(Two in one. Thanks to: Magic Golden Beetle, King of Destruction, moshaog, book friend 50067224 and other brothers for the reward. Thanks to: Xinyouxiifenghua, yptse and other brothers for the vote.)
In the early morning, the bells of the dynasty echoed among the palaces. At the Chongzheng Hall, hundreds of officials gathered and people crowded around. This was the first morning dynasty in more than half a month. All civil and military officials were present. Anyone who was qualified to attend the dynasty was present.
Everyone in the court was present, because they all knew that today was a big day. The impeachment of Xinfa and Stern Su Fang Dunru and other reformers must have a result today no matter what.
Lu Zhongtian and others already knew about the news that the emperor summoned Yan Zhengsu and Fang Dunru last night. They just didn't know the specific content of the conversation. But since the emperor summoned Yan Fang and Fang Dunru, he must be acquitting them. But Lu Zhongtian, Wu Chunlai and others also did
After being prepared, they collected a lot of evidence during this period. If the emperor continues to favor Yan Fang and the two today, everyone must use all their firepower to resist resolutely. They must not allow this matter to be delayed any longer.
Because of this, before the court meeting has begun, there is a tense atmosphere in the hall. Lu Zhongtian, Yang Jun, Wu Chunlai and others stood with their hands behind their hands with serious faces, and the ministers behind them also had stern expressions. On the side of the reform faction, they were serious
Su and Fang Dunru also stood there with expressionless faces, without any exchange of eyes or words, like two groups of ferocious beasts that were ready to attack, ready to bite each other at any time.
"Your Majesty has arrived!" the chamberlain's high-pitched voice sounded, and the officials immediately dressed and stood in awe, looking towards the curtain entrance of the back hall.
Several guards at the front of the palace rushed in first, and two young chamberlains raised the curtain. Afterwards, in the surprised eyes of everyone, Guo Chong's figure appeared in front of the ministers.
What surprised everyone was nothing else, but what the emperor was wearing today. In the past, the emperor only wore ordinary clothes when he went to court. Guo Chong was a casual person, and sometimes he would go to the palace to discuss matters just wearing a silk robe and a bun. But today, Guo Chong
Chong is wearing a nine-dragon robe with golden piping and a crown on his head. This is an extremely solemn outfit. I only wear this robe early in the morning when I am offering sacrifices to the ancestors of heaven and earth, or on major festivals.
Today is neither a holiday nor a celebration, and it is not a day to worship heaven and ancestors. How could people not be surprised that Guo Chong wore it so grandly?
The color on Guo Chong's face was still not good, with a faint blue tint in his white face. His body seemed to be very weak, and his steps were a little unsteady when he walked. The chamberlain Qian Delu supported his arm, but Guo Chong shook it off after entering the main hall.
He opened his hand and quickly walked towards the high throne.
"Long live my emperor, long live, long live!" The ministers knelt on the ground and shouted in unison.
Guo rushed up the steps to the throne and stood still after arriving at the Dragon Case. He was slightly out of breath. A feeling of coughing came up in his throat and chest, but he forced himself to hold back this feeling. He stood still.
After regaining his composure, he glanced at His Highness's ministers who were kneeling on the ground in darkness, and did not say anything for a long time to let them "free themselves from the ceremony."
The ministers knelt on the ground. They did not wait for a long time for the emperor to say goodbye, and they all murmured in their hearts. Originally, this ceremony of worship was very short, and the etiquette of monarchs and ministers in the Zhou Dynasty was not complicated. Today's emperor is not very particular about it.
Sometimes the emperor immediately stood down as soon as he knelt down. Therefore, the ministers did not make any preparations for this.
You know, the feeling of kneeling on the hard ground is actually very painful. Each courtier actually has his own way. Most people will tie cotton pads on their knees under their clothes to relieve the pain. This is not a secret.
The late emperor paid attention to etiquette, and sometimes the ceremony of kneeling down required a cup of tea, so cotton mats were indispensable. But Guo Chong did not pay attention to etiquette, so most of the officials of this dynasty kept the cotton mats in high cabinets. But today, the emperor did not allow him to sit down.
, everyone could only kneel. The longer the intimate contact between the old knees and the hard ground stones, the more painful it became.
Guo Chong sat motionless on the throne, seemingly forgetting to let the ministers stand level. Qian Delu on the side quickly approached him and reminded him in a low voice: "Your Majesty, it's time for the ministers to get up."
Guo Chong turned a deaf ear and only looked at the kneeling ministers below quietly. He didn't forget, he did this on purpose. He wanted these people to know who is the emperor and who is their master. Plus
Today Guo Chong is going to do something that makes him very unhappy, so before that, he wants these people to get some small punishment, and punish them to kneel here and suffer. It is these people who force him to do it here
Yes, this can be considered a small revenge. Although it is a bit childish, Guo Chong will be willful and stingy today.
