National Division

Chapter 90 It is my wish, but I dare not ask you (Seeking first subscription! Seeking monthly votes!!!)
Palace Garden, Xuanzheng Hall
Shen Xian turned and headed back into the hall to change into his official robes.

Xue Zhihua was talking with Gao Yanfu.

"Did you just say that Her Majesty summoned several prime ministers to the palace for a meeting?" Xue Zhihua asked, her clear eyes sparkling beneath her sharply defined eyebrows.

"The rebellion of Prince Qing's army has been quelled, and the army is about to return home. Her Majesty has summoned several prime ministers to discuss the matter of rewarding those who have contributed to the victory." Gao Yanfu's fair face was filled with a smile as he said, "It won't be long before Prince Wei and Duke Xue are able to return to the capital."

Xue Zhihua said, "I was traveling recently and haven't received any letters from my father and brother yet. Yesterday, I heard from the princess that the war is going well and my father and brother are safe."

Xue Zhihua's father, Duke Xue Huai, was one of the main generals in this campaign to quell the rebellion of Prince Qing. He served as the deputy general of Prince Wei, Yang Sizhao, and the deputy commander of the Tanzhou Road Army.

Gao Yanfu's tone was filled with emotion: "The rebellion that lasted for several months has finally come to an end."

Xue Zhihua said, "Peace and prosperity will be just around the corner."

Gao Yanfu did not respond. According to the monitoring of Xuanwu Platform, undercurrents were surging in the world, and it was feared that one wave would not be over before another would rise.

Just as the two were discussing the current situation at court, a deep, clear voice, as resonant as metal and stone, reached their ears:
"Eunuch Gao, Lord Xue."

Xue Zhihua looked in the direction of the sound, her clear eyes lighting up.

But then they saw a young man dressed in a light scarlet official robe, wearing a black gauze hat, his face calm, as he stepped out.

Shen Xian was quite tall with a large frame and a dignified appearance. Wearing a scarlet official robe, he exuded an aura of righteousness and a majestic presence.

Gao Yanfu smiled and praised, "It is truly only at the founding of the nation that such a young fifth-rank official could be produced."

Shen Xian said, "With a wise ruler in court and virtuous ministers, there will be heroes from all directions who would risk their lives for him, and wise men who would offer their advice and strategies."

“Mr. Shen is right. Let’s go with me to see the Empress. Don’t keep her waiting.” Gao Yanfu smiled and led Shen Xian and Xue Zhihua toward the side hall of Qian Yuan Palace.

The Empress took her seat at a long table. This powerful female ruler, who seemed to suffocate the royal family, had perhaps been about to discuss matters with the ministers. She had changed into a yellow palace dress, and the phoenix-winged gold hairpin on her lush, cloud-like hair shone brightly.

The Imperial Advisor, Murong Yue, sat down on a pear wood chair at the lower end of the table, while the Princess sat not far away. The beautiful woman wore a long vermilion dress, her dark hair was styled into a cloud-like bun, and her stunning beauty was like that of a begonia flower, delicate and alluring.

The Commander of the Vermilion Bird Division, Si Di, has other important matters to attend to and is not here.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Shen and Lord Xue have arrived," the female official announced as she hurried in.

Xue Zhihua and Shen Xian stepped into the hall and bowed to the Empress: "Your Majesty, may you live a thousand years."

A faint smile appeared on the empress's fair face as she looked at Xue and Shen, her tone warm: "Mr. Shen, Xue, there's no need for such formalities."

"Someone, bring a seat."

Shen Xian and Xue Zhihua thanked her and sat down.

The Empress Dowager asked, "Did Mr. Shen rest well last night?"

Last night, I reread those three memorials and found them to be full of wisdom. Then I recalled my conversation with Shen Xian and realized how rare such talent was.

This person possesses the wisdom to govern a country and can be used to support the nation and bring peace to the world.

Shen Xian said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I slept very soundly last night."

Looking at the handsome young man with a refined and upright character, like a pine or bamboo, the Empress smiled and said, "Let's have breakfast first. This is a new almond cake made by the Imperial Kitchen. Mr. Shen, please try it."

