Chapter 281 What do you think?
Chang’an City.

It was the height of summer heat, and the leaves and flowers were drooping their heads in the scorching sun, looking dull and listless, just like the current situation of officials in the capital.

Your Majesty asked the ministers to discuss the resumption of the tax collection, but after several discussions, there was still no unified opinion, and even the local officials were in turmoil.

The waves came and went, but they never really stopped.

That makes sense. After all, the Crown Prince’s Palace has taken a stand this time, and the General and the Cavalry General have expressed their views. It’s not surprising that the storm seems particularly resilient…

Prince’s Palace, Jiaguan Hall.

It was midsummer, but there were ice jars on both sides of the palace, so it was not stuffy, but rather refreshing and cool. While it was cozy, there was a conversation:
“I went to a banquet at Minister Chen’s house a few days ago and heard that Henei Governor Du Zhou and Runan Commandant Yin Qi received transfer orders and will return to the capital soon.”

“Du Zhou, Yin Qi? The two of them…”

Today, the attendees of the ‘small inner court’ of the Crown Prince’s Palace were quite complete. The one who answered the question with a slight hesitation was Wuqiang Hou Zhuang Qingzhai.

When it comes to Du and Yin, Zhuang Qingzhai had a judgment in his mind, but he glanced at Zhang Tang’s son, Zhang He, sitting opposite him, and didn’t say anything else.

Because——

Du Zhou and Yin Qi are both famous cruel officials!

The former Shaofu was a calm person, and out of consideration for Zhang He’s presence, he did not continue. Dongfang Shuo, who first brought up the topic, sighed and continued:

“Du and Yin are both cruel people. Your Majesty has transferred them back to the capital to serve. This is not a good sign.”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone who was quietly handling government affairs in the hall couldn’t help but stop what they were doing.

Everyone present here is either an important official of the imperial court or a close confidant of the crown prince, and they are all very sensitive to the movements at the top.

The emperor summoned the cruel officials back to the capital, two at a time!
Of course they knew what signal this was. The rise of a cruel official meant, to put it nicely, that the emperor was using him to discipline officials. To put it bluntly, the emperor wanted to use him to suppress dissidents!

Especially at this juncture.

The turmoil in the court was directed at the “reopening of the denunciation of silk”, but tracing back to its source, wasn’t it in disguise directed at “His Majesty the Emperor who proposed to reopen the denunciation of silk”?

“Everyone knows the current situation in the court. Even if Du and Yin return, His Majesty has promised them high positions. If he wants to take action, he will first target the minor officials.”

“But if the stalemate continues, the knife edge will inevitably move upwards.”

Dongfang Shuo twisted his beard, hesitated for a moment, and asked Liu Ju, who was sitting in the main seat: “Your Highness, do you have a plan?”

The implication is:
Prince, make up your mind. Should you continue to confront Du and Yin who represent the emperor and insist on opposing the resumption of the tax system, or should you take a step back and see the bigger picture?
Dongfang Shuo expressed the thoughts of half of the people present. Wang Heng, Zhu He, Yu Chu, Cai Cheng and others all looked at the prince.

Judging from the current situation.

It is no coincidence that the Grand Herald, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Imperial Households, who hold important posts in the court, can gather in the ‘small inner court’ of the Crown Prince’s Palace today.

obviously.

Everyone was waiting for Liu Ju to come up with an idea.

“whispering sound!”

The atmosphere in the hall was delicate. As the prince was pondering, a very inappropriate and impolite sneer suddenly sounded from the right.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw the person who spoke was sitting casually with a beard. He was not bothered by being stared at and said casually:

“If there really is a conflict, with the strength of the East Palace, it is not impossible to compete with the West Palace.”

Hey!
As soon as these words were spoken, except for a few people, everyone present changed their expressions, some frowned, some were displeased, some looked sideways, and some were shocked and speechless.

“presumptuous.”

Jin Midi, who was sitting on the left side of the bearded man, reprimanded him calmly: “The Crown Prince’s Palace is the Crown Prince’s Palace, and the Eastern Palace is the Eastern Palace. If you don’t know the court system, don’t talk nonsense.”

“Yes, Envoy Jia’s lesson is correct.” Zhang Guang, who had a beard, said with a smile.

