Prime Minister

Chapter 1256 I dare not be the first in the world

Chapter 1256 I dare not be the first in the world

When the emperor entered the harem, he couldn't help but sigh.

It seemed so easy for our ancestors to start a business, but why is it so difficult for me to do it myself?

Although Sun Gu worked loyally, the negotiations were completely controlled by the Liao envoys.

Officials always feel that whatever they personally interfere in, becomes a mess.

Was it because of his own incompetence, or were the ministers below secretly making things difficult for him? He did not want his orders to be carried out smoothly, and they could not leave the palace.

Emperors throughout history have all had this kind of paranoia, and they live in fear of being sidelined by others all day long. There are always villains who want to harm me!

However, this kind of premonition is sometimes quite accurate. But it is also extremely terrifying when it causes accidental injuries.

It depends on whether Zhang Yue has regained some power during these days of absence from the court. It seems that he has.

But it didn't work out.

After returning to the palace, the emperor couldn't eat and stopped his dinner immediately.

As the emperor, his every move was watched closely in the harem. The emperor's decision to skip dinner immediately alarmed Empress Xiang and Consort Zhu.

The two of them hurried to the palace to visit.

The emperor was averse to the concubines interfering in the affairs of the outer court, and both of them were very virtuous women and dared not say much.

It was Concubine Zhu who asked the Sixth Prince to come and have dinner with the Emperor, and only then did the Emperor feel better and eat a little.

Empress Xiang looked at the happy appearance of the emperor and Concubine Zhu, and a little jealousy flashed in her eyes, but she was relieved immediately. After all, she was the daughter of the prime minister, well-educated and noble, and she would never do anything to compete for favor with a commoner woman in front of the emperor.

Just as the Queen was about to take her leave, Empress Dowager Gao had already arrived.

When Empress Dowager Gao heard that the emperor was not eating, she was unhappy. When she arrived at the palace, she saw the depressed look on Empress Xiang's face, and she knew that the emperor favored Concubine Zhu and neglected the Empress.

Empress Dowager Gao naturally cared about Empress Xiang, not only because Empress Xiang was the daughter-in-law she chose herself.

Moreover, Empress Dowager Cao, Empress Dowager Gao and Empress Xiang, their ancestors Cao Wei, Gao Qiong and Xiang Minzhong all belonged to the political group of Kou Zhun's faction.

At this time, everyone prospers together and everyone suffers together.

So she must be on the side of the Queen. What was Concubine Zhu's background? Her father was a commoner and her mother remarried.

The difference in class is a world of difference. Empress Dowager Gao usually refused to have Concubine Zhu accompany her on any activities and was always picky about her.

So it was true that Empress Dowager Gao disliked Concubine Zhu in her heart, but she had no dislike for her grandson, the Sixth Prince. However, her bad attitude towards Concubine Zhu would inevitably make the Sixth Prince sensitively aware of some alienation from her.

This made her even more disgusted with Concubine Zhu.

The emperor was in poor health, had little food and was worried about everything, so he was seriously ill from the two expeditions against Xia.

To be honest, since the succession of the throne of the Song Dynasty, except for the current emperor who can be said to be legitimate, the rest are somewhat controversial.

The biggest problem is what Empress Dowager Du said back then: "A long-term ruler should be appointed."

If the eldest son is still young, the throne can be passed on to his younger brother.

When Concubine Zhu saw Empress Dowager Gao, she was like a mouse seeing a cat, and she immediately took the Sixth Prince and left.

But Empress Dowager Gao said in a deep voice: "Stay here."

Empress Dowager Gao had spoken, and no one dared to go against her will.

The emperor was also a little unhappy. His mood, which had just been slightly relieved, was made worse by Empress Dowager Gao again.

The Sixth Prince hid in fear behind Concubine Zhu, who dared not even breathe.

Empress Dowager Gao said to Empress Xiang and Consort Zhu: "Matters of the outer court should be handled by the outer court. You should stay out of it."

Although Empress Xiang and Concubine Zhu clearly did not say anything, they did not dare to utter a word in front of Empress Dowager Gao and just nodded in agreement.

Empress Dowager Gao said to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, what can you do about the Liao Kingdom?"

The official said, "I am very good."

Empress Dowager Gao said, "Your Majesty, what you said is correct, but now people are talking about the Liao Kingdom being too aggressive, and I have heard some of it."

"Since the Liao Kingdom is pushing us too far, we don't need to indulge them. When my great-grandfather was alive, we fought many battles with the Liao Kingdom."

"Since the people say that we cannot allow the Khitans to continue to show off their power, the government will listen to the people."

