Do you know: I have a different surname: Wang, uncle Minglan.

Chapter 272: I will take care of the fifteen beautiful territories of the Great Zhou!

On the sixth day of the first lunar month in the seventh year of Jiayou, Emperor Zhao Zhen of the Great Zhou offered sacrifices to heaven and earth in the Taimiao and swore brotherhood with the Tibetan Buddhist disciple Zosilo. He conferred on Zosilo the title of "King of Tibet" and allowed his descendants to inherit the title.

On the seventh day of the first lunar month, the court held an annual banquet in Jiying Hall.

The court banquet this year did not invite the families of officials, but only some high-ranking ministers and Tibetan envoys.

Zhao Zhen did not even invite the envoys from Liao and Xia.

Sea transportation has been open for more than a year. Usually the sea is closed around November and will not be restarted until March of the following year.

During the past year, the court had earned 300 to 400 million taels of silver in tax revenue from maritime transport alone, which was enough to cover more than half of all other taxes.

This is the account on the surface, but as for how much silver Zhao Zhen's treasury has received privately, it is unknown.

On the Jiying Palace.

Zhao Zhen drank too much, which was rare. He looked at the dozens of meritorious officials sitting in the hall and slowly said:

"I have been on the throne for forty-one years. People say that I have been a holy ruler for forty years, with achievements comparable to those of the Three Sovereigns and virtues comparable to those of the Five Emperors. But I know in my heart that I could not have achieved such great achievements in this life and created such a prosperous era without your help."

"I want to thank Fan Zhongyan, Di Qing, Master Yan, Bao Xiaosu, Lu Yijian, Zhang Zhibai, and all the pillars of the country who have worked hard for the Great Zhou during my reign! Thank you!"

"It is you who made me successful in both civil and military affairs. It is you who made it possible for future generations to say that I was a good emperor."

"Gentlemen, I have been the emperor for more than 40 years. I am old and can no longer walk with you. I hope you will take your time and assist the crown prince to achieve great achievements."

"I, thank you!"

After saying that, he picked up the drink in the glass and drank it all.

The ministers in the hall stood up one after another and bowed in unison, saying, "Respect Your Majesty, Respect Great Zhou!"

Looking back on Zhao Zhen's life, it can be said that it was full of ups and downs, and he was worthy of being an emperor.

Whether the world admits it or not, his dynasty was a golden age. It was the most prosperous era for the economy of the Great Zhou Dynasty and the era when the Great Zhou Dynasty had the least shortage of talent.

During his reign, there emerged a poet as talented as Li Bai, a minister as famous as Zhuge Liang, and a general as famous as Guo Ziyi.
During his reign, there were too many romantic figures and too many elegant and romantic stories to mention.

In the future, even if Zhao Xi is a mediocre person, he will have the wealth left to him by Zhao Zhen, such as the tax revenue from the opening of sea transportation, Wang Anshi who is good at domestic affairs, and Wei Yuan. Zhao Xi can also become a wise ruler.

After the ministers toasted, Zhao Zhen's face suddenly turned pale. He seemed to be suffering from some kind of pathological pain, with his brows furrowed.

"While you are all here, I have one more thing to say."

All officials listened attentively.

Zhao Zhen said solemnly: "From today on, the crown prince will supervise the country, Han, Wen, and Zhang will assist in state affairs, and Wei Yuan and Wang Anshi will enter the central government to listen to and discuss government affairs."

The prince supervises the country?

When hearing the news, everyone was shocked.

Why does it sound like the government wants to emulate Yao and Shun?

"Officials."

Han Zhang, who was closest to Zhao Zhen, wanted to say something.

But Zhao Zhen's breathing became rapid, and he tried hard to wave at him.

He understood instantly and lowered his head in silence.

Wen Yanbo took advantage of the situation and said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will definitely fulfill your mission!"

The next moment, Zhang Fu and Wang Anshi bowed one after another.

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will assist the Crown Prince wholeheartedly!"

