Chapter 341 Imperial Council
In early May, the inner palace of Ziwei City in Luoyang was filled with the vibrant green of spring.
Like an overturned palette, it eased the cold and solemn atmosphere of the palaces in the inner palace.
However, the officials who had just left the Zichen Hall and were passing by walked hurriedly, their faces serious.
No one paid attention to this touch of warm spring.
The decision-making meeting following the morning's battle was held after the North Korean delegation's visit to Korea.
The location remains the Zichen Palace.
The so-called "court audience" simply means that civil officials of the fifth rank or above in the capital city would go to court to attend a meeting with Her Majesty the Empress.
One event is held daily or every other day.
The meeting was attended by a large number of people, was quite formal, and involved extensive discussions.
The current post-battle decision-making meeting is a small circle formed by Her Majesty the Queen and the prime minister after the court audience ends and the officials and ceremonial guards have left.
Certain courtiers who held authority in the relevant matters were also allowed to participate.
It was used to discuss truly important military and national affairs.
The advantages are fewer people, flexibility, and confidentiality.
It differs from the Council of State meetings chaired by the prime minister in that it facilitates decision-making.
Because it takes place in front of the emperor, many important military and national affairs can be decided and implemented immediately, saving many cumbersome steps and enabling a quick response.
After changing the dynasty name to Zhou and ruling as regent, Empress Wei Zhao held irregular post-war decision-making meetings.
They have a strong preference for this centralized decision-making model.
It gradually evolved into a common practice in the imperial court.
The civil and military officials all considered it an honor to be retained after the Empress's audience and to participate in the post-battle decision-making meetings.
Yes, you can understand it as holding small meetings for important matters and large meetings for minor matters.
Zichen Palace.
Today, only eleven court officials and nobles have been retained by the Empress.
King Wei Jisi succeeded King Liang Sixing.
Di Fuzi, the Secretary of the Phoenix Pavilion, and Shen Xisheng, the Vice Censor-in-Chief and Councilor of State Affairs.
Wei Zhenzai, Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and concurrently Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat; Yao Gongyu, Grand Censor…
Empress Wei Zhao sat at the head of the palace, her imperial robes embroidered with lifelike dragons and phoenixes in gold thread, and her headdress adorned with twelve white jade tassels.
This imperial robe is snow-white with a hint of pale gold.
The Great Zhou Dynasty was associated with the element of metal, which corresponds to the color white. Naturally, the emperor's robes followed this color, and white gold was reserved exclusively for the royal family of the Wei Zhou Dynasty.
Wei Zhao lowered his eyelids, leaning lazily against the back of the dragon throne, with four female officials in colorful robes standing in front of him.
Four other female officials in colorful robes were serving imperial tea and snacks to more than ten nobles in purple robes in the main hall.
In particular, the "elder statesman" Di Fuzi, whom Her Majesty the Empress spoke of, was granted a seat.
During the break before the decision-making meeting after the battle, the old woman in the dragon robe, sitting high on the dragon throne, was playing with a round, dark green jade Maitreya Buddha in her hand.
Her eyelids were lowered as she stared at the sky outside the Zichen Palace.
The Zichen Hall is located on the central axis of the imperial palace, facing south, directly opposite the Yingtian Gate and Duan Gate.
Outside these two palace gates lay the hundreds of neighborhoods and millions of people of Luoyang.
However, at this time, a bronze pillar with a coiled dragon, which was of great significance, was rising from the ground in the square between Yingtian Gate and Duan Gate.
The old woman in the dragon robe had her eyes reflecting a clear blue sky and the base of a bronze dragon pillar beneath it, where "human ants" were climbing.
A cold wind from the Luo River blew into the palace through the open double doors, fluttering the hems of the court robes of the group of people who held the highest imperial power and central authority in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Two female officials in colorful robes stepped forward, intending to push open the door.
"Leave the door open."
Empress Wei Zhao kissed him.
The female officials in colorful robes stood with their heads bowed in attendance in front of the palace gate.
"Now that things are quiet, let's talk about the mutiny of the garrison soldiers in Guizhou. What do you think should be done?"
