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

Chapter 258 The First Husband—Jiang Zhao!
On May 26th, the wind was gentle and the rain was refreshing.

The Secretariat, the Hall of State Affairs.

In the main seat, Grand Chancellor Han Zhang picked up the document, stroked his beard calmly, and appeared vigorous.

Below him, on either side of him stood chairs, and the other five Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet took their seats in succession.

Without exception, everyone turned their attention to the direction.

Since the second year of the Xifeng reign, whenever cabinet discussions were involved, Han Zhang would usually be "sound asleep" or "dizzy."

However, today is destined to be different!
Grand Chancellor Han Zhang was neither "sound asleep" nor "dizzy," and his disciple Jiang Zhao had neither any documents nor memorials in his possession.

This time, however, the Grand Chancellor personally presided over the cabinet meeting!

You want to ask why?
This was simply because it was Han Zhang's last cabinet meeting in his life.

The regular court meetings were held every five days, and the Grand Chancellor had to decline the appointment three times before retiring.

On May 17th, one resigned and the other yielded.

On May 22nd, he declined the offer twice.

Both times, the events have already been "acted out".

He declined three times, and it will be May 27th.

That is, tomorrow!
May 26th, the cabinet meeting, wasn't that Han Zhang's last cabinet meeting?
Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet all turned their attention to the direction.

I wonder what exactly the cabinet meeting will discuss this time.
"oops!"

At the head of the table, Han Zhang stroked his beard, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes.

"In the fourth year of the Zhiping era, the late emperor passed away. Roughly calculated, the current emperor has been on the throne for four years, the Xifeng era has been three and a half years since the border expansion, and even the reform policies have been implemented for more than two years."

Han Zhang shook his head and sighed, "Time waits for no one!"

The scholars exchanged glances, which was not surprising.

After a lifetime of working in officialdom, it's only natural to feel a little regretful when it comes time to retire.

Jiang Zhao sat down and pondered for a moment, then said, "At the end of life, we are all just a handful of dust. Everyone is the same."

"However, as Sima Qian once said, some things are heavier than Mount Tai, while others are lighter than a feather."

"People are ultimately different!"

It may be heavier than Mount Tai, or it may be lighter than a feather.

Han Zhang's life was full of ups and downs; he governed the country and expanded its territory, destined to be remembered for eternity.

Without a doubt, this is a person of immense importance!

"Ah."

Han Zhang stroked his beard and nodded.

Actually, he didn't feel too much "mixed emotions".

In fact, both Han Zhang and the other Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were very clear about one thing:

Han Zhang was definitely one of the Grand Secretaries with the best ending, if not the best!

He ruled the world, expanded territories, and achieved lasting fame. At the pinnacle of his life, he retired in glory, and his successor was a disciple he had taught since childhood.
These buffs are things that can only be encountered by chance and cannot be obtained by others.

Han Zhang sighed, mainly because he was "not used to" retiring in glory, and also felt a little nostalgic.

After a lifetime of ups and downs in officialdom, suddenly finding himself free from all trouble and about to retire and return to his hometown, leaving the cabinet where he had "worked" for more than ten years, would undoubtedly give people the illusion of leaving his comfort zone.

Of course, this feeling of "not being used to it" is not difficult to get rid of.

The reason why people are not used to leaving their comfort zone is essentially due to the feeling of "unfamiliarity" and "crisis".

Those who hold high positions and return to their hometowns to live are practically "local emperors," so it's impossible for them to feel any sense of crisis.

Let's discuss politics.

With a deep breath, Han Zhang picked up the only document in his hand.

It is not hard to foresee that there will be few things to do today, except for one document that is more important and involves cabinet deliberations.

After a cursory glance, Han Zhang squinted and slowly said, "Recently, His Majesty summoned me to the palace for a discussion. After several consultations, the matter of the change of official positions for second-rank officials has finally been decided."

"Let's pass it around and read it."

Before he finished speaking, the document in his hand was passed down.

In an instant, apart from Jiang Zhao, the other Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet all changed color.

Today, the only topic on the agenda is the replacement of cabinet members!
The so-called "change of official positions of the second-rank official" is actually a change in the selection of cabinet members.

After all, those of the second rank were already among the most powerful and influential people outside of the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

For Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, a position of the second rank was a position from which there was "no further advancement."

Anyone who is promoted will definitely be placed in the cabinet!

The breathing in and out of the courtroom gradually became heavy.

In fact, about a month later, the Ministry of Personnel submitted a document proposing a temporary change in official positions.

However, that document was aimed at officials of the third rank and officials of the second rank.

As for the second rank, it was not listed.

The main reason for this is that the personnel changes of officials of the second rank and Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet are intertwined.

To avoid undermining the morale of the cabinet, the announcement of the promotion of a second-rank official should be delayed as long as possible.

