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

Chapter 211 With Zichuan's talent and my strategic acumen, how can we not accomplish something great? (Two chapters combined)

Chui Gong Hall.

The city lights are dazzling, and the sounds of traditional instruments fill the air.

Civil and military officials took their seats in an orderly fashion.

As a meritorious official who expanded the borders and a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, Jiang Zhao was undoubtedly one of the key figures in the celebration.

Therefore, he was placed in the first position on the right, second only to Grand Chancellor Han Zhang.

Rice noodles, boiled rice, mutton, fish, lotus seed and pork soup, roasted chicken, fried meat, flatbread, and jujube cake are served in nine small bowls.

In addition, there are fresh fruits, candied fruits, and fermented rice wine.

Holding bamboo chopsticks, Jiang Zhao picked up a few pieces and nodded repeatedly.

Compared to the late emperor, the current emperor is indeed much more generous.

At least, it has filled about half of the space for a three-foot wooden table, and it is no longer shabby.

"Jiang Qing."

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying raised his cup.

"Your Majesty."

Jiang Zhao put down his chopsticks and raised his cup in a toast.

"Haha!" Zhao Ceying laughed loudly and drank it all in one gulp.

Since September, Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu have repeatedly submitted memorials, attempting to coerce the emperor, but this has only fueled his anger.

Fortunately, Jiang Zhao did not betray his trust.

Not only did they clear out the territory, but they also expanded their territory to five more states.

Their pioneering achievements will be recorded in history.

Zhao Ceying was naturally overjoyed that her efforts had paid off.

After finishing one cup, Zhao Ceying poured another: "My lord, General Duke of Ying."

"Your Majesty, please."

Han Zhang and Zhang Fu quickly raised their cups, and the emperor and his minister drank together.

After two cups, I drank another one.

According to the procedure, at least one cup must be drunk with the officials.

Zhao Ceying raised his cup and looked down: "My dear ministers."

Throughout the year, on nine major festivals—New Year's Day, Lantern Festival, Cold Food Festival, Ghost Festival, Double Ninth Festival, Qingming Festival, Winter Solstice, Laba Festival, and Summer Solstice—imperial banquets were bestowed upon the court officials, who were naturally familiar with the procedures of these banquets.

"To Your Majesty," all the civil and military officials raised their cups in unison.

After downing three cups in a row, Zhao Ceying, in high spirits, let out a long sigh.

Afterwards, they looked in turn at Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, Zhang Ding, Zheng Xiao and other military generals who had expanded the border, and drank together.

After about ten cups, Zhao Ceying was slightly tipsy and continued to raise his glass.

"Jiang Qing."

Jiang Zhao nodded, poured more wine, and raised his cup.

The clinking of glasses and the passing of several rounds of drinks.

"Your Majesty, the Tibetan leader Dong Zhan wishes to join us for a dance," the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonies announced.

In an instant, the hall fell silent.

In a mere instant, the officials exchanged glances and began to discuss the matter endlessly.

Could it be that the famous scene of Emperor Taizong Wen can be reenacted today?

"it is good!"

Slightly tipsy, Zhao Ceying glanced at the officials with great interest and said with a smile, "I have long heard of the passionate and unrestrained Tibetan dance. Now that the royal army has returned in triumph, why not let Dong Zhan perform a dance so that we can experience the charm of the Western Regions?"

"Your Majesty is wise," Jiang Zhao said, bowing respectfully.

Since the officials are in the mood, there's no need to spoil their fun.

Moreover, this is an imitation of a great emperor throughout history, so we should support and endorse it even more.

Your Majesty, you are truly a ruler of all ages!
"Your Majesty is holy."

All the civil and military officials echoed his sentiments.

The civil and military officials frequently glanced at the main gate, their faces filled with anticipation.

Even several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were not spared.

Honestly, who wouldn't want to see the Tibetan leader's dance?
When he retires and returns to his hometown, even if he's just bragging, he'll still have something to brag about.

Many people looked at Jiang Zhao, secretly surprised.

Given the martial prowess of the Great Zhou Dynasty, if it weren't for the fact that the person in charge of the army was Jiang Zhao, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, probably no one would have believed that the Tibetan king could actually be captured alive.

About thirty breaths later, Dong Zhan entered the hall.

The entire hall fell silent in an instant.

Three or four hundred people focused on the past.

Felt crown, red forehead band, gray-purple narrow robe, and gray-yellow tiger skin cloak—typical Tubo attire.

Unfortunately, barbarians are barbarians.

Even the leader lacked the slightest bit of benevolence.

