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

Chapter 53: Advice on Establishing an Heir! (4k)

Regular gatherings are destined to be nothing more than icing on the cake.

After the Jinmingchi Polo Tournament, Gu Tingye used a letter of recommendation to go to Plum Blossom Academy to study.

Jiang Zhao, Zhang Heng, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zeng Bu, and others, who were either appointed officials of the imperial court or Hanlin scholars, were all busy with their own affairs.

Ordinary days passed by, one after another.

Throughout history, numerous facts have proven that the concept of "the chosen ones" also exists in officialdom.

Emperor Taizong governed with the ambition of launching a northern expedition.

The famous prime minister Kou Zhun achieved early success, passing the imperial examination at the age of nineteen (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning) and becoming famous for his "unconventional promotion." He became prime minister at the age of forty-three and served as prime minister for more than twenty years.

Grand Chancellor Lü Mengzheng passed the imperial examination at the age of thirty-three with top honors and became prime minister at the age of thirty-nine, a position he held for six years.

Emperor Zhenzong governed the country by performing the Fengshan ceremony and promoting Taoism.

Li Hang, known as the "Holy Minister," passed the imperial examination at the age of thirty-three and became prime minister at the age of fifty, a tenure that lasted seventeen years.

Ding Wei, the Grand Chancellor, became famous throughout the land with his essay "Ode to Great Words". He passed the imperial examination at the age of twenty-six and became a minister of six ministries at the age of thirty-eight. In just twelve years, he rose to the rank of second grade official.

In recent years, the government has governed the country with benevolence as its primary principle, and there have been quite a few people who have risen rapidly in rank.

Han Zhang, a Grand Secretary of the Zizheng Hall, became the second-highest scorer in the imperial examination at the age of nineteen and entered the cabinet at the age of thirty-seven. In just eighteen years, he became one of the most influential figures among the civil officials.

Grand Chancellor Fu Bi was an even more important figure. He passed the imperial examination at the age of 26 and entered the cabinet at the age of 41, serving for only 15 years.

The existence of these figures proves that there is no shortage of "chosen ones" in officialdom.

Today, Jiang Zhao is undoubtedly a rising star in the political arena.

He was famous throughout the world from a young age, and his debate in the Wende Hall resounded far and wide, shaking the world.

Even the government officials began to appreciate his talent.

A political struggle led to his promotion to the rank of Crown Prince's Attendant, a sixth-rank official, and concurrently to Hanlin Academician.

In February of the following year, he was promoted to the rank of Hanlin Academician of the fifth grade, concurrently holding the position of Hanlin Imperial Edict Drafter. From then on, he wore the red robe and was responsible for explaining classics and history to the emperor, serving as an academic advisor, political consultant, and drafting imperial edicts.

He had been an official for less than a year, yet he had already risen to the rank of fifth grade.

The extent of the emperor's favor and honor is evident.

The name of the "Young Grand Secretary" is spreading far and wide!

Spring has passed and autumn has come; it is now the third year of the Jiayou era, on the third day of the fourth month.

Jiang Mansion, Study.

Noon.

[His Majesty's intentions have been fickle lately. I believe I still have a role to play and wish to seek an opportunity to serve in the capital. This would allow me to serve the court and also be closer to my children. My son-in-law has extensive connections and is highly regarded by His Majesty.]

Jiang Zhao stared at the letter in his hand, his eyes narrowing slightly.

This is a letter from Huaizuo, written by his father-in-law, Sheng Hong.

The letter, neither too short nor too long, mainly records three points:
First, a greeting.

Secondly, he praised his son-in-law.

Thirdly, Sheng Hong had an excellent track record of political achievements for several consecutive years and intended to take up an official post in the capital.

Jiang Zhao stood up and pondered for a moment.

In fact, Sheng Hong is a very capable person.

Both his official abilities and his network of connections are excellent.

Looking at Sheng Hong's career path, it is clear that his promotion has almost never stopped.

Starting as a ninth-rank official, he rose to the position of Vice Prefect of Yangzhou, a sixth-rank official, through at least six or seven promotions. Even if it was once every three years, it would still take nearly twenty years.

