[Comprehensive] Feasibility report on the restoration of the country

For the people of the Song Dynasty, the fifth year of Yuanyou and the sixth year of Yuanyou were really eventful years.In the court, one left minister and two right ministers were changed one after another like a revolving lantern. The first two resigned on their own, which can be regarded as preserving their dignity, but the right minister Liu Zhi who was replaced in the spring of the sixth year of Yuanyou was really rejected. What the empress dowager repelled did not even preserve the last trace of her dignity as a minister.After Liu Zhi was demoted and released, Su Zhe took over as right minister.Along with Liu Zhi, Wang Yansou, governor of Kaifeng, was demoted, and Lu Tao took over the post of governor of Kaifeng.Soon, Su Shi, who was traveling far away in Hangzhou, received the imperial edict from the Empress Dowager and resumed his post as the prefect of Hangzhou.At this time, the left minister Fan Chunren was over [-] years old, and Su Shi, who had served as the right minister once, was in the prime of life. The courtiers knew that as long as his term of prefect expired, the empress dowager would definitely transfer him back to the center to take over as the left minister.Since then, the struggle between the Shuo and Shu parties has lasted for three years and finally ended with the overall victory of the Shu party.

On the day Liu Zhi and Wang Yansou left Beijing, Jinlin Building and Jinlefang reopened.The people of Bianjing flocked to appreciate the elegant demeanor of the new "Princess Lingyun" Lou Qingshu who was praised by the Empress Dowager at the Zhengdan Banquet.However, before the singing started, everyone in Lou tearfully mentioned the former "Princess Lingyun" Xiang Wanqiu.Speaking of Xiang Wanqiu, the people of Bianjing all thought of the indiscriminate disaster in Jinlefang not long ago, and felt sympathy for it.Xiang Wanqiu is the first "Princess Lingyun" since the beginning of "Shuo Yue Quan Zhuan". The people of Bianjing have always liked her appearance and singing, but Xiang everyone fell to her death that day and even angered the people. They did not hesitate to gather together in Kaifeng Mansion for her. Ask for an explanation.Because of this matter, Wang Yansou, governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, had to plead guilty and asked to be released.

The arrangement of silent tribute to everyone had already made the atmosphere extremely mournful, and when the Fengbo Pavilion folded and began to sing, Lou Qingshu, dressed in white, knelt outside the palace gate in the wind and rain, begging to see the faint king.Without a word of her libretto, just seeing her slender and tough back, the people of Bianjing applauded one after another.

At the same time, Murong Fu was summoned by the Empress Dowager.Seeing the slightly haggard Murong Fu respectfully saluting herself, the thin figure seemed to be broken by the wind, the Empress Dowager only sighed in her heart, and said in a low voice: "Be flat. I heard that you You have been ill for a while, but is your body better now?"

"Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your inquiry, this minister is only a little sick, and he is recovering now." Murong Fu replied in a flat tone, neither wronged nor complained.

The Empress Dowager shook her head, and said softly: "The officials of the Kaifeng Mansion prevented your servant from seeking medical treatment. Ai's family has ordered Yousi to interrogate you. I will definitely give you justice. After a while, let the Sun Yuanzheng take your pulse again."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager." Murong Fu knew that the Empress Dowager was trying to appease him, so he accepted her kindness calmly.In fact, Murong Fu's vomiting of blood that day was caused by his rage, and Qiao Feng's breathing adjustment with all his inner strength was far more effective than ten or eight imperial doctors.But at that time Murong Fuzheng was apologizing at home, Kaifeng Mansion Wang Yansou ordered his guards to guard Murong Mansion to monitor his actions, this naturally made Murong Fu very unhappy.So, it took the opportunity to happen.

