Prime Minister

Chapter 1349: Popularity (Big Update)

Chapter 1349: Popularity (Big Update)

After Sima Guang returned to the court, he met new faces, most of whom were the new nobles promoted by the government, Wang Anshi, and Zhang Yue using the new law. As for Lu Gongzhu, another standard-bearer of the old party, his political views gradually became closer to the "new party" due to the government's dissenting opinions for many years and the influence of his son-in-law.

This is very different from what was happening fifteen years ago. Sima Guang, who is well aware of the principle that "governing depends on people", understands that if he wants to implement new policies, he must first gather talents.

Therefore, Sima Guang recommended him to Empress Dowager Gao during the imperial lecture and recalled many old ministers.

Sima Guang was not just a nepotist, he was also a man of great political strategy. To get things done, he had to have the support of a group of people.

He was both selecting talented people for the country and reserving strength to overthrow the new policy.

In the Yanhe Hall.

Sima Guang was giving advice to Empress Dowager Gao when Zhang Dun entered the room and saw the new emperor sitting aside and writing at the imperial desk.

Only Sima Guang spoke to Empress Dowager Gao through the curtain, and Zhang Dun's brows immediately frowned, and his sharp eyes showed dissatisfaction.

In fact, Zhang Dun had a misunderstanding. The new emperor had been listening to the ministers' speeches and felt a little depressed, so he stood up and wrote. He did not mean to isolate himself from the emperor's private discussions.

But like Cai Que, Zhang Dun had some preconceived prejudices against Empress Dowager Gao, and these prejudices were like a mountain that could not be removed.

Zhang Dun restrained his expression and bowed in front of the curtain.

Now that Sima Guang's old party was gaining power, both the government and the public listed him, Cai Que and Han Zhen as the three traitors, and regarded Sima Guang, Han Wei and Fan Chunren as the three sages.

This incident made Zhang Dun, who was of a strong character, extremely angry.

"What is the matter that Mr. Zhang wants to see you about?" asked Empress Dowager Gao behind the curtain.

Zhang Dun said, "I heard the imperial edict when I was in the capital. It was planned to promote Liu Zhi, Zhao Yanruo and 21 others to serve in the court. I was not informed of the court's discussion on such important personnel matters. I would like to ask who made these recommendations for the empress dowager?"

Empress Dowager Gao said: "This was recommended by the ministers, and they are from my side."

Zhang Dun said: "Ministers should recommend people openly, why do they recommend people secretly?"

Sima Guang came forward and said, "I, Lü Gongzhu, and Han Zhen worked together on this project. How could there be a secret recommendation?"

Zhang Dun thought to himself, that's great. He was the only one among the ministers who was not included in the list. It turned out that he was the Privy Councilor and had no knowledge of personnel matters. However, Empress Dowager Gao issued an order to open the Privy Council's side door to the capital hall, so he could also participate in personnel discussions.

Zhang Dun took out the list and handed it to Sima Guang and asked, "Are all these ministers familiar with each other?"

Sima Guang said: "I am familiar with Liu Zhi, Zhao Yanruo, Fu Yaoyu, Fan Chunren, Tang Shuwen, Fan Zuyu, Guo Lin and other seven people."

"As for Lü Dafang, Wang Cun, Li Chang, Sun Jue, Hu Zongyu, Han Zongdao, Liang Tao, Zhao Junxi, Wang Yansou, Yan Zhizhi, Fan Chunli, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zhu Guangting and others... I am not familiar with them, but they were recommended by everyone and I dare not hide it."

Zhang Dun looked at the sneer on Sima Guang's face.

Cai Que was appointed as the imperial envoy to the imperial mausoleum, and Zhang Dun was now the only one among the prime ministers who was a member of the New Party. Therefore, he had to hold the bottom line when Cai Que was not in the court.

These people were demoted from the court in recent years because they opposed the new laws or offended the new party.

Zhang Dun said, "Your Highness, regardless of whether you are familiar with them or not, according to convention, the censors should be nominated by the two systems, and the ruling ministers should propose them. The censors and the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel are all responsible for supervising the prime minister. According to the ancestral system, the censors and the prime minister cannot be related by marriage, otherwise they should be excused."

Sima Guang was stunned when he heard this. It was indeed true.

But the problem is that during the reign of Emperor Shenzong, there was no such system. For example, Zhang Zhi and Zhang Dun were also relatives, and Zhang Zhi and Zhang Yue were also relatives.

However, there are two differences. One is that Zhang Dun and the Zhang family have been at odds for a long time, so not only will the two sides not collude, but they will play a role of mutual supervision.

Zhang Yue and Zhang Zhi were both prime ministers, and the emperor had personally decided to let Zhang Yue help Zhang Zhi get on the throne and send him off.

