Your Majesty, please resign again

Chapter 180 A show of force! (Here we go, it’s still five thousand chapters, and it’s finally ten thousand!)

Because Xia Anqi was arrested, the central bank still lacked a deputy director to assist, so Zhang Heng wrote a letter recommending Han Jiang to be informed of the central bank's official affairs, which was quickly approved.

However, Zhang Heng had to take care of both for a while, but his focus was on the middle school room.

Although Zhang Heng was once a Zhigao and an annotator of daily life, so he often visited the Zhengshi Hall, but he rarely came to Zhongshu's fifth room. Oh, yes, there are five rooms under Zhongshu's Zhengshi Hall, which is the general name for the offices of officials.

It is the "Zhichiyuan".

From now on, this Imperial Academy will be Zhang Heng's main office location again.

Among the five offices of Zhongshu, the one with the highest status is the official office. After all, it is in charge of personnel. As long as it is in charge of people, its status will naturally be higher.

However, the most powerful person is the household room, which can be seen in the staffing of the household room.

Although there are only three people in each house at the level of Tang Houguan, the chief clerk, recorder, chief secretary, guard officer, etc. are different. There are more subordinates in the household house than in the other houses combined.

Naturally, there is no way around this, because Hufang is called the Small and Middle School Secretary. In fact, government affairs all over the country have to go through Hufang. If there were not so many people, it would be too busy.

Zhang Heng came to the house without anyone to guide him. He was not a complete stranger here. Who in Zhongshu Province didn’t know the name of Zhang Sanyuan and the first-hand articles written by Zhang Zhizhi in the past, even if they were accumulated over the years.

Old officials should also give a thumbs up.

Moreover, many people came to the fifth room of Zhongshu when giving lectures at the Jingyan. At that time, Zhang Heng used economic principles to explain the governance logic of the imperial court, which shocked these subordinate officials who were really working. With this,

At the same time, they were also very afraid, because their tricks of deceiving superiors and concealing subordinates could not hide in front of Zhang Heng.

Therefore, Zhang Heng's authority had already been established before he arrived, so that when they heard that Zhang Heng had been appointed as the head of the household, the household suddenly burst into tears, because they knew what would happen in the coming days.

It’s not a good time!

But life is hard, but we still have to live it.

Zhang Heng's appointment letter stipulates the reporting time, so in the past few days, Hufang specially sent people to wait at the entrance of the Imperial Academy. Once they saw Zhang Heng's arrival, they immediately rushed over to report so that everyone could come together to welcome him.

.

So when Zhang Heng entered the Zhichiyuan and came to the exclusive courtyard of the household, he saw a dark crowd.

Zhang Heng was a little surprised, but then he realized that these people in black official uniforms were the subordinate staff of the household, and the people in green robes in front were the three post-officials of the household. The post-officials were the head of the subordinate staff.

, it’s still not the same.

As for the rest of the subordinate officials, because in the early years of the Song Dynasty, both ordinary people and subordinate officials were only allowed to wear black and white clothes. This was clearly stipulated by Song Taizong in Duan Gong Er:

County and town officials, civilians, merchants, craftsmen, fortune tellers, and folk artists not affiliated with the government can only wear white and black clothes, and their belts can only use iron or horn as hooks.

Nowadays, civilians, businessmen, etc. no longer follow this rule. After all, life is better and everyone will choose the clothes they like to wear.

Although the court has regulations, the government generally does not correct these big things. Just like the smoking cessation orders in later cities such as Shenzhen were strict enough, but it is impossible to use precious police resources on this.

Therefore, the people are already in full bloom, and people dare to wear many kinds of clothes. Some even follow the fashion and dare to wear Hu costumes to show off in the market.

But in the government, this rule is strictly followed.

As a subordinate in the system, the most important thing in daily life is to be cautious. Whoever comes to work wearing colorful clothes, if the color of the official uniform is accidentally spread, I am afraid that not only will he be expelled from the system, but he may even be punished.

Being jailed is no joke.

There were really many subordinates in each household. Zhang Heng glanced at them and saw that there were two to three hundred people in them. He couldn't help but secretly marveled.

However, it is understandable that the responsibilities of the household house are equivalent to the civil affairs and part of the financial work in later generations. They have many jobs and cannot handle the tasks even if there are not many people.