Empress Wei Zhao withdrew her gaze.
Compared to the court audience not long ago, where the officials quoted classical texts and spoke with righteous indignation during the court discussions, this was a stark contrast to their previous behavior.
The current imperial council meeting will no longer be filled with so much rambling nonsense.
Both sides even tore away the gentle and refined facade of a gentleman.
"Your Majesty, the soldiers stationed in Guizhou are fierce, arrogant, and audacious. They have murdered their superiors, rebelled, and left the territory without permission, showing utter disregard for the law. Their actions are tantamount to rebellion, and there are treacherous individuals instigating them!"
King Wei Jisi stepped forward first, and spoke with righteous indignation:
"The Emperor, in accordance with the command of the Ministry of War, ordered the Jiangnan and Lingnan circuits to dispatch troops from nearby areas to suppress this rebel army as a warning to others."
The Ministry of War (夏官) was called the Ministry of War (兵部) because, since ancient times, troops were often dispatched during the summer off-season for farming, hence the name.
Master Di shook his head:
"I have heard that the garrison soldiers did not intend to rebel, but were humiliated. The fault lies with Lan Changhao, the Prefect of Guizhou. He was derelict in his duty first, which instigated the mutiny. Later, he failed to supervise the situation and stayed in the city, failing to stop them and allowing the garrison soldiers to leave the country."
Wei Jisi squinted:
"Who told you this, Lord Di? Such unfounded rumors. Faced with the arrogant rebels, what's wrong with Chief Secretary Lan, a frail scholar, avoiding the limelight and holding the city? At least he preserved the city of Guizhou."
Master Di ignored him, and Shen Xisheng stepped forward, bowing his head to report:
"Your Majesty, according to the memorial of Ouyang Lianghan, the Prefect of Jiangzhou, the 1,500 garrison soldiers of Guizhou were actually forced into a mutiny."
"When I was first sent to the western border of Lingnan to quell the rebellion, I was supposed to be a hero who defended the Great Zhou against the enemy, but I was left behind to guard the border."
"It's one thing to be stationed on the border, but after one term, it's extended again, three years after three years. Most of the soldiers have been stationed on the border for six years. Just when their term was about to end and they were about to return home, Lan Changhao acted selfishly and colluded in private, causing it to be extended again."
"The actions of the Guizhou governor and the military commander of Jiangnan Circuit were too much of a blunder. They broke their promise to the soldiers guarding the border. Seeing that their return home was far away and there was no hope of going back, the soldiers, who were far from home, were instigated and provoked to mutini and return north."
The hall was silent for a while.
"I have heard some of the reasons for the delay in the deployment of the Guizhou garrison soldiers."
Liang Wang Wei Sixing suddenly spoke, his tone indifferent:
"This kind of military strategy was discussed by Chief Secretary Lan with Zhu Lingxu, Wang Lengran, and professional generals from several military command posts in Jiangnan Circuit."
"This matter was also reported to the imperial court, and after discussion and approval by the officials in charge, an extension was granted."
"Moreover, a one-year extension is neither too long nor too short, and I believe it is perfectly acceptable. The procedures followed in this matter are normal, reasonable, and compliant with regulations."
"Is it right to have a reasonable and compliant process?"
Shen Xisheng sternly refuted:
"Moreover, it is still unknown whether there was any dereliction of duty or abuse of power involved, and it remains to be investigated."
He turned his head and bowed to the elderly woman in the dragon robe at the head of the table:
"Your Majesty, Ouyang Lianghan, the Prefect of Jiangzhou, has submitted a memorial stating that there was a transfer of benefits involved and requesting the court to thoroughly investigate the matter, immediately execute the main culprit Lan Changhao, the Prefect of Guizhou, and severely punish the accomplices Zhu Lingxu, the Governor of Hongzhou, and Wang Lengran, the Prefect of Jiangzhou."
"Several high-ranking generals from various military commanderies who were involved in the incident must be brought to justice to appease the returning soldiers and prevent the situation from escalating."
The officials turned their heads in surprise upon hearing this.
The Empress was looking down at a memorial in her hand, without saying a word.