Shen Xian thanked her and looked at the Empress's bright and beautiful face. He thought to himself that such favor was rare, even if it was a disguise of "treating the virtuous with respect".

The emperor and his minister finished their breakfast.

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "In a moment, I will summon the prime ministers to discuss state affairs. Mr. Shen, please listen in as well. If you have any good suggestions, please share them with me."

Shen Xian put down his chopsticks, his expression turned serious, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "That is indeed my wish, I dare not ask you."

This is an inevitable step for a strategist: the emperor will consult you on all matters of state policy. Without genuine talent and learning, you simply cannot withstand such intense questioning and will soon be exposed.

This is not as simple as writing a few policy documents.

Xue Zhihua said softly, "Your Majesty, yesterday you said that you would let me accompany Mr. Shen to select some Imperial Guards and bodyguards."

"It's not too late to make the selection when you return. Your father's memorial has also arrived. We will return to the capital on a chosen day. You will also come to the Qian Yuan Palace later." Not only was the rebellion quelled, but a strategist had also joined her inner circle. The Empress was undoubtedly in high spirits, and her tone was lighthearted.

Of course, it hasn't come to that point yet. I don't like suppressing rebellions; I only like to admire them.

The eldest princess smiled and said, "I'll help you choose one later."

As she spoke, her beautiful eyes sparkled as she turned to examine the young man.

Shen Xian and the Empress ate together. After rinsing their mouths, Shen Xian and Xue Zhihua got up and left the side hall.

The Empress, accompanied by Murong Yue, went to change her clothes.

The eldest princess looked at Shen Xian, walked up to him, and said, "Scholar Shen, I am actually curious about what memorial you wrote to the Empress Dowager at the Dali Temple? The Empress Dowager's study was still burning late last night."

Shen Xian suddenly felt a fragrant scent, as sweet as orchids, and turned his head to look at the radiant beauty.

The princess wore a magnificent embroidered gold brocade gown with wide sleeves, the hem and cuffs adorned with intertwined peonies, exuding an air of nobility.

The woman's age was hard to guess; she had a square forehead and broad cheeks, fair skin, willow-leaf eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and a nose like a jade bridge.

At this moment, her hair was piled high in the clouds, styled in a cloud-like, fragrant bun. As she approached, the hairpins in her bun swayed gently, shimmering with light and color.

Her delicate neck and collarbone were as exquisite as jade, and beneath her lotus-colored strapless top, she stood proudly, dazzling all who saw her.

Every frown and smile exudes natural charm.

Born into royalty and raised in the palace, this woman exudes a refined and dignified air that has been cultivated over many years in her every movement, radiating feminine charm at all times.

Fortunately, he was used to seeing big scenes in his previous life, otherwise it would have felt like encountering a max-level succubus in a newbie village.

Actually, he hadn't really looked closely at the princess's appearance before; he only knew that she was tall and had fair skin, but he hadn't been able to observe her closely.

Because these noble ladies mostly possess martial arts skills and are keenly aware of the gazes of others.

"It's nothing, just... a debate about whether someone is a gentleman or a petty person," Shen Xian said.

The eldest princess recalled the three words on the memorial, her beautiful eyes shimmering, and tentatively asked, "On the Ministers' Affairs?"

Shen Xian nodded without saying anything more.

The delicate fragrance emanating from the beautiful woman was almost intoxicating.

The eldest princess looked at Shen Xian and said, "Scholar Shen is truly a man of extraordinary courage."

He submitted a memorial to his mother, the Empress Dowager, entitled "On the Censor," in which he discussed at length the distinction between a gentleman and a petty person.

Moreover, not only did it not offend the usually headstrong Empress Dowager, but it also won her heart. It is likely that the words in the memorial were so perfectly in line with the Emperor's thoughts that they had reached the pinnacle of understanding.

The eldest princess praised him, then stopped talking to Shen Xian and instead sent a telepathic message to Xue Zhihua: "Zhihua, how did you find this Scholar Shen?"

She inquired with Gao Yanfu yesterday and got a preliminary understanding, but doesn't know the full picture.

Xue Zhihua transmitted her thoughts and said, "Your Highness, I met you by chance when I was busy with the matter of Princess Anyang in Anzhou. In my opinion, you are quite resourceful, and what is rare is that you still have a childlike heart."

