Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 439 I can’t wait any longer!

Qiao Zhen and Yang Yuan went to the palace to report to Zhao Yuan the news that General Yue Fei's remains had been found.

Zhao Yuan was very excited after hearing this. He walked back and forth in the Chuigong Hall several times and said with determination: "I will go to the Jiuqu Cong Temple to pay tribute to General Yue!"

"Your Majesty, you must not do this!" Qiao Zhen was shocked and tried to dissuade him.

As a minister, if he heard about such a big thing but did not dissuade it, he would be made a target and bombarded by scholars all over the world.

Qiao Zhen said anxiously: "Your Majesty, according to ancient etiquette, parents cannot personally visit the graves of their deceased children to offer sacrifices; the monarch cannot personally visit the graves of his deceased subjects to offer sacrifices.

If the officials go to worship in person, wouldn't that be a violation of etiquette?
Moreover, General Yue was loyal and his heroic spirit is still alive. If the emperor goes beyond the rules and pays respects in person, General Yue's spirit in heaven will also feel uneasy."

In fact, as soon as Zhao Yuan said this, he immediately thought of the relevant etiquette and legal system.

He could give General Yue Fei any praise or compensation, but the etiquette between the monarch and his subjects could not be abolished.

Zhao Yuan sighed and said disappointedly: "In this case, I order the Ministry of Rites to quickly select an auspicious site for the grand reburial of General Yue Fei. You will assist in the Lin'an Prefecture."

Qiao Zhen said: "The government has asked the Ministry of Rites to select an auspicious site, so we can do that first.

However, should we wait until General Yue Fei's family returns from Lingnan before relocating his burial place?

Moreover, the posthumous title has not yet been determined, so the cemetery regulations, tombstones and inscriptions are also difficult to determine..."

Zhao Yuan slowly calmed down. These things were uncertain, and it was really not appropriate to disturb the deceased now.

Zhao Yuan nodded, looked at Qiao Zhen approvingly, and said, "Qiao Qing's words make sense.

Arrange some personnel to guard the remains of General Yue and don't alarm anyone."

Qiao Zhen said: "Yes, I have ordered the Eastern Judge Liu Yiguan to personally lead people to the Jiuqu Cong Temple."

"Very good, you may leave now."

"I resign!"

Qiao Zhen secretly glanced at Yang Yuan who was standing next to her. It seemed that this man was in the emperor's heart.

Qiao Zhen bowed and retreated.

Zhao Yuan sat at the top, thinking thoughtfully for a while, then his eyes gradually turned to Yang Yuan.

"Yang Qing."

"The minister is here."

"What exactly are you responsible for now in Lin'an Prefecture?"

Yang Yuan quickly told Zhao Yuan about his division of labor.

Zhao Yuan nodded and smiled, "You have just taken office. Can you still do these things?"

How could Yang Yuan miss such a rare opportunity to show off his achievements?

So he reported to Zhao Yuan all the drastic measures he had taken recently.

For example, his promotion of fire protection has led to a decrease in the incidence and severity of fires.

For example, what he did for the elderly and children in the Lin'an nursing home and orphanage, instead of just leaving them there with food and clothing.

Also, what cases had he tried recently, especially one involving a conflict between merchants from Lin'an and foreign countries?
His handling of the case was very fair. He did not favor any unreasonable party based on region or nationality, which made Lin'an's business environment better.

Zhao Yuan was very happy to hear this, and suddenly said: "I remember that during your time as a member of the Privy Council, you also made many contributions in a short period of time."

"Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. This is all my responsibility, so how can I talk about my merits?"

Zhao Yuan asked: "When you were working in the Mechanical Speed ​​Office and in Lin'an Prefecture, didn't your colleagues exclude and hinder you?"

Yang Yuan was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding what Zhao Yuan meant, so he considered flattering her:
"I... am appointed to the Mechanical and Electrical Bureau by the emperor.

I went to Lin'an Prefecture to take up the post, and I went there as the emperor's most favored disciple.

Even if some people dislike me, they dare not embarrass me too much. "

After hearing this, Zhao Yuan sighed with envy and said, "Yang Qing, you have my support, and you have taken up your new position and made a good start.

But who can I turn to for support? "

As soon as Yang Yuan heard it, he knew that although the government used the Xiangji Temple case to promote the occurrence and development of some things, it was probably also suffering from great resistance in secret.

But, since he is a person of low status and has little influence, are there certain things that are appropriate for him to say?

But Zhao Yuan did not just express his feelings and leave it at that.

He said slowly: "I want to reform the censors, because they have been repeatedly derelict in their duties before, and they have nothing to say.

