Han Shizu

"I don't give it to others easily when they want power or an official position. How can you be so good and think about resigning?" Liu Yang stared at Liu Yan and said, suppressing the doubts in his mind.

Liu Yan still looked honest and kind, bowed slightly and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I am really unable to do what I want in the position of Zhongshu Ling. I am willing to step down and make way for other talents in the court!"

"You have been in the political affairs hall since the time of the late emperor. It has been more than two years now. Why do you come to tell me now that you are unable to do what you want!" Liu Yang obviously could not accept this reason and immediately refuted:
"The Zhengshi Hall has Lu Duan and other ministers in charge, and I have the supervision of the Chui Gong Hall. You only need to bring your eyes and ears to read the memorials, listen to the court discussions, and sign the decrees. Is it difficult for you?"

Sensing Liu Yang's dissatisfaction, Liu Yan immediately lowered his head and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty and the prime ministers are discussing military and political matters, the national economy and the people's livelihood, which is beyond the ability of the ministers. If your Majesty only needs a seal, There is no need to use my brother as a seal."

"You mean, you think I didn't give you real power?" Liu Yang opened his eyes slightly and said.

"I made a mistake! I never meant it. Your Majesty, please forgive me!" Liu Yan tensed up and explained quickly.

Taking a sharp breath, under Liu Yang's slightly stern gaze, he spoke in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, it's not because I'm despising myself, but because I'm self-aware. I have short talents, endless virtues, and only hold a high position because of my family background. How can I convince everyone?" ?

It is of no use to the country if virtue does not match the position, and the corpse is in a plain position, which is not what I want. I sincerely ask for your Majesty's enlightenment! "

Logically speaking, Zhongshu Ling is in charge of the decision-making of government orders, and his authority should be very important.However, in the central power of the empire, the size of its powers is not as simple as stipulated in the law. The emperor's will plays a decisive role in it.

Combined with the political status quo of the Han Dynasty for decades, we can see the nature of Liu Ai's Zhongshu Ling. The three-pronged prime ministerial power of the three provinces has actually been divided into the chief hall of Guangzheng Palace for a long time, shared by all prime ministers, and the emperor Have the final say.

It is not wrong to say that Liu Yan only has a name. After all, he also has the right to vote and is the prince. He has influence. The ministers always have to give face. However, when it comes to how much real power he has, it seems that Much worse.

But no matter what, compared to the time of Emperor Shizu, who only gave people status and occupied a place in the political hall, Liu Yang still made progress in his arrangements.As for most of the imperial decisions in the past six months, in terms of systems and processes, they all nominally originated from Liu Yan, the Zhongshu Ling.
Of course, there is another very important reason for this situation, and that is, as Liu Yan himself said, his personal talents are limited, his moral character is limited, and his prestige is insufficient.

For example, when Jin King Liu Xitong was in the political hall, he was so authoritative that the tax reform of the Han Dynasty was carried out under its specific implementation. However, Liu Ai, for more than two years, has not been able to cultivate much in the court. In terms of power, there are only three or two big cats and two close friends under the sect.

However, every loss must have a gain. At least in this case, the suspicion from the emperor was much less.After all, it is difficult for the rise and fall of the power of the prime minister to truly threaten the imperial power, because the political structure of the Han Dynasty has strong checks and balances on the power of the prime minister itself. In contrast, the combination of a strong prince + prime minister poses a greater threat to the imperial power. Much more.

It can be seen that Liu Yan is known for his "honesty" and appears to be mediocre and incompetent in the political affairs hall, but Liu Yang is very satisfied with him.

Now that he wanted to withdraw, how could Liu Yang agree? It would directly disrupt his personnel arrangement in the center.This is a powerful position in the political affairs hall, and it can affect the whole body.

Therefore, even though Liu Ai expressed his request sincerely, Liu Yang still flatly refused and even scolded: "Liu Ai! Remember, your position was prescribed by the late emperor. I don't dare to disobey it. You dare to speak lightly?" give up?

The Political Hall, the center of national power, is vital to the country and the people's livelihood. It is not a restaurant or restaurant where you can come and go at will! "

Under normal circumstances, the emperor would show Emperor Shizu to suppress others, so Liu Yan probably wouldn't dare to persist.