In fact, even the current scale is far from enough, so most of the affairs can only be decentralized to local governments.

Why did the Song Dynasty take all finances back to the three divisions? It was because if they didn't take back the financial rights, they probably wouldn't be able to control the local area because there was no way to manage it.

Zhang Heng was stunned for just a moment, and then he laughed: "Don't you have anything to do? What are you doing here?"

The subordinate officials all looked at each other in confusion. Just when they didn't know what to do, the official in front of the hall spoke: "Zhang Tidian, I knew you were coming, so we all came out to welcome you.

Don't worry, we didn't delay our official duties. We sent people to wait at the entrance of the Imperial Academy. After you come in, you can come over and notify us. We just came out."

Zhang Heng glanced at him and smiled: "Are you Zhu Chenzhong?"

Zhu Chenzhong was immediately overjoyed: "You actually remember me?"

Zhang Heng said with a smile: "At the Sutra Banquet, the suggestion you made about how to standardize the wording used in official documents made me think that you have a lot of ideas, so I will remember you."

Zhu Chenzhong immediately exclaimed: "Your memory is amazing. There were so many people listening to your lectures at that time, and you actually remembered Xiaoren, a little-known official. It's really amazing."

Zhang Heng shook his head and said with a smile: "What kind of petty official are you? As a post-official, especially a post-official of the Ministry of Household Affairs, you control the civil affairs and finance of the Song Dynasty. Even a senior official cannot compare with you."

Zhu Chenzhongliandao dare not.

Another court official also laughed: "To remind you, do you remember me?"

Zhang Heng didn't even need to think too much and said: "Fang Yuanque, although you haven't asked any questions, you are one of the most serious people in listening to the class. I have already made an impression on you."

Fang Yuanque was surprised: "How do you know my name?"

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "Before class, I arrived early, and then I listened to you introduce yourself to the people at the Privy Council, so I remembered, oh, yes, the person you were talking to should be called...

Su Zuosu, right?"

Several hundred people at the scene looked at each other.

Everyone knew that this Xin Ti Dian was an expert in government affairs, but they didn’t expect that his memory would be so horrifying. No wonder he was able to win three yuan in a row!

This is the thought of many people, but more people are horrified. Not only does this person have amazing political abilities, but his memory is so terrifying that they may not be able to do anything in the future. Once they are seen, they may

This is the fate of being exposed!

Zhang Heng saw everyone's expressions and knew that his goal of establishing authority today was achieved.

So Zhang Heng clapped his hands gently and said: "My colleagues, you have come to welcome me. I have received your thoughts. Thank you.

I was appointed by the government officials and the ministers of the political affairs hall to advise the house, and I felt a little uneasy because the affairs of the house were very complicated, which was unique among the five houses of Zhongshu.

But today I see that all of you are smart and capable generals, and my worries have disappeared. With you generals here, there will probably not be too many problems. I believe in you.

However, while everyone is here, I also have some thoughts that I would like to share with you in advance, and I hope everyone will take them into consideration.

I was appointed this time with a mission. In other words, I may not be able to do other things well, but I must do this well!

As for what happened, you will all know next, so there is no need to say more here.

What I want to say is, I can't control and don't want to care about you in the past, but now that I'm here, you have to follow my requirements.

I hope that you will work conscientiously and carry out the tasks assigned by me to the letter. If things are done well, I will reward you. If you do it perfunctorily, I will make it impossible for you to do it! That's it.

Gone!"

The subordinate officials immediately dispersed, leaving only three green-robed rear officials smiling bitterly in front of him.

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "Take me to my mansion."

The three people quickly led Zhang Heng the way.

Zhu Chenzhong led the way and said with a wry smile: "Just a reminder, on your first day here, why bother to offend these people? If someone secretly stumbles you, there will be a big problem and you will be in trouble."

Zhang Heng smiled when he heard this. Of course he didn't say anything like a villain being afraid of power and not being virtuous. Instead, he said: "I am quite straightforward in my speech. If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me."

The third official who did not talk to Zhang Heng smiled and said: "Be polite. Even if the superior officer says some harsh words, they have to listen. Anyone who dares to mess around will not be spared by the inferior officer."

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "You are Qiao Xinyou, I've heard of you."

Qiao Xinyou said in surprise: "To remind you, this must be the first time we have met. How do you know me?"

