Kaifeng is the capital city and has many dignitaries, but the dignitaries are also divided into different levels. They also look at power and holy family members. In recent years, among the few people who have the most reputation and the most prominent status in the court, there is Bo Guo.
Gong Zhao Kuangyin.
In addition to his outstanding military talents and solid contributions, Zhao Kuangyin was known as "Chai Zhao" together with Chai Rong for a long time. He was an important role in the military and political system of the Han Dynasty. He was heroic, magnanimous, informal, and good at interpersonal relationships.
He also handled the matter well and won the hearts of the people. In addition to military and political officials, some heroes also came to visit him.
Of course, Zhao Kuangyin's political awareness was still very high. When he discovered that his family was full of people, and he was building connections and having more officials and generals with connections, he decisively kept a low profile. Having many honours, and being praised by thousands of people can certainly satisfy his vanity, but it is not necessarily a blessing.
At that time, Zhao Kuangyin felt that he was not at ease, so he decisively ordered his disciples and other people to refuse to accept him, and he was not afraid of offending anyone. If there was official business, there would be an office of his own, but if it was private business, it would be difficult to enter the Zhaomen.
After the news spread, it caused a discussion in the capital. When it reached the emperor's ears, he just smiled and praised Zhao Kuangyin's knowledge and magnanimity.
However, it is not just a matter of closing the door and thanking guests. Some relatives, comrades, veterans, and old troops should keep in touch and socialize with each other on weekdays. This is what should be done, and it should be done calmly.
Party colleagues, whether in the military or in government, no matter what era they are in, are an unavoidable problem. Human conditions are like this and the environment is like this. In the early years when Emperor Liu's position was unstable, he hated it deeply. From Su Fengji to Shi Hongzhao to then
Yang Bin was the target of his attack. However, later, as the throne became more stable, the concept gradually changed. It was simply impossible to ban the "party". What we should work hard on was to fight against self-interest and counter-profit.
On the cutting edge.
At this time, the Duke of Bo's mansion was a bit lively. Zhao Kuangyin hosted a banquet here to entertain the guests. Among the guests, they were basically military men, such as Dang Jin, Han Lingkun, Li Jixun, etc., who had either served for many years or had been friends with them for many years.
, or they are like-minded people. These people are now considered important generals in the imperial court, and they all have military exploits.
On weekdays, social interactions are inevitable, but gathering together like this is relatively rare. In view of this, Zhao Kuangyin opened the central door wide and entertained them in the main hall for everyone to watch to show his magnanimity.
The spring is cold, but the main hall of the Duke of Boguo's mansion is bustling with excitement, and the atmosphere is particularly high. The servants of the mansion are coming and going, coming in and out, constantly adding food, dishes, drinks, and musicians supported by the mansion to the table.
, the dancers also performed to their fullest.
Zhao Kuangyin is a good drinker, which is known to everyone in the government and the public, and he can drink until he is drunk. Therefore, the most indispensable and indispensable thing at this government banquet is fine wine.
In order to entertain Pao Ze and his friends, they even brought out all the royal wine given by the emperor and some old wines in the wine cellar, and shared them with everyone. Bowl after bowl of ground dry, they drank enthusiastically. According to Zhao Kuangyin's opinion, it was rare.
Let’s get together and be entertained. If you have any questions, let’s wait until we’ve had enough to drink. Let’s have a good time...
When the banquet was in full swing, Dang Jin suddenly put down his wine glass and let out a long sigh. Seeing that he was drunk and pretending to be drunk, Zhao Kuangyin drank the remaining half of the bowl of wine in his hand and wiped his mouth.
Smiling slightly, he asked: "Brother Dang, why are you sighing? Is it because my wine is not delicious enough?"
Upon hearing this, Dang Jin said: "The wine from Privy Zhao's house is naturally a fine wine and is delicious to drink. I regret that I did not kowtow before Your Majesty last year and ask to conquer Pingnan and achieve more military exploits!"
Hearing what he said, a strange look flashed in Zhao Kuangyin's drunken eyes, and he said: "Now that the Pingnan army has returned in triumph one after another, how can you bring up this matter? Your party is patrolling and has such a huge reputation, but you are still coveting a small amount of achievements?"
Dang Jin then said: "I am not greedy for merit, I am just afraid that my old merit will be forgotten for a long time!"
Everyone here basically understood what Dang Jin was referring to in his words. Zhao Kuangyin also knew it in his heart, but he still smiled softly and comforted him: "In all these years, the imperial court has never treated its meritorious officials poorly.
, are you worrying too much?"
Hearing this, Dang Jin also spoke up: "The Privy Council has great merits and is highly trusted by His Majesty. We should be in the forefront of Qianyou's heroes. But we are the only ones who can't be compared to everyone. We are afraid of going through those ministers."