But unexpectedly, Liu Ai thought for a while with brows, and insisted: "The late emperor advocated the appointment of people according to their ability, and the selection of prime ministers must start from the state department. In the past 37 years, I have not mentioned the state department's duties. The capital and capital are rarely far away, there is a shortage of talents and lack of knowledge, how can we take on important responsibilities!"

"What's more!" At this point, Liu Yan suddenly paused, glanced up at Liu Yangfang and continued: "The fourth brother's literary talent and martial arts are far better than those of the minister. The fourth brother is still idle, so what shame does the minister have to arrogantly occupy a high position? ?”

Upon hearing this, the anger that was aroused in Liu Yang's heart immediately dissipated a lot, and was replaced by suspicion. After all, King Zhao was involved.

It is now the beginning of August, and the Luoyang court is still noisy, but the voices belonging to the princes and kings are much less. After all, most of the princes who have feudal kingdoms have returned to their feudal kingdoms. Even Liu Wenhai set off with his team, in Jin Dynasty With the assistance of the king's ministers, he went to conquer Burma and defeat his feudal country. At this time, the war in Indochina had begun.
Of course, there are some who stayed, such as Zhao Wang Liu Fang. He also asked the emperor to say goodbye, but was persuaded by Liu Yang to stay.

As for Qi King Liu Yun, even though he had a deep attachment to his homeland, his mother and his concubine, and all aspects of the Han Dynasty, he still said goodbye to his mother, emperor and brothers before the beginning of autumn, and set off back to Beijinzhou with sadness and reluctance. .

King Qi Liu Yun has always been a free and easy man, but unlike in the past, this time he cried so hard when he saw him off. His strict father has passed away, his loving mother is old, and he has gone thousands of miles away, and separation is likely to be a farewell, even if there is still someone to return. The opportunity, I don’t know what year or month it came from.

But Liu Yun was also a smart man. He also had reasons for leaving, not only to comply with the late emperor's will, but also because the court and even the capital could no longer accommodate a prince.

The three brothers Liu Fang, Liu Yun, and Liu Ai were all born to Concubine Zhe. They share the same mother and are the third prince. The eighth brother, Liu Ai, is even ranked in the chief minister's office and is worshiped by Zhongshu Ling. If the three of them stay in Beijing together, , it’s really too eye-catching.Therefore, Liu Yun decisively chose to surrender to the country.

There is no need to mention Liu Yan, the feudal state has not yet been determined. As for Liu Fang, although Liu Yang kept him, he did not have a clear explanation. He only gave him the title of cabinet bachelor for consultation.

One thing to say is that this is of course aggrieved to Liu Fang. He is the King of Zhao with many meritorious deeds. What he needs is not the title that exudes fame, or even a high-ranking official with great power.What Liu Fang lacked was respect from the new emperor, but this was doubtful for Liu Yang.After all, some respect needs to be reflected in actual power and interests.

Regarding Liu Fang, Liu Yang has been observing, thinking and testing, and his feelings for him are extremely complicated. He loves his military prowess, but also fears his high achievements and prestige.Of course, Liu Yang didn't even have this kind of tolerance, but as an emperor, he would instinctively murmur in his heart.

At the same time, Liu Yang was carefully trying to figure out the purpose of calling Liu Fang back to the capital in Emperor Shizu's last edict, which was particularly puzzling to him.Liu Yang will not make a decision easily before considering the matter carefully.

Of course, there was no direction at all. After pondering for such a long time, Liu Yang also had some speculations: Emperor Shizu might just want Zhao Wang Liu Fang to return to Beijing to assist him.

In the ruling system of the Han Empire, the emperor was undoubtedly the anchor of the sea, but at the same time, he also needed pillars such as heroes and nobles, as well as ministers and ministers. On this basis, there were also royal princes as supplements to protect the sky.

During Liu Yang's reign, if the clan had to play its due role in the court, it was obviously not enough to rely on the elderly King Xu alone, while Liu Yan was not capable enough. After several years, only the princes carefully cultivated by Emperor Shizu were left.

According to some arrangements in his later years, King Liu Xi of the Jin Dynasty might have been initially chosen. However, unfortunately, Liu Xi was ill from the Tubo incident and passed away in Chengdu. In addition to his grief, he had to find a replacement, and this candidate was one of the royal family members. Among them, only Liu Fang was left.

