Chapter 418 "Prime Minister, are you questioning me?"
Chapter 418 "Prime Minister, are you questioning me?" (5k)
Duke Anguo Cao Mao retired from the army and returned to his hometown.
This news spread like a whirlwind in the officialdom of the State of Yu in the afternoon of the same day, attracting the attention of countless people.
Many details in the incident attracted people to explore. Unfortunately, the parties involved kept it secret, so it was difficult for outsiders to know the details. This incident has become another strange chapter in the "Secret History of the Empress" written by folk historians.
One of the most striking scenes was when someone witnessed Zhao Duan riding into the palace in the heavy snow.
In the next few days, Zhao Duan manipulated public opinion to bring this matter to an end, and the Lang Shiba case developed smoothly according to the planned script.
Luo Ke Di returned to Jubei City with Cao Mao's handwritten letter on the transfer of military power, completing the power change.
At the same time, time has finally come to the end of the year.
……
Early in the morning, in the Zhao family's side room.
Zhao Duan was awakened by the sound of firecrackers.
He pried open his eyelids and stared lazily at the top of the curtains for a few seconds, then turned over and sat on the edge of the bed, yawning and rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"Knock, knock, knock, Dalang, are you awake?"
There were footsteps approaching outside the door, followed by the stepmother's earnest call.
"Enter."
Zhao Duan glanced at his pajamas, which were intact, and said casually.
The door was pushed open, and the bright and dazzling daylight shone into the room. Eugene Hua, wearing a new dress, walked into the room with a smile, followed by three maids.
Everyone held clothes or a washbasin in their hands, and after entering the house, they would skillfully help the "master" of the house wash without being told.
Well, because Zhao’s father died early, Zhao Duan, as the only male owner of the family, was automatically promoted to “Master” in the mouths of the subordinates.
"I can do it myself..."
Zhao Duan looked resisting, but he could not resist the four women's pulling in the end. The dignified "King of Hell Zhao" was dressed up like a doll one after another.
A moment later, Zhao Duan in the mirror had finished washing and looked energetic. He was wearing new, well-fitting, bright-colored clothes from head to toe.
Today is New Year's Eve, and ordinary people, due to financial difficulties, have to wait until tomorrow, New Year's Day, to change into new clothes.
But the Zhao family, who had long been among the new rich in Beijing, had no shortage of clothes.
According to Eugene Hua:
"During the Spring Festival, Dalang has to welcome and see off guests in the official circles. It is in accordance with etiquette that he has to prepare a new set of new robes every day."
Fine……
Zhao Duan was reluctant but willing, and within less than a year of traveling through time, he was successfully assimilated into the feudal society.
In front of the mirror in the room, Eugenia stood beside him, carefully tidying up the edges of his clothes, and said happily:
"The grand banquet will be held in the evening, right?"
"We have to go early in the afternoon." Zhao Duan explained casually.
On New Year's Eve, the empress held a banquet for all her ministers in the palace, called the "Grand Banquet", and Zhao Duan was invited to attend.
Eugene Hua admired the handsome stepson in front of her and said happily, "I heard that the banquets in the palace are not open to eating and drinking. You should eat more at home at noon."
"I know." Zhao Duan said perfunctorily.
After walking out of the room, I saw the entire Zhao Mansion decorated with a festive atmosphere. Big red lanterns were hung on every corner of the eaves, and the windows were covered with window grilles in various shapes and sizes.
The servants in the mansion also changed into new clothes, received rewards, and were busy moving New Year's goods or sweeping the clean courtyard.
"Crackling..."
Outside the mansion gate, Zhao Pan led the maids and personally set off firecrackers under the nervous gaze of the servants.
The sound of firecrackers exploding continuously, and the red shredded cardboard falling on the snow on the street outside was particularly beautiful.
The Pekingese was frightened by the sound of firecrackers and lay under the table in the inner hall, trembling.
"Big brother!"
Zhao Pan looked at Zhao Duan who was walking over and smiled.
