The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 135 Zhang Tingfan

At dawn, July 16, the first year of Kaiping.

In Luocheng Dailouyuan, officials from the Daliang Dynasty were waiting here.

There was a dripping clock in Jiafu Hall. After the liquid had run out, the attendant Xiao Qi nodded, and the warriors opened the palace gates. The ministers, led by the censor, walked into the corridor and were inspected one by one by the supervising officer Shi Tai.

Zhang Tingfan, who had been promoted from a field lackey in the Bafu to the prefect of Kaifeng, frowned.

Tongshi Sheren is just an official in the Secretariat. Is it Xiao Qi's job to verify the regular court hours?

Also, what is the point of letting the censors walk in front of the prime minister and lead all the officials? Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the prime minister, the general, the minister of state, and the censor have all led the officials. When did it become the turn of the censors of the three courts? It's ridiculous!
What's even more abominable is that Shi Tai, who was not familiar with the ministers' family background, actually allowed warriors to touch the ministers' armpits and crotches with a smile on their faces, and some even shouted at the ministers and pushed them around.

Who taught your Foreign Affairs Office? Is this how it is implemented?

You still think of it as the shogunate of the past? Don’t the civil and military officials, ministers, generals and officials have any shame?

Why is Shi Tai qualified to be the gate captain when he is so rude?

What etiquette was formulated by Li Zhen and Jing Xiang... It was not even like the previous dynasty's copy, which made Daliang like a monkey in human form. No wonder it failed in the exams. Is it because the sages were ignorant, or because of the loss of morality and the distortion of social customs that the Foreign Affairs Office has become like this? Or is it that the sages are extremely wary of, despise, and are suspicious of their subordinates, so they do this humiliating thing?
Zhang Tingfan was feeling a little uncomfortable and tried hard to suppress his nausea as he was pushed around by the guards.

The rituals are ruined and the music is ruined!

The Jingzhao Yin, an important official with a rank of two thousand stones in ancient times. Even now, he is a third-rank purple-robed official. He was almost treated as a criminal or an assassin and was strictly searched during the court in Daliang. This shame is not ordinary! Since the pre-Tang Dynasty, saints and ministers sat and discussed the truth, the prime minister did not report his name when he saw the emperor, and the prince bowed to the prime minister. How could he be so lowly? Zhang Tingfan's face flushed.

We are not slaves or servants of your Zhu family. Do you think it is fun to embarrass the ministers in such a situation?

Is this all Daliang is?

He was not as kind to his subordinates as An Lushan of Dayan.

Thinking of Zhu Wen's design of the Chongzheng Envoy and Xuanhui Envoy working in the same office, and the two provincial officials and the Shangshu and other officials discussing politics in the same room, Zhang Tingfan suddenly felt that the saints were just playing house, and the court was just a bunch of inappropriate makeshift teams. It doesn't matter if you don't understand things like etiquette and official positions, you can just follow Liu Sui, Xiao He, and Shusun Tong. How much money can you spend to hire a dozen old Jinshi to support you?

Zhang Tingfan understood the importance of a complete system. Although people like Li Zhen were not able to accomplish much, they were also trying their best to get things done. Zhu Sheng, a fool, just ignored it. However, Zhang Tingfan believed that Zhu Sheng would realize it soon.

Rules are rules. In reality, the busy Jingzhao Yin usually doesn't come to waste time unless it's the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, New Year's Day, Winter Solstice, the second birthday, or the coronation of the empress. Fines are fines. There have always been many ministers in Chang'an who have been criticized for frequent absences. Today, he, the Yin of Kaifeng, was asked to be present. Obviously, there was an urgent matter for the Chinese and foreigners to discuss.

What could be the urgent matter?
With this in mind, they had just arrived at His Majesty's Square when they heard a loud noise. Zhang Tingfan and the other ministers turned around and saw Kou Yanqing and a group of warriors wearing tall hats and wide belts arriving late. Some were running, jumping and playing in groups of three or five, or discussing loudly, just like they were at home.

The censor tried to rebuke him, but was threatened with a raised fist and was immediately silenced.

"The court is just in its infancy and the military men are arrogant." Zhang Tingfan murmured, feeling a little dizzy.

The ministers waited again, and Li Zhen, who was given the title of "Shizhong", walked into Jiafu Hall with his head held high and chest puffed out, "asking for martial law" - which meant announcing that the emperor and his ministers would soon meet and requesting martial law between China and North Korea.

Then the eunuchs, female officials and guards entered in an orderly manner.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Pei Di, the Minister of the Outer Court, "looked at etiquette" and ordered all officials, princes, officials of honor, and officials to check their appearance again, take off their shoes, and go to the toilet quickly if they needed to.

