Prime Minister

Chapter 1351: Shizhong ( words)

Chapter 1351: Shizhong ( words)

The candlelight flickered in the Zizheng Hall, and the debate among the prime ministers unfolded slowly in a solemn atmosphere. Sima Guang, pale but with bright eyes, stood in the hall holding a tablet. Although his voice was a little hoarse due to long-term illness, every word he spoke was sonorous.

"Grand Empress Dowager, I have seen that since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have worked day and night to ensure the safety of the country and the people."

“However, governing a country is like treating an illness. We must first find out the source of the disease and attack its vital points. Today, the world is short of money and the people are exhausted. The root cause is the excessive use of military force.”

Zhang Yue heard this and smiled bitterly. Sima Junshi's words were still the same old tune: "Reform is due to lack of money, and lack of money is due to war."

Sima Guang continued, "Weapons are the weapons of a country. People use them only when they have no choice, and only to eliminate violence and bring peace to the country. Since the Tianbao period, the feudal lords have been in power, the Five Dynasties have come and gone, the nine provinces have been in turmoil, and the people have suffered for more than 200 years. This is all because the Tang Dynasty was fond of ostentation and rashly provoked border conflicts."

At this point, his eyes were like lightning, sweeping across the courtiers in the hall and saying, "The successor of the previous emperor was a man of great talent and spirit. Because You, Ji, Yun, and Shuo belonged to the Khitan, Lingwu and Hexi belonged to the Dangxiang, and Jiaozhi and Rinnan belonged to the Li family, he had no choice but to appoint officials and collect taxes and labor service. Compared with the Han and Tang dynasties, our dynasty is still not complete, and he felt ashamed of using them, so he had the ambition to conquer and expand, and even issued a will."

When Sima Guang said this, Empress Dowager Gao and the new emperor behind the curtain looked at Zhang Yue at the same time. Although the other ministers did not look at Zhang Yue, they also knew what Sima Guang was referring to.

Sima Guang's long speech is just like the writing style of his "Zizhi Tongjian", which is dense and detailed but also sharp. He first lightly mentioned the great achievements of the late emperor, and then suddenly changed the subject.

What was the last will that the emperor left for Zhang Yue? It was to destroy the Dangxiang, take back Youyan, and continue the reform. This was also the purpose of entrusting him with the task of governing the country.

Sima Guang denied all of these.

If all of them are denied, then Zhang Yue will have no chance of getting promoted.

"So some border warriors, eyeing small profits, dared to speak out, only caring about merit, not caring about the country's troubles, and shamelessly compared themselves to Wei Qing and Huo Qubing."

"And those pale-faced scholars, reading books and studying pictures, playing with old traces, not knowing how to adapt to changes, competing to offer strange strategies, thinking they are Zhang Liang and Chen Ping reborn."

"There are also ministers who are greedy for money, picking up money and profit, analyzing the smallest details to provide for military expenses, focusing only on buying favors, not caring about the harm done to the people, each showing off their own gains, and taking the people like Ji Yan and Sang Hongyang, who brought disaster to the country and the people, as their role models!"

At this point Sima Guang changed the subject and said: "These people have successively misled the late emperor and sought glory for themselves!"

These words made the atmosphere in the hall solemn. Sima Guang compared the New Party members to people who were harming the country, and every word he said was as sharp as a knife.

If you don't have the ability of Wei Qing or Huo Qubing, why do you take on this job? After studying for a few years, you dare to compare yourself to Zhang Liang and Chen Ping. Some people even hold up people like Ji Yan and Sang Hongyang, who brought disaster to the country and the people, as models of ministers.

In the end, he ended up ruining the entire country for his own selfish reasons.

Sima Guang criticized the new law for a while, and finally said: "I hope Your Majesty will make your own decisions. If the new laws made by Wang Anshi and others are worse than the old ones, then keep them. If the rest of the laws are not as convenient as the old ones, then change them severely."

All the prime ministers looked at Sima Guang in surprise. Originally, he had said that everything should be abolished, but now he also said that what was good should be retained and what was not good should be changed.

"I humbly hope that Your Majesty will inherit the foundation and the Empress Dowager will take charge of the affairs of state. First of all, you should warn the border officials not to invade and plunder without permission, so that both the Chinese and the barbarians can live in peace."

"Make peace with the Khitans, pay tribute regularly, and give Qiande a memorial to stop the idea of ​​conquering and expanding! Give some vacant land to the Tanguts, so that they can rest and comfort the people, and also show the emperor's virtue of being gentle to the four barbarians!"

"If all measures are taken according to the old rules, and government affairs are carried out as in the early Xining period, then the people will be prosperous, the country will be peaceful, and there will be no more troubles!"

After listening to this, Zhang Yue thought to himself that Sima Guang had slightly changed his views, but in the end he returned to his views at the beginning of the Xining period.

Sima Guang's words were quite moving. Lu Gongzhu and other ministers sighed silently after listening to his earnest words.

……

After the meeting in the palace, all the ministers filed out.

Zhang Maoze stood on the altar holding a whisk in his hand and said in a sharp voice: "Gentlemen, please go back. Special Adviser Zhang will stay and make an answer."

Zhang Yue straightened his clothes and followed the eunuch back into the palace. Behind the curtain, the figures of Empress Dowager Gao and the young emperor were looming in the candlelight.

