Han Shizu

After reading those reports, Murong Defeng's face that looked bitter and full of hatred gradually relaxed, and he handed back the secret report very respectfully, saying: "Your Majesty is very aware of everything and has a clear eye for fire. Everything is under control. It's my fault that I worry too much." !”

After saying that, Murong Defeng stayed there motionless and said nothing. This behavior surprised Liu Yang.After a little movement of his sore shoulders, Liu Yang took the initiative and asked: "What do you think of the meeting of kings?"

In fact, the gathering of the kings in Taihe Tower was not a secret meeting, at least it was not too secretive. Except for the exclusion of other people, everything was open and generous.

Of course, this is no ordinary family gathering. It has a clear political intention, and the content of the secret report unfolds from this.The reason stems from an issue raised by Lu Duan, the Minister of Finance, not long ago, that is, in view of the current financial constraints of the country, the court's financial and food support to various feudal states should be suspended, while wars among various countries should be stopped, and the troops fighting in foreign lands should be gradually recalled. .

It is conceivable that as soon as this proposal came out, it caused a sensation among the upper echelons of the Han court, and the princes and kings in Beijing were even more upset. This was a naked violation of the interests of the princely states.

Regarding Lu Duan's proposal, the reaction within the imperial court was generally divided into three categories, like any previous political turmoil, support, opposition, and neutrality.Moreover, there are many supporters and even stronger opponents!
The reason for holding the former opinion is naturally a commonplace. It is to reduce the burden on the court, reduce the loss of national power, and shift the focus of national governance to the interior of the empire. This set of political views was constantly raised during the reign of Emperor Shizu, not to mention the new emperor's accession to the throne. At a time when everything is in ruins.

Moreover, the former received the support of a large number of common people bureaucrats, and some nobles also contributed to the cause.Of course, the starting point of these people is not only for the overall interests of the country, but it can even be said with certainty that they have ulterior motives, that is, to leverage some "unreasonable" policies that restricted or even harmed the powerful during the reign of Emperor Shizu.

Compared with some petty quarrels, the feudal policy is not yet mature, but it is a suitable attack point and can easily arouse repercussions. After all, the Gonggun princes in the Han temple are not just one or two people who have complaints and doubts about this. indivual.

As for the latter, whether they are princes, kings, or some dignitaries who stick to the late emperor's policies, the fundamental reason is to protect their own interests.They are also a very representative group of people. Their past glory and wealth as well as their current position of power all come from Emperor Shizu. Based on this stance, they will defend the late emperor regardless of pros and cons, regardless of the overall situation, and unreasonably.

The princes and kings of the Han Dynasty undoubtedly became the main force in this political struggle, and their strength and combat effectiveness were also extremely strong.In the past few decades, the position of Prince Liu Yang has been as secure as Mount Tai, and no one can really challenge or shake it. However, similarly, the kings have also accumulated strong power and influence over the long years and under the care of Emperor Shizu. force.

Especially the four kings of Yong, Qin, Jin, and Zhao were a huge military and political group that mixed the royal family, relatives, nobles, and bureaucrats. It can be said that they were intricately connected and had a wide influence.

When these people unite, the influence they create is such that even Emperor Liu Yang has to treat it with caution.The meeting at Taihe Tower was an alliance and alliance in response to Lu Duan's "confession of the country", and its demands were also very clear. It was to depose the chaotic government proposal of "counting the ancestors and forgetting the scriptures", and at the same time severely punishing Lu Duan, the minister, For example, Liu Shu already regarded Lu Duan as a rebellious official and traitor who "brought disaster to the country and the people."
At this time, facing the emperor's inquiry, Murong Defeng still thought about it for a while, and then bowed his hands and said: "The kings reacted violently and had a tough attitude, but it is understandable! After all, Lu Xianggong's proposal was to end them A large amount of support and the benefits of the imperial government’s policies!”

"These words are meaningless!" Looking at Murong Defeng, Liu Yang immediately said: "I ask you, how should you respond to the kings' requests?"