The document was passed down and ended up in Jiang Zhao's hands.

Yuan Jiang, the Minister of Personnel, entered the cabinet.

Zhang Fangping, Minister of Rites, entered the cabinet.

Minister of Revenue Feng Xu, leave it for now.

Minister of War Kuang Qiong retired with honor.

Minister of Justice Chen Shengzhi, remain inactive for now.

Yu Jing, Minister of Works, entered the cabinet.

Three people have been appointed to the cabinet!

With a quick glance, Jiang Zhao understood.

Yuan Jiang, Zhang Fangping, and Yu Jing were all active supporters of the reform movement.

Each new version brings its own set of advantages and benefits.

The benefits of the new version are undoubtedly the reform and innovation!

In fact, Chen Shengzhi, the Minister of Justice, was also a strong supporter of the reform.

However, Chen Shengzhi was a follower of Han Jiang, a Grand Secretary of the Zizheng Hall.

Han Jiang was only fifty-eight years old and still full of energy. He was one of the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet who firmly supported the reform. The Emperor had no dissatisfaction with him. Chen Shengzhi, on the other hand, still had to endure three more years.

The document was passed down, and the other Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet read it in turn.

The joys and sorrows of people are not the same.

Wen Yanbo, the Grand Secretary of the Jixian Hall, had a grim expression. He clenched his teeth tightly and finally closed his eyes in despair.

Yuan Jiang was from his lineage. When Yuan Jiang came to power, he naturally had to "voluntarily" retire and give up his cabinet seat.

Grand Secretary Wu Chong of the Dongge Pavilion lowered his hands, closed his eyes, and sighed silently.

Yu Jing, the Minister of Works, was his man.

With Yu Jing taking over, it's natural that he would have to occupy his seat.

With a sigh, Wu Chong felt a slight sense of disappointment, but was not particularly surprised.

He has been in the cabinet for six years so far, and if he continues to serve again, he will have served for a full nine years.

Throughout the century-long reign of the nation, Grand Secretaries who served in the cabinet for six years were all highly capable individuals. Those qualified to serve as Grand Secretaries for nine years were extremely rare, and each one was a figure who had reached the pinnacle of their careers.

In comparison, he is indeed much inferior.

The Grand Chancellor and the Emperor would certainly not allow anyone to surpass Jiang Zichuan in seniority.

It was not expected that he would not be able to serve in the cabinet for nine years.

Tang Jie, a Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, and Han Jiang, a Grand Secretary of the Zizheng Hall, both felt a sense of relief and smiled faintly.

About thirty breaths later, the document was returned to Han Zhang.

"Let's go."

Han Zhang rolled up the documents, waved his hand, and walked out with his hands behind his back: "Whether they are those who remain in office or those who are newly promoted to the cabinet, they must all have a private conversation with His Majesty."

A private conversation between the emperor and his ministers is a long-standing procedure in cabinet personnel changes.

Those who successfully retain their positions or are newly appointed to the cabinet usually focus on expressing their loyalty as subjects.

If someone unfortunately "voluntarily resigns from office," the government usually takes the lead in appeasing them.

Jiang Zhao put his hands behind his back and strode after him.

Han Jiang, Tang Jie, and Wu Chong followed one after another, their expressions varying.

Wen Yanbo's face was grim, and he was clenching his teeth, fidgeting.

"Humph!"

After a long pause, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. Wen Yanbo let out a heavy snort and strode forward.

Who says that giving up one's position necessarily means retiring in glory?
Exile, wouldn't that work too?
The Imperial Study, a side hall.

Apart from Han Zhang, the five Grand Secretaries sat solemnly.

About an incense stick's time later, Han Zhang strode out and stepped outside without pausing for even a moment.

"Prime Minister Jiang."

With a soft call, Li Xian, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, stepped forward and pointed out, "His Majesty has summoned Minister Jiang for a talk."

"Ah."

Jiang Zhao nodded and strode forward in a few quick steps.

Upon entering, they found two other people besides the palace maids and eunuchs.

One of them was Zhao Ceying, an official.

One of them is the young prince Zhao Shen.

"Lord Jiang."

Zhao held the honey water in her small hands. Upon seeing Jiang Zhao, she quickly put the honey water down and called out to him.

Jiang Zhao nodded slightly and bowed respectfully: "Your humble servant Jiang Zhao greets Your Majesty and His Highness Prince Jing."

"No need for formalities." "Please sit down."

Zhao Ceying waved his hand.

Thus, the ruler and his ministers faced each other.

However, at that moment, the young prince Zhao Shen carried a small stool and walked over.

"Master Jiang, don't you recognize me?"

Zhao Shen's face was full of concern, and his eyes were fixed on him, as if saying "no" would make him look disappointed and start crying.