"Mr. Zhang," the Empress Dowager Gao's voice came from behind the curtain, "Since the beginning of winter, there has been no rain or snow outside the court, and the disaster is widespread. The people are in a state of panic."

Zhang Yue's hand holding the hu tablet tightened slightly. The Queen Mother's words directly linked the natural disaster to the government, implying that the prime minister was immoral.

"The officials below said that the country should improve its political affairs and pray for the elimination of evil. Now the prime ministers are not of one mind and often make noises during the discussion. Zhang Dun is particularly rude, even transferring the words of the inner court to the outer court. The left prime minister is even more hypocritical in obeying the government orders, and the documents sent to the local governments are delayed. Is this the way to assist the government?"

"There are many corrupt officials among the officials, and there is a lot of evil tendencies both inside and outside the government.

Zhang Yue knew very well that when Empress Dowager Gao criticized a court official like this in front of others, that person's political career would be over.

Because removing a prime minister is not a matter of a day or two, it is necessary to solicit public opinion and form a public opinion.

Cai Que was the prime minister, and Zhang Dun was the privy councilor. They were not ordinary officials. They were deeply rooted in the court, and many officials came from their school. If they were taken down so suddenly, people would say that you, the new emperor, turned your back on people as soon as you ascended the throne. The people below would be in turmoil, and everyone would be worried. The middle and low-level officials would also be at a loss as to what to do.

Therefore, when removing important officials, one must test the waters by throwing a stone, laying the groundwork, creating public opinion, and spreading some rumors. Now Liu Zhi, Wang Yansou, and Su Che have almost done this public opinion. This is also their token of surrender and their active expression of surrendering to Empress Dowager Gao.

The last time Empress Dowager Gao hinted to me that she should remove Cai Que and replace him, this time she openly brought the issue to the surface, which meant she was 100% sure that the transition was almost complete, and she would kill him after questioning me.

Compared with the fifty prime ministers during the Chongzhen period, this is also where Empress Dowager Gao was politically mature.

Of course, the charges against Cai Que and Zhang Dun were also because Empress Dowager Gao disliked them.

Zhang Dun had a foul mouth. He always spoke ill of others or made sarcastic remarks at court meetings. He even brought up the matter of Empress Dowager Gao's appointment of a crown prince.

As for Tsai Que, he remained calm on the surface, but was actually disobeying the orders.

In the final analysis, it was the two of them who were competing with Empress Dowager Gao for the credit of "establishing the throne".

"I dare to say," Zhang Yue said in a steady voice, "the left prime minister is an important minister entrusted by the late emperor. Even if he has committed a heinous crime, I beg the Empress Dowager to remember his past merits and save his dignity."

He paused for a moment, and saw the young emperor moving restlessly behind the curtain. "As for the Prime Minister, the Liao envoy Xiao Xi is about to enter the capital. The Liao lord is stationed at Baigou and needs a veteran general to take charge. Can we wait until the border troubles are resolved?"

"Mr. Zhang!" Empress Dowager Gao suddenly raised her voice, "Don't I know the seriousness of this matter? People in the outer court say that the government has been slack since I ascended the throne, and I can't just sit back and watch. Could this also be caused by border troubles?"

"Zhang Dun was frivolous and even spread the secret of the succession to the public." The Queen Mother's tone suddenly turned gentle, "I lost my temper, but the state affairs are difficult, and we need a mature and experienced person like you to take charge of the overall situation."

Shengbu refers to the entry of the spirit tablet of the former emperor into the Taimiao, which was the period after Cai Que returned to the court from his mission to the mountain tomb.

However, although Cai Que was about to be dismissed, Zhang Yue fulfilled his promise. However, Empress Dowager Gao never mentioned Zhang Yue as a minister of state, and Zhang Yue was not in a hurry.

A journey of a hundred miles begins with a single step. The closer you get to the last few steps, the more you need to keep calm and not rush.

Empress Dowager Gao said, "In another two months, it will be another year. When the new emperor ascends the throne, he will have to change the reign title. The ministers have discussed a reign title, and one minister said it means 'using the methods of Jiayou to remedy the shortcomings of Yuanfeng'. But I think the policies of Yuanfeng are inconvenient and should be rectified by the methods of Jiayou. Yuanyou is also acceptable."

"Of course... Yuanfeng's methods cannot be completely changed. Most of them are used together with the old and new methods. As long as it is convenient for the people, both the old and new methods are acceptable!"

"What do you think, sir?"

Zhang Yue thought that the empress dowager's words seemed to be a compromise, but in fact they contained hidden intentions. Whether it was Yuanfeng or Yuanyou, there was a trend of political reform.

"The Empress Dowager is wise." Zhang Yue said in his usual steady voice, "The Empress Dowager is wise. The people are the foundation of the country, so Mencius puts the people first."

Queen Mother Gao smiled when she heard this.

During the Yuanfeng period, Zhang Yue respected Mencius as a classic and put forward the theory of people-centeredness, which was also in line with her political ideas of doing everything to facilitate the people.

Zhang Yue said: "But I think what the Empress Dowager just said is that the Yuanfeng policy is inconvenient and it should be saved by the Jiayou policy. This argument is still the opposite of Tai'a."

The beaded curtain trembled slightly, and Empress Dowager Gao uttered "Oh" with the ending tone rising slightly.

