Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 70: Teacher Han Zhang, Head of All Officials! (Two Chapters Combined)

Wende Hall.

On the 14th of July, the usual court session was held.

The officials stood solemnly, silent.

"Gentlemen, do you have anything to report?" Emperor Zhao Zhen asked as usual, his sleeves folded together.

"Your humble servant Fu Bi has something to report."

Grand Chancellor Fu Bi wore a purple robe, his temples were gray, and his demeanor exuded extraordinary elegance and bearing.

"This old minister has served as prime minister for seven years, and is now over sixty years old. My eyesight and hearing are failing, and I am suffering from chronic illnesses due to overwork. My back and legs are also getting worse. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to grant me permission to retire and return to my hometown for burial!"

After speaking, Fu Bi kowtowed heavily and remained motionless for a long time.

All the civil and military officials turned their attention to the direction of the gaze.

This was the third and final resignation from the Grand Chancellor.

Three times he declined and three times he refused!

According to the rules of etiquette, after a man has declined three times, the king has no reason to persuade him to stay.

If nothing unexpected happens, the country will welcome a new head of officials, but it is unclear who it will be.
Standing on the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Zhen looked down at his elderly ministers with graying temples, sighed slightly, and his face was filled with regret and reluctance.

"Since I ascended the throne, I am fortunate to have you reformed the bureaucracy and consolidated the country, which has brought peace and stability to the nation. However, since you have fallen ill from overwork, I cannot force you to stay."

Zhao Zhen closed his eyes slightly, looking sad and heartbroken.

After a few breaths, Zhao Zhen opened his eyes and said in a deep voice:

"allow!"

Thus came to an end the era of Grand Chancellor Fu Bi.

As soon as the words were spoken, an imperial edict came out and announced:

"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

I consider Fu Bi to be a pillar of the state, a key minister, and a model for the court. He is loyal and upright, and diligent in serving the country. Now, having passed seventy years of age, he has repeatedly petitioned to retire. Upon reading his petition, I was deeply saddened and hereby grant him this special honor.

I hereby appoint you Minister of Works, Minister of Education, and Duke of Han!
He was specially granted a residence in Luoyang to live out his remaining years;
On the first and fifteenth of each month, the emperor would consult with the government and listen to their reports.

Yu Xi!

Although you have relinquished your key position, your safety and well-being still concern you; now that you have returned to your rural home, do not Don't forget the imperial court. May you strive to live well and cherish yourselves, and serve me in pacifying the four corners of the land!

Admire this. "

The edict was neither too short nor too long, and every word reflected the Emperor's grace.

As the head of all officials and the prime minister who ruled the country for seven years, Fu Bi had considerable connections and prestige.

Since he was begging to retire, the conflict between the emperor and his ministers eased by about 70-80%, which was reassuring.

To maintain the dignity of the head of all officials, the rewards bestowed upon him would certainly be substantial.

The most eye-catching positions were undoubtedly those of the Minister of Works and Minister of Agriculture, two of the Three Dukes. Even though they were honorary titles, they were enough to inspire awe.

The title of Duke of Korea, bestowed by the emperor, was a non-hereditary title. Apart from receiving a salary, it served only as a symbol of honor.

To be granted a residence in Luoyang by imperial decree for retirement is also a matter of honor.

As the head of all officials, representing the interests of countless people, he was destined to have an excellent residence.

Listening to reports in memorials, to put it bluntly, means submitting direct and honest advice to the emperor.

Even after retiring from officialdom, one still retains the qualification to directly reach the emperor's ears.

In comparison, it was quite ordinary, almost like the usual retirement reward given to a high-ranking official.

"This old minister thanks Your Majesty." Fu Bi bowed and slowly rose.

Zhao Zhen nodded and waved his hand.

"Retreat—"

The eunuch's shrill voice echoed throughout the hall, and the officials gradually withdrew.

In the past, the busiest topic in the imperial court was undoubtedly the selection of an heir.

This issue has lasted for nearly a decade, leaving officials utterly exhausted.

