Han Shizu

Chapter 2112 Kangzong Chapter 4 Emperor Anle

As for the resolution reached by the assistants, not to mention other matters, the selection of garrison troops, dispatch of the navy, and issues related to military mobilization, naturally need to be discussed by the Privy Council.

This matter was presided over by the "First Deputy Privy Envoy" Guo Liangping, whose powers included being the Prime Minister on naval affairs. In fact, the consensus reached within the Privy Council is to adopt a tough attitude towards the affairs of the Imperial Palace or the Andong Kingdom behind it. For one reason, the central authority cannot be violated.

The influence a person can exert often starts from his position. Guo Liangping is a typical example. When he led an army in Nanyang to attack cities and territories, the imperial court was worried that he would not be able to defeat him. Judging from Guo Liangping's past "contributions", this was not a reassuring master.

However, after Guo Liangping was transferred back to Beijing and took office as Deputy Privy Minister, the situation immediately changed, and the central government's influence on Nanyang rapidly strengthened. It is undeniable that in addition to the inherent authority of the central court, Guo Liangping, the deputy prime minister, played a great role.

When he was in Nanyang, Guo Liangping only hoped that the central government would relax its restrictions and give him more power and support. When he returned to Beijing, he was more concerned about how to improve the court's control over the land that had cost him countless efforts and half his life. The influence of regional control.

The enfeoffment of various countries is a major national policy decided by the ancestors. It has developed to this day and is the policy basis for the empire's continued external expansion. The countries have a high degree of autonomy in the management of many national affairs, but starting from the center of the empire, they must also master It is impossible to completely let go of a certain initiative.

At least as the banner figure among the "pioneering faction", Guo Liangping must keep the court in a state of "openness to the outside world". The most basic consideration is that if the empire abandons the outside world and turns inward, then the people, power and interests of their group will All will suffer serious losses.

No matter how much controversy he is involved in, it is undeniable that in the Pingkang era decades later, Guo Liangping was the boss of North Korea and China and the leader of the "pioneering group".

In order to protect the vested interests and maintain the influence of the faction, it is natural to ensure the stability of the policy foundation. Specifically, when it comes to matters of annexation at home and abroad, the central government must ensure the initiative and deterrence, like the restlessness of Anton State. situation must be dealt with.

The attitude was consistent, but when it came to execution, Guo Liangping still had some control. Just like the ministers in the political affairs hall did not like Guo Liangping very much and felt that he was unruly and uncontrollable. Guo Liangping, who had been criticized and criticized for decades, also accumulated a lot of dissatisfaction.

Therefore, when Kou Zhun, as a representative, discussed with Guo Liangping about the implementation of the cooperation plan, Guo Liangping showed his unruliness vividly. Various situations, various reasons, and various excuses made Kou Zhun angry and cursed.

The plan was proposed by Kou Zhun, and a resolution was finally reached, but it was blocked by the Privy Council or Guo Liangping. This was a major issue related to Kou Zhun's right to speak in the political hall.

As for the question raised by Guo Liangping about the troublesome adjustments to the garrison and naval training plans, anyone with a discerning eye knows that this is just prevarication.

Kou Zhun is a very scheming and tough-minded person, but if he meets a military noble like Guo Liangping who has been through fire and oil, he will only get a bad result. The angrier he gets, the happier Guo Liangping becomes.

At this time, Kou Zhun showed his flexible side again. Seeing that official matters were not enough, after some speculation on Guo Liangping's psychology, he suppressed his disgust at Guo Liangping's arrogance, accepted his inferiority, and finally acted in person. At the cost of helping Guo Liangping wash his horse, he opened up the connection between the Privy Council and the "Deterrence Anton Plan".

Guo Liangping was proud of himself for a while, and Kou Zhun was also a controversial figure in the court. Although his qualifications were low, he was still among the prime ministers and assistants. Being able to make Kou Xiang, who was known for his strength, surrender, Privy Guo's prestige naturally increased.

