Time Travel: The Useless Prince, First Destroy the Princess

"What do you think, Taibao?"

Liu Yan looked at the Taibao He Zhi who seemed to be dozing off.

He Zhi is older and generally doesn't express his opinions.

But Liu Yan spoke, and He Zhi had to stagger forward and bow.

Liu Fu was too old, and Liu Yan would not let him attend court unless it was an extremely urgent matter.

Dozens of people's eyes were focused on He Zhi!

He Zhi wiped his lips tremblingly!

"I believe that both Chang Shi Zhang and Shang Shu Shan are capable of taking on this important task! But the timing is wrong for both of them!"

For He Zhi to be able to become the Taibao, his ability to smooth things over must be extraordinary.

Liu Yan naturally knew his temper and never wanted to offend anyone.

Moreover, over the past few decades, he has had very few political enemies. This is real skill!

"I'd like to hear what Taibao has to say!"

Liu Yan nodded.

The other ministers also wanted to listen.

"As the father-in-law said, Chamberlain Zhang is indeed needed at this time to serve Your Majesty, offering advice and ensuring that Your Majesty's will is passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the people of the world know of Your Majesty's benevolent policies in disaster relief!"

"What about Shan Tao?"

"Now is the time when the court is in need of personnel. Minister Shan shoulders the important task of selecting talented and capable people for the court. Now is the time to recommend local candidates. Minister Shan should prioritize recommending important matters and select more talents for the court!"

Liu Yan nodded: "That makes sense. Who does Taibao think is suitable?"

Liu Yan knew He Zhi's psychology too well. All his excuses were flawless!

They must have thought of a candidate that everyone is satisfied with!

But who could this person be?

"In my humble opinion, Minister of Finance Du Zheng can take on this important task!"

"Du Zheng?"

As soon as this name came out, the court officials began to discuss it.

Song Xian and Shan Hai looked at each other in the crowd. This was really unexpected!

Liu Yan smiled, the older you get, the wiser you are!

"Taibao, tell me why?"

Liu Yan really admired his teacher, who usually seemed to be very quiet and never said a word.

Always grasp the key points at critical moments.

This is also one of the reasons why Liu Yan insisted on staying in the court to serve him even when he was almost eighty years old.

"Since becoming Minister of Revenue, Minister Du has inherited Your Majesty's benevolence and built granaries, adjusted grain prices, managed salt transportation, established taxes and established border defenses!"

He Zhi spoke slowly, as if talking to himself, and seemed not to consider other people's thoughts.

However, many ministers couldn't help but nodded secretly.

How come you still have such a good memory even though you’re old?

"Our Great Jing Dynasty is now peaceful and prosperous, and Minister Du has made an indelible contribution. When it comes to disaster relief, money and grain are of primary importance. I'm afraid no one in the court is as familiar with the circulation of money and grain as Minister Du. Therefore, this old minister believes that Minister Du can take on this important task!"

He Zhi also slowly explained his reasons.

Liu Yan knew it very well in his heart. First of all, Du Zheng was indeed outstanding in ability and had rich experience in grassroots governance.

But these are not the key points.

The key is that Du Zheng is an upright person.

He rarely exchanged glances with ministers in the court, and even often turned against them over court affairs.

Therefore, whether it was Sima Bei, Liu Jun, or the royal family, they all had no good impression of Du Zheng.

It can be said that Du Zheng has offended everyone in the court who can be offended and cannot be offended.

Of course, Liu Yan was the emperor, so Du Zheng still gave him some face.

However, Du Zheng is indeed the most suitable person to go to disaster relief.

Normally he is in charge of finances, does not cultivate factions, and certainly does not take advantage of opportunities to gain benefits.

He Zhi's suggestion neither offends anyone nor gets things done.

It’s a good idea indeed.

"What do you think, my Lords?"

Liu Yan's words showed that he had already agreed.

