I studied in modern times

Chapter 946: Heavenly Sacrifice (1)

Jiazi (16th), November of the second year of Yuanyou, is the winter solstice.

Just after midnight, Zhao Xu was awakened from his bed by Empress Dowager Xiang.

Then, he was helped by three girls, Wen Xunniang, Meng Qingqing and Di Qiang, to put on the emperor's crown.

He wore a flat crown with twenty-four ribs hanging down, a green dragon robe, red shoes, a white jade belt around his waist, and a jade sceptre in his hands.

A standard crown for offering sacrifices to heaven.

Of course, most of the materials used were replaced with sea otter skins.

If it really couldn't be replaced, I used cotton cloth.

After getting dressed, Empress Dowager Xiang looked at Zhao Xu and said happily, "My son is truly a handsome emperor!"

Zhao Xu looked at himself in the bright mirror. Under the flat crown, the glazed beads were shaking. He was wearing a green robe and the jade sceptre in his hand was pure white. Even though he was still a teenager, he looked a little immature.

But with the blessing of this crown and robes, he already has a bit of heroic spirit.

Anyway, Zhao Xu was very satisfied with his appearance after putting on the crown.

The only problem is that the crown and robes are too troublesome and complicated to wear!
It took more than half an hour to put on the entire crown.

Even after Wen Xunniang and her two daughters entered the palace, they have been receiving relevant training and know how to dress correctly, otherwise it might take more time.

"It is all thanks to my mother's blessing and support over the past three years that I am where I am today!" Zhao Xu replied with a smile.

At this time, the voice of Tong Guan, who had been waiting outside the palace gate, came: "Everyone, your Majesty..."

"It's almost time for the second watch. The Left Prime Minister has submitted a petition, asking everyone to move to Jingling Palace!"

"Good!" Empress Dowager Xiang smiled and looked at Zhao Xu, saying, "Sixth brother, let's go to Jingling Palace, worship the saints, and report to the ancestral temple!"

"Yes!" Zhao Xu nodded solemnly.

The most important affairs of the country are military service and sacrifice.

In feudal society, ancestor worship and heaven worship were rights that belonged exclusively to male family heads/emperors.

From a traditional and legal perspective, only a monarch who has completed these two rituals can be considered a complete monarch.

Possess unquestionable and indisputable authority.

The biggest legal basis for Han Huo Guang to depose King Changyi was that King Changyi had never reported to the temple.

If he has not reported to the temple, he is not considered the legitimate emperor.

As the daughter of a prime minister, Empress Dowager Xiang was naturally very sensitive to history.

Therefore, for this winter solstice festival to worship ancestors and heaven, Empress Dowager Xiang decided not to follow the story of Zhangxian Mingsu, but to let Zhao Xu take on these two tasks alone.

The signal this sends to the outside world is clear and unmistakable - the emperor will rule for a long time, and I have no intention of ruling for a long time.

To be honest, Zhao Xu was very touched.

Because he knew too well how terrible the alienation of human nature by power is.

Empress Dowager Xiang was able to resist the erosion of power!

Even in the current situation, even a fool would know that as long as Zhao Xu becomes an adult, she would have to remove the curtain whether she likes it or not.

But knowing and doing are two different things!

All I can say is that Empress Dowager Xiang is a person who really does not cling to power and has no desire for it.

Then Zhao Xu bowed his head solemnly in front of Empress Dowager Xiang and kowtowed three times: "Mother, I am gone!"

"Good boy!" Empress Dowager Xiang said with tears in her eyes: "Go!"

"My ancestors and the Lord of Heaven will surely protect my son and everything will go well!"

Zhao Xu bid farewell to the Queen Mother and walked out of the palace.

The Yulongzhi led by Yan Yuan immediately gathered around and protected him in the middle.

Empress Dowager Xiang watched Zhao Xu walk out of the gate of Funing Palace and disappear into the passage of East Shanghe Gate.

Only then did she turn around and look at Wen Xunniang, Meng Qingqing and Di Qiang.

"My three county lords, please stay here with me and wait for me to return to the palace!"

"promise!"

……

Zhao Xu left Funing Palace.

Bonfires had already been lit on both sides of the imperial road in front of the palace.

Under the light of the fire, the imperial guards led by Yan Da lined up silently on the road.

Seeing Zhao Xu's procession coming out of the East Upper Gate, Yan Da immediately stepped forward and saluted: "I am the commander of the Palace Front Department and the military governor of Wukang Army. I respectfully welcome His Majesty the Emperor!"

"Please stand up, Yan Qing!" Zhao Xu said with a slight nod.

