Night falls, Lin'an City, Da Nei, Funing Hall.
Except for a few palaces, the entire palace was dark and deathly silent. Compared with the deserted daytime, it was even more lifeless at night.
Zhao Kuo, an official of the Song Dynasty, was alone. His parents, brothers and sisters died early, and he had no heirs. There were only a few people in the harem. In addition, he was a Taoist, practiced inaction, and liked peace and quiet. Therefore, at night, the palace was particularly deserted and lonely, as if Like a dead city, people have the urge to escape quickly.
The people are enjoying themselves, sharing family happiness, and welcoming the New Year's Day. Although the old talismans were replaced with new peaches and lanterns were decorated, the palace was still deserted. Firstly, Zhao Kuo, an official of the Song Dynasty, was frugal on a routine basis; secondly, Zhao Kuo practiced Taoism and liked peace and quiet. Therefore, this year's New Year's Eve is particularly deserted.
In the main hall, the curtains were hung low. Zhao Kuo, an official of the Song Dynasty, was wearing a half-worn Taoist robe. His face was dark and thin. He sat cross-legged on a green cloth cushion, meditating with his eyes closed, looking extremely pious.
Zhao Kuo's clothes were simple, the curtains in the palace were simple, the furniture was old and uncarved, the eating utensils were not luxurious, the wine vessels were all made of tin, and even the carpets were worn and worn. This shows the frugality of the officials of the Song Dynasty.
In the fifth year of Shaoxi's reign (1194), Zhao Kuo was established as the prince by his father, Song Guangzong Zhao Dun. In the same year, Zhao Dun, Emperor Guangzong of Song Dynasty, was forced to abdicate by his ministers due to his poor moral conduct. Zhao Kuo succeeded to the throne with the support of ministers Han Yuzhou, Zhao Ruyu and other ministers, and changed his reign name to "Qingyuan".
After Zhao Kuo came to the throne, he appointed the clan Zhao Ruyu and the noble Han Yuzhou as prime ministers, and the struggle between the Zhao and Han factions became fierce. In the first year of Qingyuan (1195), Zhao Kuo dismissed Zhao Ruyu and Han Yuzhou took power.
In the second year of Kaixi's reign (1206), Prime Minister Han Yuzhou launched a northern expedition to the Jin Dynasty. Due to the unfavorable outcome of the Northern Expedition, on November 3rd of the third year of Kaixi's reign (1207), Xia Zhen, the official of the front office of the Central Military Commission and in charge of the palace, met with Queen Yang Guizhi and the Ministry of Rites. Under the instruction of Shi Miyuan, the minister, Han Yuzhou was assassinated inside the wall of Yujin Garden on his way to the court.
Han Yuzhou was assassinated, and the military and political power was completely controlled by the empress Yang Guizhi and the powerful official Shi Miyuan. Zhao Kuo, the official family of the Song Dynasty, was in name only but in reality, like a puppet.
Since he ascended the throne in the fifth year of Shaoxi (1194), for thirty years, Zhao Kuo has been as diligent and frugal as ever. He has been as diligent and frugal as ever, offering no frivolous service, no entertainment, no indulgence in drinking, no extravagance, no profit making. Do not be tyrannical, and do not commit any of the misconduct committed by previous emperors.
It is a pity that Han Yuzhou was first appointed and Shi Miyuan was succeeded. The two powers were in charge of the country, and the Song Dynasty gradually declined.
"Officials, it's time for dinner."
Li Gu's voice sounded.
Zhao Kuo closed his eyes and said nothing for a long time before opening his eyes. With Li Gu's help, he stood up, sat down on the chair, and began to eat slowly.
The meals are simple, consisting of gruel and two side dishes without oil or meat. The diet of officials in the Song Dynasty was not as good as that of ordinary people.
During the meal, Zhao Kuo said nothing and spoke slowly. He seemed to enjoy his food and ate almost all the food.
Seeing Zhao Kuo put down his chopsticks and rinse his mouth with water, Li Gu waved his hand gently, and the little eunuch quickly took away the dishes.
"Li Gu, today is New Year's Eve, it must be very lively outside, right?"
Zhao Kuo sat up straight, his face calm and his eyes slightly closed as he asked.
"Thanks to the official family, now the world is at peace and the people live and work in peace and contentment. It will be very lively to stay up on New Year's Eve!"
Li Gu said softly with a smile on his face.
New Year's Eve in the Song Dynasty was also called New Year's Eve or New Year's Eve, with different names. It is basically the same as that of later generations, including cleaning the house, posting door gods, hanging bells, nailing peach charms, worshiping ancestors, etc. After the New Year's Eve dinner, we have to set off fireworks and keep vigil, which is very lively.