Hearing this, Murong Defeng couldn't help but look up at the emperor and asked him. Something strange happened in his heart. He pondered for a while and then said: "In my humble opinion, Mr. Lu is loyal to the country. Even though the proposal is not very timely. , but he is public-minded and can speak out and give advice, which is worth learning from the ministers of the court. It is really inconvenient to hurt his concern for the country and the people.

Emperor Shizu had given enough generous treatment to the kings, and even spared no expense to harm the country's power, to the point of hurting people's sentiments.

In fact, even the late emperor was aware of it and understood its disadvantages. Otherwise, why would he have made more restrictive adjustment policies in his later years?

How to do this, the late emperor has actually pointed out the direction, which should fundamentally reduce the burden on the court and the loss of national power.With your Majesty’s wisdom, you know it well.”

After listening to Murong Defeng's answer, Liu Yang was silent for a moment and said, "Do you agree with Lu Duan's proposition?"

Murong Defeng also thought about it a little again, and then said solemnly: "In terms of the country and the public, I agree with Prime Minister Lu's proposal, but if I disagree, this is the time to raise my opinion. Emperor Shizu's death is not far away, the old and the new have changed, and the people's hearts are undecided , all the kings gathered together to propose such proposals against the feudal country, which was really inappropriate.

Moreover, there are some things that can be done but not talked about, let alone discussed in the temple rashly..."

Following Murong Defeng's explanation, Liu Yang's motionless face also showed a slight change. He thought about it and said in a deep voice: "Let's not mention the other feudal states for the time being. Take Anton as an example. You have been in Liaodong for many years. , don’t you know how much national finance, taxation, and population Anton has swallowed up, and how much damage it has caused to the politics and people’s livelihood of Liaodong Province? Many of these things were reported to me by you?

In the past, you often advised me to be more cautious about Anton. Why has your attitude changed today? "

Upon hearing this, Murong Defeng immediately responded solemnly: "Your Majesty, my attitude has never changed. The border countries must be restrained and controlled to a certain extent. But what I object to is not the feudal system, but the convenience that the kings take advantage of. , Disrupting the laws of the court and damaging the country. In the past few years in Liaodong, I have severely cracked down on border crimes based on this concept.

I boldly say that Emperor Shizu loves his son too much, indulges too much in the feudal affairs of Andong, Anxi and other countries, and has too beautiful ideas for a hundred years from now. He will gain temporary peace but bury trouble in the future..."

After saying this, Liu Yang immediately patted the imperial court and stared at Murong Defeng with sharp eyes: "You are so bold to speak out!"

Seeing this, Murong Defeng hurriedly stood up and bowed: "I have made such outrageous remarks, your Majesty, please punish me!"

The scene became quiet for a while, and Liu Yang finally waved his hand, and then sighed softly: "These words still have the same flavor. I believe your attitude has not changed!"

As he spoke, Liu Yang showed a smile and asked lightly: "Logically, you should support Lu Duan's proposal!"

Facing Liu Yang's slightly curious gaze, Murong Defeng said calmly: "I believe that things have priorities. Regarding the issue of feuding the country, which has lasted for more than ten years, we can put it aside and postpone it and deal with it calmly. There is no need to rush. For a moment!”

Liu Yang immediately asked: "In your opinion, what is the top priority?"

Murong Defeng said decisively: "Your Majesty, when you first ascend to the throne, you should focus on harmonizing the ministers, stabilizing the situation of the court, and stabilizing the internal and external affairs. If you want stability, you must continue the previous emperor's government. Only in this way can you gain the support of the nobles who opened the treasure." . At least, some of the policy arrangements made before the death of the former emperor should be completed as much as possible to avoid criticism.

With all due respect, Emperor Shizu is a hero who only appears once in a thousand years, and the subjects of the Han Dynasty have been living and moving under the control of the late emperor for decades. Now the mountains are falling apart and the world is undergoing drastic changes. Your Majesty is about to completely take over the important responsibilities of the Han Dynasty. , there is still a way to go, and some hard work is still needed.”

