Chapter 418 "Prime Minister, are you questioning me?" (5k)

Duke Anguo Cao Mao retired from the army and returned to his hometown.

This news spread like a whirlwind in the officialdom of the State of Yu in the afternoon of the same day, attracting the attention of countless people.

Many details during this period attracted interested people to pry into the matter. Unfortunately, the parties involved tacitly kept it secret, making it difficult for outsiders to know the details. This incident has become another bizarre chapter in the "Secret History of the Empress" written by folk historians.

A particularly striking detail was that someone witnessed Zhao Duan riding into the palace in the heavy snow.

In the next few days, Zhao Duan manipulated public opinion to bring this matter to an end, and the Lang Shiba case developed smoothly according to the planned script.

Luo Kedi returned to Jubei City with Cao Mao's handwritten letter handing over military power, completing the power change.

At the same time, time has finally come to the end of the year.

…

Early in the morning, in the Zhao family's side room.

Zhao Duan was awakened by the sound of firecrackers.

He pried open his eyelids and stared lazily at the top of the curtains for a few seconds before turning over and sitting on the edge of the bed, yawning and rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Dongdongdong, Dalang, are you awake?"

There were footsteps approaching outside the door, followed by the stepmother's earnest call.

"Enter."

Zhao Duan glanced at his pajamas, which were intact, and said casually.

The door was pushed open, and the bright white light from the sky shone into the room. Eugene Hua, wearing a new dress, walked into the room with a smile, followed by three maids.

Everyone held clothes or a washbasin in their hands, and after entering the house, they would skillfully help the "master" of the house wash without being told.

Well, because Zhao’s father died early, Zhao Duan, as the only male owner of the family, was automatically promoted to “master” in the mouths of the people below him.

"I can do it myself..."

Zhao Duan looked resistant, but he could not stand the pull of the four women in the end. The dignified "King of Hell Zhao" was dressed up like a doll in turn.

A moment later, Zhao Duan in the mirror had finished washing up and looked refreshed. He was wearing new, well-fitting, bright-colored clothes from head to toe.

Today is New Year's Eve, and ordinary people, due to financial difficulties, have to wait until tomorrow, New Year's Day, to change into new clothes.

But the Zhao family, who had long been among the new rich in Beijing, had no shortage of clothes.

According to Eugene Hua:

"During the Spring Festival, Dalang is always busy with official duties, so he has to prepare a new set of robes every day to be in accordance with etiquette."

Okay...

Zhao Duan was reluctant to accept it, and within less than a year of traveling through time, he was successfully assimilated into the feudal society.

In front of the mirror in the room, Eugenia stood beside him, carefully tidying up the edges of his clothes, and said happily:

"The grand banquet will be held in the evening, right?"

"We have to go early in the afternoon." Zhao Duan explained casually.

On New Year's Eve, the empress held a grand banquet for all the ministers in the palace, called the "Grand Banquet", and Zhao Duan was invited to attend.

Eugene admired her handsome stepson and said happily, "I heard that the banquets in the palace are not very generous with their food and drink. You should eat more at home at noon."

"I know." Zhao Duan said perfunctorily.

After walking out of the room, I saw the entire Zhao Mansion decorated with a festive atmosphere. Big red lanterns were hung in every corner of the eaves, and the windows were covered with window grilles of various shapes.

The servants in the mansion also changed into new clothes and received rewards. They were busy moving New Year's goods or cleaning the clean courtyard repeatedly.

“Crackle…”

Outside the mansion gate, Zhao Pan led the maids and personally set off firecrackers under the nervous gaze of the servants.

The sound of firecrackers exploding continuously, and the red shredded cardboard fell on the snow on the street outside, which was particularly beautiful.

The Pekingese was frightened by the sound of firecrackers and lay under the table in the inner hall, trembling.

“Big Brother!”

Zhao Pan looked at Zhao Duan who was walking over and smiled.

