Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 826 King Yan!

The next day after Yang Yuan returned to Beijing and settled down, the emperor held an additional court session and Yang Yuan went to the palace to meet the emperor.

After being away from the capital for several years, when Yang Yuan left, although he had already become a well-known official in the court, he had no experience of serving in a local government or as a frontier official.

Although the officials in Beijing are noble and aloof, they do not have the majesty that comes from being a governor of a region and holding absolute power.

In other words, Beijing officials all have a layer of protective color, which makes them feel as gentle as jade when they interact with each other.

Now Yang Yuan has returned to the capital. He has ruled a vast area with a population of millions, he has established the merit of destroying a country, and he has commanded an army of tens of thousands.

Now he is like a sword that has drunk the blood of countless enemies.

If we make a comparison, this hall full of red and purple is like a ceremonial sword, magnificent and exquisitely crafted.

As for Yang Yuan, the scabbard was already mottled, and the hilt of the sword had a dark glow from being rubbed by his thumb for too long.

But compared to that shiny and bright ceremonial sword, this sword with a bare hilt and no tassel looks more dangerous.

The little emperor sat on the throne, and Prince of Jin Zhao Yu still sat on the side of the throne, one step lower, as before.

However, compared to when his elder brother Zhao Yuan was emperor, Zhao Qu was obviously not as leisurely and casual as before.

When his elder brother was in power, he was fine no matter how lazy he was in the palace.

He could laugh, curse, or pretend to be deaf and dumb, but no matter what he did, it was the emperor's brother's favor to him.

But the person sitting there now is his nephew, and if he behaves like he did when his elder brother was alive, there will be a lot of rumors.

He would be accused of bullying the emperor, oppressing the young emperor, and harboring ambitions.

Therefore, even a man like the Goose King, who acted on his own impulse, had to restrain himself in the court.

People in the arena involuntarily.

The court is the biggest arena.

"Xuan, the Duke of Zhenguo, the Right Counselor, and the Envoy of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Longyou, Yang Yuan, is here to see you."

Yang Yuan went to the palace.

He promised Zhao Yu that he would enjoy a life of wealth and luxury from then on, as long as the little emperor really stopped.

Once his mentality changed from competing to remaining unchanged, Yang Yuan seemed much more relaxed and casual.

"Your Majesty, I am Yang Yuan!"

Yang Yuan stopped and bowed deeply.

Zhao Kai smiled and looked at Yang Yuan who was standing at the steps.

He was not familiar with Yang Yuan. They had only met occasionally during the New Year holidays when Yang Yuan and the Grand Princess came to the palace to pay homage.

He truly appreciated Yang Yuan for helping him seize Dali, pacify Western Xia, and snatch a piece of fat meat from the Jin people in Shaanxi.

However, it is also true that Yang Yuan's power is too great, which makes him feel uneasy.

Thinking of the strategy Zhao Chen had set for him, the expression on Zhao Kai's face became even more enthusiastic.

"Duke Zhenguo, please stand up. You have made great contributions to the country. Please take your seat quickly."

Immediately, two eunuchs carried a heavy wooden official hat chair and placed it in the hall.

It is a great honor to be given a seat in the temple.

However, the location of the seat is intriguing.

It is neither a literary class nor a military class, but a class for royal relatives, nobles and honorable men.

Moreover, today is not a grand court meeting to celebrate the New Year, so the royal relatives, nobles and honored officials do not have to go to the palace.

Therefore, that chair was placed alone in the row of nobles and honors.

Zhao Qu, who was leaning on the back of the chair, suddenly sat up straight, with an annoyed look on his face.

Yang Yuan had suffered enough grievances, and he had thought that this imperial nephew would at least be able to consider his appearance.

But I didn't expect that this kid Zhao Kai would be so ignorant. Isn't this a public humiliation to Yang Yuan?
Zhao Kai had never discussed this matter with his most trusted teacher Zhao Chen.

