There is a mountain of documents in front of the imperial court, each one is an urgent matter, and each one needs to be approved immediately. When the three passes are urgent, ask for soldiers and food; when Sichuan is urgent, ask for support; when Jiangnan is urgent, it is said that the people are in turmoil; when southern Fujian is urgent, it is said that the local area is not stable.
Jing; Honglu Temple reported that the vassal state of Jiaozhi dispatched troops and generals, and there seemed to be something strange; Kaifeng Mansion reported that prices in the capital were soaring, and folk rumors spread frequently; the Imperial City Department reported that there were people with evil intentions who often used the "Qianjin Yixiao Tower" and other powerful officials and wealthy families.
They preached treacherous and unethical remarks wherever they went; the military patrol reported that they caught a few people who were drunk and talking wildly, making irresponsible remarks about government affairs, insulting the late emperor, and leaning towards King Qi's craziness, and asked for severe punishment...
One after another, one after another, it made him exhausted mentally and physically. He had never imagined that there were so many troubles in this dragon chair that everyone was fighting for. Why were there still so many people rushing to get it at all costs?
it?
Zhao Yuanzuo had a splitting headache. He pinched the center of his eyebrows gently and felt sick in his heart. At this time, Xiao Huangmen tiptoed in and reported in a low voice: "Officials, Imperial City Secretary Zhen Chuge has something important to report."
Since it was an echo, he had personally issued the edict. Zhao Yuanzuo raised his head blankly and thought for a long time, but could not remember what edict he had given Zhen Chuge, so he waved his hand and said: "Let him come in."
Zhen Chuge, the secret agent chief of the Imperial City Department, quickly entered the palace, saluted Zhao Yuanzuo with crossed arms, and sang: "I, Zhen Chuge, the Imperial City Department, have seen..."
Zhao Yuanzuo interrupted him impatiently: "Okay, okay, you... came to see me, what do you want to reply to?"
Zhen Chuge said respectfully: "Your Majesty wants me to investigate the assassination case of the late emperor. But if there is any progress, please report back at any time. I have now grasped some clues."
Zhao Yuanzuo was refreshed and stood up immediately: "Tell me, tell me, what did you find?"
Zhen Chuge said: "Yes, I have questioned one by one the personal guards who were guarding the late emperor's imperial tent at that time, and only found one suspicious point. There was once a soldier with a broken arm, who often wandered around the imperial tent, talking to the guards
We are all familiar with each other, but since the assassination of the late emperor, this person has never appeared again. At first, the guards were panicked, and no one paid attention to the matter. After thinking about it, I feel that there is something very suspicious..."
Zhao Yuanzuo was like a thunderbolt, and he screamed: "What are you going to say? That wounded soldier...that wounded soldier lost one arm?"
When Zhao Yuanzuo was captured in Tianlao and Bisu had to escape the catastrophe, Zhen Chuge was the person involved. Based on the descriptions of the imperial soldiers, he actually had already made plans in his heart. When he saw Zhao Yuanzuo's expression, he couldn't help but secretly sigh and softly
He nodded, slowly took out a painting from his sleeve, raised it respectfully, and said: "I drew the picture according to the instructions of the guards. Please take a look at it."
Xiao Huangmen came over, took the calligraphy and painting, and turned around to give it to Zhao Yuanzuo. Zhao Yuanzuo opened it and saw those peach blossom eyes, as if the unkempt assassin with sharp eyes like daggers appeared in front of him again. He couldn't help but feel
With a sound, his hands trembled, and the piece of paper fell to the ground.
"Check, trace it for me, draw pictures, and tell the world, you must find him for me!"
Zhao Yuanzuo gritted his teeth and showed a fierce look, which made Zhen Chuge feel chilled in his heart. He quickly responded: "Yes, I have ordered you to go down. Tomorrow, the sea arrest documents will be sent to all states and counties. As long as the assassin is still in our Song Dynasty,
It will be difficult to hide."