The girl was wearing a colorful jacket with a white fur edge today. Her neck was tied tightly, which made her fair face look delicate and dainty, like the girl who brought wealth in the New Year pictures who had grown up.

In her hand, she held a yellow incense stick with a scarlet end, and handed it to him excitedly:

"Are you coming too?"

"No, you are now the famous 'Miss Zhao' in the capital, so you should pay more attention to your image," Zhao Duan couldn't help but sigh.

Zhao Pan puffed out her cheeks and acted cute: "I can't learn to be a lady from a noble family..."

"Okay, okay, whatever you want."

Zhao Duan waved his hands, but felt relieved.

Although the women of this era are good, they all pursue gentleness and virtue, which is boring after seeing too much.

A girl like Zhao Pan, who grew up in a military family, doesn't have many rules and instead seems more like a "modern person".

Zhao Duan reluctantly set off a string of firecrackers, and then let Zhao Pan drag him into the house to write Spring Festival couplets.

The girl eagerly spread red paper on the table in the study and ground it herself, aiming to make a red paper with fragrant sleeves.

Zhao Duan picked up a yellow pear-shaped brush, dipped it in ink, thought for a moment, and wrote the couplet.

"Spring breeze, spring rain, spring scenery; New Year, new scenery, new home."

Zhao Pan looked at the couplet, not being able to tell whether it was good or bad, and said with a smile:

"It's quite fitting, it's the New Year, and we have a new home... But we've been moving for a few months now, so it's a bit late to write this poem."

"What do you know? This is Wang Xizhi's couplet."

Zhao Duan placed the brush on the white porcelain pen holder, but smiled with a complicated look in his eyes.

In this world, he is probably the only one who knows the true meaning of the word "new home".

A year has passed, and before he knew it, he has taken root in this world, with a new family and identity.

"Who is Wang Xizhi? I've never heard of him..." Zhao Pan muttered, but quickly put the doubt aside and went out to bring out a bowl of hot paste.

As he walked, he used his little finger, as white as a scallion, to scoop a lump of paste from the bowl, put it between his lips and tasted it, his eyes curved into crescents.

Zhao Duan couldn't help laughing when he saw this, and was reminded of when he was a child, he had done something similar.

After the brother and sister had put up the Spring Festival couplets, some officials from nearby came to visit them. This was not a New Year's greeting, so Zhao Duan greeted them in a good mood.

At noon, the family had a big meal, Zhao Duan changed into his official robe, and set off for the palace.

Eugene Hua and Zhao Pan also had plans and invited many noble ladies in Beijing to watch the lanterns together.

…

…

After Zhao Duan left the house, he first went to the imperial court to join up with the main force.

During the grand banquet, the Imperial Guards, as part of the imperial guards, also needed to enter the palace to maintain order - in fact, they served as a guard of honor.

"Come here." Ma Yan saw him coming and waved to invite him to ride in the same car.

Zhao Duan was slightly surprised. He stepped into the carriage and sat down before asking curiously, "Brother, is there anything you want to talk to me about in private?"

Ma Yan's thin face had a calm expression. He glanced at him and said:

"Li Yanfu is also present at today's grand banquet."

Isn't this nonsense? He is the Prime Minister, so he must be here... Zhao Duan was stunned for a moment, then reacted:

"Are you saying that Li Yanfu is going to cause trouble? That's not possible, today is New Year's Eve. Besides, hasn't the Li Party been keeping a low profile recently? In the previous fight against Cao Mao, they pretended to be dead the whole time."

Ma Yan said, "There's news coming in from below. Yesterday, several important officials of the Li Party met privately. They pretended to be visiting before the New Year, but in reality, it was Li Yanfu who summoned them."

"Because of me?" Zhao Duan took it blankly, unable to understand the logic.

Ma Yan shook his head and said:

"No. They must have been alarmed by the latest memorial sent back from Huting the day before yesterday.

