After reading those reports, Murong Defeng's face that looked bitter and full of hatred gradually relaxed, and he handed back the secret report very respectfully, saying: "Your Majesty is very aware of everything and has a clear eye for fire. Everything is under control. It's my fault that I worry too much."
!”
After saying that, Murong Defeng stayed there without saying a word. This behavior surprised Liu Yang. He moved his sore shoulders a little, and Liu Yang took the initiative to ask: "How about you talk to the kings?"
What do you think?"
In fact, the gathering of the kings in the Tower of Supreme Harmony was not a secret meeting, at least it was not too secretive. Except for the exclusion of other people, everything was open and generous.
Of course, this is not an ordinary family gathering. It has a clear political intention, and the content of the secret report begins from this. The reason stems from an issue raised by Lu Duan, the minister of law, not long ago, that is, in view of the current situation.
The country was financially strapped, so it suspended the imperial court's financial and food support to the feudal states. At the same time, wars among various countries were stopped, and the troops fighting in foreign lands were gradually recalled.
It is conceivable that as soon as this proposal came out, it caused a sensation among the upper echelons of the Han Dynasty, and the princes and kings in Beijing were even more upset. This was a naked violation of the interests of the princely states.
Regarding Lu Duan's proposal, the reaction within the imperial court was generally divided into three categories like any previous political turmoil: support, opposition, and neutrality. Moreover, there were many supporters and even stronger opponents!
The reason for holding the former opinion is naturally a commonplace, which is to reduce the burden on the court, reduce the loss of national power, and shift the focus of national governance to the interior of the empire. This set of political views was constantly raised during the reign of Emperor Shizu, not to mention the new emperor's accession to the throne.
At a time when everything is in ruins.
Moreover, the former has received the support of a large number of common people bureaucrats, and some nobles are also behind it. The starting point of these people is of course not only for the overall interests of the country, it can even be said with certainty that they have an ulterior motive, that is, to leverage the ancestors.
Some "unreasonable" policies during the emperor's period restricted or even harmed the powerful.
Compared with some petty fights, the feudal policy is not yet mature, but it is a suitable attack point and can easily cause repercussions. After all, the Gonggun princes in the Han temple have complained about it, and it is not just one or two people who have doubts.
indivual.
As for the latter, whether they are princes, kings, or some dignitaries who cling to the late emperor’s policies, the fundamental reason is to protect their own interests. They are also a very representative group of people. Their past glory and wealth and their current position of power are
They all come from Emperor Shizu. Based on this stance, they will unreasonably defend the late emperor regardless of the pros and cons, regardless of the overall situation.
The princes and kings of the Han Dynasty have undoubtedly become the main force in this political struggle. Their strength and combat effectiveness are also extremely strong. In the past few decades, Liu Yang's position as crown prince has been as secure as Mount Tai, and no one can really challenge or shake him.
, but similarly, the kings also accumulated strong power and influence under the care of Emperor Shizu over the long years.
Especially the four kings of Yong, Qin, Jin, and Zhao were a huge military and political group that mixed the royal family, relatives, nobles, and bureaucrats. It can be said that they were intricately connected and had a wide influence.
When these people united, the influence they formed was such that Emperor Liu Yang had to treat it with caution. The meeting at Taihe Tower was an alliance and merger in response to Lu Duan's "confession", and his demands were also
It is very clear that by deposing the treacherous policy of "counting the ancestors and forgetting the canons", and at the same time severely punishing Lu Duan, the minister, Liu Shu, for example, has already regarded Lu Duan as a treacherous official and traitor who "brought disaster to the country and the people"
At this time, facing the emperor's inquiry, Murong Defeng still thought about it for a while, and then bowed his hands and said: "The kings reacted fiercely and had a tough attitude, but it is understandable! After all, Lu Xianggong's proposal was to end them
A large amount of support and the benefits of the imperial government’s policies!”
"These words are meaningless!" Looking at Murong Defeng, Liu Yang immediately said: "I ask you, how should you respond to the kings' requests?"