But when asked to recommend talents, they either refuse to do so or recommend those who are their students or old friends.

He completely ignored the rules I set: relatives, students and old friends of prime ministers are not allowed to serve as censors.

When I wanted to decide on a posthumous title for General Yue Fei, they also quoted from classics and gave long speeches on which character to choose.

I wanted to give Yue Fei the posthumous title of "Wu", but they refused.

Are Yue Fei's achievements inferior to those of Wang Jun and Chen Qingzhi?
I wanted to give Yue Fei the posthumous title of 'Wu Zhong', but they still refused!

They can argue with me all day long about this. I am really tired..."

Zhao Yuan, who always paid great attention to her manners in front of her subjects, leaned back in her chair, looking somewhat dejected and tired.

The highest posthumous title for a military general is the single character "Wu".

Since ancient times, only two people have been given this posthumous title, one is Wang Jun, a famous general of the Western Jin Dynasty, and the other is Chen Qingzhi, a famous general of the Southern Liang Dynasty.

However, some dynasties did not recognize single posthumous titles, but only double posthumous titles.

The double posthumous titles in order of seniority are: Zhongyong Mugang, Delie Gongzhuang, Ningyi Minhui, and Xiangshun Sujing.

For example, Zhuge Wuhou’s posthumous title is “Zhongwu”, which can also be called “Wuzhong”.

If the Song Dynasty used double posthumous titles as the standard, "Wu Zhong" would be the highest posthumous title for military generals.

Zhao Yuan used the event of rehabilitating Yue Fei to gradually raise the profile of the pro-war faction in the court.

If Yue Fei was given the highest posthumous title of "Martial", it is conceivable that the momentum of the pro-war faction would be even greater.

Therefore, the civil servants' strong resistance was not directed at Yue Fei who had already passed away, but was intended to suppress the arrogance of the pro-war faction.

However, this long-lasting and exhausting struggle is a double torture to the will and spirit of young officials who are eager to make progress but cannot compare with the old ministers in cultivating their character.

No wonder he was exhausted, both physically and mentally.

Yang Yuan felt that with his current status, it was not suitable for him to continue to be in the limelight, and wanted to keep a low profile.

But seeing that the emperor was opening his heart to him, Yang Yuan couldn't help himself.

Yang Yuan took a step forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have some ideas..."

At this point, his voice paused.

Zhao Yuan understood and said, "The people in the palace are all old people from my time in the palace. You can trust them."

The eunuchs and palace maids in the palace bowed hurriedly, their faces full of excitement.

Yang Yuan said, "Yes! I think that the emperor has been on the throne for less than four months, and some things are being implemented slowly. Why should we be too anxious?"

Zhao Yuan smiled bitterly and said, "If even such a small thing takes several years to push forward.

Even if I live to be a hundred years old, how many things can I accomplish?"

Yang Yuan shook his head and said, “When I was young, I was naughty and sometimes I would go to the hillside to play and push stones down the hill as a game.

I wonder if the government has ever played such a game before."

Zhao Yuan was stunned. He had actually played this game before.

He entered the palace at the age of eight and became the emperor's adopted son. Although he was a descendant of the royal family before entering the palace, his family was almost like commoners.

He had played many games that children from ordinary families had played.

Before becoming a well-behaved and obedient adopted son of the emperor, Zhao Yuan was also a naughty and active child.

Zhao Yuan nodded and said, "I...played this kind of game when I was young. Why?"

Yang Yuan said: "If the stone was a little bigger, it would be very difficult to push it.

I often have to push, pull, and push again...

Let the stone shake repeatedly, with the amplitude of the shaking becoming larger and larger.

When it is strong enough to roll down, I only need to give it a little more strength, and it will continue to fall, faster and faster, without me having to push it again. "

Zhao Yuan couldn't help but understand something after hearing this.

Yang Yuan said: "Some things now require repeated efforts, which consume a lot of energy, but only a little bit can be pushed forward.

But this does not mean that everything you do will be so difficult in the future.

When the general trend is established, the government will be successful in everything it does."

Zhao Yuan listened with fascination: "Then what should I do now? Should I just let these old officials use their righteousness to obstruct me?"

Yang Yuan thought for a moment and said, "I think that if the emperor does a few things right now, there will be a big turnaround and a new atmosphere next year."

Zhao Yuan leaned forward slightly, stared at Yang Yuan and said, "Speak!"

Yang Yuan said: "First, consolidate the military power. If the military power is in your hands, nothing can change the world, and the government has nothing to worry about."

Zhao Yuan smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "I have always been very vigilant about this."