Among the foreign ministers, Murong Defeng was the only one who dared and could say such words, and Liu Yang also fell into serious thinking for a while.After a long time, Liu Yang raised his head and looked at Murong Defeng again, with a hint of sadness in his tone: "The reason why you mentioned the meeting of kings was to remind me of this!"

Murong Defeng thought about it for a while, then bowed his hands and said: "The kings have united and decided to target Lu Xiang! And Lu Xiang is the prime minister appointed by His Majesty in the ceremony, the leader of all ministers. If he encounters criticism, no matter whether he can withstand it or not, he will not be punished." The situation of the Han Dynasty is not beneficial to your majesty's prestige. I hope your majesty will treat it carefully and make preparations in advance." "I know!" After another anxious silence, Liu Yang said to Murong Defeng.

Noticing the change in the emperor's expression, Murong Defeng felt confident and bowed humbly again.Looking at him, Liu Yang asked another question: "Rixin, in your opinion, what about King Anton?"

Liu Yang's question is a bit broad. If you don't know the meaning, you may often answer the question incorrectly.But for Murong Defeng, this was not a problem. In the past 20 years, the emperor and his ministers had discussed the Anton issue countless times.

Therefore, after only thinking for a moment, Murong Defeng replied in a meaningful tone: "Your Majesty, today's King Anton is far from comparable to the King of Qin back then!"

After listening to his answer, Liu Yang finally smiled and said with emotion: "My eldest brother is so handsome that even I can't compare to him! Perhaps because of this, today's King Andong feels that the court owes him the title of 'Prince of Qin'." "

In this regard, Murong Defeng didn't have much to say for a while.To be fair, judging from the results of Emperor Shizu's operations on the princes and kings in his later years, it was indeed unfair to Anton. At the same time, it was the East Palace that was mainly pushing to take back the title of King Qin. From the standpoint of the prince, no matter how hard he suppressed the Anton Kingdom at that time, Pass.

However, over the past few years, due to Emperor Shizu's inconsistency and changing ideas, the new emperor Liu Yang was slightly embarrassed on this matter.

"That kid Wenyuan has always been strong and complacent. He feels he has been wronged, so he can't help complaining!" Seeing Murong Defeng remain silent, Liu Yang breathed a sigh of relief and said.

Murong Defeng shook his head and pointed out calmly: "In this world, is there anyone who can only get benefits and not be wronged? How can the benefits in this world be obtained by one person? The imperial court has already been extremely benevolent to Anton!"

It is said that Murong Defeng's "Anton Threat Theory" has almost become one of his political ideas and propositions in Liu Yang's case.And every time he saw him talking righteously and righteously, Liu Yang could even feel helpless.

"That's all!" Liu Yang waved his hand, changed the subject, and said to Murong Defeng: "Rixin, I originally planned to summon you tomorrow, but now that I have caught up, I will inform you in advance! I have decided to transfer you Entering the center, he was appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and he was responsible for the affairs of Tongpingzhang!
It goes without saying that the late emperor was biased in the administration of officials in his later years. On the one hand, he hated corrupt officials and committed mass killings. On the other hand, he deliberately indulged in certain personnel matters without stopping them. Such self-contradiction led to the corruption of officials. Create chaos.

It is said that as an emperor and a courtier, I will always have to change some of the customs at the beginning of my reign.I am using you as the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and to worship the Prime Minister, so that you can correct the shortcomings of the official administration of the Han Dynasty and restore integrity to the court.

Don't disappoint me! "

Murong Defeng was slightly surprised when he heard this. He had expected to be transferred from Liaodong Road. Firstly, he had served in Liaodong for a long time. His transfer back then was also a concealment method adopted by Liu Yang as the prince. .Now that Liu Yang has ascended the throne, he naturally needs some close and promising ministers.

On the other hand, after the New Year's Eve, the generals and feudal lords who went to Beijing for funeral last year, without any changes in their positions, also resigned one after another and left Beijing to return to their posts. Only he was specially kept in Beijing by the emperor. There has been no explanation.

