Chapter 312 The middle palace is suspended, Zhao Pu claims power
After leaving the palace gate of Chongde Hall, Wang Yue reported to Liu Yang in a low voice: "Your Highness, there is news from the palace. Your Majesty has just issued an edict that Zheng Jing, the doctor of the Ministry of Rites, has been sent to prison!"
When Liu Yang heard this, he glanced at Wang Yue. Wang Yue subconsciously bowed down and followed quietly. As a prince, Liu Yang had to worry about too many personnel and state affairs on a daily basis. Although the rank of the doctor in the Ministry of Rites was not low, he was not
It is worthy of Wang Yue’s special report.
"Why?" Liu Yang asked.
Wang Yue responded cautiously: "It is said that Zheng Jingru sent a memorial to His Majesty, saying that the central palace has been vacant for a long time, which is not good for the country. He hopes that Your Majesty can decide the throne as soon as possible to appease the hearts of the people in the world..."
After listening to Wang Yue's explanation, Liu Yang couldn't help but slow down a bit. His hands under his sleeves subconsciously clenched his fists and said calmly: "What he said makes sense!"
Hearing this, Wang Yue became even more careful and said: "Your Majesty reacted angrily and bluntly said that this person harbored evil intentions and sent guards to imprison him pending action!"
In today's Han court, if there are any taboos, the position of the queen will definitely bear the brunt. After the death of Empress Fu, Emperor Liu issued an order to seal off the Kunming Palace in the two capitals. As for the establishment of another queen, there was no
Showing no hint of meaning.
Of course, it's not that no one has mentioned it. Before Song Qi resigned as prime minister, she made a roundabout statement, and was severely reprimanded by Emperor Liu. From then on, no one dared to mention it again.
The dignitaries inside and outside the palace also understood Emperor Liu's feelings for Empress Fu. Even if they had thoughts in their hearts, they did not dare to discuss the matter anymore. Now, the state of the central palace has been without an owner for the past two years.
However, I never thought that suddenly, another "warrior" would appear, bring up old matters, and even speak out about it, but Emperor Liu's reaction was still so fierce.
As the son of Empress Fu, Liu Yang naturally had a firm attitude towards this matter. Except for his mother, no woman in the world was qualified to be a mother to the world.
Therefore, when he heard that someone once again proposed to Emperor Liu to establish a palace, you can imagine the annoyance in his heart. After thinking for a while, Liu Yang asked: "Let's check, what is the origin of Zheng Jingru?"
After hearing the question, Wang Yue reported directly: "Your Highness, Zheng Jingru is one of the twenty-three Jinshi in the tenth year of Kaibao. He once served in Hedong and Shanyang, and was a government official in the Jin Dynasty..."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yang frowned immediately and turned his head to look at Wang Yue with a hesitant look on his face and a scrutinizing look, as if he was surprised by his high efficiency and seemed to be thinking about the story behind this matter.
"Third brother?" Liu Yang murmured in a low voice, "It shouldn't be..."
"Your Highness, you should be vigilant about this matter!" Wang Yue said with cupped hands.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yang immediately scolded in a cold voice: "What do you mean by this? Is this what you should say?"
"You're too talkative! Your Highness, please forgive me!" Wang Yue looked panicked and hurriedly bent down and said awkwardly.
"Go and greet Mr. Zhao first!" Liu Yang slowly withdrew his gaze, regained his composure, and waved his hand.
At the moment, King Liu Xi of Jin and King Liu Fang of Zhao are both in the capital. The former is in charge of civil affairs and is also assigned to inspect various places. One is in charge of government and the other is in the army. He will return at the beginning of the year.
Among the princes and grandsons in Beijing, except for Liu Yang, they obviously regard these two as the most noble. And if Emperor Liu really wants to establish a queen, the current situation in the harem is that there are only three people who are qualified, Concubine Gao Guifei and Concubine Zhe Xian.
And Concubine Fu Hui.
