Chapter 21 Section VI

The emperor's illness made the ministers of the two governments worry. From the banquet in Qionglin Garden on the 17th to the 20th of July, the imperial physicians knocked on his forehead and refused to let Zhao Xu take a step out of the palace gate.This does not have much impact on the operation of the government of the Song Dynasty - the political tradition of the Song Dynasty and the spirit of the new official system do not require the emperor to deal with specific affairs, the emperor only needs to control the appointment of senior officials and act as the highest arbiter It is enough; however, whether the emperor is healthy or not is still related to the stability of the political situation.After deliberation, the prime ministers of the two governments decided to announce the emperor's condition regardless of the fact that envoys from various countries were in Beijing.This seemingly very confident move has actually revealed the worries of the Zaizhi—they are afraid that the emperor's condition will deteriorate and he will die suddenly. unfavorable.

Immediately afterwards, two more rumors began to circulate in Bianjing.The first rumor is that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor are looking for a teacher for the prince, and the prince's servant Zhao will soon go out to study at Zishantang.This rumor spread widely and quickly attracted the attention of many officials. Everyone wanted to be the prince's teacher, and everyone knew that this was a shortcut to success.But another rumor is only known to a very small number of officials who are closely related to the internal servants in the ban. It is said that the Zishantang that Empress Dowager Gao prefers to speak directly is Sang Chong, the dean of Baishuitan College and the editor-in-chief of "Bianjing News". Guo, and Cheng Yi, Dean of Mingli School of Baishuitan College.No one knows where the rumor originated, but it is believed to have something to do with the forbidden servant.This news is so important - if the emperor dies and a prince who is less than ten years old succeeds to the throne, Empress Dowager Gao will listen to the government behind the curtain.Catering to the meaning of Empress Dowager Gao is an important way to win the favor of Empress Dowager Gao.Moreover, there is no need to take any risks—Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi can be said to be the two most prestigious Confucian scholars who have not been officials.They have high morals and hold the power of Qingyi. Their students are all over the world, and they have huge influence.These two people speak directly as Zishantang, and there will be no doubts about their morality, talent, and qualifications.

The reason why those officials did not immediately write a letter to recommend it was simply because the emperor did not issue an edict clearly.The emperor who suffered from wind disease was particularly fragile in spirit, and seemed to be more prone to anger-in the three days, the only government affairs he dealt with was, despite the opposition of Sima Guang and others, he accepted the resignation of Wen Yanbo, who had been complaining about illness , let Wen Yanbo judge Tianfu as the Taifu, and worship Han Wei as the privy envoy. This is not an ordinary appointment.The fragile balance of the power structure has begun to break down with the emperor's violent wind and Wen Yanbo's departure.No one knows what will happen next. At this time, the emperor did not issue an edict to choose a master for the prince, but you wrote the letter without knowing what to do. Isn't this obviously cursing the emperor to die?

But the silence didn't last much longer. On the twenty-first day, Dr. Jin Ziguanglu and Duke Zhao Zhongpin of Jingcheng County, who went to the cemetery of King Pu Anyi in Xijing to offer sacrifices and returned to Beijing, presented the table and asked the crown prince to go out to study in Zishan Hall, and recommended Buyi Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi as his patrons. Kindness speaks straight. Zhao Zhongfan is the son of Zhao Zonghui, the current successor king of the Pu Kingdom and Qing Zongzhengsi, and the cousin of the emperor Zhao Xu.Because of Zhao Zonghui's old age and frailty, Zhao Zhongpin has been ordered to serve as a sacrificial priest for nearly ten years. Although his seniority in the clan is not very high, he is highly respected.Words carry a lot of weight. After the new official system, Yingzong's brothers took over successively as Minister of Zongzhengsi, but at this time it was Zhao Zhongpin who actually presided over the affairs of Zongzhengsi.Therefore, even the emperor should respect him three points.

