Establishing a thousand-year family from the nobles of the Western Han Dynasty

Chapter 141 Four Ministers

"Okay, in that case, I will order Wang Mang, a doctor of the Imperial Academy, to take over the position of Grand Marshal and grant him the title of Grand General, making him the chief minister in charge of the government."

Wang Zhengjun was quite satisfied. Even Xu Hua, who had been the most difficult and unruly before, chose to remain silent.

Now the situation is stronger than people. When the emperor is not confirmed, the queen mother has absolute authority! Although she does not have the power to appoint a crown prince, she has the power to appoint regents.

In this way, she can let her own family members take control of the core positions. After all, who else can she use if not her own family members?

Wang Zhengjun is actually very similar to Liu Che's grandmother Dou Yifang. Although they both interfered in state affairs and promoted their own family members, they were on Liu's side and did all this just to maintain the balance in the court.

The Han Dynasty and all subsequent dynasties used relatives by marriage because there were no trustworthy people.

Even Liu Xin didn't trust the newly appointed Xu Hua, let alone Wang Zhengjun.

If the former general Xu Ning were still alive, she would certainly be able to let it go, because this man was Emperor Yuan's confidant and could be absolutely trusted.

But now, the country is about to undergo a change of power, and there is no guarantee that the Xu family will not have any evil thoughts. Xu Zhen and Xu Gong are loyal to the emperor and patriotic, but it does not mean that their descendants can do the same.

Wasn't Qin Fuzi, the ancestor of the Qin Dynasty, a loyal subject of the Zhou royal family? But a hundred years later, his descendants still destroyed the Zhou Dynasty.

The human heart is unpredictable, and family members are certainly more trustworthy than outsiders. Clues can be found from the fact that he later threw the jade seal and rebuked Wang Mang.

Although she is far from being comparable to Dou Yifang, most of the time she is just pretending.

"Your Majesty, the country is now without a ruler, but the government affairs cannot be left unattended. I beg you to appoint a minister to assist the government as soon as possible! So that he can assist the new ruler in the future."

One of the ministers suggested that they should choose sides as soon as possible. With the power shift and Ding Ming falling rapidly, they must first find a completely secure backer!
Dong Xian was bound to be liquidated, no doubt about it. After all, this guy was forcibly raised to power with the help of the previous emperor, and his position was quite unstable. After Wang Mang was restored to the throne, he would definitely use this guy as an example to scare the monkeys!
So we have to distance ourselves from the matter.

Wang Zhengjun nodded. This was exactly what she was thinking. "You are right. Earlier, the late emperor also revealed who he would entrust his son to after a hundred years."

"Although the death was sudden, this list is still valid."

The next step is the highlight. These regents will determine the political landscape of the Han Dynasty for at least the next thirty years! At least before the emperor comes of age, these people will have the final say on military and national affairs.

That’s right, Wang Zhengjun had made up her mind not to appoint any older princes as the new emperor, such as the previously most popular Prince Guangyang.

What would the Wang family have to do with the Guangyang King? He was a staunch supporter of the Xu Party.

Moreover, the power to appoint a crown prince cannot be given to Xu Hua. Wang Mang's position must be elevated as soon as possible. It just so happens that he has been developing in the Imperial Academy in recent years and is deeply loved by Confucian scholars. It would be more than enough for me to help him.

And this position of regent is obviously the most direct and effective.

"According to convention, there should be four ministers to take care of the orphan, and the same applies to the regent. I remember that this has been the convention since Emperor Xiaowu Liu Che, so this dynasty is no exception."

Wang Zhengjun looked around and found that Xu Hua's expression was still calm, so she said, "Grand Marshal Wang Mang is the first minister, followed by Grand Tutor Xu Hua, Grand Marshal Kong Guang and General of Chariots and Cavalry Xu Zhong."

Since the Xu family is so cooperative, she must of course give them some face accordingly.

Wang Mang, the Grand Marshal who had been pushed down before, actually surpassed Xu Hua. Some people must have been dissatisfied, after all, Xu Hua's political achievements were far superior to his.

Of course, there is no point in being dissatisfied. It is reasonable and legal for the maternal relative to be the chief regent. The identity of the maternal relative is the biggest proof, but correspondingly, some benefits must be given to keep the mouth shut.

This was her intention in promoting Xu Zhong, who was stationed in Jingzhou, to be the regent. Two of the four regents had the surname Xu, so no one could find fault with them. Kong Guang was a famous Confucian scholar who would not interfere in the disputes in the court.

It is undoubtedly reasonable that the combined strength of the two Xus is enough to compete with Wang Mang, the prime minister.

However, Wang Zhengjun had another purpose for making this appointment. Since Xu Zhong was appointed as one of the four ministers, he had to return to the capital to help handle state affairs. With another official position, he would be able to become regent.