Given Sheng Hong's age, he has never experienced a period of stagnation and has always been in a state of promotion.

The reasons for this are twofold: firstly, his ability to achieve political success, and secondly, the support of the Wang family, the lineage of Grand Tutor Wang.

Ultimately, even if the lineage of Grand Tutor Wang was in decline, it had still produced a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet.

Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse; promoting a minor official who has only passed the imperial examinations but has never even worn a red robe is not a big problem.

In the TV series, Sheng Hong probably entered the capital around the same time, but he should have sought help from the Wang family.

This time, because of Jiang Zhao, Sheng Hong may not necessarily seek help from Grand Tutor Wang's lineage.

After all, objectively speaking, the influence of the Wang family lineage was indeed limited.

For those below the fifth rank, the title of Grand Tutor Wang was naturally very effective, and no one could compete with it.

But if you want to go to Beijing, it probably won't be that easy.

Sheng Hong had already reached the rank of sixth grade. According to custom, local officials entering the capital should be promoted to the same or lower rank.

There are many local officials of the sixth rank, but the position of a sixth-rank official in the capital is not so easy to fill.

It should be noted that the next step up from the sixth rank is the fifth rank, which grants one the qualifications to be a member of the imperial court.

In the entire country, there are fewer than four hundred officials qualified to attend court, and basically one in is replaced by one out.

It will probably take some effort to arrange things for the already impoverished Wang family.

In comparison, Jiang Zhao's network of connections is undoubtedly far more effective.

"Then let's go to the capital and become officials!"

With a single word, the father-in-law's fate was decided.

Now that his teacher Han Zhang has entered the cabinet, the matter of a mere sixth-rank official entering the capital is nothing to Jiang Zhao.

Given Jiang Zhao's position within the Han faction, getting his father-in-law to the capital would be a simple matter of a word.

It's just adding a name to the Ministry of Personnel's list!

Jiang Zhao took out a sheet of Xuan paper, about to pick up his pen to reply, but He Sheng went to the study.

"My lord, someone has arrived from the palace."

"Have people arrived at the palace?"

Jiang Zhao was somewhat puzzled.

He was just a minor official of the fifth rank, so why would the palace send someone to summon him?

Royal study room.

Jiang Zhao was summoned and went inside.

Upon entering, one sees six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet: Fu Bi, Han Zhang, Wen Yanbo, Shen Boyuan, Pang Ji, and Wang Qinruo.

Besides these six high-ranking officials, there were also many other officials of the third rank or above, all with serious expressions.

Several officials in red robes were also bowing their heads.

The Emperor Zhao Zhen, seated on the throne, had a somber expression, and every move he made revealed his grief and anger.

Jiang Zhao remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was startled.

What major event has brought together all six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet?

Could it be?

A guess flashed through my mind.

Zhang Heng, a Hanlin Academy scholar, stood in one corner, responsible for recording the emperor's daily activities.

As he saw Jiang Zhao walk in, he glanced intently at the six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

Jiang Zhao's heart sank.

really!

Zhang Heng's glance confirmed his suspicions.

Establish an heir!

Only by establishing an heir could the emperor be made to look bad.

Jiang Zhao glanced at Wang Qinruo and Pang Ji, the two Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

Even these two officials stepped forward to offer their advice, no wonder the emperor was filled with grief and anger.

It should be noted that Wang Qinruo was a favorite minister of the emperor and rarely advised the emperor to establish an heir. Pang Ji was a fellow townsman of the empress and also rarely advised the emperor on the matter of establishing an heir.

Now that even these two are offering their advice, it means the cabinet has reached a consensus.

"Jiang Shidu?"

The head of the group, Zhao Zhen, looked over.

"Your subject Jiang Zhao greets Your Majesty!" Jiang Zhao bowed deeply, his heart pounding with trepidation.

He still didn't understand why he had been summoned.

He was just a low-ranking official of the fifth grade!

"No need for formalities," Zhao Zhen said, waving his hand dismissively.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Jiang Zhao stood up and stood respectfully.

“You have been studying the classics since you were a child. These days, I have heard that you have read through all the books in the library and are already well-versed in ancient books from all dynasties.”

