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

Chapter 64. Having served as an official for less than a year, he rose to the rank of fifth grade! (Two chapters combined)

End of June.

As dawn breaks, at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

All the civil and military officials, as well as members of the imperial family and ministers, wore solemn expressions.

About a hundred steps ahead, there is an altar made of three layers of white marble. Along the imperial road, there are dragon patterns and sea beasts, which are very majestic and noble.

The altar is surrounded by stone railings, with interlocking pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes, and decorated with red steps. There is a yellow brick stove with a blazing charcoal fire.

The three sacrificial animals, five kinds of grains, and ancient sacrificial vessels were all neatly arranged.

A little further ahead from the altar is the main hall of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, which enshrines the emperors of the Zhou Dynasty and the ministers who were honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple during the last hundred years of the dynasty.

Those who are honored with a place in the ancestral temple of Emperor Taizu are: Grand Tutor Zhao Pu and Grand Secretary Cao Bin.

Those who were honored with a place in the ancestral temple of Emperor Taizong were: Xue Juzheng, Minister of Works, Grand Commandant, and Chancellor; Pan Mei, Chancellor; and Shi Xizai, Grand Chancellor.

Those who were granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple of Emperor Zhenzong were: Li Hang, Grand Commandant and Chancellor; Li Jilong, Chancellor; Wang Dan, Grand Tutor and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat; and Wang You, Grand Tutor.

During the nearly one hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty, only nine people were granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

At the Imperial Ancestral Temple altar, Emperor Zhao Zhen wore a black and red imperial robe, embroidered with twelve symbols including the sun, moon, mountains, dragons, and pheasants, and had twelve tassels on his head, making him appear solemn and dignified.

Empress Cao wore a dark blue robe with wide sleeves, embroidered with pheasants and phoenixes, and a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes on her head. Her demeanor was graceful and noble.

The emperor, empress, civil and military officials, and members of the imperial family all stood with their hands at their sides, without making a sound.

After a while, the bells and chimes rang out in unison.

"when!"

With a clear, resonant chant, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices rose and announced, "The auspicious hour has arrived—"

"Welcome the gods!"

After the song ended, the chime bells played a long melody, and the six members of the royal family who were expected to be adopted walked to the front and knelt down in worship.

Grand Secretary Han Zhang rose, presented the memorial text, and then withdrew.

"By the late Emperor Zhenzong!"

Holding the eulogy, Zhao Zhen solemnly read: "In the third year of Jiayou, I, considering the supreme importance of the imperial regalia and the ancestral temple, have selected six virtuous and wise members of the imperial clan—Zhao Yunqi, Zhao Yunyuan, Zhao Yunchu, Zhao Zongquan, Zhao Zonge, and Zhao Congshi—to enter the capital for observation and training. The most outstanding among them will have their names recorded in my will, one to be brought to the inner court, and the other to be kept on my person."

In future years, when the time is ripe, I will entrust the regency and the state to a capable minister, verify the imperial edict, and support a member of the imperial clan to succeed to the throne. I pray that our ancestors in Heaven will bless him with benevolent and filial governance, a thorough understanding of rites and music, and a clear and efficient administration, ensuring the longevity of the nation.

When Zhao Zhen named a member of the imperial clan, that member would kowtow deeply.

After the eulogy was read, the body was thrown into the fire to be burned.

Zhao Zhen held a jade goblet and performed the wine offering ceremony.

Several members of the imperial family followed Zhao Zhen's movements closely, not daring to make the slightest mistake, and carefully completed the ceremony.

This ceremony is a modified version of the previous ceremony for establishing an heir or successor.

Because of the secret succession law, the ceremony was held first, and then the name of the crown prince was officially appointed.

Once the ceremony is completed, the names on the two imperial edicts will officially take effect the moment they are shown to the officials, without the need for a complicated and time-consuming ceremony of designating an heir.

The chime bells played a long, continuous melody.

"when!"

With a resounding chime, Grand Chancellor Fu Bi presented two imperial edicts that had been prepared beforehand.

These two imperial edicts were made by soaking specially made dragon robes in Phellodendron bark juice until they turned white, which has an excellent insect-repellent and sterilization effect.