The person Zhao Kai trusts the most now is Zhao Chen.

Because they are all members of the Zhao family, but Zhao Chen is the one who poses the least threat to him.

Moreover, the two of them met because of calligraphy, and Zhao Chen always paid attention to the way he got along with Zhao Chen, which made him feel comfortable.

Just like some kids who think they have their own opinions, no matter how much his parents try to persuade him to change his annoying, second-year hairstyle, he turns a deaf ear to them.

If his friend said, "This doesn't look good," he would immediately go to the barber shop to change his hairstyle.

This was probably the attitude Zhao Kai had towards Zhao Qu and Zhao Chen.

However, the seats given and their placement were the product of his sudden inspiration.

Haven't discussed this with anyone.

He was also worried that Yang Yuan would make a scene, so when he put the chair down, his eyes narrowed and he couldn't help but feel nervous.

Yang Yuan looked at the lonely chair and smiled slightly.

He has already decided to let it go, so would he still fight for this?

"Thank you for your seat, sir."

Yang Yuan walked over calmly and sat down on the chair.

Zhao Qi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had heard that this person had a hot temper and a tongue as sharp as a sword, and he was always bold in speaking out and confronting others. This was nothing more than that.

A hint of contemptuous pride flashed across Zhao Qi's eyes and then disappeared.

Zhao Qi smiled and said, "Since Yang Qing came to Tongchuan Road, he has annexed Liangshan Prefecture in Dali in the south, pacified Dabai Gao State in the west, and seized Tianshui, Baoji, and Jianxunling from the Jin people in the north. He holds the key to Guanzhong and has made outstanding contributions. He is truly a pillar of our Song Dynasty."

"Now that Lord Yang has returned to the court, you can present your position in the palace so that the other ministers can understand it clearly and discuss the policy against the Jin Dynasty together."

"I obey your command." Yang Yuan also began to show off. He did not stand up to answer, but sat on the chair and recounted his actions since he took office in Sichuan, including governing the local area, developing culture and education, promoting industry and commerce, building roads and workshops, researching and developing firearms, as well as suppressing the rebellion in Xuzhou, seizing Liangshan Prefecture, conquering Western Xia, and attacking Shaanxi.

Zhao Qi was delighted when he heard this.

Not to mention Yang Yuan's many great achievements during the time of the previous emperor, just the things he did during his reign are all worthy of being recorded in the history books and will make my name famous forever.

Unfortunately, corresponding to this, Yang Yuan’s prestige, status and power became increasingly stronger.

Things in the world are so contradictory.

Not to mention that Yang Yuanshang is still so young, what if he is in his seventies or eighties?
Ever since Sima Yi appeared in the world, people have become worried about powerful officials who are buried in the ground up to their necks.

But Zhao Kai knew how cautious his father was when Qin Hui was in power.

If Yang Yuan is allowed to continue, once his ambition grows, the harm he will cause will be greater than that caused by Qin Hui.

After listening to Yang Yuan's report, Zhao Kai put aside the chaotic thoughts in his mind, slammed the imperial desk heavily, and stood up happily.

"My dear ministers, Yang Qing's contribution is of great merit! I have a clear distinction between rewards and punishments. For such a great contribution, I have to reward him heavily.

"How do you think I should reward Mr. Yang?"

Among the ministers, some immediately came forward and began a heated discussion.

Most of these officials were unfamiliar to me. I guess it was because after Zhao Kai ascended the throne, all the officials from the Eastern Palace came to the court to serve as officials.

These people will obviously be the loyal ministers of the future emperor when he takes power.

The expressions of Yang Yuan's old acquaintances from his time in Beijing were somewhat complicated.

Even those among them who had disagreed with Yang Yuan's political views were very clear about how great Yang Yuan's contributions were.

However, the little emperor still rejected and feared him.

Everyone can't help but feel sad for the loss of the rabbit.

