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

He vaguely remembered this person; he had been exceptionally selected to enter the capital.

A major performance evaluation and promotion every three years is practically a law in officialdom.

Unless recommended by a prominent figure or made extraordinary contributions, promotions are typically made only once every three years.

Civil officials who rose to prominence overnight, like Wang Shao, a scholar of the Privy Council, were virtually nonexistent.

Lu Gongzhu's promotion to the capital after serving as the Deputy Pacification Commissioner for only two years was undoubtedly an exceptional one.

The reason for this was that he was recommended by Ouyang Xiu, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

Lü Gongzhu and Ouyang Xiu had a significant difference in official rank, but their ages were only less than ten years apart.

Back when Ouyang Xiu was still unknown, Lü Gongzhu and Ouyang Xiu were already literary friends and had a close relationship.

Furthermore, Pang Yuanying, the eldest son of Pang Sikong, was also Ouyang Xiu's second son-in-law.

After Pang Sikong died, Lü Gongzhuo, eager for advancement, naturally turned to Ouyang Xiu.

Thus, Ouyang Xiu went to the palace to recommend Lü Gongzhu.

Since the emperor ascended the throne, Ouyang Xiu and Zeng Gongliang were the first two Grand Secretaries to pledge allegiance to the new emperor.

Lu Gongzhu of Shouzhou was the son of the late Grand Chancellor Lu Jianyi, and was recommended by Ouyang Xiu.

Whether it was to bestow a favor or to win him over, Zhao Ceying had no reason to refuse.

As a result, Lü Gongzhu was promoted to the capital, breaking with precedent.

"Let him in," Zhao Ceying said, waving his hand.

The exceptional promotion of Lü Gongzhu can be considered an act of kindness, but we don't know his character and talent, so we can give him a chance.

As the new emperor, to secure his throne and have both the title and the power, he must manage both military and political affairs.

The issue of military power has already found a way to be resolved.

Taking advantage of the invasion of Western Xia by Li Liangzuo, Jiang Zhao, the Minister of Rites, was ordered to lead troops as commanders, with Gu Tingye, Zhang Ding, Zheng Xiao, Bao Shun, and Wang Shao as generals. They almost wiped out all the representative figures of the younger generation of noble sons.

Once a great victory is achieved on the frontier, there will be an excuse to reward a few people.

If any nobleman isn't stupid, he will definitely show his loyalty to him.

In this way, military power can be easily seized.

Regarding governance, a special imperial examination has already been held, and a candidate for the highest degree has been selected.

However, it will definitely take a long time for an Enke Jinshi to grow up; it is a long-term investment.

For at least the next ten years, there is no chance of becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

In order to maintain the government, the officials left by the late emperor must win over some of them to be loyal.

If Lü Gongzhu is a third-rank official and a capable, virtuous, and loyal minister like Jiang Qing, then we might as well try appointing one or two of them.

A fifty-year-old official of the third rank still has considerable room for advancement.

"Yes, sir." Li Xian quickly went out to report.

About ten breaths later, Lü Gongzhu, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, entered.

With slightly graying temples, a square jawline, and a few wisps of beard on his chin, he was the quintessential image of a Confucian scholar.

"Your humble servant Lü Gongzhu greets Your Majesty." Lü Gongzhu bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities." Zhao Ceying gestured with his hand, "Please take a seat."

With a light touch of the vermilion brush, Zhao Ceying looked down.

The Ministry of War was a unique entity among the Three Departments and Six Ministries.

In terms of power, it has always lagged behind the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Justice, but was slightly higher than the Ministry of Works.

It is either ranked fourth or fifth, on par with the Ministry of Rites.

That's fine, but when it comes to the order of entering the cabinet, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites are often at the top of the list.

Therefore, considering all factors, the Ministry of War would almost certainly rank fifth, lower than the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Justice, and slightly higher than the Ministry of Works.