Of course, Guo Liangping was not only targeting Kou Zhun, he and Qian Yongxi, the minister of literature and literature, could not even pee in the same pot. The main purpose of this move was to suppress the intention of Qian Fuchen. Behind Guo Liangping's move, it also exposed the psychology of some Han nobles. How could a civil servant who had done nothing for the country be in power?

There are definitely many people with such a mentality, and the power they control is definitely powerful. In this case, we have to talk about the role of King Lu. Without Liu Ming, the king of the three dynasties, Zhang Qixian alone may not be able to control the situation, at least not in the way he does now. .

Obviously, with the continuation of the auxiliary political situation, the political situation of the Han Dynasty has become more and more complicated, and many people have gradually become unable to sit still. Guo Liangping is just a real power on the stage.

However, struggle will be struggle, discord will be discord, and official duties must not be neglected. This is also the bottom line for this group of powerful people. Therefore, Guo Liangping was still very responsible at Zuibin Mansion and directly transferred two battalions of soldiers from the East China Sea Navy to serve as garrison soldiers stationed at Zubin Mansion.

At the same time, Guo Zhen, commander of the Michigan Fleet, led a fleet to conduct a "training" for the northern voyage. The fleet consisted of more than 36 large and small ships and more than officers and soldiers, including three Xinshi gunboats. As for Guo Zhen, he was years old at the time. You can tell by his last name that he was Guo Liangping's nephew.

As for the matter between Guo Liangping and Kou Zhun, there is still a sequel. This incident spread throughout the capital at an unexpected speed, and the fermented public opinion in Luoyang can be described in one sentence: Elder Privy Guo relied on his power to show off his power, while Prime Minister Kou Xian endured humiliation and heavy burdens for the country.

With public opinion going like this, you can imagine how Guo Liangping felt. His original pride was wiped out, and this time it was his turn to break his guard. It is said that at that time, Guo Liangping couldn't help but throw away his favorite purple clay teapot. Smashed.

At the same time, this incident also made Guo Liangping realize the insidiousness of those literati. Although their pens are not as sharp as swords, they can really hurt people's hearts when they kill them. From that time on, Guo Liangping and Kou Zhun were even more disgusted with each other. Every time they saw Kou Zhun's reserved fake smile, they wanted to punch him twice. This birdie is not a good thing.

The new magistrate of Prince Lu's Mansion, who was about to go north on a mission to lead Bin's Mansion to take office, came to visit him, and Liu Ai met him in the South Hall.

Zeng Huinai was a Jinshi in the autumn of the first year of Yongxi's reign. In the past sixteen years, he had served as a censor, a chief official, and a judge. He had already reached the rank of Zhongshu Sheren, and he was also an experienced minister who had been trained in the center of imperial power.

This time, he was selected to be sent to Shuibin Mansion. In fact, he was demoted. He was valued for his proficiency and ability. At the same time, on top of Shuibin Prefecture, he was also given the title of Governor of Haidong, so that he could legitimately command and deal with it. Lead the military affairs of Binfu. It can be said that with the support of the imperial court, Zeng will become the leader of the military and political affairs of the Binfu Mansion and even the entire Haidong region.

The Han Empire has practiced "separation of military and political affairs" since the time of its founder. However, over more than sixty years, the separation of military and political affairs has gradually formed a "political principle", and principles are often the easiest to break when adapting to changes. thing. At least for the moment, in the remote areas of the empire, there are too many cases where the military and the political side shoulder the responsibility.

In the hall, Liu Yan was not as modest as usual, nor was he deliberately trying to be stupid. He just told Zeng Hui in a serious and straightforward manner: "Gu Qie bluntly said that it was Gu's suggestion to let you go to the Bin Mansion. Gu was not convinced. , I misjudged Liu Wei, but I could also misjudge Zeng Hui if his surname was not the same.