However, although the little concubine Fu Hui's surname was Fu, she still couldn't compete with the first two. In the past, if Liu Yang was the son who was more valuable than the mother, now that the new queen is established, the mother will be more valuable than the son.
At any time, the appointment of a queen is by no means a simple matter for the emperor's family. Its influence involves all aspects of the court, both inside and outside the court. If it is serious, it will shake the foundation of the country.
As for the current Han Empire, when the prince is in his prime, appointing a new queen will have a huge impact on the prince's status no matter how you look at it, especially when the two concubines with the greatest hopes both have outstanding princes.
in the case of.
Liu Yang was actually able to understand Emperor Liu's consideration of not establishing a queen. In addition to being influenced by Empress Fu's deep feelings, one of his motives was to protect the prince and maintain his status. This time Zheng Jing was imprisoned, and Emperor Liu's reaction proved that he
The idea remains the same as before and has not changed.
However, Liu Yang himself could not take Emperor Liu's love and care for granted. No matter how deep the relationship was, it would inevitably become indifferent as the years went by. Emperor Liu could persist for two years, and he could persist for five or ten years.
? And Liu Yang also had a deep understanding of the changeable thoughts of Emperor Liu.
Therefore, even if Wang Yue didn't say anything, he was more vigilant and alert about the incident reported by Zheng Jingru. However, he had doubts about this matter, although it seemed that Zheng Jingru had the knowledge of Jin Wang Liu Xi
background, but Liu Yang couldn't help but doubt that with his understanding of Liu Xi, it would be impossible for him to do something so obvious and stupid.
Is this Zheng Jingru's ignorance and self-initiation, or is there someone instigating it? With Liu Xi's shrewdness, even if he has his own thoughts, he will not make such a superficial decision and only cause fear. If Concubine Gao... this
It's quite possible! Or, is there an ambush behind it?
With various speculations, Liu Yang met up with Liu Xi, the king of Jin, who was also under the imperial edict, and looked at him with a more speculative look. Liu Xi, after hearing about Zheng Jingru, also frowned deeply and faced Liu Xi.
Yang's strange eyes made her feel a little more wary.
Then he called the heads of the central ministries and important officials, and with great fanfare, the group headed to Dingding Gate in Nancheng to greet Zhao Pu.
Such courtesy was everywhere in the court, but not many people could afford it. When the car stopped and the servants lined up to help him, Zhao Pu went to the ground, stepped on the ground of the capital, and looked at the majestic Luoyang City Wall in the distance.
Yunxiao Qianyuan Hall was still in awe, but Zhao Pu was a little excited: Big man, your old prime minister is back!
There was no need to go into details about the meeting and greetings. He entered the palace with the prince and the king of Jin to meet the emperor. Emperor Liu received Zhao Pu in the Chui Gong Hall and dismissed the other ministers, leaving only the prince and the king of Jin Liu Xi to accompany him.
This old guy is well taken care of! This was the first thought that came to Emperor Liu's mind when he saw Zhao Pu again. Zhao Pu was nearly ten years older than Emperor Liu, but he looked energetic, fair-haired and childlike, although his hair was white.
He is gray, but his old eyes are still bright and bright, without the turbidity of ordinary old people.
"It seems that this water town in the south of the Yangtze River is really raising people!" Emperor Liu took Zhao Pu's hand, took a good look at Zhao Pu, and said with an old tone: "I haven't seen you for two years, but you still have your charm!"
"Jiangyin is a land of plenty, with beautiful scenery and harmonious people. It is indeed a treasured place for retirement!" Zhao Pu smiled and said very naturally.
Hearing this, Emperor Liu waved his fingers twice and said with a smile: "I am a little tempted and want to visit the south of the Yangtze River! Back then, the southern tour stopped in Jiangning. The Queen Mother died and had to turn back. Now, there are about
Twenty years in the Spring and Autumn Period, time flies by so quickly, it’s really sad..."
After a brief exchange of greetings, the emperor and his ministers took their seats, and the palace ladies finished serving tea. Looking at Zhao Pu sitting on the seat, with his waist still straight, Emperor Liu sighed again, and couldn't help but think of the scene when Zhao Pu approached him.
