality. The errors in the previous calendars were mostly due to indoor deduction. Your Majesty is here today, and the poor monk happened to have something to do. Please."

"Okay, Zen master, but if you have something to ask, I will accept it." "Your Majesty, the current territory of the Tang Dynasty extends from the desert in the north, to the sea in the southeast, and to the Congling Ridge in the west. Such a vast territory just provides convenience for the poor monk to measure it. Please see, your majesty, this is a measuring tool made by the poor monk. , named 'Cultivator'." Li Longji picked up the "shoe stick" and looked carefully. He saw that the object was made of wood, shaped like a triangle, and carved with many lines at equal distances. Things look like a ruler, but they don't look like a ruler, so what's the use of it?"

"Your Majesty, if you measure the shadow of the sun with this object, you can know the exact dates of the local vernal equinox, autumnal equinox, winter solstice, and summer solstice. You can also use it to measure the length of day and night and the height of the celestial sphere. However, if the world is so big, it will be lost if it is confined to one place." Biased, the reason why the calendar of the previous generation is wrong is that it is only a glimpse of the unreviewed whole picture, the so-called difference is a thousand miles away." "Oh, I understand. You want to use this 'rule' to measure everywhere for accuracy?"

"Your Majesty is wise. The poor monk must have someone go to the four directions to measure the data in order to be accurate. However, this trip requires a lot of manpower, money, food, and time. The poor monk hesitated because of this, and please show your majesty." "Hehe, this is a good thing, so why bother? I asked the household department to set aside money and food for Zen Master. If one year is not enough, you can extend it at will. As for the person, let the Zen master choose by himself, I Knowing that to do these things, you need some sophisticated people, the Zen master still wants to teach them how to use these instruments?" Seeing the emperor supporting him so much, the party was moved and thanked him with clasped hands. A large-scale field survey was carried out in all directions in the Tang Dynasty. Since the history of China, there has never been a field survey of this scale.Several years later, based on the collected measurement data, the group drew 24 "Chrome Maps", which accurately calculated the vernal equinox, autumnal equinox, winter solstice, summer solstice, the height of the North Pole, and the length of day and night, etc. A solid foundation has been laid. In the "Picture of Moments", Yiyi also calculated that if the height of the North Pole differs by one degree, the distance between the north and the south is 351 miles and 80 steps.This length is more than 151 kilometers in modern times, which is actually the length of one degree on the earth's meridian (longitude).A line is actually the first person in the world to measure the length of the meridian.In the next ninety years, Al?Khwarazimo also measured the length of the meridian. It was the ninth year of Kaiyuan, which was 721 AD.The Tang Dynasty seemed extremely peaceful.There is no war on the border here, the domestic population is increasing, the food is abundant, and the price of food has dropped year by year, showing a sign of prosperity. One party accidentally measured the length of the earth's meridian because the court needed an accurate new calendar.As for why there were no inventions and creations in other aspects of natural science, it was because China did not need these useless techniques at that time. Let's say that Cui Yinfu was awarded an order to catch money and went to the Jianghuai area, and his first stop was Luzhou. Cui Yinfu was originally Yushi Zhongcheng, but this time he is an imperial envoy of the imperial court. Of course, the governor of Luzhou and others were careful to curry favor with him.Cui Yinfu took out the imperial imperial edict and told the governors of Luzhou: "Since you know the purpose of my official visit, you should know that the imperial court attaches great importance to Luzhou. The evil money in the world is the most prosperous in Huainan Road, and among the Huainan Roads, Luzhou is the most rampant. " The governor of Luzhou said cautiously: "Master Cui has a clear understanding of the details, so he can't be wrong. Luzhou is rich in copper and iron, and it has been the government-run smelter since ancient times. Stealing castings. I have sent people to search and suppress many times, but there are so many stealing castings that it is impossible to stop them." "Of course, Lord Inspector obeys the court's law, but is there anyone in your subordinates colluding with traitors, ventilating internally and externally, and making the robbery worse?" "That's right, that's right. What Master Cui said is true. There are good and bad subordinates in this government, so no one is allowed to collude with traitors." The governor of Luzhou heard the voice of Cui Yinfu's words. Although he said that his subordinates and traitors Collusion, how do you know if you beat yourself up and let it go in your jurisdiction, and thus become a hotbed for thieves? "Well, I'm an order to catch money, and the first stop is Luzhou. I hope the governor