Xue Zhihua is no young girl; she comes from a noble family, is perceptive of good and evil, and has a keen understanding of human nature.

If Shen Xian hadn't upheld righteousness and acted solely out of self-interest, he would never have gained his favor.

The eldest princess said with a hint of a smile, "Now that you put it that way, I'll have to take a good look."

Over the years, one generation after another has held power and influence around the Empress Dowager, but few have possessed both virtue and talent.

Shen Xian was unaware that the Eldest Princess and Xue Zhihua were secretly gossiping about him, while he pondered the matters of martial arts and immortality.

With the support of the royal family, he could quickly break through to the Grandmaster realm in martial arts, given enough time. As for immortality, he needed to find a starting point and seek the methods from the Shangqing Sect.

And so, Shen Xian, the Princess, and Xue Zhihua quickly left the side hall and arrived at the main hall of Qian Yuan Palace.

……

……

Qianyuan Hall, Main Hall
The palace was spacious and ornately decorated, with eunuchs and palace maids standing with their hands hanging down beside the vermilion beams and pillars.

Several middle-aged and elderly officials dressed in purple robes and jade belts gathered in twos and threes to chat, but they were subtly divided into two groups.

The Grand Secretary Cui Yan, a tall and thin man in his early fifties with gray hair and a long, flowing beard, looked at Cai Heng with hostility and said in a sharp tone: "Prime Minister Cai, how could you draft and sign that imperial edict yesterday? The son of a mere county magistrate, who has only made some minor contributions, is to be promoted to the fifth rank? Such indiscriminate bestowal of titles and honors is a serious violation of the established system. If this continues, the country will be in ruins!"

The Grand Secretary Cui Yan went to court today and, while reviewing the imperial edicts filed yesterday in the Hall of State Affairs, discovered this matter.

An imperial edict appointed a young man as a scholar of the Zhaowen Pavilion and concurrently as the commander of the Zhuque Division. The young man, who was not yet twenty years old, held a fifth-rank official position, wore a scarlet robe and a gold fish-shaped pouch. People assumed he came from a prominent family, but when a minor official was ordered to investigate, it was discovered that he was from Anzhou and the son of the county magistrate of Guhe County.

Despite Cui Yan's arrogance, Grand Secretary Cai Heng remained unperturbed and said in a deep voice, "The imperial edict states that Shen Xian has rendered meritorious service by presenting the 'Policy on Governance.' The Empress has promoted him to Academician of the Zhaowen Pavilion and appointed him to oversee the Qilin Pavilion, where he will establish two departments to exorcise demons and pacify evil spirits."

"Public security policy?" Cui Yan frowned even more, inwardly sneering, "This brat dares to challenge me?"

This world has its own powerful Han dynasty. Although there are many discrepancies in some details, Jia Yi's "On the Security of the State" still appears.

Attendant Yao Zhi smiled and replied, "Prime Minister Cui, this is a memorial entitled 'Policy for Governing the State' in response to demons. Her Majesty had Consort Gu copy it out."

As he spoke, he took the copy of the memorial he was using for archiving and said with a smile, "Prime Minister Cui, why don't you take a look at this memorial? I have read it and found that the writing is excellent, original, clear in structure, and incisive. Now that evil spirits are running rampant in the countryside, the 'Policy on Governance' can be implemented to curb their power."

Yao Zhiwei suppressed his smile and commented, "In my opinion, no matter how many prefects or governors there are, none of them have such a broad vision."

Cui Yan did not read the memorial, his face ashen: "Even so, to grant an official rank of fifth grade based solely on a single memorial? It would be too easy for officials in my Great Jing to be in office. Lord Yao, why did your subordinates not reject such a chaotic order?"

"Back then, Zheng Zhi had not yet passed the imperial examinations, but he was promoted five times in a single day and became the head of the Imperial Library. Yet, even the Chancellor Cui, who was then serving as a court attendant, did not object to his promotion. Instead, he praised it as a good story." Xu Shi, a third-rank official of the Secretariat and Chancellery, a Grand Academician of the Zhaowen Pavilion, and the Minister of Rites, stroked his beard with a calm expression, but his tone was full of sarcasm.

