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

Chapter 222 Moving Out of the Imperial Ancestral Temple!

Royal study room.

The writings were neatly arranged, and the classics were displayed in rows.

Zhao Ceying held a calligraphy scroll and slowly recited:

"Establish a mind for the heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the living people, carry forward the unique teachings of the past saints, and create peace for all generations."

"Okay, okay!"

Zhao Ceying nodded repeatedly: "Given Zichuan's achievements, that's certainly an apt description!"

Jiang Zhao quickly bowed and said, "Establish a firm mind, establish a firm destiny, continue lost learning, and usher in an era of peace! Even Confucius struggled to achieve this, let alone his successors?"

"Zhang Zai's words of wisdom are the greatest pursuit of outstanding people throughout the ages, and I dare not accept them."

"In my opinion, it would be better to hang it at the Imperial Academy to nurture the students' lofty aspirations."

Zhao Ceying pondered for a moment, then looked down.

This is the greatest pursuit of all great figures throughout history, and I dare not accept it!

Since it is such a great pursuit, one naturally hopes to accept it, yet one insists on saying one dares not accept it.

In short, it's full of contradictions, showing how conflicted Jiang Zhao is.

However, it's not surprising at all.

Establish a mind for heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the living people, carry on the unique teachings of the past saints, and create peace for all generations!

These few words alone are enough to move anyone who aspires to lasting fame.

Anyone with a modicum of appreciation would know just how extraordinary Zhang Zai's few words of wisdom truly were.

Whether it's pretentious or empty, it certainly has a very high level of sophistication.

Once accepted, it will spread throughout the world and become an almost certain legend.

It might even become a timeless legend.

After all, these few words are just too "highbrow".

It's a timeless tale, and to say that Jiang Zhao didn't want to accept it would be a complete lie.

It should be understood that a timeless tale is enough to elevate the evaluation of a civil official's life and ensure that his reputation is passed down through the ages.

Throughout history, many top civil officials have remained largely unknown to later generations simply because they lacked a story that would be remembered for generations.

This is also the difference between Zhuge Liang and Wang Meng.

As the mastermind behind the famous stories of "Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage" and "Dividing the World into Three Kingdoms," Zhuge Liang's reputation is so widespread that he can be considered the foremost civil official throughout history.

Every scholar knows this.

In contrast, Wang Meng, whose abilities were not much different from Zhuge Liang's, was hailed as "the greatest man to surpass Zhuge Liang in merit." He almost helped the emperor achieve unification, and his achievements were undeniable.

However, in terms of fame and popularity, Wang Meng is almost a "historical nobody".

Even Cao Chong, who is famous for the story of "Cao Chong Weighing an Elephant," may not be able to compare with him.

This is the immense effect of a timeless tale.

Now, a piece of calligraphy that could become a timeless legend has been presented to Jiang Zhao, and he absolutely wants to accept it.

Unfortunately, it's not something you can accept immediately.

Even Confucius himself never truly achieved the goals of establishing a firm belief, establishing a destiny, continuing lost learning, and ushering in an era of peace.

If one were to accept it openly and honestly, it would undoubtedly be seen as "arrogance and conceit," and would likely invite ridicule from the world.

Even if one is not ridiculed by the world, one may still be suspected of "overshadowing the master" which is still a bad thing.

This is why Jiang Zhao's words were filled with ambivalence.

"Will it be hung at the Imperial College?"

Zhao Ceying understood and was secretly satisfied. He nodded and said, "Okay."

For a subject to value reputation, this is undoubtedly a top priority.

Anyone who cares about their reputation must be loyal to the monarch and the country!
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Jiang Zhao bowed deeply.

Zhao Ceying patted his knee, handed the calligraphy in his hand to the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, and then said: "Zichuan is a genius of unparalleled talent, and he may well accept this advice."

"In the future, if you help me to pacify the world and unify the realm, I can then establish my heart, my destiny, continue the lost learning, and usher in an era of peace!"

“Zichuan may very well be the greatest minister of all time!” Zhao Ceying said emphatically, waving his hand.

