Chapter 23 Sejong Chapter 24 The old nobles and the new nobles, the meeting of kings
The governor of Kaifeng at that time was Li Zhaoxian, the Duke of Leping County. Not to mention his resume and qualifications, just because of his background, he was enough to serve as the chief official of this "second government in the world".
His father's name is Li Jilong, his mother's name is Liu Jia, his maternal grandfather is Emperor Shizu, and his cousin Li, who is also today's emperor, is also considered a general of the Han Dynasty. Whether it is Li Chuyun, Li Jilong, or Li Jihe, they are all famous generals, especially Li Jilong.
The commander-in-chief, the mainstay, and the most outstanding talent of the Li family.
However, as the Li Jilong brothers passed away one after another, Li Zhaoxian's generation began to assume the important responsibilities of the family and also entered the political stage of the Han Dynasty. However, Li Zhaoxian's generation did not have talents like Li Jilong and Li Jihe. The fourth generation
No one has come forward yet, so the Li family has more children, but the momentum of family development is declining.
For many years, it was Li Zhaoxian who maintained the power and influence of the Li family in the court, the government and the public. Even though he had been educated and trained by Li Jilong since he was a child, to be honest, with the talents of a middle-aged man, he could only serve in government affairs.
Highlight a sense of stability and harmony.
However, for someone with Li Zhaoxian's status, the qualifications are enough. The position of Kaifeng Governor is proof that this is not something that ordinary nobles can hold.
To be fair, if the royal family and the court are jealous, then a family like the Li family, a general family, has strong influence and appeal in the army, has served as a general or prime minister, has been in charge of military power, and is also a relative of the emperor.
The greatest threat to imperial power is far greater than that of ordinary powerful people.
However, the Han Empire has been more prominent than the Li family since the time of Shizu. There are many close relatives of the generals, and they are not the same family. By the time of the Jianlong era sixty or seventy years later, this problem is no longer a big problem.
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This is also thanks to the fact that Emperor Shizu lived long enough and reigned long enough. During his reign, with his lofty power and prestige, he gradually weakened and eliminated threats in this area, coupled with a series of balancing measures, and
Emperor Taizong strengthened various policies and regulations of the system, and the current situation has just been formed.
For the current dignitaries of the Han Empire, if they have the opportunity, they will not hesitate to seize power and erode the imperial power. However, no one dares to have the idea of rebellion and usurping the throne, which will only make the crowd attack.
It is very difficult for the ruling class to form a fundamental subversion from within. Of course, this is not necessarily the case in the later stages of the empire's rule. Before that, it still needs a long period of development and changes.
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If you think about it carefully, it is even more unusual that even the royal family princes can hold important positions in the court, hold real power, and employ some relatives of the emperor. However, whether it is Shizu, Taizong, or even Kangzong, they all deliberately
Promote common people bureaucrats and suppress nobles to balance.
Not to mention Liu Wenji, he is the one who needs to balance the power and class of the empire most. However, in the end, you will find that the so-called balance is just to cultivate a group of common people's dignitaries in addition to the aristocrats and bureaucrats.
, and there is essentially no difference between the two, except that they enjoy different privileges and the threats to imperial power are expressed in different ways.
Take Lu Yijian, who was the judge of Kaifeng Prefecture at that time, for example. The position of "judge" established by the Han Empire from the central government to the local government was not only for judging prison cases and litigation, but also for judging all matters of the state and court.
, also known as "Tong San", it can be imagined that the authority in the corresponding ministry is much more important than the traditional "Shang Sanzuo".
Of course, with the development and changes of current affairs, the position of "judge" is not a universal and permanent official position. Strictly speaking, it is just like the imperial court dispatching important ministers to inspect the local areas according to the times. It is an envoy dispatch. Therefore, the Han Dynasty
Although there are hundreds of divisions and state capitals in the empire, the number of judges is not very large. They are only established in places with special duties or under special circumstances, and Kaifeng Prefecture certainly has this speciality.
As for Lu Yijian, he was only in his early forties, with a good reputation and outstanding talents. However, when the court mentioned this person, the first thing that came to mind was his uncle, the famous official "Kaibao Yongxi".
The famous Prime Minister Lu Mengzheng.
