Funing Hall

Because of Zhao Cong's presence, Zhao Shiqi was more careful in doing things, and he didn't want to disappoint Zhao Cong.

The matter of salt registration has finally entered the stage of advancement slowly, and there is progress every day.Zhao Shiqi also specially found a few articulate and alert young salt people, and explained it to them in detail, and then let them explain the doubts to the salt people.

After all, the salt people are afraid of officials, and they are more at ease when they get an explanation from their kind.Even if there is anxiety, it can be calmed down sooner if someone familiar explains it.

Zhao Cong met with Si Lang that day, and then met with officials from various places, said some words of encouragement, and ordered them to return to their respective posts first.All the officials responded quickly, Your Majesty is here, if you don't do your errands well, I'm afraid you don't want the black hat anymore? !

The Criminal and Prison Division has been interrogating those officials who have been detained these days, and reports every day.

When Zhao Cong listened to it the first day, he called the officials who hadn't left to listen to it.

Several officials among them were stupid. They collected the money and left a written receipt at home.He asked His Majesty how to convict.

Zhao Cong smiled first: "Everyone knows that the Song Dynasty has always treated officials generously. Even if they are ninth-rank officials, their salary is enough to settle down for the whole family. Since I became the throne, I have never seen so many people taking bribes. Shocked, but also disappointed. Now, I have a question, and I want to ask you all."

The people below bowed their heads and listened.

"Why are officials' salaries so generous?"

How else?In this dynasty, scholars are more important than officials, and they have given enough money. The original intention is to let officials do things for the officials and the common people!

But no one dared to speak up.

Zhao Cong waited with a smile on his face, not in a hurry.

In the end, Yi Yu came out and saluted: "Your Majesty, the purpose is to make the officials feel free from worries, so that they can do things for the people."

Zhao Cong nodded approvingly: "Master Yi is right."

Yi Yu lowered his head and smiled slightly, His Majesty still remembered him.

But after Zhao Cong finished his praise, he suppressed his smile: "Lord Yi is only the magistrate of Baoying County, but he knows this truth. Why are those transshipment envoys and magistrates able to do such corrupt things?! Could it be that the emperor is so far away? Can't I see what you're doing?"

His Majesty was angry, and the officials immediately knelt down.

Zhao Cong simply stood up and said calmly, "I treat you generously because I expect you to treat the common people generously. With the people, there is a country, and with the country, there are you."

"Yes!"

"The yearly salt cost of a salt household is no more than forty guan. How much will I give you each month? Even the county magistrate has 30 taels of silver a month! Forty guan, 40 taels, is their yearly expenses! Let me ask, How can you get greedy for such money?!" Zhao Cong was indeed very angry, and he continued, "Not to mention, besides silver, I will give you noodles and rice. The rice and noodles are all grown by the common people. Everyone here goes out. Everyone has to call 'Master', but 'Master' is really so good? What you have done, can you really afford the people's 'Master'?!"

Zhao Cong raised his feet and took a few steps forward: "You eat the rice and noodles grown by the common people, and take the money distributed to you by the imperial court, so you have to do practical things for the common people!"

The officials lowered their heads even lower, not daring to make a sound.

Zhao Cong put his hands behind his back, calmed down for a moment, sat back on the first seat, and motioned to Lu Yuan, who called out, and the officials got up again.

"I am very disappointed with the Huainan East Road this time. Just looking at you, I can feel a little relieved. Fortunately, some people are greedy, but there are still people who are not greedy."

The officials knelt down again, saying "dare not" repeatedly.

"If I praise you, you are worthy of praise. You have been praised by me, and you should be better at doing errands."

"Yes!"

Only then did Zhao Cong say to the Prison Secretary: "As for how to convict, those who have conclusive evidence will immediately take off their black gauze hats and change their reputations, and the three generations of the family will not be allowed to take scientific examinations. Those who should have twenty sticks will be given one hundred sticks. This stick One hundred, or those who serve as servants, will be exiled. Those who should be exiled will be executed in public!"

"..." The officials began to shake their legs.

The prison secretary was also a little terrified, and finally raised his head: "Your Majesty, there is a law promulgated by the Taizu. Civil servants are not allowed to be killed. It is recorded in the "Song Xingtong"."

The fate of the ancestors is the knife on everyone's head, Zhao Cong can understand, but he can change more than the hereditary Duke of Yan.If you commit a crime, the most you can do is go into exile, save your life, spend thousands of miles away, spend enough money, find a scapegoat, and exchange the person back, what's the use?

