HLnovel Chapter 209: Thunder, Rain, and Dew, All God’s Grace
Chapter 209: Thunder, Rain, and Dew, All God’s Grace
Chapter 209: Thunder, Rain, and Dew, All God’s Grace
In the Guardian Hall, court officials walked out of the gate and down the steps one after another.
Different from the past.
In the past, no matter how big the matter was, once it left the Jiade Hall, the court officials would still gather together in different groups, whispering and discussing endlessly.
Now, although the boundaries are still clear, no one is talking.
Many people looked silently at the backs of Xun You, Xun Yu, Cai Yong and others. Some were gloating, while others felt sympathetic.
In addition to these three people, Sima Jun's back was also stared at by many people with flickering eyes.
This person is a 'newcomer', and it is said that he was personally recruited by the palace.
Although this person is not a third-generation official and does not have a very high reputation, he has lived a long life and has a good reputation. As a member of a prominent Yingchuan family, he is a junior in the court. Everyone who sees him must be polite to him.
Some people began to have wild thoughts in their minds.
"The six ministers of the Ministry of Personnel will discuss matters at the Secretariat."
Suddenly, Yang Biao, who was walking in front, said in a deep voice.
The six ministers raised their hands and responded silently.
The others subconsciously stopped and watched Yang Biao, Wang Yun, the two Xuns, Sima Jun and others turn to the Secretariat.
Erxun was publicly reprimanded and demoted to the third rank. This kind of treatment was the first time in the palace since he ascended the throne, and most people have not yet recovered from the shock.
Cai Yong didn't know what his expression was, he just felt his head swelling and his legs unsteady. He wanted to follow, but it was difficult to force his way in. After a while, he could only feel depressed and uncomfortable, and staggered out of the palace with the crowd.
In the Shangshutai, Yang Biao, Wang Yun, Er Xun and others sat down, their faces as gloomy as water, and it was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
They had anticipated His Majesty's anger in the palace, but they did not expect him to be angry to this extent!
It is actually difficult to say that Yang Biao was innocent in the matter of Zhong Ji. Even though he escaped the disaster, he still felt uneasy.
He took a deep breath, rubbed the corners of his stiff face, and said, "You have all heard the decree. Now let's talk about what to do?"
Wang Yun was relatively the cleanest one in these matters. In the Jiade Hall, he even received verbal praise from Liu Bian. He glanced at the two Xuns and others indifferently and said, "I will issue a document in half a month to 'cut redundant officials', starting with the Sili."
Yang Biao looked at him, and the corners of his face twitched twice.
Once Wang Yun started, the whole Sili would be in chaos. With so many official hats, the people under the hats, and the complex network of relationships behind them, such as family, relatives, friends, teachers and friends, would quickly move, and the pressure would be concentrated in the court and the Shangshutai.
But Liu Bian himself approved this matter, and Yang Biao had no way to deal with Wang Yun. He looked at Xun You and asked, "What plans does the Ministry of Personnel have?"
Xun You tried his best to remain calm, his face still serious, and said: "The Ministry of Personnel plans to work with the Censorate to check all officials appointed since the 'New Deal'... every three years."
Yang Biao looked at him and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
If we do this, there will be a big storm!
Yang Biao felt a heavy heart and had difficulty breathing. He was speechless for a long time and could only turn to Xun Yu and asked, "Where is the Household Department?"
"There is no plan for now." Xun Yu said.
Yang Biao was anxiously waiting for the Household Department to come up with some big plan. He was startled when he heard this, then looked at Xun Yu's expressionless face and said, "No?"
Wang Yun, Xun You, Sima Jun and others also looked over with doubtful expressions.
In Jiade Hall, His Majesty was so furious, the main reason was the autumn grain, and the one who was most responsible was the Household Department. Now Xun Yu said there was no plan?
Xun Yu seemed unaware of these glances and said, "This matter is of great importance. I intend to return to the Ministry of Revenue and call together my colleagues to discuss it carefully and make a comprehensive plan."
Yang Biao blinked, as if he thought it made sense. He sat up straight unconsciously, and said solemnly, "What I mean is that this matter is of great importance and must be carefully planned. The Shangshutai should take the lead and push it forward with all their strength, rather than any one person fighting alone."
Xun You quickly said, "The Prime Minister is right."
The matter was too big, and Xun You felt that he was far from being able to accomplish it with his abilities as the Household Department.
Sima Jun sat there and glanced at Wang Yun calmly.
Wang Yun remained motionless, as if he had not heard anything.
Yang Biao didn't care about Wang Yun. He stared at the others, lowered his head and pretended to be in deep thought, "I want to start investigating the loss of autumn grain from Shanyang County in Yanzhou. What do the Household Department and Personnel Department think?"
Xun You immediately understood and looked at Xun Yu.
Xun Yu paused and said, "Yes."
Yang Biao was relieved instantly, a smile appeared on his face, and he said, "I will write a letter to Governor Wang and ask him to sort it out as soon as possible and report it to the court."
