Xue Tingxiang's voice fell, and the whole place was silent.
It seemed that they were all shocked by what he said, not only the scholars, but also some local officials who accompanied Xue Tingxiang, and even the common people who heard the news and came to watch the play.
In the crowd, someone praised: "This is good, I usually get tired of watching the big dramas at the church, let's take a look at this debate. Recently, because of this new policy, there are rumors all over the place, and we ordinary people don't understand it either. Whether it’s good or not, since the imperial envoy is willing to discuss it in front of the world, let’s hear whether it’s true or false.”
"We haven't seen such a scene before, it must be very lively by then."
For a while, the onlookers were all talking about it.
The faces of those officials and scholars were extremely ugly, especially those who were sitting on the ground. They pretended to be polite, but they had no etiquette. , and finally had to sit with the old man on the ground.
In fact, everyone knew why they didn't get up, but it was a kind of coercion. To put it bluntly, it is shameless, and it is quite a posture that if you do not agree, we will not get up.
Originally, the commoners were quite sympathetic to them, and the public opinion was on their side, but after this incident, seeing that the imperial envoy was very upright, and seeing that the commoners from Henan did not seem to be cheating, it was natural to be biased in their hearts, so they ran on their words. stand up.
However, their behavior of watching the fun is the so-called watching the fun is not a big deal.
Most of the local people in Suzhou City are businessmen and workers, and they don’t support their families by farming, so naturally they can’t empathize with those who have passive interests.
How could these scholars not be aware of their embarrassing situation, but they did not turn back when they opened their bows.
Since Xue Tingxiang gave the order, things were quickly arranged.
Bu Yanli wanted to take it, but he refused, but ordered it to Jinyiwei. It is obvious that they do not believe the local officials, which makes the local officials even more embarrassed.
It stands to reason that Xue Tingxiang should also leave, just waiting for the arrival of the next group of people from other places, but he did not choose to leave, but had people set up a tent on the spot, intending to accompany these people to stay.
Fortunately, the space in front of the Suzhou Gongyuan is large, and it can accommodate another 2,000 people. Tents are erected all around, and people who don't know think they are doing it.
Xue Tingxiang ignored the authority and came to sit beside the farmers.
They were also sitting on the ground, and the farmers were frightened, but they were pressed down by him, just chatting at home.
As a result, a rare sight in Dachang appeared.
I saw that the gate of Gongyuan, which was supposed to be majestic and sacred, was divided into several places, surrounded by tents, and two groups of people were sitting in the center of the venue.
A group of scholars all wearing raw shirts, all unkempt and haggard.
On the other side sat some peasants, and in the middle sat a high-ranking official in a python robe. They chatted and laughed happily, and those who didn't know thought they were fellow villagers they hadn't seen for many years.
The red sun was sinking in the west, and a team of yamen appeared here.
They were carrying large wooden barrels and bamboo baskets in their hands, and they seemed a little embarrassed.
A man dressed as an official walked up to Xue Tingxiang and said with a dry smile that the prefect invited Lord Xue to dinner, but unfortunately he was rejected by Xue Tingxiang.
The official's face was full of embarrassment, but because of the Jin Yiwei who was staring at him, he didn't dare to entangle, so he could only leave in despair.
These yamen served meals for the scholars. Since the test strike incident happened, the local officials could not persuade these people to return, and they were afraid of causing trouble.
The scholars were already hungry and thirsty, especially in the face of these muddy legs, they had to maintain their scholarly manners and sat with their backs upright for an afternoon. At this time, seeing the tea and rice coming, some people did not care about losing their temper, and hurriedly moved closer.
Some people got up in a hurry and fell over with weak legs, while others grabbed the steamed buns and ate them.
A little baby's voice suddenly sounded: "Master, why are they eating in such a hurry."
But it was Tian Bo's youngest grandson, Donkey Dan.
There were only two people left in the Tian family, Tian Bo and Donkey Dan. When Tian Bo wanted to go out, he did not worry about leaving his grandson at home alone, so he took him with him.
Tian Bo stroked his grandson's head and said kindly, "They are hungry."