"In the territory of the Song Dynasty..., he killed the king of a country, will he still appear in the territory of the Song Dynasty?" The fierce light in Zhao Yuanzuo's eyes disappeared, and he became confused. After a long time, he waved his hand, and Zhen Chuge hurriedly bowed and retreated.
Down.
Zhao Yuanzuo's body trembled. It was Bisu who killed his father, but he knew in his heart that Bisu was a death row prisoner awaiting execution in the Heavenly Prison. If he hadn't forced his way into the Heavenly Prison, Bisu would have suffered great consequences.
With all his abilities, he would never be able to escape, so how could his father die? After all, he couldn't escape from his involvement in his father's death.
At the moment when he was feeling guilty and remorseful, a person slipped into the main hall quietly. He could enter without being blocked by the small yellow door. Everyone except the chamberlain knew that there was a second person Gu Ruoli. Gu Ruoli walked to Zhao Yuanzuo's side.
, reported in a low voice: "The official family, the queen mothers of the two palaces have invited me."
Zhao Yuanzuo's biological mother was Concubine Li Xian. Now that he had become emperor, his mother was naturally promoted to the queen mother, and together with the former empress of the main palace, they were called the two empress dowagers. Upon hearing the summons from his mother, Zhao Yuanzuo became more conscious and said in surprise: "I am the queen mother.
If you are sitting in the palace as a director, why should the Queen Mother summon you?"
Gu Ruoli said: "The empress dowagers of the two palaces have heard about the successive defeats at the border, and they seem to have also heard about King Qi's raising troops in Guanzhong. I heard that the people of the country are now unstable, and the world is not peaceful. They are very worried. I want to
Zhao Guan’s family asked for clarification.”
When Zhao Yuanzuo heard this, he became furious: "Damn it, who told the Queen Mother of the two palaces about the outside affairs? Didn't I tell you to keep your mouths shut in front of the Queen Mother?"
Gu Ruoli took a step back and said calmly: "Yes, but... there are many people in the Queen Mother's palace who talk a lot. I really don't know who is talking..."
Zhao Yuanzuo flicked his sleeves bitterly and shouted: "Show me the Cishou Palace."
Zhao Yuanzuo was a filial person, pure and filial, but since his mother called him, he had to see her. He immediately left the palace, got on his shoulders, and hurried to the harem.
As soon as Zhao Yuanzuo left, Yuhou Zhai Musi, the prefect of the palace, appeared in front of the Chui Gong Palace wearing a helmet and armor. He was originally on duty today, so dressed like this, it was not unusual to appear here, but his expression today looked a bit solemn.
, the subordinates greeted their boss one after another when they saw him. He usually smiled and was the most easy-going, but now he just waved his hand with a straight face, and his eyes glanced in the direction of Ouchi from time to time, as if waiting for him.
When Zhao Yuanzuo entered the harem, he suddenly realized that the shoulder carriage was not pointing toward the Cishou Palace. He hurriedly patted the railing and shouted: "Stop, stop, where are you going?"
Gu Ruoli, who had been standing next to the emperor, said: "Your Majesty, there is someone in the palace who wants to harm your Majesty. For safety reasons, please ask Your Majesty to follow your servants out of the palace and take shelter temporarily!"
Zhao Yuanzuo said in shock and anger: "Gu Ruoli, you dog slave, are you going to rebel?"
Gu Ruoli said: "How dare you, slave? This slave is doing this all for the sake of the Holy One." As he said this, he waved his hands hurriedly. The servants walking like wind were walking at a rapid pace. All the way down,
Walking through the pavilions and passing through the palace, every time you pass through a palace gate, there are several chamberlains guarding it. Judging from the situation, it seems that they have been instructed by Gu Ruoli. As soon as they see them coming, they open the palace door in a hurry, ignoring Zhao Yuanzuo at all.
's cry.
Walking to the east gate, close to the corner gate in the direction of the original apse of the Prince's Palace, this place is already desolate. Few people come here. Although the ground is still clean and cleaned by palace attendants every day, there are already small growths on the top of the palace wall.
