In fact, Zhang Fei had made up his mind a long time ago that he must poach Yan Jidao from the imperial court.
Because genuine bookstores are very important to him.
At present, he actually has two businesses, a genuine bookstore and a law firm. One involves public opinion, and the other involves judicial affairs. These are influential and can change many things and even promote national progress.
However, he packaged up businesses such as the football league and movable type making workshop, which could make a lot of money, and handed them over to charitable foundations.
It is because these businesses are purely for making money and are not very functional, so they cannot provide him with much help in his career. The key is that he does not have enough energy to manage so many businesses.
The law firm was his main job, and it was relatively easy to manage, but newspapers and books were not his forte, and were precisely his weaknesses. He also needed to find someone to help him manage these businesses, and Yan Jidao was the most suitable person.
If you want to recruit Yan Jidao, you must first demonstrate his value.
This book, worth only a hundred coins, is enough to explain many problems.
Originally this book should have been published a long time ago, but it was delayed again and again due to the exemption tax. However, the legitimate bookstores have been printing it all the time, because the preparation alone takes up to a year, and not only do they have stereotypes, but they also have movable type printing plates, so the production capacity is very sufficient.
At this time, the official bookstore printed more than 10,000 copies.
...
...
Moreover, Zhang Fei did not choose any hunger marketing strategy, but just sold the products at a very ordinary price.
However, they were all sold out in just seven days.
Although the profits are not that exaggerated and are far from making as much money as speculating in salt notes, the influence is very exaggerated.
That morning, Sima Guang, Wen Yanbo and Lu Gong walked slowly towards the imperial city. Along the way, they saw young scholars gathered in groups of three or four in front of teahouses and taverns on the street, reading the collection of poems by Yan Shu with a very eye-catching cover, and some even recited it excitedly.
This is absolutely a phenomenon. No other book can gain such high attention among the public. As for the articles of Wang Anshi and others, at most they are sought after by scholars, but this phenomenon will never happen.
At first glance, it seems that this collection of poems has become a book for all the people.
Lü Gongzhu couldn't help but ask curiously, "This poem of Lord Yan has always been sold and is well known to the public. Why is it still so popular? Not only ordinary people, but even many officials in the court can't put it down."
Wen Yanbo smiled and said, "To be honest, I am also looking forward to the next book!"
"ah?"
Lu Gong was surprised and asked, "Really?"
In fact, the writing style of this book can only be described as delicate, but not outstanding. Given their level, it shouldn't be like this.
Wen Yanbo nodded and said, "In fact, in this book, Lord Yan's poems are just an introduction, and what is really interesting is Lord Yan's story."
Sima Guang also said: "There are two lines, one bright and one dark. The bright line describes the little story behind each poem, while the dark line describes the situation at the time and the psychological changes of Lord Yan."
Wen Yanbo nodded and said, "For ordinary people, those short stories may be more attractive, but for us, the hidden plot mentioned by Junshi is the most anticipated part of the whole book. However, this book currently only describes the stories before and after Yan Gong entered the officialdom, and the stories after Yan Gong's middle age are the most exciting."
After all, Yan Jidao was a top genius in this field. Although it was the first time he wrote in this genre, he was able to skillfully use the stories behind the poems to describe the social background of the time.
Young people may not be able to notice it, and Zhang Fei did not notice it, but when old people like Wen Yanbo read this book, their minds were full of memories, and they knew the meaning of every hint.
Lu Gong thought about it for a while, nodded and said, "So that's it."
As everyone knows, when Yan Shu was young, he was just like Wang Anshi, full of vigor and ambition, and wanted to make a career. But after middle age, he began to be complacent, not seeking merit but avoiding mistakes. This change even caused Yan Shu and Fu Bi, the once sympathetic father-in-law and son-in-law, to become estranged in appearance.
This huge change in Yan Shu's heart not only interested Wen Yanbo, but also Wang Anshi.
Because this was a relatively common phenomenon in the Northern Song Dynasty.
This is very worthy of study.
In a tavern near the imperial city, Lu Huiqing saw Wang Anshi ignoring the breakfast in front of him, holding the book and reading it carefully, and couldn't help but ask: "Master, is this collection of poems so good?"
He also read some of it, and it was written in a very vivid and interesting way, but that was all. He understood why ordinary people liked to read it, but he didn't understand why Wang Anshi also liked to read it.
"You are still young now, and you will understand why this book is so attractive in the future."
