"Notice to the officials, Taifu Zhang has arrived!" In the Chongzheng Hall, the chamberlain Shi Quanbin cautiously said to the dazed Emperor Liu Wenji.
Hearing the sound, Liu Wenji "awoke" from the scroll and opened his eyes. He couldn't hide his old and tired look, but his eyes were still deep, as if they contained endless mystery and danger.
It was only in his later years that Liu Wenji's authority was truly established, and he was respected by everyone. Not for anything else, but because Liu Wenji began to exercise the power of the emperor without scruples, using extremely powerful and even brutal means to attack disloyal officials and maintain his authority.
One thing that can be clearly discovered is that starting from the 20th year of Jianlong's reign, Emperor Liu Wenji's temperament became violent and violent. His patience became increasingly lacking, his murderous intentions gradually deepened, and his punishments were harsh, which was completely opposite to that at the beginning of his accession to the throne.
In the twilight years of his life and imperial career, Liu Wenji seemed to have taken off all disguises and no longer restrained his instincts. His tolerance and kindness were not to be said to be completely abandoned by him, but he no longer pursued them as excessively as before.
Chen Yaozuo, Lu Yijian, Xiao Gong, Zhu Qi, these famous old ministers of Jianlong, were all driven out of the court one after another and away from the political center of the empire. The most extreme manifestation was the death of Dong Congyan, deputy envoy to the Privy Council.
Dong Conyan was responsible for attacking the Jin barbarian Liu Jin and pacifying Mobei. He was promoted from one side to the rank of deputy privy minister and became the representative of the martial arts ministers in the Jianlong era. Liu Wenji had a special status in the military arena in the later period of his reign.
of.
And his struggle in the Privy Council with Zhe Weichang and Xiao Hui, two heroes of the Southern and Northern Wars, lasted for eight full years. This was also the main reason why he finally made a mistake and was killed, ending in tragedy.
If it were just a disagreement over political opinions, or a simple struggle for power, and the struggle was limited to a reasonable range, then Dong Congyan would not have been killed.
However, Dong Congyan prided himself on his merits and was usually domineering. He was confident in his military strategies and abilities. On military and political affairs, he even repeatedly rejected the opinions of Emperor Liu Wenji. This kind of blunt disobedience showed no political wisdom at all.
superior.
Even so, Liu Wenji was not intolerant of Dong Congyan. It was not surprising that the hero had certain privileges, at least he would not be murderous. It should not be done, it should not be done, Dong Congyan was deeply involved in the fight to seize the legitimate son.
He was one of the main ministers bribed by Suiyang Gong Liu Jiying.
Dong Conyan thought very simply. By supporting Liu Jiying, he replaced Zhe Weichang and became the prime minister. What he could hear was how much the Sacred Heart attached to Liu Jiying, and what he could see was how high Liu Jiying's momentum was.
Based on this understanding and view, Dong Conyan and Liu Jiying got closer and closer, and even helped Liu Jiying arrange confidants and cultivate strength within the army.
When the balance in the emperor's mind was tilted towards his grandson Liu Weizhen, and when Liu Jiying's shortcomings were exposed, what Dong Conyan did, in Liu Wenji's eyes, became unforgivable and unforgivable.
In the winter of the 22nd year of Jianlong's reign, Deputy Privy Councilor Dong Congyan died suddenly in the Privy Council. This way of death could be regarded as a sign of respect for a hero of the empire, but the impact of this incident was extremely far-reaching.
After Dong Conyan's death, no one in the imperial court dared to be disrespectful or disrespectful to the emperor. There were even fewer cases of criticizing and making insinuations, just because the emperor became more and more terrifying.
A hero like Dong Congyan would kill at will without any mercy. In the past, the emperors had many worries, and ministers could bully them. But when the emperor no longer cares about his dignity, no matter how stubborn and conservative he is, he will not dare to do so.
He really used his family's wealth and wealth to go head-to-head with the emperor.
The death of Dong Congyan was also a strong signal that triggered changes in the imperial military and political system. Since then, under the emperor's order, Zhe Weichang and Xiao Hui co-chaired the Military Justice Department Shi Yuansun (the grandson of Shi Shouxin), and dealt with the internal and external military affairs.
