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

Zhao Ceying felt inexplicably excited, but tried her best to remain calm and asked, "Is there any Laba porridge left?"

About thirty breaths later, Li Xian, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, presented a bowl of Laba porridge.

"Has anyone submitted a memorial today recommending a relative of the empress to enter the border region?"

Zhao Ceying scooped up a spoonful of Laba porridge and ate it with feigned composure, while secretly glancing at Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu, and asked calmly.

Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu exchanged a secret glance.

Since December, the two men realized the seriousness of the matter and immediately ordered their civil officials not to submit any more memorials in order to gain the emperor's understanding.

Of course, the government showed absolutely no sign of reconciliation.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible to continue the suspension of court proceedings.

In the past hundred days, there have been quite a few memorials recommending relatives of the empress to enter the border region. At one point, there were even dozens of memorials a day, and the memorials were piled up like a mountain.

Logically speaking, the emperor should dislike memorials.

Why are you suddenly asking about memorials today?

The two remained silent, not daring to respond.

At the head of the table, Zhao Ceying suddenly sighed and shook his head, saying, "Recently, I have reflected on myself for a long time, especially regarding some of my words, actions, and decisions, and there are many mistakes and omissions."

He only spoke halfway through his sentence before stopping there.

Zhao Ceying sighed and silently ate his Laba porridge, seemingly filled with boundless regret.

The officials were all shocked and subconsciously looked towards the frontier.

Could it be?

Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu looked at each other, their expressions greatly shocked.

Could it be that the border war is going badly?

Otherwise, why would the Emperor suddenly bring up the issue of memorials, and with such a sighing expression?

This clearly indicates a major situation in the border war, forcing the emperor to reflect on his actions and even rush over overnight to lower his stance.

The situation was urgent, and there was no time to think things through.

Lu Gongzhu was overjoyed, his blood boiling, and he winked at a low-ranking official of the fifth rank.

"Your Majesty, I believe that allowing relatives of the empress to enter the border regions is an excellent thing, as it can both relieve the pressure on the commander and supervise the army."

Your humble servant, Yuan Zheng, a senior official in the Ministry of War, recommends the Emperor's maternal uncles Cao Yi and Gao Zunyu, as well as Shen Congxing, to serve as generals on the frontier.

The junior official who had been instructed stepped forward and bowed.

Zhao Ceying nodded repeatedly, offering no comment.

"What do you think, Grand Secretary Ouyang and Vice Minister Lü?"

Zhao Ceying suppressed the pounding in her heart and raised one hand to cover her face.

Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu were taken aback and hesitated for a moment.

The Emperor actually asked for their opinions?

Is there any possibility of a scam involved?

Lu Gongzhu gritted his teeth and decisively said, "I second that proposal!"

Bet!

The emperor had no intention of attending the meeting, but he actually came over late at night.

They even said things like "self-reflection".

There must be a major situation on the border.

"I am ignorant of border affairs and do not know how to resolve this," Ouyang Xiu chose not to answer.

If you coerce the monarch, your career is almost certainly over.

But there are different levels of ruin.

The severity of punishment can vary greatly depending on whether it is demotion, dismissal, or exile.

As for whether there is any possibility of turning things around?

If things really go wrong on the frontier, he'll definitely be able to turn things around.

However, since Lü Gongzhu has already expressed his attitude, it is no longer meaningful for him to make a statement.

Rather than that, it's better to be conservative.

"I see!" Zhao Ceying put down the Laba porridge and nodded calmly.

Below, all the officials were watching intently.

It could be solemn, or it could be a secret joy.

What exactly happened on the frontier?

"Recently, I have reflected on myself for a long time, especially on some of my words, actions, and decisions, and found that there are many mistakes and oversights..."

Zhao Ceying said slowly, "However, it is perfectly fine to let Jiang Qing handle the military and political affairs on the frontier by himself!"

"The problem lies with the memorial to the throne. I have been too indecisive and hesitant, which has affected the administration of the court."

"This matter is my fault."

Ok?

If the frontier is not at fault, then who is?

Lu Gongzhu was stunned.

Oh no, we've been tricked!

Zhao Ceying waved his hand: "I have come here specifically to announce the news of the great victory on the frontier."

Big win?

The officials were taken aback.

Almost instantly, the expressions on the faces of all the officials changed.

Those who were solemn breathed a sigh of relief, while those who were secretly pleased remained serious.

The eunuch Li Xian stepped forward, holding a brocade, and announced: "In December, the Western Xia army retreated to Miaochuan City. The border troops reached Nanbao Village, took advantage of the darkness surrounding the city, and besieged it without attacking."

Subsequently, Li Liangzuo led 7,000 cavalry in a breakout attempt, but was struck by a stray arrow and died. The border war lasted for more than three months, resulting in the beheading of more than 30,000, the surrender of more than 10,000, and the capture of more than 10,000 horses, armor, weapons, and other equipment.

