In the courtyard of the (two-in-one) cornice-carved beast, the four-sided sloping roof tiles collect all the rainwater in the patio. Although the rain has subsided, the water is still rolling in the patio. At the entrance to the culvert, the fallen leaves are swirling and are sucked away by the current. The rushing water makes a whirring and whistling sound.

On the corridor with red lacquer carved railings, Lu Zhongtian, dressed in a purple robe, stood under the corridor with his hands in his hands, watching the rain flow in the patio, with a flat expression on his face. Behind him, Wu Chunlai, who had a handsome face and a slender figure, and Qian Qianyi, the deputy prime minister, stood there silently, quietly following Lu Zhongtian's gaze and looking at the water flow in the patio and the swirling fallen leaves on the water surface.

"Hehe, the rain has stopped, if it is heavier and lasts longer, I am afraid that our public house will be waterlogged. The rain had all reached the second step. It seems that the drainage gutter must be a little blocked, and the rainwater that is larger than this in previous years can be drained smoothly and will not accumulate. It must have been the rotten leaves and mud that blocked it. ”

Lu Zhongtian turned around with a smile, slowly walked back to the public room, and sat on a Taishi chair. shook the sleeves of the official robe, picked up a cup of tea and drank it slowly.

Wu Chunlai and Qian Qianyi also came in, Wu Chunlai sat down to drink tea like Lu Zhongtian, but Qian Qianyi frowned and came to Lu Zhongtian's side, and said in a deep voice: "Lu Xiang, can you still be so calm?" This Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru are about to change the sky, can you tolerate what they are doing? ”

Lu Zhongtian frowned, and said with a smile: "What does Qian Xiang mean?" Why didn't the old man understand? ”

Qian Qianyi stomped his feet and said, "What kind of dumb riddle is Lu Xiang still playing with me?" People are going to on our heads, why are you still so calm? What people say today is clear, and the closing of positions is under the jurisdiction of his Ordinance Division. The officials who are always in charge of the prefectures and counties are the officials of the prefectures and counties, doesn't that mean that the prefects and county orders of these places must be under their control? Such a blatant seizure of power, why don't you speak out against it in the temple today? Is this to empty our political hall? Lu Xiang turned a blind eye, isn't this connivance and weakness? ”

Lu Zhongtian looked at Qian Qianyi's impatient old face in a daze, and suddenly laughed loudly: "Hahaha, old Qian, it seems that you really want to sue the old man." You're a little confused. ”

Qian Qianyi said angrily: "The old man is old, and the old man doesn't want to be angry with this, I will go home next year, I don't want to be nosy anymore." Lu Xiang: I didn't say what I just said. ”

Lu Zhongtian pointed at Qian Qianyi and smiled: "Look, I'm really angry." Old Qian, it's not me talking about you, you really don't understand the current situation. Today's things in the palace were all in the palace last night in front of the emperor to express their support, is the old man going to make trouble in the palace today? What will the emperor think? ”

Qian Qianyi glared and said, "But what was discussed last night did not make the prefect and county commander concurrently serve as the chief official of the permanent liquidation. But the frequent closing of positions is just under their control, isn't this a heartless move? ”

Lu Zhongtian held a cup of tea, Qian Qianyi was still about to ask, Lu Zhongtian shook his head and said: "Chunlai explained to Vice Minister Qian, the old man believes that you must see it more clearly than Vice Minister Qian." ”

Wu Chunlai, who was on the side, smiled and arched his hand: "Don't dare!" Spring comes to be dull, how can it be more than Qian Vice-chancellor. But this thing ...... Chunlai still realized something. But I don't know if I can say. ”

Lu Zhongtian smiled: "What can't be said, are there outsiders." Say, the old man also wants to know if you are the same as I think. ”

Wu Chunlai got up and bowed down and said, "Okay, then Chunlai will come and talk nonsense." If it is wrong, please bear with Lu Xiang, and please bear with Vice Minister Qian. ”

"Hey! What are you polite? Who doesn't know that you have a lot of ideas, if you want you to say it, you can say it, what kind of thing to sell. Qian Qianyi sat down anxiously, took a sip of the cup and drank it, but spit it out again, and shouted: "Ah, the old man is burned to death." Why is this tea still so hot? The one who makes tea? Do you want to burn me? ”

Lu Zhongtian and Wu Chunlai glanced at each other and laughed at the same time.

"Lord Qian, do you really think that Lu Xiang's ignorance is a weak move? Didn't Lord Qian know what Lu Xiang had said? Wu Chunlai said with a smile.

"Lu Xiang has said a lot, how does the old man know which sentence you are talking about?" Qian Qianyi's tongue was hot and painful and numb, and he said angrily.

"Lü Xiang once said, 'If you want it to perish, you must make it crazy.'" Crazy people will bring about their own destruction, and they don't have to think too much about dealing with it. Wu Chunlai smiled.