The edict was about three feet long and about one foot wide, and its contents concerned the matter of establishing an heir apparent.

The methods for establishing and judging an heir are recorded in great detail.

Apart from some template-like content regarding the establishment of an heir apparent, both edicts deliberately left a blank space in the center, specifically reserved for writing the name of the heir apparent.

All six members of the imperial clan turned their gazes toward the throne, and even Zhao Zongquan, who had never intended to vie for the throne, couldn't help but take notice.

That simple imperial edict contained immense allure, making it impossible to look away.

After a few breaths, two eunuchs lifted the imperial edict, unfurled it, and walked towards the officials, showing it to them so that they would know what the edict looked like.

Many officials breathed a sigh of relief.

Even if they don't know who the crown prince is, at least they have a legitimate heir!
Zhao Zhen looked at the six members of the imperial clan and solemnly instructed them: "You are all wise men among the imperial clan. If someone ascends the throne after my death, you must, according to the agreement, bestow titles, such as king or duke, upon the other members of the imperial clan."

The six men bowed in unison and said respectfully, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Zhen nodded, took a few steps forward, and walked step by step with Empress Cao into the main hall of the Imperial Ancestral Temple to worship the ancestors and virtuous officials of past dynasties.

The ceremony was grand and took almost a whole day to complete.

Wende Hall.

All the civil and military officials, as well as members of the imperial family and ministers, gathered together.

A sacrificial ceremony completely calmed people's hearts.

At least, no one dared to offer any advice anymore.

Emperor Zhao Zhen ascended the throne, folded his sleeves, and scanned the area below.

When his gaze swept to the middle section of the civil and military officials, Zhao Zhen's eyes lingered for a moment.

All the civil and military officials noticed this, and some of them would turn around to look over from time to time.

Jiang Zhao!

No one could have imagined that such a conflict between ruler and subject, which often leads to discord, could actually be resolved in a way that satisfies both sides.

He has chosen an heir, but keeps it a secret!
To come up with such a method, one not only needs a novel solution, but also a certain amount of courage.

Changing the ancestral method of establishing an heir is quite rare.

Jiang Zhao's heart stirred slightly, but his demeanor remained calm and composed.

Where is the Hanlin Academy Reader?

As expected, Zhao Zhen called out.

"Wei Chen is here."

Jiang Zhao quickly stepped forward and walked ahead.

During this time, all the officials watched with interest, and the six members of the imperial family had different expressions.

Regardless of who ascends to the throne and becomes the one whose name is "legitimate" in the imperial edict, they will all remember Jiang Zhao's kindness and be very grateful for the "secret succession law" that Jiang Zhao spoke of.

After all, one thing at a time.

A peaceful transition of imperial power is quite rare.

Once you successfully rise to power, your mindset will be completely different.

They would normally flock to the throne, but once they actually obtained it, they would be overjoyed.

"Your humble servant Jiang Zhao greets Your Majesty!" Jiang Zhao stepped forward and bowed.

"In recent years, the issue of adopting members of the imperial family has been a source of constant controversy among officials. Fortunately, Minister Jiang submitted a memorial proposing a secret method for establishing an heir, which solved this problem." Zhao Zhen leaned on his desk, feeling a weight lifted from his heart, which made him feel much lighter.

"What do you, my esteemed ministers, think should be the reward?" Zhao Zhen laughed heartily, a rare occurrence for him, and waved his hand, looking at the civil and military officials.

Grand Secretary Han Zhang stepped forward at the opportune moment and said respectfully, "I believe that he may be promoted to the position of Vice Minister of Rites, concurrently serving as a Hanlin Academician and holding the position of Grand Master of the Palace."

As a teacher, Han Zhang would naturally take the initiative to fight for what his students deserved if they performed well.

Jiang Zhao's original positions were Hanlin Attendant Reader and concurrently Hanlin Imperial Edict Censor, both highly prestigious fifth-rank official positions.

Historically, the positions of Hanlin Reader and Hanlin Lecturer were both known as "potential prime ministers," which were rare positions that allowed officials of the fifth rank to have long-term contact with the emperor, so it was best not to give them up.