Wang Yin, the Minister of the Central Secretariat, reminded everyone one by one not to speak without permission.

Inside the palace, after the Zhongyan was over, all officials took their seats. Li Zhen reported to the "Foreign Affairs Office" to the cabinet doorman who had arrived on behalf of the emperor. After the cabinet doorman confirmed that everything was normal, Zhu Sheng walked out of the small door accompanied by several eunuchs who had been castrated not long ago and ascended the Dragon Court throne.

After the second worship, the court meeting began.

Zhang Tingfan wanted to laugh. A set of procedures was half-mishandled by Li Zhen and his idiots, but the saint was still very happy.

"Ahem." Zhu Sheng cleared his throat and glanced at Chongzheng Envoy Jing Xiang.

Jing Xiang lowered his head and bowed slightly, then began to guide the officials in reporting their affairs.

Zhang Tingfan was all black. You are wrong again. You should ask the Minister of the Secretariat or the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Things are different now. Internal and external military and political affairs are each managed by their own officials. Don't worry about your Jingxiang all the time for trivial matters...

"Report from Sizhou. Zhu Yougong was defeated in his eastern expedition against Hou Song, Shao Guangchou, and Liu Honge. There was also a major epidemic in Xuzhou, and four to five out of ten soldiers were killed or wounded. Yougong retreated to Pei and has not been out since. Please recall him to Daliang to prepare for any unexpected eventuality." Zhu Yuanli, a doctor in the Ministry of War, was the first to bring up the topic.

Zhu Yougong was also Zhu Sheng's adopted son. He had been in office for half a year, but he had not been able to defeat the three bandits Shao, Hou and Liu.

Wu Chen was very dissatisfied with him and felt that it was too shameful. There were 30,000 elite soldiers, but this rubbish failed in several battles. Was Shao the thief really difficult to deal with, or did he want to keep the enemy at bay?

Zhu Yuanli's proposal now is obviously a suggestion to change the commander.

Compared with other adopted sons, Zhu Yougong was not only skilled in martial arts and familiar with the art of war, but also intelligent, shrewd, and good at scheming and political schemes. Zhu Wen saw his own shadow in him, so he valued him very much.

Of course, it is also possible that it was because Zhu Yougong’s wife Qu Yingying was too beautiful.

He was also very enthusiastic about this daughter-in-law, but unfortunately Qu Yingying was very cautious and never went out alone or showed up in front of people. Wherever Zhu Yougong went, she followed him closely. Zhu Wen had never found an opportunity, so this time he first deceived and raped his second daughter-in-law, Wang Yu.

After hearing Zhu Yuanli's words, Zhu Wen stroked his beard and fell into deep thought.

Does this evil boy have the intention to rebel? He should have, but it is not very strong yet. He is at the stage where he dares to think but not to act.

Zhu Wen considered killing his son on false charges, but his eldest son had a high reputation in the army. When he had a quarrel with his son and wanted to kill him, hundreds of cavalrymen followed his son and fled.

Is this still available?

Therefore, he had mixed feelings towards this eldest son. He hoped that Zhu Youyu could take on the responsibility, but he was also afraid that Zhu Youyu would rebel and seize the throne. Zhu Yougong and Zhu Youyu were not on good terms, and the two had fierce conflicts in private, so it was the most appropriate to use him to check and balance the eldest son.

Furthermore, he also wanted to sleep with Zhu Yougong's beautiful wife. If he captured Zhu Yougong, Qu Yingying, who always followed him, would definitely not return to Bianzhou.

Thinking of this, Zhu Sheng made a decision and waved his hand, saying, "No hurry. Xuzhou is in great trouble, and it is normal to lose the battle. Give him another 10,000 soldiers."

"No one is more wise than the Supreme One." Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanli did not insist.

Anyway, it's a rebellion against the saint, so as a subject, you just need to say it in advance.

"Boy Li Ye, now that you have pacified the eight towns northwest of the capital, what have you been doing recently?" Zhu Wen stopped another minister who was about to report something and asked.

The strategic direction was the most controversial issue in the court.

Jing Xiang and Xie Tong insisted on the original plan - to attack Yan and Yun, which had been destroyed, and then destroy Qi and Wei, continue to expand their power, and create an atmosphere of destiny. As long as the territory becomes larger and larger, as time goes by, who will recognize the Tang Kingdom that is isolated in a corner? By then, even if they cannot destroy the Li family and unify the world, at least the East and the West will coexist. Instead of fighting Li Ye to death, it is better to swallow the meat that can be eaten steadily.

Go east first, this is the safest option. It is not certain that we can break into Guanzhong, but Xuan and Jin are already pigs and sheep waiting to be slaughtered. Li Ye is not a mediocre ruler, but everyone knows that Wang Shifan is incompetent. It is not difficult to choose.