Of course, although Lu Mengzheng had many heirs, in terms of achievements, fame and power, it was Lu Yijian who actually became Lu Mengzheng's political heir. And if it weren't for the relationship between the same surname Lu, and Lu Mengzheng
With some guidance and help during his reign, even if Lu Yijian had the best qualifications, it would be extremely difficult for him to achieve his current political status.
The Han Empire that entered the Jianlong era, perhaps much earlier, was no longer an era that allowed the rise of poor families, common people, and the grassroots. Even though there were still many common people from poor families entering official careers through the imperial examination and civil service channels every year, and were appointed
Officials, however, the number of these people is small compared to the billions of people. At the same time, it is difficult to tell whether there are any "uncommon" backgrounds and relationships behind these people.
And those common people bureaucrats and poor generals who were once used by Emperor Shizu to check and balance the noble class have already become a new kind of "powerful people" over the long years, forming a new inheritance relationship.
After all, in an empire based on officialdom, being an official is a noble thing, and once you become a noble, you will achieve a change in status and a jump in class. It is a matter of itself to want the ruling class dignitaries to live in harmony with the exploited common people.
An extremely contradictory thing.
Being able to do so is enough to praise him as a good official with "honesty and virtue". This is just the self-awareness of part of the ruling class. Whether it is Emperor Shizu or Emperor Taizong, their so-called checks and balances are just
It was just a group of "nouveau riche" being cultivated within the ruling class, and there was no fundamental change in the class contradictions of the entire empire.
Of course, the academic administration and examination system perfected by Shizu and Taizong ensured that the common people were given basic channels and opportunities for advancement. This is already its progressive nature.
On the other hand, for the group of meritorious nobles who hold the core voice of the empire, their inheritance and maintenance are basically tied to blood. This is stipulated in the title and salary system, and it is also the basic feature of the origin and inheritance of honors.
In contrast, the political inheritance of the "new rich" is much broader. Bloodline and kinship are still very important factors to consider, but they are not limited to these. Teachers, students, classmates, colleagues, comrades and even
Compatriots, these can become the context for the inheritance and development of a political force.
In terms of breadth and inclusiveness, this part of the "new rich" is obviously better than the traditional nobles. After all, the overall talent base is very different. This is the fundamental reason why they can compete with the old nobles, and
, from a relatively long time interval, the relationship between the old rich and the "new rich" will definitely be a process of ebb and flow.
As the emperor, Liu Wenji was obviously aware of these issues involving the ruling class of the empire and some deep-seated class conflicts. This was commendable. And the solution or relaxation method adopted by Liu Wenji was the same blend of reconciliation.
It means the experiment and development of the central and local two-level administrative school system.
After Luan Jia arrived in Tokyo, Emperor Liu Wenji first issued a benevolent decree to posthumously reward the former prime minister. He planned to prime minister Xiang Minzhong, reward his descendants generously, and use six-rank official officials to protect his two sons. The old prime minister Xiang Minzhong, in April this year,
At that time, he died of illness in his mansion in Kaifeng City.
When Liu Wenji first heard about the funeral, he still expressed regret and sent people to express his condolences. This time, he just added a reward to the previous condolence. In addition to the benefits, Xiang Minzhong was also posthumously awarded the title of Minister of Justice.
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In fact, for Liu Wenji, Xiang Minzhong's incident can be said to be just a mood change when he traveled to Kaifeng. After finishing the small details of the incident, he will usher in a major event, one that will happen in the future.
It was a matter of great significance to the history of the Han Empire.
At the end of midsummer, Kaifeng City not only ushered in the hottest season of the year, but also welcomed a group of guests from all over the world - the kings of the Han Empire at home and abroad.
Liu Shu, King of Chu, Liu Han, King of Yue, Liu Xin, King of Rao Le, Liu Huan, King of Jiujiang, Liu Wenyuan, King of Anxi, Liu Wenze, King of Anxi, Liu Wenqian, King of Kangju, Liu Wengong, King of Beiting, Liu Wenhai, King of Linhai, Liu Wenhan, King of Northern Qi (Qi King Liu Yun died in Duangong
Three years ago), Northern Lu King Liu Wenjun (the eldest son of Lu King Liu Ai, Liu Ai died in the first year of Jianlong), Southern Liang King Liu Wenhuan, Xiyong King Liu Kan (son of the former Yong King Liu Chun), Gou Wu King Liu Wenyu, together with Yan King Liu Zhao
, sixteen in total, including King Liu Yao of Xuchang, have gathered in Kaifeng City.