"Is it like the last time there was a famine, there was no food to eat, and both parents went away, leaving the donkey and the father alone?"
"Yeah, Xiaodanzi's father and mother have gone away, and will come back to see Xiaodanzi after a while."
This side is not far from that side. As early as Donkey Dan spoke, someone's movements froze.
They were very ashamed, and they showed a shabby appearance, which made the country people see jokes. But the conversation between the grandfather and grandson immediately left a few people stunned.
When there is a famine, and when you go far away, only the old and young are left, what else can they be.
Some people nibble on the white and fat steamed buns hungry, some people eat in small bites, and some people suddenly can't eat anymore.
It was already dark, Xue Tingxiang came to invite these farmers into the tent, but did not invite these scholars. In fact, the tent they prepared was only enough for these people, and there was no one for them at all.
It's just that these scholars are too tired to avoid thinking in their hearts, since this official wants to calm things down, maybe he will pretend to be a good person.
Too bad they were destined to be disappointed.
Xue Tingxiang did not come to the group until all the peasants went to the tent to rest.
"You are all scholars. You read the books of sages and sages. You understand all the truths. This official will not say much. Some of you are even fathers. I can also tell you where you went wrong."
In the crowd, someone said, "Master Xue is mocking the students, etc.? Daoism is different, and the students are just asking for the lives of scholars in the world."
Xue Tingyan smiled: "This official does not ridicule you, but sincerely hopes for it. It is good for you to persist, but you should also raise your head and look outside, not just indulge in the books of sages. Pedant, ignorant of world affairs, ignorant of the sufferings of people's livelihood. People like you, even if they succeed in the exams, are like some people who are fooled by others, play tricks for tigers, and fish for the common people. It is better not to be an official."
"That's it, let's do it for yourself."
After speaking, he turned and left, his back in the light of the torches, he looked unusually tall and tall.
In the darkness, some people were whispering about something, and some people were thinking about something in silence, no one knew.
Darkness recedes, dawn comes.
As time passed, more and more people came.
There are people in other places, as well as people in the south of the Yangtze River. These people gather in front of the Gongyuan gate, which is like a market in the countryside, lively and noisy.
Although they didn't know each other, but chatting with each other, talking about planting crops, talking about harvesting, etc., and talking about the New Deal, it suddenly felt like a hometown that I hadn't seen for many years.
Compared with the growing team here, the ranks of those scholars are a bit underwhelming. Although scholars have also come to join in the past two days, it is obviously not as powerful as others.
In the past few days, the whole Dachang has been discussing one thing, and that is the debate on the new policy in the Suzhou Gongyuan.
As time passed, more and more people knew that the scholars of the Suzhou Gongyuan had stopped taking the exam, and more and more people knew that the imperial envoy held a debate in the Suzhou Gongyuan for this matter.
All this is indispensable to the help of Tailong ticket numbers from all over the world, as well as Wangji Caixing, Huafang, etc. Through these channels scattered in the corners of Dachang, this news is like a tornado, and everyone knows it from south to north.
What exactly does Xue Tingxiang want to do
Countless people said so.
Even in the capital, the six divisions, and even Emperor Jiacheng, were saying this.
While speaking, some people were happy in their hearts, and some people were extremely panicked in their hearts, but unfortunately they couldn't stop all this from happening.
…
More and more people gather in Suzhou City.
There are farmers, scholars, businessmen, and even ordinary people, including many literati and hermits from all over the world.
Although these people did not enter the court as officials, they have always been concerned about the important affairs of the court. They have a great influence on the people, and many of them are contemporary Confucian scholars.
In view of this, Xue Tingxiang deliberately delayed the start of the conference and released news that the conference would start in ten days.
During this period, more and more people joined both sides.
The haggard-faced scholars changed their decadent attitude earlier and chatted with those who joined later in high spirits. In addition to the arrival of more and more farmers, there are also some people with lofty ideals who care about the world and people's livelihood.
It's a pity that as the time draws to an end, the number of people on the side of the scholars who quit the examination has not increased but decreased, but the people on the side have not changed the previous momentum at all.
