[Comprehensive] Feasibility report on the restoration of the country

After Zhengdan in the fourth year of Yuanyou, Murongfu finally received a letter from the Ministry of Officials, stating that he had performed his duties well during his tenure as county magistrate in Xiping and was excellent in the evaluation.As for the magistrate of Xiping County, Cheng Minzhong of Xiping County, who also had an excellent evaluation, took over.For such an appointment, the princes of the court once again kept silent tacitly, and agreed that the ministers should not interfere too much with the royal family affairs.

Instead, Lu Gongzhu, who had entered a semi-retired state, ordered his grandson-in-law Fan Zuyu to be called after receiving the news.Although Murong Fu had already served as a county magistrate, he was still a rookie in the officialdom compared to Fan Zuyu.Fan Zuyu has always had a good relationship with the Empress Dowager and the officials, so he doesn't think that Murong Fuhui is a threat to him.At this moment, when he heard that Mr. Lu told him to "be careful" and "beware", he couldn't help being very surprised and asked bluntly: "Grandfather, grandson-in-law heard that Murong Mingshi was seriously ill because of the Princess of Tang and almost lost two games." Xingming is a person who values ​​love and righteousness. What's wrong?"

Mr. Lu blushed. After thinking about it again and again, he still felt that it was inconvenient to tell this honest and loyal grandson-in-law that he had conspired to cooperate with the Shu Party and finally turned his back on the Shui Shuo Party. He only vaguely said: "This person is definitely not Chi The things in the middle, the behavior is more eclectic like the horns of antelopes. In short, you should pay more attention to it."

Fan Zuyu was confused when he heard this, and left obediently.He just looked back at his new colleague, a man of style and elegant speech, and he was even more respectful to this senior in the rivers and lakes.Fan Zuyu asked himself that he couldn't just slap Yan Yan's handsome face with a slap, so he gradually got along with him.

Although the position of storyteller in the Chongzheng Palace is close to the water, but because the emperor is still in charge of the court, the real bustling in the court at this time is the Poetry Case of Chegai Pavilion.In April of the fourth year of Yuanyou, Wu Chuhou, the governor of the Hanyang Army, wrote a letter to inform the former prime minister and leader of the new party that Cai Que's poems satirized the government and slandered the monarch and ministers when he visited the Chegai Pavilion in Anzhou.When Wu Chuhou's memorial was presented to the court, there was an uproar immediately.The Empress Dowager hated the New Party and Cai Que, and members of the Shuo Party headed by Lu Dafang spared no effort to attack the New Party, demanding that the Empress Dowager severely punish Cai Que as an example.However, Fan Chunren and Shangshu Zuocheng Wang Cun, who both knew about the affairs of the Privy Council, excused Cai Que, thinking that he should no longer be a sinner because of his words.The case of Cai Que was so big that Su Shi, who was the right minister, could not stay out of it, so he went up to the empress dowager and said: "If the court commits serious crimes, it will not be enough for the emperor's filial piety; if it is deep If the crime is confirmed, it is a small burden for the benevolent government of the Empress Dowager. It is said that the Emperor Yi ordered him to be imprisoned and punished, and the Empress Dowager ordered him to pardon him, then he can achieve both benevolence and filial piety."

The Empress Dowager couldn't help laughing and crying when she received Su Shi's invitation.If she didn't know Su Shi's talent well, and knew that he had always been loyal and innocent, I'm afraid she would regard him as a fool with no opinion just based on this memorabilia.The fight between the Shuodang and the New Party in the court hall made the Empress Dowager upset, so she came to ask her grandson about her homework to relax.

It was Murong Fu's turn to be on duty that day, and he was talking about the story of three people becoming tigers in "Warring States Policy".Murong Fu's storytelling is different from Fan Zuyu's. He mentioned very little about the language and characters in the book, but made a lot of comments based on the principles in the book.It was only because such a storyteller seemed to the little emperor to have an extra friend who read and gossip together, so Murong Fu had only been in office for less than two months, and his attitude towards Murong Fu had become much closer.

As soon as Murong Fu finished reading the volume "Warring States Policy Wei Policy II", the little emperor couldn't help sighing: "It's rare for Pang Gong to have such foresight, but it's a pity that Wei Hui Wang is fatuous and incompetent and doesn't know talents."

