Chapter 8 Chapter Eight: The North of Midstream is the End of the World
On October 1st of the 17th year of Xining, Shaoyi Festival.Lu Huiqing got up early, and his concubine helped him to change and wash, and said with a smile: Mr. Xianggong said this is a good omen, because a few flowers bloomed in the garden yesterday
Meng Dong in October, you don’t know that the folks call it Xiaochun. It’s not worth making a fuss about the few flowers that bloom. After a few days when the weather turns cold, they will wither.Lu Huiqing raised her eyebrows, and said calmly, the official's illness became more and more serious, and even called a few old doctors to come back to see the doctor, but they couldn't come up with a good solution.Yesterday, the Zhengshitang issued an edict that when seeking medical treatment from the whole country, you should not say anything that should not be said.
Yes, my husband.The concubine quickly bowed and agreed, and continued to brush Lu Huiqing's hair seriously.
In the bronze mirror, Lu Huiqing frowned, preoccupied.
Ten days ago, Wang Hou and Murong Ze took a group of rockets and thunderbolts to drop bombs and went to Yizhou first. Strange to say, the situation in Yizhou seemed to calm down at the end of September.But this kind of silence made Lu Huiqing very uneasy, but no news came back from Gao Zunhui, Gao Zunyu, or Chen Yuanfeng.Could it be that the Yizhou hurdle can really be passed so smoothly?
In addition to Yizhou, from Bianjing to Shaanxi, there are also reassuring news.Prices are still rising, but the rate of price increase has begun to decrease; the credit of banknotes is getting lower and lower, but after the price ratio of banknotes to copper coins falls slowly, there seems to be a short period of stability.After discussing with Xue Xiang, Lu Huiqing thought it might be related to the autumn harvest and autumn tax.
Judging from the current situation reported by various newspapers, the entire southeast region is a bumper year, which has been widely reported by major newspapers; in addition, in order to stabilize the price of grain in Bianjing, Han Zhongyan sold it openly in Kaifeng Prefecture in Bianjing. Once the price of grain and cloth is stabilized, the rise of other prices will be restrained.
On the other hand, the Zhengshitang also repeatedly issued edicts, strictly ordering local governments not to refuse to accept and hand over banknotes.In the old system of the Song Dynasty, although the autumn tax was levied on the southeast roads from October 1st, all the northern roads were collected from September 1st, but because Shaanxi, Hebei, Hedong, and Yizhou are now enjoying border taxes District treatment, so it can be collected as late as the 15th day of the 18th lunar month in Xining. Therefore, the actual payment date for the autumn taxes of these roads is also after October. Only a very few wealthy areas can pay in September. The autumn tax will come up at the end of the day.With the decree issued by the Zhengshitang in late September, the price of banknotes has temporarily stabilized. However, the autumn tax is mainly to collect taxes in kind such as grain, supplemented by banknotes. What is the intention of the subordinate staff when they come to collect taxes? They are absolutely unwilling to easily believe the edicts of several political affairs halls. Therefore, the situation is only temporarily stable.
Lu Huiqing believes that her worries are not unfounded. Yizhou Road, Shaanxi Road, and Hebei Road are all harvests in middle years, and a few areas even need relief.But it is these areas that bear the heavy responsibility of supplying military supplies!
But in any case, Lu Huiqing also admitted that God really helped him.
This allowed him to maintain his advantage in the struggle against the old party.Empress Dowager Gao suddenly ordered Han Zhongyan and Chen Yan to visit Sima Guang, which greatly boosted the morale of the old party; Lu Gong's work disappeared mysteriously, and officials in the court suspected that Shu Quan had murdered Lu Gong's work, and Shu Yu was also very embarrassed to say that Lu Gong No one would believe that he absconded in fear of crime; if Lu Gong committed suicide in fear of crime, then he couldn't even commit suicide with the envoy who went to escort him, right?It is said that he was robbed and killed by robbers, but no one was seen alive or dead. What is even more incredible is that, after checking the files of the states and counties along the way for the past five years, there is no record of robbers in the local area!Shu Yu had no choice but to arrest the county magistrate and Yi Cheng in the missing place to deal with it for a while; but Sima Kang was a hard-headed person who tried every possible means, but he refused to speak to the death.To make matters worse, Wang Anshi is getting closer and closer to Bianjing.
Under such a situation, Lu Huiqing really couldn't bear any disturbance in Yizhou.Before Wang Hou and Murong Qian left Beijing, Lu Huiqing personally sent them out of the Wansheng Gate, promised to meet all their demands, and promised them countless rewards for success, and urged them to use their troops carefully. But even so, Lu Huiqing still He couldn't rest assured, he even regretted that Wang Hou and Murong Qian belonged to Shi Yue after all, and Shi Yue was so unreliable!
What made Lu Huiqing even more unhappy was the actions of Empress Dowager Gao.
Unlike that rebellious son, Lu Huiqing didn't trust Yong Wang Zhao Hao at all.Although King Yong has the reputation of a virtuous king among the court and the opposition, the ministers of the court also think that both kings are virtuous!Instead of choosing Zhao Hao, who he has absolutely no liking for, it is better to support Cao Wang Zhao Kai, but how easy is it to do?Zhao Kai has no power of his own at all, and has always been cautious and unambitious.
However, Lu Huiqing didn't think that Zhao Kai was hopeless, which might be Zhao Kai's advantage.If things go to a certain stage, a long-lord must be established, and neither the ministers of the court nor Queen Xiang may choose the ambitious Zhao Hao.In history, there have been more than one occasions when an ambitious and painstaking vassal king was abandoned by the ministers of the court.As long as Lu Huiqing is good at guiding, it will be fine.
If an emperor's throne fell from the sky to Zhao Kai, wouldn't Zhao Kai be grateful to Lu Huiqing?
However, under the current situation, Lu Huiqing has no energy to deal with Zhao Hao for the time being. The most urgent task is to find out the whereabouts of Lu Gongzhu as soon as possible and pry Sima Kang's mouth open!
Before the death of the emperor, at least force Sima Guang out of Bianjing. Only in this way can Lu Huiqing have the confidence to control the situation after the death of the emperor.The emperor was already so seriously ill. The Burning Clothes Festival should have given clothes to the officials, given charcoal and other things, and held a big banquet, but this year's Burning Clothes Festival, no one has the heart to do these things.In addition to maintaining the normal operation of the Song Dynasty, the Zhengshitang is to seek medical treatment and pray for the emperor. Today, Lu Huiqing will go to Daxiangguo Temple to pray for the emperor.Those old parties are really pervasive, and some people want to take the opportunity to ask for amnesty
Lu Huiqing suddenly came to his senses at the call of the concubine, and he realized that his hair had been combed.He stood up, and vaguely heard Lu Shengqing's voice from outside, as if he was asking if he was alright.
Daxiangguo Temple!Lu Huiqing snorted softly in his heart. Whenever he thought of Daxiangguo Temple, he would always think of Zhiyuan, and then he would think of Wang Anshi and Shi Yue
Southeast of Bianjing City, near Chenzhou Gate.At sunrise.