Xun You, Xun You didn't say anything.
Wang Lang, the governor of Shanyang, was a teacher in the Prime Minister's Office and was personally recommended by Yang Biao. He was recognized as Yang Biao's only "clique".
Seeing that no one spoke, Yang Biao's fat face suddenly became dignified, and he said in a deep voice: "Three days later, the six ministries will come up with detailed regulations for the Shangshutai meeting and make a decision together. Autumn grain is the pillar of the country, and no erosion is allowed! Official administration is the foundation of the country. If you dare to embezzle or accept bribes, the court will never tolerate it. There is no room for compromise!"
"Your Majesty, take your orders!"
Xun You, Xun You, Sima Jun, and even Wang Yun raised their hands at this moment.
“Also, I want to remind the Household Department that the autumn grain issue has already been issued, and there can’t be any more problems with the salt tax!” Yang Biao widened his eyes and stared at Xun Yu.
Xun Yu's expression slightly changed, and he raised his hand and said, "This subordinate knows."
Yang Biao nodded and said, "After three days, no one is allowed to take leave, and all the ministers of the Cao department must be present."
"I obey your orders!" everyone said again.
……
Half an hour later, the group left the Shangshu Terrace.
Sima Jun was leaning on crutches. Just as he took one step forward, Wang Yun's voice suddenly rang out from behind him: "Minister Sima, please stay. I have something to discuss with you."
Sima Jun paused, turned around, and walked back.
When in the Jiade Hall, Liu Bian personally handed over the Criminal Affairs Department to Wang Yun for individual assignment.
Xun You turned his head and looked at Sima Jun's back, frowning.
At this moment, he was full of thoughts and could not calm down. He had no time to think about anything else. He hurriedly left the palace with Xun Yu and others and returned to the Six Ministries.
Xun You and Xun Yu came to the six-official office one after the other. Just as Xun Yu was about to turn back, Xun You grabbed him and whispered, "Uncle, I have something to tell you."
Xun Yu nodded and took Xun You into the Household Department.
When the people in the household department saw the two men, they wanted to say something, but hesitated and retreated.
Xun Yu and Xun You entered the duty room, closed the door immediately, and sat opposite each other.
Xun You lost his composure and panic was written all over his face. He looked at Xun Yu and said, "Uncle, what do you think His Majesty means by this?"
Since being promoted by Liu Bian, Xun You has never been so flustered.
Being demoted to the third grade was undoubtedly a fatal blow to a man like him who was at the peak of his career and had a bright future.
Xun Yu poured a cup of tea, his mature face remained unchanged, he just frowned and said, "Your Majesty must be angry about the powerlessness of the court."
Xun You thought about the political situation. Although he felt that what Xun Yu said made sense, he still stared at Xun Yu and said, "Uncle, I don't think it's completely right. Your Majesty never acts without a purpose. He must have other intentions. You say..."
Having said this, Xun You suddenly stopped, looking somewhat conflicted.
Xun Yu put down his teacup and said, "Calm down."
Xun You looked at Xun Yu's calm expression, took a deep breath with a stern face, and said, "Uncle, tell me, what is His Majesty's purpose?"
He, Xun Yu, and Cai Yong were openly punished and demoted three levels. It must be more than just a matter of autumn grain and official administration!
Xun Yu gently turned the teacup in his hand and said, "You overlooked one thing, Sima Jun."
Xun You frowned and said, "You mean, Your Majesty had been planning this ten days ago?"
Xun Yu nodded and said, "Your Majesty may be a little impatient."
Xun You, who was already full of doubts, suddenly became nervous and said, "The government affairs of the court are heavy and complicated, how can we be impatient? Your Majesty, don't you worry that too much is as bad as too little?"
Xun Yu took another sip of tea and asked, "What's the problem?"
Xun You stared at Xun Yu in a daze, wanting to say something but suddenly seeming to have forgotten it.
He thought about the various situations in the court, and suddenly realized something. He hurriedly asked, "Uncle means, Your Majesty, are you confident that you can control the situation?"
After saying this, Xun You could not wait for Xun Yu's answer and said, "The rebellion in the south is raging, and the Black Mountain Army is still besieging Julu. It's a mess. The court has no money or food, and the treasury is in trouble. Where does your majesty's confidence come from?"
Xun Yu shook his head and said, "I don't know either. But I can sense that Your Majesty is no longer as cautious as before, and is more inclined to take drastic measures and use severe punishments."
Xun You frowned, thought about it, and said, "Then, what do you think Your Majesty is going to do?"
"Make every effort to implement the new policy." Xun Yu said.
Xun You stared at Xun Yu and said, "Uncle knows what I am talking about."
Xun Yu thought for a moment and said, "Demoting us is nothing more than a warning to force the court to unite and focus on the new policy."
Xun You anxiously picked up the teacup and took a sip, then said, "Tell me, does His Majesty intend to replace us?"
Xun Yu suddenly smiled and said, "You are confused because of your concern. Calm down."