Another day when the sun rose, the New Political Debate finally opened in front of the Suzhou Gongyuan.
Unlike those lecturing conferences, which also set up a venue, everything here is simple. There are no tables and chairs, and there are no ceremonies to save face, just a layer of red felt is spread on the ground for those attending the meeting to sit on the floor.
With Xue Tingxiang saying that everyone can speak freely, the conference started like this.
No one was in charge, the scene was messy and disorganized, and they were all arguing with each other in groups of three or five.
It was not like they were having a debate, but rather they were sitting with each other and chatting with each other.
And the city of Suzhou is also empty, and it seems that everyone has gathered here.
The situation on the scholar's side is not good. The other side is already crowded. If you meet a scholar, it's fine. Everyone is on the same level and can speak clearly to each other. But if you meet those peasants who are farming, it is really a scholar who meets a soldier.
You and others are also close to each other. They say they don't understand, so let you speak the vernacular. When you finally speak the vernacular, they will not listen to your so-called plea for the world's scholars, but will chat with you about the days before and after the New Deal.
While chatting with you, smoking dry cigarettes, and some people pick their feet, anyway, how to feel comfortable. You are cautious, others are eclectic, you are smug, and others are giggling, you can't go on, you can only look at the wind and run away.
This conference lasted for three days and two nights, countless people came to watch, and countless people dispersed.
If you are hungry, you have a supply of dry food, and if you are thirsty, you have water. It seems that they do not plan to end without persuading each other. Countless people were so ashamed to hide their faces and fled, and many people were so angry that they fainted on the spot.
Therefore, when it comes to quarrels, sometimes scholars are really inferior to country people.
If you speak well, then speak well, if you speak foul language, they will scold the mother, and the situation will change. Seriously, do you dare to do it? You have no power to hold a chicken, and people's fists are as big as a bowl, which is enough to teach you how to be a human being.
These seemingly unremarkable farmers, they are humble and lowly, hard-working, even beating and scolding, but they can endure. As long as the day goes by, their patience is unbelievably high.
But if they moved their food, they dared to fight with you, and they were able to maintain no riots, but it was because they had the idea of persuading these scholars to let the New Deal go on and the people of the world to benefit.
These people represent thousands of farmers all over the world. They are the cornerstones of Dachang. As long as they have their absolute support, no one can turn the tide.
Therefore, the rhetoric of those scholars asking for orders for the scholars in the world is nonsense in front of them.
From the very beginning, this conference was destined to be the losers of these scholars. The reason why this scene is formed is that someone is using this to announce to the world—
The people are invincible! You still rest!
…
On the second floor of a building diagonally opposite Suzhou Gongyuan, there are several Confucian scholars wearing literati shirts.
One of the old men said: "Actually, we don't have to come this time. This Master Xue is really a genius. Since ancient times, people who love the hearts of the people are invincible, but there are very few people who can really use the hearts and minds of the people like this."
"Fortunately, this person has justice in mind. If it is a treacherous person, all the people will be worried." An old man next to him stroked his beard, his eyes stayed on the dazzling scarlet color in the crowd.
Xue Tingxiang did not leave, but entered the field as a commoner.
He said at the end of the game that the entrants will not be held accountable after the fact regardless of their identity, only the queue, whether they win or lose.
Too bad no one is an opponent. In the past two days, anyone who was arguing with him was ridiculed and silent, hiding his face and running away.
After three days, I haven't met the enemy yet, and it's simply a humanoid killer.
"You two don't enter the office, but the emperor is not in a hurry for the eunuch."
Seeing that the two friends were just smiling, the wild-looking scribe said with surprise: "Did you change your mind? You also plan to become an official, but you are so old..."
This person really can't speak, pointing at the monk and scolding the bald donkey, isn't it okay to find fault. Fortunately, both of them have cultivated their self-cultivation for many years, and they are also familiar with the character of this old friend, so they did not care about him.
"Although the time between the two of us is not forgiving, but fortunately there are several students, which can be of great use. In the early years, they were not allowed to enter the office, because there were many chaos in the court, they were unwilling to join forces, and they could not guarantee the glory. Yue. Now, this Master Xue seems to be a man of great wisdom and great compassion, and his future will not be limited to this. If he follows him, he will surely be able to do great things and benefit the people, and it will not be a waste of time for them to study."
