"Envoy Zhang!"
After stopping to board the car, Li Tao waited in front of the pavilion. When he approached, he raised his hand. His expression was very respectful, not to Zhang Dejun, but to the emperor behind him. There is no need to think too much. Zhang Dejun must be here under Liu Chengyou's order.
Zhang Dejun turned over and dismounted, with a slightly reserved smile on his face, and said to Li Tao: "I've seen Mr. Ju! He's so fast, he almost ate me!"
"Fan Xianggong!" He saluted Fan Zhi again.
Fan Zhi only nodded to indicate.
"I don't know if the envoy is here. What advice can you give me?" Li Tao asked Zhang Dejun.
"In front of Ju Gong, how dare you talk about advice!" Zhang Dejun kept his posture very low and smiled humbly: "Is he just following the official's order to give Ju Gong something?"
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand, and the guard following him immediately handed a few things to his hand, and Zhang Dejun personally handed them to Li Tao. Li Tao had a solemn expression and took it with both hands, looking like he cherished it very much. A scroll, a book, and a copper seal.
Untying the tie and opening the scroll, there was a picture of calligraphy. It was recognizable as the emperor's personal letter. The ink was not yet dry. It was not a masterpiece by a famous artist at all, but it was majestic and smooth. But the important thing is that it bears the emperor's private seal, and that's where the value lies.
Of course, what is more important is the content of the scroll: The old man is in trouble, his ambition is thousands of miles, the martyr is in his old age, and his ambition is endless.
From this, one could vaguely feel the emperor's generosity and encouragement. Li Tao was slightly stunned, and his doubts were obviously aroused. Li Tao watched from the side and said to Li Tao with a smile: "Ju Gong, His Majesty's expectations are already obvious. It's not time for you to return to your hometown!"
After putting away the imperial characters, Li Tao opened the book and inspected it. He commissioned the book to be made by Dong Chun, the number one scholar. The words were gorgeous and the intention was clear. Li Tao was appointed as the governor of Jinghu, and he patrolled the south of Jinghu on behalf of the sky to comfort the scholars and the people.
"Congratulations Mr. Ju, your majesty and the court still need your efforts!" Li Tao said.
That bronze seal was naturally the official seal of the governor. Putting away the gift given by the emperor, Li Tao raised his sleeves, walked towards Kaifeng, and prostrated himself: "I kowtow to thank God!"
After getting up, Li Tao's mood obviously improved, and the gloom and depression that had been lingering in his heart were suddenly swept away. After all, he, Li Tao, still had a great ambition and could shine for the big man, so why would he be willing to die in such a desolate way?
"Governor of Jinghu..." He murmured and looked at Fan Zhi: "I remember that in the fifth year of Qianyou's reign, Wen Su went north to inspect as governor of Hedong?"
Fan Zhi nodded: "It seems that His Majesty is still worried about Jinghu and wants to appease him with public authority!"
"But the division of powers and responsibilities seems a bit vague!" Li Tao hesitated.
Hearing this, Fan Zhi said: "When I inspected Hedong, it was in the name of inspecting the prisons in Hedong. If the appointment of Ju Gong is not clear, it is indeed inappropriate. After I return to the court, I will give advice to His Majesty!"
Mr. Fan has something to remonstrate with again.
The word "governor" appeared very early, and the previous generation also had the title of "governor envoy", but now the governor of the Han Dynasty has the connotation of "initiated" by Liu Chengyou. For now, in Liu Chengyou's mind, this is still a temporary job, with the main supervisory function, just like the governor of the Han Dynasty, who can only write secret reports, but has no power to interfere in local government affairs.
Of course, regarding Jinghu, Liu Chengyou was not clear about the purpose of his powers, and he was still hesitating whether to follow the Ming and Qing dynasties and institutionalize and localize the governorship.
During this tour, Liu Chengyou discovered that although the post of Chief Envoy was responsible for the government affairs of a state, although it effectively improved administrative efficiency and unified Dao administration, the government orders were all issued by the Taoist officials, and the power was still Somewhat big.
In the past few years, people have constantly made articles and made suggestions about Wang Pu's performance in Huaidong. Although Liu Chengyou suppressed them, how could he not have any ideas in his heart?
Of course, the establishment of a governor was only a trial measure carried out by Liu Chengyou. Due to the special nature of Jinghu, after all, in the newly acquired land, the military and political affairs could not be said to be stable, and fraud would only occur. Letting Li Tao go to Jinghu coincided with the changes in the political situation in the DPRK. He wanted to use him as prime minister to regulate the vast area for the imperial court, supervise and control the Taoist officials, and strengthen the imperial court's control over the local area. Moreover, when Li Tao was young, he avoided the chaos in the Central Plains. He also served in Hunan and had experience, so it was very suitable for him to go south.
Li Tao still needs to figure out the specific intention.
...
"Is Li Tao gone?" In the Chongzheng Hall, Zhang Dejun looked at the returning man.
"Before I return to the palace, the Duke of Ju has already left! Your Majesty has given me your gift. I thank you with tears in my eyes, Duke of Ju!" Zhang Dejun calmed down his eagerness to return and replied.
"Are there many people seeing him off?" Liu Chengyou asked again.
"On the way, I saw a lot of people, including dozens of officials, big and small!" Zhang Dejun said.
