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

Chapter 221 To establish a heart for heaven and earth, to establish a destiny for the people, to continue the lost learning of the past sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations!

"Retreat—"

A sharp cry echoed throughout the hall.

The civil and military officials all withdrew one after another.

At the end of the line, Sheng Hong, holding his jade tablet, was about to turn around.

He hesitated for a few moments, then couldn't help but glance back and whisper, "Lord Wang."

Wang Shiping was taken aback and walked over.

"Uncle, are you aware of the political situation in the court?" Sheng Hong asked in a low voice.

Originally, if it were merely a dispute between the Jiang and Wang families, Sheng Hong, with his cautious nature, would never have uttered a single word to Wang Shiping, given his support for his son-in-law.

But who would have thought that Wang Shiping would "high-profile" submit a memorial, openly opposing the abolition of the empress.

It's important to understand that this was a strategic miscalculation, not just a minor skirmish between the Jiang and Wang factions.

If one is not careful, it could lead to demotion or exile.

Even the reputation that Grand Tutor Wang has built up over decades could be completely destroyed.

Having received favors from the Wang family, Sheng Hong considered himself to have some conscience, yet he couldn't help but ask this question.

The conflict between the Jiang and Wang factions ultimately boils down to private grudges.

Openly supporting the Empress signifies a political stance, which carries a completely different meaning.

"I don't know." Wang Shiping frowned and shook his head.

The Wang family had not been to the capital for two or three decades, so it was impossible for them to know about the political situation at the imperial court.

"If that's the case, why did you openly oppose deposing the empress?" Sheng Hong asked, looking puzzled.

How dare you take sides without knowing anything about the political situation?
The key point is that the act of deposing the empress must have been authorized by the officials.

With the Emperor's instructions and Jiang Zhao, the son-in-law, in charge, Han, the Grand Chancellor, was eyeing the situation covetously, while the Empress had no foundation.

This is practically a done deal – she's going to be deposed!

They dare to stand on the opposite side and oppose the abolition of the empress?

Wang Shiping frowned but did not answer.

Sheng Hong glanced at her and immediately understood. He tentatively asked, "Mother-in-law?"

Wang Shiping hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"oops!"

Sheng Hong was startled and realized something was wrong.

My mother-in-law is at it again, scheming and planning everything!

"How could my mother-in-law, a woman confined to the inner quarters, be knowledgeable about court politics?"

Sheng Hong cautioned, "The attempt to depose the empress is almost certainly successful. Uncle, please don't go astray!"

"Is Mr. Sheng so certain that he has gone astray?" Wang Shiping countered.

From a purely strategic standpoint, the old mother's plan was flawless and without the slightest problem.

At least, that's what he thinks.

Sheng Hong was taken aback, his brows furrowing slightly: "What is Uncle thinking?"

Wang Shiping remained silent.

"Ugh!"

Sheng Hong glanced at it heavily, sighed deeply, and shook his head repeatedly.

"It wasn't easy for my father-in-law to accumulate such wealth; he even enabled my maternal uncle to wear a purple robe."

"But that's precisely why we should cherish it all the more."

Sheng Hong bowed respectfully: "Uncle, in the officialdom, the worst thing is to be ambitious but lack practical skills!"

"You'd better take care of yourself!"

After saying that, he strode away.

While the Jiang and Wang families were vying for power, he sought out Wang Shiping alone, explaining a few words to avoid any misunderstanding from his son-in-law.

Unfortunately, the father-in-law was confused for a moment and did not take his mother-in-law with him when he passed away!

The main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

At the head of the table, a glint of light flashed in Old Mrs. Wang's eyes, and she clapped her hands repeatedly.

"Okay, okay!"

"Sheng Hong's advice to you must have been at Jiang Zichuan's behest."

Grandma Wang believed she had everything under control and slowly said, "If it doesn't work the first time, they will definitely try to dissuade me two or three times. After a while, when Sheng Hong's attempts to dissuade me fail, Jiang Zichuan will take the initiative to dissuade me."