will help me with all my strength." "That is, that is, the official will spare no effort." "Okay then, I'll ask Lord Inspector to focus on this matter in the near future. If it is effective, I will affirm the credit of Lord Inspector to the court." "Do what you do, do what you do." "The reason why I came to Luzhou was not only because of the rich copper and iron here, but because of the convenience of boats and vehicles here. The official roads here are connected in all directions, and the water system is vertical and horizontal. Once the goods are gathered here, they can be quickly transported to all parts of the world." "Master Cui means..." "Please ask the governor to send people to station at the docks and post stations to monitor the goods coming and going day and night. If the copper, iron and coins are transported by officials, they can be released. If they are smuggled, they will be detained on the spot and not allowed to flow out." The governor of Luzhou hesitated and sighed: "Master Cui doesn't know something. This matter seems simple, but there are twists and turns in it." "Why did Lord Inspector make such a statement?" "Luzhou has always been a copper and iron producing area, and the imperial court has set up two money-making factories here. For a few years, the imperial court has allowed private mining of copper and iron, and people from all over the world flock here. Seeking to make a living, looking for mining everywhere, and more of them are digging for the nobles. These privately mined mines are taxed by the imperial court, and it is really difficult for lower officials to stop them. This is the same difficulty; At that time, all of them were sealed by the imperial court, and the lower officials heard that most of them were privately cast, and those with such ability were not made by ordinary people, so this is a dilemma." The governor of Luzhou has been an official for many years, and he is well versed in the details of mining and casting in Luzhou.In fact, many people can understand these things, but they would rather keep their words in their stomachs than say them.If Cui Yinfu hadn't forced the governor of Luzhou today, he would not have said such words easily. When Cui Yinfu left Beijing, he also knew that the mining and metallurgy issue in Luzhou would definitely concern the noble people in Beijing, but he didn't expect it to be so serious, so he hesitated there for a while. The governor of Luzhou said cautiously: "Lord Cui, if you want to get this matter done thoroughly, you'd better report to the imperial court that private collection is strictly prohibited, so that the situation can be completely changed." "The Holy Majesty said that only individuals are prohibited from running large-scale mining and smelting plants. This is for the sake of the people. If a complete ban on private mining is violated, it is against the original intention of the Holy Majesty, and it is not good for the common people." Seeing Cui Yinfu taking out the emperor's big hat to suppress people, the Luzhou governor was so frightened that he dared not speak. Cui Yinfu thought for a while, and then said decisively: "That's it. Please send manpower to check it quickly, the governor, first detain those prohibited items, and then hand it over to the official for decision! As for the large private mines you mentioned Come on, I'll take some soldiers to investigate, if it's as serious as the governor said, I won't be merciful!" Walking nearly 200 miles south from Luzhou Metallurgical Institute, you will arrive at the bank of the Yangtze River. This place is famous all over the world for hundreds of miles. It has always been named "Bronze Capital". The next day, Cui Yinfu drove his horse to leave the Luzhou Iron Works and headed southward. It was the middle of winter. Compared with Chang'an, it was slightly warmer, but the air was full of moisture and extremely cold, and the taste was even more uncomfortable than Chang'an.Cui Yinfu straddled his horse forward, and someone behind him held a banner and wrote the words "Imperial order to arrest Qianling Cui", and then there were five hundred soldiers holding spears and halberds, which gave Cui Yinfu a sense of majesty. . A group of people were greeted and sent to the post station along the way. A few days later, they arrived at the north of the river. Although separated by a river, the scenery in the north and south of the river is very different.As far as they can see, there are lakes and ponds with sparkling water, and more green and yellow hills and miscellaneous trees. The official road here is narrow and there are few people, so it is a bit difficult to walk.However, imperial envoys of the imperial court, for example, have postmen to take care of them along the way, and their food and accommodation are quite convenient.At this time, the imperial court set up a station every 30 miles. There were 1,297 land stations, 260 water stations, and 86 water and land stations in the country, totaling 1,600. Forty-three.When officials travel, board and lodging are provided free of charge. Cui Yinfu worked tirelessly and went deep into the mountains to inspect the imperial court's copper smelting place.This place is not far from Mount Jiuhua, where copper smelting is located in the valley, and charcoal fires are burning under several huge furnaces, and the smoke