Although everyone was mentally prepared for Gu Yankai's death.
But when the real thing comes, it still seems a bit hasty to these people who have plans.
Of course, he was not so anxious to seize the position of commander of the Imperial Guard.
After all, we have to wait until Gu Tingye and Ding You resign first to free up the position, and then it will be the turn of others to use their own methods.
On the day Gu Yankai died, Gu Tingye submitted Ding You's memorial to Zhao Zhen.
Of course, Zhao Zhen's reply would not be that fast, but Gu Tingye could not stay in the palace at this time, otherwise he would be criticized.
So after submitting the memorial, Gu Tingye handed over the matter to his deputy, and then returned to his hometown to handle the funeral.
As for Zhao Zhen, there was nothing he could do to stop Gu Tingye's Ding You.
After all, as the former Prime Minister, Fu Bi had already set a precedent for those who followed him with his actions.
Even the current Prime Minister has Ding You, and Gu Tingye is no exception.
So on the sick bed, Zhao Zhen allowed Gu Tingye and Ding You to attend the funeral, and ordered Gu Tingye to record his deeds and submit them to the Minister of Provincial Government for merit examination, and moved them to the Taichang Liyuan for deliberation. Under the sect of Shang Zhongshu, the prime minister made an accurate judgment, and began to record the report and give it to the director. He then recorded the ultimatum for his merits and gave it to his family before he was buried. If the provincial officials have any objections, they will listen to their opinions.
The whole idea is to ask Gu Tingye to go home and write down his life story and submit it, and then the relevant departments of the court will use this to help Gu Yankai establish a posthumous title and make a final conclusion on Gu Yankai's life.
For this, Gu Tingye naturally burst into tears and thanked the officials for their grace.
At this point, Gu Tingye has officially resigned, and the post of commander of the Imperial Guard has become vacant, waiting for a new person to take office.
But who should be appointed as the commander of the Imperial Guard? This question fell on Zhao Zhen.
In fact, at the very beginning, Zhao Zhen's candidate was Li Hao.
It's just that Li Hao is now mainly responsible for the affairs of the Salt and Iron Division. Although he also holds the title of Minister of War, he is not suitable to be in charge of the Imperial Guard after all.
Moreover, Li Hao is now Zhao Zonghan's companion. If Li Hao is allowed to take charge of the palace confinement again, Zhao Zhen is also worried that some people will be unable to sit still and something he does not want to see will happen.
In fact, before Gu Tingye left, Zhao Zhen had talked with him about the successor.
Gu Tingye's opinion is to promote directly from the Imperial Guards, on the grounds that these people are familiar with the situation and know the basics and are more trustworthy.
But Zhao Zhen still has doubts about this. Of course, Zhao Zhen is not worried about the loyalty of these people, but simply does not want the inheritance of this position to be solidified.
But if the selection is not from the Imperial Guard, but from outside, then the overall range of options will be wider, and Zhao Zhen really can't think of a suitable candidate for a while.
Just when Zhao Zhen was worrying about this, those who had been eyeing this position for a long time also began to be eager to try.
It's just that you can't talk to Zhao Zhen directly about this matter, especially Li Hao and Zhao Zongquan, both of whom have sensitive identities.
Even Han Qi and Ouyang Xiu couldn't come forward for this, otherwise God knows what Zhao Zhen would think of.
Since Zhao Zhen couldn't go there, Li Hao naturally had to think of other ways.
So Li Hao found Cao Jingxiu. After all, the Imperial Guard still belonged to the Imperial City Division in name, so it was natural and reasonable for him to recommend the candidates.
However, Cao Jingxiu is also a cunning person. After learning about Li Hao's visit, his attitude was enthusiastic.
As soon as Li Hao arrived at the gate of the Imperial City, Cao Jingxiu personally welcomed him out, then took Li Hao's hand and began a journey to reminisce about the past.
Together with Li Hao, I had a great time recalling the scene of working together in the Imperial City Division. The words were so sincere that I thought the two had worked together for more than ten years.
But when Li Hao really talked about the Imperial Guards, Cao Jingxiu began to be evasive in his words, looking around him.
At first, Li Hao was willing to accompany Cao Jingxiu to talk in roundabout ways, but later it turned out that he never got to the point.
So he lost his patience and asked Cao Jingxiu to invite irrelevant people out on the pretext that they had important matters to discuss.
After everyone left, Li Hao went straight to the point: "Now that the post of commander of the Imperial Guard is vacant, I wonder if Mr. Cao has any opinions on the candidate to take over."
Cao Jingxiu replied: "I thought Master Li wanted to talk about something. Others don't know, but Master Li must know.
Although the Imperial Guard is nominally a subordinate of the Imperial City Department, in fact the commander of the Imperial Guard has always been appointed by the official.
My opinion has never been important. Mr. Li is probably asking the wrong person. "
Hearing Cao Jingxiu's answer, Li Hao naturally understood that this guy was deliberately refusing, so he said: "The specific person to be appointed should naturally be decided by the official himself.
