The Han Palace, Shulan Palace, the newly named palace also welcomed a new owner, the emperor's newly named Concubine Zhou Shu.
All kinds of floral decorations in the palace are colorful and full of joy. Zhou Zong stood in the middle and bowed formally: "I see you, Concubine Shu!"
"Daddy, please stand up without courtesy. How can your daughter be worthy of this?" Zhou Ehuang's face was full of smiles, and there was also a bit of excitement in his beautiful face. He helped his father sit down with both hands.
Looking at his beloved daughter, she has cicada wings on her temples, jade cheeks like frost, her clear eyes are moving, and she is wearing a beautiful palace dress. Although her face looks a little childish, the youthfulness of the girl has faded a lot.
Feeling emotional and relieved at the same time, Zhou Zong asked with concern: "Are you still adaptable to the Han Palace?"
Da Zhou nodded lightly and smiled sweetly: "Everything is very good! The officials treat me very well, the Queen Mother is approachable, and the saint is also very friendly to all the ladies in the palace!"
After listening to his words, Zhou Zong couldn't help but sigh. Seeing this, Da Zhou couldn't help but be surprised: "Why is daddy like this?"
Zhou Zong glanced around and whispered: "Within the high walls of this deep palace, it has always been as dark as the sea, and there has never been a lack of overt and covert fighting. If it weren't for the fact that we, the surrendered ministers, couldn't help themselves, I would not be willing to send you away." to the Han Emperor.
You first entered the palace and were a new noble in the Han Palace. The emperor naturally favored you in every possible way, but how could it last long? And it is inevitable that others will not be jealous and targeted.
In the Han Palace, the concubines were all the daughters of generals who were born after Fang Zhen. Among the clans, they were all high-ranking officials in the Han Dynasty and held great power. Now, everyone in the harem has heirs. It is conceivable that from now on, it will not only be the palace competing for favors and flattery.
And you, alone, are in this whirlpool. When facing an abyss, walking on thin ice, be careful! "
Zhou Zong's words seemed to frighten Da Zhou, his face turned pale, and there was some fear in his watery eyes. Zhou Zong couldn't bear to see it, but there were some things he had to say and he had to remind his beloved daughter.
After pondering for a while, Da Zhou finally came to his senses and whispered softly: "My daughter is already in the harem. She only wants to read poetry and books, practice music, and be good at singing and dancing. She has no other aspirations..."
Seeing Da Zhou's reaction, Zhou Zong showed a childish expression and stroked his beard and said: "Keeping this calm mind can protect your whole body!"
As he spoke, caressing his hand, Zhou Zong said in a comforting tone: "Did you know that there used to be a concubine in the palace, who was the birth mother of the eldest prince? Since she was hiding in the palace, she had been waiting by your side to interact with the emperor. You are very affectionate. The emperor has given you this name, which shows that he attaches great importance to you. Therefore, you only need to stay on your own terms and you will be lucky enough to be king."
Da Zhou nodded obediently.
"Madam, the officials are here!"
After hearing the news, the father and daughter quickly gathered their spirits and got up and went out of the palace to greet them. It can be seen that Liu Chengyou does favor this Concubine Zhou Shu more, or it can be described as novel. Among the concubines, in terms of talent, no one can compare with this sixteen-year-old girl. The feeling that a talented girl brings to Liu Chengyou is naturally different.
"Not feeling well?" After entering the hall and taking a seat, Liu Chengyou looked at Da Zhou's face, which was still pale.
Probably because of nervousness, Da Zhou shook his head and whispered softly: "Thank you for your concern!"
Withdrawing his gaze, Liu Chengyou turned to look at Zhou Zong and asked in a gentle tone: "Mr. Zhou, have you ever gotten used to it in Tokyo? The soil and water in the north are different from those in the south. Have your family settled down well, and have you been negligent in the internal government arrangements?"
"Your Majesty's concern is deeply felt by me!" Mr. Zhou Zong said with a humble smile on his face: "Thanks to your Majesty's reward, everything has been settled. Tokyo is prosperous, even more so than Yangzhou and Jinling. I linger here, almost Forget Jiangdu!”
"That's good!" Liu Chengyou chuckled and expressed satisfaction with Zhou Zong's compliance: "If you need anything else, just tell me and I will send someone to arrange it!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After chatting with the Zhou father and daughter for a while, Liu Chengyou got up and left, leaving the two of them at home. However, before leaving, he glanced at the father and daughter a few times and felt something strange.
It didn't take too long for the conversation between Zhou Zong and Da Zhou to reach Liu Chengyou's ears. Although it was not very detailed, the general meaning was very clear.
Walking in the palace, bathing in the spring sun, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but shake his head and smiled faintly: "This Zhou Zong is so sensitive, suspicious and cautious, and makes such nonsense, making unfounded worries!"
"However, this man is very sophisticated, and his caution is understandable! Liu Chengyou murmured: "He wants peace and security, and I will grant it to him! "
"Pass the imperial edict and grant Zhou Zong the title of Shizhong, Grand Scholar of Duanming Palace, Jue Yigong, and enter the Zhaowen Hall to serve as an advisor to the imperial edict!" Liu Chengyou ordered: "In addition, I will reward you with a manor in the Zhou Mansion!"