Among the royal family, the guardian of Qingtian was the position Emperor Shizu gave to King Zhao Liu Fang.On the other hand, in order to avoid wishful thinking, Shizu also granted Liu Fang the title of Beiting Kingdom. The purpose was that if Liu Yang felt that Liu Fang did not need a role like Liu Fang and shoulder such responsibilities, then he would be sent back to the feudal state.
The consideration may be a bit complicated, or even a bit wishful thinking, but this is the answer Liu Yang has thought about for a long time, and it is also the outcome he prefers.

Based on this conclusion, it was Liu Yang's turn to make a decision, and this decision did not seem to be that easy to make.On the one hand, he was instinctively afraid of Liu Fang, and on the other hand, he also agreed in his heart that the court and royal family needed such a role.

At least during the turmoil over the "confession of the country" at the beginning of the year, Liu Fang helped to deal with it well, and was able to calmly calm down the storm in the end. Liu Fang was indispensable. For this, no one else could achieve the effect of Liu Fang's intervention.

It is conceivable that in the future, Liu Fang will still be able to play some special and important roles in many matters that embarrass Liu Yang. This is what Liu Yang hopes in his heart.

Perhaps Liu Yang himself didn't realize that since he came to the throne, he has shown hesitation in many matters that are beyond his habits.This may be because he has not fully adapted to the change in status, and there is still a lot of conservatism and caution from the prince's era in his thinking.

He has too many concerns and is too heavy. Thinking twice before acting on everything is naturally worth advocating, but going too far is not enough, and hesitating about everything is also not a good habit. If he cannot be alert in time, Liu Yang will only become more troublesome in decision-making in governing the country. struggle.

Not to mention, at least at the moment, at least regarding the matter of King Zhao Liu Fang, Liu Yang has not yet made a final decision.

However, in recent times, there have been some rumors in Beijing, which are aimed at King Zhao Liu Fang. Many people think that the court is unfair to him. To be honest, King Zhao's reputation in Beijing is indeed very high. Among the streets and streets, His stories have always been circulated, and he is a frequent visitor among storytellers in teahouses and restaurants.

In the rumors, of course, it is inevitable to compare Lu Wang Liu Ai with Zhao Wang Liu Fang. Although these two are from the same mother, Liu Fang crushes Liu Ai from all aspects of comparison.

Why can a king of Lu, who has no merits and no virtue, be able to overpower the king of Zhao in terms of power?How can it be true for friendship and brotherhood if a child grows up?

Such rumors were very hurtful and almost put the two brothers Liu Fang and Liu Ai on the fire.The origin of the rumors is still unknown, but the emergence of such public opinion itself means a feeling of dissatisfaction with the current government, and Liu Yang also attaches great importance to it.

Therefore, when Liu Yan directly carried out his fourth brother Liu Fang, Liu Yang was silent for a while, thought for a while, and asked directly: "Are you bothered by those rumors?"

"People have different opinions, and people's opinions are terrible!" Liu Yan replied, which seems to be the reason.

Liu Yang was annoyed: "You are making trouble for yourself! This groundless thing can make you lose your way? How can you, a dignified prince and prime minister, be forced by these short stories?"

"I am a mediocre person!" Liu Ming took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said: "In terms of talent and virtue, my fourth brother is far better than me. He is more suitable to assist the government in both the country and the people.

I admit that I am not a person who seeks fame and reputation. However, people are against me and it is hard for me to resist. There is no other way to retreat bravely. I beg your Majesty to do it! "After saying this, Liu Ai gathered up his robe and rolled up his sleeves, bowed down with great ceremony, and knelt directly to invite him.

Seeing his appearance and listening to his words, Liu Yang's eyebrows were about to be twisted, but he calmed down and after a while, he asked leisurely: "Eighth brother, are you here to complain for the fourth brother? Bar?"

Hearing this, Liu Yan's face changed slightly, and he immediately said: "I am just stating my feelings based on the truth!"

After carefully examining Liu Yan for a while, Liu Yang regained his composure, looked at him, and said earnestly: "Some rumors have caused confusion to the dignified prince and Zhongshu Ling. If I accept it, wouldn't it be untrue?
If people are more likely to change their minds because of those noisy rumors, then where does the authority of the court lie?Doesn't that tell those people with ulterior motives that spreading some rumors can influence the people employed in the court and even change the course of the government?

Wouldn’t it help spread rumors?Aren’t there rumors everywhere in the world and rumors everywhere?Can the country still be at peace?