This pancake is a bit too big, isn't it?
Jiang Zhao lowered his hands, looking longingly: "Your Majesty, I only wish to serve you faithfully, to accomplish the affairs of the realm for the emperor, and to win fame before and after my death!"

"With Your Majesty's literary and military talents, you will surely be able to unify the world, create a prosperous era, and command all directions."

"Hi~!"

To usher in a golden age?
Zhao Ceying's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "With you and me, ruler and subject working together, we can surely unify the country and create a prosperous era!"

As he spoke, Zhao Ceying couldn't help but dream about it.

Once he achieved unification, as the "founding emperor" of a unified dynasty, he would undoubtedly be a great emperor for all time!
If it were to usher in a golden age, that would be even more extraordinary.

When the late emperor passed away, among the various posthumous titles such as Tai, Gao, Shi, and Zhong, the character "Shi" was deliberately retained!

An emperor through the ages!
Emperor Sejong!

Let us usher in a golden age!
This will surely be remembered for all time.

Just imagining it is enough to make people look forward to it.

Jiang Zhao glanced at it and clicked his tongue in amazement.

The two, the emperor and his minister, were merely making empty promises to each other; it was like using one foot to support the other.

They're all still living in their own little corner!

Is this the first emperor and the first prime minister of all time who ushered in a golden age?

"cough!"

Jiang Zhao coughed lightly and said calmly, "Recently, the voices opposing the abolition of the empress have become smaller and smaller, and there have also been considerable changes in the cabinet."

"When Zeng Gongliang retired, Wen Yanbo entered the cabinet; when Ouyang Xiu was demoted, Han Jiang entered the cabinet; when Zhang Sheng retired, Tang Zhan entered the cabinet."

"If you include me, then there have been four replacements."

"In my opinion, it may be appropriate to formally decide on the matter of deposing the empress."

Zhao Ceying raised her eyebrows, her eyes slightly narrowing with longing.

After a moment of contemplation, a hopeful look appeared on his face, and he nodded, saying, "We should take this opportunity to put the abolition of the empress on the agenda."

Even if Jiang Zhao didn't bring it up, he would bring it up on his own initiative.

Firstly, the Empress made several mistakes, showing no demeanor befitting an empress, which truly crossed his bottom line.

Given his personality, once he makes up his mind, he won't easily waver.

After all, she's just an empress, not Jiang Qing!

Secondly, once the empress is deposed, they can take the opportunity to demote one group of people and promote another.

This time, at least fifty or sixty civil officials opposed the deposition of the empress, which is about 30 to 40% of the civil officials.

In terms of scale, it is already quite large.

A purge would undoubtedly help him gain control of the government.

The border regions were pacified, the territory was expanded, and a considerable number of military generals were rewarded. Gu Tingye, Zhang Ding, and Zheng Xiao were the representatives of the three major noble families, while Wang Shao was the representative of the "wild military generals".

With these few people, he could completely seize military power.

Now, by taking advantage of the opportunity of deposing the empress, a group of people can be promoted, and the government can be seized control of the court.

Once military and political power are firmly in one's hands, the throne will be as stable as Mount Tai!

"promise."

Jiang Zhao bowed respectfully and said, "This humble subject takes his leave."

The main reason for his special trip to the palace was to resolve the issue of the "Hengqu Four Bureaus".

The abolition of the empress was already a done deal; this was just something I mentioned incidentally.

After a few breaths, Jiang Zhao left.

Zhao Ceying breathed a sigh of relief and picked up a memorial to read.

To become a great emperor throughout history, besides relying on Jiang Qing, one must also be able to handle affairs personally.

"The Yang Wu case?"

Zhao Ceying was taken aback after just one glance.

What kind of case is qualified to be presented to the Emperor?
Early June, Wende Hall.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

Standing on the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying, with his hands on his knees and looking straight ahead, slowly said:

"All internal and external departments may immediately submit their reports."

Many who opposed the abolition of the empress were about to step forward with their ceremonial tablets when a peaceful voice rang out:

"Your humble servant Jiang Zhao has a report to make."

In an instant, all the civil and military officials turned their attention to him.

Is it time for Grand Secretary Jiang to step in?
People who opposed the abolition of the empress would exchange glances and realize that something was wrong.