Then, he looked at the jade carriage, which was completely green and particularly conspicuous under the light of the bonfire.

It was still three years ago when Zhao Xu ascended the throne and went to Jingling Palace to worship his ancestors. He rode the sacred relic passed down from the Tang Dynasty - the jade carriage.

This jade carriage is said to have been ridden by several generations of Tang emperors, including Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Empress Wu Zetian, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.

It has some metaphysical aura.

It is said that it is irreplaceable - every time someone in history wants to build a new jade carriage to replace it.

Then, either the craftsman who makes the car will have an accident, or an accident will happen at the place where the car is made.

Second, it’s really sturdy.

It has been hundreds of years since Emperor Gaozong of Tang.

But this jade carriage can still be driven.

However, it makes strange noises when driving.

However, it is already amazing that a holy relic that is hundreds of years old can still be used!

Zhao Xu remembered that he had seen the ending of this holy relic in modern historical materials - during the Jingkang Incident, the Jin soldiers invaded Bianliang, and just like the Yuanyou Hunyunyi, the Jade Chariot was destroyed by the Jin soldiers.

Thinking of this, Zhao Xu clenched his fist and looked back at the deep imperial city in the darkness.

That is the direction where Zhao Ji and Concubine Xing lived.

"Damn it!"

"It is indeed Li Yu's reincarnation!"

If he is not the reincarnation of Li Yu, why does he look so similar?

However, there are so many people in the palace and it is difficult for Zhao Xu to take action.

In addition, Concubine Xing kept a close eye on him, almost day and night.

Moreover, that damn life is indeed tough.

In the past three years, I have only had minor illnesses occasionally, and have not even had a serious fever.

Even if Zhao Xu wanted to do something shady, he wouldn't find an opportunity.

"We can only think of a solution later..."

With this thought in mind, Zhao Xu boarded the jade carriage and headed towards Xuande Gate under the escort of the imperial guards led by Yan Da and his son.

Along the way, wherever the emperor passed, clusters of bonfires were lit one after another.

Lanterns lit up one after another

Soon, the entire imperial city was as bright as day.

Fireworks were even set off on the tower of Xuande Gate.

One after another, fireworks shot up into the sky, blooming with brilliant colors in the sky.

In the Qingshou Palace, the Empress Dowager looked up at the fireworks blooming in the direction of Xuande Gate.

She said leisurely: "Did anyone write to me and beg me to come to the palace during this period of party strife in the court?"

She has been waiting in the palace.

But whether it is the ministers or the censors in the Censorate.

No one wrote to the Qingshou Palace, asking her to take charge of the situation - even though she actually didn't know how to deal with the current chaotic situation in the outer court.

But, that's not important.

What’s important is that everyone in the government and the country seems to treat her as a dispensable person.

This makes her very uncomfortable!

Everyone on both sides remained silent and did not dare to respond.

Liang Congzheng, Liang Weijian, Lao Zongyuan and other eunuchs could not help but complain in their hearts: "Who dares?"

The ministers in the outer court are not fools!
When the emperor has been confirmed to be able to rule the country, and the empress dowager has clearly hinted that she wants to return power early.

That idiot would come to ask for advice from the Empress Dowager who had never expressed her desire to return power early?
This is political suicide!

Moreover, even if there was such a fool, the Queen Mother would not have the slightest chance of success.

Because it is very likely that the ministers from the outer court had just come to the Qingshou Palace.

Then the contents of this person's note, as well as the reactions in Qingshou Palace, were reported to Baoci Palace and Funing Palace?

Why do they know?
Because they are always prepared to do such things!

The Empress Dowager looked at the silence of those around her and could not help but curse, "What's the point of me raising you?"

Everyone knelt down and pleaded: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I will die for you!"

The Empress Dowager was furious when she saw these good-for-nothings, but she didn't know where to vent her anger.

He could only sigh and say, "If Zhang Guancha were still alive, why would I have ended up like this?"

She really missed the staff and right-hand men her aunt left her.

If Zhang Maoze were still alive, he would be able to give advice and contact the senior ministers.

How could she be so passive?
Unfortunately, Zhang Maze had already been sentenced to death by her!
Even Zhang Maoze's adopted son was exiled and his whereabouts disappeared.

Liang Congzheng, Liang Weijian, Lao Zongyuan and others' eyes immediately lit up after hearing the words of the Empress Dowager.

This is top quality material!

As for the others, their expressions were different. I wonder what they were thinking.
Only the confidant of the Empress Dowager, the Palace Lady Li, whispered: "Your Majesty, be careful with your words!"

