Li Shizhi knew very well that his sister was the empress. Since she said she was asking for a good thing for him, she must have planned something for herself in front of the emperor.
The queen said proudly: "Do you know how many years this phase has been empty?"
"It's been more than ten years, right?" Li Shizhi realized something, and then asked emotionally: "Sister, are you saying that you recommended me as the prime minister in front of the emperor?"
"Exactly!" Looking at her brother's surprised expression, the queen felt a bit of joy in her heart.
"This..." Li Shizhi was so excited that he didn't know what to say, but after thinking for a moment, he suddenly remembered what happened in the past years and couldn't help but panic again, "But..."
"But what?" The queen saw his strange expression, so she smiled and said, "Brother, don't panic, there is nothing to be afraid of!"
Li Shizhi was still worried and said: "But in the decades since the Holy Emperor has been in power, there have been six prime ministers. Among them, Wu Qingfeng has the longest term. He has been in office for eight years, and the remaining terms have not been more than three years. , and all the prime ministers met the same end, either their heads were missing or their entire family was executed!"
When Li Shizhi said this, he still had lingering fears. This hot potato was full of temptation and also lurked murderous intent.
The queen said calmly: "But these prime ministers don't have backers like your sister. Brother, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you."
Li Shizhi was still worried, "It is precisely because the prime minister has held a high position of power for many years that the emperor thought of removing the prime minister's position. After Wu Qingfeng was exterminated, the position of prime minister has not been established for more than ten years. Why is it that the emperor now has another chancellor's position?" Do you want me to be the prime minister?"
"Brother, do you think there is anyone in the civil and military circles of the Manchu Dynasty who is more suitable for this position than you? On the one hand, you are vigorous and upright in your conduct, and you never participate in clique disputes. On the other hand, you are the uncle of the country. With these two points , who will touch you." The queen knew that the first reason why the emperor agreed to her request was actually the most important one. With Li Shizhi's character and qualifications, it was indeed suitable for him to assume the position of prime minister.
After much thought, Li Shizhi agreed with a firm heart. Anyway, it seems from this incident that at least the emperor does not believe Du Zongting's words now.
In the morning of the next day, the weather was very sunny. When all the officials gathered, only Li Shi was in a strange mood. Because he knew that something shocking might happen to the officials soon, so he was always in an uneasy mood.
After the emperor finished handling the court affairs one by one, he asked the eunuch to read out the imperial edict proposing to appoint Li Shizhi as prime minister. When the imperial edict was read out, all the officials were in an uproar. The post of prime minister and assistant, which had been pending for many years, was re-activated today. All the officials could not guess what the emperor was thinking. Some were panicked, some were angry, and some were unclear. Inside, some were gnashing their teeth, while others were secretly chuckling.
While everyone was whispering among themselves, the eunuch stopped him and said: "Quiet!"
"Okay!" An old figure on the dragon chair leaned forward slightly, "Do you have any questions?"
Emperor Han's tone was like questioning, and all the officials held their breath and did not dare to speak.
Among them, the prince's people are naturally happy that Li Shizhi takes up the position of prime minister. Although Li Shizhi will not stand on the prince's side, he is also the prince's uncle, so it is better than falling on someone else's head. The people of King Ning and King Wei also thought that Li Shizhi did not have a clear stance on party struggle. If he were to serve as prime minister, he would be a compromise candidate. So no one from the officials stood up to object, and everyone knelt down, shouting "Long Live the Holy Ming".
"No courtesy!" Emperor Han leaned back proudly, "Now that Li Aiqing has assumed the position of prime minister and assistant, the next responsibilities must be clarified. This appointment is different from the previous ones of Shangshu Ling and Neishi Ling. The prime minister and the assistant are different. I call him the first prime minister, and the three provinces will be led by the first prime minister Li Shizhi."
Li Shizhi hurriedly knelt down again to thank Tian En for his greatness.
As soon as Emperor Han said this, other people in the hall were in an uproar, and everyone was confused. Xun Mou was also shocked. How could the emperor give Li Shizhi such power when he was so arbitrary? However, Xun Mou only thought about it for a moment. After thinking about it for a moment, he suddenly understood the emperor's intention. However, I can’t tell.
"Quiet!" the inner warden reminded loudly again.
The Han Emperor continued: "Now that the post of Minister of Dali Temple is vacant, do you have any suitable candidates?"
At this time, the ministers in the palace began to look at each other and talk about it, but the incident happened suddenly, and no one could explain the reason.
Ning Wang Liu Xun quickly winked at Cui Hao, the Minister of Punishment. Cui Hao was an extremely smart man and understood what King Ning meant at a glance, so he stepped forward and said, "I, Cui Hao, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment, are talented."
"Well!" Emperor Han said calmly, "Does Cui Aiqing have anything to say?"
"I have worked with Dali Temple for many years, and I am deeply impressed by the cases handled by Dali Temple. Among them, Mr. Li's contribution is naturally second to none, and Mr. Yang Youxian, the young minister of Dali Temple, also contributed indispensably. He has worked diligently for many years and handled all the cases. The cases are all convincing. Therefore, in my opinion, Mr. Yang should take over the post of Minister of Dali Temple."
Emperor Han nodded, "Do you have any objections?"
After hearing this, everyone was stunned and seemed a little unprepared. Because the emperor had not mentioned anything about today's court meeting in advance, so many people were not mentally prepared. As for the position of Minister of Dali Temple, it seemed that no one could find a more suitable candidate than Yang Youxian for a while.
Seeing that no one was speaking, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty announced directly: "Okay! Since all the dear ministers have no objections, then the post of minister of Dali Temple should be taken by Yang Youxian, the young minister of Dali Temple!"
After retreating from the court, the ministers outside the palace gate dispersed one after another, and a few ministers were still talking in groups about the morning's events.
Prince Liu Yan couldn't wait to return home to ask Xun Mou. He took Xun Yu and his son directly in front of the imperial court gate to the corner of the palace wall, and asked Xun Mou in a low voice: "General Xun, what does the emperor mean today? I have thought about it." I haven’t been able to figure out what his intention is for a long time?”
Xun Mou let out a long and solemn expression, "It's hard to say whether this is good or bad. Mr. Li is your uncle, the crown prince, so it is better than others sitting in this position. But..."
The way Xun Mou wanted to stop talking made Prince Liu Yan anxious, "But what..."
"But I always feel that something is wrong? How could the Holy Emperor, who has always been powerful and arbitrary, give Li Shizhi such great power today? Moreover, Du Zongting just participated in his book a few days ago. How could the Emperor be indifferent to Wu Qingfeng's case? Do you want to hear it or not? This is a pet peeve of his!" Xun Mou hesitated.
Xun Yu interjected at this time: "Do you think it is because time has passed that the Holy Master suddenly woke up? Or maybe he doesn't want to pursue it anymore? Moreover, Du Zongting's accusation itself is only one-sided, I'm afraid there is not enough evidence, right?"
