The Long Live Hall is still the same as before, restrained and solemn. The mighty Ouchi guards still stand around the hall like sculptures. It's just that the palace people are much more careful now. Even the patrolling guards passing by deliberately slow down. Reduce the noise, the atmosphere is obviously not right.
For a long time, Emperor Liu delegated state affairs to the prime ministers. Wei Renpu took the lead and was responsible for the implementation of various measures of the Kaibao New Deal. He himself retired behind the scenes to cultivate his moral character. At the same time, he silently observed the operation of the empire. This time, Emperor Liu was probably the most free and easy.
As a result, Emperor Liu's frequency of going to the Chongzheng Hall was much less than before. If something happened, the ministers would take the initiative to report to the Long Live Hall. In addition, the minister in charge of the affairs of Chongzheng Palace has now become Shi Xizai. Lu Yin died because of his mother and Ding You left. Although Emperor Liu was reluctant to leave, he, who was known for his filial piety, could not forcefully seize love and stop him. Lu Yin went to fulfill his filial piety.
It was the end of winter, and outside the palace decorated with frost, Shi Xizai, who had been promoted to the title of Bachelor of Chongzheng Palace, walked slowly along the clearly cleaned corridor, holding a stack of memorials in his hand as usual.
He, the top leader of Chongzheng Hall, has been having a hard time in the past few months, mainly because he is not adaptable. Once upon a time, Chongzheng Hall was a place that stood side by side with Guangzheng Hall. Although they could not be compared in terms of real power, their actual influence was not weak at all. After all, they were secretarial agencies that assisted the emperor in handling affairs.
From Zhao Yao to Zhao Pu, they were all representatives of humble and powerful positions. When Wang Pu served as the bachelor of Chongzheng Palace, he could even dominate the political hall. In the two years when Lu Yin presided over it, there was already a strong relationship between the government and the opposition. It is called "hidden phase".
However, when Lu Yin temporarily left the palace due to his mother's death and Shi Xizai came to power, he found that the emperor had begun to live in the Long Live Hall and Buqin ran away to Chongzheng Hall. Although the time was not long and there was no special expression, Shi Xizai felt an inexplicable pressure.
Facts have proved that the power and influence of Chongzheng Palace ultimately depends on the emperor's attitude. If the emperor does not pay attention to it, it will be no different from other palaces in the palace. At most, it will cultivate some advisers and talents.
Similarly, the power of the prime ministers of the Political Affairs Hall is similar. Needless to mention the status of Wei Renpu, the more representative ones are Wang Pu and Leidexiang. Because of Emperor Liu's emphasis, although Wang Pu was only a householder Although he is a minister, he can dominate the three ministers in all aspects and is an important person in charge of Kaibao's political strategy.
Of course, Emperor Liu still attached great importance to the Chongzheng Hall, and some official documents from the Zhengshi Hall would still be reported to the Chongzheng Hall. He would still visit it from time to time, read memorials, and listen to reports. It's just that compared to before, everything was handled by his hands, and now all ministers of all ministries and departments can go directly to the Long Live Hall to report important matters. The difference between the before and after is still relatively large for the people in the Chongzheng Hall.
In other words, Shi Xizai was generous and didn't have much ambition for power, so he was still safe, but he was only slightly influenced by other colleagues.
Outside the Long Live Hall, I unexpectedly met a man, an old man in his fifties, Hu Meng, the Minister of Household Affairs. He was a Jinshi in the Later Jin Dynasty. He was a local official who was close to the people and was famous for his literary talent. He was an uncle and brother to Hu Zai, Emperor Liu's "penmaster" who died young. He had also served as a member of Zhongshushe before and was in charge of it for a period of time. The work of making letters.
But at this time, the old minister seemed distracted. He stood outside the hall, looking around from time to time. He wanted to see him several times, but seemed hesitant. Shi Xizai stepped forward to say hello and asked: "Since the minister has arrived at the bedroom, why is he hesitant?"
Looking at Shi Xizai, there was a hint of unnaturalness on Hu's old face, and he responded bitterly: "I just want to apologize to Your Majesty!"
After hearing this, Shi Xizai reacted. The matter is not complicated, but Hu Meng recognized a servant among his servants, named Hu Jiyuan, and this servant committed a crime, and the crime was not light. He stole and sold official salt for personal gain, and was imprisoned.
Salt interests accounted for a large part of the imperial court's fiscal revenue. The regulations were strict and the crackdown on salt lords was particularly severe. The enactment of the salt law has been much gentler than in the early years, but there are some red lines that will lead to beheading if touched. As for Hu Jiyuan, he actually started stealing and selling official salt. The fate he was about to face could be imagined. As the backstage he relied on, Hu Meng, the Minister of Household Affairs, couldn't help but be horrified.
Under normal circumstances, this kind of case no longer requires Emperor Liu to personally intervene, but because of Hu Meng's identity, it still reached his ears. However, in response to this matter, the department only dealt with it in accordance with the law, but did not say anything about Hu Meng. However, Hu Meng couldn't sit still. During this period of time, he couldn't eat well, couldn't sleep at night, and was very anxious.
