Chapter 44 In the third quarter, the new dynasty will be full of waves

This is the first court meeting of the new Qin King Yingzhu, and the ministers present are full of excitement and anticipation. For example: The new king should have a new plan when he ascends the throne. One is to introduce a new generation of dignitaries among the rewards to courtiers, and the other is to propose a new national policy to invigorate the government and the public.The longer the reign of the previous old monarch, the greater the expectations of the ruling and opposition parties for the successor to the new monarch.If an old monarch like King Qin Zhao reigned for fifty-six years, and persisted for several years after the Changping War, he hibernated in the deep palace after the wind paralyzed. The accumulated momentum is hard to return, but he let it go.Regardless of whether a man of insight entered the Qin Dynasty or was a capable minister and soldier in the court, he had no achievements to speak of in the past ten years, and he often sighed with regret.In the six kingdoms of Shandong, which are in decline, such calm may be exactly the peaceful days and moons that the government and the people are looking forward to.However, this is the state of Qin, and the government and the public cannot tolerate this kind of long-term dormancy.After Qin Xiaogong and Shangjun's great reform, the old Qin people's spirit of farming and warfare suddenly flourished, and it has become a custom deeply rooted in the hearts of the ruling and wild people within a hundred years.The common people are afraid that they will have no military exploits, and the courtiers are afraid that they will have nothing to do, but with the New Deal of Great War, the whole country is full of vitality!A family with a martyr who died in battle will be honored, and a family with more farming and titles will become famous. Although the people have sacrificed a lot, they have no complaints or regrets!It is precisely because of this spirit of etiquette that King Qin Zhao dared to kill Bai Qi who refused to fight, and the soldiers of the Qin army could finally understand King Qin Zhao and go out to fight bloody without hesitation.Afterwards, the two wars were defeated, and the blood of the old Qin's children was more than 300,000 dead and injured, and the new land in Hedong was lost, but there was no complaint from the ruling and opposition parties, and they only gritted their teeth and waited for another battle for revenge!This is the state of Qin.This is the Qin people.Now that the old king of Qin is dead and the new king is on the throne, the attention of the government and the public is not so much about rewarding the subjects and launching new nobles, but rather about the New Deal.

It was the first time for Lu Buwei to participate in the court meeting, and it was also the first time to enter the main hall of Xianyang, which is full of crowns and wears. When the old chamberlain shouted, "Lu Buwei, the Prime Minister of the Prince's Mansion, enters the palace——", all the eyes in the deep hall suddenly shot at him, and the various meanings contained in it made Lu Buwei, who had not yet stepped through the threshold, feel like a thorn in his back!At this moment, Ying Yiren, with a six-inch jade crown and a gold embroidered cloak, greeted the entrance of the hall, bowed solemnly, and led Lu Buwei to the first seat in the Wenchen District of Dongshou, while he climbed the steps steadily and stood there Start on the east side of Wang's case.Walking all the way on the thick red felt, Lu Buwei was completely calm.It is conceivable that the ministers will be surprised and jealous when they enter the court meeting of the emperor and ministers in person, but in any case, their political career is about to begin, and it is not difficult to resolve such branches after the festival.

"The new king is coming—" Shi Huanli, the chief minister on duty, made a long announcement, and Ying Zhu came out from behind the black eagle screen. He wore a black brocade balance crown on his gray bearded head, and was dressed in black silk embroidered clothes. The golden robe, with a six-inch wide brocade belt on the waist, and a rusty Mu Gong sword, looks tall and strong from a distance, like an iron tower, which is more impressive than the laziness and looseness of being a prince! "Congratulations to the new king! Long live King Qin—!" All the ministers bowed before the table.

"Congratulations from the emperor and ministers, the government and the people are renewing! All ministers, take your seats." Ying Zhu replied according to the simplest etiquette, and then sat down in front of the king's table, which was nine feet long and six feet wide, and the sound of breathing was clearly audible. "New King Xuanzheng—" Ying Zhu knocked lightly on the king's case and said: "Ministers, Mr. Gang Cheng proposed a court meeting, considering the desire of the people in the court and the people to change, so this king will follow it. However, the catastrophe has never happened, the state funeral has not yet happened, and there are still many internal affairs. The king wants to make a decision on the affairs of the court first, and then he can speak outside the scriptures." Panting for a moment, he waved his hand, "Chang Shi proclaims the imperial edict."