A large-scale personnel transfer and clean-up was carried out.
The main purpose is to cut off Suiyang Gong Liu Jiying's minions, but this action will inevitably cause "accidental injury". At least a large number of Dong Congyan's subordinates and generals from Yanshan North Road were severely squeezed and suppressed, and
Most of these people had followed Dong Congyan in the bloody battle in Mobei
But there is no way, this is politics. From the moment Dong Congyan fell, a large number of generals were doomed to tragedy and fall. A mountaintop of the imperial military was toppled in this way.
In the final analysis, Dong Congyan's tragic ending was his own problem. He had outstanding military talent in the world, but in politics, he was really incompetent and even short-sighted. At the top of the empire, he could rely on his special merits to get ahead.
But when the situation in the court became complicated and treacherous under the influence of "seizing the legitimate son", he became lost in it, and until his death, his keen sense of military acumen was really useless in politics.
Of course, Emperor Liu Wenji may have some criticisms when it comes to hiring people. If Dong Congyan, the emissary, can always stay at the place and lead the troops, there may be a perfect ending, and he will be famous for generations. But this is result-oriented.
Evaluated, it doesn't have much practical significance.
The death of Dong Congyan can be regarded as a landmark event in imperial politics in the late Jianlong period. After all, Liu Weizhen was appointed as the emperor's grandson not long after the beginning of the year. At the end of Liu Wenji's reign, imperial politics became tense.
, depression and even cruelty are also vividly reflected.
At the same time, this also reflects some of Liu Wenji's psychological changes. Liu Wenji has always been a very insecure person. In his prime, he could still cope with it with his excellent skills and enough patience. But in his twilight years, he lacked energy.
, physically and mentally exhausted, and can no longer maintain the same state as in the past.
In order to maintain the majesty of the emperor and consolidate the imperial power, he could only adopt some harsh methods to continue to show his strength and inviolability. It can be said that Liu Wenji has been proving himself throughout his life, but in his later years, he no longer needs to live in harmony with the light, but only
It only takes a few years of perseverance.
Under such circumstances, the spy politics, which had been suppressed for a long time, also reared its head again. Twenty years after Jianlong, the Imperial City and Wude Division were extremely active in the Han Empire, especially within the Gyeonggi region.
Speaking of which, in the Chongzheng Hall, the old emperor Liu Wenji put down the "National History" compiled by Cai Qi and other ministers, looked at Shi Quanbin, thought for a while, and then whispered: "Xuan! Prepare a seat for the Taifu!"
Taifu Zhang was none other than the former prime minister Zhang Jian. As a veteran of three dynasties and loyal to the royal family for more than 40 years, Zhang Jian was known as a "capable minister in governing the world". He served as prime minister for more than 20 years and was of great benefit to the country and the emperor.
As early as the 20th year of Jianlong's reign, Zhang Jian felt that the situation in the DPRK was corrupt, and he wanted to retire. He asked Liu Wenji to serve as an official because of his old age, but Liu Wenji refused and tried his best to persuade him to stay. Zhang Jian had no choice but to
He continued to serve as the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in his seventies. Fortunately, he had Du Yan's assistance, otherwise he might have done what Zhang Jian had slandered, and would have done harm to the country and the people.
After Chen Yaozuo resigned as prime minister, Zhang Jian was promoted to Shangshuling, but he only served as transitional prime minister for half a year. Liu Wenji finally found his "conscience" and allowed him to serve as an official at the age of seventy-eight.
However, there is no doubt that Liu Wenji had great faith in Zhang Jian, and he still allowed him to shine in the capital, granting him the title of Taifu, sitting in the East Palace, and assisting his grandson Liu Weizhen. And Zhang Jian was also moving towards the legendary path of the elders of the Four Dynasties, with great achievements
Anyone can comment, but the combination of fame and age is enough to leave a deep mark on the history of the empire.
By the 24th year of Jianlong's reign, Zhang Jian was eighty years old, but he was still in good spirits. He was holding the purple gold staff given by the emperor. Just by looking at his appearance, some people believed that he was younger than Liu Wenji.
"Old minister Zhang Jian, please see your Majesty!" Zhang Jian entered the palace with slow steps and paid homage with a salute.
