Chapter 372 Coronation Ceremony
After listening to Qi Yanzhou's words, Qin Zheng realized that his thinking was too narrow.
Only by playing to one's strengths and avoiding one's weaknesses, and performing one's duties, can one achieve twice the result with half the effort!
"Mr. Qi is right. I think the new dynasty will prosper under your leadership."
After saying that, he looked at Ye Chutang.
"Mrs. Qi has been working hard these past two days. I'll have someone take you to the guest room to rest and sleep more comfortably."
Ye Chutang stood up and said, "No, I'll just go to the side hall and take a nap."
In fact, she was not sleepy, but the affairs in the court were too boring, and she yawned continuously.
Qin Zheng didn't insist and watched Ye Chutang leave.
He chatted with Qi Yanzhou for more than an hour and finally understood the current situation in the court.
But the two men disagreed on the person to be dismissed.
Qi Yanzhou wants to dismiss all officials who have committed dereliction of duty at one time tomorrow.
Qin Zheng believes that the process should be gradual, with officials who commit dereliction of duty being removed from the most serious to the least serious.
Otherwise, if there are too many vacancies in official positions and they are not filled in a timely manner, the court will not be able to function normally.
"Master Qi, think twice. When the water is too clear, there will be no fish."
Qi Yanzhou certainly understood this truth.
He allowed officials to seek petty gains, but did not allow them to benefit themselves at the expense of others.
"Uncle, I have considered your concerns, but I still want to solve the deep-seated problems completely tomorrow. There is no point in keeping those corrupt officials who are not doing their job."
"But, with too many vacancies, there will be more people with evil intentions, and who knows what will happen."
"If the enemy comes, we will stop him; if the water comes, we will block it with earth."
Qi Yanzhou has never been a coward.
Anyway, the founding monarch cannot be a benevolent monarch, so just act according to your own ideas.
Seeing that he couldn't persuade Qi Yanzhou, Qin Zheng had no choice but to turn his attention to Ye Chutang.
"When Madam Qi comes, we'll ask her what she thinks."
Qi Yanzhou had no objection, "Okay."
He believed that Ye Chutang, who could not tolerate any sand in his eyes, would make the same choice as him.
Qin Zheng glanced at the darkening sky and said, "Master Qi, you and Madam Qi should stay for dinner."
"No, my wife and I should go back."
After Qi Yanzhou finished speaking, he went to the side hall to find Ye Chutang.
Ye Chutang was meditating, regulating his breath and cultivating his internal strength.
She opened her eyes when she heard footsteps.
Seeing that it was Qi Yanzhou who came, he stood up from the chaise longue and asked, "Are you done talking?"
Qi Yanzhou nodded, "Well, Prime Minister Qin has a question for you."
Ye Chutang went to the main hall with doubts.
"What does the Prime Minister want to ask me?"
Qin Zheng: "The court of Beichen has been corrupt for a long time and is full of chronic diseases. If all the corrupt officials are dismissed and investigated at once, the court will not only be left with no one to fill the positions, but many people will also have evil intentions towards the vacant positions."
After explaining the situation, he asked, "I want to ask Madam Qi..."
Ye Chutang guessed what Qin Zheng wanted to ask before he finished speaking.
"Prime Minister Qin, Ah Zhou and I have the same idea, a one-size-fits-all approach. This will cause a lot of trouble, but it will also be the greatest deterrent to all officials and a warning to the civil and military officials who are about to enter the government."
Qin Zheng smiled after hearing what Ye Chutang said.
"Mrs. Qi is right. No matter which choice you make, there are pros and cons. Let's do it according to what you and Mr. Qi think."
Qi Yanzhou said goodbye to Qin Zhen.
"Uncle, I'll see you early tomorrow morning!"
***
The next day.
Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang got up before dawn.
Song Mingyu knew that they had to attend the morning court today, so he had food delivered early.
The couple woke up An An and ate a lot of food.
The family of three entered the Golden Palace at the right time of Mao.
All the officials are present.
"Long live the emperor!"