Hearing this, Murong Defeng couldn't help but look up at the emperor and asked him. Something strange happened in his heart. He pondered for a while and then said: "In my humble opinion, Mr. Lu is loyal to the country. Even though the proposal is not very timely.
, but his public heart and outspoken advice are worthy of learning from the ministers of the dynasty, and it is really inconvenient to hurt his concern for the country and the people.
Emperor Shizu had given enough generous treatment to the kings, even sparing no expense and harming the country's power, to the point of hurting people's sentiments.
In fact, even the late emperor was aware of it and understood its shortcomings. Otherwise, why would he have made more restrictive adjustment policies in his later years?
How to do it, the late emperor has actually pointed out the direction, which should fundamentally reduce the burden on the court and the loss of national power. With your majesty's wisdom, you know it well after thinking about it."
After listening to Murong Defeng's answer, Liu Yang was silent for a moment and said: "According to your opinion, do you agree with Lu Duan's proposition?"
Murong Defeng also thought about it a little again, and then said solemnly: "In the matter of the country and the public, I agree with Prime Minister Lu's proposal, but if I disagree, this is the time to raise my opinion. Emperor Shizu's death is not far away, the old and the new have changed, and the people's hearts are undecided
, all the kings gathered together to propose such proposals for feuding the country, which was really inappropriate.
Moreover, there are some things that can be done but not said, let alone discussed in the temple..."
Following Murong Defeng's explanation, Liu Yang's motionless face also showed a slight change. He thought about it and said in a deep voice: "Let's not mention the other feudal states for the time being. Take Anton as an example. You have been in Liaodong for many years.
, don’t you know how much national finance, taxation, and population Anton has devoured, and how much damage it has caused to the politics and people’s livelihood of Liaodong Province? Many of these things were reported to me by you?
In the past, you often advised me to be more cautious about Anton, but why has your attitude changed today?"
After hearing this, Murong Defeng immediately responded solemnly: "Your Majesty, my attitude has never changed. The border countries must be restrained and controlled to a certain extent. But what I object to is not the feudal system, but the convenience that the kings take advantage of.
, To disrupt the law of the court is to harm the country. In the past few years in Liaodong, I have severely cracked down on border crimes based on this concept.
I am bold enough to say that Emperor Shizu loves his son too much, indulges too much in the feudal affairs of Anton, Anxi and other countries, and has too beautiful ideas for a hundred years from now. He gets temporary peace but buries trouble in the future..."
After saying this, Liu Yang immediately patted the imperial court and looked at Murong Defeng with sharp eyes: "You are really bold to speak out!"
Seeing this, Murong Defeng hurriedly stood up and bowed: "I have made such outrageous remarks, please punish me!"
The scene became quiet for a while, and Liu Yang finally waved his hand, and then sighed softly: "These words still have the same flavor. I believe your attitude has not changed!"
As he spoke, Liu Yang showed a smile and asked lightly: "Logically, you should support Lu Duan's proposal!"
Facing Liu Yang's slightly curious gaze, Murong Defeng said calmly: "I believe that things have priorities. Regarding the issue of feuding the country, which has lasted for more than ten years, we can completely postpone it and deal with it calmly. There is no need to rush.
For a while!”
Liu Yang immediately asked: "In your opinion, what is the top priority?"
Murong Defeng said decisively: "Your Majesty, when you first ascend to the throne, you should coordinate with the ministers, stabilize the situation of the court, and stabilize the internal and external affairs. If you want stability, you must continue the previous emperor's government. Only in this way can you gain the support of the nobles of Kaibao."
.At least, some of the policy arrangements made before the death of the former emperor should be completed as much as possible to avoid criticism.
With all due respect, Emperor Shizu is a hero who only appears once in a thousand years, and the subjects of the Han Dynasty have lived and moved under the control of the late emperor for decades. Now that the mountains are falling apart and the world is undergoing drastic changes, His Majesty is about to completely take over the important responsibilities of the Han Dynasty.
, there is still a way to go, and some hard work is still needed.”
