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

Chapter 312 The Grand Chancellor Retires!

Chapter 312 The Grand Chancellor Retires!
January 13th, the seventh year of the Xifeng era.

The Secretariat, the Hall of State Affairs.

There was no one in the central, main position.

Below him, on the left and right, stood chairs, and the five Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet took their seats in succession.

"cough!"

A soft cough, quite deep and composed.

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet all turned their attention to the past.

It was Han Jiang, a Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall, who coughed lightly.

As a Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall, also known as the Second Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Han Jiang was undoubtedly a "veteran" figure in the Cabinet.

Recently, the Grand Chancellor claimed to be ill, so Han Jiang naturally became the de facto head of the cabinet.

"Recently, there have been three main matters concerning cabinet deliberations."

one two Three!

The three documents were obtained in succession.

Han Jiang picked up the documents, her face calm.

However, a hint of hesitation flashed in his calm eyes, as if he was having some trouble.

"cough!"

Another cough escaped Han Jiang's lips, and he forced himself to speak:
"Firstly, it concerns the matter of the Grand Chancellor claiming illness."

With just this one sentence, the other Grand Secretaries were all drawn in and looked over with great seriousness.

There's no other reason than that the matter of the Grand Master claiming illness is of utmost importance.

Of these, eight or nine out of ten are related to power struggles between the emperor and his ministers.

The emperor and his ministers are vying for power!

This is a typical "peak match".

Once a power struggle between the emperor and his ministers is involved, the country and its people become the chessboard, and the civil and military officials and the common people become the pieces.

Such a frightening display will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the political situation.

It is of great importance and cannot be ignored.

Han Jiang lowered his head, took a deep breath, and said as calmly as possible, "The Grand Chancellor is ill and unable to participate in political discussions. In order not to delay the affairs of the cabinet, he had someone submit a document requesting that he return to his hometown to recuperate."

Ok?
A triumphant return to one's hometown?

"this--"

The Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet exchanged glances, some surprised, some frowning, some rather unexpected, and some incredulous.

Without exception, none of them expected that the Grand Master would so directly submit a document of self-demotion.

The reason for this is, of course, that the political infighting has become somewhat abnormal.

Throughout history, there has never been a shortage of examples of emperors and ministers vying for power.

Even the historical records are countless.

This is not too surprising.

Theoretically speaking, the struggle between the emperor and his ministers can only result in two scenarios:
First, the ruler was strong while the ministers were weak.

Given this situation, the outcome will certainly not be too controversial.

In most cases, the monarch wins a great victory while the ministers are demoted.

After all, the monarch is the legitimate ruler and the master of the world.

With the legitimacy of the regime and immense real power, the ministers simply had no chance of winning.

Secondly, the ruler was weak while the ministers were strong.

The monarch is of the rightful and righteous cause.

The ministers held real power and wielded immense influence.

One is the orthodox one, and the other is the powerful one.

In this situation, the outcome is open to interpretation.

If a monarch has the means to support and check powerful ministers, then the monarch will naturally win.

Alternatively, by seizing military power, one could kill the powerful minister, achieving the same effect.

If a minister has the means, he will simply try to manipulate public opinion to control the emperor.

Thus, by devising a way to undermine the monarch, the subject wins.

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were all well-versed in politics.

To them, the Grand Chancellor's feigned illness was nothing short of a performance of feigned retreat to advance, a charade to manipulate public opinion.

Han Jiang's continued service alerted the Grand Chancellor to something amiss, forcing him to feign illness to protect himself.

This is a consensus among several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

Surprisingly, the Grand Master actually submitted a letter of self-demotion.

This means that the Grand Master had no intention of "retaliating".

The so-called claim of illness and staying home is simply a way of backing down!
The document was passed down and circulated among the other four Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

About half an incense stick's time.

"Hi~!"

Yuan Jiang, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, sat upright with his arms around his waist, his eyes slightly narrowed, and he couldn't help but gaze at Han Jiang, a Grand Secretary of the Jixian Hall.

The eldest son is truly going to retire.

No one knew what difficulties the eldest son was facing.

However, it is not difficult to discern his determination to retire from officialdom from the documents, which is by no means a symbolic refusal.

The Grand Secretary has retired!
This means that the position of Grand Secretary has now become vacant.

When a vacancy opens up, someone naturally has to fill it.

Han Jiang, on the other hand, was a Grand Secretary who had served in the cabinet for more than six years!

Who else but him should hold the position of Grand Secretary?
As the saying goes: In everything, you should find the beneficiary.

The retirement of the Grand Chancellor had a significant impact.

Even the new reform policies may be affected.

