Volume 1 The Wind Rises in Bingzhou Chapter 184 Too many people
Chapter 184 There are too many people (please vote for me!)
Three days passed in an instant. At noon that day, flags were fluttering in the direction of Tongguan, but Lu Zhaoci returned to the court in victory. Cen Wenwen and others had already led the court's civil servants and generals to meet him ten miles away.
At the Shili Pavilion in Chang'an, headed by Cen Wenwen and other five ministers, except for Wei Zheng who comforted Shandong, there was no shortage of them. They stood at the head of the ministers. Behind them, although Chen Shuda and others were also dressed in purple,
However, the power in their hands was far inferior to these few people. In Xuande Hall, general affairs in the court were resolved by these six people. Unless important matters were reported to Lu Zhaoci, they were called the Six Prime Ministers of Xuande. For a time, Xuande Hall
The six chairs became a place that many courtiers yearned for, and even Cen Wenwen and others became more noble.
The six people stood in the front. Cen Wenwen had a humble face. It seemed that what he would never lose was his humble smile, which was a bit like a prime minister. The second-ranked Changsun Wuji had a stern face and a fat face.
On the hole, there is a coldness and severity that is difficult for others to find. Cui Renshi, who is ranked third, has a cold face, and he does not know what he is calculating when his eyes are moving. Fang Xuanling has an elegant face, and three long strands of beard are fluttering in the wind.
Du Ruhui looked pale and coughed from time to time. His health was not good, and the government affairs were heavy. If Lu Zhaoci had not ordered someone to find Sun Simiao, he might not even be able to stand still at this moment, let alone
No need to mention coming to greet Lu Zhaoci.
Behind them, a few wild laughs could be heard from time to time, and there was a hint of old self-satisfaction in the sound, which made people frown.
"These people who live on a corpse and have a high salary do nothing all day long and only know how to talk. The court now spends money everywhere, and it is a waste to support these people." Changsun Wuji snorted coldly.
Cen Wenwen looked at Changsun Wuji in surprise, but he didn't know why Changsun Wuji was angry with these people. You know, whether it was Li Yuan or Lu Zhaoci, after they ascended the throne, they all appointed officials from the previous dynasty. This is also
It was the same situation that the two faced at the beginning. There were many generals but few civil servants. Lu Zhaoci did not dare to use Li clan ministers like Pei Ji, so he also used those former Sui officials. Although these people were useful
It's not big, but it can still be used to show off. What's more, in this case, can all these guys be eliminated in one go? If this is the case, it will probably cause endless troubles.
"Ahem! Auxiliary machine, be careful what you say." Cen Wenwen coughed twice.
"Humph, when Emperor Wu was just waiting to ascend the throne, one day he said to the Queen Mother, why do those people occupy such high positions while doing nothing all day long, and they also want to pass these positions on to their descendants. Today I
Changsun Wuji seems to be like this." Changsun Wuji snorted coldly: "These people have nothing to do all day long, get together all the time, can't control their mouths, chew their tongues everywhere, and waste the food of the court. Such people,
It’s time to fire them all and bring some new blood to the court.”
"Lord Changsun, the imperial court's employment system has always been like this. Why do you care so much about it?" Master Cui Ren next to him had a look of embarrassment on his face. But he could tell what Changsun Wuji said about the officials and ministers of Shilu and Lu.
Those are the children of aristocratic families, including Cui Renshi. In the entire Tang Dynasty, there are many fathers and sons serving as officials in the same dynasty, and brothers serving as officials in the same dynasty. Most of these people are descendants of Gongqing families and do not need to pass the imperial examination at all.
, the number of people who were recommended to the imperial court, plus the officials left over from the previous dynasty, totaled thousands. This was a considerable expense.
What makes Cui Renshi even more uncomfortable is that the people Changsun Wuji talks about are Cui Renshi, Xiao Yu, Feng Deyi and others. These people are running around all day long to establish the crown prince? And those who have nothing to do all day long. , but they are all disciples of some aristocratic families, and they are the targets of their struggle. If these are united, they can be a huge force. Of course, due to the different positions of the two sides, they will cause arguments and even scold each other. Time has brought dark clouds over the officialdom of Chang'an, and Changsun Wuji and others are even more miserable. They want Lu Zhaoci to leave Chang'an and march in person. Major events in the court fall on these people. Sometimes, Changsun Wuji wants to When looking for someone to do something, it takes a long time to find someone, and what's worse, it takes several people to do one thing, which is inefficient and the blame game is very embarrassing. No wonder Changsun Wuji and others are dissatisfied...