Among the foreign ministers, Murong Defeng was the only one who dared and could say such words, and Liu Yang also fell into serious thinking for a while. After a long time, Liu Yang raised his head and looked at Murong Defeng again.
With a bit of sadness: "The reason why you mentioned the meeting of kings is to remind me of this!"
Murong Defeng thought about it for a while, then bowed his hands and said: "The kings have united and decided to target Lu Xiang! And Lu Xiang is the prime minister appointed by your majesty in the ceremony and the leader of all ministers. If he encounters criticism, no matter whether he can withstand it or not, he will not be punished."
The situation of the Han Dynasty is not beneficial to your majesty's prestige. I hope your majesty will treat it carefully and make early preparations."
"I know!" After another scorching silence, Liu Yang said to Murong Defeng.
Noticing the change in the emperor's expression, Murong Defeng felt reassured and humbly bowed his head again. Looking at him, Liu Yang asked another question: "Rixin, in your opinion, what about King Anton?"
Liu Yang's question was a bit broad. If you don't know what you mean, you may often answer the question incorrectly. But for Murong Defeng, this is not a problem. In the past twenty years, the emperor and his ministers have had countless discussions on the Anton issue.
discuss.
Therefore, after only thinking for a moment, Murong Defeng replied in a meaningful tone: "Your Majesty, today's King Andong is far from comparable to the King of Qin back then!"
After listening to his answer, Liu Yang finally smiled and said with emotion: "My eldest brother's demeanor is even inferior to me! Perhaps because of this, today's King Andong feels that the court owes him the title of 'Prince of Qin'."
In this regard, Murong Defeng didn't have much to say for a while. To be fair, judging from the results of Emperor Shizu's operations on the princes and kings in his later years, it was indeed unfair to Anton. At the same time, it was the East Palace that mainly pushed for the recovery of Qin Wangjue.
, from the prince's point of view, it would not be too much to suppress the Andong Kingdom at that time.
However, over the past few years, due to Emperor Shizu's inconsistency and changing ideas, the new emperor Liu Yang was slightly embarrassed on this matter.
"That kid Wenyuan has always been strong and complacent. He feels he has been wronged, so he can't help but complain!" Seeing Murong Defeng remain silent, Liu Yang breathed a sigh of relief and said.
Murong Defeng shook his head and pointed out calmly: "In this world, is there anyone who can only get benefits and not be wronged? How can the benefits in this world be obtained by just one person? The imperial court has already been extremely benevolent to Anton!"
There is a saying that Murong Defeng's "Anton threat theory" has almost become one of Liu Yang's political ideas and propositions. And every time he talks about it with righteousness and righteousness, Liu Yang can even
A feeling of helplessness arises.
"That's it!" Liu Yang waved his hand, changed the subject, and said to Murong Defeng: "Rixin, I originally planned to summon you tomorrow, but now that I have caught up, I will inform you in advance! I have decided to transfer you
Entered the Central Committee, served as the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and worked with Pingzhangshi!
It goes without saying that the late emperor was biased in his administration in his later years. On the one hand, he hated corrupt officials and committed mass killings. On the other hand, he deliberately indulged in certain personnel matters without stopping them. Such self-contradiction led to the corruption of officials.
Cause chaos.
It is said that once the emperor and his ministers begin to rule, they will always have to change some of their customs. The reason why I use you as the minister of the Ministry of Personnel and to pay homage to the prime minister is to let you correct the mistakes of the Han Dynasty's official administration and return it to the imperial court.
Totally pure.
Don’t disappoint me!”
Murong Defeng was slightly surprised when he heard this. He had expected to be transferred from Liaodong Road. Firstly, he had served in Liaodong for a long time. His transfer back then was also a concealment method adopted by Liu Yang, the prince.
.Now that Liu Yang has ascended the throne, he naturally needs some close and promising ministers.
On the other hand, after the New Year's Eve, the generals and feudal lords who went to Beijing for funeral last year, without any changes in their positions, also resigned one after another and left Beijing to return to their posts. Only he was specially kept in Beijing by the emperor.
There has never been an explanation.