Wang Anshi laughed and did not explain in detail. He then said, "I estimate that most poetry collections in the future will adopt this style, and the previous style will no longer exist."
Lu Huiqing couldn't help but ask curiously, "What do you mean, Master?"
Wang Anshi laughed and said, "In the past, if you wanted to publish a collection of poems, you had to write a lot of poems first. Otherwise, the printing cost would be too high. Therefore, many people put the poems of their fathers, sons and brothers in one book. This collection of poems is much thicker than the previous ones, but it only contains 15 poems. This style is easy to compile into a book.
Besides, not everyone can appreciate poetry, but everyone likes to listen to and understand stories, so they are liked by more people and more suitable for book sales. If they can only be sold to our officials, how much money can they make? "
Lu Huiqing suddenly had an idea and asked, "Master, have you ever thought about publishing a book of this genre?"
Wang Anshi shook his head and said, "I haven't thought about it."
Lu Huiqing said: "I think that my teacher can also write a book. He can use the article as the background to tell the stories of his service as an official in various places, so as to explain the concept of reform. In this way, more people can understand why my teacher wants to reform and the problems facing the country, and perhaps we can win more support."
Wang Anshi's eyes lit up when he heard this. He thought again, why his article was not as good as Zhang Fei's. It was because Zhang Fei's article was more easy to understand. But it was still an article after all, and this story was obviously more attractive than the article.
This might be a better way to promote it.
It's worth considering!
Soon, this book of Yan Shu's poems became a phenomenal book with its vivid content and novel themes.
A prime minister who had passed away many years ago has once again become a top star. Many singing girls came to take advantage of the popularity and sang Yan Shu's poems.
This immediately aroused the envy and jealousy of many scholars and officials. After all, scholars looked down on each other and no one was willing to submit to anyone else. Yan Shu was not recognized as the best in the world. If he could do it, then so can we.
But...but it seems that if we all follow the trend, it would be unworthy of scholars.
At this time, Mingshi Daily published an article entitled "Books are the Golden House".
This sentence comes from Emperor Zhenzong of Song Dynasty. It was originally used to encourage learning, but this article is used to promote the original version, indicating that knowledge is priceless. Scholars use priceless knowledge to obtain limited wealth, which can not only make themselves rich, but also benefit the people and contribute to national development.
This is such flattery.
soon!
This article was immediately recognized by many writers.
good!
That was very well said!
This has also led to a large number of people visiting the Bian Jing Law Firm recently, but the people who go there are no longer wealthy businessmen, but some scholars and officials.
They were not here to cause trouble for Zhang Fei today, but to inquire about copyright issues. Zhang Fei had fought a lawsuit regarding piracy in the past, and the imperial court had already issued relevant laws at that time. Some people also sold copyrights, but the profits were not very attractive, which led to many literati not being interested in this.
This little bit of benefit cannot impress them.
But this was a different time. This phenomenal book made them feel like they had discovered a treasure, especially the descendants of the literary masters. Many of them had fallen on hard times, just like Yan Jidao, so they all wanted to follow his example.
However, they still have only a vague understanding of how to operate this copyright, so they come here to ask.
"Goodbye, old gentlemen."
"No need to send it."
After seeing off another wave of customers, Zhang Fei couldn't help but wipe his sweat and felt his throat a little hoarse.
"This is already the fifth batch." Fan Li walked forward quietly and said.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "I still have to write an article specifically introducing the copyright law, so that they won't come to me and ask about it. I won't be able to handle it even if I'm well prepared."
Fan Li said: "In fact, the profit in this area is not very high, and these old masters are not so easy to deal with. We don't need to bother so much, why not push it to Li Guozhong and others."
You don't want to make big money, but you care so much about this little profit.
But how can a sparrow understand the ambition of a swan?
No matter how you look at it, the advantage of the Northern Song Dynasty is its literati, which is indisputable. In addition, the cultural atmosphere of the Northern Song Dynasty is relatively free. Therefore, Zhang Fei believes that as long as this machine is put into operation, it will definitely enable the Northern Song Dynasty to reach a higher level.
It is necessary to make up for shortcomings, but at the same time we must also give full play to our own strengths.
Zhang Fei also hopes to ignite this fire before leaving Bian Jing.
When he was about to go back to the store, he suddenly saw Yan Jidao coming over. Zhang Fei turned around again and bowed, saying, "Mr. Yan."
"Sanlang! Mr. Fan!"
Yan Jidao returned the greeting with a bow and said, "I came here today because I want to discuss something with Sanlang."
