The fourth day of February.
All officials received the notice that Zhao Guan's family was exempted from the court, and many people breathed a sigh of relief. After all, they were so embarrassed yesterday, and many people even took sick leave for this.
In addition, several grassroots edicts were handed down.
What is a grass edict? An edict, in layman's terms, is an imperial edict.
A formal edict, from birth to execution, is not something that the emperor can just say, but there is a strict process.
There are two sources of edicts, one is the emperor's own will, and the other is the process of the prime minister's organization to the emperor. After obtaining the consent, the imperial edict process can be entered.
According to the system of the Song Dynasty, the imperial edict was first drafted by Zhongshu Sheren, which was called "Zhici". The edict was written on yellow paper, and "Lu Huang" was written down. The Zhongshu Sheren announced it and then gave it to the ministers. It must be reviewed and then counter-signed by the prime minister before it can take effect. In the end, if Tai Jian does not agree with the decree, it will be impeached and recovered.
In these processes, the person handling each procedure has the right to deny the will and make it abort.
Of course, the emperors of the Song Dynasty also bypassed these procedures and issued edicts directly, which were called "hand edicts", "internal surrender" and "internal approval". It depends on personal ethics. Ordinary orthodox civil servants will not implement it because it will lose their reputation and lead to being ostracized.
Nowadays, the Zhao Guan family is generally quite disciplined, and these edicts have gone through the two formal procedures of Zhongshu Sheren.
One is to promote Wu Yan, the former seventh-rank supervisor censor, to the sixth-rank censor, which makes his official position one level higher than that of the original boss Ding Daquan.
Most officials were not happy with this grassroots edict, but they risked their lives to take the lead. They could only hold their noses and accept it. No one raised any objections, so the only thing left was to go through the process.
One is to let Dong Huai, the political counselor of the Council, concurrently serve as the Privy Council Envoy of Tongzhi. This does not increase the rank, but it expands the power and is regarded as a promotion. It is also a sign of worshiping the prime minister.
At first, the officials felt that this appointment was a little unreasonable, but after thinking about it carefully, they realized that Dong Huai did not participate in the battle for the prince's selection yesterday, and they understood a little. This was the official's attitude of praising him, and in addition, he was trying to impress Prime Minister Xie Fangshu. medicine.
Uncle Xie Fang's group was naturally dissatisfied with the edict, but Dong Huai himself had such qualifications, and he could find no faults as an official and had no reason to object.
The third one was that Cheng Yuanfeng, the former minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, was promoted to a regular position, and was specially awarded a Bachelor of Duanming Palace and a member of the Privy Council. This should have nothing to do with what happened yesterday, because there were rumors that Cheng Yuanfeng was going to be promoted, and it was approved without any surprise. .
The meaning of the fourth copy is that since all the officials have suggested that the official family re-elect the prince, the official family has also accepted it. However, after all, this is related to the country and cannot be careless. Therefore, the selection scope should be expanded, as long as the seniority and age are suitable. The descendants of the clan, regardless of their relative distance, should all be candidates.
This matter was negotiated by Xie Fangshu, Dong Huai, and Cheng Yuanfeng to come up with the charter. Then Ma Guangzu, the Minister of Household Affairs who also knew Lin'an Prefecture and the Western Zhejiang pacification envoy, took the lead, with Ye Mengding and Yang Dong as deputy, responsible for the specific implementation. Finally, Wu Yan was appointed Three people from Yushitai, Ding Daquan and Hong Tianxi were responsible for supervision.
Faced with this grassroots edict, all the officials felt their scalps go numb. Almost all the major factions in the court were included. The officials were just watching the excitement and did not consider it a big deal. They directly added fuel to the ongoing disputes in the court. Oil!
For a while, the meeting hall became noisy again, expressing their objections one after another, and then started to attack each other again.
Because of what happened yesterday, the conflicts among the ministers have become public. After the rift occurs, it will be difficult to maintain a superficial appearance of harmony with Mu in the short term. The fight will become fierce as soon as possible, and there are strong signs of a repeat of yesterday's scene.
