The carriage drove slowly into Bianliang City and stopped outside the north gate of the palace.
Fan Zhongyan and Zhao Jun got off the carriage. Inside the Xuanwu Gate, Zhao Zhen himself was already standing in the wind and snow waiting.
He was not wearing a military coat. He was wearing a crimson dragon robe underneath, a cotton cape on the outside, and a hood on top to keep out all the wind and snow.
But even so, seeing this situation, Fan Zhongyan was in a hurry and walked forward quickly. When he came to Zhao Zhen, he raised his hands and saluted: "Your Majesty, I have broken the minister. How can I come to wait for you in person? The wind and snow are too heavy here, so you should go back to the palace quickly. in order to avoid chilling the dragon's body."
Zhao Zhen smiled, grabbed his hand, patted it gently, and said: "You have made great contributions to the Song Dynasty. Not to mention me personally welcoming you, even if I bring all the civil and military officials to greet you outside the city, it is what should be done. "
He thought that he was just stopped by the officials.
In fact, the emperors of the Song Dynasty were not unable to leave the palace. For example, brothers Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi often went out secretly, and even took carriages to the homes of military commanders and ministers to drink in the middle of the night.
Zhao Guangyi once went to have a drink with a founding general. He drank too much in the middle of the night and drove drunk. He also got into a car accident because there were too many illegal buildings in Bianliang City. So the next day he angrily demanded to rectify the illegal buildings in Kaifeng Prefecture, but he ended up in vain because of the opposition of the people. .
But during the Zhenzong period of the Song Dynasty, this method of sneaking out was no longer possible. Either there had to be a legitimate reason, or the ministers would carry him to the front line, such as paying homage to the mausoleum, offering sacrifices, enshrining Zen, or going to the Chanzhou front line to fight.
When Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty went out, it was very grand. According to historical records such as "Xu Zi Zhi Tong Jian Chang Bian" and "History of the Song Dynasty", when he went out, there were tens of thousands of ceremonial guards, chariots and guards, including a large number of accompanying officials.
Then these people spend on food, clothing, housing, transportation, various expenses, and sometimes they have to meet with the heroes to give rewards, which may be tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of coins at a time, and the money is spent like water.
So during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, officials persuaded Zhao Zhen that the emperor's single outing would cost the treasury too much and there was no need to waste such money and damage the treasury. As a result, Zhao Zhen had been emperor for forty-one years and had never left the palace. The palace is also a strange thing.
Fan Zhongyan said gratefully: "The dragon body is the most important thing in the official family."
"Okay, let's go in first."
Zhao Zhen waved his hand.
The group of people headed towards Chui Gong Hall in a mighty manner.
Today, all civil and military officials gathered to welcome Fan Zhongyan back. The Constitutional Yuan took them outside the city to greet him. Zhao Zhen himself greeted him at the palace gate. It can be said that he gave Fan Zhongyan a great deal of face.
There are one or two hundred admonishers, censors, ministers of various ministries, ministers, servants, ministers, doctors, Zhongshu Sheren, Guan, pavilion, palace bachelor, Zhixue, waiting for system, compilation, Zhige, etc. The number of people surrounded Zhao Zhen and others into the palace.
At the front of the team were naturally Zhao Zhen, Fan Zhongyan, Zhao Jun, Lu Yijian, Wang Zeng, Yan Shu, Cai Qi, Song Shou, Sheng Du and others, followed by the ministers of various ministries. Everyone was arranged in order according to the queue.
Fan Zhongyan stood among the prime ministers of the Constitutional Yuan without hesitation. Although his position was Hebei Road Economic Envoy, don't forget that he also had the title of alternate magistrate of the Constitutional Yuan.
So the bit ratio is vice versa.
At this moment, Zhao Zhenzhi was sitting proudly on the dragon chair. After all the officials were present, the ministers below shouted: "Long live your Majesty, long live your Majesty."
In fact, the Song Dynasty did not usually shout like this, although Long Live became exclusive to the emperor starting from the Song Dynasty.
When Zhao Kuangyin rebelled against Chen Qiaoyi, he was given the title of Long Live by the soldiers: "He wore yellow clothes and the body of Taizu, and everyone bowed and shouted Long Live."