"I think this is a question of who comes first and who comes later. For example, when a doctor prescribes medicine," Zhang Yue drew a blank with his tablet, "the doctor should take the main symptoms as the basis and supplement them with conditioning. If the Yuanfeng policy is the symptom and the Jiayou policy is the medicine, then we should say 'take the Yuanfeng policy as the basis and refer to the Jiayou policy.'"

"Rather than the guest becoming the host." Zhang Yue paused, "Just as the Empress Dowager said, the word 'You' is placed at the end to show the order of the beginning and the end."

In philosophy, this is the question of who is primary.

It's like the question of which is more important, theory or practice? There is definitely no one who said that theory is all important and practice is not important, or who said that practice should be completely abandoned and only theory should be studied.

In reality, theory definitely guides practice, and practice supplements theory.

The first principle is which one we focus more on in theory or practice.

Sima Guang just compromised slightly and said that the new law did not need to be completely changed, but later he said that he wanted to return to the beginning of Xining.

You can tell this at a glance.

Sima Guang backed down a little because his proposal to abolish all new laws was strongly criticized by Zhang Yue and others. However, this does not mean that he thought he was wrong. He just compromised due to the situation.

So in Yuanyou, Yuanyou, is it the character Yuan that is the main character, or the character You?

Zhang Yue continued, "When the late emperor changed the name of the era to 'Yuanfeng', he once told me that 'Feng' means big. If we change it to 'Yuanyou' now, we should know that 'You' means help - God helps those who help themselves. Isn't this in line with the Empress Dowager's teaching of 'putting convenience to the people first'?"

After hearing what Zhang Yue said, Empress Dowager Gao's frown relaxed. Zhang Maoze, who was standing behind the curtain, thought to himself, Zhang Yue was truly amazing. He could even convince someone as hard-hearted as the Grand Empress Dowager.

Empress Dowager Gao smiled and said, "You have been the Prime Minister for five years since the Yuanfeng reign. You have slightly changed the Xining system, which was not good enough. I think it is good, but the late emperor was too stubborn and could not make it perfect."

"So the "Yuan" in "Yuanyou" also means that I recognize you. Otherwise, "You" comes before "Yuan".

"The Empress Dowager is wise." Zhang Yue followed up with "I believe that those who want to govern the world should use their heart rather than their strength. I think the policy of Yuanfeng is based on the four words 'keep this in mind, day and night'."

Zhang Yue knew that Empress Dowager Gao was not well educated. Nowadays, ministers had to "stick yellow paper" behind their memorials and notes, that is, write a paragraph on yellow paper to "highlight" the contents of the memorials and notes.

Zhang Yue then explained.

"When I do something, I always keep my heart on it. If I keep thinking about it, there will be a response."

"朝斯夕斯" comes from the phrase "朝于斯" and "夕于斯", which means perseverance.

Empress Dowager Gao, who was behind the curtain, heard what Zhang Yue said and said, "I am thinking of you all the time, day and night."

Zhang Yue smiled and said, "Like a novice monk's practice, it is not about how many times he rings the morning bell and evening drum, but whether he can always maintain the Buddha's mind. The same is true for governing a country. The failure of Xining was that he tried too hard, while the success of Yuanfeng was that he persisted."

"Just like when I was a student, many of my classmates were of similar intelligence. In the end, only those who could persevere could distinguish themselves from the others."

Empress Dowager Gao, who was behind the curtain, was pleased to hear Zhang Yue's examples, which were easy to understand.

The new emperor's childish voice beside Empress Dowager Gao said: "Is Zhang Qing saying that the new policy should be upheld?"

When these words were spoken, Empress Dowager Gao and Zhang Maoze were shocked. For the past five months, Empress Dowager Gao had been behind the scenes, and the new emperor never said a word. Only Zhang Yue spoke today when he was in the palace.

The whole hall was in awe. Zhang Yue was greatly shocked and bowed deeply to the throne behind the curtain: "Your Majesty is wise. It's like controlling the Yellow River. It's better to dredge than to block, and it's better to guide than to dredge. The policy of the previous emperor in Yuanfeng was to guide the torrent of Xining into the right track."

"At the same time, this is also the last will of the late emperor!"

He came to power not for the Empress Dowager Gao, but for the new emperor.

When Zhang Yue reached this point, he choked up with emotion, and his loyalty was evident in his words.

Empress Dowager Gao, who was behind the scenes, and Zhang Maoze were speechless for a moment when they saw Zhang Yue lose his composure.

Empress Dowager Gao said to the new emperor: "Zhang Qing is a veteran of four dynasties and was entrusted with the late emperor's will. Your Majesty should serve him like Ji, Qi, Duke Zhou, and Duke Zhao!"

The new emperor said, "Grandmother, I understand."

After Xinjun finished speaking, he looked at Zhang Yue with burning eyes and showed his expectations for him.

……

At Zhang Dun’s residence.

Zhang Dun and Su Shi had a late night conversation sitting at the desk.

Zhang Dun poured a pot of cold wine into his throat and said.

"Zizhan, oh Zizhan, the officials in the court are trying to avoid me, but you are the only one who doesn't avoid suspicion. Do you remember which direction my door is facing?"

Under the moonlight in the courtyard, Su Shi took off his crane cloak and took the wine cup from Zhang Dun, saying, "I am also here on the orders of Uncle Lü Hui. The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel asked me to ask a question - can you be more reserved in future court meetings?"

