Faced with the doubts of the officials, Su Ming remained unmoved at all. Instead, he turned his attention to Queen Chen who was sitting at the head of the throne. "I have asked people to bring the body of the leader of the thieves, Zhao Cheng, outside the door. If you don't believe it, bring it in." You can tell by looking at it.”
At this time, the ministers began to believe that Su Ming was telling the truth and that the traitor Zhao Chengzhen was dead.
Empress Chen also didn't believe it and ordered Cao Yuchen, "Eunuch Cao, bring in the body of the thief leader."
"Slave, I obey." Cao Yuchen signaled to the chamberlain outside to bring Zhao Cheng's body into the hall, and two chamberlains carried Zhao Cheng's body into the hall.
At this moment, Zhao Cheng had been dead for a long time, and the blood on his body had dried up and turned dark red. His gray eyes were full of unwillingness, and his tall figure carried a strong evil aura, which shocked the officials.
"It's really him!"
"Zhao Cheng is actually dead!"
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Many nobles who knew Zhao Cheng among the courtiers looked at it carefully and said in disbelief.
Behind the screen, Queen Chen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The leader of the thief was dead, the siege of the capital was lifted, the late emperor could finally be buried, and most importantly, her Wan'er could finally succeed to the throne.
When she thought about listening to politics behind the curtain, her heart began to beat loudly. She was now the Queen Mother, and there was no one more noble than her in the harem.
People like her can only live alone in the harem, with no one to love them, but she has passed the age of competing for favors. Normally, if the King of Qi or the Crown Prince ascends the throne, she will have nothing to do with her. However, the succession of her biological daughter Princess Yong'an to the throne gave her the ability to control power.
Queen Chen is almost sixty years old, but she is still very energetic in this fairy world. Because she is well-maintained, except for the snow-white hair on her head and a few crow's feet at the corners of her eyes, her entire face is smooth and white, without any trace of it. With wrinkles and age spots, he doesn’t look like a sixty-year-old man at all, but like he’s in his early fifties.
At this time, she is still full of energy. Since no one competes with her for favor, her remaining desires will be concentrated on power. Of course, this right was given to her by Princess Yong'an. When Princess Yong'an comes of age, she will take charge. , even if she wants to hold on to power, the courtiers will not give up. What's more, her existence is only to protect Princess Yong'an.
Once Princess Yong'an no longer needs protection, she, the queen mother, will naturally no longer have rights. After all, the ancestral motto of the Great Zhou Dynasty said: The harem must not interfere with politics!
This is an iron rule. For hundreds of years, the harem masters of the Zhou dynasties were in power when the emperor was young at most. When the emperor reached adulthood, he had to hand over his power.
Because their rights have been given by the imperial power from beginning to end. They are rootless duckweeds. No courtiers will come closer to them, and no one will obey their orders. Therefore, even if they have temporary power, how can they compare with the emperor? ?
Of course, after two years, Queen Chen will also be old, and her desire for power will naturally subside by then. What's more, how can it be so easy to run a dynasty with billions of people under its command?
No one except the emperor can bear the fate of all the people. If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight. The reason why Emperor Shenwu selected the national master was to share his fortune.
Queen Chen's eyes swept over the courtiers and said solemnly, "Okay, the Imperial Guard defended the capital and killed the rebels in the imperial court. He has made outstanding achievements. Mr. Zhang Ge, the imperial court must reward him well."
In just a moment, Queen Chen decided to win over Su Ming to help her or her daughter in the court. After all, at this time, only firmly grasping the force of force was the most important thing.
After being shocked, the ministers in the palace felt a trace of fear in their hearts for no reason. This monk is too evil!
He has achieved such great achievements quietly. If he were allowed to go further, wouldn't he be standing on top of them, civil servants?
Yawen Library
No, absolutely not allowed!
When the main contradiction is resolved, the secondary contradiction will be upgraded to the main contradiction. The battle between the prince and the king of Qi seemed to be a battle for the throne, but in fact it was also full of civil and military battles.
After the throne was established, all conflicts were overshadowed by the threat posed by Zhao Cheng's rebels. Therefore, before the crisis in the capital was resolved, their spearheads were unanimous. But now, Zhao Cheng is dead and the rebels have collapsed. The civil and military disputes quietly surfaced again.
Su Ming had achieved military exploits and was in charge of the Xuanjing Division. He was naturally a military commander, so the civil servants did not like him. Moreover, Confucian people naturally rejected monks and Taoists. , an inexplicable sense of crisis suddenly arose in the hearts of the civil servants.