The position of Hanlin Zhigaozhi was responsible for drafting imperial edicts and had extensive access to the edicts issued by the cabinet. It was a very important position as it involved observing the governance of the country.

In the past, even if Jiang Zhao was promoted, suddenly losing one of his positions would have been a bit of a loss for him.

Fortunately, things are different now.

Han Zhang has already joined the cabinet! As a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Han Zhang often has access to confidential cabinet edicts and memorials, which he can easily have his disciples study in private.

Giving up this position of Hanlin Academician is not a big deal.

Among the official positions proposed by Han Zhang, the Vice Minister of Rites was a fifth-rank official position within the Ministry of Rites. This position was one of the important and powerful subordinate officials of the Ministry of Rites, responsible for assisting the Minister of Rites and the Vice Minister of Rites in handling matters related to rites, sacrifices, and the imperial examinations. It even involved setting the questions for the imperial examination papers.

Han Zhang specifically mentioned this official position, firstly because it carried considerable power, and secondly because he wanted to secure a position in the Ministry of Rites for his disciple.

The six ministries in Bianjing (Kaifeng) all had the writings of six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet.

Among them, the Minister of Rites and the Vice Minister of Rites were both from the Han faction, so the Ministry of Rites was naturally the stronghold of the Han faction.

His purpose in doing this was to familiarize his disciples with the procedures of the Ministry of Rites so that they could take over the Ministry of Rites in the future.

The title of Chaofeng Dafu was a fifth-rank official with little power; his only benefit was receiving a salary.

Upon hearing Han Zhang's words, the military officers all looked over in surprise.

After all, to become a fifth-rank official in just one year is not quite in line with the practice of civil officials taking "one step at a time".
The literati, on the other hand, were much quieter, with almost no activity.

The matter of persuading officials to establish an heir has lasted for nearly ten years, and it has finally come to a conclusion. It's impossible that he won't be promoted, right?
Ultimately, whether it was Jiang Zhao's peak political struggle of rising from the sixth rank to the sixth rank, or his promotion from the sixth rank to the fifth rank, both were highly prestigious and not simply arbitrary promotions.

This matter is of great significance, as the promotion from the fifth rank to the fifth rank with real power is extremely prestigious.

Jiang Zhao has been climbing step by step, and hasn't "skipped a grade" yet!

It should be noted that almost everyone who enters the Pavilion skips a level.

After all, theoretically speaking, it takes ten ranks to rise from the sixth rank to the first rank. Even if one is promoted every three years without interruption, it would still take thirty years to have a chance to enter the cabinet.

This is still the configuration of a top-scoring student, so the starting point is higher.

Even so, if someone becomes the top scholar in the imperial examination at the age of twenty-five, they still have to work until they are fifty or sixty years old before they can enter the cabinet.

In reality, however, the officialdom has never lacked grand secretaries who entered the cabinet in their forties or fifties.

Just like the Grand Chancellor Fu, who governed for fifteen years and entered the cabinet at the age of forty-one.

Even in the world of officialdom, there are those who are chosen by heaven!
Jiang Zhao's promotion path was so swift that he didn't even skip any levels; at best, he was exceptionally talented and his promotion was a bit too fast.

Civil officials always despise those who have no political achievements or abilities and rely solely on the emperor's favor to rise to power, rather than those like Jiang Zhao who are chosen by their own abilities.

"What do you think, my dear ministers?" Zhao Zhen asked, looking at the civil and military officials.

In fact, the achievement of this "secret succession law" alone is not something that can be rewarded with a promotion.

However, excessive rigidity leads to breakage.

Jiang Zhao has been an official for less than a year, so he should not be promoted too quickly.

With a steady and consistent approach, Jiang Zhao, having resolved the issue of establishing an heir, is destined to enjoy the emperor's favor!

“I think it is very good,” said Grand Chancellor Fu Bi.

"I also believe that Grand Secretary Han's words are reasonable," said Wen Yanbo, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

"I think it's acceptable!"

"Can!"

The remaining three Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet subsequently expressed their opinions.

