Back to the Warring States Period as Zhao Kuo

After Zhao Kuo said this, the middle-aged scholar who was originally sluggish suddenly showed hope in his eyes again, and hurriedly shouted: "This lord is too right, you are simply usury!" , is illegal, I will go to the government to sue you at that time. ;

After listening to Zhao Kuo's words, the noble man's face changed again and again, what was shining in his eyes?It seems to be hesitating.

After several seconds, the aristocratic man said to Zhao Kuo: "Dare you ask your name?"Why do you insist on going against our Lu family? ;

Zhao Kuo asked, and said calmly: "My name is Li You, and I passed by here by chance today, as the saying goes, when the road is uneven, I draw my sword to help." ;

The name Li You is actually the name of Li Si's son, and Zhao Kuo borrowed it by the way. Anyway, Li You is only a child of three or five years old now.

Seeing the injustice, Zhao Kuo drew his sword to help and said this sentence, which immediately won the applause of many onlookers.

In fact, to put it bluntly, everyone knows and sympathizes with this middle-aged scholar's difficulties in his heart. After all, they are neighbors, and they have some affection on weekdays.It's just a pity that the Lu family is obviously more powerful, so they dare not provoke them.

The face of the noble man from the Lu family changed again and again, obviously thinking about something, and after a while he said: "Does your Excellency have something to do with Li Si, the vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?" ;

Zhao Kuo smiled lightly, and said to the noble man: "Why should I tell you?" ;

The face of the noble man suddenly turned red. You must know that the Lu family is the overlord of the local area. For many years, no one dared to speak to members of the Lu family in this place.

The aristocratic man from the Lu family took another look at Mao Sui and several followers behind Zhao Kuo, and finally his eyes fell on Tian Wan's face, and he was also absent-minded for a moment.

Although Tian Wan said that she is now a woman in her 30s, the years have not left any marks on her face. Instead, it has made her look more mature, dignified and elegant, and exudes a more charming flavor.

So the aristocratic man took a deep breath, arched his hands towards Zhao Kuo and said: "Since it was Li You who spoke, then we will let him go temporarily today, but his money must be returned, and I hope Li You Your Excellency, don't help others so casually in the future, or you may be in trouble. ;

After saying this, the noble man from the Lu family took a few followers, let go of the woman and left the place.

After the woman was released, she immediately hugged her two children and cried into a ball.

The neighbors in the neighborhood obviously also let out a sigh of relief, and returned to their homes one after another.

The middle-aged scholar came up with a grateful face, and bowed respectfully to Zhao Kuo: "Thank you Li Youen for your rescue. If it wasn't for Engong, I am afraid that my family, Fan Zeng, would really be destroyed today." ;

In fact, the expression on Zhao Kuo's face at the beginning was somewhat casual, but when he heard Fan Zeng's name, he suddenly showed a surprised expression.

;Did you say your name is Fan Zeng? ;

The middle-aged scholar was stunned for a moment, and said to Zhao Kuo with some doubts: "Has your benefactor heard of my name before?" ;

Zhao Kuo:;;

Although it was just a name, the historical knowledge that Zhao Kuo had just dug up in his mind told him that Fan Zeng, who was located in Juchao City, should really be Fan Zeng, Xiang Yu's son-in-law in history.

This is not to blame Zhao Kuo, after all, Zhao Kuo has encountered many famous people in history books since traveling for so many years. Of course, it is impossible for Zhao Kuo to think about this place when he goes to a place Historical figures, because this history has already changed, and people don't know where they have gone.

In terms of age, Fan Zeng was already an old man when the Qin Dynasty fell in history.

It's just that Fan Zeng, who was famous in history and also served as Xiang Yu's military adviser, how did he get to this point?

At this time, Tian Wan, who was standing behind her husband, suddenly reached out and stabbed Zhao Kuo. Only then did Zhao Kuo come to his senses. Fan Zeng in front of him was still waiting for his reply.

Zhao Kuo smiled, and said to Fan Zeng: "It's all right, it's just that after hearing your name, I remembered an old friend." ;

After Fan Zeng heard Zhao Kuo's words, he couldn't help but feel a little strange, what happened to this old man?

But of course Fan Zeng would not say to care about this, but said to Zhao Kuo: "Benefactor's great kindness and virtue, Fan Zeng can't repay him, please don't dislike the shabby house, be sure to stay in the humble house Have a light meal. ;

At this time, Fan Zeng's wife and two children also came forward and saluted Zhao Kuo very sincerely.