"Zhang Maoze alienated the royal family and secretly hid the imperial treasures of the previous emperor, the Ying Temple, and the Ren Temple. His crime is unforgivable. Your Majesty despises him and abandons him!"

The Empress Dowager finally reacted and said hurriedly, "Madam is right!"

"I have been tired of it and abandoned it for a long time!"

As she spoke, she looked at everyone present and said solemnly, "Anyone who dares to reveal what I said today will be treated like Zhang Maize!"

"promise!"

All the eunuchs and female officials bowed their heads.

But the Empress Dowager knew that this palace had always been a sieve.

Unless you learn from the little official and set up a quiet room in the palace to discuss matters with only two or three ministers, and place a circle of loyal dragon guards outside.

Otherwise, there would be nothing that happens in this palace that would not be known to outsiders.

For example, in the past two or three years, there has been a legend in the palace that when the eleventh son of the emperor, Prince of Puning, Zhao Ji, was born, the late emperor was admiring an authentic painting of Li Yu in the imperial pavilion. When the eunuchs went to announce the good news, the late emperor sighed to his attendants with deep worry: "I am here to admire the painting of the Marquis of Wei Ming, but the palace announces the birth of a prince! This is not a good sign! I am afraid that this child is the reincarnation of the Marquis of Wei Ming, Li Yu, and we must be on guard!"

Even in the Qingshou Palace, people often talk about it.

Some people said that he was released from Baoci Palace - this was because the Empress Dowager loved her son so much and was making long-term plans for him.

But some people also said that it was Concubine Xing who released him on her own initiative. Among the sons of the previous emperor, except for the emperor's family, the oldest one was the ninth son, Prince Daning.

But this Jiulang had an eye disease and posed no threat to the government.

The officials also loved him the most. Whenever they had free time, they would go to see him and even teach him articles and classics.

After Jiulang, the eleventh son of the emperor, Prince Puning, Zhao Ji, was next. Before the emperor gave birth to a prince, Prince Puning was the biggest threat to the emperor's power.

Therefore, it is understandable that the adoptive mother, Xing, who loves her son so much, took the initiative to release the late emperor's comments to reduce the threat posed by Shiyilang.

Thinking of this, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Of course, I'm just worried.

Because the Empress Dowager believed it, but neither the Empress Dowager Xiang nor the Emperor believed it.

The reason is simple - it was she who ordered the death of Zhang Maoze.

Who would believe that she would miss Zhang Maze?

Therefore - this must be someone else's intention to alienate the flesh and blood of the heavenly family.

……

Led by Yan Da and his son, the imperial guards and the imperial guards, Zhao Xu walked out of Xuande Gate and arrived at Jingling Palace in just over a hundred steps.

Here, the prime minister and the civil and military officials in the capital were waiting.

The Jingling Palace is still brightly lit tonight.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Grand Chancellor had already swept the inside and outside of the Jingling Palace in advance.

Looking from a distance, it looks like a fairy palace illuminating all directions.

When Zhao Xu arrived, ceremonial music was played.

The three elders of the imperial clan, Zhao Zongsheng, the co-director of the imperial clan, Zhao Zongjing, and the heir to the throne, Zhao Zonghui, led the civil and military officials to greet him respectfully: "Your Majesty, the Emperor!"

"Today is the winter solstice. We, the ministers, beg your majesty to send down your gracious decree and make it a model for the ministers both inside and outside the court!"

As he spoke, hundreds of civil and military officials prostrated themselves and kowtowed.

In Jingling Palace, there were even more civil and military officials in Beijing who followed suit and prostrated themselves on the ground.

Zhao Xu sat upright in the Jade Carriage, and according to the article he had memorized in advance and written by the Academy of Scholars, he said: "Today is the winter solstice. I inherit the great deeds of the six saints and control the fortune of the thousand-year peace. I rely on my mother to support my family and bless me for three years. I will extend the nine disciplines and entertain the old people..."

"I am leaving the palace now to offer sacrifices to my ancestors and pray to heaven and earth. I wish to carry forward the old rules of Jianlong and revive the old deeds of Xining. I will hold the wine jar to cover the eight rooms, and lay down the jade to combine the two principles. I will solemnly worship my ancestors to match the heaven, and reconcile all the gods to inherit the world!"

"I will now grant amnesty to the whole nation, and ask all the officials inside and outside the country to use their civil and military skills to the fullest, so as to renew their virtues and live in peace forever!"