"Aijia originally thought that all the people in the court were benevolent and gentlemen, but he didn't want Liu Zhi to act like a madman after being a prime minister. He was reprimanded by Aijia repeatedly. He is still doing mischief in the court." The Empress Dowager frowned again, obviously Liu Zhi's domineering had already made her feel jealous.The former governors of the Song Dynasty were as famous as Han Qi, as stubborn as Wang Anshi, and as virtuous as Sima Guang. Although they were all arbitrary, at least they were still very respectful to the royal family.Only Liu Zhi boldly extended his paws to the imperial power.When Cheng Yi accused the Empress Dowager of not going to the court alone when the young emperor was ill, the Empress Dowager dismissed Cheng Yi; Cai Que's case of the car cover pavilion implied that the Empress Dowager was Empress Wu, and the Empress Dowager dismissed Cai Que Exiled to Xinzhou.Now, Liu Zhi contradicted the Empress Dowager and withheld the imperial edict privately, how could the Empress Dowager spare him lightly?

At this moment Murong Fu was walking with the Empress Dowager outside the Qingshou Palace, hearing the empress dowager's exclamation, Murong Fu stepped forward to signal the accompanying maids to step back, and stepped forward to support the Empress Dowager's body arm.Murong Fu took the initiative to get close to him, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but glanced sideways at him, but seeing Murong Fu's appearance was as beautiful as pearls and jade, she did not refuse after all.

"Empress Dowager, the case of Liu Xiang shows that the rules in the court can restrain gentlemen but not villains. I think that we should legislate to rectify the atmosphere!" Murong Fu replied.

The Empress Dowager pondered for a while, then suddenly said: "Once this rule is established, it will be in charge of the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty. I am afraid that Prime Minister Fan will not dare to do anything."

Murong Fu smiled lightly, and said in a low voice: "The Empress Dowager only needs to propose two things. One, the impeachment of all officials must be based on evidence; All the lords will definitely support the Empress Dowager." Both of Murong Fu's proposals hit the pulse of all the court officials.Taiwan's admonishment and gossip made all the officials feel insecure, and they only wanted to do less and make fewer mistakes, which naturally reduced their efficiency.As long as the mad dog Taijian is under control, what does it matter if the rules are strict?In addition, today's courts are all old parties, and the new party is often relegated. With the second article, there is no fear of the new party's counterattack.

In the court, the courtiers fought and played games with each other, and the same was true between the monarch and his ministers.The empress dowager gave these two benefits to the officials, and it was logical to improve the atmosphere of purge and strengthen the imperial power.After all, most of the princes who can stand on the Daqing Palace are still the generation with sharp eyes and ears, and they will not be as arrogant as Liu Zhi and tamper with the imperial power.The Empress Dowager obviously also understood this truth, and immediately said with a smile: "Although Murong Qing is young, this insight is outstanding."

"The Empress Dowager is absurd." Murong Fu hastily humbled himself, and said again. "But there is one thing, dare to ask the empress dowager to fulfill it. Since the princess..." When he said this, he suddenly shook his head and smiled bitterly. "My minister's health is not as good as before, I'm afraid I'll be sick to the officials, please release me."

Murong Fu's three-year term of office has not yet expired. At this time, he suddenly asked for a release. Even though the reason was the empress dowager, he was still a little surprised. After thinking about it for a while, he knew that the words "Su Men's lackeys, presumptuously climbing dragons and phoenixes" must have hurt his heart. .The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment and then said: "The officials trust you very much, and we will discuss this matter later." The Empress Dowager is old and hot, and she knows that her grandson is a bit withdrawn, and he is very biased towards the New Party.She is very old, and I don't know how many years she has left.Now seeing that Murong Fu gets along well with his grandson, and he himself is capable, he wants to keep him by the little emperor's side and slowly influence the little emperor.

Seeing that his request was not approved, Murong Fu stopped talking, chatted with the Empress Dowager for a while, and then left.Fortunately, the Empress Dowager also knew that Murong Fu had suffered a lot of grievances before, so it was a bit unreasonable to refuse his only request now.Therefore, Murong Fu was soon ordered to assist Fan Chunren in sorting out the imperial regulations for improvement.

