The Han Palace, Shulan Palace, the newly named palace, also welcomed a new owner, the emperor's new concubine Zhou Shu.
All kinds of floral decorations in the palace were colorful and full of joy. Zhou Zong stood among them and bowed formally: "I see you, Concubine Shu!"
"Daddy, please stand up without courtesy. How can your daughter be worthy of this?" Da Zhou's face was full of smiles, and there was also a bit of excitement in his beautiful face. He helped his father sit down with both hands.
Looking at my beloved daughter, she has flapping temples, jade cheeks like frost, clear eyes, and is dressed in a beautiful palace dress. Although her face is a little childish, the girl's youthfulness has faded a lot.
Feeling emotional and relieved at the same time, Zhou Zong asked with concern: "Are you still adaptable to the Han Palace?"
Da Zhou nodded lightly and smiled sweetly: "Everything is very good! The officials treat me very well, the Queen Mother is approachable, and the saint is also very friendly to all the ladies in the palace!"
After listening to his words, Zhou Zong couldn't help but sigh. Seeing his appearance, Zhou couldn't help but be surprised: "Why is daddy like this?"
Zhou Zong glanced around and whispered: "Within the high walls of this deep palace, it has always been as dark as the sea, and there has never been a lack of overt and covert fighting. If it weren't for us, the captured ministers, who had no choice but to do it themselves, I would not be willing to send you away." to the side of Emperor Han.
You first entered the palace and were a new noble in the Han Palace. The emperor naturally favored you in every possible way, but how could you last long? And it was inevitable that you would not be jealous and targeted by others.
In the Han Palace, the concubines were all the daughters of generals who were born in Fangzhen. Among the clans, they were all high-ranking officials in the Han Dynasty and held great power. Now, all the concubines in the harem have heirs. It is conceivable that from now on, it will not only be the court fighting for favor and flattery. .
And you, alone, are in this whirlpool. You should be walking on thin ice as if you are facing an abyss, so be careful!"
Zhou Zong's words seemed to frighten Zhou, his face turned pale, and there was a bit of fear in his watery eyes. Zhou Zong couldn't bear to see it, but there were some things he had to say and had to remind his beloved daughter.
After pondering for a while, Dazhou finally came to his senses and whispered softly: "My daughter is already in the harem. She only wants to read poetry and books, practice music, and be good at singing and dancing. She has no other aspirations..."
Seeing Da Zhou's reaction, Zhou Zong showed a childish expression and stroked his beard and said: "Keeping this calm mind can protect your whole body!"
As he spoke, caressing his hand, Zhou Zong said in a comforting tone: "Did you know that there used to be a concubine in the palace, who was the birth mother of the eldest prince? Since she was hiding in the palace, she had been waiting by your side to interact with the emperor. You are very affectionate. The emperor has given you this name, which shows that he attaches great importance to you. Therefore, you only need to stay on your own terms and you will be lucky enough to be king."
Da Zhou nodded obediently.
"Madam, the officials are here!"
After hearing the news, the father and daughter quickly gathered their spirits and got up and went out of the palace to greet her. It can be seen that Liu Chengyou really loves this concubine Zhou Shu, or it can be described as novel. Among the concubines, in terms of talent, I am afraid no one can compare with her. Liu Chengyou, a sixteen-year-old girl and a talented woman, had a different feeling.
"Not feeling well?" After entering the hall and taking a seat, Liu Chengyou looked at Da Zhou's face, which was still pale.
Probably because of nervousness, Da Zhou shook his head and whispered softly: "Thank you for your concern!"
Withdrawing his gaze, Liu Chengyou turned to look at Zhou Zong and asked in a gentle tone: "Mr. Zhou, have you ever gotten used to it in Tokyo? The soil and water in the north are ultimately different from those in the south. Have your family settled down well, and have you been negligent in the internal government arrangements?"
"Your Majesty's concern is deeply felt by me!" Mr. Zhou Zong's face was filled with a humble smile, and he said respectfully: "Thanks to your Majesty's reward, everything has been settled. Tokyo is prosperous, even more so than Yangzhou and Jinling. I linger here, almost Forget Jiangdu!”
"That's good!" Liu Chengyou chuckled and expressed satisfaction with Zhou Zong's compliance: "If you need anything else, just tell me and I will send someone to arrange it!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After chatting with the Zhou father and daughter for a while, Liu Chengyou got up and left, leaving the two of them at home. However, before leaving, he glanced at the father and daughter a few times and felt something strange.
It didn't take too long for the conversation between Zhou Zong and Da Zhou to reach Liu Chengyou's ears. Although it was not very detailed, the general meaning was very clear.
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Walking in the palace, bathing in the spring sun, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but shake his head and smiled faintly: "This Zhou Zong is so sensitive, suspicious and cautious, and makes such nonsense, making unfounded worries!"
"However, this man is very sophisticated, and his caution is understandable! Liu Chengyou murmured: "He wants peace and security, and I will grant it to him!"
"Pass the imperial edict, grant Zhou Zong the title of Attendant, Grand Scholar of Duanming Palace, Jue Yigong, and enter the Zhaowen Hall to be an advisor to the imperial edict!" Liu Chengyou ordered: "In addition, I will reward you with a manor in the Zhou Mansion!"
