There was a snowfall in Bianjing City in early winter. After the snow, Bianjing seemed to have gained some age, especially the Ouchi Palace looked more primitive and ancient.
Han Qi, who was dressed in a purple robe, looked at the palace wall and couldn't help but think of the scene when he entered the palace when he was young. He had just won the second place in Jinshi that day, and walked into the palace full of trepidation.
During the roll call, auspicious clouds descended from the sky, and white clouds supported a red sun rising slowly.
The ministers said one after another that if the colorful clouds support the sun, there must be virtuous ministers.
Han Qi squinted his eyes slightly. It was clear behind the snow, and a ray of sunlight happened to cross the eaves of the palace and fall on his face.
In the wind and snow, the energetic young man with black hair who was wearing a green robe is now an old man with white hair and a purple robe.
Although his face has changed, the fighting spirit in his heart has not diminished since he was young, but it is a pity that he no longer has a place in the court.
My boots stepped on the not-so-thick snow, and the surroundings were extremely quiet, except for the occasional rushing breeze.
When they reached the steps, Zhang Mao stepped down to greet him and said, "It's snowy and the road is slippery. Please let me help my husband."
Han Qi waved his hand and said: "You know it even if you don't work hard, I can still walk."
Han Qi arrived at the palace step by step, and saw the young official sitting on the imperial couch in front of him.
Han Qi knelt down and saluted the official, who signaled Zhang Mao to read out the imperial edict.
But I heard Zhang Maoze say: "The imperial edict said that Han Qi would be given access to the second house as a ritual, and he would also be given a district in Xingdaofangzhai, and his son, secretary Cheng Zhongyan, would be promoted to the school manager of the Secret Pavilion."
"I dare not accept this gift, Han Qi."
But seeing the official leave the throne in person, he bowed and helped Han Qi up from the ground and said: "In the past, Sima Guang and Wang Tao criticized the Duke too much. I apologized to the Duke for them."
Han Qi said: "In the past, when I was admonishing for Taiwan, I could attack the prime minister's mistakes. Now that I am the prime minister, how can I not be attacked by admonishment from Taiwan? This is not the way to treat others the same as oneself."
The officials were familiar with Han Qi and thought that Wang Tao had tacitly approved of Han Qi's impeachment. At this moment, he couldn't help crying and said: "My lord, even when King Zhou Cheng was in power in the past, how could he not doubt Duke Zhou."
Hearing the official compare him to King Cheng of Zhou and compare him to Duke Zhou, Han Qi felt completely relieved in the face of the official's unexpected calmness and let go of many things.
"Your Majesty is far better than King Cheng of Zhou, but I dare not compare with Duke Zhou. It's just that I have reached old age. My eldest daughter-in-law, Lu, died of illness. I can't help but feel sad. In addition, I have been busy with the late emperor's mausoleum. My body is not as good as before. Now
I just hope that I can grow old in my hometown."
The official helped Han Qi sit across from him in the palace, mentioned the reward again, and then said: "This is all my intention. After my husband returns to his hometown to take good care of himself, he will return to the court to assist me."
Han Qi said: "Your Majesty, I have been the prime minister for many years but have done nothing for the country and dare not be awarded the first rank. What's more, the director of the Secret Pavilion is a noble and noble position, and he should not be given to dogs indiscriminately. He should be given a test, and then be removed after passing the test."
The official said: "Since your husband insists, let the Master's Academy hold an examination before conferring the award. The rest cannot be shied away from."
Han Qi finally agreed: "Thanks to His Majesty's grace, I am able to serve as a monarch and my ministers. I thank Your Majesty."
The officials couldn't help being moved when they heard this, and said to Han Qi: "I still have state affairs to trouble my husband, and I hope that your husband will never shirk it."
"Due to the Hengshan Weiming mountain incident, the Western captives were rampant. Suizhou was lost, and Xixia stationed heavy troops in Yinzhou. At the same time, Li Liangzuo led an army of 100,000 to linger on the border, claiming to invade Bianjing."