“This Prefect Ouyang’s views are a bit too extreme.”
Wei Sixing sighed:
"If we investigate thoroughly according to his standards, wouldn't a whole series of people be imprisoned, and the prisons probably wouldn't be able to hold them all?"
"Your Majesty, I believe that we should carefully discuss how to deal with the mutinous soldiers, rather than wasting our energy on assigning blame, shifting responsibility, and offering hindsight advice."
"Why was no one objecting when the extension resolution was passed by the Ministry of Agriculture, but now everyone is jumping out to find fault with it..."
Shen Xisheng sneered: "If I remember correctly, Ouyang Lianghan once wrote a letter strongly opposing the postponement. I don't know if His Highness Prince Liang is too busy to listen to such minor criticisms."
Wei Sixing's previously indifferent expression changed.
Just a moment later, he kept his eyes straight ahead and maintained his smile.
"He truly deserves to be recognized as a righteous gentleman by all. Whatever he says is right. It seems we can all quit our jobs and be treated like Lord Di. Let's add another chair to this hall and invite him to sit here. We can ask him about everything. He'll definitely be more useful than any of us."
Shen Xisheng nodded sarcastically: "Well, His Highness Prince Liang has finally spoken a fair word. There are indeed some useless butts in front of His Majesty who should move aside."
Wei Sixing narrowed his eyes for a moment, and Wei Jisi suddenly interrupted him:
"Xiao Wang heard from someone that Ouyang Lianghan had a private feud with Wang Lengran and Lan Changhao, and that they had parted on bad terms."
"Is this why Ouyang Lianghan opposes and makes things difficult for Wang Lengran and Lan Changhao in everything? I never thought that a gentleman would hold a grudge."
"Didn't Ouyang Lianghan address the issue at hand from beginning to end?"
Shen Xisheng nodded: "The person who said this to His Highness Prince Wei is indeed judging a gentleman by the standards of a petty person."
Inside the main hall, Wei Zhenzai and Yao Gongyu, as relatively neutral parties, were keenly aware of the situation, subtly observing the Empress's unchanging expression out of the corner of their eyes.
As they expected, the Wei family and the pro-establishment faction started arguing as soon as the imperial conference began, exchanging words and arguing fiercely.
The two princes of the Wei family made sarcastic remarks, while Shen Xisheng, who came from the censorate, responded with his usual sharp words.
First of all, it is obvious that among the three people involved—Lan Changhao, Wang Lengran, and Zhu Lingxu—there must be someone from the Wei family.
Therefore, if the two kings of the Wei clan wanted to be protected, the pro-Li faction, led by Di Fuzi, would certainly do their best to oppose it.
As for whether anyone at this imperial conference truly cared about the lives of the 1,500 garrison soldiers, who knows?
Ouyang Lianghan, who wrote a petition alone and raised the banner of opposition, might be considered one?
But actually, nobody cares.
To be honest, the fact that the conservative faction, including Master Di, would step forward and intervene in this matter before the emperor was somewhat unexpected for officials like Wei Zhenzai and Yao Gongyu.
The mutiny of the Guizhou garrison soldiers did not have much impact on the pro-establishment faction in the court; at most, it served as a political tool to attack the Wei clan.
However, the mutiny happened suddenly, and no one had anticipated it, so the refugees were unsure of her situation.
Furthermore, they made no prior arrangements and did not obtain any concrete evidence to strike at the heart of the Wei family.
Didn't you notice that the Master didn't speak much, and that Shen Xisheng mostly cited the points provided by Ouyang Lianghan when he did speak?
Therefore, from a political rational perspective, it is best for the conservatives to stand idly by, watch the show, and offer their ridicule and sarcasm.
The bigger the commotion these 1,500 mutinous garrison soldiers cause in Jiangnan, the better. Let the Wei family and their allies do as many mistakes as possible and waste their energy.
However, it is clear that someone may have persuaded Di Fuzi to change his mind.
The most likely candidate is Ouyang Lianghan, who could have remained indifferent and stayed out of it...
As for the current situation, before Her Majesty the Empress speaks, what the Wei clan and the Baoli faction are fighting over is actually just one thing.