The officials' knees could no longer bear it, and the pain caused them to sweat and twist uncomfortably. Just when they felt it was unbearable, they finally heard the deep voice of Guo Chong, who sounded like a fairy.
"Everyone, please get up, no need to pay homage."
As if they had been pardoned, everyone breathed a long sigh of relief and stood up one after another, groaning involuntarily. Many elderly ministers could not even get up, and had to rely on the help of people around them to get up. They just knelt down like this.
After a while, the old bones almost fell apart.
Lu Zhongtian was helped up by Wu Chunlai. Originally, he was the current prime minister and had the power to kneel down without having to kneel down. There was even a stool specially prepared for him in the hall for him to sit on. However, due to the previous impeachment of Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru,
Against Guo Chong's wishes, he felt that he should be more humble and appease some of Guo Chong's grievances, so he also knelt down and almost fell down in the hall. Only fools don't understand that the emperor did it on purpose. Of course Lu Zhongtian also understood that the emperor
It was done on purpose. He frowned and thought angrily: Your Majesty's move is too childish. You don't have to punish us with this trick if you are unhappy. Even if you are like this, I will never let you get along with me this time.
I originally wanted to say less today, but I changed my mind. I will go into battle in person later.
"My dear friends, I have been ill for a few days and have not been able to go to court early. I know that you are all in a hurry and there are many important things to do in the court. But there is no way, and I am also in a hurry. So I am feeling better today, so I will
A court meeting will be convened immediately to discuss state affairs. My beloved ministers, if you have any questions, please start now." Guo Chong said slowly.
Lu Zhongtian winked, Wu Chunlai stepped out of the queue, bowed and said: "I have informed you that there is no decision yet on the impeachment of Shen Zheng Fang Dunru by the officials, and the suspension of the new law. The government and the public, everyone.
Public opinion has already been boiling among the people on Thursday, demanding that the imperial court get to the root of the matter and hold those involved accountable. Officials from various places have recently submitted hundreds of petitions for impeachment, all of which have been handed over to the Central Secretary for submission to the emperor. It is unknown whether the emperor has ever seen it. I know.
The emperor is not in good health and should rest, so he should not be disturbed. However, this matter is related to the stability of the Zhou Dynasty and the stability of the government, so I have to disturb the emperor. Please forgive me."
Guo Chong frowned and said: "Did you want to talk about this when you came up? Are you really in such a hurry? I actually want to know the Liao people's explanation for this rebellion. Wu Chunlai, the Beifang under your jurisdiction is responsible for negotiating with the Liao people.
Why don't you report this first?"
Wu Chunlai said hurriedly: "I would like to report to your Majesty the matter of negotiating with the Liao people. However, there are priorities, so I would like to postpone the report."
Guo Chong shouted: "Nonsense, the Liao people intend to attack our country and sponsor the religious bandits to cause chaos. In your opinion, it is not an urgent matter? You are really confused. In your opinion, what is urgent?
In the same way, the responsibility of the Liao people will be light, but the responsibility of my ministers in Zhou Dynasty will be heavy. What is the truth? "
Wu Chunlai was shocked to realize that he had made a mistake, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I didn't mean that. What I meant was that the envoy to Liao Kingdom has just returned and the matters reported have not been clarified yet. What I meant is that I will report to the Emperor after detailed questioning."
, so as not to miss anything. Your Majesty, please take care of the dragon body and never get angry."
Guo Chong snorted coldly and said: "I can't tell the priorities, and I don't know how you got to be the deputy prime minister."
Wu Chunlai was sweating profusely and hesitated to answer.
Lu Zhongtian frowned as he looked at the situation in front of him. He was annoyed that Wu Chunlai could not speak his mind. Although the matter of bringing down Yan Fang and Xin Fa was indeed the first priority at the moment, there was no need to be so explicit and ignore national affairs.
But on the other hand, he also understood that this was the emperor's deliberate attempt to cause trouble. In fact, the envoy to the Liao Kingdom only returned to Beijing this morning, and no matter how soon he could report the incident to the court in the morning. When the emperor asked about this matter, it was indeed a bit difficult.
.
"Your Majesty, the Liao people must give a reasonable explanation for this behavior and pay the price. But dealing with the Liao people requires patience and time. If the internal affairs of the imperial court are not resolved as soon as possible, and if the people are not appeased as soon as possible, the people will be unstable.
"My mind is wandering. The old minister believes that the emperor should give clear instructions on the crimes of Xin Fa and Yan Fang as soon as possible. This matter should be resolved." Lu Zhongtian said.