Fortunately, since Jiang Zhao proposed the secret method of establishing an heir, six members of the imperial clan have entered the capital to undergo observation and testing, which has solved the problem of establishing an heir.

The prolonged fatigue meant that the primary need for civil and military officials after resolving the issue of choosing an heir was proper rest and recuperation, rather than political infighting.

As a result, the court was unusually calm.

In recent days, apart from the change of prime minister, things have been relatively stable with no factional strife.

After the officials dispersed, the eunuch took the initiative to step forward and call out to Grand Chancellor Fu Bi.

Jiang Zhao was not surprised to see this.

As the head of all officials, if he wanted to retire and return to his hometown, in addition to declining the offer three times, the emperor and his minister would certainly have had a long discussion.

As for what to talk about?
The retirement of the Grand Chancellor, while seemingly a change in official rank, actually involved a wave of changes in official positions.

The position of head of all officials has become vacant, and it must be filled by a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. This has created another vacancy in the Cabinet, involving the appointment of a second-rank official to the Cabinet.

The second-rank official was promoted to the cabinet, and a bunch of people below him could be moved again.

When the emperor and his ministers discuss matters, they may be talking about who is suitable to become the next head of all officials, or which loyal and upright minister can be selected for the cabinet. It is nothing more than that.

Of course, some rulers will listen to what is said, while others will do the opposite.

"Zhao'er, let's go."

A calm voice came.

"Let's visit your residence for a chat and a couple of drinks."

Jiang Zhao looked up.

Teacher Han Zhang, dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, stood with his hands behind his back, his brows exuding authority and confidence.

Wang Yaochen and Zhang Fangping, two pillars of the Korean faction, walked side by side, followed by several other veterans of the Korean faction, all dressed in purple robes, their expressions solemn.

One of the white-bearded old men, named Wu Zhongfu, was the one who succeeded Jiang Zhi as the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief.

There was also an official named Sun Bian, who had recently entered the capital as a high-ranking official in charge of a region and was appointed as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

Wang Yaochen was the Minister of Rites, Zhang Fangping was the Right Vice Minister of Personnel, and Sun Bian was the Left Vice Minister of Revenue. The three ministries of Personnel, Rites, and Revenue were now in place.

There were even upright censors who were in charge of the Censorate.

This configuration already has the beginnings of a head of all officials.

With such capable subordinates, Han Zhang will definitely have to rise in rank and compete for the position of Grand Chancellor.

Thanks to a secret memorial on establishing an heir apparent, Han Zhang has already taken a step ahead of the remaining five Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

However, we must not be careless and should discuss things carefully and make thorough preparations.

"Teacher." Jiang Zhao stepped forward and bowed.

"Let's go." Han Zhang smiled with relief.

Jiang Zhao nodded and took a step forward, so the master and disciple stood side by side.

Seven or eight high-ranking officials in purple robes accompanied him.

The Sheng Mansion, Shou'an Hall.

Grandma Sheng sat in the main seat, with her daughter-in-law Wang Ruofu to her left.

Wang Ruofu hesitated for a moment, then said, "Mother, isn't it too harsh for my sister to be demoted to Danzhou?"

"Did Madam Kang send someone to find you?" Old Madam Sheng held her teacup and glanced at her daughter-in-law indifferently.

The daughter-in-law's words implied that she hoped Hua'er would feign illness so that Hua'er could come back to visit and plead on her behalf.

Wang Ruofu noticed that the old lady's expression was a little off, but still said, "She is, after all, my elder sister from my maternal family."

Kang Wangshi did indeed send someone over, hoping to plead for mercy.

Grandma Sheng closed her eyes and sighed.

"Your Majesty!"

The unusually cold voice startled Wang Ruofu.

"Mother?" She was somewhat puzzled and could hardly believe it.

"Kneel down!" Old Mrs. Sheng said again, her voice much louder.

Wang Ruofu was startled and, without thinking of why, immediately knelt down.

In this era, the word "filial piety" is enough to make a mother-in-law crush her daughter-in-law.

"Mother?" Wang Ruofu looked over in confusion.