In contrast, the leadership of Jingzhou might be lost. It cannot be said that the officials of the capital should also serve as the local governor. Even if they do, it is just a nominal position. How can they control the local military and political affairs? In a sense, it is a promotion in name only and a demotion in reality.

Then he would send his own people to be the governor of Jingzhou. If everything went well, he could greatly deprive the Xu family of their influence on the local area. This was the biggest worry! As for the position of Situ and the like, they were secondary. After all, politics was a matter of one person suffering and the whole family benefiting.

If there was any mistake, the whole clan would be exterminated! The Wang family was lucky enough to withdraw from the court in time, and they were protected by the queen mother and had an extraordinary reputation, so they were able to escape the disaster.

However, there were also many members of the Wang family who died tragically.

The only thing to worry about is the local forces! Even if Xu Hua fails, he can't uproot them, because if Chang'an is uprooted, the forces in other places will not give up.

Xu Zhong, Xu Yuan, Xu Min and others were local emperors in their respective states! They had absolute military and political power, so Wang Zhengjun was very worried.

The intention to weaken the family by this is to kill two birds with one stone, shutting up outsiders and depriving the Xu family of its influence.

"Does Situ Xu have any objections?" Wang Zhengjun looked at Xu Hua below.

"I have no objection. Your Majesty is wise."

Xu Hua's expression changed slightly, but he recovered quickly. This matter was not enough to make him lose his composure, which was actually beneficial to him.

He also understood the other party's intentions. How could they be so kind? They just wanted to weaken the Xu family's influence in Jingxiang and win over the Yangzhou governor Zhu Chun. Then the south would basically be out of their absolute control.

At the same time, there was also the intention of showing goodwill to the local Legalists. After all, Wang Mang was a Confucian, and the Legalists must have felt uneasy.

But it may not necessarily be a disaster. It mainly depends on how the follow-up operations are. Must the regent minister return to Beijing to assist in the administration? If Jingzhou continues to be in chaos, then it is reasonable and legal for Xu Zhong, as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, to continue to stay in Jingzhou to quell the chaos.

Pretend to be bandits. The imperial court can't verify it anyway. That place is Xu family's territory and outsiders can't take a single step.

Therefore, as long as it is operated well, it is still a good thing. Xu Zhong can take this as an opportunity to remotely control the state affairs in Jingzhou. His position at the critical moment is even more crucial.

Since ancient times, those who hold military power have either to fight for it or to eliminate it. If it is impossible to eliminate it, then the only options are to fight for it or keep a distance from it.

Therefore, the Xu family would never let go of the place. Xu Hua was actually very clear-headed. He knew why he was able to win and why Wang Gen was indifferent back then.

When his father died, Xu Zhong stationed tens of thousands of troops in Nanyang. Wang Gen was afraid of the consequences and did not seize this good opportunity.

"Well... then let's send someone to invite the new Grand Marshal Wang Mang. The crown prince should be decided as soon as possible. Please work hard, we can't delay it any longer." Wang Zhengjun seemed a little anxious. She could no longer tolerate any changes. With the little emperor in her hands, her position would be more stable.

By then, even if the situation became tense, Xu Zhong would not dare to act rashly. If he raised an army to attack Chang'an, it would be tantamount to rebellion.

.........

Imperial College, a Confucian academy.

At this time, the large-scale recruitment of students had just ended, and students in Confucian robes came and went, from all over the world. Chief Doctor Wang Mang stood on the high platform, looking at the students who were eager for knowledge with great satisfaction.

These are the future of the Han Dynasty, and also the basis for him to secure his position. Only with the support of Confucian scholars can he initially possess the capital to compete with the Xu family.

At this moment, a large number of elite armored soldiers riding on horses arrived outside the mansion gate.

Seeing this scene, the crowd that was noisy just now suddenly became quiet and stood solemnly by.

In this era, one does not have to kneel to receive an imperial edict. One can kneel or not, depending on one’s personal attitude.

Wang Mang also walked out slowly, followed by two doctors.

The leading eunuch held up the imperial edict and read aloud, "The Queen Mother's decree says that Wang Mang, the Marquis of Xindu, accepts the decree."

Seeing this, Wang Mang immediately bent down and prepared.

Marquis of Xindu was the title of his father Wang Man, and as the eldest son it was natural for him to inherit it. After all, how could a former Grand Marshal not have a title?

"Wang Mang, the Marquis of Xindu, has excellent character. In his early years as a Sima, he made great contributions and was deeply loved. Now, after consultation among the civil and military officials of the whole court, he is specially welcomed to resume the position of Grand Sima and become the head of the Four Assistant Ministers. I hope you will continue to work hard."