"Your Majesty, please rest assured!"

"."

At this time, Zhao Zhen was breathing heavily, as if trying to ease the pain and pressure brought by his heavy body. Then, he stared at Wei Yuan.

"Wei Qing, my good Wei Qing, stay by my side and guard the imperial city, good Wei Qing!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted immediately.

Manager Zhu, who had been standing beside him, suddenly panicked.
"Hurry up and call the imperial physician! Hurry up and call the imperial physician!"

In an instant, the whole hall was in a panic, and all the ministers walked towards Zhao Zhen.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

"Officials."

"The Royal Physician! The Royal Physician!"

"."

Wei Yuan wanted to step forward and stand next to Zhao Zhen.

At this time, Han Zhang suddenly pulled Wei Yuan out from the crowd, dragged him to the beam, and said sternly:
"General Wei, if the emperor is concerned about the safety of the capital, I'm in your care!"

"In an emergency, the first thing to do is to prevent chaos in the capital!"

Now, only Wei Yuan has the ability to quickly calm down the chaotic consequences caused by any unexpected situations.

Because he had soldiers under his command, including the most elite warriors in the entire Great Zhou - the Danglu Army.

"Please rest assured, Minister Han."

After a pause, Wei Yuan glanced in the direction of Xu Changzhi and said loudly: "Changzhi, quickly send someone to my house to get the armor and the imperial sword."

When the latter heard this, he immediately bowed and said, "Yes!"

Wei Yuan added: "Let the soldiers of the Danglu Army enter the Imperial City and change their guard!"

"The former Imperial City Guard Upper Four Armies will be stationed in the capital, and you will lead them personally."

"All the troops in the capital and the surrounding areas must not move without seeing the tiger talisman! Anyone who disobeys the order will be killed!"

As soon as Xu Changzhi left, the imperial physician came to treat Zhao Zhen.

After another half an hour, everyone sent Zhao Zhen to the bedroom.

At this time, whether it was the ministers invited by Zhao Zhen to participate in the annual banquet, or the officials in the capital at the moment, after receiving the news that Zhao Zhen suddenly vomited blood and fainted, they all rushed to the imperial city without stopping.

As if it weren't raining, the whole capital was soon covered by dark clouds. In a short while, there were lightning and thunder, and heavy rain began to fall for no reason.

It seemed that even God felt sorry for the serious illness of such a benevolent emperor.

Ever since Xu Changzhi sent someone to deliver Wei Yuan's armor and Guandao to the palace, Zhang Guifen began to feel uneasy.

At this moment, in the main hall of the Marquis's Mansion, after hearing the sound of thunder and lightning, her heart tightened. Seeing Baozhu wearing a straw raincoat walking towards her not far away, she quickly stood up and asked,

"What happened in the palace?"

Baozhu shook her head and said, "Madam, according to your wishes, I took our Marquis's waist badge to the Imperial City, but I saw that the entire Imperial City was under martial law and changing guards. Oh, and I also saw the Marquis's tiger guards."

The Manjia Camp was Wei Yuan's personal guard camp, and people also called his personal guards the "Tiger Guards".

"Tiger Guard. Switch Defense"

Zhang Guifen murmured, and her face suddenly turned ugly.

She grew up in the capital and had never witnessed such a serious moment. Even when Zhao Zhen was seriously ill last time, the guards in the imperial city did not change their shifts.

Moreover, they were all replaced by soldiers of the Danglu Army.

The Danglu Army is the most elite and ace army of the Imperial Guards, and is a new army built by the court at great expense of money and effort.

Such an important army actually directly replaced the Upper Four Armies to garrison the imperial city.

All these situations can only indicate one possibility.
Emperor, it’s no use!

When she thought of this, Zhang Guifen's face turned pale, as if she had just died, without a trace of blood.

For some reason, she felt her limbs become weak and she subconsciously took two steps back, almost falling to the ground. Fortunately, Baozhu helped her up in time.