Grass stubbornly emerged from the cracks in the glazed tiles. It was almost winter, and the grass was withered and yellow, shivering in the wind.
There were several carriages parked in front of the corner gate, and there was a strange smell wafting in the wind from a distance. Fortunately, the weather was already cold, so the smell was not too strong.
"Guan family, for your safety, I have to submit to the official family for a while."
As soon as Gu Ruoli waved his hand, several powerful and tall trusted eunuchs immediately swarmed forward, grabbed Zhao Yuanzuo tightly, sealed his mouth first, and then pulled him into a car. Several toilets were placed in front of and behind the car.
, it turns out that these are actually the carriages used in the palace to transport grain and reincarnation items.
Immediately, I heard the palace door opening, and there were soldiers outside asking questions, checking their waistbands, and then the door was turned on and off, and the donkey cart drove out with a creaking sound, making a clattering sound on the smooth bluestone road.
Gu Ruoli, who was accompanying Zhao Yuanzuo, breathed a sigh of relief. He first raised his sleeves and gently wiped away the cold sweat on his temples, then opened the car curtain and took a look outside. Zhao Yuanzuo stared angrily when he saw Gu Ruoli raising his hand.
There was a glint of cold light in his sleeves, and he didn't know whether he was hiding the sharp blade to deal with the enemy or to prepare to commit suicide. When he opened the curtain, he saw more than ten big men on horseback and on foot outside the car, accompanying them.
I think the other side has the same arrangement. Looking at those people, they are tall and burly, and there are no such heroes except in the imperial army. They all have bulging waists, and they all look like they have hidden sharp blades. They must be the people outside the palace to support them.
Seeing someone looking out from the car, a leader-looking man among those people nodded slightly to the car. Gu Ruoli lowered the curtain with confidence, took off Zhao Yuanzuo's gag with his own hands, and said with a smile: "Guan family,
This slave has just been offended."
Zhao Yuanzuo had always been moody and had changeable emotions. Now that he was in the enemy's hands, he calmed down. He stared directly at Gu Ruoli and asked, "Are you ordered by the emperor's younger brother Defang?"
Gu Ruoli smiled and said: "King Qi is far away in Guanzhong, how can I see him? This is a last resort for the civil and military ministers in the DPRK when they see that the country is in danger."
Zhao Yuanzuo asked bitterly: "Who are they?"
Gu Ruoli said: "Cao Bin, Pan Mei, Luo Kedi...hehe, we are going to General Pan's mansion. When we get there, the Holy Spirit will naturally know everything."
Zhao Yuanzuo exhaled a breath and slowly closed his eyes.
Since Pan Mei was involved, he didn't worry that he would be killed. Although Pan Mei had outstanding military exploits and was a general on the battlefield, he did something and didn't do anything. He was a real man. In the past, he
The imperial uncle Zhao Kuangyin rebelled against Chen Qiao and sent his troops back to Beijing. They found the two sons of Zhou Shizu Chai Rong. All the officials and generals who surrounded Zhao Kuangyin's rebellion signaled to eradicate the roots. Pan Mei Fuzhu was the only one who remained silent and looked unhappy. Zhao Kuangyin saw him.
He also felt that it was too much to bully orphans and widowed mothers and take someone else's kingdom. To kill the youngest son of another family would be against the harmony of heaven, so he rejected the generals. Chai Rong's second son was still young, and he was killed by Pan.
Mei was brought home to raise him, and he was displeased with him. He changed his name to Pan Weizheng and treated him like his own son. Now he has become a young general.
The founding hero of this dynasty did not fear the emperor's suspicion and personally raised the children of the previous emperor. How many such figures have been in the past and present? So when he heard that Pan Mei was also involved, Zhao Yuanzuo knew that he would not be killed.
It's just...even Pan Mei is involved. Do I, the emperor, really deserve to be such a failure?
"Okay, okay, the country originally came from the hands of Taizu, and now it is returned to Taizu's son. This is also the right way of heaven." Zhao Yuanzuo smiled miserably and closed his eyes silently.