Upon hearing this, Cui Yan's expression darkened. He said, "The late emperor ruled the country well and appointed virtuous ministers. Zheng Zhi's family has a long tradition of poetry and literature, and he is well-versed in laws and regulations. He can be said to have a profound family learning background. How can he be compared with such a country bumpkin?"

Can that be the same? !
"Isn't it because Zheng Zhi is related to the Cui family by marriage that Prime Minister Cui is cheering him on and covering up for him?" Xu Shi's words were sharp and witty.

It's just one sentence short; will that convince anyone?
“You…” Cui Yan said angrily, “Nonsense! My intentions are selfless and the world can bear witness to them.”

The idea that "family members can cover up each other's crimes" is ridiculous. This isn't a violation of the law. This person is truly a poor, uneducated, and ignorant individual who makes a ridiculous and inappropriate analogy.

Lu Dezhen, the Chamberlain, frowned and chimed in, "To be granted civil and military official positions and suddenly rise to high positions simply because of a single memorial is unprecedented in the entire court since the Hongxi era. It is understandable that Prime Minister Cui thinks that the rewards and punishments are unclear and that titles and positions are being granted indiscriminately."

The last time someone acted so recklessly was when Jian Balai paid respects.

Although Zhou Liang was a cruel official, he had actually served as the magistrate of Heyang.

Zhang Huaidao, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, took out a memorial from his sleeve and said: "The Empress Dowager sent this memorial early this morning. Lu Fang, the magistrate of Guhe County, is a corrupt official who has neglected his duties. As a Daoist official, he has been watching as evil spirits harm the people. Liu Jian, the county magistrate, colluded with evil spirits and villains to murder his colleagues. Lu Fang has protected Liu Jian and has been impeached by the Vermilion Bird Bureau, which is responsible for observing the political situation. He will be sent to the capital in prison on a chosen day."

"Lu Fang?" Lu Dezhen, the Chamberlain, caught the surname Lu and paused, then asked with surprise and doubt, "Is that so?"

In fact, this Attendant-in-Ordinary Lu was unaware that the Empress Dowager had dismissed Lu Fang from his post as magistrate.

It was only then that I remembered that the son of my seventh brother in the clan was the magistrate of Guhe County.

"Is the evidence conclusive?" Lu Dezhen suppressed his surprise and doubt, his slightly plump, fair face full of solemnity, and asked, "Did the Prefect of Anzhou submit any memorials along with the memorials of those who participated in the proclamation?"

"Since you are in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, shouldn't you be asking me whether the local governors have submitted any memorials?" Zhang Huaidao stroked his beard, smiled faintly, and said with a hint of strangeness in his tone, "As for whether the evidence is conclusive, that may be a question for the Censorate and the Court of Judicial Review."

Upon hearing this, Lu Dezhen felt a surge of unease.

How could their own children possibly fare well if they fell into the hands of Zhou and Lai?

Wei Xueqian, a third-rank official in the Secretariat and Minister of War, was a man in his early forties with a ruddy complexion, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a broad face. He did not participate in the pre-meeting debates but observed from the sidelines, preparing to report on the upcoming battle of Tanzhou.

Among the many high-ranking officials during the Tiansheng era of the Great Jing Dynasty, Zhang, Cai, Xu, and Yao were all prime ministers from humble backgrounds.

The last three were the three prime ministers who had previously signed the imperial edict conferring upon Shen Xian the title of Academician of the Zhaowen Pavilion.

Both Cui Yan and Lu Dezhen came from prominent families. Since the founding of the dynasty, the Cui and Lu families have produced dozens of prime ministers, making them a family of high-ranking officials.

The Empress Dowager had initially considered ending the relationship between the two, but she couldn't find a good reason, and also for the sake of the overall situation.

Cui Yan said indifferently, "That Shen Xian is the son of the county magistrate of Guhe County. As for Magistrate Lu's dereliction of duty, in my opinion, there must be something going on! I'm afraid he's another fraudster who deceives the world and steals fame, and lies to the emperor!"

In recent years, the diva has promoted many such opportunistic individuals, which undoubtedly gave others ammunition against her.

