Compared with people with insufficient status, as the prime minister of the Han Dynasty, the information Zhao Pu received was much more reliable and accurate, and Emperor Liu's speech was presented to him verbatim.
Regarding the content, Zhao Pu did not find much surprise. Many of them were commonplaces. Emperor Liu also revealed a lot of things to Zhao Pu in daily exchanges. He was also a little surprised that Emperor Liu would be so "frank and forthright", but what really silenced Zhao Pu was
It was a meeting of the Court of Meritorious Ministers, but there was no such thing as him as the current Prime Minister.
Except for him and Lu Duan, all the seven prime ministers of the political affairs hall were invited. Even Zhao Kuangyi went. Not to mention the bonus of the prime minister's status, in any case, he, Zhao Pu, was still the emperor's conferred title.
Marquis Yang was also a serious nobleman, but he was "missed" by Emperor Liu.
Until now, it was difficult for Zhao Pu to guess what Emperor Liu was thinking. The old emperor's thoughts were so changeable in his later years that even Zhao Pu, who was as clever as Zhao Pu, could not accurately pinpoint the pulse gate.
The difference in treatment in this matter may only be because in Emperor Liu's mind, Zhao Pu was not a member of the noble group. He was still the bureaucratic leader of the Han Dynasty and the spokesperson of the common people and landlord class in the world, even though Zhao Pu had done a lot that went against his own class interests.
things...
Today, Zhao Pu is still on duty in the Guangzheng Hall and the Political Hall. After the broad official announcement, Zhao Pu read through the memorials submitted by the drivers of various ministries and the provincial government. His movements were very slow, not at all as efficient as usual, and he looked worried.
Heavy look.
"Ms. Sir!" A slightly respectful call brought Zhao Pu back to his senses. He looked up and saw that it was Shangshu Zuo Cheng Yingzhi.
Yingzhi was a Jinshi in the first year of Kaibao. His articles were excellent and he was forthright in giving advice. After becoming an official, he compiled books in the three bureaus, served as censor in the Imperial Palace, and later served in various places. Although he was not outstanding,
A blockbuster political move, but he is still a good minister with integrity, rich experience and down-to-earth work.
After Zhao Pu paid homage to the prime minister for the second time, he eliminated some "mediocre" people in the court and also promoted many capable officials to fill various ministries. One of them, Ying Zhi, was transferred to Shangshu Province to assist
Zhao Pu handles daily government affairs.
This is also what Zhao Pu has been criticized for in the past two years. The most criticized thing against him is cultivating party members and nepotism. Of course, in fact, although there are considerations of family background, the people promoted by Zhao Pu are mostly based on their talents. Many recently promoted bureaucrats
, there is not much interest or even contact with Zhao Pu, Ying Zhi is also one of them.
"What's the matter?" Zhao Pu asked, not very interested.
Yingzhi presented a chapter and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, this is the money, weapons, ships and various military supplies requested by the Ministry of War for the Nanyang Fleet. I looked at it and found that the amount was quite huge. The money alone is
One million guan is needed. It is said that this is the Privy Council and the Ministry of War’s proposal to allocate the first batch..."
Zhao Pu's expression became more serious. He took the memorial, looked at it twice, put it down, thought about it for a moment, and then ordered: "I have the authority to issue the document, so please follow the instructions!"
"Ms. Sir!" Hearing this, Yingzhi couldn't help but said solemnly: "In the past six months, the imperial court has allocated three batches of military supplies to the Anxi Army, spending millions and sending 20,000 ding. Now, another large sum of money has been sent to Anxi Army.
The Nanyang transfer is too heavy a burden for the imperial court!"
How could Zhao Pu not know the concerns of these ministers? However, looking at the worried Ying Zhi, Zhao Pu did not explain much, but asked: "Did you hear what His Majesty said in the Meritorious Ministers Pavilion?"
Upon hearing the question, Yingzhi nodded: "The lower official also heard some rumors!"
Zhao Pu waved his hand and said: "Since you have heard about it, can you still not see clearly the direction of the court? Your Majesty's resolution has not yet achieved results, and who can stop it before disaster occurs?"
"The lower officials dare not agree with what my husband said!" Yingzhi said sternly.
"I heard that you have been an official for nearly thirty years, but you are so angry at the book business that you still haven't left!" Seeing this, Zhao Pu smiled and said: "If you have any advice, you can present it to His Majesty, but the affairs of the imperial court should be treated as
It still has to be done, no discounts can be tolerated!”