The girl was wearing a colorful jacket with a white fluffy edge today. Her neck was tied tightly, which made her fair face look delicate and beautiful, like the girl who brought wealth in the New Year pictures who had grown up.
In her hand, she held a yellow incense stick with a scarlet tip, and handed it to him excitedly:
"Are you coming too?"
"No, you are now the famous 'Miss Zhao' in the capital, so you should pay more attention to your image," Zhao Duan couldn't help but sigh.
Zhao Pan puffed up her cheeks and acted cute: "I can't learn to be a lady from a noble family..."
"Okay, okay, whatever you want."
Zhao Duan waved his hands, but he felt comfortable in his heart.
Women in this era are nice, but they all pursue gentleness and virtue, which is boring after seeing too much.
A girl like Zhao Pan, who grew up in a military family, doesn't have many rules and instead seems more like a "modern person".
Zhao Duan reluctantly set off a string of firecrackers, and then was dragged into the house by Zhao Pan to write Spring Festival couplets.
The girl eagerly spread out red paper on the table in the study and ground it herself, aiming to make her a beautiful woman.
Zhao Duan picked up a yellow pear brush, dipped it in ink, thought for a moment, and wrote the couplet.
"Spring breeze, spring rain, spring scenery; New Year, new scenery, new home."
Zhao Pan looked at the couplet, not quite sure whether it was good or bad, and said with a smile:
"It's quite appropriate, it's the new year, and it's a new house... But we've moved into the new house a few months ago, so it's a bit late to write this poem."
"What do you know? This is Wang Xizhi's couplet."
Zhao Duan placed the brush on the white porcelain pen holder and smiled with a complicated look in his eyes.
In this world, he is probably the only one who knows the true meaning of the word "new home".
A year has passed, and before he knew it, he has taken root in this world and has a new family and identity.
"Who is Wang Xizhi? Never heard of him..." Zhao Pan muttered, but quickly put the doubt aside and went out to bring out a bowl of hot paste.
As he walked, he used his scallion-like little finger to scoop a lump of paste from the bowl, put it between his lips to taste it, and his eyes curved into crescents.
Zhao Duan couldn't help laughing when he saw this, and was reminded of when he was a child, he had done something similar.
After the brother and sister had put up the Spring Festival couplets, some officials from nearby came to visit them. This was not a New Year's greeting, so Zhao Duan greeted them in a good mood.
At noon, the family had a big meal, Zhao Duan changed into his official robe, and set off for the palace.
Eugene Hua and Zhao Pan also had plans and invited many noble ladies in Beijing to watch the lanterns together.
……
……
After Zhao Duan went out, he first went to the imperial court to join up with the main force.
During the grand banquet, the Imperial Guards, as the imperial guards, also needed to enter the palace to maintain order - in fact, they served as a guard of honor.
"Come here." Ma Yan saw him coming and waved to invite him to ride in the same car.
Zhao Duan was slightly surprised. He stepped into the carriage and sat down. Then he asked curiously, "Brother, is there anything you want to talk to me about in private?"
Ma Yan's thin face had a calm expression. He glanced at him and said:
"Today's grand banquet is also held, and Li Yanfu is also present."
Isn't this nonsense? He is the Prime Minister, so he must be here... Zhao Duan was stunned for a moment, then reacted:
"You mean, Li Yanfu is going to cause trouble? Not really, today is New Year's Eve. Besides, hasn't the Li party been keeping a low profile recently? In the previous fight against Cao Mao, he pretended to be dead the whole time."
Ma Yan said, "There is news coming from below that several important officials of the Li Party met privately yesterday. They said it was a visit before the New Year, but in fact it was convened by Li Yanfu."
"Because of me?" Zhao Duan took it blankly, unable to understand the logic.
Ma Yan shook his head and said:
"No. It must be because of the latest memorial sent back from Huting the day before yesterday that alarmed them.