Regarding Liu Yang's appointment, Murong Defeng was naturally very happy to enter the center of imperial power. This was the dream of almost every Han official. Although Murong Defeng had already become a chief official, during the period of Emperor Shizu,
He was still far away from the Political Hall, but as soon as Liu Yang ascended the dragon, the layers of stairs placed in front of Murong Defeng were blocked by many obstacles, and the path became clear in an instant.
The emperor's eyes were full of trust. Murong Defeng felt this. He took a deep breath and solemnly bowed: "Thanks to your majesty, I have entrusted you with the post of heavenly official. I have no other words to say. I can only do my best to repay the saint."
kindness!"
"Pingsheng!" Liu Yang stretched out his hand toward Murong Defeng and said in a sincere tone: "You and I, the monarch and my ministers, are in the same heart, no need to say anything more!"
"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty!"
"One more thing!" Liu Yang pondered, playing with the white jade finger on his thumb, and said: "Liaodong Road is the pillar of military and political stability in the entire Northeast, and the Chief Secretary is the top priority for public security and pastoral care. He needs to be a good minister.
To suppress this key point, do you have any ideas about who will succeed you after you leave office? This can also be regarded as the first important matter after you take office!"
After hearing the question, Murong Defeng did not make a recommendation rashly, but after thinking for a short time, he said cautiously: "If your Majesty wants to be promoted from the Liaodong Taoist priest, I may give you some advice. If your Majesty wants to be promoted from the world's most talented people, then
I still need to understand more from various parties before making a weigh-in."
"Very good!" Liu Yang nodded with satisfaction, seeming to agree with Murong Defeng's caution, and said: "The feudal officials almost have the power of life and death, and the power is very heavy. When selecting talents, you must consider them comprehensively and be cautious.
Be cautious, stick to this intention, conduct multiple inspections and supervision, and make timely corrections, at least there won’t be any major problems!”
"I will bear in mind His Majesty's teachings."
When Murong Defeng left the Chui Gong Hall, it was already dark, and his brisk footsteps showed that he was in a good mood. After all, from now on, he would be the Heavenly Official of the Han Dynasty and the Prime Minister of the Political Affairs Hall.
At least among the ministers, this can be regarded as a "one step to the sky" type of leap. After all, he is only forty-five years old this year. The last people to become prime minister at such an age were Zhao Pu, Zhao Kuangyi, and Murong Defeng. They have reasons to be proud of themselves.
.
While he was happy, Murong Defeng was also worried about the current situation in the court. It was foreseeable that a bigger storm was gathering, and the princes and kings were already getting ready, and the Han Dynasty would have no peace at all.
There will be none, which is what Murong Defeng and other officials do not want to see.
Even because of this, he became resentful towards Shangshu Ling Lu Duan, so he wanted to poke holes in it. Even though Murong Defeng said he understood before, he still had a grudge in his heart.
In essence, perhaps it is still distrust of Lu Duan. He is not Zhao Pu and does not have that kind of power and prestige. Why would he dare to talk to himself and raise important issues related to the late emperor and the feudal state at the court meeting without saying hello?
, this is even a violation of the organizational principles of the political hall.
If Murong Defeng was still confused before, after all, although Lu Duan has shortcomings in small matters, he is not confused in major matters. Based on his past performance, he does not seem to be a person who can "charge into battle"
When a person's behavior is very different from his daily performance, people have to wonder what inner cause and effect is hidden behind it.
After such a holy scene in the evening, Murong Defeng secretly connected it with Emperor Liu Yang's reaction.
In the Chui Gong Hall, after Murong Defeng resigned, Emperor Liu Yang was alone for a while, with his brows furrowed and thoughtful. Unlike in the past, Liu Yang today was not an easily influenced person, even if he was as close as Murong De.
Feng is also average.
But Murong Defeng's reminder tonight still made him more alert. At least, he had really ignored it before. If the kings gathered together to criticize Lu Duan, the Han Prime Minister, and the impact it had on the court, it would at least expose him as the new emperor.
One aspect of insufficient control over the Han Empire