"Ha!" Zhang Dun threw the cup on the table, and the wine vessel shone coldly under the candlelight.

Zhang Dun sneered, and then asked, "Why didn't Sima Junshi dismiss me as the Privy Councilor?"

Su Shi said honestly: "I heard that when you stayed here today, Duke Wei spoke for you in the court."

Zhang Dun was slightly surprised, and then said, "That's a favor from him, but I also guessed that he didn't want Han Yuru to replace me. Han Yuru has been running around Cishou Palace these days, and the purple robe of the Privy Councilor is almost smelt of powder. Of course, he also hopes that I will speak for him on the Liao affairs."

Su Shi understood that it was now rumored that after Cai Que and Zhang Dun were dismissed, Zhang Yue would replace Cai Que as the Left Prime Minister, and the one who would replace Zhang Dun as the Privy Councilor would be Han Zhen, who had recently been frantically trying to get close to Empress Dowager Gao.

Zhang Yue's intention in supporting Zhang Dun as the Privy Councilor was that he did not want Han Zhen to take the position.

Su Shi said: "In fact, the Empress Dowager was also fed up with Han Yuru's fawning appearance."

Zhang Dun laughed loudly and said, "Han Yuru is really a very bad person. The late emperor didn't like him, and now even the Empress Dowager doesn't like him."

Zhang Dun changed the subject and said, "Had it not been for the Liao army approaching, I would have been dismissed long ago. Sima Gong is still kowtowed to the Liao and tried to abolish the new law."

Su Shi said: "The Liao Kingdom has 700,000 cavalrymen, and they are really not worth fighting against."

Zhang Dun said: "Why not? Liao ruler Yelu Hongji failed to reform the country. So he took advantage of the death of the previous emperor to ask for annual tribute."

"What's the difference between asking and begging?"

"It's like a rich family that has fallen into poverty and has become a beggar, but still refuses to lower itself."

"They have troops at hand." Su Shi said with a wry smile, "Zihou, you haven't promised me yet."

Zhang Dun paused and said, "Since you are here, Zizhan, I will listen to you. From now on, I will give Sima Junshi, this hypocrite, some leeway."

After a pause, Zhang Dun sneered and said, "It's agreed that it's only three points. I won't give you any more."

Su Shi smiled bitterly and said, "Zihou, you are still like this. You clearly promised me, why don't you say something nice?"

Zhang Dun said sternly: "The new law enriches the country and strengthens the army. How can the hard work of the late emperor be destroyed? The conquest of Liangzhou and the defeat of Pingxia were witnessed by all the world. If Sima Junshi really ruined the new law, it would be a disaster for the country and the people, and he would have wasted the hard work of the late emperor. If the Hu horse breaks through Bianliang one day, he will be a sinner in the world. How dare I eat the sword with him one day!"

Su Shi smiled bitterly again and said, "Minister Sima is seriously ill. I'm afraid he won't live long."

Zhang Dun said: "It is better for Sima Twelve to die, so that we don't have to watch him make a fuss."

Since Su Shi came to Beijing, he had quarreled with Sima Guang several times over the new law, and he was very angry. Not only Su Shi, but Cheng Yi and Fan Chunren also opposed Sima Guang's one-size-fits-all approach to the new law.

Sima Guang's attitude now became more moderate. He no longer demanded that the new law be abolished, but instead insisted that it should be continued in accordance with the Jiayou law.

Su Shi's personality was like that of Zhang Dun in the old party, and he was somewhat different. He was humorous, talked without restraint, and often made jokes when speaking, so he was disliked by many serious and quiet old party members, especially Wang Yansou and Liu Zhi, who were Sima Guang's left and right protectors, and they hated Su Shi very much.

Su Shi patiently explained: "Sima Jun is indeed stubborn, but not to this extent."

……

In the study of Duke Wei's mansion, Xing Shu's black boots made a creaking sound as they rubbed against the blue bricks.

Xing Shu was also saying similar words to Zhang Yue.

Xing Shu said, "It's not that Zuo Kui didn't want to step down, but he couldn't. Cai Shuo, Cai Wei and I urged him to resign several times. Maybe it was because of the original issue of establishing the crown prince and telling the Queen Mother to support the abolition of the new law, but he refused."

Xing Shu talked about how a few days ago, he, Cai Shuo, and Cai Wei all knelt down and begged Cai Que to resign his position as prime minister or express his support to Empress Dowager Gao for abolishing the new law.

They spoke with tears in their eyes, but Cai Que remained silent and unmoved, having made up his mind.

After hearing this, Zhang Yue already understood Cai Que's intention.

At this time, whether he resigned from the position or expressed support for the new law, Cai Que could not escape disgrace, but stood firm here. After the new emperor took power, he would restore Cai Que's reputation and even restore him to the position of prime minister.

"I understand that Zhang has great respect for Zhizheng. He has no choice at this point."

Xing Shu said: "Duke Wei, can you listen to me? The best policy for governing is to eliminate party disputes, be inclusive and tolerant regardless of party affiliation!"

Zhang Yue took a closer look at Xing Shu. Xing Shu saw that Zhang Yue's eyes were as sharp as a torch, as if piercing through the flickering candle flame.

