A young man with a long body and a tall body, as gentle as jade, stands in the study.
Standing opposite was an old man in his sixties. This old man had half-white beard and hair, a face full of wrinkles, and a pair of eyes that seemed gentle, but were actually sharp and deep.
"My grandson made his own decision without consulting his grandfather, so he was punished." The young man lowered his head and handed over his hands to plead guilty: "Please punish me, grandfather."
This young man is none other than Lu Chi.
The sixty-year-old man was Lu Chi's grandfather, Mr. Lu Ge, the chief minister of Da Qi.
The scene that happened in the court shocked Mr. Lu Ge very much. However, as Mr. Lu Ge was the chief minister, he had extraordinary fortitude and mind. He neither behaved badly in court like Chen Shangshu, nor did he behave like Mr. Zhao Ge.
Such shock manifested itself in the color.
In the afternoon of that day, Mr. Lu Ge discussed matters in the cabinet as usual. It was not until evening that he returned to the Lu Mansion. Not long after his return, Lu Chi also came back from the palace.
The grandfather and grandson entered the study room with a tacit understanding to have a heart-to-heart talk.
Mr. Lu Ge glanced at Lu Chi's face, and he didn't know what he was feeling.
Lu Chi is his most respected and beloved eldest grandson, and the future head of the Lu family. Chen Zhan is a little impetuous and impulsive, while Zhao Qi is a little out of touch and not calm enough. In comparison, Lu Chi is calm, steady, thoughtful and thoughtful.
Mr. Lu Ge was always proud of his eldest grandson.
Never would I have thought that if the eldest grandson didn't move, it would be such a troublesome and headache-inducing event!
Lu Ge looked at Lu Chi intently, and after a long time he said in a deep voice: "Ziyu, how long has the emperor been preparing for the reduction of vassals?"
Lu Chi raised his head and took a deep look at Mr. Lu Ge: "Six and a half years."
Mr. Lu Ge: "..."
It is now the seventh year of Jianye, and the emperor has been on the throne for more than six years. In this way, the emperor has had this plan from the day he ascended the throne. But he has kept it secret. He spent several years to control it bit by bit.
In the imperial court, young officials were trained and appointed to their trusted positions. It was only now that the time was ripe for them to take action.
This endurance, this forbearance, and this scheming are truly shocking.
Mr. Lu Ge was silent for a long time.
Lu Chi said in a low voice: "My grandfather has been immersed in officialdom for decades. Now, as the chief minister of the Qi Dynasty, he is in a very popular position. After the new emperor ascended the throne, he has always treated my grandfather with great courtesy."
"As a minister, it is natural to be loyal to the country and share the worries of the king."
"The reduction of vassals is a matter of great benefit to the country. There is no need for my grandson to explain the pros and cons. I think my grandfather will be able to think clearly about it." The emperor has made up his mind. I ask my grandfather to think deeply about what to do. "
…
The emperor's greatest advantage is his youth.
It is inevitable for a young, powerful and ambitious king to want to make a difference and create a prosperous world of his own. The emperor is determined to cut down the feudal vassal, and as a minister, there are only two ways.
Either follow the emperor, or go against the emperor and obstruct him in every possible way. The behavior of being a two-sided person on the wall is absolutely unacceptable, as there is always the danger of falling off the wall and being shattered to pieces.
How to choose?
Under the flickering candlelight, Mr. Lu Ge's expression was gloomy and unclear.
Lu Chi said no more and quietly withdrew.
The Lu family is already one of the most famous families in the Qi Dynasty, and is deeply favored by the emperor. However, it is not easy to continue the glory of civil servants from generation to generation.
An aristocratic family has titles and hereditary blessings. Being a general relies on loyalty to the emperor. Once there is a war, one must lead troops into battle to kill the enemy, throwing one's head and blood. The military achievements made will also benefit future generations.
Civil servants, on the other hand, relied on the imperial examinations to get promoted. They were prosperous when they were in office, but once they retired from office, their families would face the dilemma of decline.
Therefore, the families of civil servants and officials are very strict and careful in the education of their children and grandchildren. Before they become old and become officials, if they can have children and grandchildren who can show their prominence in the court officialdom, they can continue the family's glory and status.
Lu Chi was young and promising, and was a confidant of the Emperor. When he followed the Emperor, the Lu family actually had no second choice, and it was impossible to have a second choice.
Mr. Lu Ge sat alone in the study for a long time. Suddenly he sighed and whispered self-deprecatingly: "I didn't expect that I would make mistakes sometimes."
The emperor he had always thought was easy-going and unambitious turned out to be just hiding his capabilities and biding his time. The depth of the city was such that even he was deceived.
Now, the emperor's sword has been unsheathed and is shining brightly. Who can resist it?
…
The next day, Chen Yanguan reported that he was ill and could not leave.
When the news reached the ears of the officials, they couldn't help but secretly dumbfounded. Chen Shangshu was really ruthless, this was his own son!
In comparison, Zhao Ge Lao and Lu Ge Lao were much gentler. Zhao Qi appeared in front of everyone in good condition, and Lu Chi was unscathed and was called into the palace by the emperor to accompany him to discuss matters.
Those who are brave enough to do good deeds will have to joke and ridicule in front of Chen Shangshu: "Chen Shangshu, how is your illness? How about I introduce a famous doctor from the capital to Chen Yanguan for treatment?"
"I heard that the emperor rewarded the imperial doctor to go to the Chen Mansion to diagnose and treat Chen Yanguan's injuries... No, it's to treat illnesses. You and I don't have to worry about it."
Chen Shangshu was so angry that he was also annoyed that he was impulsive and allowed others to watch the excitement. After learning that Zhao Qi and Lu Chi entered the palace safely and accompanied them, he felt even more annoyed and regretful.
The emperor is determined to cut down the feudal vassals, and no one can stop him. In this case, it is obviously not a bad thing to follow the emperor and wave the flag...
This violent and impulsive temper should really be reined in.
A few days later, after the political affairs were discussed at the Xiaochao meeting, the emperor took the initiative to stay with Chen Shangshu and inquired about Chen Zhan's "condition" cordially: "...it is inconvenient for me to leave the palace, otherwise I would come to visit him. I don't know.
How is he doing now?"
No matter how thick-skinned or old Chen Shangshu was, he couldn't help the emperor asking such questions. There was a burning sensation behind his ears. He coughed and replied: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Chen Zhan's illness is not serious. He will be back to normal in a day or two, and he will be with you in the palace."
Let’s drive.”
Sheng Hong smiled gently and said, "That's good. I'm busy with political affairs every day, and I can't live without Chen Zhan. When he recovers, just let him come to the palace to see me."
Chen Shangshu's old face also felt a little warm, and he responded submissively.
After leaving the Yiqing Palace, Chen Shangshu raised his hand and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
That night, as soon as Chen Shangshu returned home, he went to Chen Zhan's house with a sullen face.
Chen Zhan was young and strong. He only suffered some physical pain from a few sticks. He was applied with palace healing ointment and lay on the bed every day, eating, sleeping and drinking well. He had a rosy complexion and was in good spirits.
As soon as he saw his biological father coming, Chen Zhan immediately stopped his smile, squeezed out the baby's really painful expression, and weakly shouted: "Father."
Chen Shangshu: "..."
Chen Shangshu was so angry that he glared at him: "You bastard! It's just a little flesh wound, why do you have to lie down all day and be waited on? Get up and stay with me tomorrow and go to the palace with you!"