Lao Huanli took two steps forward from the right back of the king's case, unfolded a roll of bamboo slips, and recited loudly: "The first year of Yingzhu, the king of Qin: the first king's decree, Huayang's wife, Mi, is wise and wise, and can be the queen. This king ascends the throne, Adhering to the last king's will, the Mi family was made the queen, bestowed the title of Huayang Empress, and ruled over the harem, and mother Yi Qin's ruling and opposition—" "Congratulations to Huayang Empress Xinli! Long live!" The ministers in the hall recited in unison according to the ritual, without paying attention to the meaning of these questions.Mrs. Huayang was originally the main wife of King Qin when he was the crown prince, so it would be inconceivable not to have a queen.However, for such a logical canonization, the new King of Qin had to carry out the will of the old King of Qin, which was really suspected of being a snake's foot, which made many courtiers feel strange.

"Edict of the First Year of King Qin Yingzhu:" Lao Huanli opened another scroll of bamboo slips, "Prince Yingyi is a man of virtue and tenacity. The crowning ceremony. Now that the king has passed the year of his destiny, he appointed Ying Yiren as the crown prince, and issued an edict to the government—" It is the meaning in the title.The ministers congratulated in unison again, but they were more uncomfortable with the statement that the new king's edict must mention the last king's will, and many of them frowned.Since the new king's ascension to the throne is a de facto change of dynasty, if everything is copied from the previous king's will, wouldn't Qin be depressed?Didn't the young men lose their career path?

Seeing that Lao Huanli opened another scroll of bamboo slips, the ministers couldn't help but all set their eyes on Gang Chengjun Cai Ze.According to the routine of the new dynasty, after the conferment of the queen and prince, the prime minister will be established; Cai Ze has been in Qin for a year and has become the prime minister. , and has always been sickly, the prime minister really has to make an appointment immediately, otherwise the state affairs will not be able to make a big deal; and the candidate for the prime minister is naturally Cai Ze, a famous Jiran faction!After paying homage to the Prime Minister, there is the discussion of government affairs. The prime minister is the head of the discussion, and the quick-witted people are already thinking about what kind of new policy measures Cai Ze will carry out.

Lao Huanli's voice echoed: "The first year of Qin Wang Yingzhu's edict: Over the past few years, Lu Buwei, a well-known righteous businessman, has made great contributions to the Qin State: first pull the crown prince out of danger, and then save the crown prince from the pursuit of the Zhao army. Make friends with righteous men, sacrifice everything, and accumulate huge wealth to seek the country! Fang entered the Qin Kingdom, firmly resigned from the high-ranking officials of the previous king, insisted on starting as an official, and established himself with merit. Responding to the three strategies, he was ordered to engage in commercial wars with the six countries when he was in danger, and he made great achievements in building disasters, and the government and the public are grateful! Mr. Wei Nian's virtue and ability can be regarded as a teacher, and now I worship Lu Buwei as the crown prince Zuofu, and bestow the title Zuo Shuzhang—"

With the sonorous and passionate recitation, Lu Buwei was really surprised!He only had one thought about the reason why he was summoned to court today, that is, Ying Yiren wanted him to attend the court meeting to familiarize himself with the state affairs of Qin State, and asked his father-to-be to call him into the palace; This is to ask him to report the course of the business war to the court, and then participate in the affairs of the court. The chief just expressed his special courtesy to him as an official.But thinking this way, Lu Buwei has been thinking about his own countermeasures and rhetoric, until Lao Huanli read the word "Lu Buwei" before he suddenly woke up!Thoughts flickered again and again, and Lu Buwei finally calmed down—the King of Qin and his son suddenly appointed officials at the grand court meeting without discussing with him, and they showed their merits in the edict. Obviously, they must worship the official title by themselves. , It is not in conformity with the law of meritorious business.Seeing the eager eyes of Ying Yiren on the king's steps, Lu Buwei finally stood up and respectfully bowed down, and performed the great gift of professing his vassal and thanking the king.