Qian Qianyi frowned and said, "Isn't it crazy enough now?" The new law they are enacting today is not crazy enough? ”

Wu Chunlai smiled: "It's not crazy enough, you need to connive at them to continue to be crazy." has been crazy until even the emperor can't stand it, and their end has come. Who doesn't see that they are taking the opportunity to seize power? Who can't see that they don't take the two mansions seriously? Under the banner of changing the law, taking the opportunity to seize the three powers of the military, government, and finance, even the blind can see it. However, the current situation is that the emperor is being bewitched by them, and the current opposition will definitely not be listened to. If anyone stands up against it at this time, is it not asking for hardship? Therefore, at this moment, it is a good strategy to quietly observe the changes, rather than jumping out and doing it. Even if it is Lu Xiang's identity, opposing it at this moment may not have an effect. It was disliked by the emperor, and was thought to be against changing the law and opposing the strategy of enriching the country and strengthening the army. Didn't you listen to that Fang Dunru's performance in the palace? It couldn't be clearer, whoever opposes it will have to find a way to deal with the invasion of the Liao people and solve the financial problem. With these big hats buttoned down, who can afford it? ”

Qian Qianyi was stunned and said: "That's right, but it's ...... If we just do nothing, won't we make them arrogant? Look at those officials, even the heavy rain from the sky is said to be the work of changing the law and conforming to the will of heaven, I can't stand this sycophant. If we don't show our attitude, these guys will definitely go to the solemn and solemn Fang Dunru to flatter them. Usually these guys who revolve around Lu Xiang are going to turn back. ”

Wu Chunlai sneered: "The cold knows the pine and cypress, and the adversity sees the truth." This is a good thing, whether the group of people who surround Lu Xiang every day is true or false, at this moment, it is clear that it is the province that identifies one by one. The wallgrass let them go, who cares about these guys who have no integrity? There are times when they regret it. ”

Qian Qianyi glanced at Lu Zhongtian, who was smiling on the chair with his eyes closed, and smacked his lips: "The old man is afraid...... I'm afraid it's self-defeating. The new law...... Once the new law succeeds, Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru will not be able to shake it. When the time comes, I'm afraid it's Lu Xiang's position ......"

"Hahaha, joke. So how can the new law succeed? Lord Qian, it's not that you are humble and rude, you are afraid that you are really old and confused. How could the new law succeed if it was so eager for success and so brutal and forcible in such a barbaric way? What brought the people back to farming? It is nothing more than a matter of curbing mergers. And what kind of lending to the people, that is to take profits directly from the people. Now everyone doesn't quite understand, but soon they will understand that Yan Zhengsu is going to cut the leeks of the people. What's the difference between this and a tax increase? I dare to predict that this new law will arouse public indignation, and Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru will be scolded by 10,000 people. Wu Chunlai sneered.

“…… It's so serious, I really don't see it......" Qian Qianyi muttered.

Lu Zhongtian in the chair suddenly opened his eyes and sat up, and said with a smile: "Vice Minister Qian, it's still more serious than this." It is necessary not only to arouse public indignation, but also to arouse official resentment. It was a great idea for the millions of idle families to return to the land to cultivate. I just want to ask, these people have sold their acres of land and are displaced, and they want to return to the land, where did they get the acres of land for them to cultivate? The big families also bought acres of land for money, so why should they cultivate them? Hehe, in the next step, Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru must solve this matter. I seem to know how they get their land back from the big ones. According to the temperament of these two people, it is estimated that the means are also extremely tough. Then they have offended not only the people, but also the wealthy and the big, and at that time, who will speak for them? The knife was not on his neck, and he clapped his hands one by one. When the knife is on my neck, who do I think applauds? Wait, the best is yet to come. ”

Qian Qianyi finally understood, it was not that Lu Xiang was not weak and could be bullied, it was that Lu Xiang had already seen through everything, he was just sitting and watching the movement and looking for an opportunity. I once again exposed my IQ, and I was really embarrassed. Qian Qianyi actually didn't want to be a minister, he still wanted to work in the position of deputy minister, but all this needed Lu Zhongtian's support. Just like when Lu Zhongtian forcibly pulled him to this position, regardless of everyone's opposition, Qian Qianyi himself also understood that he was not qualified. But now, I'm afraid that I really can't stay in this position, because Wu Chunlai is much stronger than himself. What Lu Xiang needs around him is someone like Wu Chunlai who can see things clearly, not himself. Although there are some regrets, Qian Qianyi actually doesn't have too much resentment, and this position does not belong to him. It's enough to do it for so many years. Moreover, it looks like it will soon be a mess, and it is better for me to leave quietly, so don't mix my IQ.

