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

Chapter 304 Extra: The Celestial Curtain—The First Prime Minister of All Time! (Part 1)

The 27th year of the First Emperor's reign.

Zhangtai Palace.

"clatter--"

"clatter--"

The vast palace echoed with the sound of footsteps, each step carrying a distinct echo, creating an atmosphere of desolation and loneliness.

Step by step, dressed in black robes and crimson skirts, the thirty-nine-year-old Ying Zheng slowly ascended the steps.

In that very year, King Jian of Qi knelt and presented the imperial seal, and the state of Qi was destroyed!
Building upon the legacy of six generations of monarchs, he wielded power over the land, controlling the six directions. His glorious reign, spanning the ages, finally came to a close!

"clatter!"

With the final step, Ying Zheng reached the summit, holding a jade seal in his hand. He slowly turned around, looking down upon all living beings from his high vantage point.

On the jade seal, eight characters were clearly engraved:
May your destiny be bestowed by Heaven, and may your life be long and prosperous!
From him downwards, the high officials, ministers, and elders of the six former states reacted with varying degrees of awe, reverence, resentment, and fear.

"From this day forward, I shall be the First Emperor!"

"In heaven and on earth, there is only one nation: Great Qin!"

"By the mandate of Heaven, may your life be long and prosperous!"

In just a few words, he exuded domineering power and was incredibly captivating.

"Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin Dynasty!"

All those who entered the hall prostrated themselves in worship, shouting incessantly.

Ying Zheng looked at the prostrate crowd with a cold gaze and a calm, unmoved heart.

As someone who rose from a hostage to become the ruler of the Qin state, his life in the first half was so turbulent that he remained calm and rarely experienced emotional fluctuations.

Of course, besides this, there are actually two other major reasons:
On the one hand, this is mainly due to the "limited perspective".

Ying Zheng was unaware of the terrifying implications of unification for future generations!

The concept of unification was truly linked to territory only after Dong Zhongshu's theory of the unity of heaven and man reached this conclusion.

On the other hand, the Qin dynasty's rule was not secure.

The remnants of the six states were simply too numerous to count.

It is unknown how many people from the six kingdoms are secretly plotting against him, or even intending to assassinate him.

This is one of the internal problems.

The Qin state was powerful, but its military merit system also had considerable hidden dangers.

The people of Qin have suffered for hundreds of years, and their hearts are filled with resentment.

This is the second internal problem.

The heir, Prince Fusu, is too soft-hearted and finds it difficult to win over the people.

Thus, with the great cause not yet fully accomplished, one's mindset is naturally rather calm.

The shouts and cheers were deafening.

Thousands of years!

Ying Zheng raised his gaze and gripped the jade seal tightly.

Since the fall of the State of Qi, only the State of Qin remains in the world.

The Qin Dynasty will surely last ten thousand years!
of course
If it were a divine miracle that could grant him eternal life, that would be even better!

Ying Zheng's gaze gradually shifted to a celestial canopy in the sky.

It was a curtain that appeared out of nowhere, seemingly real yet also illusory.

Like a miracle!
Moreover, it happened to be the day that the State of Qi was destroyed and the Qin Dynasty achieved unification that it appeared in the sky!

"Hey~!"

Just then, a barely audible sound rang out.

The curtain in the sky lit up!

A sentence appeared prominently on it.

[In terms of virtue, merit, and words, he is unparalleled throughout history!]

In the sixth year of Yuanshuo, at Weiyang Palace.

"The greatest minister in five thousand years of history?"

Above the sky, texts resembling definitive historical conclusions flashed by from time to time.

"Insanity!"

One of them exclaimed in surprise.

Judging from his imposing physique and majestic posture, he exudes a heroic and confident air.

At the age of seventeen, Huo Qubing commanded eight hundred soldiers and captured more than two thousand people, including the Chanyu and the prime minister. He was at the age of high spirits, confidence, and lawlessness.

Even so, a single sentence on the sky was considered by Huo Qubing to be extremely arrogant.

Among five thousand officials, he was the foremost among them!
How arrogant!

"Ha ha!"

"The greatest minister in five thousand years."

Standing atop the imperial steps, Emperor Wu of Han gazed at the heavens and clapped his hands, exclaiming, "I don't believe it either!"