"Congratulations to Prince Fu! Long live!" The congratulations were neat and loud, but they were more energetic than the queen and prince.The courtiers have already heard a lot about Lu Buwei's merits and talents, especially the Xianyang business war that the people of the country have been spreading. It is truly stronger than the Six Nations!Today, the imperial edict made it clear that even if some ministers disapproved of the entry of merchants into politics, and had many doubts about the rumors of Lu Buwei's entry into Qin Dynasty, they had nothing to say. "I invite the court to discuss the great affairs of the court!" The congratulatory voices were still lingering, and a person suddenly got up from the front seat, and his extremely peculiar voice echoed in the hall, "The new dynasty will be the first to discuss the affairs. Rewards for officials and titles. At the beginning of my king's accession to the throne, we should put state affairs first, and rewards for officials and titles should be done as usual, and there should be no exceptions to honor certain officials and titles, such as opening court meetings!"

Gang Chengjun Cai Ze?The Minister Judian couldn't help but turn pale in astonishment! After the three edicts, Cai Ze felt as if he was sitting on pins and needles.In any case, this third edict should determine the power of prime minister, and the current power of prime minister should belong to Cai Ze no matter what!Without the power of the prime minister, wouldn't the Jiran school's governance skills be empty talk?If today's imperial court does not confer any official titles after the establishment of the queen and crown prince, Cai Ze can still feel a little at ease, after all, the power of the prime minister is still undecided.However, the third edict was to designate Lu Buwei as the crown prince Zuo Fu, and he immediately sensed a looming threat!To be honest, Cai Ze admired Lu Buwei and was willing to communicate with him. In fact, he recommended Lu Buwei to enter the Prince's Mansion for the first time. Having been prime minister for ten years and Lu Buwei appeared in front of him, he really wanted to recommend Lu Buwei as prime minister, just like Fan Ju resigned resolutely and recommended him as prime minister.But at this time Lu Buwei suddenly jumped out, and in one fell swoop he was the crown prince Fu who was appointed by the court, so he couldn't be calm.In the past, only the prime minister and the general were conferred at the imperial court, and the rest of the ranks were awarded by edict. Now that the prime minister has not been decided, but the crown prince is first conferred, doesn't it mean that it is extremely unlikely that he will regain the power of the prime minister?Under the disturbed mood, Cai Ze couldn't help but burst out angrily in front of the court, and even directly accused King Qin of setting a bad example! Cai Ze didn't expect at all that his outburst itself was an unthinkable case.No matter how many rules there are in the court, after all, it is just a procedure of tradition and rules. It is neither a decree nor an actual relegation and promotion. After all, rewards and punishments come from the king, so how could he criticize the new king so harshly?For a moment, not to mention the astonishment of the ministers, the new crown prince Ying Yi was still embarrassed, and immediately blushed and wanted to speak. "Everyone, stay safe and don't be impatient." Ying Zhu seemed to knock on the king's case inadvertently, and smiled calmly, "Worrying about the country and seeking government, and frankly stating your own opinions, Gang Chengjun is commendable for his sincerity!" He waved his hand behind him and said indifferently , "Changshi Xuanzhao." Hearing that there was still an edict, there was a big surprise in the palace.Ordinary rumors say that the old prince is weak and indecisive, how could he be different once he becomes the King of Qin?Looking at the unexpected situation of all parties in today's court meeting, it is clear that they came prepared, and they clearly did not discuss with any minister in advance, but they can issue four edicts in succession. Isn't it very successful?Especially for those who are rare and precious, the new king can laugh and praise Cai Ze's stern reprimand. Can such a king be a weak and mediocre person?Thinking about it this way, the fourth imperial edict must have a lot to say, and the hall was as quiet as a valley. "The Edict of the First Year of King Qin Yingzhu—" Lao Huanli's voice echoed again, "This king is in an eventful autumn, the state affairs are complicated, and the government and the people are thinking of changes. In order to temper the prince's ability to govern the country, the prime minister's mansion is led by a prince and a different person In charge, Gang Chengjun, Cai Zeju, the permanent office of government affairs, and the crown prince Fu Lu Buwei assisted—" As soon as the words