Kaifeng Nancheng, Anpingfang, Boguo Gongfu.
Kaifeng is the capital city and has many dignitaries, but the dignitaries are also divided into different levels. They also look at power and holy family members. In recent years, among the few people with the most prestigious reputation and the most prominent status in the court, there is Bo Guo. Duke Zhao Kuangyin.
In addition to his outstanding military talents and solid contributions, Zhao Kuangyin was known as "Chai Zhao" together with Chai Rong for a long time, and he was an important role in the military and political system of the Han Dynasty. He is heroic, magnanimous, informal, and handles interpersonal relationships well. He is popular among the people. In addition to military and political officials, some heroes also come to visit him.
Of course, Zhao Kuangyin's political awareness was still very high. When he discovered that his family was full of people and the number of officials and generals who came and went to build relationships and connections increased, he decisively kept a low profile. Having a large number of crowns and being praised by thousands of people can certainly satisfy vanity, but it is not necessarily a blessing. At that time, Zhao Kuangyin felt uneasy, so he decisively ordered his disciples to refuse to accept anyone else, and he was not afraid of offending anyone. If there was official business, he would It has its own government office, and if it is a private matter, it will be difficult for the Zhao family to enter.
After the news spread, it caused a discussion in the capital. When it reached the emperor's ears, he just smiled and praised Zhao Kuangyin's knowledge and magnanimity.
However, it is not a complete thank you behind closed doors. Some relatives, comrades-in-arms, commanders, and old troops keep in touch and socialize on weekdays. They still do what they should do, and they do it calmly.
Party colleagues, whether in the military or in government, no matter what era, are an unavoidable problem. Human conditions are like this and the environment is like this. In the early years when Emperor Liu's position was unstable, he hated it deeply. From Su Fengji to Shi Hongzhao to then Yang Bin was his target. But later, as the throne of the emperor became more stable, the concept gradually changed. It was simply impossible to ban the "party". What we should work hard on was to fight against selfishness and against dissent.
At this time, the Duke of Bo's mansion was a bit lively. Zhao Kuangyin hosted a banquet here to entertain the guests. Among the guests, they were basically military men, such as Dang Jin, Han Lingkun, Li Jixun, etc., who had either served for many years or had made friends over the years. , or a congenial one. These people are now considered important generals in the imperial court, and they all have military exploits.
On weekdays, social interactions are inevitable, but gathering together like this is relatively rare. In view of this, Zhao Kuangyin opened the middle door wide and entertained them in the main hall for everyone to watch to show his magnanimity.
It was a cold spring, but the main hall of Boguo Duke's Mansion was bustling with excitement, and the atmosphere was particularly high. The servants of the palace came and went, coming in and out, constantly adding food, dishes, and drinks to the tables, and the musicians and dancers raised by the palace also performed to their heart's content.
Zhao Kuangyin is a good drinker. This is something that everyone in the government and the public knows, and he will drink until he is drunk. Therefore, at this government banquet, the most indispensable thing is fine wine.
In order to entertain Pao Ze and his friends, he even drank the royal wine given by the emperor and some old wines in the wine cellar to share with everyone. Bowl after bowl of ground dry, drinking in full swing. According to Zhao Kuangyin's wishes, it is rare to get together and be entertained by good people. If you have any questions, please wait until you have finished drinking and have a good time...
When the banquet was in full swing, Dang Jin suddenly put down his wine glass and let out a long sigh. Seeing that he was drunk and pretending to be drunk, Zhao Kuangyin drank the remaining half a bowl of wine in his hand, wiped his mouth, smiled slightly, and asked: "Brother Dang, why are you sighing? Is it possible that there is not enough wine in my house?" tasty?"
Upon hearing this, Dang Jin said: "The wine from Privy Zhao's house is naturally a fine wine and is delicious to drink. I regret that I did not kowtow before Your Majesty last year and ask to conquer Pingnan and achieve more military exploits!"
Hearing what he said, a strange look flashed in Zhao Kuangyin's drunken eyes, and he said: "Now that the Pingnan army has returned one after another, how can you bring up this matter? Your party has such a great reputation for inspection, but you are still coveting a small amount of achievements?"
Dang Jin then said: "I am not greedy for merit, I am just afraid that my old merit will be forgotten for a long time!"
Everyone here basically understands what Dang Jin is referring to in his words. Zhao Kuangyin actually knew it in his heart, but he still smiled softly and said comfortingly: "In all these years, has the imperial court ever treated a meritorious official poorly? Are you worrying too much?"
