Chapter 3 The Third Round

The dialogue between Li Longji and Yao Chong has outlined the general appearance of the government of the monarch and ministers since then.Yao Chong's ten things to say are based on the essence of the rule of Zhenguan combined with the current disadvantages, which is very in line with Li Longji's wishes.This shows Yao Chong's planning efforts in advance: the emperor must be very happy to agree to these ten things. Li Longji revealed the idea of ​​setting up one master and two ministers at a time in the future, which made Yao Chong overjoyed, so that he could act boldly without feeling constrained.The monarch and his ministers understood the future direction of the court, but outsiders did not know it for a while.For example, Zhang said that although Yao Chong was uncomfortable with Prime Minister Yao, he thought that Yao Chong was only Guo Yuanzhen's replacement. In the future, discussions in the political affairs hall should focus on military affairs, which threatened his own status and was not enough to overthrow.As long as I pay attention to everything in the future, such a pattern can be maintained for a period of time.The so-called human effort, maybe the emperor will change his view of Yao Chong later, that is also unknown.

Unexpectedly, Yao Chong went to the court for the first time after he became a chancellor, and Zhang Shuo was in a hurry. After the emperor came to court on this day, Yao Chong first went out to play with a wat: "Your Majesty, I think that if you want to show the atmosphere of the new yuan, you must stop the 'Xianfeng officials' immediately. Since Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan Dynasty insisted on opening courses to recruit scholars, the world Talented talents stood out, which made the Tang Dynasty prosperous. However, since the emergence of "Xianfeng Guan", it has cut off the way to select talents and use talents, and it has made the people of the world gnash their teeth."

Approval appeared in Li Longji's eyes, and he said, "Yes, this is the biggest flaw in my court. If it is not eliminated for a day, there will be nothing else to say. Yao Qing, how do you want to let it go?" Yao Chong brought up the matter of "slanting officials", which made Zhang Shuo and Liu Youqiu very uncomfortable.They all have the same thoughts, you, Yao Chong, as Minister of the Ministry of War, why do you want to take care of the matter of "Xie Fengguan"?The two stood side by side, Zhang Shuo cast a wink at Liu Youqiu, Liu Youqiu immediately understood Zhang Shuo's thoughts, and without waiting for Yao Chong's answer, he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Zhengshitang has already discussed the matter of 'slanting officials'. After discussing several times, the Ministry of Officials has completed the screening of the 'Xianfeng officials', and a group of them will be dismissed in the near future."

Cui Riyong served as Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and he also went out to play and said: "Your Majesty, there are 3,253 'Xiefeng officials', and 2,561 will be dismissed after this screening." Li Longji said coldly: "So, the remaining 692 people must be quite talented?" Cui Riyong replied: "Liu Pushe has discussed this matter with my ministers, and the Ministry of Officials will conduct a second screening immediately." Li Longji asked: "After your second screening, it will probably be completed in the next year, right?" Cui Riyong replied: "The ministers and the officials of the Ministry of Civil Affairs can work overtime day and night, and try to complete it before the end of the year."

Li Longji got up, walked slowly on the stage for a few steps, and said: "A very simple matter has made you more complicated. Is there any need for screening? They don't go through the court's selection process, but spend Qian Tuomenzi got the salary of the imperial court through this, it should not be! You should not take care of this matter in the political affairs hall, Yao Qing, this matter is up to you, and you are responsible for urging the officials. Officer' let it go." Yao Chong bowed and replied: "The minister obeys the order." Zhang explained that he was an official and knew that it was not appropriate to speak out against it at this moment.Liu Youqiu was not the case, seeing Yao Chonggou meddling his own affairs with a mouse, he felt a little annoyed in his heart, and couldn't help but said: "Your Majesty, I think that the 'Xian Feng Guan' has been going on for a long time, especially in Beijing where internal and external relations are intertwined. When the country is at peace, it is not advisable to start a quarrel easily, it seems that safety is the most important thing."

Wei Zhigu also came out to play and said: "Your Majesty, Liu Pushe's words are very reasonable. At that time, the 'Xianfeng officials' made a big noise in the officials' yamen. I still remember it vividly. There must be no chaos." Li Longji couldn't help being furious when he heard Liu Youqiu utter the word "provoking", and thought to himself, what is "provoking" when the emperor is doing things?He originally wanted to reprimand him in court, but then calmed down, returned to his seat gently, looked at Yao Chong with a smile and said, "Yao Qing, I have asked you to preside over this matter, do you think Master Liu and Master Wei are right? ?”

Yao Chong smiled slightly and replied: "Repudiating the 'inclined officials' is an act to win the hearts of the people. The stricter the measures, the more people in the world will yearn for Your Majesty. I have a request, and as long as Your Majesty agrees, the matter will be calm within three days. " Li Longji nodded to Yao Chong to make a request. Yao Chongdao: "To eradicate chaos, we must use heavy codes. Your Majesty, please temporarily borrow 200 soldiers from the Longwu Army, with 200 big sticks attached. As long as these 'Xianfeng officials' dare to make trouble, come and beat them one by one. , come two to play a pair, after three days, they will naturally be quiet."

