lady, please calm down

On the tenth day of the first lunar month, Jiarou, who had not attended court for a long time, attended the first court meeting after the New Year holiday in person. In front of all the ministers of Qi State, she said that she was slightly ill and entrusted the state affairs to the King of Chu.

The ministers had no objection.

To this day, although there has been no official statement on the matter of His Highness and the King of Chu, the rumor that they have a daughter has been around for a long time. In addition, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the two went to Yanqing Temple together to pray for the people, which was tantamount to officially acknowledging the matter to the people.

With this relationship, the old ministers of Qi State can always feel more calm when facing the upcoming change of dynasty.

Wrapped in the love between men and women, this relatively peaceful coup became full of tenderness.

On the eleventh day of the first lunar month, the King of Chu officially became regent.

Due to the continuous reports in newspapers and periodicals across the country and the north, such as the Qiyaokan, Caizhou Wuritan, Luoyang Confucian News, and Yangzhou Shangbao, the news of the discovery of the imperial seal has not yet died down.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival, the Qiyao Kan published another piece of good news: the Queen Mother of the Jin Kingdom requested that all the people in the country submit to the Jin Dynasty.

Various newspapers took this opportunity to once again publicize the various preferential policies for immigrants to Liaodong.

After the Lantern Festival, on the 17th day of the first lunar month, the King of Chu formally accepted the submission of the Jin State, conferred the title of First-Rank Lady of Wei on Chai Yuanyi, and moved her to Caizhou.

At the same time, in order to show equal treatment, Saipuli, the Jin general of the Hezha Army who took the initiative to report to the Tiance Palace when Olewen and Nara Jiashu broke into the palace and caused chaos, as well as Yelu Guangde, Wu Yinshi and other female Khitan and Han generals who made contributions in the Northern Expedition were all granted the title of marquis.

However, their titles cannot be inherited and only last for one generation.

In short, before the New Year's joy had completely dissipated, the Jin Dynasty, which had once swept across half of the world, came to an end.

Before the people of Qi had completely digested the news of Jin's surrender, on the 20th of the first lunar month, An Feng personally presented a petition to the Jin Emperor, saying that he was old and weak, and did not have the energy and physical strength to govern the country. He wanted to abdicate and live in luxury, but he had no offspring to take on the responsibility. For the sake of the millions of soldiers and civilians in Huainan, he hoped that the King of Chu would take care of the people of the world and take on this important task.
The civil and military officials of Qi were naturally calm about this, after all, they were the ones who made this happen.

However, after this news was published in the newspaper, it caused a huge wave of public opinion among the people on both sides of the Yangtze River.

The people of Tokyo, whose ancestors lived in the same city as the emperor, are naturally more politically sensitive than people in other places.

Since the jade seal reappeared, major events that could influence the situation in the world have occurred one after another. They had long guessed that the King of Chu would ascend the throne soon.

With mental preparation, most people feel calm at the moment, thinking "it's finally here".

However, the people in Huaibei are more excited and moved than the people in Tokyo, as they feel their children have a promising future.

The King of Chu and his family lived in Caizhou for ten years. The residents of the entire Sajin Lane and Yaqian Street can all be related to his family.

For example, the shop owner selling soy sauce and vinegar at the corner of the alley often tells people: When the prince and his family first moved here, the princess came to my house in person to buy soy sauce!
Aunt Zhang at the end of the alley likes to tell people: In the spring of the tenth year of Fuchang, one day I was frying fruits at home. Madam Chen from the palace passed by and was attracted by the smell. She ate two pieces of fruits that I fried myself.

Even Brother Liu, who sells Hu Bing at a stall next to the government office on Yaqian Street, said: "When the prince was on duty, he didn't have time to eat breakfast and always came to me to buy Hu Bing. The prince once said that Liu's Hu Bing is the best in Caizhou. Look, if you don't believe me, look at the four big characters hanging on the wall, which were written by the King of Chu himself."
Whenever he talked about this, Brother Liu would point to the greasy, smoky, but carefully framed scroll with the words "Number One in Caizhou" in front of the stall.