As for Zhang Zhi and Lu Gongzhuo being both the father-in-law and the son-in-law, it is also a matter that I am too lazy to discuss. This system has long been broken within the scope of the prime minister, but what about the censors?

Zhang Dun said, "Reporting to the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty, Fan Zuyu is the son-in-law of Lu Gongzhu, the Right Servant, and Fan Chunren's daughter married the nephew of Sima Guang, the Minister of the Imperial Court, so both of them are suspected of being related by marriage."

Sima Guang said, "The Empress Dowager, Fan Chunren and Fan Zuyu are the censors, and they are the people's favorite. I should not hinder these talented people because of me. I am willing to resign for these two people."

Sima Guang's attitude was so firm that Zhang Dun glanced at Sima Guang.

Zhang Dun said, "Your Highness, I am not worried that Sima Guang and Lu Gongzhu will be partial to each other. I am just afraid that if this loophole is opened, others will take it as a reference and appoint relatives as censors, which will block the emperor's vision and hearing, which is not good for the country. Therefore, Fan Chunren and Fan Zuyu should be transferred to other positions."

When it comes to official debates, Sima Guang, a simple gentleman, is no match for Zhang Dun.

At Zhang Dun's insistence, Fan Chunren and Fan Zuyu were forced to change their positions, one to serve as the Tianzhang Pavilion Attendant and the other to serve as the Zuolang of the Library.

Fan Chunren was known as the Prime Minister of Commoner. As the son of Fan Zhongyan, his political views were always the same. He was employed by the court and kicked out of the central government countless times. But there was no doubt that he opposed the new law.

At the same time, Fan Zuyu had followed Sima Guang for many years. With him as the censor, there would be no peace.

Zhang Dun walked out of the hall and sighed. Although he won for a while, his achievements were limited. He could only drive these two people out of the court to make censors, but he could not stop the old party and other officials from returning to the court.

……

The second Su went to Beijing.

Su Shi leaned against the carriage window, looking at the familiar streets and alleys, with a trace of trance in his eyes. This city, which had carried his joys and sorrows for half his life, now looked particularly gentle in the morning light.

For Su Shi, during this time and space, he did not suffer the same blow as in history because he was cared for by Zhang Yue. Except for sometimes feeling that his children were not very good at studying, other than that, he could be considered safe and happy.

Being an official is all about fame, wealth and power, but Su Shi doesn't like these.

Su Shi did not like to lecture others. He was free-spirited by nature. He hated the strict hierarchy of officialdom and could not stand the hypocritical social activities. Rather than trying to figure out the emperor's intentions in the court, he would rather squat on the street and listen to the peddlers' stories.

However, under this wildness, there is the most sincere responsibility of the scholar-officials. Even after experiencing the poetry case, he still maintained the spirit of "speaking to the faults of the times". Friends in the court repeatedly advised him not to say "unpleasant words", but he always smiled and said: "If all scholars keep silent, what is the use of writing?"

The first thing Su Shi did after returning to Beijing was to meet the emperor.

In the Yanhe Hall, the scent of freshly ground ink mixed with the fragrance of agarwood. Su Shi lay on the blue bricks and heard the light sound of pearls and jade colliding behind the curtain.

Empress Dowager Gao faced Su Shi from behind the curtain.

"Su Qing, do you know what your position was after the poetry case?"

Su Shi replied: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, I am the Deputy Commander of the Huangzhou Military Academy."

This fifth-rank official was once the lowest point in Su Shi's political life.

"I want to promote you to be a Hanlin scholar. Do you know who recommended you?"

Su Shi was stunned. This was one of the four leaders, and he had always been a prime minister. He said loudly, "I rely on the grace of the Empress Dowager."

"This has nothing to do with me!" the Queen Mother interrupted him.

Su Shi was at a loss when he heard this, so he could only say, "Maybe it's your majesty's grace."

Empress Dowager Gao smiled and said, "It's not the emperor's family either."

Su Shi was at a loss for a moment. Sima Guang? Lü Gongzhu? Zhang Yue? The faces of these old friends flashed through his mind. Then he said, "Maybe it was recommended by the minister."

But the Queen Mother said again: "It has nothing to do with you gentlemen."

Su Shi stood there for a long time, thinking that maybe the Queen Mother had chosen him. He said solemnly, "Although I am not a good person, I have never asked for an official position or begged for wealth and honor from others!"

Empress Dowager Gao said, "You have misunderstood. I have already told you that this is the will of the late emperor."

Su Shi was stunned when he heard this. The copper crane incense burner exhaled curling green smoke, and in a trance, Su Shi seemed to see the emperor sitting on this seat, discussing important matters with him. I remember when Su Shi first came to Beijing to meet the emperor, he criticized the emperor for recruiting people too quickly, seeking governance too hastily, and listening to too many opinions... These words are still ringing in my ears.