It can be said that, apart from the government, the only real beneficiary was Han Jiang!
Therefore, Yuan Jiang would never believe that Han Jiang was not involved!

The others all had similar expressions.

That old bastard Han Jiang is immoral!

If it weren't for the Grand Chancellor's expansion of territory and reforms, would you have been able to pick up one of the twenty-four meritorious officials in the Zhaoxun Pavilion?
In this situation, not only are they ungrateful, but they are also ungrateful and stab us in the back?
Han Jiang was startled, and his face suddenly turned dark.

really!

This is a really difficult situation to handle.

"Throughout his life, Han was upright and honest."

Han Jiang, his face dark and serious, solemnly declared, "I also deeply admire the Grand Master."

"Han can guarantee that he was not involved in this matter."

"I see!" Yuan Jiang nodded, looking convinced. "Let's discuss politics; national affairs are of utmost importance."

The others also turned their gazes away, some shaking their heads, others expressing regret.

In reality, some of them may have done things like "stabbing someone in the back".

However, this does not stop them from looking down on those who stab you in the back.

On the one hand, stabbing someone in the back is truly immoral.

On the other hand, the eldest son is a real man of action!
To put it bluntly, even if a truly treacherous minister were to have business dealings with the Grand Chancellor, he would certainly lean towards cooperation and assistance rather than stabbing him in the back.

You want to ask why?
All we can say is that the eldest son was the one with the greatest chance of creating a golden age that will last for generations.

The old men in the cabinet are the ones most qualified to have ideals.

Those who hold the highest positions in the government have a commanding view of the world; what haven't they enjoyed?
Wealth and glory?

I enjoy myself every day.

Delicacies from land and sea?

I eat it every day, and I'm getting tired of it.

A beautiful woman?

This thing has never been lacking.

A grand mansion of the wealthy and powerful?

The mansions bestowed by the emperor were all several tens of acres in size.

In other words, those who hold the highest positions in the government have already reached a point where they have no shortage of material desires.

Having no lack of worldly desires, one naturally does not pursue worldly desires.

So what should we pursue?

Undoubtedly, it provides spiritual satisfaction.

Making a name for oneself and leaving a mark on history is naturally the ultimate source of spiritual satisfaction.

Moreover, this trend is currently underway.

When the prime minister announces the policies, the government is efficient and the people are harmonious, and the people live in peace and well-being.

Even cabinet personnel changes have become quite "slow".

In the past, during the reign of the late emperor, many Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were forced to step down before even reaching the end of their three-year term.

Now that the government is in power, the Grand Chancellor is implementing reforms and innovations, with terms ranging from three to six years.

Such a political situation is hardly stable.

If this continues, with civil and military officials working together, they may very well be able to create a golden age comparable to the "Kaiyuan Era".

unfortunately
The eldest son is leaving!

As for why the Grand Secretary was forced to leave, the details were unclear even to the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

However, based on the theory that "the beneficiary is the perpetrator," it is not difficult to deduce that Han Jiang must have been involved.

Otherwise, why would the government allow you to remain in your post?
"this--"

Han Jiang's face darkened, and he choked for a moment.

Everyone says he's ruthless and cruel, always stabbing people in the back.

The problem is, he really didn't do that!
Even if I explain it, they won't believe me. How else can I explain it?
Taking over the position of the eldest son-in-law is really not an easy task!

Kunning Palace.

On a half-foot-long wooden table, there is a scroll of "The Hundred Family Surnames".

"Du Ruan Lan Min, Xi Ji Ma Qiang, Jia Lu Lou Wei, Jiang Tong Yan Guo"

"what?"

"Jiang Tongyan Guo?"

"Is this the Grand Master's [Jiang]?"

Prince Zhao Shen of Yan lay prone, his face full of curiosity.

"Exactly."

Mr. Xiang picked up an article, sat to one side, and nodded slightly.

"Too far back."

Zhao Shen shook his head and said earnestly, "When Shen'er grows up, he will definitely revise the 'Hundred Family Surnames'."

"Move Zhao, Xiang, and Jiang to the first sentence."

Xiang was taken aback.

She couldn't help but laugh and gently patted her son.

"it is good!"

“Shen’er, study calligraphy diligently. When you grow up, you can order a new revision of the ‘Hundred Family Surnames’.”

That's no exaggeration.

In theory, the Zhou dynasty was jointly governed by the Zhao family and the scholar-officials.

However, this does not mean that the emperor's power was small.

On the contrary, centralization is a historical process of accumulation.

From the Qin Dynasty onwards, through the Eastern and Western Han Dynasties, the Three Kingdoms and Jin Dynasties, and the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties.
In objective terms, the power of the monarch was actually being continuously concentrated.