"Peace in the world? I'm afraid the people's livelihood is in decline and there are many complaints. It's not easy for the people. It's not easy to live a good year."
Zhao Kuo opened his eyes, seeming to feel something. He paused for a moment and suddenly said:
"Shi Miyuan's house must be very lively, right?"
"In the official family, Shi Miyuan is the prime minister of the dynasty, with power over the government and the public. The Shi family is full of scholars and officials, including dozens of Jinshi. Of course, his house is full of distinguished guests, and the family is like a city."
Li Gu told the truth without hiding anything.
In front of this cowardly Song Dynasty official, he didn't care what he said. He didn't care anyway. After asking, he went to meditate and isolate himself from the world.
"Huaidong's envoy Xu Guo, and Sichuan's envoy Zheng Sun. Have you heard of these two people?"
Zhao Kuo closed his eyes again and asked softly.
"Official family, I heard Xuan Xianggong talk about these two people. Xu Guoyuan was the ruler of Beijing and Hudu. He was a military general. He was brave in battle, but he was a little domineering. As for Zheng Sun, the envoy of Sichuan system, his official reputation is mediocre and he likes to talk loudly. The knowledge is pretty good.”
"Xuan Zhen?"
Li Gu's words made Zhao Hong startled slightly and opened his eyes.
Shi Miyuan's children and relatives were also concerned about government affairs.
Li Gu secretly shook his head. Shi Miyuan was authoritative, and he only informed the officials of the appointment results and never reported the orders. He was domineering and arrogant, but Zhao Kuo could only endure it and was powerless.
"Guardian, today is New Year's Eve. Your Majesty has not been out of the palace for some years. Do you want to go out on a boat and enjoy the clouds, trees, embankments and sand and painted bridges and smoked willows in the West Lake? This is also fun with the people."
Li Gu quickly changed the topic.
The emperor is kind and does not want to see the people suffer. When I was escorting the coffin of Zhao Gouzong, Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty, to Shanyin for burial, I saw farmers working hard in the fields on the way. I said with emotion: "How can we know how hard labor is when we are usually in the deep palace!"
After taking the throne, Zhao Kuo issued edicts waiving various taxes almost every year, and he also practiced frugality in daily life.
From this point of view, Zhao Kuo can be regarded as a good emperor.
"It's winter, how can there be any painting of bridges and smoke of willows? We have to wait until the turn of spring and summer."
Zhao Kuo shook his head gently and said calmly:
"The mausoleum of Empress Dowager Ciyi is right next to the West Lake. If I travel, won't I disturb the spirits of my ancestors in heaven? I'd better avoid it if I can."
Li Gu nodded repeatedly. The Emperor Renxiao actually traveled in disguise and would not disturb the Queen Mother's mausoleum with loud music and music.
"Guardian, would you like me to report to the queen and the ladies? Today is New Year's Eve. Let the queen come over to talk to His Majesty and drink some wine."
Li Gu took the tea from the young eunuch and placed it respectfully on the table next to Zhao Kuo.
On New Year's Eve, it was too deserted for the official family to be alone.
"I feel sick to my stomach after drinking alcohol and want to vomit."
Zhao Kuo was noncommittal and pondered for a moment before asking:
"How is Miss Cao?"
Queen Han passed away that year, leaving the position in the middle palace vacant. Yang Guizhi and Cao Meiren were both favored by Zhao Kuo at that time. Because Yang Guizhi was good at political power, Han Wanzhou suggested to Zhao Kuo that he should appoint the docile Cao Mei as his successor. But Zhao Kuo did not listen and still made Yang Guizhi his queen.
Because of this, Yang Guizhi had a deep hatred for Han Zhouzhou, and together with Shi Miyuan, assassinated Han Zhouzhou.
"Back at the official house, Empress Cao is seriously ill. I'm afraid she will only be here in the past few months."
Li Gu said softly.
For almost thirty years, Cao Meiren is still Cao Meiren, let alone a noble concubine, she is not even Jieyu.
If the emperor didn't mention it, he definitely didn't want to celebrate New Year's Eve with the queen and concubines. It seems that the emperor is a man of few desires and is used to being alone.
"The world is too painful and tiring. It might be quieter over there."
Zhao Hong said lightly, and I couldn't tell whether he was happy or sad.
"Does Your Majesty want to see Empress Cao?"
Li Gu asked tentatively.
Cao Meiren has a gentle and considerate personality. She is the only one who can talk to the emperor.
"I won't go. I won't end up crying and making people uncomfortable. I'll also avoid causing trouble."