Empress Dowager Gao said: "When the late emperor was alive, whenever he could not put down his chopsticks during a meal, his ministers knew that he was reading your articles."

"The late emperor often said that Su Shi was a genius..."

Su Shi closed his eyes and tears fell.

Empress Dowager Gao said slowly, "The late emperor wanted to use him, but unfortunately there were many disputes in the court. If he could not get his wish, he would die."

"What a pity."

At this point, Su Shi fell to the ground and wept bitterly. The grievances and sorrows that had accumulated over the years suddenly burst out. From behind the curtain came the sound of childish sobs. It was the new emperor who was crying with him.

Empress Dowager Gao also shed a few tears with Su Shi.

Then Empress Dowager Gao allowed Su Shi to sit down and gave him a packet of tea, saying: "You must loyally assist the young master to repay the late emperor's kindness."

"To make you as great as Yao and Shun... This is my wish!" Su Shi burst into tears upon hearing this, "I will do my utmost to serve you, even until my death!"

……

After Su Shi left the palace with red eyes, he told his attendants to go to Zhang Mansion.

Su Shi and Zhang Yue met again after several years.

"Zizhan!"

"Duke Wei!

Su Shi and Zhang Yue sat down opposite each other. Su Shi was a good friend of Zhang Yue, and they were also in the same year of imperial examination, so of course the etiquette was different.

When Su Shi talked about what Empress Dowager Gao said to him in the palace, he burst into tears again, and Zhang Yue was also deeply moved.

Zhang Yue heard a story in the palace. After Su Shi wrote "Water Melody: When Will the Bright Moon Appear" in the ninth year of Xining, some people said that Su Shi was an immortal in heaven and "it is better to go back home", but in the end it was better for him to stay in the world.

After hearing this, the emperor was relieved and said to his attendants: "Su Shi loves you after all."

There are still many such jokes.

The gist is that I could have stayed out of it, but I stayed and served the king loyally.

Empress Dowager Gao's move was also a superb political tactic.

Su Shi wiped away his tears, picked up the teacup and sipped for a while before saying, "When Lord Wei returned to the capital this time, he tried his best to protect the exemption law and abolish the market exchange, which is similar to what I saw in Mizhou that year. Before, the people suffered a lot from labor service, but after Lord Wei changed the law, the boatmen and kiln workers were able to make a living... But Sima Junshi insisted on abolishing the new law, which may not be a perfect solution.

Zhang Yue said: "Ginseng and Poria are used as medicine - if their dryness is removed, people can be saved. How can we burn medical books just because the medicine is bitter?"

Su Shi said: "Jiefu is stubborn, and Junshi is not much behind. In recent years, when I was in Huangzhou, I saw the Baojia archers disturbing the people, but I also saw the Qingmiao money saving disaster victims in Hangzhou. It's like cooking food. If the fire is too strong, it will burn, and if the fire is extinguished, it will keep alive. You must always stick to the middle ground."

"I heard that there are many machine operators in Hangzhou and Suzhou in recent years, each of which employs dozens or even hundreds of machines. This year I heard that a large operator in Yangzhou actually has hundreds of machines, which is really amazing."

"It can be seen that the local government has a very good atmosphere. Unfortunately, Su has seen it everywhere. Gentlemen nowadays are willing to kill people in order to reduce their probation by half a year."

Zhang Yue pondered over this and laughed, "Is the 'gentleman' that Zizhan is talking about Lü Jifu?"

Su Shi laughed and said, "When Lu Jifu is happy, he will touch my feet to make me happy, but when he is angry, he will turn his eyes against me and bite me."

Zhang Yue laughed when he heard this. As Su Shi and his brother were fellow Jinshi of Lu Huiqing, they had many years of grievances and their comments were quite accurate.

When things are good, I am very good to you. When things are bad, I am very bad to you.

"But Zihou is different." When Su Shi said this, Zhang Yue's expression restrained.

"Zihou should speak some truth. When he was in office, he often spoke for those who opposed the new law. The current New Party cannot be generalized. There are treacherous ministers like Cai Zhizheng and Lu Jifu, but there are also people like Zhang Zihou. Duke Wei, when you are in charge of the government, can you show some mercy to Zihou?"

Zhang Yue was stunned and looked at Su Shi.

Before he could say what he was going to do to Zhang Dun, Su Shi came to plead for Zhang Dun. In another time and space, Su Shi and Su Zhe were displaced after the Wudai Poetry Case. Sima Guang summoned Su Shi to Beijing.

Sima Guang also intended to use the fame and influence of his two brothers to incite the scholars to oppose the new law.

Historically, Su Che was responsible for submitting memorials criticizing people and politics, while Su Shi was responsible for writing memorials. The two brothers divided the work and cooperated to abolish the new laws one by one.

