August is high, and the Imperial Garden of the Han Palace has been dyed with a layer of rich colors. The air is filled with the refreshing fragrance of osmanthus, but the cool breeze can't help but add a bit of melancholy.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Han Palace returned to its former peace. After a period of adjustment, the Han Palace quickly got rid of the short-term shock and continued to govern the country stably under the leadership of the new leadership team.
The daily life of Emperor Liu Chengyou of the Han Dynasty gradually became dull. Compared with the past, he deliberately relaxed his control over domestic government affairs and delegated most of his power to the political affairs hall, with Fan Zhi taking the lead in handling it and then supervising it in the Chongzheng hall. .
As a result, Liu Chengyou was freed from the complicated and trivial government affairs and gradually became more relaxed. During his ten-year hard-working career in governing the country, he really felt tired, and even felt it. He was still young now, but if he continued like this, sooner or later he would become sick from overwork and die from exhaustion.
That's why there was such an adjustment. In the early days of the country, in order to stabilize the throne and stabilize the country, we had to observe and do everything personally. But with the Han Dynasty stably developing to the current level, Liu Chengyou finally decided to make changes. There was no need to make himself so tired when he became emperor.
This was one of the reasons why he wanted to get rid of Li Tao and adjust the powers of the Zhengshitang and various ministries. With Li Tao's many years of experience in the Ministry of Personnel and the Zhengshitang, Liu Chengyou would be uneasy if the power of governance was completely delegated to him.
This was a change in Liu Chengyou's thinking, and it also revealed a message that the emperor was tired. It was even a sign of slackness. However, no matter how he adjusts, there is one basic bottom line that must be adhered to, that is, the throne cannot be shaken and the imperial power cannot be desecrated. Once he feels threatened and affairs are out of control, he will not hesitate to take action again. This also requires a premise that the actual control of the country cannot be weakened, and the most basic strength comes from military power.
In this way, more time and energy were not wasted, and were used by Liu Chengyou to build the army and study national strategy and surrounding countries and ethnic groups. They do not ignore political affairs at all and are always under investigation. On the other hand, they continue to study the system, how to balance power, stabilize the political situation, strengthen the influence and control of the central government on local governments, etc. There are still many things that Liu Chengyou needs to consider, but they are just biased.
Of course, there is still plenty of spare time. At least in the past, Liu Chengyou did not have much leisure time, standing in the imperial garden and admiring the autumn scenery. However, Liu Chengyou is a person who lacks elegance after all. Looking at the pleasant autumn scenery in the garden, apart from lamenting that the wind is too cold, it is difficult to have any other feelings.
Several consecutive gusts of wind blew by, causing the grass and trees in the imperial garden to rustle. His clothes and hair moved with the wind, and a cold chill penetrated his muscles and bones, making him shiver.
"Officials, the wind is blowing! Put on a robe!" Upon seeing this, Zhang Dejun stepped forward and spread out the fur robe hanging on his arm.
Liu Chengyou did not refuse, and allowed Zhang Dejun to put it on himself and tie his private belt. Accompanied by a song, an autumn bird flew past, leaving light ripples on the blue lake in front of the pavilion.
After tightening his robe, Liu Chengyou glanced at Zhang Dejun beside him and asked, "How are the preparations for the Imperial City Department?"
After hearing the question, Zhang Dejun perked up and hurriedly answered with his hands raised: "Your Majesty, I have secretly selected more than a hundred chamberlains and guards, as well as twelve martial arts officials and marriage officers, and temporarily posted them inside and outside the imperial city. For monitoring purposes..."
In the autumn of the ninth year of Qianyou, with Liu Chengyou's tacit approval, a spy agency different from Wude Division was basically established.
"I have set up the Imperial City Department to serve as an eyes and ears, alongside the Wude Department, to inspect the people inside and outside, so as not to be deceived by others!" Liu Chengyou said calmly after listening to his words.
"I understand, little one!" Zhang Dejun said respectfully.
"Now that the Si Ya is just being established, everything is not on track, so you have to pay more attention! But remember, do things in a low-key manner and don't be arrogant and domineering!" Liu Chengyou turned his head and stared at Zhang Dejun, his sharp eyes almost piercing into his heart: "Fan Zhi has already quarreled with me about the matter of the Imperial City Department. There are many criticisms in the court. At this early stage, we need to be more cautious and don't make it difficult for others to catch someone's feet and make it difficult for me!"