Jiang Zhao was taken aback, but then he understood.

Just now, he only nodded, which made Zhao Shen mistakenly think that he had not received a response.

"Ugh!"

Why the hell do we have to recognize people at this time?

With a silent sigh, Jiang Zhao said helplessly, "I recognize it."

"That's good." Zhao Shen breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes filled with joy, and nodded repeatedly.

Under the watchful eyes of the emperor and his minister, the stool was gently placed down, and the person obediently sat down at Jiang Zhao's feet.

Afterwards, he picked up the honey water from the table, squinted his eyes, and sipped it with a satisfied expression.

Um.
What else can be said?

Jiang Zhao raised his eyebrows, then shook his head and said, "Your Highness is truly a man of strong emotions."

"Haha~ Shen'er is just like me!"

Sitting in the main seat, Zhao Ceying stroked his knee and said with satisfaction, "Shen'er is well-behaved and intelligent. He has been with Jiang Qing since childhood and has been influenced by her. If he can learn even thirty percent of Jiang Qing's skills, he will be worry-free for the rest of his life!"

Learning from a minister from a young age is a very rare occurrence in the royal family.

Generally speaking, the relationship between royal teachers and students tends to be more like that of ruler and subject, rather than a purely teacher-student relationship.

However, as the emperor and as a father, Zhao Ceying did not mind.

After all, this was a result he intentionally facilitated.

This is also a good thing for his son, Zhao Shen.

In terms of teaching and imparting knowledge, Jiang Qing's abilities are absolutely unparalleled.

His abilities in governing the country, managing state affairs, military affairs, economics, and even the art of balancing and managing subordinates are all top-notch.

In fact, Jiang Qing could be considered half of his teacher.

With such a wise minister guiding him, Shen'er will surely master superb skills after twenty or thirty years of being influenced and taught by him.

In his later years, while the older generation retired, he became one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, Emperor Shizong. Even in his old age, his son was able to maintain order and stability over the country.

Good thing!

Jiang Zhao smiled faintly.

Did you learn 30% of his skills?

That's not easy!

The topic centered around the young prince quietly came to an end.

This time, the conversation between the emperor and his ministers mainly focused on the change of cabinet.

Zhao Ceying pondered for a moment, then got straight to the point:

"Jiang Qing, I want you to take charge of the cabinet and rule the world!"

A day passed quickly; it was May 27th.

Wende Hall.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly rows.

"All officials, both inside and outside the court, may submit their opinions immediately," Zhao Ceying said calmly, resting his hands on his knees on the imperial steps.

The entire place fell silent.

After about two breaths, no one stepped forward to report.

Nothing more than this: today I declined and refused three times!

"This old minister has a report to make!"

On His Majesty, Han Zhang, holding his tablet, rose and bowed: "This old minister has served as prime minister for twelve years and is now over sixty years old. My eyesight is failing, my hearing is deteriorating, my memory is fading, and I am suffering from chronic illnesses, including backache and heavy legs."

As the Grand Secretary, I am responsible for countless affairs of state, including military and national policy decisions and local administration. It is truly difficult for my aging body to bear such a burden.

In the imperial court, there are many officials whose achievements, political accomplishments, reputation, and prestige surpass those of me. It is only right that this old minister should retire and yield his position to the more capable. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to grant me permission to resign and return to my hometown to live out my remaining years in peace!

With that, Han Zhang kowtowed heavily.

After three refusals, this was the last time Han Zhang had declined the offer, and it was indeed inappropriate for him to sit down. Therefore, Han Zhang did not sit down, and Zhao Ceying did not stop him.

All the officials, both civil and military, turned their attention to the scene.

After three refusals, the king had no reason to persuade him to stay.

The position of Grand Chancellor is about to be changed!

"My lord!"

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying's eyes reddened as he descended in a few steps.

"Ugh!"

Zhao Ceying sighed deeply, his face full of regret and reluctance: "The Grand Chancellor has assisted me for four years, consolidating the country, governing the nation, quelling rebellions and pacifying the borders, securing the grain transport and strengthening the country, and stabilizing the foundation of the nation. He is truly a pillar of the country and a key minister."

"I originally intended to keep you here. However, the Grand Chancellor has fallen ill from overwork, harming his health for the sake of the country. Although I am extremely reluctant to part with him, I ultimately cannot disregard his request."

"That being the case——"

Zhao Ceying closed his eyes and sighed, "I am just a member of a remote clan with no foundation whatsoever. I was fortunate enough to obtain the divine artifact. If it weren't for the support of the Grand Chancellor, I would have had no chance to stabilize the country."

"In that case, I hope Your Excellency will accept my greeting and not obstruct me."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Ceying took a half step back and bowed respectfully: "Thank you very much, Grand Chancellor, for the grace of two generations of your family's stability!"

