Although Emperor Liu never explicitly designated a prime minister after Zhao Pu resigned as prime minister, the political hall's operating mechanism for decades was destined to need a leader, a role that could make the final decision.
In Emperor Liu's original conception, this power was to be firmly in the hands of the emperor, and this role should also be the emperor. However, in the past 20 years, even he himself has been a little lazy in politics, not to mention the emperors of later generations.
.
During the years when Zhao Pu was in power, the power of the prime minister had actually eroded the monarch's power and caused harm. The lofty prestige that Emperor Liu had only meant that when he sensed a threat, he had enough strength and confidence to eliminate the threat.
Or eliminate the person who created the threat.
The power of the monarch and the power of the prime minister are also in a relationship of ebb and flow. After Zhao Pu dismissed the prime minister, the highest decision-making power of the imperial court was basically taken back by Emperor Liu. At the same time, part of it was transferred to the prince, and the decision-making power that the prime minister of the Political Affairs Hall could retain has been
Very few anymore.
Prime ministers like Song Qi are more responsible for following orders. They have the opportunity to participate and make suggestions, but they do not have the power to make decisions. But even so, Song Qi still acts as the prime minister's first assistant in the actual administration of government.
Although his position has not been confirmed in name, many people regard Song Qi as a more powerful and less powerful version of Zhao Pu.
As for such an identity, Zhao Kuangyi naturally yearns for it, and it is what he strives for. As an honorable minister, glory and wealth are already guaranteed. He has been an official for more than 20 years, and he has always worked hard and never slackened off. It can be said that he strictly restrains himself.
, what he pursues is nothing more than power and reputation. Now, Zhao Kuangyi seems to see hope.
If so, under normal circumstances, he might have to wait until Song Qi retires. With Song Qi's body, it will take some years. But now that this situation has arisen, Song Qi will bring disaster upon herself and be dismissed from her position. The way forward seems to be
It became smooth and smooth in an instant.
Among the ministers such as Song Qi and Zhao Kuangyi, there is no need to consider the military and political system. Regardless of Han Tong or Liu Tinghan, there is basically no possibility of being the first assistant. What's more, with the return of the three princes to Beijing, there will be major adjustments in the military and political aspects.
As for the rest, Wang Zhu took advantage of his early debut, seniority, and being around Emperor Liu. In fact, Zhao Kuangyi didn't think highly of this person. With such deep qualifications and connections, it would be better for him, Zhao Kuangyi,
, has reached the top a long time ago. He is not just a financial envoy, but he can't even handle the affairs of the financial secretary. Shen Yilun still needs to worry about everything.
Shen Yilun is young and virtuous, but he is also very old and does not pose a threat at all. He is just waiting to get into office smoothly, land safely, and go home to retire.
On the other hand, Lu Duan, who was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, was a figure, and anyone who could "do what he wanted" would not be an ordinary person. However, this person behaved too ordinary on weekdays and was despised by many courtiers. Emperor Liu was able to make an exception and promote Lu Mengzheng.
He is the governor of Luoyang, but if Lu Duan is mentioned as the first of the hundred officials, it will definitely be difficult for the internal and external officials to accept it. I think they will consider it more carefully.
Thinking of this, Zhao Kuangyi suddenly felt that he had great advantages. Regardless of his status, ability, and qualifications, who else could he be "Zhao Er"? Is there anyone in the court who is more suitable for governing than him?
Probably because of his concern and concern, Zhao Kuangyi had ups and downs in his heart. Without Chang Ping, Zhao Kuangyi ignored many things. The arrangement that Emperor Liu took over extinguished the fire in his heart.
The words were addressed to the prince Liu Yang: "You are now in charge of the government, and your affairs are heavy, and you still need the help of good ministers. Song Qi was a qualified auxiliary minister, who handled things thoughtfully and properly, but it is a pity that he has become confused and has lost his mind.
In this way, I will transfer Li Fang back to assist you, and it will be more convenient for you two masters and apprentices to cooperate. Speaking of which, Li Fang has been in Beijing for more than ten years, and it is time to come back!"
Hearing Emperor Liu's decision, Zhao Kuangyi's face stiffened slightly. How could he forget about Li Fang? That was Liu Yang's teacher, the future emperor's master. The relationship was far deeper than ordinary people imagined. What's more, even if we don't mention this level
Regarding the relationship, Li Fang himself was a veteran of the DPRK. Apart from his age, Zhao Kuangyi really couldn't think of any advantages he had.
However, Zhao Kuangyi's palace was very deep, and he quickly stabilized his mind and recovered as before. What if Li Fang was replaced? Everyone was suffering, and Li Fang was almost sixty years old, not as good as Zhao Xianggong, who was in his prime in the Spring and Autumn Period, and with Emperor Liu
temperament.
Suddenly thinking of something, Zhao Kuangyi subconsciously raised his head and glanced at Emperor Liu. Although he couldn't see anything, he couldn't help but feel flustered by the direction of his guess.
As for Liu Yang, his mood was a bit mixed. He admired and respected Song Qi, but not as much as his teacher. It was a relationship of mutual trust for decades. What's more, when the Deng Wengu case happened, Li Fang was implicated, and outsiders
Liu Yang felt a little guilty in his heart, so Liu Yang was naturally happy when Liu Fang returned to the court to serve as prime minister, but it was hard to show it at this moment.
Emperor Liu naturally didn't care about the thoughts of Liu Yang and Liu Yang, and continued to mind his own business: "Shen Yilun has also asked me several times to resign and return to his hometown, but I have never agreed. However, considering Shen Qing's old age, I should also go with him.
In his later years, he was well and prosperous. He served the country for more than thirty years. It is not easy. Now that he has returned with honor, he should receive the treatment he deserves. The prince will personally supervise this matter!"