Wang Shiping, who was also a Privy Councilor, broke out in a cold sweat, his hands and feet trembling slightly.

Why did Jiang Zichuan suddenly leave the scene?

Didn't they even notify you?
This seems quite different from his mother's elaborate schemes! On the imperial steps, Zhao Ceying looked down at some of the ministers who opposed the deposition of the empress.

He remembered who was most vocal during the controversy that lasted for more than sixty days.

Jiang Zhao held his tablet, bowed deeply, and slowly said, “Your Majesty, the Empress is the head of the six palaces and should be a model of ‘feminine virtue,’ upholding the ancestral temple and serving as a mother to the world. However, the Empress now interferes in court affairs, is jealous by nature, and behaves improperly, violating ancestral rules. This is not only a loss of feminine virtue, but also disrupts the order of the harem and shakes the foundation of the country.”

"To uphold the proper rites and laws, to secure the state, and to comply with the will of Heaven, we humbly beseech Your Majesty to issue an edict to depose the Empress!"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the ministers who supported the deposition of the empress bowed down in unison.

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

The voices of agreement were incessant.

In just a moment, almost 60-70% of the people bowed down.

Among them were some people who originally held opposing views, who bowed down without hesitation.

The inclusion of Grand Secretaries in the Cabinet is undoubtedly a strong political signal.

At this point, anyone who opposes it is courting death!
"I second the proposal!"

Grand Chancellor Han Zhang stepped forward and bowed with his hands clasped.

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

The remaining five Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet seconded the motion.

The emperor's intention to depose the empress was almost common knowledge, so there was no point in opposing it.

In particular, several "newcomers" who had recently joined the cabinet almost unwaveringly supported the removal of the empress.

As their first major decision since joining the cabinet, they couldn't possibly go against the emperor.

All six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet supported the removal of the Empress.

The overall situation is decided!

"I second the proposal!"

Many who were still observing immediately knelt down and held their tablets in agreement.

After about ten breaths, only a few people remained standing in the main hall.

"No."

"The Empress's position in the Central Palace is ordained by the ancestral temple and is the focus of the world's attention. Her position concerns the very foundation of the nation and cannot be moved lightly," Qi Heng insisted, holding his tablet.

"Heng'er!" the Duke of Qi called out softly, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.

How can we step out now?
On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying looked down.

With only a few people standing, they are destined to have little impact on the overall situation.

"allow!"

Zhao Ceying waved his sleeve and said, "I hereby demote Empress Gao to the rank of Consort Hua, and have her reside permanently in Yaohua Palace with the Buddhist name 'Ansu'."

One word sealed the fate.

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

All the civil and military officials bowed down.

Zhao Ceying nodded, his gaze shifting downwards.

Finally, attention was drawn to a high-ranking official in purple robes.

"Wang Shiping".

Wang Shiping looked at it and felt a great sense of panic.

Individual roll call?

Why?
"Your subject is here." Without thinking, Wang Shiping hurriedly climbed out of the column.

All the civil and military officials watched quietly.

Why was Wang Shiping singled out?
Could it be that the Emperor has taken into account Grand Tutor Wang's contributions and wants to give him special treatment?

"Grand Tutor Wang was once an important minister of the court, and I will always remember his achievements."

Zhao Ceying spoke, looking disappointed: "However, their descendants disregard the law and act recklessly, their crimes are unforgivable. Recently, there have been dozens of impeachments against the Wang family alone for their crimes."

Wang Shiping was stunned. Dozens of questions?
"The Wang family's evil deeds have damaged the imperial court and are too numerous to list, truly bringing shame upon our ancestors!"

"Snapped!"

With that, Zhao Ceying, his face contorted with anger, slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne: "Today, I will seek justice for the people of the world and vindicate our ancestors!"

"Although Grand Tutor Wang has passed away, the Wang family is so despicable, how can his memorial tablet continue to be placed in the Imperial Ancestral Temple to enjoy the favors of past emperors?"

"By order, the number of those entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple shall be reduced by one."

"Effective immediately, the memorial tablet of Wang Youzhi shall be removed from the Imperial Ancestral Temple!"