"That's enough!" Uncle Xie Fang stood up and shouted angrily, "You still think you didn't feel embarrassed enough yesterday!"
Under the authority of the Prime Minister, the officials slowly turned off their fire, but they still stared at their political opponents like cockfighting cocks.
Uncle Xie Fang continued to scold, "Can arguing solve the problem!? If you have any objections to this edict, just raise it directly. As long as it is well-founded and well-founded, it will be rejected. But do you have any reason to object!?"
All the officials were dumbfounded and discouraged. Yes, what's the reason to object? Isn't this what everyone asked the officials to do? Moreover, the person responsible could not express any strong opinions and opinions. Suggestions come.
"What is the purpose of our waiting? It is to select a suitable heir for the Song Dynasty as soon as possible. If the quarrels and fights continue like this, when will it be realized? Someone's opinion is to pass this edict. What do you say?"
Uncle Xie Fang just wanted to cut through the mess quickly and implement this major event that he took the lead to promote as soon as possible, otherwise the civil servants would have to argue with each other until the next year.
So under Xie Fangshu's strong request, the edict was passed, and the entire process was finally completed.
"Tingzhi, Shenfu, the three of us will go to the political hall later to come up with a draft of the charter."
Uncle Xie Fang left Dong Huai and Cheng Yuanfeng behind and drove the other ministers back to their government offices.
Thinking of the next step, even if there are only three people left, there will still be disputes. Uncle Xie Fang felt a headache. When did this official family become so cunning?
…
The six government offices were together, so Ye Mengding and Yang Dong walked back together.
Yang Dong said, "Zhenzhi, do you think today's edict is weird?"
"Yes, I think so too. According to the usual temperament of officials, everything is easy, so how could they create such complicated and complicated personnel matters? I see, these regulations for selecting the prince are not something that can be obtained in a short time. from."
"Do you think this official family doesn't really want to re-elect the prince at all, but is just trying to retreat in order to advance?"
Ye Mengding was stunned for a moment, and then took a breath of cold air, "Hiss... Yuanji, what you said really sounds like this, but when the official family encountered difficult things in the past, they mostly used evasion and delay. This method seems to Never used it."
Yang Dong said leisurely, "After all, the official family has been in power for more than thirty years. There must be imperial methods, but I was too lazy to use them in the past. This time I was forced to go to the palace. I am afraid I can't swallow this breath in my heart. As for what happened yesterday, I think it is the same." The officials did it intentionally..."
Ye Mengding couldn't help but smile bitterly, "That's 80%. I really can't think too deeply about this matter. Some people are very sentimental. But in this way, Prince Zhong's throne will be worry-free for a while, which can be considered a good thing."
"That's right." Yang Dong's brows relaxed a little, "This matter involves too much, and it's hard to say what the future will be like. Just take it one step at a time."
"I don't know how King Zhong is recovering from his injury, and he hasn't summoned us to teach."
"Just wait and see, with Prince Zhong's qualifications, it doesn't matter if classes are resumed sooner or later..."
As the two people walked and talked, they never imagined that those somewhat despicable moves were all made by their good students.
…
Yushitai.
Although Wu Yan has not received a new petition yet, he can no longer hide the proud smile on his face.
It seems that he only rose from the seventh rank to the sixth rank, which is only a difference of one rank, and the starting rank is not high. However, the official rank of the Song Dynasty is already low, and the power is not judged by the official rank, but by the official rank. Hands on duty.
The censor, who holds the power of supervision, is often of low status and power even in other dynasties.
The chief of the Yushitai is the third-grade Yushi Zhongcheng, but he does not directly manage the Yushitai. Moreover, the current Zhongcheng is old and sick, and rarely appears in the morning court recently.
And Shi Yushi is the person who is really in charge of the affairs of Yushitai. It is no wonder that Wu Yan is so proud.
"Zi Wan, when is convenient, you and I will hand over the affairs of the Taiyuan."
Wu Yan called Ding Daquan to stop. Ding Daquan is the imperial censor in the palace and is in charge of the affairs of the palace. However, there was a vacancy in the imperial censor before, so he also took charge of the affairs of the Taiyuan. Originally, he was expected to be promoted to the imperial censor in the short term. Shi's, but he didn't expect to be stabbed in the back by his former younger brother and snatched away.
