Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

When Du He saw Xu Jingzong's flattering look, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but move.

No wonder Xu Jingzong was able to be promoted from Jieshi Zhong to Shizhong in just five years.

This fawning attitude can easily make people feel good about it.

Moreover, he is a third-rank minister, yet he can be so humble. It is really not easy!

A few breaths of silence.

Xu Jingzong continued, "Don't worry, Duke Hanguo. I will write a letter of recommendation to Your Majesty shortly. I will definitely ensure that Wang Changshi will be appointed as the Governor of Liangzhou!"

Many officials in the court are unwilling to serve in the Hexi Corridor. Now that someone has volunteered, how could Your Majesty refuse?

Besides, Duke Hanguo had such a good relationship with Hou Junji and Ma Zhou, he must have informed them in advance.

With the joint recommendation of the chief officials of the three provinces, wouldn't it be easy to get a small governor of a lower state?

"it is good."

Du He smiled and said, "Minister Xu, I owe you a favor."

Xu Jingzong smiled and said, "Duke Hanguo, this is just a small favor. It would be my great honor to help you in any way!"

He said that it didn't matter, but he was actually very happy in his heart.

It is a big deal to be able to gain Du He's favor when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is about to ascend the throne.

Maybe after His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he can continue to serve as the Minister of the Interior.

Not bad!

I have to go back and have a few drinks after my shift!

Xu Jingzong was in a good mood and was already thinking about going back to have a drink to celebrate.

Du He bowed to him and said, "Minister Xu, I have important matters to attend to. I will treat you to a drink when I have the chance."

"I'll see you off."

Xu Jingzong said this and personally sent Du He out to the province.

After seeing Xu Jingzong's flattery, the officials of the Menxia Province looked down on him even more.

Especially the Yellow Gate Minister Zhao Hongzhi, the Imperial Censor Xie Yan and others, they thought their achievements were higher than Xu Jingzong's, so why should Xu Jingzong be appointed as the Imperial Censor?

Outside the province.

Xu Jingzong said enthusiastically: "Duke Hanguo, please come to the Ministry of Personnel and give me guidance when you have time. I also want to make progress."

Ha ha.

This guy has already been promoted to the position of Minister of the Interior, yet he still wants to go one step further.

You really have big dreams!

Xu Jingzong realized that his words were ambiguous, so he quickly explained: "Duke Hanguo, please don't misunderstand me. I meant that the title of nobility will be further advanced."

"I am currently a Gaoyang County Baron. If I could obtain the title of County Duke, it would bring honor to our family."

An official position can only guarantee temporary honor, but a title of nobility can be passed down from generation to generation.

If they could obtain the title of Duke, the family power of their Gaoyang Xu family would surely be able to reach a higher level.

Du He said softly, "Don't worry, Minister Xu. As long as you continue to make achievements, you will definitely be able to quickly improve your rank."

As he said this, he bowed to Xu Jingzong and then walked towards the East Palace.

Watching Du He's leaving back, Xu Jingzong's flattering smile gradually returned to calm. He turned around with a stern face and walked into the lobby of the provincial government.

...

For the next period of time, various departments of the court were sorting out and arranging tasks for this year.

Although Li Shimin, who lived in Taiji Palace, did not preside over court meetings, he frequently summoned Li Chengqian, Li Ji, Hou Junji, Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Ma Zhou, Li Jing and others during this period.

Li Shimin summoned this group of ministers not to discuss state affairs, but to discuss the issue of filling vacant official positions.

Time flies, and it’s February in the blink of an eye.

Household Department.

Du He was warming himself by the fire while handling the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue.

Ever since Lu Chengqing, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, left Chang'an, Du He had to handle all matters of the Ministry of Revenue himself, and he became very busy during this period.

There was a sound of footsteps outside the door, followed by someone knocking on the door.

"Knock knock knock."

"Duke Hanguo, His Majesty summons you to Ganlu Palace."

Hearing the eunuch's sharp voice, Du He immediately put down the pen and paper in his hand, then strode out of the office.

After a cup of tea.

Led by the eunuch, Du He quickly arrived at the main hall.

Looking at Li Shimin who was still in good spirits, Du He frowned slightly, then bowed and saluted.

"See Your Majesty."

Ever since Li Shimin handed over state affairs to Li Chengqian, his physical and mental condition has improved a lot, and he no longer looks like a dying tree.

Is Sun Simiao so capable that he could take such good care of Li Shimin's health?

I have to find some time to ask Sun Simiao!

During this period, Sun Simiao lived directly in the palace, and the medical school was completely left to the charge of the imperial physician of the Shang Pharmacy. It was difficult for him to even see Sun Simiao.

On the imperial platform.

Li Shimin looked at Du He, who looked exhausted, and smiled, pointing to the cushions and saying, "Sit down and talk."

He knew that Du He was very busy recently, so he didn't often call Du He to discuss matters.

More than ten breaths passed.

Li Shimin said in a gentle voice: "Du He, I called you here today to ask if you have a suitable candidate for the position of Minister of the Imperial Household!"

It turned out to be this.

The Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Household Department were both departments responsible for the finances of the Tang Dynasty. The Ministry of Revenue was the superior coordinating agency, while the Imperial Household Department was the subordinate executive agency.

The Ministry of Revenue is responsible for the formulation and supervision of major fiscal policies.

The Taipu Temple was the specific executor of financial affairs, mainly responsible for the collection, storage and expenditure of finances.

For example, the Ministry of Revenue approved 300 million strings of cash for the Ministry of War this year, and the Imperial Household Department allocated corresponding amounts of silver to the Ministry of War based on each item approved by the Ministry of Revenue.

The benefit of this system is that it can prevent officials in the Ministry of Revenue and the Taifu Temple from corruption and abuse of power.

Thinking about it for a long time.

Du He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you let Li Shenfu, the Prince of Xiangyi, resume his position as the Minister of the Imperial Household?"

Let Li Shenfu be the Minister of the Imperial Household?

Li Shimin said with a strange expression, "Du He, didn't Li Shenfu, the Prince of Xiangyi, openly take the lead in opposing the tax reform of dividing the land tax by the land tax?"

"Why did you recommend him for the position of Minister of the Imperial Household?"

This royal relative is the cousin of my father Li Yuan. He served as the Minister of the Imperial Household and the Minister of the Imperial Clan when the Tang Dynasty was founded. Now that he is old, he has gone to his fiefdom to retire.

This person has made some contributions to the Tang Dynasty, but he is also very ambitious.

Because he had served as the Minister of Zong Zheng, many clansmen listened to him, and he was also the first to propose the division of vassal states every time.

Li Shimin felt helpless towards this cousin.

Du He smiled and explained, "Your Majesty, it is precisely because the Prince of Xiangyi does not support tax reform that he is being promoted to the position of Grand Secretary."

"Without him leading the riot, the other princes and noble families wouldn't have the guts to do so."

It is interesting to think that someone who does not support tax reform would be appointed as the Minister of Finance, who is responsible for collecting taxes and distributing money.

On the imperial platform.

Li Shimin frowned and thought seriously.

a long time.

Li Shimin smiled and said, "Du He, your suggestion is very good. I will give it serious consideration."

Then Li Shimin chatted with Du He for a while. Because he needed to take medicine, he waved his hand and asked Du He to go back.

...

three days later.

A meeting of hundreds of officials.

When the civil and military officials saw that the person presiding over the court meeting was Li Shimin, they all showed expressions of astonishment on their faces.

"Why is Your Majesty here?"

"Are you going to announce official appointments?"