Are there any dissenters?
there must be.

For example, Li Zhen, Ge Congzhou, and Kou Yanqing strongly advocated pooling the entire country's strength to attack Guanzhong, eliminate the remnants, and kill Li Ye, the scourge.

The Marshal's enthronement did give him a sigh of relief, greatly offsetting the troubles caused by the deprivation of his official title by the Chang'an edict. Henghai, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, and Jiangxi also expressed their submission, but the majority of the vassal states and bandits followed Li's denunciation of Daliang and even sent troops to rebel. As long as the pseudo-Tang survived, the vassal states would have hope in their hearts, and Daliang would not be able to live in peace.

Li Ye can lose many times, but as long as he survives, he will always have the chance to lead the princes to make a comeback. As long as Daliang suffers a crushing defeat once, it is inevitable that flowers will bloom everywhere. Last year, we failed to enter Chang'an, and afterwards, six states and two towns rebelled! Is there another chance? If we suffer another crushing defeat, there will definitely be one.

When they heard Zhu Wen mention Li Ye, they immediately became excited. Perhaps today they could determine whether to go east first or west first.

"Reporting to Your Majesty." Jing Xiang stepped out of the group and bowed, saying, "I got the news from Hezhong. Last month, Li Ye went west from Hewei and conquered a thousand miles of land. He encountered many enemies and won every battle, greatly defeating the barbarians. If my guess is correct, they should be besieging Jincheng and trying to open up the Liangzhou Road."

It's really horrifying!

As they advanced forward, the rapidity of their progress was not even enough to be described as unstoppable.

"This thief is really getting powerful." Zhu Sheng clapped his hands and shook his head slowly. "If Li gets all of Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiuquan, Liangzhou, Jincheng, Longxi, and Hanzhong and Xiakui, he will be like an old fish entering the sea. Who can stop him?"

This is not alarmist.

Emperor Li did not enjoy much prestige in Guanxi, but the name "Tang Dynasty" was indeed very popular there.

Are the Ganzhou Uighurs strong? Anyway, no one says they are weak, but they often cross mountains and rivers to pay tribute. Last year, when the Jinzouyuan was still in existence, a letter of intelligence was sent back saying that the Uighurs applied to send troops to the king to help China quell the rebellion, just like the story of An Lushan.

This is a microcosm.

This is enough to show the prestige of the Tang Dynasty among all ethnic groups.

The virtues accumulated by the Li emperors for their care and concern for the Hu people still benefit their descendants.

With this foundation, it would not be particularly difficult for Li to take over the fifty states in Guanshan.

Zhu Wen was very anxious.

If Li the thief swallowed up Guanxi, it would be Youfufeng, Zuofengyi, Jingzhaoyin, Qinfeng, Shang, Xiasui, Shuofang, Jing, Longxi, Jincheng, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiuquan, Liangzhou, and the fourteen counties. If he were to get Shannan, plus Qianzhong under the control of the court, and Feng Xingxi, Zhao Kuangning, Wang Chongying, and Tian Xide, who were his vassals, who would be worse?

This kid's potential is really scary.

At a young age, he inherited a dying business, guarded a foundation that was about to collapse, and was controlled by both inside and outside. But once he woke up, he was like a different person. In less than three years, what is the current situation of the precarious country? He felt a strong pressure, or fear, difficulty, and annoyance. The last time this emotion appeared was when Qin Zongquan attacked.

"We should have continued to besiege Tongguan at the beginning of the year, marched into Chang'an and slaughtered the entire family of this thief."

"What's the point of saying this now? Li the thief is hiding in his shell and waiting for you to bite him. What can you do?"

"Take Puguan Road or Wuguan Road instead."

"I think we have to lure Li out of the pass for a fight. Once we destroy his main force, will he still be able to defend the pass?"

"This thief is very cunning, how can we lure him?"

"Li Cunxiao took Lu and rebelled, sending 200,000 soldiers to the north. Keyong must defend Taiyuan or flee to Yinshan. The thief Li attacked his daughter, and Wang Chongying is his ally, so how can he not come to rescue? So the troops of the two towns are blocked in the Fenshui Valley between Yindi Pass and Pingyang. If Keyong does not come out, attack him. If the Gu army does not come out, attack Li and Wang. If it succeeds, Qin and Jin will be pacified. If it fails, Shatuo will be severely damaged. If the thief Li does not come to rescue, the alliance between the fake father-in-law and son-in-law will no longer be maintained. Daliang will still benefit."

The military officials talked a lot and made various suggestions on how to eliminate the thief Li.

Hearing this, Zhu Sheng looked at He Delun and interrupted, "Will Li the thief be involved in this conspiracy?"