Murong Fu nodded, and said in a soft voice: "For a minister, this matter can only be sighed as 'people's words are awesome', but for a king, it is a lesson in blood and tears, so we must pay attention to it."

As soon as Murong Fu said this, the little emperor couldn't help but "huh", and hurriedly said: "Pang Gong lost the trust of the king of Wei, and it is difficult to reuse him. Why did Murong Qing say that this is a loss for the king?"

Murong Fu smiled lightly, and said again: "Officials, Wei Wang credulously believes in the words of villains and keeps loyal ministers far away. Those villains see that this scheme can be sold, so they will naturally follow the same pattern and frame other ministers with slanderous words. As time goes by, King Wei There are only villains and no gentlemen around, and I am afraid that even the country will perish, how can such a loss compare with Pang Gong's future?"

The little emperor was stunned for a long time, and then nodded in fear. "The State of Wei was finally destroyed by the State of Qin, that's exactly what it is... But, although the King of Wei believed in people's words, the Qing family also said that everyone's mouths can destroy gold and destroy bones..."

"That's why, as a ruler, you should be more discerning. You should watch your ministers' words and deeds, and you should not be hasty." Murong Fu said casually, "For example, in the future when an official's family gets married, if a minister wants to get close to the queen when he goes to the official family's house, it can be done. He himself took in six or seven concubines and gave birth to a bunch of concubines. The officials will know that this person is strict with others and treats himself leniently, and that others are loyal to others. If he does it, it is probably to invite name."

The little emperor couldn't help but chuckled when he heard the words, and said narrowly: "Then I will order to scold him?"

"Isn't the official scolding him just because he doesn't accept advice? Why don't you give his wife an order higher than his own rank to humiliate him." Murong Fu also smiled, "Since the official knows his heart, transfer him to anyone who has no right and no authority." It’s nothing more than a deputy position.”

The little emperor thought for a moment, and said clearly: "Since he is a person with the same name, even if he is released outside, he may cause abuse of the people just because of the invitation. He should be given a deputy to cool him down."

"The officials are wise!" Murong Fu said seriously.

"Look, Ai, the official family is about to be taught to you!" The Empress Dowager, who had been standing outside the window for an unknown amount of time, walked in with the help of a maid, and she said to the little emperor with a calm face. "Officials, if you meddle in the family affairs of your courtiers rashly, aren't you afraid of other people's gossip?"

Seeing the Empress Dowager approaching, the little emperor and Murong Fu hurried forward to salute.Before the Empress Dowager ordered her to get up, the little emperor said indifferently: "I have a clear conscience, so why should I be afraid of others' words? As the Son of Heaven, I am a role model in the world, and my words and deeds attract the attention of the world. Why bother to bear this false name?"

The Empress Dowager saw that the little emperor had changed from his usual gloom and weakness, and instead looked rather cheerful, and she was secretly happy in her heart.She stared at the little emperor in silence for a moment, and seeing the little emperor's proud and fearless face, she finally couldn't help showing her face. "It's great for the officials to have such a heart!" Turning back to Murong Fu, he said, "Murong Qing, you've put your heart into it!" Seeing her amiable appearance, there was no slight dissatisfaction with Murong Fu for "teaching the little emperor badly" Woolen cloth?

Murong Fu repeatedly said he didn't dare, and accompanied the Empress Dowager into the palace.The Empress Dowager sat down, recalling that just now Murong Fu taught the little emperor how to employ people, she already understood how much more sophisticated Murong Fu's methods were compared to his naive teacher.She was worrying about Cai Que's case, when she saw Murong Fu, she couldn't help asking: "Cai Que's case, what does Murong Qing think?"

Murong Fu couldn't help being taken aback when he heard the words, his official position is low, he never expected that the Empress Dowager would specifically come to ask his opinion.What is Murong Funeng's opinion on the Che Gai Ting case?It's nothing more than literary inquisition, chasing rumors, villains fall into trouble and flatter the Shuodang, and the Shuodang wants to eliminate dissidents.But, can Murong Fu speak for Cai Que?Obviously not.In terms of personal enmity, the Wutai poetry case was fueled by Cai Que and almost killed Su Shi; in terms of politics, the old lady who was in menopause had always hated the New Party.Therefore, in the end, Murong Fu just stuck his neck and said: "The Empress Dowager, Cai Chizheng framed the ministers with his private law, and what he did in the past violated the trust of the late emperor. He is an unfaithful person. I really don't want to do it for him. say."