At this time, he was extremely embarrassed when he heard that Wu Yan actually called him by his given name. In the Song Dynasty, not only the name was taboo, but also the given name was not easy to call. Generally, superiors would call subordinates, or peers had very good personal relationships.
Now that Wu Yan dared to call him that, it was not only a kind of arrogance for a villain, but also an implicit humiliation for him. However, he could not refute it openly. After all, although Wu Yan was not his direct superior, his rank Si is indeed taller than him.
"Imperial Ambassador Wu seems to be a little impatient. According to the rules, the handover must wait until the edict is officially issued. As an admonisher, you can set an example and take the lead in obeying the rules and regulations."
Ding Daquan threw a soft nail out, which made Wu Yan feel uncomfortable, "You!...Huh!" After becoming angry, he threw up his sleeves and walked away!
Looking at Wu Yan's back, Ding Daquan whispered bitterly, "I'm just a rootless person. Let's see how long you can be proud! Then I will let you know how powerful a certain family is!"
…
Ciyuan Hall in the palace.
Concubine Yan Guifei had just received acupuncture from Imperial Physician Chong. She felt warm all over her body, especially her lower abdomen, and she felt more and more likely to be pregnant.
"Thank you for your hard work, Doctor. I always give you clear rewards and punishments. Don't worry, your son is living a good life now. As long as you really succeed, I will not only give you a fat and unscathed son, but I will also give you a heavy reward!"
Dr. Chong put away the silver needle and said solemnly, "Thank you for taking care of the dog, your concubine. I have done what I am responsible for. I don't dare to ask for rewards. It is my honor to help the concubine achieve her wish. In order to achieve the best curative effect." , I also hope that your concubine will remember to take the medicine on time, five times a day, and make sure not to miss it."
After Lu Yunsheng sent Dr. Chong away, he led Dong Songchen in again not long after.
"Hey, why is Mr. Dong here? You don't have to serve the official family?" Concubine Yan was a little surprised, and she pretended to be a bit close to her while being polite.
Dong Songchen finished the ceremony and said, "Going back to the imperial concubine, the official family is having a sutra banquet. Lin Xiyi, who was lecturing, didn't like a disabled person like Xiao Xiao, so he kicked her out. Xiao Xiao thought that he hadn't seen the imperial concubine in a while, so he I’ll take this time to say hello to you.”
"You are really thoughtful. Did this official tell me when he would come and see this poor man like me?" Concubine Yan pretended to be sad.
Dong Songchen was a little embarrassed, thinking to himself, if you do this to a rootless person like me, aren't you ogling a blind man?
However, he also understood the meaning of Yan Guifei's words, "The official family has been busy these days. When I have a little free time, I will definitely persuade him to come over as soon as possible."
"Haha, I have time to hold a sutra banquet and listen to those false and serious Neo-Confucianism, but I don't have time to visit my bed partner..."
Dong Songchen directly ignored these complaints about the officials, "My dear concubine, I have come here because I actually have something important to report."
Hearing this, Concubine Yan immediately became serious and sat up straight, "Oh? Why do you have to come in person for something important!?"
"Noble Concubine, although the official family has agreed to the request of the outer court, according to my opinion, there may be something fishy in it. The official family seems to have no intention of giving up loyalty to the king."
"Huh!? How do you say this?"
"Since King Zhong woke up, the officials not only increased the cost of Qingyan Palace, but they also spent a long time alone with King Zhong in the study yesterday. When he came out, he was in a very good mood."
Concubine Yan's face turned ugly, "What can he do if he stays alone with a fool for a long time?"
"My concubine, I'm afraid some changes have taken place since King Zhong woke up. He may no longer be as dumb as before. He even humiliated me that day. From the looks of it, he is a bit sharper than ordinary people."
"Is there such a thing!? How could a fool suddenly change for the better? It couldn't be that he was awakened by the Supreme Lord in his dream." Concubine Yan was dubious.