"yes!"
"Please stay away from Shulan Palace!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand calmly and told Zhang Dejun: "Inform Concubine Gao that I will stay at Yaohua Palace tonight!"
"Young man, I'll send someone here!"
...
"Your Majesty!" Returning to Chongzheng Hall, Prime Minister Fan Zhi had been waiting for a long time.
Among the ministers, Fan Zhi is the official of the Sentencing Department. With his strong and honest character, he is very suitable for this job. More importantly, he is the one who took the lead in compiling the "Han Xing Tong". In recent years, he has promoted the popularization of "Xing Tong" The court spent a lot of effort to implement it.
Liu Chengyou summoned Fan Zhi, and the question he asked was also about Han law. Fan Zhi reported back: "The "Xing Tong" has been in existence for three years. It has been implemented in the prefectures and counties, and has achieved a lot of results. Within the two capitals, the Ju system has been promoted. , the punishment will be well-founded, the lawsuit will be cleared, and the unjust prison will be gone!"
After listening to his answer, Liu Chengyou asked: "This is true for the two capitals and Kinki, but what about outside the two capitals? What is the situation like? Has the imperial court ever understood the true situation?"
Without waiting for an answer, Liu Chengyou added: "I have checked the cases of the Ministry of Punishment. In the past three years, there have been less than 700 cases of death penalty cases submitted to Tokyo for review. Is it possible that all the prefectures and counties in the Han Dynasty have been so peaceful?"
Hearing this, Fan Zhi certainly understood what the emperor meant. He immediately bowed and apologized: "There are still many people in local governments, prefectures and counties who conspire and execute people without authorization. This minister is negligent and has failed to supervise!"
Seeing Fan Zhi's stern look, Liu Chengyou waved his hand and said: "That's it! Fang Zhen's weight, I know, it's not all your fault, so I shouldn't blame you! If you want to control the whole country and implement laws and regulations, it is not easy. I can understand it!”
"Your Majesty's words make me ashamed!" Fan Zhi sighed softly.
Liu Chengyou said: "The "Xingtong" has been implemented for three years. The two capitals and Kinki prefectures and counties are under the eyes of the imperial court. It is clear at a glance what the results are. However, it is not clear what the various places are like. I intend to send special envoys to inspect the places. What do you think of counting the lawsuits to see their effectiveness?"
Fan Zhi's mind suddenly moved. After thinking for a moment, he immediately responded: "I think your Majesty's proposal is very acceptable!"
"I heard recently that there have been many cases of false imprisonment of officials in the prefectures and counties under Hedong, and the people are very resentful!" Liu Chengyou said quietly: "I plan to use Fan Qing as the governor of Hedong and go to Hedong to show my respect as the prime minister. , investigate the officials, depose the evildoers, uphold the law, and by the way, worship the Northern Capital for me!"
"Yes!" Fan Zhi was completely alert. The emperor clearly meant "Pei Gong". This trip was unusual and might even be dangerous, but Fan Zhi had no intention of shirk.
Paying attention to Fan Zhi's expression and eyes, Liu Chengyou knew that with his astuteness, he had obviously detected some of his intentions.
"There is one more thing. I would like to ask Fan Qing for more details!" He naturally changed the subject.
"Your Majesty, please speak!" Fan Zhi bowed his head and said solemnly.
"Guo Wei submitted a letter, asking himself to resign and leave the capital to serve as an official on the grounds that father and son should not be in the same court! Considering his old age, I cannot bear to have him leave the capital and suffer the hardship of the trek!" Liu Chengyou said.
Hearing this, Fan Zhi acted cautiously and tentatively, and responded: "In this case, maybe Guo Rong can be released!"
Liu Chengyou said: "Guo Rong has been away from home for many years. He has been involved in military and political affairs and has made outstanding contributions in the conquest of Huaihe River. In terms of his qualifications, he can also come to Beijing to take charge of power! Furthermore, I have appointed him as the Deputy Privy Envoy, so it is not convenient for him to change it lightly!"
Hearing what the emperor said, Fan Zhi understood and planned to let Guo Wei leave the capital. He even guessed that Liu Chengyou had adjusted his reward positions and made Guo Rong his deputy. He was afraid that he had already considered this situation. The father and son were in charge of the Privy Council and all the officials. When I see it, I will make adjustments.
After thinking for a while, Fan Zhi said: "Guo Gong has a deep understanding of righteousness and understands the general principles. Please remember his loyalty to the emperor and the country!"
Nodding, Liu Chengyou said slowly and calmly: "The person I am in trouble with is that the world is so big, where is Guo Qing suitable for you!"
Fan Zhi also thought about it for a while and suggested: "An Shenqi, the governor of the Eastern Province of Shannan Province, has been in the town for many years and should be transferred according to the imperial system. At present, there is something going on in Hunan. Wang, Zhou and others have had conflicts and chaos. It happened unexpectedly. If Duke Guo is in charge of Xiangyang, he can control it nearby. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
A smile slowly bloomed at the corners of his lips. Liu Chengyou nodded and said only one word: "Yes!"