In the center of the main hall, Dong Zhongshu, who was fifty-six years old at the time, sat with his arms outstretched, his eyes narrowed, secretly amazed.

In the first year of the Yuanguang era, the emperor issued an edict to scholars throughout the land, asking them to devise strategies for governing the country.

With his essay "All those not within the Six Arts and the teachings of Confucius shall be excluded from the path and not allowed to advance," he established the position of Confucianism as the sole dominant ideology, suppressing all other schools of thought.

Recently, however, he entered the palace for a second round of academic discussions.

The main reason is that the existence of the celestial canopy is so unique that it has given other proponents of certain theories a glimpse of an opportunity to exploit the situation.

But who would have thought that, after a rare visit to the palace, the sky that had been hanging there for nearly half a year without any movement would suddenly become active.

But then, the words that had sealed the fate of the coffin disappeared from the sky, and faint sounds began to emerge.

"At birth, people are inherently good; their natures are similar, but their habits differ greatly."

That is
A young boy reading a book!
In the first year of the Zhenguan era, at the Taiji Hall.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Li Shimin, then twenty-nine years old, sat upright with his arms around his hands, a slight sigh escaping his lips.

My father is old, my older brother is dead, and my younger brother is dead too.

I'm so heartbroken!
As a father's obedient son, a brother's good younger brother, and a younger brother's good older brother, he was forced to ascend the throne and had to shoulder the enormous legacy, forcing him to move forward alone!
"This is... an auspicious omen?" Changsun Wuji, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was secretly startled. He narrowed his eyes, intending to define it with a single sentence.

His innate extraordinary abilities and the timing of his arrival were truly remarkable.

It happened shortly after the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

This inevitably leads to two possible consequences:
The positive influence was naturally characterized as an auspicious omen, thus stabilizing the foundation.

The negative impact is that some people may characterize it as a great act of filial impiety by the saint, going against the will of Heaven, and others may take the opportunity to slander the saint.

Changsun Wuji was also a first-rate magistrate, but he was quick to react.

"An auspicious omen, or perhaps one from later generations?" asked Fang Xuanling, the Grand Secretary, frowning.

Above the sky, a young boy was clearly seen reading.

The young man was quite intelligent; it was said that he had a photographic memory, and that he could remember everything he saw without any error.

"Ok?"

Changsun Wuji quickly looked up at the sky.

Just now, he panicked and was in a hurry to make a decision, but he did not observe carefully.

But what kind of nonsense is this, later generations?

Fang Xuanling pondered for a moment, then explained, "That young man is calm and composed, and quite fond of history books."

"Just now, a picture appeared in the sky—a young man reading under the eaves, under the coal lamp, on the grass, and in the study."

However, Fang focused his attention on other places.

All the civil and military officials looked over.

Fang Xuanling looked at everyone and said in a deep voice, "It's a bookshelf!"

"On the bookshelf, there were prominently displayed the Book of Han, the Book of the Later Han, the Records of the Three Kingdoms, the Book of Jin, the Book of Southern Qi, the Book of Sui, and the Old Book of Tang!"

"The Book of Jin and the Book of Sui haven't been revised yet!"

"As for the Book of Tang," Fang Xuanling said with a slightly complicated expression, looking at everyone and saying in a deep voice, "then it is even more special."

In my humble opinion, it's probably just a mirage!

The term "大哈蜃气" refers to a mirage, also known as a seascape.

In fact, the terms "sea market" and "mirage" already existed in the Tang Dynasty, which were believed to be divine dragons exhaling and reflecting the fairyland.

However, while there are "mirages" and "mirages," there is no "mirage-mirage-landscape," mainly because the two have not yet been combined into a single term.

Of course, the fact that the statement has not yet been formalized does not prevent people from interpreting it implicitly.

"The Book of Jin, the Book of Sui, and the Book of Tang?"

Minister of War Du Ruhui squinted, his face full of surprise and doubt.

Generally speaking, it is the new dynasty that compiles the history books of the old dynasty. Therefore, the Book of Sui must undoubtedly have been compiled by the Tang dynasty.

As for the Book of Jin?
The Jin dynasty consisted of the Eastern Jin and the Western Jin, with the Western Jin being a unified regime, making it extremely large.

From the Western Jin Dynasty onwards, the regimes were divided, and not only were they not unified regimes, but they were also relatively short-lived, so naturally no one had time to compile the history of the Jin Dynasty.