With three or four hundred people watching, Dong Zhan couldn't help but freeze for a moment.

Suddenly, a surge of indescribable sorrow welled up in my heart.

Who would have thought that the Tibetan king, who ruled over three prefectures and had hundreds of thousands of subjects, would become a prisoner!

In order to survive, they even had to imitate the Khagan of the Khaganate ...

He could truly empathize with the suffering in the heart of the Khan.

After a brief hesitation, Dong Zhan sighed, put on a smile, and strode in.

"Dong Zhan, are you going to perform a dance?"

Zhao Ceying was greatly encouraged, and the smell of alcohol on his body disappeared.

Emperor Taizong had the martial arts performance by Khagan Jieli, and I have the Tibetan king's dance performance!
Dong Zhan bowed deeply and said, "It is said that Khan Jieli respected Emperor Taizong of Tang, and thus performed a dance for him."

"Throughout my life, I have held Your Majesty in the highest esteem. I wonder if Your Majesty would grant me permission to emulate Khagan Jieli and perform a dance for Your Majesty?"

Wow, you're quite the talker!

Jiang Zhao glanced at it and couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

Isn't this just saying, "His Majesty the Emperor is the Emperor Taizong of Tang in my heart"?

really.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying sat upright with his hands on his knees, a smile involuntarily creeping onto his lips.

Even with her mouth tightly closed, she couldn't hide the upward curve of her lips.

"Approved!" Zhao Ceying nodded in satisfaction and laughed loudly.

Dong Zhan was indeed a pragmatist.

In the main hall, bells and chimes rang out in unison, and Dongzhan danced to the rhythm.
In one corner, several historians took turns writing, their pens never ceasing.

Royal study room.

Aside from the eunuchs and palace maids, there were only Zhao Ceying and Jiang Zhao.

"Your Majesty."

Jiang Zhao took out a half-bronze tiger tally, held it with both hands, and presented it to him.

The officials celebrated from noon until 8 p.m., a full three or four hours.

After the celebration ended, the officials left the palace. Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, Zhang Ding, Zheng Xiao, and others bid farewell and left the palace.

As the commander-in-chief, Jiang Zhao was required to stay behind alone to return the military tally.

"Haha."

Zhao Ceying laughed heartily, casually picked up the tiger tally, and tossed it onto a corner of the wooden table.

"Dong Zhan is indeed worthy of being the leader of Tibet; his dance is truly the best I have ever seen in my life," Zhao Ceying said, clapping his hands and laughing.

Not long after the celebration, Dong Zhan took the initiative to dance, which lasted for about two incense sticks' time.

Actually, it had been three hours since Dong Zhan started dancing.

However, it has a lingering aftertaste and a long-lasting impression.

Even now, Zhao Ceying still feels excited when she thinks about it.

Jiang Zhao smiled faintly and remained silent.

After about ten breaths, Zhao Ceying coughed and his smile faded slightly.

"Dong Zhan is indeed a man who knows how to adapt to the times."

"Since Dong Zhan has humbled himself, it is not appropriate to kill him as a sacrifice at the ancestral temple."

“In ancient times, when Khagan Jieli presented a dance to Emperor Taizong of Tang, Emperor Taizong was overjoyed and did not execute him, but instead granted him an official position and imprisoned him in Chang'an.”

"I might as well follow the example of Emperor Taizong of Tang and appoint Dong Zhan as the Loyal and Brave General, so that he may reside permanently in Bianjing," Zhao Ceying said slowly.

"Your Majesty is wise," Jiang Zhao echoed.

The three prefectures of Xining, Huang, and Kuo have already been incorporated into the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty, so it doesn't matter that Dong Zhan was imprisoned in Bianjing for his entire life.

"Unfortunately, Dongzhan was merely the leader of a small Tibetan state, and could hardly be compared to Khagan Jieli."

Zhao Ceying gazed into the distance, his eyes narrowing slightly, and said, "Only when the Emperor of Liao performs a dance for me will this be truly a thousandfold achievement."

"If I do not disappoint the late emperor's high expectations, I will have the face to meet the founding emperor and all my ancestors."

Since capturing Dong Zhan alive, he suddenly found a common ground between himself and the First Emperor of All Time, and was quite excited.

As he spoke, Zhao Ceying looked at Jiang Zhao with a burning gaze, full of expectation.

Once the Liao Dynasty is expanded, the Western Xia Dynasty will be destroyed, and a unified empire will be achieved.

As the monarch who achieved the unification of the regime, he was undoubtedly a great emperor throughout history, Emperor Shizong Wen!
"To expand territory and achieve unification."

