The Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Han Dynasty was located outside the southwest of the palace city, inside the imperial city, alongside the altar of Ji. After only one day of preparation time, taking advantage of the auspicious timing, the emperor Liu Chengyou led the civil and military forces in Tokyo to worship the country, heaven and earth, and pray to the ancestors and emperors. With all the ceremonial guards and hundreds of officials present, this was the largest and most solemn worship ceremony held since Liu Chengyou succeeded to the throne.
The ancestral temples of the Northern Han Dynasty enshrine no one other than the great ancestor Liu Zhiyuan and his fourth generation ancestors. In the early days of the original Kingdom, Liu Zhiyuan once respected Taizu Liu Bang and Shizu Liu Xiu, and made them immortal.
However, some scholars later praised Liu Zhiyuan's achievements in saving the Central Plains, and talked about the difference between the Han Dynasty and the present Han Dynasty. They said that Liu Zhiyuan was the founder of the current dynasty, and compared it with the fake Liu from Lingnan.
When he was seriously ill and aware that his life was not far away, Liu Zhiyuan moved Liu Bang and Liu Xiu out of the Ancestral Temple. He wanted to enjoy the "unremembered" gift after his death. Having built a empire by relying on one's own skills, there is no need to recognize one's ancestors. This also completely separates the Han Dynasty of today from the two Han Dynasties thousands of years ago.
Kneeling on the futon, Liu Chengyou dictated the sacrificial words, and under the guidance of the ceremony officer, completed a series of slightly complicated but very meaningful rituals. It wasn't until afternoon that he returned to the palace.
In the Han Palace, surrounding the Chongyuan Hall, the eunuchs and eunuchs were busy preparing for the Ce Xun Banquet in the evening. Although Liu Chengyou did not advocate wine banquets on weekdays, since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the palace banquets were held quite frequently, and they were not as simple as before.
Before the banquet, in the Chongzheng Hall, Liu Chengyou specially met with one person, Wang Jingchong, deputy envoy of the Wude Department.
During the period when Liu Chengyou left the capital, although he took Li Shaoyou with him to serve with the army, Wang Jingchong had always been watching the situation in the capital for him and reporting on it from time to time. Therefore, although Liu Chengyou knew everything about the situation in Kaifeng City, few things were hidden from his eyes, including Wang Jingchong in front of him.
It is said that during the Southern Expedition, Wang Jingchong was domineering in Tokyo, relying on the situation to gain power, despising courtiers, bullying subordinates, and becoming increasingly domineering.
Glancing at Wang Jingchong, Liu Chengyou slowly closed the secret report he submitted, slowly waved his sleeves and said, "I have a mission for you!"
The emperor's voice floated clearly into Wang Jingchong's ears. For some reason, Wang Jingchong always felt a little chilly in his heart, but he didn't dare to neglect it and responded: "Please give me your Majesty's orders!"
"In various local towns, defenses, Jiedu, and their subordinate officials, there are many people who rely on their power to harm others, engage in lawlessness, and violate disciplines. In recent years, there have been many rumors that they have entered the capital. You can bring people to represent me in Xiazhou County. Visit and investigate..." Liu Chengyou ordered.
After the emperor finished speaking, Wang Jingchong immediately became energetic and simply responded: "As you command!"
In his mind, Wang Jingchong quickly moved around. The emperor's order obviously had other intentions. In addition to the recent adjustments in the military and political aspects of the imperial court that he had discovered, he immediately understood what it was.
The emperor plans to deal with Fang Zhen Jiedu! When he thought of this, Wang Jingchong became more energetic. This was a great opportunity for him to make a fortune.
Noticing the change in Wang Jingchong's expression, Liu Chengyou knew in his heart that this man must have understood his thoughts. This guy was politically sensitive, which was indeed good. Although it is easy to use, it is always difficult to put it down.
Before he left, Liu Chengyou said in a calm tone: "I also heard that the subordinates of the Wude Department committed some corruption and bribery, avenged private vendettas, and oppressed good and lawless officials. I know that because of the extensive intelligence, Wude Department The Desi has taken in many bastards, but the imperial laws and the rules of the Wu Desi must still be observed..."
"Yes!" Hearing what Liu Chengyou said, Wang Jingchong felt anxious and said quickly: "When I return to the office, I will conduct a thorough investigation. If there are any lawbreakers, they will be severely punished!"
"Well..." Liu Chengyou said leisurely: "I hope so!"
If Wang Jingchong was really smart, he would know that it was him who Liu Chengyou warned. Since the Wude Division was reorganized in the past two years, it has become much more standardized and restrained, and it has not deteriorated so quickly.
At night, the main hall of the Han Palace was lit up with lights, rituals and music playing, and it was immersed in a festive atmosphere. Outside the palace, fireworks were set off, and the sound continued for a full quarter of an hour. The gorgeous fireworks burst into the night sky, beautiful and brilliant. Not only inside the palace, but also outside the palace, the people and scholars gathered together to enjoy the feast. They all knew that in the palace, the emperor was banqueting the heroes at night.