Cai Jing was sitting on the upper floor of a certain restaurant by the window, drinking wine, but his eyes were fixed on the street outside the window. Following his line of sight, he could see a building that was so ordinary in Bianjing. On the signboard outside, there are four big characters of Yongshun Bank.
Cai Jing calculated the time in his mind. Today is the Burning Clothes Festival. The important officials of the court will follow Lu Huiqing and Han Wei to go to important temples to pray for the emperor. The people of Bianjing will also go out to visit the grave.When Lu Huiqing led the ministers into the Daxiangguo Temple, it was time to start.
On the night of the Guzimen meeting, Cai Jing asked Wang Gu to see Sima Guang.The next day, Cai Jing was quietly brought into Sima Guang's mansion by Wang Gu. Cai Jing expressed his doubts to Sima Guang face to face.Not long after he left Sima Guang's mansion, news came that Empress Dowager Gao sent an envoy to visit Sima Guang!
Cai Jing realized at that time that the opportunity had come.
Sure enough, in the middle of the night that day, Wang Gu came to him
Cai Jing gently played with the wine glass in his hand, his palms were covered with cold sweat.
Sima Guang adopted Cai Jing's suggestion, and according to Wang Gu's suggestion, it is very likely that this adventure will also be supported by Empress Dowager Gao. However, everything has a premise!
This is the first step of the plan.
The risk of this step will be entirely borne by Cai Jing alone!If this step is successful, then Cai Jing can almost stand by and watch the next thing; but if it fails, Sima Guang and Wang Gu will pretend nothing happened.Not only to startle the snake, Cai Jing has to bear Lu Huiqing's next revenge on his own
It stands to reason that the risk of this step is not too great.However, it was Cai Jing himself who suggested that a decisive decision must be made, and all plots should not be delayed for a long time. The sooner the better, the better.Cai Jing had to gamble on his luck. In order not to scare the snake away, Cai Jing didn't have the time or manpower to conduct a detailed investigation of Yongshun Bank.
He just gambled.
Cai Jing, who is the Chancellor of Yitai Mansion, quietly writes to Kaifeng Mansion, suspecting Yongshun Bank of falsifying accounts, tax evasion, and illegal transactions and handing over money.Han Zhongyan calmly mobilized troops to Cai Jing, taking advantage of the Burning Clothes Festival on October 1st, he suddenly seized Yongshun Bank
Yongshun Bank has at least three accounts. The first is the account with Lu Heqing and Fang Ze; the second is the account that the bank lent to the southeast merchants;
Naturally, Cai Jing didn't expect to find the first ledger, but he must at least get the second ledger!
If you can't get this account, then this is just an ordinary audit.After ten days and half a month, Cai Jing can leave Bianjing.Maybe Lu Huiqing will let him check the tax of salt dealers in a remote town for a lifetime.
Only with this account will Cai Jing have a future!
Sima Guang would not trust Cai Jing unconditionally. At this time, he was more cautious than anyone else.
Dang The bell on the tower of Chenzhou Gate rang, and Cai Jing stood up abruptly, spilling the wine in his glass all over the floor.
In the middle of the corner.
The side door of Sima Guang's mansion opened, and Wang Gu walked into Sima Guang's mansion swaggeringly under the watchful eye of Si Chazi from the imperial city, and was directly taken to Sima Guang's study by his servants.
Found the ledger?Sima Guang, who was always steady, had a trembling voice at this moment.
No.Wang Gu smiled, but he found a few loans, totaling more than 1.5 million coins!The dozen or so firms lent to Quanzhou at five percent interest were all lent out in September. The account that was obtained in hand, the total property of Yongshun Bank added up is less than 200,000 guan!
Sima Guang gently placed his hand on a piece of white paper on the desk.
The treasurer of Yongshun Bank seems to have to think about how to explain the origin of the money.Cai Jingzheng sent people to count the warehouses of Yongshun Bank, and interrogated the bankers who committed crimes. It is time for You Zangku to do it. A little later, Lu and Xue will return from Daxiangguo Temple
Sima Guang stroked the snow-white paper lightly, and finally grabbed a pen.
Outside Daxiangguo Temple.
Fang Ze walked back and forth anxiously rubbing his hands, his face pale.A member of Shen Qi's family, the treasurer of Yongshun Bank, came to find him early in the morning, saying that officers and soldiers had sealed off the Qianzhuang and all the houses of Shen's family, searched everywhere, and Shen Qi was also arrested.It was with great difficulty that he inquired and found out that he was from Kaifeng Mansion.But I don't know why
Fang Ze seemed to have been beaten with a sap at that time, and he couldn't make a sound for a long time.Yongshun Bank's entry and exit account book, a contract receipt, all these things can kill people.He sent people out to continue to inquire about the news, and sent people to notify Lu Shengqing, Lu Heqing, and hurried to Daxiangguo Temple.
But when he got outside the temple, he could only be anxious.I was also afraid that the place where I stood would be too conspicuous and people would notice me, so I had to hide behind a willow tree.
Finally, it was almost noon, and seeing the officers and soldiers outside the Daxiangguo Temple starting to clear the road, Fang Ze was about to get closer, but unexpectedly, the officers and soldiers of the Kaifeng Mansion drove Fang Ze over to the bustling people who wanted to watch the excitement. , let him yell, and his entourage pulled left and right, but it didn't help.All he could do was watch from a distance as Lu Huiqing and a group of important ministers got on their horses outside the Daxiangguo Temple, and left calmly surrounded by guards.
On the right is the treasury bureau.
The difference between the Taifu Temple Zuo Zang Treasury Bureau and the Right Zang Treasury Bureau is that the former manages all income from Zuo Zang South and North Treasury treasuries, while the latter manages all payments from Zuo Zang South and North Treasury treasuries. There was no treasury like Youzangku in Song Dynasty.
Before Xining, all the daily military expenditures of the Great Song Dynasty relied on Zuo Zangku; while the use of troops and other extraordinary matters relied on Nei Zangku.After the new official system, Shi Yue tried his best to persuade Zhao Xu to appropriately weaken the function of the inner treasury and let the Ministry of Households play a more important role.But Zuo Zangku has become more important. All revenues from commercial taxes, monopoly franchises, minerals, tariffs, currency issuance, and recycling in the country are all included in Zuo Zangku; on the other hand, Zuo Zangku not only supplies daily military expenses In addition, it also borne a considerable part or even almost all of the war expenses.
This is a department with a very strong stone color.This was Sima Guang's first thought when he saw the Youzang Treasury Bureau.This kind of thinking is completely irrelevant to what he is going to do now, but his thoughts just drifted there
At that time, Shi Yue entered the Zhengshitang as an advisor to the government affairs and Taifu Temple Secretary, relying on the expansion of the power of the Taifu Temple, and gained a lot of real power. All courts stand against each other.After Han Wei succeeded, he still maintained the scope of power of Taifu Temple, and added the Money Delivery Bureau, an institution that is now very important to the national finance.Sima Guang's name is Jixiang, but it is a bit misleading.So from then on, Taifu Siqing became the department that Lu Huiqing must control.Lu Huiqing did succeed, and he let his cronies become ministers of the Taifu Temple; but on the other hand, there was a price for doing so.Since then, the Minister of Taifu Temple, because of lack of qualifications, prestige and talent, can only become Lu Huiqing's answering person, but because of this, he cannot enter the political affairs hall. Although this allows Lu Huiqing to control Taifu Temple with ease, it also allows Sima Guang's power to expand at the same time .Although the Hubu’s status is higher than that of Taifu Temple, the six departments and nine temples are not mutually subordinate institutions. However, Sima Guang’s status as a governor and his personal prestige allowed him to send official documents from the Hubu to Taifu Temple. , almost like an official document sent from a superior to a subordinate.It would be unimaginable in the era of Shi Yue and Han Wei.
