Most of the people in the hall were attracted by Zhao Ying's speech, and all of them looked at him with more or less surprised eyes. Liu Chengyou also observed him, secretly guessing his intentions, but asked:
"Why is Zhao Qing so interested? In the past three years, everything in the Ministry of Punishment has been recorded in your hands, judging and sentencing, cleaning up cases and jails, and it is fair and strict. Everyone obeys it, and I completely agree with it. I am going to do it suddenly. My heart, what is the reason? Could it be that I have done something imprudent, please make it clear and I will correct it!"
Zhao Ying came to the prime minister in the summer of the first year of Qianyou. The purpose of using her was to check and balance Yang Bin, Wang Zhang, Su Yugui and other Hedong Yuan officials. As for his own talents and virtues, Liu Chengyou did not pay too much attention. After all, in the Later Jin Dynasty, he had been a prime minister, so he was always a bit divided. Moreover, Zhao Ying was old, gentle, soft and easy to control.
However, later on, the old people from the previous dynasty and the middle court gathered together, and those with Tongping Zhangshi occupied four seats in the political hall. In view of this, Liu Chengyou began to suppress and alienate her again. The original target was Zhao Ying, but later he chose his servant Dou Zhengu. Just because Dou Zhengu was more capable, he took advantage of the southern tour of Xuzhou to investigate Liu Xin's case. Zhao Ying was able to keep her position by leaving her in Xuzhou to deal with the aftermath.
Although Zhao Ying is not a person who is good at political planning, she has lived for more than a century and has experienced the world, so she can understand some things. At this time, he was not happy to hear Liu Chengyou's intention to stay, nor did he take it seriously. He could secretly get a glimpse of this young emperor. The emperor who followed the legalist hegemony was not so easy to serve.
These days, he was even more touched by the consequences of those tired old ministers who had their official positions "purchased" by the emperor because of their old age and frailty. The emperor wants to promote young people, but if their positions are not freed up, how can they be promoted?
Facing Liu Chengyou's scrutinizing gaze, Zhao Ying bowed and clasped her hands, showing great humility, and explained: "I am a stupid person. When I was in the previous dynasty, I was lucky enough to get into the center. I have no ability to help the world. Anguo." After several years of mediocre efforts, he and the Jin Emperor were bound to the Khitan. The Khitan leader fled to the Central Plains in the north, and his ministers fled to the north to live among the captives. They originally ended up spending their remaining lives in a foreign land in the north of the Great Wall. Fortunately, your majesty is sage and virtuous, so he understood A brave strategy, with a shocking blow in Luan City, saving the minister is equivalent to imprisoning him."
"Later, when I entered the imperial court, I met you with great kindness. His Majesty took him to the throne and promoted me to be the Prime Minister. After three years in the political affairs hall, I could only do my best to fulfill my responsibilities and repay Your Majesty's kindness. Now, I am already very old. The energy is low, it is difficult to take on important tasks, and I feel uneasy at all times, fearing that I will harm the country and the ruler."
"The old and decayed minister is of no use. I am willing to resign from my post and retire from my position. I hope your majesty will understand me. When I was in Anzhou, I also prayed for your majesty and wished the great man all the time!"
After the confession was completed, Zhao Ying knelt down and bowed for a long time.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou sighed quietly, seemingly with infinite emotion: "I understand Zhao Qing's heart. Even though I am reluctant to give up, I can only reluctantly comply with your request!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Ying thanked her immediately.
"However, Anzhou is located in a remote place, a border state in the south, three passes in the north, the throat of Jingbei, and the gateway to the Central Plains. It is a battleground for military strategists. It requires military generals, and no veteran can live there!"
Liu Chengyou glanced at him and said: "Chenzhou is in the hinterland of the Central Plains. It has four distinct seasons, fertile land, and prosperous culture. The government is now peaceful and the people are well governed. Zhao Qing can go there to know the political affairs of Chenzhou, educate the people well, and educate the people!"
Zhao Ying bowed again: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"
"Get up!"
Zhao Ying's matter was settled, and the palace was quiet for a while. With such ease, a prime minister resigned, and there seemed to be a vacant seat in the political hall...
After a while, Liu Chengyou looked at Wei Renpu in front of him who almost only played a role as a companion, and said: "I am concerned that over the past three generations, the officials in the court have been divided, so that the name is not worthy of the name, the officials are not competent in their duties, and the number of redundant personnel is increasing. I want to reset the order. The official dispatch, cutting down on redundancy, and clearing up the rules and regulations start from the Ministry of War."