There is no need to avoid the fact that the affairs of the Binfu Mansion are not in the Mansion, but in the Andong Kingdom! When you come to Zhubin Mansion, you are going to clean up the mess, bring order to the chaos, rectify the source, promote the king's transformation, save the face of the orphan, and uphold the majesty of the court!

If you have any doubts or difficulties, just tell me and I will solve them for you."

This was probably the most straightforward and clear-cut performance of Liu Yan since he took office, with almost no twists and turns. This actually made Zeng Hui feel heavy and did not dare to neglect.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the king for your trust and loyalty to the country. Why should I regret leaving!" Facing Liu Ai's gaze, after a moment's consideration, Zeng Hui solemnly said: "Before I leave, I have only one request!"

"speak!"

"I would like to meet the guilty minister Liu Wei." Zeng Hui said.

Liu Yan was a little stunned when he heard the words, but when he saw Zeng Hui's calm and calm old face, his expression suddenly appeared, he waved his hand and said: "Okay!"

"Your Majesty has won and returned to the throne!"

In front of Shangyang Palace, accompanied by a burst of cheers and stars holding the moon, Emperor Liu Wenpeng, dressed in military uniform, urged his horse to rush into the palace, followed by a group of eunuchs and knights.

When he arrived in front of the Guanfeng Hall, Liu Wenpeng jumped up, landed firmly, threw his riding whip, and had a proud smile on his lips. However, when he looked up and saw King Lu Liu Ai standing on the hall platform with his hands hanging down, his smile suddenly disappeared. "I see your Majesty!" Liu Yan saluted.

Liu Ai did not step down to pay his respects, and Liu Wenpeng didn't seem to care. He slowly walked up the steps until he was in front of him, smiling again: "Why does the emperor have time to come to Shangyang Palace?"

"I heard that Your Majesty went hunting. I wonder what the harvest was like?" Liu Yan had a rigid expression.

"Return to the court in victory and return with a full load!" Liu Wenpeng pointed back and raised his hand: "Come here, show all the prey to King Lu!"

"Yes!" Soon, a group of guards responded to the order and started to place the hunted chickens, rabbits, deer, pigs and other wild animals in front of the palace.

Liu Wenpeng said: "I didn't encounter wild beasts today, only these common things. The emperor picked some and took them back."

Hearing this, Liu Ai cupped his hands and said, "How dare I share the results of your Majesty's battle!"

"The emperor's uncle said what he said!" Liu Wenpeng looked at Liu Ai and said: "The emperor's uncle has worked hard for me on state affairs, and his hard work has made great achievements. He has never been rewarded. In return for some prey, I only hope that the emperor's uncle will not feel despicable!"

"Your Majesty's words are serious!" Liu Yan responded: "Thunder, rain, and dew are all for your kindness. How can I dare to despise it? Since your Majesty has given me something, I will accept it shamelessly!"

"This is what it should be!" Liu Wenpeng smiled at Liu Ai and asked him about his intentions: "What's the matter with your uncle here?"

Liu Yan looked at Liu Wenpeng twice, pondered for a while, and said: "I heard that your majesty has been hunting for ten consecutive days!"

Sensing Liu Ai's serious tone, Liu Wenpeng still didn't take it seriously: "It's true! I have nothing to do but hunt, pass the time, and have fun."

"How can the emperor be idle!" Liu Yan said: "Your Majesty, you know, your Majesty will hunt for ten days, and the court will have ten days of discussion!"

"Oh? What are you talking about?" Liu Wenpeng raised his eyebrows and said with great interest: "You can't say that I am just having fun and don't care about state affairs!"

After saying that, Liu Wenpeng followed closely and said: "I don't think so! All major national affairs are done by the emperor and the ministers. I should be a happy emperor, and no one will be unreasonable and criticize me harshly!"

After listening to Liu Wenpeng's negative and positive words, Liu Ming's face could not help but darken, and he opened his mouth. However, facing Liu Wenpeng's cold eyes, the words of advice that he had planned to say were somewhat unable to come out.