Hearing that Yao Chong used such a ruthless move, the officials in the audience gasped secretly: Yao Chong has been an official for many years, and he has always been dignified and cautious. All he knows is that he has a very careful calculation in his heart, so why did he have such a simple and rude behavior?However, looking at the situation in front of him, the emperor trusted Yao Chong very much just now, if he objected, it would be self-defeating, so they kept their mouths shut. Li Longji smiled and said: "Okay, I will play. Wang Maozhong, you pick two hundred strong men from the Longwu Army and lead them personally. You don't have to do anything these days, just follow Yao Qing behind. "

Wang Maozhong agreed. Although the "Xianfengguan" has formed an intricate relationship between Beijing and China, the root cause is nothing more than the invitation of Tuowei, Princess Anle and Princess Taiping.In the second year of Jinglong's second year, the "Xianfeng officials" made a big disturbance in the officials' yamen. The root cause was that Princess Taiping tried to intervene in the government, so she secretly instructed Zhang Jian, Qiu Lide and others to gather crowds to make troubles in order to put pressure on the emperor's brother Li Dan.Now that Princess Taiping is dead, the backstage of these "Xianfeng officials" has disappeared, and their arrogance has also been greatly reduced.

Yao Chong presided over the dismissal of the "official officials", first of all, he asked Li Longji to sign the dismissal edict, and made it known to the world; after that, he asked Wang Maozhong to arrange two hundred dragon warriors to stand in front of the official office. All of them are holding big sticks and are full of evil spirits. The thing is very strange. After the dismissal edict was issued, the former "Xianfeng officials" were no longer seen in the government offices in the capital.Not only did they go home obediently, but they didn't dare to complain. The front of the officials' yamen was quiet and there was no one there. It seemed that these soldiers were busy for nothing.

After the early morning on the third day after that, Li Longji left Yao Chong in the side hall to discuss matters. Li Longji smiled and said: "It seems that these big sticks have an immediate effect, scaring the 'Xianfengguan' out of their wits, and no one dares to make trouble .” Yao Chongdao: "Human nature is good at bullying the weak and fearing the strong. As long as the court shows weakness in such a matter, they will follow it endlessly. His Majesty decided to dismiss him this time. These people who have no reliance in the court will be discouraged. It's easy to handle. The minister said this method in front of the hall that day. After the court meeting, these people have learned from various channels that they know that this time is serious. No one dares to make irresponsible remarks, and today's results have been achieved. " Li Longji sighed: "In an instant, you have done what Zhang said they could not do in three months, which shows that it is very appropriate for me to pay my respects this time. Yao Qing, with Zhang said, Wei Zhigu's ability , why can't I do what I want?" Yao Chongdao: "After dismissing the 'inclined officials' this time, Your Majesty must follow up and rectify the official affairs. I have thought about it on behalf of Your Majesty. It is now the end of the year. When it is time to evaluate officials, the performance evaluation of officials in the past was just a formality. This time it must be done." It is necessary to rectify the former shortcomings.” "Okay, this is still up to you." Yao Chong shook his head and said: "If the name is not correct, then the words will not go well. On that day in the court, Zhang Shuo and Liu Youqiu did not take seriously the minister's meddling in the bureaucracy. Your Majesty should know." Li Longji smiled, reached out and took out a few memorials from the case, handed them to Yao Chong, and said: "Here are the memorials of Zhao Yanzhao, the censor doctor, and several others. Take a look." Yao Chong took a look and saw that the person impeached in the memorial was himself.Its content is roughly the same, mainly citing the principle of benevolence and forgiveness of the sages, refuting Yao Chong's big stick policy as worthless, and admonishing the emperor not to allow this kind of poison to poison the world, and Yao Chong should be punished.Yao Chong smiled after reading, and said: "Everything in the world, there will be gossip about everything, so let it go." Li Longji asked: "Do you know Zhao Yanzhao?" Yao Chong shook his head and said: "I have heard of this person, but I am not familiar with him." "The last time I appointed you as the governor of Tongzhou, this person also posted bullets, saying that you ignored government affairs when you were in Shenzhou, and spent all day enjoying pornography. Don't you have some old grudges?" Yao Chongdao: "Your Majesty, there must be someone instigating behind Zhao Yanzhao in an attempt to achieve his ulterior motives. Under Qingming politics, these speech officials are concerned about the country and the people, selfless in their hearts, and dare to speak out, which is of great benefit to the country. In troubled times, they often have selfishness in their hearts, so they become tools in the hands of stakeholders and thugs, of course, the officials themselves can also benefit from this." "In this way, someone must have ordered you not to come out of the mountain as a chancellor. Anyway, I want to punish Zhao Yanzhao for his crime." Yao Chong shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, you can't. Your