Zhao Zhongpin's memorial seems to confirm the previous rumors.Without waiting for the emperor's approval, the memorials for recommending Sang and Cheng to Zishantang directly flew into the forbidden area like snowflakes. "Absurd! Absurd! Absurd!" Listening to Chen Yan relaying the rumors outside, Empress Dowager Gao trembled with anger.Let Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi be the direct speakers of Zi Shantang?Empress Dowager Gao never thought about it.She may have heard about Sang Chongguo's deeds, but although Cheng Yi is well-known among scholars, Empress Dowager Gao has only heard of the name.And all of this is actually "accepting the Queen Mother's will"!

"In this palace, there are more and more unruly rules! How dare you go out and spread rumors!" "Mother, this old slave thinks that there must be a reason for the rumors to come out of nowhere. Someone must have planned to let Sang and Cheng become the prince's masters, so they came up with this trick." Chen Yan said boldly, he always felt that there was something behind this incident. Huge conspiracy.But he didn't dare to speak indiscriminately. "You mean Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi?" Empress Dowager Gao quickly responded.Without extraordinary wealth, how dare you do extraordinary things?

"The old slave dare not speak nonsense." "Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi are just two commoners. How can they support so many officials? How can they move Zhao Zhongpin? Sure enough, they can be recommended by so many officials. The two of them want to enter Zishantang , it’s not too difficult, why bother to make such a bad plan?” After all, Empress Dowager Gao is also a smart person, and she immediately thought that if Sang and Cheng Guo really want to enter the official career, there are many ways. To make such a bad plan—as long as you are not too stupid, you will know that if the emperor is in danger, if the crown prince is on the throne, then the actual ruler must be her Empress Dowager Gao.What good would it do to offend her?The two zi shan tang were just talking bluntly, so she could just find an excuse and get rid of it.Although she didn't know Sang and Cheng very well, they both had false names, and they were not so greedy for profit.

But if the people behind this were not Sang and Cheng, who would they be? People who want to help Sang and Cheng, if they are so stupid as this, they will definitely not be able to come up with such a clever plan - they are bold enough to plot against the empress dowager, and they can even send Zhao Zhongpin to the table, this is not what foolish people can do However, if it is said that the enemies of Sang and Cheng want to frame them, it would be a little unbelievable to use such a method. Is it for Sixth Brother? Empress Dowager Gao was moved in her heart, and asked Chen Yan: "Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yizhi's conduct, what is the outside world's opinion?" Can it be worse?Sure enough, Chen Yan replied: "Ms. Hui, these two are well-known. Cheng Yi's disciples are all censors and officials."

Empress Dowager Gao also couldn't help becoming confused.She knew something about Sang Chongguo, Baishuitan had students and disciples all over the world, and Cheng Yi's disciples were able to be censors and ministers, which is not comparable to ordinary commoners.Such two people have a good reputation, have certain political influence, and are upright - isn't this for the sake of the prince?No wonder the outside world believed this rumor so easily.But since it is for the good of the prince, it is obviously not an act of a gentleman to use such a despicable method. "There are traitors around the prince." A thought suddenly came to mind.Empress Dowager Gao seemed to be pulled by something in her heart, but even in front of Chen Yan, she refused to show the slightest bit, she just said lightly: "Go and call Zhao Zhongpin, I want to see him."

Chen Yan hesitated for a moment, glanced at Empress Dowager Gao, and replied in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Duke Jingcheng is now in Ruisi Palace." "Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi's good method, I'd like to hear from my cousin!" Although the outside world is worried, Zhao Xu in the Ruisi Hall, because of proper treatment and recuperation, his condition has improved.At this time, Zhao Xu no longer had the symptoms of stuttering at the beginning, but he still paused when he spoke a few words, and his articulation was still a bit slurred, but there seemed to be a hot anger burning in his deep-set eyes.

