In September of the first year of Qianyou, there was snow in Yichou. As we approach the end of this month, this year's snow has come a bit early and strangely, making Liu Chengyou unable to help but worry about another snow disaster.
In the Chui Gong Hall, the warm aroma is fragrant, and the subtle splashing sound of charcoal fire makes the palace seem even quieter. Under the guidance of the chamberlain, a sturdy Central Plains official walked to the imperial court with a casual pace.
"The Privy Council has ordered Nie Wenjin to visit the official family!"
"No courtesy!" Liu Chengyou only raised his eyes slightly, his tone was a little cold, and he was still immersed in the music at hand. One is a report from Hebei about the aftermath of the Liao army's withdrawal to the north, and the other is the interview list of various Jiedu.
In recent days, the Yong'an army broke out from Ruan, the Chengde army Zhang Yanwei, the Henghai army Wang Jing, the Pinglu army Liu Zhu, and the Taining army Murong Yanchao all came to Tokyo to pay homage.
"Reply to Zhongshu, and the imperial edict allows Zhu Jiedu to come to Beijing!" Liu Chengyou ordered the ministers on the left and right. Although his voice was low, it was extremely clear and intimidating.
Nie Wenjin, who had been left aside, felt his heart sink when he saw this. Although he held an important position in the Privy Council, Liu Chengyou had never summoned him alone before. As Liu Chengyou's authority grew, no one in the military and political circles dared to look down upon this young emperor. Nie Wenjin was already a little uneasy, but seeing Liu Chengyou's cold attitude, he became even more worried.
The Privy Council accepted the decree, and his power was considered high. As a minister of Yuan Cong, Nie Wenjin was quite arrogant and jealous of talents and talents, which was considered rampant for a while. Liu Chengyou had not taken any action before, just sitting and watching his misbehavior. There was no shortage of such a despicable minister in the Han court.
But now, while reorganizing the army, Liu Chengyou will also officially start to rectify the administration. The atmosphere of the Han Dynasty court must be changed, drastically changed. First of all, we must start with the emperor’s close ministers.
"I wonder what the official summons the minister to do?" The pressure in Liu Chengyou's eyes made Nie Wenjin feel even worse, and his bowing voice was a little unsteady.
Unlike when meeting other ministers, Liu Chengyou did not ask him to sit down and reply. After examining the ministers who seemed to be quite honest in front of him, he seemed to be making a comparison with the person described in the secret memorial. It was completely impossible to see how arrogant and uncontrollable this person was in ordinary times.
"Do you know Nie Qing, Guo Yunming, the tea and wine envoy and the saddle and bridle warehouse envoy?" Liu Chengyou finally withdrew his uncomfortable gaze on Nie Wenjin and asked lightly.
"I don't dare to hide the official family. When I was young, I worked with Guo Sishi under the late emperor and have been friends for many years!" Although he was not sure what Liu Chengyou's purpose was, Nie Wenjin answered simply, and did not forget to mention Liu Zhiyuan, as if he wanted to Use Liu Zhiyuan to get closer to each other.
Liu Chengyou shook his head slightly, with a smile on his face, and told him in a calm tone: "Guo Yunming is a close minister and is in charge of the royal family's private affairs. However, he relies on favors to become arrogant, rash, domineering, and slightly disrespectful. He makes friends with foreigners. Your Majesty, you actually left it in exchange for the royal wine, and your desire to violate the rules and regulations is rampant!"
After hearing what he said, Nie Wenjin hurriedly bowed and said, "I never knew that the gift from Guo Yunming was royal wine!"
"Really?" Liu Chengyou asked: "If I remember correctly, I haven't issued an order to lift the prohibition on alcohol..."
"Your Majesty, please forgive me!" Nie Wenjin couldn't help but shrink his neck and responded.
"I have been taught by the Empress Dowager Huang Kao, and I am very tolerant to the old people of Yuan Cong in Taiyuan. However, for those who are close ministers, if they are too lenient, they will not be lenient. If this is true for me, how much more so for others?" Liu Chengyou said coldly: "That's it. Just now, I ordered people to arrest Guo Yunming, take him to the palace gate, and behead him in public to rectify the law of the country!"