fell, the new crown prince Ying Yiren bowed solemnly: "I respectfully accept the imperial edict! Thank you, Father!" Surprised and pleasantly surprised, Cai Ze hurriedly followed and bowed deeply: "Minister Cai Ze is hereby ordered! Thank you, Wang Xinchen, for your kindness!" At this moment, Lu Buwei let out a long sigh secretly, followed behind Cai Ze and bowed to thank the king.The ministers were all paying attention to the illustrious man who stood up as the crown prince and ruled the prime minister that day, and the gang Chengjun Cai Ze who stood in the front and reared respectfully. No one paid attention to Lu Buwei who calmly thanked him and did not have any special words.At this point in the court meeting, there is no more mystery, and the ministers in the hall suddenly relaxed, and they recited in unison: "Congratulations to my dynasty for establishing the country and opening the Qin New Deal!" According to the rules of the court, once the power structure is determined, the discussion of politics becomes a program that can be either long or short.After all, the state affairs are decided in advance by the key ministers, and the court meeting is just a formality for the government and the people. The meeting of more than a hundred people is never a real occasion for discussing politics.More importantly, everyone knows that the new king is weak and sick and is in mourning. The court meeting should not be too long, and even if there are major issues, they cannot be crowded in the court meeting.Only in this way, the ministers recited in unison, counting as acquiescing that the court meeting can be concluded.The new king only needs to say "but there is a proposal for a new deal, and all the ministers will write a letter to discuss the matter", and the court meeting will come to an end. Sitting upright for half a day, Ying Zhu was already exhausted. He glanced at the main hall and was about to speak, but he saw the first person in the west district stand up suddenly, took two steps forward and cupped his hands: "Old minister Meng Ao, please speak about the great policy!" "The general talks about politics, but he does what he says." Ying Zhu tried to smile, but his heart couldn't help but move. "My king, Mingcha!" The white-haired old Meng Ao was impassioned, "Since the Changping War, Qin has been defeated by the Six Kingdoms three times in a row. Revive the glory! In order to open a new situation for the Qin State, the veteran thought that our army should go east in a big way. Even if we can’t destroy the country one after another, we should take back the two counties of Hedong and Hanoi! Today, the veteran asked the court to make a decision: the state funeral will be held in winter, and in spring Xu Chen will command 300,000 troops Go east, fight against the six nations, and shame our country!" The ministers of the palace were immediately aroused by the vigorous and vigorous voice of old Meng Ao, and their excitement and anticipation suddenly echoed thunderously: "War against the six countries! Shame on our country!" The generals behind Meng Ao stood up in unison, armored The cloak stands like a forest of black pine trees.Except for Cai Ze and Lu Buwei, the new crown prince Ying Yiren and the elder Shi Huanli in the whole hall, all the ministers shouted excitedly, the situation is clearly waiting for the new king to decide!The tired and hazy Ying Zhu's heart suddenly tightened, and he wanted to speak, but he didn't know what to do.Before the court meeting, the only minister who had foreseen the agenda of the court meeting was this old Meng Ao.Ying Zhu and Meng Shi have a deep friendship, and they never hide their words from Meng Ao. The purpose of the meeting beforehand is to tell him not to raise the question of raising troops at the first court meeting.Lao Meng Ao impassionedly stated the strategy and plan of the army going east and various opportunities for victory, and advocated that the power of the army's victory should be used to cheer up the government and the opposition, and create an overall situation for the new king and new policy!Meng Ao had no objection to Ying Zhu's advice, so Ying Zhu took it for granted that the old general accepted it.I don't want Meng Ao to suddenly propose a war against the six countries at the end of the court meeting today, and the courtiers echoed in unison. There is a great potential to use the power of the court to force the new king to make a decision!Even though Ying Zhu was unhappy, he couldn't ignore it indifferently, and he couldn't decide for a while when he was knocking on the king's case. "The old minister dare not agree with the general's proposal!" At this moment, Cai Ze's voice squeaked and echoed, "My Wang Mingcha: The whole country must be mobilized for a big war, and careful planning is required! How can we rush to mobilize troops just because we have a motion? ?The Qin army will go east, the national humiliation will be