The Ministry of War has never had a very high profile.

Why are you making such an unprecedented request to see me this time?

Zhao Ceying's eyes flickered slightly.

"Minister Lü, what brings you to the palace for an audience?"

"Speak frankly and offer your advice!" Lü Gongzhu said solemnly.

As he spoke, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and had it presented to the emperor by an official.

Advise?

Zhao Ceying was somewhat surprised.

Did he do something bad just a few days after ascending the throne?

Zhao Ceying took the memorial and began to read it.

"Ten Thoughts on Advising the Emperor to Guard Against Powerful Ministers"

Think thrice, and be careful to avoid mistakes.

This method of submitting remonstrance is considered the standard format for civil officials to offer advice.

Sometimes, even if the content of the remonstrance is not ten points, it will still be forced to reach ten.

If you ask why, it's probably because Wei Zheng's "Ten Thoughts on Advising Emperor Taizong" from the Tang Dynasty was so famous that it inspired many civil officials to imitate it.

Your humble servant, Lü Gongzhu, respectfully reports:

Your Majesty, I have heard that the calamity caused by powerful ministers who seize power is greater than that caused by enemy states. Currently, Jiang Zhao, the Minister of Rites, though possessing considerable talent and strategy, wields excessive military power, creating numerous hidden dangers. I hereby present ten concerns regarding Jiang Zhao, hoping Your Majesty will carefully consider them:

One argument is that monopolizing power outside the capital fosters the threat of regional military governors.

Secondly, it is said that by seizing control of the imperial examination system, one can establish a foundation for factionalism.

Thirdly: exceeding the limits of etiquette and usurping the duties of a subject.

Fourthly: Relying on the achievements on the frontier, they coerce the government.

Fifthly: It disrupts the order of military and political affairs and sets a precedent for seizing one's life during times of distress.

The sixth point is: using meritorious officials as wings to disrupt the government's administration.

The seventh point is: under the pretext of attacking Xia, they engaged in factional activities.

The eighth point: Indulging in an arrogant and domineering attitude damages the dignity and authority of Heaven.

The ninth saying is: Sever diplomatic relations with vassal states and prevent the four barbarian tribes from assimilating.

The tenth saying is: Using one's own reputation to engage in acts of political chaos.

I will explain these regulations one by one.

Your Majesty has heard that a wise ruler governs his subjects by ensuring that his authority remains unshaken. Now, Zhao concurrently holds the Ministries of Rites and War, oversees the civil service examinations, holds the military tally, and manages foreign affairs. Ten dangers lie ahead, and the situation is already set.

I humbly beseech Your Majesty to temper your benevolence and severity, and to properly distribute power and responsibility, so that generals do not command private armies and ministers do not overstep their bounds. Then the Great Zhou Dynasty will be as secure as a rock! If you allow them to grow too powerful, I fear the tragedies of Huan Wen and An Lushan will occur. I submit this petition with tears in my eyes, humbly awaiting Your Majesty's decision!

Ten omissions!

The charges were ten in a row, making for a rather grand display.

Zhao Ceying glanced at it a few times, then couldn't help but rub his eyes.

Is this Jiang Qing?

If you hadn't said it was Jiang Zhao, I would have thought it was Sima Zhao!

After about half an incense stick's time, Zhao Ceying glanced at Lü Gongzhu, sighed deeply, and didn't know what to say.

The ten charges can be summarized into a few points:

Firstly, as a key figure in the expansion of Xihe, holding the title of Minister of War, Jiang Zhao controlled too many border troops, which "might" have led to the possibility of rebellion.

Secondly, as the Minister of Rites, Jiang Zhao had just held the imperial examinations, and some newly appointed scholars visited him. This was an act of forming a clique, which had to be suppressed.