Zhao Zhen leaned on his desk and asked in a deep voice, "Throughout history, what crimes have officials committed when they submitted disobedient memorials and used the guise of remonstrance to coerce others?"

Oh open!

Let's get straight to the point!

Jiang Zhao sighed, glanced back, and realized why the Emperor had summoned him to the palace.

I guess they couldn't win the argument with the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, so they called him in for a confrontation.
Zhao Zhen's voice came again: "Ignore them, just tell me the historical facts you remember."

As he spoke, Zhao Zhen's anticipation grew noticeably. He hoped Jiang Zhao would provide a specific answer!
Jiang Zhao had many thoughts in his mind, but his actions showed little hesitation.

He bowed and replied, “During the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Yuan favored Consort Fu and intended to depose the eldest son in favor of the younger one. Some ministers strongly advised against it, but they were not punished. During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Wuzong Li Yan had no son, and his ministers strongly advised against adopting a member of the imperial clan, but he was not considered guilty.”

After saying that, Jiang Zhao fell silent.

The head of the family, Zhao Zhen, sighed helplessly.

Historical records certainly contain accounts of people who were convicted for offering excessive advice.

Originally, he hoped that Jiang Zhao would cite precedents for conviction to warn these officials not to go too far, but in reality, he had no intention of convicting them.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhao arrived in haste but still didn't fall into the trap.

"Then let me ask you, if a king has no son, is it permissible to temporarily refrain from having a son adopted by a member of the imperial clan?" Zhao Zhen asked again.

It's not that we won't establish an heir, but rather that we will temporarily refrain from doing so.

"The succession to the throne is a matter of life and death for the country, so it would be best to adopt one as soon as possible. If it is delayed for a year or two, it will not be a problem, but if it is delayed for three or five years, the common people will inevitably feel worried," Jiang Zhao replied cautiously.

Nine months have passed since Emperor Zhao Zhen gathered his officials to celebrate his birthday, but no good news has yet come from the inner palace.

For nine years now, there has been no "legitimate" successor in the land.

The patience of the subjects had long since run out.

In recent days, voices advising against establishing an heir have gradually resurfaced.

Compared to the last minor incident, this time the commotion will be much bigger, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The capital of all officials has already fallen, and this is an inevitable trend!
The expectation in Zhao Zhen's eyes vanished by seventy percent in an instant.

This is not the answer he wanted!
He did not want to be adopted into the royal family.

He can still have children!

"Since Attendant Jiang says he wants to adopt a member of the imperial clan, which member does Attendant Jiang think is suitable?" Zhao Zhen asked with a stern face.

"I do not know," Jiang Zhao replied, avoiding the question.

"So you're going to say you'll adopt me?" Zhao Zhen's tone was somewhat impatient.

"I ask you, whom shall you adopt?"

"Adopted into the royal family!"

Who are the members of the royal family?

"The imperial clan is the Zhao clan!"

During the question-and-answer session between the emperor and his minister, Zhao Zhen, with one hand supporting himself on the imperial desk, reluctantly gave up.

After nearly a year of working together, he was well aware of the "young Grand Secretary's" abilities.

The purpose of the hasty summons was to catch them off guard, but since they refused to fall into the trap, there was nothing that could be obtained from them.

Jiang Zhao wisely stepped down to the last position.

A short while later, another person entered the main hall.

Zhang Fangping, Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!

Because of Han Zhang's entry into the cabinet, the position of Minister of Rites became vacant, and Wang Yaochen, the former Vice Minister of Rites, filled the vacancy.

The position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites was filled by Zhang Fangping, who was transferred from the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

"Your subject Zhang Fangping, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

"No gift."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"I ask you, if a king has no son, is it permissible to temporarily refrain from having a son adopted by a member of the royal family?"

……

Almost identical questions.

Jiang Zhao suddenly realized and looked around.

Could it be that all these high-ranking officials in purple robes were summoned in this way?
No wonder he knew nothing beforehand.

Besides him, those high-ranking officials in purple robes were probably also urgently summoned to the palace.

