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

If it weren't for Jiang Qing, he would definitely still be struggling in Yuzhou, working hard to make a living.

He and Jiang Qing, one aspired to become an emperor for all time, the other a prime minister for all time.

How can the trust and affection between a ruler and his subjects be questioned?

"Your Majesty, I request that you send someone to the border to supervise and check the situation."

Lu Gongzhu, with an air of public service and concern for the people, spoke slowly.

Zhao Ceying glanced at him intently, then suddenly understood why Lü Gongzhu had submitted the memorial.

What courage!

They really dare to seek fortune in danger, don't they?

Holding the memorial in his hand, Zhao Ceying slowly rose and began to walk.

Walking up behind Lü Gongzhu, a calm voice came out, with a hint of inquiry: "Minister Lü, were you previously an official in Hedong Circuit?"

“That’s right.” Lu Gongzhu didn’t know what the new emperor meant, and he didn’t dare to turn around, so he could only respond.

"Which is better, the capital or Hedong Road?" Zhao Ceying asked.

His voice was calm, almost devoid of emotion.

Lu Gongzhu's expression froze, realizing something, but he had no choice but to answer, "The capital is good."

"Hmm." Zhao Ceying nodded, neither confirming nor denying.

After about ten breaths, only faint footsteps could be heard in the study.

Lu Gongzhu sensed something was wrong and broke out in a cold sweat.

Even his breathing became noticeably more rapid.

The new emperor has no power; that applies to the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet and those of the same rank as the Grand Chancellor.

For officials below the cabinet level, the emperor was the supreme authority.

The very concept of "emperor" alone, carrying with it a sense of righteousness, could crush many high-ranking officials.

After a long while, Zhao Ceying finally said, "If that's the case, why couldn't you stay in the capital as soon as you arrived?"

One sentence has two meanings.

Firstly, he already knew Lü Gongzhu's purpose.

Lu Gongzhu wanted to leave the capital for the frontier and use the frontier as a pretext to climb the social ladder.

Secondly, if Lü Gongzhu did not want to stay in Bianjing, he could leave the capital to take up an official post.

Of course, it's definitely not going to the frontier.

Instead, they should be demoted!

Upon hearing this, Lü Gongzhu was greatly alarmed and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Jiang Zhao commands 300,000 troops and is surrounded by trusted confidants. We must be on guard!"

"My words come purely out of concern for the country, the people, and Your Majesty!"

Lu Gongzhu lowered his head, saying worriedly, "Wasn't the Taizu Emperor the same?"

"Ok?"

A soft hum followed by a long sigh.

Compared to his previous indifferent tone, he was clearly more impatient now.

Lu Gongzhu was forced to stop halfway through his sentence.

"Li Liangzuo of Western Xia invaded the border, claiming an army of 100,000."

“Even if Jiang Qing doesn’t lead the troops, the Duke of England will.”

The saying goes, "If you employ someone, don't doubt them; if you don't trust them, don't employ them."

"Changing generals in the midst of battle is a cardinal sin in warfare."

Zhao Ceying looked at Lü Gongzhu and said in a deep voice:

Zhao Ceying's experience in Xihe determined that he was not an emperor "ignorant of military affairs".

In fact, in terms of military command skills alone, he might not be that great, and might even be inferior to most pure generals.

But he was a king!

As a monarch, all that is needed is to reach the "entry-level" stage and understand the basic logic of military and political affairs.

In this way, by appointing virtuous and capable officials, border issues can naturally be resolved.

Zhao Ceying has clearly reached the "beginner" level in military affairs.

No sooner had Jiang Qing left than someone submitted a memorial speaking ill of him.

If we listen to slander, what's the point of fighting?

"Lu Gongzhu, are you implying something to me?!"

Zhao Ceying waved his hand impatiently: "Go down!"

Being too goal-oriented inevitably provokes disgust.

"Your Majesty."

Just as Lü Gongzhu was about to say something, Zhao Ceying resolutely stopped.

"Ugh!"

With a helpless sigh, Lü Gongzhu had no choice but to leave.

After about a hundred paces, Lü Gongzhu glanced back, his eyes slightly raised.

He's already started the group buy!

Of the other cabinet members, some will definitely join the group.

Otherwise, are we really just going to stand by and watch the Korean industry grow stronger?

Even if we can't get rid of the young Grand Secretary, we still have to get a share of the pie!

Even relatives of the mother-in-law can be brought in!

……

Chapter 191 Lü Gongzhu's Scheme! (4k)

Ouyang Mansion.

Smoked tile pavilions and waterside terraces, with the cool, flowing stream.

On a small stone table, about ten feet long, were placed wheat milk, melons, fruits, and pastries. Ouyang Xiu, Lü Gongzhu, and Pang Yuanying sat side by side.