Jiang Zhao was destined to be from a different era than them, so since he had both merits and connections, he should be promoted.

"it is good!"

On his throne, Emperor Zhao Zhen nodded slightly, looking at Jiang Zhao with admiration: "I hereby order Jiang Zhao, the Hanlin Academy Reader and Hanlin Academy Imperial Edict Drafter, to be promoted to Vice Minister of Rites and concurrently Hanlin Academy Reader, and to be given the title of Grand Master of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. He shall also be awarded ten mu of fertile land and one hundred bolts of brocade."

Compared to the official positions and rewards approved by Han Zhang's civil and military officials, additional gifts of brocade and land were given.

However, despite the addition of these items, no one made any unusual moves.

During the Zhou Dynasty, the one thing the Zhou Dynasty had in abundance was money.

"Your subject Jiang Zhao bows in gratitude to Your Majesty." Jiang Zhao bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty is wise!" All the civil and military officials bowed in unison.

Zhao Zhen nodded.

Clear rewards and punishments are the way to govern subordinates.

Having received his due reward, Jiang Zhao stepped back and moved to the middle of the group of officials.

Having gained the substantive fifth-rank position of Vice Minister of Rites after this incident, he should be able to advance further and reach a high position among civil and military officials.

"His Majesty!"

Just then, Grand Chancellor Fu Bi stepped forward.

Watching this scene, Jiang Zhao's heart stirred slightly.

Why come out at this time?

"Your humble servant Fu Bi pays his respects to Your Majesty!" Fu Bi stepped forward and kowtowed deeply.

Jiang Zhao's heart skipped a beat.

It should be noted that when submitting a memorial to the emperor on matters of state, there is no need to kowtow.

As the Grand Chancellor, the head of all officials, there is even less need for him to perform grand ceremonies.

Before the Grand Chancellor could say anything, he went up and bowed.

Could it be?

"Since the Qingli Reforms, I have been diligent and conscientious in governing day and night. However, age waits for no man, and my eyesight and hearing have deteriorated, making it difficult for me to fulfill the responsibilities of a prime minister. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant this old minister the privilege of retiring and allowing me to return to my hometown to live out my old age!"

Fu Bi had barely said a few words when the entire court was in an uproar.

The head of all officials retired!

This is no small matter.

Of course, anyone with a discerning eye can see that Fu Bi is indeed unlikely to remain in the central government.

Retiring and returning to his hometown is only a matter of time.

After Fu Bi finished speaking, he bowed again.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was moved and stepped down from the imperial steps: "You are a pillar of the nation, and have been supporting the country for many years. Now, all matters of the court depend on your planning! If you insist on returning to your hometown, I will feel as if I have lost an arm, and how can the country be stable? This request is not approved."

After speaking, Zhao Zhen waved his hand and walked back to the steps of the palace.

Fu Bi stood up, said nothing more, and silently retreated to the left-hand seat.

Three times he declined and three times he refused!

Of course, not everyone can enjoy the privilege of declining three times.

Generally speaking, only on grand occasions such as when a prince enters the Eastern Palace or when the crown prince ascends the throne would someone decline or refuse the throne three times.

Occasionally, some high-ranking officials, such as the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, would request to retire, and would also observe the etiquette of declining three times.

The remaining officials almost all submitted their petitions to retire early on, and the emperor would usually grant their requests if he spoke appropriately to persuade them to stay during court sessions.

After all, to stage a three-times-resignation-three-times-decline scenario would require at least three regular court sessions, which would take about half a month.

Only the emperor and the crown prince are qualified to have all the civil and military officials act out a play three times to persuade him to take the throne.

Similarly, only those high-ranking officials like the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet are qualified to make the emperor act out a three-time plea to stay.

This time, Prime Minister Fu has already "resigned and yielded," and if nothing unexpected happens, the position of head of all officials will be vacant after two court assemblies.

Many officials were watching the six Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet closely, looking them over and over.

Who will be chosen as the head of all officials?
After the sacrificial ceremony, there was so much to say about a regular court session.

Seeing that no one submitted a memorial, Zhao Zhen waved his hand.

"Retreat—"

(End of this chapter)