Looking at Hu Meng, he looked pitiful. Shi Xizai had always advocated observing etiquette and laws, so he was naturally disgusted with his son's behavior. But looking at his appearance, he sighed softly and reminded: "Young Master, you should know that your Majesty is in a bad mood recently!"
There was a flash of hesitation on his face, and finally he sighed: "It's time to pay homage to Your Majesty!"
The reason why Emperor Liu was in a bad mood recently was of course not because of the little unknown Hu Jiyuan, but because Kaifeng Prefecture Yin Gaofang died of illness not long ago and died in office.
This incident made Emperor Liu very sad and in a bad mood. It should be said that many ministers have died in recent years. Emperor Liu should have been used to it, and it is indeed the case. It’s just that those who died in the early years were all old ministers, but in the past two years, they have shared the same old ministers, old ministers, and meritorious deeds, no matter how hard-hearted they are. Like iron, it is inevitable to feel regret and regret.
At the same time, it also gave Emperor Liu a little more emotion and a little more understanding. Too many of the generals who followed him to conquer the world and establish his foundation have now become veterans, and there is nothing they can do about it.
From Ma Quanyi to Wang Pu, and now Gao Fang, in the past two years, old friends have gradually faded away, and they will continue to do so.
Among the twenty-four heroes, Murong Yanzhao, Li Gu, and Wang Jing are all recuperating from illness. Murong Yanzhao's chronic illness due to overwork is difficult to cure, and his health has never improved. Li Gu's Fengbi also worsened after the Pingnan battle. It was because of his success and fame that he could rest in peace and recuperate, which prevented it from getting worse. As for Wang Jing, he is really old, and Xi Tuo seems to have exhausted his energy...
It is precisely because of these concerns that Emperor Liu felt inexplicably depressed this winter, and everyone around him was serving him cautiously. Fortunately, Emperor Liu had always been relatively restrained, otherwise, he might have blamed his mood on others.
In the palace, Emperor Liu was reading a book and naturally met Hu Meng and Shi Xizai. Hu Meng was a little confused. When he saw Emperor Liu, he immediately prostrated himself. He spoke excitedly and explained his intention.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu's reaction seemed very calm. He looked at the old minister and asked Shi Xizai, "How was the investigation of the Hu Jiyuan case? Is there any result?"
Shi Xizai replied: "After review by the Ministry of Punishment and Dali's review, it has been sentenced to death. The last batch of winter battles this year will be abandoned in Nanshi!"
Nodding, Liu Chengyou looked at Hu Meng and chuckled: "Now that the case has been concluded, what is the purpose of Hu Qing coming to plead guilty?"
After hearing what the emperor said, Hu Meng said: "It is always because the guilty minister did not know the person before and failed to discipline him later, so that this sin occurred under the door and violated the national law. The guilty minister thinks about it and is really ashamed and regretful. He is ashamed of himself!"
"I have no intention of questioning my father for breaking the law. What do you mean by your behavior?" The smile on Liu Chengyou's face disappeared.
Hu Meng kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty is very generous and forgives me for my mistakes. However, I am not at peace with myself. I have no other thoughts now. I only hope that your Majesty will ask me to answer my questions and atone for this mistake!"
"Ha!" After listening to his words, Emperor Liu understood. He wanted to seek peace of mind.
After thinking for a moment, Liu Chengyou patted the imperial case with little force, but the sound made Hu Meng shudder. Emperor Liu said in an impatient tone: "You ministers usually advise me not to get involved. Why, when it's your turn, you can't calm down?"
These words were a bit rude and a bit harsh. Looking at the slightly frightened Hu Meng, Emperor Liu waved his hand, his demeanor returned to calmness again, and he said calmly: "You'd better go back to the Ministry of Household Affairs to do business. If you delay your official duties because of this, , if you neglect state affairs, then I will really be held accountable!"
Seeing the emperor say this, Hu Meng fell down safely with his heart hanging high. He knelt down hurriedly and said in a grateful tone: "Yes! Your Majesty is tolerant, and I thank you very much!"
After Hu Meng retired, Shi Xizai directly expressed his different views on Emperor Liu's treatment. He felt that Hu Meng should be investigated and punished together, and he should be punished for lax discipline, not to mention that Hu Jiyuan dared to break the law. , Hu Meng's position as Minister of Hubu also gave him the confidence.
Regarding this, Emperor Liu also showed a little hesitation because he also had an ambivalence. If Hu Meng is not dealt with, does it also mean that he is indulging the children of the powerful? After all, according to this standard, as long as the death penalty is not violated, things can be done. After all, the emperor is tolerant and wise, and will not implicate his elders...
As a result, Emperor Liu regretted it a little, but it was difficult to change it if he had already promised to go out. At the same time, I also reminded myself that things like this should still be implicated and punished, otherwise I am afraid that the superiors and subordinates will not learn from it.
After the incident, Hu Meng was removed from office and questioned, but it was not because his son committed a crime, but after that, Hu Meng secretly approached Li Ye, the uncle in charge of the Criminal Department, hoping to be accommodating, with the intention of favoritism. The truth was covered up and the matter was exposed.
After understanding it, Emperor Liu was very disgusted by Hu Meng's pretense in front of Emperor Liu. Originally it was just a matter of demotion, but it was directly upgraded to removal from office, demoted to a commoner, and kicked out of the court.
