Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 4909: The nine gifts are bestowed upon the king, and the sword and shoes are granted to him to enter the palace!

As expected, as soon as Liu Li opened his mouth, Li Yuanjia immediately objected: "How can the talent of the Duke of Yue be confined to the academy? The Minister of the Central Secretariat is your Majesty's assistant, he should select talents for the country, instead of being so narrow-minded and jealous of talented people!"

Liu Li was stunned by the retort. Although he did have some dark thoughts in mind, Li Yuanjia's direct confrontation was very different from his usual friendly style.

It turns out that he has colluded with Your Majesty in private!
Thinking of this, Liu Li's spirit perked up, his back straightened subconsciously, and he looked at His Majesty with burning eyes.

Why do civil officials look down on military generals?
The biggest reason is that military honors basically obey the orders of the monarch. They don't care whether the monarch's orders are reasonable or whether they are harmful to the long-term development of the country. Of course, they have no ability to distinguish. They are the "slaves" and "hawks" raised by the monarch and obey the imperial power.

But it is different for civil officials, they have studied the books of sages since childhood and are well aware of the truth that "people are more important than the emperor"... Well, it's because all the scholars come from aristocratic families, and the interests of aristocratic families are in a sense contrary to imperial power. When imperial power is in accordance with the rules, the aristocratic families will decline; conversely, when the aristocratic families are prosperous, the imperial power will be dim.

Therefore, since ancient times, civil officials have been known for their "strong command" and have taken pride in refuting the king.

Don’t you see that although Wei Zheng is dead, his name lives on in the world?

Actually, Wei Zheng did not have any outstanding political achievements. Most of his fame came from his "courage to give advice."

How unparalleled was Emperor Taizong’s prestige?

However, the more wise and powerful the emperor is, the greater the reputation a civil servant will gain when he is fearless and tough in giving advice. Of course, the risk is also greater, as not everyone can withstand the backlash from the emperor's wrath...so Wei Zheng is powerful.

At this moment, Liu Li thought to himself, "Although I am not talented, I should also follow the example of Duke Wen Zhen and speak frankly to the emperor!"
He is now being questioned by people from all walks of life, who think that as a prime minister, he only follows the emperor and kowtows, and has no integrity as a civil official. His reputation is almost ruined, and if this continues, people's hearts will gradually fade away...

Li Chengqian seemed to sense the strong will to fight brewing in the imperial study. He drank a sip of water to suppress his panic and said softly, "King Han doesn't need to be so fierce. The advice of the Minister of the Central Secretariat is actually quite good. Although it is not enough to show the ability of the Duke of Yue, it cannot misunderstand his mind and character. But since you don't agree with the advice of the Minister of the Central Secretariat, how do you think the Duke of Yue should be given the heavy responsibility?"

Liu Li blinked, and the fighting spirit that had just gathered weakened a little. His Majesty was obviously avoiding the main point and had no intention of accepting the challenge. The reputation that could be gained by refuting the king was completely different from refuting a prince of the royal family.

Somewhat uninspired...

Li Yuanjia was stunned for a moment. Wasn't it agreed that you would make the proposal, then gain Fang Junzhi's gratitude and show your control over the political situation to all the civil and military officials in the court?

Are you afraid that Liu Li will criticize you, so you push me out? !
Is it possible for me to confront the civil servants head-on?
I want to be a wise king...

But seeing that Li Chengqian was determined to evade the truth and push him out, Li Yuanjia had no choice but to bite the bullet and say: "Duke Yue has made outstanding contributions and has great prestige. He can be promoted to Shangshu Zuo Pushe, be granted the title of Taiwei, and command the left and right Jinwu Guards..."

Before he finished speaking, Liu Li almost jumped up, pointed his finger at Li Yuanjia and angrily shouted: "The treacherous king is ruining the country!"

Li Yuanjia looked at His Majesty with some resentment: Look, this is the consequence of you pushing me out, I have become a 'traitorous king'...