Zhang Yue said: "Uncle Xing He, is it you who really doesn't understand, or is it me who doesn't understand?"

"Even if there is an end to party disputes and no distinction between party affiliations, it is a result, not a goal or a means. When the two sides are evenly matched, they will naturally stop, not because someone has to stop."

"It's like the Yellow River changing its course. It's beyond human control. We can only wait for it to dry up, or bring in a flood to flush it out."

Xing Shu's eyes were filled with tears as he said, "Then Lord Wei, can you please show some mercy to Zuo Kui's men? As for the matter of returning to the court, Zuo Kui helped Lord Wei."

Zhang Yue shook his head and said, "He can't help himself, so how can I save him? Since he is unwilling to resign and endure the censor's impeachment, he must have thought about the next step."

"I have prepared some anti-malarial herbs for him. He can use them when he sets out on his journey. This recipe can cure the malaria in Lingnan."

"Who among the officials in the court is not involved in this situation? Tell Zhizheng that I will do my best to help him, but please forgive me if there are any shortcomings."

Upon hearing this, Xing Shu bowed solemnly to Zhang Yue and left in tears.

Zhang Yue watched Xing Shu leave in the study, then returned to the desk and said silently, "The Liao envoy has passed Baigou. Do you think the Empress Dowager summoned me just to listen to some Buddhist teachings?"

Having said that, Zhang Yue returned to his study and picked up his pen to write.

He wanted to write a few birthday cards to Empress Dowager Gao.

Each word of his was worth a thousand gold coins, and writing to Empress Dowager Gao naturally made her happy.

Even when the late emperor was alive, Zhang Yue never picked up a pen to write. But now he made an exception for Empress Dowager Gao. This was also a first-class way to show his active approach to her.

As human beings, we always want to fight and make peace.

……

There are flickering candlelight in the Cishou Hall.

Zhang Maoze held a copy of the imperial edict in his hand, casting a slender silhouette on the blue bricks and said, "Prime Minister Lu and others have proposed that the ceremonial guards of the Grand Empress Dowager should follow those of Empress Zhangxian Mingsusu, but since the history cannot be verified, we should follow those of Empress Cisheng Guangxian."

Lu Gongzhu gave an ambiguous answer.

Empress Dowager Gao had been trying to see if she could reach the status of Empress Zhangxian, Mingsu, but she temporarily took down Cai Que and Zhang Dun, who were more prominent among the prime ministers. Lü Gongzhu, Sima Guang and others only gave the same treatment to Empress Dowager Cisheng, Guangxian, and said that Empress Zhangxian, Mingsu and Su could not be verified.

"What a 'story that cannot be verified', the rules and regulations of Empress Zhangxian Mingsu's reign of eleven years, have all been lost?"

Empress Dowager Gao turned around, and the bronze mirror reflected the new silver hair on her temples.

"Your Majesty." Zhang Maoze paused for a moment and said, "Do you want the three provinces to re-draft?"

"Forget it." Empress Dowager Gao suddenly waved her sleeves, "Why should I bother with these empty formalities? The world is ultimately his Zhao family's."

Empress Dowager Gao suddenly sighed, "I am not talking about this, but about what the official said to Zhang Yue in the palace today."

"The emperor addressed Zhang Yue as 'Mr. Zhang's expression... can still be seen."

Zhang Maoze's back was covered in cold sweat. He clearly remembered the light that flashed in the eyes of the eleven-year-old emperor when he looked up at Zhang Yue in the afternoon in the Zizheng Palace. The eyes were exactly the same as those of the previous emperor.

After all, the ministers were loyal to his Zhao family. Even Lu Gongzhu, Sima Guang, Han Zhen and others pretended to obey the ceremonies of Empress Zhangxian Mingsu in dealing with the empress dowager.

After all, Empress Dowager Gao could only be as good as Empress Dowager Cao, but not Empress Dowager Liu.

Otherwise Sima Guang and Lu Gongzhu would not agree.

"I dare you to say that," Zhang Maoze knelt and took a half step forward, "Zhang Yue is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. He did not use much force to deal with Cai Que this time, but just let Su Che attack from the side. If he is used to look after the emperor, the eunuchs are worried that Han Qi will ask the Empress Dowager Cisheng to withdraw the curtain again!"

Zhang Maoze had followed Empress Dowager Gao for many years and was loyal to her, so he naturally did not care about such words.

Empress Dowager Gao was also deeply impressed by Han Qi's request for Empress Dowager Cao to withdraw the curtain.

Empress Dowager Gao said: "Zhang Yue was appointed by the late emperor after all. He is the Zhuge Wuhou of this dynasty. If he is suppressed all the time, people will not accept it. After all, I am also the late emperor's guardian."

"How can Zhang Yue be compared with the Grand Empress Dowager..." Zhang Maoze said halfway, but was interrupted by Empress Dowager Gao, "But despite the continuous impeachment of the censors, Cai Que still refused to resign as prime minister. He should also be dismissed! How about I bear this infamy?"

Speaking of this, Empress Dowager Gao felt a little resentful. Since Cai Que could not resign voluntarily, she had to force her to resign, which was really embarrassing for her.

At this point, Empress Dowager Gao had already made up her mind, and asked Zhang Maoze, "Who is staying at the Imperial Academy tonight?"

Zhang Maoze said, "Mr. Deng Wen."