However, the handwriting was only at the level of a middle school student, and most of the guests passing by did not believe it.

Who is the King of Chu?

He could fight on the battlefield and write poetry. As early as when he was a clerk in Tongshan, he had won the favor of Empress Cai. Such a person must have excellent handwriting!
This Liu guy found a schoolboy from somewhere and scribbled these words to impersonate the handwriting of the King of Chu!
However, no matter what others think, the Caizhou residents who have had contact with the Chu King's family always lower their voices and say mysteriously, "Back then, I saw that the prince (princess) had a noble face and would become the emperor (empress) sooner or later. Look, it's about to come true now!"

If someone who knows more about the King of Chu's past is encountered, he will add, "I know this even earlier than you do! Let me tell you something. In the seventh year of Fuchang, a white bull fell from the sky in Tongshan, causing trouble for the people. The bull was as big as two houses and had a force of a thousand kilograms. Its roar could be heard for a hundred miles. Even General Yao, who was known as the most powerful general in Huaibei, did not dare to approach it!"

"I have vaguely heard about this. What happened next?"

"Of course it was the King of Chu who took action! He held a 10-foot-long iron halberd and fought with the white bull for two days and two nights, beheading the bull at Qifeng Ridge! He restored peace to Tongshan."

"Ahem. Isn't what you said too bizarre?" When the audience with a spirit of truth-seeking questioned, someone immediately said excitedly: "You know shit! The King of Chu is the Son of Heaven who came to the world, so his experience is naturally extraordinary. What do ordinary people like you know?"

"Yes, yes, yes! This white bull is really not fictitious. I have a brother who works in the Machinery and Expansion Bureau of the Iron Smelting Institute. I heard him say that after the white bull was beheaded, its heart was dug out by the King of Chu, and now it has been soaked in a large vat in the Machinery and Expansion Bureau, immersed in tung oil. That's right, the heart and liver of the white bull are made of iron! I heard him say that the prince instructed the master craftsman of the Machinery and Expansion Bureau to study the heart and liver of this monster many years ago. Whoever can copy it will be rewarded with ten thousand taels of silver. To this day, no one has been able to claim the reward."

“Is it so magical?”

Compared with the excitement among the people, the scene in Tokyo was quite different.

The civil and military officials from the Huaibei faction were the calmest. When Chu Ge'er proclaimed himself emperor, as the elders who had followed him, they naturally had the honor and power they deserved.

It can be said that this move is nepotism, but in reality, when building a ruling structure, Chen Chu will of course give priority to those who have been tested and are familiar with each other's character and ability.

This custom was not uncommon in all dynasties. Among the 28 Yuntai generals under the command of Emperor Guangwu of Han, more than a dozen were from Nanyang.

Most of the twenty-four heroes in the Lingyan Pavilion were former officials of the Qin Palace.

Even in later generations, it remains the same.

Therefore, no one is in a hurry about their future arrangements.

But another thing
On the 25th day of the first lunar month, after the court was dismissed, important officials including Chen Jingyan, Lu Qinzai, and Zhang Chunxiao went to the Privy Council next to the imperial city.

While Cai Yuan and Du Zhaoqing were chatting and laughing behind the court officials, his eyes never left the three people in front of him.

Du Zhaoqing probably saw something, and he could not help but bow to Cai Yuan and said, "If you have anything else to do, please do as you please. I will go to the Yiluansi to see how the preparations are going."

The Yiluansi was in charge of the emperor's ceremonial guards. Du Zhaoqing, as an official promoted by Chen Chu himself, had no reservations about talking about the preparations for the new emperor's enthronement.

Cai Yuan looked at the people who filed into the Privy Council and said with a smile, "As the head of the Ministry of Rites, Minister Du should prepare more than just the ceremonial guards. Perhaps the King of Chu has something more to be concerned about. Why don't we meet the King of Chu together?"

