Chinese New Year

Chapter 552 Wholesale
As we all know, the crops in Henan and Hebei are not growing well this year. This is a large-scale natural disaster. No one can escape it, not even the emperor.

All the farmlands and vegetable plots he opened up in the palace ended in failure.

It is possible that the Minister of Agriculture deceived him and the seeds he gave him were not good.

It may also be that his planting skills are not good and he didn't grow the crops well at the beginning.

The more likely possibility is that the palace servants simply didn't care and didn't take good care of it.

All in all, he hadn't gained much this year, but even so, he wouldn't go hungry.

But he lost face, and felt that everyone was just being perfunctory, laughing at him, pretending to obey him, and even deliberately making trouble for him.

So he was very angry, extremely angry.

The Secretary of the Central Secretariat Yan Ding sat aside, silent.

Everyone knows that the real reason why the emperor was angry was not these trivial matters.

The manifesto issued by Mr. Chen in Yecheng was the real heavy blow.

The proclamation had already reached Luoyang, where many people copied and discussed it. The emperor, of course, had his own channels and soon learned of the matter.

Yan Ding didn't know what the emperor's expression was at that time, because he was returning to Luoyang from Jingzhou.

It was later learned that the emperor was furious and scolded Shao Xun at the court meeting in Taiji Hall.

At that time, there were indeed some loyal officials who echoed the emperor, pointing out that Shao Xun was born a slave in a military household, and it was a great favor from heaven that he was appointed General Pingdong and sent to guard the outer vassal. It was already a wolf's heart that he did not think of repaying his service, and as a result, he still spoke arrogantly, his ambition was obvious, and he was insane.

But only a few are willing to say so, while most people remain silent.

Today, a "fortunate humble man" has suggested that Lord Chen's recovery of Ye City is an inspiring move that has not been seen in many years, and his contribution should be commended.

Well, Yan Ding was present at the court meeting today, but he was cautious not to express his opinion and just silently observed the attitudes of the emperor and court officials.

The emperor subconsciously wanted to refuse. Then he probably felt that it was unreasonable to do so, so he suppressed his temper and tried to "discuss it again", intending to delay it until no one mentioned the matter again.

Of course, the emperor is not stupid, he knows today's matter is not that simple. They may have other means, just delaying will not work, we still have to think of other ways.

"Has Lord Yan met Wang Chuzhong?" Just when the atmosphere in the hall was a little heavy, the emperor spoke.

"I saw it." Yan Ding was cheered up, knowing that the opportunity had come, and replied immediately.

"Hmm..." Sima Chi nodded, and then fell silent.

Yan Ding took a cautious glance and found that the emperor's face was full of hesitation and confusion.

The wind on Jiuhua Terrace was quite strong, and the cold air blew through the gaps in the window lattices, gently blowing up the yellow paper on the desk.

Sima Chi's attention was attracted.

The eight words "The road of Former Qin is lost, the lost deer is hard to chase" come into view.

"Hehe...hehe..." Sima Chi suddenly laughed neurotically.

Yan Ding felt a chill in his heart. Could the emperor be crazy?
Suddenly I felt a little regretful. I just wanted to get a promotion from the emperor, but I must be careful not to let the emperor do something wrong before I get the position. If he is fine, I may be punished.

"Yan Qing, do you also think that the Great Jin is going to be finished?" Sima Chi looked at him with red eyes and asked.

"Why do you say that, Your Majesty?" Yan Ding shook his head and said, "There are still loyal people in Xizhou who are willing to fight to the death for Your Majesty. There are also people in Jingzhou who are grateful for Your Majesty's kindness and are helping Your Majesty to quell the rebellion. Even in Jinyang and Xuzhou, there are still people who are ready to join the Jin Dynasty at the first sign of trouble."

Sima Chi's expression relaxed a little, and finally wasn't as scary as before.

He can tell good from bad.

Yan Ding's words were a bit exaggerated, but not completely nonsense.

At least, there were indeed many brave warriors west of Chang'an who were loyal to the court, refused to surrender to the Huns, and were extremely respectful to the court.

Zu Ti and Liu Kun also seemed to be loyal ministers.

Even the Murong Xianbei of Liaodong were obedient to him, thinking of the reputation of the Great Jin.

As for Jingzhou——

"Is it true that Wang Dun and Wang Yan are not the same kind of people?" he asked.

"Absolutely not." Yan Ding said affirmatively: "Let alone Wang Dun, Wang Dao also has some grudges against Wang Yan."

"Why do you say that?" Sima Chi asked.

Yan Ding hesitated for a moment and said, "There is a groundless rumor."

"Oh?" Sima Chi became a little interested and said, "Tell me about it."

"Princess Xiangcheng has a daughter..." Yan Ding stammered.

"What?" Sima Chi was a little shocked.

The emperor's sister was Wang Dun's wife, and they had no children, hadn't they? How did a daughter suddenly appear?
Thinking of this, Sima Chi's face turned a little ugly. He sneered, looked at Yan Ding and said, "Yan Qing, are you saying that my sister is having an affair?" The imperial sister sometimes lived in Guangchengze and sometimes in Luoyang. She often came to the palace to visit him, comforted him, and gave him family affection, which moved him very much.

