The newspaper became an instant hit in Bianliang.
Because the above content is aimed at different audiences, including those who love current affairs, poetry and articles, it is naturally popular.
Moreover, the above call for papers also attracted many people, such as Ouyang Xiu.
Ouyang Xiu was a big troll, but historically he could only troll others by writing memorials and articles, and they were also published in notes and official bulletins, which made it difficult for them to spread to the public.
After seeing the news in the newspaper, he was overjoyed and wrote an article "On Officials" and submitted it to the editorial department.
The core idea of this "On Officials" is to firmly uphold the political policy of the Institute of Political Affairs to regulate the administration of officials, and to express appreciation for the government's strong support for the Institute of Political Affairs, saying that Zhao Zhen is simply a holy emperor and so on.
The editorial department of the printing house was established, with Meng Chengqi as the editor-in-chief. When he saw that even the famous Ouyang Xiu had submitted an article, he quickly included it in the next issue of the newspaper as a backup.
Although Ouyang Xiu was only 32 years old this year and not yet the literary master he would later become, his writing style was sharp and he became famous very early. As early as more than ten years ago, in the first year of the Tiansheng reign, when he came to Bianliang to take the imperial examination at the age of 17, his poems and songs were already praised by his contemporaries.
Later, he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi. He often socialized with Yin Zhu, Mei Yaochen, Su Shunqin and others, discussing ancient Chinese literature together. His literary reputation flourished. Therefore, although he was not yet a literary master, he was already a recognized leader among the younger generation of scholars.
At noon that day, Zhao Jun went to Qiaobeifang again, and Meng Chengqi gave him the "Official Theory" to read. After reading it, Zhao Jun told Meng Chengqi not to print it, and left with the "Official Theory".
This action left Meng Chengqi puzzled, but Zhao Jun's behavior must have a deeper meaning. He didn't dare to ask, so he could only sigh inwardly that it was a pity to waste such a good article with excellent writing.
The Constitutional Court was exceptionally quiet this afternoon. Although it was early winter, the weather had warmed up and the winter sun was shining brightly. The wind was cool but it didn't feel cold. In the courtyard, evergreen trees such as camphor trees, osmanthus trees, cypress trees, and privet trees covered the sky with green.
The sunlight filtered through the branches, dappling the ground beneath the tree and casting two long shadows.
Zhao Jun and Fan Zhongyan walked slowly in the courtyard in front of the Constitutional Court. From here they could see the majestic Daqing Palace in the south. On their right was the archway leading to the Three Departments, the Privy Council, the Council of State Affairs and other central government buildings.
Trees were planted inside and outside the arches, along the edge of the corridor, and on both sides of the marble floor. Although it was early winter, the courtyard was still planted with evergreen shrubs, and the autumn grass was slightly brown and yellow, but it had not yet completely dried up.
"Now, more than 90% of the evil forces in Bianliang City have been eliminated. The people have actively reported them. Kaifeng Prefecture and the Imperial City Bureau have probably arrested more than 10,000 people combined."
Fan Zhongyan had his hands behind his back, but his back was not hunched like that of an ordinary old man. Instead, it was straight, and his face was serious and upright. This was just the kind of person he was.
On the contrary, Zhao Jun was not so solemn. As the early winter was getting colder, he liked to put his hands in his sleeves and lean forward slightly, which would make him more comfortable.
He glanced ahead, catching a glimpse of the grass in the adjacent garden, its tips already showing signs of withering. He said, "Wildfires can't completely burn it all; spring breezes bring new growth. These people are like weeds; they must be eradicated."
"Um."
Fan Zhongyan nodded and said, "The remaining people have also taken refuge underground. At least the order and security in Bianliang are much better now than before. There are even fewer fights and quarrels."
Zhao Jun laughed and said, "The Imperial Guards can't even eat even if they get paid so much every year. They'd be better off patrolling the streets and maintaining law and order."
The public security is good now because Zhao Jun asked Zhao Zhen to send people from the Palace Front Department to patrol the streets.
The Song Dynasty already had a serious problem of redundant troops, with most of its forces stationed in Hebei and Guanzhong. However, there were still more than 100,000 or 200,000 troops around Bianliang. Instead of letting them do nothing, it would be better to find something for them to do.
"What are you going to do underground?"
Fan Zhongyan asked.
Zhao Jun frowned, then relaxed. "Let's proceed according to the plan. First, break the skin, then remove the bones, and then separate the flesh. The skin is already broken, so how far is it from removing the bones?"
"You're speaking more and more like an ancient person."
Fan Zhongyan joked.
Zhao Jun rolled his eyes and said, "As the common people around you become red, as the common people around you become black. Old Fan, don't your words sound a bit like those of modern people in later generations?"
“Hahahahahahahaha.”
Fan Zhongyan burst into laughter.
Zhao Jun threw the "Official Theory" in his arms over to him and said, "Take a look at this."
Fan Zhongyan took it and took a look at it, praising it, "Uncle Yong's writing style is still so sharp. This thing suits my taste."
"But now is not the time to take it out."
"Why?"
"Because we cannot reveal our intention to take action against all officials, scholars, and landlords."
"Just this one copy of 'Officials' can make the outside world know about it?"
"Many things are uncertain. At least when facing Lü Yijian and others, we must adopt a more gentle approach. Do you remember how the Qingli New Deal failed in history?"
Zhao Jun shook his head and said, "In Ouyang Xiu's 'On Factions,' he compared you to gentlemen and the opposition to villains, and even boasted that gentlemen should form cliques. Doesn't that just confirm that you've formed a clique?"
"Forehead"
The admiration on Fan Zhongyan's face froze for a moment.
Zhao Jun continued, "The government hates cliques the most. The publication of 'On Cliques' plays right into the hands of the opposition. If you don't die, who will?"
Fan Zhongyan said awkwardly, "Uncle Yong also meant well."
“Sometimes I’m not afraid of god-like opponents, but I’m afraid of pig-like teammates.”
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