After taking a sip of tea, he put down the tea cup and looked at Zhao Pu. Emperor Liu asked leisurely: "When you were the Prime Minister of the court, you often had a close relationship with me. I just don't know if you have had a tacit understanding with me during these two years of hiding from the world."
Reduce. Do you know my intention of calling you back to Beijing this time?"
Upon hearing the question, Zhao Pu looked as usual, pondered for a moment, bowed his hands and said: "I would venture to guess that it is for tax reform!"
Just for a moment, Emperor Liu felt that Zhao Pu's performance when he returned to Beijing this time was a little more indifferent and his mentality was very peaceful. Compared with his cautious and steady behavior when dealing with him in the court, the change was small.
It was subtle, but Emperor Liu still felt it.
With a slight smile on his lips, Emperor Liu said: "Zhao Zeping, Zhao Zeping, knows the elegant meaning when he hears a string song! In this case, I won't be long-winded and will get straight to the point.
I intend to implement tax reform, and I am aware of the difficulties involved, but when I actually start it, I realize that it is trivial and troublesome. This matter concerns the people of the world and the country.
I don’t know if old diseases can be cured with new medicines, and I don’t know if new diseases will develop, but I have decided to change them. This important task cannot be shouldered by ordinary people. You have put your body in Jiangyin.
The treatment is very good, but I don’t know if you are willing to live in Zaitang again and help me cure this world-wide disease!"
Hearing Emperor Liu's question, Zhao Pu stood up slowly, his face too solemn, but without the slightest hesitation: "As long as you have orders, there will be no excuses!"
"Okay!" Seeing Zhao Pu being so straightforward, Emperor Liu couldn't help but pat his thigh: "You are indeed the pillar of the country. You have come to serve the country and worked tirelessly. I am very pleased!"
With that said, Emperor Liu ordered: "Pass the imperial edict, pay homage to Xunyang Marquis Zhao Pu as the Secretary, add a bachelor to the cabinet, and fully preside over the affairs of the political hall!"
"Wait a minute!" Zhao Pu spoke up at this time, interrupting Emperor Liu's excited Xu Guan.
Emperor Liu was not angry and asked with a smile: "Does Zhao Qing have any concerns? Or does he have any requirements?"
Zhao Pu bowed deeply and said calmly: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, reforms have often encountered obstacles from all aspects. These obstacles need to be removed, and the executors need to have sufficient authority. Otherwise, orders cannot be implemented and prohibitions cannot be stopped. No matter how good the policy is, it will not be possible."
It will be difficult to achieve good results, and the reform will eventually become a mere formality..."
Emperor Liu naturally understood what Zhao Pu meant. Although he was a little surprised by such a straightforward request for power, Emperor Liu felt much more at ease. After thinking about it for a while, he chuckled and said: "What Zhao Qing said makes sense! Since ancient times, changes have been made.
There are successes and failures, but losers not only face obstacles and counterattacks from all levels of interests, but more importantly, the will of those in power is weak and inconsistent!
I will leave my words here today. I will give my full support to the tax reform. You dare to go ahead and do it. The personnel involved will be handled by you, and I will have no objection!"
"I obey the imperial edict!" Seeing Emperor Liu's statement, Zhao Pu bowed again and said firmly.
"I also found a helper for you!" Emperor Liu pointed to Liu Xi who was sitting beside him: "The King of Jin, Liu Xi, has taken the post of Minister Zuo Pushe to assist the Minister of Ling and comprehensively promote the tax reform!"
As soon as this order came out, Liu Xi was surprised, Liu Yang frowned, and Zhao Pu rarely changed his expression. He glanced at the father and son and quickly regained his composure.
For Zhao Pu, he no longer needs to worry about being the crown prince. He has reached his age and his political career will only be in the era of Emperor Liu. Regardless of whether the person who ascends the throne in the future is a prince or not, he will not have his position.