After leaving the palace gate of Chongde Hall, Wang Yue reported to Liu Yang in a low voice: "Your Highness, there is news from the palace. Your Majesty just issued an edict and sent Zheng Jing, the doctor of the Ministry of Rites, to prison!"
When Liu Yang heard this, he glanced at Wang Yue. Wang Yue subconsciously bowed down and followed him quietly. As the prince, Liu Yang had too many personnel and state affairs to worry about on weekdays. Although the rank of the doctor in the Ministry of Rites was not low, he was not worthy of Wang Yue's special report.
"Why?" Liu Yang asked.
Wang Yue responded cautiously: "It is said that Zheng Jingru sent a memorial to His Majesty, saying that the central palace has been vacant for a long time, which is not good for the country. I hope that Your Majesty can decide on the throne as soon as possible to calm the hearts of the people in the world..."
After listening to Wang Yue's explanation, Liu Yang couldn't help but slow down a bit. The hands under his sleeves subconsciously clenched his fists and said calmly: "What he said makes sense!"
Hearing this, Wang Yue became even more cautious and said, "Your Majesty reacted angrily, saying that this person had evil intentions, and sent guards to imprison him to await further action!"
In today's Han court, if there is something taboo, the queen's position will definitely bear the brunt. After the death of Queen Fu, Emperor Liu issued an order to seal off the Kunming Palace in the two capitals. As for the establishment of another queen, he did not show the slightest intention.
Of course, it's not that no one has mentioned it. Before Song Qi resigned as prime minister, she made a roundabout statement. As a result, she was severely reprimanded by Emperor Liu. From then on, no one dared to mention it again.
The dignitaries inside and outside the palace also understood Emperor Liu's feelings for Empress Fu. Even if they had thoughts in their hearts, they did not dare to discuss the matter anymore. Now, the palace has been ownerless for nearly two years.
However, I never thought that suddenly, another "warrior" would appear, bringing up old matters again, and even speaking out about Chen Zuo, but Emperor Liu's reaction was still so fierce.
As the son of Empress Fu, Liu Yang naturally had a firm attitude towards this matter. Except for his mother, no woman in the world was qualified to be a mother to the world.
Therefore, one can imagine the annoyance in his heart when he heard that someone once again proposed to Emperor Liu that he should be enthroned in the palace. After pondering for a while, Liu Yang asked, "Let's go check it out. What's the origin of Zheng Jingru?"
After hearing the question, Wang Yue reported directly: "Your Highness, Zheng Jingru is one of the twenty-three Jinshi in the tenth year of Kaibao. He once served in Hedong and Shanyang, and was a government official in the Jin Dynasty..."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yang frowned immediately and turned his head to look at Wang Yue with a hesitant look on his face and a scrutinizing look, as if he was surprised by his high efficiency and seemed to be thinking about the story behind the matter.
"Third brother?" Liu Yang murmured in a low voice, "You shouldn't..."
"Your Highness, you should be vigilant about this matter!" Wang Yue said with cupped hands.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yang immediately scolded in a cold voice: "What do you mean by this? Is this what you should say?"
"You're too talkative! Your Highness, please forgive me!" Wang Yue looked panicked and hurriedly bent down and said awkwardly.
"Go and greet Mr. Zhao first!" Liu Yang slowly withdrew his gaze, regained his composure, and waved his hand.
At the moment, King Liu Xi of Jin and King Liu Fang of Zhao are both in the capital. The former is in charge of civil affairs and is also assigned to inspect various places. One is in charge of government and the other is in the army. He will return at the beginning of the year.
Among the princes, dragons and grandsons in Beijing, except for Liu Yang, they obviously regard these two as the most noble. And if Emperor Liu really wants to establish a queen, the current situation in the harem is that there are only three people who are qualified, Concubine Gao Gui, Concubine Zhe Xian and Concubine Fu Hui.
However, although the little concubine Fu Hui's surname was Fu, she still couldn't compete with the first two. In the past, if Liu Yang was the son who was more valuable than the mother, then after the new queen was established, the mother would be more valuable than the son.
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In addition to being influenced by Empress Fu's deep feelings, protecting the prince and maintaining his status was also one of his motives. This time Zheng Jing was sent to prison, and Emperor Liu's reaction proved that his thoughts remained the same as before and had not changed.
However, Liu Yang himself could not take Emperor Liu's love and care for granted. No matter how deep the relationship was, it would inevitably become indifferent as the years went by. Emperor Liu could persist for two years, and he could persist for five or ten years. ? Liu Yang also had a deep understanding of the changeable thoughts of Emperor Liu.
Therefore, even if Wang Yue didn't say anything, he was still vigilant and alert about the incident reported by Zheng Jingru. However, he had doubts about this matter. Although it seemed that Zheng Jingru had the background of Jin Wang Liu Xi, Liu Yang couldn't help but doubt that with his understanding of Liu Xi, it would be impossible for him to do something so obvious and stupid.
Is this Zheng Jingru's ignorance and his own initiative, or is there someone instigating it? With Liu Xi's shrewdness, even if he had an idea in mind, he would not make such a superficial decision and only cause fear. If it is Concubine Gao...this is somewhat possible! Or, is there an ambush behind the scenes?
With all kinds of speculations, Liu Yang met up with Jin Wang Liu Xi, who was also under the imperial edict, and looked at him with a more speculative look. Liu Xi, on the other hand, also frowned deeply after hearing about Zheng Jingru. Facing Liu Yang's strange gaze, he also felt a little more wary.
Then they called the heads of the central ministries and important officials, and with great fanfare, the group headed to Dingding Gate in Nancheng to greet Zhao Pu.