Even Zhang Dun, Su Shi and Su Zhe did not take into account the friendship of helping each other in the Wudai Poetry Case in history.

Now Su Shi actually told him that the new laws should not be completely abolished, the New Party should not be completely eliminated, and he also took the initiative to speak for Zhang Dun. This was really unexpected for Zhang Yue.

It's not Su Shi who has changed, it's history that has changed.

Their resentment in this life is not that great. This is not exactly what I intended. The seeds planted back then have blossomed and borne fruit today.

But Zhang Yue did not change. When he was in power in the future, no matter whether they were from the new party or the old party, only those who were recognized by him could stay.

Zhang Yue said: "Among the old party, there are also Sima Junshi and Lu Huishu, so we can't generalize. Moreover, I heard that Zhang Zihou opposed Sima Junshi's recommendation of Zizhan and his brother to return to the court."

Su Shi knew that Zhang Yue did not agree.

Su Shi said worriedly: "The previous emperor ruled the country for twenty years and used all kinds of tricks. After the poetry case, I was discouraged about my official career."

"But I really want to do my best for the country when I summoned you this time. Your Majesty has entrusted me with the care of your orphan. How can I bear to see the court fall apart?"

Zhang Yue smiled and said, "Zizhan, are you trying to reconcile the party disputes between the old and new parties? You and Xing Heshu agree on this."

Su Shi said: "Xing Heshu is a profit-seeking person."

“But I think if it is caused by party disputes, once the new laws are completely repealed and the new parties are expelled, the situation will be irreversible.”

Zhang Yue was pleased to hear this. Sima Guang recruited the Su brothers this time in order to use Su Shi to attack the New Party, but Su Shi had already been on the same side as him.

Zhang Yue said, "Zizhan, have some tea! What do you think of Ziyou's argument?"

……

A few days later, Su Che also returned to the court, was received by Empress Dowager Gao and was granted the position of Zhongshu Sheren.

On that day, Su Shi and his brother went to Zhang's house to pay a visit.

This time when he came to Beijing, he did not visit Lü Gongzhuo and Sima Guang who recommended them, but went to Zhang's house first. On the day Su Che arrived in Beijing, he stayed overnight in his brother's house, and the brothers talked for a long time until the end of the night.

At that time, among the 21 people nominated by Sima Guang and Lu Gongzhu, in addition to the Su brothers, several others including Sun Jue had also come to Zhang's residence to submit their letters. When Su Shi and his brothers saw Sun Jue leaving Zhang's residence, they smiled knowingly - it turned out that this senior disciple of Chen Xiang and the newly appointed Vice Minister of Personnel had also come here to "recognize the master".

Zhang Yue specially arranged for Sun Jue and the two Su brothers to "encounter by chance". The deep meaning behind this is self-evident.

During the Yuanyou period in history, Su Shi, Su Zhe, and Sun Jue all belonged to the Shu Party, which was different from the Shu Party (Liu Zhi) and the Luo Party (Cheng Yi).

Su Shi decided to retain the exemption law in history, while Sun Jue advocated retaining the Qingmiao law. Although the Shu Party opposed the new law, its political views were relatively moderate and opposed Sima Guang's one-size-fits-all approach.

The opinions of the old party are also varied.

Now the New Party is gradually falling apart as the situation progresses, while the Old Party, which was originally against the New Party, is coming together from its fragmentation.

Now that the New Party is in decline, the Old Party seems to be making a comeback, but it is already in a state of disunity.

How to integrate in the future?

In the aroma of tea, Su Shi first stated his political views: "I have always thought that Renzong's policies were euphemistic, and the policies of the previous emperor were harsh."

"If there is a way to make people loyal and honest without being stingy, and diligent without being harsh, then it is good."

Su Che said: "Mr. Wei, I think we should weigh the pros and cons and make use of our strengths."

Zhang Yue nodded.

Su Che said: "My brother's political views are the same as my husband's, but I have one point, Cai Zhizheng must not be allowed to stay."

Zhang Yue clapped his hands and laughed, thinking to himself that these two brothers, one was like strong liquor that choked the throat, and the other was like clear tea that was sweet and refreshing.

Su Shi still said magnanimously: "Let's see if he will resign after he is sent to the mountain tomb."

Su Che said: "Why sit and wait? Dust does not move by itself, it is only cleared by a broom; things do not move by themselves, they are accomplished by human efforts."

Zhang Yue was pleased, believing that Su Zhe's political insight was indeed superior to Su Shi's.

You are waiting for Tsai Ing-wen to resign as prime minister, but you will never see that happen. That is just wishful thinking. No one will voluntarily give up power. You have to do it yourself.