I don't know who shouted.
All the officials immediately knelt down, saluted Qi Yanzhou, and shouted "Long live Qi Yanzhou".
Only Qin Zheng, Song Jingning and Jie Yi were standing.
This scene made all the officials confused and they began to feel uneasy.
Those who had the merit of following the dragon did not kneel. Was it because they were kneeling in the wrong direction?
Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutan did not sit on the dragon throne.
They asked the eunuch to bring three cushions and sat on the top step.
Qi Yanzhou did not let the kneeling official stand up, but took out the charges against the official that had been prepared long ago.
The generals of the Imperial Guards, City Defense Battalion, Military Affairs Department and Palace Guards were the first to bear the brunt of the attack.
After he finished reading the charges, he said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, how do you think we should punish these corrupt generals who abused their power and took human lives?"
As soon as these words were spoken, all officials thought that Qi Yanzhou was going to take action against Zhao Mingsheng's people to make an example of them.
The censor who spoke first directly cited the law as an example.
Officials who wanted to curry favor with Qi Yanzhou even exaggerated the trial results.
Among the dozen or so generals, half of them and their entire families were executed.
As for the remaining half, the lightest punishment would be stripping them of their official positions and confiscation of their property.
The generals kowtowed and begged for mercy.
Qi Yanzhou ignored them and sentenced them directly according to the law.
"No objections, do you?"
"Mr. Qi is upright and honest. I have no objection."
Because Qi Yanzhou had not ascended the throne, Song Jingning and the other two did not kneel, and the officials did not dare to call him "Emperor" anymore.
Qi Yanzhou called Han Liang who was waiting outside the hall and looked at the general who was still begging for mercy.
"Take them away first and put them in the prison."
"Yes, Master!"
The Dragon Guards have been renamed the National Protection Army and are loyal to Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang.
After more than a dozen generals were taken away, Qi Yanzhou began to discipline the officials.
The officials did not expect that Qi Yanzhou's request for them to punish those generals was just a drop in the ocean.
The purpose is to make them shoot themselves in the foot!
"Master Qi, I am innocent. I do not admit the crimes you have accused me of!"
"I would never dare to commit such a capital crime. Please understand, Master Qi!"
"I have always been devoted to the people and have never done anything to harm them!"
There were endless voices defending himself, as if Qi Yanzhou was a tyrant who framed loyal and honest people.
Qi Yanzhou sneered and read out the witnesses and evidence, as well as the specific time and place of the crime.
"The evidence is irrefutable, do you still want to cry foul?"
The official who had been chattering before suddenly fell silent, sat dejectedly on the ground, his face as pale as death.
The Minister of Personnel committed the serious crime of confiscating property and exterminating the entire clan.
He stood up and threatened: "Qi Yanzhou, you can't kill my nine clans! If you dare to kill me, I will make your throne unstable!"
The higher the rank of an official, the more serious his tendency to form cliques and engage in self-interest. He is also deeply involved with aristocratic families and even has close contacts with people in the underworld.
If you move one person, the interests of many people will be affected.
Ye Chutang looked at the arrogant Minister of Personnel, took out a poisoned silver needle from the space and shot it out.
The silver needle hit the Minister of Personnel right between his eyebrows.
Poison seals the mouth when it sees blood.
He fell straight to the ground, his eyes wide open, and he died with his eyes open.
"Nine clans can't be killed? What a joke!"
There is no one in this world that she dare not kill.
After Ye Chutang took action, he was able to subdue many officials who had committed minor crimes.
The Dragon Guards took away all the officials whose names Qi Yanzhou read out.
The Golden Throne Hall, which was originally somewhat crowded, gradually became empty.
Until the last official who committed the crime was taken away, Qi Yanzhou handed the evidence in his hand to Qin Zheng.
"Prime Minister Qin, all officials imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison must undergo a public trial by the three judges before being convicted."
He didn't want to give people the opportunity to say that he killed innocent people indiscriminately.
Qin Zheng submitted the charges and received the order.
"Master Qi, there are serious vacancies in official positions now. How should we select officials?"
