Compared with people with insufficient status, as the prime minister of the Han Dynasty, the information Zhao Pu received was much more reliable and accurate, and Emperor Liu's speech was presented to him verbatim.
Regarding the content, Zhao Pu did not find much surprise. Many of them were commonplaces. Emperor Liu also revealed a lot of things to Zhao Pu in daily exchanges. He was also a little surprised that Emperor Liu would be so "frank and forthright", but what really silenced Zhao Pu was It was a meeting of the Court of Meritorious Ministers, but there was no such thing as him as the current Prime Minister.
Except for him and Lu Duan, all the seven prime ministers of the Political Affairs Hall were invited. Even Zhao Kuangyi went. Not to mention the bonus of the Prime Minister's status, in any case, Zhao Pu was still the Marquis of Xunyang granted by the emperor, and he was also a serious nobleman, but he was "missed" by Emperor Liu.
Until now, it was difficult for Zhao Pu to guess what Emperor Liu was thinking. The old emperor's thoughts were so changeable in his later years that even Zhao Pu, who was as clever as Zhao Pu, could not accurately grasp the pulse gate.
The difference in treatment in this matter may only be because in Emperor Liu's mind, Zhao Pu was not a member of the noble group. He was still the bureaucratic leader of the Han Dynasty and the spokesperson of the common people and landlord class in the world, even though Zhao Pu had done a lot that went against his own class interests. things...
Today, Zhao Pu is still on duty in the Guangzheng Hall and the Political Hall. After the broad announcement, Zhao Pu read through the memorials submitted by the drivers of various ministries and the state governments. His movements were very slow, not at all as efficient as usual, and he looked worried. Heavy look.
"Ms. Sir!" A slightly respectful call brought Zhao Pu back to his senses. He looked up and saw that it was Shangshu Zuo Cheng Yingzhi.
Yingzhi was a Jinshi in the first year of Kaibao. His articles were excellent and he was forthright in giving advice. After becoming an official, he compiled books in the three bureaus, served as censor in the Imperial Palace, and later served in various places. Although he was not outstanding, A blockbuster political move, but he is still a good minister who is upright, experienced and down-to-earth.
After Zhao Pu paid homage to the prime minister for the second time, he eliminated some "mediocre" people in the court and also promoted many talented officials to fill the ministries. One of them was Yingzhi, who was transferred to the Shangshu Province to assist Zhao Pu handles daily government affairs.
This is also what Zhao Pu has been criticized for in the past two years. The most common attack on him is cultivating party members and nepotism. Of course, in fact, although the people promoted by Zhao Pu had background considerations, they were mostly based on their talents. Many newly promoted bureaucrats did not have much interest or even contact with Zhao Pu, and Yingzhi was one of them.
"What's the matter?" Zhao Pu asked without being very interested.
Yingzhi presented a chapter and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, this is the money, weapons, ships and various military supplies requested by the Ministry of War for the Nanyang Fleet. I looked at it and found that the amount was quite huge. The money alone is One million guan is required, and it is said that this is the first batch proposed to be allocated by the Privy Council and the Ministry of War..."
Zhao Pu's expression became more serious. He took the memorial, looked at it twice, put it down, thought about it for a moment, and then ordered: "I have sent you the document, so please follow it!"
"Ms. Sir!" Hearing this, Yingzhi couldn't help but said solemnly: "In the past six months, the imperial court has allocated three batches of military supplies to the Anxi Army, spending millions and 20,000 ding. Now, another large sum of money has been sent to Anxi Army. The Nanyang transfer is too heavy a burden for the imperial court!"
How could Zhao Pu not know the concerns of these ministers? However, looking at the worried Ying Zhi, Zhao Pu did not explain much, but asked: "Did you hear what His Majesty said in the Meritorious Ministers Pavilion?"
[In view of the general environment,
Upon hearing this, Yingzhi nodded: "I also heard some rumors!"
Zhao Pu waved his hands and said: "Since you have heard about it, can you still not see clearly the direction of the court? Your Majesty's resolution has not yet achieved results, and who can stop it before disaster occurs?"
"My Lord, I dare not agree with this statement!" Yingzhi said sternly.
"I heard that you have been an official for nearly thirty years, but why are you so angry at the book business?" Seeing this, Zhao Pu smiled and said, "If you have any advice, you can present it to His Majesty, but the affairs of the imperial court should be treated as It still has to be done, no discounts allowed!"
