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

Lately, he has been thinking about this temple name frequently.

The family lineage shift is perfect for him!

Although it's a little difficult, as long as he becomes the greatest emperor of all time, everything will be fine.

"The idea of ​​restoring the dynasty is quite suitable for the late emperor!"

“Using Gaozong as the temple name is absolutely correct!”

"The character '宣' is a bit lacking."

When it came to the imperial decree of temple names, officials expressed their opinions and began to discuss the matter.

Of course, this is only for discussion purposes.

The topic of officially designating temple names for emperors is too high-level for most people to even have a say in.

Those who truly have the power to make decisions are nothing more than a few Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet and the Emperor himself.

Inside the imperial court, the sounds of conversation never ceased.

Even the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet couldn't help but share their opinions.

After a long pause, the Grand Secretaries reached a consensus. Han Zhang, the head of all officials, submitted a memorial, saying, "Your Majesty, we believe that the name 'Zhong' (中) leans more towards the idea of ​​revival. How can we talk about revival when we have not yet experienced decline? 'Xuan' (宣) neglects the expansion of territory. Only 'Gao' (高) is the best temple name."

On his throne, Zhao Ceying nodded in agreement: "That's what I think too."

In fact, the outcome was already decided the moment the character "中" (zhong) began to lean towards the meaning of revival.

After all, compared to "high", "publicity" is indeed much inferior.

With a single word, the temple name was officially appointed.

"All officials, submit a memorial to the Ministry of Rites as soon as possible to determine the posthumous title, so that we can gather opinions from all sides, assess merits and propose a posthumous title, finalize the ancestral tablet, and allow the late emperor to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple," Zhao Ceying instructed.

One of the core functions of determining posthumous titles and temple names was to write down the ancestral tablets of the late emperors so that they could be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and used for ancestral sacrifices.

On the other hand, once the posthumous title and temple name were determined, the Secretariat could also officially begin writing the veritable record of the monarch and compiling history for him.

The officials, having received the admonition, bowed in turn.

"The Minister of Works has submitted a memorial."

Jiying Lane, Sheng Mansion.

Shou'an Hall.

Grandma Sheng, holding a teacup, sat at the head of the table.

Sheng Hong and Wang Ruofu sat at the left and right, respectively, followed by Sheng Changbai, Sheng Changfeng, and Hai Shi.

"Emperor Gaozong?"

Grandma Sheng was taken aback.

This evaluation is exceptionally high.

Emperor Gaozong of Shang, Wu Ding, initiated the "Wu Ding Restoration"; Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, initiated the "Yonghui Era," which brought the Tang Dynasty's territory to its peak.

Now, the late emperor is none other than the third emperor in history, Emperor Gaozong.

The high praise speaks volumes.

"The late emperor spent nearly forty years recuperating and developing the country, and in his later years he expanded the territory and made a name for himself." Sheng Hong waved his hand, not finding it strange: "It is only natural to have such a temple name."

Expanding territory by two thousand li would be an extraordinary achievement in any dynasty.

Moreover, the late emperor's long period of recuperation added a touch of legend to the territorial expansion.

To endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens—that's true forbearance!

"The late emperor was truly blessed!" Old Madam Sheng couldn't help but sigh.

Who would have thought that an elderly emperor without children could gain the merit of expanding his territory for free, thus elevating his reputation?

Is this a matter of strength?

No, it was pure luck!

With Zhao Ge'er's abilities, he could have expanded the territory just as much during the reigns of Emperor Taizong and Emperor Zhenzong.

The problem is that neither Emperor Taizong nor Emperor Zhenzong had a minister who was hailed as a "junior grand secretary".

For what?

Sheng Hong stroked his beard, smiled but said nothing.

Anyway, with a son-in-law like this, he'll never have to worry about anything in his life!

The Duke's Mansion of Qi.

Young Master Qi Heng held a book, looking very serious.

Nearby, his wife, Shen, brought him a bowl of porridge, and he sighed inwardly.

I wonder what it is about Sheng Minglan that makes her so charming?

The illegitimate daughter of a mere fifth-rank official not only captivated the young master's heart, but also, amidst rumors and scandals, managed to marry the newly appointed Marquis of Ningyuan, Gu Tingye.

The key point is that even knowing Sheng Minglan had already married someone else, the husband still missed her.

Occasionally, he would fall into a deep sleep and utter things like, "If I had known, I would have worked hard to pass the imperial examination and live up to my promise."

In other words, the official studied diligently purely for the sake of a woman.

Logically speaking, as a wife, she should be pleased that her husband is studying hard.

The problem is, she really can't be happy at all!

"Officer."

Shen approached slowly and gently reminded her, "Studying is hard work, but you should also take a break. Have a bowl of porridge."

Qi Heng shook his head, still staring at the book.

"When Emperor Gaozong passed away and a new emperor ascended the throne, it was only right that a special imperial examination should be held."

Qi Heng's eyes darkened slightly: "You still need power. If she weren't the aunt of the Junior Grand Secretary, Gu Tingye would never have married the illegitimate daughter of a fifth-rank official."

As he spoke, his words unconsciously became much more intense.

Shen sighed and said nothing more.

The discussions held at the regular court sessions spread throughout the land.

From this point on, the late Emperor Zhao Zhen became Emperor Gaozong of Zhou!

