In the past, Yu Huatian was at most a vanguard.
Now he has transformed himself into someone who can compete with Wei Zhongxian.
This made many people in the East Factory feel unhappy.
At this moment, Wei Zhongxian's adopted sons and daughters all knelt before him.
Zhao Jingzhong is also among them.
During the great war with Jin and Chu.
He has been through a lot and is now somewhat mature.
It was only after that huge battle that he gradually realized his own position.
In the eyes of those bigwigs, he was not even as good as a pawn, just an ant that could be trampled to death at any time.
Even someone like Cao Ren would have no trouble killing him.
It is precisely because of this understanding that he has become more low-key in his behavior and actions in the capital.
"Foster father, Yu Huatian's sudden rise to power will inevitably affect your position in the court."
"But I think that both the East Factory and the West Factory came from the palace, so they could become friends. Unless it's absolutely necessary, we should try to avoid falling out."
In politics, there are no eternal enemies or opponents.
There are only tangible benefits that can be seen and touched right now.
The fact that Zhao Jingzhong could realize this was enough to prove that the few months he spent in Youyun were not in vain.
Wei Yan bowed and said, "Foster father, do you need me to teach Yu Huatian how to distinguish between elders and juniors?"
This Yu Huatian once worked under Wei Zhongxian.
If we talk about seniority, he and Zhao Jingzhong are of the same generation.
Although Wei Yan is a woman, she has a sharpness that is no less than that of men.
Wei Zhongxian valued her because of her loyalty and more importantly, her sharpness.
"This is something that His Majesty and the Prime Minister have agreed upon. We must not act rashly. Let's first see how far Yu Huatian can take the Western Factory."
Wei Yan didn't quite understand. "Why would they build a new factory guard when everything is fine? And it was even suggested by the prime minister himself. This is truly unprecedented."
Wei Zhongxian said with a smile: "If you can easily guess what those people are thinking, you can also be like them and leave your name in history."
For a moment, all the backbones of the East Factory fell silent.
The person who is currently being talked about the most in the court is not Yu Huatian, but Cai Jing.
One afternoon.
Daji summoned Cai Jing into the palace under the pretext of giving him tea, and asked him earnestly,
"Why is the Prime Minister so desperate?"
Cai Jing naturally knew what the other party was referring to. After coughing a few times, he slowly said:
"My Lady, I am already old. Please consider me as taking care of my funeral affairs."
Daji shook her head and sighed, "How do you know that the Western Factory will be a help to the officials instead of a hindrance?"
Cai Jing was speechless.
Daji continued, "Originally, Your Majesty and I wanted to ensure you a peaceful old age, but the Prime Minister's actions will surely lead to his being scorned by the scholars and ruining his reputation."
Cai Jing felt something in his heart and said, "I never care about empty reputation. I just hope that the Great Qin can get better and better. That's all."
Daji nodded, "When does the Prime Minister plan to retire?"
After a moment of silence, Cai Jing said bluntly, "It's almost there."
One day when he was attending court.
Cai Jing, who originally enjoyed extremely high prestige among officials, has now become the target of public criticism.
No one wants to get close to him anymore.
Yu Qian, who even gained a gilded reputation at Hangu Pass and was regarded as Cai Jing's disciple, was even more so.
They all gathered in front of the imperial palace, pointing at Cai Jing's nose and scolding him.
Cai Jing, however, did not get angry but instead smiled and said, "Yu Qian has the demeanor of a gentleman."
This scene was also recorded in history by later generations.
After leaving court.
Cai Jing found Yu Qian, smiled, patted his shoulder, and said, "It would be a good thing for you to scold me more at this time."
The latter said sternly, "This humble official scolded the Prime Minister not because it would bring any benefit."
"Oh?" Cai Jing raised his eyebrows and asked curiously.
Yu Qian clasped his fists and said, "I scolded you, Your Excellency, purely because I felt like doing so. That's all. It has nothing to do with my future career."
As soon as the words fell.
Cai Jing's mind suddenly recalled five words: [The most correct one is invincible]
He couldn't help but show admiration and laughed, "Yes, this is you, Yu Qian."
......
The spring of the tenth year of Chengping.
Cai Jing resigned.
It caused a sensation in the government and the public.
When Ying Yuan learned about this, he refused it outright.
"There is so much to be done in the country right now, and the Prime Minister needs to be busy with so much. How can I resign now?"
Cai Jing said: "I am old and frail, and I am afraid that I will delay the important affairs of my country."
Ying Yuan still disagreed.
Early March.
Cai Jing pleaded with the emperor for permission to return to his hometown to retire on the grounds of poor health.
Ying Yuan asked Zhu Danxi to stay with Cai Jing all the time and still refused Cai Jing's resignation.
In mid-March, Cai Jing claimed to be ill and stayed at home, refusing to see visitors.
Ying Yuan went to visit in person.
Cai Jing was seen lying on the bed, vomiting blood.
End of March.
Cai Jing resigned again.
Ying Yuan thought about it again and again, and finally approved it and announced it to the world.
"I am concerned about the serious illness of Right Prime Minister Cai Jing, so I ordered him to recuperate in Beijing."
"Cai Jing's contributions are of paramount importance to the country and the people. In recognition of his merits, I decree the title of Duke of Lu and a reward of ten thousand gold."
That's it.
Cai Jing officially withdrew from the political stage of Daqin.
This incident caused an uproar in the court:
"Prime Minister Cai...actually resigned? Will he be reinstated?"
"Reinstatement? I've already refused three times, how can I turn back now that the arrow has been shot?"
"From the time of the previous emperor until now, Cai Jing has held the position of Prime Minister for over twenty years. Now that he has retired peacefully from the court, what more could he ask for?"
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