from them envelopes the entire valley. In the innermost part of the valley there is a hill-like pile of ore, and many ragged miners dumped the copper ore on the pile in baskets, and then turned back and returned to the mountain. Cui Yinfu originally wanted to go to the mining site in the mountains to have a look, but was stopped by the envoy of Ji Ye, who persuaded him: "The mountains are rugged and difficult to walk. These miners are good at walking the mountain roads, and their clothes are still hung in tatters. Please don't enter." Cui Yinfu asked: "The road is difficult, but mining is also very difficult, right?" "My lord, the mineral veins in this mountain are relatively obvious. They looked at the quasi-mineral veins and then dug them. From this, they dug and dug to form a mine cave. The cave gradually deepened and was several miles long. Moreover, this cave can only allow one person to walk. It is really difficult. Incomparable." Cui Yinfu looked at the red copper water that had just been poured out, and sighed: "The money is not enough, because copper smelting is very difficult." Cui Yinfu lingered here for a while, then left Ye Suoyu and returned to the station.About three miles out of the valley, he suddenly saw a cloud of smoke in the valley on the left, so he turned his head and asked, "Isn't that also the court's refinery?" When the imperial envoy came to Benzhou Island to do business, the governor's office sent people to follow him. The governor of Luzhou sent Chang Shi to accompany him this time. Chang Shi heard the words and replied: "Master Cui, it seems to be the ground of Xuanzhou. Is it the imperial court? The officer doesn't know." Cui Yinfu was an imperial envoy, so he didn't care about the ground in Xuanzhou and Luzhou, so he said, "Since there is smog, there must be someone there. Let's go and have a look." This smoke is mostly produced during copper smelting, so it has attracted much attention. Hundreds of people then turned to the left and soon entered the valley where the smoke rose. As expected, this place is a copper smelting place, two large melting furnaces are being burned red by charcoal fire, and there is also a pile of ore like a hill, and a row of people who carry the mine are also dumping it in an endless stream. Cui Yinfu brought people into the valley and came to the front, and asked people to call the people in charge here to speak. A bearded man came in front of Cui Yinfu, he knew that Cui Yinfu was not young when he saw such a battle, but there was no panic on his face, he saluted Cui Yinfu generously, saying that Zhang, a grassroots man, paid his respects to the lord of the government. As soon as Cui Yinfu heard the word "grass people", he immediately understood, and asked: "The imperial court does not allow individuals to mine large mines privately. You are not small, and you dare to mine and smelt with such a big fanfare! I ask you, who owns this mine?" That Zhang had been thinking about it for a long time, and replied calmly: "My lord, the grass-roots of course know the imperial court's decree. The copper smelted by the grass-roots is the ore collected from the miners, and all of them are taxed by the court. It is not against the law." A court decree." "Nonsense! This area is, for example, an important mining area for the imperial court. Individuals are not allowed to steal mines. Who are you relying on to make such clever arguments?" "Your Excellency said so, Caomin is a little confused. Caomin is only 30 years old this year. As long as I can remember, I know that the imperial court will not allow the common people to mine here. I don't know when it will start. The imperial court will not allow mining here?" Cui Yinfu was furious, and looked back at Luzhou Governor Shi and said: "Look, this person calls himself a grassroots, does he look like a grassroots? He has no superiors, and if he has no one to back him up, how dare he be so bold? Either rape or robbery!" Come, take this person into custody and question them carefully, and the 50 soldiers left in this smelting station will guard them, and if it turns out that they quarried the smelting without permission, they can be taken back to the imperial court." The governor of Luzhou knows that there are many twists and turns in mining and smelting, so he whispered: "Master Cui, the smelting here has been going on for a long time, and things will not be so simple. I beg you to do it safely." Cui Yinfu stared, and reprimanded: "The world is so big, it is all ruled by the imperial court, and all things that violate the court's laws and regulations should be banned. What is the difference between complicated and simple things?" When Luzhou Governor Shi heard this, he was too frightened to speak again. In the next few days, Cui Yinfu led hundreds of soldiers wandering around in the mountains, and went to investigate wherever they saw smoke rising. The result was very fruitful, and they set up three similar private factories. When Cui Yinfu returned to Luzhou with a complete victory, the governor of Luzhou was ordered to search the docks and post houses, and seized a lot of copper, iron and bad money, which turned out to be piled up in the shape of a hill.Cui Yinfu was overjoyed when he saw it, so he asked people to take these objects to the government-run mint, thinking that they would be used to make