"The Yanyan Road asked for help from all sides, but the frontier fortress was shocked overnight. Prime Minister Wen Shu also requested that Suizhou be temporarily returned to Xixia to put an end to the problem. I would like to ask the Prime Minister to go to the west first and make a decision on this matter."
Han Qi said: "However, this matter was done by the commander-in-chief without authorization, so as to cause resentment to Rong and Di. I can report it to the court after I get to the place."
When the officials saw Han Qi's obedience, they immediately said with great joy: "I feel relieved that my husband will be in charge of the northwest."
At this point, the official paused and asked, "After my husband leaves Beijing, who can entrust me with state affairs and assist me in handling state affairs?"
Han Qi said: "It is feasible for the Third Division to envoy Han Jiang."
The official nodded and said, "I have planned to appoint Han Jiang as Deputy Privy Envoy. I wonder what Mr. Han thinks of Wang Anshi's talents?"
Han Qi shook his head and said: "Wang Anshi is talented enough to be a scholar in the Hanlin Academy, but not in the position of assistant minister."
The officials couldn't help but remain silent when they heard the words. At this time, the chamberlain reported: "Mr. Zeng and Mr. Wen know that Mr. Han is here and request that Western matters be discussed with us."
The official nodded and said, "That's it."
This could be regarded as Han Qi's last prelude to his appointment as prime minister, but Han Qi stood up and said: "Your Majesty, when I was the central prime minister the day before yesterday, we should discuss it together. Today, I am a local vassal. I only follow the orders of the imperial court. The rest
Never dare to smell it."
The official sighed: "The Duke doesn't know what I mean. It's just... I just want to keep the Prime Minister for a while longer."
Han Qi bowed to the official again, choked with sobs and said: "I retire, I hope your majesty will take care of the dragon body!"
Han Qi got up and left the Golden Palace, passing by Zeng Gongliang and Wen Yanbo.
My mood is different when I come and I go, and the scenery I see is also different.
I saw snow had already fallen, but when I saw the vast sky and earth, snow powder was fluttering.
Snow fell on the red wall, and the handsome young man suddenly turned into a white-haired old man.
Han Qi felt something in his heart. Just as he was about to move, he saw a young official wearing a scarlet robe standing under the eaves and looking at him.
Seeing the other person's heroic spirit and majestic appearance, Han Qi seemed to see himself back then.
The other party said: "Please allow me to escort Duke Wei out of the palace."
Han Qi said: "Zhang Youyan is currently serving in front of you, and I will send you off without any trouble."
Zhang Yueze said: "In the past, when I was dismissed from office, the Duke of the State did not hesitate to come to the official residence to express his condolences with the dignity of the Prime Minister. Now that the Duke has retired, please allow me to repay this kindness."
Han Qi's expression of surprise flashed over when he heard this, then he nodded slightly and took steps forward. Zhang Yue opened his umbrella to cover Han Qi's face from the snowflakes in the sky and followed behind.
An old man and a young man walked along the palace road in the snow.
Han Qi looked at the palace road at his feet and sighed: "When I was young, I always felt that this palace road was very long, so I couldn't wait to speed up my pace. At that time, Fu Zheng Gong (Fu Bi) was always there to persuade me. I walked slower, but unfortunately I was young and energetic at the time and never listened."
"Has the Duke ever fallen down in the palace?"
"Never."
"Then why does the Duke feel sorry?"
Zhang Yue felt stupid as he spoke. There must be no other person who could persuade Han Qi like Fu Bi did.
Han Qi didn't answer and asked instead: "How do you comment on my performance? It has been nine years since I became the Prime Minister in the third year of Jiayou. How do you comment on my career as a prime minister?"
Zhang Yue said: "The Duke resigned from the prime ministership at a time of great glory and returned to his hometown. He also served as governor of the two towns and prepared strategies for the three Dukes. This honor and favor can be said to be extremely noble and rich. There is no need to say anything about it when you are a lower-ranking official."
Han Qi insisted: "I still want to listen carefully to your words."
Zhang Yue knew that after a big boss like Han Qi resigned, officials would write a letter of congratulations.
The congratulatory note is not just a formality, but everything you say in it is evidence. If you dare to liquidate me when you become prime minister in the future, I will take out the congratulatory note you wrote to me. Although it is useless, You can also let the world see your face.