"In this way, we can use this as an excuse to set a price, so that your career can be smooth and your sister and brother-in-law can come to the capital together."

Wang Shiping nodded and let it be.

May 11th, Wende Hall.

"Retreat—"

The civil and military officials all withdrew one after another.

Wang Shiping, holding his scepter, consciously slowed his pace.

However, ten breaths passed without anyone calling out "Lord Wang".

Wang Shiping had a bad feeling and quickly walked to the end.

Upon closer inspection, one could see Sheng Hong walking slowly alongside several officials in red robes, having already walked over a hundred steps, showing no intention of offering a second "dissuasion."

The main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

Old Mrs. Wang, Wang Shiping, and Mrs. Lü gathered together.

"Mother, Uncle Sheng did not call me back," Wang Shiping reported anxiously, bowing with his hands clasped.

Something is wrong!
"You didn't try to stop her?" Lady Lü was startled and quickly said, "My lord, please support the deposition of the empress immediately."

The mother-in-law's "remote control" is truly unsettling.

At the head of the table, Old Mrs. Wang concealed the slight surprise in her eyes, appearing calm and composed, and slowly said, "Don't rush."

“Your father was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Tutor by the late Emperor, a person qualified to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and receive offerings from the emperor.”

"In over a century of imperial rule, only nine people have been granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Jiang Zichuan, do you really think you can ignore the Wang family?"

When Grand Tutor Wang was mentioned, Grandma Wang immediately gained a lot of confidence.

Even his voice grew stronger and stronger, at one point becoming incredibly powerful.

After all, that person is entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple!

During the more than one hundred years of the dynasty's reign, only nine officials were granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

In terms of sheer numbers, they were even fewer than the noble families who received pardons from the dead.

How could Jiang Zichuan dare to ignore the old Grand Tutor's achievements, political accomplishments, contributions, and prestige?
Wang Shiping nodded.

On May 16th, no attempt was made to dissuade them.

"Mother, let the husband openly support the deposition of the empress!" Lady Lü said anxiously, her heart filled with panic.

This is a matter of political stance; the slightest misstep could lead to the confiscation of property and the extermination of the entire family!
"Don't worry," Grandma Wang reassured her.

"Mother, how can I not be anxious?"

Lady Lü quickly offered her opinion: "Don't take sides, don't compete with Grand Secretary Jiang. Your Excellency is a dignified third-rank official!"

"With the eunuch entering the cabinet and holding the rank of third-grade official, and two generations in a row wearing purple robes, this is already a first-class family."

"Humph!"

Grandma Wang snorted and retorted, "And what about your sister-in-law?"

“It would be just as good to send Lord Kang to serve as an official in a prosperous place, so why must he come to the capital?” said Lady Lü.

Grandma Wang's face darkened; she truly hadn't expected her daughter-in-law to be so "opinionated."

After being challenged several times, and feeling that her authority had been provoked by her daughter-in-law, Old Mrs. Wang couldn't help but scold her: "I've told you not to talk about politics, but you won't listen to a word I say."

Startled, Madam Lü realized something was wrong and quickly bowed, saying, "Mother, please forgive me."

"Go," said Old Mrs. Wang, waving her hand. "Go to the ancestral hall and kneel for an hour as punishment."

Lady Lü bowed her head, not daring to utter a sound.

On May 21, no attempt was made to dissuade them.

"Mother, why don't we openly support the abolition of the empress?" Wang Shiping suggested tentatively.

Fifteen days passed without any sign of being won over, and he began to feel a little uneasy.

Old Mrs. Wang gazed at the inner court with a somber face.

After a few breaths, he pondered and said, "Early June, let's hold on for a few more days."

"After court, remember to sound out Sheng Hong's opinion."

"Yes."

Wang Shiping nodded helplessly.

Royal study room.

The ruler and his ministers faced each other.

“In recent days, the voices opposing the abolition of the empress have become increasingly faint.”

"Even memorials opposing the deposition of the empress are becoming increasingly rare."

Holding several memorials in his hand, Zhao Ceying said, "I estimate that around June, I can try to depose the Empress and let her go to the temple to burn incense and chant Buddhist prayers."