Normally, Liu Wenji would avoid paying homage to an old official, but today, he watched Zhang Jian complete a set of etiquette actions before waving his hands. There was a hint of melancholy on the old man's face, and Liu Wenji sighed: "Zhang Qing is old, as if
This health makes me envious!"
After hearing this, Zhang Jian responded with humility and caution. Liu Wenji also took a dim view of these almost hypocritical responses and did not care too much. He sighed to himself: "Twenty-seven years in charge of the country, things have changed."
A lot has been done, but a lot of problems have also been left. I hope you can give me another twenty years, and the world will be well governed. This is not just empty talk, but it is a pity that the year will never stop."
Hearing what the emperor said, Zhang Jian couldn't sit still. He immediately stood up and worshiped with sincerity: "Your Majesty, how can you say this after thousands of years? The billions of subjects of the Han Dynasty still need to bathe in your majesty's grace——"
"Things that have been said for thousands of years have always been foolish! I am old and dying, and I have looked away. Zhang Qing does not need to say this to comfort me!" Liu Wenji waved his hand, and his eyes became a little moister unconsciously.
At this time, Liu Wenji did not maintain the peace and quietness he had maintained throughout his life, nor did he have the stubbornness and violence of his later years. He looked like a dying bird, with a faint and mournful cry.
After a long time, he got rid of the self-pity, self-injury, self-pity and self-lament, calmed down, and then looked at Zhang Jian and asked seriously: "I have always placed high hopes on Prince Zhang De and intend to hand over the great man."
Give it to him. Although he has no great talents, he is enough to defend the country.
It's a pity that God is ruthless and brings great sorrow and pain to me. In the past few years, I have been deeply worried about the inheritance of the country and the future of the country. Although I listened to the minister's request and appointed the emperor's grandson, the grandson is still young after all, and
Having had little experience in world affairs, I am always uneasy in my heart.
Zhang Qing has been an official for forty-five years. He is highly respected and has a good insight into world affairs. After more than a year of observation, in your opinion, how is the emperor's grandson whom I have chosen? Can he bear the heavy burden of the Han Empire? "
It can be imagined that the emperor respected Zhang Jian because of this incident, and it can also be seen that Liu Wenji still had hesitation in his heart at this time. After hearing this, Zhang Jian became more humble and cautious. After thinking carefully, he said this paragraph
In words:
"Excuse me, I would like to speak frankly. In terms of sage, my grandson is far from being able to compare with the ancestors, Taizong, and His Majesty. However, being solemn and quiet, being able to listen to what others say, and being self-denial and serving the public will be enough to become a benevolent and wise king who can protect the country.
The ancestors of the Han Dynasty once said that the predecessors planted trees for future generations to enjoy the shade. Now, your Majesty has worked hard for more than 20 years to rule the country. The Han Dynasty has prospered and prospered, and has achieved historical prosperity that is beyond the reach of future generations of kings.
Although the grandson is not a pioneering king, but Xiao Gui Cao followed and inherited the legacy of his ancestors, he still has a lot to do in the future. Moreover, there are many talents in the court, as long as they make good use of them and follow their advice, there will be no danger."
Zhang Jian's words silenced Liu Wenji, but looking at his expression, it was obvious that he had not really convinced him. Liu Wenji was not a person who could be easily persuaded, not to mention that he was already deeply suspicious.
However, besides accepting it silently, does he have any other choice? After all, Liu Wenji is no longer willing to torment the imperial court anymore, and he can't do it anymore.
After a long time, Liu Wenji finally raised his head and sighed: "I hope it's as you said."
"I heard that Zhang Qing became an official at an old age, but he can still eat wine and meat. I'm so envious!" After regaining his composure, Liu Wenji forced a smile again and extended an invitation to Zhang Jian: "Today, stay overnight in the palace, drink and chat with me.
"
——————
On the third day of autumn in the twenty-fourth year of Jianlong (1041), Emperor Liu Wenji of the Han Dynasty died in Chongzheng Hall in Ziwei City, Luoyang. He was 66 years old. He reigned for twenty-seven years. His temple name was Shizong and his posthumous name was Chengtian Longyun Wenwu Yingming.