Wang Zeng turned his head with difficulty, and only then did everyone see his expression.
In just less than a month, Wang Zeng lost weight very quickly. His already clear face became even thinner, like a withered bone, and his eyes were cloudy and dazed.
Everyone had a look of reluctance on their faces. They had worked together for many years, and although there had been some rifts in the past, they had long since disappeared, leaving only melancholy and sadness.
Cai Qi, a staunch ally of Wang Zeng, quickly walked over, shook his hand, and said sadly, "Lord."
Zhao Jun also came over and squatted on the ground looking at him.
Wang Zeng's cloudy eyes glanced around, and after a moment he seemed to regain consciousness and said with difficulty, "Everyone, I'm afraid my time has come."
Cai Qi hurriedly said, "No, you still need to rest more and recuperate. You still need to make decisions on national affairs."
Wang Zeng gave a wry smile and then asked, "I wonder how the war in the northwest is going?"
"Han Qi has reorganized his troops and is about to attack the heartland of Western Xia. There's no need to worry about these things. Even if he can't destroy Western Xia, it's still easy to inflict heavy damage on them."
Zhao Jun comforted.
"You guys go out first."
Wang Zeng looked at his sons.
Wang Jian and others left the house and closed the door.
Only the prime ministers were left in the room.
Afterwards, Wang Zeng sighed deeply, "Since ancient times, everyone has to die, but I will leave behind my loyalty to shine in history."
He looked at Zhao Jun and said, "Hanlong, I remember you said that this poem was written by Wen Tianxiang, the prime minister in the late Southern Song Dynasty."
"yes."
Zhao Jun patted the back of his hand and said softly, "Your Majesty has served the country and maintained his integrity for many years. Your name will be recorded in history."
"It's fine if I leave my name in history, but I don't seek these empty names."
Wang Zeng shook his head and said, "It is God's will. It is time for me to leave. I have let go of everything. Now I am only worried about two things."
"you say."
"One is the affairs of state: military, civil, and national affairs."
"Everything is fine, please rest assured."
"Secondly, my useless offspring, though lacking in talent, are nonetheless virtuous and have not caused me any trouble over the years. I hope you, my old friends, will look after them."
"You have done a virtuous service to the country, and Your Majesty should show your kindness to your descendants. The court will take care of these matters, so please rest assured."
Zhao Jun did not make his own promise.
But Wang Zeng had been the prime minister for more than 20 years, so how could Zhao Zhen be stingy? He had rewarded several of his sons, but promotion could not depend solely on background.
Except for the third son, all of Lu Yijian's sons were of average ability, so they were basically mediocre.
This was also the norm in the political circles of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Even if you are the prime minister, if your offspring are not outstanding, it will be difficult for you to continue to hold the throne. This is the only way to prevent the birth of aristocratic families.
Even so, Wang Zeng was already very happy. He forced a smile and said tremblingly, "If that's the case, I have nothing to worry about."
Afterwards, Lü Yijian, Yan Shu, Fan Zhongyan, Song Shou, Li Di, Zhang Shixun and others came forward to express their condolences.
Everyone talked to him for a while, about ten to twenty minutes, but Wang Zeng was already exhausted. After chatting with Jiang Tang for just a few words, he lay down with his head tilted.
This scene scared everyone, but fortunately, when a doctor was called, they found out that Wang Zeng had just fallen asleep due to fatigue and was still alive for the time being, which made people feel at ease.
In this way, everyone stopped bothering each other and went back.
Two days later.
Wang Zeng fell asleep and couldn't wake up.
This prime minister who had devoted himself to the Song Dynasty for many years died of illness in this way.
(End of this chapter)
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