Zhang Guifen's breathing became heavy.
"Baozhu, before the Marquis arrives, no one is allowed to leave the house, the door is closed, and no guests are allowed."

After giving the order, she left the main hall somewhat awkwardly. Baozhu was worried that something might happen to her, so she followed her and asked, "Madam, where are you going?"

Zhang Guifen did not respond, and finally came to the Wei family ancestral hall, knelt in front of the tablets of the Wei family's ancestors, clasped her hands together, and kept muttering to herself.

Strangely enough, Baozhu often came to the ancestral hall to light candles, and she felt it was eerie and scary every time she came. But since she followed Zhang Guifen here, she felt unusually warm.

Seeing that she was fine, Baozhu naturally felt relieved and quickly gathered the servants in the mansion to pass on Zhang Guifen's words.
-
now.

In front of Zhao Zhen’s bedroom.

Wei Yuan, wearing armor and holding a Guandao, was guarding this place personally.

More and more concubines and royal family members gathered in the bedroom.

At this time, Zhao Xi, who had burst into tears, came to Wei Yuan and bowed, saying:

"General Wei, my mother asked me to ask you, at this moment, should I serve my father at his bedside, or stay in the Secretariat or Xuanzheng Palace to handle state affairs?"

Hearing this, Wei Yuan asked curiously, "Did the Queen really ask the Crown Prince to ask me?"

Zhao Xi was silent.

Wei Yuan sighed, patted Zhao Xi on the back, and said earnestly: "Prince, please be filial. With me here, no one can affect your position as the Crown Prince."

Zhao Xi looked up at Wei Yuan and remained silent for a long time.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhao Xi turned around and stepped into the emperor's bedroom. "Master Wei, thank you for your help."

These five words made Wei Yuan feel not only familiar but also a little strange.

He looked at Zhao Xi's back and had an illusion that the little kid in front of him had suddenly grown up.

In an instant, I grew up.

"Commander Yan."

After Zhao Xi entered the hall, Wei Yuan saw Yan Da, the commander-in-chief of the Imperial City, walking slowly towards him.

He cupped his hands and said, "General Wei."

Wei Yuan said earnestly, "Have all the personnel been assigned?"

Yan Da nodded and said, "As you ordered, half of the people went to the capital, and the other half went to Yanbian and Daizhou."

Wei Yuan uttered a heavy "hmm".

Coincidentally, a flash of lightning flashed across the sky at this moment, and Wei Yuan's face was reflected in it, looking a little solemn.

After a moment, Yan Da asked directly, "What is the official's health?"

Wei Yuan shook his head and didn't dare to ask any further.

After a while, Yan Da asked again: "The emperor just asked you to guard the capital and ensure that there is no chaos in the capital."

"You are mobilizing troops and changing guards. If the emperor wakes up and knows about this, he will use it as an excuse to punish you. What should you do?"

Wei Yuan said solemnly: "The army changed its guard, and I have a clear conscience."

Yan Da shook his head. "You have a clear conscience, but I'm afraid those censors don't think so."

Wei Yuan did not respond, but thought of the young man who had just stood in front of him.

My thoughts can't help but go back to the past,
"Master Wei, promise me! I won't let you down, and you don't let me down either!"

"My father is ill. In the future, apart from Master Wei and Minister Wang, no one will help me."

"I'm afraid, I'm afraid that I won't be able to carry the country of Zhou."

"Master Wei, you must not betray me, absolutely."

"."

Wei Yuan, with his time-traveling body and thinking, couldn't help but sigh, why the ancients always said "A gentleman will die for his confidant".

In short, one sentence.

If that young man is really unable to shoulder the responsibility of governing the fifteen great territories of the Great Zhou, he will help that young man to shoulder the responsibility!

The next day.

The entire city of Bianjing was under martial law, and foreign merchant caravans and envoys were not allowed to leave the city.

Many noble families have heard that the one guarding the imperial city now is the commander-in-chief of the Palace Front Department, Wei Yuan.

