Although Emperor Liu never explicitly designated a prime minister after Zhao Pu resigned as prime minister, the political hall's operating mechanism for decades was destined to need a leader, a character who could make the final decision.
In Emperor Liu's original conception, this power was to be firmly in the hands of the emperor, and this role should also be the emperor. However, in the past 20 years, even he himself has been a little lazy in politics, let alone the emperors of later generations. .
During the years when Zhao Pu was in power, the power of the prime minister had actually eroded the monarch's power and caused harm. The lofty prestige that Emperor Liu had only meant that when he perceived the threat, he had enough strength and confidence to eliminate the threat. Or eliminate the person who created the threat.
The power of the monarch and the power of the prime minister are also in a relationship of ebb and flow. After Zhao Pu dismissed the prime minister, the highest decision-making power of the imperial court was basically taken back by Emperor Liu. At the same time, part of it was transferred to the prince, and the decision-making power that the prime minister of the Political Affairs Hall could retain has been Very few anymore.
Prime ministers like Song Qi are more responsible for following orders. They have opportunities to participate and make suggestions, but they have no power to make decisions. But even so, Song Qi still acted as the first assistant to the prime minister in the actual administration, but it was not confirmed in name, but many people regarded Song Qi as Zhao Pu with less power and influence.
[It has been running stably for many years. It is comparable to the old version of the book-chasing artifact, and is used by old bookworms, huanyuan.]
As for this kind of identity, Zhao Kuangyi naturally yearns for it, and it is what he strives for. As an honorable minister, he has already been guaranteed glory and wealth. He has been an official for more than 20 years and has always worked hard and never slackened off. He can be said to strictly restrain himself. What he pursues is nothing more than power and reputation. Now, Zhao Kuangyi seems to have seen hope. .
If so, under normal circumstances, he might have to wait until Song Qi retires. With Song Qi's body, it will take some years. But now that this situation has arisen, Song Qi will bring disaster upon herself and be dismissed from her position. The way forward seems to be It became smooth and smooth in an instant.
Among the ministers such as Song Qi and Zhao Kuangyi, there is no need to consider the military and political system. Regardless of Han Tong or Liu Tinghan, there is basically no possibility of being the first assistant. What's more, with the return of the three princes to Beijing, there will be major adjustments in the military and political aspects.
As for the rest, Wang Zhu took advantage of his early debut, seniority, and being around Emperor Liu. In fact, Zhao Kuangyi didn't think highly of this person. With such deep qualifications and connections, it would be better for him, Zhao Kuangyi, , has reached the top a long time ago, he is not just a financial envoy, and he can't even understand the affairs of the financial secretary, Shen Yilun needs to worry about everything.
Shen Yilun is young and virtuous, but he is also very old and does not pose a threat at all. He is just waiting to get into office smoothly, land safely, and go home to retire.
On the other hand, Lu Duan, who was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, was a figure, and anyone who could "just do it" would not be an ordinary person. However, this person behaved too ordinary on weekdays and was despised by many courtiers. Emperor Liu was able to make an exception and promote Lu Mengzheng to Luoyang Prefecture, but if Lu Duan was promoted to the top of the hundred officials, it would be absolutely difficult for the internal and external officials to accept it, and they would probably consider it more carefully...
Thinking of this, Zhao Kuangyi suddenly felt that he had great advantages. Regardless of his status, ability, and qualifications, who else could he be as "Zhao Er"? Is there anyone in the court who is more suitable to govern than him? ….
Probably because of caring and caring, his heart was filled with ups and downs. Without Changping, Zhao Kuangyi ignored many things. The arrangement that Emperor Liu took over extinguished the fire in his heart.
The words were addressed to the prince Liu Yang: "You are now in charge of the government, and your affairs are heavy, and you still need the help of good ministers. Song Qi was a qualified auxiliary minister, and he handled things thoughtfully and properly. Unfortunately, he came to Hutu because of his old age, and his mind has become unclear."