Jiang Zhao murmured something to himself, then squinted and gazed into the distance with a look of longing on his face.

After a long pause, he slowly said, "With Your Majesty's wisdom, this day will surely come."

"That's how it should be!"

"Now, Tibet has retreated, and Western Xia is in decline." Zhao Ceying waved his hand, his breath reeking of alcohol: "Once we destroy the Liao Kingdom, we will surely achieve unification."

As he spoke, Zhao Ceying’s eyes shone brightly: “Zichuan, since the founding of the dynasty by Emperor Taizu, the dynasty has lasted for a hundred years, through the reigns of Emperors Taizong, Zhenzong, and Gaozong. As for me, it is the result of four generations of succession.”

"In this century-long reign, let alone unification, even the expansion of territory is unprecedented."

"This continued until the fourth year of the Jiayou era, when Zichuan emerged out of nowhere, turned the tide, expanded territory, and made great achievements."

"Upon my ascension to the throne, I expanded the territory to five more states, beheaded the ruler of a state, and captured Dong Zhan alive."

"This shows that everything can turn around."

Zhao Ceying waved his hand and said with great confidence, "If our ancestors couldn't expand the territory, it only means they were incompetent. If they couldn't achieve unification, it doesn't mean I'm incompetent!"

"Since the Tang Dynasty, there has been no unified regime for more than 160 years."

"Zichuan, this is your chance to be remembered for eternity."

"Once the unification is achieved, you, me, the emperor, and the ministers will all be remembered for eternity and praised for generations to come."

"With Zichuan's talent and my strategic acumen," Zhao Ceying gazed at Jiang Zhao and said earnestly, "If we, ruler and subject, join hands, what worries could we possibly have about accomplishing something great?"

In short, you have the ability, and I have the power to back it up.

The combination of the two is invincible!

Jiang Zhao silently performed the ceremony.

They're even promising him something in return?
“Your Majesty is drunk,” Jiang Zhao said calmly.

"I am not drunk, I am perfectly sober."

Exhaling a breath reeking of alcohol, Zhao Ceying patted his chest and guaranteed, "If I were Emperor Taizong of Tang, Zichuan would be the mastermind behind Fang Xuanling's plans and Du Fu's decisive strategies; if I were Emperor Gaozu of Han, Zichuan would be Zhang Liang, Han Xin, and Xiao He!"

"With Zichuan's talent, he should be a prime minister who surpasses Zhuge Liang, Zhang Liang, and Xiao He throughout the ages."

"Zichuan." Zhao Ceying took Jiang Zhao's hand and looked at him intently: "A true man is born into this world, how can he remain unknown and obscure for long?"

"Once the country is unified, he will be a prime minister for all time!"

As he spoke, even Zhao Ceying himself felt his blood boil.

Since his training in Xihe, the idea of ​​becoming a great emperor for all ages has constantly inspired him.

Every move he made was an attempt to emulate the greatest emperor of all time.

The key is that the dream of becoming the greatest emperor in history may actually come true.

If we can destroy the Western Xia and the Tibetan Empire, we can destroy the Liao Dynasty.

A great emperor for all ages, as easy as a piece of cake!
"If that is truly the case, I have no choice but to die for my country!"

Jiang Zhao bowed respectfully and said solemnly.

Zhao Ceying was absolutely drunk.

But it's not a big problem; there will definitely be eunuchs and palace maids to remind him of what happened tonight.

It's a good thing when an emperor who aspires to be a great emperor for all time paints a picture of a great prime minister for all time for his ministers!

"You and I, ruler and subject, are destined to be remembered in history!" Zhao Ceying continued.

Jiang Zhao listened silently.

About an incense stick's time later, Jiang Zhao summoned the chief eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, then bowed and took his leave.

Jiang Mansion.

Smoke curls from the stove, and the desk is spotless.

An incense table about ten feet in size was placed in the main hall. Sheng Hualan bathed and changed her clothes, ordered incense to be burned, and knelt in worship.

The eunuch, holding a silk scroll, chanted:
"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

The virtue of a woman is magnanimous and virtuous, and she is valued for her exemplary conduct; the demeanor of a woman is dignified and solemn, and she especially values ​​the manifestation of her noble virtues.

Jiang's wife, Lady Sheng, is known for her virtuous conduct, prudence, and quiet elegance. Now, she is specially granted this honor, bestowed with official robes, and granted the title of Lady of Zhao, with an annual stipend equal to that of a duke, and a nine-embroidered, four-phoenix crown.

