After the officials returned to the palace with Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Li Cai was also handed over to the Sanfa Division for interrogation.
The efficiency of work in the Han Dynasty was very low.
He is not like those lucky people in modern society. People go to bed as soon as it gets dark and there are no lights. He doesn't care about so many things.
And this delay.
Another three days passed.
Before the Sanfa Division's interrogation could produce any results, news of Li Cai's suicide had already spread.
Many people in the elite circles of Chang'an said that the Sanfa Division used excessive punishment and accidentally killed Li Cai.
Others said he could not bear the humiliation.
The ruthlessness of swordsmen and pen officials was well known in the Han Dynasty.
But no matter what, the death of this former prime minister of the Han Dynasty has become an established fact.
No one can change it.
Because of Li Cai's death, the court held another court meeting.
At the meeting.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was in a high position and calmly glanced at the ministers in Weiyang Palace.
Then!
He turned his attention to Zhang Tang, the imperial censor who was once a swordsman and pen official, and asked: "Censor Zhang, I heard that Li Cai's death was caused by the excessive punishment of Tingwei. What do you have to say?"
Zhang Tang immediately replied: "Your Majesty, I don't think the punishment is too severe. The death of Li Cai is, at best, a suicide out of fear of crime!"
"That's right!" Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty Liu Che nodded and said, "Do you have any different opinions about Li Cai's death?"
The words fell.
The ministers in the court looked at each other.
In the end, they all said in unison: "I agree with what Zhang Yushi said."
In an instant.
The situation in the court was very obvious.
After the death of Prime Minister Li Cai, Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, became the dominant family. Zhang Tang, who was originally a swordsman and pen official, now became the target of support from all officials.
Nothing else.
Simply because Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty Liu Che was close to Zhang Tang.
When Li Cai was still Prime Minister.
Zhang Tang often acted as a censor, doing what the prime minister did.
Now Li Cai is gone.
How could Jiuqing, who was under the Three Dukes, dare to go against Zhang Tang, the imperial censor?
certainly.
This is not the key.
The key is.
Li Cai is gone, but the position of prime minister is still there?
So who will take over the position of prime minister later?
no doubt!
As the imperial censor, Zhang Tang was the most qualified to serve as the head of the hundred officials and become the prime minister.
first.
Your Majesty believes him.
Secondly.
There was an obvious rule for the prime ministers during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, that is, after the position of prime minister was vacated, the reigning imperial censor would rise one level and become prime minister!
This is basically a done deal.
This was the case before Gongsun Hong became prime minister.
This was also the case before Li Cai became prime minister.
Now it's Zhang Tang's turn, could something else happen?
Anyway, this is what Baiguan thinks!
It is precisely for this reason that the imperial censor and the prime minister basically formed a hostile relationship.
The imperial censor wanted to overthrow the prime minister and then become the prime minister himself.
Then the newly appointed imperial censor began to aim at overthrowing the new prime minister, and the cycle continued, eventually forming the pattern that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty wanted - balance.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty glanced at the officials, and then at Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, with a slightly subtle expression on his face.
It seems that after thinking for a while.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty Liu Che spoke at this time and said: "Now that Li Cai's matter has been made clear, it is time to clear Bo Luhou's name."
"Publish the news that Marquis Lu Bo will enter the palace!"
The words fell.
The eunuchs then went to spread the news that Marquis Lu had entered the palace.
When Huo Guang arrived, he knelt down in a familiar manner and said, "Huo Guang, the captain of the chariot, comes to kowtow to your majesty."
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty looked at Huo Guang with joy on his face and said with a smile: "Marquis Bo Lu, this time Li Cai framed you and you have been wronged."
"but."
"This is not a bad thing, because this incident also allowed me to see the talents of the Han Dynasty."
The words fell.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty turned his attention to Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, and asked: "Marquis Bolu built new-style houses, subsidized the families of the sacrificed soldiers, made gunpowder, and made guns to help the victory in the Battle of Mobei."
"Such a credit!"
"I want to make him a Guanglu doctor. What do you think?"
Doctor Guanglu?
This is a super official.
You may not feel much from the official positions in the Han Dynasty, but if you look at the titles of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, you can feel how big this official is.
In the Tang Dynasty, Dr. Guanglu was the second rank.
In the Song Dynasty, Dr. Guanglu was the first rank.
In the Yuan Dynasty, Dr. Guanglu was the first rank.
In the Ming Dynasty, Dr. Guanglu was the first rank.
In the Qing Dynasty, Dr. Guanglu was the first official.
There’s no need to explain these first and second-grade official titles, right?
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty said this, the officials in the court whispered to each other for a while, but no one stood up and said no directly.
Because His Majesty was asking the Imperial Censor, and the Imperial Censor did not say anything. Naturally, it was not the turn of Jiu Qing, who was under the Third Duke.
As for Da Sima?