"yes!"
"You have been with me for almost ten years. You should understand how I am, and I also know how you are. I will also speak frankly to you about some things. Some courtiers, since the mid-Tang Dynasty, eunuchs have been responsible for the misfortune of power and chaos. Come and remind me, what you say makes sense. However, I still choose to use you, do you know why?"
The emperor's words made Zhang Dejun tremble with fear. He knelt down subconsciously, lowered his head and solemnly swore: "I am a slave of the official family. I am deeply favored. I only know how to serve and be loyal to the official family. As long as there is an order, I will do whatever it takes." ! Don’t dare to think otherwise, let alone act arbitrarily and cause trouble to the officials..."
"I'm so relieved that you have such awareness!" Liu Chengyou smiled faintly and waved his hand gently: "Get up!"
"Thank you, Guanjia!"
After so many years, just as Zhang Dejun said, Liu Chengyou had long regarded him as a loyal and considerate domestic slave. Some of his words were straightforward and without scruples, unlike those who would make detours and make excuses in front of foreign ministers. He also believed that Zhang Dejun would not disappoint him, and that the Imperial City Division would not be beyond his control.
As for the disadvantages of eunuchs, they have existed since ancient times, and they are often criticized by people and writers, but it can only be seen by the benevolent and the wise. Looking at history, there are so many wise kings and heroes. Don’t you know the consequences of eunuchs losing control? But we will still follow the old path. In the process of governing the country, eunuchs will still be promoted or even reused. Why?
After all, eunuchs were just a class and force attached to the monarch. No matter how despised and hated they were, they were an extension and supplement of imperial power. They were used to balance foreign dynasties and strengthen the monarch's power, which played a great role. Of course, use must be done in a moderate manner, and throughout the ages, there have been many examples of backlash. This means that the eunuch's power has exceeded the bottom line, like a beast breaking free from its cage, causing more negative consequences than positive effects. Ultimately, the problem lies with the emperor, not with the eunuchs who are worthy of being feared...
Liu Chengyou stood there and pondered for a while with deep eyes, and then said: "I am responsible for the errands of the Imperial City Department. I will choose a few smart people to serve me."
There was a little hesitation on his face. Liu Chengyou had had such thoughts before, and Zhang Dejun knew it in his heart and knew how to advance and retreat. Although he was a little reluctant to give up, he still gritted his teeth and said: "You know, I know! You should train a few smart people and serve them around the officials!"
"Your Majesty!" After the announcement, Zhao Pu slowly walked into the pavilion to greet him.
"What's the matter?"
Zhao Pu reported: "Zhao Kewei's body has been transported back to Fanyang by his family. Youzhou has also told them that the government will help handle the funeral matters!"
"Zhao Shanjiao had two sons, and they died early one after another. It is so unfortunate and pitiful!" Liu Chengyou couldn't help but sigh when he mentioned Zhao Suo.
"Zhao Yao must have a son!" Liu Chengyou said.
"Yes! He is only three years old, the only son of three generations, and he only has this little flesh and blood!" Zhao Pu responded.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "Yin Qishi's son, Xuande Lang, is in the seventh rank!"
Regarding Zhao Yao's funeral, Liu Chengyou did not arrange it too grandly, and the posthumous title was only in line with his status during his lifetime and was not too special.
"Judge Zhao requested to return to his hometown for funerals, and the court agreed!" Zhao Pu reported again. Seeing that the emperor's face seemed to be filled with sorrow, he cautiously asked for instructions: "Your Majesty, Zhao Yu's death is a pity. Judge Zhao lost his son in his later years. It is a great misfortune, should we offer some forgiveness for our past mistakes?”
Hearing his words, Liu Chengyou looked at him playfully: "Do you think it's appropriate?"
With that said, Liu Chengyou changed the subject: "Xuzhou Mansion, who will succeed you?"
"The Ministry of Officials plans to appoint Wang Zuo as the governor of Suizhou!" Zhao Pu replied.
Wang Zuo, the father of Huaidong transshipment envoy Wang Pu.
"Among the officials in Chongzheng Palace, who do you think can be promoted to bachelor?" Liu Chengyou asked again.
After thinking about it for a moment, Zhao Pu said, "What do you think of Dou Xi, Your Majesty?"
Liu Chengyou shook his head: "Dou Xi is only a talented person, not enough to let him go!"
