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

Cai Jing put his hands behind his back and shook his head.

If you can't even pass the exam, then you're truly a waste.

"My lord, you must be tired from reading. Please take a rest."

With a soft exclamation, Sheng Rulan, her belly protruding, moved with light steps, carrying a bowl of lotus seed soup in her hands.

"My lady." Cai Jing turned around, quickly put down the book in his hand, and went to greet her.

For a time, the couple lived in perfect harmony.

Huaizuo, Jiangfu.

Jiang Xiao and Jiang Xu both held books in their hands, diligently studying and reciting.

A true man should take the imperial examinations and enter officialdom!

Chapter 179 The Envoy from Western Xia!

Upon the ascension of the new emperor, a special imperial examination was granted.

As the government office in charge of rites, sacrifices, imperial examinations, and diplomacy, the Ministry of Rites was undoubtedly extremely busy.

As the Minister of Rites and the chief examiner of the imperial examination, Jiang Zhao was even busier.

From the moment the candidates arrive in Beijing, everything from the exam location and rules to the exam paper design has to be arranged, keeping everyone incredibly busy.

Unfortunately, the busier you are, the busier you become.

Funing Hall.

The gilded lamp flames flickered and burned long.

Inside, there is a vermilion lacquered coffin, enshrined on an incense table, creating a very solemn atmosphere.

The new emperor, along with about ten people including the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, and the Imperial Diarist, gathered here.

In the main seat, a person dressed in plain clothes removes their hat, bows their head, and solemnly mourns, reciting a eulogy.

Judging from their appearance, they have the characteristics of nomadic peoples.

After about half an incense stick's time, the crying gradually subsided.

"Envoy Weiming, please come into the side hall for a chat," Zhao Ceying called out.

The person offering condolences was none other than Weiming Manyu, a member of the Western Xia imperial family.

Furthermore, Weiming Manyu is not an ordinary member of the royal family.

This man is actually the Prime Minister!

Li Liangzuo, the ruler of Western Xia, was able to defeat his maternal relatives, and Weiming Manyu deserves much of the credit for this.

Nowadays, the Western Xia sends its prime minister as an envoy, which is an exceptionally grand gesture.

The reason for this is well known to everyone.

Annual Gift!

Since the opening of the border at Xihe, the Western Xia had not received any annual tribute for seven years.

At that time, the Western Xia was plagued by internal strife, and Li Liangzuo's regime was unstable, so he naturally had no intention of discussing annual tributes.

Now, Li Liangzuo holds great power and has a solid foundation, while the new emperor of the Great Zhou has ascended the throne and the regime is unstable. Naturally, he has some other thoughts.

Wei Mingman bowed and nodded peacefully.

Offering condolences is secondary; the most important thing is to talk about business.

Side hall.

The new emperor sat at the head of the table, resting his knees on his hands and looking straight ahead.

From left to right, nearly ten people took their seats in turn.

Among them, the envoys led by Weiming Manyu were all ranked last.

Because of the annual tributes, the Western Xia was nominally a subject of the Zhou Dynasty.

In diplomatic settings, seating arrangements are naturally based on the relationship between the ruler and his subjects.

As a "vassal," he would certainly be in the lowest position.

Regardless of whether the Western Xia recognized the "ruler-subject" relationship, the Great Zhou did.

"The passing of the Emperor of our great nation has deeply saddened our ruler. Therefore, we have specially dispatched this humble subject to travel south to offer condolences." Wei Ming Manyu spoke with unusual humility from the outset.

Whether it was the "Son of Heaven" of a superior country, the "King" of a country, or a "minor official," all of them adopted a submissive posture.

After speaking, Wei Mingman pondered, "In the past, the Xia Kingdom and the Great Zhou Kingdom made an alliance. The Xia Kingdom's ruler paid tribute and the Great Zhou Kingdom bestowed silk and tea upon him. This was the cornerstone of peace between the two countries. For many years, the border has been safe, all thanks to this alliance."

As he spoke, Wei Mingmanyu became serious: "Unfortunately, a few years ago, the ministers of the superior country broke the alliance and took advantage of the chaos to attack our borders, which enraged the people. If it weren't for the fact that the king respected the superior country and suppressed the people, there would probably have been war long ago."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhao subtly raised an eyebrow.

"Now that the new emperor has come to power, I humbly request that he abide by the old rules of the alliance and ensure that the annual gifts are given as usual, so as to consolidate the diplomatic relations between the two countries."

"Lanzhou and Lezhou should also be returned to appease the people of the country."

A humble attitude, but a firm tone.

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet exchanged glances and frowned inwardly.

The annual gift is something we can discuss.

After all, Wei Mingman's repeated use of "superior nation" did indeed give the Great Zhou some recognition.

But how could the territory possibly be returned?

"impossible!"

A cold snort drew everyone's attention.

The speaker was none other than the person standing on the imperial steps.

Zhao Ceying!

“Now that your country has submitted to the emperor, you should know that the annual gifts are an extraordinary favor from the court, not a fixed rule. When the late emperor was on the throne, he gave these gifts in consideration of the recent peace between our two countries. In recent years, your country has frequently crossed the border, which is why the wise ministers of the superior country have been able to wield such swift and decisive power.”

Zhao Ceying waved his hand forcefully: "The fact that the superior nation has not pursued the matter is already a great favor. Instead of reflecting on your own actions, you are eager to demand annual rewards. Isn't this putting the cart before the horse?"