Zhao Zhongfan avoided the emperor's gaze: "Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi have been famous in the world for more than ten years. These two people are the best in character, knowledge, and reputation. The legacy of the Ming Dynasty is the loss of the prime minister. Although the officials cannot Why don’t you leave it to your descendants? I think that by using these two to assist the Eastern Palace, the virtuous and virtuous officials of the Eastern Palace will be able to become a generation of wise emperors.” "The legacy of the Ming Dynasty?" Zhao Xu snorted. Zhao Zhongfan recommended Sang and Cheng to the table, although he listened to the suggestions of several nephews of the scholar class, and the clan said that the Queen Mother favored these two people-his son even said that a certain prince once said, Hearing that the Queen Mother praised Sang and Cheng, everyone encouraged him to take on the responsibility.But on the other hand, Zhao Zhongfan's participation in Zongzheng Temple's affairs inevitably required him to manage Zongxue, and the reputation and conduct of Sang and Cheng were naturally like thunder.He is also different from ordinary clans. Others can only worry about such matters, but he can talk about relatives and nobles.Moreover, even though he was refuted by the emperor for being nosy, he still made a contribution to the future emperor.In his view, with the qualifications of Sang and Cheng, it is absolutely unreasonable to be a straight talker in Zishantang.That's why I became the first bird.Unexpectedly, the emperor disliked Sang and Cheng so much.But behind Zhao Zhongfan's selfishness, there is no publicity at first.He himself also believed that recommending these two people would be beneficial and harmless to the community.Therefore, although the emperor was displeased, he did not mess up his position and refused to back down. He knelt down on the ground, and said loudly: "I have something from the bottom of my heart, and I dare to present it in front of the officials. The prince is young. If the ministers of the court give lectures in Zishan hall, one school will say the truth of the other school, and the other school will talk about it." The commentaries of the other school are really harmful to the East Palace. If they only care about fighting each other and competing for favor, what good will it do for the prince? Although Sang and Cheng are commoners, they are famous all over the world, and they have lectured for more than ten years. The master's qualifications. The two are upright and out of party struggles. They are really rare. If the official family wants to find a master for the prince, who else should I give them? I hope the official family will think twice." Speaking of this, He hesitated for a moment, gritted his teeth, and continued, "And...and, if the government has something to say, the crown prince must be supported by competent people. Sang and Cheng are great Confucian scholars in the world, and they are truly the world's clearest opinion." The leader. Although the two are commoners, their disciples are all over the world. If these two are in the East Palace, who will shake the position of the crown prince? Han Hui got Shangshan Sihao, and Emperor Gao knew the direction of people's hearts. Fu beggars think twice Of!" After he said these words, he was already sweating profusely.This is already a very clear choice. Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi are absolutely unable to be powerful ministers, but with their prestige and influence, if they win the crown prince's side, it will play a decisive role in consolidating the crown prince's position.But when he said these words, he was already involuntarily involved in the court struggle.A clan, even the Minister of Zongzheng Temple, should not know too clearly about the emperor's housework.Pretending to be ignorant while pretending to understand is the first key to longevity.Although Emperor Taizong's blood was flowing all over his body, there was a world of difference between the monarch and his ministers.In Zhao Zhongfan's heart, on the one hand, he regretted that he was so strong, and on the other hand, he was worried about his future fate. The two were mixed together, and his whole body couldn't help trembling slightly. Zhao Xu didn't understand what he said when it came to this point.He was still a little inflexible, leaning on the couch, half-opening his eyes, looking at Zhao Zhongpin quietly.After a long while, Fang slowly said: "My cousin is very loyal, but he has missed some things. My family has been established for a long time, and people's hearts have long been determined. There is no need for Shangshan Sihao to show people's support. And the sixth brother's position has been determined long ago. , Who else dares to covet it? I asked my cousin to take charge of Zongzheng Temple in the hope that my cousin would rule the family with virtue and convince people with righteousness. The ancestors won this world because of destiny and virtue, not through power calculations. If the destiny is with the sixth brother, no