First Minister of Ming Dynasty

Li Shanchang figured it out, and decided to do another gentleman change.

But Lao Li didn't expect that on the second day after this incident ended, Zhang Ximeng specially wrote a letter to bring up the issue of salaries for officials.

This time, Li Shanchang was caught off guard. It was obviously over, so why are you making trouble?

What are you going to do?

Don't mention Li Shanchang complaining about Zhang Ximeng.

But it's a pity that Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't ignore Zhang Ximeng's status and brought up the matter again, so he could only reconvene all the officials to discuss the issue of salary again.

"Mr. Zhang, if you have any high opinion, just say it!"

Zhang Ximeng saluted Old Zhu and smiled at the others.

"Let me say something first, like the Song Dynasty, which emptied the treasury, squeezed the people, took the people's fat and people's anointing, and served the scholars. I absolutely disagree with the prodigal behavior, and it is impossible to appear under the lord's rule. We can't repeat the same mistakes... …but there are also some things that I want to talk about.”

"The first thing is that most officials come from passing the exam. Naturally, they have to be good at reading. Among their peers, they are also among the best. I think that if this is the case, should they also be paid in terms of salary? Has it been reflected? For example, Li Xiang proposed that a ninth-rank official is about two to three times the annual income of ordinary people. Is this difference reasonable?"

"If the lord wants to rule the world, he must include the world's talents and treat them with courtesy. This is also a matter of course. Again, some gaps must be allowed."

"Besides, studying hard for ten years in the cold window also costs a lot, and a young man in his teens can't go to work in the fields and has to be supported by his family. The people are willing to do this because they think it is profitable and can honor their ancestors. After all, no matter what, reading is always valuable, and people should be encouraged to be eager to learn!"

"It's just that this incident leads to another problem, that is, the problem of establishing schools. It is necessary for most common people to study and be able to enter the officialdom through hard work. Otherwise, official positions are only reserved for the families of scholar-bureaucrats. I don’t want to study anymore. The lord’s salary has still become the money for the supporters, which violates the original intention. Of course, how to start a school is also a big matter, and the Ministry of Rites should come up with a plan.”

At this time Yang Yuangao hurriedly stood up, bowed and said: "What Zhang Xiang said is very true, the Ministry of Rites is duty-bound, and must come up with a strategy in the near future and submit it to Zhongshu."

Yang Yuangao was all about making up for his mistakes, so he seemed very enthusiastic.

Zhang Ximeng smiled again: "From the establishment of the school to another matter...the imperial examination was held in Yingtian earlier, and we admitted hundreds of people at a time. In fact, this is to expand the ranks of officials. The so-called masters and staff are not good. If the yamen at all levels really lack skilled manpower, formal positions can be arranged. The master's staff is not in the officialdom, and if he is not in his position, he will not seek his own affairs. If someone invites a monk to be the master, does it mean that he has to hire a bodhisattva when something happens? Bless? Ask the Dragon King for rain? Is this an official from the Mushou side?"

"So it's like a staff member's expenses, and there are some welcomes and gifts, and favors and favors. There is a lot of hidden in it! During the Chinese New Year, festivals, weddings and funerals, among colleagues, sending a bag of tea and carrying a box of snacks is also human. It's common sense, it can't be overstated."

Speaking of this, Zhang Ximeng paused for a moment before continuing: "But there are people who give gifts in large quantities. In order to welcome Shangguan, they eat hundreds of taels of silver for a meal. This is definitely not acceptable! Don't think about it..."

"However, considering that some officials do have difficulty in living, and some officials have high positions, are old, and have many things to do, it is also reasonable to consider attaching some followers."

"In short, what I mean is to refer to the average income of the common people, taking into account local expenditures... the salary of an official is between two and five times the average income of the common people. As for the unattainable, if you use the wealth of the world, you can't support the officials."

"Another thing is that with the progress of the war, natural disasters and man-made disasters, food prices will inevitably fluctuate. Every two or three years, the level of salary must be reviewed and adjusted. It cannot be fixed all at once, and will not be allowed to change in the future. .”

