Chapter 454: Recognize yourself

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 Today, there are four palaces in the capital city.

This is a matter of common sense.

But in fact, when anyone in the court mentions the Duke's Palace, the first thing that comes to mind is the British Palace, followed by the Chengguo Palace and the Fengguo Palace.

As for Dingguo Gongfu, everyone knows it when it is mentioned.

But when no one mentions it, no one mentions it.

Even on the side of Xun Qi, the recognized leader may be Duke Cheng or Duke Ying, but it will not be Duke Ding.

Why?

Because, as early as the Yongle period, when several major princes divided their power, Dingguo Duke was excluded.

Both the British government and the Chengguo government have glorious histories.

The first British Duke Zhang Fu came from a distinguished family and was the son of Zhang Yu, the founding minister of Hejian. He accompanied Emperor Taizong to Jingnan and made many military exploits. He pacified Annan and served as a retinue in the Northern Expedition. He served as a soldier throughout his life and made countless meritorious deeds.

Zhu Neng, the first Chengguo Duke, was brave and good at fighting. He was the first member of the Yan Palace. He led his army to seize the Nine Gates of Peking and took the lead in attacking Nanjing City. During the Jing Dynasty, he saved Emperor Taizong from danger several times. After his death, he was entitled to enjoy the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the honor and favor.

To.

In comparison, Dingguo Gongfu looks much bleak.

Although Xu Zengshou, the first Duke of Dingguo, was also from a distinguished family and was the son of Xu Da, King of Zhongshan, he was granted the title of Duke because, firstly, he was related by marriage to Emperor Taizong, and secondly, because he was with Emperor Jianwen at that time and protected Taizong many times.

Emperor, and secretly informed the emperor.

Perhaps, for Emperor Taizong, Xu Zengshou's contribution was the greatest, because without him sending the message in advance, Emperor Taizong might not even have the chance to raise troops to quell the situation.

However, unlike Zhang Fu and Zhu Neng, he did not go to the battlefield in person and make military exploits. This was an inherent shortcoming.

But even so, Emperor Taizong still valued Dingguo Gongfu very highly.

Xu Zengshou was killed by Emperor Jianwen himself on the eve of the successful Jingnan campaign, which made Emperor Taizong deeply regretful.

Immediately after he ascended the throne, Emperor Taizong ordered Duke Xiao Ding, who was less than twenty years old, to take charge of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion.

It is a pity that this young Duke of Ding was not outstanding in both civil and military affairs and could not secure his position, which made Emperor Taizong very disappointed.

After only a few years, he was excluded from the center and could only do errands such as presiding over the construction of the imperial mausoleum, stationed at the rear, and managing logistics.

Those who are unable to hold real power, even if they have the title of Duke, are capable and meritorious ministers, they will not look down upon the Duke of Dingguo.

As a result, factions gradually formed. The Duke of Chengguo surrounded the old team of Prince Yan, and the Duke of England surrounded the young ministers who conquered the Jin Dynasty in the north.

As for the Duke of Dingguo, he could only stay warm with a group of honorable ministers who surrendered and were granted titles during the Jingnan crisis.

In the imperial court, a situation gradually formed between the British government and the Chengguo government.

After decades of this, Duke Dingguo's government had no influence on either the military or the government.

Not to mention the officials of the Ministry of Revenue, even when the Supreme Emperor was in power, the rewards for the four seasons and eight festivals were much thinner than those of the other two governments.

In the silence, Jiao Jing continued unhurriedly.

"By the way, talking about Duke Dingguo's Mansion, I also remembered something. When the Supreme Emperor just succeeded to the throne, the old Duke Ding wanted to send his eldest son Xu Xianzhong to the palace to serve as a guard beside the Supreme Emperor. What happened at that time?

What do you mean?"

Ignoring Zhang Xi's increasingly darker complexion, Jiao Jing sneered.

"If I remember correctly, it was King Dingxing who said that this son looked weak and weak, Xunwei had a heavy responsibility, and he was not suitable, so he asked the Supreme Emperor to dismiss the old Duke Dingguo."

"As a result, because of this incident, the old Duke Ding died in depression after the New Year, isn't it true?"

"enough!"

Seeing that Jiao Jingyue was going too far, Zhang Xi finally couldn't bear it any longer, lightly patted the table and said:

"Old Duke Ding is seriously ill himself. What does it have to do with my brother? What does the prince-in-law mean by mentioning old things now?"

Although he asked this question, in fact, Zhang Xi did not need to answer.