Otherwise, given his position within the Korean faction, his speed in learning certain information would be no less than that of any second or third-rank official in purple robes.

As for those six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet?

Jiang Zhao glanced ahead and shook his head inwardly.

These few probably made their decision on the spur of the moment and went to the Imperial Study to offer their advice.

One stick of incense...

Two sticks of incense...

Half an hour...

Officials were constantly summoned and questioned.

However, they either remain silent or advise against establishing an heir.

There are almost no stupid people.

With all six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet already involved, the Emperor is destined to be powerless to exert his influence.

An hour later, almost all the high-ranking officials in purple robes had gathered in the imperial court.

Jiang Zhao was one of the few officials in red robes.

"Snapped!"

The emperor, Zhao Zhen, was furious and angrily opened the memorials and documents.

Without exception, none of the officials in the imperial study chose not to establish an heir.

Even Wang Qinruo and Pang Ji have entered the fray.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. From ancient times to the present, the matter of imperial succession has always been a matter of national importance. The Great Zhou has not had a prince for nine years, let alone a crown prince."

In my humble opinion, it would be safest to adopt a member of the imperial clan and establish him as a prince.

Grand Chancellor Fu Bi stepped forward, showing no intention of backing down.

As the head of all officials, and having never had a son, he showed no fear whatsoever when it came to advising the king on establishing an heir.

For officials, all they want is a good reputation and a place in history.

He hoped that the matter of the emperor not establishing an heir could be resolved within the timeframe of his term as the head of all officials.

Zhao Zhen stood up and, seeing that the Grand Chancellor showed no sign of backing down, angrily rebuked him: "Confucius' father, Shuliang He, was seventy years old before Confucius was born. I may very well be able to have another prince!"

"Ke Shulianghe also had an eldest son named Mengpi. Although he was disabled in the leg, he did not die out."

Fu Bi argued his case logically and spoke very frankly.

Confucius was born at the age of seventy, but he was not the eldest son. Even if Confucius had not been born, his father, Shuliang He, would have had a son.

Even though Mengpi has a leg disability, he can still be considered an heir.

"You have no son either." Zhao Zhen's eyes reddened slightly, and he sighed deeply. "Minister Fu should be able to understand my difficulties!"

The emperor played the emotional card.

"I have no son, so I can better understand the pain of childlessness and the importance of having an heir."

Fu Bi slammed his fist on the door: "My son's lack of a son is a matter for my family, but Your Majesty's lack of a son concerns the entire country. It is imperative that a member of the imperial clan be adopted!"

"Peng!"

Playing the emotional card was useless, and he couldn't win the argument, so Zhao Zhen slammed his fist on the table in anger.

It was a mixture of anger and resentment.

He was angry that Fu Zhou, who also had no children, did not understand him, and he was also angry at the injustice of Heaven.

As emperor, Zhao Zhen was actually aware that he was unlikely to have any more sons.

He is already forty-seven years old!

However, even though he knew the truth in his heart, it didn't stop him from hoping for the best.

Deep down, he was truly unwilling to accept it.

This is the throne, the supreme position!
"Ugh!"

Zhao Zhen sighed deeply, leaning against the throne in a somewhat dejected manner, remaining silent for a long time.

"Go down!"

"I will consider the matter of succeeding a member of the imperial family."

This benevolent official, having no other choice, resorted to the shameless tactic of stalling.

The Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet exchanged glances, and then Grand Chancellor Fu Bi stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the matter of the Crown Prince concerns the stability of the nation. I implore Your Majesty to establish an heir as soon as possible for the sake of the people!"

After saying that, he knocked on the door again, this time with a heavy thud.

Zhao Zhen waved his hand, rubbed his temples, and remained silent.

After nine months of recuperation, the people's determination to establish an heir was no longer what it used to be.

"We take our leave!" Fu Bi stood up, bowed again, and retreated.

The other dozens of high-ranking officials followed suit, bowing and leaving one by one.

For the first time in nine months, six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet have stepped forward to advise on the establishment of an heir!
Jiang Zhao glanced at it briefly.

The days ahead are unlikely to be peaceful!

(End of this chapter)