"yes!"
"Also, when Shen Qing is old, the Finance Department also needs to add an official. Wang You, the Northwest Transport Envoy, is experienced in handling matters and is good at arithmetic. He can take over. He can serve as deputy financial envoy in the court and the order can be issued!" Emperor Liu
Said again.
"yes!"
The three of them, Liu Yang, have become yes men. At the same time, if it was only vaguely felt before, it is now almost certain that Emperor Liu is about to regain power. This series of personnel arrangements is the most obvious sign.
"I'm tired!" Emperor Liu rubbed his forehead and said, "You all should step aside and go back to your own duties!"
"yes!"
"King, please stay!" At this moment, Emperor Liu spoke again to persuade him to stay.
Liu Yang and Zhao Kuangyi glanced at Wang Zhu, who also looked surprised, bowed and slowly retreated. Emperor Liu looked at Liu Yang's back calmly until he disappeared outside the palace.
Just as Zhao Kuangyi suspected, another test is about to fall on the prince. Under normal circumstances, with the relationship between Li Fang and the prince, it is impossible for Li Fang to return to the political hall and take charge of power. That is not conducive to power.
balance.
Now, after the prince has been in power for many years, he has transferred back Li Fang, a highly respected and capable Taifu, and allowed the two masters and apprentices to join forces. Wouldn't it be possible to control the affairs of the Han Dynasty?
On the other hand, Emperor Liu made another move to take back power. The temptation of the word power was too great, and the struggle for imperial power became even more cruel and dangerous. In the past, Emperor Liu was willing to delegate power, so naturally nothing could be seen. Everything was stable. Now, Emperor Liu is about to take back power, and it is difficult to say whether Liu Yang will be willing to hand over power and take a step back.
As for Emperor Liu, we have to see if Liu Yang has the patience. Emperor Liu is generally satisfied with Liu Yang. He does not agree with his character and ideas, but it is not unacceptable.
Most of the time, Emperor Liu was sure that Liu Yang could successfully inherit the Han Empire he founded. However, due to the suspicion that penetrated into his bones, he could not help but to toss and test, and for what purpose? , sometimes Emperor Liu himself felt confused.
It must be said that Emperor Liu's thoughtful expression was still a bit scary. There was no one to accompany him, and Wang Zhu felt even more uneasy if he stayed down there alone. When he was at a loss what to do, Emperor Liu finally turned his head and focused on He asked slowly: "What do you think about the personnel adjustments in the imperial court?"
Upon hearing the question, Wang Zhu was stunned for a moment, confusion flashed in his eyes, and he cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I have no thoughts, I just listen to the edict and do it!"
"Idiot!" Upon seeing this, Emperor Liu couldn't help but cursed angrily: "Idiots don't have any feelings! I see you are getting bigger and bigger as an official, but people are getting better and better! The Financial Secretary can't even control it. Okay, I still need Shen Yilun to fill in the gaps, so what do I need from you? Is the Han Dynasty’s finances just a decoration? Is it just something to put on the table and make people laugh? "
These words were a bit serious. The king was confused, his legs were weak, and he knelt down and apologized: "Your Majesty, I am old and foolish, neglecting my duties, and I have let you down. Please forgive me for punishing me. I only hope to protect your Majesty." Body, don’t let the old minister’s ignorance and disobedience build up your anger!”
After listening to Wang Zhu's words, Emperor Liu's anger subsided a little, stared at him, and sighed: "Whether you are in the state or county, or in the Taoist government, haven't you always done a good job? Why did you go to Beijing? Go to court and pay homage to the prime minister, but do nothing and have no merit?"
Wang Zhu heard the words and said blankly: "I have little talent and little virtue. I owe my present glory to your majesty for your appreciation and promotion. I have little talent and cannot be promoted to a noble place. I have let your majesty down."
"You can manage Jiangnan Road well, but you can't manage a financial secretary?" Emperor Liu asked.
Wang Zhu was silent for a moment, but he still had the awe-inspiring look on his face. He cupped his hands and said, "If virtue is not worthy of the throne, it will be detrimental to the country and the people. I am willing to abdicate in favor of talents!"
"Did you give up the power of the state at your request?" Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu became even more angry. He even slapped the imperial censor, his face full of anger.
The king knelt in front of the emperor, feeling the emperor's anger. He could not help but tremble, and buried his head deeply: "Your Majesty, calm down! I obey your Majesty's will!"
After going around and back again, Emperor Liu couldn't help but frown when he saw Wang Zhu's "I'm lying flat" look on his face. The last person who made him feel this way was his uncle Li Ye.
What Emperor Liu was confused about was that although Wang Zhu was not a great talent, he was a Jinshi and had outstanding talents. In the past thirty years, he had always been diligent and done a lot of practical things when he was in the local government. , even Jiangnan, who was originally appointed, could manage things properly, but it was precisely after he returned to Beijing to serve as the financial envoy that he gradually changed.
It was fine at first, but in the past two years, people have become more and more ignorant, restrained and submissive, and have "evolved" to a corpse-like meal. Such changes made Emperor Liu very puzzled. What is the problem?
Looking at the king's actions at this time, Emperor Liu really had the urge to issue an edict to remove him, but he restrained himself. If three prime ministers were removed in one day, the movement would be too big, and it was uncertain. It must be thought by fools that a coup has occurred.
At present, I have just returned to Luoyang, and there are a lot of trivial troubles in the court. Song Qi's resignation has already caused a lot of turmoil, so there is no need to add fuel to the fire and add more troubles.
However, Emperor Liu was still a little more patient with Wang Zhu: "I just ask you, can you do a good job as the financial envoy?"
Upon hearing the question, Wang Zhu hesitated for a moment, and then said solemnly: "I will do my best!"