Li Chengqian was also embarrassed. It was really not right to let his uncle take the blame, so he comforted the furious Liu Li: "Don't be upset, Minister of the Central Secretariat. The King of Han was just giving advice. Even if there are some flaws, it is still within the scope of discussion. Why did you say such harsh words? The Tang Dynasty has never punished people for their words. This is the case even among the people. In the court, people should speak freely."

Liu Li refused to listen. He stood up, stiffened his neck, and said indignantly, "Your Majesty is wrong! Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, there have been only two people who have been appointed as Grand Commandant: Emperor Taizong, who was a prince at the time, and Zhangsun Wuji, who led the nobles of Guanlong to assist Emperor Taizong in achieving his great cause! Let me ask, what virtue and ability does Fang Jun have to be compared with these two?"

Li Chengqian felt a little uneasy, and was about to speak, but he heard Liu Li continue: "... Zhangsun Wuji's achievements, who in the court can compare? Your Majesty treated him as your right hand and trusted him, but the result was that he was full of evil intentions, committed treason, and raised an army to rebel! From this point of view, the position of 'Grand Commander' is in charge of all the troops in the world and holds military power, and only members of the royal family can be qualified! There are clear lessons from the past and present, how can Your Majesty disrupt the government? In my opinion, His Royal Highness the King of Han is more qualified for this position."

Ma Zhou, who had not said much, suddenly spoke up: "I also think that His Royal Highness the King of Han is more suitable."

Li Yuanjia smiled bitterly: "What virtue do I have to hold such a high position? First, I have never led an army, and second, I have no military merits. I dare not take on this responsibility. Besides, the three officials today do not have the authority they used to have. The nature of commending their merits is more important than their official authority. The Minister of the Central Secretariat does not need to be so excited."

The implication is that although the "Three Dukes" are "second to none and above ten thousand people" and are the pinnacle of being a minister, they are ultimately just honorary titles and have more symbolic significance.

Liu Li frowned and angrily scolded, "That won't do! The Three Dukes are officials who discuss the Dao. They assist the emperor, regulate yin and yang, and pacify the country. They are in charge of everything. Therefore, the person in charge must be old and virtuous, and highly respected. If Fang Jun is so young and suddenly ascends to such a high position, the fame and prestige of the world will surely breed his arrogance. This is a disaster, not a blessing!"

Li Yuanjia was not good at debate, so he could only awkwardly and dryly maintain his opinion: "It's just an empty title, it's not that serious."

From ancient times to the present, the duties and powers of the "Three Dukes" have changed greatly. The "Book of Documents: Zhouguan" records that "the three dukes, the Grand Tutor, and the Grand Protector are appointed. These three dukes discuss the principles of the state and balance yin and yang. The positions are not necessarily determined, but the right people are chosen."

The Gongyang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals further explains: "What are the three ministers of the emperor? They are the ministers of the emperor. Why are there three ministers of the emperor? From Shaanxi to the east, the Zhou princess governs; from Shaanxi to the west, the Zhao princess governs; they live together in the inner court."

The two evidences confirm that "Three Dukes" was the title of the highest administrative positions under the emperor in Qin and before Qin. They assisted the emperor, which shows their transcendent status and enormous power.

What are the “Three Dukes”?
Before the Xia and Shang dynasties, the emperor had no title and the Three Dukes had no official positions. In the Zhou dynasty, the Three Dukes were Taishi, Taifu and Taibao. In the Qin dynasty, the Three Dukes were Prime Minister, Taiwei and Yushi. In the Han dynasty, the Three Dukes were Prime Minister, Da Sima and Yushi. In the Eastern Han dynasty, the Three Dukes were Taiwei, Situ and Sikong.

Wei, Jin, Song, Qi, Liang, Chen, Later Wei and Northern Qi all regarded Taiwei, Situ and Sikong as the Three Dukes.

In the Sui Dynasty, the Three Dukes were Taiwei, Situ and Sikong.

The Tang Dynasty inherited the system of the Sui Dynasty.

However, since Emperor Wen of Sui Dynasty dismissed the three officials, only their nominal positions remained.