Recently, the retired emperor has abdicated and retired, and members of the Qin King's lineage have taken over power. There are already plans to revise the "Book of Jin" and the "Book of Sui".

However, it's only a plan and hasn't been implemented yet.

When it comes to compiling history, the preparation work is bound to be enormous; it's not uncommon for it to take one or two decades to prepare.

If that's the case, then where did the Book of Jin and the Book of Sui come from in the first year of the Zhenguan era?
Not to mention the Book of Tang!
Just then, above the sky...
"In the ninth year, Crown Prince Jiancheng and Prince Qi Yuanji plotted to assassinate Emperor Taizong. On the fourth day of the sixth month, Emperor Taizong executed them at Xuanwu Gate. On the day of Jiazi, he was established as Crown Prince, and all government affairs were decided by him."

The young man read aloud a few times, looking quite interested: "The style of historical writing!"

Indeed, as later generations have shown!
All the civil and military officials were greatly alarmed.

Is there something in the world that can connect to the future?
"what!"

"In five thousand years of history, he is the greatest minister of all time!"

On the steps of the imperial palace, Li Shimin spoke up, unusually, looking up at the sky with great interest: "Even the Duke of Zhou is inferior to him?"

In my humble opinion, this may well be a case of self-praise.

Changsun Wuji came to his senses and shook his head repeatedly: "One year to quell the chaos, two years to conquer Yin, three years to subdue Yan, four years to establish the Marquisate of Wei, five years to build Chengzhou, six years to establish rites and music, seven years to return the government to King Cheng!"

"The achievements of Duke Zhou are truly difficult to surpass."

As a figure comparable to a saint, Zhou Gongdan went so far and high that even the vast historical records tend to view him with a certain veneer.

Changsun Wuji did not believe that later generations could reach the heights of the Duke of Zhou.

"It is difficult."

A childish voice rang out; it belonged to the nine-year-old Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

"Your Highness, what are your thoughts?" Li Shimin asked with a smile, stroking his beard and hair.

In the first year of the Zhenguan era, Emperor Taizong and his son Chengqian were very harmonious, showing no signs of discord.

Li Chengqian, with his youthful face, shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, I have observed the description on the celestial screen. The boy's name is Jiang Zhao. At that time, the emperor was benevolent and the government was stable, so there was no opportunity for him to make any great achievements."

"In terms of achievements, they probably can't even compare to the Right Minister, the Chancellor, the Chancellor, and the other officials in the court."

Children are still too naive.

It is not hard to see that Li Chengqian intended to take the opportunity to "praise" other founding heroes and win over the hearts of the people.

Many ministers were flattered, but they smiled and nodded repeatedly.

"Your Highness is right!"

"A stable administration does indeed make it difficult to achieve great merit."

"Surpassing the Duke of Zhou? That's still too difficult, isn't it?"

A chorus of agreement arose immediately.

Li Shimin pondered, remaining noncommittal.

However, the crown prince's words did not lack merit.

The truly great achievements were concentrated in the founding period of the country, when the nation was established and its rule was secured; their accomplishments were destined to be extraordinary.

In other eras, let alone surpassing the Duke of Zhou, even becoming a prime minister for all ages would be extremely difficult.

[In the first year of the Jianlong era, at Chenqiao Post Station, Emperor Taizu donned a yellow robe, established the Great Zhou Dynasty, and ascended the throne, ending the chaotic Five Dynasties period.]

Above the sky, the scene suddenly shifted.

During the chaotic Five Dynasties period, war raged on, the land was shattered, and the people were displaced.

"This is."

Li Shimin had a premonition and asked knowingly, "The cause and effect?"

[On the nineteenth day of the tenth month of the ninth year of the Kaibao era, amidst the flickering candlelight and the sound of an axe, the Emperor died in the Wansui Palace at the age of fifty!]

In the first year of the Jingde reign (1122), Emperor Zhenzong concluded the Treaty of Shanyuan, agreeing to use Huaizhou as the border and to pay an annual tribute of 100,000 taels of silver and 200,000 bolts of silk.

One scene after another appeared, like a "TV series".

Fengtian Hall, 30th year of Hongwu (1386).