As soon as the palace door was opened, Gu Ruoli's little chamberlain who stayed in the palace immediately rushed out and reported to Zhai Musi, the Marquis of Yu in front of the palace.
In the planning of the generals, the best strategy is to quietly control the emperor, then control the entire inner court, and then get in touch with King Qi in Guanzhong. If things change, the second plan will be implemented, and the Duke of Yu will be in front of the palace.
Zhai Musi took advantage of the opportunity of being on duty and used the power under his control to quickly dismantle other commanders and Du Yuhou's men, and control the inner court by force. If this failed, he took the last step and used Cao Bin, Pan Mei, and Luo Ke
The enemy's three Privy Councilors mobilized the imperial troops to stage a mutiny.
The Forbidden Army could not be mobilized without the emperor's order, and the Tiger Talisman together could not be mobilized at all. The three generals only relied on their control over some generals in the Forbidden Army. Even with the decline of imperial power and the turbulence of military morale, most of them were still very obedient to the deployment.
This would be a bad idea. A fierce battle with the soldiers and horses loyal to the emperor would inevitably cause uproar in the city, making the situation in Bianliang even worse. Not using King Qi to take the throne would not be conducive to appeasing the border generals, especially the uncle Li Jilong.
Now that Zhao Yuanzuo has been successfully controlled, the next step will be easier. Zhai Musi came forward in the palace to first control the troops who were on duty today and did not belong to his faction. Luo Kedi immediately ordered generals to surprise and promote Zhao Guangyi.
Several of his trusted generals controlled the Privy Council without bloodshed. Cao Bin came forward to appease the Imperial Guards in the capital. Pan Mei led people to separately arrest Zhang Jue, Cheng Yu, Song Qi, Jia Yan and others. Gu Ruoli took control of the palace, and Luo Gongming
The other civil servants used both soft and hard tactics to "persuade" Zhao Yuanzuo to abdicate.
More than ten years later, Tokyo Bianliang once again staged a drama of abdication. It was probably because the Han people had been killing each other for five generations, and the killing was too cruel. More than ten years ago, Zhao Kuangyin rebelled and took over the country, and there was basically no
There was a scene of massacre, and there was no action to disturb the people. It was peaceful and smooth, and he succeeded in seizing the big position. Today, more than ten years later, the same drama was staged again.
Bianliang City has changed quietly...
Tokyo suddenly changed, and when the news reached Guanzhong, it immediately caused a huge uproar. After the ecstasy, a fierce dispute followed.
At this time, Xiao Yan and Xu Xuan have arrived in Chang'an. They are playing politics, even if they are farming, they are a little too young. These two are important ministers of a country, well-informed and experienced.
There was a heated debate among the officials of the Tang Dynasty, the Privy Council and the Prime Ministers of the Song Dynasty. Among them, Xiao Yan, Xu Xuan, and Lu Duoxun were all learned men. Although Zhao Pu had little education,
The Fang family claimed to only know half of the Analects, but they were self-taught. Their debating skills were not inferior to the other three, and their knowledge was even better. When these four people quarreled, they really quoted scriptures and made unconstrained decisions. Others simply did not understand.
Unable to get it in, even Ding Chengzong was dumbfounded and retreated. Seeing this, Yang Hao simply pretended to be deaf and dumb, waiting for the four of them to come up with a result.
Xu Xuan was sick. He was old, traveled long distances, and the weather was cold. When he arrived in Chang'an, he fell ill. He had a low fever and coughing. Just like this, the old man was blowing his beard, staring, and getting anxious, he banged the table and shouted.
, not falling behind others at all.
There is actually only one focus of debate among the four: whether to let King Yang Hao of Xixia come to the stage from behind the scenes now and directly accept the throne of Zhao Yuanzuo, or whether to let Princess Yongqing continue to pretend to be King Qi first, and then Yongqing will wait for the smooth transition of power.
Princess Zen is located in Yanghao.
