It was an early spring night, as cold as water. After visiting Concubine Gao, Emperor Liu came out of the Yaohua Palace and strolled through the Tokyo Palace. In the quiet and straight corridor, two beautiful palace maids carried palace lanterns and led the way with graceful gaits. The soft lights reflected the silhouettes of people.
Emperor Liu was walking and driving, his movements were natural, and he looked relaxed. His attention was not on the magnificent palace buildings around him. He had long been tired of seeing these things. Of course, he couldn't see anything at night.
Yantuo and Zhang Dejun, the two most powerful and famous eunuchs in the Han Dynasty, were following Emperor Liu step by step. Zhang Dejun had already changed his name. After the death of his adoptive father, he restored his original surname of Wang, renewed his family tree, and even found an ancestor for himself, the Taiyuan Wang family.
Moreover, when the name was changed to Zhang Dejun, he specifically asked Emperor Liu to give him a name. Considering the relationship between master and servant for many years and Zhang Dejun's contribution, Emperor Liu gave him the name Jirong. However, Zhang Dejun later went to court again and expressed sincerely that his current honor was entirely due to official favor, so he changed his name to Jien.
Therefore, the imperial envoy is now called Wang Jien. When others call him wrong, he will get angry and even scold him. Of course, Emperor Liu still habitually called him Zhang Dejun. Regarding this, he had another attitude. In Wang Jien's words, no matter what his surname was, he was a loyal servant of the official family.
Although Emperor Liu found Wang Jien's "loyalty and respect" expressions a bit ridiculous, he still felt good in his heart. This eunuch was always so considerate. At the same time, the name "Wang Jien" always feels familiar.
At this time, wandering in the night and slowly walking towards Chongzheng Hall, Emperor Liu clasped his hands behind his back and listened to Wang Jien's report with great interest.
"The prince has been working really hard these past few years. It's not easy. He is busy with political affairs on weekdays and rarely has free time. When he goes out for a walk, he actually becomes aware of the people's sentiments!" Emperor Liu said softly with a smile on his lips.
Judging from Emperor Liu's attitude, he was obviously very satisfied with the prince's performance of being close to the people. At least Liu Yang was practicing his will and following his teachings. After all, Emperor Liu said more than once that the country cannot be governed by memorials. The emperor cannot be trapped in the palace. His vision cannot be restricted by palace walls and the court. He needs to go out more. Take a walk and have a look.
Seeing that Emperor Liu was in a good mood, Wang Jien also complimented: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been diligent and caring for the people for more than ten years. He has conducted such personal inspections and learned from the official teachings. It is really admirable."
Hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately said: "What I have done is worthy of recognition. I am getting older now and can't walk anymore. If he can go out more for me, it's a good thing. He has done his part in filial piety!"
"The official body is in good health, and he can travel thousands of miles across rivers and mountains, so why should he say he is old?" Yan Tuo refused to lag behind Wang Jien and started to flatter him.
Emperor Liu smiled, waved his hand and said, "You don't need to show your clever words in front of me. How can you not know how my body is?"
After saying this, Yantuo couldn't help but look embarrassed. However, compliments cannot be short-lived. He has served Emperor Liu for so many years, and he also knows that if Emperor Liu says that he is old, he will definitely not be happy. It is his instinct to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, which is more important. , Yantuo understands it very well.
"Pick some supplements from the palace and send them to the prince. Send my greetings to him and ask him to pay more attention to his health!" Emperor Liu turned his head and ordered to Yantuo.
"yes!"
"Go now!" Emperor Liu demanded, regardless of whether it was late or not.
Although he really wanted to continue to serve Emperor Liu, especially when Wang Jien was also there, Yan Tuo dared not disobey Emperor Liu's order, so he bowed and left reluctantly.
Similarly, for Wang Jien, the removal of Yan Tuo was equivalent to the absence of an eyesore, so as not to affect his time alone with the officials. He was in a good mood, and there was even a little subtle smile on his lips.
"The prince is out on inspection today. Have you checked out all the scandalous things that he has discovered?" Emperor Liu asked with a hint of majesty in his words as his smile faded.