Empress Dowager Gao said: "Summon Lord Deng Wen to the small hall at the east gate, dismiss Cai Que from his position as prime minister...appoint Zhang Yue as the Minister of the Court and the Minister of the Left!"

……

The next day, Cai Que was dismissed from his position as prime minister and appointed as a scholar of Guanwen Hall and governor of Anzhou.

When a prime minister resigns, he is taken with him as the Grand Secretary of the Guanwen Hall. Sending a Grand Secretary of the Guanwen Hall out of the palace is considered a demotion.

When Cai Que, who was at home, heard this, his expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected it.

In recent days, Wang Yansou impeached him with more than ten memorials, Liu Zhi seven or eight memorials, and Su Che two or three memorials. The palace had no intention of criticizing the censors, and allowed them to insult Cai Que and Zhang Dun. But Cai Que remained unmoved, saying, "You can insult me ​​as you like. I will go to the palace to do my job as usual."

Until half a month ago, Cai Que, who had been criticized all the time, finally couldn't stand it anymore and took sick leave at home together with Zhang Dun.

Tsai has made up her mind: no matter how you impeach me, I will not resign. What can you do to me?

Now that Empress Dowager Gao has been forced to give up Cai Que as prime minister, it's like a falling out between the two sides, which is not good for both sides.

Cai Shuo and Cai Wei were both standing by. Cai Que held up the demotion edict and said with a smile, "The Empress Dowager has finally fallen into my trap."

Cai Shuo and Cai Wei lowered their heads. They knew that Cai Que had forced the Empress Dowager Gao to dismiss him from his position as prime minister. Although this had damaged the Empress Dowager Gao's reputation, it would also make Cai Que's life even more difficult in the future.

Cai Que turned around and said, "If Zhang Duzhi was not in the court, I would not dare to do this, but since Zhang Du is here, I will do it."

"It has only been half a year since the late emperor passed away, and the Empress Dowager has dismissed the ministers left by the late emperor. This is undoubtedly accusing the late emperor of not employing the right people! She is also trying to isolate the emperor and make the people in the world feel cold!"

After saying this, Cai Que laughed.

It was as if the one who was dismissed was not Cai Que, but Empress Dowager Gao.

"From ancient times to the present, women interfering in government affairs have always had a bad reputation!"

Cai Shuo and Cai Wei sighed after seeing this. Cai Que's plan was indeed vicious. Empress Dowager Gao could not escape the reputation of isolating the ruler, so she urgently appointed Zhang Yue as prime minister to save her reputation.

Cai Wei said: "It's just a good deal for Zhang Duzhi, but he may not come back to protect his father."

"Idiot!" Cai Que patted Cai Wei's cheek. "Since he wants to keep his position, how can he not take care of you?"

After a pause, Cai Que said, "I am old now. This little humiliation is nothing to me."

"I'm afraid there will be no day for him to be vindicated. So, what position did Zhang Duzhi take as prime minister?"

Cai Wei said: "The Minister of the Court also serves as the Minister of the Left."

Cai Que exclaimed: "This is a special gift!"

Cai Shuo said: "This is a special ceremony. The Ministry of Personnel is headed by the Minister of the Court, and the Minister of the Court is his deputy. Zhang Yue is the Minister of the Left and the Minister of the Court. Both the Minister of the Court and the Ministry of Personnel have the final say. From now on, Sima Junshi will obey his orders."

When Cai Que and Wang Gui were appointed as the left prime ministers, they both held the title of Menxia Shilang, while Zhang Yue started out as Shizhong, which made him feel a little jealous.

Cai Que said: "This is in line with his status as the late emperor's advisor."

Cai Que straightened his clothes and combed his white hair in front of the mirror. "Remember, when you leave the capital tomorrow, you must let the people of Bianjing see that I, Cai Que, have no regrets and no regrets for the late emperor!"

……

The vegetable garden in Zhang Mansion.

The vegetable patch was green and yellow, Zhang Yue squatted in the middle of the field with his sleeves rolled up, and used his fingertips to push aside the dead leaves covering the soil, revealing the newly sprouted cabbage sprouts underneath. The firewood that Zhang Cheng had chopped was neatly stacked in the corner, and the wood fragrance mixed with the smoke from the kitchen, shrouding the courtyard in warmth.

Zhang Yue was busy taking care of his vegetable garden, Zhang Gen was helping him, Zhang Cheng was chopping wood, and in the kitchen, Shiqi Niang and the new daughter-in-law Huang were preparing meals.

"Father, look at this radish!" Zhang Gen pulled out a piece of white jade-like root from the soil, and mud splashed on his brand new brocade robe. Since marrying Huang Lu's daughter, this young man has become more calm. Zhang Yue took the radish and weighed it.

One hundred days after the late emperor's death, Zhang Gen had already gotten married, and he was finally able to put his worries to rest.

As for the eighth year of Yuanfeng, due to the death of the previous emperor, the palace examination was cancelled and the ranking was directly determined based on the results of the second provincial examination.

Although Zhang Cheng obtained the qualification to enter the palace examination directly as the top scorer in the Imperial College, he had to wait for the next exam at home because he did not take part in the provincial examination.

Zhang Yue now lives a very comfortable life. He applies cold water on his face every morning and reads some books and scriptures.

After Zhang Yue resigned from his position as prime minister, he has been farming at home.