Su Che further analyzed: "Since Duke Wei has received the emperor's order, it is the general trend. Now is the time to act vigorously and eliminate the Cai Party to establish authority in the court and the country, and also to avenge Chen Heshu!"

Zhang Yue knew that this matter had to be done, but he did not want to give the Su Shi brothers the impression that he was ruthless and would do anything to achieve his goals.

So he pretended to be hesitant and said, "The three words 'Zhao Zhangyue' written on the imperial couch before were exactly what he said to the empress dowager."

Su Che said anxiously, "This is exactly what the late emperor wanted, not what Cai Zhizheng is anxious about. He just answered truthfully, otherwise wouldn't he be deceiving the world and the late emperor?"

"Lord Wei, Cai Zhizheng is the most cunning person. How many people have been killed by him over the years? Has Lord Wei forgotten what happened to Lu Jifu?"

Zhang Yue's face twitched when he heard this. Back then, Lu Huiqing pretended to be friendly with him and then burned down the Three Departments, causing him and Su Che to leave the capital in embarrassment.

This is truly a lesson for us.

Show no mercy to your political opponents.

Zhang Yue's expression suddenly changed, and he finally said decisively: "Okay!"

Su Che was overjoyed when he heard this.

"But..." Zhang Yue solemnly warned again: "But the politics of this dynasty is not based on ruthless means and establishing authority. Zhizheng is the prime minister after all, and the prime minister has his own dignity. You must not kill him without mercy."

Su Che said, "Please rest assured, Lord Wei, about this matter."

"Mr. Wei is kind and magnanimous. I have been in the opposition for these years and have collected all the evidence against Cai. Now that I have received your instructions, I will consider and act accordingly."

This statement not only showed his ability but also showed his sense of propriety. The more Zhang Yue heard it, the more he felt that Su Che could be of great use and would definitely be his right-hand man in the future.

Su Shi sighed: "Wei Gong, Cai Zhizheng, and Lu Jifu are all good. The others should be used well."

……

In fact, in addition to the Su brothers and Sun Jue, Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao also went in and out of Zhang's mansion many times.

Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao's political views were different from Su Shi's.

The Yuanyou Party Dispute in history was caused by the fact that Su Shi's Shu Party, which advocated independence and was opposed to the policy of completely negating the new laws, was attacked by the Shu Party, which completely inherited Sima Guang's political views.

At the same time, Su Shi was also appreciated by Empress Dowager Gao, so he had to be prevented from becoming prime minister.

I have to say a word about Su Shi's character here.

Su Shi was not popular in either the New Party or the Old Party, because he dared to speak the truth in his political views and refute different political views in person. But he never retaliated against individuals, especially those who had framed him in the past. Whether in the New Party or the Old Party, Su Shi almost never targeted individuals except Lu Huiqing.

In other words, Su Shi is the kind of gentleman who is not against people but against things. He can argue with you until his face turns red on stage, but laugh with you off stage.

At the same time, he doesn't care much about his own advancement, retreat, honor, disgrace, gains and losses.

But Cheng Yi's Luo Party was different.

Cheng Yi's Luo Party and Wang Anshi's New Party are actually somewhat similar. Both are committed to political reform, but Wang Anshi emphasizes "law" while Cheng Yi emphasizes "people".

Zhang Yue agreed more with Cheng Yi's method. To learn how to govern, one must first learn how to govern people.

To create the law, one must first start by creating the people.

What Cheng Yi couldn't stand the most was that after Wang Anshi's reform, he promoted those who catered to his political views and demoted those who opposed his political views. The New Party officials were indeed mixed, and villains like Deng Wan and Wu Juhou were all promoted. The local executive officials all flattered and flattered their way to power, which also ruined the reputation of many new laws. This was where Wang Anshi failed to notice.

By the time Wang Anshi realized this and started to train talents in the Imperial College and use the classics to cultivate scholars, it was already a little late.

As for the Shuo Party, they were all Sima Guang's diehard supporters, each one more stubborn than the other.

Zhang Yue had no intention of contacting him.

After the chaos of the Five Dynasties, Emperor Taizong of Song Dynasty specialized in employing scholars and literati. This also established the political structure for more than a thousand years thereafter.

At the same time, the conscious spirit of "taking the world as one's own responsibility" among scholars also emerged.

This is most obvious in Su Shi, Zhang Zai and Cheng Yi.

The world and the country do not belong to them, but they regard themselves as masters.

From Ouyang Xiu's "Gentlemen have parties" to "Students are trained through the study of classics in the Imperial Academy".

After Cheng Hao arrived, he first asked Zhang Yue, "Duke Wei, do you know that the Queen Mother secretly sent people to ask Lü Huishu and Lü Weizhong for advice?"

Zhang Yue said: "I don't know."

Cheng Hao said: "Sima Junshi once talked to me. The Queen Mother privately summoned me to ask, 'What should be the first priority in the reform?'"