"I appoint Wei Qing as Minister of the Ministry of War. From then on, the Privy Council shall be in charge of military affairs, military defense, border preparations, and garrison orders; it shall be in charge of the selection, transfer, rewards and punishments of military officers; as well as the administration of military personnel, production, weapons, and troops. , please move to the Ministry of War! The division of responsibilities between the two departments will be completed before the end of spring next year!"
The order given by Liu Chengyou was obviously the focus at the end. Seeing the emperor's understatement, the ministers present couldn't help but murmur in their hearts.
In such an era, when it comes to military power, there is no small matter. Liu Chengyou didn't want to determine official positions, he clearly wanted to divide the power of the privy council. Of course, it's also possible. The fierce tiger of the Forbidden Army has basically been tamed, and the shackles and ropes it puts on are called Privy Council. Nowadays, the emperor is obviously worried about the Privy Council again, especially the person in charge of the Privy Council, whose name is Guo Wei.
When Wei Renpu heard this, he quickly understood the emperor's intention, but he couldn't help but have doubts in his expression. He cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, the matter of military aircraft is of great importance. It is better to consider it in the long term and not to act too hastily."
"So, I have given the Ministry of War and the Privy Council more than three months. With Wei Qing's ability, can't we complete it at this time? If there is a shortage of people, we can always recommend Jinshi, bachelors from the three halls and two academies, as well as internal and external scholars. The ministers and subordinates are selected by the minister; if there is a shortage of money, the Third Division will prepare sufficient funds to provide for it!" Liu Chengyou said calmly.
The emperor was trying to cheer himself up and support him. Wei Renpu understood. He took a deep breath and cautiously reminded: "Your Majesty, Privy Secretary Guo is still patrolling the border. Do you want to wait until he returns to the court before handing over and implementing it to avoid happening?" confusion!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou frowned and stared at Wei Renpu. He didn't believe it. Wei Renpu was too shrewd to see his intentions. It was Guo Wei who was out patrolling the border. In order to avoid trouble, he planned to implement it first while he was away. It didn't have to be done overnight, just a start!
But seeing Wei Renpu's serious description, Liu Chengyou suppressed some dissatisfaction in his heart, calmed down, and could understand Wei Renpu's concerns. After all, although cutting off the Privy Council is not as tense and serious as the original analysis of the Guards, it is also a matter of military affairs and even the defense of the world, so it should not be taken carelessly. And in Wei Renpu's view, it was not a good time now, and the emperor's intentions were too obvious.
However, Liu Chengyou is such a person. In terms of patience, he can endure what ordinary people cannot. However, once you have set your sights on the goal, made up your mind, and the opportunity is available, then act decisively and never be hesitant.
He believes that now is the time to divide the power of the Privy Council, and he is sure that the disadvantages will be controlled within an acceptable range, and he cannot think of any earth-shattering consequences. So as a minister, especially a close minister, he should actively implement it. .
Looking at Wei Renpu, Liu Chengyou said directly: "Wei Qing does not have to worry about Privy Guo. With his wisdom, he should support my decision."
After finishing speaking, Liu Chengyou added coldly: "Furthermore, for my military plan, do I still need to obtain Privy Council Guo's consent in advance?"
Speaking of this, even Wei Renpu didn't dare to say anything more and could only say yes. He has already reminded you what should be reminded. Since the emperor is prepared and prepared, he does not need to worry about anything else and can just do his duty.
Furthermore, Wei Renpu has been in the Privy Council for a long time and is familiar with all affairs at the top and bottom. Liu Chengyou is relieved that he will analyze the power and functions and be responsible for the reshaping of the Ministry of War.
In fact, Liu Chengyou had been thinking about and preparing for this decision for a long time. For example, at the beginning of this winter, Guo Wei was sent to patrol the border...
When Liu Chengyou governed the country, he occasionally made sudden decisions, but more often than not, he had to think deeply and make decisions before taking action.
A group of ministers walked out of the Chongzheng Hall one after another, and they all breathed a sigh of relief subconsciously. In the Cai Hall, the monarch and his ministers were discussing their opinions, and the atmosphere was extremely depressed. Today's emperor is like the rising sun, becoming more and more dazzling, majestic and formidable.
"Mr.
Looking at Feng Dao, who had a gray beard and fair hair, Zhao Ying smiled bitterly, looked in the direction of Chongzheng Hall, and sighed: "The emperor is a promising master, forging ahead with determination, and aiming for the world. He cannot be followed by this foolish old man." . Retreat to this place, study and write, and pray for a good old age!"
After saying that, he walked away slowly. Feng Dao stopped behind him and stared at his back as he gently descended the steps and faded away, thoughtfully.