Then, all the ministers bowed again: "We flatter Your Majesty, the Emperor, for being so powerful and generous! We are so humbled that we beg Your Majesty to go to the Hall of Saints and offer sacrifices before the portraits of our ancestors..."

Zhao Xu sat upright and replied in a deep voice: "Yes!"

Thus, ritual and music flourished.

All the ministers bowed again and stood up. Minister of Rites Wang Cun and Grand Secretary Zhao Zongsheng and other ministers led the Taimiao Zhailang, wearing sacrificial robes, and came to the front of the Jade Carriage, and flattered in unison: "Your Majesty, please get off the carriage!"

Then, the door of the jade carriage was opened, and Zhao Xu, holding a white jade sceptre, wearing a flat crown on his head, with twenty-four glazed ornaments hanging in front of his eyes, got out of the jade carriage under the gaze of all the ministers.

Then, surrounded by his ministers, he was worshipped in various palaces.

These were all etiquettes that had been rehearsed long ago. Zhao Xu had already practiced in advance how to act, how to salute, and how to worship.

The ministers also took into consideration that Zhao Xu was still young and might lack physical strength, so they simplified many procedures.

For example, most of the sacrificial texts and congratulatory speeches were handed over to three clan elders to recite.

For example, according to the ancestral custom, ancestor worship on the winter solstice should start three days before the winter solstice.

They also had to move to the Daqing Hall and fast and stay there. In addition, for three consecutive days, they had to leave the palace at midnight and go to the Jingling Palace to offer sacrifices and perform rituals in each room.

You also need to go to Taizong, Zhenmiao, Renmiao, Yingmiao and the places where the previous emperors were born to pay homage.

These were omitted by the ministers at their discretion.

The only ceremony that Zhao Xu really needs to preside over and fully participate in tonight is the Xuanguang Hall where the portrait of Zhao Xu's father is enshrined.

All the rest just require going through the process, which is basically entering the hall - bowing - bowing - bowing again.

Other matters were handled by ceremonial officials and clan elders.

Even so, the entire process took nearly an hour.

It was not until the third watch that the ancestor worship ceremony in Jingling Palace was finally concluded.

However, Zhao Xu had no time to rest, and surrounded by his ministers, he boarded the jade carriage, and headed for Huanqiu in the south of Bianjing City, with the imperial guards leading the way and his escort.

Fortunately, Tong Guan was a sensible man.

In the jade carriage, snacks and tea were prepared for Zhao Xu to fill his stomach and replenish his energy.

Other civil and military ministers were not so lucky.

They had to brave the cold wind of the winter night, ride on horses, and follow the imperial procession to Huanqiu in the southern suburbs.

I was hungry and shivering from the cold all the way.

Fortunately, this year is much colder than previous years.

However, due to the popularity of cotton cloth, most of them wore cotton clothes, cotton shoes, and cotton socks (Officials in the Northern Song Dynasty had statutory four-season clothing grants, and the amount of clothing and cloth granted varied according to their ranks. For the civil and military officials who could participate in the Southern Suburbs Heaven Sacrifice, the lowest rank received more than five bolts of clothing for the four seasons (civil officials in the capital and above, military officials above ambassadors, and generals of the various guards) [Jiayou Lu Ling]).

So, it’s not that uncomfortable.

When Lu Bo came out of Nanxun Gate, he saw the altar where Huanqiu was located from afar. Countless bonfires had been lit, and the flames illuminated the sky, making the direction of Huanqiu, seven or eight miles away, bright red.

Zhao Xu sat in the jade carriage, looking through the curtains at Huanqiu in the distance.

He still remembered that in his previous life, he sat alone in this jade carriage.

The scene when he was surrounded by ministers and arrived at Huanqiu.

It was really cold that day!

The crown he was wearing had very poor protection against cold.

He was frozen, his hands and feet were stiff, and he wanted to shake his body, but was immediately stopped by Lao Zong Yuan beside him - the official is the Son of Heaven, he must not lose his manners!
Before coming to Huanqiu, he did not go to Jingling Palace to worship his ancestors like he did today.

That day, the person who offered sacrifices to the ancestors was the Empress Dowager.

Therefore, this winter night left an indelible memory for Zhao Xu's previous life.

Until he took power, he held all the power and had everything he wanted.

But he still remembered that winter night, he was sitting alone in the Jade Carriage, listening to the sound of the wheels, frozen stiff, but he was not even allowed to stamp his feet or wipe his hands to warm himself.

After returning, he fell ill.

He had a fever for several days. Fortunately, in the summer before, Cheng Yi blew himself up and informed the court officials that Zhao Xu had been ill and had not received any medical treatment.