One of the more significant issues is actually the problem of the power of the prime minister.

In the past, the power of the prime minister was held by only one person, namely the prime minister, who oversaw all the affairs of the country.

During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the main political system was the Three Departments and Six Ministries system.

At that time, the heads of the three provinces were all prime ministers.

The power of the prime minister naturally became differentiated.

During the Great Zhou Dynasty, a cabinet system was established, with six Grand Secretaries appointed.

With six people in the cabinet, there was a system of checks and balances, which actually further dispersed the power of the prime minister.

With the power of the prime minister weakened, the power of the emperor naturally increased.

Once his son Zhao Shenzhen ascends the throne, the mere "Hundred Family Surnames" will be nothing more than a matter of a single sentence.

"Hmm." Zhao Shen perked up and nodded repeatedly.

"Jiang, Tong, Yan, Guo. Mei, Sheng, Lin, Diao, Zhong, Xu, Qiu, Luo."

The sound of recitation grew ever louder.

Xiang smiled gently, picked up the article, and silently read through it.

Preface to Sending Off Prince Zhao Shen of Yan!
This is an article that the eldest son gave to Shen'er.

“I loved learning from a young age. Although my family was moderately wealthy, we had very few books and had no way to acquire them. So I would borrow them from families with book collections, copy them by hand, and return them on the appointed day.”

"The weather was bitterly cold, the inkstone was frozen solid, and my fingers were stiff and unable to bend, yet I did not slacken. After finishing the copying, I rushed to deliver it, not daring to be even slightly late."

The weather was extremely cold; the inkstone was frozen solid, and one's fingers could not be bent or straightened!

As Xiang recited softly, he was momentarily taken aback.

What talent!
The sentence is brief and lacks elaborate language.

But there's a strange kind of "truth" about it.

Even though Xiang was a woman, not a man who studied literature and entered officialdom, she could still truly perceive the unique "resonance" contained in the text. "When she was twelve years old, she admired the way of the sages and virtuous men even more. She would often ask the wise men about their teachings and bow three times without retreating."

"When I studied under my teacher, I drove a light carriage, wore simple clothes, and ate coarse food. I rose at sunrise and returned at sunset, studying late into the night by lamplight. It was a difficult time."

"The students from the same hometown were all dressed in fine silk and brocade, with pearl and jade crowns on their heads and gold and jade pendants at their waists. They carried famous zithers on their left and fragrant tea on their right. Some called their friends to play, some led their companions to watch dances, and some engaged in cockfighting and dog racing, passing the time in a radiant and spirited manner."

"Sometimes when they see me engrossed in my studies behind closed doors, they scoff and say: 'You have family wealth, why bother with this? Life is fleeting, you should enjoy yourself while you can, why be so preoccupied with pen and ink?'"

"When I heard this, I often laughed, but my will remained unwavering. For I had something to be happy about, and I did not know that the pleasures of food and drink far surpassed those of other students, nor did I know what the joy of play was. This is how diligent and focused I was."

……

“Zhao Shen, the Prince of Yan, was surrounded by jewels and jade. At the tender age of five, he was already eager to learn. He was not fond of wealth and honor, nor did he indulge in play. He only found joy in the books of sages and worthies. His ambition was commendable, and his diligence was admirable!”

"Encourage it, encourage it!"

"Hi~!"

With a soft murmur, Xiang Shi's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly.

Indeed, a great article!

A first-rate article!

Even the renowned Su Zizhan would likely have to admit defeat when faced with this article.

The entire text is only about two hundred words long.

Overall, it mainly covered two things:
Firstly, Jiang Zhao reminisces about his arduous study of poetry and books in his youth.

Secondly, he encouraged King Zhao Shen of Yan.

In recalling the process of studying hard, it can be said that it takes into account both "truth" and "sincerity".

The pursuit of knowledge is indeed difficult.

The desire to learn is based on sincerity.

The two words "truth" and "sincerity" alone almost fully express the arduous study process of scholars.

Regardless of the cold winter or the scorching summer, one must diligently study poetry and books.

The villagers enjoyed themselves every day, while the scholars could only continue studying, hoping to one day pass the imperial examination with flying colors.

Both physically and mentally, these were tremendous tests time and time again.

In terms of the arduous process of studying alone, it is the same for everyone, regardless of whether they come from a poor family or a prominent local family.

Such articles are destined to resonate with readers.

Those who have not yet entered officialdom should take this as a lesson and strengthen their resolve.

Those who hold official positions use this as a symbol to reminisce about the past.

Even if Xiang's literary skills are not very high, it is almost certain that one thing will happen – this article will definitely be a hit!