In the Chongyuan Hall, the edict on the rewards of the Southern Expedition generals has been read out, which took a full two-quarters of an hour. At this time, the feast was in full swing, and the king and his ministers were enjoying themselves.
The emperor has the destiny to let the civil and military officials present have a good time, without many rules and regulations, they all drink up. The center of the royal banquet, besides the aloof emperor and empress, was the newly rewarded royal family. No. 7
Needless to say, Murong Yanzhao had already been registered in the imperial court, and it was not surprising that he was promoted to deputy commander of the front department.
What is surprising is that Guo Rong was replaced by Liu Chengyou and directly succeeded Zheng Renjie, who was transferred to Huaidong Road, as deputy privy envoy, and was promoted to Duke; and Zhao Kuangyin, who reached the sky in one step, was promoted several levels in a row, and was promoted in less than two years. At the age of sixteen, he was already the Marquis of Yu, the capital in front of the palace, and was even more eye-catching than Guo Rongdu.
"You're all handsome, I'd like to give you a drink!" Shen Shihou held a wine glass, walked to Wang Jun, squatted down, and said respectfully.
Picking up the cup, he touched it casually and drank it all. Shen Shihou was standing by, his eyes scanning Guo Rong and Zhao Kuangyin in the crowd, his tone was sour, and he said to Wang Jun: "Dushuai deployed for the Southern Expedition this time, led the army, won the great victory over Cai Cai, and also contributed to the Feishui River. As a result, You actually let Guo, Zhao Na and other juniors become arrogant, the rewards and punishments of the imperial court are unfair!"
Because of his contribution to the Southern Expedition, Shen Shihou was promoted to the head of the Ministry of War. This was not a bad treatment, but for Shen Shihou, how could he be satisfied. Therefore, rather than complaining for Wang Jun, it is better to vent his own dissatisfaction.
After hearing what he said, Wang Jun glanced sideways, poured himself a drink, and scolded lightly: "Chongyuan Hall, don't be so presumptuous at the Cexun Banquet!"
Faced with Wang Jun's scolding, Master Shen's mind cleared up and his drunkenness eased. He hurriedly buried his head and said that he was speechless.
Wang Jun's eyes also seemed to accidentally pass by Murong Yanzhao, Guo Rong and others, the emperor's cronies, and his face twitched slightly. Although he was promoted from the position of deputy commander of the Guards Department, and he was also responsible for his temper, it was not a joy for Wang Jun.
Today's military commanders are not as powerful as they were in the early days of the country. Even Shi Hongzhao was so powerful back then because he had the right to participate in politics. According to Wang Jun's idea, of course he has to enter the center, leave the general and enter the phase...
"They all command close people, old generals, and the rewards they get, hey..." Shen Shihou sighed again at the side.
"Shut up!" Wang Jun suddenly reprimanded, with a sullen face, raised his glass, and said coldly: "Drink!"
"My lord, congratulate your Majesty on his birthday!" Under the imperial steps, Guo Wei held a wine glass and said respectfully to Liu Chengyou.
Liu Chengyou was chatting and laughing with the queen. He turned to Guo Wei and said, "Thank you, Guo Qing. Let's go up and talk!"
Coincidentally, today is also Liu Chengyou's birthday. Choosing such a day can be regarded as getting together. With his butt slightly raised, Guo Wei carefully walked up the imperial steps.
"Guo Qing seems to have something to say to me?" After drinking, Liu Chengyou asked with a chuckle as he looked at Guo Wei.
Guo Wei held the cup as a gift and responded humbly: "Guo Rong is not qualified enough and his abilities are not up to par. I am conferred the title of Deputy Privy Councilor. Your Majesty, please give it another thought."
"I gave him this position only after careful consideration!" Liu Chengyou said, "With his achievements in the Southern Expedition, how can he be rewarded by a mere minister of the Ministry of War?"
Guo Wei still had the same expression, lowered his voice slightly and said: "Your Majesty, I and Guo Rong are father and son. How can it be that father and son are in the same office and uphold the principle of maintaining power? Your Majesty, please think again!"
After listening to what he said, Liu Chengyou's eyes wandered twice, he looked at Guo Wei playfully, and said with a smile: "Tonight is the Ce Xun Banquet. On this big day, don't talk about military affairs. This matter will be postponed until later..." "
Although he was in the commotion, a little drunkenness could not paralyze Guo Wei's nerves, and his mind remained clear. After a little experience of the emperor's words, Liu Chengyou seemed to have considered it.
"Yes!" Guo Wei bowed and responded.
At this time, there was a sudden noise in the palace, and among the excitement, there was a faint sound of arguments. After a quick glance, I directly found the breaking point.
"Go and see, what's going on?" Liu Chengyou frowned slightly and looked at Zhang Dejun.
