Prime Minister

Chapter 1304: Relationship between the Emperor and His Subjects

Chapter 1304: Relationship between the Emperor and His Subjects

February of the seventh year of Yuanfeng.

This was Zhang Yue’s second refusal, but the government, as usual, refused to approve it.

Shunzhou, Maozhou, Yuanzhou and other places rebelled one after another. The government troops were unable to suppress them and were defeated. The Privy Council dispatched troops to attack again. In order to enable Huguang to use grain from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River to support the lower reaches, the court also made full use of Huguang.

As far as Zhang Yue knows.

The Huguang area is indeed not easy to conquer. Take the Duzhan barbarians as an example. Most people have never heard of this tribe, but those who have traveled along the Yangtze River must have seen the hanging coffins on the cliffs.

Duzhanman is the hanging coffin tribe.

This hanging coffin tribe lived here for many years. In order to promote the policy of aboriginal rule, the Ming Dynasty began to suppress the Duzhan barbarians in the first year of the Jingtai reign.

During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Juzheng appointed his fellow villager Zeng Xingwu as the governor of Sichuan, and Liu Ting's father, General Liu Xian, dispatched 140,000 Ming troops to capture Lingxiao City and Jiusi City of the Duzhan barbarians.

After a hundred years of war, Du Zhangman finally disappeared from history.

There was also the pacification of the Jinchuan area during the Qianlong period.

Therefore, developing Huguang and pacifying Sichuan and Jiaozhi, although seemingly difficult, was in fact not easy at all.

In particular, Zhang Yue compared the development of Huguang to the construction of Zhengguo Canal in the Qin Dynasty.

However, in the process of converting the natives into officials, we can follow the example of the Song Dynasty in pacifying Xihe.

For this purpose, Zhang Yue specially promoted He Guan, who had made great contributions to the construction of military farms and canals in Xihe Road, to the position of Deputy Envoy of Quanjing South Road.

He Guan was a military general, and his transition from military to civil talent was an extraordinary move.

It is a very laborious undertaking, but it will benefit future generations. Compared with this, the destruction of the six kingdoms can be slowed down.

Maozhou is also a case in point.

Jiaozhi was not to be tolerated either. In the seventh year of Xining, Jiaozhi dispatched 100,000 troops to capture Yongzhou. Su Song's cousin Su Jian died as the governor of Yongzhou, and Jiaozhi massacred 60,000 Song soldiers and civilians.

The government sent Guo Kui to pacify Jiaozhi. Although he won the battle, it was a very costly one.

Now the two countries are still arguing over Shunzhou, attacking and defending each other. Zhang Yue actively advised the emperor to settle the internal affairs first, and then deal with the Dangxiang. After all, during the reign of Emperor Renzong, he sent troops to defeat Nong Zhigao, and finally forced the Dali Kingdom to kill Nong Zhigao and present his head to the Song Dynasty.

In this month, Wang Shao died of illness. Zhang Yue petitioned for posthumous title and posthumous honors for his contribution in pacifying Xihe, and also set up a temple in Xihe.

February Spring Banquet.

Zhang Yue still attended the banquet as the right prime minister.

Zhang Yue clearly remembered the scene when the emperor raised his cup and toasted Wang Anshi at the banquet.

After the banquet, Wang Anshi resigned from his position as prime minister and returned home.

In fact, all the officials knew that Zhang Yue was bound to leave, and the emperor had also released the news from the palace. Now the officials were betting on which time Zhang Yue would resign before the emperor would agree.

The Spring Banquet was halfway through when news of victory came from the north.

It turned out that Lu Huiqing defeated the Liao army in Taiyuan, and the Liao army retreated more than 30 miles.

All the officials congratulated the emperor on the victory. Zhang Yue also knew why the victory report did not come earlier or later, but had to arrive at the Spring Banquet. It was really a coincidence.

I don’t know if I learned this trick from myself, but I’m becoming more and more proficient at it.

Amidst the singing of praises and the flamboyant performances, the emperor accepted the congratulations of his ministers with a beaming face.

Of course, after the ministers congratulated the emperor, they toasted Zhang Yue and other prime ministers.

Zhang Yue calmly toasted with his colleagues.

