The first prince of Song Dynasty

Chapter 219 Secret Agent Zhao Guangyi

As soon as he went to court the next day, after accepting the worship of all the officials, Zhao Kuangyin didn't say anything, and immediately asked Zhang Dejun to promulgate an imperial decree.

Zhang Dejun cleared his throat and slowly opened the imperial edict written in yellow silk:

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said: Today there is a servant, Fan Zhi, who is old and frail, asks to resign and return to his hometown. I have tried to persuade him to stay, but to no avail, but because of his old age, he is allowed to resign and return to his hometown."

"However, this member was dedicated to his duties during his tenure, and he did not slack off in the slightest. Fan Zhi was specially conferred the title of Loyal Duke to show his appreciation, and he was awarded the title of Prince Taifu. This is my honor."

This imperial decree meant that Fan Zhi was going to resign and go into seclusion. The emperor was so reluctant to part with him, but there was nothing he could do.

The boss is old and frail, and I can't use him to death, so I have to agree with him to resign.

This is sympathy for the body of the elderly, sympathy for the old courtiers, and shows how humane the court is.

Fan Zhi has dedicated himself for so many years (although he has only worked for Da Song for a year.) Now that he is leaving, he must express it.

Zhao Kuangyin also unambiguously gave him the title of "Loyal Lord". The word "loyalty" means that Fan Zhi has been loyal all his life.This is not only a question of appellation but also an affirmation of Fanzhi.

Fan Zhi also knew this meaning, and knelt down to thank him as soon as the imperial decree was read out:

"Thank you, Majesty Long En, my old minister. Long live my emperor." After working hard for most of his life, he was awarded the title of "Gong", which can also honor his ancestors.

"Okay, old prime minister, get back on your feet quickly. Although you have left the court, if I ask you anything, don't refuse me."

Fan Zhi quickly said that the veteran did not dare, and he also knew that Zhao Kuangyin's words were meant for the civil and military ministers of the Manchu Dynasty, and he was just making a gesture.

There is no time for everyone to congratulate Fan Zhi in the court, there are rules in the court, this is not a vegetable market.

What everyone is most concerned about now is that since Fan Zhi resigned and the emperor agreed, his position will be vacant.

Then this vacant position must be replaced by someone, and what everyone wants to know most now is who will take over Fan Zhi's position.

Everyone looked at those who were expected to become the first prime minister, and gave them friendly smiles.

Now they feel that these few people can become the prime minister anyway, and it is always good to invest more now.

"Brother Zeping, who do you think will be the next prime minister?"

Tao Gu who was standing behind Zhao Pu asked in a small voice.He himself didn't expect to become a prime minister, nor did he have that strength.

Now that I can keep my position as Minister of Rites, I am very satisfied. As for the others, I don't want to think about it.

"Brother Tao Gu, this matter is beyond your control. It is something His Majesty considers. We courtiers only need to abide by it."

Zhao Pu didn't care how they guessed at all, anyway he knew that he would definitely be able to become prime minister.

He still remembered that when Zhao Kuangyin left the Zhao Mansion that night, he said something that made Zhao Pu very excited, that is:

"Zhao Pu, it seems that you are really suitable to be the prime minister."

What does this sentence mean? It does not mean that Zhao Pu can be the prime minister, and your talents are sufficient.

"Okay, quiet, I still have something to say, that is, Fan Xiang has left but his position cannot be suspended, so I will appoint a new prime minister."

After finishing speaking, the discussion started. If the long-winged hat hadn't been invented before, these ministers would probably be able to quarrel in the west.

"Okay, don't talk about it anymore. I have already made a decision. I have also discussed with several ministers. I have already decided on the candidate. Now I will announce my decision."

The ministers became energetic when they heard it. Now that the emperor is going to announce this important news in person, everyone is waiting with their ears pricked up.

"The former deputy envoy of the Privy Council, Zhao Pu, was sincere in his work during his tenure, and he can be regarded as a model for all officials. Now I have decided to appoint Zhao Pu as the servant of the door, Ping Zhangshi, and a scholar of Jixian Palace, responsible for the responsibility of the prime minister."

Zhao Kuangyin's words caused an uproar. No one thought that it would be Zhao Pu, the upstart who had just entered the Song Dynasty.

No one thought that he would be able to jump over the dragon's gate and become the head of all officials. Although he had not yet become the official prime minister, he was almost there.

Everyone sees that Zhao Pu is usually indifferent, and he didn't expect that January could become his immediate boss.

It's really amazing. It seems that in the future, we should get closer to others. Even if we don't, we shouldn't offend them.

There was nothing to do during the whole morning court, but this was considered a major event, and the others were nothing, so the court soon dispersed.

After the emperor left, everyone was in a hurry to be naughty with Zhao Pu, congratulated him on his promotion, and asked him to throw wine to celebrate.

"Brother Zhao Pu, I didn't expect you to be my boss now, isn't it Mr. Zhao, hahaha."