The emperor also knew what was going on after hearing what the Empress Dowager Gao said. As a woman, she believed whatever the people said. Before, she was afraid of going to war with Liao, so she told him not to listen to Zhang Yue's opinion. Now, she changed her mind after listening to the people's advice. This may seem like she had no stance, but it was also a first-class political wisdom.

"As for this matter, it is better to have a capable person to handle it. Your Majesty should decide whether to employ a good person or not. If he is not good, then forget it. If he is good, then employ him."

“The most frightening thing is to be able to use the good and not be able to get rid of the evil.”

"As long as Your Majesty is not worried about power falling into someone else's hands, then don't employ those you doubt, and don't doubt those you employ. Just let him do what he wants."

After listening to what Empress Dowager Gao said, the emperor was silent for a moment and then said, "I know."

The official thought to himself, they are indeed mother and son, they really understand his thoughts.

In fact, half of the government's political power came from Empress Dowager Gao.

When Zhang Yue was in power, he was the one who advocated everything, and was even too strong in some places, which made him a little worried that power would fall into someone else's hands.

Now that Zhang Yue had been dismissed for a while, he had taken back some of his power and placed some people in his position. Although it was true, as Liu Bojun had said, that Zhang Yue had formed a clique and cultivated his cronies.

But what if I knew it myself?

Ouyang Xiu even said there are the party of gentlemen and the party of villains.

It's fine as long as Zhang Yue's degree is within my acceptable range.

Besides, after Zhang Yue was dismissed, what would happen to the central government's finances? He had been in charge of it all these years. In the past, he had been able to maintain the shallow offensive against the Dangxiang, so that the finances did not collapse, and he also conquered Liangzhou.

This year, we will be able to open another front in Hebei, prepare for war on all fronts, and set up three auxiliary armies in the capital.

Zhang Yue was better at managing finances than Wang Anshi, and there were no complaints from the people; he received rave reviews.

Moreover, he saw that although Zhang Yue had been dismissed from his post as prime minister, Cai Jing, Huang Lu, Su Song, Cai Bian, Wang Anli, and Chen Mu were all capable of asserting their opinions, and no one had the idea of ​​replacing Zhang Yue.

At the same time, with these people running around and shouting in the court, Zhang Yue's influence still exists.

……

The next day, the emperor asked Wang Gui to stay and make a report.

The emperor said to Wang Gui: "Although I wanted to promote both righteousness and benefit during the Xining administration, I was more focused on breaking up annexations than alleviating poverty, which means I was more focused on righteousness than benefit."

"After Yuanfeng, profit and righteousness complemented each other, and many great things were accomplished."

Wang Gui said: "Ministers should serve their ruler for a long time, so that they can ensure the success of their careers. After Yuanfeng, ministers would rather maintain the status quo than rush into a plundering business."

The emperor was surprised when he heard this. It was obvious that he wanted to imply that Zhang Yue was a great prime minister through the Yuanfeng policy, but how did it become your, Wang Gui's, credit?

Could it be the legendary "the king follows the rules"?

The emperor coughed lightly and asked, "How do you think the affairs of state will be decided when Lord Zhang is not in the court?"

Wang Gui said respectfully: "Your Majesty, please make your own decision! I will do as you command!"

The emperor's face jumped when he heard this, and he looked at Wang Gui and asked in confusion: "What do you do after you leave the government office?"

Wang Gui said: "I am old and no longer have the desire to enjoy the pleasures of music, women and animals."

"It is not easy for you." The emperor felt that he understood Wang Gui a little bit, and finally said: "If this is the case, then exile Liu Bojun to Lingnan!"

Wang Gui said without hesitation: "I obey your order!"

……

Song Yongchen arrived at Dingli Temple.

After not seeing each other for two months, Song Yongchen felt that Zhang Yue had some immortal aura and temperament, as if he was a banished immortal.

It seems that the Prime Minister has been cultivating himself in the temple and his temperament has changed greatly!

"Your Majesty has issued an order to summon the Prime Minister to the palace for a discussion!"

Listening to the other party's words, Zhang Yue couldn't help but complain in his heart. The last time he was "recuperating" at home, the emperor came to invite him personally. That was three visits to the emperor's house!

What a grand invitation that is!

Now they just sent Song Yongchen to summon me into the palace, which was really too "negligent".

The treatment after becoming prime minister plummeted.

Xiao Tiantian has become Mrs. Niu, right? She comes when she is called and leaves when she is dismissed, right?

Zhang Yue said, "I obey your order!"

Song Yongchen said: "Prime Minister, the emperor is so worried that he is sick. The Liao envoy is unreasonable and arrogant. The court is in chaos."

Zhang Yue thought to himself, you, the emperor, are the referee, so don't go down to play in the game.

Throughout history, there have been many emperors who were good at fighting for power and were obsessed with imperial tactics, but few of them could truly govern the world well.

Zhang Yue said: "I will leave now."