Therefore, no matter what, I have absolutely no reason to accept your resignation! "

Hearing what the emperor said, Liu Yan seemed to be shocked and couldn't help but straighten up, with a look of embarrassment on his face.

Seeing this, Liu Yang said again: "If you feel tired, you can go back to the palace and cultivate yourself. I will give you a three-day holiday."

Hearing this, Liu Ai showed a bitter look on his face and called out in confusion: "Your Majesty, I—"

Liu Yang had no intention of listening to what he said, and said: "As for the fourth brother, I have my own arrangements, and you don't need to worry about it! Just step aside!"

Liu Yan opened his mouth again, but seeing the emperor's brother's look of not being able to refuse, he had no choice but to bow and leave.

"and many more!"

Before he could take two steps, Liu Yan was stopped, turned around and said, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

Looking at Liu Yan, Liu Yang rolled his eyes twice and said softly: "You already feel like you're in a corpse position, so I can't remain indifferent, lest you become uneasy!
All the prime ministers in the Political Affairs Hall are responsible for supervising and leading the ministries and departments on their behalf. Mr. Yang has a heavy workload at the Metropolitan Procuratorate. From now on, you can assist in supervising and supervising all matters. You can help Mr. Yang share one or two of the tasks! "

Hearing this, Liu Yan's eyes showed a little excitement. In the past six months, Liu Yang had indeed provided strong support to Yang Ye and the Metropolitan Procuratorate. Not only did the political hall elevate Yang Ye's status, but he also carried out various activities within the supervisory system. The efficiency reform, in order to strengthen the authority of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, even imposed restrictions on the Imperial City and the Wude Second Division, especially in normal judicial and supervisory matters, and did not allow the Second Division to interfere as randomly and roughly as in the past.

Under such an environment, the censors of the Metropolitan Procuratorate naturally had a better life. They could hold their heads up both inside and outside the court, and their voice was greatly strengthened. As the censor of Zuodu, Yang Ye's status also increased.

It can be said that today's Metropolitan Procuratorate is a good place for bureaucrats who are determined to make progress. It is a transitional place, and it is truly gold-plated.

Liu Yang was naturally sincere when he offered the authority to co-manage the Metropolitan Procuratorate. However, after a brief hesitation, Liu Yan still chose to refuse and responded: "Your Majesty values ​​​​love and care, and I am grateful, but the solemnity of supervision is Seriously, we still need an honest and upright minister, who is responsible for his virtue and ability, but who is slow and slow in his actions, making it difficult for him to use him!"

"Today, you have been belittling yourself in front of me and saying that you are worthless! Could it be that both the late emperor and I have wrong visions and do not know people well?" Looking at Liu Yan calmly, Liu Yang slowly said these words Come.

"I don't dare!" Upon seeing this, Liu Ai quickly said: "I obey your order!"

However, Liu Yang changed his words: "Since you feel that you cannot bear the weight of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, I will not force you! In this way, the autumn examination will start in a few days, and you and Master Li will know the tribute examination together.

There is no need for you to read people and mark papers. As long as you guard Gongyuan, implement the examination system, eliminate fraud, ensure that the examination is fair and orderly, do your best, fulfill your duties, and select a group of talents for me!
So, it’s not a embarrassment to you, and it’s not beyond your capabilities.”

Even after Liu Yang said this, Liu Ai still dared to object and immediately responded: "I will do my best to obey the imperial edict!"

It is now the beginning of autumn and August in the first year of Yongxi's reign. Different from previous years, the people of Luoyang are not only preparing to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, they are also once again witnessing a new batch of scholars and nobles leaping over the dragon gate. The city of Luoyang, full of flowers, is also particularly special. lively.

This year was originally the year of regular examinations, but due to a series of events such as the death of the ancestor and the enthronement of the new emperor, the spring was delayed. Liu Yang issued a special edict at the beginning of the year to postpone the imperial examinations to the autumn, giving relevant officials and scholars around the world half a year more time. Preparation time.

As the first imperial examination after ascending to the throne, it was also the first year of his reign. Emperor Liu Yang could not attach too much importance to it. Li Fang, the Taifu and cabinet bachelor, served as the chief examiner. In early autumn, Jia, the former minister of the Ministry of official affairs, was promoted to the minister of rites. Huang Zhong is the invigilator.

