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

After he finished speaking, Lü Gongzhu stood respectfully with his hands clasped.

On the steps of the imperial palace, Zhao Ceying's face gradually darkened.

The officials on the train were immediately in an uproar.

It looks like a fight is about to break out!

Taking advantage of the Grand Secretary's absence from the capital, factional strife and political infighting erupted!

Just as the discussion was starting to rise, a man on the left stepped forward holding a tablet.

"Your subject, Ouyang Xiu, seconds this proposal."

The moment the words were spoken, all the officials were astonished.

Isn't this a battle between the Pang and Han factions?

Why did Ouyang Xiu get involved?

"No."

Grand Secretary Wang Yaochen stepped forward and retorted, "Your Majesty has just entrusted the western border to Jiang Zhao, and less than a month later you send a relative of the empress to the border. Doesn't this tell the soldiers that Your Majesty has already become suspicious?"

“The Emperor’s brother-in-law’s visit to the border shows that the Emperor values ​​the western frontier, which can boost morale,” Ouyang Xiu insisted.

Wang Yaochen glanced at him coldly: "Whether it's to boost morale or to undermine it, Ouyang Yongshu, you and I both know the answer."

"A scholar's reputation has always depended on his public-spiritedness; do not treat the world as fools."

"Is your disciple Zeng Zigu still watching his master's actions?"

To the left, a hint of unease flashed in Ouyang Xiu's eyes, but his expression remained solemn.

On the imperial steps, Zhao Ceying raised his hand and said, "Adding generals at the last minute is a major taboo in military strategy."

"This matter need not be discussed further."

A hammer is fixed.

Wang Yaochen bowed and returned to his train.

Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu exchanged a glance and did not argue further, instead adopting a submissive and obedient demeanor.

They never expected to achieve success overnight.

If it doesn't work the first time, try again, and again...

Not only would the court exert pressure, but the harem would also offer advice.

Anyway, sooner or later, the emperor will be unable to withstand the pressure and will compromise to send a few of the emperor's brothers-in-law to the capital.

Since the emperor's brother-in-law has already passed away, it wouldn't be unreasonable for some civil officials to also pass away, would it?

It's not an exaggeration to say that there's a civil official named Lü Gongzhu, is it?

"Are there any other matters to report?" Zhao Ceying asked.

"Your humble servant, Minister of Works Yu Jing, reports that the late Emperor's mausoleum has been completed, with a planned construction period of six months..."

The setting sun paints the maple leaves, and twilight descends.

Royal study room.

After reviewing the last memorial and putting down his vermilion brush, Zhao Ceying let out a long sigh of relief.

Zhao Ceying stretched and put his hands behind his back.

"Your Majesty, may I ask which lady you will be visiting today?" the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonies asked respectfully.

There are generally two situations in which the emperor chooses which concubine to favor.

One method involved the emperor making the decision himself, while the other was similar to choosing a concubine by flipping a card.

The new emperor had few children and therefore placed great importance on ensuring the continuation of his lineage.

Whom one favors is undoubtedly of great importance.

Zhao Ceying often uses both methods.

If one is in the mood and has a subjective desire to favor someone, then one can decide for oneself.

If you're overwhelmed by the choices and don't know who to favor, then just pick a card.

Behind the Grand Eunuch in charge of ceremonies, a junior eunuch was already carrying a tray.

Zhao Ceying glanced at the plate and waved his hand, "No need."

“Lately, Jun’er’s health has been deteriorating. Let’s go to Kunning Palace.”

The implication was that he would favor Empress Gao.

"promise."

Upon receiving the order, Li Xian waved his hand, and a young eunuch hurriedly rushed towards Kunning Palace to inform the Empress to greet the Emperor at the palace gate.

Zhao Ceying walked slowly toward Kunning Palace with his hands behind his back.

After about an incense stick's time, they arrived at the Empress's palace.

"Your Majesty." Upon entering the palace, Madam Gao gave a deep bow, her eyes gentle and kind.

There were nearly ten concubines, and even the empress received very little favor from the emperor.

Therefore, they naturally cherished the opportunity to be favored by the new emperor.

Zhao Ceying waved his hand and asked, "How is Jun'er?"

The late emperor had no sons, and ultimately no one succeeded to the throne.

Anyone who ascends the throne can learn from past mistakes, and Zhao Ceying placed great importance on the continuation of his lineage.