In short, if Sui Ci does not agree, returning the territory is even more impossible.

It is rare to have achieved the merit of expanding territory. If the territory is returned, where will the late emperor be placed?

Even more so, a yearly gift would not suffice.

The word "赐" (bestow) definitely sounds much better.

But to think that the word "bestowed" can deceive the history books and millions of people and withstand the test of history is absolutely wishful thinking.

When the late emperor was on the throne, the country was still weak.

At that time, Emperor Zhenzong had only recently signed the Treaty of Shanyuan, and the previous emperor's cowardly approach to governance was somewhat understandable.

Since Jiang Zhao began expanding the territory, it can be described as "enduring humiliation and hardship, recuperating and rebuilding".

Suici stopped, which can be said to have completely washed away the shame.

But the new emperor was different.

When the new emperor ascended the throne, the country had already been recuperating for several decades, and had even made achievements in expanding its territory.

What if we agree to a shameful pact?

Zhao Ceying's face was flushed, and he was clearly angry.

If this is actually agreed to, the dream of becoming the greatest emperor in history will come to an end!

The king's words were immediately understood by the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, who were all familiar with Zhao Ceying's governing style.

At least compared to the benevolent Emperor Gaozong, the new emperor is definitely much more powerful.

"Your humble servant is terrified!"

Despite his apparent fear, Wei Mingman showed no sign of apprehension: "The court is wise and the emperor has always revered the might of the superior nation. How could he dare to disobey in the slightest?"

"However, the border is so vast that occasional frictions and reckless actions by some small tribes are quite common. The king has ordered strict investigations and punishments, and no one dares to violate the alliance between the two countries."

"In the past, during the Qingli Peace Treaty, Emperor Gaozong and Grand Chancellor Han Zhang witnessed the agreement, and both sides kept their promises and maintained peace. For more than twenty years, the annual tributes were rarely interrupted, thus ensuring peace on the borders of Zhou and Xia."

If the annual tribute were to suddenly cease, the people within the country would likely find it difficult to understand, and if treacherous individuals were to instigate trouble, unforeseen circumstances could arise, ultimately harming stability on the borders.

With that, Wei Mingman rose and bowed deeply: "Your humble servant humbly begs the court to remember past favors, reinstate the old custom, and grant annual gifts to the Great Xia. Your Majesty will surely strengthen the discipline of the border generals and praise the new emperor's benevolence!"

Words that are half-threatening and half-submissive are repulsive.

The Grand Chancellor, seated to the left, glanced at the Imperial Secretary who recorded historical facts, then looked at Wei Mingmanyu, his expression darkening.

What does it mean to "witness the Qingli Peace Treaty"?

So you're going to hold a grudge after Haoshuichuan's defeat?

"The late emperor was benevolent and, remembering the initial peace, set an example of annual gifts. Now, if your country has any virtuous and obedient stars, you should naturally be self-disciplined and not use your generals to incite and coerce the superior nation. If there is any unrest on the border, the Great Zhou has a million armored soldiers and a full treasury. Why should we fear the resurgence of war?" Zhao Ceying said indifferently.

At the age of twenty-eight, he was full of vigor and ambition, determined to become an emperor for all time, and naturally unwilling to bear any shameful treaties.

On the left, Jiang Zhao chimed in, "Given the geography of the Xia Kingdom, it borders the Great Zhou to the west and south, and the Liao Kingdom to the north. If the envoy is well-versed in military strategy, he should know that peace should be the priority, rather than resorting to war."

"Since I was able to defeat the Xia army once, I will do it again."

"Who is this?" Wei Mingman asked in surprise, looking over.

He had found it strange before, as this person was far too young.

As a result, they defeated the Great Xia?

Could it be?

Grand Chancellor Han Zhang said in a deep voice, "This is Jiang Zichuan, the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince and Minister of Rites."

really!

Wei Mingman nodded.

After a few moments of silence, he slowly bowed and said, "My apologies for my rudeness!"

Chapter 180 Throughout history, those who conquered the north from the south have been extremely rare!

Side hall.

The new emperor, the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, the Imperial Diarist, the envoy from Western Xia, and more than ten others gathered here.

Looking around, without exception, everyone had a solemn expression.

"Throughout history, no one has ever succeeded in a northern expedition."

Wei Mingman stood up straight, looked at the unusually young figure in purple robes, and said in a deep voice: "On the other hand, the number of those who failed in the Northern Expedition is countless in the Central Plains. Young Master Jiang, you are from the Central Plains, you should have read history books."

This statement was a response to Jiang Zhao's statement, "Since I was able to defeat the Xia army once, I will do it again."

One or two major defeats prove nothing.

Throughout history, there has never been a successful Northern Expedition.

The Southern regime may have achieved minor victories, but from a broader perspective, it is the loser.

History has proven that the South was destined to lose!

The new emperor and several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet frowned inwardly.

Everyone knows that Weiming Manyu's views are problematic, but the objective facts do indeed present the problems he described.

The Southern regime was almost certain to fail!

As for why this is the case?

There's almost no reason to it!

A regime is so large that it is virtually impossible to pinpoint the specific reasons for its demise.

If we really had to find a reason, it would only be attributed to issues such as warhorses and the weather.

The warhorses of nomadic peoples are very strong and powerful, while the warhorses of the south are relatively thin and small, making it difficult for them to sustain long-term combat.