I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 527 Tailor of the Song Dynasty! Su Liang: Without me, this court would fall apart sooner or later

September 26th, afternoon.

Su Liang and his party finally returned to Bianjing.

Cao Yi was not an official, so he went home directly, while Su Liang and Wang Anshi had to go to the palace to report to Zhao Zhen.

Half an hour later.

As soon as Su Liang and Wang Anshi entered the Forbidden City, they saw Zhang Maize, the chief eunuch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, walking towards them quickly.

"Minister Su, Magistrate Wang, you are finally back. The censors have been arguing with the ministers in the government hall for an hour, and no one can stop them!"

"Why are you arguing?" Su Liang looked puzzled.

In recent years, the ministers of the two governments and three departments have been very competent.

There is no flaw in personal morality.

The censors were relatively respectful to them and rarely impeached the prime ministers.

Zhang Maoze said, "The Hebei Imperial Guards have applied for a rating again. The emperor wants to personally review the rating in Hebei. The officials and the censors have different opinions. They have been arguing for a long time in the Chuigong Hall this morning, and now they are arguing again in the Political Affairs Hall."

"When the Zhongshu and Taijian quarreled, according to the rules you should seek justice from the emperor!" Wang Anshi said.

"Ugh!"

Zhang Maoze let out a long sigh.

"All the censors did not want the emperor to come to Hebei in person, which made the emperor furious, and then he drank some wine at noon."

"After knowing that the emperor had drunk alcohol at noon, He Tan, the head of the Censorate, and Fan Zhen, the assistant censor and the head of miscellaneous affairs, reported to the emperor that he had drunk alcohol at noon, which was unethical, and asked him to go to the Tianzhang Pavilion to confess to Taizu, Taizong and the late emperor. The emperor was so angry that he drank two more pots of wine. After getting drunk, he fell into a deep sleep and I am afraid he will not wake up for a while."

"Even if he wakes up, the government's involvement will probably make things even more chaotic. The only one who can mediate this conflict is you, Su Zhongcheng!"

Su Liang frowned slightly and asked, "Can you tell me in detail what is going on and where are the differences of opinion?"

"Let's talk while we go to the Government Affairs Hall. This quarrel is different from all the previous ones. I... I... I'm worried that they will fight." Zhang Maze said anxiously.

Su Liang nodded.

Then, the three of them walked quickly towards the Government Affairs Hall, and Zhang Maoze explained the whole story to them as they walked.

soon.

Su Liang understood the whole process.

After Pang Ji and Han Qi pleaded with the court to re-evaluate the Hebei Imperial Guards, Zhao Zhen was overjoyed and immediately decided to go to Hebei in person to review the military and conduct the evaluation.

Later, when the Song and Liao wars occurred, Zhao Zhen would lead the army in person.

He wanted to visit Hebei in person, naturally, he wanted to have a closer relationship with the Hebei Imperial Guards, get to know some generals or give them some rewards, and treat these people as "the emperor's personal troops" in advance to enhance the emperor's prestige and make it easier to dispatch these people after he personally led the army in the future.

After Zhao Zhen told all the ministers about this idea.

The three ministers Wen Yanbo, Fu Bi and Zhang Fangping all had no objection.

They also believed that the emperor's northern tour this time should follow the example of the First Emperor's tour to publicize his virtue and power, and that the tour must be conducted with the emperor's ceremonial guard, and not in plain clothes.

The reason is——

After the Liao emperor passed away, Zhao Zhen led the emperor's ceremonial tour to the north, which not only intimidated the Khitans, but also boosted the morale of the Hebei imperial guards.

In addition, when the emperor reviewed the military (i.e. inspected military affairs), it would be difficult for him to highlight his power by traveling incognito.

Zhao Zhen was overjoyed after hearing this and decided to do so.

However, Wang Yaochen, the Minister of the Three Departments, Ouyang Xiu, the Vice Minister of State Affairs, and Zeng Gongliang, the Deputy Minister of the Privy Council, raised objections.