The two chief ministers are both Huo Guang's family members, so how can they hold objections?
When faced with the question from Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, also said: "Your Majesty, I believe that it is not too much to confer the title of Guanglu Doctor on the merits of Bo Luhou."
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty Liu Che narrowed his eyes slightly and said with a smile: "Doctor Yushi thinks it's okay, right?"
"yes!"
Zhang Tang nodded and said.
Seeing his answer, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty nodded, then turned his eyes to the ministers in the court and asked: "What about you, do you have any objections?"
All the officials immediately agreed: "I have the same opinion as Zhang Yushi."
"Oh? We have the same opinion? Didn't you all disagree with the imperial censor before? Why are you the same today?" The smile on Emperor Wu of Han's face remained unchanged, but the look in his eyes was a bit cold.
at this time.
In the court hall, no one spoke.
Zhuang Qingzhai, who was behind Huo Guang, poked Huo Guang with his hand and said, "Marquis Bolu, congratulations. By the way, how old is Marquis Bolu this year?"
"fourteen."
Huo Guang glanced at the censor Zhongcheng doubtfully.
His relationship with Zhuang Qingzhai is not very good.
The two rarely interacted with each other.
Today he took the initiative to get close to me. Could it be because he was about to be appointed an official by His Majesty?
Not so much
Although he is only a censor Zhongcheng now, after all, he is also a person who has served as a high-ranking official such as the censor doctor. How can he be so swayed by others?
However, Zhuang Qingzhai did not give Huo Guang time to think, and immediately said: "You are only fourteen, what a terrible young man."
"When the time comes when Marquis Bolu takes office as Doctor Guanglu, remember to hold a banquet."
"At that time, I will definitely support you and will never come home until you are drunk."
Seeing Zhuang Qingzhai's bold words, Huo Guang lost his guard and said directly: "Zhuang Zhongcheng is joking. How can I drink? I haven't even performed the crowning ceremony yet."
At this time.
Zhuang Qingzhai frowned and said, "Have you not done the crowning ceremony yet?"
"Well, you're only fourteen, how can you do a crowning ceremony!"
Huo Guang was talking, but he didn't expect that under his surprised gaze, Zhuang Qingzhai stood up, holding the wat tablet in both hands and said, "Your Majesty, I object."
"Marquis Bolu is only fourteen years old this year, and he has not yet received the crowning ceremony."
"In terms of our Han Dynasty laws."
"A man who has not been crowned can only be regarded as a villain. How can I, the great Han Guanglu doctor, be succeeded by a small man?"
Villain, here refers to underage men.
Not the derogatory despicable kind.
After Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty heard what Zhuang Qingzhai said, the smile on his face disappeared immediately, and the coldness in his eyes also disappeared. He just hummed without emotion: "You can't be granted the title of Doctor Guanglu without the crown ceremony?"
Zhuang Qingzhai immediately replied: "Yes, Your Majesty!"
These words fell.
For a time, the nine ministers in the court began to criticize Zhuang Qingzhai one after another.
Although he was once a high-ranking official like Yushi Dafu.
But now he is just a censor Zhongcheng.
Those Jiuqing officials were busy courting the Weihuo family and trying to get closer to Zhang Tang, the imperial censor. How could they be afraid of offending him?
However, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty seemed a little troubled at this time, and asked Huo Guang: "Bo Luhou, you see, I now intend to make you a Guanglu doctor, but your age has become a limitation."
Seeing Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty speaking, Huo Guang immediately replied: "Your Majesty, why bother? I am still young. Your Majesty has appointed me Guanglu Doctor. I'm afraid it won't do any good. It's better to discuss it later!"
"We'll discuss it later?" Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty glanced at Huo Guang and said with a smile, "Okay, we'll discuss it later."
Talking.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty coughed and said: "Ahem, Dr. Guanglu can discuss it later, but the position of prime minister has many affairs and cannot be delayed."
"My dear friends."
"Maybe you can recommend a suitable candidate to me?"
The prime minister is the head of hundreds of officials. If this position is vacant, there will be problems for the operation of the entire Han Dynasty.
so.
It is not a lie that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty wanted a suitable person to take up the position of prime minister.
For a while.
The officials of the Nine Ministers discussed among themselves one after another. Finally, they gave a final answer, saying: "Your Majesty, I recommend Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, to be the prime minister. It is most suitable."
Is it appropriate for Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, to be the prime minister?
suitable!
After all, he was the one who single-handedly brought down the former Prime Minister Li Cai.
As per usual.
It is most appropriate for a censor to take up the post of prime minister.
But.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty Liu Che raised his eyebrows slightly, glanced at Zhang Tang, and said: "Zhang Yushi, do you think it is appropriate?"
Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, was also very shrewd. He did not answer directly. Instead, he shifted the responsibility to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and said: "Your Majesty, I believe that this official position should be finalized by your Majesty."
"Whoever Your Majesty thinks is suitable will be suitable."