one can take it away; if the destiny is not with the sixth brother, no effort can be made to keep it. I don't need Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi!" "I'm confused, I'm confused!" Zhao Zhongpin hurriedly kowtowed to plead guilty. "I think my cousin is not confused, but too clear." Zhao Xu spoke vaguely, but his tone was as sharp as a sharp knife, "I'm not dead yet, and I'm the one who decides the great Song Dynasty! Cousin, don't think about it." It's too far." "Officials..." Before Zhao Zhongfan finished speaking, he was interrupted by Zhao Xu: "Over the years, my cousin has traveled between the two capitals four times a year to worship the ancestors. He has never made any mistakes, which can be regarded as hard work. But he is too busy, look It’s not a good thing to come—I think, my cousin should not worry about the affairs of Zongzheng Temple for the time being, and I’d better read the sage’s books carefully...” If it wasn’t for King Pu Zhao Zonghui’s face, Zhao Xu would have driven Zhao Zhongpin to the West Masaji Waizong went. Zhao Xu didn't know that Empress Dowager Gao was also being used.He didn't want Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi to be Zhao servant's masters, so he naturally had his own considerations.Baishuitan College is becoming more and more powerful, and sooner or later it will become a huge force in the court.It is impossible for him to disband Baishuitan College, and the emperor also has things he cannot do.But he didn't want to encourage Baishuitan's momentum because Sang and Cheng were the prince's tutors.In Zhao Xu's opinion, instead, proper support should be given to the other academies to prevent one family from dominating.Therefore, in the recent palace examinations, he even deliberately raised the rankings of Jinshi from Songyang and Yingtianfu academies.In addition, Zhao Xu's impression of Sang Chongguo is very general.Of course, it is impossible for Zhao Xu to keep in mind what happened more than ten years ago. After all, Sang Chongguo is just a commoner.He even forgot what it was, but left a bad impression in his heart, which made him subconsciously repel him.As for Cheng Yi, the emperor knew very little - he had never read Cheng Yi's works, but Zhao Xu remembered Cheng Yi's brother Cheng Hao, and he didn't like Cheng Hao too much.What's more, the rumor of "the empress dowager's favorite candidate" made Zhao Xu feel extremely uncomfortable. Therefore, he would rather find a few well-educated people from the pavilions to give lectures at Zishantang. However, no matter what the parties think, Zhao Zhongpin's memorial has become an arrow that leaves the string, and it is difficult to stop it.The surging undercurrent seemed to find a hole, and it spewed out with a bang.No one knows the true wishes of Empress Dowager Gao—what people know is Zhao Zhongpin's memorial and the rumors that gradually spread.For this "idea" of Empress Dowager Gao, scholars praised each other, and all officials expressed their approval.From their point of view, Sang and Cheng Wei Zishantang's straightforward speech was exactly what everyone expected, and the insight of Empress Dowager Gao showed her consistent wisdom.Although some people in the DPRK opposed this appointment, but the number of people was too small and the reasons were weak. Compared with it, it was completely ineffective.The huge influence of Baishuitan was fully reflected at this time - in Baishuitan, there is still a tradition of "scholarly excellence leads to officialdom". Sang and Cheng were recommended as direct lecturers at Zishantang. Extra honor.Not only officials from Baishuitan sang praises for it, but all officials in the DPRK, across factional disputes, expressed their support one after another, for fear of falling behind.Human affection has always been the icing on the cake of love, and many people, even if they don't think so or are jealous in their hearts, will inevitably go along with it at this time. Paradoxically, although the ruling and opposition parties praised him, there were almost no strong opponents, and the "empress dowager favored him", but the emperor seemed to be seriously ill all the time, and even the important matter of choosing a master for the crown prince was put on hold for a long time. . In this tumultuous court situation, by a ferry outside the east city of Bianjing, two old men sat opposite each other in a simple thatched pavilion, saying goodbye to each other with two glasses of dirty wine.The patriarch of the three dynasties, Grand Fu Wen Yanbo will set off from this place, leave the most prosperous and troubled place in the world, and go to Yingtian Mansion to raise his old age.When he was at the city gate, he declined the disciples, old officials, relatives and friends who came to see him off, but Sima Guang insisted on sending him to the ferry, but Wen Yanbo could not refuse.Because he knew very well in his heart that after this time, the two of them might never have the chance to meet again in this lifetime.This is both life and death.And Wen Yanbo also had many worries in his heart that he