Although Sima Guang's influence on Taifu Temple is far inferior to that of Lu Huiqing, Sima Guang has indeed successfully established this psychological advantage.
This is also the reason why he dared to take great political risks to appear in the Youzang Treasury Bureau in person today.
Originally, Cai Jing also implicitly suggested finding a censor like Yang Shi to do such a thing, and expressed that he was sure to persuade Duan Zijie to cooperate secretly.But Sima Guang knew how risky it was to do this. Without the emperor's edict and the edict of the Zhengshitang, Yang Shi and Duan Zijie might not care about their own wealth, life and bright future, but even if they put all these things together, it might not be possible. able to succeed.Even if they succeed by luck, this is not something Zheng Xia, Tian Liewu, or Tang Kang can compare to!
This is by no means a derogatory thing.No matter how well the imperial court treats scholar-bureaucrats, there is a bottom line.Sima Guang would definitely not let these future pillars of the Song Dynasty fall into such danger.Although he knew that by doing so, he would also push himself to the forefront.But after all, he still has a talisman. Even if he didn't sell the holiday, he is still the counselor of the Zhengshitang and the secretary of the household department!
Sima Xiang and Xianggong raised the issue of You Zangku Bureau and suddenly found Sima Guang appearing in front of them, so surprised that they began to stutter.
Sima Guang who wants to see all the cashier's accounts of Xining's 17-year cashier said lightly.
Afternoon time (Note: Shen time. About 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., generally refers to the afternoon or dusk.).Ruisi Hall.
Zhao Xu seemed to be showing signs of improvement today. After eating a bowl of porridge, supported by Li Xiang'an and a few little yellow gates, he walked more than a hundred steps outside the Hall of Ruisi.Regarding the matter of ghosts and gods, Zhao Xu has always believed in the teaching of saints, respecting ghosts and gods and keeping a distance, always holding a skeptical attitude.Although he is the so-called son of heaven, all sacrificial activities are not so much for the eyes of the world, but for the eyes of the people.However, after being ill for so long and the decoction was ineffective, Zhao Xu's attitude also changed subtly. In short, he would rather believe in something than nothing.Today's improvement, it is hard to say that it has nothing to do with going to the Daxiangguo Temple to pray together with the prime ministers.Zhao Xu thought in his heart that he should offer some more offerings to the Buddha, but when he thought about the national treasury, he couldn't help but feel a little hesitant.Perhaps, we should seriously consider the matter of amnesty the world proposed by Han Wei a few days ago
Taking advantage of his good spirits, Zhao Xu sent someone to call Lu Huiqing, Han Wei, Wang Gui, several prime ministers, and three trusted ministers, Shi Yue, Han Zhongyan, and Li Qingchen.The imperial physicians advised him in every possible way that he must stop working hard at this time and must rest. Zhao Xu himself also felt powerless, but there were a few things that he could never let go of.
The situation in Yizhou, this year's harvest and autumn tax, as well as the education and staffing of the crown prince
Judging from the reports of Lu Huiqing and Han Wei, he can feel at ease for the time being in Yizhou and Qiushui.But Zhao Xu couldn't worry about the sixth brother's matter.A while ago, there was a servant from the Ministry of Internal Affairs who drank too much and even chewed his tongue, saying that the emperor was ill for a long time and that the crown prince was established too early. The result was of course death, but such rumors never stopped.
Over the past few decades, the tradition of the country is indeed to formally establish the crown prince before the emperor's death, but these people dare to deceive the public with lies, but it is impossible that there is no one who deceives and instigates them behind the scenes!
Zhao Xu leaned on the imperial couch, thinking about his thoughts, while listening to Wang Gui's words below: The system of the national dynasty is different from that of Li Tang. , Taifu, and Taibao are not permanent officials, and almost all the officials of the Eastern Palace are also led by other officials.
Although Wang Gui's words were euphemistic, Zhao Xu could understand that if the East Palace officials were set according to the ancestral system, the meaning would be limited.Zhao Xu nodded slightly, but he heard that Han Wei had already taken over the words, and said: Back then when His Majesty was in the mansion, there were still officials such as Chang Shi, Sima, Consultant Joining the Army, and Jishi Joining the Army. Liao Zuo, you don't have to do everything in the same system.
Hearing what Han Wei said, Wang Gui was afraid of being misunderstood, and he was unwilling to lag behind. He also said: I think this is also the idea. The most important thing in selecting officials for the East Palace is to win people, and it doesn't matter if you also serve as other officials.
Zhao Xu nodded, pointed at Shi Yue, and said with a smile: There are still people who have been princes and tutors here, let's hear what he said?
From the founding of the Song Dynasty to this time, Shi Yue was probably the only one who had been a prince and tutor before becoming an official.Shi Yue could hear the joke in the emperor's words, and was about to speak, when suddenly he heard a general manager come outside the hall and said: Sima Guang, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, has urgent matters to see!
What?Hugh said it was the emperor, even Shi Yue didn't react for a while, and everyone in Ruisi Hall from Zhao Xu down was stunned for a while.
The Tongshi Sheren had seen such a situation before, thought he had made some mistake, so he braced himself and said again in a trembling voice: Shenzhi Zhengshi, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, Sima Guang, I have an urgent matter to see the official !
Sima Guang?
For a moment, Shi Yue only felt that the breathing in Ruisi Palace became dull.
Xuan!
Everyone in Ruisi Hall watched Sima Guang enter the hall with their own thoughts.The feeling of strangeness and uneasiness permeated the palace, and everyone had a premonition that something would happen. There was no doubt about it. Sima Guang, who accused the sick, suddenly entered the palace to ask to see the emperor, which was already a crime of disrespect. !If it wasn't for something worthy of his risk, then Sima Guang would be insane!
Lu Huiqing's right eyelid twitched suddenly, and he subconsciously sensed a dangerous aura.He quietly observed the expressions of Han Wei and Shi Yue, but Han Wei also looked surprised. Although Shi Yue was calm, the surprise in his eyes was by no means feigned.Both Han Wei and Shi Yue didn't know about it, but this didn't make Lu Huiqing feel at ease. Given the current situation of the old party, if Sima Guang dared to come back and ask to be summoned without allies, then the things in his hands must be extraordinary.
From the moment Sima Guang walked into the palace to the time the emperor ordered him to lie down, Lu Huiqing had countless thoughts in his mind, but what Sima Guang said still made him feel cold all over his body.