Therefore, although Zhao Kuangyin did not directly decree that Long Live would be his exclusive possession, from then on it could only be enjoyed exclusively by the emperor.
For example, Cao Ne, the son-in-law of Cao Cao, the general of the Northern Song Dynasty, got drunk once and made people shout "Long live". He was reported and beaten to death with a stick.
It is also recorded in "The Biography of Kou Zhun" that Kou Zhun was called "long live" when he went out, so he was immediately removed from the post of Tongzhi Privy Council and demoted to Qingzhou Prefecture.
From then on until the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the title "Long Live" was extremely respected, and the emperor became the "Long Live" Lord.
But such situations where the mountains shout long live are rare.
However, today all the officials couldn't help shouting like this, but someone took the lead, and then everyone shouted in unison, which was really spectacular.
It was really because of these two wars and the diplomatic victory that it was the first time since the founding of the Northern Song Dynasty that they had achieved a beautiful turnaround, which made people feel proud. Except for the officials who were jealous of Fan Zhongyan, everyone was overjoyed.
"Everyone is safe!"
Zhao Zhen was very happy when he saw this situation. He looked around at the crowd and said, "Although the past few years have been troubled, I am fortunate to have you and Fan Qing. I defeated Yuan Hao in the west and Zong Zhen in the north, which showed the majesty of our Song Dynasty. "
"Your Majesty is so complimentary. If it weren't for Your Majesty strategizing in the rear and attacking Zunzu, I would not be able to defeat Yuan Hao and Zong Zhen on the battlefield. This is all due to Your Majesty's wisdom and Taizu Taizong's blessing."
Of course, Fan Zhongyan couldn't take the credit, so he pushed the credit to Zhao Zhen. By the way, he also praised Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi, who had died long ago.
Anyway, regardless of whether others believe it or not, the ministers must believe it, and you have to believe it even if you don’t believe it.
joke.
Fan Zhongyan's contribution is now so great that he is almost unblockable. Although he is a civil servant, the civil service group does not allow such an awesome person to come out, so of course he must be suppressed.
At present, ministers from various ministries such as Cheng Lin, Chen Zhizhong, Zhang Dexiang, Du Yan, Li Ruogu, Jia Changchao, Zheng Jian, Ye Qingchen, Hu Su, Han Ju and others have spoken out.
"Your Majesty sent out elite soldiers and strong generals, marched forward with swords, and commanded all directions. He called it the merit of heaven and man. He said, "The reason why heaven is heaven."
"The barbarians are invading the border, and they are really overestimating their own capabilities. I observe that heaven and man are not tired of Song De, and your majesty has God's blessing."
"Although Fan Xiwen has little merit, he cannot be compared with His Majesty."
Each of these people either blamed the emperor or God, but they did not say that Fan Zhongyan had any great achievements.
Because in addition to suppressing Fan Zhongyan, they also have jealous people.
For example, those guys like Cheng Lin, Zhang Dexiang, and Jia Changchao could make Fan Zhongyan's eyes turn red and he was so jealous that he was almost beyond recognition.
However, no matter how the officials belittled him, Zhao Zhen must still give Fan Zhongyan recognition, otherwise he would chill his officials.
At that moment, Zhao Zhen said: "Fan Qing has made great contributions to Sheji, there is no doubt about it. When he returns to Beijing this time, he must not take on important positions. He will be worshiped as a bachelor of Longtuge, Pingzhang for military and state affairs, and he will be granted the title of Duke of Chu!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Fan Zhongyan was overjoyed. Historically, he was the deputy prime minister who participated in political affairs. Now he has been directly promoted to the prime minister.
But it's actually of no use.
This is because the current post of Prime Minister, such as the Council of Political Affairs and Tong Zhongshu’s Pingzhangshi, Pingzhang Military and State Affairs, and Pingzhang Military and State Affairs, which were inherited from the Tang Dynasty, are basically empty duties.
The real actual position is still the prefect of the Constitutional Yuan, or the co-president or alternate co-president of the Constitutional Yuan. Even the deputy co-president of the Constitutional Yuan is not qualified to participate in major court affairs.