Just as Zhang Daozhi, the chief minister of the cabinet, was about to speak, the cabinet minister Wang Xian'an, who was standing on the other side, spoke first, "Empress, the Imperial Master has worked hard and made great contributions to the country many times. His merits are outstanding, whether it was the evil chaos back then. , the Yinchao Rebellion, or the drought in Qingzhou, the Imperial Advisor has contributed a lot, so I think that I can give the Imperial Advisor the title of Duke to show the court's kindness!"
This statement may sound reasonable at first glance, but in fact it is not.
The title of Duke may seem noble, but to a monk, what does it mean?
What's more, once Su Ming is given the position of Duke, he will no longer be able to take charge of the Xuanjing Division. He may even have to give up the title of Imperial Master. In this way, in addition to receiving an empty title and some gold and silver treasures, Su Ming will be rewarded. There is nothing outside. If this is not rising and falling, what is it?
As soon as the words fell, there was silence in the hall, and the ministers were shocked. Almost all the ministers took a breath in an instant, and their eyes swept over Wang Xian'an. What kind of hatred was this!
As for Queen Chen, who was sitting at the top, she was very moved at first and almost agreed. But when she saw the reactions of the ministers, she immediately realized the sinister intentions hidden in it.
She rewarded Pudu Cihang for the Xuanjing Division he was in charge of. If he were to become the Duke, his Xuanjing Division would have to be handed over. Then wouldn't her gesture of kindness harm him?
Empress Chen suddenly felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured on her, and her whole body was as cold as ice. Her cold eyes swept over Wang Xian'an, and she said in a cold voice, "What you said is reasonable, but the title of Duke should not be granted lightly, and the Imperial Master is As a cultivator, your empty position is like a floating cloud, so you should discuss it again."
When Wang Xian'an heard Queen Chen's answer, he seemed to have expected it, nodded and returned to his original position. When Su Ming heard this, his expression remained unchanged, as if he had never heard it before, and he could not see any joy or anger.
At this time, Zhang Daozhi, the chief minister of the cabinet, finally spoke, "The Imperial Master led the secret guards of the Xuanjing Division to defend the city with meritorious service and killed the rebels. The ministers believed that since the Imperial Master is a cultivator, he should put cultivation first and be the emperor." In the inner treasury, please ask the national master to enter and select treasures to enhance your cultivation."
"Nowadays, demonic chaos has resurfaced in various states and counties across the world, and rebels are causing rebellion. As the center of the world, the safety of the capital city must be guaranteed. I believe that having national advisors stationed in the imperial capital can protect the safety of the people in the capital city."
"Huh?"
At this time, Su Ming glanced at Zhang Daozhi, and a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. This guy is quite interesting. The emperor's inner treasury collected rare treasures from all over the world. When the Great Zhou Dynasty swept across the world and destroyed countless immortal sects, Most of the rare treasures obtained were put into the emperor's inner treasury, and the collection of more than 100 years of Great Friday was also included.
However, no one is allowed to enter the emperor's inner treasury without the emperor's permission. Even the eunuchs who guard the inner treasury cannot enter. But there is no doubt that there are definitely many precious treasures in this inner treasury!
However, what surprised him even more was that Zhang Daozhi actually proposed to let him enter the emperor's inner treasury at this time, and even inadvertently hinted at his importance in the court. This guy was extraordinary.
Following Zhang Daozhi's words, the generals who were about to make a move also stopped and had to give up this opportunity to show their goodwill. Of course, they also know how tempting the emperor's inner treasury is to the monks. Therefore, no matter how high the chips they open are, how can they compete with each other? Can you access the emperor's inner treasury?
Queen Chen nodded and looked at Su Ming, "I wonder what the Imperial Master's intention is?"
"I heard that the emperor's inner treasury has collected all the rare and precious treasures in the world. The poor monk has heard about it for a long time. It would be very good if he could see it." Su Ming did not bargain. Although the emperor's inner treasury was good, it was of no use to him at his level. There are not many things left.
However, it would be nice if you could get treasures and equip your subordinates.
"The Imperial Preceptor's hard work and meritorious service have given the Imperial Preceptor the opportunity to enter the Emperor's inner treasury to select treasures." Empress Chen gave the order immediately without much hesitation.
"The poor monk thanked the empress."
Next, the court meeting went extremely smoothly, the threat of the rebels was lifted, and the mountain that hung over their hearts finally receded, and they could handle political affairs with peace of mind.
Of course, the next things were enough for them to do. The late emperor was buried, the new emperor held a coronation ceremony, and rebellions in various places were quelled. It could be said that they had no leisure time in the next year.