There was also Annan King Liu Jidan. Because he was young (less than fifteen) and unbearable for the big event, the Queen Mother sent his eldest brother Liu Jiyuan to the north as a representative to participate in the conference. Of course, in fact, the struggle among the upper echelons of the Annan royal family was fierce, and the Queen Mother Liu Jidan
E didn't dare to leave without permission, let alone letting her most important card, "Annan King Liu Jidan", leave Jiaozhou.
The sixteen kings are basically consistent with Emperor Shizu's original idea of dividing the world among his sons and nephews. They are also representatives of the large number of small countries in the Eastern world that are being divided. And when these people are gathered together, it is not an exaggeration to say that they can overthrow the entire world.
The last time all the kings sat together and the big and small sects gathered together was still in the Taizong period, and the discussion of state affairs can be traced back to the first year of Yongxi when Taizong first came to the throne, and that was already twenty-eight years ago.
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For the country and individuals, twenty-eight years have been enough to bring about great changes. From the current composition of the royal family, it is obvious that the princes of Emperor Shizu have gradually withdrawn from the stage of history.
The old are old, the dead are dead, and the remaining few who are younger in age, except for the title of "Emperor's Uncle", compared with some of the Emperor's nephews, they don't even have an advantage in age, let alone the development of the country.
In addition to the changes in things and people, the most fundamental change in the past twenty-eight years is probably the change in the relationship between sects and vassals. The weakening and alienation of the relationship between the central government and the feudal states, the royal family and the kings and small clans is inevitable.
The decline in the control power of various countries is an extremely obvious trend, which is accompanied by the gradual increase in the strength of each country. This is one of the main reasons for these changes.
By the third year of Jianlong's reign, among the countries in terms of national strength, Anxi ranked first, followed by Anton. This is understandable. After all, these two countries were the only ones that received almost unrestrained blood transfusion support from the empire in the early days.
After Anxi and Anton, Kangju, Beiting, and Rao Le followed. Judging from this unofficial ranking, the world is still in the era of continental power. Even for the Han Empire, the Age of Discovery has begun.
, but there is still a big gap in strength between those overseas feudal states and the land feudal states.
Of course, this gap is not only caused by the central blood transfusion and development in recent decades, but also related to the previous level of local civilization development. The southern feudal state, or the maritime feudal state, can barely keep up with the development of national power and strength.
Only the three kingdoms of Annan, Linyi, and Linhai were able to enclose the land in the north.
However, even among these three countries that have basically controlled the Indochina Peninsula, in terms of hard power, the only one that can really compare is the Rao Le Kingdom. And even if the Rao Le Kingdom is the weakest in the north, if it really launches a serious attack, the hundreds of thousands of people who control the strings may be an exaggeration.
Well, it is more than enough to organize 50,000 cavalry.
In the past twenty years, Linyi and Linhai, two countries with frequent wars, used the largest force of only 30,000 people when facing Chenla and Bagan. At the same time, Chenla and Bagan still fight
Standing in front of the two countries, although it is declining day by day, it is difficult to guarantee when the goal of elimination and annexation will be completely achieved.
The Zhenla Kingdom was about to be broken up by Liu Wenyan and Liu Gong, who took turns to fight. The Bagan Kingdom was also compressed in the mountainous area of northern Myanmar and was crumbling under Liu Wenhai's united front actions. In fact, what really restricted the two countries from completing the great cause of annexation was
It is no longer just a military issue, but also a political, economic, transportation, ethnic, religious, and demographic issue.
This time, all the kings gathered in the capital. It was Liu Wenji who had been planning for a long time before taking action. He summoned all the kings to follow the example of Emperor Taizong and held a meeting of the kings to come up with the "new vassal system" that he had planned for a long time and jointly build it.
A brand new vassal system of the Han Empire.
In fact, this trend has been blowing for many years, and it can even be traced back to the Kaibao era, but there has never been a truly profound and thorough change. Liu Wenji just wanted to go one step further based on the "Yongxi Alliance Oath".