Zhang Yue came out of Dingli Temple and rode a skinny horse straight to the palace.

He stayed in Dingli Temple for more than 50 days without leaving the house.

This discovery is like a dragon returning to the sea.

Bianjing still exudes a unique vitality.

The morning breeze was blowing gently. As he passed by the Bian River Wharf, he saw many porters sitting on chairs and drinking breakfast.

Many people are surprised that someone would drink alcohol in the morning.

But Zhang Yue, who has experienced life in the market, knows what life is like very well. How many days in a person's life can they live as they please?

For these porters, it only takes less than an hour after unloading.

After working hard all night, they would have a big bowl of wine and some hard dishes like mutton offal, and eat them slowly. This was their only enjoyment of the day and also the most relaxing and pleasant time for them.

This is also what they look forward to getting through the day.

This is like the last life when I was tired and came home from get off work, I would have a bottle of beer and some braised food, and I was extremely happy at that time. Without this enjoyment, there is no meaning in this class.

Seeing this, Zhang Yue said to Song Yongchen, "Wait for me for a moment, don't bother me!"

Although the emperor summoned Zhang Yue to the palace, he was not in a hurry at all.

What does "I will not wait for the emperor's summons" mean? Get out of my way.

After saying that, Zhang Yue got off the horse, went straight to the stall, bought some wine, mutton, mutton heart, and mutton soup, then sat between the coolies and started eating and drinking.

After being a vegetarian for nearly two months, I can finally eat meat today.

This bowl of mutton is stewed until tender and then poured with boiling mutton fat. It is so delicious that you will want to swallow it.

The boiled lamb heart is also chewy and tastes even better with some sauce.

Zhang Yue couldn't help but praise him a few times, but the shop owner just smiled and didn't reply.

As Zhang Yue ate, he felt the long-lost smell of everyday life returning to him.

Song Yongchen, Li Kui and the palace attendants all stood far away, watching Zhang Yue feasting on his food. Because Zhang Yue had given instructions, they did not dare to disturb him, let alone urge him.

Song Yongchen was afraid when he saw Zhang Yue drinking so much wine. How could he face the emperor when Zhang Yue got drunk?

Zhang Yue ate for nearly half an hour before he was satisfied and let out a long sigh.

Zhang Yue returned to Song Yongchen and the others with a little tipsy and said with a smile: "Don't worry, everyone. Watching half-opened flowers and drinking a little tipsy is the ultimate state of life! It won't hinder the emperor and his subjects from playing music together."

"I have entered the world again this time."

……

Zhang Yue put on his robe and went straight into the palace, regaining his former demeanor as a purple-robed important official.

Song Yongchen couldn't help but wonder what Prime Minister Zhang was like. Was he cultivating himself in Dingli Temple like an immortal, detached from the mundane world? Or was he just an idler who satisfied his appetite in the market and got drunk.

Or maybe now.

Song Yongchen looked at Zhang Yue's eyes, which were half open and half closed, and saw his full charm and firm confidence. He knew that Zhang Yue was still the prime minister who judged the country.

After entering the hall, the emperor had obviously waited for a long time. After seeing Zhang Yue, he was about to reprimand Song Yongchen who was standing beside him.

Zhang Yue said, "I have not eaten meat for dozens of days in the temple. After leaving the palace, I ate mutton and mutton soup. It's too late. It's none of other people's business."

The emperor was both angry and amused when he heard this and asked, "Are you a detached person or an engaged person? Or are you both?"

Zhang Yue smiled and said, "I am not sure. All my efforts are in following my heart and not paying attention to it."

The official said indignantly, "So you put aside the affairs of state and retreated to the temple, just following your heart and not paying attention?"

Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, please allow me to report this. I dare not be the first in the world!"

The official was stunned.

Zhang Yue said: "The Tao Te Ching says, 'One is kindness, two is frugality, and three is not daring to be the first in the world. Kindness makes one brave; frugality makes one generous; not daring to be the first in the world makes one a successful leader.'"

The truth is very clear.

The most taboo thing when doing anything is to take shortcuts and go through it in one go.

Don't think that it's hypocritical to refuse and make concessions repeatedly. You need to release the risks.

The same is true for stock prices. There is no reason for them to rise in a straight line. They fluctuate back and forth, and the bottom rises slowly. After a sharp rise, it is often followed by a sharp drop.

Therefore, kind-hearted people are often brave, and those who know how to be frugal are often the wealthier and less courageous than those who dare not be the first in the world and can often survive the longest.

The way of heaven is like drawing a bow, and politics is even more so.

Actions in the opposite direction can often achieve the goal faster.

By moving forward and backward, you will find that you are moving forward faster than before. When you find it difficult to go straight, you must learn to make detours and be flexible.