"The king actually replied, 'First, open up the channels for speech. If any of the ministers block it, they must be evil people.'"

"After opening the channels for public opinion, the censors must be selected first. The emperor personally appoints the censors, and the prime minister does not participate. This is where Sima Junshi is a smart move."

Zhang Yue nodded. Sima Guang's approach was very clear. He would first open up channels for communication and create public opinion. Then he would replace the censors with officials from his own side. Finally, he would change personnel and implement new laws.

Cai Que and Zhang Dun were competing with each other. They had previously introduced the strategy of "six things to prevent it". In short, if you said something wrong, you would be punished. They also punished Song Pengnian and Wang Xie, two officials who had submitted memorials to express their opinions, saying that they had exceeded their authority in speaking out.

This was considered a precaution against Sima Guang's move to open up the channels for public opinion.

But now Cai Que was away as an envoy to the imperial mausoleum, and Zhang Dun was alone in the court. Sima Guang and Lu Gongzhu directly bypassed Zhang Dun and recommended 21 officials to hold important positions in the court.

Although Zhang Dun strongly opposed it, he only transferred Fan Zuyu and Fan Chunren, who had the strongest firepower, from their positions as censors.

Now that the censors have been replaced by our own people, you, Cai Que and Zhang Dun, can't say that they are exceeding their authority.

Cheng Yi said, "Duke Wei, I have seen many officials filling the censorate. They are all officials who have been wronged and excluded by the New Party in recent years. It is inevitable that they will vent their grievances after taking office."

Cheng Hao said: "Now Sima Guang is in the light, and Lu Gongzhu is in the dark. They both advocate the use of censors to reform politics."

After hearing this, Zhang Yue thought to himself, Sima Guang is fine, but Lu Gongzhu himself has always believed that after so many years, he should have been able to let things slide and would not dare to act rashly.

But when it came to the fight for the position of censor, he also jumped out, exposing his political ambitions.

It turns out that none of the people in high positions are easy to deal with.

Sima Guang and Lu Gongzhu both broke the old rule that the prime minister could not recommend officials to the censorate. This is a violation of the law knowingly. Of course, if you say that Wang Anshi and Zhang Yue also did this, then I have nothing to say.

"The Queen Mother also showed Sima Junshi the note written by Lü Huishu, and what Sima Junshi said coincided with what he saw."

Cheng Hao said: "But not everyone in the old party agrees with Sima Junshi's views. Before, Fan Yaofu (Fan Chunren) came to Beijing and argued with Sima Junshi about the exemption from military service. Sima Guang refused, and Fan Yaofu told his left and right that he was Wang Jiefu."

"Of course, we brothers also think that Sima Junshi's ruling is absurd. Once the censors are in place, it will be too late to regret. We hope that Duke Wei will come out quickly and take charge of the situation!"

Cheng Yi said, "I share the same view as my brother. Although I do not agree with Duke Wei's proposal, I cannot sit idly by and watch Sima Junshi abolish the new law."

"Zhu Guangting and Jia Yi, who were recommended by Sima Junshi and Lü Huishu, are both my students. They can lend a helping hand to Duke Wei at any time."

Zhang Yue laughed secretly after hearing this. He hadn't even come to power yet, but the Luo Party and the Shu Party out of the three Yuanyou parties were already on his side. How could the Shuo Party alone cause any trouble?

……

The lights in Sima Guang's residence were bright, and the newly promoted censors gathered together. Liu Zhi, Liu Anshi, Liang Tao, Fan Zuyu, Guo Lin, Wang Yansou and other officials promoted by Sima Guang were discussing state affairs.

They were all newly promoted and were discussing state affairs enthusiastically. They were extremely excited about the upcoming campaign to rectify the chaos and reform the government.

Wang Yansou was the first to speak angrily: "Earlier, Zhang Dun actually questioned Your Majesty about the imperial approval of the censors in front of the emperor, and his words were twisted and turned again and again, and his words were frivolous. The rumors in the outer court are known to the whole world, and the whole world is outraged."

Liu Anshi said: "Yes, the censors are appointed from the three provinces. Zhang Dun, as the Privy Councilor, did not perform his duties and spoke out of turn. He should be dismissed."

"Strip the hemp. You must strip the hemp."

"And Cai Que, peel the hemp together!"

These officials had a loyalty to Sima Guang that was almost religious, and seeing him being humiliated in front of the emperor, they were all filled with righteous indignation.

Liu Zhi and Wang Yansou immediately discussed drafting an impeachment memorial and soon listed many people.

Only Guo Lin sat quietly aside, silent.

Fan Zuyu pulled Guo Lin out of the room and said, "Brother Guo, you are the new censor, what do you want to discuss?"