As he spoke, Zhao Pu sighed again: "Now it is Han Hui who is in charge of the Han's money bag. Whether the burden is heavy or not, and whether he can allocate funds, it is up to him to weigh it. If you are not in charge, don't worry too much!"
Yingzhi opened her mouth to speak, but Zhao Pu blocked it with his hand and said, "Don't mention this matter anymore!"
Yingzhi was silent for a moment, then cupped her hands and said, "Yes!"
Seeing that he still stood there, Zhao Pu asked again, "Is there anything else?"
Yingzhi hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer and whispered: "I heard a piece of news by chance. It's hard to tell whether it's true or not. I don't know whether to tell it or not!"
As soon as these words came out, how could Zhao Pu not notice the abnormality? He nodded slightly and said, "What makes you so cautious? Let's talk about it first!"
Yingzhi lowered his head and said, "Someone from the Metropolitan Procuratorate seems to be investigating Chuzhou's lies in reporting taxes and taxes..."
When Zhao Pu heard this, his face was still stable, but his eyes were sharp for a moment, exuding a dangerous aura. It would be fine if it were anyone else. His son Zhao Chengzong was the current magistrate of Chuzhou, so he had to be wary of the conspiracy behind it.
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Pu smiled and said to Ying Zhi: "Don't believe everything you hear!"
Seeing this, Yingzhi bowed his hands and said solemnly: "I just want to remind you about this matter. Please be careful!"
Seeing Yingzhi's frankness, Zhao Pu nodded and uttered two words: "Thank you!"
"Your Majesty, please resign!"
After Yingzhi left, Zhao Pu's old face immediately became gloomy, and all the wrinkles on his face showed up in an instant. It was groundless, so naturally Zhao Pu would not take Yingzhi's reminder seriously.
Xiang Zhuang's sword dance was aimed at Pei Gong, and the matter was in Chuzhou. The target of the spear may still be pointed at himself, but where did the Metropolitan Procuratorate have the courage to target him, Mr. Zhao? Who is behind it? This requires some investigation, Zhao Pu thought to himself.
...
"Guan family, Prince Jin is here!" Yantuo whispered to Emperor Liu who was taking a lunch break in front of the Chui Gong Palace.
The sun was just right, and the sunlight was very comfortable on his body. Emperor Liu lazily curled up on the lounge chair. When he heard the sound, he didn't open his eyes and just replied perfunctorily: "Let him come over!"
Soon, Liu Xi came over, carefully standing on the other side so as not to affect Emperor Liu's sunbathing. Emperor Liu finally opened his eyes, glanced at the respectful Liu Xi, and asked, "They sent your eldest brother away?"
Liu Xi nodded and reported, "The eldest brother and the fourteenth younger brother have already set off to go north to the country."
"They're all gone..." Emperor Liu fell silent upon hearing this, and sighed sadly, with a rare hint of reluctance in his old eyes.
It is already March. In the past two months, the most important task of the imperial court has been to prepare for the feudal state. The dispatch of officials, the establishment of the national system, military arrangements, and the transportation of materials. The affairs are complicated and the personnel are busy. A big battle is not far behind.
Of course, the focus is still on Raoleguo, Anxi, and Nanyang, especially the latter two aspects. Because Liu Shu's Linyi (Xinchu) was feudalized relatively early, he had relatively ample time and was fully prepared in all aspects. As for Anton, let alone it, it was almost only in name. Emperor Liu's feudal edict was only a formal fulfillment. Just a formality.
And now, King Liu Yun of Qi and Duke Liu Xiao of Liang have followed Guo Liangping south to Annan Road, and Liu Shu has also gone to the feudal country with his retainers, slaves, officials and two thousand soldiers prepared by the court for him.
Zhao Wang Liu Fang and Liang Gong Liu had already set off for Anxi in February. As for today, King Liu Xu of Andong and King Liu Xin of Rao Le went north to visit the country. Emperor Liu specially asked King Liu Xi of Jin to see them off on his behalf.
Emperor Liu was always like this. When people were around, he wanted to drive them far away, and even didn't want people to stay for a long time. Once the people left, his love for licking the calves took over again.
"Now that I'm gone, I don't know if there will be a chance to meet again..." Emperor Liu said with some sadness.
Seeing his behavior, Liu Xi was speechless for a moment. Just as he was about to say something to explain, he saw that Emperor Liu had focused his attention on himself. Although his eyes were a little hazy, his tone was fierce: "Why don't you take the initiative?" Asking for a siege?"