Majesty agreed to your ministers' advice that day. If Zhao Yanzhao was punished, wouldn't it block the way of speech?" Qingming, these officials will definitely use Wei Zheng as a model, and dare not deviate from it." "Okay, your heart is so wide, I am very relieved." Yao Chong smiled slyly, and asked: "Actually, don't your majesty know about those who don't want your ministers to leave the mountain?" Li Longji laughed, instead of giving a direct answer, he turned to other things: "I have thought about it for the past few days. The current important officials in the court may have made great achievements, or they are very selfish, so they are not suitable for assistant ministers. It is said that Song Jing is quite suitable, but Dali One of the things that the temple is doing is for his relatives, I am afraid that he will be troubled by it, and even the governor of Yongzhou will not be able to do it, so I am going to change him to be the governor of Guangzhou." Yao Chong knew about this, so he stopped asking.Since the emperor said that none of the important ministers nowadays are suitable to be ministers, Zhang Shuo, Liu Youqiu and Wei Zhigu have obviously been excluded, so who is the emperor's favorite? Li Longji continued: "I recently fell in love with a man, this man is currently serving as the provincial servant, his name is Lu Huaishen, are you familiar with him?" Yao Chong shook his head and said, "I know this person, but we have not had any contact with him. I heard that this person is frugal and does not run a business. Most of his salary is given to his relatives. His wife is poor. The body is just a cloth bag." Li Longji also shook his head, and said: "I like Lu Huaishen, not because I value his frugality. Of course, if a person is frugal, it shows that this person is selfless in his heart, so when he handles government affairs, he has no desires or desires, which is quite fair. I I think that Lu Huaishen is a prudent person, he does not fight for power and gain, but only thinks about doing things in a down-to-earth manner. If he is compatible with Qing, you will set the major policies and Lu Huaishen will handle the details, and you will complement each other." Yao Chongdao: "Your Majesty is free to decide major policies, and ministers are really the ones who handle things." Li Longji said: "Yao Qing must not be too modest in the future! For example, the selection of the prime minister is of course up to me. As for other matters, of course it is up to the prime minister. Since there is a king and officials, they are governed layer by layer like a pagoda. The matter is very clear, if the emperor has to do everything himself, wouldn't he be exhausted? Yao Qing can rest assured, I have no doubts about my employer, you can let go of it from now on." Yao Chong remained silent, thinking that he could do it freely, but now that his name is not right, his words are not going well, how should he do it? Li Longji seemed to have guessed Yao Chong's thoughts, and said: "Yao Qing, I always feel that Zhao Yanzhao has a lot to do with Zhang Shuo. I know that although Zhang Shuo didn't say it clearly, he was most afraid that I would worship you as his prime minister. Back then he lobbied Wang Ju came to persuade me and proposed to appoint you as the governor of Hedong, which is evident. Of course, this may be because of my suspicion." Yao Chong still smiled, he knew Zhang Shuo's current thoughts like a mirror in his heart.However, Zhang said that after all, he was the emperor's teacher and the current leader of Wenzong. He has a good official reputation and has made great achievements in supporting him.Yao Chong thought to himself: Since the emperor can't find a reason to dismiss him for a while, he must try to find a strong reason for the emperor. Li Chengqi is still living in Xingqingfang. Because Li Longji recently named his birth mother, Dou, as Queen Zhaocheng Shunsheng, he and Li Chengyi avoided taboos and changed their names.Li Chengqi was renamed Li Xian, and Li Longji moved him to the title of King Ning, and was granted the title of Kaifu Yitong Sansi; Li Chengyi was renamed Li Wei, granted the title of King Shen, and awarded the title of General Jinwu. Kaifuyi and the three divisions are officials of scattered ranks, and they are of the first rank. Although their positions are honorable, they have nothing practical to do.At the time of Zhenguan, if Wei Zheng and others were awarded this post, Emperor Taizong of Tang still let them participate in the maintenance, as the prime minister.There are only four prime ministers now, and Li Longji still thinks there are too many people. Li Xian knows that he has a special status and dare not interfere with the government. Apart from going to court as usual, he spends most of his time in the mansion. Like Li Longji, Li Xian was influenced by his father Li Dan since he was a child, and he is well versed in music and dance. There are a group of musicians and kabuki in his mansion.Li Xian has recently acquired another interest, that is, indulging in poetry and singing, and he has written a lot of poems himself.Zhang said that as the leader of Wenzong, he knew that Li Xian had this hobby, and he occasionally went to the mansion to discuss with Li Xian in his spare time. In the middle of the day, Zhang said that he entered Ning Wang's mansion again. Zhang Shuo said: "The poems written by His Royal Highness Xia Guanguan have become more and more proficient in rhythm, and they are flowing and smooth, and they have a grand and vigorous atmosphere. Especially the poem about the ancient meaning of Chang'an, the clear words and sentences, the charm It is