couldn't let go of, and wanted to entrust them to Sima Guang before leaving. "Mr. Wen, can't you bear with the world for a while?!" After a few glasses of wine, Sima Guang couldn't help complaining.The country's affairs are so difficult, and the political situation is still turbulent. Lu Huiqing in the court can't be defeated, and Shi Yue has ulterior motives; At this moment, Sima Guang couldn't help feeling that he was alone.However, Wen Yanbo unexpectedly quit at this time.With whom can he tell the depression in his heart? "Junshi, I have to go." Wen Yanbo smiled wryly, "The emperor is the master of action. As an old man, I have lived in the shufu for a long time. As far as the emperor is concerned, it is really a last resort. At the beginning of the new official system Implementation, the military department is powerful, if the shufu is not guarded by veterans, the two governments will be empty talk. Afterwards, the military system will be reformed, the old and the weak will be eliminated, and the forbidden army will be reorganized. You should know that I opposed it at first. I have been proud for a long time, and I did it hastily, lest there will be changes. But the emperor and Shi Ziming made great efforts to let me live in the shufu, but it was just to use my false name to suppress people's hearts. I know that the holy will cannot be changed, and Fearing that someone else would stir up a mutiny, which would be detrimental to the country, this is the only way to do it. Unexpectedly, this has been done for ten years. Junshi is familiar with the allusions of the country and dynasty. Think about how many ministers in the country can control the secret court Ten years?" He shook his head and sighed: "Now that the general trend of military system reform has been decided, and Lingxia has been recovered, I am in the secret courtyard, and I am helpless against a Southwestern barbarian rebellion. If the emperor doesn't say anything, he is really dissatisfied in his heart. I hereby Time does not go, do you have to wait for the future to be driven away? In the future, you can only rely on you." After Wen Yanbo knew that he was gone, it might be difficult to return to Bianjing in this life, and Sima Guang was again A person who can rest assured, so he has no taboo and speaks out all the words from the bottom of his heart. Sima Guang couldn't help feeling sad. "I wanted to bring down Fujian Zi, but I still underestimated him. Yizhou Master has been in vain for a long time, and the JI Academy should be held accountable. I have this handle in his hands, so he always has something to say. Now that I am going out , the general who suppressed the rebellion was strongly recommended by him, and he will have less excuses in the future. I invited myself out to set an example for him..." Sima Guang nodded slightly, but when he thought about it, he didn't feel angry, and said, "If Shi Ziming didn't give him advice..." "Junshi!" Wen Yanbo interrupted Sima Guang, and said, "If it is true that Wang Hou and Murong Qian can quell the chaos in Yizhou, it doesn't matter if we let Fujianzi be prime minister for a few more years. We want to bring down Fujianzi It is believed that with him in the aspect, the situation in Yizhou will only deteriorate, which is not good for the country. Don’t end up blindfolding yourself and putting the cart before the horse. In the late Tang Dynasty, there is not far to learn from the past. It is I who oppose Wang Hou and Murongqian were appointed because they believed that the chaos in Yizhou could not be settled by mere military force. After all, Wang and Mu are young, and I am afraid that they are eager to succeed in order to please their superiors, and they will harm the country.” "Mr. Wen is very right." "The difference between a gentleman and a villain is not that there is a party or no party. The party of a gentleman is based on the society and the people; the party of a villain is based on the selfishness of the party." "Wen Gong thinks, is Shi Ziming a gentleman or a villain?" Sima Guang was always stubborn. Wen Yanbo remained silent for a while, then Fang slowly said: "It is too much to call him a villain, but it is not true to call him a gentleman. After he becomes a gentleman, we must also pay attention to him." Sima Guang sighed.He was exhausted to deal with Lu Huiqing, and with Shi Yue who was indistinguishable from friend and foe, he really felt that he had more energy than he wanted.He picked up the wine glass, took a sip, raised his eyes to look at Wen Yanbo, and said in a low voice: "I can't do it alone. Now the court is not only the problem of Yizhou, the traitor of Fujianese, and the unpredictable of Shi Ziming." .The emperor contracted this disease, it is inevitable that there will be things that are not concealed, the crown prince is young, and there is another virtuous king outside...I must have the talents of Yi Yin and Zhuge, how can I survive all these things?" Wen Yanbo looked directly into Sima Guang's eyes, and said calmly: "What worries Junshi most is the embarrassment between the emperor's mother and son, right?" "The