Zhao Cong calmly said: "The words of Taizu must be the truth. It's just that the Song Dynasty a hundred years ago is different from the Song Dynasty today. When Taizu made the regulations, he must have hoped that future generations will have better reforms. From this moment on, I declare that all civil servants can be killed!"

The Prison Officer gritted his teeth and replied, "Yes!"

"After I return to Beijing, I will discuss with the prime minister and the six ministries about changing the law. If it is changed, it will be widely distributed. You should be ready."

"Yes!"

Zhao Cong narrowed his eyes: "Back off."

"Yes!"

Everyone didn't dare to talk too much, they all retreated tremblingly, and they breathed a sigh of relief when the sun finally came out outside.Heaving a sigh of relief, he continued to tremble again, trembling out of Li's residence, trembling on board the boat to go home.

Yi Yu originally wanted to ask His Majesty to go to Yangzhou to have a look at the printing, but he didn't dare to speak at this time.

He hesitated outside Li's house until Si Lang came: "Master Yi, are you waiting for me?"

"Yes."

"The lady in front of His Majesty brought me some pastries, which are all His Majesty's favorites. You and I share the food." Si Lang said while walking out with a delicate paper bag in his hand, but Yi Yu didn't catch up with him. , looking back at him curiously.

Yi Yu said: "Your Majesty, should we invite Your Majesty to go to Yangzhou to have a look?"

Si Lang said with a smile: "I have already reported the printing matter to His Majesty. Your Majesty said that there is still a lot to do in this line of work. We will make a decision after we make the arrangement. If you want to go, you will let me know in advance."

Yi Yu paused for a while, said "yes", and went to the pier with him, and took a boat back to Baoying County.

In the days that followed, Zhao Cong never showed up again, and still lived in Li's house. Every two or three days, there would be a letter from Beijing asking him to make up his mind.Besides, he took Rantao to the beach for a walk.Chuzhou is near the sea, but it is not the sea in Qiongzhou. The sea here is not blue, but there are also tides and ebbs. Zhao Cong also finds it very interesting to look at it.

Rantao was afraid that he would be cold and wanted to persuade him to go back.

Zhao Cong was still staring at the sea in a daze, he came back to Huainan to be a director, but in the end he became the one who enjoyed the most leisure.He didn't need to take care of anything, Zhao Shiqi managed everything well, Xiao Tang was also capable, and the two managed everything in an orderly manner.

At first, after the officials from all over the country returned, he was still a little worried about Zhao Shiqi, so he took Rantao and a few guards to the salt field to have a look in private.From a distance, you can see that the inside of the saltworks is in good order, and there are two patrol officers standing at the door as usual.Only when the inside is peaceful can only two people stand outside.

He approached, his bodyguards were all forbidden soldiers, they had their special sabers on, even though the inspector didn't know that His Majesty came to Huainan, he also guessed that he might be an adult from the capital.Now the officials in the saltworks were treated so submissively by Zhao Shiqi, they immediately lowered their heads, not daring to look at Mr. Jingzhong.

Zhao Cong stood by the door and didn't go in, but only took a few glances inside.Zhao Shiqi, some remaining officials in Yancheng County, and Xiao Tang were talking with representatives of several high-ranking Yanhu households, and it seemed that they were discussing matters.

Rantao asked softly, "Your Majesty, do you want to go in and have a look?"

Zhao Cong shook his head, the people didn't know he was coming, but the officials all knew.When he went in, so many officials were determined to salute him, and he had no intention of disturbing the tranquility of the saltworks at this time.

He kept looking at Zhao Shiqi.

He felt that Zhao Shiqi was really a very good boy.It seems absurd to talk directly to the Yan people, causing such a disturbance, but in fact Zhao Shiqi's thinking is very clear.It was this kind of thinking that surprised Zhao Cong.

After all, he came from another civilized world, where equality and freedom were longed for.

This is not the case here. As a native of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Shiqi was able to hand over the first choice directly to these salt people.

Whether he comes or not, there is actually no difference at all.

When Xiao Tang talked with him alone, he also praised Zhao Shishi repeatedly.

Thinking of Xiao Tang's compliments, Zhao Cong couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth.Xiao Tang never flattered others, Zhao Cong was willing to believe what he said.