Yu Xi!

One should be respectful and cautious, set an example for future generations, and not tarnish the reputation of one's virtue and wisdom.

Awesome! "

Lady of the Nation?
Sheng Hualan was startled. Without thinking, she quickly bowed and said:
"Your humble servant kowtows in gratitude for Heaven's grace!"

Once the imperial edict was obtained, a maidservant would slip gold to the eunuch.

Upon receiving the gold, the eunuch couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Lady Zhao, farewell."

With that, the eunuch bowed and turned to leave.

As soon as the eunuch left, Sheng Hualan hurriedly opened the imperial edict and read it word by word.

Sheng Shulan, who had been watching for a while, also quickly stepped forward.

As expected, it was Lady Zhao!
"This, the Lady of the State?"

Sheng Hualan opened her mouth slightly and softly said, "What merit do I have to deserve this!"

Lady of the State, Lady of the County, Virtuous Lady, Respectful Lady, Suitable Lady, Peaceful Lady, and Lady of Filial Piety.

The Lady of the State, holding the same rank as the first-rank official, was exempt from bowing to officials and enjoyed the salary of a duke.

This is the highest-ranking among the imperial consorts.

Even in Bianjing, a city teeming with powerful and wealthy people, there were far fewer than two ladies of the state.

It would be impossible for someone to be granted the title of Lady of the State unless they were the principal wife of a long-established noble family or one of the principal wives of several Grand Secretaries.

Even if there are exceptions, they are all posthumous titles, not titles of Lady of the State granted while alive.

Eh?
Sheng Hualan was taken aback.

The wife of a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet?
"My lord, where is my lord?" Sheng Hualan asked in alarm.

Sheng Shulan said softly, "The Emperor is holding a ceremony to honor the meritorious officials who have expanded the territory; I suppose Your Excellency is still in the palace."

Before he could finish speaking, a deep and steady voice rang out: "Your husband is here!"

"Official?"

Sheng Hualan looked back.

A dozen or so steps away, Jiang Zhao walked slowly with his hands behind his back and a faint smile on his face.

"My lord!" the two women called out in unison.

Sheng Hualan happily went to greet him, her small hand linked with her husband's.

Sheng Shulan then gave a deep bow.

"Is this the imperial decree of the Lady of the State?" With her soft, fragrant body, Jiang Zhao picked up the document and glanced at it.

Sheng Hualan nodded.

This is the Lady of the State!

As far as the Sheng family is concerned, having a Lady of the State makes their family truly glorious.

Even the ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke!

After hesitating for a few moments, her delicate eyebrows twitched slightly, and Sheng Hualan tentatively asked, "My lord, have you entered the cabinet?"

A woman's official title was almost entirely tied to her husband's career.

In feudal times, there was a strict hierarchy.

Imperial edicts are themselves a manifestation of "rank".

There was almost no difference between the husband's official rank and the wife's title of nobility.

Of course, it cannot be ruled out that the husband's achievements were so great that the court elevated the wife's official rank as a sign of honor.

The problem is that the official is already a second-rank official.

This time, they expanded their territory and returned in triumph, and Grand Secretary Wang Yaochen "coincidentally" retired and returned to his hometown.

The details of the rules inevitably lead to speculation.

"Ah."

Jiang Zhaoping nodded.

Just then, Sheng Shulan walked over.

Jiang Zhao remained calm, sent the document back, and took Hua Lan's hand in one hand and Shu Lan's hand in the other.

"what?"

Both women were startled.

"Has the official entered the cabinet?"

Even though the two women didn't understand the ways of officialdom, they knew what a thirty-year-old Grand Secretary of the Cabinet really meant.

After all, the Grand Secretaries in the court were all old men in their fifties or sixties.

"Whether he joins the cabinet or not, he is still Hua'er's husband."

Jiang Zhaoping said gently, "So, how does Madam intend to repay me?"

"what?"

Sheng Hualan was stunned.

"With this title, I'm afraid it's not enough for just the lady alone!"

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

Shou'an Hall.

"Join the cabinet?"

Grandma Sheng, holding her teacup, looked surprised.

After a few moments of silence, he didn't know what to say.

A Grand Secretary of the Cabinet at the age of thirty is a rare occurrence throughout history.

"My son-in-law is a Grand Secretary?"

Wang Ruofu was startled, clutched the handkerchief tightly, and said with a smile, "Hua'er is truly a blessed child."

Sheng Hong glanced at his wife and smiled helplessly.

Anyway, just sit back and win!

(End of this chapter)