As soon as Murong Fu's words came out, the Empress Dowager could not help but groan, and said for a long time: "Murong Qing is loyal and filial, you are a true believer." She ordered someone to reward Murong Fu with two pieces of silk, and then she left with all the maids and servants.

The conversation between Murong Fu and the Empress Dowager was soon passed on to Fan Zuyu by the servant who was familiar with Fan Zuyu, and Fan Zuyu passed it on to Duke Lu.After listening to Mr. Lu, it took a long time before he said: "This Murong Fu is really hot! It seems that he didn't say anything, but in fact he said everything, and finally he was rewarded!"

Fan Zuyu heard the words as straight as Zhang Er King Kong couldn't figure it out, he just wondered: "Grandfather, Cai Que framed Prime Minister Su with a poem case back then, but Ming Shi was able to tell the empress dowager frankly with hatred in his heart, this is what a gentleman does!"

When Mr. Lu heard that Fan Zuyu only called Murong Fu's expression so kind, he immediately knew that his previous warning was in vain.Immediately, he glared at him with hatred, and said coldly: "Have you ever heard his last sentence clearly? Murong Mingshi said that he was 'unwilling to speak for Cai Que', not 'unwilling to speak ill of Cai Que'. He After affirming that Cai Que is unfaithful and unrighteous, why should he "speak for Cai Que"?... The implication of this sentence is: He believes that Cai Que is indeed wronged in this poem case! This unfinished statement If you don't understand, the Empress Dowager must understand. Since the Empress Dowager has awarded the reward, she must have a plan in mind, and Cai Que will give a light sentence." Speaking of this, he couldn't help but sighed again. "Murong Fu is young, but his methods are comparable to those of an old official... Su Zizhan is really lucky!"

Lu Gongzhu didn't know that Su Shi, who was envied by him for his good fortune, was making his good apprentice so angry at this time.Wang Yuyan saw that Murong Fu was holding Su Shi's manuscript, his face turned pale and his whole body was trembling, so she hurriedly stepped forward to comfort him and comforted him in a low voice: "Cousin, we are not angry! Don't be angry, cousin!"

Murong Fu turned a deaf ear and only gritted his teeth.After a long time, he slowly closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, and asked without expecting: "Teacher, have you submitted this memorial?"

Su Shi didn't know why, so he just nodded blankly. "What's wrong?"

What's wrong?First let the officials order Cai Que to be arrested, and then let the Empress Dowager order Cai Que to be released.Is this kind of sloppy and muddy method that is completely inoperable should be mentioned by you, a right-hand man?Is the law of the imperial court just for you to use as a joke?Don't you think the political differences between the little emperor and the empress dowager, and the rift between grandparents and grandchildren are not big enough?What's wrong with you asking me?When you write such a memorial and submit it, the Empress Dowager still protects you all the time, she is really your true fan!

Murong Fu sighed exhaustedly, picked up the teacup and drank a cup of cold tea in one gulp, only then did he regain his voice. "Teacher, today I saw the Empress Dowager in Chongzheng Hall..." He briefly recounted the conversation between him and the Empress Dowager, and finally said. "Students think that the Empress Dowager will not severely punish Cai Chizheng. The only thing to worry about is that if the Shuo Party is relentless, the Empress Dowager's consistent attitude towards the New Party may not necessarily disobey..."

Su Shi was startled when he heard the words, and he fell down and shouted: "Lu Xiang advocates that Cai Chizheng be exiled to Lingnan. Except Cai Chizheng, Zhang Zihou, Li Bangzhi and others will be questioned again. This is to set off a big prison!"

"I know," Murong Fu said without changing his expression: I also know that Cai Que finally died in Xinzhou. "Teacher, now that the Shuo Party is powerful, you can no longer speak for Cai Que, lest you get burned!"

"No!" Unexpectedly, Su Shi retorted without thinking. "Yaofu once told me that once this road is opened, we will inevitably end up like this in the future! Since I am the right minister, I have to speak out and advise!"

"Teacher!" Murong Fu said anxiously, "Back then Cai Que framed you with the poem case, and now he is also framed for the poem case. This is the reincarnation of karma, retribution is not good, why should you..."

Murong Fu stopped in the middle of speaking, and saw Su Shi looking at him with gentle but firm eyes and said, "Mingshi, do you still remember what your sign means?"