Guo Lin said: "Although Zhang Zihou's words are arrogant, they are not without basis."

Fan Zuyu said to Guo Lin: "You may have said this in the past, but you cannot say it here."

Guo Lin said: "I also know that my personality is not suitable for being an official. I have been deeply indebted to Sima Gong for so many years, but today I don't know how to repay him."

Fan Zuyu looked at Guo Lin and shook his head, saying, "If you don't want to impeach Zhang Dun, then find someone else."

"You are already close to Zhang Duzhi, otherwise you will be considered as an accomplice of the evil."

Guo Lin said: "Those who agree with me are gentlemen, and those who disagree with me are evil parties. If we like the same and hate the different, it will become a custom. Once this happens, party struggles will corrupt the morale of the entire country."

"There are many shortcomings in the new law, but I think if this kind of party struggle continues, it will inevitably lead to party disasters. The harm of party disasters in all dynasties is clearly recorded in history books."

"I'd better resign from this position to Sima Gong. I'm not fit to be an official."

Fan Zuyu grabbed Guo Lin and said, "Brother Guo, you are confused. Your resignation now is not up to Sima Gong to decide whether to approve it or not, but up to the Queen Mother and His Majesty to decide whether to approve it or not."

"You are the new censor and you resigned. Where does that leave the Queen Mother? Your Majesty?"

Guo Lin heard this and said bitterly: "I am really in a dilemma now."

Fan Zuyu thought to himself that it was a good thing that he was excluded from the Censorate by Zhang Dun. Now he also knew how unreliable these people were.

The atmosphere is one of party unity and exclusion of dissidents.

In this atmosphere, if you say anything good about the new party or the new law, you will be expelled. Everyone is only willing to listen to what they want to hear, even the most educated people are no exception.

When the two returned, they heard Liu Zhi confidently say: "Xunzi said: 'Two nobles cannot serve each other, and two humbles cannot serve each other'. This is human nature! We are incompatible with the New Party!"

"From now on, if one person is promoted, he will be demoted by the new party of Xifeng, and if one person is demoted, he will be promoted by the new party of Xifeng!"

Liu Zhi's extreme remarks were applauded by the officials below.

Guo Lin shook his head and said angrily: "Is it okay for you to talk like this? Hating evil is a good thing, but hating evil too much is a bad thing."

“There are good people in the new party, and there are good laws in the new law!”

Guo Lin's words put an end to everyone's heated discussion.

Liu Zhi walked up to Guo Lin and angrily said, "We haven't started anything yet, Guo Lin, why are you making such uneasy remarks?"

Liang Tao said confidently: "The New Party members are all villains, with no loyalty to the emperor or love for the people. The world has been suffering from this for a long time, so why should we comfort them?"

Wang Yansou said, "Since ancient times, expelling evildoers has always been a great cause for the world. Why are you worried about the evildoers, Brother Guo?"

Everyone started to criticize Guo Lin, but Guo Lin, a simple man, didn't know how to argue and retreated aside angrily.

……

While these people were getting excited, Su Che was drafting a memorial impeaching Cai Que in his residence at Yi Qiu Gate.

"It is absolutely unwise to rashly impeach the prime minister."

"But we can make a fuss about the neglect of the envoys to the mausoleum. We can accuse them of being disrespectful to the late emperor and test the waters."

Su Che was also well versed in the routine.

Su Shi was also worried when he saw Su Zhe drafting the memorial. He certainly knew why Sima Guang summoned these officials back to the court. Now the storm was about to come.

He immediately asked the mansion to prepare a carriage and went to Zhang Dun's mansion.

"Zihou, do you know that you are in a dangerous situation now?" Su Shi urged after seeing Zhang Dun.

Zhang Dun looked a little haggard these days. The Empress Dowager wanted to change the new laws, and Cai Que's absence made Zhang Dun even more isolated and powerless in the court.

Zhang Dun said, "What? It's just that after Cai Zhizheng, it's my turn."

"I knew it long ago, Uncle Lu Hui, what would happen after Sima Junshi changed the censor?"

"So what if I am condemned by thousands of people?"

After Zhang Dun said this, he seemed full of heroic spirit.

Su Shi said: "Sima Junshi is a gentleman, and Zihou you are also a gentleman. I believe you two can sit down and have a good talk!"

Zhang Dun laughed and said, "Zizhan, what are you talking about?"

"What has party struggle been like since ancient times? Don't you know? It's a life-and-death struggle. When the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain intact?"

"You want to find a place to stand in the middle? Instead, people on both sides will kill you first. Zizhan, I advise you not to say a word for the new law."

After saying this, Zhang Dun said nothing more.

……

In October of the eighth year of Yuanfeng, the weather was cold and frost was heavy. The red walls and green tiles of Bianjing were all bathed in the white of mourning. Cai Que returned from the Yongyu Mausoleum, still sitting in the capital wearing a purple robe and jade belt.