Well, you may not have noticed, but Feng Jucheng, who is in charge of the New Policy Chamber of Commerce in Huting, sent back some news. I don't know the details, but it's good news. It seems that the new city you founded is showing some signs of improvement, and Feng Jucheng probably wanted to give it to Your Majesty as a gift before the New Year."

Zhao Duan suddenly realized and said with a smile:

"It seems that these southern nobles have become anxious after seeing the significant results of the court's opening up of the market."

He was not surprised.

Although Li Yanfu has been exceptionally quiet these days, Zhao Duan knows that this is just the calm before the storm.

The conflict between the group of gentry behind the "Li Party" and the new policy could not be eased at all.

Before the new policy took effect, the pressure on Li Yanfu was not that great. However, as the new policy came into effect, the pressure from the entire Li Party would force Li Yanfu to take action.

"They shouldn't be that impatient. Even if the Li Party wants to make a move, they'll have to wait until the beginning of next spring." Zhao Duan said calmly, "Brother, do you have any inside information? What might this group of people do?"

Ma Yan said:

"Some time ago, the Governor of the Southern Grain Transport System urged the capital to appoint a new official as soon as possible to fill the vacancy in the post of Jiancheng Dao.

It's not just Jiancheng Dao. As far as I know, after the new year, the court will finalize a list of officials to be transferred to the south to assist the Governor of the Grand Canal in promoting local new policies and administrative reforms. The final personnel have not yet been decided."

Zhao Duan asked curiously, "So, the Li Party might try to make a fuss about this?"

Ma Yan shook his head and said, "I don't know. I'm just letting you know in advance."

Zhao Duan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry:

"I'm not responsible for the appointment and dismissal of officials in the South, so Li Yanfu's intention to stir up trouble has nothing to do with me."

Ma Yan had an expression of "you are too young":

"Let's not even talk about your influence on the development of the new policy. If I were Li Yanfu, facing the pressure from the entire party, I would have to make a statement first and do something to stabilize the 'military morale' of the Jiangnan gentry. Sometimes, making a statement itself is necessary."

Zhao Duan grinned:

"So, Senior Brother, you suspect that Li Yanfu might be picking on me as a way of making a statement to the entire Li Party?"

When he thought about it, it was really possible. After all, it was Zhao Duan who decided to open Huting Market, and he was full of symbolic meaning.

However, what trouble could Li Yanfu cause him?

Ma Yan remained silent and said, "You understand those intrigues better than I do."

“…”

No, Xiao Ma, what's your attitude? When did you learn to be sarcastic and cunning? Where's your cold, domineering, and ruthless demeanor gone?

Zhao Duan looked regretful.

…

…

While the two were entertaining each other, the embroidered uniformed troops arrived at the palace.

The grand banquet was held in the "Fengtian Hall", and a huge New Year lantern had been built outside the Meridian Gate, its height almost comparable to the walls of the imperial palace.

At this moment, a large group of craftsmen were busy under the "protection" of the imperial guards.

Outside the imperial city, countless lanterns have already been hung on the main streets to create a festive atmosphere.

The banquet was hosted by the Ministry of Rites and prepared by the Guanglu Temple.

According to the rules.

The staff of the Shangbao Division will set up the imperial throne in the Fengtian Hall.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was responsible for planting yellow flags on the east and west sides outside the palace.

The Jinwu Guard and other guards stationed twenty-four guards on the east and west sides of the palace.

The Jiaofangsi under the Ministry of Rites was responsible for setting up nine kinds of music inside the hall, setting up large music outside the hall, and setting up three dance troupes under the hall.

The Guanglu Temple was responsible for setting up a wine pavilion to the west and a food pavilion to the east below the imperial throne. To the east and west of the wine and food pavilion were the delicacies pavilion and the vinegar and meat pavilion respectively.

There are imperial banquets on the east and west sides of the throne. The crown prince's seat is located to the east of the throne, facing west.

——However, because the crown prince is dead, this position has been removed.

The kings were arranged on both sides of the imperial banquet, facing east and west, and arranged in order from north to south.

——Well, no prince came to Beijing this year, so this piece was also removed.