Jin Midi’s scolding was light and Zhang Guang’s halfhearted response made the bystanders secretly smack their lips in amazement.

Was the main point of what the bearded man said, that the East Palace was referring to the Prince’s Palace?

Not here.

It is implying that the Crown Prince is competing with Your Majesty!
Before today, no one in the hall knew who Zhang Guang was, and they had no idea about the identity and origin of this retainer of the prince.

The origins of the Prince’s Palace’s affiliates seem complicated, but in fact there is a general outline. For example, there were Wang Heng, a farmer, Cai Cheng, a Mohist, Zhu He, a strategist, Yu Chu, and Dongfang Shuo, who were all from various schools of thought.

They can be called: Hundred Schools of Thought.

People like Zhuang Qingzhai, Su Wu, Liu De, and Zhang He were all dukes or descendants of dukes and high-ranking officials. Jin Midi could actually be counted as one of them.

They can be called: the dignitaries.

Of course, this is just a rough summary. The actual situation is not so clear-cut. Zhuang Qingzhai was a nobleman and also admired Huang-Lao. The noble faction and the Hundred Schools faction each had their own small circles and factions.

but no matter.

Being able to sit in the Jiaguan Hall, being in the same room with them, and having the trust of the prince, there must be an explanation for the origin of his identity.

Before today, everyone was unfamiliar with Zhang Guang. There were many possible guesses: a capable man from the countryside? A retired official? Or a man with lofty ideals from a humble background?
But after today, no one has to guess anymore.

No matter what Zhang Guang’s past background was, his current identity was enough to make others not care, let alone want to pay attention to this guy who showed up for the first time.

So what is his identity now?
The prince’s hawk!

The words “hawk and dog” are undoubtedly derogatory.

In fact, as long as they were normal people, no matter which school of thought they came from, or whether they were descendants of noble families, they not only “degraded” Zhang Guang, but also “degraded” Jin Midi, who scolded Zhang Guang in the tone of a subordinate, and kept their distance from him.

In the eyes of ordinary people, cruel officials are the same as the emperor’s embroidered clothes and the prince’s lackeys.

Neither of them is good…

Zhang Guang’s words were very arrogant, to the extreme. Even if others had no objection, as the former Prince’s Tutor Zhuang Qingzhai, he had to speak up at this moment.

“Talk of confrontation is pure nonsense. Our Han dynasty governs the world with filial piety. The Crown Prince and Your Majesty are father and son. How can there be any confrontation?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Zhuang Qingzhai rebuked him, bringing the conversation back to a politically correct tone. Immediately, he looked towards the main seat again and said, “Your Highness, if you can avoid exacerbating the conflict, do your best.”

After he finished his mature remarks on state affairs, Zhang Guang who was scolded… Anyway, they were not from the same system. Zhang Guang didn’t even say a polite word, but just grinned foolishly, and it was unclear whether he agreed or opposed.

At this time.

After listening for a while, Liu Ju finally spoke. He smiled and said to his left and right: “Whether radical or conservative, each has its own reasons, but…”

“The thing you are arguing about is meaningless.”

Dongfang Shuo asked suspiciously, “What do you mean, Your Highness?”

“Not long ago, Ganquan Palace sent an imperial edict to Southern Xinjiang, appointing the governor of Nanhai County as the front general, organizing the army for war, and sending troops to Kunming in the autumn.”

Liu Ju put down the memorial in his hand and said, “This matter should be announced in a few days.”

Liu Ju did not say how he knew the news in advance, and Zhuang Qingzhai and others did not ask, because they were extremely shocked just by hearing it.

“Has the decree been issued to assemble the army?!”

Dongfang Shuo cried out in shock. His hand, which was twisting his beard, accidentally pulled off a strand of his beard. He gasped in pain, “Hiss! This…”

“How can this be true!?”

The main purpose of opposing the restart of the report of silk in the court was to delay His Majesty from mobilizing troops, but His Majesty had already given the order to mobilize troops without saying a word!
The money problem has not been solved, but spending money is already on the agenda?

In this case, it really became what the prince said: There is no point in arguing about reopening the issue of reporting the corruption.