Therefore, ministers such as Su Song and Li Qingchen began to pay attention to his health, and Lu Gongzhu even sent people to the palace to visit him every day.

Therefore, he received timely medical treatment for this illness - no one dared not to hire a doctor for him again.

The Imperial Pharmacy headed by Chen Yan did not dare to delay any longer.

And now, he was wearing a crown made of otter skin, and even his socks were covered with a thick layer of fur.

There were several incense burners on the car, and there was tea and snacks prepared by Tong Guan.

So, you will be warm and no longer need to worry about catching a cold.

But he still remembered how he felt at this moment in his previous life.

He also remembered the oath he made in the Jade Chariot: I am not yet strong! When I grow strong, things will change!
Thinking of this, Zhao Xu smiled: "How could I have such an unlucky thought in my previous life?"

Oh……

This is the story Su Shi told him - after the death of Emperor Hui of Han, Empress Lü supported Emperor Hui's son Liu Gong, who was Emperor Shao of Han.

The young emperor ascended the throne at the age of seven, younger than Zhao Xu.

But like Zhao Xu, he was dissatisfied with his grandmother's symmetrical system.

So, he said this publicly.

Then the young emperor disappeared.

Because the young emperor was gone, Empress Lü and her Lü family were questioned both internally and externally.

This directly led to the death of Empress Lü, where the meritorious officials and princes jointly killed the Lü clan.

Now that he thought about it, the bearded man was reminding him - Your Majesty, be patient!

If you have any grievances, wait until you grow up to settle them.

"The bearded man is such a wonderful person!" Zhao Xu smiled and shook his head.

Unfortunately, he was too young in his previous life to react.

When he grew up and took power, because he hated the Yuanyou politics, he gave his bearded brothers a few plane tickets to Lingnan.

Now that he thought about it, the bearded man was not only reminding him, but also moving closer to him - Your Majesty, look at me, look at me, I can give you advice and plan for your future!
and so……

Big Beard has never been just a literary giant.

His political ambitions are huge!

But, I am unlucky and have a miserable fate.

and……

Even if Zhao Xu could react at that time and was willing to accept the olive branch from the bearded man.

Judging from Big Beard's personality and character, I'm afraid that Zhao Xu might end up like Emperor Shao of Han.

While thinking about these things, Lu Bo had already arrived at the Qing Palace near Huanqiu.

Zhao Xu got off the car here, and surrounded by the prime ministers, nobles and generals, he entered the Qing Palace to make final preparations and rest for the heaven sacrifice.

Before entering the Qing Palace, Zhao Xu issued an edict, ordering the officials to give tea and snacks to the ministers accompanying him.

The emperor has no shortage of hungry soldiers!
Hundreds of civil and military officials followed him out of the city in the middle of the night, coming here in the cold wind and with empty stomachs.

I think everyone is exhausted, and the following ceremony of offering sacrifices to the heaven will continue until dawn.

During this process, if someone is in poor health and catches a cold, and dies after returning, it will not be good.

Therefore, Zhao Xu issued an edict to the officials in advance, ordering them to prepare hot tea and snacks.

At the same time, he also ordered people to prepare palace rooms in the Qing Palace for civil and military ministers according to their ranks, so that they could keep warm by the fire.

Zhao Xu himself, surrounded by the prime ministers, entered the Qing Palace, a hall specially used for the emperor to rest before offering sacrifices to heaven.

And they waited here until the auspicious time predicted by the Ministry of Rites - the fifth watch.

The prime ministers then went to the side halls arranged for them by the Ministry of Rites.

Of course, they can't rest.

Because they have a mission - to write Qingci.

This is a task that the prime minister and ministers with the title of scholar must complete at every court ceremony.

It is also a tradition that started with Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.

This is part of the PUA of imperial power over ministers - just like the team-building culture and overtime culture prevalent in modern companies.

Whether you like the company's team-building activities or are willing to work overtime actually doesn't matter to your boss.

The key is whether you are willing to accept it.

If you accept it, you will be a good ox or horse.

Those who don't accept it are most likely troublemakers and need to be driven away.

The same applies to Qingci.

In fact, all emperors, including Zhao Xu, did not care whether their ministers liked to write Qingci.

The key is whether they are willing to write.

Those who are willing to write Qingci will definitely be able to accept the unreasonable demands of other emperors.

Anyone who refuses to write Qingci must be a troublemaker.

He must not be allowed to stay in the court, let alone be reused.

Because no one knows whether this troublemaker will cause trouble for the emperor in other ways.

(End of this chapter)