"I know that your Majesty is unwilling to accept it, and he has resentment towards me and others for controlling the government." After a long time, Liu Yan said this.

"Uncle Emperor, you are serious!" Before he could finish speaking, Liu Wenpeng stretched out his hand to interrupt him, still looking casual, and said: "Uncle Emperor and all the ministers are doing the hard work for me, and I enjoy my leisure time, fighting cocks and running dogs, running horses and hunting. , wouldn’t it be uneasy?

As for the resentment, it is inexplicable. Who in this world can bear the resentment of the emperor? "

When he said this, Liu Wenpeng's tone became lowered, even a little solemn. Liu Ming also felt a sudden change in his heart, and his expression was unconsciously distressed.

Taking a deep breath, Liu Yan and Liu Wenpeng looked at each other and spoke slowly in a calm tone: "I have been commissioned by the late emperor to assist in government. I have always worked hard and dedicated myself to repay the kindness of the country, for fear of betraying the late emperor's trust.

I only hope that Your Majesty can study diligently and concentrate on studying politics. In time, I can rest assured that I can return to the imperial court and retire to old age! "

Hearing what Liu Yan said, a suspicion flashed in Liu Wenpeng's eyes, and then he said calmly: "How can I not understand the loyalty of the emperor? It is too early to say goodbye to the old age. The emperor is only fifty years old, at least he is still alive." I can manage the big man for another ten years."

After saying that, Liu Wenpeng yawned and said: "I am a little tired and need to rest. If your uncle has nothing else to do, please leave first. Oh, remember to take a few prey with you."

Liu Ai resigned with great concern, his expression was very serious, and his mood was naturally heavy. He was as stable as Mount Tai and as stable as walking on flat ground when it came to right and wrong in the court. But the emperor's sharpness made him feel like a thorn in his back, and he couldn't help but feel shaken in his heart.

Of course Liu Yan knew what the problem was, but some problems he knew the answers to were in fact unsolvable. Power, especially the central power of the empire, its magic, the changes it can bring to people, and the possibilities it can produce are almost unlimited.

For a moment, Liu Ai even hoped that Liu Wenpeng was really just enjoying playing and hunting. However, Liu Yan could not deceive himself. Not to mention that in the past six months or so, Liu Wenpeng had shown his sharpness from time to time and repeatedly expressed his dissent on government affairs. It can be seen from the question just now that the emperor's dissatisfaction was almost naked. Got it

Not to mention the worry of King Lu Liu Ai, Emperor Liu Wenpeng's originally happy mood also deteriorated.

The servant around him comforted him and criticized King Lu, which made Liu Wenpeng furious and whipped his "playmate" several times.

However, he is a young man after all, and Liu Wenpeng's mind is not that narrow-minded. His anger comes and goes quickly.

That night, in front of the Guanfeng Hall of Shangyang Palace, he and a group of attendants, guards, and palace people held a barbecue banquet, ate wine, ate meat, sang and danced, and retired at midnight.

Liu Wenpeng was a filial son. While he was happy, he also ordered someone to send a cauldron of muntjac meat cooked by himself while it was hot to the Kunming Palace for the Queen Mother to taste.

As a result, Empress Dowager Murong didn't appreciate it and even knocked over the meat cauldron in front of the servant, not hiding her anger at all.

There are two main reasons for the Queen Mother's anger. One is dissatisfaction with being banned from political affairs, and the other is disappointment with the emperor. For such a long time, the emperor has done nothing. He has no intention of expelling his ministers and taking control of the government. He is still thinking about having fun. Hunting, having fun too much, not even willing to vent her anger on her mother.

In such a situation, how could Empress Dowager Murong remain calm? With her temperament, she would have restrained herself from stirring up trouble.

When Liu Wenpeng learned about the Queen Mother's reaction, he didn't take it seriously. He still looked heartless and joyful. However, fine wine and cooked meat could not fill the emptiness and resentment in his heart.

(End of this chapter)