Stopping to get on the bus, Li Tao waited in front of the pavilion. When he approached, he raised his hands. His expression was very respectful. The person he was paying respect to was not Zhang Dejun, but the emperor behind him. There was no need to think too much. Zhang Dejun was bound to come here. It was under the orders of Liu Chengyou.
Zhang Dejun turned over and dismounted, with a slightly reserved smile on his face, and said to Li Tao: "I've seen Mr. Ju! He's so fast with his hands and feet. I almost came late!"
"Fan Xianggong!" He saluted Fan Zhi again.
Fan Zhi only nodded as a gesture.
"I don't know if the envoy is here. What advice can you give me?" Li Tao asked Zhang Dejun.
"In front of Ju Gong, how dare you talk about advice!" Zhang Dejun kept his posture very low and smiled humbly: "I am just following the official's order to give Ju Gong something."
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand, and the guard following him immediately handed a few things to his hand, and Zhang Dejun personally handed them to Li Tao. Li Tao had a solemn expression and took them with both hands, as if he cherished them very much. A scroll, a book, and a square of copper print.
I untied the tie and opened the scroll. It was a piece of writing. I could tell it was the emperor's personal letter. The ink was not dry yet. It was not a masterpiece at all, but it was majestic and smooth. But the important thing was that it was printed with the emperor. The private seal, that is where the value lies.
Of course, what is more important is the content of the scroll: The old man is in trouble, his ambition is thousands of miles, the martyr is in his old age, and his ambition is endless.
From this, one could vaguely feel the emperor's generosity and encouragement. Li Tao was stunned for a moment, and his suspicions were clearly aroused. Fan Zhi looked on and said to Li Tao with a smile: "Jun Gong, your Majesty's expectations are already obvious. It’s not time for you to return to your homeland!”
After putting away the imperial characters, Li Tao opened the book and inspected it. He commissioned the book to be made by Dong Chun, the number one scholar. The words were gorgeous and the intention was clear. Li Tao was appointed as the governor of Jinghu, and he patrolled the south of Jinghu on behalf of the sky to comfort the scholars and the people.
"Congratulations to Mr. Ju, your majesty and the court still need your hard work!" Li Tao said.
That bronze seal was naturally the official seal of the governor. Putting away the gift given by the emperor, Li Tao raised his sleeves, walked toward Kaifeng, and prostrated himself: "I kowtow to thank God for his kindness!"
After getting up, Li Tao's spirit obviously increased, and the gloom and depression that had been lingering in his heart were suddenly swept away. After all, he, Li Tao, still had a great ambition and could shine for the big man, so why would he be willing to die in such a desolate way.
"Governor of Jinghu..." He murmured and looked at Fan Zhi: "I remember that in the fifth year of Qianyou's reign, Wen Su went north to inspect as governor of Hedong?"
Fan Zhi nodded: "It seems that His Majesty is still worried about Jinghu and wants to appease him with public authority!"
"But the division of powers and responsibilities seems a bit vague!" Li Tao hesitated.
Hearing this, Fan Zhi said: "When I inspected Hedong, it was in the name of inspecting the prisons in Hedong. If the appointment of Jugong is not clear, it is indeed inappropriate. After I return to the court, I will give advice to His Majesty!"
Mr. Fan has something to remonstrate with again.
The word "governor" appeared very early, and the previous generations also had the title of "governor envoy". However, now the governor of the Han Dynasty has the meaning of Liu Chengyou's "initiation". For now, in Liu Chengyou's heart, this is still a Temporary errands are supervised by the supervisor, just like the governors of the Han Dynasty. They can write secret reports but have no power to interfere in local government affairs.
Of course, regarding Jinghu, Liu Chengyou was not clear about the purpose of his authority, which was why he was still hesitant about whether to follow the Ming and Qing dynasties and institutionalize and localize the governorship.
During this inspection, Liu Chengyou discovered that although the post of chief envoy was responsible for the government affairs of a Taoist government, although it effectively improved administrative efficiency and unified Taoist administration, the decrees were issued by Taoist officials, and the power was still the same. Somewhat big.
In the past few years, some people have been making fuss about Wang Pu's performance in Huaidong. Although Liu Chengyou suppressed them, how could he not have any ideas in his heart?
Of course, the establishment of a governor was only a trial measure carried out by Liu Chengyou. Due to the special nature of Jinghu, after all, the newly acquired land could not be said to be stable in terms of military and political affairs, and fraud cases could only occur. Letting Li Tao go to Jinghu also coincided with the changes in the political situation in the DPRK. He wanted to use him as prime minister to regulate the vast area for the imperial court, supervise and control Taoist officials, and strengthen the imperial court's control over the local area. Moreover, when Li Tao was young, he avoided the chaos in the Central Plains and also served in Hunan. He had experience and went south for a long time. suitable.
Li Tao still needs to figure out the specific intention.
...
"Is Li Tao gone?" In the Chongzheng Hall, Zhang Dejun looked at Zhang Dejun who had returned.
"Before returning to the palace, the Duke of Ju has already left! Your Majesty has given me your gift. I thank you with tears in my eyes, Duke of Ju!" Zhang Dejun calmed down his eagerness to return and replied.
"Are there many people seeing him off?" Liu Chengyou asked again.
"On the way, I saw a lot of people, including dozens of officials, big and small!" Zhang Dejun said.