Ministers of the fourth rank and above sat inside the palace, while those of the fifth rank and below sat outside in the east and west corridors. Officials such as the pot steward, the wine steward, and the food steward served nearby.

The focus is on being well-organized with clear responsibilities.

When Zhao Duan arrived, he found that the entire Fengtian Hall had been decorated.

He wandered around with the attitude of an idler, joking with the female officials he was familiar with from time to time. When officials began to enter the palace one after another, Zhao Duan would entertain them with a smile, acting like a "male host".

He did not have any of the restraint that officials in the palace had. He acted as if he was back home, which made all the officials look at each other in bewilderment, wondering if the rumors about his concubine were true?

Speaking of which, although it was widely rumored in the capital and even throughout the world that Zhao Gou was the empress's lover, this matter was still in the "rumor" stage.

It has not been officially confirmed.

High-ranking officials never completely believed this statement and only regarded him as a "favored minister."

As the sky darkened, important officials arrived one after another.

"Mr. Yuan... you're finally here. I haven't been here for a long time."

"Grand Master, please slow down, haha... Han Xueshi, you are here too? Come and sit down."

"Envoy Xue, you look really good today. Please sit here. The seat has been prepared."

"Duke Tang, why aren't the daughter and the young master here? Oh, they're outside."

Zhao Duan greeted every person who came.

When Li Yanfu, who was wearing a crimson official robe, with sideburns like hedgehogs, eyebrows as purple as stone, and beard and hair along both sides of his cheeks almost connected to his temples, arrived with his son, Zhao Duan stood up and said with a smile:

"The Prime Minister is finally here. Hey, how are you doing, Young Lord?"

Li Yanfu narrowed his eyes and slowly walked into the Fengtian Hall with a calm expression.

Li Yinglong, who was following behind him, looked unhappy. He snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves and walked towards the seat on the side.

Tsk, he doesn’t even pay attention to me anymore, this guy has become calmer... Zhao Duan felt bored, smiled and said nothing.

At this time, night had fallen, and the entire Fengtian Hall was decorated with red lanterns. There were singing and dancing in the hall, filled with court music.

Suddenly, the music in the hall changed to "Great Music". The ministers stood up and looked outside the hall, only to see a chariot coming like the moon surrounded by stars.

The majestic and graceful Empress Dayu, wearing a dragon robe, slowly got off the carriage and entered the palace accompanied by female officials such as Mochou to the accompaniment of ritual music.

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Duan stood among the ministers. Because of his rank, he was located close to the palace gate and was the first to see the empress walk past him.

Today, Xu Zhenguan is dressed in gorgeous clothes, and her appearance is even better than before, almost dazzling.

However, all the ministers in the hall lowered their heads and dared not look directly at him.

After the throne was raised, Xu Zhenguan took his seat and said, "All the ministers, please stand up."

The ceremony and music stopped and the ministers took their seats.

The people from Guanglu Temple began to serve dishes one by one, accompanied by flowers, and a series of performances.

Zhao Duan looked at the ministers who were sitting upright, not moving in front of the dishes on the table. The corners of his mouth twitched, and he thought to himself that his stepmother was right. This banquet didn't give people a chance to eat at all.

I finally managed to hold on until all the ceremonies were over.

Xu Zhenguan looked around at his ministers with a smile on his face:

"Tonight, New Year's Eve, I am gathered with you all in the palace, and I am quite pleased. The past year has been full of ups and downs in the court. Fortunately, I rely on the wisdom and efforts of you all to protect the Great Yu and the people of the world..."

After reading the script, all the ministers expressed their opinions, saying that they were all experienced actors and were familiar with the process.

However, just when everyone thought that the banquet would end as planned.

Suddenly, Li Yanfu, who was sitting very close to the front, just below the empress, slowly stood up and bowed in front of everyone, saying:

"Your Majesty, on this auspicious occasion, I, an old minister, have something to report."