But at this time, he was looking at the sea, but he was thinking of other things, but he is always ambitious, let alone he is the emperor.The shipbuilding industry in Song Dynasty is very developed, but it is also a little helpless.A hundred years ago, Liao and Xixia each occupied one side, firmly cutting off the connection between the Song Dynasty and the Northwest. They could not do trade with the countries in the west, so they could only take the sea route.

Over time, a hundred years have passed, but another way has been found.

It's just that we have to get back what we lost. The Xixia royal family is fighting among themselves, and the Liao royal family is also fighting among themselves.If at this time, both sides want it, they will always lose sight of the other.Now it seems that the best way is for him to intervene in the internal struggle of one of the parties, and finally achieve a situation where the surface is stable and the internal tide is still surging, so that he can calm down and fight against the other party.This party is also closely related to him, it cannot be separated from his support, and it can also help him.

It's easy to take it back in the future.

Which side to intervene in the end, also need to think about it.

Zhao Cong seemed to be still staring at the sea in a daze, but he was thinking about these things in his heart.There are many large stones in different shapes by the sea here.He was standing on a flat rock, facing the wind, and the corners of his clothes were blown up by the sea breeze. Looking from behind him, he seemed somewhat independent from the world.

Rantao was about to go up to persuade him to go back, after all, the sea breeze was cool, but she heard footsteps behind her, before she could turn around, Zhao Shiqi had already walked to her side.Rantao was about to salute and speak, Zhao Shiqi waved his hand and smiled at her.

Ran Tao smiled and asked in a low voice, "Xiao Lang-jun, are you done with your work today?"

Zhao Shiqi nodded with a smile.

"The servant girl persuaded His Majesty to go back, but he didn't want to. It's fine when Mr. Xiao Lang is here. The sea breeze is cool."

When Zhao Shiqi heard this, he frowned and hurried forward.

Rantao watched from behind as he stepped on the stone and approached his Majesty.Mr. Xiao Lang came quietly, without any sound, His Majesty didn't know yet.Mr. Xiao Lang is wearing a black shirt today, but His Majesty still likes to see him wearing a sky blue shirt.It's a pity that Mr. Xiao Lang is now grown up and taller, so he doesn't want to wear those flowing clothes.

It's not his fault, Mr. Xiao Lang was originally born well, he was as beautiful as a little lady when he was a child, now that he has grown up, he still looks better than many little ladies.At this age, wearing clothes of that color would be even more attractive.

Mr. Xiao Lang is indeed suitable for black clothes. With such a face, he is more handsome with black clothes on his face, and he looks more like a majestic Mr. Lang.It's just that His Majesty doesn't like him wearing black, so both parties backed off a step, so Mr. Xiao Lang had no choice but to wear this red black dress!

Rantao thought about it and smiled, thinking that their Majesty and Mr. Xiao Lang got along very interestingly.

Just as he was smiling, Mr. Xiao Lang had already walked behind His Majesty, and seemed to call him, which startled His Majesty in a daze.His Majesty was astonished, and immediately turned his head back. He couldn't stand firmly on his feet, so he leaned back.

Rantao was so frightened that he was about to step forward when Mr. Xiao Lang had already hugged His Majesty.

She breathed a sigh of relief, patting her heart repeatedly, and before she could calm down, a familiar voice sounded behind her: "Rantao..."

She was stunned.

Xiao Tang's face was white with red hidden, he didn't dare to move when standing behind Ran Tao, but Ran Tao didn't turn around, let alone him.He remembered what Xiao Langjun said when he asked him to come together, saying that to please the little lady, it is impossible to always do this, you have to take the initiative.

But he has read sage books for many years, so he can't take the initiative!

But he thought that this was the only chance for the two of them to be alone for many years, so he finally made up his mind, walked up to her, and called again: "Rantao." This time, his voice was much more generous and firm.

Rantao lowered his head in embarrassment, and he couldn't just avoid it.

Xiao Tang shook hands, his face was still red, and he finally said: "Yesterday I went to the county government office with Mr. Xiao Lang, and when I came out, there was a girl selling silk flowers outside. I looked, Although it is a rural product, but, it is really beautiful. It looks like real flowers. I, I bought a few, jasmine." Xiao Tang said, and carefully took out the few silk flowers from his cuff , and handed it to Rantao.