Jiao Jing's meaning was already obvious.

The British government has no way out. If it stops and gives in now, it will become the next Dingguo government.

No real power, no influence, no connections, and only an empty title.

Although he holds the title of a public official, even a small official in the Ministry of Household Affairs dares to point out the so-called blatant deductions from the system.

In the eyes of Shengdou Xiaomin, Duke Dingguo was superior, but in his own circle, he was humble and even looked down upon.

If you want to stay dormant temporarily and pave the way for the next generation, you have to look at the face and intentions of those in power.

As both Dukes, Duke Ding personally went to the palace to plead with him, wanting to give his son a good future and get closer to the new emperor. However, all his efforts could not match Zhang Fu's flirtatious words.

Didn't Empress Dowager Zhang, who was in charge of the government at that time, aware of this joint? Didn't San Yang, who was assisting the government, not aware of it?

No, of course they understand, but they don't care.

Because Duke Ding's weight was not enough for them to offend Zhang Fu.

But what if it were the Duke of Cheng, Zhu Yong, who said it?

If that were the case, Zhang Fu would not have vetoed it at all, because it would be useless if he vetoed it.

Even if the British government gained power for a while, it did not mean that the Chengguo government lost power.

As for Dingguo Gongfu, just refute it.

If you are angry, just endure it, if you are aggrieved, just hold it in, and if you make yourself angry enough to become seriously ill and die, you are bringing your own fault.

The distinguished ministers of the aristocratic family may appear to be beautiful, but in reality they are extremely cruel!

The British government is now giving up. Not only are they giving up the Emperor and the Queen Mother, they are also giving up the East Palace.

Two consecutive generations were sidelined, which was enough to wipe out the British Duke's heritage and become the next Dingguo Duke...

Looking at the stern-looking Zhang Shi, Jiao Jing picked up the teacup in his hand, took a sip of tea, and said calmly.

"Why should the second master be anxious? I am just sighing for the second master of Dingguo Palace. After Zhongshan King Xu Da, there is a family of two masters. Tsk, it's a pity. Apart from the world coupons, there is nothing..."

Zhu Yi sat aside and watched the confrontation between the two people.

I couldn't help but feel a little emotional in my heart.

No wonder, Jiao Jing's attitude was so tough from the beginning.

As he said, now that the matter has come to this point, the British government has no way out.

Zhang Fu could not escape the death penalty, so the only way left for the British government was to cooperate well with the Holy Mother in the palace and the returning Emperor.

In this way, you can still retain some power, even if the power you retain may not be entirely under your control.

And the premise of all this is.

The British government must understand its current position!

Looking at Jiao Jing from this angle, Zhu Yi felt that he was not an easy character to deal with, and she couldn't help but feel a little more wary.

Sure enough, Jiao Jing's last sigh instantly penetrated Zhang Shi's psychological defense.

He leaned back on the chair slightly dejectedly and said.

"Well, I'll just listen to the Prince Consort and discuss matters later at the Prince Consort's Mansion. However, I still have to think about the matter of the Fifth Army Commander's Mansion."

Seeing this situation, Jiao Jing finally showed a normal smile on his face and said.

"Second Master is wise. In fact, Second Master does not need to worry too much about the affairs of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion. In the final analysis, Marquis Ren is just a transition. However, because there is no manpower available now, Marquis Ren is temporarily allowed to take charge of everything."

"But in the final analysis, even if these people are willing to listen to the call of Marquis Ren, they are only looking at the face of the British Duke. After all, Marquis Ren is just a newly promoted minister with insufficient foundation, so in the end, everything still has to rely on the British Duke.

"

Seeing that Zhang Shi didn't respond, Jiao Jing thought for a while and said again.

"Since the second master has to think about it, he might as well think about it for a few more days. I heard that the third master and others have been transferred from the imperial prison to the Dali Temple prison."

"Now that the crime and punishment have been determined, I think the court will not be so inhumane that they will not even let you see her for the last time. If the second master goes to visit the third master, he might as well say a word to the Holy Mother."

Zhang Xi raised his eyes and asked, "What are you talking about?"

Jiao Jing did not speak directly, but took two steps forward and lowered his voice.

"The Holy Mother said that after the Supreme Emperor returns to the court, she will..."

After saying this, Zhang Xi's expression suddenly changed and he asked: "Really?"

Jiao Jing didn't say anything, but just cupped his hands and left with Zhu Yi, leaving Zhang Mian with a complicated expression on the spot, wondering what he was thinking...


This chapter has been completed!
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