Liu Chengyou nodded and said: "After all, he has been the prime minister for many years, and his reputation lies in this!"
"Go ahead!" He waved his hand and Liu Chengyou said. After finishing his words, he ordered: "Go and call Zhao Pu!"
"yes!"
Before we were done, Zhao Pu came quickly and paid homage: "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
Liu Chengyou put down his pen and asked, "Where is Zhao Shao? I haven't seen him in the past few days!"
Zhao Pu reported calmly: "Zhao Chengzhi fell ill, and His Majesty did not take a vacation with him, so he rested at home!"
Hearing the news, Liu Chengyou frowned, thought for a moment, and suddenly asked: "Where is Zhao Jiaojiao?"
"Four days ago, I left Beijing and went to Pizhou to take office!" Zhao Pu said.
Due to the Jinghu scandal, Zhao Shangguan recommended officials, and some unruly behavior in the past was discovered. Zhao Shangguan was demoted to Pizhou and appointed as a judge.
At this time, recalling this incident, Liu Chengyou suddenly realized and couldn't help but shake his head and said: "This Zhao Yao, he is uneasy!"
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou stared at Zhao Pu and ordered: "Send someone to accompany the imperial physician to the Zhao Mansion to see how Zhao Pu's illness is. If it is convenient, let him come to the palace to see me!"
"yes!"
A little later, Liu Chengyou saw Zhao Yao again. His handsome face was white and obviously sick. Liu Chengyou immediately said to the waiter: "Quick, help him sit down and serve him tea!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Yao observed the etiquette.
Looking at him, Liu Chengyou said: "I have something to say first. Since you are so unhappy, you don't need to go to the palace. Why do you have to endure this fatigue?"
Zhao Yao smiled softly and responded: "I have a chapter that I would like to present to Your Majesty!"
After saying that, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it to the emperor. Liu Chengyou was a little suspicious, and after just a quick glance, he pressed the note on the case and said in a serious tone: "I don't allow it!"
This is also a glossary.
Seeing the emperor's reaction, Zhao Yao was moved while maintaining his usual humility. He stood up and held his hands in his hands, saying emotionally: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have no talent in helping people, but I am valued by your Majesty. I am simply promoted to a scholar, and I can be used wherever possible." In front of me, I received the support from my heart and heart, went in and out of the curtains, and encountered thick and deep things. It was different from the ordinary. I felt it deeply.
In order to repay the kindness of the emperor, I went and walked calmly, but after all, I was young and incompetent, and my talents and virtues were hardly worthy of my position. I received favors and did not live up to my merits. I always thought about myself and felt ashamed when I thought about it. The only way is to resign and give way to the virtuous, with a clear conscience! "
After listening to his plea, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but wave his hand vigorously: "I know you are humble, but why are you so belittled? You, Zhao Yao, have been with me for so many years and have assisted me in many affairs. What has not been done? What has been delayed? Neglect? Can you name one or two?"
After asking, without waiting for his answer, Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Yao steadily: "Do you think it's because of your father? If so, I tell you, the father is the father, the son is the son, and I will never do it because of you. My father’s case involves you!”
Seeing that the emperor's fierce words showed the intention of retaining him, Zhao Yao shook his head and said seriously: "Don't you know that your majesty is generous and generous? However, I am in poor health. Recently, I feel that my energy is hard to save, and it is really difficult to take care of the affairs of Chongzheng Palace. . Taking on a critical responsibility with a sick and weak body will be of no benefit to the country, the king, the court, or the affairs..."
Seeing the sickly calm smile on his face, and listening to his tone, Liu Chengyou knew that he was still affected by his father's incident. Liu Chengyou actually couldn't figure out where his guilt and uneasiness came from and how to explain it. It was like trying to get into trouble, which made people helpless.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou asked, "Have you decided to go?"
Zhao Yao bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty, please do it!"
Taking a deep breath, Liu Chengyou calmed down and waved his hand: "Forget it! Forget it! I won't keep you, but you are still young, so don't mention resignation. I will never allow it."
"Are there any suitable vacancies in the local area now?" Liu Chengyou greeted Zhao Pu who was standing next to him.
Zhao Pu said: "Xuzhou!"
"Xuzhou is a good place. You can go there to be the prefect and recuperate! Stay there for a few years and then return to the capital!" Liu Chengyou said to Zhao Yan, "I won't allow you to bargain on this matter!"
Seeing the emperor's resolute attitude, Zhao Yao had no choice but to bow: "I am ordered to thank you!"
After Zhao Yao resigned, Liu Chengyou calmed down completely. After thinking for a moment, he said to Zhao Pu: "Zhao Yao has resigned, and you will take over the affairs of Chongzheng Palace!"
"yes!"
Zhao Pu also looked very calm, of course, he did not show any trace of his inner ecstasy. It’s been more than two years, and I’m finally getting through it, and I’m successful!
As Zhao Yao himself said, Liu Chengyou was extremely kind to him, even to the point of being excessive, but he still felt a little depressed when he resigned. However, it didn't take long for him to ignore the slight depression in his heart.
On August 12, the ninth year of Qianyou's reign, as Kaifeng was preparing to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, Liu Chengyou received the bad news that Zhao Yue unfortunately fell into the water on his way to take office. His illness worsened and he died at the age of twenty-six.
