Chapter 302 Major changes in the situation of the DPRK
On the third day after Qian left two people to bid farewell to Kaifeng and go south, they visited the old place of Songgong Pavilion in the southern suburbs of Kaifeng. It was another farewell, another lonely autumn, and another important minister's farewell to the capital. This time the protagonist, No surprise, it was another influential figure in the political arena of the Han Dynasty, a minister who was famous in the Han court - Fan Zhi.
Regarding Fan Zhi's resignation, there were early signs and it was caused by many factors. His personality was one of them, his behavior that often angered the emperor was also one, and his gradual conflict with the emperor's philosophy of governing the country was also one. Of course, the most important thing was, It also lies in Liu Chengyou’s consideration of the adjustments to the Han court over the past ten years.
From before and after Liu Chengyou succeeded to the throne, Fan Zhi was valued by him and promoted repeatedly. When Liu Chengyou ascended the throne as emperor, he became a minister of Conglong. In a short period of time, he was granted the title of marquis and prime minister, and became the founding minister of Balance. A representative of the imperial party.
However, after more than ten years as a prime minister, Liu Chengyou felt that he had been working for too long. Especially his experience as prime minister in the past three years, Liu Chengyou believed that Fan Zhi could be a prime minister, but he was not suitable to be a prime minister because his personality was different from that of a prime minister. In terms of work style, in terms of cooperating with colleagues and working hard, there is a big difference.
In general, Fan Zhi's personal qualities are up to standard and his personal ethics are intact. With Liu Chengyou's current power, Fan Zhi is the only one in the government and the public who truly dares to go against his will and always adhere to his personal integrity.
His ability to do things is also good, but he lacks some grace, both in his behavior and in his work. As he grows older, he becomes more and more conservative. Being conservative is not bad, but it is just not what Liu Chengyou likes at this stage.
Therefore, Fan Zhi was dismissed as prime minister. At the same time, among the prime ministers who were dismissed in recent years, only Fan Zhi could be regarded as resigning normally. The political struggle was not so fierce and there was a little more humaneness.
From the beginning to the end, Liu Chengyou just released some commutation signals, which Fan Zhi received, and then took the initiative to resign. Unlike his predecessor Li Tao, who was almost forced to resign. From this aspect, Fan Zhi is not So completely stubborn, ignorant of interests, and ignorant of flexibility. Perhaps it is just because you have to do your job, plan your own affairs, and shoulder your responsibilities, that's all.
In front of the Songgong Pavilion, there were quite a few people who came to bid farewell to Fan Zhi. Six ministries, nine ministers, various government offices, some came in person, or sent representatives, plus some relatives and friends, it was quite lively, which diluted the sadness of parting. .
During the years when Fan Zhi served as prime minister, he did not form any large-scale parties. He had few comrades and the political force with him as the core was generally not strong. This also means that during his tenure in power, he was inevitably negligent in doing things. , delaying things that cannot implement his will. Whenever it happens, it is a dispute, and the result is often that Fan Zhi suppresses it. With his character, he offends many people.
There are many Fan Zhi officials who are jealous of Fan Zhi from above and below for various reasons, whether due to loss of interests, obstruction of promotion, or personal conflicts. However, now that Fan Zhi has resigned, the past grievances seem to have dissipated overnight, and more People began to review his achievements and praise his character...
Fan Zhi's resignation as prime minister did not fail to alleviate the conflicts in the court and calm the grievances of the courtiers. Of course, the final result was to further strengthen the imperial power. After Fan Zhi resigned, look at who else in the court dared to directly Emperor Ying's edge. Rationally speaking, this is not necessarily a good thing for the empire.
The place Liu Chengyou arranged for Fan Zhi was to serve as chief envoy to Huaixi. However, what was different from ordinary chief envoys was that he added Tongping regulations and called him an envoy. However, this envoy was different from the previous Jiedu There is an essential difference between Tongping Zhangshi.