cleared, and the government and the public will certainly seek war! However, the catastrophe has not passed and the state funeral has not been carried out. Veteran’s opinion: The General’s motion should not be decided, and should be discussed after the state funeral!” "How can Mr. Gang Cheng make such a rationale!" Old Meng Ao was furious, "Is it a hasty mobilization of troops? It's even an agitation for the court? I have been planning for Qin Jundong for three to five years! If you don't work together to plan the country, and focus on it, how can you live in it? The photo country..." "Father—!" Meng Ao's furious roar was interrupted by a sudden scream, and the buzzing and contentious hall suddenly fell silent!It was only then that the ministers discovered that the new king had turned down the case. The new crown prince Ying Yiren was holding the king of Qin and crying, and the ashen-faced old Huanli was in a mess with several servants. Before the Wang case.Meng Ao, Cai Ze was shocked and rushed to the throne first, and the courtiers also surrounded him with a loud exclamation, seeing that the huge main hall was going to be messed up... "Stop, both of you!" Lu Buwei leaped up to the king's steps and shouted in a low voice.Cai Ze suddenly realized, grabbed Meng Ao's sleeve and at the same time turned around and called everyone to stop.Lu Buwei turned around and stepped onto the king's platform to support Ying Yiren who was crying, and said in a low voice: "Prince, don't mess around! It's important to save the King of Qin!" With both hands, he helped Ying Yiren away from the new King Qin, and at the same time squeezed each other The internal attendants and imperial physicians who were in a mess waved their hands and ordered sharply: "Get out of the way! Please come forward, the queen!" Everyone rushed away from the big screen, only to see Hua Yang, whose crown and belt were scattered, frowning and leaning on the big screen Panting, clearly came in a hurry but was blocked by the chaos!After waking up, Lao Huanli's heart suddenly sank and he quickly bowed: "Please, queen!" Empress Huayang flicked her long sleeves angrily and came to the king's case, leaning over to snuggle Ying Zhu, while groping Two crystal clear pottery bottles came out, holding one in his right hand and shaking it to Yingzhu's teeth, and raising the one in his left hand to his mouth to take a sip, then lowered his head and brought his small mouth to Yingzhu's lips, and there was a sudden bulge!Seeing Ying Zhu's throat move, his expression gradually softened.After Huayang raised his head and glanced at the sweaty courtiers and servants, he only nodded slightly to Lu Buwei, then squatted down and carried Ying Zhu on his shoulders.When the bewildered old servant saw the queen working hard, he waved to several young servants, and the servants rushed forward to serve. "Wait a minute!" Lu Buwei stepped forward and stopped in a low voice, "Don't disturb the queen's treatment!" Seeing Huayang's queen swaying away, the hall was panting heavily, and the ministers collapsed on the thick red felt in unison, looking at each other with wooden faces, and no one was in the mood to talk.Lao Meng Ao pointed at Cai Ze, and Cai Ze nodded to Lao Meng Ao, shaking his head and smiling wryly relatively silently, tears welled up on his old face. When lighting the lamp, Lu Buwei was secretly summoned into the royal city by a black car. Ying Zhu met Lu Buwei in the secret room of the East Study Room, and Empress Hua Yang was making tea by the side, and there was not even a maid in the room.Looking under the lamp, Ying Zhu's complexion was actually better than during the court meeting during the day, Lu Buwei couldn't help bowing his head: "The king's body is healed, and the minister's heart is at ease." Ying Zhu beckoned Lu Buwei to sit beside the table, pointing With the teacup already set, he sighed, shook his head and smiled wryly, "I have no choice but to do this! If I don't get sick, how will this dynasty end?" Empress Huayang said coquettishly, "You really want to take risks! Do you know? If it wasn't for Mr. Send someone to report to me urgently, I'm afraid something really happened today!" Lu Buwei said: "But it will be miraculously effective. Otherwise, the general and Mr. Gang Cheng will really fall out, and the country's affairs will be very difficult." Ying Zhu sighed again: "There is no country. Good Prime Minister, there will be chaos in the end!" He silently sipped his tea and stopped talking.Hua Yang got up and smiled and said: "I know that Nong has laws, so I will go. Sir, please feel free to speak, and I will be in the outer room." After saying that, he floated out of the secret room, and the heavy wooden door closed behind him silently. "Let's see, sir." Ying Zhu took out a copper box from the dark box under the case and pushed it over.Lu Buwei took it and saw that the lock of the copper box had been opened, and there were