Yang Yuan secretly complained, "You are not the only one who is alert. All the emperors of your Zhao family, no matter they are wise or foolish, are very alert on this point."

The more serious ones are almost as serious as Grandet.

Yang Yuan said: "The second point is to cultivate hope."

Zhao Yuan was slightly startled: "Yang Wang?"

Yang Yuan said: "Yes, ministers need to cultivate their reputation, and so do officials.

If the late emperor wanted to change his mind today, then promoting the new policy would not be as hard as it is for the government."

Zhao Gou had been emperor for nearly thirty years. Even though he did not deliberately "cultivate his reputation" or because he was cowardly and could not afford to cultivate a high "reputation", his prestige was still much greater than that of Zhao Yuan, who had been on the throne for less than four months.

Zhao Yuan nodded thoughtfully.

Yang Yuan added: "Some people are now hindering the government and deliberately making excuses when recommending censors.

But... they would certainly not dare to do nothing, as there would always be some qualified officials who could be employed.

The government only needs to choose the best candidates for appointment, and there is no need to worry about a shortage of censors.

Next year, when the reign title is changed, the government can hold a special examination to recruit scholars, and all new successful candidates will be transferred to the newly established Censorate.

These newly minted scholars may lack experience, but they are young, full of passion, and their edges have not yet been smoothed, so they can be used by the government. "

Zhao Yuan thought about it, slapped the imperial desk excitedly, and praised: "Good!"

Yang Yuan said: "There is another point. The reason for the previous reform of the censorship system was that they were afraid that they would form cliques and engage in private interests if they stayed in the censorship for a long time. Therefore, there was a regulation that they should be transferred every few years.

But when I think about it carefully, I realize that there are also disadvantages.

For example, today I am a censor and can impeach the prime minister and his ministers. However, tomorrow my term of office may expire and I may be transferred to work under the prime minister. I will inevitably feel fearful.

Therefore, I believe that censors should not sit in the same position for their entire lives, in order to prevent them from forming cliques and factions and engaging in corruption for personal gain.

However, their transfer, relocation, demotion and dismissal should only be within the system of the Metropolitan Censorate. Censors who are not of the fourth rank or above are not allowed to make censorial speeches.

This will not only relieve them of their worries, but they will also have to go all out if they want to achieve fame during their lifetime and after their death."

Zhao Yuan nodded slowly. The previous rules were indeed a bit too idealistic.

He also discovered this problem during the actual operation.

Yang Yuan’s proposal can perfectly solve this problem.

Zhao Yuan said: "Now many officials in the court and local areas do not agree with my new policies. What should I do?"

After hearing this, Yang Yuan couldn't help but secretly complain that this emperor was not as kind as the Goose King.

The Goose King would take the initiative to take the blame for me, but this official forced me to talk about something that offended others.

You want to force me to be your lone minister!

This emperor is so evil!
Yang Yuan was a little reluctant to speak.

Zhao Yuan raised his eyebrows and continued to ask, "Qing Yang wants me to build up my reputation and to open a special examination to strengthen the censorate. What happens next?
The consuls are very conservative, what can I do about it, huh?"

Yang Yuan had no choice but to reply: "Those who hinder the new policy can be dismissed."

Zhao Yuan said: "I am the Son of Heaven, how can I accuse someone of an innocent crime based on my own likes and dislikes?"

Yang Yuan sighed and replied, "Your Majesty can ask the Censorate to investigate.

Lazy politicians, corrupt officials, law-breakers, clique-forming and selfish people, tyrants, blunderers, and people who violate etiquette and laws, there is always one type that suits him..."

Regarding the previous words, Yang Yuanzou was quite right.

Hearing the last sentence, the corners of Zhao Yuan's lips could not help but twitch a few times, and he managed to maintain his usual dignified image.

Zhao Yuan looked at Yang Yuan, nodded with satisfaction and said, "Yang Qing has done a great job in Lin'an Prefecture. You should continue to work hard and make more achievements.

Well..., I will try to achieve more political achievements before the change of era name next year.

If there is such an opportunity to make meritorious contributions, I will also think of giving it to you."

Yang Yuan panicked when he heard this. What did the emperor mean?
He is not trying to get me into the Censorate to help him tailor clothes for those disobedient ministers, so that there will always be one that suits you, right? "

Yang Yuan quickly declined, "Sir, I am still young."

"I can't wait any longer!"

"I want to cultivate my hope."

"I'll just take care of Wang, you have my support."

"I... am too inexperienced."

"Tang Jinzhi is thirty-eight this year and has already been promoted to the rank of Prime Minister. Can't you be a little faster than him?"

Yang Yuan said with a bitter face: "I will...do my best!"