profound and not superficial, comparable to Zhang Ruoxu's "Moonlight Night on the Spring River." Although Li Xian felt delighted after hearing this, he knew that his poetic talent could never be compared with Zhang Ruoxu's, so he said: "With the help of Prime Minister Zhang, it is not easy for me to roughly write a regulated poem. I am far from proficient in the use of words, rhythms and allusions, so I dare not compare with Zhang Ruoxu and others. Prime Minister Zhang, what good works are there recently?" "There are a lot of good poems. The next day, the lower officials suggested to the Holy One that if the monarch and his ministers unite poetry, it will definitely promote the prosperity of the poetry world, but the Holy One will not listen." Li Xian always kept his mouth shut when talking about Li Longji's current affairs, and now he also keeps his mouth shut. Seeing this, Zhang Shuo continued: "Recently, two people wrote poems praising the beauty of Lushan Mountain. They didn't know each other. The poetry is quite interesting." Li Xian took the poems and papers, and first read Zhang Jiuling's "Looking at the Waterfall of Lushan Mountain at the mouth of the lake": The red spring falls ten thousand feet away, and the air is half purple in the distance.Running down the miscellaneous trees, and pouring out heavy clouds. The sun shines like a rainbow, and the sky is clear and windy and windy.There are many beautiful colors in Lingshan, and the air and water are dense. Another song was written by Meng Haoran, titled "Looking at the Incense Burner Peak in Xunyang at Night": The seats are hung for thousands of miles, and the famous mountains have never been seen.Mooring the boat in Xunyang Guo, I saw the incense burner peak. Taste and read the biography of Yuan Gong, and never leave the dust.Donglin Jingshe is near, but the bell is heard at sunset. After reading it, Li Xian asked: "Is this Meng Haoran still living in Jingzhou? His poem "Spring Dawn" has long been famous all over the world, and it is often the earliest poem that children can utter. I don't know this Zhang Jiuling." Zhang said: "I only met Zhang Jiuling once. This man is from Qujiang, Shaozhou. After he was promoted to Jinshi, he was awarded Zuo Suyi as Daoist Yilu Kece Gaodi." Officials are officials from the eighth rank. Li Xiandao: "Well, these two poems are equal, but I like Zhang Jiuling's one more. Prime Minister Zhang, do you think so?" Zhang said: "Your Highness's vision is not bad. Meng Haoran's poem is full of natural and supernatural interest, but it is narrow and narrow in the end for living in seclusion and worrying about travelling; And Zhang Jiuling's last sentence said, "Lingshan is full of beauty, and the sky and water are dense together." Not to mention the richness of his words, it is even more practical when used." Li Xian laughed and said: "It's been a long time since Prime Minister Zhang praised someone sincerely. This person is now an eighth-rank official, and it seems that the future is limitless." On the day when Cui Shi straddled a horse and recited a poem after he left the Yamen, Zhang said that he despised Cui Shi's character. , that is not true. The two talked about poetry for a long time, when Li Xian suddenly remembered something, and said, "Prime Minister Zhang, let's talk about something off-topic. You are the order of Zhongshu, so it is not off-topic. Back then, five of us lived in a joint house, and people in the capital called this place It is the 'Five Kings' House', and now that Saburo is the emperor, this 'Five Kings' House' will become the emperor's old residence, and it is not suitable for us brothers to live here." Zhang Shuo nodded and said, "What Your Highness said is true. According to the past practice, the emperor's old residence needs to be renovated and become the emperor's other palace." "The four of us discussed and planned to jointly sign a memorial, requesting the Holy Majesty to build a new house for us and move out of the old mansion. Does Prime Minister Zhang think this is an appropriate move?" "Of course, and the sooner the better." When Zhang Shuo said this, he suddenly turned his face to a smile and said, "His Royal Highness can no longer call you a prime minister. Now that Yao Chong is in the cabinet, I and the others are already in name only. In fact, the discussion about His Highness moving out of the old house is still with Yao Chong." It's best to communicate with Chong." Li Xian didn't answer. When encountering such a sensitive topic, he knew that silence is the best policy. In the morning of the next two days, Li Xian's four brothers really jointly signed a memorial, suggesting that they withdraw from the "Five Kings' House" and build a new one.After reading the memorial, Li Longji called out Yuan Qianyao, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, and said: "I have approved King Ning's request, and the Ministry of Industry can make some minor repairs according to the existing layout of the 'Five Kings' House'. Now that the country is in chaos, it is urgently needed." It’s not advisable to spend too much on recuperating.” Yuan Qianyao bowed and agreed. Li Longji said again: "The 'Five Kings' House' will be renamed 'Xingqing Palace' from now on. After the renovation of this palace is completed, I will move out of the Taiji Palace and live in this palace. Although there is no need for major renovations, necessary construction is still required. Two buildings can be built in the middle, the south is called "Qin Government Affairs Main Building", and I will manage politics in it from now on; the west is called "Huae Xianghui Building". When the officials heard