Zhao Jun said: "Your Majesty, the Constitutional Yuan was established to enable Your Majesty to better govern the country, strengthen the concentration of power, and promote policies that are beneficial to the country. Therefore, I advocate that the personnel of the Constitutional Yuan should be fixed regularly and be elected every five years. Now that the king has passed away due to illness, I thought it was time to replace him with a new one."
Zhao Zhen said: "It's accurate!"
"Please nominate me, and the nominee will officially join the Constitutional Yuan as a co-president!"
"Accurate!"
"I nominate Fan Zhongyan, Li Di, and Li Shen!"
Zhao Jun said immediately.
Li Di could hardly suppress the smile on his face.
It was a rule set before that the members of the Constitutional Yuan should be appointed on a permanent basis and be replaced every five years.
Therefore, no matter how the officials in Kandai try to impeach the people of the Constitutional Yuan, unless they can find evidence of a violation of the law, the Prime Minister of the Constitutional Yuan will remain unmoved by just catching wind and shadow.
It has actually been more than four years since the Constitutional Yuan was established in September of the third year of Jingyou's reign. It should not be until September next year that the new term will be held.
However, with Wang Sui's death from illness and Fan Zhongyan's great contribution, it is a certainty that he will formally join the Constitutional Yuan, so it is natural for him to change the term in advance.
And Zhao Jun naturally wants to appoint his own people to the Constitutional Yuan. After all, although Lao Fan is good, he has his own opinions. For example, the two sides had differences in the Liao-Song peace talks, so the two can only be regarded as allies, not themselves. people.
Li Dina has completely surrendered to him and has become his younger brother, so why don't he cover him up? Li Shen highly praised Zhao Jun's business reforms and supported Zhao Jun's decision, so he naturally had to mention it.
Lu Yijian immediately said: "I nominate Yan Shu, Cheng Lin, and Zhang Dexiang."
Song Shou said: "I nominate Chen Zhizhong and Jia Changchao."
Cai Qi looked at Wang Zeng, who said solemnly: "I nominate Song Xiang and Zheng Jian."
Lu Yijian smiled and said: "According to the regulations, nominations need to be selected from the candidates for observation. Song Xiang is no longer the same."
Wang Zeng glanced at Lu Yijian angrily, this old man was on his way.
Under the current restructuring of the imperial court, the ministers of all important departments directly under the Constitutional Yuan must be given the title of alternate observation fellow to demonstrate the importance of these departments in the imperial court.
For example, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Police, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Taxation, and the traditional six ministries of Rites, Officials, Soldiers, Punishments, Households, and Industry.
Song Xiang was previously the Youjianyi doctor. As the head of the Jiantai, which was equivalent to that department in later generations, he naturally had a high position of authority. Therefore, like the chief censor Zhongcheng of the Yushitai, he also had the title of alternate observer.
With this title, the rank is basically the second grade, and at the same time, he has the qualifications to enter the Constitutional Yuan.
But Jian Tai always refused to deal with Lu Yijian, and would impeach the Constitutional Yuan or Lu Yijian's younger brother if nothing happened.
The year before last, Han Qi also impeached Chen Yaozuo, Shi Zhongli, and Wang Sui. Although Wang Sui was not demoted because he entered the Constitutional Yuan, Chen Yaozuo was dismissed as the military governor of Huaikang and sentenced to Zhengzhou, causing Lu Yijian to lose another Right arm.
Since Song Xiang was Wang Zeng's younger brother, he naturally chased after Lu Yijian and annoyed Lu Yijian. So last year, Lu Yijian took advantage of Song Xiang's jealousy of Fan Zhongyan to frame him and transfer him to Yangzhou.
The cause of the incident was that Fan Zhongyan corresponded with Xixia many times in the first half of last year, and the letters naturally had to be reported to the court. At that time, Zhao Jun was traveling around the world, and both Wang Zeng and Cai Qi were sick. The situation was not very good, and the Constitutional Yuan went smoothly. Lu Yijian took over the power and made his family the sole leader.
Seeing this, Song Xiang frantically impeached Lu Yijian.