money. Cui Yinfu banned money in Luzhou like this, just like a stone thrown into the originally calm water, the ripples spread throughout the whole country. Li Longji's "Forbidden Evil Money Edict" stipulates that the use period of evil money is limited to three months, and the circulation of evil money is not allowed after the expiration.However, before March, the world was already in chaos. Song Jing's attitude towards banning money is the most resolute. Most upright people often stick to their principles when thinking about it, and do everything without carefully discerning the source and flow of everything. After the "Forbidden Evil Money Edict" was issued, Song Jing also issued several ultimatums, which were nothing more than specific details on the prohibition of evil money.At this time, Cui Yinfu had already gone to Luzhou to make a major event, and all the officials and common people in the world knew that the imperial court was serious this time. Li Longji and Song Jing neglected a detail, and this detail is fatal.The imperial decree stipulates that the circulation of bad money is not allowed after three months, and the bad money will be taken back by the court at the price of copper and tin, and official money will be minted separately. It was less than a month after the decree was issued, and the evil money on the market suddenly disappeared, and it was hard to see it again. It turns out that no matter whether it is a high-ranking official or a commoner's family, if they have bad money in hand, they will not sell it. They will hide in the house quietly and never show it to others. Several times before, bad money was banned or bad money was exchanged for good money. In the end, there was only one result, that is, bad money could not be banned. After a period of time, bad money was still used. Who is to blame?Of course, blame the imperial court, who told you not to spend enough official money? Now the imperial court collects the bad money and only pays according to the price of copper and tin.If there is an expectation that the bad money will still circulate in the future, it would be extremely cheap to hide the bad money now, so the bad money will disappear immediately. Frightened by the imperial court's strict orders, some honest people went to exchange points set up by the imperial court to exchange bad money for good money.Unexpectedly, those yamen servants picked their noses and eyes upright, devalued the bad money to nothing, and would inevitably discount it greatly when exchanging it, making the exchanging people shout that they were fooled. The market situation in the world has taken a sudden turn for the worse. "Your Majesty, today the buyers in the palace have nothing to buy after leaving the palace. It turns out that both the east and west markets have been closed." Gao Lishi reported to Li Longji. "The two cities in the east and the west are on strike? Well, in the reports of various states before, it was also said that some states and counties went on strike, and this matter has come to the capital." "Yes, Your Majesty. According to people's rumors, the reason for the strike is all due to the prohibition of evil money." "I know. Go and summon Song Jing and Zhang Jiazhen into the palace." Gao Lishi was ordered to summon him. After Song Jing and Zhang Jiazhen heard about it, they hurried over and knelt and worshiped when they met. Li Longji raised his eyes and said, "Let's be flat, and give me a seat." Then he asked, "The east and west cities are closed. Bar?" The two answered in unison. Li Longji got up and left the case, and said while pacing, "Do you know why the East and West cities are on strike?" Song Jing said: "I have asked, the reason why they strike the market is because of the ban on money! Your Majesty, these profiteers and swindlers are really hateful. They heard the ban on money and maliciously hoarded bad money. As a result, they had no money to use, and the price of silk skyrocketed." , It even made the rice and noodles rise by one penny per bucket." "Well, is it true that merchants hoard money maliciously?" "Yes, of course they are. The common people don't have much money in their hands, so they can't afford to hoard more bad money." Li Longji turned to Zhang Jiazhen and said, "Zhang Qing, what do you think?" Zhang Jiazhen said: "I used to think that it is necessary to be extremely cautious in banning evil money. The current situation is exactly the result of banning money. Your Majesty, the court is unable to make more official money, and there is no other way to replace it. If this is the case, the evil money will be destroyed. Turmoil, of course." "According to Qing's wishes, can't you stop the bad money?" "I think that although the bad money is poorly made, it is made of copper and tin after all. When the official money is not enough, it is still okay to use the bad money for a while. Before the Song Dynasty, the prime minister tried to get rid of the bad money. Your Majesty I also agree, I have no choice but to go with the flow." Song Jing felt very annoyed after hearing this, and reprimanded: "Song Jing really disagrees with what Zhang Shizhong said. As a minister, you should know everything and say everything, there is no need to hesitate and act like an afterthought." Zhang Jiazhen usually followed Song Jing's words, but today she went against the