Zhang Heng said with a smile: "I knew how to make imperial edicts before. When I was reviewing the imperial edict, I saw your annotation on it."

Qiao Xinyou was immediately shocked: "You...this is really amazing!"

Zhang Heng was not proud, but treated it as normal, changed the subject, and began to ask about other things.

Zhu Chenzhong, Qiao Xinyou, and Fang Yuanque did not dare to neglect. Once Zhang Heng asked about something, they would explain it in detail, for fear that Zhang Heng would point out any fallacies.

It's true that sometimes they may not know the data-related part, but Zhang Heng is able to explain it one by one. It seems that he has countless data in his heart and can take it out to slap others in the face at any time.

This makes them dare not neglect, and they must be fully prepared before reporting things in the future. Otherwise, if their mistakes are always pointed out, wouldn't they be considered as not serious about their work?

However, not long after chatting, someone from the Political Affairs Hall came over to look for Zhang Heng, and the subordinates informed: "Zhang mentioned something, Mr. Jia asked you to come over to discuss the matter."

Zhang Heng immediately stood up after hearing this and said to the others: "Let's do this for today. I will go listen to your husband's instructions."

The three of them stood up quickly and said, "If you have any suggestions, let's go ahead and get busy first."

Zhang Heng followed the subordinate officials to Jia Changchao's public house.

Jia Changchao was grading official work. When he saw Zhang Heng coming, he nodded with Zhang Heng: "Ju Zheng, sit down first. I still have some things to deal with here. You can make tea and drink it yourself."

After saying that, he lowered his head and concentrated on correcting official duties.

Zhang Heng nodded, cleaned the tea set, and then made tea. He looked leisurely and leisurely. He didn't look like he was in the prime minister's mansion, but rather like he had returned to the countryside and had a relaxing day.

Not long after, Jia Changchao stood up from behind the table, saw Zhang Heng's appearance, and said with a smile: "Ju Zheng is a man who understands life."

Zhang Heng quickly made a pot for Jia Changchao. Jia Changchao took a sip and sighed happily: "Bashi!"

Zhang Heng said: "Teacher, have you been very busy recently?"

Jia Chang nodded and said, "So I brought you here to help."

Zhang Heng couldn't help but laugh: "The teacher said this, how should you deal with the previous reminders?"

Jia Changchao smiled and said: "They are not useless, they are capable, but compared to you, they are only a million miles away."

This was an exaggerated praise, but Zhang Heng was quite happy. Jia Changchao had never been very fond of complimenting others, but to praise him in such a way was indeed worthy of happiness, wasn't it?

"Teacher, you are so complimentary." Zhang Heng said very modestly.

Jia Chang waved his hand: "Okay, okay, your mouth is split to the back of your ears, so stop pretending to be humble. Now that you are in place, you have to get things done quickly. Do you know what is the most important thing at the moment?"

Zhang Heng immediately became serious: "Jia Yue has already told his disciples that the top priority right now is famine relief!"

Jia Changchao nodded: "Your twelve policies on famine are all good strategies for famine relief, but you should have an overall idea of ​​how to implement them, right?"

Zhang Heng nodded affirmatively: "Yes."

Jia Changchao nodded: "Okay, Article 12 of the famine policy has been passed in the political hall, and will be issued in the form of a formal decree later. Households will be the main subject of this famine policy.

This is a nationwide disaster, so everyone from the government to government offices at all levels is paying close attention to it. Therefore, Changpingcang, local governments, and the three departments will provide full support.

But you have to be prepared. Although many yamen are involved in this famine relief, the money and food are far from enough to support it. Therefore, the difficulty of this responsibility is beyond your imagination!"

Jia Changchao's previous relaxation was completely gone, and all that was left was worry.

Jia Changchao suddenly sighed: "If I hadn't been in that situation at that time, I would not have been willing to take on such responsibilities.

Relief from famine is so important. If you do it well, it will be a huge credit, but if you don't do it well, then your responsibility will be huge!"

Jia Changchao was very worried, but Zhang Heng looked calm: "Teacher, the Song Dynasty did not kill scholar-bureaucrats."

Hearing this, Jia Changchao laughed and scolded: "You lazy guy, you don't know that for many people, being dismissed from an official position is equivalent to killing them. Do you think that you have a fortune of tens of millions, even if you are no longer an official, you will still be rich."