Now that Liu Ai is sent to supervise, the scholars of this year's majors are blessed. As long as they can stand out, they will definitely be different from other years.This is also a kind of luck. For scholars all over the world, some political qualifications sometimes just depend on luck. If they happen to happen, they will naturally have special characteristics and can play a big role at critical moments in their official career.

Liu Yan was dismissed by Liu Yang, but at the same time, Liu Yang's mood was also ruined.He himself was unhappy because of the drought in Jiannan and Dongchuan, and Liu Ai did this again. What a monster he was!

Unable to calm down and having no interest in reading the memorial, Liu Yang simply got up and went for a walk. At the same time, he ordered someone to summon Wang Yue, the envoy of the imperial city.

The autumn weather is high in August, and the wind is crisp and refreshing. After the autumn tiger has passed, the climate has become more pleasant. Under the blue sky and white clouds, Liu Yang strolls among the palace roads. His mood finally improves a little, and his solemn face becomes a little more relieved. and comfortable, until the king's appointment arrived.

"Can we find out the source of the rumors about King Zhao in Beijing?" Liu Yang asked with a gloomy face.

Wang Yue seemed a little hesitant. This rumor was the most difficult to investigate. The capital was originally a hotbed of rumors. There had been too many influential rumors and children's rumors in the past. The final investigation ended in vain and it was difficult to find out the source.

Noticing the emperor's unhappy expression, Wang Yue did not dare to answer directly, but said: "If I send more people to step up the investigation, I will definitely find out the sneaky Xiao Xiao behind it!
Also, can measures be taken to prohibit such discussions? "

"No need!" Liu Yang objected directly.

If a trivial matter causes a storm in the city, it will not be beautiful. Although there are insinuations in the rumors, it is not worthy of a big fanfare. It will only show that the emperor has a guilty conscience and cannot tolerate others.

After thinking about it for a while, Liu Yang asked again: "Is there someone in Prince Lu's palace who is your spy?"

Wang Yue's face changed slightly when he heard this. King Lu was so popular and favored that he couldn't help but said awkwardly: "I'd like to report this to the officials. The Si Yamen are just making arrangements according to the usual rules. There is absolutely no intention to offend King Lu. The officials are aware of this!"

After hearing what he said, Liu Yang waved his hand and was silent for a while, as if it was a bit difficult to speak, but finally spoke: "Prince Lu's Mansion, please pay more attention!"

Wang Yue was surprised and couldn't help but look up at the emperor, but seeing the indifference on his face, he didn't dare to ask any more questions and immediately responded: "Yes!"

It can be said that at least at this moment, Liu Yang was not only suspicious of King Zhao, but also suspicious of King Lu Liu Ai. Today's resignation gave him a sense of discomfort. Liu Ai seemed to be suspected of acting. .

Liu Yang couldn't help but wonder whether Liu Ai's invitation was a genuine resignation and wanted to be replaced by Liu Fang, or he felt Liu Fang's "threat" to his status and was retreating in order to advance.

Even, through such means and operations, he aroused his own suspicion and pushed Liu Fang out of the capital.

If it is the latter, then what kind of scheming is hidden under the honest appearance of King Lu Liu Ai? Even Liu Yang shudders when thinking about it.

People's hearts are always unpredictable, and the news of King Lu's resignation spread throughout the upper class of Luoyang like wings, and naturally reached the ears of King Zhao Liu Fang.

It's hard to say what Liu Fang felt after hearing this, but not long after, when the public opinion was still fermenting, Zhao Wang Liu Fang took the initiative to express his gratitude to the public for two purposes: one to plead guilty, and the other to resign.

The former expressed his feelings to Emperor Liu Yang that he had nothing to do with the rumors in the capital and had no intention of coercing public opinion to force him to be granted an official position; the latter expressed through practical actions that he was willing to leave Beijing and join the country and not embarrass the emperor.

Perhaps it was King Zhao's bright actions and magnanimous attitude that moved Liu Yang, and finally issued an edict to prevent him from returning to Beiting.

Since the person was kept, an explanation must be given. Two days before the autumn examination, Emperor Liu Yang issued an edict to increase Liu Fang's salary and land (two or three buildings bordering Beiting in the northwest of Gaochang Road). (a small town was granted to him), and at the same time he praised him with splendid words. Most importantly, he was allowed to participate in political affairs as a cabinet scholar.