After being discarded, there are generally three ways to dispose of them.

First, being sentenced to death or committing suicide.

Just as Emperor Xuan of Han deposed Empress Huo, forcing her to commit suicide; Emperor Gaozong of Tang deposed Empress Wang, who was then beaten to death by Empress Wu Zetian.

Second, confinement and exile.

Just like when Emperor Wu of Han deposed Empress Chen, he imprisoned her in Changmen Palace.

Third, he was demoted and became a monk.

Just as Emperor Guangwu of Han deposed Guo Shengtong and demoted the empress to "Empress Dowager of Zhongshan", she still received preferential treatment.

Among them, being demoted or becoming a monk/nun is considered the best outcome.

Putting everything else aside, at least they'll be wealthy and worry-free, and their lives won't be in danger.

If her offspring are successful and seize the throne, she might even have the chance to regain the position of Empress and ascend to the position of Empress Dowager.

“The Empress has no power base. Once those people realize the Emperor’s firmness, they will naturally back down and jump back into the ranks of those who support the deposition of the Empress,” Jiang Zhao said slowly.

After all, not everyone is as simple-minded as Qi Heng.

Seeing that things were not going well, they fled faster than anyone else.

“Escape won’t help; he’ll still be demoted,” Zhao Ceying said, waving his hand.

He remembers all those people!
Last time, during the Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu incident, many people stepped forward, and he gave them an opportunity.

This time, they actually dared to jump out again; they're practically courting death.

Those who disregard the emperor's kindness should at least be exiled!

"Wang Shiping, Jiang Qing, what do you think we should do?" Zhao Ceying looked down and asked.

The series of titles that Wang Shiping read out truly left a deep impression on him.

However, if the Jiang and Wang families still have old ties, he might let Wang Shiping go for Jiang Qing's sake.

Jiang Zhao lowered his head, pondered for a few moments, and slowly said:

"The Imperial Ancestral Temple is too crowded!"

On this day, at the Jiang residence.

Lanterns hung high, and drums and music resounded. People came and went in an endless stream.

Whether they were high-ranking officials, noble ladies, sons of powerful families, or daughters of famous families, they all came to visit one after another.

rockery.

A shallow stream meanders, its waters winding and turning, carpets the ground, and tables and desks are scattered like stars.

From time to time, maids would bring out wine cups, or cups of clear wine, or cups of cold dishes, or cups of pastries and fruits, which would float down the stream.

All the noble ladies and daughters of famous families sat on their own seats around the water, stretching for nearly ten zhang (approximately 33 meters).

The harp's soft notes resonated, and the music continued.

In the main seat, Sheng Hualan wore a peony-embroidered gold silk robe, with a gold hairpin in her hair and a jade belt. At first glance, she appeared noble, gentle, and naturally virtuous.

Sheng Hualan raised a cup of sake, her jade bracelet clinking softly on her wrist, and looked down.

Instantly, all the women who had taken their seats turned their attention to the scene.

"I am honored to have you take the time to sit here. Your humble abode is truly a great honor." Sheng Hualan smiled slightly and said softly, "Your entry into the inner palace is truly thanks to the Emperor's favor, the great assistance of your husbands, and the hard work of your sisters in managing the household."

"A cup of wine, first to thank Heaven for its grace, and second to thank everyone for your hard work. In the future, let us visit each other often, share in the blessings of the Emperor, and work together in harmony."

A hundred or so ladies from noble families and prominent households raised their glasses in unison:
"Madam Jingsheng!"

Sheng Hualan nodded gently and took a small sip.

After taking a sip and setting down her cup, Sheng Hualan said gently:
"There's nothing to be constrained about today, so feel free to enjoy yourself."

After he finished speaking, opera, storytelling, and acrobatics took to the stage one after another.

Before long, he became very excited.

High-born ladies and daughters of noble families, whether playing pitch-pot, ball-throwing, fishing, or composing poems and lyrics.
A cool pavilion.

The seven strings of the zither played a clear and melodious tune, lingering long after the music started.