Hearing this, several middle-aged scribes nodded their heads, but this wild scribe was stunned.
He looked at the two old friends, and then at the students standing around them. In the past, he would only laugh at the two of them for nothing, and how much they were wronged, but now he is a little envious.
Of the three, he was the only one who was unruly by nature, and he was never impatient to accept any students. In order not to let the two old friends compare, he has to accept a student or something
…
The New Deal debate finally ended before sunset.
In fact, in the end, it was almost a one-sided situation, and how many people were defeated and lost.
The result, of course, was that the people had a big victory.
Seeing the last group of people leave in shame, Xue Tingxiang laughed, with high spirits and pride.
He handed over to the few scribes in the field and said, "Thank you for your great help. I can't say enough words of gratitude. All in all, Xue Xue thanked everyone for the people of the world."
After a few days, his voice has become hoarse, but he is full of vigor and dazzling.
Civil servants pay attention to restraint. Xue Tingxiang has always kept it, but this time, all the things he kept for a long time were released, which was extraordinarily hearty.
"Sir Xue is very polite. I didn't come here because of a false name, but because I couldn't bear the suffering of the people. In fact, I didn't do much this time. These old men are still amazing."
These scribes looked at each other, and one of them said, their eyes stayed on the countless smiling peasants on the side, full of admiration.
Live to old age, learn old age, they can be regarded as eye-opening today. Originally, he came here with the intention of turning the tide, but only after he came here did he realize that a drop in the ocean was nothing to be concerned about.
"Since the matter is over, I will not stay any longer, so I will leave."
"If it weren't for this official's official duties, I would definitely accompany you with delicious wine."
"There will be opportunities in the future."
After a brief chat, these scribes from all over the world drifted away.
Only then did Xue Tingxiang focus on those farmers. After thanking them, he instructed his subordinates to take care of these people.
After all the things that should be ordered were finished, Xue Tingxiang felt a sense of emptiness.
He raised his head and looked at the sky, not knowing what he was thinking, until Hu San came to his side, he was just waking up from a big dream.
"Sir." Hu San supported him.
He waved his hand and smiled, "I'm fine, I'm just tired."
Xue Tingxiang rested for a whole day before recovering, and then went back to busy.
He came here this time to quell the examination strike in the Gongyuan. Now that the matter is over, the re-examination of the township examination needs to be put on the agenda. It is important to know that some scholars have stopped taking the exam, and some are waiting to see what happens. This matter cannot be delayed.
On the other side, the examiners in the Gongyuan were so anxious that their hair was gray, but the court did not issue an order, and they could not leave the Gongyuan. They were relieved until they received the re-examination in half a month.
At the same time, Xue Tingxiang hadn't forgotten the basket that was poked by the Supervisor of Li. Although it was not done by him, the addition of business tax was also included in the New Deal, and he had to take care of it.
He asked people to go to the Suzhou government office to file a case file, and ordered people to investigate in many places, only then did he have a general idea of the ins and outs of the matter.
The only thing that made him troublesome was that those weavers and workers who were arrested, from the perspective of the law, these people were extremely sinful, and they dared to gather a crowd to riot. But in terms of human feelings, although some of these people are for self-interest, it is true that Mrs. Li Jinzhong is not something.
And these people represent all the people in the textile industry in the entire Suzhou area.
Xue Tingxiang thought about it all night, put the matter behind his head, and planned to pretend that he didn't know about it.
Anyway, he didn't arrest the people. Even if he cleaned up the mess for Slijian, he was also cleaning up the business tax. As for those arrested, it has nothing to do with him at all, whoever arrests is responsible.
Because of his irresponsible thoughts, those who secretly waited for the imperial envoy's response were all uneasy. I didn't know that nothing came, but it was a surprise, but this was the aftermath.
Taking advantage of his current popularity in Suzhou, Xue Tingxiang brought up the business tax issue again.
His method was very simple. He carried out rectification on the basis of the tax office, and posted a notice outside the door.