At this moment, Wang Gui was sitting at the head of the group, and everyone was talking about his everlasting grace and honor. Wang Gui had white hair and a dignified demeanor, and he really had the demeanor of a leader of the ministers. As the chief minister, Zhang Yue had made contributions over the years, so he had his share.

It is rare that Wang Gui did not restrict himself too much. It is not easy for him not to be jealous of others' talents when he is in this position.

He is a famous official of Yuanfeng, and he will definitely have a place in the court.

Zhang Yue toasted Wang Gui, who was slightly stunned, then said: "Measure it..."

There is no further development here, as too many things have been left unsaid.

Cai Que walked to Zhang Yue's side and whispered, "The prince is not attending the banquet today."

Zhang Yue glanced at the place where the sixth prince had stood before him, and understood what Cai Que meant.

He was silent for a moment, then raised his glass, and both of them drank it in one gulp.

"Be upright, the road ahead will be difficult."

Cai Que was stunned for a moment, then his expression became solemn.

Immediately, Zhang Yue walked down the steps and toasted Zhang Zhi, Lu Gongzhu, Su Song, Wang Anli and others one by one.

But the officials in the hall who were members of Zhang's party or respected Zhang Yue seemed to know something and vied with each other to toast Zhang Yue.

"Prime Minister!"

"Prime Minister!"

"Prime Minister!"

Many officials were hesitant to speak. Although they wanted Zhang Yue to continue serving as the right prime minister, retaining the prime minister was the emperor's power, not theirs, so they could only keep these words in their hearts.

At this moment, most of the officials in the hall came up to toast. Many of them were officials who had received favors and support from Zhang Yue, and some were moved by his loyalty and integrity.

Zhang Yue knew that this move was taking away from the main purpose, so he realized that it was time to retire.

……

After returning home, Zhang Yue wrote another memorial to the emperor to resign from his position as prime minister and handed over all affairs.

Finally, he moved into Dingli Temple again and isolated himself from the world.

After eating pickled vegetables and tofu for two days, the emperor ordered Song Yongchen to summon Zhang Yue to Yanhe Hall.

"Have you decided to leave?" the emperor asked Zhang Yue.

Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, I would like to retire as a palace official."

The palace officials were ministers who enjoyed leisure and a salary, a kind of assignment that paid them money but did not do any work.

If ordinary people understood it, they would not be happy if they got paid without doing any work.

But there were also officials who were unwilling to do so, such as Sima Guang and Zhang Dun, who thought it was not good to take the court salary for nothing since they had nothing to do.

But when it comes to Zhang Yue, it is another realm.

This was the first private discussion between the emperor and his minister after Zhang Yue submitted a memorial to establish a crown prince.

The emperor frowned and said, "You are still young, but you have retired from the palace. Why is that?"

What the emperor meant was, are you dissatisfied with me, that’s why you slipped away so quickly?

Although the life in palaces and temples was leisurely and well-paid, it did feel a bit like exile.

Zhang Yue had thought of an excuse long ago and said, "Your Majesty, I have thought about it. Scholars are famous for their words, achievements, and virtues. I dare not take the credit for the virtues, but I have done some achievements, so I returned to my hometown to write books and do things to make words."

"Learn from Sima Guang and do my best for Your Majesty and the country."

The emperor frowned upon hearing what Zhang Yue said and said, "I have read Sima Guang's Zizhi Tongjian. I learned from past events and applied them to governance."

Zhang Yue said: "Sima Guang is a man of extensive knowledge, covering the past and present. This book covers the period from the late Zhou Dynasty to the Five Dynasties, forming a unique book. His praise, criticism, and selection are all based on evidence!"

"In terms of historiography, only Sima Qian can be compared with Sima Guang."

The emperor nodded and said, "Sima Guang is upright and loyal, and he has not changed over the years. It's a pity that he has always opposed the new law!"

"After pacifying the Tanguts, I will transfer him to the central government."

Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, the task of pacifying the Tanguts is still urgent. The Liao army only attacked Taiyuan perfunctorily, and Lu Huiqing only defeated these second- and third-rate troops. I think it is better to develop Huguang and stabilize Maozhou and Shunzhou first."

The emperor was furious when he heard this and thought, "Are you jealous of Lu Huiqing's achievement in repelling the Liao army?"