As for Liu Wensou, the former chief envoy of Huaixi Dao, his work there was not so satisfactory to Liu Chengyou. Facts have proved that a moral gentleman has a perfect character, but when it comes to governing affairs, he simply relies on education and restraint through morality. How can the officials and the people not have problems?
The reason why Fan Zhi went to Huaixi was also to use Fan Zhi to clean up the officialdom in Huaixi and change the atmosphere. At all times, on Liu Chengyou's side, governing practice is more important than governing morality, and law is more important than morality.
As for Liu Wensou, he was recalled to the capital to teach in the Imperial College. Perhaps educating people would be more suitable for him.
Fan Zhi is also familiar with people from Songgong Pavilion. Over the years, he has sent many people off again. But now, it is his turn. However, even when he is serving as prime minister, facing all the officials sending him off, Fan Zhi He still didn't show much emotion or enthusiasm, but kept his old-fashioned expression and said solemnly: "Thank you all for sending me. I would like to express my gratitude for this friendship. However, you all have important responsibilities to leave me. He is responsible for his duties, but he is suspected of being absent from his duties without authorization, which is easy to be false. Please return it as soon as possible!"
Seeing this, the bureaucrats, who were also a little bored, returned the favor, said some polite words, and went back one after another. Afterwards, Fan Zhi scolded his relatives back, scolding him, and warning him that although he was not in Tokyo, if he dared Those who use his name to act recklessly will not be spared.
It is indeed not easy to be the relatives and friends of a minister like Fan Zhi. Not only are there few benefits, but they are also subject to stricter restrictions. His strictness in running a family is well-known by both the government and the public. Of course, this is not to say that the life of Fan Zhi's relatives and friends is difficult. No matter what, they are pro-power class, but compared to other people, their privileges are extremely restricted.
Fan Zhi could persuade officials to leave and scold his relatives, but he could not drive away Xue Juzheng. Among the officials who came to see Fan Zhi off, Xue Juzheng was the most powerful and had the highest status.
Looking at his still serious face, I couldn't help but say: "Wen Su is still too strict with his colleagues and family!"
"After so many years, I can't change my temper!" Fan Zhi showed a rare smile and laughed at himself: "They say that I, Fan, have a bad relationship, and there are not many people who send me off today!"
Fan Zhi's mental state seemed to be very good, and Xue Juzheng also seemed relatively calm, without any distress. Standing together in the pavilion, admiring the poems, Xue Juzheng said: "When Li Gong left Beijing, he once said It’s a poem, but the present text is here, why don’t you recite one or two?”
Hearing this, Fan Zhi's face was calm, and he waved his hand and said: "I can walk calmly this time, and there is no need to put my feelings on this. Instead of worrying about it, why don't we drink the same wine together?"
"I'll accompany you!" Xue Juzheng's elegant face also showed a smile.
Under the service of the boy servants, the two drank and talked freely. The matters discussed could not escape the court affairs and government affairs. This was almost integrated into their bones.
However, during the conversation, Fan Zhi's eyes glanced at Guandao from time to time, implying a little expectation. He looked calm, but his mood could not really be as calm as water.
However, after nearly two moments, the people traveling on the road were still common people. Finally, Fan Zhi stood up and handed over to Xue Juzheng: "I've finished drinking, it's time for me to set off. Brother Ziping, you and I will say goodbye." Bar!"
"Cherish it!" Xue Juzheng returned the greeting.
Sighing slightly in his heart, he suddenly turned around, and a group of Qingqi came at a slow pace. Among the guards was a young man dressed in purple silk. When they saw the visitor, they were both surprised, and hurried out of the pavilion, bowing to greet him. The person is none other than Prince Liu Yang.
"I came late, don't be surprised by Mr. Fan!" Liu Yang calmed down his breath, with a respectful smile on his little face that was already somewhat majestic. Liu Yang's arrival was naturally a send-off on behalf of the emperor.
"Why bother Your Highness to come here?" Although he was happy in his heart, Fan Zhi's face remained calm and he responded with a cautious tone.
...
"You also want to resign?" In the Chongzheng Hall, Emperor Liu Chengyou sounded a little surprised.