Well, maybe you didn't pay attention. Feng Ju, who is in charge of the New Deal Chamber of Commerce in Huting, sent back some news. I don't know the details, but it's good news. The new city you created should be getting better. Feng Ju probably wants to give it to Your Majesty as a gift before the New Year."
Zhao Duan suddenly realized and said with a smile:
"It seems that these southern nobles have become anxious after seeing the significant results of the court's opening up of the market."
He wasn't surprised.
Although Li Yanfu has been exceptionally quiet these days, Zhao Duan knows that this is just the calm before the storm.
The conflict between the group of aristocrats behind the "Li Party" and the new policy could not be eased at all.
Before the new policy took effect, the pressure on Li Yanfu was not that great. However, as the new policy took effect, the pressure from the entire Li Party would force Li Yanfu to take action.
"They shouldn't be that anxious. Even if the Li Party wants to make a move, they will have to wait until the beginning of next spring." Zhao Duan said calmly, "Brother, do you have any inside information? What might this group of people do?"
Ma Yan said:
"Some time ago, the Governor of the Southern Grain Transport Bureau urged the capital to appoint a new official as soon as possible to fill the vacancy in Jiancheng Dao.
It's not just Jiancheng Dao. As far as I know, after the new year, the court will finalize a list of officials to be transferred to the south to assist the governor of the grain transport system in promoting local new policies and administrative reforms. The final personnel have not yet been determined. "
Zhao Duan asked curiously, "So, the Li Party might try to make a fuss about this matter?"
Ma Yan shook his head and said, "I don't know. I'm just letting you know in advance."
Zhao Duan didn't know whether to laugh or cry:
"I am not responsible for the appointment and removal of officials in the South. It has nothing to do with me if Li Yanfu wants to cause trouble." Ma Yan had a look on his face that said "you are too young":
"Let's not talk about your influence on the development of the new policy. If I were Li Yanfu, facing the pressure from the entire party, I would have to make a statement first and do something to stabilize the 'military morale' of the Jiangnan gentry. Sometimes, making a statement itself is necessary."
Zhao Duan grinned:
"So, Senior Brother, you suspect that Li Yanfu might pick a fight with me in order to make a statement to the entire Li Party?"
When he thought about it, it was really possible. After all, it was Zhao Duan who decided to open Huting, and he was full of symbolic meaning.
However, what kind of trouble could Li Yanfu cause to me?
Ma Yan did not comment and said, "You understand those intrigues better than I do."
"..."
No, what's your attitude, Xiao Ma? When did you learn to be sarcastic? Where did your cold, domineering, and ruthless demeanor go?
Zhao Duan looked regretful.
……
……
While the two were having fun, a troop of brocade uniforms arrived at the palace.
The grand banquet was held in the "Fengtian Hall", and a huge New Year lantern had been built outside the Meridian Gate, its height almost comparable to the walls of the imperial palace.
At this moment, a large group of craftsmen were busy under the "protection" of the imperial guards.
Outside the imperial city, countless lanterns had already been hung on the main streets to create a festive atmosphere.
The banquet was hosted by the Ministry of Rites and prepared by the Guanglu Temple.
Follow the rules.
The staff of the Shangbao Division will set up the throne in the Fengtian Hall.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard was responsible for planting yellow flags on the east and west sides outside the palace.
The Jinwu Guards stationed twenty-four guards on the east and west sides of the palace.
The Jiaofangsi under the Ministry of Rites was responsible for setting up nine kinds of music inside the palace, grand music outside the palace, and three dance troupes under the palace.
The Guanglu Temple was responsible for setting up a wine pavilion to the west of the imperial throne and a food pavilion to the east. To the east and west of the wine and food pavilion were the delicacies pavilion and the vinegar and meat pavilion respectively.
There are imperial banquets on the east and west sides of the throne. The crown prince's seat is located to the east of the throne, facing west.
——However, because the crown prince has passed away, this position has been removed.
The kings were arranged on both sides of the imperial banquet, facing east and west, from north to south.