"This"

Du Zhaoqing seemed to be unwilling to wade into this muddy water, but when he saw Cai Yuan looking at him with a sharp gaze, he finally said, "Okay, please."

In the duty room of the Privy Council, Chen Jingyan and his party had not even sat down yet when they heard that Cai Yuan had also arrived. They could not help but look at each other silently.

Chen Chu, who was sitting at the head of the table, did not seem surprised by the arrival of the two groups one after the other. He only said, "Prime Minister Cai came at the right time. Lord Chen has chosen a few names for the new dynasty, and Prime Minister Cai has also come to discuss them."

Cai Yuan took a few pieces of paper with the country's name written on them and looked at them, then said, "Master Chen has a profound family background and is well-educated. What word should we choose according to Master Chen's opinion?"

Chen Jingyan, who had already prepared a plan, said: "In the beginning, Yuan Zhang's fiefdom belonged to Chu, and he was given the title of king with the name 'Chu'. In my opinion, we can call it Great Chu to show that they are of the same lineage."

Because of Jiarou's existence, using Chu as the country's name not only confirmed Princess Jiarou's identity, but also was conducive to receiving the political heritage of Qi.

Cai Yuan thought for a moment and said, "I second the motion."

Although they are now in the same room and seem to be evenly matched, Cai Yuan's prime minister is Chen Jingyan's de facto superior, and the two families are in a competitive relationship. Chen Jingyan did not expect that his big brother would be so cooperative.

Coming here today, discussing the country's name was just an excuse. What he really wanted to do was to help his daughter determine her status.

But the annoying Cai Yuan refused to leave. Chen Jingyan originally planned to discuss this matter another day, but then he thought that the only person who could compete with his daughter now was Cai Huan.

Since my elder brother is here today, I might as well show you the chariots, horses and cannons.
After making a calculation in his mind, Chen Jingyan looked at Zhang Chunxiao, only to see the latter nodded with a barely perceptible movement, then stood up and said: "King Chu, now that the new dynasty has been established, the former court and the harem must be ordered to demonstrate the harmony of yin and yang and set an example for the people."

The meat show is coming.

Chen Chu glanced at Cai Yuan casually, then looked at Zhang Chunxiao and said, "In your opinion, Lord Zhang, what should we do?"

"The affairs of the harem are originally the family affairs of the King of Chu. However, the royal family has no private affairs, so I will dare to speak out."

Zhang Chunxiao first stacked a layer of BUFF, and then said: "Princess Zhao is virtuous and kind, and is well-known throughout the world for her kindness. She can be the queen and rule the six palaces."

That was the first wife of the King of Chu when he was poor. No one objected to this, and Chen Chu nodded. Zhang Chunxiao adjusted his breathing slightly, and then said: "Concubine Chen, from a thousand-year-old famous family, is beautiful and intelligent, smart and quick to learn, she can be a noble concubine to help the queen manage the six palaces."

After saying this, there was silence in the duty room for a moment. Chen Chu looked normal, but did not express anything.

As Chen Fei's father, Chen Jingyan naturally found it difficult to speak.

Du Zhaoqing was temporarily pulled in by Cai Yuan to join in the fun. Even though the Minister of Rites had a say in the matter, he did not dare to take sides randomly.

At this moment, Cai Yuan said, "Mr. Zhang is right. I second your opinion."

"."

"!!!"

In an instant, everyone in the duty room looked at Cai Yuanchen and Lu, with surprise in their eyes.

Du Zhaoqing was puzzled.

And when Chen Chu looked at Cai Yuan, there was a hint of confusion and disappointment in his eyes.

Afterwards, Du Zhaoqing thought he had figured it out. Prime Minister Cai, your foundation is still too weak!
Nowadays, most of Cai family’s disciples are middle and low-level officials and are not qualified to attend court.

However, Ximen Gong and Xu Bang, who had similar backgrounds to him, were both local officials. Even if they wanted to help Cai Huan, it was too late.