If Fan Zhi's resignation was under his control, then he was really surprised when faced with Xue Juzheng's resignation. And the surprise was something Liu Chengyou didn't like. He looked at Xue Juzheng who was standing in front of the emperor. Liu Chengyou's first reaction was to doubt his intentions. The Third Chief of Staff, Xue Juzheng, was not within the scope of his personnel adjustments in the court this time.
Facing the emperor's somewhat piercing gaze, Xue Juzheng looked calm, put his hands on his chest, and responded calmly: "Your Majesty, I have earned your trust, and I have been assigned to three departments to manage finances for more than eight years. The affairs of the three ministers have always been complicated. Although I dare not say that I have put all my efforts into it, I am sincere and frightened. Considering my ability, I can only do it reluctantly. Now that I am getting older, I feel more and more unable to do what I want. In order to avoid delaying the state affairs, I would like to ask your Majesty to make another choice. Talented and talented!"
Liu Chengyou only regarded Xue Juzheng's words as an excuse and stared at him for a while, with various thoughts flashing in his mind. For a long time, when Xue Juzheng was under increasing pressure, he finally spoke: "If Xue Qing feels that the affairs of the Third Division are heavy, you can speak up. I can share the burden with others, so why should I resign?"
In fact, I have always been very satisfied with Xue Juzheng's financial management. If he had not done well, it would not have been possible for him to work for eight years.
"It is true that my energy and ability are no longer up to the task. I hope your majesty will do it!" Xue Juzheng said.
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou smiled, his eyes seemed to become a bit colder, and said: "In this case, I won't force Mr. Xue. If you want to abandon me, I can't force you to stay!"
"Your Majesty is serious!" Xue Juzheng's face changed slightly when he sensed the hint of unkindness in Liu Chengyou's tone. Xue Juzheng hurriedly said: "Although I have gone to the Third Division, I hope to find another position with Your Majesty!"
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou's expression finally softened, and he became interested and asked: "Oh? What position can make you give up the important positions in the three departments?"
"Compiled by the Three Halls!" ..."
Hearing his thoughts, most of the displeasure in Liu Chengyou's eyes finally dissipated. He thought about it for a while and said: "I always like to read history. It is a good thing that you have this ambition. However, how can a mere editor be worthy of you?" He is a bachelor of Jixian Palace and is responsible for supervising the compilation of the history of the country. As for the editor, he is a talented scholar from the Three Halls and a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy. You can call upon him!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xue Juzheng thanked him quickly.
"However, if you resign, who can succeed the third division?" Liu Chengyou stared at Xue Juzheng again and inquired: "You have the most say in this matter. You should recommend some talents to me!"
Xue Juzheng originally wanted to avoid the taboo, but after noticing the look in his eyes, he thought seriously for a while and said: "Yan Jinqing, the transport envoy to the capital, Zhang Mei, the water and land transport envoy to Sichuan and Sichuan, and Lei Xiang, the salt and iron transport envoy, are all You have the talent to take charge!”
"Well, I will consider it..."
The successive resignations of Fan Zhi and Xue Juzheng were like a thunder to the Han Dynasty. What followed was a series of personnel changes involving military and political affairs, from top to bottom, from the central to the local government, Qian You ten In the second half of the second year, Liu Chengyou's main energy was focused on adjusting internal and external bureaucracy.
The person who succeeded Fan Zhi as prime minister was Wei Renpu. After he took charge of the national affairs, he was deprived of his post as Crown Prince and Tutor and was replaced by Xue Juzheng.
Murong Yanzhao was appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of War, Tongping Zhangshi, and officially became a general; Tao Gu worked hard for many years, and moved as the Minister of Rites to the Minister of Zhongshu, Tongping Zhangshi, and finally became the Prime Minister; Murong Yanchao, the king of Changli County, became the Minister of the Ministry of Punishments , Tongping Zhangshi; the other is, the newly appointed Third Secretary Yan Jinqing, Tongping Zhangshi.