Wang Yaochen believed that a northern tour with the emperor's ceremonial guard would be extremely costly, costing at least several million strings of cash, and would also affect the lives of the people around him and destroy farmland. It was a waste of money and labor that should not be done.

Ouyang Xiu and Zeng Gongliang believed that the emperor was only reviewing the military rather than commending the troops, and that the evaluation could be done by the officials. If the emperor wanted to go, he could just go incognito and there was no need to make a big fanfare.

The ministers were divided into two factions.

One side believed that we should follow the example of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and go on a grand tour with the emperor’s ceremonial guard; the other side believed that the former would be a waste of money and manpower and that we could just go on a tour in plain clothes.

While the ministers were debating, the censors who knew the news also joined in.

The censors did not support the suggestions of the ministers.

They believed that the evaluation of the Hebei Imperial Guards was originally done by Su Liang, and this time it should be handed over to Su Liang as well. Even if it was not handed over to Su Liang, it should be handled by the Privy Council.

This matter is not worthy of an official visit.

The emperor is a master of ten thousand chariots, and the prince is still a child, so it is not appropriate for them to leave the city of Bianjing without necessary matters.

once.

Zhao Zhen went to Jinan Prefecture to inspect the reform, so his trip was meaningful, but his current northern tour is not of much value.

If the government were to tour the north this time, it would easily lead future rulers to learn from this and indulge in pleasure-seeking activities under the guise of inspection. This is a bad habit that goes against the laws of our ancestors and should not be encouraged.

Therefore.

The censors believed that it was not feasible for Zhao Zhen to travel with the grand imperial procession or incognito.

It was these advices from the censors that made Zhao Zhen so angry that he drank too much.

……

After a while.

Su Liang and the other two came to the outside of the government hall.

Su Liang could hear the voices of the censors from a long distance away.

"I object! I firmly object! The emperor's tour must be beneficial to the country, and now it is obvious that officials can do it, why should the emperor go in person?" Fan Zhen shouted at the top of his lungs.

"The emperor is going there in person to boost the morale of the Hebei Imperial Guards. If there is a war with Liao in the future, the emperor will lead the army in person, and the Hebei Imperial Guards will be able to serve the court better!" Wen Yanbo's almost hoarse voice came from inside.

"Minister Wen, this is even more inappropriate! The Northwest Imperial Army destroyed Western Xia and made great contributions. Now the Hebei Imperial Army has not fought a battle, but the emperor wants to boost their morale. How will the Northwest Imperial Army feel? If the Hebei Imperial Army depends entirely on the emperor to boost their morale in order to fight, it would be better to order the Northwest Imperial Army to lead the attack!" He Tan said loudly.

……

During this period, Su Liang also heard the voices of Han Jiang, Zhao Bian, Lu Hui and other censors.

Each of them had a voice as loud as a bell, but a little hoarse, and it was obvious that they had been arguing for a long time.

Zhang Maozhe looked anxious.

He immediately prepared to walk up and push the door, letting Su Liang in to mediate.

But he was stopped by Su Liang.

Su Liang smiled and said, "Zhang Duzhi, I haven't figured out how to stop the fight yet. Why don't we let them quarrel first? The two of us will go home first. You can put our summary memorial in the Chuigong Hall first. The two of us will come to see you tomorrow to report. What do you think?"

"Ah? Su Zhongcheng, this... this... what should we do if a fight breaks out?"

Su Liang smiled slightly.

"Don't worry, there won't be a fight. I have warned the censors more than once that they should use words instead of fists."

Su Liang thought for a moment and said, "Actually, arguing will help solve the problem. They should argue for a few more days."

After saying that, Su Liang turned around and strode away.

Zhang Maoze looked at Wang Anshi helplessly.

"Official Wang, this... this... it's not a good idea to keep quarreling and make the official angry!"

Wang Anshi smiled slightly.

"If I'm right, Jingming should have a solution. Letting them quarrel first might be part of this solution. I'm going home too!"

After saying this, Wang Anshi also strode away.

Zhang Maoze looked at the noise in the government hall, curled his lips and said, "They are not in a hurry, I... why should I be in a hurry? I'll go drink some tea!"

……

Late at night, Su Zhai.