With a wave of her hand, the Empress summoned a nanny to carry the sleeping prince.

Zhao Ceying nodded, hugged the child, and gently rocked him.

The nanny and the palace maid all withdrew, and the wife looked at her husband with gentle eyes, while the husband held the child in his arms.

For a time, it was quite a warm and cozy place.

After about half an incense stick's time, the Empress suddenly hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

"what happened?"

Zhao Ceying asked.

Gao was his first wife.

Even after ascending the throne, he continued to treat her as a husband.

"I heard that someone has recommended the emperor's brother-in-law to go to the border to fight?" Gao asked tentatively.

Zhao Ceying paused slightly as she held the child, her expression calm: "Yes, that's true."

"However, I trust Minister Jiang." Zhao Ceying glanced at the Empress indifferently, leaving it at that.

The invasion of Western Xia meant that someone had to lead troops to resist it, and the number would be at least 100,000.

No one can command troops more reassuringly than Jiang Qing.

Lady Gao glanced at the emperor and saw that his complexion was normal and there was nothing wrong with him, which reassured her.

Naturally, their courage grew as well.

"Frontier campaigns are truly a major undertaking for the country and its people."

"His Majesty."

Empress Gao stepped closer and said gently, "Your Majesty, the border army of 300,000 is far too powerful. What if..."

"There won't be any unforeseen circumstances." Zhao Ceying looked at the Empress for the second time.

"Don't be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of what happens."

The Empress desperately wanted her brother to take power at the border, so she continued, "It would be best if there were someone loyal to His Majesty to keep an eye on things."

“Jiang Qing is loyal to me,” Zhao Ceying said firmly.

If Jiang Zhao is not loyal to him, then there is no point in him becoming emperor.

"Without him, I wouldn't even have been able to ascend the throne."

"With the arrival of the Imperial Brother-in-law in the capital, I have already made some plans. Perhaps he can take charge of the Palace Guard."

This statement is practically a promise.

Unfortunately, Empress Gao was not very satisfied.

"Your Majesty, one must have prestige to command the Imperial Guards."

"How about letting the emperor's brother-in-law enter the border?"

As soon as the words were spoken, Zhao Ceying's face darkened.

Border control?

Does entering the flanking position put pressure on the main player?

He went in and told Jiang Qing that I did not trust him and was trying to sow discord between the emperor and his ministers.

Looking through history books, do you know how rare it is to have a civil official of Jiang Qing's caliber?

My Emperor, the greatest emperor of all time!

The temple name of Emperor Sejong!

Zhao Ceying's face was somber.

Empress Gao realized she had said the wrong thing and was at a loss for words.

Why the sudden change of expression?

Zhao Ceying gently put the child down and strode out.

"Your Majesty, it is best for the women of the inner palace not to interfere in politics."

"Let's move to Chang Le Palace!"

……

Chapter 194 The Powerful Zhao Ceying! The Northern Expedition! (Part 2)

Hezhou, Dingqiang Village.

It was the fifth watch of the night, and dawn was just around the corner.

The bonfire blazes brightly and burns long.

"Boom-"

"Boom-"

"Boom-"

The war drums beat loudly, their sound echoing across the land.

The mountains and rivers rise and fall, and the battlefields are like a forest.

One hundred thousand soldiers, both Han and non-Han, were stationed in thirty-six square formations, holding bows and spears, raising swords and shields, standing solemnly.

The north wind blew, the banners fluttered, and a chilling atmosphere filled the air.

Campus platform.

On both sides are five-zhang-long flags, and at the head is a table about ten zhang long, on which are placed three sacrificial animals: cattle, sheep and pigs. There is also a stone figure about one foot long. The stone figure wears a crown with tassels, hangs down, holds a scroll, and has long arms hanging down.

The person being worshipped was none other than the Yellow Emperor!

Commander Jiang Zhao, dressed in mountain-patterned armor, wearing a blue silk robe and a phoenix-winged helmet, held his sword with his hand, his expression serene and imposing.

Besides them, Zhang Fangping, Zhang Heng, Wang Shao, Zhong E, Bao Shun, Zheng Xiao, and Zhang Ding all stood solemnly in a corner on the platform.

The war drums grew ever more rousing, and the bugles blared a long, drawn-out melody.

"Soldiers!"

With a long roar, the drums and horns fell silent, and you could hear a pin drop.