the name "Huae Xianghui Building", they didn't understand the emperor's meaning of building this building for a while. Li Longji immediately explained the meaning of this building. He called out Li Xian and said, "Brother, the five of us have lived together since we were young, and we can't stay away from each other in this life. I've thought about it, of course you can move out of the 'Five Kings' House', but Don't stay away. This "Huacalyx Xianghui Building" was built by our brothers. This is the place where we gather for daily banquets. You and the fifth brother can build a house in Shengyefang, and the second brother and fourth brother can build a house in Anyefang. , when you are not in the palace, if I miss you, I can go up this building to see each other." When the officials heard that the emperor had such intentions, they couldn't help but sigh when they thought that the emperor was such a friendly brother.After the four Li Xian brothers bowed to thank each other, Zhang said that he went out of the class and played: "Your Majesty, brother brothers, follow Zhou Gongyan's love from afar. "Poetry" says, "Tang Di's Hua is like a brother", and his calyx embryo Yiyi, it is the meaning of brotherly affection. The ministers and others are quite envious when they sigh." Yao Chong didn't think so, he thought that the emperor seemed to be reluctant to part with his brother, how could he know if he wanted to supervise the kings as far as he could in order to observe the movements of the kings?Seeing that Zhang said here and there a lot of flattery, he also went out to play and said: "Your Majesty, I don't agree with Zhang Ling's statement. How can you have the meaning of 'envy'? Your Majesty, brothers and sisters, will definitely extend favor to your ministers, It really doesn’t need to be said much.” Zhang said that he wanted Yao Chong to catch the loopholes in his words, which not only hit him, but also invited the emperor to favor him. Discussion, my heart is unavoidably agitated, so I will not choose what to say." Li Longji waved his hand and said with a smile: "Forget it, you don't need to say any more. I remembered that Emperor Taizong said in the past that the monarch and his ministers worked together to rule, and it was nothing more than making the emperor and his ministers prosperous. I think of this story these days, and I think of that day. When dealing with Guo Yuanzhen and Tang Shao, I have some thoughts in my mind. It is not wrong to deal with these two people because the military is not in order. However, Guo Yuanzhen is a hero, and Tang Shao cannot be blamed for all the mistakes." When the officials heard that the emperor was repentant, they dared not speak. Li Longji called Cui Riyong, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and said, "Cui Qing, Guo Yuanzhen hasn't arrived in Xinzhou yet, has he?" Xinzhou is more than 5,000 miles away from Chang'an, and Guo Yuanzhen's family should have walked halfway along the road, Cui Riyong answered truthfully. Li Longji said: "Cui Qing, the Ministry of Officials plans to issue a letter quickly to restore Guo Yuanzhen as Raozhou Sima; and give Tang Shao's wife half a salary as compensation." Guo Yuanzhen's body and mind did not receive Li Longji's affection.When Guo Yuanzhen was exiled from Beijing, he thought to himself that he had contributed a lot to the country, and recently he assisted the emperor in destroying Princess Taiping's party. Can you turn your face and deny people because of a trivial matter?If Zhang Shuo hadn't pleaded with Liu You that day, he might have lost his head!The more Guo Yuanzhen thought about it, the more annoyed he was, and he gathered all the grievances on Li Longji. However, the guards were by his side. If he uttered words of resentment towards the emperor, he would definitely lose his head, so he had no choice but to bury the grievances in his heart. I contracted a disease, so I had to walk slowly on the car sickly, and the condition became more and more serious.When he received the letter from Qifu sent by the postman on the way, he took a look at it and murmured: "Raozhou Sima? Hehe, I have become a sixth-rank official again!" Raozhou is It was Xiazhou at that time, and Sima was only a sixth-rank job.Guo Yuanzhen didn't change his mind, and passed away in grief and anger three days later. Now that Li Longji treated Guo Yuanzhen and Tang Shao leniently, the officials sighed again. After the meeting was over, the ministers bowed and left in order.Yao Chong stood in the forefront as the chancellor and withdrew last as usual.Li Longji suddenly found that Yao Chong's legs and feet were not flexible when he retreated, so he asked with concern: "Yao Qing, what's wrong with you?" Yao Chong walked slowly to the throne, at this time all the courtiers withdrew from the door, and Yao Chong was the only courtier left in the hall.Li Longji asked again: "Yao Qing, you were fine yesterday, did you have a fall yesterday?" Yao Chong shook his head, and said: "Your Majesty, the minister's legs and feet are nothing more than that, I only feel distressed." Li Longji smiled and said: "Yao Qing is joking. I haven't heard that heartache can cause legs and feet to falter." "Distress is a serious illness, and it will affect the whole body." Li Longji said with concern: "So, I will tell the imperial physician to come quickly to treat your illness." Yao Chongdao: "This heart disease cannot be cured by an imperial physician. Only Your Majesty can cure it." At this time, Li Longji understood that Yao Chong was playing tricks, so he said seriously: "Yao Qing, if you have anything to say, just say it, don't make any