As for Liu Yang's appointment, Murong Defeng was naturally 1 happy to enter the center of imperial power, which was the dream of almost every Han official.Although Murong Defeng has become a chief official, during the reign of Emperor Shizu, he was still far away from the political hall. However, once Liu Yang ascended the dragon, the layers of stairs and obstacles placed in front of Murong Defeng were instantly eliminated. The space becomes a thoroughfare.

The emperor's eyes were full of trust. Murong Defeng felt this. He took a deep breath and solemnly bowed: "Thanks to your majesty for entrusting you with the post of heavenly official. I have no other words to say. I can only do my best to repay the saint." kindness!"

"Pingsheng!" Liu Yang stretched out his hand towards Murong Defeng and said in a sincere tone: "You and I, the monarch and my ministers, are in the same heart, no need to say anything more!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust!"

"One more thing!" Liu Yang pondered, playing with the white jade ring on his thumb, and said: "Liaodong Road is the pillar of military and political stability in the entire Northeast, and the Chief Secretary is the top priority for public security and pastoral care. He needs to be a good minister. To suppress this key point, do you have any ideas about who will succeed you after you leave office? This can also be regarded as the first important matter after you take office!"

After hearing the question, Murong Defeng did not make a recommendation rashly, but after thinking for a short time, he cautiously said: "If your majesty wants to be promoted from the Liaodong Taoist priest, I may give you some advice. If your majesty wants to be promoted from the world's most talented people, then I still need to understand it from many parties before making a weigh-in."

"Very good!" Liu Yang nodded with satisfaction, seeming to agree with Murong Defeng's caution, and said: "The feudal officials almost have the power of life and death, and the power is very heavy. When selecting talents, you must consider them comprehensively and be careful. Be cautious, keep this intention, conduct multiple inspections and supervisions, and make timely corrections, at least there won’t be any major problems!”

"I will bear in mind His Majesty's teachings."

When Murong Defeng left the Chui Gong Hall, it was already dark, and his brisk footsteps showed that he was in a good mood. After all, from now on, he would be the Heavenly Official of the Han Dynasty and the Prime Minister of the Political Affairs Hall.

At least among the courtiers, this was considered a "one step to the top" kind of leap. After all, he was only 45 years old this year. The last people to become prime minister at such an age were Zhao Pu and Zhao Kuangyi. Murong Defeng had reasons to be proud of himself.

While he was happy, Murong Defeng was also worried about the current situation in the court.It is foreseeable that a bigger storm is gathering. Those princes and kings are already preparing to attack. There will be no peace in the Han Dynasty in the future. This is what Murong Defeng and other officials do not want to see. .

Even because of this, he became resentful towards Shangshu Ling Lu Duan. What did he do to poke that basket? Even though Murong Defeng said he understood before, he still had a grudge in his heart.

In essence, perhaps it is still distrust of Lu Duan. He is not Zhao Pu and does not have that kind of power and prestige. Why would he dare to talk to himself and raise important issues related to the late emperor and the feudal state at the court meeting without saying hello? , which is even a violation of the organizational principles of the political hall.

If Murong Defeng was still confused before, after all, although Lu Duan had shortcomings in small details, he was not confused in major matters. Based on his past performance, he did not seem to be a person who could "charge into battle".
When a person's behavior is very different from his daily performance, people have to wonder what inner cause and effect is hidden behind it.

After such a holy scene in the evening, Murong Defeng secretly connected it with Emperor Liu Yang's reaction.
In the Chui Gong Hall, after Murong Defeng resigned, Emperor Liu Yang was alone for a while, frowning and thinking deeply.Unlike in the past, Liu Yang today is not an easily influenced person, even if he is as close as Murong Defeng.

But Murong Defeng's reminder tonight still made him more alert. At least, he had really ignored it before. If the kings gathered together to criticize Lu Duan, the Han Prime Minister, and the impact it had on the court, it would at least expose him as the new emperor. One aspect of insufficient control over the Han Empire