Murong Fu didn't answer, he was silent for a while and asked instead: "Teacher, even if you lose your aspect because of this, do you not hesitate? Teacher, you know that losing your aspect is not just a loss of power, but more importantly, the loss of the ability to plead for the people. Because Cai Que, a treacherous minister, is it worthwhile to give up the well-being of all the people in the world?"

Su Shi shook his head and said softly: "If you are a teacher who is afraid of the Shuo Party, you can turn a blind eye to Cai Quezhi's grievances today, and you can turn a blind eye to the people in the future. No matter how much you occupy the position, it is just a vegetarian meal. What good will it do for the people in the world?"

"Teacher, we have no choice but to evade the power of the Shuo party today, but this does not mean that we will never have a chance to come back. But if we completely lose the qualification to play this game, then we will never be able to turn back."

Su Shi just smiled wryly when he heard the words, and said sadly: "Mingshi, I understand what you mean, and I have always understood what you mean. It's just..."

"It's just that it's one thing to know something, but it's another thing to be able to do it." Murong Fu said clearly.Lu Dafang was also a Jinshi who was born with extensive knowledge. Would he not be able to see whether Cai Que's poems slandered the court and alluded to the Empress Dowager?He pursued Cai Que so fiercely, can he still be said to be "a solid man, sincere, and virtuous"?At the beginning, Lu Dafang was the prime minister on the left, and Su Shi also agreed, but now he doesn't know what Su Shi is thinking.Murong Fu didn't want to ask, he just felt exhausted. "Teacher, you know that politics is so cruel. No matter how good the two are in personal relationships and the interests are at stake, they will cheat you when they should cheat you. If you don't want to take care of some dirty things, someone else has to take care of them for you. You If you cherish your name and don't want to dirty yourself, the people will have to wallow in the mire."

Su Shi opened his mouth weakly, but did not speak.

"...Or, it's because I have to look forward to Sichuan and be greedy..." Murong Fu couldn't see Su Shi's embarrassment. He had known Su Shi for two lifetimes, and thought that no one in the world could understand Su Shi better than him.Su Shi's nature is so bright and upright, what is rare is that even though he has suffered all kinds of hardships, he has not changed his nature.For a long time, what Murong Fu admired was such a Su Shi who could stick to his nature.Now it is difficult for Su Shi to use power and tactics for the sake of power, and Ye Gong is suspected of being fond of dragons.Thinking of this, Murong Fu couldn't help laughing, and comforted him again: "Teacher, don't worry, let me think again, let me think again..." After saying that, he waved his hands and walked out by himself.

Looking at the background of the students leaving, Su Shi couldn't help but half-raised his arms at a loss. He wanted to keep him, but he didn't know what to say, so he sighed in vain.

But Wang Yuyan looked on coldly, and suddenly said quietly: "Even if I knew the character of the master, but the situation is so far, my cousin can't help but hope that someone can help him..."

In May of the fourth year of Yuanyou, Cai Que was demoted to be a doctor of Zuozhong San, with a branch office in Nanjing.However, all the members of the Shuo Party were extremely dissatisfied with this treatment, and they appealed to the Empress Dowager Shu for heavy punishment.Su Shi, Su Zhe, Fan Chunren, Wang Cun and others strongly opposed it, but the Empress Dowager was still persuaded by Lu Dafang and Liu Zhi in the end, and Cai Que was relegated to Yingzhou Biejia and resettled in Xinzhou.In addition, Zhang Dun, Han Zhen, Li Qingchen, Zhang Shangying and others who were expelled by Sima Guang in the first year of Yuanyou were also relegated again because of this case, and the ruling New Party members Li Dechu and Pu Zongmeng were also demoted. denounce.Since then, the Shuodang has dominated the court and called for the wind and rain.

After using the Chegaiting case to throw stones and ask for directions to find out the dissidents, the Shuodang turned the spearhead of the struggle to the Shu Party who had "prominent" performance in the Chegaiting poem case.In August of the fourth year of Yuanyou, Wang Zhi, a core member of the Shuo Party and an admonishing doctor, went to the imperial court to impeach Hu Zongyu, the right minister of Shangshu, for corruption and perverting the law, and formed a party with Su Shi to eliminate dissidents.

The author has something to say:

Su Shi: It's really hard to be a good official with integrity and outspokenness!

Murong: When the environment cannot accommodate such a good official, the first thing a good official should do is not to run away, but to create an environment, teacher!