Lu Yijian then deliberately read Fan Zhongyan's letter to Xixia in front of Song Xiang, and said, "How can any important official on the border correspond with the rebel enemy?" He also said: "This is written in the memorial, who knows what he actually said to Yuan Hao. What is it?"
As soon as Song Xiang heard that the matter was of great importance, he went to court the next day and read a copy of Fan Zhongyan's book.
Zhao Zhen was very angry at that time, and Lu Yijian immediately added fuel to the flames, saying, "It's not right to write letters privately, but it is absolutely wrong to say that Fan Zhongyan has second thoughts about the emperor."
As a result, Song Xiang turned out to be a villain who was jealous of the talented and capable, fabricating rumors and slandering others out of nothing, and soon left the capital to know Yangzhou Prefecture.
Not to mention that Lu Yijian was a very bad guy, and he was really a good hand when it came to political struggles.
Zhao Jun was also designed by him at first.
In history, both Li Di and Wang Zeng suffered from this old guy.
The year before last, he demoted Fan Xi, the censor Zhongcheng who had impeached him many times, to the rank of Sima of the Marching Army of the Wuchang Army, and knew the Linjiang Army.
Now Wang Zeng's important younger brother Song Xiang was taken away by Lu Yijian while he was sick, which almost made Wang Zeng angry to death.
But what Lu Yijian said is right. To be nominated to the Constitutional Yuan, one must first have the title of Alternate Fellow and Alternate Observer. Otherwise, one will not be eligible to be nominated at all.
Wang Zeng had no choice but to retreat and do the next best thing: "I nominate Zheng Jian and Han Ju."
This Han Ju is Han Qi's brother. He is currently serving as the Minister of Industry. He was promoted to the position due to his outstanding political performance as the transfer envoy between Zhejiang and Zhejiang.
He is not Wang Zeng's younger brother, but he himself is Wang Zeng's fanboy and respects Wang Zeng very much. Therefore, if he cannot win over his subordinates, it is naturally better to choose the fanboy.
"I nominate Ye Qingchen and Jiang Tang!"
Cai Qi also said.
Jiang Tang was promoted from Huainan East Road Transfer Envoy and is now the Minister of Rites. Although he has nothing to do with Wang Zeng's party, it is said that he has a good relationship with Zhao Jun, so Wang Zeng simply gave Zhao Jun a favor.
Sheng Du looked around, but there was no movement.
Of course he also has a desire for power, but the Zhao Jun family dominates the Constitutional Yuan, and then Lu Yijian and Wang Zeng are fighting among themselves, and Wang Sui is a do-nothing person. They cannot offend each other, making it difficult for him to support himself and to stay together.
This naturally resulted in Shengdu not having much power in the Constitutional Yuan, making it difficult for him to promote his own people to important positions.
For example, the Minister of Finance is the former Third Secretary Cheng Lin, the Minister of Education is Jia Changchao, who was a former lecturer at the Imperial College and is also a famous exegesis, writer, and calligrapher, and the Minister of War is Zhang Dexiang, a former Privy Council magistrate and right admonisher. The meeting official is Chen Zhizhong.
These four people are associates of Lu Yijian's party.
Ye Qingchen, the Minister of Household Affairs, and Zheng Jian, the new imperial censor who succeeded Fan Xi, were not of Wang Zeng's faction, but they were close friends with Song Xiang, so they naturally supported Wang Zeng.
The remaining ministers of the Ministry of Rites, Jiang Tang, the Ministry of Personnel, Li Ruogu, the Ministry of Industry, Han Ju, the Ministry of Taxation, Hu Su, and the Ministry of Police, Du Yan, all rose to power through their outstanding political achievements.
Du Yan, for example, was famous for being good at managing prisons. He once knew the trial court and was very good at investigating cases. Hu Su is upright and meticulous, and is very suitable for tax inspections.
As for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Justice, one is Li Shen and the other is Li Di, both of whom were promoted by Zhao Jun.
There was not a single Shengdu teammate inside. When he saw this situation, his eyes were filled with tears. If it weren't for his strong desire for power, and he still insisted on staying in the court at the age of seventy-two, he would have wanted to become an official on the spot.
(End of chapter)
