Slowly putting down the memorial in her hand, Song Qi raised her eyes to look at Zhao Kuangzan and asked, "Has your Majesty made up his mind?"
Zhao Kuangzan picked up the milk tea served by the maid, took a sip, and replied: "If I hadn't made up my mind, I wouldn't have told you this memorial!"
Hearing this, Song Qi smiled and said in a self-deprecating tone. : "This is true. Your Majesty is right. I am indeed an old fool!"
In his dismissal edict to Song Qi, Emperor Liu used two words to describe Song Qi. One was that she was old and confused, and the other was that she was dim-witted and not polite at all.
In the past, during the personnel transfers among the successive prime ministers of the Han Dynasty, whether it was deposing or delegating, Emperor Liu would show full respect and maintain a basic dignity. When he arrived at Song Qi's place, things were obviously different. He didn't save any face, and the reason was rather far-fetched. It was a bit like punishing him without guilt. It almost made it clear to the world that Emperor Liu was not satisfied with Song Qi, so he dismissed him.
Of course, Yang Bin and Su Fengji, the two founding prime ministers, are not included. Those two were the victims of Emperor Liu's actions to rectify the court situation and strengthen the imperial power. They needed to be deterred by serious crimes, and at the same time, they were easier to bully.
For Song Qi, the situation during this period was really embarrassing. At least in the eyes of most people, he was treated unfairly. As for Song Qi, even if she had some concerns in her heart, when things came to a close, she would inevitably feel more grievances and sentimentality when mentioning them.
"You and I have known each other for many years, so there is no need to pretend to be humble in front of me! Now that the matter is over, you can enjoy your old age in peace, so there is no need to worry too much!" Seeing Song Qi's performance, Zhao Kuangzan suddenly felt a little sad in his heart and spoke. While explaining, change the subject: "What do you think of my glossary?"
"Is your Majesty willing?" Hearing this, Song Qi asked instead without answering.
Zhao Kuangzan was silent for a moment and sighed: "I have to give up!"
Saying that, Zhao Kuangzan stated his considerations truthfully: "To be fair, your Majesty has been extremely kind to my Zhao family. My father and son both served the Khitan and were their minions, invading the Central Plains. When the Han Dynasty was first established, He once opposed the imperial court.
As for later on, my father and son sat in Youzhou and submitted to the imperial court. It was only due to the current situation that we had to do it. Unlike those ministers who followed His Majesty the Great Ancestor out of Hedong, my father and son were actually second ministers. Even compared with those capable ministers and talents who surrendered and were promoted in the later period, they were still a little distant.
I am very grateful to Your Majesty for not remembering old past, being tolerant and treating me with great kindness. However, if my family takes it for granted and does not know how to cherish blessings and restrain them, disaster will not be far away.
As Chu Bao said, Your Majesty is old, respectable, and equally terrifying. Even a wise minister like you has to take such risky measures to protect himself, let alone my Zhao family? "
After a pause, Zhao Kuangzan continued: "Back then, in order to appease Youzhou, His Majesty promised to let me, Zhao Jiayong, control Youzhou. Now that I think about it, such a promise is really terrible and has too many hidden dangers.
After the first Northern Expedition, You Yan returned to the imperial court, and all the civil and military troops under his command were dismantled. I also returned to the imperial court with your majesty. To tell you the truth, although His Majesty was very courteous at that time, I was prepared to be imprisoned.
Fortunately, His Majesty is magnanimous and has never abandoned his promise. He is even relied upon in court affairs and dares to exercise real power. Because of this, I became less cautious.”
Having said this, Zhao Kuangzan glanced at Song Qi, took another sip of hot milk, and said: "A king is so prominent in the world and is envied by others, and I often feel proud of it. After all, there are only a few kings with different surnames in the entire Han Dynasty. Lord?
However, in recent years, I have become increasingly overwhelmed by the weight of this crown! Just think about it, Your Majesty is extremely cautious even in conferring titles on the princes, and has never made him a king rashly, let alone us?