So, they all went to the Mansion of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery to inquire about the situation.

However, the entire mansion was now closed to visitors.

Wei Yuan, Zhang Fu, Han Zhang, Wen Yanbo, Wang Anshi, Fan Chunren, Sima Junshi and many other central government officials did not return home for the entire night.

Even the dumbest person could feel that the sky of the Great Zhou was about to collapse.

But they are not worried.

Because even if the sky really falls, there is still something tall to hold it up.

Over at the Secretariat.

Han Zhang, Wen Yanbo and others sat upright in their chairs. They did not say a word the whole night, waiting for news from the emperor.

After an unknown amount of time, Manager Zhu finally arrived and said, "My lords, I am sorry to have kept you waiting."

Seeing that he looked somewhat relaxed, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and stood up to ask,

"How is the emperor's health? What does the imperial physician say?"

"."

Zhu Zong said: "Just now the imperial physician examined the emperor again and said that the emperor's old illness had relapsed due to excessive drinking. His condition has been stabilized. However, when the emperor wakes up will depend entirely on God's will."

Everyone was completely relieved.

After a pause, Han Zhang looked at Wen Yanbo and said, "The Crown Prince is currently paying respects to the Emperor. I'm afraid the grand court meeting originally scheduled for the tenth day of the first lunar month cannot be held as usual."

"Some things that happened last year should be resolved today. What do you think, Minister Wen?"

Wen Yanbo nodded and said, "What Han Xiang said is also what I think in my heart."

Han Zhang smiled and said, "In that case, how about we start by checking the old accounts?"

Check old accounts?
I’m afraid that what we are checking are not the account books of previous years;

The emperor is seriously ill, so both Han Zhang and Wen Yanbo need to compete with each other, otherwise the country will no longer be a country.

After hearing what the two ministers said, Manager Zhu tactfully left the place.

He was afraid that once the old accounts were brought up, blood would splatter on him!
As soon as Chief Steward Zhu left, the door of the Secretariat was closed.

Officials from the three provinces gathered here.

Han Zhang picked up a memorial and said slowly, "In March of last year, Guangnan and Guangxi changed their mulberry trees to rice to support the battle in Yanbian. This is a national policy and the first responsibility that Wen Xianggong has shouldered since he became the Minister of the Chancellery."

"But a whole year has passed, and only a few counties in the two routes have changed their mulberry trees to rice. How will the military and civilian food supplies for Yanbian be allocated in the future? This matter was glossed over by the Minister of Culture, but I think it is still necessary to bring it up and talk about it again."

"Moreover, those who should be held accountable should be held accountable, and those who should be punished should be punished. Otherwise, if this precedent is set in the future and the imperial decrees are not implemented in the local areas, and chaos occurs, we cannot afford it."

Wen Yanbo said without giving in: "With the opening of sea transport, the people in the south all rely on selling mulberry trees to make money. Even if we want to change mulberry trees to rice, it will take time and rules. We can't rush into it. Too much is as bad as too little. Doesn't Prime Minister Han understand this?"

"The government hasn't even specified a specific deadline for converting mulberry trees to rice, so why is Prime Minister Han in such a hurry? Speaking of this new policy of converting mulberry trees to rice, it reminds me of something."

"During the Qingli period, Fan Wenzheng announced the New Deal. At that time, Prime Minister Han was responsible for equalizing public land. After the New Deal ended, the problem of land annexation in Yangzhou, Bingzhou, and Dingzhou alone became increasingly serious, resulting in many people having no land to farm and having to become tenants."

"So far, Prime Minister Han has not given an explanation for this matter. Are you worthy of those people from various states who starved to death because they could not afford to eat?"

Han Zhang frowned slightly, "Minister Wen, you are digging up old issues from too long ago, aren't you?"

Wen Yanbo smiled and said, "We are just getting started. No rush, let's discuss it slowly."

(End of this chapter)