Old Madam Sheng sighed and said calmly, "Now that Master Fu is about to retire, and Grand Secretary Han intends to compete for the position of the head of all officials, how dare you issue loans at exorbitant interest rates on your own?"

"Kneel for three hours." Originally, Wang Ruofu had voluntarily revealed the matter of usury, and it hadn't caused any harm.

As a mother-in-law, she no longer intends to discipline her daughter-in-law.

pity.

Look at them, completely unaware of their mistakes!
Upon hearing this, Wang Ruofu felt somewhat aggrieved: "Mother, there's no interest on usury either."

"Stop making excuses."

Old Madam Sheng was furious and scolded, "Officials' wives lending money at exorbitant interest rates is a capital offense. At best, they'll be demoted; at worst, they'll be exiled. This is right here in the capital! How dare you lend money at exorbitant interest rates?"

"Now, several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet are all focused on each other's mistakes. At this time, by issuing interest at exorbitant rates, are you trying to hinder Grand Chancellor Han, or are you trying to get Hong'er exiled?"

Old Madam Sheng sighed, "Zhao-ge'er is a man of officialdom. He can kill the Kang Wang clan for the greater good, and he can kill the Sheng family for the greater good."

"In Zhao Ge'er's eyes, the Kang family and the Sheng family are not necessarily that different; it's just a matter of a word."

As the only daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi, Old Madam Sheng had long been a part of the elite circles of officials' wives and relatives.

Therefore, she was very aware of the power disparity.

Is there any difference between the sixth and eighth ranks?

Objectively speaking, yes.

But in the eyes of those important figures, there is almost no difference.

If Kang Haifeng can be demoted, why can't Sheng Hong be demoted?

If his career is hindered, Zhao Ge'er can demote anyone when he gets angry!

Not only can they demote someone, they can also divorce their wife!

Wang Ruofu was startled and quickly said, "Daughter-in-law knows her mistake!"

Grandma Sheng glanced at her daughter-in-law and knew that she was only afraid, not that she knew she was wrong, so she couldn't help but say, "Open the curtains."

"What?" Wang Ruofu exclaimed in surprise.

Wouldn't this mean that the servants would see her being forced to kneel as punishment?

She is the matriarch of the household.

How can one gain prestige and establish oneself in this situation?
"Mother!" Wang Ruofu cried, "This is far too heavy!"

Grandma Sheng was a quiet and peaceful person.

Therefore, since marrying into the Sheng family, Wang Ruofu has rarely even paid her respects and has never been punished.

Grandma Sheng glanced at it and sighed softly, "Add another hour."

If this kind of foolishness isn't restrained, who knows if he might make a big mistake?

In the past, it was fine for small, insignificant households.

But Zhao Ge'er had already made his fortune.

The Sheng family originally had no power or influence; they were simply trying to climb the social ladder by marrying Zhao Ge'er.

Even if they don't help, they shouldn't at least hold us back!
"You're worried about Madam Kang, but aren't you worried about Hua'er?" Old Madam Sheng knew what Madam Kang cared about and reprimanded her, "If the news about Madam Kang instigating you to issue loans at exorbitant interest rates hadn't been exposed sooner, it would have affected Grand Secretary Han's appointment as prime minister..."

"Aren't you worried that Hua'er will be divorced?"

“Hua’er?” Wang Ruofu was taken aback and silently shed tears.

The sky was stained with ink, and all was silent.

Jiang Mansion.

Jiang Zhao sat upright in a wooden chair, his feet dipped into a basin of warm water, a cup of tea in his hand, slowly savoring it.

Sheng Hualan knelt down and massaged her husband's ankles, occasionally rubbing his shoulders.

"How is the Kang Wang clan?" Jiang Zhao asked.

Teacher Han Zhang was vying for the position of the head of all officials. Apart from submitting a memorial to the Ministry of Personnel to recommend Kang Haifeng, he really had no time to pay attention to the affairs of Kang Wangshi.

In the end, he was just a low-ranking official.