The ministers below were all shrewd people, and they all said in unison: "We believe that Minister Du is capable of taking on this important task!"

"Xu Zhi, this disaster is all under your jurisdiction. Do you have any opinions?"

Liu Yan looked at Xu Zhi again.

Xu Zhi looked a little unhappy.

The voice that just echoed him was also weak.

Of course Liu Yan felt that he had some opinions!

"I will follow your Majesty's will and coordinate with the various counties in Henan to earnestly cooperate with the imperial pacification envoy and ensure disaster relief efforts!"

Zhang Xian and Shan Tao both have a good relationship with me.

After all, he was still the Inspector of the Imperial Capital, so they all gave him some face.

But it just so happens that Du Zheng has always been at odds with me.

I really can't find any evidence to use against him.

Taibao He Zhi must have known this, so he deliberately let Du Zheng be the pacification envoy to make things difficult for himself.

This old man!

He may not have any other skills, but he is good at playing tricks on people.

"That's good!" Liu Yan nodded.

Xu Zhi's words are a statement.

After all, Du Zheng and he are both third-rank officials.

In terms of actual power, Xu Zhi, the Inspector of the Imperial Capital, had more power than Du Zheng.

Du Zheng should go down to provide disaster relief, but he must not be held back by Xu Zhi.

Liu Yan then asked, "Mr. Du, do you have any ideas?"

Du Zheng stood at the back of the hall and didn't say anything.

At this time, he stood up, bowed and said, "I am willing to go!"

Although Du Zheng was upright, he was not without political wisdom. He knew Liu Yan's thoughts and of course could not refuse.

To refuse at this time would be disrespecting the emperor!

Control the emperor?

Du Zheng knew very well that if the Crown Princess said to sentence him to death, then she would be executed.

The King of Song, his own brother, demoted him at will.

Who do you think you are?

"Okay! I appoint you as the pacification envoy, in charge of all disaster relief funds, food, and personnel. Anyone who violates this order will be executed first and reported later. After the court is dismissed, you will immediately formulate disaster relief measures and begin to carry out disaster relief to save the people from the disaster!"

"The minister obeys the order!"

Du Zheng didn't waste any time and agreed immediately.

All the ministers looked at him, some with envy, some with jealousy, and some with gloating delight.

There are also people waiting to see the joke!

Disaster relief may seem like a big deal, but it is actually a double-edged sword.

If you do it well, it will be the emperor's favor, but it may not bring you any benefits.

If you fail to do your job well, it is because of your limited ability and you will be held accountable.

But Du Zheng didn't care. He was already thinking quickly about how to provide disaster relief.

After dismissing the court, Liu Yan returned to Hanzhang Palace. It was raining so heavily, and he wondered where his son was.

However, there is certainly no need to worry about safety issues.

Yang Ke was summoned immediately, and Yang Ke had been waiting to report the matter to him in private.

So he told Liu Zhao everything that had happened in the past few days without leaving out a single detail.

Of course, there are some details that the tracking guards cannot hear clearly and are therefore ignored.

Liu Yan just listened silently. Playing with women is not a big deal!

It’s no big deal to take a woman around!

The death of Hu Cao's son should not have much direct relationship with him!

Besides, a dandy boy like that deserves to die!

On the other hand, Liu Zhao's performance did not show any sign of cowardice!

Even some courage and boldness!

As for pretending to be Song Xian’s relative, that’s nothing!

You have a pretty smart brain!

It's a world of difference from before.

He caused a big commotion in the county government office and didn't reveal his identity. He must have some strategy!

It seems that it has really changed!

It’s time to let him participate in disaster relief!

Following others might lead to bad habits, but following Du Zheng, you can rest assured.

Du Zheng has made up his mind not to give face to anyone except the emperor!

"Hurry and get the prince back to the palace. I have something important to tell you!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Yang Ke guessed what Liu Yan was thinking, but he would never ask.

After saying that, he left in a hurry.