This is the situation.

There is an inappropriate but very appropriate sentence –

Why did Your Majesty kill first and then report! ?
National affairs depend on the emperor and the ministers in the court. If the emperor and his ministers communicate with each other and get along well with each other, the government will be in good order and the people will be harmonious. Even if the country is in trouble, the emperor and his ministers can support each other and do their best to save it. But if the emperor does not trust the ministers, the emperor hides the truth from his ministers, and the emperor does not communicate with his ministers, then the emperor will be confused and the people will be divided…

This is the truth, but is it useful to reason about it?

at this point.

Can His Majesty still take back his order? That would be no different from rebellion!
“If it is really as Your Highness said…” There was silence for a long time in the Jiaguan Hall. Yu Chu, who was still sitting at the last seat, said with difficulty: “The military action is a foregone conclusion. I am afraid it is not appropriate to oppose the report of the money. It is also good to add some money to the court.”

Your Majesty is unwilling to compromise, but someone has to compromise, so your subject can only take a step back.

After Yu Chu finished speaking, the hall remained dead silent.

“What he said is what I mean.” Liu Ju looked puzzled, paused, and said calmly: “Just think of it as, tolerating each other for the sake of the country.”

At this time, there was some noise in the hall. Zhuang Qingzhai sighed with a frown on his face. Dongfang Shuo also sighed in a rare moment of solemnity. Liu Dexue acted like an adult, shaking his head and sighing…

The rest had different expressions.

Your Majesty’s action of ‘acting first and reporting later’ is really outrageous to put it in a playful way, and it is irresponsible to the world to put it seriously!

In the face of the reality of tight finances and the imminent dispatch of troops, the ministers were forced to make concessions and forcibly implement a policy of making money that would cause unrest among the people.

This can no longer be considered an open conspiracy, it’s simply a rogue act.

Your Majesty, are you prepared to use cruel officials to deal with the fence-sitters and petty officials who go with the flow, and to use deception and rogue tactics to deal with the ministers who care about the country and the people?
Of course.

All of the above are speculations about the emperor from the perspective of a minister.

Who can guarantee that the emperor is not thinking: “What a rogue method! I use cruel officials not only to suppress petty officials, but also ministers!”

“If the current situation cannot force you to retreat, for the sake of the country and the Liu family’s country, I don’t mind using a knife to force you to retreat!”

Outsiders had no way of knowing what the emperor was thinking. The officials in the prince’s palace also didn’t know whether other officials who fanned the flames and tried to take advantage of the situation would back off. Anyway, after the prince made up his mind, they decided to back off.

Even though Gao Min is a poisonous fruit, we have to eat it now.

“Eh?”

At this time, Dongfang Shuo, who was stroking the corner of his lips, suddenly asked doubtfully: “The former general appointed by Your Majesty, the governor of Nanhai County, I remember it was…”

Marquis of Pingnan, Li Guangli!
Dongfang Shuo didn’t finish the second half of his sentence, but there was no need to say more, as everyone present had reacted.

Then, the prince’s ministers, who had been immersed in the difficulties of state affairs and sighing, suddenly became dignified, and then their eyes became sharp and piercing.

Even Liu De, who had just become the prince’s right-hand man half a month ago, was now sitting upright.

No matter how he was tricked by the prince into getting on board, when he came to his senses, Liu De was already standing on the carriage of the prince’s palace.

In his position, he seeks his government.

He was tricked by the prince… Well, after being tied to the chariot, Liu De did not resist and seemed to enjoy it.

all in all.

As a prince, one must remain highly vigilant about all topics related to the struggle for the throne and potential enemies of the struggle for the throne. This is not only related to friendship and ethics, but also to life and death, honor and disgrace, and one’s own life and property.

Yes, it is so realistic and cruel.

“Your Majesty appointed Li Guangli. Was it because the fourth prince in the palace interceded for him? As I remember, the fourth prince was only four years old and was taught by outsiders?” Zhang He looked alert and spoke immediately.

“It’s possible.” Wang Heng nodded.

“Li Guangli, Marquis of Pingnan, has the second brother Li Yannian, who is a eunuch and can enter and leave the palace at will,” Su Wu added.