……

"Carry the person inside and hide him well!"

Xin Qiji examined Fei Tianlu who was unconscious in the courtyard, and then decisively ordered:

"While the market is still open, go buy a sheep and kill it right here in the yard. I'm going to roast it."

Sheep themselves have a fishy smell. Once they are slaughtered in the yard, the bloody smell is also present, which can cover up many odors.

Xin Qiji was only fifteen years old, and it was extremely rare for him to have such thorough thoughts at such a young age.

A trusted family general whispered: "Young Master, the rumors on the streets are that the Emperor of the Jin Dynasty was assassinated.

This man claimed to be a merchant from Dengzhou that day. Now he is covered with knife wounds and still holding a sharp blade in his hand. I am afraid...

Young Master hid him, and if he is found out, it will implicate our Xin family."

"I know." Xin Qiji's face was also very solemn.

He thought for a moment and then ordered, “Take two people and move out and live in the inn across the street.

If something happens to me, don't worry about it. Just rush back to Jinan Prefecture as soon as possible and inform your family to prepare for the emergency. Go."

Hearing his instructions, it was obvious that he wanted to save this person no matter what.

The general had no choice but to obey the order and make hasty preparations.

……

"Yuan Yi, you and Prince Guangping lead the cavalry to Caizhou and divide the troops of Caizhou. Wan Yi will attack Xiangyang from Dengzhou, and Prince Guangping will attack Luzhou from Yingzhou."

Wanyan Liang, who claimed to have been stabbed by an assassin, spoke to Yelu Yuanyi and Kong Yanzhou in high spirits.

Yelu Yuanyi was the younger brother of Yelu Yuanshi who was killed by Fei Tianlu.

The Yelu family was originally generals of the Liao Dynasty, and later surrendered to the Jin Dynasty.

Prince Guangping Kong Yanzhou was originally a general of the Song Dynasty, but later surrendered to the Jin Dynasty.

In order to usurp the throne and become emperor, Wanyan Liang massacred many members of the Wanyan royal family and almost killed all the descendants of Aguda and Wuqimai.

Those from other families and surrendered generals posed the least threat to his throne and were instead valued by him.

Yelu Yuanyi had a mourning belt tied around his waist, his eyes were red and swollen, and he said to Wanyan Liang with murderous intent: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will definitely capture Xiangyang and massacre people for ten days!"

"No no no."

Wanyan Liang waved his hands quickly and said, "Yuan Yi, you misunderstood what I meant.

The necessary posture must be taken, but my country, Dajin, is not well prepared and lacks the strength to follow up.

Even if you can capture Xiangyang, it will be difficult for our army to advance straight into the city."

Wanyan Liang's eyes darkened for a moment, and he said, "Besides, the internal situation of our Jin Empire is unstable, and I don't know how many people are secretly plotting against me.

If you want to repel foreign aggression, you must first stabilize the country. If the country is unstable, how can I let go and conquer the four barbarians? "

"To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the internal situation," this is a sentence in the memorial submitted by Zhao Pu, the Prime Minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, to Emperor Taizong of Song.

Wanyan Liang was intelligent and studious, and had a particularly deep knowledge of Chinese culture. Naturally, he knew this sentence and agreed with it deeply.

Yelu Yuanyi originally thought that he could lead the troops to fight and kill many people to avenge his brother.

After hearing what Wanyan Liang said, Yelu Yuanyi was greatly disappointed and said angrily, "Your Majesty, my brother was assassinated by a Song assassin."

Wanyan Liang sneered, "It's hard to say who sent those assassins."

He paced a few steps with his hands behind his back, and said slowly: "Since Zhao Yuan ascended the throne, the Song State has changed the style of his father.

Haha, young man, how can he feel pain unless he is beaten by me?
However, in my opinion, Zhao Yuan has just ascended the throne, and the internal troubles he faces are no less than those I do.

So, although he is tough and is not afraid of my showing off my army in Caizhou, if you say that he is now planning to launch a northern expedition and even send someone to assassinate me..."

Wan Yanliang shook his head: "Impossible!"

It's really impossible.

However, Wanyan Liang had never expected that Fei Tianlu would recognize the "Blood Pagoda" emperor guard as soon as they fought.

Fei Tianlu immediately concluded that one of the two Jin nobles traveling with Kong Yanzhou must be the Jin emperor.

Therefore, as soon as the fight started, Fei Tianlu changed his target and focused all his efforts on attacking Yelu Yuanshi, the "Emperor of the Jin Dynasty" whom he identified.

This led to Wan Yanliang making a misjudgment:

Since the assassin's target was him, it would be impossible for the Song people's espionage capabilities in the Jin Kingdom to detect his movements so quickly.