Originally, they just wanted to win the support of the old officials of the previous Song Dynasty as much as possible. After defeating Zhao Guangyi, who later became Zhao Yuanzuo, and then "King Qi" surrendered the country, the country would be stable and power would be passed on smoothly, and no one could make any trouble.
Waste.
But who are Cao Bin and Pan Meina? Either they remain unmoved. Since they have decided to take refuge, how can it be that they have to skip work and go to Guanzhong to be ordinary obedient servants? They are all heroes of the world.
Naturally, if you don't make a sound, it will make you famous.
In this way, Yang Hao's original plan was disrupted. First, King Qi accepted the Zen position, and then Yang Hao accepted the Zen position. In a short period of time, two Zen kingdoms were established in succession. In the eyes of Zhao Pu and Lu Duoxun, it was too much.
It's child's play.
Now that they have no way to retreat, they are determined to protect Yang Hao. Of course, the prerequisite is that Yang Hao swears an oath to the heaven, earth, ghosts and gods and agrees to their three conditions, which are also the three conditions Chang Hao agreed to Princess Yongqing.
Zhao Pu said: "If you meditate again and again, and regard the country as nothing, the people in the world will inevitably be uneasy, and it is inevitable that some people will have different aspirations. This is one of the reasons. Secondly, if the princess succeeds to the throne first, she must rush to Bianliang. Here, I know
There are not many people who can win the princess. Once we get to Bianliang, the identity of the princess will inevitably be discovered. The reputation of justice is in our hands. Once that happens, people will find out..."
"Cough cough cough... cough cough cough..." Xu Xuan coughed, his face turned red, and he was out of breath and said: "Xiang Zhao's words are wrong. In my opinion, if my king directly accepts the Zen position,
The harm is greater than the benefit. King Qi succeeds to the throne and the world returns to its heart. I think the generals at the border will not react. Once the world is in the palm of their hands, they can calmly retreat to the throne and ensure the stability of the world. But my king's soldiers and horses have not yet left the border.
At one step in the middle, although the heart of the Central Plains is toward those in Guanzhong, its heart is with King Qi and not with me. It would be inappropriate for my king to step in at this time."
Xiao Yan also said: "That's right. In fact, it doesn't matter what Ziping worried about. King Qi once said that if the Northern Dynasty does not retreat its troops, it will not leave the pass. This reason can be used to make use of it. 'King Qi' can
Accept the Zen position, but do not ascend the throne in Bianliang, so that your identity will not be exposed. As for Pan Mei, Cao Bin and other generals, they have already done this great thing and can never look back. Even if they know the truth, they can only help us conceal the truth.
My king is originally a subject of the Song Dynasty, so the princess can issue edicts, and my king can supervise the country, lead the troops out of the pass, command the Song and Xia troops and horses, and drive the barbarians north. By then, all the troops and horses will be in his hands.
She also made great achievements in regaining her homeland and expelling foreign enemies. At that time, the princess abdicated the throne. Isn't it just and logical, and it also saves a lot of dangers? "
Lu Duoxun said: "This is a big fallacy. The princess borrowed troops from Xixia as King Qi. This statement is not bad. But now that Yuan Zuo has given up the country, King Qi has not taken his place. Instead, he has avoided living in Chang'an. Even
All the civil and military officials were absent, but I, Wang, was allowed to supervise the country and command all the soldiers and horses of Song and Xia. What would the officials think? What would the soldiers think? What would the scholars and common people think? The only explanation is that King Qi is just a puppet.
It has been controlled by my king, and since the Xixia troops left Xiaoguan, everything has been planned by my king."
Xu Xuan retorted: "Is it possible that if my king accepts the abdication directly, no one will have such an idea?"
Zhao Pu smiled slightly and said: "So what? The position has been determined, the name has been determined, even if there are some rumors, it will not shake the foundation of the imperial court, and will naturally dissipate over time. And slowly ascending the throne, passing on the throne, in this process
, suspicions and rumors will become more and more intense. The supervising country is no better than the ruling country. The rewards and gifts come from the holy will. The ministers of the Song Dynasty will not accept my king's love. How can I know that nothing will happen behind my back?