Wei Cong, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was from the Wei clan of Jingzhao. He was around fifty years old and had a refined and scholarly demeanor. With a flick of his eye, he smoothed things over from the side: "The Empress Dowager has always been unconventional in her selection of personnel, hiring based on their talents. Even if someone is deceived by a fraudster, she will be dismissed immediately, or even imprisoned for questioning. He is just a probationary official. Why should Prime Minister Cui worry so much?"

Previously, the Empress Dowager basically used a trial system when appointing people. If someone was not up to the task, she would dismiss them from their post and hold them accountable.

“Minister Wei, you are mistaken.” Cui Yan’s face was ashen, his tone full of righteous indignation: “Even if they are dismissed immediately, those treacherous officials have harmed the people and the chaos has already begun. What can be done about it now that the damage is done?”

At this moment, Le Sihui, a third-rank official in the Secretariat and Chancellery and a Vice Minister of the Secretariat, was clearly somewhat distracted by the power struggles among the prime ministers.

He was clearly on edge because of the recent visits from the Censorate.

Just as the ministers in the hall were each thinking their own thoughts and harboring their own wits, a eunuch entered and reported, "Gentlemen, the King of Zhao has arrived."

The ministers and chancellors ceased their debate, focusing their gaze on King Zhao, Yang Youxing, who had entered the hall.

Since the Empress Dowager came to power, the princes of the Yang family have been in charge, and even infants in swaddling clothes have been granted official ranks of the seventh grade.

King Zhao, Yang Youxing, came from outside. He was tall and had a face like jade. He wore a python robe and the ceremonial robes of a prince, and a jade pendant hung on his body.

Behind them, Faming, dressed in a kasaya, followed closely with two monks.

This scene caused Cui Yan, Lu Dezhen, Wei Cong, and others to frown and feel disgusted.

Even Wei Xueqian frowned deeply, his gaze turning cold, clearly displeased with the King of Zhao's decision to bring monks to the court.

Haven't we learned enough lessons from the previous dynasty's downfall due to its sycophancy towards Buddhism?
Wei Xueqian made up his mind that he would definitely advise the Empress Dowager to dismiss the monks later.

Cai Heng stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with him. The man was sixty years old, with a brisk pace and a slight smile on his aged face. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, Prince Zhao."

Cui Yan cursed under his breath, calling them sycophants and snakes in a den!
King Zhao Yang Youxing smiled broadly and said, "Prime Minister Cai, you've arrived early today."

Cai Heng laughed and said, "I stayed in the duty room of the Political Affairs Hall last night. It's only a few steps to the Qian Yuan Hall. I'm getting old, so I don't need to sleep much."

"Prime Minister Cai, you are truly diligent in state affairs, working tirelessly day and night," Yang Youxing said with a smile, flattering him, "You should be a role model for all officials."

This frustrated and unsuccessful old prime minister, after being promoted step by step by his aunt, truly devoted himself to his work.

Cai Heng smiled and said, "Your Highness Prince Zhao is too kind. Recently, I have heard that Your Highness has been staying in the workshop in front of the Mingtang Hall, urging the craftsmen to keep the lights on and build the palace. Compared with Your Highness Prince Zhao, I am far inferior."

The Empress wanted to build the Mingtang (Wanxiang Divine Palace) to showcase the grandeur of the capital. Her original intention was to demolish the Qianyuan Hall, but the ministers voiced strong opposition, creating a huge uproar.

In the eyes of Li Jing's former officials, this move was tantamount to demolishing Li Jing's foundation.

Just then, the war broke out in Tanzhou, so the Empress had no choice but to compromise and choose another site in the southeast of Ziwei City to rebuild the city. She ordered Yang Youxing, the Minister of Works and Prince of Zhao, and Yuwen Hao, the Director of Works, to supervise the construction.

Cui Yan glanced coldly at Zhao Wang Yang Youxing, who was boasting to Cai Heng, and felt extremely disgusted.

The princes of the Yang family have made no great contributions to the state, yet they were all granted the title of prince and ranked above the ministers. Sooner or later, there will be widespread resentment and the country will be in chaos.

He'll see what the Empress Dowager does then!
The empress is now appointing the son of a county official to the fifth rank, which shows how utterly incompetent she is and how her fate is sealed!
……

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(End of this chapter)