"Old minister, I only obey Your Majesty."
After the words fell, the smart officials in the court also reacted and immediately echoed: "Ministers, please also listen to what your Majesty said."
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty saw this, the expression on his face relaxed and he said: "In that case, I will think about it more and find a good candidate for the position of prime minister."
"okay."
"That's it for today's court affairs. Everyone, please step aside."
The words fell.
The three princes and nine ministers in the court said goodbye and left one after another.
The meeting ended like this.
Huo Guang, accompanied by General Weiqing and Hussar General Huo Qubing, left Weiyang Palace and walked out of the palace gate.
the other side.
The officials gathered around Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, and congratulated him like sycophants.
seem.
He is already the appointed prime minister.
After all, everyone knows that Zhang Tang was very much used by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty in the past.
Now the Prime Minister has fallen.
Zhang Tang had the greatest hope in assuming the position of prime minister. If he can't go up, then who is qualified?
so.
Those Jiuqing officials who had opposed Zhang Tang in the past could not flatter Zhang Tang now.
Zhang Tang dealt with these officials perfunctorily, and then when he saw Huo Guang and his party, he stepped forward and shouted: "Marquis Bo Lu, can you wait?"
"General, General Hussar, I have something to say with Marquis Bolu."
"I wonder if it would be convenient for you two?"
Hear the words.
General Wei Qing said: "Mr. Zhang can do it."
The hussar general also nodded and said, "Okay."
then.
Zhang Tang responded with a smile: "Thank you very much."
After finishing speaking, Zhang Tang turned his gaze to Huo Guang and said: "Bo Lu Hou, although your position as Guanglu doctor has been put on hold today, there are still many days to come, and the future will be bright and promising. Don't be discouraged."
be discouraged?
Huo Guang really didn't.
Looking at the wrinkled face of the imperial censor, he was thoughtful, thought for a while, and finally said to the lean old man: "Does Mr. Zhang have any thoughts on winning over the prime minister?"
Zhang Tang smiled slightly and said, "It depends on His Majesty's wishes. It's useless for me to think about it."
That's what it says.
But his smile already revealed that the old man felt that the position of prime minister was within easy reach.
Huo Guang shook his head and said, "It would be great if Mr. Zhang decisively declined the position of prime minister at the meeting today."
Zhang Tang, the imperial censor, was suddenly confused and said, "Why does Marquis Bolu speak like this?"
Huo Guang smiled slightly and did not explain. He just bowed his hand to him and said, "Mr. Zhang, please stay away from me. I don't want to have too much involvement with you."
Zhang Tang's expression changed when he heard this.
But before he opened his mouth, the people around him started to defend Zhang Tang, saying: "Bo Lu Hou, why are you so rude to Zhang Tang?"
The person who spoke was the official of Jiuqing, Grand Servant Gongsun He.
but!
Huo Guang just glared at him and snorted: "You also stay away from me."
Grand Servant Sun He suddenly looked angry, pointed at Huo Guang and said: "You"
However.
Huo Guang ignored everyone and turned around to leave.
The other nine ministers hurriedly said to Zhang Tang, the censor doctor: "Mr. Zhang, look at this boy, he is so ignorant of promotion. When you become prime minister, teach him a lesson!"
Teach him a lesson?
Huo Guang's elder brother is the champion Hou Huo Qubing, and his uncle is Changping Hou Weiqing. Both of them hold the position of Grand Sima.
Not much lower than the Prime Minister.
most important thing.
The two of them controlled the military and political power of the Han Dynasty.
This is incomparable to the Prime Minister.
On relationships.
Both the Queen and Wei Zifu are from the Wei family. Even if Zhang Tang takes up the post of prime minister, with Zhang Tang's background, what can he do to Huo Guang?
finally.
Zhang Tang could only say: "That's all, you are young and vigorous, everyone has experienced this period, why bother about this!"
When the nine ministers heard this, they immediately agreed: "Mr. Zhang is still magnanimous."
"."
"."
A few days later, midsummer is approaching.
The temperature in Chang'an City once rose. The residents in the city took off their clothes one after another and put on light clothes and makeup.
Huo Guang was playing with his nephew in the general's mansion.
"Come, Father Zhong, teach Shan'er how to walk, Nuo, like this, walk step by step." Huo Guang held his nephew's body and let him learn to walk.
Actually.
Huo Shan's feet stepped on the clothes, but they were suspended in the air and did not exert any force.
He is so young and his leg bones are tender.
Naturally, Huo Guang would not really let his nephew learn to walk. He would just hold the child in his arms because he thought it was fun.
But this time.
However, General Wei Qing came over in a dusty state and shouted to Huo Guang from a distance: "Huo Guang, do you know where Mr. Wei and his wife have been fooling around?"
"The maids said that he has not returned to the house in the past two days."
"Don't cause any trouble outside!" (End of Chapter)