I dare to use the lives of hundreds of people in my family to guarantee that some people in Taifu Temple privately embezzled the left treasury to pay at least millions of coins and lend money for profit
Zhao Xu was dumbfounded as he listened to Sima Guang saying an unbelievable thing in his Kaifeng Mandarin with a Shaanxi accent.Zuo Zangku?Misappropriation and delivery?Close the warehouse?Close the account?
For a moment, Zhao Xu almost suspected that he had heard wrong.His hands were tightly grasping the armrest, his sleeves were trembling slightly, and the muscles on his pale and bloodless face twitched intermittently.His eyes looked at Sima Guang for a while, and Lu Huiqing for a while. In his eyes, he didn't know whether it was doubt, surprise, anger, disappointment, or anxiety.
Lu Huiqing was already breaking out in a cold sweat.Except for Sima Guang, everyone's eyes in the hall were on Lu Huiqing.
Everyone knows who is the Minister of the Taifu Temple and who is the Governor of the Money Delivery Bureau
The haggard Sima Guang never looked at Lu Huiqing. After he finished talking about the matter, he respectfully handed over a memorial.In this memorial, it describes in detail how Cai Jing discovered the abnormality of Yongshun Bank, how he found out that Yongshun Bank was closely related to Lu Heqing, Fang Ze and others, how he learned that maritime merchants in Guangzhou, Quanzhou and other places had obtained large loans, and how Reported to Sima Guang, how did Sima Guang decide to kill first and then act later, seal up Yongshun Bank, and check the banknote cashier accounts of Youzang Treasury Bureau
Of course, in addition to this, there is also the pleading letter of Sima Guang and Cai Jing. However, this is not so much a pleading letter as it is a bullet accusing Lu Huiqing of deceiving the top and covering the sky with one hand!
Zhao Xu swallowed his throat, watched Li Xiangan take the memorial, saw Lu Huiqing's lips move, he raised his hand, stopped Lu Huiqing who was about to speak, took the memorial silently, and flipped through it quickly.He would rather believe that Sima Guang was slandering Lu Huiqing than that Lu Huiqing, whom he had always trusted, would let him down like this!However, his eyes moved rapidly on the memorial, his breathing became more and more rapid and cloudy, and his hands trembled more and more!
This doesn't seem to be Sima Gong's handwriting?Zhao Xu asked calmly. He didn't want to lose his composure in front of his courtiers, but there seemed to be a flame burning in his heart. He wished he could stand up immediately, throw the memorial in front of Lu Huiqing, and point to his nose to question and feel pain. scold!
Your Majesty has good eyesight, this letter was written by Cai Jing.Sima Guang's tone was flat.
Um.Excellent calligraphy!This man is his prime minister!Zhao Xu gritted his teeth in his heart. If Zhuge Liang embezzled military funds to lend usury, how would Liu Bei feel?Zhao Xu's face was hot, and he suddenly felt ashamed and humiliated. Who made him the laughing stock of future generations?
Wisdom is also excellent.It is rare that Sima Guang has both ability and political integrity, but Zhao Xu didn't hear it at all.
Have both ability and political integrity?Shi Yue listened to Sima Guang's four-character comment silently, but almost couldn't laugh or cry.But this is also normal, Ouyang Xiu also praised Lu Huiqing in the same way.
Your Majesty Lu Huiqing can no longer stand.
Zhao Xu closed the papers and glanced at Lu Huiqing. He suddenly felt annoyed again, as if he really didn't want to see this handsome prime minister again, and only hoped that he would disappear from his eyes as soon as possible. , and can never happen in general.His throat twitched, but he finally held back, and said: Sima Guang's letter, the Prime Minister also has a look.I have always praised Lu and Qing for their talents, and indeed they are!It seems that the imperial court issued a little less banknotes
Zhao Xu just spoke slowly, but his tone was almost vicious.
His Majesty!I really don't know, if this matter is true, even if I die, it will not be enough to atone for my crime.Lu Huiqing couldn't hold it any longer, and knelt down with a plop.
For such a big case, I will definitely give you an explanation.Zhao Xu didn't look at Lu Huiqing again, he didn't know what he thought of, his tone suddenly softened, he turned to look at Sima Guang, and said: "I will accept Sima Junshi's performance, seal Zuo Zangku, check the account and the library!"Zhao Xu's eyes slowly flicked across the heads of the people in Ruisi Hall, Li Tao, Lu Heqing, Fang Zexia Yushitai Prison Li Qingchen, you draft an order, ask Xue Xiang if he knows, when will Li Shunju and An Dun return to Beijing?
Seeing that Lu Huiqing was inconvenient to speak at this time, Wang Gui leaned back and said: Li Shunju will arrive in a few days, but An Dun will take dozens of days.
Zhao Xu pursed his lips, paused for a while, and said: Then call Ma Mo, Cai Jing and Li Shunju to try this case!
Everyone in the palace knew that Li Shunju was also a very favored eunuch in front of the emperor. He traveled abroad for a long time, supervised and labored in the army, and served as the emperor's eyes and ears. He was not under Li Xian's cronies, because he came from a family of eunuchs. His ancestor was a famous servant in Song Taizu's time. , so Shi Deyi and the others are quite afraid of him.It was also the practice of the Song Dynasty for the emperor to appoint a servant to supervise the trial in major cases. Although Sima Guang and others hated eunuchs, they had no objection because it was a practice.
Besides, everyone's thoughts at this time are no longer on this matter.
It's like a chess player, seeing the advantage on the board, the winning chance is already in his hands, and suddenly the opponent releases a winning move, and the whole situation is reversed immediately, but he is almost as if he has been hit by seven inches. All the advantages before, in such an instant, It's as ridiculous as a flower in a mirror and a moon in water.No matter how much ambition there is, it can only add more despair at this time
Lu Huiqing stood alone in her garden, staring blankly at the wild flowers that bloomed against the clock, with an almost numb expression.
Fate seemed to be teasing him.
Cai Jing!Cai Jing!He had gnashed his teeth and cursed the damn name countless times, but it couldn't change anything.The emperor can be regarded as one of the few British lords in the past few hundred years. Throughout the ages, any British lord will firmly grasp these three things, and will never allow anyone to easily offend them.Shi Yue tried his best to get the emperor to transfer the financial power to the foreign court, but he also had to make a compromise, all the treasuries were supervised by eunuchs.The emperor can forgive him for his helplessness in issuing banknotes indiscriminately, no matter how serious the consequences are, the emperor will understand his difficulties, but Lu Huiqing knows that the emperor will never forgive this matter!
Lu Huiqing suddenly remembered an allusion that when Cao Cao had no food, he falsely accused the food official of being corrupt and executed him, making the three armies think that the lack of food was only due to corruption, which stabilized the morale of the army. He couldn't help but shuddered. He, Lu Huiqing, is that food official?
Lu Huiqing only felt that the future was suddenly very bleak.