All the civil and military officials stood in orderly and solemn silence.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming Taizu Emperor, who was sixty-nine years old at the time, had a dark and stern face, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

Above the sky, the "TV series" has been airing for more than three days.

at last
In the third year of the Qingli reign (1744), with Grand Secretary Fan Zhongyan at the core and Minister of Personnel Fu Bi and Minister of Rites Han Zhang as his assistants, a new policy was implemented, involving reforms and innovations.

[In the fifth year of the Qingli reign (1070), Han and Fu were promoted to the cabinet. Six months later, Fan, Han, and Fu were all demoted. Han Zhang was transferred to Huaizuo and appointed prefect.]

"Oh!"

"After three days of continuous sky-covering, we finally have to talk about Lord Jiang!"

"In five thousand years of history, he is the greatest minister of all time!"

"That's a very apt description!"

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhu Yuanzhang's dark expression softened slightly, and his eyes were full of approval.

Clearly, in Zhu Yuanzhang's view, such an evaluation was not excessive.

In fact, it could be said to be very suitable.

The Duke of Zhou is far inferior to the Duke of Jiang!

"Humph!"

With a cold snort and a slam on the wooden table, Zhu Yuanzhang shouted, "You all better learn from me!"

"What kind of minister can be called the greatest minister in five thousand years, and a model for ministers throughout the ages?"

"Six times in the cabinet, five times as prime minister, four times serving as regent, three times acting as prime minister without ever crossing the Yangtze River—who is this man?"

"Oh!"

With another loud slap, Zhu Yuanzhang roared, "All of you, learn properly!"

"Yes!"

"promise!"

"Your Majesty, calm down!"

All the civil and military officials were shocked and immediately knelt down.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious.

The reason is simple: in the first half of the year, the infamous "North-South Examination Scandal" broke out in the central government.

In the thirtieth year of the Hongwu reign, the list of successful candidates for the imperial examinations was released, and all of them were from the south.

Not a single student from the north made the list!
The mighty Hongwu Emperor, who had worked diligently for thirty years, had managed to leave the north without a single Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).
ridiculous!

What is this doing?
This is a test for Zhu Yuanzhang!
This is a test of him, a test of whether he can still wield a knife!

And as it turns out, Emperor Hongwu's sword was very sharp!
Led by Hanlin Academician and Prince's Palace Attendant, more than a hundred people, including attendants, lecturers, and advisors, were either exiled, executed by slow slicing, or demoted.

All officials, both civil and military, finally became obedient again, daring not to act recklessly in the slightest.

However, this matter ultimately became a thorn in Zhu Yuanzhang's side.

Just then, the sky underwent an unusual change, with the legendary prime minister Jiang Zhao as the "protagonist." Zhu Yuanzhang naturally intended to use this opportunity to reprimand his officials.

Of course, he genuinely hoped that someone could emulate Jiang Da Xiang Gong.

This is truly the greatest minister in five thousand years!
He served as regent for the emperor four times, and tutored several generations of emperors, wielding immense power that no one could control.

However, this very person never overstepped the rules in the slightest, returned power to the emperor, and had no intention of usurping power.

Who else could be the epitome of a loyal minister throughout history?
Even if future generations possess only a fraction of his abilities, they could likely extend the Ming Dynasty's reign by another hundred years!

"Study hard, everyone!"

"From this day forward, all civil and military officials must read the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty and submit one reflection on their reading of history each day."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and shouted:
"Those who fail to meet the standards will be demoted immediately!"

"Yes!"

All the civil and military officials were filled with awe and quickly bowed.

In the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen reign, at the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

"Grandpa Jiang!"

The Chongzhen Emperor looked sorrowful, his eyes filled with longing: "Why don't I have someone like Taigong Zhao to assist me?"

"Otherwise, how could a mere Li Zicheng have risen to power?"

The chief eunuch Wang Chengen stood to one side, also sighing repeatedly.

Yuan Chonghuan, known as the "Great Wall of Liaodong," was executed by slow slicing.

Xiong Tingbi, a prominent official in Liaodong, was unjustly killed.

Sun Chuanting, who had suppressed several peasant uprisings, captured and killed "Chuang King" Gao Yingxiang, and defeated Li Zicheng, was believed to have faked his death and fled, and was also killed.

I've heard that Li Zicheng is already heading towards Shuntian Prefecture!
Is there any hope for this?
(End of this chapter)