From time to time, dignitaries would tap their cups with chopsticks, recite poems, or compose lyrics, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Zhang Heng, Zhang Dun, Wang Shao, Zeng Bu, Xue Xiang, Shen Kuo, Song Huai, Gu Tingye, Han Jiayan, Zhang Fangping, Jiang Zhiqi, Wu Zhongfu, and others all wrote a single character and watched the water together.

Jiang Zhao held the chilled honey water and savored it with rapt attention.

"Nine years!"

Zhang Heng, leaning on the wooden beam, sighed, "In the end, I'm going to the capital again to serve as an official."

Both were among the top three scholars, but compared to Jiang Zhao, who occasionally went to the capital and occasionally to the border, Zhang Heng had never been to the capital since he was transferred to a post outside the capital.

Nine years have passed, and he has gone from being thirty to a forty-four-year-old man, which is touching to anyone.

"A third-rank official, that's quite the position of a pillar of the state." Zhang Fangping looked over, smiled with his hands behind his back, and said, "With Ziping's talent, he's sure to rise rapidly in his career!"

At the age of forty-four, he became the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

Judging from age alone, they may not reach the level of the very top small group.

However, judging from the time he entered officialdom, it is quite remarkable.

After twelve years in office, he became a powerful official of the third rank.

In terms of resume, only a handful of people can compare with him.

Given Zhang Heng's resume and achievements, as long as he doesn't choose the wrong side, he will be promoted every three years at the very least.

There is even a possibility of being promoted beyond one's rank.

This is definitely the demeanor of a prime minister!
After all, once one reaches the third rank or above, one will only consider retiring around the age of sixty.

Zhang Heng can work for at least another twenty years!
"Lord Zhang is right!" Song Huai stroked his beard and sighed.

Among the people in this row, Zhang Heng, Zhang Dun, Zhang Fangping, and Zeng Bu all looked like they were destined for the position of "cabinet member".

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao, on the other hand, were of the highest rank and status among noble families.

Xue Xiang, Shen Kuo, Wu Zhongfu, and Jiang Zhiqi were all of the caliber of "Minister".

Jiang Gong's subordinates are truly full of talented people!

"Lord Song, you're not bad either!" Zhang Fangping clapped his hands and said.

This time, Song Huai entered the capital and was appointed as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, a third-rank official.

At over fifty years old, he was a third-rank official. Even if he wasn't destined for a high-ranking position, he was at least a potential minister of one of the six ministries.

Song Huai nodded and smiled modestly: "Lord Jiang has many talented people under his command, I am nothing."

That's what he said, but Song Huai secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Having climbed up to Jiang Gong, one can say that one has found a "mountain stronghold".

With someone backing you up, you can sleep much more at ease.

Jiang Zhao sipped her honey water and looked at each of them one by one.

Zhang Fangping was promoted to Minister of Rites, a second-rank official.

Zhang Heng was later promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, a rank of third grade.

Song Huai was later promoted to Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, a rank of third grade.

Han Jiayan was transferred to Xihe Road as Transport Commissioner, a fourth-rank official.

Xue Xiang was promoted to Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, a fourth-rank official.

Shen Kuo, Deputy Director of the Court of State Affairs, was a fourth-rank official.

Zhang Dun was promoted to the position of Assistant Minister of Personnel, a fifth-rank official.

Zeng Bu was promoted to Vice Minister of Rites, a fifth-rank official.

Jiang Zhiqi was promoted to Imperial Censor and concurrently held the rank of sixth grade.

Gu Tingye, Marquis of Ningyuan, co-signed Privy Council member, and Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry, is a third-rank official.

Wang Shao, Earl of Zhennan, currently has no official rank.

At first glance, it is indeed full of talented people.

"grown ups."

With a soft call, Zhang Zai and Cheng Yi approached one after the other.

"This humble official has written a piece of calligraphy; I hope Your Excellency will not find it offensive." Zhang Zai presented a scroll of calligraphy with a bow, which he then passed over.

Jiang Zhaoping nodded.