Zhang Yue smiled bitterly. Before Wang Anshi was dismissed from his post for the second time, he told his subordinates that he only got 50% of the points.

The officials only listened to half of what he said.

The emperor became more and more assertive and was unwilling to listen to Wang Anshi on everything.

The emperor paused and said, "Although the prince is intelligent, he doesn't talk much. I think he needs more training."

Zhang Yue's heart was moved when he heard this. The attendant beside him was taking notes.

Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, I think that being profound and dignified is the best quality in the world; being upright and heroic is second; being smart and eloquent is third."

"The prince is a profound and serious person, which is a blessing to the country."

The official sneered when he heard this.

Zhang Yue said: "Those who are profound and serious can be open-minded and heroic, and can also be smart and eloquent."

"It is not difficult for a man of integrity and eloquence to be clever and eloquent, but he is not profound and profound."

"But being able to be smart and eloquent is all."

The emperor listened to Zhang Yue's words and said, "You are always so eloquent. What do you mean by being profound and dignified? In the final analysis, what is meant by being profound and dignified is that you are dull and unintelligent, and are easily manipulated by your subordinates."

Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, I dare to say that from ancient times to the present, there has never been a shortage of emperors who can manipulate power, but what is lacking is an emperor who is kind to the people and has virtues that are known throughout the world."

"People like Yang Guang were intelligent and discerning, and were good at political schemes, but they ended up ruining the Sui Dynasty. Such unrestrained and inconsiderate strategies will only harm the world!"

The emperor asked, "Is it Yang Guang's responsibility alone that the Sui Dynasty lost the world?"

Zhang Yue didn't respond. He came here to retire, not to quarrel.

The emperor smiled and said, "I don't need you to retire from the palace. You can be appointed as the Grand Secretary of Wendian, the Grand Master of Jinzi Guanglu, the Judge of Fuzhou Prefecture and the Pacifier of Fujian Road."

Zhang Yue thought that retiring from this official position was a normal treatment. In other words, there was still room for improvement.

After all, Zhang Yue's rank is enough for him to retire as a Jiedushi.

"The rest of the rewards are still under discussion. If your family has any other requests, I will grant them to you! You have served me for many years and have made great contributions to the country. You and I must be king and subject from beginning to end."

Zhang Yue thought to himself that the emperor was actually a pretty good person: "Your Majesty, I dare not bow down to you for your kindness."

The emperor couldn't help himself and said to the attendant beside him, "Please leave."

"You too." Shi Deyi, Song Yongchen, Li Xian and other accompanying officials also retreated far away.

After everyone left, the emperor said to Zhang Yue angrily, "Do you really want me to appoint a crown prince before you agree? Do you even want to give up the relationship we have had for so many years? I said at the beginning that I would be with you forever. You forgot that, but I haven't."

Zhang Yue was slightly angry when he heard this and said, "Your Majesty has a very good memory. When he was ill, Prince Yong went in and out of the palace many times, as if no one was around. Have you forgotten this?"

The official was speechless when he heard this.

Zhang Yue said: "How could I not know that the issue of establishing a crown prince is your Majesty's family affair. I am afraid that it is what happened to Taizu in the past, so I have to tell you."

The emperor frowned and said, "If this is true, won't you fight for it? Just like Han Zhongxian did."

Zhang Yue couldn't help but roll his eyes and said, "Han Zhongxian was a great advisor to the two dynasties. He made decisions on important matters, wore his official hat and held his official tablet in his hand, remained calm, and kept the country safe. He can be said to be a loyal minister to the country."

"Even so, Han Zhongxian did it in accordance with the will of the Emperor Ren Miao and the grace of Empress Dowager Cisheng Guangxian (Empress Cao)!"

"The most important thing is that Empress Dowager Cisheng Guangxian did not have any princes at the time! It is a different time now."

What is the biggest difference between Empress Dowager Cao and Empress Dowager Gao? Your Majesty, you should know this.

The emperor nodded and asked, "What you said is exactly the same as what Wen Yanbo said. I want to ask you whether it is good or not to let civil officials make decisions and establish systems?"

Zhang Yue said: "Not good, the civil officials are all conservative. If the new emperor follows the system, it will be difficult to break the long-standing habits."

"But other than this, Your Majesty, what better choice do you have?"