After saying this, Nie Wenjin's expression changed drastically. Both were former ministers of Emperor Gaozu, and to a certain extent, Guo Yunming had a much closer relationship with the royal family than Nie Wenjin. However, just because he committed such a "minor offense", he was directly arrested and executed.
Liu Chengyou's words were obviously not a joke, but their coldness made Nie Wenjin feel chilled in his heart, and he once again refreshed his understanding. Although the emperor is young, he should not be insulted lightly.
More importantly, why did he have to summon Nie alone to explain this matter to him. This is what makes Nie Wenjin panic.
"Nie Qing, you have been following Huang Kao for many years, right?" As if sensing the tension in Nie Wenjin's heart, Liu Chengyou turned the topic back to him.
"Fortunately, I have the late Emperor's trust. I have served the late Emperor for nearly fifteen years!" Nie Wenjin calmly showed his qualifications.
With his lips curled up in a sarcastic tone, Liu Chengyou said, "No wonder..."
Liu Chengyou seemed to have lingering words, and continued to sigh: "After the founding of the Han Dynasty, rewards were based on merit, so I think it was a favor to Nie Qing!"
Nie Wenjin followed up and replied: "The late Emperor has graciously granted me the title of Privy Council to carry out the decree and the rank of general to lead the army. I am extremely grateful!"
"So, I treated Nie Qing harshly?" Liu Chengyou's tone turned cold, and he glanced at Nie Wenjin with a knife-like gaze.
"Why did your Majesty say that?" Nie Wenjin clasped his fists and said quickly, his tone extremely nervous.
You should know that after Liu Chengyou succeeded to the throne, he rewarded all his ministers, and Nie Wenjin was not left behind. He was given the title of Privy Council Commander and the rank of general of the garrison.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou stood up, picked up a small stack of memorials from the imperial desk, walked slowly to Nie Wenjin, and handed it to him personally: "Take a look!"
He took it, put it under his arm, took out a book, opened it, and looked at it. His eyes seemed to be tightened suddenly. A gloomy expression flashed on his face. Nie Wenjin said quickly: "These are all false accusations and revenge. Although I occasionally act excessively and forget my feelings, I am deeply hated by villains, and I will seek revenge and impeachment. Your Majesty is aware of this and must not believe in slander!"
This stack of memorials is all about impeaching Nie Wenjin for violating laws and disciplines. The latest one is Zhao Li, the imperial censor who came to Kaifeng from Luoyang despite Liu Chengyou's eastward, to accuse Nie Wenjin of abusing his power. When it was needed, Liu Chengyou took it out and talked about it.
Nie Wenjin's rebuttal was pale and weak, and somewhat familiar. It seemed that this was Shi Hongzhao's reaction when he faced the impeachment. However, in comparison, Shi Hongzhao had much more confidence than Nie Wenjin.
Liu Chengyou stared at Nie Wenjin with a pair of shrewd eyes, making him sweat on his forehead, and said indifferently: "You said that I was aware of it, but I am so easy to deceive? I can't tell whether there is any solid evidence or whether it is the truth. Do you still want to make excuses in front of me? "
"With Nie Qing's high qualifications, he should be my loyal minister and confidant, and that's what I have always expected!" Liu Chengyou showed a serious look on his face and still stared at him: "It's a pity that I am disappointed!"
Liu Chengyou's expression and tone became more severe and indifferent. Nie Wenjin's body trembled, his legs softened involuntarily, he knelt on the ground, trembling his lips, and choked out a sentence: "I know I'm guilty! Your Majesty, please forgive me!"
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou's expression softened, and he slowly returned to the case, sat down, and looked at Nie Wenjin calmly.
"In recognition of your merits as a Yuan Cong and serving the late emperor for many years, I will spare your life!"
After saying this, Nie Wenjin immediately breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly thanked him: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Don't be too busy thanking me!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand: "You can't stay in the court anymore, go to Tongzhou and become a magistrate!"
"Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty!" Nie Wenjin said quickly. At this time, there is not much else to worry about.
"When you get to the place, you should restrain your behavior and take good care of the people. I hope that the friendship between you and I, the monarch and our ministers, can grow longer..." Liu Chengyou warned.
"Yes! I will definitely change my past mistakes!"
After Nie Wenjin retreated hastily, Liu Chengyou muttered to himself: Can he change it?