Xun You and Xun Yu looked at each other and inexplicably calmed down. Their tense faces gradually relaxed and they said, "Uncle, I lost my composure."
Xun Yu picked up the teapot, poured him a cup of tea, and said, "Although I don't understand what your majesty wants to do, as ministers, you and I should just focus on the matter, and don't worry too much about the rest."
Xun You secretly admired Xun Yu's skill in cultivating his Qi, took a deep breath, raised his hand and said, "Uncle is right, I will teach you."
Although Xun You was a dozen years older than Xun Yu, Xun Yu did have the upper hand. He did not return the greeting and asked, "What do you plan to do?"
Xun You calmed down a bit and said, "I thought about it quickly. First, I plan to work with the Ministry of Rites to select more talents and prepare them for official service at any time. Then, I plan to work with the Censorate to investigate officials at all levels and rectify the administration of officials strictly by taking the "embezzlement of autumn grain" as an opportunity."
Xun Yu nodded and said, "The threshold must be high, and after entering the officialdom, it must be constantly reviewed."
As he said this, he stood up, rummaged in the drawer for a while, took out a memorial, handed it to Xun You, and said, "Take a look at this."
Xun You took it and opened it with some curiosity. He saw the four big characters "Jiupin Zhongzheng" on the side, and then noticed the name "Chen Qun" on the title page.
He instantly remembered what Zhong Yao had said to him before, and said as he read it, "I've heard that he was very confused and didn't make sense..."
Before Xun You finished speaking, he began to read it carefully.
The so-called "Nine-Rank System" was not a method of selecting officials, but a grading system for assessment, dividing officials across the country into nine grades: upper, middle and lower!
When Xun You had almost finished reading, Xun Yu said, "I talked to Chen Qun. He was in high spirits and said that he had come to the palace not long ago and presented it to Your Majesty, who praised him."
Xun You was very interested in this memorial. He frowned and said, "Zhong Tingwei said that Chen Qun is young and hot-tempered, jumping around without any rules."
Xun Yu asked: "Do you think this memorial is useful?"
Xun You relaxed his frown and said thoughtfully, "It's a good idea, but many things are too fantastic and not down to earth."
After Xun You finished speaking, he had gradually formed an idea in his mind, and turned to ask: "Uncle, what are you going to do? Just now in the Shangshutai, you deliberately kept silent."
Xun Yu nodded and said, "This matter is rather complicated. I still need to discuss it carefully with Han Bin. Let's first determine the acreage of land and the number of people per household."
Xun You looked at him, somewhat puzzled, and asked, "Are you going to wait until next year?"
Xun Yu said: "This year is over."
Xun You was stunned, and had a very clear intuition that his uncle seemed to be going to do something ruthless.
……
While Xun You and Xun Yu were still discussing, Wang Zhayi personally escorted Sima Jun out of the palace. They talked and laughed as they walked, looking very intimate.
Sima Jun left the palace and returned to the Ministry of Justice, where officers from the Ministry of Justice poured out like a tide.
Some went to Tianlao, and some went straight to Henan Yin.
The first year of Yonghan, October 6th.
Among the more than thirty people including Henan Yin Zhongji, seven were executed immediately after treason by the Supreme Court, and the rest had their property confiscated and sent to serve in border areas.
Afterwards, Zhong Ji's heads began to appear in various prefectures and counties in Sili.
I don’t know how many people are worried and fearful.
Before the officials of Sili could react, the Shangshutai directly issued an order to dismiss more than 20 officials of Shangdang County. At the same time, the joint inspection officials of the Yushitai and Licao entered Taiyuan, and the doctor of Licao read out the official document of Prime Minister Yang Biao in public, severely condemning the "corruption and lawlessness" of Bingzhou County.
Bingzhou is sharpening its knives, while Yanzhou has already started to strike.
Xi Zhicai, the censor of Shanyang County, reported the detailed results of the investigation and gained the support of Shanyang Prefect Wang Lang and Yanzhou Governor Liu Dai.
The judge of the Supreme Court, under the watchful eyes of a group of officials of all ranks in Yanzhou, sentenced seven people to death, including three county magistrates and four county towns. Nearly a hundred officials of all ranks involved in the case had their homes confiscated and they were all exiled.
Apart from those who got wind of the incident and fled, there were as many as nine noble families, both large and small, involved. The ransom money they collected alone was as high as 60 million!
The storm that blew up from Luoyang City was sweeping violently around.
But this is just the first step, and a bigger storm is still brewing.
Wang Yun's first draft of "cutting redundant officials" was approved by the Secretariat, and the institutions and officials to be abolished were constantly added to the list.
The "grand investigation and selection" of the Censorate and the Ministry of Personnel was also being carried out in an orderly manner. Various plans were being formulated and various personnel were being mobilized. Liu Xie, King of Bohai, held meetings with many officials at the Censorate almost every day to ensure that the premonition was safe, comprehensive, and without omissions.
Compared to the gathering storm in the court, the palace was completely quiet.
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