In the past, in order to win over meritorious officials, no one knew how he felt about us now. "
"At the beginning, the King of Xiangyang took the initiative to resign as king. Come to think of it, even if his feelings and considerations are different from mine, there will not be much difference!" Zhao Kuang praised: "Compared with An Shouzhong, I My reaction has been slow. After thinking about it, instead of being overwhelmed by this king, it is better to abandon it and return it to His Majesty for the sake of Chang'an. Your current experience has also strengthened my idea!"
After hearing Zhao Kuangzan's heartfelt words, Song Qi cupped her hands and said, "Your Majesty, you have a thorough understanding of this matter, and it is really admirable to have such consideration!"
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan immediately smiled, waved his hand and said: "Where does the measure come from? I just grow old and worry too much, and my courage has become smaller!"
When he said this, Zhao Kuangzan's eyes were clear and his face was relaxed. Today's conversation seemed to bring back memories of the past. Zhao Kuangzan said with emotion: "I, Zhao Kuangzan, have been an extraordinary person in my life. When I was in my twenties, I was just living in Fangjie Town, traveling around the world with my old father, and galloping around the Central Plains!
When he was less than thirty years old, he took charge of a party and took charge of Youyan. Although he did not benefit the people under his rule, he did his best to fight against the Northern invaders and had little merit. I have enjoyed power, status, fame and wealth to my heart's content, and I have no regrets in this life!
Nowadays, my health is getting weaker and weaker. Although I have enjoyed enough, I also need to think more about my children and grandchildren. There is not much I can do, and I have left them a large amount of property, which is enough for them to enjoy for several lifetimes. Before I die, I take this last step as a consideration for their safety."
Seeing Zhao Kuangzan's emotional expression and sensing his sadness, Song Qi sighed: "Your Majesty, you really have good intentions!"
Zhao Kuangzan actually raised his hand and wiped the corners of his eyes, which were wet with tears, and said apologetically to Song Qi: "You are so sentimental, I made Chu Bao laugh!"
"The king is serious!" Song Qi said.
After pondering for a moment, Zhao Kuangzan asked: "Do you think His Majesty will approve this performance?"
Song Qi shook her head and said, "I don't know! The power of God is unpredictable!"
"Then should I submit it to the palace?" Zhao Kuangzan asked again, adding by the way: "I also communicated with the King of Xiangyang, and he prepared another charter for resignation!"
Upon hearing this, Song Qi's face changed slightly, and she immediately said solemnly: "This is the only thing that the king needs to remember, and you must not present it together with the King of Xiangyang!"
Zhao Kuangzan was stunned for a moment, then realized what he was saying, frowning and saying: "That's right! I didn't think it through, otherwise, I'm afraid I would arouse His Majesty's suspicion again!"
After saying that, Zhao Kuangzan laughed a few more times and said to Song Qi: "This matter has been agreed, and a big piece of my heart has been removed. I haven't drank for a long time, and Chu Bao came to the house today. He was very happy, so I made an exception and went with him. I’ll have a drink.”
As he spoke, Zhao Kuangzan coughed heavily again, his face turning red. Seeing this, Song Qi showed concern and advised: "I am very grateful for your kindness, your Majesty, but please follow the doctor's orders."
Zhao Kuangzan waved his hand: "Whether you listen to the doctor's orders or not depends entirely on your mood. You Song Qi is here, so you can forget about it! Come on, go to the hall, I have ordered people to prepare food and wine!"
The two of them walked hand in hand. Zhao Kuangzan was still leaning on the cane, looking like a twilight man, but his words were still relaxed: "By the way, Chu Bao, you have been an official for so many years and are busy with government affairs. I'm afraid you haven't accumulated much property. Your mansion is shabby, crowded, and uninhabitable. It’s time to change it!
I used to run an officialdom, but now I have retired and have some free time, so it’s time to enjoy myself! Nowadays, all the high officials and nobles are going overseas. I'm afraid you also know the benefits.
In the past, I would have caused you trouble and failed to fulfill my intention. In this case, I will transfer a few ships to you. Don't refuse, this can be regarded as a thank you gift. I am not old enough. From now on, if I need help with the Zhao family's affairs, please take care of me."