"yes!"
"Please stay away from Shulan Palace!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand calmly and told Zhang Dejun: "Inform Concubine Gao that I will stay at Yaohua Palace tonight!"
"Young man, I'll send someone here!"
...
"Your Majesty!" Returning to Chongzheng Hall, Prime Minister Fan Zhi had been waiting for a long time.
Among all the ministers, Fan Zhi is the Minister of Sentencing. With his strong and honest character, he is very suitable for this job. More importantly, he is the one who took the lead in compiling the "Han Xing Tong". In recent years, he has promoted the popularization of "Xing Tong" The court spent a lot of effort to implement it.
Liu Chengyou summoned Fan Zhi and asked about Han law issues. Fan Zhi reported back: "The "Xingtong" has been in existence for three years. It has been implemented in the prefectures and counties and has achieved many results. Within the two capitals, Juju has been promoted according to the system, the punishments are well-founded, the lawsuits have been cleared, and unjust prisons have been eradicated!"
After hearing his answer, Liu Chengyou asked: "This is true for the two capitals and Kinki, but what about outside the two capitals? What is the situation like? Does the imperial court know the true situation?"
Without waiting for an answer, Liu Chengyou added: "I have checked the cases of the Ministry of Punishment. In the past three years, there have been less than 700 cases of death penalty cases submitted to Tokyo for review. Is it possible that all the prefectures and counties in the Han Dynasty have been so peaceful?"
Hearing this, Fan Zhi certainly understood what the emperor meant. He immediately bowed and apologized: "There are still many people in local governments, prefectures and counties who conspire and execute people without authorization. This minister is negligent and his supervision is ineffective!"
Seeing Fan Zhi's stern look, Liu Chengyou waved his hand and said: "That's it! I know the power of Fang Zhen. It's not your fault, so I shouldn't blame you! If you want to control the whole country and implement laws and regulations, it is not easy. I can understand it!”
"Your Majesty's words make me ashamed!" Fan Zhi sighed softly.
Liu Chengyou said: "The "Xingtong" has been implemented for three years. The two capitals and Kinki prefectures are under the eyes of the imperial court. It is clear at a glance what the results are. However, it is not clear what the various places are like. I have proposed to send special envoys to inspect the places. , count the lawsuits to see the results, what do you think?"
Fan Zhi's mind suddenly moved, he thought for a moment, and immediately responded: "I think your Majesty's proposal is very acceptable!"
"I heard recently that there have been many cases of false imprisonment of officials in the prefectures and counties under Hedong, and the people are very resentful!" Liu Chengyou said quietly: "I plan to use Fan Qing as the governor of Hedong and go to Hedong to show my respect as the prime minister. , investigate the officials, depose the evildoers, uphold the law, and by the way, worship the Northern Capital for me!"
"Yes!" Fan Zhi was completely alert. The emperor clearly meant "Pei Gong". This trip was unusual and might even be dangerous, but Fan Zhi had no intention of shirk.
Paying attention to Fan Zhi's expression and eyes, Liu Chengyou knew that with his agility, he had obviously spied on some of his intentions.
"There is one more thing. I want Fan Qing to give me more details!" He naturally changed the subject.
"Your Majesty, please speak!" Fan Zhi said solemnly.
"Guo Wei submitted a letter, asking himself to resign and leave the capital to become an official on the grounds that father and son should not be in the same court! Considering his old age, I cannot bear to have him leave the capital and suffer the hardship of the trek!" Liu Chengyou said.
Hearing this, Fan Zhi followed him cautiously and tentatively, and responded: "In this case, maybe Guo Rong can be released!"
Liu Chengyou said: "Guo Rong has been abroad for many years. He has been involved in military and political affairs and has made outstanding contributions in the conquest of the Huaihe River. In terms of his qualifications, he can also come to Beijing to take charge of affairs! Furthermore, I have appointed him as the deputy envoy to the Privy Council, so I cannot easily change him!"
After hearing what the emperor said, Fan Zhi understood and planned to let Guo Wei leave the capital. He even guessed that Liu Chengyou had already considered this situation when he adjusted his reward positions and made Guo Rong his deputy. The father and son are in charge of the Privy Council. When all the officials see it, they will make suggestions and make adjustments.
After thinking for a while, Fan Zhi said: "Guo Gong has a deep understanding of righteousness and understands the general principles. Please remember his loyalty to the emperor and the country!"
Nodding, Liu Chengyou said slowly and calmly: "What I am in trouble for is that the world is so big, where is Guo Qing suitable for you!"
Fan Zhi also thought about it for a while and suggested: "An Shenqi, the governor of Shannan East Road, has been in the town for many years. According to the dynasty, he should be transferred to another position. At present, there is something going on in Hunan. Wang, Zhou and others have had discord and chaos. It happened unexpectedly. If Duke Guo is in charge of Xiangyang, he can control it nearby. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
A smile slowly bloomed on the corners of his lips. Liu Chengyou nodded and said only one word: "Yes!"