"Master Cui, can these people bring hope to the Tang Dynasty?" Changsun Wuji looked cold and snorted: "On weekdays, if you want to find someone to do things in Xuande Hall, you have to wait for a long time. Master Cui, you must be there too. This feeling! Look! There are not two thousand people in the entire city of Chang'an, but at least more than a thousand. How come there is no one to find someone to do things on weekdays? Things are procrastinated, and when they encounter trouble, they blame each other. Mr. Cui, can you tell me who can be used here and who cannot be used? In the court, people do not do business and think about opportunistic things all day long. Hmm, there are some things that we, the ministers, can take care of. Is it true? It’s simply overestimating one’s capabilities.”
Master Cui Ren's face turned green and white when he heard this. He couldn't help snorting coldly: "Master Changsun is also the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. These things are your responsibility. Why don't you write to His Majesty for suggestions? Let Your Majesty sack these people. Okay. Reorganize the imperial court."
"That's what I meant." Changsun Wuji didn't know that he agreed without thinking. As soon as he said this, Cen Wenwen and others next to him looked at Changsun Wuji in surprise. They didn't expect that Changsun Wuji would really After he responded to the matter, Cui Renshi's face turned red. The court was going to lay off people, and the matter had to be spread outside. Once people knew that the decision was made when he and Changsun Wuji were arguing. Then Cui Renshi Don't think about messing around in the court, you will definitely be beaten to death by the officials who have lost their official positions. When I think of this, I can't help but panic on my face.
"Auxiliary machine, we will discuss this matter in the long term." Cui Renshi quickly stopped him and said: "My lords, it is better not to do anything that interrupts people's official career. The imperial court has finally stabilized. If you take such a move again, I am afraid that even your majesty will do it. I won’t agree. How will it end then?”
Fang Xuanling also showed a trace of worry on his face and said: "Lord Changsun, this matter is of great importance. We should discuss it with His Majesty before handing it over to the court. Lord Cen, what do you think?" Everyone looked at it. They all looked at Cen Wenwen. He was an out-and-out chief minister. He was as cunning as a fox and as wise as the sea. He was unmatched by anyone. More importantly, he had deep trust in Lu Zhaoci and deep trust in him. Lu Zhaoci is loyal and loyal.
"What the auxiliary machine said is indeed an issue. As the auxiliary ministers, we must be responsible for the court. As for personal reputation, it is an external thing and is not worth mentioning." Cen Wenwen thought for a while and said: "But this matter is of great importance. We must report it to His Majesty before we discuss it. Just see how His Majesty is making a decision." Everyone was stunned when they heard the words, but they looked at each other. Although this guy was trying to make peace with others, they couldn't help it. Not to mention that what this person said makes sense, and it is indeed the material of Lord Chief Assistant.
"Look, your Majesty is here." Just when Changsun Wuji was about to say something, someone suddenly shouted loudly from behind. When he looked up, he saw smoke and dust rising in the distance, and then he saw a black team appearing in front of everyone.
The big "Tang" character on the golden scroll at the head all shows the identity of the visitor. It is the Emperor Zhenguan of the Tang Dynasty who is coming in person.
"I will see your Majesty. Long live my emperor." In any case, all the ministers temporarily put down the topic. At this time, welcoming the emperor is the most important thing. As for other things, they can hide in Xuande Hall.
, or discuss it with His Majesty the Emperor elsewhere.
"Everyone, get up!" Lu Zhaoci, who was riding on the horse, did not express any joy in his words, which made Cen Wenwen and others feel excited, but they did not dare to neglect and welcomed Lu Zhaoci in.
"Your Majesty, is there something on your mind?" In the Xuande Hall, Cen Wenwen and others were reporting to Lu Zhaoci in detail the events that had occurred in the court during this period. Fang Xuanling had just reported the unusual movements of Jieli Khan on the grassland.
, Lu Zhaoci was seen leaning on the throne, as if his mind was not on his report, his face moved, and he suddenly had the courage to ask. Cen Wenwen and others had obviously discovered this problem a long time ago, but
It's hard to ask. Now that Fang Xuanling asked, he couldn't help but raise his head and look at Lu Zhaoci...
"When I first entered the city, I found that there were so many officials under the city gate, so many that it was unimaginable, haha." Lu Zhaoci said with a smile: "If I throw a stone from the city tower, maybe one or two will be hit.
There are too many people in red clothes and green robes. There are so many people that I feel that officials of the Tang Dynasty are worthless, and anyone can be an official of the Tang Dynasty."