When Yang Jun heard this, he also said: "What Prime Minister Lu said is true. It is unstable internally and unsafe externally. Last morning, the suggestions put forward by the minister were seconded by all the ministers, and the emperor made a decision after speaking. Now half a month has passed, and when
The person involved did not express his position, and everyone was very angry. Yan Fang and his two men had no intention of knowing their fault and were indifferent to this matter, which is unacceptable. If this matter is delayed any longer, it will hurt the hearts of the people of the world.
The emperor will make a quick decision and settle the matter before discussing pressure or even punishment on the Liao people."
Guo Chong sat there blankly, and His Highness's ministers also looked at him silently. Today's court meeting has just begun, and the heads of the two governments all jumped out to put pressure without any cover-up or preparation. The matter has reached a fever pitch.
If Guo Chong doesn't express his position today, I'm afraid he won't be able to survive.
Guo Chong frowned and glanced at Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru who were standing in the corner. Their faces were expressionless, and they still showed no signs of rebuttal. They also didn't show any signs of apology. Guo Chong sighed, knowing what happened yesterday.
Those words were all in vain. These two people were too stubborn and hard-tempered, and it was impossible to get them to relent.
"I... will give you an explanation. Of course I will give you an explanation. You must be held accountable... This is also a reasonable thing. Such a big thing happened, and it was indeed caused by the new law, so naturally it cannot be ignored.
Hold them accountable." Guo Chong said slowly.
Everyone's first reaction when they heard Guo Chong's words was: The emperor himself admitted that the main cause of the rebellion was the new law, so the implication was that Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru were mainly responsible. This result was beyond everyone's expectation.
Unexpectedly, the best result that everyone was actually thinking was the compromise proposed by Yang Jun a few days ago. It was already the best to have Yan Fang and the two come forward to apologize and significantly weaken the powers of the Ordinance Department.
After all, we still have to give the emperor face. If we ask too much and too high, it will be counterproductive. The emperor will not agree to severely punish Yan Fang and the two. But listening to the emperor's tone at this moment, he wants to thoroughly investigate Yan Fang and the two.
Is it human responsibility?
Guo Chong stood up, slowly took out an imperial edict from his sleeve, glanced at the hundreds of blank eyes below him, finally gritted his teeth, unfolded it, and read it in a deep voice.
"Since I came to the throne, I have worked hard day and night without any intention of slacking off. The inheritance of my ancestors has been entrusted to me. I know the great responsibility and the expectations of all the people. Therefore, I always warn myself that I should work diligently and not be negligent for a moment.
Xin. However, after more than six years since I came to the throne, I have tried my best, but have achieved very little. The national power of the Great Zhou Dynasty is declining, the treasury is empty, people's livelihood is becoming increasingly difficult, and complaints are everywhere. I have the heart to revive the Great Zhou Dynasty, so I actively implement changes
The new law hopes to eliminate centuries-old abuses, reshape the atmosphere, rejuvenate the Zhou Dynasty, and achieve the hope of enriching the country and strengthening the military. However, although the implementation of the new law has achieved gains, it also has shortcomings. So much so that there are talks of seizing the people and complaints from the people about hardship.
What's more, the thieves took the opportunity to cause chaos and caused disaster. In the chaos in the north of Beijing, the number of people killed, injured and displaced is unknown. Every time I think about this, my heart aches, my heart is burning, and my anxiety is boiling..."
The ministers listened to Guo Chong's words in astonishment one by one. Every word they heard from his mouth was like thunder, exploding in their minds. It is simply unbelievable that the emperor actually said these words. The emperor is
What's wrong? Isn't this exposing one's family scandal, admitting one's own incompetence, and damaging one's face? What does the emperor mean by reading this edict? He has lost face? Where is the decency and dignity of the court?
Guo Chong's voice continued: "...Since the founding of the Zhou Dynasty, there has never been a rebellion in the interior under my rule. Compared with the wise and virtuous emperors of the past dynasties, I am really ashamed. In the six years since I took the throne, my national strength has been greatly improved.
Things are getting worse and worse, and with such rebellion happening, what face do I have towards the people of the world? I think it is not an exaggeration to ask the ministers, officials, and even the people of the world to be held accountable. In today's situation, someone really needs to take responsibility.
Although the chaos is not entirely the fault of the new law, it is also one of the reasons for the emergence of the disadvantages of the new law. The disadvantages of the new law are not the fault of the ministers, but my fault. It is I who pushed for the new law and I am determined to change. All the provisions of the new law
They were all promulgated and implemented with my consent. Although I am mediocre, I will not shirk responsibility. This edict is an edict for me to sin against myself. I am here to tell the world that today's situation is all my fault. I will bear the responsibility with all my strength.
Reflect on yourself and never shirk the blame.”
Sin yourself edict...!
Everyone's minds were buzzing, the emperor was issuing an edict to sin against oneself, how could this happen?