Afterwards, the courtiers began to discuss their merits and reward them, commending the soldiers who defended the city and the secret guards of Xuanjing Division. Of course, civil servants from various government offices were among them. Everyone was very satisfied.
During the following court meeting, Su Ming stood aside and quietly observed the ministers. Even during the court meeting, he did not speak, just like a spectator.
At the same time, the courtiers were also sizing him up secretly. After all, this was his first official appearance at the court meeting, and as the Mirror Master of the Xuanjing Division and a second-rank official, he was qualified to participate in political affairs. Therefore, This situation will definitely not be the last time. From now on, he will become a frequent visitor at court meetings.
Moreover, Su Ming had enough weight to attract the attention of the courtiers.
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When the court meeting ended, it was already evening. Su Ming did not leave the palace, but was preparing to go to the Yangxin Palace. He also wanted to tell Empress Chen the detailed information on how to kill the traitorous generals, and at the same time expand the secret guards of the Xuanjing Division.
At this moment, in the Yangxin Hall, Princess Yongan was wearing a dragon-embroidered dress and sitting on the throne, with Cao Yuchen serving her carefully.
The current Yong'an Princess Li Waner is no longer as charming and beautiful as before, she is youthful and lively, her whole body is full of majesty, and her brows are calm and self-defeating, making the atmosphere in the entire hall particularly solemn.
Cao Yuchen on the side secretly smacked his lips. This princess was almost carved out of the same mold as the original Emperor Shenwu. Although she was young, she did not dare to be looked down upon.
Fortunately, he was a close confidant of the late emperor and was deeply trusted. The royal family members all had a very good sense of him. In fact, for such a well-rounded person like him, even if Prince Qi succeeded to the throne, he would still be able to keep his position. Let people go and have some cool tea.
Moreover, he was also very sensible. After Princess Yongan was confirmed as the next emperor, he handed over the Xuanjing Division in his hand to Princess Yongan.
At the beginning, he chose the prince that night, but both princes and kings died, so his bet was naturally void. Moreover, no one knew that after the emperor's death, the power to take charge of this secret guard fell into his hands, that is, Said, even if King Qi wins, no one will know about it.
However, the new emperor is different. If he dares to hide his secrets, when she succeeds to the throne, he, Cao Yuchen, will clean his neck and wait for death. He will not think that he can keep the matter of being in charge of the secret guard forever, unless he does not use this power. power.
No one knows better than him how deep the scheming and cruel the Emperor Shenwu was back then.
"The poor monk sees the empress and the princess!"
In the Yangxin Hall, Su Ming stood in the main hall. On the steps, Princess Yong'an and Queen Chen were sitting behind a screen, confronting him. The new monarch has not yet succeeded to the throne, and because she is a princess, she cannot directly see foreign ministers, so she only I can see through the screen.
"The Imperial Master is exempt from the courtesy." Queen Chen's red lips parted slightly, and her warm and mature voice echoed in the hall.
Then he told them a complete account of what happened last night.
After listening, Empress Chen suddenly realized that the rebels were having internal strife. No wonder Xuanjing Division was able to break through the rebel camp last night.
"My Majesty, how do you plan to deal with those rebels?"
"Those rebels who dared to rebel with their general should have been exiled to the border garrison city, but now that it is time to hire people, I am ready to let them re-establish a camp to guard the capital." After saying this, she suddenly realized and looked at Su Ming, "Does the Imperial Master have a different opinion?"
"Yes, the poor monk does have an idea." Su Ming nodded and continued, "According to the Xuanjing Division's inventory, there are still more than 60,000 rebels who survived last night, and nearly 30,000 people died in the bombing of the camp."
"However, now that the crisis in the capital has been resolved, there is no need for so many forbidden troops to guard the city. Moreover, these people are guilty, and even if the establishment is restored, they may not be able to feel at ease."
"So, Wei Chen thought that some of them could be selected to guard the capital, and the rest could be transferred to the Xuanjing Division. Now that there is chaos everywhere, the Xuanjing Division is very short of manpower, not to mention the rebels and the evil spirits in the world of immortality. It’s very difficult to deal with the outsiders when they get involved.”
"If the imperial court wants to quell the rebellion, it would be very difficult to deal with it without the help of Xuanjing Division!"
While talking, Su Ming noticed that there was a gaze staring closely at him from behind the screen. This person was definitely not Queen Chen, but Princess Yong'an.
But why is she staring at herself? Could it be because of that lucky dragon?