Zuo Zangku is short of at least several million banknotes!Lu Huiqing knew very well in his heart that as long as there was a one-month buffer, he could easily make up for this shortfall. He had a hundred ways to ensure that nothing would go wrong.But he never expected that Sima Guang's methods would be so decisive and ruthless!He naturally wouldn't think about it, if he hadn't pushed Sima Guang to a dead end, Sima Guang wouldn't have taken such a big risk to go to the Youzang Treasury Bureau to check the books in person. The Youzang Treasury Bureau could have completely ignored Sima Guang's official documents.At that time, what Sima Guang wants to take is his political life!However, when Sima Guang went to the Youzang Treasury Bureau, the newly-appointed official of the Imperial City Department was a child of the old party; and several officials who had a good relationship with Lu Heqing were all invited to drink for the festival
This is obviously a well-calculated conspiracy.
Lu Huiqing had already calculated in her heart that for the whole thing to succeed, Sima Guang must get the secret support of Taifu Temple, Kaifeng Mansion, and the Privy Council!It's ridiculous that he was completely kept in the dark about such a big conspiracy!
inability!shame!
Lu Huiqing could not forgive her mistake.
But the current situation is extremely unfavorable.Lu Huiqing knew very well that the emperor was not a scheming and gloomy person in his heart. The emperor's temperament was impulsive and eager.The emperor's heart is full of ideal flames. This kind of enthusiasm enables him to change the law, to change the stereotypes and bad habits of the past century, and to turn his dreams into reality. But the emperor's heart is actually sensitive and kind. Fragile, he longs for success and is afraid of any failure and setback.A little setback would make him extremely nervous and even show nervousness.His superficial calmness and calmness are actually nothing but the so-called emperor's art. In front of his courtiers, he wants to show the majesty and unpredictability of the emperor.
Lu Huiqing was conceited that in the entire Song Dynasty, apart from him, at most only Wang Anshi and Shi Yue were the only three of them who really understood the emperor's character.
However, it is precisely because of this understanding that Lu Huiqing clearly understands her situation.The emperor hated, even feared, setbacks, but he repeatedly gave him setbacks.However, the emperor still has a wise king, ministers, and ministers who know each other. This incident between Liu Bei and Zhuge, Tang Taizong and Wei Zheng cannot but make the emperor feel betrayed!
The emperor may feel disgusted, and when he sees himself, he will think of being betrayed, making him feel that he lacks knowledge and that he will be ridiculed by future generations
If there is such a feeling, it will be the most terrifying thing.
Maybe, time can solve these things. The emperor used to be so suspicious of Shi Yue, but because of the emperor's character, he has always been protecting Shi Yue. It seems that the trust has been increased again. If there is enough time, Lu Huiqing is confident that he can restore the emperor's impression of him.
But where would he have enough time?
Lu Heqing and Fang Ze were involved in the case, so he had to abstain as usual.
Sima Guang will definitely chase after him fiercely. Needless to say, Ma Mo and Cai Jing, although Li Shunju was also rejected by the old party because of the old party's prejudice, but in terms of character, he is the best among all the eunuchs in the Xining Dynasty Yes, Lu Huiqing can't expect to bribe or win him over at all.
And after he abstained, Feng Jing and Wang Gui belonged to the Zhengshitang, and it was good if they didn't make trouble, so could he still expect Wang Gui to speak for him?
The wind direction of Bianjing changed almost overnight!
Lu Huiqing stretched out her feet and crushed a blooming wild flower into the mud.
He's not completely out of luck either.
He can even compare time with Sima Guang!
The emperor may not live for half a year, and it may not matter whether he can restore trust, or even the emperor hates him. If he drives Sima Guang out of Bianjing first, he still has a chance to survive until the emperor dies!It doesn't matter even if he is avoiding the position, as long as he is still Shangshu Zuopushe!
At that time, he will still have a bargaining chip to make a big contribution!
But Lu Huiqing immediately realized what it means to have a house leak when it rains all night.Then I saw Lu Shengqing rushed into the garden in a panic, walked quickly to Lu Huiqing, and said in a low voice: "The big thing is not good!"Something happened to Chen Yuanfeng!
In the past fourteen years before Xining, the wealth of the Shu people can be seen.Zhonghu's family has three years of accumulation; Shanghu has ten times this.Those who farm in the wild do not want to be princes; those who hide in private houses are twice as rich as the treasury.However, after the battle of the Southwest Yi, the ice disappeared, and within three or four years, one out of ten survived.Today's so-called rich people are the servants of the past; today's so-called stockpilers, the ruins of the past are also 20,000 stone meters, the people are in poverty, the summer tax is not paid, and the autumn tax is levied. There is no food for overwintering and prostitution temples are popular in Shu, which has been banned repeatedly for a hundred years.Among the people in a county, one or two worship Erlang, and three or four believe in Lianshe. This is the reason why Zhangjiao's disciples advocate chaos, and their troubles will be felt day and night.
Zhao Xu held Chen Yuanfeng's memorial in his hand and read it over and over again.On the memorial, there is also a yellow sticker written by Fan Chunren, the political adviser, and the last line of the sticker is especially eye-catching! Shuzhong is in danger!
officials.Concubine Wang Xian looked at Zhao Xu, who looked almost dull, and felt a little distressed.
Chen Yuanfeng's Wan Yan Shu not only hit Lu Huiqing.She walked up to Zhao Xu gently, trying to take the memorial from him, but Zhao Xu held it tightly and refused to relax at all.
Officials!Concubine Wang Xian called again softly, let's rest for a while.
But Zhao Xu didn't seem to hear what Concubine Wang Xian said, just kept shaking his head, sighing, and sneering.
After seventeen years of hard work, what they got in return was the four words "crisis in central Sichuan"?Is the trust in today's sages for more than ten years just in exchange for cheating?
This is not a letter submitted by Lu Huiqing's political opponents!This is a memorial written by Chen Yuanfeng, a disciple of Lu Huiqing, a young and strong faction of the New Party!It was Lu Huiqing who personally recommended Chen Yuanfeng to go to Yizhou!
It's not that Chen Yuanfeng is treacherous and impermanent!When Chen Yuanfeng wrote this memorial in the Chengdu Mansion, Lu Huiqing was still the hot and powerful prime minister of the Zhengshitang!Zhao Xu could even imagine what kind of determination Chen Yuanfeng made when writing this memorial.
It's ridiculous, so many officials once wrote about the situation in Yizhou, but Zhao Xu still thought it was just an exaggeration due to party struggle!When Tang Kang repeatedly risked offending himself and stated that the situation in Yizhou was at stake, he still thought it was just the prejudice of young people!