signs have been revealed. It is said that Sang Chongguo and Cheng Yi are speaking directly for Zishantang, which is the meaning of the Queen Mother. I am skeptical. But Sang and Cheng are both honest people, and it is appropriate to speak directly for Zishantang. It wasn't the Empress Dowager's intention. Since there are such rumors outside, it stands to reason that the emperor should follow suit and agree. This is the meaning of mother's kindness and filial piety. But the emperor has refused to allow it for a long time..." Wen Yanbo nodded: "If mother and child are inseparable, even if there are a thousand virtuous kings, they can't do anything." "When outsiders see such a situation, they will inevitably be suspicious, and they will think that the Queen Mother has other intentions. The villain has a heart of indiscriminateness from this, and thinks about the merits of making a plan." Sima Guang said worriedly, "If the Southwest If the situation gets worse and affects Yizhou; or if there is a change in the north, then there will be a reason for Li Changjun..." Because of the emperor's illness, everything suddenly became intertwined, making the situation even worse. Wen Yanbo lowered his head and thought for a long time before he said: "It doesn't matter if Yizhou is corrupted, or there is an accident in the handing over of banknotes, or there is a change in the north, if someone is really needed to clean up the mess, Shi Ziming will be the first thing that the government and the public will think about. Sooner or later he will Re-enter the two mansions. In my opinion, Shi Ziming's holy family is not declining. The emperor may want to suppress him and leave him to his descendants, but if something serious happens, the emperor will still use him. These things are his. Strengths, no one in the court can beat him. I think Shi Ziming may not want Fujian Zi to step down, and the conflict between the two is not small, but Shi Ziming has always been able to bend and stretch... If Jun Shi pushes him to Fujian Zi's side, It's not the best policy. What we really need to guard against now are King Yong and the son of Fujian, both of which are important matters related to the country. Yu Shi Ziming, we must guide them to do good and prevent them from doing evil." Speaking of this, Wen Yanbo seemed to be With great determination, he raised his voice and said, "Junshi, if you have no choice, then urge Wang Jiefu to leave the mountain!" Sima Guang couldn't help but stared at Wen Yanbo.He knew that Wen Yanbo's feelings for Wang Anshi were extremely complicated. Before Wang Anshi became prime minister, Wen Yanbo admired Wang Anshi very much, and he did many things to recommend and praise.But after Wang Anshi became the prime minister, he was quickly driven to the place, and he was not able to return to the center until he was dismissed.Sima Guang didn't expect Wen Yanbo to abandon his grievances, and asked him to urge Wang Anshi to come back. There was a rare smile on his face, a smile of relief. "I've already written to Wang Jiefu." Sima Guang smiled.He and Wang Anshi were also close friends, and their relationship broke down because of their different political views, but deep down in Sima Guang's heart, he always believed that Wang Anshi was his best friend.These two people, even in the early years of Xining, when their relationship was the worst, always believed in each other's character.For Sima Guang, if he can put aside his grievances and work together again after more than ten years, he is also looking forward to it. Wen Yanbo was also taken aback.The two looked at each other and couldn't help laughing. If Sima Guang can urge Wang Anshi to come back, it will not only be able to deal with Lu Huiqing, but also check and balance all those who have unreasonable ideas in the court.Although they have different political views, both of them have absolute trust in Wang Anshi's character. "As long as I'm here, Duke Wen can rest assured about the affairs of the world." Sima Guang clasped his fists as he sent Wen Yanbo onto the boat. Wen Yanbo silently looked at Sima Guang, who was almost haggard, and was moved, worried, reluctant, and looking forward to it, but in the end, he just nodded slightly, then turned and left.But after taking a step, he suddenly remembered something, turned around and said, "Jun Shi, Cai Jing is not trustworthy." "Cai Jing?" Sima Guang didn't understand what Wen Yanbo meant. "I heard that at the Qionglin Garden banquet, you publicly praised Cai Jing for his ability to manage money and govern the people, and you were the top choice." Wen Yanbo said, "Cai Jing's intentions are not right, you should be careful. Shiyue's sect has mixed good and bad, if you want to guide him To be good, you must choose someone with good heart and character. Cai Jing, you must be careful!" "Wen Gong's words, I must remember in my heart." Sima Guang replied in his mouth, but he didn't think so in his heart. "Take care, Junshi!" Wen Yanbo stared at Sima Guang again, sighed, cupped his fists, turned and walked into the cabin, calling out, "Leave the boat!"