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "My lord, Li Xiang, these are just some of my humble opinions. Please make up your mind, my lord."

All the officials looked at Zhang Ximeng with enthusiasm.

Originally, the big guys were going to accept their fate, but now with Zhang Ximeng's words, they finally came back to life, Zhang Xiang, you are such a good person!

Chapter 312 The tea leaves are gone again

After Zhang Ximeng finished speaking, the ball was naturally sent to Zhu Yuanzhang's feet.

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang was also thinking about it. At that time, Tao An said that he didn't want to be like the common people, so Zhu Yuanzhang had the idea of ​​killing the old man and wanted to execute the old man. Let the people below see that if you want to be gentle and decent, we will help you to be decent!

But after all, Lao Zhu didn't kill him, after all, Tao An did a lot of things, and it's just, he didn't really do anything bad.

The most important thing is that Zhu Yuanzhang has not even wiped out the southern region, at least Tianwan still has considerable strength. The persecution is too tight at this time, and it is indeed possible to seek refuge with other people.

As a king, you still have to win over people's hearts and maintain the stability below.

Moreover, Tao An's rapid-talking can be regarded as meritorious, which is equivalent to reminding Zhu Yuanzhang of a wake-up call.

Don't think that you are of the same mind as you rule.

It may even be that most people don't agree with Zhang Ximeng's proposition. They just follow the wind, flatter them, and shout, but they don't really engrave it in their hearts, let alone have the courage to practice it.

Too many people still think that they are extraordinary and should enjoy better treatment. Ordinary people should be honest, be driven by them, and carry their sedan chairs for them obediently.

If you can't even meet this small requirement, you are undoubtedly a fool.

Even if it is beneficial to the country, we will also arrange you.

When Zhu Yuanzhang realized that there were some people who couldn't be raised well, he really wanted to use a knife, very, very much...but at this time, Ma Shi dissuaded him.

Ma Shi's reasoning is also very simple. Tao An jumped out, and even if he had a reason not to kill, those people were just thinking about it, how could they use a knife?

If you insist on dealing with it, you will inevitably kill a good person by mistake, which will shake your prestige instead.

One person kills decisively, not by how many people he can kill.But in the face of the person who must be killed, will he be merciful and lenient?

Take Hu Sanshe for example, his crimes are clear, and his father was in the front of the army. This is a difficult problem. If you kill Zhu Chongba, it is enough to tell the world what kind of person you are.

As for civil servants like Tao An who have the habits of literati and bureaucrats, unless they are really corrupt and pervert the law, and the evidence is conclusive, they can use knives.

There are not many people in this world who can change Zhu Yuanzhang's mind, and there is only one who dares to name Zhu Chongba directly and tell him what to do.

Old Zhu was naturally good at doing good things, but he still felt a little unhappy in his heart, feeling that the civil servants were separated from him, and they were not of the same mind.

Today, Zhang Ximeng came up with a new plan.

Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied, and finally had the opportunity to step down.

"We know in our hearts that there are many people who look down on the poor people and think that these farmers who are digging in the soil are worthless and are just wormwood ants... But let me think about it, your superiors, our Zhu Yuanzhang walked among these people Those who came out, our generals all came from such bitter backgrounds, and our soldiers are a group of honest people who have been poor for many generations."

Zhu Yuanzhang scanned the audience and said coldly: "You guys, do you still think that poor people are worthless?"

This time there is no need for Zhang Ximeng to express his opinion. Li Shanchang took the lead and fell to his knees. Full of chilblains, I also want to go to Beijing to take a Jinshi examination, to honor my ancestors. But there is no way, the family can't afford to pay, so I can only be a small official, suffering, if I don't meet a superior, I, my whole life, That's it."

Li Shan looked reasonable, very touching, and Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in admiration.On the other hand, Zhang Ximeng seemed to remember that Li Shan had grown up, and the conditions at home were not bad, otherwise how would he have the opportunity to study?

He also once regarded himself as a scholarly family, which means that you, Zhang Ximeng, don't be too proud.

Why did he become a poor ghost again in a blink of an eye?