Hearing this, Dang Jin also spoke up: "The Privy Council has great merits and is trusted by His Majesty, so he should be at the forefront of Qianyou's heroes. But we are the only ones who are lost in the crowd. We are afraid of going through those ministers." After reckoning, how much of our military exploits are left? I just don’t know, in the end, can I, the Marquis, still be able to keep it?”
During this period, as the "Treasure Opening Ceremony" approaches, while the atmosphere in the capital becomes increasingly joyful, various news is also flying, especially the ranking of Qianyou's meritorious officials, the re-ordering of meritorious lords, and the rewards. After all, this was a matter involving the fame and status of the Han generals and their vital interests.
There is no airtight wall in this world, especially in the imperial court. As the merit discussion work led by Wei Renpu's "five-person group" unfolded, some specious news, whether true or false, also spread. What makes people most nervous is that many of the original high-ranking officials have been demoted. The more representative ones, such as Zhang Yanwei, Duke of Dingguo, and Gongsun Li of Wuwei County, were demoted to reward their merits. These two people are The emperor's trusted generals and ministers were already in power, and even they had no choice but to retain their original titles, let alone others.
Dukes of Fen, Jing, Hua, and Shaan were all rumored to be demoted. There are not many people who can retain the titles they currently hold. Some are reduced and some are added. Most of them are generals who participated in the Pingnan War.
Because it is an overall pursuit of merit and rewards for the Qianyou heroes, involving all aspects, civil and military, internal and external, and forbidden borders. If we really want to sort out one, two, three, and four, and come up with a list that everyone can believe, there is still a lot of work. Difficulty.
No, the imperial court has not officially awarded the reward, and the party has become a little helpless. After all, the interests are at stake. Everyone is desperately killing the enemy and making meritorious deeds. Why is it not just glory, wealth, power and status? Now that the court wants to adjust, downgrade or even take back what you have obtained, how can you be willing to do so?
Regarding this turmoil, Zhao Kuangyin actually had a clear conscience and knew the concerns of Dang Jin and others. However, he really couldn't say anything on this matter or make a promise to them. After all, it is the court and the emperor who discuss rewards for merit. Can people like them still disobey their orders? Do you still dare to ask for rewards for your merits?
Furthermore, there is a question: Do today's Han Dynasties really receive rewards for their merits, whether they are internal or external titles, honorary ministers, and casual officials? Are their contributions to the country worth the money and food the court spends every year to support them?
There are some things that only when Zhao Kuangyin is in this position can he get a glimpse of some of the emperor's thoughts and ideas. In fact, the greatest impact of this retelling of merits and renaming of Lord Lu Su must be those old honors and titles dating back to the Jin, Tang, and Liang Dynasties. The emperor had long disliked them. In the early years, they were successors. Conquer the world quickly, be stable and patient, and accept everything as ordered.
By now, Emperor Liu obviously could no longer tolerate those who had not made any actual contribution to the establishment and development of the Han Dynasty and continued to enjoy the treatment given by the state as a matter of course.
Paying attention to the gazes of the people, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly burst out laughing. The laughter lasted for a long time, making the generals confused.
Or Han Lingkun asked: "Why are the Privy Council laughing? Do you think our concerns are ridiculous?"
Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand and said: "All the gentlemen here are all heroes of the Han Dynasty. There is no one without military exploits. They are so heroic when they are on the battlefield, killing the enemy and making achievements. Why are you so obsessed with fame and fortune now?"
Without waiting for an answer, Zhao Kuangyin continued: "Let me ask you, have your Majesty and the imperial court ever treated you badly over the years? Have you ever forgotten and ignored your achievements and contributions? Have you ever been unfairly rewarded?"
Faced with this question, Han Lingkun's expression changed, as if he had something to say, but of course, he didn't dare to say it out loud, otherwise he would really be dissatisfied with the imperial reward.
"The imperial court has never been short of merit, fame, and fortune in the past. But today, under unification, the imperial court has re-determined titles and salaries to determine the system. Are we still afraid that your majesty will be unfair?" Zhao Kuangyin asked again, his tone a bit harsh.
"You made an appointment to visit me? What do you want me to do? Do you want me to enter the palace to ask for merit and reward on your behalf?"
Maybe Dang Jin and others meant this, but feeling Zhao Kuangyin's tone, they didn't dare to say it. It was Li Jixun, who was more mature and whose status was second only to Zhao Kuangyin. He raised his glass and said with a smile: "Our achievements are all clearly recorded in the book. How could your Majesty and the court forget them? Furthermore, even if adjustments are needed, how can it be done alone?" We'll know what the outcome will be on the day of the ceremony! We're here to have a drink with Privy Privy Zhao Zhao. We're not here to cause trouble for him. We want to drink Dukang together to relieve his worries..."