The civil and military officials were in an uproar.

What kind of honor is it for a king to bow to you?
"this--"

Han Zhang was startled and quickly returned the greeting: "Your Majesty is too kind!"

Thus, the ruler and his subject exchanged a bow.

Afterwards, Zhao Ceying slowly walked up the steps, his back to the officials, looking heartbroken.

A palace official stepped forward with the imperial edict and announced in a loud voice:
"Your Excellency, the Emperor decreed: I consider you the ministers who served two generations, the pillars of the state and the backbone of the nation."

Grand Secretary Han Zhang was a man of unwavering resolve and steadfast loyalty. His policies in establishing an heir ensured the stability of the imperial family, while his efforts in expanding borders and pacifying the people brought peace to the nation. He upheld justice and maintained order in the court, his achievements are recorded in history, and his virtue is celebrated throughout the land.

Now that he has reached the age of eighty and his strength is gradually declining, he has repeatedly submitted memorials pleading for the return of his official seal. I read his memorials with compassion and, disobeying his wishes, have specially granted him an exceptional honor to reward his meritorious service.

They were granted special privileges including "entry into the court," "exemption from punishment," and "presentation of memorials."

He was specially granted a carriage and horses, a grand mansion in Xiangzhou, a hundred acres of fertile land, and a thousand taels of gold, which could be used to support three of his descendants, allowing them to enjoy a leisurely life.

On the first and fifteenth of each month, the emperor would consult with the government and listen to their reports.

Yu Xi!

Although you are free from official duties, do not abandon your concern for the country; having found refuge in nature, you should still apply your strategies for governing the world, cultivate your inner peace, set an example for all people, and bring peace to the four seas!
Admire this. "

The imperial edict was short, lasting only about twenty breaths.

Aside from some comforting words, the main thing was that three major privileges were granted.

The right to enter into a case, the right not to commit a crime, and the right to make a memorial.

The right to enter the palace meant that one could enter the palace to have an audience with the emperor and consult on matters of state.

Generally speaking, those who retire from officialdom are expected to "not concern themselves with politics."

The right to enter the palace for audience, also known as "retirement without fading of official rank," allowed officials to enter the palace to meet with the emperor and discuss current affairs.

Of course, having already retired, anyone with a modicum of sense would certainly not make a point of seeking an audience or discussing current affairs.

The right to pardon, also known as imperial pardon, is a special privilege granted by the emperor, exempting one from criminal liability.

Unless the crime is so serious that one has to blame heaven and earth, one is usually exempted from punishment. This is a kind of "get-out-of-jail-free card" that cannot be inherited and is limited to the use of the person being punished.

The power to submit memorials and report matters is to ensure that the emperor's ears are heard.

This also means that officials were allowed to recommend others and submit decisions and suggestions regarding military and political matters.

If the right to enter into a dialogue is the state of the emperor and his ministers discussing politics face-to-face, then the right to submit memorials is the state of submitting memorials remotely.

One is near, the other is far!
These three special privileges are actually not surprising.

Generally speaking, even without being granted a title, those who hold the highest positions in the government have this privilege to some extent.

The difference lies in the fact that some people received their titles through imperial edicts, while others had this privilege through unspoken rules.

In addition, they were granted carriages, land, houses, and a quota of hereditary official positions.

Judging from the rewards in the imperial edict alone, they were not particularly generous, only at the level of a retired prime minister.

However, Zhao Ceying's gesture of respect was more valuable than any reward!
Han Zhang blushed deeply, his face beaming with pride, and bowed deeply, saying:

"Your subject, Han Zhang, thanks Your Majesty!"

"With the Grand Chancellor retired, I truly have no interest in governing."

Zhao Ceying sighed and waved his sleeve.

"The court session is over—"

A sharp cry echoed throughout the hall.

All the civil and military officials successively withdrew.

Thus ended the three refusal attempts!
Grand Chancellor Han Zhang hereby retires!

The cabinet members were thus replaced.

Apart from Wen Yanbo being impeached and forced to be demoted, those who were supposed to retire did so, and those who were supposed to remain in office remained in office.

June 1st.

The emperor summoned Jiang Zhao, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, and the two talked for half a day, discussing governance and territorial expansion.

June 11.

Jiang Zhaojin was appointed as the Chancellor of the Secretariat and the Grand Secretariat, the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, and the Privy Councilor. He was then appointed as the Pillar of the State, the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, the Grand Master of Rites, the Grand Academician of the Zhaowen Pavilion, the Supervisor of the National History, the Director of the Veritable Records, the Director of the Secretariat, and the Director of the Three Halls and Secretarial Pavilions. He was also appointed as the Commissioner of the Southern Xuanhui Academy.

The new Grand Chancellor—Jiang Zhao!
(End of this chapter)