When Zhang Zhi entered the capital hall, Cai Que was reviewing memorials. Seeing Zhang Zhi coming, Cai Que put down his pen and said with a smile: "Zi Zheng, you came at the right time. This memorial about the military supplies in Hebei..."

“Prime Minister Cai,” Zhang interrupted directly, taking out a note from his sleeve and placing it on the table, “This is a copy of the impeachment letter drafted by the Censorate.”

Cai Que's eyes lingered on the note for a moment, and he suddenly chuckled: "Liu Qizhi?"

Zhang Zhi stared at the sycamore trees outside the window. "The impeachment listed twelve charges. The most serious one was that when the late emperor was seriously ill, Prime Minister Cai once said to him, 'The crown prince is young and may not be able to succeed to the throne.'"

Cai Que's expression suddenly became fierce when he heard this.

"Zi Zheng should know that what I said in Funing Palace that day was -" Cai Que suddenly lowered his voice, "'Although the prince is young, he is very intelligent and has the guidance of the Empress Dowager. He will surely be able to inherit the throne.'"

Zhang looked directly at Cai Que and said, "But Liang Weijian and Yan Shouqin, who were present at the time, now changed their words and said that they heard Prime Minister Cai say the four words 'the ruler is young and the country is in doubt'."

Cai Que laughed.

Zhang Zhi said: "I am sent by the imperial mausoleum envoy. According to the rules, I should resign my post."

Cai Que said: "But Han Zhongxian did not resign from his position as prime minister when he was appointed as the envoy to the Yongzhao Mausoleum."

"That was because Emperor Yingzong insisted on keeping him." Zhang Zhi said, "It's not about the ancestral system, but about the Empress Dowager's preference. Who does the Empress Dowager prefer now?"

Cai Que suddenly laughed: "Zi Zheng, Zi Zheng, your uncle taught you to say this? Since he wants to be the prime minister, why not be honest?"

"Prime Minister Cai!" Zhang Zhi interrupted sharply, taking out the draft of the jute edict, "The Censorate has prepared a memorial to the emperor about peeling jute! If you ask to be the governor of Chenzhou tomorrow, this memorial will not be sealed."

After a pause, Zhang Zhi said in a slower tone: "My uncle has promised that Prime Minister Xu Cai will retire as a Grand Secretary of Guanwen Hall in the future, and he will not pursue his affairs. Chen Heshu's death is fine..."

Cai Que flipped the teacup on the table with his palm and said, "Who does Zhang Duzhi think he is? How can he ask me to give up my position with just one sentence?"

Cai Que's face was filled with rage.

Zhang Zhi said calmly, "This is the general trend... After Prime Minister Cai resigns, he will still have the dignity of a prime minister. This is my uncle's promise!"

“Dignified?” Cai Que stood up and waved his hand after a moment. “I came from a poor family and have made it to where I am today. Dignified is enough.”

"Tell Duzhi, if you want to be in power, you can't be soft-hearted. If your hands are not stained with blood, how can the government and the people obey you?"

"The phase is right here, tell him to come and get it himself!"

Zhang Zhi was stunned and speechless after hearing this.

Cai Que looked out the window and said slowly, "Tell Duzhi that I'm tired. I've been in a high position for these years, and everyone in the world has to look to me for help and rely on me."

"Now you want me to resign my position, and then look at the faces of those children around Sima Guang? Being called here and there? Being ridiculed and mocked by everyone."

"If you stay in a high position for too long, you will lose your composure. If that's the case, why not ask to be demoted to Lingnan and put an end to it once and for all!"

Zhang Zhi saw that Cai Que was determined and knew that it was useless to persuade him. He bowed to him and said, "I will never forget Cai Que's kindness in cultivating me!"

Cai Que waved his hand behind Zhang Zhi's back.

After Cai Que returned to the court, he issued an edict on behalf of the emperor.

I respectfully believe that the late emperor ruled the country for nineteen years, worked hard day and night, and established political affairs, so as to benefit the world and pass it on to future generations. Recently, I have heard that officials often fail to implement laws and regulations, or are too troublesome and violate the imperial edicts, or are careless with paperwork and fail to promulgate practical benefits, or are reckless and lazy in their duties. I am afraid that the laws of the court will be relaxed. Among them, I warn the Chinese and foreigners that from now on, they should work together and follow the imperial edicts to show the late emperor's intention to change the laws and regulations and benefit the people. Anyone who dares not obey will be punished. I still ask the Censorate to investigate and impeach them and report to me.

After the edict was issued, Cai Que insisted that the new law could not be changed, which was exactly what Empress Dowager Gao did not tolerate.

Tsai has truly put herself in the crosshairs of public criticism.