It is Wang Jien's instinct to observe facial expressions. When he saw this, he immediately became a little more cautious and said: "My subordinate detectives are already keeping an eye on those thieves who are breaking the law and causing chaos among the people!"
However, Emperor Liu's focus was obviously not on this aspect, and he said leisurely: "What are the responsibilities of you Imperial City Secretary?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Jien's heart almost rose to his throat, he lowered his eyelids and said respectfully: "I will broaden your eyes and ears for Your Majesty, detect unfavorable ministers, and stimulate public opinion."
"You remember it very clearly!" Emperor Liu said in an indifferent tone: "Then why, what I just reported has never been reported before? Aren't these the voices of the market and the public opinion in Tokyo? These things actually require the prince to go out in person You can only notice it if you wander around, so what are you people from the Imperial City Department doing?"
Emperor Liu said it calmly, but it was a huge shock to Wang Jien. A blush appeared on his fair face. He did not argue and shirk the blame, but directly apologized: "It was a small negligence, please forgive me! "
"Haha!" Emperor Liu chuckled and said, "Since you have neglected your duty, you should be punished. How do you think I should punish you?"
Wang Jien became even more nervous, but still gritted his teeth and said solemnly: "But it depends on the official's handling, I will never complain!"
"Of course I don't dare to complain. If I'm not convinced in my heart, how will I know?" Emperor Liu asked.
Hearing this, Wang Jien suddenly looked determined: "I am devoted to the official family wholeheartedly, and I am willing to express my sincerity to show my sincerity!"
Emperor Liu smiled: "It doesn't have to be so tragic, it's not like this."
"I would rather die than let the officials down!" Wang Jien choked up and almost shed tears.
Waving his hand, Emperor Liu said slowly: "It seems that the rectification of your Imperial City Department was not in place last time."
Affected by the incident at the Wude Division last year, the Imperial City Division failed to gain favor and was ordered by Emperor Liu to be rectified. However, the rectification work had previously been left to Wang Jien himself.
But now, Emperor Liu has grasped the situation again, and it is obviously impossible to get through it easily. When Wang Jien was worried and had not yet recovered, Emperor Liu spoke again: "I will arrange a deputy for you to help you straighten things out!"
This is going to be mixed with sand. Wang Jien suddenly had such an idea in his mind. Although he was very unhappy, he did not dare to hesitate at all. He cupped his hands and said: "Thank you for your concern, I will definitely cooperate with you!"
"Listen, I guess you don't mean what you said!" Emperor Liu said with a smile.
"Young ones don't dare!"
"Attendant Zhang Bin, what do you think?" Emperor Liu said calmly.
"Very good!" Wang Jien replied simply.
Of course, my mind was spinning rapidly, thinking about the origin of this person. Zhang Bin is one of the four permanent servants in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is responsible for some of the provincial affairs. Although he is not as good as Yan Tuo and Wang Jien, he can be regarded as the chief eunuch in the palace. The key is that he can often see Emperor Liu.
For Wang Jien, what he was more concerned about was his relationship with Zhang Bin. After thinking about it, he found that he had not had a deep relationship with Zhang Bin in the past, and there were no conflicts, but it was within the acceptable range.
Of course, the best thing would be to not have this transfer appointment, but Emperor Liu to make the decision, and Wang Jien would not dare to disobey it. What really worries him is that the officials seem to have the intention of reining in the Imperial City Division. That's it. Does the sign behind it mean that the officials no longer trust him as much as before?
Thinking about it carefully, Wang Jien was worried about gains and losses. His anxiety was palpable, and he even couldn't help but lose focus in front of Emperor Liu.
Emperor Liu ignored him and continued: "You should continue to collect these details about the people in Tokyo. I also like to hear them."
Suppressing the uneasiness in his heart, Wang Jien quickly said: "Yes!"
"Also, I will keep an eye on the shortcomings that the prince has discovered and the follow-up matters. I am also very curious about how they will develop." Emperor Liu said lightly: "Liu Jichang, as a governor, he has been too comfortable in the past year. After this incident, we can also see whether it is of any use to people."
(End of chapter)