As he spoke, Zhao Pu sighed again: "Now it is Han Hui who is in charge of the Han's money bag. Whether the burden is heavy or not, and whether it can allocate funds, it is up to him to weigh it. If you are not in charge, don't worry too much!"
Yingzhi opened her mouth to speak, but Zhao Pu blocked it with his hand and said: "Don't mention this matter anymore!"
Yingzhi was silent for a moment, then cupped her hands and said, "Yes!"
Seeing that he was still standing there, Zhao Pu asked again: "Is there anything else?"
Yingzhi hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer and whispered: "I heard a piece of news by chance. It's hard to tell whether it's true or not. I don't know whether to tell it or not!"
As soon as these words came out, how could Zhao Pu not notice the abnormality? He nodded slightly and said: "What makes you so cautious? Let's talk about it first!"
Yingzhi lowered his head and said: "Someone from the Metropolitan Procuratorate seems to be investigating Chuzhou's false financial and tax declarations and tax fraud..."
When Zhao Pu heard this, his face seemed stable, but his eyes were sharp for a moment, exuding a dangerous aura. If it were anyone else, it would be fine. His son Zhao Chengzong was the current magistrate of Chuzhou, so he had to be wary of the people behind this.
conspiracy.
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Pu smiled and said to Yingzhi: "Don't believe everything you hear!"
Seeing this, Yingzhi bowed his hands and said solemnly: "I just want to remind you about this matter. Please be careful!"
Seeing Yingzhi's frankness, Zhao Pu nodded and uttered two words: "Thank you!"
"I'm resigning!"
After Yingzhi left, Zhao Pu's old face immediately became gloomy, and all the wrinkles on his face showed up in an instant. It was groundless, and Zhao Pu would not take Yingzhi's reminder seriously.
Xiang Zhuang's sword dance was aimed at Pei Gong and the matter was in Chuzhou. The target of the spear may still be pointed at himself. However, where did the Metropolitan Procuratorate have the courage to target him, Mr. Zhao? Who is behind it? This requires
It’s time to investigate, Zhao Pu thought to himself.
...
"Guan family, His Royal Highness the King of Jin is here!" In front of Chui Gong Palace, Yan Tuo whispered to Emperor Liu who was taking a lunch break.
The sun was just right, and the sunlight was very comfortable on his body. Emperor Liu lazily curled up on the recliner. When he heard the sound, he didn't open his eyes, and just replied perfunctorily: "Let him come over!"
Soon, Liu Xi came over, carefully standing on the other side so as not to affect Emperor Liu's sunbathing. Emperor Liu finally opened his eyes, glanced at the respectful Liu Xi, and asked: "Your eldest brother, the others
Sent away?"
Liu Xi nodded and reported: "The eldest brother and the fourteenth younger brother have already set off to go north to the country."
"They're all gone..." Emperor Liu fell silent upon hearing this, and sighed with some sadness, a rare hint of reluctance in his old eyes.
It is already March. In the past two months, the most important task of the imperial court has been to prepare for the feudal state, dispatching officials, building the country's system, military arrangements, and transporting materials. The complexity of affairs and the busyness of personnel have been overwhelming.
A big battle is not far behind.
Of course, the focus is still on Raoleguo, Anxi, and Nanyang, especially the latter two aspects. Since Liu Shu's Linyi (Xinchu) was feudalized relatively early, he had relatively ample time, and was fully prepared in all aspects, let alone Anton.
Then it was almost just a matter of name. Emperor Liu's imperial edict was just a formal fulfillment of a formality.
And now, King Liu Yun of Qi and Duke Liu Xiao of Liang have followed Guo Liangping south to Annan Road, and Liu Shu has also gone to the feudal country with his retainers, slaves, officials and two thousand soldiers prepared by the court for him.
Zhao Wang Liu Fang and Liang Gong Liu had already set off for Anxi in February. As of today, Anton King Liu Xu and Raole King Liu Xin went north to visit the country. Emperor Liu specially asked Jin King Liu Xi to see them off on his behalf.
But Emperor Liu was always like this. When people were around, he wanted to drive them far away, and even didn't want people to stay for a long time. Once the people left, his love for licking the calf took over again.
"Now that I'm gone, I don't know if there will be a chance to meet again..." Emperor Liu said with some sadness.
Seeing his behavior, Liu Xi was speechless for a moment. Just as he was about to say something to explain, he saw that Emperor Liu had focused his attention on himself. Although his eyes were a little hazy, his tone was fierce: "Why don't you take the initiative?