Fan Chunren knew early on that although Su Shi was the leader of the Shu Party, it was Murong Fu who could really give orders and convince people.Fan Chunren was worried about taking over the reform of the imperial court system. The Empress Dowager had this order in the middle of her heart, and hurriedly invited Murong Fu to come to the house for consultation.Reforming the bureaucratic system of the court, improving the efficiency of officials' work, and saving administrative costs are what Murong Fu has focused on.Fan Chunren intended to rely on him, and Murongfu naturally did his part to confide in his heart, and put forward his own opinions on dividing the boundaries between imperial power and ministerial power, opening up channels for officials to be promoted to official status, clarifying the evaluation items for official tenure, and eliminating corruption and mediocrity in officialdom.Murong Fuben came from time travel, with far-sighted eyes than the contemporary elites, and the suggestions he put forward were all to the point and easy to operate, which made Fan Chunren amazed.

Fan Chunren led the three provinces and six ministries at all levels, after repeated consultations, finally clarified the reform items in August of the sixth year of Yuanyou, and carried out the reform of the bureaucratic system from top to bottom.Since this reform was carried out slowly across the river, and instead of downsizing personnel, several bureaucratic institutions such as discipline inspection and supervision were set up, so that the huge number of redundant officials in the Northern Song Dynasty was settled, so there was no large-scale reform. area of ​​opposition.This reform of the bureaucratic system is a deep reflection and innovation of the bureaucratic system by court officials in the Northern Song Dynasty. After the reform, the problem of redundant officials in the Northern Song Dynasty has been effectively improved, and the rules for the appointment and removal of officials have also been improved.At the same time, due to the implementation of the two rules of Jinshi starting as an official and refining the tenure assessment standards, the cost of official corruption has been further increased, which has effectively curbed the corruption of the imperial court. It has laid a solid foundation for modernization, known as "Yuanyou Renewal" in history.

Murong Fu was busy with the reform of the bureaucratic system, so he was a bit negligent and slack in the work of storytelling in Chongzheng Palace.In October, even as dull as a little emperor, he could faintly feel that Murong Fu has been going to the Qingshou Palace under the pretext of changing the system for several months, but the treatment of him is not as good as before.On this day, Murong Fu finished his storytelling work and was about to leave when the little emperor suddenly said: "If Murong Qing is fine, would you like to sit with me for a while?"

The little emperor had this request, Murong Fu had to stay even if he had something to do, and he bowed and said yes.The little emperor smiled slightly and ordered Murong Fu to accompany him back to Funing Palace.As soon as the two sat down in Funing Hall, a servant brought refreshments.After the little emperor greeted Murong Fu casually, he quickly got into the subject and asked about the reform.

Although Murong Fu was very disappointed with the little emperor's character, he had no intention of fooling the little emperor.Seeing that the little emperor was concerned about the restructuring, he immediately talked about the benefits of bureaucratic reform and the difficulties he would face.

The matter of restructuring was complex and complicated, but what Murong Fu said was orderly and clear. The little emperor couldn't help nodding when he heard it, and sighed: "It's really safe to advance the matter of restructuring step by step from top to bottom."

"Exactly," Murong Fu also nodded and said, "The imperial court's regulations affect the whole body. It is safe to say that it is safe. Now this kind of reform is from top to bottom, from small to large, which is convenient for the imperial court to closely monitor. If there is any disagreement, it can be terminated immediately. The so-called country is based on the people, as long as it does not hurt the people, no matter how you change it, it will not hurt your bones."

"Murong Qing is old enough to seek the country, and this is the blessing of the common people." This restructuring further strengthened the imperial power, and the little emperor was naturally happy to see the success, so he immediately praised Murong Fu with a smile. "It's just one thing that Murong Qing didn't consider thoroughly."

Murong Fu immediately raised his eyebrows when he heard the words, leaned forward and said: "I also ask the officials to show me."

"Official salary!" The little emperor said in a deep voice, "Officials who were originally at home could have their salary halved or even not given a salary. As for the salary of official officials, it is said that the salary is extremely low. If the system is reformed, more idle officials will come out to do things. Where will the salary come from?"