In this way, I will transfer Li Fang back to assist you. It will be more convenient for you, master and disciple, to cooperate. Speaking of which, it has been more than ten years since Li Fang went to Beijing, and it’s time to come back! "
Hearing Emperor Liu's decision, Zhao Kuangyi's face stiffened slightly. How could he forget about Li Fang? That was Liu Yang's teacher and the future emperor's master. The relationship was far deeper than ordinary people imagined. What's more, even if you don't mention this relationship, Li Fang himself is a veteran of the court. Apart from his age, Zhao Kuangyi really couldn't think of any advantages he had.
However, Zhao Kuangyi's palace was very deep, and he quickly stabilized his mind and recovered as before. So what if Li Fang is replaced? Both sides are suffering, and Li Fang is almost sixty years old. He is not as good as Zhao Xianggong, who was in his prime in the Spring and Autumn Period, and with Emperor Liu's temperament.
.....
Suddenly thinking of something, Zhao Kuangyi subconsciously raised his head and glanced at Emperor Liu. Although he couldn't see anything, he couldn't help but feel flustered by the direction of his guess.
As for Liu Yang, his mood was a bit mixed. He admired and respected Song Qi, but not as much as his teacher. It was a relationship of mutual trust that lasted for decades. What's more, when Dengwen Gugu was found, Li Fang was implicated and sent to another place, which he could not recover. Liu Yang already had a little guilt in his heart. Therefore, Liu Yang was naturally happy when Liu Fang returned to the court and became prime minister, but this It's just not easy to show it at this moment.
Emperor Liu naturally didn't care what Liu Yang and Liu Yang thought, and continued, "Shen Yilun has asked me several times to retire and return to his hometown, but I have never agreed. However, considering Shen Qing's old age, I also It’s time for him to have a healthy old age and become an official with the title of Minister. He has served the country for more than thirty years. It’s not easy. Now that he has returned with honor, he should receive the treatment he deserves. The prince will personally supervise this matter!”
"yes!"
"Also, Qing Shen is old, and the Financial Secretary also needs to recruit an official. Wang You, the Northwest Transport Envoy, is experienced in handling matters and is good at arithmetic. He can take over. He can serve as deputy financial envoy in the court. The order can be issued immediately!" Emperor Liu Said again.
"yes!"
The three of them, Liu Yang and others, have become yes men. At the same time, if it was only vaguely felt before, it is now almost certain that Emperor Liu will regain power. These successive personnel arrangements are the most obvious sign.
"I'm tired!" Emperor Liu rubbed his forehead and said, "You all should step aside and go back to your own duties!"
"yes!"
"Your Majesty, please stay!" At the end of the day, Emperor Liu persuaded him to stay.
Liu Yang and Zhao Kuangyi glanced at Wang Zhu, who also looked surprised, bowed and slowly retreated. Emperor Liu looked at Liu Yang's back calmly until he disappeared outside the palace.
Just as Zhao Kuangyi suspected, another test was about to fall on the prince. Under normal circumstances, with the relationship between Li Fang and the prince, it is impossible for Li Fang to return to the political hall and take charge of power. That would not be conducive to the balance of power.
Now, after the prince has been in power for many years, he has transferred back Li Fang, a highly respected and capable Taifu, and allowed the master and apprentice to join forces. Wouldn't it be possible to control the affairs of the Han Dynasty? ….
On the other hand, Emperor Liu made another move to seize power. The word power was too tempting, and the fight for imperial power became even more cruel and dangerous. In the past, Emperor Liu was willing to delegate power, so of course nothing could be seen. Everything was stable. Now that Emperor Liu is about to take back power, it is difficult to say whether Liu Yang is willing to hand over power and take a step back...
As for Emperor Liu, he had to see if Liu Yang had the patience. Emperor Liu was generally satisfied with Liu Yang. Although he did not agree with his character and ideas, it was not unacceptable.