Yang Yuan watched them coldly and just thought they were noisy.

What they were discussing seemed to have nothing to do with him.

Anyway, he already knew that he would be crowned king and hold the highest position among high-ranking officials.

His achievements cannot be any higher, and his rank cannot be promoted any higher, but for the rest of his life he will just have a wife and children and a warm bed.

It's not bad. He has been fighting all over the country over the years, and he was not around when several of his children were born.

In the days to come, I can spend more time with my family.

While Yang Yuan was daydreaming, Prince of Jin Zhao Ju had already made the final decision.

He believed that Yang Yuan deserved to be crowned king based on his merits.

During the two Song dynasties, which had a total history of more than 300 years, there were only less than 30 dukes and five kings of different surnames who were crowned kings during their lifetime.

But in terms of achievements, Yang Yuan is truly qualified to be crowned king.

In particular, the title of king is only valid for one generation and is not hereditary. Once he is crowned king, he is destined to stay away from government affairs.

With this as the price, even Yang Yuan’s political enemies would not do anything to hinder him.

Thus, the farce of conferring a title was finalized.

The young emperor Zhao Kai thought of what Zhao Chen had said about showing extra favor and leniency, and about covering up something before taking power.

He cleared his throat and said loudly: "What the King of Jin said makes sense. With Yang Qing's contribution, this king... deserves it."

Zhao Qi smiled and said, "In my opinion, Yang Qing should be crowned the King of Yan. Yang Qing and my uncle have always been good friends. Yan and Jin are neighbors, so they are even more friendly. What do you think?"

Yang Yuan stood up and said with his arms folded, "Your Majesty, I dare not refuse your grace."

Li Duhuan, the Left Censor, was originally an official of the Eastern Palace. After Zhao Kai ascended the throne, he was transformed from an official of the Eastern Palace to an official of the court.

The Sijian was responsible for correcting deficiencies in government affairs, improper appointments, illegal acts, etc.

At this time, he took the opportunity to step out of the class, clasped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, Yang Yuan has been conferred the title of king, and the post of Right Counselor and the Envoy of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Longyou should be handed over.

I don’t know who can take on this role, please let the emperor know.”

Zhao Qi frowned and pretended to be unhappy and said, "Before Yang Qing was sent to Tongchuan, although he held the title of Right Counselor, he was indispensable in the court and someone would have filled the vacancy long ago.

Yang Qing can resign now. This position is not vacant, so there is no need to appoint him again. As for the envoy to Sichuan, Shaanxi and Longyou..."

Zhao Qi looked at Yang Yuan and said, "Is there anyone in the court who is more familiar with the affairs of these three places than Yang Qing?
I made Yang Qing the king because of his merits.

Yang Qing is in his thirties and has a lot to achieve. Is he just going to live out his retirement in leisure?

Since Sichuan and Shaanxi are the Longyou Xuanfu Envoy, Yang Qing will still be in charge of it remotely."

Yang Yuan burst out laughing. After hearing the first half of the sentence, he really thought that the little emperor had no grudges and still wanted to use him.

I'm just worried about him leading troops outside, so I want to add a restriction.

Now that this “remote leadership” has come out, it turns out to be just a face-saving project.

Seeing Yang Yuan couldn't help laughing, Zhao Kai felt a little uneasy.

He cleared his throat and added, "Yang Yuan is crowned a king, with a fief of 10,000 households, plus another 1,000 households, and is granted the right to 'not attend court three times'!"

When the ministers heard this, there was another commotion.

Some people who thought that Yang Yuan would stay away from government affairs from then on thought that it was really a great favor from the emperor.

The so-called "three no's" means not to bow when entering the court, not to name one's name when praising or worshipping, and not to wear sword and shoes when entering the palace.

Looking at the entire history of the Song Dynasty, Yue Fei was the only one who had such an honor.

Now, there is one more person, Yang Yuan.

(End of this chapter)