Now that the internal disputes in the Song Dynasty have been settled, no matter who is in charge of the country, the first thing must be to gather the troops of Song and Xia to expel the soldiers from the Northern Dynasty who invade the border. My king supervises the country as the king of Western Xia, and the Song Dynasty has various
Can a general bow his head and obey orders? If the superiors and subordinates cannot be united, and the banners are still divided between Song and Xia, how can they resist the soldiers and horses of the Northern Dynasty? Once they win, it will be fine, but once they lose, how can they accept the abdication?"
In fact, in this case, whether Princess Yongqing accepts the Zen position first, or Yang Hao accepts the Zen position directly, there are pros and cons. In terms of reputation, whether it is peaceful evolution or taking over the country by force, no matter what you use
You can't unify the opinions of everyone in the world and be supported by everyone, nor can you make everyone admit that you are right. Even if you are truly a sage, some people will still make irresponsible remarks.
, try to save others by trying to save others, and call you dirty.
Judging from the current situation, using gentle and euphemistic methods to avoid strong internal backlash has laid the foundation for all kinds of disasters. When resisting foreign enemies, you will encounter many dangers. However, without hesitation, he directly took over the country from Zhao Yuanzuo without going through a war.
The civil and military bureaucracy of the Song Dynasty did not go through a process of clarifying the enemy and ourselves. Once the army was sent to expel the Northern Dynasty soldiers and horses, the troublemakers, the hindrances, and the stumbling blocks all jumped out.
It is extremely dangerous to be on the battlefield where the front enemy accidentally loses everything.
No matter what choice you make, there are half and half pros and cons, it just depends on how you choose. Xiao Yan, Xu Xuan, Zhao Pu, and Lu Duoxun have different positions, so naturally there will be disputes.
Xiao Yan and Xu Xuan had no feelings for the Song State, and because the Song State destroyed the Tang State and killed its old master Li Yu, they had deep hostility towards the Song State. They only hoped that Yang Hao could become the master of the Central Plains in the smoothest way.
As for the possibility that doing so would cause more harm to the Song State, or cause more people to die due to internal and external troubles, and lose part of the border territory, they were indifferent.
Zhao Pu and Lu Duoxun are not mad men who firmly believe that peace can solve problems and violence can solve all problems. They hope that Yang Hao can get it right in one step and immediately accept the abdication and ascend the throne. They believe that long-term pain is worse than short-term pain, even if some people will risk it. If you come forward, you can quickly deal with the opposition forces. Otherwise, the longer you delay, the greater the damage will be caused by internal strife, and the people of the Song Dynasty will suffer more. After all, they are the prime ministers of the Song Dynasty. They have been prime ministers for many years and have governed the world. Of course they do not want to Years of hard work have been wasted.
There is another unspeakable reason: once Yang Hao ascends to the throne, he first enters the bridal chamber and then pays homage to the court. Although the wife has been married, the formalities have not been completed yet, which means that she will not marry a beautiful woman into the bridal chamber, and the matchmaker will throw away the marriage.
Now that they have crossed the wall, they still have a lot of reliance on Princess Yongqing. It is guaranteed that he will fulfill the three promises as promised. Otherwise, if Yang Hao wants to break the promise and break the promise in the future, they will have nothing to do. Zhao Kuangyin, who has served for many years
They still have quite a lot of affection for the Song State, but now there is only so much they can do for the Song State and Zhao Kuangyin's heirs.
Yang Hao had been quietly listening to the speeches of both sides, analyzing the pros and cons. After hearing this, he finally made up his mind. He coughed lightly, and Zhao Pu, Lu Duoxun, Xiao Yan, and Xu Xuan immediately stopped and spoke to him together.
It seemed that even Princess Yongqing, who looked at her nose with her eyes and her mind with her nose, as if she was meditating, opened her wonderful eyes and glanced at him.
Yang Haoqing coughed and said: "Your Highness, I think... let's just do what Mr. Zhao said!"