On the other hand, Party A can spend all day leisurely under the forest, which is in line with your wishes, right?"

Zhang Heng said with a smile: "Life is only a few decades. Being an official is only a few decades. Being a rich man is also a few decades. Even if it doesn't work out, if I become a teacher, it will be a few decades."

Saving famine is a great merit. I try my best to do it. If I do it well, it will naturally benefit the world. If I do it worse, I will do better than most people in the end, right?"

Regarding Zhang Heng's statement, Jia Changchao nodded and said, "It is true that no one can do it better than you."

Zhang Heng said: "So, I really have to do this, so there is nothing to worry about, just do it."

Jia Chang nodded silently, and after a while said: "Tell me the specific ideas."

Regarding this, Zhang Heng had already prepared a plan and immediately replied: "The local government should focus on self-help, and the imperial court should assist. They should adapt to local conditions, focus on it, and combine internal and external aspects."

When Jia Changchao heard this, he immediately became happy: "You have summarized the program. It seems that your ideas are very mature. Please tell me in detail."

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "Teacher, please help me read more details... It is true that the main body of implementation this time is household houses, but the real main body of implementing famine relief policies should be local governments, and only they can do those things."

Jia Changchao nodded in approval.

"The imperial court gave them a program, local officials implemented it, and the imperial court assisted them. After all, local officials had limitations, but the imperial court could help mobilize resources across the country and exchange what was needed.

For example, some states and counties are rich in seeds, farm tools, cattle and horses, etc., but some are in dire need. The imperial court can provide them with intermediate allocations.

The most important principle of famine relief this time is to focus on local conditions. The drought conditions in different places are different, and the assistance required is naturally different. We have to provide help according to the different disaster situations of different places."

Jia Changchao also nodded.

"As for the combination of internal and external, it means domestic and foreign. Nowadays, the maritime trade of the Song Dynasty accounts for half of the commercial trade of the Song Dynasty. Overseas resources can also be used as much as possible, such as seeds, grain, etc., which can be imported from outside.

…”

Zhang Heng carefully explained his various measures to Jia Changchao. Jia Changchao nodded repeatedly and didn't even notice that the sky outside had darkened. It was Zhang Heng who reminded him: "Teacher, it's time to get off work."

Jia Chang said ah, and then said angrily: "There is no such thing as a normal commute to and from get off work for those who are engaged in state affairs."

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "The main reason is that I'm hungry."

Jia Changchao immediately patted his forehead: "I am old and often don't know how hungry I am. But you are a young man and feel hungry easily. Come on, I will take you to try the Zhengshitang Kitchen."

Zhang Heng hesitated and said, "Can I go?"

Jia Changchao laughed and said: "Although you are a junior prime minister, you really can't eat the chef of the political affairs hall. The kitchen of the political affairs hall is exclusive to the prime minister. You can only eat the chef of Baisi Company."

But of course you can't go there by yourself. If I take you there, it will be smooth sailing."

The official chef of Baisi refers to the public kitchen set up by the temple supervisors in each province. The Cao Office is the government. The more important government offices such as the three provinces, six ministries and nine temples all have food books, as well as the divisions under the six ministries, that is to say, the officials of Baisi in the capital.

Usually they dine at their respective official offices.

Zhang Heng really didn't know much about this area, so he worried: "Isn't this going to be impeached?"

Jia Chang said: "No, no, no, people from other departments come to the political affairs hall to discuss political affairs. If the prime minister calls, it is also a convention to entertain them with the kitchen of the political affairs hall. You were summoned by me today, so it is in line with the convention.

"

Zhang Heng felt relieved now, and he really became curious: "Then I'm going to have a taste!"

Jia Chang smiled.

Needless to say, the chefs of Zhengshitang are really different from the chefs of Baisi Company. No matter the ingredients, the level of the chefs, or the sense of ritual when eating, they are incomparable.

Even Zhang Heng, who is accustomed to eating all kinds of rare delicacies, had to admire: "I never tire of fine food, and never tire of fine cooking. The chef of this political hall has really achieved the ultimate..."

Zhang Heng looked in admiration, but secretly shook his head in his heart. The extravagance of the Song Dynasty really started from top to bottom, and no one was spared.

(End of chapter)