Of course he knew Qi Yanzhou's arrangements for the vacant official position.
I asked this question deliberately to lure out Song Jingning.
Qi Yanzhou looked at Song Jingning and said, "Huating Academy has produced many talented people. I plan to hold two examinations to select talents in civil and military affairs to fill the vacant official positions."
After saying that, he added another sentence.
"Of course, the vacant official positions will give priority to their subordinates. As long as the subordinates are capable and have good conduct, they can be promoted."
Vacant official positions cannot all be filled by newcomers who have never served as officials.
Otherwise it would be unfair to subordinates who are working hard to improve themselves, and it would also lead to their non-cooperation and create obstacles.
If you cannot be promoted even though your subordinates are given priority, it is because of your own incompetence and you cannot blame others.
There was nothing wrong with Qi Yanzhou's plan to select officials, and the remaining officials had no objections.
At this point, the officials’ problems were solved.
Xie Yi asked: "Master Qi, Madam Qi, when do you plan to become emperor?"
The officials already knew that the couple wanted to be called the Twin Emperors and that it was the will of Heaven, so they did not object.
Qi Yanzhou looked at Ye Chutang and let her decide.
Ye Chutang looked at Jie Yi.
"The matter of choosing a date will be handed over to Mr. Jie of the Imperial Observatory."
"I have already calculated that the auspicious day is five days from now, but there are many things to prepare for the coronation ceremony. I wonder if the Ministry of Rites will be able to prepare in time?"
"Then five days later, everything will be simple."
"I obey your command!"
Qin Zheng reminded: "Please ask Mr. Qi and Madam Qi to think about the name of the country and the year."
Qi Yanzhou stood up and nodded.
"Retreat!"
The official left the memorial and left the Golden Palace.
Ye Chutang looked at the two trays of memorials and turned to look at Qi Yanzhou.
"The job of reviewing memorials is yours."
Qi Yanzhou smiled and said, "Okay, leave everything you don't want to do to me."
After saying that, he looked at An An who had a serious face.
"An An, you are still young, listen more and watch more, don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"Dad, I know."
***
A lot happened in the next five days.
After Ye Anling found out that Ye Chutang really wanted to become emperor together with Qi Yanzhou, she was so angry that she died.
The Three Courts held public trials of corrupt officials, and people were beheaded at Caishikou every day.
The blood soaked the ground, leaving a lingering smell of blood.
Huating Academy and the imperial court jointly issued an announcement.
Half a month later, the Emperor and the Empress will personally hold civil and military examinations to select civil officials and military generals, and everyone can sign up.
As long as you pass the identity check and the preliminary examination of Huating Academy, you can participate.
Sun Chu reorganized the Royal Chamber of Commerce.
All those unscrupulous businessmen who harmed the people had their properties confiscated.
Men were slaves, women were maids, and they were all untouchables for three generations.
The Song family plans to open a branch of Yinghua Academy in the capital.
As soon as the news came out, many women signed up.
The capital city regained its former prosperity.
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the coronation ceremony.
Although the common people could not see the grand ceremony of the coronation, they got up early to burn incense and pray for blessings.
They really want a wise ruler who can work for the welfare of the people.
Ye Chutang and Qi Yanzhou have moved into the palace.
Also going with them were An An and the two elders from the Qi family.
Qi Shuyan, Qi Hean and Qi Jingyao still live in Prince Chen's Mansion.
The crowns and robes of the emperor and empress were made by embroidery workshops inside and outside the palace.
It is not the bright yellow of the previous dynasty, but mainly black.
The Emperor's color scheme is black and gold, while the Empress's color scheme is black and red, making them look more noble and sharp.
Ye Chutang and Qi Yanzhou, surrounded by the National Defense Army, arrived at the square of the Golden Palace.
The newly promoted eunuch chief, Eunuch Fu, read out the "Edict to Heaven".
The new king comes to the throne and is appointed by heaven.
The name of the country - Yan'an.
The seas are peaceful and the rivers are clear, the country is prosperous and the people are safe.