There are not many people in the government who can afford such courtesy. When the car stopped and the servants lined up to support him, Zhao Pu went down to the ground and stepped on the ground of the capital. Looking at the majestic Luoyang City Wall in the distance, the Qianyuan Hall in Ziwei City was so awe-inspiring, but Zhao Pu felt a little excited: Big man, your old prime minister is back!
There is no need to go into detail about the meeting and greetings. He entered the palace with the prince and the king of Jin to meet the emperor. Emperor Liu received Zhao Pu in the Chui Gong Hall and dismissed the other ministers, leaving only the prince and the king of Jin Liu Xi to accompany him.
This old guy takes good care of himself! This was the first thought that came to Emperor Liu's mind when he saw Zhao Pu again. Zhao Pu was nearly ten years older than Emperor Liu, but he looked energetic and had a childlike face. Although his hair was gray, his old eyes were still bright. God, I don’t see the turbidity of ordinary old people.
"It seems that this water town in the south of the Yangtze River really supports people!" Emperor Liu took Zhao Pu's hand, looked Zhao Pu over, and said in an old tone, "I haven't seen you for two years, but you still have your charm!"
"Jiangyin is a land of plenty, with beautiful scenery and harmonious people. It is indeed a treasured place for retirement!" Zhao Pu smiled and said very naturally.
Hearing this, Emperor Liu waved his fingers twice and said with a smile: "I am a little tempted and want to visit the south of the Yangtze River! Back then, the southern tour stopped in Jiangning. The Queen Mother died and had to turn back. Now, there are about Twenty years of spring and autumn, time flies by so quickly, it’s really sad..."
After a brief exchange of greetings, the monarch and his ministers took their seats, and the ladies served tea. Looking at Zhao Pu who was sitting on the seat with his waist still straight, Emperor Liu sighed again and couldn't help but think of the scene when Zhao Pu approached him.
After taking a sip of tea, he put down the tea cup and looked at Zhao Pu. Emperor Liu asked leisurely: "When you were the Prime Minister of the court, you always had a close relationship with me. I just don't know if you have had a tacit understanding with me during these two years of hiding from the world." Reduce. Do you know my intention of calling you back to the capital this time?"
Upon hearing the question, Zhao Pu looked as usual, thought for a moment, bowed his hands, and said, "I would venture to guess that it's about tax reform!"
Just for a moment, Emperor Liu felt that Zhao Pu's performance when he returned to Beijing this time was a little more indifferent and his mentality was very peaceful. Compared with his cautious and steady behavior when dealing with him in the court, the change was small. It was subtle, but Emperor Liu still felt it.
With a slight smile on his lips, Emperor Liu said: "Zhao Zeping, it's still Zhao Zeping, he knows the elegant meaning when he hears the string song! In this case, I won't be long-winded and will get straight to the point.
I intend to implement tax reform, and I am aware of the difficulties involved. But when I actually started it, I discovered that it is also trivial and troublesome. This matter concerns the people of the world and the country.
I don’t know if old diseases can be cured with new medicines, and I don’t know if new diseases will arise, but I have decided to change them.
. This important task cannot be shouldered by ordinary people. You have taken good care of yourself in Jiangyin, but I don’t know if you are willing to live in Zaitang again to help me cure this world-wide disease! "
Hearing Emperor Liu's question, Zhao Pu slowly stood up, his face too solemn, but without the slightest hesitation: "As long as you have orders, there will be no excuses!"
"Okay!" Seeing Zhao Pu's straightforwardness, Emperor Liu couldn't help but pat his thigh: "You are indeed the pillar of the country. You have come to serve the country and worked tirelessly. I am very pleased!"
After saying that, Emperor Liu ordered: "Pass the imperial edict, pay homage to Xunyang Marquis Zhao Pu as the Secretary, add a bachelor to the cabinet, and fully preside over the affairs of the political hall!"
"Wait a minute!" Zhao Pu spoke up at this time, interrupting Emperor Liu's excited Xu Guan.
Emperor Liu was not angry and asked with a smile: "Does Zhao Qing have any concerns? Or does he have any requirements?"
Zhao Pu bowed deeply and said calmly: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, reforms have often encountered obstacles from all aspects. These obstacles need to be removed, and the executors need to have sufficient authority. Otherwise, orders cannot be implemented and prohibitions cannot be stopped. No matter how good the policy is, it will not be possible." It will be difficult to achieve good results, and the reform will eventually become a mere formality..."
Emperor Liu naturally understood what Zhao Pu meant. Although he was a little surprised by such a straightforward request for power, Emperor Liu felt much more at ease. After thinking about it for a moment, he chuckled and said, "What Zhao Qing said makes sense! Since ancient times, changes have been made. There are successes and failures, but losers not only face obstacles and counterattacks from all levels of interests, but the more critical factor is the weak will and inconsistency of those in power!
I will leave my words here today. I will give my full support to the tax reform. Please go ahead and go ahead. All personnel matters involved will be handled by you. I have no objection! "
"I obey the imperial edict!" Seeing Emperor Liu's statement, Zhao Pu bowed again and said firmly.
"I also found a helper for you!" Emperor Liu pointed to Liu Xi who was sitting beside him: "The King of Jin, Liu Xi, has taken up the post of Minister Zuopushe to assist the Minister of Ling and comprehensively promote the tax reform!"
As soon as this order came out, Liu Xi was surprised, Liu Yang frowned, and Zhao Pu rarely changed his expression. His eyes swept across the father and son, and he quickly regained his composure.
For Zhao Pu, he no longer needs to worry about being the crown prince. He has reached his age and his political career will only be in the era of Emperor Liu. Regardless of whether the person who ascends the throne in the future is a prince or not, he will not have his position. .