After Zhao Kuo heard this sentence, he also nodded with a smile and said: "Of course there is no problem, so I will bother you." ;

Zhao Kuo walked into the small courtyard of Fan Zeng's house, looked around, and found that there was a sense of shabby and simple everywhere.

This is not surprising, after all, if a person is not really poor, he should not borrow money.

Fan Zeng obviously also felt Zhao Kuo's gaze, and said a little embarrassedly: "I made my benefactor laugh." ;

Zhao Kuo laughed haha, and said to Fan Zeng: "What is this?"It is also a common thing for a man to start from a humble room, and you don't have to worry about it. You may be able to take off in the world in the future, and you don't know. ;

Although it was just a short sentence of politeness, it gave Fan Zheng considerable comfort now. He said to Zhao Kuo very gratefully: "If Fan Zeng can really achieve some achievements in the future, it will all depend on him." Engong's enlightenment today. ;

The two parties went to sit down in the main room of the room, and then Zhao Kuo also began to ask why Fan Zeng was reduced to the point where he ran to borrow usury.

Fan Zeng smiled wryly, and said: "Speaking of this matter, it is really related to the establishment of the Great Han Kingdom." ;

When Zhao Kuo heard this, he became more and more confused. After careful questioning, he learned the truth behind Fan Zeng's downfall.

Chapter 1196 The Energy of Lu's Head Snake (No. 20 [-]th)

It turns out that Fan Zeng's downfall is actually related to the domination of the Han Dynasty.

The Juchao City where Fan Zeng lived was originally the territory of the Chu State, but later Chu State was destroyed by the Han State, so it naturally became the territory of the Han State.

After the Great Han State occupied this place, it continued the previous policy in other places, that is, the Great Han State sent officials to take up major official positions, and other secondary official positions were given to those who are more powerful or willing to surrender to the Han State. More famous people will be in charge.

Fan Zeng was originally a clerk in the government, but he lost the election in the subsequent reorganization.

The reason for losing the election is actually very simple, that is because he did not get the support of those who are more capable and famous in the local area. Simply put, he did not get the support of the Lu family.

After losing his clerical job, anyway, a scholar could not do anything at home at that time. He also tried to start some small businesses, but obviously he was not suitable for this business, so he went bankrupt later.

After the bankruptcy, Fan Zeng went to the Lu family to borrow money in order to repay the debt, but he never expected that the Lu family would secretly tamper with the paperwork and contract for borrowing money, resulting in a few years later the interest has far exceeded that of the loan at that time. principal.

Fan Zeng obviously couldn't repay this huge amount. On the contrary, the debt was repaid more and more, and finally he couldn't pay it back. This is how what happened today happened.

After Zhao Kuo heard this, he couldn't help asking: "Is the Lu family you mentioned very powerful in this city?"

Fan Zeng nodded, and said: This city used to be one of the territories of the Zhao family, one of the three major families in the Chu State. The Lu family was responsible for assisting the Zhao family in governing the city at that time.

But after the soldiers and horses of the Han Kingdom came here, the Li family directly betrayed the Zhao family and surrendered to the Han Kingdom, which caused the officials sent by the Han Kingdom to trust the Li family.

On the other hand, the Li family has been very well-known for its business operations for so many years. Therefore, the local positions held by local people are basically monopolized by the Li family, either by their clan members or by Some puppets of their family will act.

After Zhao Kuo heard these words, he couldn't help but nodded slightly.

From the perspective of the system, this system was actually formulated by Zhao Kuo at that time, and there was no violation of laws and regulations.

But judging from the current situation of Fan Zeng, there are some problems in the implementation of this system.

Zhao Kuo said calmly: "Since this is the case, why don't you send local officials to respond like the Han Dynasty?"

Regardless of the fact that the officials sent here by the Great Han Kingdom seem to be airborne and have no real power, the problem is that the Great Han Kingdom has stationed certain troops in every city, just to prevent local rebellions.

In other words, the officials sent here by the Han Dynasty can directly mobilize troops in an emergency. Don't care what kind of leader you are in this city, how can you directly confront the troops of the Han Dynasty?