After downing a cup of wheat milk, Lü Gongzhu slowly said, "Just now, I went to the palace to pay my respects and presented a memorial of advice."

"Advice?"

Ouyang Xiu was taken aback, a premonition forming in his mind, and asked, "Jiang Zichuan?"

There are two main types of advice and remonstrance.

One approach is to advise the monarch to reflect on his own conduct, pointing out his moral failings and hoping that he will learn from them and correct his mistakes.

The main representative figure is Wei Zheng from the Tang Dynasty.

Another approach is to admonish the monarch to be self-aware and point out the monarch's negligence and mistakes.

In essence, it was about giving the emperor advice on governance through "admonition," and occasionally speaking ill of someone.

Having only recently arrived in the capital, Lü Gongzhu would certainly not offer advice on the emperor's private morality, nor is it likely that he would give the emperor any random suggestions on state affairs.

That most likely means they were talking badly about someone.

The Han and Pang factions have been at odds ever since the Han and Zhang factions occupied two cabinet seats.

If Lü Gongzhu were to speak ill of anyone, it would undoubtedly be either Han Zhigui or Jiang Zichuan.

"Uncle Yong truly deserves to be called a Grand Secretary."

Lu Gongzhu praised him and said calmly, "A memorial was submitted, entitled 'Ten Thoughts on Admonishing the Emperor to Guard Against Powerful Ministers'!"

Once the words were spoken, Ouyang Xiu understood and roughly grasped the contents of the memorial.

military power!

Jiang Zhao was in charge of 300,000 border troops and was in charge of all military and political affairs in Xihe and Shaanxi.

His teacher, Han Zhang, was the head of all officials.

Together, the two could even be considered half of "Huo Guang".

Recently, many censors have been trying to gain fame by submitting memorials, so it is not surprising that Lü Gongzhu used this as an opportunity to impeach them.

"What did the Emperor say?" Ouyang Xiu asked curiously.

The new emperor trusted Jiang Zhao greatly and did not believe that a memorial of advice would have any effect.

"Ugh!"

With a soft sigh, Lü Gongzhu shook his head: "Unmoved."

really!

Ouyang Xiu was not surprised.

"The Emperor was originally an unknown member of the imperial family from a remote place, and he was also a descendant of the founding emperor. If it weren't for Jiang Zichuan's secret method of establishing an heir, the Emperor would have had no chance of ascending the throne."

Not only that, Jiang Zichuan has also proven himself quite capable, and his contributions to the expansion of the frontier are considerable. It's no wonder he enjoys such trust," Ouyang Xiu commented.

Generations and versions of gods.

The same principle applies to the path of officialdom.

When Emperor Taizu was in power, Grand Tutor Zhao Pu was a scholar who used half of the Analects to govern the country and held power for nine years.

This only includes the time spent as prime minister. If we include the time spent serving as vice minister, minister, and grand secretary, it would easily be one or two decades, which is equivalent to being a core figure in the court for half his life.

When Emperor Taizong was in power, Lü Mengzheng was the son of Emperor Taizong. After only six years in office, he became the prime minister of the country.

During Emperor Zhenzong's reign, Wang Dan, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, was the son of Emperor Zhenzong.

This person held power for a short time, but remained in a high position for many years, and was even posthumously honored with the title "Wenzheng".

During the reign of the late emperor, Han Zhang was the son of the emperor and had been in power for ten years, making him a powerful prime minister.

If nothing unexpected happens, Jiang Zhao is very likely to be the chosen one in the next version.

Of course, being the "chosen one" in a version doesn't mean everything.

When it's time to demote someone, demote them just the same way!

Lu Gongzhu held the wheat porridge without saying a word.

The new emperor's reprimands were truly unsettling.

Going against the grain is not a pleasant experience.

He would not have opposed Jiang Zichuan unless he was forced to.

After about ten breaths, Lü Gongzhu concluded, "Fortunately, the Emperor's reaction was still within expectations."

"Are you really going to fight Jiang Zichuan?" Ouyang Xiu was surprised. He shook his head and said, "Why bother?"

With literary talent, one can govern the world; with military prowess, one can expand territory.

Taking down such a person is by no means easy.

There's no other reason than that the emperor would show favoritism!

Lu Gongzhu's expression was grave, and he did not respond.

Ouyang Xiu sighed and analyzed, "A third-rank official as the Vice Minister of War is already a powerful minister. Why bother fighting with Jiang Zichuan for a mere chance to enter the cabinet?"

"Jiang Zhao is a man who can govern the country and bring peace to the world through civil administration, and he can also conquer the world on horseback. The key is that the new emperor has the grace of restoring him to power."

"The new emperor has only recently ascended the throne, so he certainly hopes to have loyal and important ministers join the cabinet."

“You can’t compete with him!” Ouyang Xiu asserted.