"Let's talk inside. Please."
"please."
When he entered the house, Yan Jidao told his purpose, "The thing is, several of my good friends also want to go to the genuine bookstore and participate in the compilation of this book."
"Really?" Zhang Fei asked in surprise.
Yan Jidao nodded.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "This is a good thing. Mr. Yan can decide for himself."
Yan Jidao was stunned for a moment, and said, "Just let me decide?"
"yes!"
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded: "Then this genuine bookstore will be divided into two parts. Old Hou will only be responsible for managing printing matters, and as for the content, it will all be decided by Mr. Yan. Mr. Yan can decide on the recruitment of people in this regard. For key matters like this, you come to me and ask me. I don't know either. In my opinion, Mr. Wang's article is almost the same as mine."
"ah?"
Yan Jidao couldn't help but look at Zhang Fei in shock. After a moment, he finally reacted and laughed, "Then I'll decide for myself."
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded.
Yan Jidao asked again: "What about the remuneration?"
Zhang Fei said: "I will give them a minimum salary and commission at the same time. They will get as much as they participate. This is more fair."
In the entire Kaifeng Prefecture, there are actually a lot of people like Yan Jidao. Xu Lingxiao is also one of them. He has no interest in being an official, but is interested in poetry and books.
Yan Jidao's success also gave them an idea. They could do what they like and make a lot of money at the same time, gaining both fame and fortune, killing two birds with one stone. They all wanted to give it a try.
Of course, this phenomenal book has not diverted everyone's attention from the current situation. After all, power is the most valuable thing in any era.
Now that the exemption tax is coming to an end, success is unstoppable. The question is what to do next, which is what everyone is most concerned about.
In fact, everyone knows that the success of the exemption tax comes from judicial reform. So should judicial reform be implemented first, and then the new policy? Or what?
It is also one of the hotly debated topics in the court at present.
Chuigong Hall.
"The key to the success of the trial of exemption from military service lies in the judicial reform promoted by Sima Xueshi. Therefore, I suggest that the court should first carry out judicial reform, and then implement the new policy after the judicial reform is completed."
Zhao Yan was the first to step forward.
He is now a staunch supporter of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, and he believes that judicial reform is the right way to go.
Wang Anshi was immediately delighted and thought to himself, I'm afraid that by the time Sima is buried, the judicial reform will not be completed, and I can't wait!
Lu Huiqing immediately stood up and refuted: "What Prime Minister Zhao said is simply putting the cart before the horse. The success of this exemption tax is indeed due to the contributions of the tax department, the public security, the procuratorate and the courts.
But don't forget that whether it is the tax department or the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, they all need to spend a lot of financial expenditures first. Before the police station recruited people, the finances were mostly borne by the Sino-Agricultural Temple and the three yamen. In the initial stage, the Sino-Agricultural Temple was almost unable to pay wages. Fortunately, everything went smoothly and they barely got through the difficulties. If there was a slight problem in the middle, I'm afraid it would be a different result. But at the local level, can it still be so smooth? The local finances can't afford it at all.
Therefore, we should put the new policy first, improve finances first, and then build the public security, procuratorial, judicial and taxation departments. "
Immediately, a large number of officials came out to support, including many former conservatives.
Since the new law has been promulgated and cannot be stopped, then we should first stop that damn tax commissioner. The tax commissioner together with the public security, procuratorate and courts is too much of a headache.
Zhao Xu nodded slightly, then looked at Wang Anshi, "What do you think, Mr. Wang?"
Wang Anshi said, "I think what Lu Xiaojian said is very true. The public security, procuratorial, judicial and taxation offices require more financial expenditure than the previous government offices. In other prefectures and counties, even if everything goes well, they cannot collect so much tax. However, the manpower and material resources required are probably not much less than Kaifeng Prefecture. We still need to improve our finances first."
Zhao Xu turned his head and looked at Sima Guang again.
Sima Guang said: "The public security, procuratorial and judicial organs do require a lot of financial expenditures, so I do not recommend recruiting auxiliary police on a large scale like the police station. Instead, we should try to arrange some officials who are familiar with the law to work in the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, and transform some clerks and yamen runners into police, tax police and procuratorates. This should not be done too hastily, so as not to burden the prefectures and counties."
Zhang Fei is a man of great skill and courage. Whoever dares to recruit 10,000 auxiliary police officers locally is simply gambling. Once the salaries cannot be paid, the auxiliary police officers may become insurgents and then become the imperial guards.