After Fan Zeng heard the news about Zhao Kuo, he let out a wry smile, and said: In fact, two years ago, the Nest Order sent by the Imperial Capital City was indeed a relatively good official. Next, the Lu family did not dare to act rashly.

However, at the end of last year, there was a new Mr. Zhang. It is said that he has a deep relationship with the Lu family, so it is said that the Lu family has become so arrogant now.It's not that no one has filed a complaint, but those who file a complaint are often retaliated against. As time goes by, no one dares to continue to file a complaint.

Zhao Kuo actually didn't have much surprise in his heart when he heard this, he could only say that everything was indeed right.

Collusion between officials and gentry is something that happens in every dynasty, every country, and every era.

Therefore, it is no exception that such things happen in the Han Kingdom. In fact, in the past few years, the Han Kingdom has investigated and dealt with some of these officials every year to serve as an example, but it is clear that this kind of thing will never stop of.

While talking, Fan Zeng's wife had already prepared the dishes, and invited Zhao Kuo and others to eat.

This dish is actually quite simple, but both Zhao Kuo and Tian Wan had quite calm expressions, talking and laughing calmly, and finished the meal.

Before leaving, Zhao Kuo said to Fan Zeng: This matter still needs to be resolved. Actually, I also have some connections with the Imperial City. I will see if I can clear it up for you. It shouldn’t be a big problem, and neither should you. Need to worry too much.

After Fan Zeng heard this sentence, he was naturally overjoyed and saluted Zhao Kuo again and again.

After leaving Fan Zeng's house for a few steps, Mao Sui said, "Master, where are you going to stay today?"

Zhao Kuo smiled slightly, and said: Find an inn to live in first, and then send someone to investigate the Lu family and the highest officials in the city.

For Zhao Kuo, since he has already encountered this matter, of course there is no reason to ignore it.

Moreover, Fan Zeng is also a relatively rare talent. Zhao Kuo would like to try it out if he encounters it. If it is really easy to use, Zhao Kuo doesn't mind giving Fan Zeng a place in the political arena of the Han Dynasty.

When leaving, Tian Wan also said curiously: "Your Majesty, why doesn't this Fan Zeng go to study at the Imperial Capital Academy?"

From the perspective of the Great Han Kingdom, in fact, wanting to be an official is not just a condition that requires the recommendation of the local gentry. If no one really recommends it, then going to the imperial capital to enter the school is also a way out.

In fact, after being admitted to the academy, because of having teachers and other classmates behind the scenes as an invisible network resource, it is easier to get along than in the local area.

Zhao Kuo smiled and said: This question is actually very simple, because he still has a wife and two children.If he went to the imperial capital, on the one hand, he really had no money, and on the other hand, even if he managed to take root in the imperial capital, what would his wife and two children do?

This is the problem faced by Fan Zeng or many people. It is not something that ordinary people can do if they want to live in the capital of the Han Dynasty.

It seems that everyone wants to go to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in later generations, but how many people can really take root in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen?

Tian Wan finally understood after hearing this sentence, and said with some regret: Husband may be able to solve one Fan Zeng, but there are probably more Fan Zengs in this world, which is a big trouble.

After all, Tian Wan is also the queen of the Great Han Kingdom, so when she thinks about problems, of course she also thinks from the perspective of the entire Great Han Kingdom.

Zhao Kuo breathed a sigh of relief, and said slowly: Actually, it’s not true that there is no way at all, but I was a little hesitant about this way before, but now it seems that it should be time to implement it.

So the question is, what is the solution?

The answer is also very simple, that is the ultimate selection model in Chinese feudal society, the imperial examination system.

As long as the imperial examination system can be implemented, a large number of talents can be selected among the people, and these people who want to take the imperial examination do not need to live in the imperial capital for a long time. They only need to study these knowledge at home and wait until the examination. It's time to go again.

Of course, the imperial examination system does not mean that it is perfect and flawless, but compared with other selection systems in ancient China, the imperial examination system is undoubtedly the most advanced and the least flawed system.

The reason why Zhao Kuo was reluctant to fully liberalize the imperial examination system was because Zhao Kuo felt that the officials who graduated from the academy were actually enough.

And on the other hand, those graduated officials in the academy can be controlled by Zhao Kuo, because the academy has been promoting and instilling the idea of ​​being loyal to the Han Kingdom.

So basically all the people who graduated from the academy will be very loyal to the Great Han Kingdom in their hearts.

