Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 193 The Battle for Bianjing!

Bianjing, Wende Hall.

The sandalwood incense wafted gently, and the candlelight flickered brightly.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying sat upright with his feet at his sides, and said calmly:

"All internal and external departments shall submit reports on matters that need to be reported."

Having been on the throne for half a year, Zhao Ceying has gradually accumulated power and his voice has become increasingly strong.

On the left, a person holding a scepter walks out steadily.

Zhao Ceying's expression darkened slightly, and his gaze naturally shifted downwards.

Lu Gongzhu bowed and slowly began to speak: "Your Majesty, recently, the King of Western Xia, Li Liangzuo, personally led an expedition to invade the border. Fortunately, Jiang Zhao, the Minister of Rites, who also holds the position of Minister of War, has raised troops to fight the war and is in charge of the military and political affairs of the Xihe and Shaanxi routes."

However, the combined 300,000 troops stationed in Xihe and Shaanxi were under Jiang Zhao's control, who held both military command and the power to appoint and dismiss generals, concentrating both military and political power in his own hands. The border regions were vast, and his reach was limited.

Your subject believes that capable individuals should be sent to the border to alleviate the burden of commanding troops. Therefore, I intend to recommend virtuous and capable individuals to contribute to the court's defense of the western frontier.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying's face darkened.

Adding generals at the last minute?

Under the guise of sharing the burden, it was actually a way to divide up military power.

This move will not only demoralize the soldiers, but also add pressure to the commander.

It does a hundred harms and no benefits.

Zhao Ceying said calmly, "No need."

"Jiang Qing is loyal and brave, and a skilled commander. There is no need to add generals at the last minute."

"Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by me, but the defense of the border is a serious matter, and I must be cautious."

Lu Gongzhu said in a deep voice, "The establishment of a branch headquarters is imperative."

"I recommend three people."

Lü Gongzhu said loudly:

"Firstly, the emperor's brother-in-law, Cao Yi. He currently holds the position of Minister of Works and has long served in the court. He can be appointed as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief to assist in the military affairs of Xihe."

"Secondly, the emperor's brother-in-law, Gao Zunyu. He is currently the deputy commander of Yuzhou and is familiar with the terrain of the border region. He can be promoted to the military commander of Shaanxi Road and serve as an advisor on military affairs."

"Thirdly, there is Shen Congxing, a relative by marriage of the Prince of Shu. He is currently the patrol inspector of Yuzhou. He is exceptionally brave and can be appointed as the commander of the vanguard army, in charge of supervising military discipline."

After he finished speaking, Lü Gongzhu stood respectfully with his hands clasped.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying's face gradually darkened.

The officials on the train were immediately in an uproar.

It looks like a fight is about to break out!

Taking advantage of the Grand Secretary's absence from the capital, factional strife and political infighting erupted!

Just as the discussion was starting to rise, a man on the left stepped forward holding a tablet.

"Your subject, Ouyang Xiu, seconds this proposal."

The moment the words were spoken, all the officials were astonished.

Isn't this a battle between the Pang and Han factions?

Why did Ouyang Xiu get involved?

"No."

Grand Secretary Wang Yaochen stepped forward and retorted, "Your Majesty has just entrusted the western border to Jiang Zhao, and less than a month later you send a relative of the empress to the border. Doesn't this tell the soldiers that Your Majesty has already become suspicious?"

“The Emperor’s brother-in-law’s visit to the border shows that the Emperor values ​​the western frontier, which can boost morale,” Ouyang Xiu insisted.

Wang Yaochen glanced at him coldly: "Whether it's to boost morale or to undermine it, Ouyang Yongshu, you and I both know the answer."

"A scholar's reputation has always depended on his public-spiritedness; do not treat the world as fools."

"Is your disciple Zeng Zigu still watching his master's actions?"

To the left, a hint of unease flashed in Ouyang Xiu's eyes, but his expression remained solemn.

On the imperial steps, Zhao Ceying raised his hand and said, "Adding generals at the last minute is a major taboo in military strategy."

"This matter need not be discussed further."

A hammer is fixed.

Wang Yaochen bowed and returned to his train.

Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu exchanged a glance and did not argue further, instead adopting a submissive and obedient demeanor.

They never expected to achieve success overnight.

If it doesn't work the first time, try again, and again...

Not only would the court exert pressure, but the harem would also offer advice.

Anyway, sooner or later, the emperor will be unable to withstand the pressure and will compromise to send a few of the emperor's brothers-in-law to the capital.

Since the emperor's brother-in-law has already passed away, it wouldn't be unreasonable for some civil officials to also pass away, would it?
It's not an exaggeration to say that there's a civil official named Lü Gongzhu, is it?
"Are there any other matters to report?" Zhao Ceying asked.

"Your humble servant, Minister of Works Yu Jing, reports that the late Emperor's mausoleum has been completed, with a planned construction period of six months..."