——Well, no prince came to Beijing this year, so this piece will be removed as well.
Ministers above the fourth rank sat inside the palace, and those below the fifth rank sat outside the palace in the east and west corridors. Officials such as the pot steward, the wine steward, and the food steward sat nearby...
The main focus is on being well organized with clear responsibilities.
When Zhao Duan arrived, he found that the entire Fengtian Hall had been decorated.
He wandered around with the attitude of an idler, joking with the female officials he was familiar with from time to time. When officials began to enter the palace one after another, Zhao Duan would entertain them with a smile, acting like a "male host".
He did not have any of the restraint that officials in the palace had. He acted as if he was back home. All the officials looked at each other in bewilderment, wondering, so are the rumors about him having a concubine true?
Speaking of which, although it was widely rumored in the capital and even throughout the world that Zhao Gou was the empress's lover, this matter was still in the "rumor" stage.
It has not been officially confirmed.
High-ranking officials never completely believed this statement and only regarded him as a "favorite minister."
As the sky darkened, important officials arrived one after another.
"Mr. Yuan... you are finally here. I have been here for a long time."
"Grand Master, please slow down, haha... Master Han, you are here too? Come and sit down."
"Envoy Xue, you look really good today. Please sit here. The seat has been prepared."
"Duke Tang, why aren't the daughter and the young master here? Oh, they're outside."
Zhao Duan greeted every person who came.
When Li Yanfu, who was wearing a scarlet official robe, with hair like hedgehogs, eyebrows like purple stones, and beard and hair along both sides of his cheeks almost connected to his temples, came with his son, Zhao Duan stood up and said with a smile:
"The Prime Minister is finally here. Hey, how are you these days, young Lord?"
Li Yanfu narrowed his eyes and slowly walked into the Fengtian Hall with a calm expression.
Li Yinglong, who was following behind him, had a bad look on his face. He snorted coldly, then walked towards a seat on the side with a flick of his sleeves.
Tsk, he doesn’t even pay attention to me anymore, this guy has become calm... Zhao Du'an felt bored, so he smiled and said nothing.
At this time, night had fallen, and the entire Fengtian Hall was filled with red lanterns hanging high. There were singing and dancing in the hall, filled with court music.
Suddenly, the music in the hall changed to "Great Music". All the ministers stood up and looked outside the hall, only to see a chariot approaching like the moon surrounded by stars.
The majestic and graceful Empress Dayu, wearing a dragon robe, slowly got off the carriage and entered the palace accompanied by female officials such as Mochou to the accompaniment of ceremonial music.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
Zhao Duan stood among the ministers. Because of his rank, he was located close to the palace door and was the first to see the empress walk past him.
Today, Xu Zhenguan is dressed in gorgeous attire, and his appearance is even better than before, almost dazzling.
However, all the ministers in the hall lowered their heads and dared not look directly at him.
When the imperial throne rose, Xu Zhenguan took his seat and said, "Everyone, please stand up."
The ceremony and music stopped and the ministers took their seats.
The people from Guanglu Temple began to serve dishes one after another, accompanied by flowers and a series of performances.
Zhao Duan looked at the ministers who were sitting upright, not moving in front of the dishes on the table. The corners of his mouth twitched, and he thought that his stepmother was right. This banquet did not give people a chance to eat at all.
I finally managed to hold on until all the ceremonies were over.
Xu Zhenguan looked around at his ministers with a smile on his face:
"Tonight, on New Year's Eve, I am gathered with you in the palace, and I am quite pleased. In the past year, there have been many storms in the court. Fortunately, I rely on the joint efforts of you to protect our Great Yu country and the people of the world..."
After reading the script, all the ministers expressed their opinions, saying that they were all experienced actors and were familiar with the process.
However, just when everyone thought that the banquet would end as planned.
Suddenly, Li Yanfu, who was sitting very close to the front and just below the empress, slowly stood up and bowed in front of everyone, saying:
"Your Majesty, on this auspicious occasion, I have something to report."