Most of the time, Emperor Liu was sure that Liu Yang could successfully inherit the Han Empire he founded. However, due to the suspicion that penetrated into his bones, he could not help but to toss and test, and for what purpose? , sometimes Emperor Liu himself felt confused...
Emperor Liu's thoughtful expression, I have to say, is still a bit scary. With no one accompanying him, Wang felt even more uneasy staying down there alone. When he was at a loss what to do, Emperor Liu finally turned his head, focused on him, and asked slowly: "What do you think about the personnel adjustments in the imperial court?"
Upon hearing the question, Wang Zhu was stunned for a moment, confusion flashed in his eyes, and he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have no thoughts, I just obey the order and do it!"
"Idiot!" Upon seeing this, Emperor Liu couldn't help but cursed angrily: "Idiots don't have any feelings! I see you are getting bigger and bigger as an official, but people are getting better and better! The Financial Secretary can't even care about it! Okay, I still need Shen Yilun to fill in the gaps, so what do I need from you? Is the Han Dynasty’s finances just a decoration? Is it something to put on the table and make people laugh? "
What he said was a bit serious. The king was confused and his legs went weak. He knelt down and apologized: "Your Majesty, I am old and foolish and neglect my duties. I have failed your Majesty. Please forgive me. Please punish me. I only hope to protect your Majesty." Body, don’t let the old minister’s ignorance and disobedience build up your anger!”
After listening to Wang Zhu's words, Emperor Liu's anger subsided a little. He stared at him and sighed: "Whether you are in the prefecture, county or Taoist government, haven't you always done a good job? Why did you come to Beijing? towards,
Go to the palace to pay homage to the prime minister, but do nothing and have no merit? "
Wang Zhu heard the words and said blankly: "I have little talent and little virtue. I owe my present glory to your majesty for your appreciation and promotion. I am a small-time talent who can hardly reach the level of elegance. I have disappointed your majesty..."
"You can manage Jiangnan Road well, but you can't manage a financial secretary?" Emperor Liu asked.
Wang Zhu was silent for a moment, but he still had the awe-inspiring look on his face. He cupped his hands and said, "It is unworthy of virtue and will be detrimental to the country and the people. I am willing to abdicate in favor of the worthy!"
"Did you give up the power of the state at your own request?" Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu became even more angry. He even slapped the royal eucalyptus with a look of anger on his face.
The king knelt in front of the emperor, feeling the emperor's anger. He could not help but tremble, and buried his head deeply: "Your Majesty, calm down! I obey your Majesty's will!"
Going around and around, and back again... and seeing Wang Zhu's "I'm lying flat" look on his face, Emperor Liu couldn't help but frown. The last person who gave him this feeling was the king. Uncle Li Ye.
What Emperor Liu was puzzled about was that although Wang Zhu was not a great talent, he was a Jinshi and had outstanding talents. In the past thirty years, he had always been diligent and done a lot of practical things when he was in the local government. , even Jiangnan, who was originally appointed, could handle it properly. It was precisely after he returned to Beijing to serve as the financial envoy that he gradually changed.
It was good at first, but in the past two years, people have become more and more ignorant, restrained and submissive, and have "evolved" to a corpse-like meal. Such changes made Emperor Liu very puzzled. What is the problem?
Looking at the king at this time, Emperor Liu really had the urge to issue an edict to remove him, but he restrained himself. If three prime ministers were dismissed in one day, the movement would be too big, and fools might think it was a coup.
Now, I have just returned to Luoyang, and there are a lot of trivial troubles in the court. Song Qi's resignation can already cause a lot of turmoil, so don't add fuel to the fire and add more trouble...
However, Emperor Liu still rarely had a little more patience with Wang Zhu: "I just ask you, can you do a good job as financial envoy?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhu hesitated for a moment, and then said with a solemn face: "I will do my best!".
Mi Muli