Sima Guang made far less money than Wang Anshi, but he was definitely first-rate at saving money. He also realized that the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems did need to spend money, so it would be better to employ some idle officials. They would have to be paid anyway, so he could just pay them more. Moreover, transferring idle officials in the capital to local finances could also reduce the burden on the central government.
In fact, the finances of many places are good, but due to the current high freight rates, a large part of the goods will be lost in the process of transporting them to the capital.
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "Yes! Without money, it would be difficult to popularize the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems."
Zhao Yan said: "But during the execution process, many problems arose. Without the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, I'm afraid these problems cannot be handled."
Money first, or law first?
This is like the chicken and the egg.
Wang Anshi immediately said, "I suggest that we implement this conscription law throughout Jingdong Road first. If it is as Prime Minister Zhao said, the court can make adjustments later."
The implication is that if you are not capable of this, we will send you to the public security, procuratorate, courts and tax department.
Moreover, if this is the case, even if problems arise, they will not be problems with the new policy, but problems with the administration of officials.
Zhao Xu understood what he meant and nodded, saying, "Let's follow Mr. Wang's suggestion and implement the conscription law in Jingdong Road first."
In fact, he would not wait for judicial reform. Apart from Sima Guang's procrastinating personality, finance was the key issue at the moment. Compared with the law, he was more eager to improve finance. He was willing to promote judicial reform in order to rectify the administration of officials and improve finance.
Finance, finance, and finance!
At this time, the censor Chen Qing stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, recently many officials in the northwest have impeached the deputy envoy of the Left Treasury, Zhong Yan, for abusing military power and enslaving soldiers."
Another official immediately stepped forward and said, "The reason why Zhong Yan is so lawless is entirely because of your majesty's indulgence. Back then, he disobeyed the imperial order and dispatched troops without authorization. When he was exposed by Lu Shen, the commander of Yanzhou, your majesty not only did not severely punish Zhong Yan, but instead transferred Lu Shen to Qinzhou. If this continues, I'm afraid that the generals in the northwest will become arrogant and disobey the imperial court's orders."
Zhao Xu said with an unhappy look: "I also punished Zhong Yan at that time, but later the northwest was in need of people, so I re-employed Zhong Yan. How can this be called indulgence?"
A large number of censors immediately stood up and talked about it from various angles, ranging from law to politics, from politics to military affairs, and from military affairs to finance.
It seemed that if Zhong Yan was not punished, the country would perish.
Zhao Xu was also speechless.
But this was really common in the court of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Wen Yanbo also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, the trial of this case was indeed too hasty. I also suggest a retrial."
Zhao Xu frowned and said, "But this case happened a few years ago. There's no need to go to so much trouble."
Sima Guang immediately stepped forward and said, "Almost every case in the Court of Justice is from several years ago. If the law is unfair, it should be reiterated. This is the law of the court."
The Court of Criminal Trial is undoubtedly the most qualified to say this, because this is what the Court of Criminal Trial does.
Almost all ministers expressed their intention to reiterate the case.
In fact, this matter has been brewing for quite some time, and all the civil and military officials in the court have already reached a tacit understanding that it must be reiterated. Today is just a formality.
Zhao Xu pretended to be depressed and hesitated for a while before saying, "Okay, since you all say so, then I will follow your wishes and re-examine the case, but no matter what the result of this trial is, it cannot be mentioned again in the future."
"I obey your command."
The ministers spoke in unison.
Sima Guang immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the case of Xuzhou's private salt that was tried by Kaifeng Prefecture not long ago has aroused heated discussions among the people. It also shows that there are many malpractices in the salt administration of Jiezhou. Therefore, I suggest that the public security and judicial organs be established in Hezhong Prefecture to manage the salt administration. If Your Majesty agrees, why not hand over this case to Hezhong Prefecture for trial as well."
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "But I wonder who Sima Xueshi plans to recommend to build the public security, procuratorial and judicial system in Hezhong Prefecture?"
Sima Guang said, "Zhang Fei, the doctor of the Imperial Academy."
Before he could even explain the reason, almost all the ministers in the hall stood up to express their support.
No reason needed!
Just him.
Just let him go.
Oh. Let this kid go and harm others, or be harmed by others.
The corners of Zhao Xu's mouth twitched slightly, and he suppressed his smile and said to Sima Guang: "This matter will be fully handled by the Court of Justice."
"I obey your command."
(End of this chapter)
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