At this time, Seventeenth Lady from the courtyard came out and said with a smile: "Let's eat first. The newly ground bean curd is very tender."

"Okay!" Zhang Yue responded and went to the courtyard.

When the bride Huang was laying out the chopsticks, the other party was a lady from a wealthy family and was very respectful in serving her parents-in-law.

At the dinner table, Zhang Yue chewed the shepherd's purse he had grown himself and listened to Zhang Gen recounting the court's discussions.

Since the death of the previous emperor, his son, the attendant, has become the most knowledgeable informant.

Zhang Yue swallowed every detail of how Cai Que sneered when he faced the impeachment of the censor in the Zi Zheng Hall, and how Sima Guang criticized the new law.

After all, simple food is the most nourishing.

The fruits and vegetables he grew were picked at night as home-cooked meals. It must be said that farming is a talent for flower growers. Zhang Yue went wherever he went. When he was in Jianzhou, he cultivated some mulberry and tea, and he continued to grow them when he returned to Bianjing.

Zhang Gen laughed and said that Zhang Yue was imitating Tao Kan in carrying bricks.

Zhang Yue didn't care about so many things, but it did make him unable to relax.

Although I was entrusted with the will after the death of the previous emperor, I still had to wait and lie dormant for half a year.

Now that the Market Exchange Law and the Horse Protection Law have been abolished due to the old party's repeated impeachments, Sima Guang has turned his attention to other new laws.

Although Zhang Yue wanted to sit on the sidelines, he was patient and watched the development of the situation. He had expected that the new laws would be gradually abolished, but he did not oppose the court's abolition of the Market Exchange Law and the Horse Protection Law.

He had always been negative about the Market Exchange Law, which was a move that undermined industry and commerce, but he did not abolish it when he was prime minister because he was concerned about the face of the previous emperor. Sima Guang's abolition of the Market Exchange Law was a great pleasure to him.

The horse protection law was already very disturbing to the people, and now that the court had the Liangzhou Horse Farm, it was abolished. Zhang Yue also had reservations.

"Now that the horse protection law has been abolished, the Liangzhou horse farm should send more supervisors." Zhang Yue put down his chopsticks after finishing his meal, but he couldn't help but make a comment. Looking at the persimmon tree outside the window, he counted on his fingers that it had been almost two years since Zhang Yue left the position of prime minister.

During his five years as prime minister, he had not slept well, but now he was much more relaxed. After planting vegetables and chopping wood every day, Zhang Yue could walk around the mansion with Zhang Gen and Zhang Cheng, or sit in the courtyard and drink tea. This kind of family happiness was something he never dared to talk about when he was prime minister.

However, after abolishing the Market Exchange Law and the Horse Protection Law, Zhang Yue also further reflected on the future political situation.

It is unpredictable when Empress Dowager Gao will appoint him to office.

Of course he knew that dismissing Cai Que was just a cover. The real decision was between the Yuanfeng policy and the Yuanyou policy, and which path the court would choose in the future.

At the same time, how to get along with Queen Dowager Gao in the future?

As long as Empress Dowager Gao is still in charge of military and national affairs, no matter who becomes prime minister, he will be under her control.

Empress Dowager Gao's desire for power was even greater than that of Liu E, and she would never allow the same fate as Empress Dowager Cao being forced to withdraw the curtain by Han Qi to happen to her again.

How to get along with Empress Dowager Gao? This reminded Zhang Yue of the relationship between Zhang Juzheng and Empress Dowager Li in the Ming Dynasty.

But this matter is much more complicated, and Queen Mother Gao still has concerns and suspicions about him. But only when Queen Mother Gao feels at ease, will he have sufficient room for choice and decide the future path of the Song Dynasty.

During this period, Zhang Yue often discussed matters with Han Zhongyan, Cai Bian, Cai Jing and others, and at the same time let Zhang Gen and Zhang Cheng know about political affairs.

Just as Zhang Yue was thinking carefully, there was a hurried knock on the door outside the yard.

……

In a secluded courtyard in Beijing, dozens of officials in red robes sat around a copper stove with smoke curling around them. The fire reflected on everyone's faces, and the dragon-shaped tea stems in the teacup floated up and down.

"Cai Zhizheng was dismissed from his post this time, yet he dared to say that 'the Empress Dowager isolated the Emperor'!" An imperial censor slammed his desk and stood up, causing the candlelight to flicker in shock. "With such a severe drought, we should follow the example of the Han Dynasty and dismiss the three ministers. The people are all talking about it. Cook Hongyang and it will rain!"

"Yes, if it rains, we must strike the new law!"

This is wrong! "An old official in the corner stroked his beard and sneered, "Cai Que's crime is that he alone made the decision. If he is so presumptuous, where will he put the Empress Dowager?"

Everyone nodded when they heard this, and saw the Imperial Censor Liu Zhi tapping the teacup lightly.

The room suddenly fell silent amid the crisp clinking of porcelain. The newly promoted leader of the Imperial Censorate swept his eyes over the people present and said, "Don't be too happy. Cai Que is gone, but Zhang Duzhi is here."

"That's right!" The young and energetic censor couldn't help but interrupt, "Zhang Yue made a five-year promise back then, but now he has broken his word and returned to the court. Sima Gong is highly respected and the position of Shizhong should be held by him!"