The rain stopped, Qian Qianyi said goodbye and left, and only Lu Zhongtian and Wu Chunlai were left in the public house. Lu Zhongtian smiled and said to Wu Chunlai: "Chunlai, you are really in tune with the old man, and your views are the same as the old man." The old man didn't misread you. Qian Qianyi is too confused, I want you to take his place. Qian Qianyi did something for me back then, and I also promoted him to deputy minister. He hasn't accomplished much over the years, and he's done his best for me. The situation between the DPRK and China is complex and volatile, and I need you to stand up. In a few days, I will persuade Qian Qianyi to send a letter to the official in advance and ask you to be the deputy minister. What do you think? ”

Wu Chunlai knelt on the ground and kowtowed excitedly, and said loudly: "Thank you Lu Xiang for your cultivation, the lower officials swear to follow Lu Xiang to the death, and they will never give up." ”

Lu Zhongtian waved his hand and said: "Don't be like this, you are not loyal to me, you are loyal to the imperial court." In the matter of changing the law, Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru bewitched the saints and ruined the court, and we can't sit idly by and watch them mess around. But now that God has given them full support, we can only wait and see what happens. Although the new law has many drawbacks, it will be effective as long as it is implemented properly. To tell you the truth, the old man actually muttered a little in his heart, if it was really done by them, even if there were drawbacks and public grievances, as long as it was beneficial to the court's finances, the emperor would definitely approve it. At that point, we're in an awkward position. ”

Wu Chunlai said in a deep voice: "It won't succeed, Lu Xiang, don't worry, this new law will definitely not work." Humble duties will not allow it to succeed, if these two people occupy the dynasty, will there be a place for us? The drawbacks of the new law are obvious, and there are 10,000 ways to make it difficult for them to succeed. But to do so seems to be contrary to the expectations of the imperial court. After all, the tight finances of the imperial court are also a problem that needs to be solved urgently. ”

Lu Zhongtian raised his eyebrows and said softly: "Do what you want." The problems of the imperial court really need to be solved, but those who disturb the program will not be tolerated. The chaos of the dynasty shook people's hearts a hundred times more seriously than the financial and tax affairs of the imperial court. Yang Guozhong in the Li Tang Dynasty was good at managing money and earned a lot of money for the imperial court. But what? The decline of Li Tang began with Yang Guozhong's dictatorship, which is the disadvantage of valuing profit over righteousness. We must not cover up our deviations with a single skill. The important ministers of the country pay attention to the way of loyalty and righteousness, rather than the skill of profit. Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru read the books of the sages in vain, they want the whole world to pursue profits, which will corrupt the atmosphere of my Great Zhou, and it will never be tolerated. ”

Wu Chunlai bowed and said, "The lower official has been taught, and the lower official understands." ”

……

On the south side of the government hall, the atmosphere in the public house of the independent courtyard of the three departments and regulations department was dull, and there was no joy that the department should have after promulgating the new law. Because after returning to the public house, Du Wei gradually sat behind his desk with a gloomy face and sulked. Several people in the same public house knew that this person was not easy to mess with, and they all held back and did not speak.

Lin Jue was actually in a displeased mood, and he didn't have the heart to do things, so he moved a stool and sat under the porch to watch the rain.

Liu Xiding leaned next to Lin Jue and laughed in a low voice: "Look at that Lord Du, the promulgation of the new law today is a great joy for our Regulation Department, but he is dissatisfied as if he has lost his soul." Is there something wrong with this person. ”

Lin Jue frowned and said, "Why didn't Lord Liu ask him why he was dissatisfied?" ”

Liu Xiding said: "It's not because he ignored his suggestion. He didn't want to think about his identity, he was not in charge here, the final terms needed to be decided by Lord Yan and Lord Fang, he regarded himself as a character. ”

Lin Jue said coldly: "Then what did Lord Liu think of himself?" Is it just a brainless puppet at the mercy of others? Don't have an idea of your own? ”

Liu Xiding was stunned for a moment, and looked at Lin Jue with a red face. Lin Jue knew that his words were too heavy, so he softened his tone and said, "Lord Liu, don't talk about people behind your back, this will make me look down on you." There is no mustard between me and Lord Du, you have to say something inexplicable every time, do you have to watch me and Lord Du make you happy? I don't like to hear these words. ”

Liu Xiding's face was ashamed and embarrassed. Lin Jue looked at him and sighed: "I don't want to embarrass you, there is a kind of person in officialdom that I don't like the most, I really hope you don't be that kind of person." ”

"Yes, Lord Lin, don't worry, I won't talk about these flowers anymore." Liu Xiding's face was gloomy, and he said again and again.

Lin Jue stood up and walked into the public room, glanced at Du Weiji, who was sitting behind the table with a blue face, walked to his desk and sat down, slowly sharpened the ink, took the brush and dipped it in ink, thought for a while, and began to write with a brush. After a while, after writing a piece of paper and blowing dry the ink with his cheeks, Lin Jue carefully folded it and kicked it in his sleeve and stood up and walked out.