Could it be that Li Shanchang and his family belonged to Schrödinger?

Is it poor or rich, become Xuan?

But you can't lie about Lao Li, after all, among these civil servants, there are indeed people with miserable backgrounds and very difficult begs... such as Song Lian!

He agreed with Zhu Yuanzhang's statement very much, and he didn't make any trouble about salary.

Now Zhang Ximeng's design for salary has satisfied Song Lian very much.

"Superior, I secretly think that the official salary is five times higher than that of ordinary people, and you are in the court, so you don't have to worry about it. It's already a great grace. You must know that like Zhao Song, you can't wait to empty the treasury and support scholar-bureaucrats, which is not enough. But there is more than enough. The people's livelihood is declining and the uprisings continue, so it is reasonable. Since we want to redefine the principles and rebuild the universe, we should decisively abandon the bad government of the previous dynasty, and everything should be based on the principles of heaven and the hearts of the people and the people. Only the system can last for a long time, and there will be peace for thousands of years!"

Finally, there is still a civil servant who knows the general situation, and Zhu Yuanzhang's anger has also been reduced by three points.

"Song Shide is right. We have seen the world of Dayuan fall apart with our own eyes, and we also know the rise and fall of China's millennium. The world of Zhou was destroyed by the emperor's wanton behavior, and what he asked for. Zhao Song died because of extravagance and greed. The officials and the gentry demanded too much. The people were in dire straits, and foreign invaders invaded... These lessons are not painful. We can tolerate officials getting more salaries, but we must not allow you to be domineering and treat the people as fish and meat. We hope you will remember today As for the matter of the salary, let Zhang Xiang and Li Xiang discuss it properly and announce it as soon as possible. From then on, we will also strictly investigate all officials, and we will not be soft if we find corruption!"

Lao Zhu accepted Madam's persuasion, it is wrong to kill people casually, but we have reasons and solid evidence, no one can stop us!

Look, we must target those scholar-bureaucrats' habits, don't treat the common people like human beasts, kill them, and deal with corrupt officials. It's impossible to explain to the common people, and it can't make us feel at ease!

It's just that Zhang Ximeng and Li Shanchang can't get involved in this matter. Zhu Yuanzhang plans to ask Guo Ying to arrange it and let the guards investigate.

It is no exaggeration to say that Lao Zhu has already sharpened his sword.

On the other side, Zhang Ximeng also came to see Li Shanchang.

After the meeting, the atmosphere was not so harmonious, Li Shanchang just looked at Zhang Ximeng and smiled, and then he poured Zhang Ximeng a glass of white water.

"The tea is gone, only this is left, please forgive me, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Ximeng looked at the water glass, then looked up at Li Shanchang.

This old Li is blaming himself!

"Brother Li, do you think I should tell you about the salary plan in advance, so that you can have something to do with all the officials, so that you won't be in such a mess? Right?"

"No!" Li Shanchang said coldly: "Mr. Zhang, to be honest, I don't agree with your plan. It also refers to the price of food, and it is adjusted every two or three years... Don't you know that the official salary can only be increased, not Fall! If you let me, after the superior intends to stipulate the salary, it will never be allowed to be changed. Maybe it is a better way. After all, it is all about greed, so it is better to make stricter regulations. Whoever is corrupt and breaks the law, directly picks up the grass, it is clean and neat! "

Li Shanchang was impassioned, but Zhang Ximeng was amused...I don't know what quality you, Li Shanchang, have.Isn't this just getting angry, venting your anger, and talking to me!

it is good!

The one with the surname Li is considered worthy of you.

If I say three words and I can't make you kneel down, I will bow down and let you decide everything!

"Brother Li, you are really jealous, so how much corruption do you think, can you just peel off the grass?"

Li Shanchang said angrily: "Too much is not good, 60 taels is fine!"

"Okay! 60 taels is 60 taels. I took two catties of Longjing from Brother Li a few days ago. Do you need to peel it?"

Li Shanchang was puzzled, Longjing?There is such a thing, but the Dragon Well was given to him by the people below, and it is a local product of West Lake, let him try it out.

