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

A daughter who is married to another man has her family visiting her every day. How can this be allowed?

With Jiang Zhao's arrival, the momentum of the Kangwang clan immediately weakened considerably.

As someone who has spent years mingling in the circles of the most powerful and influential, Jiang Zhao's unspoken aura alone is enough to make people feel uneasy.

Madam Kang quickly explained, "My nephew-in-law, you may not know this, but as the saying goes, those who share the same blood are connected. If her uncle becomes capable in the future, it will be a help to Changbai. I am doing this for Hualan's own good."

"Same bloodline?" Jiang Zhao raised his eyelids slightly. "What you say makes some sense. However, Lord Kang's political achievements are mediocre and lacking, which makes me, Jiang, ashamed to recommend him."

Jiang Zhaoping promised, "According to tradition, officials from the capital can be promoted one rank when they go to local areas. Danzhou is a place with great potential, so why not let Lord Kang go there to gain some experience? If he achieves good results, I, Jiang, will definitely recommend him personally!"

Madam Kang's expression changed drastically.

Actually, she realized something was wrong as soon as Jiang Zhao mentioned the word "Danzhou".

Unexpectedly, he was demoted to Danzhou?

Oh no, his rank has gone up, he's now a seventh-rank official!

"Hualan, I am your aunt!" Madam Kang's expression changed drastically.

Sheng Hualan remained silent.

Madam Kang panicked and quickly accused her, saying, "Your father, Sheng Hong, favors his concubine over his wife; your Sheng family has a corrupt reputation!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhao shook his head.

"Everyone says that the Grand Tutor's eldest daughter is virtuous and kind, but I don't think so."

After saying this, the couple slowly walked away.

Zhang Heng, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Bu, and their wives followed.

"Green bamboo snake's mouth!"

"A wasp's stinger!"

"Both are acceptable!"

"Women are the most vicious!"

A casual little poem sealed the fate of Kang Wangshi.

Even the clay Buddha still harbors some resentment!

Kang Wangshi bothered him every day, and Jiang Zhao was also annoyed.

The expressions of the dozen or so officials' wives and noblewomen changed slightly, and they walked away one after another, fearing that they had suffered some mishap.

This era was inherently one of male superiority and female inferiority.

Anyone who gets associated with this poem by the young Grand Secretary will likely suffer a terrible reputation.

What is dimensional reduction attack? This is dimensional reduction attack!

A renowned scholar, whose fame has always been known throughout the world, can have his reputation ruined by a single casual poem!

"Danzhou?"

"No, don't go to Danzhou!"

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 a man named Sun Ruomu, who was known for his unparalleled skill in divination and his ability to perform rituals.

Wang Yaochen was the Minister of Rites, Zhang Fangping was the Vice Minister of Personnel, and Sun Yaochen was the Minister of Rites.

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.