The music in the palace suddenly became much quieter. The empress sat on the throne and squinted her eyes as she looked down at Li Yanfu:
"Oh? Why would the Prime Minister want to make a statement at this banquet?"
Li Yanfu seemed not to hear the displeasure in the empress's words. He looked calm and as usual, and said calmly:
"In early summer of this year, Zhao Duan, the envoy of the White Horse Prison, overstepped his authority and arbitrarily arrested the rebel leader Zhuang Xiaocheng, causing him to escape...
At that time, the whole city was in uproar. Although Your Majesty later found out that it was not Zhao Duan's original intention, he still set a deadline for him to capture the bandit leader... Now, it is the end of the year, but I wonder if the promise I made at the beginning is still valid?"
Quiet.
The Fengtian Hall was suddenly so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Even the musicians stopped playing tacitly, feeling the atmosphere in the hall change instantly.
The originally joyous and peaceful atmosphere changed in the blink of an eye, and became slightly more solemn.
Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows and thought to himself, Xiao Ma, you are such a jinx, and you really came right.
As for the other ministers, they all looked confused, and many of them were at a loss as to what had happened to the Prime Minister that he had to report this matter today and at this moment?
Even if you want to write an article, can't you wait until tomorrow?
Should we wait until the next court session to impeach him?
"Sir Li! That's not right!" The first to break the silence was Sun Lianying, the chief of the Baima Prison.
This old eunuch behaved in a low-key manner and was inconspicuous in the palace, but this time he was the first to speak, attracting everyone's attention.
Sun Lianying sat behind a long table, her face full of traces of time, expressionless:
"I am the chief of Baima Prison, and the things Zhao Duan did at that time were also the things of Baima Prison. He let Zhuang Xiaocheng escape that day, and it was later found out that it was not his doing, but a trap set by Kuangfu Society.
Well, even if we take a step back and put one thing at a time, in the past six months, how many rebels has Zhao Duan arrested?
He uprooted the entire branch of the Kuangfu Society in the capital, and also found out the traitor in the imperial court... If we talk about making up for one's crime, then these alone are not considered achievements? This is not even taking into account the many contributions he has made in the past six months..."
Li Yanfu interrupted the former with a calm expression:
"Director Sun, the merits you mentioned were not just his own, but were helped by others. Even if he was the only one who did it, the country has its own laws. How can merits and demerits be offset at will?
Besides, how can a mere branch be compared with the head of Zhuang Xiaocheng? Can't you tell which is more important? Not to mention one branch, even if it's two or three, how can they be compared with one Zhuang Xiaocheng?"
After a pause, he said again:
"Of course, if Your Majesty thinks that Zhao Duan's merits and demerits are enough to offset his mistakes, I, as an old minister, naturally dare not object. Therefore, I dare to ask, can the promise made in the past be counted?"
"Are you questioning me?"
Xu Zhenguan looked down at Li Yanfu calmly. Behind the pearl curtain hanging above her head, her pair of bright eyes shone with a cold light.
Zhao Duan could no longer sit still. He stood up and said, "Your Majesty... your servant..."
"Shut up." Xu Zhenguan stopped him from saying anything with a look. Then, in Zhao Duan's confused look, the empress turned back and stared at Li Yanfu:
"Prime Minister, are you questioning me?"
Li Yanfu slowly lowered his head, but did not sit down. He just cupped his hands and said, "I dare not."
"Don't dare?" Xu Zhenguan chuckled and said faintly:
"I think that's what you mean."
Without waiting for Li Yanfu to answer, Xu Zhenguan suddenly swept his eyes across the room and said calmly:
"Let's put this aside for now. I have something to announce."
"Mo Chou." She called out.
The "female prime minister" not far away walked slowly over and took out a few memorials and a roll of prepared imperial edicts from her sleeves.
Zhao Duan was stunned, and all the ministers in the palace were also bewildered, not knowing what the empress was up to.
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Correct typos first and then correct them
(End of this chapter)