"Zhang Yue must not be allowed to serve as the Minister of the Interior, otherwise the new law will be completely abolished. This position should go to Sima Gong!"

"How can there be only one person, Zhang Yue?" Liu Zhi suddenly interrupted, "Eliminate all evil! Haven't you heard of the saying 'Three wise men and three traitors'?"

He dipped his hand in tea and wrote out three groups of names on the table: Sima Guang, Fan Chunren, and Han Wei on the left, and Cai Que, Zhang Dun, and Han Zhen on the right.

"That's right. There are also Zhang Dun and Han Zhen in the Privy Council who are eyeing us covetously. These two must be driven out as well!" everyone said in unison.

"If the three traitors are not eliminated, it's like the four villains in the reign of Emperor Shun!" Liu Zhi lowered his voice abruptly, "Cai Que came to power as a prison guard, Han Zhen is violent and incompetent, and Zhang Dun is frivolous and behaves like a jerk." He suddenly paused, and his fingertips focused heavily on the last name with the deepest water stains.

"Zhang Yue, although he has the talent to handle affairs, his personality is not suitable for the position of Shizhong..."

Under the candlelight, the water marks gradually blurred, but Liu Zhi suddenly wiped the water stains away with his sleeves.

Everyone clapped their hands and laughed: "What the Imperial Censor said is reasonable. He upholds the upright and corrects the crooked, and the people will be satisfied."

Liu Zhi smiled and slipped a copy of the memorial from his sleeve.

"If Cai Que leaves first, then Sima Gong will be promoted to fill Cai Que's vacancy. If Zhang Dun and Han Zhen leave, then Fan Chunren will be promoted to fill the vacancy of Menxia Shilang; Han Wei will be promoted to fill the vacancy of Han Zhen."

"As for Zhang Xu, Li Qingchen, and An Tao, they are all insignificant people who cling to their positions. How can they be anything? How can they be nothing?"

Everyone agreed.

Compared to before, the old party is becoming more and more powerful.

Tsai Que was impeached and forced to step down, and the old party is now in full swing.

The New Party also ordered two generals, Censor An Dun, to be demoted to the position of Lizhou Road Transport Magistrate, and Censor Liu Zheng, to be demoted to the position of Jiangnan East Road Transport Magistrate.

After overthrowing Cai Que, Liu Zhi created an opening and immediately advocated pursuing the victory.

Not only Zhang Dun, who was in the same trench with Cai Que, but also Han Zhen, who was close to the old party and offered his allegiance to the empress dowager, would be dismissed.

Of course, Zhang Yue was also among the snipers. Even Zhang Xu, Li Qingchen, and An Tao were among them.

Everyone was also excited. Liu Zhi was promoted because of the dismissal of Cai Que. This power came too easily.

They should forge ahead bravely.

……

The one who came to Zhangfu to announce the imperial edict was Zhang Maze.

"Congratulations, Minister!" Zhang Maoze congratulated Zhang Yue again.

"Congratulations, Minister! The Empress Dowager once said, 'When it comes to the ability to govern the country and maintain peace, no one in the court can match Zhang Qing.' Now that you have returned to the court to govern, I would like to congratulate you."

Zhang Yue straightened his clothes, but looked past the imperial edict towards the direction of the imperial city and said, "I dare not accept it!"

For the position of prime minister, the resignation is a must, this is a fixed routine.

Zhang Yue immediately asked, "How is Prime Minister Cai?"

Zhang Maoze looked at Zhang Yue meaningfully, as if weighing the weight of his words, and said, "The scholar of Guanwen Hall has been demoted to Anzhou."

Zhang Yue was moved when he heard this and said, "Although Prime Minister Cai has his faults, he has served the late emperor for many years and must have made some contributions."

"It's really unfair to say that he is a jailer."

Zhang Maoze sighed in his heart that Cai Que and Zhang Dun had both offended Zhang Yue, but Zhang Yue was still able to exonerate them, which showed how broad-minded and kind he was.

Zhang Maoze said solemnly: "The Minister is truly as magnanimous as a prime minister."

Zhang Yue said, "I don't deserve it. The Minister of the Court and the Minister of the Left are the leaders of all officials, and they are responsible for maintaining peace in the four seas. I am Zhang Yue, whose talent is too limited to dare to take on such positions."

"It would be better to use Wen Yanbo and Wang Anshi. They are calm, intelligent, and strategic. They know the governance of the country and can make important decisions. They have served as generals and ministers, and their achievements are remarkable, which is known to the world."

"As long as any one of them becomes prime minister, the world will be at peace. Then I can follow his side and take advantage of the situation!"

Zhang Maoze smiled and said, "Minister, you are too modest. In fact, things in the world are like this. If you clench your hands, you have nothing. If you loosen your hands, you have everything."

"Shizhong is calm and modest, and the Empress Dowager has always appreciated and respected you."

After a pause, Zhang Maoze knew that this was not enough to dispel Zhang Yue's concerns, and said, "The Empress Dowager has issued an order to retain Zhang Dun as the Privy Councilor. The Empress Dowager does not want to abolish the new law, otherwise she would not have adopted the Yuanfeng intention."

"Besides, the Liao army is eyeing us covetously. Without Lord Zhang to take charge, how can we ensure the safety of the people?"

"We have served the Grand Empress Dowager for many years, and there is absolutely no falsehood in our words."