norm and said emphatically: "After the fact, Zhuge Liang? Song Prime Minister, Your Majesty cannot speak like this in front of you. Your Majesty, I knew my position before. The prime minister is the superior." Seeing the two prime ministers blaming each other face to face today, Li Longji didn't want to resolve them, so he frowned and said, "That's all. Let's talk about how to deal with the current situation." Prices are soaring, various markets are on strike, and Cui Yinfu has made a fuss in Luzhou. Li Longji understands that he is facing a huge crisis. Of course, Song Jing repeated the same old tune, and said firmly: "Your Majesty, if you want to do something, it will definitely change the original situation, and there will be waves in the early stage. The edict to ban evil money has just been issued not long ago, and the limit for stopping evil money has not yet expired. Chaos is actually normal. For the current plan, we can only do it resolutely, so that those who have delusions will lose their hope, and then this can be done." Li Longji shook his head and said, "Where is the money? Where is the money? If there is no money, it will be a disaster." Zhang Jiazhen said: "Your Majesty, for the present plan, the only way is to immediately suspend the ban on money and allow the temporary circulation of bad money. The imperial court will immediately increase its efforts to mint money, and when the good money is full, the bad money will stop automatically." Li Longji didn't respond when he heard the words, but actually agreed with Zhang Jiazhen's words in his heart.However, the "Edict for Prohibiting Evil Money" was promulgated by myself. If I stop the decree of prohibiting evil money now, like this, it will be issued and stopped, and it will be repeated, then what will my face be? Li Longji hesitated, he waved his hand to order the two to withdraw, and he was thinking hard alone before going to court. Song Jing returned to Zhongshu Province, but didn't pay much attention to this matter.He always believes that as long as he acts resolutely in the current situation, the clouds will clear up.He went back to Yamen and sat in front of the case to concentrate on handling official documents, and he didn't realize that it was almost noon. Qi Han from Zhongshushe came to the case and asked Song Jing to sign the prepared letter.This is a ultimatum about Kuohu, Song Jing glanced at ten lines at a glance, and then wrote it in one go. Qi Han turned around to leave, but Song Jing had nothing to do at this time, so she called him over and asked with a smile, "Qi Sheren, you have been a Zhongshu Sheren for nearly eight years, right? Do you want to do it for a long time?" go down?" Qi Han laughed at himself and said: "The lower official is famous for 'resolving things and giving up people'. There is no one under the Zhongshu Provincial Committee who can replace him, and the lower official can only continue to do it." Qi Han is very familiar with the laws and regulations of the past dynasties, the age of the characters, and the strategy and strategy. Song Jing sighed: "If you can't be promoted because of your reputation, it will be a loss for the superior. Well, next time I see you, I want to talk about you." "Don't worry about Song Ling, it's okay. The lower official is a calm person, and he is a scholar of Zhongshu. From the official to the fifth rank, his salary is enough to support his family. Why should he think otherwise? Song Ling doesn't need to talk to the emperor. , I am familiar with this position, and I am very happy, so it is very good to be an official with this position." Song Jing sighed greatly, and said: "People say that I, Song Jing, have no desires or desires. Compared with you, I still have a little more competitive heart. Forget it, it's natural. Let's be at peace with what happens." Qi Han was about to resign again, but Song Jing suddenly remembered something, called him back, and asked with a smile, "By the way, Qi Sheren. In the past, when Duke Yao was prime minister, I heard that you were the one who rescued Duke Yao." The reputation of 'phase'?" "That's right, it's exactly what the official said. The official's words are open, and I hope Song Ling will forgive me." "This reputation is just right, so how can you speak freely? Well, Qi Sheren, I have been a prime minister for more than three years, and I really want to hear your comments on me." "The lower official speaks bluntly, and I am afraid that he will offend Song Ling." "Haha, what's the problem? To be frank, I, Song Jing, still have a little reputation in the world. We are with each other today, and there is no need to hide it." When Qi Han heard this, he also put a smile on his face: "Song Ling said so, we will open our hearts to each other." "Well, let me ask you. How do you evaluate my appointment as Prime Minister? I don't dare to compare with Fang Du, Prime Minister of Zhenguan Xian, how can I compare with my predecessor, Duke Yao?" Qi Han blurted out without hesitation: "Song Ling is not as good as Yao Gong!" Human self-esteem comes from nature, even the sages of Song Jing are not exempt from vulgarity.Hearing this resolute words, his face was a bit uneasy, and his heart was trembling and sad. He paused for a moment before regaining his composure, and tried his best to force a smile on his face and said: "Well, I am not