Dinner is over.

Su Liang leaned on a recliner, Tang Wanmei massaged his head, his son Su Zimu massaged his left leg, and his daughter Su Qinyi massaged his right leg.

I feel very happy.

Only at home can he feel so comfortable and at ease.

Su Liang already had a solution in his mind as to whether the emperor would go on a northern tour, but what he had to do now was not to stop the fight and let these people continue to debate.

…Early the next morning.

Su Liang and Wang Anshi entered the Forbidden City and saw Zhao Zhen, who looked depressed.

After the two reported the situation to Zhao Zhen, Zhao Zhen began to complain.

"Su Qing, Wang Qing, my life is really frustrating! Why can't I go on a tour to the north with the emperor's ceremonial guard?"

"If I don't go, will the rulers of future generations stay in this square city obediently? Have they ever thought about my feelings? They just want me to work hard to become a wise and holy ruler, but they never consider whether I am tired, whether I am suffering, or whether I am in a good mood?"

"You always use the laws of our ancestors to oppress me, and always use the etiquette of the saints to restrain me. This time, I will make the decision, and no one can stop me..."

Zhao Zhen seemed to have found an outlet for venting his feelings, and he poured out his grievances to the two of them for nearly an hour.

After Zhao Zhen finished venting, he looked at Su Liang and Wang Anshi.

"Mr. Su, Mr. Wang, do you agree with my idea?"

Su Liang was the first to step forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think you can go, but I do not recommend that you go on a tour with the emperor's guard of honor. I suggest that you go on a tour in plain clothes."

Zhao Zhen frowned slightly and looked at Wang Anshi.

"Wang Qing, what about you?"

"I agree with Prime Minister Su's opinion." Wang Anshi bowed and said. He also hoped that Zhao Zhen would go on a secret tour of Hebei.

Zhao Zhen thought about it and sighed.

"Alas! I...I have compromised and will listen to you two. I will reluctantly agree to go on a secret tour!"

After saying this, Zhao Zhen puffed out his chest.

"Mr. Su, Mr. Wang, since you are very supportive of my incognito tour of Hebei, I order you to persuade all officials who oppose my tour, especially the censors!"

Su Liang and Wang Anshi smiled helplessly.

The government's tactic of transplanting flowers and trees has suddenly transferred the conflicts and pressures to them.

Su Liang said again: "Your Majesty, I have a plan in mind, but I cannot convince them at the moment. I beg you to issue an oral order to the two ministries, three departments and the censors, allowing them to continue the debate and find reasons."

"Three days later, the emperor will announce that the matter will be discussed in court. By doing so, I guarantee that I can convince everyone and allow the emperor to travel to Hebei incognito."

"it is good."

Zhao Zhen looked puzzled. Although he didn't know what Su Liang meant, he still chose to believe him.

……

Half an hour later.

Zhao Zhen issued an oral order, ordering the two ministries, three departments and the censors to continue the debate, but not to take any action.

Su Liang, the chief official of the Censorate, also informed all the censors.

The next task is to go to the government hall and debate with the ministers until you convince them or are convinced by them.

When the censors heard this, they thought Su Liang supported them, and they became very excited and vowed to persuade all the officials.

……

The next three days.

The Secretariat's Council of Ministers was as bustling as a vegetable market.

They quarreled from early morning to dusk, each holding his own opinion, spitting everywhere, and neither would give in.

The censors were responsible for supervising the two ministries and three departments, so they were not afraid of the ministers at all.

But the other gentlemen did not agree.

Ouyang Xiu, Wang Yaochen and Zeng Gongliang were the three people who supported the government's incognito tours.

The three parties quarreled, and the quarrel became more and more chaotic. The impact caused by the quarrel became greater and greater. Soon, officials from other government offices also rushed to the government hall and joined in.

Three days later, early morning.

Zhao Zhen issued an edict that the issue of "rating of Hebei Imperial Guards" would be discussed in the court this afternoon.

As soon as this decree was issued, the officials became even more excited and began to prepare arguments and evidence, ready to fully express their views during the court meeting.

afternoon.