What is written in this notice is a classification and implementation method of the additional business tax. It is said to be an additional business tax, but in fact the tax is not high, it is a little more than before, but in general, it does not hurt those weavers and merchants.
In fact, in retrospect, those weavers, workers and even merchants were also afraid of what happened before. I have been waiting anxiously, who would have thought that the New Deal would happen again, delaying many days.
Now that the imperial envoy has not pursued it, and he has acquiesced to this tax increase, it is also a pleasant surprise.
Seeing that everything was in order, Xue Tingxiang planned to return to Beijing to resume the decree.
Now that the township examinations in various places are not over, the reformists have no capable people in Beijing to stay behind. He is always afraid that something will happen in Beijing, so he hurries back to Beijing.
He ordered people to pack up and set off, but who knew that Bu Yanli was coming.
Since arriving in Suzhou City, Xue Tingxiang has not had much contact with local officials.
It is also intentionally cold to these people and does not want to deal with them.
This Suzhou prefect, Bu Yanli, he only met a few times, and there was very little conversation. The other party invited him to come to the banquet many times, but he was busy with official business and pushed him.
Who would have thought that the other party would come to the door in person today.
"Master Xue has come from a long way, no matter what, he has to let Xiaguan fulfill his friendship with the landlord, otherwise he will have no face to see you again when he is in the court."
For the sake of this, Xue Tingxiang is not easy to push back.
As an official in the DPRK, it is not advisable to make many enemies. Xue Tingxiang was not willing to offend Bu Yanli when the enemy and I hadn't figured it out yet.
So I went with him to a feast with delicious food and wine, until the top of the trees on the moon.
Because he drank too much the first night, Xue Tingxiang got up a little late the next day, and was about to call someone to set off, but Wu Heren, the governor of Su Song, came to the door in person.
Almost the same rhetoric as Bu Yanli, since the prefect's banquet has gone, and there is no reason for the governor's banquet not to go, Xue Tingxiang can only stay for another day.
When the wine is over and the banquet is over, it is already the first time for the lanterns to go up. Xue Tingxiang couldn't help thinking that no one would invite him to the banquet tomorrow, so he could finally set off.
When he returned to his residence, he was about to order to leave early tomorrow, when Wei Yunjie came in a hurry.
"what happened?"
"Sir, something may have happened in the capital."
Xue Tingxiang looked at each other.
Wei Yunjie looked solemn and said, "Jin Yiwei is out on business in Beijing. According to the system, he needs to contact Beijing Central every three days to report the situation. Especially when he accompanies the imperial envoy to Beijing to do business, it is more frequent once a day."
Xue Tingxiang was not surprised by this, because every time Wei Yunjie sent a secret letter to Beijing, he never concealed it from him.
In fact, it's not that he didn't hide it, it's just that after Guang Jicang helped each other in the same boat, he didn't hide it anymore. Xue Tingxiang was also very sensible and never asked. First, he had nothing to say to others, and secondly, he believed that if there was something inappropriate for Emperor Jiacheng to know, Wei Yunjie would definitely hint him.
"But this time, the lower official contacted Jingzhong, and he has not received a secret letter from Jingzhong for many days, and the person sent out has not come back."
Xue Tingxiang was instantly jolted, and the wine suddenly woke up.
"How many days have it been?"
"It's been almost ten days. There are times when Beijing doesn't reply to letters, but Xiaguan sent three teams to Beijing in succession, and none of them came back. Intercepted, or something happened in Beijing, and these people were detained in Beijing."
How could Jin Yiwei have an enemy, even if there is an enemy, who is so powerful that he can detain three groups of people, then there is only one explanation, something happened in Beijing.
A burst of rapid footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by a knock on the door.
"Lord Qianhu." Listening to the voice was one of Wei Yunjie's subordinates.
Wei Yunjie went to open the door, and Jin Yiwei, who came to report the letter, was pale.
"My lord, Li Yazi came back and said that the nine gates of the capital were under martial law, and he couldn't enter. He saw that he was going to leave, but was killed by someone. My lord, Li Yazi was seriously injured, you should go and see."