Slowly putting down the memorial in her hand, Song Qi raised her eyes to look at Zhao Kuangzan and asked: "Has the king made up his mind?"
Zhao Kuangzan picked up the milk tea served by the maid, took a sip, and replied: "If I hadn't made up my mind, I wouldn't have told you this memorial!"
Hearing this, Song Qi smiled and said in a self-deprecating tone: "That's true. Your Majesty is right. I am indeed old and confused!"
In his dismissal edict to Song Qi, Emperor Liu used two words to describe Song Qi. One was that she was old and confused, and the other was that she was dim-witted and not polite at all.
In the past, during the personnel transfers among the successive prime ministers of the Han Dynasty, whether it was deposing or delegating, Emperor Liu would show full respect and maintain a basic dignity. But when it came to Song Qi, it was obviously different. He did not save any face, and the reason was not the same.
It's rather far-fetched, and has the meaning of punishing innocent people. It almost made it clear to the world that Emperor Liu was dissatisfied with Song Qi, so he killed him.
Of course, Yang Bin and Su Fengji, the two founding prime ministers, are not included. Those two were the victims of Emperor Liu's actions to rectify the dynasty and strengthen the imperial power. They needed to be deterred by serious crimes, and at the same time, they were easier to bully.
For Song Qi, his experiences during this period were really embarrassing. At least in the eyes of most people, he was treated unfairly. As for Song Qi, even though he had some concerns in his heart, when the matter came to
At the end of the day, mentioning it will inevitably lead to more grievances and sentimentality.
"You and I have known each other for many years, so you don't have to pretend to be humble in front of me! Now that the matter is over, you can enjoy your old age in peace, so you don't have to worry too much about it!" Seeing Song Qi's performance, Zhao Kuangzan suddenly felt a little sad in his heart and spoke.
While explaining, change the subject: "What do you think of my glossary?"
"Is your Majesty willing to give up?" Hearing this, Song Qi asked without answering.
Zhao Kuangzan was silent for a moment and sighed: "I have to give up!"
With that said, Zhao Kuangzan stated his considerations truthfully: "To be fair, your Majesty has been extremely kind to my Zhao family. My father and son both served the Khitan and were their minions to invade the Central Plains. When the Han Dynasty was first established,
He once opposed the imperial court.
As for later, my father and son sat in Youzhou and submitted to the imperial court. It was only due to the current situation that they had to do it. Unlike those ministers who followed the great ancestor and His Majesty to the east of the river, my father and son were actually second ministers. Even with those who surrendered and promoted in the later period,
Compared with capable ministers and talented people, they should also be more distant.
I am very grateful to Your Majesty for not forgetting past mistakes, being tolerant, and showing great kindness to me. However, if my family takes it for granted and does not know how to cherish blessings and restrain them, disaster will not be far away.
As Chu Bao said, Your Majesty is old, respectable, and equally terrifying. Even a wise minister like you has to take such risky measures to protect himself, let alone my Zhao family?"
After a pause, Zhao Kuangzan continued: "Back then, in order to appease Youzhou, His Majesty promised to let me, Zhao Jiayong, take control of Youzhou. Now that I think about it, such a promise is really terrible and has too many hidden dangers.
After the First Northern Expedition, You Yan returned to the imperial court, and all his civil and military troops were dismantled, and I returned to the court with your majesty. To tell you the truth, although your majesty treated you with great courtesy at that time, I was prepared to be imprisoned by you.
Fortunately, Your Majesty is magnanimous and has never given up on his promise. He even relies on you in court affairs and dares to exercise real power. Because of this, I have become less cautious."
Speaking of this, Zhao Kuangzan glanced at Song Qi, took another sip of hot milk, and said: "A king is so prominent in the world and is envied by others, and I often feel proud of it. After all, there are only a few kings with different surnames in the entire Han Dynasty.
Lord?
However, in recent years, I have become more and more overwhelmed by the weight of this crown! Just think about it, His Majesty is extremely cautious even in conferring titles on the princes, and has never made him a king rashly, let alone us?
In the past, in order to win over meritorious officials, no one knew how he felt about us now when he generously awarded rewards."