Civil and military officials gathered in the Daqing Hall.

Zhao Zhen sat there expressionlessly, then looked at Su Liang.

Immediately, Su Liang stood up.

"My fellow officials, please support the emperor's grand tour and stand with the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Wealth; the emperor's incognito tour and stand with Minister Ouyang and Minister of Planning; the emperor's stay in Bianjing City and stand with the censors!"

Wow! Wow! Wow!

The ministers moved around and soon formed into three factions, with not much difference in the number of people.

Followed by.

Zhao Zhen stood up from the throne.

"Today, all the ministers must remain silent. Listen to me first, then to Su Zhongcheng. Those who have objections may speak up at the end!"

All the ministers bowed and looked at Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen said slowly: "Back then, Taizu Taizong's last wish was to recover the homeland of Han and Tang dynasties. I have always kept it in mind."

"Why am I going on a tour to the north to review the military? It's not because I'm bored staying in Bianjing City, nor is it for the sake of novelty and enjoyment, but for the honor of the Zhao Song royal family!"

"I have said before that I will personally lead the army to recapture Yanyun. I do not want to be known as someone who takes credit for something or even drags down our army!" "You know, I have read many military books recently and read all the memorials on the Northwest War in full. I hope that I can make a real contribution by leading the army in person and improve the combat effectiveness of our Song Dynasty's imperial army, rather than being a mascot. Do you understand?"

"I wish to travel incognito to see the Hebei Imperial Army, and see if we can make more preparations before a full-scale war with Liao. A little more preparation may save the lives of several soldiers!"

"This is my reason. Do you think it is worthless and meaningless?"

After saying that, Zhao Zhen sat down.

The entire hall was silent.

Zhao Zhen's words came from the bottom of his heart.

Most officials thought that his personal presence in the army was a mascot, but they just didn't dare to say it.

I didn't expect that Zhao Zhen's real thoughts were like this.

After a while, Su Liang walked to the front of the hall and slowly spoke.

"My dear colleagues, the government has already compromised. It is a waste of money and manpower to have the emperor go on a tour with his guard of honor. The soldiers in Hebei have not done anything, so it is not appropriate to have a grand tour. I am also against a grand tour. The First Emperor toured the country only after he destroyed the six kingdoms and brought peace to the country. We in the Song Dynasty have not made such achievements at the moment."

Su Liang looked at the gentlemen, and they all lowered their heads.

"As for taking advantage of Yelu Zongzhen's death to show off the power of the Song Dynasty, I think it is unnecessary. We don't need to show off our current national power because everyone in the world knows it!"

Afterwards, Su Liang looked at the censors and their supporters behind them.

"As a censor, my thoughts are basically the same as yours. I don't agree that the emperor's northern tour is worthless, but I agree that future emperors will learn from it and enjoy themselves in the name of tours."

"This is indeed a reasonable reason to oppose the official tour abroad."

"So, after discussing with the emperor, I let you debate for several days, and then I will discuss the matter in court. This matter has to become a big deal, so that future emperors will understand that the emperor must get the consent of all the ministers before he can go on a tour."

When Wang Anshi heard this, he immediately understood why Su Liang said that quarreling was a good thing.

Finally, Su Liang raised his voice.

"I suggest that if the emperor goes on a tour to the north, he should go incognito and not inform the imperial guards of Hebei. Just let a few generals in Hebei know. If they are motivated, the whole army will be motivated. In addition, you can bring a minister and a censor with you to show that you are going on a tour for military purposes. I will recommend myself and I will also recommend Deputy Envoy Zeng!"

After Su Liang finished speaking.

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly, looked down, and asked, "Do you have any objections?"

Everyone looked at each other. Su Liang's words blocked all their reasons. What else could they say?

"I have no objection!" The ministers handed over their hands at the same time.

Suddenly.

Su Liang let out a long sigh and wiped the sweat from his forehead. It was really tiring to mediate fights in the court.

Zhao Zhen raised the corners of his mouth and revealed a smug smile.

In his eyes, Su Liang was simply the court's tailor. Without Su Liang, the court might fall apart at any time.

(End of this chapter)