Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

It was only later that they learned he had died of illness.

Compared to the two critics, the top scorer and the third-place scorer,

The second-place finisher, Zhou Zhigao, was much more normal.

He was a truly capable and down-to-earth official.

After the southward migration,

He served as the Assistant Magistrate of Yihuang County.

Thieves were rampant throughout the county.

Zhou Zhigao believed that to suppress the bandits, the people must be fed.

So he only brought a few attendants with him.

One village, one hamlet, one family,

Go and investigate and visit in person.

Engage in in-depth exchanges with bandits, mutinous soldiers, and starving people.

We should try our best to solve their survival difficulties.

Without losing a single soldier,

The county is in good public order.

The mutinous soldiers and bandits voluntarily reformed.

"The Grand Marshal has arrived!"

Everyone immediately stood up.

When Zhao Yuan appeared, they all bowed and shouted in unison.

"Welcome, Grand Marshal!"

Zhao Yuan smiled and nodded, then raised his hand and said,

"Please be seated, gentlemen."

"Thank you, Grand Marshal."

The average age of these officials is thirty-two.

They can be described as the true young generation.

A total of one hundred people,

Sixty percent of them were newly appointed scholars who were not assigned official posts.

Forty percent of the officials were those who were absent from their duties and had no money to give gifts.

The top three scholars (状元, 榜眼, 探花) are truly exceptional cases.

The three of them do hold official positions.

Zhao Yuan sat down and said, "Of all of you, only ten remain in the capital region."

"The rest will go to Hebei and Shandong."

"Now, refugees are everywhere in every county,"

"Thieves also emerged in large numbers."

"When you arrive at your destination, you should employ both suppression and appeasement,"

"We will do our best to restore people's livelihoods within our jurisdiction."

"This banquet is a farewell banquet for you all."

"Bring me the food!"

The food seemed rather meager.

One meat dish, one vegetable dish, and one soup per person

In addition, there is white rice.

They were all served in small bowls.

If you're not full, you can get more.

Moreover, there was no alcohol, only tea.

The officials looked at each other in bewilderment.

Zhao is so stingy!

Zhao Yuan said, "We don't have enough food right now, so let's keep things simple."

"And Tokyo no longer has any alcohol,"

"It still needs to be transported from neighboring counties."

"I hope that in five years,"

"Gentlemen, we are gathered here again,"

"Then we can enjoy fine wine and delicious food,"

"And the people of the world will be able to live and work in peace and contentment."

"The Marshal cares deeply for the people; this is a blessing for the world!" Shen Hui spoke first.

Chapter 1635 Hungry

This top-scoring troll...

I'll spray anyone I catch first as a sign of respect.

He actually started flattering people today.

It seems that Zhao Yuan really suits his taste.

Luo Mengjiao echoed,

"Residents of the city are subject to grain purchase restrictions."

"If we feast on fish and meat,"

"That would be truly unacceptable."

"The Marshal shares the people's suffering today,"

"In the future, we will surely share joy with the people!"

Zhao Yuan smiled and said, "Your name is Luo Mengjiao, right?"

"According to Shi Yuangong and Li Bangyan,"

"A few days ago, a student from the Imperial Academy knelt before the palace,"

"It was you who secretly led and directed it."

Luo Mengjiao said, "The students of the Imperial Academy, the common people, and the soldiers are all starving."

“A foolish ruler and a treacherous minister live in luxury.”

"They cannot stand with the people in times of hardship,"

Why should the people help them defend the city?

"The Marshal can maintain stability in Bianliang on his first day in the city,"

"Compared to that tyrannical ruler, the difference is obvious."

Zhao Yuan was very pleased: "Don't stand up, everyone stay seated."

"Eat and talk at the same time."

"Please feel free to speak your mind."

I was starving that day.

Shen Yuanheng, who even had difficulty picking up a pen,

After taking a couple of bites of rice, he said, "I think I understand now."

"People will do anything when they're starving."

"The key to governance is to ensure that the people are well-fed."

"Your servant is acting as the magistrate of Chengwu County,"

"That place has long been plagued by war,"

"In addition to being exploited by the government in the western district, they also face heavy taxes,"

"The people are already overwhelmed by the burden."

"I request the Marshal to exempt us from exorbitant taxes and levies, and to reduce the regular tax collection to half next year."

"I will surely bring order to the entire county."

Zhao Yuan nodded and said, "It's the same in all counties of Shandong and Hebei."

"Miscellaneous taxes are exempted, and regular taxes are reduced by half."

"In certain places, it depends on the situation,"

"Taxes can be declared to be completely exempted."

"You and I can eat a little less well,"

"But at least we can eat our fill,"

"But the common people are struggling to afford three meals a day."

"I hope you will all understand the hardships of the people,"

"Be an honest and upright official, and do not exploit the local people."

"Twenty years from now, among you all,"

"There may be more than one prime minister or high-ranking official."

"I will follow the Marshal's orders!"

Everyone responded excitedly.

Zhao Yuan has already made it very clear.

Currently, there are 100 people.

His trusted inner circle.

As long as you are willing to work hard

Don't embezzle or break the law.

You'll definitely get promoted quickly in the future.

This is somewhat like interfering in civil affairs.

When Zhao Guoxiang arrived in Kaifeng,

Zhao Yuan would take the initiative to explain the situation.

Provide the list of these officials.

To avoid any rift between the father and son.

Zhao Yuan picked up his teacup: "Let's use tea instead of wine."

"Let's raise a glass to you all."

"Congratulations to the Marshal!"

Everyone raised their teacups and exclaimed.

After the meal,

Zhao Yuan then had money brought over.