"I've heard too many words of promise!" After listening to Zhang Qixian's statement, Emperor Liu smiled faintly and said: "In the past, there were too many people in front of me, but you are just like you now, swearing and speaking with certainty. .
It’s a pity that those who never forget their original intention and are unswervingly determined are rare in the end; those who can fulfill their responsibilities without forgetting their responsibilities are already in the minority; those who are willing to be mediocre, not enterprising, and do nothing are even more common; of course, there are also those who are unruly and unruly. , those who are famous.
It may seem ugly to say it, but the imperial court is a big dye vat, and this officialdom is the Vanity Fair. Most of you here have more than ten years of official experience.
In more than ten years of official career, I cannot fully understand how you have changed compared to when you first entered the officialdom, and whether you still keep in mind your ambitions and interests back then. I can only hope that you have some idea.
I don’t need you to swear an oath in front of me and talk about loyalty and respect. Instead of talking about being flashy, it’s better to do something practical and beautiful. I still like to watch what I do..."
At the beginning, when Emperor Liu faced his officials, he would be more concerned and considerate whether he spoke or acted, so as not to cause unnecessary misunderstandings and speculations.
Nowadays, he is very relaxed and has no scruples. He can say whatever he wants without caring about the impact or the psychology of his ministers.
Obviously, no matter what the ministers said to Emperor Liu, no matter whether it was right or wrong, fair or biased, whether it sounded good or not, they could only respectfully agree to it. These were all holy teachings!
When Emperor Liu said these words, the excitement, honor and excitement on Zhang Qixian's face suddenly disappeared, as if a basin of cold water was poured on his head.
And these words were obviously not meant for him alone. The expressions of other bureaucrats in the palace were also tense. Under the leadership of Zhao Pu, the group of people bowed their hands and bowed, as if they had rehearsed, and said: "I am so scared!"
"It's good to be afraid!" Seeing the reaction of his ministers, Emperor Liu immediately said: "I have always felt that people should have a sense of awe, especially you ministers and officials!
Of course, if you are not in awe of me, but in awe of the heaven and earth, nature, the heroes and spirits of your ancestors, and the country, law and system. Officials up to your level are all powerful, and every move they make is related to the livelihood and well-being of the people under their rule. The amount of power you hold also represents the amount of responsibility you should bear. I hope you will always be able to do this. keep in mind! "
"Your Majesty's teachings are sincere and earnest, and I will definitely keep them in mind!" Zhao Pu immediately took the lead in expressing his stance, and others followed closely behind.
"I still say the same thing, listen to his words, but watch his actions more. I am waiting for your performance!" Emperor Liu said.
"yes!"
Seeing that these people had been trained to be obedient, Emperor Liu continued to talk happily. He put down the resume report sheet in his hand, waved his hands habitually, and said: "You are all inspected repeatedly by Prime Minister Zhao and the officials. , carefully selected, since I have decided to promote you, it also means that you are qualified for promotion, I believe that Prime Minister Zhao has a good eye for selecting people."
"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty!" After hearing what Emperor Liu said, Zhao Pu immediately expressed his gratitude.
Emperor Liu waved his hands and continued: "You guys have outstanding political achievements in your past positions and have rich political experience. I don't want to say more about government affairs, and I don't want to talk about clichés. The problem.
In the past, I paid great attention to the abilities and talents of ministers and officials, paying attention to their ability to govern, their talents in doing things, and their role in the court. But now, I have to say that in this peaceful world, we should pay more attention to the personal integrity and character of officials and keep pace with the times!
In the past few months, the imperial court has made frequent transfers of internal and external officials. The reason must be clear to many of you, including you. It is not only because of the imperial court's rectification of the administration of officials, but also because of the large number of vacancies in the capital and local areas. !
At the end of winter last year in the southern city of Beijing, the imperial court ordered canonical punishment and executed many people for various reasons, which I do not want to mention any more. I can take this as a reminder or a warning. I don’t hope that one day in the future, some of you will become a dead soul under the sword of the imperial court like those criminal officials and officials in full view of the public! "
Following Emperor Liu's words, the air in Chui Gong Palace became quiet, and the atmosphere was slightly awkward. Emperor Liu's voice was not loud, but it seemed to ring like a bell in the ears of the officials who were about to be promoted.