Zhang Yue thought to himself that Han Qi was being too cautious.
I came to escort you out of the palace in person, but you still can't trust me. Are you really afraid that I will one day become the prime minister and liquidate you?
Zhang Yue said angrily: "The Duke served in three dynasties and assisted in two dynasties. His contribution to the country cannot be expressed in words."
"If we compare it to the ancients, it can be compared to Zhou Bo in the distant place and Huo Guang in the Han Dynasty, who was able to make decisions but ultimately cast doubt on them. Closer to it, he can be compared to Yao Chong and Song Jing in the Tang Dynasty, who were good at managing politics and did not suffer changes."
Seeing that Han Qi was listening attentively, Zhang Yue calmed down a little and said: "Since ancient times, it has been difficult for the ancients to hold a high position and be successful. However, if the Duke of the country has been in the position for nine years, he can maintain his reputation, be honored, and advance and retreat. He is calm and calm in every situation. From ancient times to the present, only the Duke of Zhou can be compared with the Duke of Han among those who have both virtue and industry."
When Han Qi heard this, he stopped and suddenly looked up to the sky and laughed loudly: "With these words, I will be well-known after my death."
Zhang Yue looked at Han Qi and couldn't help but be surprised. The other party spoke so highly of him. Can the few words he said to him influence how future generations would evaluate him?
Han Qi turned around and said to Zhang Yue, who was holding an umbrella behind him: "After my death, Du Zhi has already become a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy. Please use these words to compose lyrics for me."
Zhang Yue didn't know how to answer.
However, heavy snow was falling, and even though he was covered by an umbrella, Zhang Yue's official robe unknowingly had a lot of snow powder falling on his shoulders.
"Daddy!"
It turned out that Han Zhongyan entered the palace to pick up Han Qi.
Han Qi said: "Please come over here, Duzhi and I have a few words to say."
Han Zhongyan stood aside as he was told, with a confused look on his face. Zhang Yue was talking to his father, and there was nothing he couldn't listen to.
"The dog is stupid, so let him take care of it from now on."
Zhang Yue said: "Please don't worry, Lord."
Han Qi nodded, and then said sternly: "If the official family worships Wang Anshi as the prime minister, although this person is talented, he will not be able to serve as an assistant. When the time comes, he will most likely be the one who will cause chaos in the world..."
What?
Zhang Yue thought to himself, did you know that Wang Anshi was the one recommended by me? If Wang Anshi brought chaos to the world, wouldn't I also have to take the blame?
Zhang Yue said seriously: "Wang Jiefu is definitely not like this. I think he can bring peace to the world."
Han Qi said with a smile: "Placing stones may not be able to pacify the world. It doesn't matter whether Wang Jiefu can pacify the world, but those who can judge mountains and rivers after him must be saved."
"Me?" Zhang Yue couldn't help but laugh, "Mr. Han thinks too highly of me..."
Actually I want to paddle more...
"...I hope Mr. Han will come out when the time comes."
Han Qi said: "As a matter of fact, after I return to my hometown, I will fish with gulls and never ask about government affairs. I built a hall of ten thousand books in my hometown, in which thousands of books are collected and hidden in rows of houses. I will do it myself when I return to my hometown this time." The book was written and proofread, with red and yellow writing."
"It is a pity that after my old wife died of illness, my eldest daughter-in-law, Lu, also died of illness, and then Zhongyan remarried his sister and took over the housekeeping. Both daughters-in-law have good wives and talents in managing the house, and they keep the inside and outside in order... "
"Although the daughter of the Lu family was born into a noble family, she has never been arrogant and has cultivated a prudent womanly manner. You can tell the autumn by looking at a leaf. Marriage with a girl from the Lu family will not miss a good match. I hope you will consider marrying me." On the thin side of this point, I want my nephew to consider this marriage."
Zhang Yue couldn't help being surprised when he heard Han Qi's words.
Unexpectedly, Han Qi also knew about this marriage? He also came forward to advocate for Lu Gong.
What are you doing, helping Mr. Lu fight for Wang Anshi's son-in-law?