That's qualitative analysis.
The nature of the mutiny of the Guizhou garrison soldiers and their return north.
Once the nature of the crime is determined, the imperial court will take appropriate measures.
Even a slight deviation in this characterization could have drastically different impacts on the court's subsequent actions.
That's why neither side is willing to give an inch.
"Your Majesty, I have a question that I find very strange."
Wei Jisi looked puzzled:
"If I remember correctly, Ouyang Lianghan, the Prefect of Jiangzhou, does not have any duties related to military affairs. His Majesty has never granted him any military position. The matter of the garrison soldiers in Guizhou, which involves the military governments of Guizhou, Hongzhou, and Jiangzhou, has nothing to do with him."
"It's not within his scope of duty, so how could he have so many reports that contradict the statements of the military governments of the three prefectures?"
“Sage, are we not supposed to listen to the words of the true master, but instead believe the words of irrelevant people?”
"The officials and military commanders of the three prefectures of Gui, Hong, and Jiang have jointly submitted a report stating that there are suspected traitors among the mutinous garrison soldiers who have instigated a rebellion, and this should be taken seriously!"
“Ouyang Lianghan is the Prefect of Jiangzhou. He is located in the prefecture involved in the matter and has the right to submit a memorial to report his superiors. Why can’t he exercise this right? Is he trying to deceive the Emperor?”
"Lord Shen and Ouyang Lianghan are really meddling in other people's business."
Shen Xisheng ignored him, turned around and bowed respectfully:
“My lord, if these soldiers returning north were truly plotting a rebellion, why would they march so slowly? And why did they not attack the nearby Guizhou prefecture on the day of the mutiny, but instead head north directly?”
"Moreover, on their way back north, we have not heard of them attacking prefectures and counties, looting government treasuries, or plundering ships. They have also accelerated their northward journey and have committed almost no offenses along the way."
"Forgive my ignorance and stupidity, but I have never seen such a rebellious army in the entire history of China."
"What else could this be but a longing to return home? I'm sure the leading soldiers are now regretting their impulsive and hesitant actions."
"Their strange actions all along the way are an attempt to show Your Majesty that they are not rebelling intentionally, but have been forced to return home. We hope Your Majesty will see through this!"
Wei Sixing nodded: "According to what Lord Shen said, even if this group of armed soldiers marches all the way north into the pass and arrives at the capital, there is no need to stop them. You can say that they are going to the capital to meet the emperor."
"Soliciting nonsense."
"The reason given by Lord Shen is untenable."
Wei Jisi coldly interjected:
"Who knows what their goal is? What if it's a deception? Their target might be Hongzhou and Jiangzhou in the southeast, and their aim is to cut off the Yangtze River."
“They might even endanger key prefectures like Yangzhou that are connected to the southeast. How can we let them run rampant? We should suppress them immediately. What is there to discuss?”
Wei Sixing decisively characterized it as follows:
"A mutiny is a mutiny, and mutineers are mutineers. This is not child's play, and we cannot hesitate or let it go unchecked."
Shen Xisheng's expression was stern and unyielding:
"I did not say that we should be exempted from punishment. While the garrison soldiers should be held responsible for the mutiny, if there is any inside story, then those who are behind the rebellion should not be let off the hook. Their crimes should be punished even more severely."
"Just as Jiangzhou Prefect Ouyang Lianghan said, His Majesty should send a special envoy to thoroughly investigate, find the ringleader, and execute him in the marketplace! With justice served, the war will be over; otherwise..."
Wei Jisi glanced sideways: "Otherwise what?"
"Otherwise, the soldiers guarding the border will lose heart, and the people of the world will not be convinced, which will surely lead to endless troubles in the future."
The King of Wei of the Great Zhou Dynasty sneered:
"Is Ouyang Lianghan threatening His Majesty and the court?"
"Since when have wise and virtuous advice become a threat?"
Wei Jisi was furious: "How dare you..."
"alright."
A soft, low-pitched voice, belonging to an elderly woman, gently rang out.
The noisy hall fell silent instantly.
(End of this chapter)
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