The music in the palace suddenly became much quieter. The empress sat on the throne and squinted her eyes as she looked down at Li Yanfu:

"Oh? Why would the Prime Minister want to make a statement at this banquet?"

Li Yanfu seemed not to notice the displeasure in the empress's words. He looked calm and composed as usual, and said calmly:

"In early summer of this year, Zhao Duan, the White Horse Supervisor, overstepped his authority and arbitrarily arrested the rebel leader Zhuang Xiaocheng, causing him to escape...

"That incident caused a huge uproar in the city. Although Your Majesty later found out that it wasn't Zhao Duan's original intention, he still set a deadline for him to capture the bandit leader... Now, it's the end of the year, and I wonder if that promise still stands?"

quiet.

The Fengtian Hall was suddenly so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Even the musicians stopped playing tacitly, feeling the atmosphere in the hall change instantly.

The originally joyous and peaceful atmosphere changed in the blink of an eye, becoming subtly solemn.

Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows and thought to himself, Xiao Ma, you are such a jinx, and you really came right.

The other ministers all looked confused, and many of them were at a loss. They didn't know what had happened to the Prime Minister that he had to report this matter today and at this moment?

Even if you want to write an article, can't you wait until tomorrow?

Should we wait until the next court session to impeach him?

"Sir Li! This is not right!" The first to break the silence was Sun Lianying, the chief inspector of the White Horse Inspectorate.

This old eunuch was a low-key person and inconspicuous in the hall, but he was the first to speak, attracting everyone's attention.

Sun Lianying sat behind the long table, her face full of traces of time, expressionless:

"As the Chief Inspector of the White Horse Prison, the crimes committed by Zhao Duan at that time were also the crimes of the White Horse Prison. He allowed Zhuang Xiaocheng to escape that day, but it was later discovered that it was not his fault, but a trap set by the Kuangfu Society.

Well, even if we take a step back and put one thing at a time, in the past six months, how many rebels has Zhao Duan arrested?

He uprooted the entire Kuangfu Society branch in the capital, and also uncovered the traitor in the imperial court... If we talk about making meritorious contributions while serving a crime, wouldn't these alone be considered achievements? This is not even considering the numerous contributions he has made over the past six months..."

Li Yanfu calmly interrupted the former:

"Director Sun, the achievements you mentioned were not solely his, but were helped by others. Even if he was the only one who did it, the country has its laws, so how can we arbitrarily offset merits and demerits?

Besides, how can a mere branch be compared to the head of Zhuang Xiaocheng? Can't you tell which is more important? "Forget one branch, even two or three, how can they compare to Zhuang Xiaocheng?"

After a pause, he continued:

"Of course, if Your Majesty believes that Zhao Duan's merits and demerits are sufficient to offset his own, then naturally, this old minister dares not object. Therefore, I have the audacity to ask, can the original promise still be kept?"

"Are you questioning me?"

Xu Zhenguan looked down at Li Yanfu calmly. Behind the pearl curtain hanging above her head, her bright eyes shone with a cold light.

Zhao Duan could no longer sit still. He stood up and said, "Your Majesty... your servant..."

"Shut up." Xu Zhenguan stopped him from saying anything with a look. Then, in Zhao Duan's bewildered eyes, the empress turned back and stared at Li Yanfu:

"Prime Minister, are you questioning me?"

Li Yanfu slowly lowered his head, but did not sit down. He just bowed and said, "This old minister dare not."

"I dare not?" Xu Zhenguan chuckled and said quietly:

"I think that's what you mean."

Without waiting for Li Yanfu to answer, Xu Zhenguan suddenly swept his eyes across the room and said calmly:

"Let's put this aside for now. I have something to announce."

"Mochou." She called out.

The "female prime minister" walked slowly over not far away and took out several memorials and a roll of prepared imperial edicts from her sleeves.

Zhao Duan was stunned, and the ministers in the palace were also confused, not knowing what the empress was up to.

——

Typos should be corrected first and then replaced

(End of this chapter)