“Ha! So what if Marquis Pingnan returns to Beijing?” Zhang Guang sneered.

At once, those who had been silent before began to speak up. Some expressed doubt, some expressed fear, and some expressed disdain.

Zhuang Qingzhai wanted to say something, it seemed like he was going to offer some advice, and Zhang Guang wanted to say something else, it seemed like he was going to kill all the gods that stood in my way, and kill all the Buddhas that stood in my way, like some lawless remark.

Those who have spoken and those who have not spoken all want to speak at this moment.

but.

Before they could speak again, the prince raised his hand to suppress the conversation. The hall immediately became silent. “Everyone, I understand how you feel.”

Liu Ju smiled as usual, “But you also have to have some confidence in me.”

He looked at Zhuang Qingzhai, Dongfang Shuo, Wang Heng and Liu De, “Teacher, the government affairs are now mostly sent to the Crown Prince’s Palace, and we still need your help.”

“Grand Herald, sending troops to the southwest is a foregone conclusion. According to the old court practice, it is estimated that the Honglu Temple will soon be ordered to send an envoy to Kunming. Please make appropriate arrangements.”

“Minister of Agriculture, Sang Hongyang is busy with finances and has no time to spare. You must pay attention to agricultural affairs. Food is the top priority!”

“Chief Internal Official…”

At this point, Liu De had already stood up and listened to the order.

Not only Liu De, but also Zhuang Qingzhai, Dongfang Shuo, Wang Heng, Su Wu, Jin Midi, Zhu He, Cai Cheng and others all stood up and responded solemnly.

Liu Ju looked at Liu De and continued, “You cooperate with Sang Hongyang and order the royal family to pay the fine as soon as possible to replenish the national treasury.”

“In addition, the royal family will be in the officialdom in the future, and ordinary censors will inevitably be restricted in their supervision. Tomorrow I will recommend you to the court as the chief minister of the imperial clan, specifically to supervise them.”

Liu De cupped his hands and said sternly, “This is the duty of the Zongzheng. Should I inform Han Shuo?”

“Don’t worry about him.”

“only.”

At this moment, Liu Ju stood up solemnly and bowed to everyone present, “Gentlemen, state affairs are the most important!”

“We will follow your orders, His Highness!” Everyone present responded loudly.

At this time, Liu Ju’s solemn and serious face was like spring breeze melting snow, and a smile appeared again. He held the sword with one hand and raised the other hand slightly, and said warmly:
“Everyone, those of you who are worried and afraid, just relax, I will handle it.” As he spoke, the smile on Liu Ju’s face became even wider.

“I have been handling government affairs for a long time, and I have been a gentleman for a long time. It’s not like I have no temper.”

“What do you think?”

As soon as the voice fell, it was Zhuang Qingzhai who started it again. The former young tutor was stunned and immediately smiled bitterly. Yes, the prince has indeed been kind for too long.

He even forgot that the man who, in a fit of rage, dared to use the name of the late emperor and attack the prime minister in the street was the young prince!

Su Wu also forgot.

The one who forgot that he dared to draw his sword and point it at the assassin when he was young was the prince.

The prince has been buried in papers and concentrating on government affairs for too long, which has made them forget that from the beginning to the end, from childhood to adulthood, the prince has never been an easy person to deal with!

“Hey hey hey…”

At this moment, there was another inappropriate laugh, and the person who laughed was [Prime Minister Jia] Zhang Guang again.

This time, no one scolded him. There was only awe in the hall.

Dongfang Shuo and others came with trepidation and left with determination. When all the civil and military officials left Jiaguan Hall, Liu Ju left only two people, the two Jia guards who were respected by everyone.

Jin Midi took a step forward, and Zhang Guang, who used to be flamboyant, now stopped acting wildly, looked restrained, and stood behind him with his head bowed.

“Your Highness.”

Liu Ju looked outside the hall and did not respond immediately. Instead, he squinted and recalled the reactions of the people in the hall before. His eyes were deep and no one knew what he was thinking.

After a long while, he knocked on the hilt of his sword and said, “It is very likely that the Marquis of Pingnan will return to the capital. Let’s prepare and hold a welcoming ceremony for him.”

“Here.”

(End of this chapter)