"If the imperial government's tax revenue is insufficient, it should try to increase revenue. If it cuts down on expenditure and reduces administrative costs, the imperial government's control over the local area will inevitably be weak, and it will be even more difficult to collect taxes. If things go on like this, isn't it a vicious circle?" Murong Fu immediately laughed.

The little emperor's face was gloomy when he heard the words, and he said in a cold voice: "That's why my father was determined to reform back then, what happened now?"

Murong Fu lowered his head and stared at the dishes in front of him for a while, then said in a quiet voice for a long time: "Guan, where can oil and water be squeezed out of the cracks in the rocks?"

Murong Fu's words were so straightforward, the little emperor couldn't help lowering his voice. "It's a pity that there are only a few people who are as loyal to the country as Murong Qing."

Murong Fu saw that the little emperor was so awake, he immediately raised his head and said with a smile: "The officials are wrong, the richest people in this world are not Confucianism!"

The little emperor wanted to ask again, but Murong Fu was unwilling to answer any more, he just shook his head slightly and got up to leave.

How would you know that the little emperor glanced at the twilight outside and only smiled: "Unknowingly, it's already this time, why don't Murong Qing have dinner with me?" After that, Murong Fu didn't need to answer before someone served the food and wine .

The little emperor was so enthusiastic, Murong Fu had nothing to say, so he stood up and thanked him.During the banquet, Murong Fu saw that the waiter who poured wine for him unexpectedly had a big beard, so he couldn't help but take a second look.

Seeing this, the little emperor immediately introduced Murong Fu with a smile: "Tong Banban is Li Xuanzheng's disciple, and also someone I can use by my side."

At this time, the tall and burly bearded eunuch also put down the wine pot, and bowed his hands to Murong Fu. "Slave and servant Tong Guan, I have met Master Murong." Tong Guan, one of the six thieves and a power eunuch in the Northern Song Dynasty, has held military power for 20 years.When he was in power, he perverted and did all kinds of evil. He promoted the incompetent people who flattered him, and demoted the generals with outstanding military exploits one by one, destroying the military and political foundation of the Northern Song Dynasty.It can be said that in history, the Jinbing invasion has returned with full rewards. The first thing to thank is Tong Guan's 20 years of hard work.

Murong Fu couldn't help being dumbfounded that such a big eunuch who was in the government and the public in Huizong's time was pouring wine for himself at this time.He tried his best to maintain a calm expression on his face, bowed slightly and said, "You are very polite, Master Tong." Murong Fu also admired his forbearance for being able to express his gratitude calmly instead of violently killing Tong Guan on the spot .

After drinking for three rounds and eating five flavors, Murong Fu saw that it was getting late, so he wanted to leave again.Unexpectedly, when he stood up, he felt dizzy before he could say "thank you".

When the little emperor saw it, he immediately smiled and said: "Murong Qing is drunk, accompany you as a child, quickly help Murong Qing go to the apse to rest for a while." The joy in his voice could not be concealed.

Murong Fu's drinking capacity was developed with Qiao Feng, how could he get drunk with a few glasses of light wine.Seeing the little emperor's face showing a hint of treacherous joy, he suddenly felt cold, and hurriedly pushed Tong Guan with his palm.Tong Guan has a big body, his skin and bones are as hard as iron, who would have thought that being pushed by this gentle Murong Fu, he would feel suffocated in his heart, immediately back a few steps, fall on his back and fall to the ground.

Murong Fu couldn't care about Tong Guan at this moment, he knelt down on one knee, put one hand on the ground, gasped and said: "I'm disrespectful, I'll leave." He threw away a few servants who were surrounding him, and staggered towards the outside of the hall.

Tong Guan clutched his chest, gritted his teeth and moved to the little emperor's side, whispering: "Officials, you can't let Master Murong go like this!" Tong Guan came up with the idea of ​​prescribing Murong Fu.Tong Guan didn't know what would happen to the little emperor if Murong Fu was allowed to leave this door innocently; but he himself would obviously be torn to pieces.