detours!" Yao Chong cupped his hands and said: "I heard that Zhang said that he often went to the 'Five Kings' House' recently, does your Majesty know?" Li Longji nodded and said: "I know. Eldest brother loves the rhythm of poetry very much recently, and often discusses the rhythm of poetry with Zhang Shuo. The recent progress of elder brother's poetry is very fast, which is due to this." Yao Chong shook his head and said, "Zhang Shuo discussed poetry with King Ning, and I also know about it. However, I happened to pass by the 'Five Kings' House' last night, and happened to see Zhang Shuo entering the Qi Palace instead of Ning Wang's mansion in a car. The palace is here." Li Longji's expression changed drastically when he heard the words, Qi Wang Li Fan is now the General of Jinwu, and he is in charge of the forbidden army as usual, Zhang Shuo entered his mansion at night, is there something important? Li Longji rose up as a county king. He teamed up with his aunt and associated with the generals of the imperial army, and finally killed Webster;Conspiracies and tricks can be described as endless. As an important figure in the process, Li Longji certainly understands the reason and operation process of the plots and tricks.Now Zhang said that as the order of Zhongshu and a hero, he met Li Fan, the king of Qi, who was also a hero. Among them, Li Fan was both a prince and a commander of the imperial army. The two met without saying anything, and they were very sensitive in themselves. Li Longji pondered for a moment, then said: "Did they really meet at night? Yao Qing, the fourth younger brother has always been rough-tempered, and Zhang said that he is well-versed in human feelings. Doesn't he know that if he does so, he will be suspected of melon fields and plums?" Yao Chongdao: "Zhang said he was extremely intelligent, how could he not know? He just wanted to hide his figure behind the night curtain, so he could not be aware of it. Who knows that I met him by chance." Li Longji didn't say a word anymore, he pondered for a moment, then smiled and said: "Yao Qing, you should have recovered from your heart disease after you said these words?" Yao Chongdao: "Your Majesty is wise. When I say these words, it seems that I have lifted a heavy burden, and my heart suddenly becomes brighter. The so-called relaxed mind, I guess the legs and feet of the minister will be much more agile." "Well, your legs and feet are easy, and you can drive around the city at night, maybe you can see something." Yao Chong couldn't figure out the true meaning of the emperor's words for a while, so he didn't dare to answer easily, so he bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Rong Chen will take his leave." "Well, you step back." After Yao Chong left, Li Longji sat there motionless, thinking alone for a long time.About half an hour later, Li Longji called Gao Lishi and said: "Before I was the prince, there was always a group of people around me talking about it, which was very interesting; now that I am the emperor, besides sitting in the court hall and listening to their reports, It's rare to see you last time, I miss them a little today, you go and pass this group of heroes into the palace, and have dinner together in the evening." Gao Lishi agreed and left, and came back an hour later to report that the meeting was over.Gao Lishi said: "The group of heroes heard that the Holy Majesty summoned him to give a banquet, and they were all very happy. Only Chan Master Purun insisted on asking someone who was outsider, and refused to come." After Li Longji killed Webster, Purun seemed to have a big change of mind, focusing on the study of Buddhism and never caring about political affairs. Li Longji said with a smile: "It seems that only Zen Master Purun lived the most clearly. When he studied Buddhism, he became free from ignorance and desire. This concentration is really rare." The venue for the banquet was set in the west side hall of the Taiji Hall. The heroes were overjoyed to hear that the emperor gave the banquet, but after all, today is not what it used to be. Be careful.At three o'clock in the unitary hour, the group of heroes cautiously entered the hall, Wang Ju and Ma Sizong, who were usually witty and funny, also became dignified and did not dare to say a word of nonsense. When it was time to apply for the license, Li Longji stepped into the hall, and all the officials knelt down to salute.Li Longji smiled and said: "Let's be flat. The reason why I was able to ascend the throne was because of the help of all the ministers. Today I want to remember everyone again, so I come to have a drink together. Let's all sit down in front of our respective cases, and let's talk slowly. " Zhang said that when he learned that the emperor gave him a banquet, he couldn't help but wonder: when the emperor was looking for the throne, he needed a group of caring people to act in secret; now that the emperor has stated that he wants to govern the country according to the story of Zhenguan, he may not be limited to a small circle of heroes. Appointment.So what did the emperor intend to do with this move?Zhang said that looking at Li Longji's smiling face, although he knew that the emperor's food was not delicious, he really couldn't figure out his intention, so he continued to be suspicious. The table was covered with dishes, fruits, vegetables and drinks. Li Longji held the wine cup in his hand and said: "We are sitting together today, it is also because of fate. For example, Wang Chongye and Ma Sizong are my playmates when I was young, and Wang Maozhong and Li Yide are my relatives." Then, generals such as Zhong Shaojing, Liu