Although the top grade Longjing tea is very expensive, it will definitely not reach 60 taels. After all, the most expensive tea at the moment is Xiaolongtuan, and the value of green tea is not enough, but Zhang Ximeng likes to drink it.

"Zhang Xiang, your incorruptibility is well known to everyone. If even you are skinny, there may not be many capable people in the country!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Thank you for your love, I survived by luck, but on the shore of the West Lake, there are two renovated Song Dynasty manors and a [-]-acre tea garden. knew!"

After he finished speaking, he directly put a bag of tea, a pawn ticket, and a wooden box in front of Li Shanchang. After unfolding, there were Zhang Ximeng's house deed and title deed inside. On it, there was a letter saying Li Xiang kissed him.

After three sentences, Zhang Ximeng sat aside, looked at Erlang's legs, and drank white water.

And looking at Li Shanchang again, he was surprised at first, then trembled all over, and a strong uneasiness welled up in his heart.He picked up the tea leaves, looked carefully over and over again, and it was indeed the bag that was given to him!

Look at the pawn ticket again... Lao Li understands everything!

broken!

Someone hid the pawn ticket in the tea bag by sending tea.

As a result, I was negligent for a while and didn't take it seriously, so I transferred it to Zhang Ximeng.

But there is something terrible in this bag of tea, a pawn ticket, which can be exchanged for the manor and tea garden... Good guy!The person who gave the gift really racked his brains and designed it exquisitely.

Li Shanchang is the head of civil servants, who would dare to touch the tea leaves delivered to him?

What's interesting is that there are no tacky gold and silver in the tea leaves, but pawn tickets!

You have to hold the pawn ticket to exchange for the box, and the rich gift is hidden in the box.

One ring after another, quietly, the heavy gift was delivered to Li Shanchang.

What a great idea!

Simply unique, ingenious layout.

It's just that this person didn't expect that Zhang Ximeng came to pay a visit to Li Shanchang, accepted bribes for the first time in his life, took away the tea, and held this matter that outsiders could not know, in his hands.

"Zhang Xiang, I, I was wronged!" Li Shanchang knelt down anxiously, "I, I really don't know, yes, someone framed me!"

Zhang Ximeng chuckled, "Brother Li, if I think you have something to do, I will send these things to the lord!"

"Ouch!"

One sentence made Li Shanchang burst into tears. Thinking of the yin and yang aura just now, he wished to tear off one side of his old face and do such a shameful thing. This face... don't care!

Li Shanchang already understood that Zhang Ximeng didn't talk to him, but he wanted to see who was making trouble with him and wanted to replace him... Zhang Xiang, you really have a good intention!

Lao Li grabbed Zhang Ximeng's arm and didn't know what to do anymore.

Parents who gave birth to me, Zhang Xiang who saved me!

In fact, Li Shanchang is also self-indulgent. Zhang Ximeng knows that Li Shanchang is innocent in this case, but only God knows whether he is innocent or not.

At this moment, there is nothing wrong with giving Lao Li a big competition.

"Brother Li, it must be no small matter to be able to use this kind of method. If the lord is stabbed, I don't know what will happen!"

Li Shanchang cried, don't mention Zhu Yuanzhang, my neck is cold now.

Which beast is it that framed us like this!

"Zhang Xiang, my heart is in a mess right now, what should I do?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Actually, it's not difficult... I've heard of people doing good deeds without leaving their names, but I've never heard of people giving gifts without leaving their names. This person has one set after another, and my manor may have hidden stories!" How about this, I will accompany Brother Li to take a look, as a witness, to see who is behind the scenes, planning to bribe Brother Li!"

Li Shanchang took a deep breath, "Okay! Xiang Zhang saved me!"

Lao Li got up and picked up the land deed. As for the other things, including the two catties of tea, he put them into a box, put a seal on it, and sealed it up as evidence of crime.

"Let's see, Mr. Zhang, I'll hand it over to the superior when I find out!" Lao Li gritted his teeth.

tea!

My tea!

Zhang Ximeng suddenly felt a pain in his heart...

Chapter 313 The price of buying Li Shanchang