"Your Majesty!" The ministers shouted and knelt down, and some people began to shed tears. The emperor issued an imperial edict to blame himself, although he took all the blame on himself. But he is the emperor, and the emperor has lost all face. The emperor
After admitting that he has done something wrong and the emperor apologizing to the people of the world, will the faces of people like himself be honored? They are all ministers who assist the emperor in governing the world. The emperor's fault is their fault, even if they did not do what they did well.
This is an extremely simple logic. How can they feel better if the emperor violates himself in this way?
Lu Zhongtian, Yang Jun and others were also shocked. They never expected that the emperor would do this. The issuance of the Sinji Edict requires great courage. The Sinji Edict is an edict that the emperor will only issue as a last resort. Generally, the court
A major change occurred, a major policy mistake led to extremely serious consequences, and an edict was issued as a last resort. Guo Chong was both face-loving and tough-tempered, and no one expected that he would do this. Just because Qing Qing
This is what a religious rebellion would do? This is really unreasonable.
Lu Zhongtian quickly thought about the emperor's intention. He soon realized that the emperor's purpose was to protect Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru, and to protect the reform. He took all the blame on himself, just to protect himself.
Eliminate all attacks against Yan Zhengfang Dunru and Xinfa. If the emperor admits that all this is his fault, continuing to dwell on it will be an act of disloyalty, adding insult to injury to the emperor, and launching an attack on the emperor.
Lu Zhongtian was amazed at Guo Chong's skill. Although this move hurt himself eight hundred times, it completely silenced everyone's mouths and eliminated all criticisms.
In shock, Lu Zhongtian looked at Yang Jun and found that Yang Jun was also looking at him in shock. The moment the two looked at each other, they both knew that the other party had understood the emperor's intention.
No one could have imagined that Guo Chong supported the new law so strongly and was so determined. He would rather punish himself than let Fang Dunru and Yan Zhengsheng suffer. This is something that no one realizes. Of course,
This is not just the support of Fang Dunru and Yan Zhengsheng, it is Guo Chong's determination for the resurgence of the Zhou Dynasty. He put his treasure on the reform, so he was willing to do it. The new law did bring him hope, and he
He was unwilling to see this hope disappear. As the king of Zhou Dynasty, he was willing to take such a gamble.
Fang Dunru and Yan Zhengsun were also in extreme shock. At this moment, they understood what Guo Chong was lying on the bed talking to himself when they met Guo Chong last night. Guo Chong wanted to persuade them to listen to him.
It was suggested that appropriate power structure adjustments should be made to the Ordinance Department. I hoped that some concessions could be made to solve the current crisis and calm the anger of the ministers. However, the two of them did not agree, and their attitudes were extremely firm. The emperor should have thought of this a long time ago.
First of all, he summoned the two of them as a last-ditch effort. When this effort failed to work, he made up his mind to take responsibility by committing a crime against himself.
Who said that the emperor's heart was wavering? The emperor's move was based on his extreme trust in the two of him, his expectation for the new law and his desire to rejuvenate the Zhou Dynasty. He would rather disregard his emperor's reputation and issue an edict to sin against himself.
, would rather leave a stigma in history, what kind of courage and ambition is this.
Yan Zhengsheng and Fang Dunru, who were kneeling on the ground, had tears in their eyes.
"However, although the reform has minor flaws, it should not be abandoned suddenly. Yan and Fang need to immediately correct the shortcomings of the new law and regulations and improve them without slacking off. All ministers in the DPRK have the responsibility to supervise. I plan to establish a complaint department.
Specially accepts opinions and suggestions on the new law and forwards them to the Ordinance Department for revision reference. Yan Fang and his two colleagues must take the opinions from above and below seriously and must not ignore them. I will be punished for my mistakes, and I will move to Xihua Palace from now on.
, halve the gifts, reduce the food intake, reflect on yourself every day, and reflect on your own mistakes. I have been ill recently and my energy is not as good as before. I have decided to allow all ministers to propose the establishment of a prince from now on. The prince has been established and can be the supervisor of the country.
Share my worries. Thank you for this!"
Guo Chong slowly put down the edict and breathed a sigh of relief. The promulgation of this edict was also a challenge for him. He finally took this step bravely and admitted to the world that he was not the only emperor through the ages.
His own abilities were insufficient. This was something he would never do before. But all this was done for the sake of the great Zhou Dynasty. He could not leave a mess to his successor, he had to make a difference.
Discussing the matter of establishing a crown prince is actually a matter of course. Raising this matter can divert the attention of the courtiers, and it is also the time to discuss the matter. Guo Chong knew that his health was getting worse day by day, although he was not exhausted yet.
When the lamp is dry, it is necessary to implement this matter. Moreover, it is proposed in this edict that it intends to punish myself. It even says that because of my fault, I need to abdicate to the prince as punishment. This will also gain the support of the people in the world.
Recognition and sympathy can also minimize the impact on one's own reputation.