Youqiu, and Ge Fushun are also old acquaintances, and I met Wang Ju by chance. As for Zhang Shuo, Wei Zhigu, and Cui Riyong, who are important ministers in the court, you have made great contributions to me. In a word, you They are all my heroes. Come, please have a drink together to show my gratitude." Everyone drank a cup according to the words. Zhang said that he put down the wine cup, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty's words make the ministers extremely ashamed. The ministers try their best to do their duty, but today's glory in Hua Dun is really a great grace of your majesty. The ministers are only grateful and don't know." so." Ma Sizong has been holding back until now, and it seems that he can't hold it anymore, he cupped his hands and interjected: "Zhang Ling is right. I just want to spend more time with His Majesty. With such great wealth, this life is too worthwhile." Ma Sizong is currently the General of Zuo Jinwu, the official to the third rank. Li Longji cast a sideways glance at Ma Sizong, the smile on his face still unchanged.He raised the wine cup again and said: "You are now in high positions, and your responsibilities are very different from those in the past. I hope you will fulfill your duties and follow your duties. Come and have another drink together." Everyone drank as promised, they were afraid of Li Longji's majesty, they were all cautious, and they didn't even dare to take out their chopsticks frequently. Li Longji reached out to take a pear, and gently peeled off the pear skin.This pear is born in the southern suburbs of Chang'an. It is golden in color, tender and juicy. It is called "Aijia Pear". It is best to roast it at this time.Li Longji took a bite of half of it, and felt the juice overflowing in his mouth. After entering his stomach, he suddenly felt a refreshing fragrance, which is the best thing to hangover.Seeing the emperor eating pears, the people in the audience hurriedly peeled the pears and swallowed them. The smile on Li Longji's face gradually disappeared, and he said: "I think you all agree with what Ma Sizong said just now. It is of course good to have such wealth, but you must not forget your own responsibilities. There is violence and lawlessness on the streets of the capital, and you seven are in charge of the imperial army, do you know about this?" The seven people Li Longji was referring to were Ge Fushun, Chen Xuanli, Li Xianfu, Wang Maozhong, Li Yide, Ma Sizong, and Wang Chongye. Ge Fushun cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty's words are very true. After Jinglong's change, some Wanqi officers and soldiers were indeed violent and lawless. The ministers were instructed by His Majesty to rectify them vigorously. Although there were occasional relapses after that, there was no serious problem in the end." Li Longji said: "There will be no major problems in the end? After the world is at peace, how many people will watch every move of you heroes. Even if there is a 'small problem', they will be proud of their achievements. I hope you will remember. Cui Qing, Cui's family education Yuanyuan, you should know the fate of the heroes of the Han Dynasty, Ge Fushun and the others read very little, so you can explain that period of history." As soon as Li Longji said this, the well-educated people in the audience, such as Zhang Shuo and Cui Riyong, couldn't help being shocked: Did the emperor give a banquet today, did he want to use the meritorious officials of the Han Dynasty to shock the mountain? Cui Riyong said according to his words: "In the past, Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty ruled the world and entrusted all those who made great achievements as princes. However, Han Xin, Yingbu, Peng Yue and other former famous generals expanded their ambitions and were eventually killed." As soon as Cui Riyong said these words, Ma Sizong and others panicked. Li Longji picked up the wine cup and said with a smile: "What Cui Qing said just now was about the Western Han Dynasty, and there are still things about the Eastern Han Dynasty that can be used for reference. The twenty-eight generals of Nanyang who followed Emperor Guangwu to found the country, after their success, They are so leisurely and self-protecting, and they have also achieved the reputation of Emperor Guangwu. Come, let's drink this third cup of wine together, and hope that our monarchs and ministers will pass it on to future generations. Like the story of the Eastern Han Dynasty." Li Longji's words seemed to be the gist of tonight's banquet. After listening to the audience, Zhang Shuo and others understood the emperor's advice very well, while Li Xianfu and other rough people didn't understand it very well.In fact, they have a common idea in their hearts: they hold their heads to help the emperor win the world, and it is time to enjoy power, how can they take the initiative to be idlers? Liu Youqiu is an ambitious person, at this moment he understands that Li Longji is admonishing these rough men in the army, and he does not involve himself.Because after Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty won the world, he put aside his great meritorious generals and only visited scholars to govern the world.Yao thought back to the time when he planned to help the emperor to kill Wei Shi, and then he was deposed as a exile in order to fight with Princess Taiping. He had suffered so much and spent so much effort. If he were to be idle from now on, Liu Youqiu would absolutely not accept it. At this time, Li Longji thought of Guo Yuanzhen again, and sighed: "Actually, does the emperor feel better if the hero is offended? I