Thirdly, many of the military generals who opened up the borders of Xihe had received favors from Jiang Zhao. In order to get Gu Tingye to go to the frontier as well, Jiang Zhao even submitted a memorial to the throne asking Gu Tingye to cancel his mourning period. This was clearly a faction-building effort, a coalition of civil and military officials.

Fourth, it is said that Jiang Zhao is somewhat arrogant and domineering.

In conclusion, Jiang Zhao was very likely to engage in separatist activities similar to the military governors of the Tang Dynasty.

We must suppress them!

Be on guard!

It must be nipped in the bud!

Zhao Ceying opened her mouth, but still didn't know what to say.

The mouths of intellectuals!

After a long pause, Zhao Ceying nodded and said, "I have received Minister Lü's memorial."

After speaking, he picked up his vermilion brush and continued to write instructions.

Lu Gongzhu was taken aback.

The memorial has already been submitted; aren't you going to ask about the details?

For several breaths, Lü Gongzhu showed no sign of leaving.

"If Minister Lü has nothing else to attend to, please go and handle your official duties," Zhao Ceying said without looking up.

One word: Get out!

Lü Gongzhu was no fool; he immediately grasped the emperor's meaning.

Even with his long experience in politics and considerable self-cultivation, he almost lost his composure.

Trying to maintain a calm expression, Lü Gongzhu rose and bowed deeply:

"Official!"

"Since the late emperor had no son, many officials and people have submitted memorials to stabilize the country. Among them, Jiang Zhao submitted a memorial on the secret method of establishing an heir, and even made the statement of 'good grandson'. He also governed the border with five members of the imperial clan and entered the palace to teach five members of the imperial clan. He can be said to have made great contributions."

"Whether it is a minister or the entire court, everyone knows that His Majesty trusts him greatly."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ceying couldn't help but glance down.

You still know that I trust Minister Jiang?

Do you understand the true value of being a "true regent and imperial tutor"?

"But people's hearts change!"

His voice suddenly became impassioned, and Lü Gongzhu said decisively, "Even Wang Mang, a relative of the empress, was humble before he usurped the throne!"

"I am not saying that Jiang Zhao will definitely usurp the throne."

Lu Gongzhu, in a "reasonable and objective" manner, analyzed: "However, when nobles lead troops into the border, there are still civil officials to supervise the battle and check them, so as to prevent the military generals from having disloyal thoughts."

In the first year of the Qingli era, the Western Xia also invaded. The Pacification Commissioner, Xia Song, only commanded 200,000 troops. Moreover, at that time, there were several ministers who disagreed with him, acting as a check on him. Han Zhang and Fan Zhongyan were among those who provided this check.

Lu Gongzhu, with an air of loyalty and integrity, sighed and said, "Jiang Zhao is in charge of all military and political affairs in Shaanxi and Xihe. There are nearly 200,000 border troops and more than 100,000 Yu Longke's troops, totaling 300,000 soldiers who can fight."

"With such a scale, there is no one who can restrain him!"

"Official!"

With tears in his eyes, Lü Gongzhu said, “The country and its people are in dire need of the people. The soldiers number a total of one hundred thousand, the imperial guards number less than eight hundred thousand, and Jiang Zhao controls three hundred thousand border troops. He already holds the military power of half the country in his hands.”

"How can we not be wary of such military power!"

"If he harbors disloyal thoughts and turns against us in an instant, what will become of the country and its people?"

Lü Gongzhu sighed repeatedly: "His teacher, Han Zhang, was the Grand Chancellor who held power over the country for ten years. Jiang Zhao, on the other hand, commands an army of 300,000!"

"They've started a rebellion! Your Majesty!" Lü Gongzhu almost roared.

At the head of the table, Zhao Ceying raised his eyebrows.

“In the past, when Xihe expanded its borders, Jiang Qing commanded nearly 200,000 troops. Now, it’s only 100,000 more.”

"I do not know what Vice Minister Lü's intention was in submitting this memorial."

Zhao Ceying disliked Lü Gongzhu's remarks very much.