The little emperor also knew that Murong Fu was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager, if he went to complain to the Empress Dowager about today's matter, he might lose his throne.Only by making Murong Fu dumb and unable to tell the pain of eating Coptis chinensis, can he be at his mercy in the future.Thinking of this, the little emperor only felt heartbroken, gritted his teeth and said angrily: "Don't you even have eyes? Murong Qing is so drunk, why don't you help him to rest in the back hall?"

At this time, the servants also realized that the matter was not simple, and they were hesitating when a voice came from outside the palace: "The Queen Mother is here!"

Hearing that Queen Mother Xiang had suddenly killed him, the little emperor immediately turned pale and lost his mind.Tong Guan beside him is smarter than him, he hastily stepped forward and knocked over the jug on the table.

After a while, Empress Dowager Xiang stepped into the hall.

The little emperor's knees softened, and he fell to his knees in an instant, stammering: "My son... my son has seen you before, my mother..."

Murong Fu, who was covered in cold sweat, knelt down and saluted with great difficulty. "Weichen has seen the Empress Dowager." As soon as the words finished, he could no longer support his heavy head, so he had to press his forehead firmly on the ground and pant slightly.

The little emperor has never been married, and the harem is still in charge of the empress dowager Xiang.She had heard that the imperial ban was coming and Murong Fu was still kept in the Palace of Funing by the little emperor, so she came to see it, but unexpectedly encountered such a strange situation.After all, the Empress Dowager Xiang was smart, after looking left and right for a while, she realized that something was wrong, she quickly swung her left and right, and asked sharply: "Official, what's going on?"

"My son, my son..." The little emperor was sweating profusely and his face was gray, unable to speak.

"Queen Mother," Murong Fu suddenly regained his breath at this moment, and raised his head. "The official just hosted a banquet for the minister, and Princess Shushou was mentioned during the banquet." The minister unknowingly drank a few more glasses, and this was a disgrace. "

"That's right," the little emperor's eyes lit up when he heard what Murong Fu said, and he quickly agreed. "My son is about to order someone to send Murong Qing out of the palace."

Empress Dowager Xiang was full of doubts, looked at the little emperor, he had a look of joy in escaping death; looked at Murong Fu, his expression was calm and he could not see any clues.

Empress Dowager Xiang didn't know what to do, Murong Fu said again: "Empress Dowager, it's getting late, please leave the palace immediately, so as not to cause gossip."

Murong Fu's words finally reminded the Empress Dowager Xiang, she immediately said: "If that's the case, the official family can arrange it earlier. Murong Qing, you go out of the palace with Ai's family."

Murong Fu followed the Empress Dowager and his party to leave Funing Palace, seeing the Empress Dowager turned to look at him again, before he could speak to the Empress Dowager, Murong Fu said first: "Thank you Empress Dowager! The Empress Dowager will forget about today's matter."

Empress Dowager Xiang saw Murong Fu's complexion becoming more and more ugly, she pondered for a long time and finally sighed helplessly: "Forget it, you should leave the palace as soon as possible!"

"Thank you Queen Mother!" Murong Fu hurriedly bowed and left the palace without looking back.It wasn't until he got into the carriage waiting outside the palace gate that he bent down with difficulty and coughed twice, spitting out a mouthful of blood on his sleeve caused by hitting his heart just now.I saw Murong Fu expressionlessly took out the silk handkerchief to wipe off the blood stains between his fingers, slowly put the silk handkerchief together with the dirty cuffs into his palm and slowly tightened his five fingers, his complexion was instantly gloomy, and he burst out with unbearable pain. The fierce and murderous aura of containment is coming!

The author has something to say:

Murong: Director! ! ! ! !

Director: Mr. Murong, according to Zhezong's logic, he must do this!Do you still expect him to apologize to you and restore your friendship?

Murong: ...