Lu Zhaoci's words immediately caused a gust of wind in Xuande Hall. Cen Wenwen and others all looked at Changsun Wuji, thinking that Changsun Wuji had revealed this matter to Lu Zhaoci, but they were surprised when they saw Changsun Wuji.
Looking at him, he realized that this might be what Lu Zhaoci was thinking. When he thought of this, he was even more surprised.
"Why, why don't you talk anymore?" Lu Zhaoci soon noticed that the atmosphere in the hall was abnormal, he couldn't help but straighten up, curiously glanced at several of his auxiliary ministers, and asked in surprise.
"Your Majesty, I have just discussed this issue outside the city." Seeing this, Cen Wenwen showed a wry smile. He was really afraid of what would come. It is conceivable that once this matter spreads, I am afraid there will be another incident in the court.
A strange wave was set off. The situation that had gradually calmed down would become turbulent again. This was not what he, the chief minister, wanted. However, since His Majesty the Emperor had spoken, he and others had no choice but to reply.
"Oh, it seems that our monarchs and ministers are of the same mind! They actually thought of it together." Lu Zhaoci suddenly became interested. He only suddenly discovered this problem when many ministers in the court greeted the emperor just now.
. And he just mentioned it accidentally. He didn't expect that several ministers below had already thought of this matter, which made Lu Zhaoci extremely surprised.
"Your Majesty, throughout the dynasties, when the founding emperor of each generation ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, and pacified the world, most of the officials in the previous dynasty were treated with courtesy. Unless they were really the kind of officials who committed heinous crimes, the rest of the officials were retained for inspection. Finally,
, within one year, he would continue to hold the previous official position, and even be promoted. This was to appease the people and restore strength as soon as possible, causing officials in other places to follow suit and join the new emperor. Secondly,
Because the imperial court was founded, there were not many officials in the imperial court to support the operation of the imperial court, so officials from the previous dynasty were borrowed. When our dynasty was under Emperor Gaozu, many officials from the former Sui dynasty were left behind because of these two reasons.
Later, after His Majesty's campaigns in all directions, many officials joined the imperial court. Later, although His Majesty inherited the throne, he was actually the founding king. As for the officials during Emperor Gaozu's period, inheritance was the main method. In this way,
There are even more officials in the imperial court, and this is what your Majesty saw today." Cen Wenwen quickly recounted the situation in the imperial court.
"Your Majesty, this problem has occurred in all dynasties, and it will disappear with the death of these people. The imperial court has just experienced a war, and now the situation on the grassland is changing day by day. General Li Jing is dealing with Luo Yi in Hebei.
At this time, our court must not be in chaos!" Cui Renshi hurriedly came out and said: "At this time, if this matter causes a disturbance, I am afraid that the ministers in the court will rise up in rebellion and curse. Your Majesty, please think twice."
"Master Cui's words are a fallacy." Changsun Wuji also raised his hand and said: "Your Majesty, look at how many people in the court today have real abilities. Most of these people are descendants of the Gongqing family, relying on the reputation of their ancestors.
Why do they occupy official positions in the imperial court and enjoy the salaries given by the imperial court? More importantly, these people do nothing with the salaries and salaries from the imperial court, and just talk all day long. Sometimes, they are in Xuande Hall
If you want to find someone to do things, you can't find anyone. These people are too busy with things. One thing actually requires three or four people to complete it. Once something goes wrong, they will blame each other and the root cause cannot be found at all. Some even have official positions in the imperial court.
It is not set according to things, but based on people. Some people are no longer in charge of things, but they still receive salary from the court. For example, Pei Ji has been kicked out of the court by His Majesty, but he is still the Jin Dynasty.
Is the salary of Yang Palace Supervisor and the money of the court just to support these people? The taxes paid by the common people should be used for the purpose of the court, not for these people. Yes, what Mr. Cui just said
Extremely, when these people all die of old age, maybe this situation will not happen. But if these people die of old age, won’t their sons and grandsons grow up in the same way? They will also be like their ancestors,
Occupying official positions in the court, leaving those with lofty ideals with no way to serve the country. At that time, the court will have a bloated organization and many officials. The court will spend a lot of effort to support these people, which will take up a lot of expenses!
"….
"Our Tang Dynasty is rich all over the world, can't we still pay for this mere salary?" Cui Renshi said dissatisfied.
"Master Cui, you have such a loud tone!" Changsun Wuji sneered: "Do you know how much the annual salary of our officials is? Your Majesty, the salary of our officials comes from the period of Emperor Gaozu. In the first year of Wude, the civil and military officials were given a lot of salary.