berated Guo Yuanzhen that day, and the so-called arrow was on the string. You will definitely laugh at me, but how can you govern the country according to the story of Zhenguan? In the face of major events, it is nothing to suffer a little personal grievance. If I offend you in the future, if I act for the sake of the country, I hope you can understand. I said that night Because of belittling Guo Yuanzhen, he didn't even sleep well, but Tang Shao didn't actually die. Wang Maozhong, you were too quick that day, if you didn't kill him then, you can deal with it lightly afterwards." When everyone heard Li Longji confide in his heart, they thought to themselves that the emperor had a lot of tenderness in his heart, so they felt very appropriate. After that, everyone toasted to Li Longji one by one. Li Longji was too strong to drink, so he only took a sip when everyone was toasting.At this time, the night was already fading, and the cold moonlight spilled into the hall through the window lattice, which reminded people that it was already the beginning of winter.Li Longji didn't talk much after that, and everyone didn't dare to start the topic lightly, the scene was unavoidably a little depressing.Fortunately, Li Longji's face was always calm, and the banquet finally ended happily. Zhang said that he usually has a very high vision, and Cui Riyong is the only hero who can catch his eye.After he exited the palace, he intended to be with Cui Riyong, and asked softly: "Cui Shangshu, what is the Holy Majesty's intention in giving a banquet today?" Cui Riyong was thinking deeply, and knowing that Zhang said his mind was lively, he said vaguely: "The Holy Majesty misses the heroes, so there seems to be nothing special about this gathering." "The Holy Majesty asked you to tell the story of the heroes of the Han Dynasty. Could it be that there is no deep meaning?" "Yeah, I misunderstood the Holy Majesty's intentions at first. It turned out that the Holy Majesty wanted to use the story of the Eastern Han Dynasty to persuade us heroes to protect ourselves at leisure. This is not a bad thing." Zhang said that Cui Riyong was deliberately pretending to be confused, and knew that it was difficult to go deep into this topic, so he changed his mind and said with a smile: "You can protect yourself? We are all in important positions, how can we be leisurely? Like Cui Shangshu who presides over the official department, because of the oblique seal The official's business was a little slowed down, which made the Holy Majesty very dissatisfied, and this leisurely part really took a lot of thinking." Cui Riyong pondered the thorns in Zhang's words, and wanted to answer another sentence, Zhang opened his mouth and swallowed the words back, leaving only a dry smile to answer Zhang. Zhang said that at the court meeting on the second day, he had a very deep understanding of the meaning of Li Longji's "leisure and self-protection". Li Longji's expression was as usual this day, and he dealt with all the matters that the officials had played one by one.Seeing that the ministers finished their work, Li Longji had no intention of dispersing the court. He called Zhang Shuo out of the court and asked, "Zhang Shuo, do you know your crime?" Hearing this, Zhang Shuo was like thunder, and replied in astonishment: "Your Majesty, I don't know what crime I have committed?" “朕问你，你平日里按君子的言行规范自己了吗？” “陛下，臣按圣贤所教规范自己。” “嗯，孔夫子说过'君子坦荡荡，小人常戚戚'，你明白此话的含义吗？” “臣明白。”张说见皇帝引经据典，知道他肯定恼怒自己，那么自己最好少说话，以防止事态进一步恶化。 “国家正是百废待兴的时候，你身为中书令，位居中枢，本该宵衣旰食，多为国家尽心尽力。然你不务正业，白日黑夜里忙于串门子，说闲话，此为君子之行吗？” 张说到了此时，明白皇帝今日想来找茬，不敢抗争，答道：“微臣无能，未将事儿做好，请陛下多加训诫，臣定接受教训加倍努力。”张说说到这里，心中忽然晃出一种想法：我昔为帝师，若非君子之行，难道教皇帝小人之道吗？ 李隆基也不想当众指责张说到王琚府鼓吹和到“五王宅”走动的事儿，厉声说道：“你为中书令，至今殊无建树，朕看就不用做了。相州刺史一职正好空缺，你这就退下去，今日就去赴任吧。” 张说见皇帝罢了自己中书令之职，顿时有了万念俱空的感觉，不过此人心思机敏，知道在此当儿言行不能有任何差池，否则结果更坏，遂当即跪倒叩伏，口称：“臣谢陛下隆恩。” 群臣鸦雀无声，目视张说退出殿外。张说此时目光一片茫然，余光中似乎看到姚崇的身影，其多日的忧心顿时释然：是了，当时皇帝授任姚崇为同州刺史时，已有预兆，今日果然有此结果，那也不用怨天尤人了。 李隆基待张说退出门外，又说道：“朕昨日赐宴功臣，席间曾提过东汉功臣优闲自保的故事。张说身为功臣，位居中枢，本该端庄谨慎，勤于政事才是，然他热衷于串门子、说闲话，若长此以往，其难以自保不说，也陷朕于不义境地。今日将他贬为相州刺史，其实还是顾全了君臣之义。” 群臣遇此大变，一时不知道说什么好，只有选择静默。 李隆基唤出高力士，说道：“这里还有两道诏书，你为众卿宣读一下。” 高力士接过诏书，先读第一道诏书，高力士嗓门甚洪，句读甚准，实为宫内宣诏第一人。此道诏书为授封之书，抛却那些皇帝赞扬的丽词绮句，其主要内容为以下几点： 罢刘幽求尚书左仆射之职，授为太子太保，封徐国公； 罢魏知古门下省侍中之职，授为特进，封梁国公； 罢崔日用吏部尚书之职，授为太子少保； 罢王琚中书侍郎之职，授为御史大夫，封为赵国公，即日赴北方巡边； 罢钟绍京户部尚书之职，授为太子詹事； 左金吾大将军、凉国公麻嗣宗赐姓李，改名为延昌，即日起赴秦州等地屯兵； 右金吾大将军、越国公王崇晔赐姓李，改名为延寿，即日起赴河东屯兵。 高力士读完此章，李隆基令他缓读第二道，唤出刘幽求和魏知古道：“刘卿、魏卿，你们能识朕之苦心吗？” 姚崇观此情景，心中叹道皇帝毕竟还是有些稚嫩啊！刘幽求与魏知古此前官至宰辅，又为功臣之身，一下子失去相位，其心情定然难受。然皇帝还当众叫出此二人表态，让二人说些违心之话夸赞皇帝圣明也就罢了，现在还让人家衷心体会这一番苦心。皇帝如此自以为是，无疑自说自话罢了。 刘幽求此时果然一腔悲愤，他原以为昨儿晚间皇帝说的一番话意指有功将领，不料今日雷霆一击剑指的是这些有功谋臣。一瞬间，其心间晃出“鸟尽弓藏”的字样。想当初皇帝困顿无援的时候，正是这一帮人甘愿冒着掉脑袋的风险来划谋支策，不避矢石在最前沿奔忙，从而使一个非嫡出的郡王成为今日的皇帝。然座上之人才当了数日皇帝就要卸磨杀驴，何其速也！刘幽求闻听皇帝召唤，脚步似云游般晃出朝班，脸上的悲愤之色虽竭力隐藏，终究按捺不下去，现出僵硬呆板之态。 李隆基见二人只是躬立不吭声，又追问一句：“刘卿，你以为呢？” 刘幽求快速恢复常态，拱手言道：“陛下昨儿晚间的旨意，微臣夜来思忖良久，终觉醍醐灌顶。陛下，臣等今日富贵皆拜陛下所赐，如此优裕一生，实为天大的福分，人生多变，一生富贵恒定，夫复何求？” 李隆基微笑道：“刘卿是思，甚合朕意，你们千万不可如张说那样有非分之想，那样朕就觉得难办了。魏卿，你以为呢？” 魏知古道：“臣之心思与刘太保一样，处此富贵之位，再有非分之想，非人臣之义。” 李隆基听到魏知古称呼刘幽求的新官职，心中大为妥帖，说道：“好呀，你们能这样想，足证你们心怀甚阔，我们君臣就可以长久地融洽相聚。也罢，你们退回吧。” 群臣中心思活泛之人大致猜中了李隆基的心意，皇帝这样做让功臣有职无权，可以优闲自保，不得擅权威胁皇权。李隆基的这番作为让多数大臣非常称心，因为功臣的人数不多，此前皇帝貌似与功臣形成了一个小圈子，令外人有难触隔膜之感，如此一来，顿时拉近了皇帝与多数大臣的距离。 更有心思机敏的人想到，皇帝对待功臣还是有区别的。此次授任未涉及葛福顺、王毛仲等禁军将领，看来皇帝不许功臣在朝中擅权，然身旁护卫之职须由贴心之人掌控最为放心。 高力士此后再宣读的第二道诏书相对简单，其授任姚崇为中书令，并兼知尚书左仆射、吏部尚书、户部尚书，加上此前授任姚崇为兵部尚书，兼知同中书门下三品，姚崇不仅成为宰辅第一人，更集大唐实际权位为一身。群臣凝望这位稍显干枯的小老头儿，从此真正肩负起大唐的万千重任，他能够承受得起吗？ 令群臣始料不及的是此前默默无闻的卢怀慎被授为门下省侍中，并兼知同中书门下三品，是为现今大唐的第二位宰臣。 如此一个平凡的早朝，李隆基以雷霆之势贬张说、迁功臣，再授新宰臣，令群臣惊愕不已，不敢妄语。以宁王李宪为首的四兄弟，隐隐觉得张说被贬的主要理由为串门子，此前张说到“五王宅”走动不少，这是否为皇帝对兄弟们的一个间接警告呢？他们心里不免惴惴，也是无言退朝。 姚崇内心里踌躇满志，他知道皇帝今日为自己清除了所有的羁绊，可以放手有为一番了。 人事变动向为朝廷的核心之题，宰臣更换，其下的官吏肯定会有大变动，群臣由此心情各异，开始思考自己的事儿。