The setting sun paints the maple leaves, and twilight descends.

Royal study room.

After reviewing the last memorial and putting down his vermilion brush, Zhao Ceying let out a long sigh of relief.

Zhao Ceying stretched and put his hands behind his back.

"Your Majesty, may I ask which lady you will be visiting today?" the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonies asked respectfully.

There are generally two situations in which the emperor chooses which concubine to favor.

One method involved the emperor making the decision himself, while the other was similar to choosing a concubine by flipping a card.

The new emperor had few children and therefore placed great importance on ensuring the continuation of his lineage. Whom he favored was undoubtedly of paramount importance.

Zhao Ceying often uses both methods.

If one is in the mood and has a subjective desire to favor someone, then one can decide for oneself.

If you're overwhelmed by the choices and don't know who to favor, then just pick a card.

Behind the Grand Eunuch in charge of ceremonies, a junior eunuch was already carrying a tray.

Zhao Ceying glanced at the plate and waved his hand, "No need."

“Lately, Jun’er’s health has been deteriorating. Let’s go to Kunning Palace.”

The implication was that he would favor Empress Gao.

"promise."

Upon receiving the order, Li Xian waved his hand, and a young eunuch hurriedly rushed towards Kunning Palace to inform the Empress to greet the Emperor at the palace gate.

Zhao Ceying walked slowly toward Kunning Palace with his hands behind his back.

After about an incense stick's time, they arrived at the Empress's palace.

"Your Majesty." Upon entering the palace, Madam Gao gave a deep bow, her eyes gentle and kind.

There were nearly ten concubines, and even the empress received very little favor from the emperor.

Therefore, they naturally cherished the opportunity to be favored by the new emperor.

Zhao Ceying waved his hand and asked, "How is Jun'er?"

The late emperor had no sons, and ultimately no one succeeded to the throne.

Anyone who ascends the throne can learn from past mistakes, and Zhao Ceying placed great importance on the continuation of his lineage.

With a wave of her hand, the Empress summoned a nanny to carry the sleeping prince.

Zhao Ceying nodded, hugged the child, and gently rocked him.

The nanny and the palace maid all withdrew, and the wife looked at her husband with gentle eyes, while the husband held the child in his arms.

For a time, it was quite a warm and cozy place.

After about half an incense stick's time, the Empress suddenly hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

"what happened?"

Zhao Ceying asked.

Gao was his first wife.

Even after ascending the throne, he continued to treat her as a husband.

"I heard that someone has recommended the emperor's brother-in-law to go to the border to fight?" Gao asked tentatively.

Zhao Ceying paused slightly as she held the child, her expression calm: "Yes, that's true."

"However, I trust Minister Jiang." Zhao Ceying glanced at the Empress indifferently, leaving it at that.

The invasion of Western Xia meant that someone had to lead troops to resist it, and the number would be at least 100,000.

No one can command troops more reassuringly than Jiang Qing.

Lady Gao glanced at the emperor and saw that his complexion was normal and there was nothing wrong with him, which reassured her.

Naturally, their courage grew as well.

"Frontier campaigns are truly a major undertaking for the country and its people."

"His Majesty."

Empress Gao stepped closer and said gently, "Your Majesty, the border army of 300,000 is far too powerful. What if..."

"There won't be any unforeseen circumstances." Zhao Ceying looked at the Empress for the second time.

"Don't be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of what happens."

The Empress desperately wanted her brother to take power at the border, so she continued, "It would be best if there were someone loyal to His Majesty to keep an eye on things."

“Jiang Qing is loyal to me,” Zhao Ceying said firmly.

If Jiang Zhao is not loyal to him, then there is no point in him becoming emperor.

"Without him, I wouldn't even have been able to ascend the throne."

"With the arrival of the Imperial Brother-in-law in the capital, I have already made some plans. Perhaps he can take charge of the Palace Guard."

This statement is practically a promise.

Unfortunately, Empress Gao was not very satisfied.

"Your Majesty, one must have prestige to command the Imperial Guards."

"How about letting the emperor's brother-in-law enter the border?"

As soon as the words were spoken, Zhao Ceying's face darkened.

Border control?

Does entering the flanking position put pressure on the main player?
He went in and told Jiang Qing that I did not trust him and was trying to sow discord between the emperor and his ministers.
Looking through history books, do you know how rare it is to have a civil official of Jiang Qing's caliber?
My Emperor, the greatest emperor of all time!

The temple name of Emperor Sejong!
Zhao Ceying's face was somber.

Empress Gao realized she had said the wrong thing and was at a loss for words.

Why the sudden change of expression?

Zhao Ceying gently put the child down and strode out.

"Your Majesty, it is best for the women of the inner palace not to interfere in politics."

"Let's move to Chang Le Palace!"

……

(End of this chapter)