Zhao Guangyi also made fun of Zhao Pu, in fact, he was really joking, Zhao Pu can't be said to be his boss,

After Zhao Kuangyin's crusade against Li Chongjin, Zhao Guangyi was granted the title of "Deployment of the Great Neidu and Tongping Zhangshi".The governor of Kaifeng and the order of Zhongshu are about the same size as the prime minister.

He just made a small joke, which is normal based on the relationship between the two of them.

"Brother Guangyi, do you want to see my jokes again? By the way, I will host a banquet tonight and invite everyone to appreciate it!"

"Definitely." At this time, whoever didn't give Zhao Kuangyin face said they would definitely come.

At this time, the little eunuch next to the emperor came over and hurried to find Guangyi:

"Lord Zhao Guangyi, the emperor ordered you to stay."

"Thank you, little eunuch, I will go right away, my lords will go ahead."

He bowed his hands to the surrounding adults, and then disappeared at the gate of the hall with their little eunuch.

Zhao Kuangyin was sitting leisurely in the imperial garden looking at the flowers blooming all over the garden, looking very happy.

Since he became the emperor, he has not been so relaxed for a long time. In his memory, he used to pass by in a hurry.

I don't know how there is such a high interest in admiring the flowers here today. Something must have happened to make him happy.

"Your brother sees the emperor, long live my emperor."

Zhao Guangyi came here to salute him without saying a word, even if they are brothers, this salute is unavoidable.

Zhao Kuangyin woke up from excitement:
"Oh, it's Guangyi who is here, get down quickly and come to sit with me."

As he spoke, he patted the place beside him for him to sit down.

"I don't know why the emperor asked his younger brother to come here?" Now sitting across from him is not only his eldest brother, but also the current emperor, so he should be careful in everything.

So Zhao Guangyi didn't say any pleasantries, and went directly to the topic, and he couldn't figure out what Zhao Kuangyin meant.

"Guangyi, I called you here today, because there is something I want to entrust to you, and I want to ask for your opinion?"

Zhao Kuangyin didn't say that I have one thing for you to do and you have to accept it, but that I have one thing for you to do.

I am discussing with you now to see if you are suitable and whether you have time to do it. It is not in the form of an order, which seems very good.

Zhao Guangyi was also very satisfied that his elder brother did not treat him as an outsider. If he directly issued an imperial edict, wouldn't he have to obediently obey it?

"Once following the emperor's orders, the ministers will obey everything."

"Guangyi has no outsiders now, so don't call me the emperor, call me big brother. I haven't heard you call me big brother for a long time."

Zhao Kuangyin seemed to be nostalgic.

"Your majesty, younger brother, elder brother." Under the pressure of Zhao Kuangyin's eyes, he still called elder brother.

"Guangyi, I'm an emperor who has been working so hard. Internal and external troubles are like a nuisance. If you are not careful, our Zhao family's country will not be lost. Do you understand?"

"Brother and minister understand, so if you have anything to do, you can tell me. For the sake of the elder brother, for the sake of the Song Dynasty, and for the sake of our Zhao family's country, I will do anything."

What Zhao Guangyi said was really true, if Da Song was gone, he would really be nothing.

"Good Guangyi, I want to send you to the northwest. You also know that we have never asked about Qinfeng and Fengzhou in the northwest since we regained it. We don't know much about the specific situation there. Now I really want to know where it is. Please tell the truth."

"I also thought about letting other people go, but I was still worried. You are a real brother, so I thought of you. Can you see if you can go?"

"Brother, if you let me go, I will go, and my head promises to get to the bottom of the matter there. Please rest assured, brother."

There is nothing wrong with Zhao Guangyi, you have already talked about this point, can it be okay if I don't go, I'd better go obediently.

"Good Guangyi, I did not misunderstand you. Since you are willing to go, I will tell you the truth. I have other ideas, that is, I hope you can go to Houshu to find information about where. You must see it with your own eyes."

This is Zhao Kuangyin's purpose, otherwise he just went to inspect the place, wouldn't it be fine to be a random official.

Where is the emperor's younger brother going, this is the main event, this is a big deal, to spy on other countries' intelligence, just let the spies go, why let Zhao Guangyi go.

Zhao Guangyi knew in his heart that this was the emperor's preparation for the great cause of unification in the future, so this matter must be kept secret, and no news should be leaked.

"Your brother understands, big brother, don't worry, I will treat myself as a tourist, going to the Kingdom of Shu to play, and occasionally draw some mountains and rivers, hehe."

The two brothers talked together for a long time, and laughed from time to time. No one thought that Zhao Kuangyin's domestic affairs had not been resolved, and he began to reach out to the surrounding countries.

He is planning for a rainy day. The reason why he is great is because he sees farther than being seen, and is one step ahead of everything.

Who would have thought that he would actually send his younger brother to work as a secret agent? Ordinary people, not even the most talented people, would have thought of it.

　don't say anything
　　
　
(End of this chapter)