On the other hand, Chen Jinglüe had Lu Qinzai as his relative in law, and Chen Jingan was the prime minister in Anfeng, so his power was already established. In the future, the old ministers of Qi would surely regard his family as the leaders of the civil service group.

Just like Zhang Chunxiao, who suddenly approached the Chen family at this moment.

At the beginning, Du Zhaoqing thought that Lord Zhang would propose that the eldest princess be the imperial concubine. But now it seems that he underestimated Lord Zhang's sensitivity in changing direction.

However, this is understandable. The old ministers were all officials who came from the imperial examination system in the old days. They might not look down on Prime Minister Cai, who came from a clerk background, from the bottom of their hearts.

As for the Chen family of Yingchuan, both their style of doing things and their status as fellow scholars made them feel closer.

Everyone had different thoughts, but in fact only one or two breaths of time had passed.

Because it was too unexpected, Chen Jingyan hadn't figured out how to react yet, but he heard Cai Yuan say again: "The front court and the harem are indispensable, and the central officials also need to make arrangements as soon as possible."

The topic jumped a bit, Chen Chu couldn't help but ask: "What do you think, Prime Minister Cai? Tell us."

Cai Yuan said: "Since the Battle of Tongshan, Mr. Zhang from the Ministry of War has been taking good care of Huaibei. Later, he worked with us to suppress the rebellion in Huaibei, the Battle of Hebei, and the Battle of Tokyo. He worked hard and was loyal. This loyal and capable official should be used! I recommend Mr. Zhang to be the Three-Division Envoy."

"."

Zhang Chunxiao was stunned. Chen Jingyan and Lu Qinzai were caught off guard again and again. According to Chen Jingyan's idea, he originally hoped that his younger brother Chen Jing'an would serve as the Third Division Envoy.

But with Zhang Chunxiao in front of him, he couldn't say anything against it.

Moreover, Zhang Chunxiao had just recommended Ayu as the imperial concubine, and Cai Yuan turned around and recommended him for promotion. What a broad mind! He was truly a model of an old minister who was devoted to the country and did not care about the gains and losses of his own family!

If Chen Jingyan jumped out to oppose at this time, he would be portrayed as a despicable person.

Fortunately, Chen Chu did not comment and did not agree on the spot.

Unexpectedly, Cai Yuan, who never stops making shocking remarks today, still had something to say. He bowed slowly. He was obviously only in his fifties, but his movements were slow and old, like an octogenarian.

"I am old and weak, and I wish to return home. Please allow me to do so, King Chu."

"Prime Minister Cai! Why do you say that?"

This time, even Chen Jingyan hurriedly stood up and advised.

Chen Chu said firmly: "No! The world is still unsettled, and there are still many things that I need Prime Minister Cai to help me with. Don't mention the matter of begging for my own body again."

Unexpectedly, Cai Yuan said with great determination: "King of Chu, I am a minor official with insignificant abilities. I am satisfied to have followed you to this point. There are many talented people in our dynasty, so why worry about no one to help you build your country? Now that the Emperor Taizong of Zhou has abdicated, the Anfeng court is no longer necessary. For many years, Mr. Liuchuan has served me well and made great contributions. I recommend you again, Mr. Liuchuan to take over the position of Prime Minister."

Upon hearing this, Chen Chu frowned and remained silent.

Chen Jingyan was shocked again, but he immediately realized that his son Chen Yingjun was still the Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel. If Chen Jing'an became the Prime Minister again, the uncle and nephew would each hold the seal and draft the imperial edicts, and the Ministry of Personnel would become his!
Yuanzhang would never agree.

Chen Jingyan couldn't help but secretly said: I knew that you, an old fox, had no good intentions!
Then he hurriedly said to Chen Chu: "This is inappropriate. Jing An has never served as an official in the central government of this dynasty. It is not good for the government to suddenly become a prime minister."