Faced with his sudden decision to leave the palace incognito, it was even less likely that the Song Dynasty spies would be able to respond in time.

Therefore, he was more inclined to believe that the assassin came from Wanyan Yong or the Jurchen nobles who stubbornly refused to leave Shangjing.

Although the examination of the bodies has now confirmed that those who died were more like Han people, it does not prove anything.

The Jin Dynasty had occupied the Central Plains for thirty years.

Since the Jin people had no rejection of Han culture and could even be said to have extremely admired and welcomed it, they assimilated...

Or it could be said that the speed at which they were assimilated by the Han people was too fast. Now, under the rule of various forces in the Jin Dynasty, there are many Han soldiers, generals, and Han warriors.

Yelu Yuanyi was dissatisfied, but he also knew that Wanyan Liang was moody and bloodthirsty by nature, and he must not be angered.

Yelu Yuanyi could only suppress his grief and anger and said, "Then, Your Majesty, what do you want me to do?"

Wanyan Liang said cunningly: "You must make a big show of yourself and make everyone, including us Jin people, believe that I want to fight a big battle with the Song Kingdom this time.

I have mobilized troops in Yanjing to raise follow-up reinforcements for you."

Yelu Wanyi was a little confused. Wanyan Liang said that he wanted to make a show of fighting with the Song State but not really fight, and he also wanted to mobilize reinforcements. What was he thinking?
However, since Wanyan Liang didn't say anything, he naturally didn't dare to ask, so he had to agree.

Wanyan Liang patted his shoulder and encouraged him, "Go ahead. First, arrange for your brother's funeral, and then mobilize the troops to march south."

Yelu Yuanyi clasped his fists, agreed, and left the hall.

Wanyan Liang then said to Kong Yanzhou: "Prince Guangping, when you arrive in Yingzhou, spread the word and induce the Song people to send envoys to seek peace.

If the Song people send an envoy, you will leave the army to continue the confrontation with Song, and you will personally lead 5,000 of the most elite cavalry to escort the Song envoy to Yanjing. "

Although Kong Yanzhou is a skilled kung fu master and looks rough and tall, he is actually a thief with an extremely cunning and meticulous mind.

After hearing this, he had roughly understood Wanyan Liang's intention.

Kong Yanzhou clasped his fists and said, "I understand. But what if Song refuses to send an envoy and instead mobilizes troops for a decisive battle?
After all, we in the Great Jin Dynasty don’t know much about the temperament of the new emperor of the Song Dynasty.”

In the past, Kong Yanzhou was not only very familiar with the mountains and rivers of the Song Dynasty, but also knew the emperor and ministers of the Song Dynasty very well. Therefore, he could often accurately judge the intentions of the Song Dynasty.

But now he was a little confused about the new young emperor.

Wanyan Liang smiled slyly and said, "It doesn't matter. If the Song people are determined to fight, then we will have a good fight with them.

Wait until I give you the news before you withdraw your troops, and stop by Shandong on your way back."

Some Jin Dynasty dignitaries had been forced to move from Shangjing to Shandong, and they were of course extremely dissatisfied with Wanyan Liang.

Wanyan Liang insisted on moving the capital despite opposition from many Jurchen nobles. One of the important reasons was to strengthen control over the Central Plains.

Another important reason was to get rid of and fight against the old Jurchen forces and establish a true imperial state.

This was because the Jurchen nobles in Shangjing had too much influence in the local area and their power was deeply intertwined.

Especially since the Jin Dynasty was originally a tribal state, in the old capital of Shangjing, the former tribal leaders and now the nobles still had a strong influence on the former tribesmen, which seriously weakened the rule of the Jin emperor.

These Jurchen nobles fiercely opposed the purpose of moving the capital, of course not because they were reluctant to leave their homeland, but because they did not want their power to be weakened.

Therefore, the conflict and game between Wanyan Liang and the old aristocracy have become increasingly fierce.

Now, Wanyan Liang's patience is almost exhausted.

Wanyan Liang said to Kong Yanzhou: "As for Yanjing, you don't have to worry. I have a backup plan."

Kong Yanzhou replied respectfully, "Yes."

Wanyan Liang said with great confidence: "I have three ambitions in my life: all the major national affairs are my decision;
Leading an army to attack a distant place, capturing its leader and punishing him in front of you;
Regardless of whether they are related or not, I will marry the most beautiful woman in the world."

Now when I want to move the capital, there are people who turn a deaf ear to me and try to stop me.

Humph! I can’t wait any longer! "

PS: Two in one~
(End of this chapter)