"Taiyuan is under siege, and my parents and clan are in danger. The Shatuo girl and the officers who came with her as a dowry must be restless. The thief Li has no choice at all." He Delun laughed and said, "Not only did he ruin someone's daughter, but he refused to take on the responsibility of a son-in-law when the time came. No matter how much the thief Li talks, it involves the life and death of her loved ones. Will the Shatuo girl listen to him? Will the people of Taiyuan rebel in anger?"

"The strategy is good." Li Zhen and more than ten other ministers expressed their approval.

Zhu Wen thought about it.

Xuan and Jin won't be able to jump around for a few more days. More than half of the most capable veterans have been killed. Now we have switched to full defense and can't fight a large-scale battle. It doesn't matter if we kill them early or late.

The rebel forces led by Shao Guangchou, Liu Hong'e and Hou Song were roaming around everywhere and were too flexible to be eliminated at once, but they had been suppressed by Zhu Yougong in Shouchun and Huaiyin areas and could not pose a threat to the hinterland.

Wang Shifan and Zhao Kuangning are just scoundrels, not to be feared. Unless Li Ye’s troops come to Kaifeng, he will not dare to leave the country.

There are many troubles in the south. Hu Hong easily entered Wuchang and became the inspector appointed by the pseudo-Tang. Du Hong's incompetence is one reason, but the main reason is that the states of Eyue have a strong centripetal force towards the Li family. However, since Hu Hong dared to rebel against Du Hong when he failed to attack Tongguan, it shows that he has great ambitions. It is a dream to expect him to be truly loyal to Chang'an and fight to the death with the people of Bian.

There is no need to worry too much about this guy taking advantage of the situation.

The only one to watch out for is Wei Bo.

Under Luo Hongxin's rule, they lived in peace for ten years, but their fierce instincts did not change.

During the Chaos Rebellion, the Wei army also marched west to Heyang, forcing Zhuge Shuang to flee. They also marched north to Zhaoyi, defeating the Meng family several times. Soon after, they marched east to Yuncheng, killing Cao Cunshi, the governor of the Tianping Army, and besieged the city for half a year. Few vassal armies could achieve this level. After Zhu Xuan took over the position of commander, he thought he was no match for the enemy and asked for peace directly.

This is also the reason why Zhu Wen did not dare to force Wei Bo too much after defeating him once in the previous two years.

He was not like Li Zhen, who thought that the Wei Bo army had lost its martial arts and combat effectiveness due to 150 years of peace, and that they were old-fashioned and could not fight. This was an illusion. Since Tian Chengsi, the warriors of Wei Bo had only done one thing for generations - studying and practicing martial arts. They were just content with the status quo and did not like to invade, but it did not mean they would not or could not.

So after being stabbed in the back, he did not rashly send troops to retaliate.

At this time, Wei Bo changed its flag, and Tian Xide came forward to lead the Heshuo Alliance and declared his loyalty to Chang'an. If we follow He Delun's strategy and force Li Ze and Wang Chongying to fight in Hedong, will Wei Bo help?
Thinking of this, Zhu Wen grabbed the dragon head and said, "This matter is not trivial. I still need to consult the Queen Mother."

The last time he secretly instructed the generals to lead their men to persuade the emperor to ascend the throne by putting on yellow robes, he had already angered the Queen Mother, causing her to kneel in the bedroom for more than an hour and swearing that she would never act on her own in the future. Only then did she barely calm down.

This time, Zhu Wen didn't dare to execute first and report later.

Let’s wait for the Queen to come back from Songzhou.

"No one is wiser than the Queen Mother!" The ministers knew that the emperor was as afraid of his wife as a tiger, so they complimented him.

"Issue another decree." When Zhu Wen thought of the thief Li's growing power, he felt uncomfortable all over, as if a steel knife was pressed against his back, making him restless: "A reward is offered for the heads of the thief Li, He Yuqing, and Du Rangneng. Whoever brings the heads of the two saints to see me will be made the King of Qin. Whoever kills the prime minister will actually be made a marquis of 8,000 households."

Humph, let's see what you can use to fight me without this old guy to manage your family business and finances.

"As ordered."

Zhu Wen rubbed his temples, feeling a little tired. Just as he was about to leave, he heard an imperial censor shouting, "Your Majesty, why didn't Prince Bo come to court? Please punish him!"

Well.

This child has quite a temper.

Isn't it necessary to react so strongly when I just took your wife? The reason you are upset now is that only your wife is favored.

When I have played with all your brothers' women, your sisters-in-law and brothers' sisters-in-law will all become my good wives. When all my daughters-in-law are my bed-warmers, Wang Yu will not be so dazzling.

(End of this chapter)