Before Chen Chu could speak, Cai Yuan spoke first: "Chen Jinglie's words are ridiculous! The Chen family of Yingchuan has friends all over the world. If Mr. Liuchuan becomes the prime minister of our dynasty, he will be able to quickly establish a close relationship with officials from top to bottom. In addition, Chen Jinglie, Lord Lu, Lord Zhang and other important officials will assist Mr. Liuchuan. In the future, with Mr. Liuchuan outside the court and the Chen family in the harem, we will be able to reproduce the prosperity of the Han and Tang dynasties!"

"."

It was still cold in the first month of the year, and beads of sweat quickly appeared on Chen Jingyan's forehead. He subconsciously glanced at Chen Chu.

These are heart-piercing words! These are heart-piercing words!
What is 'the upper and the lower are of the same blood', what is 'important ministers assisting from the side', what is 'one inside and one outside'!
Even though Chen Jingyan had no intention of sidelining Chen Chu, Cai Yuan's words undoubtedly reminded everyone present that Chen already had a son. Even if there were no other ideas now, what if Chen Chu was no longer around in the future?
Furthermore, there is a hint in Old Cai's words that the civil officials may not be on the same page with the King of Chu. For example, their attitude towards scholars, and their attitude towards Tian Gai.

Cai Yuan, who came from a civil servant family, has spared no effort in promoting land reform since he became prime minister.

Chen Jingyan was stuck in a dilemma and took the initiative to explain to Chen Chu, which made him seem guilty.

If I keep silent, it would seem like I have tacitly agreed to Cai Yuan's indirect criticism.

By now, he had understood clearly that his elder brother was using the excuse of 'begging' to fight for the position of imperial concubine for his precious daughter!
If he returns home, the situation of 'one inside and one outside' that he just mentioned will no longer exist.

But in the current situation, Chen Chu is afraid that he will not let Cai Yuan return home, so as to prevent the Chen family from becoming too powerful.

Next, the most likely scenario is that Chen Chu would keep trying to retain Old Cai, and the position of Imperial Concubine would fall to Cai Huan.

What a great move to turn retreat into advance!

Chen Jingyan couldn't help but reflect that he was too hasty in asking Zhang Chunxiao to be a substitute for his mouth.

At the same time, I couldn't help but admire Old Cai for his decision to retreat in order to advance. How many fathers in the world would be willing to gamble their position as prime minister for their daughter's status?

At least Chen Jingyan couldn't make up his mind.
On that side, Chen Chu did try to persuade him to stay, but his request was not granted.

I don’t know if it was because Lao Cai was too immersed in the role or if he really wanted to retire, but he actually knelt down slowly towards Chen Chu.

Chen Chu quickly stood up from behind the desk and went forward to help Lao Cai up.

Old Cai insisted on kneeling on the ground and looked up at Chen Chu and said, "Eleven years have passed in the blink of an eye. I have seen everything I should have seen. I can follow Yuanzhang to where I am today. Now I can call Yuanzhang Your Majesty. I have no regrets in my uncle's death. The only thing I am worried about now is Huan'er. Her temper..."

As he spoke, Old Cai became emotional, with tears welling up in his eyes. "She has a strong temper and does things without considering other people's reputation. If she accidentally upsets Yuanzhang in the future, Yuanzhang must not kill her. Uncle only asks you to send her back to the old house in Tongshan. Uncle is willing to exchange this position for Yuanzhang's promise to keep her safe."

Chen Jingyan on the side was a little unsure whether his elder brother was acting or was really willing to sacrifice to this extent for his daughter?

Cai Yuan refused to get up no matter how Chen Chu helped him, so he knelt down and said, "What are you talking about, father-in-law? You can keep the position, and I will also ensure that Huan'er is safe for the rest of her life. In the past, she lived in the Tianzi Elegant Room in Caiwei Pavilion, and later she married into my house alone. I owe her a lot, and I will slowly make it up to her in the future."

Even though he was suppressing his emotions, Chen Jingyan could tell that Yuanzhang was also moved.

I couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Ayu, it's not that Daddy didn't work hard, it's just that my eldest brother is too cunning! (End of this chapter)