However, if the imperial examination system is fully liberalized, most of the examination scholars will actually study their homework at home, so even if they pass the examination, they will feel that it is their own ability, and they will not be judged because of this. Thanks to Han Guo.

Prompted by this idea, these scholars who took the exam had already consumed too much family resources when preparing for the imperial examination, so they tended to double the resources they spent after becoming officials.

This is a psychological driving force why many officials selected by the imperial examination system are often greedy.

Zhao Kuo was a little worried before, if there were too many such officials, would it have any negative impact on the Han Kingdom?

However, after encountering Fan Zeng's incident, Zhao Kuo's views undoubtedly changed.

To put it simply, if the caretaker hadn't happened to meet Fan Zeng today and rescued him, then Fan Zeng's wife would have been robbed and sent to the Lu family to become a slave girl.

In this case, Fan Zeng's heart must be full of resentment, maybe he will take the road of opposing Zhao Kuo and the Han Kingdom without hesitation in the future.

If it was an ordinary person who objected, that would be fine, but if a guy like Fan Zeng really rebelled, no one could guarantee how big things he could do.

Instead of this, it is better to let these people have the hope of an imperial examination system, and let them study at home with peace of mind, so that there will be no big troubles. Anyway, if they fail the exam once, there will be a next time. ?

Thinking of this, Zhao Kuo also made up his mind, and after he went back, he would discuss with the important ministers of the Han Dynasty about the full liberalization of the imperial examination system.

Even when Zhao Kuo was thinking about the imperial examination system, Lu Yu, the patriarch of the Lu family, was also thinking about Zhao Kuo's identity in the Lu family's mansion in the city of Juchao.

Lu Yu was very upset, because for him, he hadn't heard such unpleasant things in Juchao City for a long time.

Where did this Li You come from?To be so daring and dare to disrupt our Lu family's affairs in Juchao City, does he not want to live?

Lu Yu's eyes were cold and stern, with obvious anger on his face.

In front of Lu Yu, the man who went to Fan Zeng's house to collect debts stood tremblingly, and said to Lu Yu: "Master Patriarch, I think the so-called Li You really has the air of being an official. An official who knows where to pass by.

Lu Yu snorted heavily, and said: According to your description, this Li You doesn't even have a carriage. Even if he brings a few followers, how big can this official be?When this matter gets out, our Lu clan will lose all face for you, what an idiot.

Come on, take this idiot down and hit him with 20 boards!

Amidst the screams coming from outside the door, Lu Yu fell into thought.

Soon he called a confidant in charge, and after a few orders, the confidant in charge left quickly.

Soon, the confidant came back to Lu Yu again, and said to Lu Yu: Lord Cavalry Patriarch, that Li You lived in the largest inn in the city with his wife and entourage.

Lu Yu nodded after listening, a ferocious smile flashed across his face, and he stood up.

Prepare the carriage for me, I'm going to go to Mr. Zhang's house right away to pay him a good visit.

The so-called Mr. Zhang is actually the highest administrative officer in Juchao City, Juchao Commander Zhang Xiaodong.

This Zhang Xiaodong is about 40 years old this year, and he has just been transferred to Juchao City, but under Lu Yu's deliberate friendship, the two have become close friends.

In the final analysis, there is a very important reason behind this irreversible friendship, that is, Lu Yu gave Zhang Xiaodong a lot of profits, and also helped Zhang Xiaodong solve many difficulties in government affairs.

So after learning of Lu Yu's visit, Zhang Xiaodong naturally received him immediately.

Lu Yu also didn't talk nonsense, and said straight to the point: Mr. Zhang, I actually encountered a little trouble when I came here today.

Zhang Xiaodong was stunned for a moment, and then said: What kind of trouble did Brother Lu encounter?You can talk to me.

Lu Yu didn't hide anything, and directly told the truth about today's game, and said to Zhang Xiaodong: Mr. Zhang, if you recover these debts, 50% of them belong to you. In the future, if there are more and more people who refuse to repay the money in the denial, then it will be difficult for us.

It turned out that this was the real reason why Lu Yu and the Lu family were able to lend usury unscrupulously in Juchao City, because 50% of the proceeds were taken away by Zhang Xiaodong, the highest official in Juchao City.

Sure enough, after Zhang Xiaodong heard this sentence, he immediately flew into a rage, and said with a sneer: No matter where Li You comes from, he will be in big trouble!