Just a few Southwest Yi!How can it be really that serious?Zhao Xu once thought so.With any policy, there will be bits and pieces of negative reaction, which will be infinitely exaggerated by opponents.The so-called flattery will have some basis to some extent.身為君主，要會從各種各樣的爭論中，根據情理來分辨是非，用人不疑，疑人不用
而常理告訴趙頊，幾個西南夷是不可能把益州搞得像唐康們說的那麼糟糕的！
但是，現在這些都已經成為笑柄。
更可靠的常理告訴趙頊，陳元鳳沒有任何理由去捏造這麼大的謊言，去陷害呂惠卿！陳元鳳用一封萬言書，寫下他入蜀之後的所見所聞，指出益州百姓正紛紛破產，各種被朝廷禁止的教派大行其道，而更危險的是，地方官員裝聾作啞，甚至是火上加油，而大宋朝廷猶自渾然不覺其中的危險！
現在的常理，都指向一個解釋。
唯一的解釋！
他信錯了人了。
王賢妃心疼地望著趙頊，最終無奈地退了出去，走到門口，悄悄向一個內侍吩咐道︰去將淑壽公主請來。整個大宋，也許淑壽是唯一一個可以令皇帝露出笑容的人。
good!good!真不愧是我的好學生！呂惠卿讀著手中的《益州聞見劄子》，連叫了兩聲好，但他陰鬱的臉色，卻顯出他並不是真的那麼從容冷靜豁達。
司馬光與蔡京剛剛從正面給了自己一記重拳，陳元鳳便又從背後捅上了一刀。
這一刀更狠、更毒！
為了益州觀風使的人選，為了掩蓋住益州的問題，他與舊黨費盡心機，耍盡手段，若早知道陳元鳳會來這麼一手，當初真不知道在爭什麼！
呂惠卿在心裡自嘲道。
陳元鳳若真的是落井下石，他的挫折感也許還要輕一點。但是，陳元鳳明明不是落井下石！他當著自己的面，信誓旦旦地答應去替自己盯著益州局勢，誰曾想，他才到成都府，便急不及待地和自己翻臉了！
陳元鳳是個聰明人。
呂惠卿更是個聰明人。
陳元鳳這麼急不及待地與呂惠卿劃清界線，那理由只可能是一個益州的局勢，已經是危在旦夕了！那裡已經危險得讓陳元鳳寧可冒著被呂惠卿打擊報復的危險，也要與他劃清界線的地步了！
這份萬言書之所以在這個時候遞上來，也許不過是巧合而已。陳元鳳可能一點也不希望永順錢莊案爆發，原本所有的光芒與焦點，都應當屬於他陳元鳳的！
只是人算不如天算，卻讓蔡京佔了便宜。
儘管被人從背後捅了一刀，呂惠卿卻還是相信陳元鳳的嗅覺。但這個時候，他已經顧不上益州局勢了。
前面等待他的，將是他仕宦以來，最大的洪水。
但只要有一塊木板，他都會死死抓住。
養虎遺患，大哥，這該如何是好還有永順錢莊的案子
What are you in a hurry for?呂惠卿喝住急得團團轉的呂升卿，永順錢莊，咬死一個宗旨，最多只承認方澤收了永順錢莊的賄賂，挪用庫藏交鈔放貸。熙寧十六年以前的賬本早就燒了，賬目也抹得乾淨，你不認賬，他們能有什麼證據？十六年以後的事，能拖則拖，能賴則賴，實在拖不下去了，抵賴不了了，所有的罪名叫方澤與沈七全部攬下，熬得過一年半載，只要我還在相位上，頂多就是充軍流放的罪。我保他們過兩年就回來了。
呂升卿原本覺得永順錢莊案已是世界末日一般，只怕呂家十幾年來積攢下來的千萬貫的家產，也會被罰沒一空。這時候聽呂惠卿這一說，不由得心神大定，高興道︰只要和卿沒事便好。
呂惠卿卻搖了搖頭，道︰李陶也罷，和卿也罷，進了御史臺，就不會毫髮無損的出來。但只要不落上這大罪名，加點小罪過也無關緊要，最多便是貶官。
那也不打緊了。呂升卿笑道。
呂惠卿卻是笑不出來。時間！時間現在比什麼都重要！但他不能讓呂升卿也亂了陣腳，只能強作鎮定，吩咐道︰你要親自去見一次舒亶
十月八日，御史臺。
御史臺一如既往，只是由幾個閽吏把守著那兩扇陰森森的，令大宋的官員們聞名喪膽的大門，但是它的門口，卻是異常的冷清。幾乎汴京所有的官員，寧可繞行，也不願意經過御史臺的門口。汴京市民彷彿也感受到氣氛的詭異，不約而同地對御史臺敬而遠之。
舒亶在空空蕩蕩的御史臺前下了馬車，抬頭望了一眼天空。御史臺的上空，暗紅暗紅的，怕是要下雪了。他不由得縮了縮脖子，攏了攏披風，向著御史臺走去。
走到門口，舒亶只覺右眼皮忽然一陣急劇的跳動。
一榮俱榮，一損俱損！他忽然又想起呂惠卿讓呂升卿帶給自己的話。
舒亶再次感覺到一陣陣的寒意。
整個汴京，人人都知道呂惠卿已經是被架在火上烤了。永順錢莊案，陳元鳳上書，任一件事，都已經致命，更何況兩件事情一前一後，接踵而來。休說聖眷已去，便是皇帝想保，只怕也保不住。如今甚至連新黨也紛紛轉向，那些平素裡天天拍呂惠卿馬屁的人，這個時候更是急不及待地跳出來，甚至比舊黨更厲聲地彈劾呂惠卿欺君誤國，縱容親屬，中飽私囊，損國自肥，天理不容
舒亶怎麼樣也想不明白呂惠卿為什麼還不請辭？
這個時候了，還不請辭相位，難道要等著被人趕下臺麼？
皇帝將陳元鳳的劄子公開發出來，意思就是要呂惠卿自己辭相，存個體面。這已經是盡人皆知的事情。
但呂惠卿雖然告病待罪在家，卻就是不肯辭相。
不僅如此，數日之內，他還連上三封劄子自辯。為熙寧歸化辯護，不相信呂和卿涉案，指責益州官員報喜不報憂，只肯為自己偏聽誤信而謝罪
這更激起了臺諫、侍從官員們的怒氣。斥責呂惠卿在告病待罪時，不當為自己辯護；批評他貪戀權位，不肯辭相臺諫官員們已然將彈劾呂惠卿與益州官員當成了每日必做的功課。他們的打擊面也斷然不會只局限於呂惠卿一人身上，非友即敵，凡是不肯附風彈劾呂惠卿的，都成為一樁罪過，立即會被加以黨附呂惠卿的罪名，加以彈劾。不少舊黨官員似乎認為勝券在握，無數的新黨官員，紛紛被冠以黨附呂惠卿的罪名，被翻出陳年往事，受到彈劾。