But as ministers, it is also our duty to recommend suitable candidates to officials.
Especially Mr. Cao, you are still a Shangguan, how can your opinion not be important? "
After hearing this, Cao Jingxiu still refused and said: "This is true, but the important matter of garrison in the palace is too important.
The previous two commanders of the Imperial Guard were drafted by the officials themselves, and they never asked me for my opinion.
So it’s hard for me to speak up this time, so I’ll wait for the official decision. "
Naturally, having said this, Li Hao could confirm that Cao Jingxiu really didn't want to help, so he didn't force himself any further.
Then skipping this topic, the two chatted for a while, and agreed to go to the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion to express their condolences, and then Li Hao left the Imperial City Division.
However, although Li Haoren left, he still sent people to keep an eye on the Imperial City Division and Cao Jingxiu's house, and did not expect to find out any confidential information.
We just need to see if anyone comes to look for Cao Jingxiu after Li Hao.
In fact, it was not beyond Li Hao's expectation. After Cao Jingxiu returned home, Zhao Ceying took advantage of the darkness to visit Cao Jingxiu's house.
Of course, Li Hao didn't know what they talked about specifically, but as long as he thought about it, at this point in time, the topic of discussion could not avoid the position of commander of the Imperial Guard.
So after getting the reward, Li Hao first arranged for all the people under surveillance to withdraw.
Then he fell into deep thought, but not long after, Zhang Guifen, who also heard the news, said: "Cao Jingxiu has no intention of helping you. Could it be that he has decided to support Zhao Zongquan."
After hearing this, Li Hao replied: "This is the question I want to know, and what I am concerned about is not Cao Jingxiu's attitude.
Don't forget, Cao Jingxiu has another identity, he is Queen Cao's younger brother.
To a certain extent, his choice was also the choice of Empress Cao, who was the official's bedfellow. "
Zhang Guifen now understood the seriousness of the matter and said, "Then if Cao Jingxiu chooses to help Zhao Zongquan, does that mean that in the official's mind, Zhao Zongquan is still determined to succeed to the throne.
If that's the case, you'd better not argue with him anymore, so as not to be jealous in the future. "
Hearing Zhang Guifen's concern, Li Hao felt warm in his heart. Then he took her hand, held it in his hand and said:
"In fact, in the hearts of officials, Zhao Zongquan has always been the first choice for the crown prince.
Although Zhao Zonghan was later connected to the palace, in fact the official's mind never changed. "
Hearing this, Zhang Guifen asked curiously: "If that's the case, why are you still fighting for the position of commander?"
Li Hao explained: "I want one of my own to be the commander, and I don't want to compete with Zhao Zongquan.
Rather, he just wants to gain more protection. Only by controlling the movements in the palace can he truly be invincible.
But I won’t try to show off my strength, so don’t worry, if the officials really want someone from Zhao Zongquan to take over, I won’t have any idea.
But I still think this possibility is unlikely. The officials will not hand over the defense of the palace to Zhao Zongquan until the last moment. "
Zhang Guifen still understood what Li Hao meant. It is true that no emperor would entrust his safety directly to the future prince.
, isn’t this tempting people to commit crimes?
But Zhang Guifen didn't want Li Hao to do anything dangerous after all, so she persuaded Li Hao to let it go and wait and see what happened.
Li Hao also accepted Zhang Guifen's opinion and decided to wait and see what happens.
But things developed somewhat unexpectedly. After Li Hao turned his attention away from Cao Jingxiu, he ignored a very important person.
Of course, even if Li Hao kept staring at Cao Jingxiu, he might not be able to detect anything unusual.
After all, Cao Jingxiu is the Imperial City Secretary and the younger brother of Empress Cao. It is normal for him to visit the palace and no one will think there is a problem.
But the problem appeared exactly at this time, on the day when Cao Jingxiu entered the palace to see his master, after meeting Zhao Zhen.
Empress Cao called Cao Jingxiu to Baoci Hall alone for a secret discussion. The issue discussed was the candidate for the commander of the Imperial Guard.
First, Cao Jingxiu introduced some situations: "In the past few days, Zhao Zongquan and Li Hao have both come to me and asked about the candidates for the commander of the Imperial Guard."
Empress Cao was not surprised by this result, because it was normal for these two people to care about this matter.
But Empress Cao was also curious about the specific candidates the two men would arrange, and asked, "Have they told you who they are going to recommend as the commander?"
Cao Jingxiu replied: "Li Hao just tried it out, and when he saw that I refused to answer, he didn't say any more.
However, the only people he can recommend are those who are promoted from the Imperial Guards. They are all his old troops anyway. Isn't that what Gu Tingye and the officials said at the beginning.
As for Zhao Zongquan, he is quite persistent. In order for me to help, he promised me a lot of benefits. Of course, there is also a promise to you in his words.