"Lord Lin, please stay!" Suddenly, Du Wei, who was sitting behind Lin Jue, gradually came out and shouted.

Lin Jue stopped and turned around and smiled, "What advice does Master Du have?" ”

Du Wei gradually said in a deep voice: "Lord Lin, don't you have any opinion on today's affairs?" Do you have no problem with the terms of the new law? ”

Lin Jue said with a smile: "Master Du, the wood has been completed, and the new law has been announced, what are you going to say now?" ”

Du Wei gradually said angrily: "Could it be that we are all puppets carved in clay and wood?" The actions of the two adults were really disappointing, and Du came with a heart of admiration, wanting to help in the change of the law. But I didn't expect to suffer such neglect. Why do you pretend to agree to the terms we propose? What is this, is it not human? ”

Du Wei's voice was very loud, as if he was shouting, and he was so frightened that Tian Muyuan, another school inspector who was sitting in the last position, stood up, waved his hand and said, "Lord Du, Lord Du be quieter." Don't teach the two adults to hear. ”

"What about that? Not only do I have to teach, but I also have to theorize in person. Du Wei gradually slapped the table and shouted.

Tian Muyuan smacked his lips and waved his hand: "Oh, Master Du, you have only been in the office for a short time, don't you understand the rules of officialdom?" We are all subordinates, and Shangguan is the one who decides things in the end. The change of terms must also be a decision made by the two adults, and that is their right. Is it possible to ask the two adults to listen to us? Don't reverse priorities. ”

"If you are wrong, you are wrong, and if you are wrong, it will be harmful to the new law, and that is not something that one or two people can decide, it is a matter that affects the success or failure of the new law. As officials of the Ordinance Division, we are supposed to argue on our own merits. Are they all shrunken turtles? What else do we need to do? What else do you want us to do with the provisions of the new law? The two adults spoke orally, and our transcript is. It is our duty to be in their place. Otherwise, it would be dereliction of duty. Du Wei gradually said loudly.

"Hey! Master Du, don't be bookish. How so? After a long time, you will naturally understand, dissipate your anger, and don't make drastic moves. Lord Lin, you give me advice. Tian Muyuan frowned.

Lin Jue looked at Du Wei, who was full of anger, and gradually fell silent, Du Wei gradually frowned and said: "Don't persuade me, Lord Lin, you can hold back and not speak, but I can't." You must persuade me, or I will look down on you. ”

Lin Jue smiled and said, "Master Du, who said I was going to persuade you?" If you are so indignant, why don't you come with me to meet the two adults? I was just about to go to see the two adults when you stopped me. ”

"What?" Tian Muyuan was stunned: "Lord Lin, are you so ignorant?" Want to go to two adults to theorize? ”

Lin Jue smiled and said: "I'm not going to theorize, I'm going to apply for a transfer here." ”

"Transfer?" Du Weijian and Tian Muyuan exclaimed.

Lin Jue reached out and took out the piece of paper written by Shi Cai from his sleeve and handed it to Du Weichuan. Du Wei gradually opened it quickly, read it quickly, and frowned: "You plan to be transferred to be a stakeholder officer?" Why is that? ”

Lin Jue said in a deep voice: "The text of the inspection is to formulate regulations, and the relevant stakeholders are to check the implementation of the new law and ensure the implementation of the new law. Now we have made a mistake, even though it is not our fault, it is the insistence of the two adults. But since I feel that there is a flaw in it, I should remedy it. So I applied to be a stakeholder in the prime minister, to supervise the implementation of the new law, to go to the front line, and to persuade the two adults to revise the new law with facts. Instead of sulking here. My principle is that I am responsible for what I do, and I am actively remedy the mistakes I make. If I am unable to remedy this, then I will apply to leave the Ordinance Division. That's my way of doing things. ”

Du Wei looked at Lin Jue in a daze, and said in a deep voice: "Lord Lin, Du was originally quite unconvinced by you. Even now, Du thinks that his talent is not inferior to you. But in action, you are much better than Du. Du is only angry and angry, but you are ready to take action to remedy it. On this point, Du respects you for three points. You're right, we have to remedy the mistakes we have made, and I will also be a stakeholder of the phase, go to the states and counties below to inspect, and use the facts to change the minds of the two adults. ”

Lin Jue smiled: "Then what are you waiting for?" Let's go and meet the two adults together. ”

Du Wei gradually said: "Don't worry, I'll write an application for transfer." ”

Lin Jue laughed and said, "What else to write?" Wouldn't it be enough to sign my name under this one? Could it be that Brother Du thinks that my writing is not brilliant enough? ”

Du Wei laughed gradually, picked up the pen and wrote down his name. The two looked at each other and smiled, and walked out of the public room hand in hand.