而舒亶，更加是舊黨的眼中釘、目中刺，必欲拔之而後快者。沒有了呂惠卿這個擋箭牌，幾天之內，幾乎所有的新黨官員，都同時感受到刺骨的寒意。果真是一榮俱榮，一損俱損！舒亶知道自己已經沒有任何退路。他甚至比呂惠卿更招人忌恨！如今彈劾他的奏章，僅次於呂惠卿。雖然翻來覆去，都不過些危言聳聽的空話套話，但舒亶面臨的壓力，也空前強大。呂公著莫名其妙的失蹤，怎麼也查不到去向，這已經成為一個話柄；但最糟糕的，卻是司馬康舒亶用盡了渾身解數，卻從他嘴裡問不出一句話來。要求釋放司馬康的呼聲越來越高，遲早會引起皇帝的注意。但如若找不到他半點罪名便這麼釋放，他舒亶同樣也沒辦法交代。到時候，司馬光回到政事堂，後果將不堪設想。
舒亶已經連五個晚上不能入睡了。幫呂惠卿就是幫自己。哪怕是為了自保，他也要撬開司馬康的嘴巴。不扳倒司馬光，他睡不安寢。三天前，舒亶便設法支開石得一，打算鍛煉成獄。但不曾想，司馬康看似一個公子哥兒，在獄中已經折磨得不成人形，不料卻是個硬骨頭，無論舒亶怎麼用刑，也拿不到半句口供。
司馬牛！老的是司馬牛，小的也是司馬牛！
舒亶在心裡憤憤的咒罵著。
今天定要叫他開口。
舒亶幾乎是咬著牙，走進御史臺。
舒、舒大人不、不好了他剛剛踏進院中，便見一個臺吏臉色慘白地跑過來，結結巴巴地稟道。
什麼不好了？舒亶的右眼皮又跳了起來。
司、司馬康要、要不行了
What?一時間，舒亶只覺得天空整個地塌了下來。
舒亶在臺吏的帶領下，高一腳低一腳的急急忙忙趕到了司馬康的牢房。因為牢房的地面比外面的地面要低，整間牢房顯得十分的陰冷烏黑。舒亶彎著腰進到牢房中，直起身來，幾乎便感覺頭要碰上房頂了，房中瀰漫著污穢的臭味，令舒亶不由得厭惡地捏起了鼻子。他定了好一會的神，才發現司馬康裹著一床單薄的破被子，蜷成一團，縮在陰黑陰黑的床上，身子不時抽搐著，口中喃喃地說著胡話。舒亶躬著身子，走到司馬康旁邊，伸手觸了觸他的額頭，卻是滾燙如火。
舒亶緊鎖著眉頭，呆呆地，半晌沒有說話。
舒大人，這樣怕是不行承差吏在旁邊小心翼翼地說著。
舒亶唔了一聲，又呆了好一會，才如夢初醒般抬起頭來，吩咐道︰先去抬盆火進來，燒旺一點。
那承差吏連忙答應了，退出牢房。
如何是好？這要如何是好？舒亶不待他走遠，便已焦急地搓著雙手，在窄小的牢房中，打起轉來。
這可不是玩的。果真沒有半句口供的司馬康有個三長兩短，舒亶斷然是無法交差的。可眼見著司馬康這情形，放回家去，都不知道能不能熬過去，若繼續關押著，那就是非死不可了！但若就這麼放出去，舒亶的日子也一樣不多了。
真真是禍不單行
舒亶還在心裡怨天尤人著，便聽著外面傳來一陣急促的腳步聲。他尚未回過神，便見一人已彎著身子鑽了進來，快步走到司馬康跟前，摸了摸他的額頭，立時便像被燙著一般，閃到一旁。
舒亶到這時才看清來人竟是石得一，他知道必是臺吏也報告給石得一了，忙招呼道︰押班如何也來了？
石得一轉過身來，望著舒亶，苦笑道︰舒大人，你可害苦咱家了！
押班這話
罷！罷！石得一不待舒亶多說，連連擺手，道︰別的事我也不管了。舒大人且說說這要如何善後罷！
舒亶已聽到石得一言語之中，早將自己的責任撇得一乾二淨，全是一副自己為舒亶所誤的嘴臉。他心中惱怒，冷笑道︰不知押班又是何主意？
依在下的淺見，還是速速結案罷。石得一恍若全沒聽到舒亶話中的譏諷，又瞥了一眼司馬康，道︰司馬衙內這樣子，只怕竟是沒有涉案的。說不得，舒大人要擔當點，先讓他回府去治病要緊。倘若在臺裡有個三長兩短，你我都擔當不起的
這言語之間，態度竟已是一百八十度的大轉彎。
閹豎！舒亶在心裡恨恨罵了一聲。但如今風向大變，皇帝身體又出現好轉的跡象，石得一自保不暇，這個時候又豈會把自己的前程性命，全部綁到呂惠卿、舒亶身上？便是趙顥，也不能叫他白白將自己給葬送了。只是石得一想抽身，舒亶卻未必便肯，押班此言差矣。司馬康的口供至關緊要，豈能便此草草結案？這樁案子，是由蘇頌枉法引致，難道我等也要枉法不成？這等辜負聖恩的事，舒某卻是死也不做的。
伸頭也是一刀，縮頭也是一刀。事已至此，不將司馬光趕下臺，舒亶還能有什麼好果子吃？難道他現在放了司馬康，司馬光便會感恩戴德，替他舒亶燒高香不成？石得一想抽身，也沒那麼容易。
石得一的臉色也難看了。口供再緊要，也沒有鍛煉之理。舒大人不肯放人，又有何高見？
這話卻是將舒亶徹底問住了。
他憑什麼去扳倒司馬光？
憑這陰暗的牢房中，那個高熱昏迷的司馬康？這個司馬康，不是葬送司馬光的，而分明是葬送他舒亶的！
舒亶完全能想像得到這個昏迷不醒、被折磨得幾乎不成人形，身上還有傷痕的司馬康出獄之後，會給他帶來什麼樣的災難倘若他能拿到司馬康的口供，那還有說辭為自己辯護；如今卻是沒有半句口供。他只能接受鋪天蓋地責難、彈劾、憤怒，甚至可能還有皇帝的怒氣。舒亶知道自己得罪了多少人。
被發配到一個偏遠的州縣，貧困潦倒，形同乞丐、囚犯，不僅僅失去人身自由，還會受到種種刁難、嘲笑、戲弄、侮辱；流放途中，有盜賊與各種疾病隨時可能奪去性命；僥倖到了目的地，瘴氣、瘟疫，甚至是最常見的水土不服，也可能致人死命在那些邊遠的地方，缺醫少藥，那是最常見不過的事情。因為貶官而病死在異鄉，僥倖回來也落下一身疾病的例子，實在是太多了。
有勇氣坦然面對貶流到偏遠州縣的官員，始終都只是極少數。自大宋建國開始，一百多年來，考上進士後因為被派往南方的邊遠州縣當官而拒絕上任，甚至棄官歸鄉的事情，從來都沒有停止過。發配到邊遠州縣安置，在外人看來，那可能是一種仁慈，但倘若真的要降臨到自己身上，那種感覺，其實與死也相差不遠。
舒亶絕不甘心去面對這樣的命運。
但這種悲慘的命運，卻離他幾乎已只有咫尺之遙。
而且，很可能就此永無翻身之日。
這一切，都是這個司馬康帶給他的。
舒大人，火來了！承差吏端著一盆燒得通紅的炭火走進牢房中，抬眼卻見石得一也在牢房中，慌忙將火放下行禮。
That's all.石得一尖著嗓子應了一聲，看都沒看承差吏，只望著舒亶，乾笑道︰還望舒大人三思，我先告辭了。說著，拂袖離開牢房。