After all, how much of our military exploits are left? I just don’t know if I, the Marquis, can still keep it in the end?"
During this period, as the "Treasure Opening Ceremony" approaches, the atmosphere in the capital becomes increasingly joyful, and at the same time, various news is also flying, especially the ranking of Qianyou's meritorious officials, the re-ordering of meritorious lords, and the rewards. After all, this involves
The fame and status of the generals of the Han Dynasty were matters related to their vital interests.
There is no airtight wall in this world, especially in the imperial court. As the work of discussing merits led by Wei Renpu's "five-person group" began, some specious news, whether true or false, also spread. The most disturbing thing is that
Yes, many of the original high honors and titles were demoted. The more representative ones, such as Zhang Yanwei, Duke of Dingguo, and Gongsun Li of Wuwei County, were demoted in reward for their merit. These two people were the emperor's confidants.
Even they can't keep the original title, let alone others.
Rumors of being demoted to the Duke of Fen, Duke of Jing, Duke of Hua, and Duke of Shaan have spread. However, there are not many people who can retain their current titles. Some are reduced, and some are added.
Some of them were generals who participated in the Pingnan War.
Because it is an overall pursuit of merit and rewards for the Qianyou heroes, involving all aspects, civil and military, internal and external, and forbidden borders. If we really have to sort out one, two, three, and four, and come up with a list that everyone can believe, there is still a big problem.
Difficult.
No, the imperial court has not officially awarded the reward, and the party Jin and other heroes and generals are a little helpless. After all, the interests are at stake. Everyone is working hard to kill the enemy and make meritorious deeds. Why is it not just glory, wealth, power and status?
Now that the imperial court wants to adjust, downgrade or even take back what you have obtained, how can you be willing to do so?
Regarding this turmoil, Zhao Kuangyin was actually well-informed and knew the concerns of Dang Jin and others. However, he really couldn't say anything on this matter or make a promise to them. After all, it was the court and the emperor who discussed rewards.
, can people like them still disobey their orders? Do they still dare to ask for rewards for their merits?
Furthermore, there is a question: Do today's great Han people really receive rewards for their merit, whether they have internal or external titles, honorary ministers, and casual officials? Are their contributions to the country worth the money and food that the court spends every year to support them?
There are some things that only when one reaches Zhao Kuangyin's position, one can get a glimpse of some of the emperor's thoughts and ideas. In fact, the most influential thing about this meritorious renaming of Lord Lu Su is those who can be traced back to the Jin, Tang, and Liang Dynasties.
The old honors, old titles, and the emperor have long been displeased with them. In the early years, they were just takeovers. In order to quickly conquer the world and stabilize people's hearts, they accepted them all.
By now, Emperor Liu obviously could no longer tolerate those who had not made any actual contribution to the establishment and development of the Han Dynasty and continued to enjoy the treatment given by the state as a matter of course.
Paying attention to the gazes of a group of people, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly burst out laughing. The laughter lasted for a long time, making the generals confused.
Or Han Lingkun asked: "Why is the Privy Council laughing? Do you think our worries are ridiculous?"
Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand and said: "All the gentlemen here are all heroes of the Han Dynasty. There is no one who has no military exploits. They are so heroic when they are on the battlefield, killing the enemy and making meritorious deeds. Why are you so obsessed with fame and fortune now?"
Without waiting for an answer, Zhao Kuangyin continued: "Let me ask you, have your Majesty and the imperial court ever treated you badly over the years? Have you ever forgotten and ignored your achievements and contributions? Have you ever been unfairly rewarded?"
Faced with this question, Han Lingkun's expression changed, as if he had something to say, but of course, he didn't dare to say it out loud, otherwise he would really be dissatisfied with the imperial reward.
"The imperial court has never been short of merit, fame, and wealth in the past. But today, under the unification, the imperial court has re-determined titles and salaries to determine and establish the system. Are we still afraid that your majesty will be unfair?" Zhao Kuangyin asked again, his tone a bit stern.
"You made an appointment to visit me? What do you want me to do? Do you want me to enter the palace to ask for merit and reward on your behalf?"
Perhaps Dang Jin and others meant this, but feeling Zhao Kuangyin's tone, they did not dare to say it. Li Jixun, who was more mature and second only to Zhao Kuangyin in status, raised his glass and said with a smile: "It's all thanks to me.
They are all clearly recorded in the book. How could His Majesty and the court forget? Moreover, even if adjustments are needed, we are not the only ones waiting. We will know the outcome on the day of the ceremony! We came here to have a drink with Privy Councilor Zhao.
It’s not to cause him trouble, but to drink Dukang together and relieve his worries..."