Rantao lowered his head even lower.Her boudoir name is Jasmine.Her mother loves jasmine, and the day she was born was in early summer, and a cluster of jasmine planted outside the window was in full bloom.Although her family has some property, it is still a small family, and the girls don't pay much attention to the names they marry. In the neighborhood, many young girls don't have a boudoir name until they get married, and they are only called by seniority.How many books has her father read? He also likes Jasmine's beauty and has no taboo, so he married her by this name.

Xiao Tang naturally knew her boudoir name.Knowing this, he became more and more nervous, but he still said to her: "This, this is really beautiful. It looks real in the middle of the hair bun in the cold winter. It's very unique. I'm here on business, and I don't have time to go Go shopping, it is said that there is a big silver building in Chuzhou City, and the things in it are no worse than those in Beijing.

Rantao interrupted him in a low voice: "Master Xiao is joking."

Xiao Tang was anxious: "I'm not joking! I have some property now, and I have a house in the middle of the capital. I'll go to the Silver Building to buy you a jeweled flower hairpin to wear!"

Rantao's face also turned red, but she didn't know what to say, since His Majesty was not far away, she dared not leave.She had no choice but to say again: "Master Xiao, please be careful!"

Xiao Tang's face turned even redder, he knew that Rantao was His Majesty's personal servant, and he valued these rules, the engagement between the two of them had already been broken.But he was also anxious, he was at a loss what to do, he suddenly forced those few jasmine flowers into Rantao's hand.Rantao didn't want them to fall to the ground, so naturally he had to hold them.

Xiao Tang laughed immediately, and Ran Tao's head was completely stuck to his heart.

As for Zhao Cong standing on the rock, he could see the sea well and think well, so he didn't expect Zhao Shiqi to walk behind him suddenly, and happily called him "Your Majesty".

He was startled, and looked back at Zhao Shiqi, but he didn't expect the stone to be slippery, so he...

Zhao Shiqi hugged him again.

His heart beat no slower than last time, and this time he already knew what he wanted, before he could stand still, he stretched out his hand to push Zhao Shiqi.With such a push, the foot slipped again!

Zhao Shiqi hugged him even tighter!

He was so anxious that he didn't dare to have any physical contact with Zhao Shiqi at all.He immediately looked into the distance and saw that Ran Tao was talking to Xiao Tang, his head was almost touching his neck.He had no choice but to save himself, trying to speak calmly: "Let go of me, what's the proper way?"

Zhao Shiqi seemed to be in a very good mood today, he smiled and said: "It's not the first time, the first time I hugged His Majesty, I was only eleven!"

Looking at his smiling face, Zhao Cong didn't know how to answer the words, let alone how to react.

Fortunately, Zhao Shiqi hugged him tightly, and after the two stood up straight together, they let him go.

Zhao Cong just breathed a sigh of relief, but Zhao Shiqi said: "The sea wind is very strong here, why doesn't Your Majesty bring a cloak when you come out?"

"Inside the carriage." Zhao Cong said before going to the carriage.

Zhao Shiqi suddenly took his hand, and he was taken aback for a moment, but Zhao Shiqi rubbed his head for a moment, raised his head and frowned seriously, and said seriously: "Your Majesty, your hands are cold. If you come here to look at the sea in the future, you have to put on a cloak."

Zhao Shiqi's palm was extremely warm, and Zhao Cong's hands were instantly surrounded by warmth.

His face was also surrounded by warmth, and gradually burned again.

He was actually a little bit addicted to it, but fortunately the sea breeze was strong enough to wake him up, and he thought to himself: This is your nephew! !

He slammed Zhao Shiqi's hand away and strode out.

Zhao Shiqi looked at his back in confusion, wondering why he made him angry again?He hurried forward, but there were too many stones, and there were gaps between them, and the surface of the stones was smooth.Zhao Cong walked in a panic, his foot slipped and got stuck in one of the gaps.As soon as he got short and fell down, Zhao Shiqi immediately strode up to him and supported him.

"His Majesty!"

Zhao Cong just wanted to cover his face at this moment, his feet were sunk in and he couldn't get them out, and because of the crooked movement just now, his ankle was sprained.In his weak body all his life, his feet hurt so much that he couldn't walk anymore.Now it's all right, if you don't want to be hugged, you can only be hugged back.After all, Rantao couldn't hug him, Xiao Tang or other guards, he was even less willing to be hugged.

When Zhao Shiqi anxiously hugged him and walked to the carriage, he thought sadly in his heart that God is really fair.

Let him be reborn from the dead, come here to be the emperor, but give him this broken body, and give him such a nephew.

The more unintentional, the more seductive!

gas!