Zhao Kuo supported the table and wanted to stand up. Li Gu quickly stepped forward to help him. Zhao Kuo seemed to have remembered something and stopped moving.
"What is Duke Ji Guo busy with?"
Probably remembering the scene in the court hall, there was a faint smile in Zhao Kuo's eyes.
"In the official family, Ji Guogong lives in seclusion and has nothing to do. However, he went to Fengle Tower and now it has caused a sensation in the entire Lin'an City."
Li Gu smiled, trying to arouse the emperor's interest.
"What shocking thing did he do? Was it because he failed to repay a debt? Is he okay?"
Zhao Kuo raised his eyebrows slightly and asked subconsciously.
Does this unmotivated guy know his identity? Do you know what you are doing?
Prostitutes come to collect debts! The face of the Song Dynasty royal family was completely lost to him!
"Your Majesty, Mr. Ji Guo is safe and sound. Nothing happened."
Li Gu took out a few pages of paper and handed them to Zhao Kuo.
"Officials, please take a look."
Zhao Kuo glanced at Li Gu and took the paper in a daze.
"The soul of the soldier is gone, the soul of the country is empty, and the ancient man has let go... The country is so beautiful that it attracts countless heroes to bow... The smile of the breeze actually makes people lonely, and only a lapel of pride is left..."
Zhao Kuo read tremblingly, raised his head, and finally there was a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"Who did this? This last song doesn't even sound like lyrics!"
What kind of great talent is this that has such a masterpiece!
"Officials, this was all done by Duke Ji Guo in Fengle Tower, every poem, every word, and every song. This is what the slave said was a major event that caused a sensation in Lin'an City."
Li Gu was a little proud and said with a smile.
The rumor that Zhao Hong was famous in Lin'an City was indeed powerful enough to arouse the interest of the officials.
"Dong Ji Guo? Zhao Hong?"
The surprise in Zhao Kuo's eyes became even greater. He stared at the poems and music for a moment, thoughtfully, and slowly spoke out.
"So, the stories in the tabloids about befriending scoundrels and prostitutes coming to collect debts are all false?"
"Guan family, I guess so. The dignified Duke Ji Guo's house can't afford to spend some money on drinks. As for making friends with rogues in the market, it's even more deceptive. What, do you think so too, officials?"
Li Gu asked with a smile.
"You old slave, you are kidding me. I am cowardly and incompetent, but I am not a fool and can be fooled by others."
Zhao Kuo said softly, and Li Gu was sweating profusely, nodding and bowing, not daring to say anything.
It is rare for Zhao Kuo to say such "cruel words", and it also proves that he cares about his image in the minds of his subjects.
"Li Gu, what do you think of Zhao Hong?"
There seemed to be an expression on Zhao Kuo's face.
Zhao Hong has these talents, but he knows nothing about them. Dare to challenge Shi Miyuan in the main hall, which was beyond his expectation.
"In the official family, Ji Guogong dared to fight Shi Miyuan in the main hall, which shows that he has a strong character. He has these articles, and it can also be seen that he is not an ordinary person. The slave is just curious. He has these abilities, why didn't he show them before? come out?"
Li Gu's words made Zhao Kuo nodded slightly.
It seems that we still need to observe Zhao Hong again.
"Li Gu, there are rumors outside that the Gaozong dynasty has ministers who have restored the state but no ministers who have restored it, the dynasty Xiaozong has ministers who have restored the state but no ministers who have restored it, and this dynasty has neither ministers who have restored the state nor ministers who have restored it. Is that so?"
Zhao Kuo looked at the poems on the paper and said softly.
Li Gu was startled. He looked around and saw that no one was around, and then felt a little relieved.
In the first ten years, the important minister Han Kuanzhou controlled the government, and in the later period, the powerful prime minister Shi Miyuan and the queen Yang Guizhi controlled the court. Zhao Kuo still felt a little unwilling in his heart.
This bit of unwillingness may have been induced by Zhao Hong's ambitious poetry.
"In the official family, during the Song and Jin Dynasties, there were successive attacks. Shi Miyuan was in power. Huizi were rampant, the country was lacking in power, and the people were in dire straits. The border troops were weak, and the court was full of traitors. This was all caused by Shi Miyuan. This has nothing to do with the official family. Your Majesty does not need to commit suicide. responsibility."
Li Gu looked around nervously and replied cautiously.
The officials asked about state affairs and were full of emotions. It seemed that they were still unwilling to accept it!
"But I am the king of a country after all!"
Sure enough, Zhao Kuo's eyes were confused and he sighed.
Isolated by Queen Yang Guizhi and Prime Minister Shi Miyuan, he looked like a puppet on strings. Is he still considered the king of a country in the Song Dynasty?