And this wind has spread to all countries in the past few years. Everyone knows more or less about the intentions of the central government headed by Liu Wenji, but because of this, the kings are a little difficult to deal with.
For example, King Liu Shu of Chu, who is already sixty-five years old, still remains true to his former self. At the same time, as a person whose status is second only to King Zhao in the living clan, he naturally puts on the airs of an imperial uncle. After waiting for two days in Kaifeng, he started
Complaining to others that the emperor did not respect them, how could they keep the elders and distinguished guests waiting for so long.
Before Liu Wenji arrived, the king of Xuchang, Liu Yao, who was mainly responsible for welcoming the kings, could hardly cope with the feudal kingship. It was too difficult to deal with. Liu Shu, the king of Chu, who relied on his old man and acted like a fool, was nothing more than Liu Shu, the king of Chu, and Anton Liu Wenyuan even more
The famous shit-stirring sticks, with these two kings around, plus the insinuations of others, create a strange atmosphere that is difficult to calm down.
However, all the noises were reduced with the arrival of Luan Jia. After all, this was the emperor of the Han Empire, and the authority of the central emperor was still very valuable in this era.
In the final analysis, all the countries still have requests from the mother country of the Han Dynasty. Otherwise, when called by the imperial court, they can refuse with excuses and not go to the capital in full force. And the reason for this is not only the intimidation of the central government, but also because of this
The tone of this conference has been set. This is a heavyweight conference that will determine the internal structure of the empire and the royal family in the next decades or even hundreds of years. It is necessary to go to this meeting for the sake of the family and the country.
In response to the accusation of Chu King Liu Shu "disrespecting the elders", Emperor Liu Wenji was very generous and personally saluted and apologized to him in front of the kings and ministers. His attitude was very sincere, but the smile at the corner of his mouth was a bit annoying, and the process also made Liu Shu
I deserve it so much
Before the meeting officially begins, there is a process to pave the way. It is necessary to hold an imperial banquet and entertain. Liu Wenji also needs to warm up the meeting and appear as the emperor. Then he will meet with the kings respectively and communicate with them.
He listened to their reports and tested their attitudes. He was unfamiliar with many of them, or even didn't know them.
After that, there was a grand and solemn ceremony of worshiping heaven, earth, and ancestors. The altar on the outskirts of Kaifeng, where Emperor Shizu worshiped in his early years, had already been packed up by Kaifeng Mansion.
After the Suburban Festival, a solemn worship ceremony is indispensable at the Zhaolie Temple in Tokyo to comfort all the heroic spirits of the predecessors who sacrificed in the process of founding the empire and establishing the country. (Xijing Gongchen Pavilion and Tokyo Zhaolie Temple, these two are almost the same as the Han
The Imperial Man Mo Temple)
Then, there was another imperial banquet, which lasted for several days, and the kings were exhausted. Liu Wenji just held a "closed hall meeting" with the kings in Chongyuan Hall in Kaifeng Imperial City.
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Originally, Liu Wenji invited King Zhao Liu Fang to attend the meeting. After all, he was the head of the clan and the hope of all the kings. However, Liu Fang refused. In his words, this was a meeting of sects and vassals, and his lineage had long been passed down to him.
Liu and Wen agreed that it would be inappropriate for father and son to sit at the same table at a meeting of this nature.
This "Chongyuan Conference" lasted for three consecutive days. The specific process was not leaked at the time. Later generations can only read it in "Lijuzhu", "Sejong Shilu", "National History" and some family biographies related to the kings.
Found some records in .
The attendants and guards guarding the hall could clearly hear the fierce arguments in the Chongyuan Hall. The scene must have been very heated, but the final result of the argument ushered in a new "Zongfan Era" in the Han Empire.
”, laying the foundation for the pattern of the Eastern world in the next hundred or even hundreds of years.
Liu Wenji and the kings surnamed Liu made an alliance and drafted a new set of "Code of Han Zongfan" based on the "Yongxi Talks". The changes were not small, but the number one one was still the same: Emperor Taizong
Mai is the eternal inheritor of the throne of the Han Empire. Of course, when it comes to Liu Wenji, he himself has to be added.