The Miao River has been pacified, and the borderlands are now secure!

Once the words were spoken, the conversation lingered for a long time.

Grand Chancellor Han Zhang was overjoyed and immediately rose to offer his congratulations, saying, "The great victory at Xihe, the execution of Li Liangzuo, and the defeat of Western Xia are all thanks to Your Majesty's divine might and the soldiers' valiant efforts, which have secured our borders. This is truly a blessing for the nation and a fortune for all the people! We, your subjects, congratulate Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations!"

Regardless of their true intentions, all officials, both civil and military, had to offer their congratulations.

The two countries were at war, and the king was killed in battle.

Such achievements deserve to be recorded in great detail in historical books.

Not to mention, this was the first battle since the new emperor ascended the throne, which was destined to be of great significance.

More importantly, the new emperor played a significant role in the war.

If the new emperor fails to withstand the coercion of certain ministers, troublemakers may enter the border region and affect the results of the border war.

In other words, the new emperor not only had achievements in governing with a broad perspective, but also in withstanding the pressure from his ministers.

Such achievements could even be recorded in historical books, reflecting the emperor's great virtue.

This makes it all the more worthy of celebration.

The sounds of celebration echoed throughout the palace.

"Ha ha!"

Zhao Ceying couldn't help but laugh, looking at the bowing officials, he felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

I was right!

Han Zhang cupped his hands and said, "Recently, there have been quite a few court officials who have spoken ill of the border regions and submitted numerous memorials, ostensibly for recommendation, but in reality for coercion."

Now, looking at the situation, it is clear that without Your Majesty's strenuous support for the border campaigns, such a great victory would have been difficult to achieve. The slaying of the Western Xia ruler is comparable to Emperor Taizong of Tang's capture of the Khaganate. We, your subjects, once again congratulate Your Majesty.”

In short, it's all thanks to the emperor's wisdom; without the emperor, the border regions could not have achieved such a great victory.

Your Majesty is a great hero!

"Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations once more." The officials bowed again.

Zhao Ceying got up and paced around, feeling as if the heavy stone that had been pressing on her chest had suddenly been lifted, making her steps feel light and unsteady.

"Minister Ouyang, Minister Lü."

Zhao Ceying smiled slightly and said what had been buried in her heart for months: "When reading the classics, you still have to internalize them."

“Don’t trust those you employ, and ignore those you doubt.”

"It's not enough to just talk about it; we have to put it into practice!"

The implication was that the two had wasted their time and effort on their studies.

Trust those you employ.

Instead of following through, the two even went against the grain, submitting a memorial hoping to arouse the king's suspicion.

Below, Ouyang Xiu and Lü Gongzhu, being watched, unconsciously lowered their heads.

"I am right, am I?" Zhao Ceying pressed on.

"To slay the king in battle is a feat unparalleled on the frontier. Your Majesty, I, Ouyang Xiu, offer my congratulations." Ouyang Xiu hurriedly replied.

"Your subject, Lü Gongzhu, offers his congratulations to Your Majesty," Lü Gongzhu quickly replied.

Zhao Ceying looked at the two of them intently, feeling extremely pleased.

Cool!

"At this time of year, the frontier has made great contributions, which is truly a joyous occasion."

Looking away, Zhao Ceying laughed loudly, not bothering to hide his joy: "Officials, please drink to your heart's content."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." All the civil and military officials bowed in unison.

Although it was called a banquet, its meaning had changed.

The sounds of congratulations came one after another, in an unbroken stream.

"Han Qing, you've taught a fine disciple!" Zhao Ceying raised his cup and looked at the head of all the officials.

Han Zhang was surprised and honored, and quickly raised his cup in agreement: "Fortunately, His Majesty is wise and trusts Zichuan, which is why we have achieved such a great victory today."

"Ha ha!"

Zhao Ceying laughed and said, "In my opinion, the Han family may very well have a story of 'two Grand Secretaries from one family,' or even 'two Prime Ministers from one family.'"

Such words coming from the emperor's mouth.

Calling it a promise wouldn't be unreasonable.

From this, we can see just how satisfied he was with Han Zhang's disciple—Jiang Zhao, the young Grand Secretary!

"It is all thanks to Your Majesty's great kindness." Han Zhang quickly bowed, his heart filled with inexplicable excitement.

Two Grand Secretaries from One Family!

Even more remarkably, one family produced two prime ministers!

This pancake looks so tempting!

In Jinming Pond, many high-ranking officials looked up at Han Zhang with extreme envy.

In officialdom, one must not only be able to rise in rank, but also be able to fall in rank.

Having a disciple personally trained as a successor is undoubtedly the best scenario.

Moreover, the young Grand Secretary was a disciple whom Han Zhang had been teaching since he was six years old.