as good as Yao Gong? Why do you use it as an example? " "Yao Gongli governs and can always pay attention to the development of the situation. If he finds that things have changed, he will immediately take countermeasures. Although his flexibility is not in the foresight, it is still in the way of repairing the past, so it is called 'saving the time'. On the other hand, Song Ling, in case of trouble Sometimes he loses his foresight and doesn't adapt, so he loses his stagnation. For example, if the east and west cities are on strike at the same time, Mr. Yao will not let the matter develop to such a degree. He already has a countermeasure. " Song Jing was greatly shocked when he heard the words, and seemed to be talking to himself: "Sluggish? Oh, I am indeed a little sluggish." Qi Han didn't show any mercy to Song Jing, but he admired Song Jing's character in his heart, so he smiled and comforted: "Song Ling actually don't need to be too discouraged, the time is right for the Holy Majesty to confer on you! The Holy Majesty advocates Acting according to the story of Zhenguan, Song Ling was upright, and when he governed, he took the public heart as the most important thing. This kind of character is indeed a model that his subjects should have, and the Holy One must be very happy." Song Jing completely regained her composure at this time, and said with a smile, "Okay, I have no regrets in this life if I can get the praise of 'Solution of Things'." In fact, Song Jing didn't need to pay so much attention to the comparison with Yao Chong. His prime minister experience was actually closely connected with Yao Chong.Whenever later generations praised the virtuous prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty, they often praised Fang Du in the Zhenguan period and Yao Song in the Kaiyuan period later, which can be said to be famous in history. Li Longji's long examination finally has the result, that is, he will resign from Song Jing's position as prime minister. Song Jing is over, who is the successor? Li Longji was a little uncertain. Whenever this happened, he would think of the veteran Yao Chong.As a result, Yao Chong was quickly summoned into the palace, and he was specially allowed by Li Longji to walk in public, so that he could avoid the trouble of running around. Yao Chong fell ill suddenly in the early winter of last year. After recovering from his illness, his body was very weak, and he never went to the court to pay homage, nor did he go to the East Palace to teach the crown prince.Although he walked to the front of Qinzheng Building by public transport today, he was out of breath after only a few steps.Seeing this, Li Longji hurriedly stepped forward to support Yao Chong, helped him into the seat, and then said apologetically: "It's because I don't feel sorry for you for letting Yao Qing travel here. If I had known this, I should have gone to the mansion to pay a visit." It is." Yao Chonggui panted for a while on his seat, and after adjusting his breath, he said: "Your Majesty's quasi-veteran minister is walking in the palace by car, which has saved the minister from the trouble of running around. I can only thank the emperor for his kindness. Your Majesty, although the minister is weak in body, his brain is still weak." Not confused, there is no pain in the body, and I can still enter the palace to meet your majesty." After finishing speaking, he struggled to stand up and bow to Li Longji. Seeing this, Li Longji hurriedly stepped forward to hold him down, and said: "Yao Qing will start from today. , from now on, if you see me, you will not be allowed to bow down, we just bow our hands together as a salute." Yao Chong had no choice but to bow his hands in thanks and said, "Old minister, I thank Your Majesty Long En." Li Longji returned to his seat, so he happened to sit facing Yao Chong.He watched the maid serve fragrant tea to Yao Chong, and asked Yao Chong to drink a few sips before speaking: "Yao Qing, do you know about the strike in the East and West cities?" "Your Majesty, the old minister heard about this matter from his family today, but he doesn't know why it happened." Li Longji just recounted the process of the matter, and finally said: "Yao Qing, what do you think of this matter?" Yao Chong was silent for a moment, and then slowly said: "Song Jing and the others were too hasty about this matter. Alas, the money has been accumulating evil for too long, so it can be done overnight? Your Majesty, I am the prime minister." At that time, I also saw the disadvantages of bad money, but there were too many urgent matters at that time, so I didn't provoke this matter." "Oh, you also knew the disadvantages of bad money at the time? But you never mentioned it to me." "The disadvantage of bad money is that the production of bad money is too poor, and thus benefit the people who minted the money. It is actually not a big problem for the country." "It's nothing serious? When Song Jing talked about bad money, he gritted his teeth with hatred. Why are you so calm?" "Your Majesty, I thought at the time that although this evil money is crude and poor, it is still made of copper and tin, and it really has the function of coins. The country is not enough to cast official money, so it is a way to make up for it. Of course, the country needs It is the right way to increase the production