“Originally, Lord Kang was clamoring to divorce his wife.” Sheng Hualan’s clear eyes flickered slightly. “However, after you submitted a memorial recommending her, Lord Kang didn’t even have time to divorce her before the Ministry of Personnel appointed her.”

Jiang Zhao nodded.

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was Zhang Fangping, an old-timer from the Han faction, so it's normal that the appointment was made quickly.

"Therefore, Lord Kang no longer mentions the matter of divorcing his wife," Sheng Hualan said softly.

Jiang Zhao was not surprised to hear this.

Even if the Wang family lineage is in decline, they still have connections in the court.

Kang Haifeng's refusal to divorce his wife was probably in the hope that Old Madam Wang would intercede on his behalf, so that he could return to Beijing or be transferred to a more prosperous place.

Danzhou is teeming with snakes and insects; it is truly a miserable place.

"Did Old Mrs. Wang have anything to say?" Jiang Zhao asked calmly.

“The message hasn’t been sent out yet.” Sheng Hualan shook her head. “However, given my maternal grandmother’s personality, she will probably write a letter to plead for leniency or have someone intercede on her behalf.”

As a daughter herself, Sheng Hualan was very aware of how biased her maternal grandmother was.

The old man couldn't bear to see his eldest daughter suffer.

Jiang Zhao closed his eyes slightly: "Old Mrs. Wang can't cause any trouble, my wife, there's no need to worry."

The timing of Kang Wangshi's actions this time was terrible.

This period coincided with a change in the position of the head of all officials.

Kang Wangshi dared to take the opportunity to say something about "recommendation" and even induced Wang Ruofu to issue usurious loans.

Even if she didn't intend to cause trouble, it didn't stop South Korean officials from being on high alert.

Han Zhang just wanted to compete for the position of head of all officials. Is he doing this because he's afraid others won't find any fault with him?

Although the Wang family had fallen on hard times, they were not without powerful connections in the court.

If those cronies are truly willing to speak out for Kang Haifeng, Han's faction officials wouldn't mind initiating a factional struggle to test the capabilities of the Wang family.

Back then, Grand Tutor Wang couldn't stir up any trouble. Could some of his down-on-their-luck followers possibly turn the world upside down?
Sheng Hualan nodded slightly without saying a word.

Kang Wangshi's actions have crossed her bottom line.

Visiting her four times in four days—they were really leaving her no way out!

"My lady, rest now!" Jiang Zhao wiped his feet and picked up his beloved.

"uh-huh!"

On the bed, the passion had just subsided.

"My lord, I am pregnant, and I fear that in a few days I will no longer be able to serve you."

In a daze, Sheng Hualan said vaguely, "I have a younger sister named Shulan. She will be coming to the capital soon to become your concubine. Is that alright?"

"can."

July 20th.

Chang Chao.

Emperor Zhao Zhen sat upright on his throne, surveying the civil and military officials.

After a long pause, he spoke up and said, "Now that you, my lord, have retired, I wonder who you gentlemen think is capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of the position of prime minister?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Yaochen, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward.

"In my opinion, the position of Grand Chancellor is a matter of great importance to the country and the people, so it is best to appoint someone who is full of energy. Grand Secretary Han Zhang may be suitable for the position."

"What does Han Qing think?" Zhao Zhen looked down.

Han Zhang stepped forward, his face full of worry: "This old minister is of limited talent and learning, and I fear I will fail Your Majesty's high expectations."

On the surface, he seemed unwilling, but in reality, he did not refuse.

No refusal means consent!
"Then let's discuss it again!" Zhao Zhen declared.

When a prime minister retires, he must decline the offer three times.

The process of a new prime minister taking office is similar to some other procedures.

At the very least, one should be humble.

End of July.

The emperor summoned Han Zhang, and the two discussed governance and the affairs of the world.

August 11th.

Han Zhangjin was appointed as the Chancellor of the Secretariat and the Chancellery, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, the Privy Councilor, the Pillar of State, the Grand Academician of the Zhaowen Pavilion, the Supervisor of the National History, and was granted the title of Duke of Yi.

The new Grand Chancellor is Han Zhang!

(End of this chapter)