Reign name——Yonghe.
Long-term stability and peace, and harmony among the people.
After the imperial edict was read, Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang went to the Temple of Heaven to offer sacrifices to the sky amid the sound of ritual music.
Burning sacrificial texts, the king's power is granted by God.
He then went to the newly built Taimiao and read out the "Instructions for Being a King" that had just been drafted.
The Kanglong Mace was also enshrined and guarded by the National Protection Army.
If one day, the descendants of the Qi family bring harm to the people, as long as there is conclusive evidence, they can be punished with the Kanglong Mace.
Ye Chutang and Qi Yanzhou came out of the Taimiao, went to the Jinluan Palace, and ascended the throne to become emperor.
The officials knelt down and worshiped: "Long live the emperor!"
Although the number of people was small, their cheers were deafening.
The sound reached the remote palace where Zhao Mingsheng was.
He was tortured beyond recognition by the fire poison.
His hair was like withered corncobs, his clothes were dirty, and he smelled terrible.
Hearing the voices shouting "Long live!", he became furious and the fire poison flared up again.
Zhao Mingsheng died with his eyes open in the excruciating pain of being burned by the flames.
***
The first year of Yonghe.
The emperor and empress ascended the throne, bestowed the imperial seal, and issued a general amnesty.
All criminals, except those on death row, had their sentences commuted or pardoned.
The common people are exempt from taxes for three years, and merchants are exempt from taxes for one year.
Many good officials were given important positions and were promoted to the third rank.
An An, also known as Qi Jinghuai, was canonized as the crown prince and given the courtesy name "Zhaoming".
May the gentleman live for ten thousand years, and be bright and clear.
[Note: From the Book of Songs, Daya, I am drunk]
Lele, also known as Qi Jingxi, was canonized as Princess Zhaoyang and granted the fiefdom of Yangzhou in Jiangnan.
Song Jingning was appointed as the first-rank official, and was granted the title of Prince Regent and concurrently the Prince's Tutor.
Qi Shuyan was granted the title of King Qinwang and concurrently served as the Minister of Personnel and temporarily took over the post of Minister of Revenue.
After hearing the imperial edict of enthronement, he felt like the sky was falling.
Ye Chutang had said before that he would settle the score with him later, and this turned out to be what he meant.
Loyal to the king, what a loyal king!
Qin Muyun was also recalled to the capital and became the new Imperial Observatory.
Xie Yi resigned from his official position and concentrated on teaching at Huating Academy.
Many of the important vacant positions in the court were replaced by lower-level officials.
The empty Golden Palace gradually became lively.
At the same time, officials from all over the country were investigated and tried.
Under the thundering measures of Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang, the problems that Qin Zheng had worried about before did not arise in the court.
Because in the eyes of officials and aristocratic families, the couple are killer gods who cannot be provoked.
After the Minister of Personnel was killed by Ye Chutang in the Golden Palace, not only were his entire family members executed, but all the officials, aristocratic families, and people in the underworld who were involved with them also suffered.
So, just follow orders.
If you are used as a chicken to scare the monkeys, it will be a waste of time and effort.
Ten days later.
The emperor personally went to the martial arts arena to supervise the martial arts test.
The emperor later came to the Imperial Examination Hall to supervise the written examination.
Because there were serious vacancies in official positions in the court, the opportunities to serve as an official in the court increased greatly, so many people came to take the exam.
The exam started at dawn and ended at dusk.
The results of the martial arts test came out immediately, and as long as one's conduct was qualified, one could participate in the palace examination.
The written examination required marking, but this time it was not handed over to the Ministry of Rites, but was instead reviewed by the teachers at Huating Academy.
The Master had no experience in officialdom, and he attached great importance to the country and the people's livelihood.
They selected the top fifty candidates to take part in the palace examination three days later.
PS: The main storyline has been completed and will be finished in the next two days. If you want to read someone else’s extra story, please let me know (I may not write it, depending on my mood, but I will try my best to satisfy the little cuties who follow it to the end, (′') heart)
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