Starting with calligraphy and paintings, it's a symbolic opening for viewing.

Zhang Zai was not a famous calligrapher, so his calligraphy naturally lacked the style of a master and was not very aesthetically pleasing.

However, it is common for literati to exchange calligraphy, paintings, and poems as gifts, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Unexpected.
"Ok?"

Jiang Zhao was surprised after just one glance.

His expression grew increasingly grave.

Is this wrong?
"what happened?"

Zhang Heng, Zhang Dun, Zhang Fangping and the others exchanged glances and walked closer together.

Zhang Zai was not famous for his calligraphy, which is why the group did not get a closer look.

After all, he's not a famous calligrapher, so his calligraphy is probably just average; there's no need to go out of your way to appreciate it.

However, judging from Jiang Gelao's expression, it seems that things are not so simple.
"Um?!"

Zhang Heng was the first to see the calligraphy.

Logically speaking, a high-ranking official of the third rank should be an expert in self-cultivation, so there's no need to make a fuss.

As a result, Zhang Heng couldn't help but feel surprised.

Within moments, many people who witnessed this scene rushed over.

"cough!"

Zhang Heng coughed once and read aloud:

"Establish a heart for heaven and earth!"

"Establish a destiny for the people!"

"To carry on the legacy of the saints!"

"Bring peace to all eternity!"

"Hi~!"

Jiang Zhao held the scroll, intending to drop it, but his hand wouldn't obey him.

He almost couldn't control his mouth!
Many people squeezed up, glanced at it, and immediately said:
"With the Grand Secretary's merits, this couplet is truly fitting!"

"A century of national prosperity, all thanks to Grand Secretary Gai!"

"A magnanimous and benevolent heart is the foundation of one's character; governing a region is the foundation of one's destiny; achieving the highest rank in the imperial examinations is the continuation of the lost learning of the sages; expanding territory is the beginning of lasting peace!"

"The Grand Secretary's achievements are unparalleled, both before and after him; they are truly exceptional!"

Praises were endless.

Jiang Zhao was shocked and quickly pressed his hand down.

In just a moment, everything fell silent.

Jiang Zhao reached out and brushed his face, letting out a long sigh: "With my meager achievements, how can I possibly accept such a position?"

He truly could not accept this calligraphy.

At the very least, one should not suffer such a fate while alive.

Of course, this calligraphy is based on the story of "Zhang Zai congratulating Jiang Zichuan on entering the cabinet," so it must be spread!

“With your achievements, you are certainly worthy of this honor,” Zhang Zai quickly advised.

These few words were written for the celebration banquet for his entry into the cabinet.

If I don't accept this, wouldn't all my work have been for nothing?

"Given your great achievements, you are certainly worthy of this honor."

"Given your great achievements, you are certainly worthy of this honor."

People kept echoing this sentiment.

"No, no!" Jiang Zhao quickly pressed his hand down.

Nothing is too much or too little.

This thing should be cremated for him after he dies!
"Establish a heart for heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the living and the people, carry forward the unique teachings of the past saints, and create peace for all generations!"

"This calligraphy is truly the greatest pursuit of a loyal subject throughout history."

Jiang Zhao sighed, looked up at the sky, his eyes slightly red: "Even with the achievements of a sage, it is difficult to achieve. I, Jiang, am like a mayfly trying to shake a great tree. How can I, how dare I, occupy it?"

"I look up to you!"

"Please accept this, sir." Zhang Zai was somewhat dumbfounded. He couldn't even give it away?

Jiang Zhao waved his hand and said slowly, "Since it is a great pursuit, it can cultivate the ambition of a scholar."

"Why not send it to the palace and hang it in the Imperial Academy, so that students of all generations can admire it and help them achieve their great ambitions!"

Immediately, many people echoed:

"Your Excellency is righteous!"

"Your Excellency is righteous!"

"Your Excellency is righteous!"

Jiang Zhao smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

Did this calligraphy receive any special treatment? It seems not.

But did you really not suffer? It seems not.

This is the effect he wanted!

(End of this chapter)