Liu Chengyou nodded and said: "After all, he has been the prime minister for many years, and his reputation lies in this!"
"Go ahead!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand and said, before finishing his words, he ordered: "Go and call Zhao Pu!"
"yes!"
Before we were done, Zhao Pu came quickly and paid homage: "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
Liu Chengyou put down his pen and asked, "Where is Zhao Shao? I haven't seen him in the past few days!"
Zhao Pu reported calmly: "Zhao Chengzhi fell ill, and His Majesty also took a leave of absence with him, so he rested at home!"
Hearing the news, Liu Chengyou frowned, thought for a moment, and suddenly asked: "Where is Zhao handing in?"
"Four days ago, I left Beijing and went to Pizhou to take office!" Zhao Pu said.
Due to the Jinghu scandal, Zhao Shangguan recommended corrupt officials, and some unruly behavior in the past was discovered. Zhao Shangguan was demoted to Pizhou and appointed as a judge.
At this time, recalling this incident, Liu Chengyou suddenly realized and couldn't help but shake his head and said: "This Zhao Yao, he is uneasy!"
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou stared at Zhao Pu and ordered: "Send someone to accompany the imperial physician to the Zhao Mansion to see how Zhao Pu's illness is. If it is convenient, let him come to the palace to see me!"
"yes!"
A little later, Liu Chengyou saw Zhao Yao again. His handsome face was white and obviously sick. Liu Chengyou immediately said to the waiter: "Quickly, help him sit down and serve him tea!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Yao observed the etiquette.
Looking at him, Liu Chengyou said: "I have something to say first. Since you are so unhappy, you don't have to go to the palace. Why do you have to endure this fatigue?"
Zhao Yao smiled softly and responded: "I have a chapter that I would like to present to Your Majesty!"
After saying that, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it to the imperial court. Liu Chengyou was a little suspicious, and after only glancing at it, he pressed the note on the case and said in a serious tone: "I don't allow it!"
This is also a glossary.
Seeing the emperor's reaction, Zhao Yao was moved while maintaining his usual humility. He stood up and held his hands in his hands, saying emotionally: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have no talent in helping people, but I am valued by your Majesty. I am simply promoted to a scholar, and I will be used as I see fit." In front of me, I received the support from my heart and heart, went in and out of the curtains, and encountered thick and deep things. It was different from the usual, and I felt it deeply.
In order to repay the kindness of the emperor, I went to the palace calmly, but after all, I was young and incompetent, and my talents and virtues were hardly worthy of my position. I received favors and did not live up to my merits. I always thought about myself, and I only felt ashamed when I thought about it. Only Resigning and giving way to the virtuous will be done with a clear conscience!"
After listening to his plea, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but wave his hand vigorously: "I know you are humble, but why are you so humble? You, Zhao Yao, have been by my side for so many years and have assisted me in many affairs. What has not been done? What has been delayed? Neglect? Can you list one or two?"
After asking, without waiting for his answer, Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Yao steadily: "Do you think it's because of your father? If so, I tell you, the father is the father, the son is the son, and I will never do it because of you. My father’s case involves you!”
Seeing that the emperor's fierce words showed the intention of retaining him, Zhao Yao shook his head and said seriously: "Don't you know that your majesty is generous and generous? However, I am in poor health. Recently, I feel that my energy is hard to save, and it is really difficult to take care of the affairs of Chongzheng Palace. .It will be of no benefit to the country, the king, the court, or the affairs of the country, or the government, to shoulder a critical responsibility with a sick and weak body..."
Seeing the sickly calm smile on his face and listening to his tone, Liu Chengyou knew that he was still affected by his father's incident. Liu Chengyou actually couldn't figure out where his guilt and uneasiness came from and what to do. Explanation is like trying to get into trouble, which makes people helpless.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou asked: "Have you decided to go?"
Zhao Yao bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty, please do it!"
Taking a deep breath, Liu Chengyou calmed down and waved his hand: "Forget it! Forget it! I won't keep you, but you are still young, so don't mention resignation. I will never allow it."
"Are there any suitable vacancies in the local area now?" Liu Chengyou greeted Zhao Pu who was standing next to him.
Zhao Pu said: "Xuzhou!"
"Xuzhou is a good place. You can go there to be the prefect and recuperate! Stay there for a few years and then return to the capital!" Liu Chengyou said to Zhao Huo: "I won't allow you to bargain on this matter!"
Seeing the emperor's resolute attitude, Zhao Yao had no choice but to bow: "I am ordered to thank you!"
After Zhao Yao resigned, Liu Chengyou calmed down completely. After thinking for a moment, he said to Zhao Pu: "Zhao Yao has resigned, and you will take over the affairs of Chongzheng Palace!"
"yes!"
Zhao Pu also seemed very calm. Of course, he did not show any trace of his inner ecstasy. After more than two years, he finally got through it and succeeded in becoming a leader!
As Zhao Yao himself said, Liu Chengyou was very kind to him, even to the extreme. However, he was still a little depressed when he resigned. However, it didn't take long for him to ignore the slight depression in his heart.
On August 12, the ninth year of Qianyou's reign, as Kaifeng was preparing to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, Liu Chengyou received the bad news that Zhao Yao unfortunately fell into the water on his way to take office. His illness worsened and he died at the age of twenty-six.