"Even an empty title won't do!"

Liu Li slammed the table and stood up, full of righteousness, pointed his spear and shouted: "King Han keeps talking about his merits, why don't you just give him the title of 'Three Dukes'? Why not just give him the title of 'Nine Gifts', a crown with ten tassels, a sword and shoes when entering the palace, no need to kneel when entering the court, and no need to name when praising or bowing', and then give him the title of king?"

After these words came out, Li Ji, who was "playing dead", couldn't sit still anymore and shouted, "Zhongshu Ling, be careful with your words!"

Liu Li snorted, then realized that he had said something he shouldn't have said. He turned around and bowed to Li Chengqian to apologize: "I was excited for a moment and said something disrespectful to Your Majesty. Please punish me, Your Majesty."

"Adding the Nine Gifts" was originally the highest honor for officials. The first record of "adding the Nine Gifts" in history books was the reward bestowed by the Zhou emperor on Duke Zhou Dan, who had assisted the country for decades. "No one in the world could match him in assisting the country."

However, later on, "adding the nine gifts" became a symbol of powerful officials, and could only be granted to those who were powerful and ambitious.

Wang Mang, Cao Cao, Sima Zhao...

The most recent ones to be granted the "Nine Gifts" by the emperor were Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, Yang Jian, and Emperor Gaozu, Li Yuan. Yang Jian was originally a minister of the Zhou Dynasty, and was deeply favored by the emperor. He was ordered by Emperor Xuan to assist the new emperor, but he abdicated and usurped the Zhou Dynasty and established the Sui Dynasty. Emperor Gaozu was originally a minister of the Sui Dynasty, but when the country was in crisis, he captured the capital, supported the new emperor, appointed him as the prime minister and the chief minister, received the nine gifts, wore a crown with twelve tassels, raised the emperor's flag, "went out on patrol and entered the carriage", and finally forced Emperor Gong to abdicate.

These two people naturally have tremendous power, but they all have one thing in common, that is, "the ruler is young and the country is in doubt, and they abuse the young ruler."

The statement that Fang Jun was given the "Nine Gifts and the title of King" not only showed that Fang Jun had the intention of treason, but also questioned Li Chengqian, comparing him to Emperor Jing of Zhou and Emperor Gong of Sui, two rulers who lost their country...

Fortunately, there was no censor present, otherwise Liu Li would have been impeached for the crime of "great disrespect".

Li Chengqian was very embarrassed.

When Emperor Taizong was in power, although he "came to power illegitimately" and "had moral flaws", he was able to do whatever he wanted in the court. Countless famous ministers and generals obeyed his orders and followed his orders. Except for Wei Zheng who occasionally sang against him, everyone regarded Emperor Taizong's orders as the golden rule.

But when it was his turn to become emperor, the situation was completely different.

In theory, he was the eldest son of Emperor Taizong and the heir to the throne by right of succession. When he was the crown prince, he was cautious and timid, and was praised by the court and the public. After he succeeded to the throne, he worked hard and loved the people. He did not waste taxes on large-scale construction projects, nor did he fill his harem with pleasure. He worked diligently and cautiously, and was determined to be an emperor who made contributions to the people of the world.

But it still doesn’t get more recognition.

Patience has its limits. When ministers express doubts and even contempt for him again and again, no matter how much patience he has, it will run out.

So he put on a stern face, ignored Liu Li's aggressive pressure, and said decisively: "Let's do it this way. The Duke of Yue will be appointed as the Grand Marshal, the Minister of the Left, and the Grand Master of the Three Departments. He will control the left and right Jinwu Guards, protect the capital, and suppress bandits. He will also continue to bear the responsibility of supporting the crown prince."

The emperor, who was usually soft-hearted and lacked his own opinions, was unusually tough. Regardless of whether the ministers agreed with his orders in their hearts or not, they could only obey his orders solemnly.

When Li Ji, who had been silent the whole time, put down the teacup, his knuckles turned white and the veins on the back of his hand bulged. It was obvious that he subconsciously exerted force...