Just a while ago, he issued an edict to give the Su Yu Palace in Guangchengze to his imperial sister for her to live in.

This guy Yan Ding actually started to frame his sister!
"Your Majesty..." Yan Ding felt a little regretful, and could only bite the bullet and said: "I just learned by chance that Princess Xiangcheng has a daughter whose biological father is Shao Xun. The princess hid this daughter very well, and Wang Yifu may not know about it."

Seeing Sima Chi's face getting uglier, Yan Ding wisely shut up and said, "It's just hearsay, don't take it seriously, I am guilty."

Sima Chi looked at him coldly for a long time before asking, "Because of this incident, do you think Wang Dun and Shao Xun are enemies?"

"There is also the matter of Song Yi." Yan Ding said again.

"But is it Song Yi from Jingu Garden?" Sima Chi was stunned at first, and then asked with great interest.

"That's right." Yan Ding replied, "In the past, Shao Xun stayed overnight at Wang's villa. Princess Xiangcheng asked Song Yi to serve him, which made Wang Dun very angry. Later, Wang Yan decided to give Song Yi to Shao Xun, and the feud was formed from then on."

Sima Chi was a little annoyed when he heard this: "Song Yi is so talented, but he devotes himself to a vulgar warrior. It's really-"

He didn't know how to describe it for a moment.

Even when he was Prince of Yuzhang, he had heard of Song Yi's fame and often wanted to meet him.

Wang Dun dismissed dozens of concubines in the mansion and kept only Song Yi, which shows how much he loved her.

Which high-ranking official in the capital doesn't want to get Song Yi - oh, and Jing too.

Appearance is one thing, talent is another.

What a pity, what a pity!

Thinking of this, Sima Chi felt even more disgusted with Shao Xun.

If he could kill this beast, he would definitely take Song Yi into the palace. Then he would compose the music and Song Yi would play it. Only in this way could he live up to the beauty's talent. Shao Xun knew nothing!
"Your Majesty." Yan Ding observed his expression and continued, "I was in Xiangyang and talked with Wang Chuzhong for several days. When he heard about the situation in the palace, he cried several times. When he was furious, he drew his sword and danced with it at the banquet, vowing to kill the treacherous officials and restore order in the court."

"Oh?" Sima Chi was somewhat touched and said, "Mr. Yan, can you tell me in detail what happened that day?"

"Wang Chuzhong, Zhou Boren, Xun Jingyou, Tao Shiheng, and Zhou Shida were all present at the banquet that day..." Yan Ding then described the process of the banquet in detail.

After listening to this, Sima Chi's eyes gradually turned red.

There are still loyal ministers in this world!

There must be someone who can't stand Shao Xun bullying the emperor like this!
Dajin still has hope of revival!
Unconsciously, he thought a lot, shed a few tears, and then raised the corners of his mouth with a smile.

"Your Majesty..." Yan Ding called softly.

It's bad! Could it be that he has been intimidated by Lu Zhi and others for so long that his mind is a little unclear?

Sima Chi came back to his senses, wiped his eyes gently, and sighed: "Wang Dun and Wang Chuzhong are indeed loyal ministers and good generals, they should be reused."

Yan Ding was secretly delighted, as he was waiting for you to say this.

"Mr. Yan, some people in the court are making a lot of noise, trying to build momentum for Shao Xun and want me to reward him generously." Sima Chi said, "But look at what he said in this letter of disloyalty. If I give in, I will only encourage his ambitions..."

"Your Majesty." Yan Ding bowed and said, "I have a plan that may help resolve this crisis."

Sima Chi's eyes lit up, and he said hurriedly, "Tell me quickly."

"Shao Xun is just trying to follow Cao Mengde's example and seize the military and political power." Yan Ding said, "In this case, Your Majesty might as well share the power."

"What is 'decentralization'?" Sima Chi asked.

"I believe that in extraordinary times, extraordinary things should be done." Yan Ding paused, gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty may as well issue a secret decree--"

"Appoint Wang Rui of Langya as Prime Minister, Grand Commander, and Supervisor of All Military Affairs at Home and Abroad."

"Appoint Nanyang Wang Bao as Prime Minister."

"Appoint Zu Ti as governor of Xuzhou and commander-in-chief of the military affairs of Xuzhou and Qingzhou."

"Appoint Liu Kun as governor of Bingzhou and commander-in-chief of the military affairs of Bingzhou and Jizhou."

"Appoint Wang Jun as governor of Youzhou and commander-in-chief of the military affairs of Youzhou and Pingzhou."

"Appoint Wang Dun as governor of Jingzhou and commander-in-chief of the military affairs of Jingzhou and Xiangzhou."

"As for Shao Xun, since someone has requested the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry for him, just grant him the title. It's just an empty title."

Sima Chi was stunned. If everyone has an official position, how can he not be chaotic?

Why does it feel a bit like a joke? So many positions that represent the face of the court are just given away like selling vegetables in the West Market?
Seeing Sima Chi was hesitating, Yan Ding said, "If Your Majesty wants to go through the court to issue an edict, it may not be easy. However, you may give it a try. Your Majesty can write down all the appointments and dismissals in one edict and send it to the court. You can also write a few more secret edicts in private and send them to various places."

Sima Chi remained silent for a long time.

(End of this chapter)