As for the encouragement section, although it consists of only a few sentences, it quite accurately identifies the protagonist being encouraged.

Once the article becomes popular, the protagonist, Grand Chancellor Jiang Zhao, and the protagonist Zhao Shen, who was inspired by it, will surely become famous.

"Someone come here!" Madam Xiang hurriedly beckoned, summoning a eunuch.

"Your Majesty." The chief eunuch approached and bowed respectfully.

"This is the article in which the eldest son praises Shen'er."

"Make sure that the contents of the article are spread out."

"Or, let the people of the Imperial Academy publish an article separately and report it."

Mr. Xiang looked very serious.

Articles of this caliber are quite rare.

Just like the poems of Jiang Da Xiangong, almost every one of them spread throughout the world and was praised by everyone.

Once the article spreads throughout the land, King Zhao Shen of Yan can naturally cultivate a reputation for virtue.

They might even be able to eat this for a lifetime.

"Yes."

The eunuch quickly responded.

……

January 25th, the seventh year of the Xifeng reign.

Jiang Mansion.

"I have loved studying since I was young..."

Jiang Zhao picked up the article and couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

Unsurprisingly, he's become famous again!
In just over ten days, the "Preface to Sending Off Prince Zhao Shen of Yan" spread like wildfire, becoming widely known, if not universally.

Of course, this was within Jiang Zhao's expectations.

The main point is that the original version of this article is "Preface to Sending Ma Sheng of Dongyang Off", a true classic.

Its original author, Song Lian, was known as the leading civil official of the early Ming Dynasty and one of the three great poets and writers of the early Ming Dynasty.

In terms of writing quality, it is incredibly insightful, almost perfectly capturing the arduous process of students pursuing their studies.

Anyone who has truly read books can basically resonate with it.

After all, temptations are indeed everywhere on the path of reading.

Students from underprivileged families, in particular, face even more temptations.

Once you become a scholar, you may become a well-known figure in the small village, and you will have enough to eat and wear.

Some beautiful and wealthy women may be attracted by your talent and express their intention to marry you.

Faced with this situation, how could one remain unmoved and continue studying diligently?
No, then you are a prime minister's son—Sun Xiucai.

When you became a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, you became quite famous throughout the county.

Even the county magistrate treated you with great respect.

In that case, would it still be possible to remain unmoved and keep one's composure?

No, then that's basically where it ends.

Although he was moderately wealthy throughout his life, he was definitely not "noble".

Further up the ranks, one would pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), thus entering officialdom.

At this point, the temptations become even greater.

It can be said that the more experiences a person has, the more they will be moved and resonate with it.

There's no other reason than that I came this way!
It is no wonder that such an article became famous throughout the world.

"Humph!"

Jiang Zhao shook his head and smiled.

I vaguely remember that in my previous life there was something called "Eight Great Masters of Tang and Song Dynasties," who were the eight great masters of prose.

I wonder if there will be any "Eight Great Masters of Tang and Zhou" in this lifetime?
Based on this article, I feel like I could give it a shot, right?

at this time.

"Her Majesty the Empress's decree has arrived—"

A long shout drew attention.

Jiang Zhao was startled and looked over.

Immediately, it became clear to me.

The Queen sent someone to express her gratitude!

Quite coincidentally, just yesterday, a few days after "Preface to Sending Off Prince Zhao Shen of Yan" became a hit, the Emperor announced a decree—

The young prince Zhao Shen is diligent in his studies and has won the hearts of the people. He is truly outstanding and can be made the crown prince!
As expected, in the eyes of the Empress and the civil and military officials, this matter was naturally attributed to Jiang Zhao.

The Empress was overjoyed at such a joyous occasion and sent over gifts of gratitude.

"Hesheng, have someone set up an incense table," Jiang Zhao instructed calmly.

"Yes, Prime Minister."

Days without court always seem to pass quickly!

On the third day of the second lunar month, the Emperor visited Jiang Prefecture for the second time to inspect the area.

As expected, it's all just an act.

The main reason is that Jiang Zhao's self-deprecating letter caused quite a stir.

As the emperor, Zhao Ceying naturally had to offer a symbolic word of advice to show that he took it seriously.

This is one piece of advice.

On March 11th, the Emperor visited Jiang Prefecture for the third time.

It's the same old act.

This is the second piece of advice.

On the first day of the fourth lunar month, I offer three pieces of advice.

This time, Jiang Zhao firmly refused again.

After three attempts to persuade him, the emperor stopped trying and bestowed upon him a large amount of jewelry, wealth, and land to show his deep gratitude.

Coincidentally, the promotion of Jiang Zemin's faction members was also finalized.