"At the beginning, the King of Xiangyang took the initiative to submit his resignation as king. Come to think of it, even if his feelings and considerations are different from mine, there will not be much difference!" Zhao Kuang praised: "Compared with An Shouzhong, I
My reaction has been slow. After thinking about it, instead of being overwhelmed by this king, it is better to abandon it and return it to His Majesty for the sake of Chang'an. Your current experience has also strengthened my idea!"
After hearing Zhao Kuangzan’s sincere words, Song Qi raised her hands and said: “Your Majesty, you have a thorough understanding of this matter, and it is really admirable to take it so seriously!”
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan immediately smiled, waved his hand and said: "Where can I be measured? I just grow old and worry too much, and my courage has become smaller!"
When he said this, Zhao Kuangzan's eyes were clear and his face was relaxed. Today's conversation seemed to bring back memories of the past. Zhao Kuangzan said with emotion: "I, Zhao Kuangzan, have been an extraordinary person in my life. I am in my twenties.
It's just Fangjie Town, following my father across the world and galloping across the Central Plains!
When I was less than 30 years old, I appointed a party and took charge of Youyan. Although I did not benefit the people under my rule, I did my best to fight against the Northern invaders, and I had little merit. I have enjoyed the power, status, fame and fortune to my heart's content.
No regrets in this life!
Nowadays, my health is getting weaker and weaker. Although I have enjoyed enough, I also need to think more about my children and grandchildren. There is not much I can do. I have left them a large amount of property and family property, which is enough.
They have enjoyed it for several lifetimes. Before I die, I take this last step to consider their safety."
Seeing Zhao Kuangzan's emotional expression and sensing his sadness, Song Qi sighed: "Your Majesty, you really have good intentions!"
Zhao Kuangzan actually raised his hand and wiped the corners of his eyes, making them wet, and said apologetically to Song Qi: "You are so sentimental, I made Chu Bao laugh!"
"The king's words are serious!" Song Qi said.
After pondering for a moment, Zhao Kuangzan asked: "Do you think His Majesty will approve this memorial?"
Song Qi shook her head and said, "I don't know! The power of God is unpredictable!"
"Then should I submit it to the palace?" Zhao Kuangzan asked again, adding by the way: "I also communicated with the King of Xiangyang, and he prepared another charter for resignation!"
Upon hearing this, Song Qi's face changed slightly, and she immediately said solemnly: "This is the only thing that your Majesty needs to remember, and you must not present it together with the King of Xiangyang!"
Zhao Kuangzan was stunned for a moment, then reacted and frowned: "That's right! I didn't think it through, otherwise, I'm afraid it would arouse His Majesty's suspicion again!"
After saying that, Zhao Kuangzan laughed a few more times and said to Song Qi: "This matter has been agreed, and a big piece of my heart has been removed. I haven't drank for a long time, and Chu Bao came to the house today. He was very happy, so I made an exception and went with him.
I'll have a drink."
Saying that, Zhao Kuangzan coughed heavily again, his old face turned red. Seeing this, Song Qi showed concern and advised: "I am very grateful for your kindness, but please follow the doctor's advice."
Zhao Kuangzan waved his hand: "Whether you listen to the doctor's advice or not depends entirely on your mood. Song Qi is here, so you can forget about it! Come on, go to the hall, I have ordered people to prepare food and wine!"
The two of them walked hand in hand. Zhao Kuangzan was still leaning on the crutch, looking like a twilight person, but he still said casually: "By the way, Chu Bao, you have been an official for so many years and are busy with government affairs. I'm afraid you haven't accumulated much property.
Your mansion is shabby, crowded, and uninhabitable. It’s time to change it!
I used to run an officialdom, but now that I have retired and have some free time, it’s time to enjoy my time! Nowadays, all the noble officials and nobles are going overseas. I’m afraid you also know the benefits.
In the past, I would have caused trouble for you and failed to do my best. In this case, I will transfer a few ships to you. Don't refuse, this can be regarded as a thank you gift. I am not very old. From now on, if I need help with the Zhao family's affairs, I will also give you some help.