去悄悄給他請個郎中來，好好照看著。舒亶心煩意亂地吩咐了承差吏，也跟著鑽了出去。
出了牢房，舒亶在御史臺也呆不安穩，找了個藉口便溜了出去。馬車出了內城西南的崇明門，便在崇明門外惠民河邊上的一家酒樓外停了。舒亶下了馬車，便往店中走去。那掌櫃老遠見著舒亶，早就笑容滿面的跑了出來，將他迎進店中，一面低聲笑道︰秘丞早吩咐了，舒大人今天會來
秘丞來了麼？舒亶打斷了掌櫃，逕直問道。二人口中的秘丞，便是秘書丞呂升卿呂升卿雖然做過經筵，但他既無吏材，又少學問，又怕吃苦，不願離京，因此後來升遷反而極慢，做到這個秘書丞，都已經是皇帝特別的恩典這家酒樓，少有人知道，原是呂升卿送給他愛妾的遠房哥哥的。宰相與臺諫交結，本來就是一樁大罪，何況如今又分外敏感。舒亶與呂升卿便經常在這裡見面，舒亶本與呂升卿約好晚上見面，這時未及中午，舒亶便到了，這時候卻是明知故問。
府裡下人過來說了，要晚點才能到
那要勞煩掌櫃的去通報一聲，便說我有要事相商。
yes.小的馬上派人去請。那掌櫃早得到呂升卿的吩咐，連忙答應了，將舒亶請進酒樓後面的一個單獨的小院裡。
汴京內城東南，保康門外，惠民河邊的一座宅子裡。
舒亶去見了呂升卿？宰相結交臺諫，嘿嘿石得一斜靠在椅子上，屋中侍女環侍，身前跪著兩個婢女，一個給他洗著腳，一個不斷的試著水溫，往盆裡加熱水。他的下首，他最信任的親從吏第二指揮指揮使許繼瑋與他的養子石從榮叉手侍立著。石得一眯著眼睛，臉上的肥肉一抖一抖的，過了好一會，方把目光投向石從榮，尖聲問道：從榮，你怎麼看？
兒子以為，舒亶再怎麼折騰，也已於事無補。石從榮欠著身子笑道，呂吉甫一世聰明，這時候卻賴著不肯辭相，那是自己不要體面，也不知是犯的什麼糊塗。
呂吉甫可不曾犯糊塗，他是聰明反被聰明誤。石得一嘆息了一聲，道︰他死撐著不下臺，還不斷為自己辯解，是故意激起舊黨的怒氣。那些君子們越是怒不可遏，彈劾攻擊時就越是不顧一切，舊仇新怨，全總在這一塊了，不僅將所有的新黨全當成了敵人，連帶著也免不了要攻擊熙寧歸化與交鈔法。呂吉甫這是亂中取利，他現在倒成了替新黨受過一般，被波及的新黨兔死狐悲，便是明明看呂吉甫不順眼，這時候也不能不站在他這邊。連官家也不免投鼠忌器
這個兒子卻不明白了，如今全是石法、司馬法，哪還有什麼新法？官家又怎會投鼠忌器？
what do you know?石得一哼了一聲，道︰這十年來，王安石當初的新法的確是罷的罷，改的改，新黨也幾乎沒單獨提出過什麼大的變法政策，可變法卻沒停過。免役法暫罷了幾年，可是呂吉甫終於找著藉口，讓它又在東南諸路復行了，若他不倒臺，未必不能再次推行全國；便是改良的青苗法、新官制、驛法、交鈔這些變法，新黨也有執行之功。新黨在朝野鼓吹要變法，非變法不足以圖強，為官家的變法叫好舊黨中不止只有司馬光這樣肯合作的人，也還是有死不合作的頑固之徒的，沒有新黨制衡著，司馬光未必這麼容易壓得住他們。單單是這點，官家便還用得著新黨。官家要借著新黨定下一個調子，朝廷的國策，是變法圖強。說到這裡，石得一又搖了搖頭，笑道︰呂吉甫便是看準了這一點。這個時候，新黨與舊黨若是妥協，他哪裡還有半點生路？雙方鬧得越僵，越是勢不兩立，他便越安全。就算是被迫辭相，他還是新黨的第二號人物。你想想，等王安石一死，以新黨今日的情形，他們還能擁護誰？尤其是那些與舊黨結下重怨的人，到時候在這些人心中，便只有呂惠卿
還是爹爹看得明白。石從榮拍著馬屁，一面又疑惑地問道︰那為何爹爹反說他聰明反被聰明誤？
石得一輕輕哼了一聲，卻沒有回答。他當然不能隨便回答這個問題。在石得一看來，呂惠卿就是因為這個原因，覺得自己還有籌碼，因此始終不肯投效雍王。呂惠卿雖然自認為還可以一戰，但在石得一看來，呂惠卿算計太多，只會讓自己下臺下得更加狼狽難看。雍王一旦登上帝位，呂惠卿屢次拒絕的罪過，一定會被清算，哪裡還能有機會東山再起？就算雍王失敗，高太后垂簾，呂惠卿更加不可能有機會。這些絞盡腦汁的算計，終不過是鏡花水月一般。當今大宋第一要務，是皇位的繼承。呂惠卿惟有在這件事情上下注，才能有真正的勝機。
不過，話雖如此，石得一雖然認為雍王更有機會繼承大統，但眼下的近憂，他卻必須首先解除掉才行。
他必須立即從陳世儒案中抽身，並且，還要盡可能緩和與舊黨的關係。
皇帝這些日子，身體竟奇蹟般地出現好轉的跡象。而司馬康如今已經是一顆隨時會爆炸的震天雷。倘若司馬康竟這樣死掉，而且這件事還與他石得一有關石得一完全算不準皇帝會有什麼樣反應。皇城司已經得罪了很多人，石得一不能將這麼大一個把柄，拱手奉上。皇帝雖然病了，卻隨時可以捏死自己，不會比踩死一隻螞蟻更加費力。
想到這裡，石得一臉上的肥肉不由得恐懼地抽搐了一下。他睜開眼睛，望著許繼瑋，吩咐道︰這些天，你們要收斂一點。案子別積得太多，就當給官家祈福，不要緊的，全放了。天氣一日比一日冷，若有人凍死在牢裡，可不是小事
下官理會得。許繼瑋低頭答應著。
李舜舉回來了。這廝不像李憲，也不像個宦官，倒和舊黨那些君子們一個脾性，偏愛多管閒事。宮中多少老人，和他家都是世交，在太后、官家面前，他也能說得上話。這多事之時，休要去招惹他。石得一對李舜舉，還是頗為忌憚的。他想了想，又吩咐道︰乾脆暫時把盯司馬光、范純仁們的察子，全部撤了
這許繼瑋與石從榮不由對望了一眼，二人都覺得石得一太過謹慎了。
石得一瞥了他們一眼，小心駛得萬年船。私自監視大臣，這不是什麼見得光的事。之前舊黨氣焰受挫，忍氣吞聲也就罷了。這時候他們氣勢正盛，又被呂惠卿一再挑釁，若有人按捺不住，將怒氣發到咱們皇城司身上，抓了咱們的人往開封府一送，這事要怎麼撕擄得清？現今風向不對，小心點好，小不忍則亂大謀。
大謀？許繼瑋與石從榮都是一驚，卻也不敢多問，只答應道︰是。
再挑幾個精細點的，去盯緊呂升卿與舒亶。石得一懶洋洋地說著，一邊抬起腳來，早有婢女上前給他擦腳，他停了一會，又說道：舒亶省元出身，一向不太看