Zhang Heng, Minister of Rites, has been appointed to the cabinet!
Zhang Dun, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, was promoted to the position of Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, rising from the fourth rank to the third rank. He then donned a purple robe and entered the inner court.

Su Shi, the Right Grand Counselor, was promoted to Academician of the Dragon Pavilion, and advanced from the fourth rank to the fourth rank.

Su Zhe, the Vice Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, was promoted to Vice President of the Bank, advancing from the fourth rank to the fourth rank.

Zeng Bu, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, was promoted to Chancellor of the Imperial Academy and concurrently Grand Master of the Silver Seal and Purple Robe, a rank of fourth grade, and was promoted to the third grade. He still wore a purple robe.

Shen Kuo, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War and Supervisor of the Ordnance Bureau, was promoted to Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Supervisor of the Ordnance Bureau, and Grand Master of the Palace, advancing from the third rank to the second rank.

Xue Xiang was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and President of the Bank, and then to Grand Protector of the Southwest Protectorate. He was promoted from the third rank to the second rank, thus becoming a powerful regional official.

Hai Wenren, the Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, was promoted to President of the Bank and advanced from the third rank to the third rank.

Su Song, the deputy supervisor of the Ordnance Bureau, is the father-in-law of Jiang Zhao's second brother. He was promoted to deputy supervisor of the Ordnance Bureau and concurrently served as a senior official, advancing from the sixth rank to the fifth rank.

Jiang Zhiqi, the Left Censor, was promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and from the fifth rank to the sixth rank.

In addition, Li Qingchen, the Pacification Commissioner of Yanyun Road, will remain in his position for the time being, as Jiang Zhao intends to allow him to accumulate followers and former subordinates.

A short tenure may not be a good thing.

Li Chang, the Pacification Commissioner of Xihe Road, followed the same principle and did not act rashly.

In addition, Cai Jing, Sheng Changbai, Sheng Hong, Jiang Zhong, Huang Shang, and Liu Zhi have all made some progress.

Among them, Cai Jing entered the capital and was appointed as a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Personnel.

Sheng Changbai remained in Yunzhou.

Because of his meritorious service in border affairs, he was promoted to the position of prefect of Yunzhou.

Sheng Hong also donned a purple robe.

In recent years, Sheng Hong has made a lot of progress.

As Jiang Zhao's father-in-law, as long as he doesn't make any mistakes, he'll basically be promoted every three years.

This time, however, he was promoted to Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and concurrently Grand Master of the Palace, a third-rank official, clad in a purple robe.

As far as Jiang Zhao knew, Sheng Hong's ambition for entering officialdom was to retire with honors as a third-rank official, holding the title of Silver-Green Grand Master of the Palace.

Now that I see it, it's not impossible that he is a second-rank official, a Grand Master of the Palace.

Jiang Zhong has also made progress.

Previously, due to his effective parenting, he had been specially appointed as the Deputy Pacification Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit, a third-rank official.

This time, Jiang Zhao was about to return to his hometown, but instead, he simply promoted him to the capital and appointed him as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

If you're going to be an official, you should be an official in the capital!
As for Yang Hui, who was originally the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, he was directly promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

However, Yang Hui was already fifty-nine years old, so there was no hope of him entering the cabinet.

Huang Shang and Liu Zhi were both students of Jiang Zhao, one being the second-place scholar and the other the third-place scholar.

To this day, both of them have been in office for six years.

This time, they were all promoted to the fifth rank and appointed as prefects of a region.

April 11th, the seventh year of the Xifeng reign.

Bian River, riverbank.

"Just leave it here."

Jiang Zhao stood with his hands behind his back, his face calm.

On his left and right stood dozens of people, all of whom were core members of the Jiang faction, or their protégés, former subordinates, or friends from the same year who held relatively high positions.

Gu Tingye, Wang Shao, Zhang Heng, Zhang Dun, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Bu, Shen Kuo, Xue Xiang, Sheng Hong, Hai Wenren, Su Song, and others are all prominently listed.

"Respectfully seeing off the Grand Master."

The Jiang faction ministers, numbering around several dozen, all bowed in unison.

"Ah."

Jiang Zhao nodded, turned around, and boarded the ship.

He had basically arranged everything that needed to be arranged.

For the time being, there's nothing left for him to worry about in Bianjing.

Just then, a child's surprised cry rang out:

"My lord!"

"My lord—"

Jiang Zhao was taken aback, stood at the bow of the boat, and stared in that direction.

Then a sedan chair, surrounded by eunuchs and imperial guards, slowly arrived at the riverbank.

A child, about five or six years old, trotted out from among them.