Chapter 176 The Reactions of Liao and Western Xia!

In the agricultural era, mountains and passes separated the land.

Therefore, the transmission of messages was extremely difficult.

For the people of the capital region, it has been a month since the late emperor passed away.

For a month, not only did a new emperor ascend the throne, but even the temple name of the late emperor was officially determined. The impact of the late emperor's death gradually faded, and life slowly returned to normal.

But for people in other places, it is not the same.

For regimes such as Liao, Western Xia, Dali, and Jiaozhi, the process was much slower.

The death of a monarch is a very serious and momentous event.

If it involves notifying other regimes of condolences, then it is considered regime diplomacy.

For this reason, specific official positions were even established.

A messenger announcing the death!

Go to the capital, to Linhuang Prefecture.

The Khitan regime was actually a nomadic people, and had a system of "seasonal hunting" (Nabo).

According to the changing seasons, the monarch would issue an order to transfer administrative power.

Even the capital city had five separate buildings constructed.

Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture, Nanjing Xilu Prefecture, Dongjing Liaoyang Prefecture, Xijing Datong Prefecture, Zhongjing Dading Prefecture.

In March, the grass in the north gradually becomes lush, and it is time to go to the capital.

Kaihuang Hall.

Yelü Hongji, who was thirty-five years old at the time, wore a narrow-sleeved, forbidden robe decorated with dragon patterns, a belt around his waist, and a felt hat on his head. He sat on a dragon throne made of golden nanmu wood and looked down.

From the imperial steps downwards, officials stood in orderly ranks.

However, compared to the division of civil and military officials in the Central Plains dynasties, the division of officials in the Khitan dynasty was quite unique.

For officials in the north and officials in the south!

Among them, the Northern Officials were mainly responsible for nomadic affairs, and their official robes were full of nomadic characteristics; the Southern Officials were mainly responsible for agricultural areas centered on the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, and their official robes imitated those of the Han and Zhou dynasties.

The ranks on the left and right were divided into north and south officials, and several people stood in the center, holding tablets and all dressed in plain clothes, the official attire of the Central Plains dynasty, which was quite eye-catching.

(As shown in the picture: the bean bun has escaped and is not easy to tame.)

"What brings the envoy from so far away?" Yelü Hongji glanced at the man in plain clothes and asked in a deep voice.

As a true "second-generation emperor," Yelü Hongji received a good education, studied poetry and calligraphy, and greatly admired the culture of the Central Plains.

Having reigned for more than a decade, his governing style has developed a very strong "Sinicized" character.

"By order of the successor of our dynasty, I tearfully inform Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Liao that the late Emperor has unfortunately passed away, and the whole country is in mourning. I have now sent you, Your Majesty, to deliver this news of his passing and humbly request Your Majesty's knowledge." A white-haired envoy in plain clothes, with a sorrowful expression, performed the kowtow.

After the ceremony, he held the obituary in his hands, looking very solemn.

"what?"

On the dragon throne, Yelü Hongji was taken aback, and immediately his face showed sorrow as he silently shed tears.

Step by step, Yelü Hongji descended the steps and held the obituary document in his hands.

He only glanced at it before bursting into tears and sighing deeply.

After about half an incense stick's time, Yelü Hongji closed his eyes slightly and sighed, "Forty-five years I have not known war!"

This refers to the Treaty of Shanyuan.

During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, Emperor Shengzong of Liao and Empress Dowager Xiao intended to march south to capture the emperor, and they were almost successful.

Fortunately, Chancellor Kou Zhun led troops to attack and killed the Liao general, leading to a stalemate between the two sides.

Under these circumstances, Zhou and Liao signed an alliance, addressed each other as "brothers," and agreed to be equal in status and not to invade each other's territory.

The price was that the Great Zhou had to "gift" the Liao Kingdom an annual tribute, equivalent to 100,000 taels of silver and 200,000 bolts of silk.

Since the late Emperor Zhao Zhen ascended the throne, the Zhou and Liao dynasties strictly adhered to the Treaty of Shanyuan, and there were no large-scale wars, allowing the people to recuperate and thrive.

Of course, with forty-five years of peace, tribute was "gifted" for forty-five years as well.

With the old emperor's death and the new emperor's ascension to the throne, their governing styles may be quite different, and whether the Liao Dynasty will still be able to enjoy annual tribute is truly uncertain.

Therefore, it's no wonder that Yelü Hongji looked sorrowful.

That's 100,000 taels of silver and 200,000 bolts of silk!

It happens every year!

The desire to have both peace and wealth is something everyone cherishes and is reluctant to give up.

"Ugh!"

Yelü Hongji let out a long sigh.

The old emperor's death is not important; what matters is that a new emperor has arrived.

The new emperor's governing style, to a certain extent, determined the subsequent order between the two countries.

"Pass down the order." Yelü Hongji waved his hand and ordered, "Gather the ministers from both the north and south to mourn, and all officials from the empress down should shed tears."

Firstly, Emperor Zhao Zhen ruled for forty-five years, during which peace was maintained between Zhou and Liao, making it worthy of mourning.

Secondly, this move could also convey to the new emperor the desire to continue the friendly alliance.

"Yelü Longqing," Yelü Hongji called out, "It's a pity I can't go south to offer my condolences in person. You go in my place."