After the eunuch finished reading it, he held the imperial edict in both hands and handed it over respectfully.

Wang Mang, who had retired from the center of power for many years, was a little dazed for a moment. After all, the position he had been planning for decades was now within the reach of everyone.

How can one not sigh?

"Sima Wang, Sima Wang? Are you okay?" The eunuch spoke when he saw that the other party had not spoken for a long time.

"It's nothing. I, Wang Mang, will receive the imperial edict." He reacted quickly and took the imperial edict, which meant that he formally accepted the appointment from the court.

In fact, one could refuse the emperor's invitation to serve as an official.

"Please ask the Grand Marshal to go to the Weiyang Palace to discuss matters. The ministers have been waiting for a long time."

"I understand. Prepare the horses." Wang Mang gave a few more instructions to the doctors behind him, and then followed them to the palace.

At this moment, the atmosphere around was completely ignited.

"Grand Marshal? This is the head of the Three Dukes! He has ascended to heaven in one step. I remember he was a prince the last time."

"That's not true. I heard that the teacher was the Grand Marshal a few years ago."

"Surname Wang... Wang's in-laws? Not very likely."

.........

Following the guards back to the palace, Wang Mang walked up the long stairs, still holding the imperial edict in his hand. He couldn't help but feel excited as he looked at this palace that symbolized the highest power.

Every time this happened, he was more excited than ever before.

When will I be able to sit in the main seat and point out the world, and be the only one who can rule the country? Perhaps only then will I truly have the ability to change the world.

Wang Mang knew it was unlikely, but once the seeds of desire took root, it would be difficult to eradicate...

"I see the Queen Mother."

He walked into the hall, and all the ministers looked at him with subtle expressions.

Some were delighted, some were frightened, and some were fearful... In short, Xu Hua was definitely the fearful one, even though he had no expression on his face now.

"No need to be so polite, Lord." Wang Zhengjun waved her hand with a gentle smile on her face. She had always liked this nephew, and her brother Wang Feng had entrusted him to her before.

Wang Mang is indeed a very likable younger generation, with noble character and strong abilities. I believe no one would dislike such a descendant.

There is a reason why he broke the stereotype in a short period of time and was loved by Confucian scholars.

"Congratulations on your return, Sima Wang. I hope you can give me more guidance in the future. We need to encourage each other in the future." Xu Hua did not seem to be upset, and was even very happy.

After all, things have come to this point. Wang Mang has returned strongly. He has not only become the Grand Marshal of the dynasty again, but also the chief regent! The legitimate chief of government, once the previous emperor Liu Xin died, the advantage over the Wang family disappeared.

His power has not yet reached its peak. Only after the new emperor is established can Wang Mang's status as a relative of the emperor truly play a role.

It was impossible for him to establish an adult prince. The main reason why ministers supported the emperor was whether it was in their own interests, and an adult emperor would undoubtedly help the Xu family.

Especially the previously appointed Prince Guangyang, he has always been very close to the Xu family, but Liu Xin has been wavering. In comparison, he wants to establish his own son more.

Although she never gave birth to a child in her life and lived only to the age of twenty-three, she died very short.

"Hahaha... What Situ Xu said is right. We still need to supervise each other. If I have done something illegal, please don't be lenient." Wang Mang was also very kind.

But he was also wary in his heart. Before, he was only wary of his father Xu Bo, but now he found that Xu Hua was better than his father and his political methods were more sophisticated!

The only thing he lacks is prestige. Xu Bo basically has the final say in the Imperial Academy. If he had been willing to step forward when Li Nianzhao forced the emperor to abdicate, there would have been no way that Emperor Li would have abdicated.

Using the military might have side effects, leading to a gap in Liu's rule.

But Xu Bo was different. He was able to solve the problem without bloodshed. Unfortunately, the situation was too special.

But Xu Hua was not like that. He was not old enough to win the support of the Taixue community, which eventually led to Confucianism being controlled by Wang Mang.

The guy behind will definitely become a strong enemy! The Xu family has its own troops in the local area, which is undoubtedly the most important point to pay attention to, especially Xu Zhong, who is also one of the four assistant ministers. Nanyang is also close to Guanzhong and has the highest risk factor.

The first thing that was needed was to unite with Grand Chancellor Kong Guang, who was also an assistant minister, so that the Xu family could be suppressed in the court.

It would be even better if Xu Zhong left Jingzhou and came to Chang'an. Their influence in Jingzhou would be greatly infiltrated!
Moreover, Kong Guang was a descendant of Confucius and a great Confucian scholar, so he must be closer to me.

It seems that we will be busy in the future. As for the rest of the Fu family, it is easy to deal with them. Once the late emperor died, they were lambs to be slaughtered.

(End of this chapter)