two red letters on the box: secret document!Then he opened the lid of the box, took out a roll and unfolded it. When he glanced at the title, his spirit was lifted! Li Bingqi, Governor of Shu County: The old minister was ordered to expect that the business has ended.There are a total of more than 13,600 merchants in Bashu and Shu counties, and Shu counties account for eight out of ten.Bashang mostly trades in timber, animal skins, fish and all kinds of rare poultry and mountain products, which is of no great benefit.There are many merchants in Shu, almost as many as those in Guanzhong, but there are very few big merchants, and the wealth of the only merchant is difficult to measure!This person is called Mrs. Qing, and the people call her Widow Qing. She took charge of the family affairs as a widow, started a merchant, traded with Chu State with a large ship, and devoted herself to the business of Jingyan Dansha ivory jewelry for more than 30 years. Everyone has accumulated countless fortunes!Mrs. Qing has never done business illegally, and pays the government's tariffs and city taxes on time, but she never has private contacts with the government, nor does she live in Shu.Therefore, there is no way to know the true and false numbers of his wealth in a hurry, so Rong Chen will check later.Minister Li Bing, the first year of the first year of King Qin, nodded his head in Lidong. "Shu County has such a strange businessman, I didn't expect it!" Lu Buwei couldn't help sighing. "If it wasn't for the master's prediction, how would I have thought of sending an order to the merchants in Shu County?" Ying Zhu smiled slightly, "But sir, how can I reward Mrs. Qing for her achievements in business warfare?" "Let me think about this matter for a few days." Lu Buwei pondered his words carefully, "I see her whereabouts and ambitions, this lady of the Qing Dynasty has a lot of strange things, it is by no means an ordinary merchant's alienation from the government. All the benefits have been handed over to the minister, the reward may as well Put it on hold. Rong Chen finds out the true and false truth, and then decides how?" "Of course!" Ying Zhu clapped the case, "Second thing, how to deal with the dispute between generals and prime ministers?" Lu Buwei thought about it and said: "The general's argument and Gang Chengjun's argument are both reasonable. In terms of the situation in Qin State, the minister agrees with Gang Chengjun's proposition that the Qin army should not rush eastward. Don't leave it indifferent either. My minister's intention: The state funeral will be held first in winter. During this period, my king and ministers can discuss it with the general and Mr. Gang Cheng calmly, and investigate all the military supplies in the government treasury. If it is difficult to supply enough military equipment for a while, it is better to postpone it.” "What do you want, sir?" "The minister is familiar with the goods, and can check the treasury and military equipment." "Okay! No matter what you say, always use the treasury's military reserves as the standard!" "The old general Geng Jie is stubborn, Mr. Gang Cheng is so surly, and I feel ashamed that I can't help you." "I know it's difficult, sir!" Ying Zhu sighed while sipping hot tea, "Mr. first entered the state of Qin, he had no friendship with the general, and was unfamiliar with the old ministers. It is difficult for the first-time ministers to deal with! But the state of Qin has only one benefit. : No one has the foundation of prestige obtained out of thin air. I have been an old prince for more than 30 years, and I have been in danger many times. After all, Ying Zhu has no achievements! If the previous king had no choice, how could Ying Zhu get the throne today? In this way, the courtiers can imagine. Although the master is free to do things, he has meritorious deeds, although the world is hard to hide!" "Thank you, Wang Ticha!" Lu Buwei suddenly prostrated himself on the ground with a choked sob. "Where did you come from, sir!" Ying Zhu supported him, and sighed as he looked into Lu Buwei's eyes, "It's God's will! Although I and Yiren are flesh and blood, we have been separated for dozens of years. Supervisor. Mr. Tianci is better than other people, and Mr. Ying Zhuqi is far away!" Yin Yin said with red eyes. Lu Buwei couldn't help bowing in awe: "For the rest of my life, I will never dare to betray Qin!" There was a faint rooster crowing in the frosty mist.Ying Zhu heaved a sigh of relief and slumped down on the desk.Hua Yanghou floated in quietly, smiled at Lu Buwei and nodded, then skillfully carried Ying Zhu on his back and left.Lu Buwei was a little numb, stood up and silently followed the maid who was guarding the door and left.The frost and fog in the early winter fell all over the sky with the humidity of the Wei River. Lu Buwei's figure floated up with a flickering lantern, and disappeared into the vast dawn of Xianyang.