Everyone no longer had the joy and excitement of being promoted, and even the nervousness of meeting the Holy Spirit disappeared. They were intimidated by Emperor Liu, and all of them looked solemn and had doubts in their hearts.
Back then, Emperor Liu also gave a speech when he met with Zhao Kuangyi's group of bureaucrats who were promoted to the prefecture. However, at that time, his attitude was gentle and more of encouragement and support. But this time, every word was heart-breaking and every sentence was bone-piercing. People feel a chill down their spine.
"Okay, I've finished my words!" Emperor Liu's indifferent face once again showed a smile. He raised his ink pen and gave some instructions. Then he looked at Zhao Pu and said: "Zhao Qing, I have no other opinions on the appointment of these officials. , but there is a secretary who orders and appoints them to take up their posts as soon as possible!"
"Yes!" After hearing this order, even Zhao Pu couldn't help but secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Facing Emperor Liu now, I feel pressure all the time and everywhere. With Zhao Pu's psychological quality, it is difficult to avoid it.
"Your Majesty, please leave!"
After all the ministers filed out, Emperor Liu also put away his majesty and returned to his calm demeanor. His face became a little careless, as if he had done something trivial. However, judging from his expression, it was obviously It was a great training.
After getting up, stretching and yawning, Emperor Liu called directly: "Yantuo!"
"Young man is here, please give me your orders!"
Emperor Liu relaxed his muscles and bones and said, "I'm tired of sitting and want to go out for a walk!"
"Wherever the officials want to go, I will inform Yijia immediately to prepare!" Yan Tuo said diligently.
"There's no need to make any noise. It's a light carriage and a simple journey. I want to leave the palace and go to the Duke Yu's mansion to visit!" Emperor Liu said.
"yes!"
Wei Renpu, the Duke of the State of Yu, can be said to be the first civil servant in the Qianyou era and the most important adviser to Emperor Liu in his early days. Because of his health, he has been relegated to the background for some years. He still holds the title of Cabinet Bachelor, but he rarely goes to the palace to counsel on military affairs and provide advice. Emperor Liu also allowed him to rest at home for his convenience.
In the past few years, Wei Renpu had been in poor health and fell ill from time to time. Emperor Liu also knew about it and paid less attention to him. However, I still have some doubts about Wei Renpu's condition. I usually send him many greetings, but now that I think about it, it only takes one sentence to say a visit.
Speaking of which, at that time, among the ministers in the imperial court, the one whom Emperor Liu respected and relied on the most was undoubtedly Wei Renpu, and the other civil and military officials, no matter who they were, had to take a back seat.
He and Wei Renpu were both teachers and friends. Emperor Liu even said in front of others more than once that Wei Renpu was his mentor and friend, which is evident from his trustworthy attitude.
Wei Renpu has also been in the prime minister's position for a long time, and even served as prime minister for a period of time. He is also the first civil servant among the twenty-four ministers, with a seniority and status that few others can match.
However, among so many ministers and distinguished elders, Wei Renpu's presence is really not strong. Especially after he resigned as prime minister, his reputation slipped like a river and took a sharp turn.
When others mention it, they may realize that these are the Twenty-Four Ministers, prominent nobles of the Han Dynasty, and veteran ministers of Emperor Liu. When others don't mention it, not many people care about it.
Even Emperor Liu, after so many years, has a feeling that he is gradually forgotten. Among the nobles, in terms of low-key and restrained, there is probably no one better than Wei Renpu.
Because of the turmoil last year, Wei Renpu also returned to Emperor Liu's sight again, not because someone in the Wei family had committed a crime, but after so many years, Emperor Liu had a sudden realization and was surprised by Wei Renpu's low profile. I can't help but wonder, what is Wei Renpu's state in these years?
When there is such a mentality, the attention to Wei Renpu naturally increases day by day...