Reducing the Sui system, the first grade is 700 shi, from the first grade is 600 shi, the second grade is 500 shi, the second grade is 460 shi... and the ninth grade is 30 shi. They are all supplied once a year. There is no external official.
Lu. Last year, Gao Jifu, a member of Zhongshushe, suggested that foreign officials were low-ranking and poor, so they should be given a salary to support their relatives. After that, it was stipulated that the salary for foreign officials was one level lower than that of Beijing officials, with fifty dan for the first grade, and fifty dan for the second grade and third grade.
For the fourth and fifth grades, twenty stones are the first grade. For the sixth and seventh grades, five stones are the first grade. For the eighth and ninth grades, two stones and five buckets are the first grade. If there is no millet, then
Salt is used instead of salary. In addition, those who pass the year-end assessment of hundreds of officials can receive bonuses for one season or one year. In addition to salary, there is also land. At that time, Emperor Gaozu stipulated that official officials, casual officials, and feudal officials
Nobles, honorary officers, etc. can all be assigned fields and permanent fields according to their ranks. Those with first rank are assigned twelve hectares of land, second rank ten hectares, and those with ninth rank two hectares, all given land within a hundred miles. Governors of all states
, Duhu, the prince's official in the second rank has twelve hectares, the third rank has ten hectares, and the ninth rank has two hectares and fifty acres. The military attache, the third guard Zhonglang general, the upper mansion and the captain have six hectares, and the middle mansion has five hectares and fifty acres.
, delivered to the captain and deputy of the team, eighty acres. In addition, there are Yongye fields, one hundred acres for the prince, sixty acres for the ministerial officer, one fifty acres for the county prince, and fifty acres for the ministerial officer.
Officials from the second rank have thirty-five hectares, county officials, and ministerial officials have twenty-five hectares from the third rank, and pass to the ninth rank two hectares. They go to Zhuguo for 30 hectares, Zhuguo has 25 hectares, and Shanhujun has 20 hectares.
The army has fifteen hectares, and the casual officers of five ranks and above are given to the same official. If the official is dismissed, the land will be recovered. If the official is removed, he will only receive the land allocated to him. If he seizes the title, no additional land will be given.
Granting acres of land. These regulations are only a land restriction measure by the government and cannot actually grant land. It also stipulates that anyone who is given land but has no land will be given 2 dou of grain per acre. Mr. Cui, please do the calculation carefully. The imperial court has so many more acres.
How much more does it cost to be an official in red, crimson or light red. This does not include other miscellaneous salaries. Your Majesty, if this continues for a long time, our Datang will have to spend more than half of our income to support these people who work all day long.
People who don’t do anything.”
Master Cui Ren's mouth opened wide when he heard this, with a look of disbelief. Not to mention Master Cui Ren, even Lu Zhaoci, Cen Wenwen and the others did not expect that Changsun Wuji had such ability and remembered these things clearly.
Although these things are not a secret in the officialdom of Chang'an, they can tell any seventh-grade official who is caught casually, but because of this, how can Cen Wenwen and others take these trivial matters to heart, but at this moment
When Changsun Wuji said it, the meaning was different. At the very least, Master Cui Ren now had nothing to say.
"Yes, what the auxiliary machine said is true." Lu Zhaoci also stood up, with a gloomy expression. Lu Zhaoci mostly dealt with national affairs all day long, and he didn't take these small things to heart at all. But at this time, Zhang Sun Wu was
When Ji told him, he felt a little surprised, not only because of Changsun Wuji's extensive knowledge, but more importantly, what was contained in it.
There are so many officials in the imperial court, and he only felt it clearly today. When he was studying history, he once mentioned that one of the reasons for the change of Wang Anshi in the Song Dynasty was Sanruan. Now, during the founding period of the Tang Dynasty, there were so many officials. If this happened
It's okay for future generations, redundant officials already exist now, people are superfluous, and ministers from aristocratic families all occupy key positions. How can those who are backward in the future get their ideal official positions?
"There are really too many people in the imperial court. The imperial court can no longer support the large number of people." Lu Zhaoci's eyes flashed coldly, and he pointed at Changsun Wuji and said: "Auxiliary machine, you go back and come up with a charter and take a look.
, Those people can be streamlined, and those people cannot be streamlined. We will discuss it later. Remember, this matter is just the six of us. We must not reveal it before making a decision. Otherwise, I will severely punish you."
Then he glared at Master Cui Ren fiercely. Master Cui Ren's expression changed in fright, and his head lowered even lower.
.
Chapter completed!