of official money and gradually withdraw bad money from circulation." "As you said, bad money and official money run side by side in the world, so it's not a problem?" "It should be fine in the short term. Your Majesty, the people's private mining and private smelting, for example, tax the imperial court, so the country has not lost income. Some people have benefited a lot through private mining and private smelting, but the imperial court taxation includes It is not a bad thing that these people have more money in their hands.” "Well, if Yao Qing continues to be prime minister, today's situation will definitely not happen. Yao Qing, I have made up my mind and want to give up Song Jing's prime minister. I called you here today to ask your opinion on the successor." Yao Chong was slightly shocked when he heard the words, and quickly regained his composure. He smiled and said, "Well, considering Song Jing's life, it should be about the same. I wonder who His Majesty would like to be his successor?" Li Longji felt very novel about Yao Chong's first half of the sentence, but he ignored it, and replied: "Zhang Jiazhen is one, and Minister of the Ministry of Officials, Yuan Qianyao, is also selected." Yao Chongwei closed his eyes and was silent for a moment, then smiled and said: "If you talk about successors, I think your majesty has forgotten one person." "Try it, sir." "Zhang said. I think that a prime minister should be good at handling things and have a big heart. Both Zhang Jiazhen and Yuan Qianyao are loyal people, but they are inferior to Zhang Shuo in terms of heart." Li Longji knew that Yao Chong and Zhang Shuo had had mutual grievances for many years, but at this critical moment, Yao Chong also recommended Zhang Shuo, which is really "external promotion does not avoid enmity".He was moved in his heart, and praised: "Okay, Yao Qing's move is the most sufficient to show Qing's mind. I have thought about Zhang Shuo before, but I think this person is too sophisticated, thinking too much about the details, so I gave up .” "There are indeed many faults in what Zhang said. However, this person has a good vision, which is not bad. Besides, he has honed himself in foreign posts over the years, so he will definitely change his temper." "Well, I will think about it carefully. Yao Qing, I really don't understand what you said just now. Why is it time for Song Jing again?" Yao Chong smiled slightly and said: "If you say this, it is really a taboo for me, I dare not say it." "Forgive your innocence, please speak." "Forget it, I know that time is short, the so-called 'a bird is about to die, its words are good'..." Li Longji interrupted his words and reprimanded: "Speak well, why do you say such ominous words? You are a little weak, and you will recover after a while. I will consult you about military affairs from time to time, etc. No more ominous words are allowed." Yao Chong shook his head slightly, thinking to himself, only I understand my own body best. Yao Chong felt a lot of comfort in his heart when he saw that Li Longji was unhappy and expressed his true feelings.He smiled, with sly eyes, and said softly: "I dare to ask Your Majesty, if there is no such incident of bad money, would Song Jing also be dismissed?" Li Longji was startled for a moment, and then said softly: "Yao Qing is old and hot, I ask you, how did you see what I'm thinking?" "Since the first year of His Majesty's Kaiyuan period, the system of many prime ministers in the previous dynasty has been changed, and only one prime minister and one assistant are set up. The minister summed up this system in six words: full-time and short term!" "Full-time but short-term? I would like to hear the details." "Your Majesty's trip, the first thing is to choose a person very strictly. Your Majesty will test your personal temperament according to the current situation. For example, if your majesty appoints a minister as the prime minister, it means that the minister has a good time; if you appoint Song Jing as the prime minister, it means seeing Having won the title of Song Jing, it can serve as a role model for education." "Well, what's next?" "Human nature has strengths and weaknesses. When the strengths are exhausted, the weaknesses will be revealed. This period is limited to about three years. Your Majesty's appointment of ministers and Song Jing is nothing more than about three years. This is the short-term appointment." Li Longji's mind was broken by Yao Chong, and an indescribable taste suddenly rose in his heart.He laughed loudly, got up and walked to Yao Chong's side, held his hand and said, "Yao Qing is the one who knows me. You are right. I did it like this, and I really have this consideration. The so-called employing people without suspicion, you If you are in a phase, you can do things as you please, and be bold, but when everyone slacks, I will take back my power at this time." The two monarchs and ministers smiled at each other, and only they knew what it was like in their hearts. When Yao Chong was dismissed, Li Longji warned: "Yao Qing, you have broken my mind, but you don't need to say these words to outsiders." "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, these words will only rot in the stomach of the minister, and will only go with the minister in the future." "Look at you, you're speaking ominous words again."