The moment the order was given, the entire court erupted in uproar!

"This, is it the only one of its kind in hundreds of years?"

"Would removing the ancestral temple be too harsh a punishment?"

"This is purely because someone was offended, so it's normal for the punishment to be severe."

"Removing the Imperial Ancestral Temple is extremely rare, both in ancient and modern times!"

The civil and military officials were immediately abuzz with discussion.

The reason is simply that the punishment of "removing the ancestral temple" is extremely rare.

During the Han Dynasty, the system of ancestral temples was not yet fully established. In most cases, it was the emperor who removed the ancestral temples, and no ministers were ever removed from them.

During the Tang Dynasty, among officials, only Fang Xuanling and Wu Shihuo were removed from the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Fang Xuanling was implicated by his son, Fang Yi'ai, who conspired with Princess Gaoyang to rebel, and was therefore removed from the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Wu Shihuo was the father of Wu Zetian. After Wu Zetian ascended the throne, she posthumously honored him as "Emperor Taizu Xiaoming Gao" and allowed him to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. However, when the Tang Dynasty was restored, Wu Shihuo's imperial title was revoked and he was removed from the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

In addition, some unstable regimes during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period also had the practice of offering sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. However, without exception, the temple was removed from the Imperial Ancestral Temple with the change of regime, rather than being removed under normal circumstances.

In other words, in dynasties where sacrifices were offered at the Imperial Ancestral Temple for a long period, only two officials were removed from the temple.

If we consider that Wu Shiyue was posthumously honored as an emperor, then Fang Xuanling is the only one left who was posthumously honored as an emperor, which is quite rare.

The reasons for this are nothing more than two points:
Firstly, there were already few officials who were entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, so the possibility of them being deposed was naturally low.

Secondly, it was generally only when the son's generation committed a serious mistake that affected the father's generation that the old father might be allowed to remove the ancestral temple. Once it came to the grandson's generation, the idea of ​​removing the ancestral temple was almost nonexistent.

After all, while the first generation can be said to have "failed to educate their children," the grandchildren's generation cannot be said to have "failed to educate their grandchildren."

Taking both factors into account, a thorough review of historical records reveals that only a handful of people removed the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Now, there's a second one.

Grand Tutor Wang You!

"His Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, please forgive me!" Wang Shiping's face flushed red as he wept bitterly. "Your Majesty, my father followed the late Emperor, devising strategies to assist the country and govern the world. The late Emperor, mindful of his minor contributions, specially granted him the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. This is a great honor for our family and also serves as a model for the court to encourage loyalty. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to remember the late Emperor's kindness and leave my father's spirit tablet in a corner of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, so as not to discourage meritorious officials."

"I beg Your Majesty's mercy to rescind the decree!" Wang Shiping kowtowed repeatedly.

Being granted a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple is the greatest honor for the Wang family.

How can we strip someone of their rights and remove them just because they chose the wrong side once?
"We beg Your Majesty's mercy and to rescind the decree!"

In an instant, people knelt down and pleaded for mercy.

"We beg Your Majesty's mercy and to rescind the decree!"

"We beg Your Majesty's mercy and to rescind the decree!"

Those who bowed their heads and pleaded for mercy formed a large and imposing force.

Before long, there were already sixty or seventy people.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying glanced at the scene and his expression showed understanding.

At a glance, those kneeling and pleading for mercy were almost all people who "opposed the abolition of the empress."

The reason for this is, of course, the concern about being "convicted".

The matter of rewards and punishments has always been related to "first reward" and "first punishment".

The first reward is better, which means that the remaining rewards are also better.

A heavy initial penalty means that subsequent penalties will also be heavy.

Now, the matter of deposing the empress has even involved removing her from the Imperial Ancestral Temple, which is undoubtedly of paramount importance.

How could this not cause fear?
Zhao Ceying glanced at it indifferently.

Coincidentally, this time the punishment was indeed quite severe.

On the contrary, those who once stood up to oppose the abolition of the empress, regardless of whether they have jumped to the ranks of those who support it, will all be demoted!

"You have no joke!"

With that, Zhao Ceying waved his hand dismissively.

"The court session is over—"

(End of this chapter)