As for the candidate, the person he recommended was General Zheng from the Zhongjing Hou Mansion. "
Cao Jingxiu's words were not beyond Empress Cao's expectations.
But in fact, Queen Cao already had her own plans in mind, so Zhao Zongquan was destined to be disappointed.
Empress Cao said to Cao Jingxiu: "I asked you to help me inquire about it. How is your inquiry going?"
Cao Jingxiu replied: "I have confirmed everything. Zeng Chaosheng, the third in the Wei family, is now the commander of the first army of the left wing of the Divine Guard.
His character and character are all decent, and he also has a good reputation among the nobles in Bianjing City.
Moreover, if his rank is transferred to the commander of the Imperial Guard, it would be considered suitable.
As for their opinions, I also went to the Wei Guogong Mansion to ask, and they were also willing. "
After hearing the affirmative answer, Queen Cao said: "Now that it has been confirmed, the matter will remain as we originally discussed.
Let you raise this matter in front of the officials first, and leave the rest to me. I will let the officials agree that Zeng Chaosheng will take over as the commander of the Imperial Guard.
However, the Duke of Wei does not have much influence in the Imperial Guard, so I am afraid he needs your help to stabilize the situation. "
Cao Jingxiu agreed to Queen Cao's instructions.
After all, from when Empress Cao first mentioned it to now, Cao Jingxiu has planned this matter countless times in his mind.
And Cao Jingxiu also knew and understood the reason why his sister did this.
People are not as ruthless as grass and trees. Zhao Zonghan has been in the palace for more than half a year now and has been raising her by his sister's side.
As time went by, the feelings naturally deepened. Empress Cao naturally wanted to help Zhao Zonghan fight for something more than Zhao Zongquan.
Of course, Empress Cao also understood her husband's thoughts, so she didn't really want to rely on the imperial guards to do anything.
It's just that Queen Cao has been in the palace for so many years, and she is well aware of the scandalous things in the palace, so she wants to protect herself and Zhao Zonghan.
Of course, if there is a chance to do more things, Queen Cao would be willing to do it.
But understanding is understanding, but Cao Jingxiu still felt that this method was a bit risky.
When Cao Jingxiu thought about it, there was actually a simpler way, so he persuaded him: "Actually, Li Hao is the little prince."
As a student, the relationship with the little prince has always been good.
In addition, the members of the Imperial Guard are all his old troops, so letting him continue to take over the Imperial Guard is not necessarily a bad thing. "
Regarding this issue, it's not that Empress Cao has never thought about it, but she doesn't want to put her fate in the hands of others after all.
So he said: "People's positions will change according to reality. No one can guarantee that Li Hao will not have other thoughts in the future.
The safest way is to take the initiative into our own hands. "
After all, Cao Jingxiu still didn't agree with Queen Cao's idea, but Queen Cao didn't want to argue with Cao Jingxiu anymore, so she just let him go as planned.
In fact, Zhao Zhen's thoughts were indeed controlled by Empress Cao.
Under the deliberate guidance of Empress Cao, Zhao Zhen finally decided that Zeng Chaosheng would be the commander of the Imperial Guard.
This appointment edict was really beyond everyone's expectations. No one expected that someone would suddenly appear and take over this key position.
Li Hao's first reaction after hearing the news was that Wei Guogong leaned towards Zhao Zongquan.
However, this is just a conjecture, because the Duke of Wei acted in a low-key manner, and Li Hao had not had much dealings with them before.
So Li Hao went to find Zhang Guifen and asked her about it.
After all, with her status as a British Duke, she must have dealt with all these nobles in Bianjing City.
It's a pity that Wei Guogong's family is really low-key, and Zhang Guifen doesn't have much contact with their family, so there is no way to answer Li Hao directly.
So Zhang Guifen had no choice but to run back to her parents' house and inquire about the situation from the British father-in-law.
According to what the British Duke said, he believed that the Duke of Wei would never turn to Zhao Zongquan at this time.
In addition to this conclusion, Li Hao, the father-in-law, also gave a friendly reminder that the former Wei Guogong and Empress Cao's fourth uncle were familiar with each other, and they fought side by side in the northwest.
Then the gold content of this information is very high, so let’s associate it.
When Cao Jingxiu didn't answer his words, could it be that he didn't want to get closer to Zhao Zongquan, but was planning for the Cao family themselves.
If this is the case, then does Queen Cao know about this?
If Queen Cao knew about it, or even ordered it, then the situation would be a bit delicate.
Just when Li Hao had grasped the key point and found the right direction.
Zhao Zongquan was still confused, and for a time he thought that Wei Guogong might have some connection with Li Hao.
There is no way, who makes Zhao Zongquan not have a father-in-law with great powers and a heart-felt heart.
The Zhongjing Hou Mansion maintained its so-called neutrality on this matter and did not give Zhao Zongquan enough hints. As a result, Zhao Zongquan found the wrong opponent for a long time.
It wasn't until a long time later that Zhao Zongquan truly realized who the opponent he was facing was.
