Chapter 13: A Sage's Brilliant Plan to Secure Peace for

h activity. Among those present were Ge Congzhou and Zhang Guiba, generals of the Bian army, as well as "Iron Spear" Wang Yanchang and Wang Yanhong brothers, who had rushed to join, and Shi Shuchong....During the Tang Dynasty, the emperor's formal title was very stylish and called "the Saint". 。This day at the time of the [Insert Traditional Chinese Time "酉時"], when Zheng Zhizhen, the minister in charge of imperial affairs, had just finished his dinner, he received an order from "[Imperial Figure]" to immediately go to the Lín Dé Hall to meet with him. 。The sudden summons surprised Zheng Zhi. As he donned his official robes, he couldn't help but ponder the emperor's intentions. Was there some urgent military intelligence But Huang Chao's rebellion had already been crushed. What urgent military matters could there be He reckoned that it was more likely something major had happened within the palace, and the emperor had called him in to brainstorm solutions. 。This Zheng Zhizhen, although only in his thirties, already had some sagging cheeks. He was thin-shouldered and naturally had the physique of a scholar. 。His complexion was somewhat pale, likely due to frequent late nights and insufficient sleep. His eyes often had bloodshot vessels. 。But his eyes were very lively, rolling around wildly, as if they might pop out of their sockets at any moment. 。As for the reason why he became prime minister, it's even more unbelievable: All scholars in the Tang Dynasty had to write poetry. Zheng Zhuan, although a successful scholar, preferred writing humorous and witty poems for entertainment. Unexpectedly, because his poems were humorous and amusing, they spread far and wide, and even the emperor became his fan. 。Therefore, an imperial edict appointed him as Minister of Works. 。The imperial edict caused a stir throughout the court. It was particularly surprising that someone like Zheng Zhui, known for his witty and humorous poems, could decide such momentous affairs and determine the fate of the nation. This was truly unbelievable. 。After receiving the imperial decree, Lian Zhengzhi also sighed and said: "With Zheng Wu as prime minister, everything in the world is now clear." 。Although that's what they say, who wouldn't want to be a high-ranking official Even on the stage, they write those four characters. 。So Zheng Zhizhen naturally accepted the seal of appointment, understanding in his heart that no matter what happened in the future, at this moment, he had reached the pinnacle of his life. 。

As Zheng Wu approached the Lingde Hall, he saw the emperor from afar.

This Emperor Xizong, just like the chancellor he appointed, was a very unconventional person. 。For example, his dragon robe wasn't even fastened with a "dragon belt" (waistband), and as a result, the entire robe looked loose and ill-fitting. 。Being only five feet tall, he appeared even more diminutive in the voluminous dragon robe. 。Of course, this cannot be blamed on the palace eunuchs or servants, but rather Emperor Xizong's own insistence on his style of dress. 。

The sage felt that wearing slightly larger clothes was more comfortable: “As I, the emperor, am endowed with the wisdom of sages and stand above ordinary people, should I not have the freedom to dress as I please! What a strange thing to say!”

Emperor Xi's eyes were originally small, but he always squinted. This was probably a habit developed when he was a prince, making it difficult for others to see his gaze

He was accustomed to hiding his eyeballs behind his eyelids, stealing glances at the ministers below from beneath them. 。

Zheng Zhuan hurriedly knelt down before the sage and said, "I, Zheng Zhuan, pay my respects to Your Holiness"

What surprised him was not that the Emperor remained silent, but that a voice seemingly echoing from behind him also said, "Greetings, Your Majesty." 。He disregarded etiquette and quietly glanced back. To his surprise, it was another fellow privy councilor, Liu Can, who had also arrived. 。

This Liu Can was a native of Hedong, originally from a poor family. In his youth, there wasn't even oil for him to read by at night. He had to "burn leaves to light his books", comparable to "carving holes in the wall to steal light".

After passing the Imperial Examinations and achieving the highest rank, he established himself as a leading historian, writing "Liu's Commentary on History." His unique perspectives made the book immensely popular in Luoyang, becoming a bestseller in late Tang Dynasty. 。Emperor Xizong also admired this historian and, to make things easy for him, gave him the same rank as a vice-minister of the imperial secretariat. 。Moreover, he wrote a good calligraphy piece and claimed to the outside world that he was a descendant of Liu Gongquan—although the Liu family had never acknowledged this kinship. 。When Emperor Xizong saw that both prime ministers had arrived, he leisurely returned to his throne. An internal attendant presented a paper document to the two men. 。Zheng Zhi and Liu Can had no choice but to squeeze together to read through it. Only then did they understand that a large-scale armed conflict had occurred between Hedong Town and Xuanwu Town, and the troops from Hedong Town were now at the border of Bianzhou. 。Now, General Wang Chongrong at the riverside is presenting a petition to the emperor, requesting an imperial decree to mediate. 。

Zheng Zhuo, full of youthful vigor, immediately had an idea: "Holy One, I believe this is a great opportunity to revitalize the Yuan and restore the prosperity of the Middle Kingdom.

If King Wang Chongrong is appointed as the commander-in-chief of the military camp in Bianzhou, and Li Kekang serves as his deputy, within a few days, Xuanwuzhen can be retaken. This will make all the vassal towns throughout the country know that the Son of Heaven is in power, and they should all submit. 。Upon hearing Zheng Zhizhen's proposal to reduce the power of the vassal states, Emperor Xizong couldn't help but open his eyes, which had been half-closed all along, and fix a hard stare on Zheng Zhizhen. He quickly looked away. 。

Could it be that even looking at people is a waste of time

Xizong calmed the turmoil in his chest.

Reducing vassal states had been a major concern for emperors for over a century since Emperor Xianzong. However, besides Emperor Xianzong's "Yuanhe Renewal," what other achievements can be boasted of Alas, Zheng Wushi, are you being too hasty

Emperor Xizong said calmly, "What do you think, Aiqing"

Seeing that the emperor had called on him, Liu Can quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I believe that Lord Zheng's strategy to reduce vassal states is somewhat overly hasty" 。“Liu Aiqing said,” The tone of Emperor Xizong remained as emotionless as ever. 。"Saintly one, when I look at the world, the most arrogant are undoubtedly the three towns of HeShuo. Among those closest to Chang'an, Fengxiang and Binning stand out. As for the regions of the Yangtze River, Huai River, Han River, there are countless rebels." 。As for Xuanwu, he was summoned and pacified by the sage emperor according to his mandate. Zhu Wen also actively fought against Huang Chao, showing that the sage emperor had discernment in recognizing talent. 。If at this time, due to disagreement with Shatuo, a hasty edict is issued to attack and destroy Xuanwu, it is feared that the court and the people will be in an uproar, saying that the Holy One is indecisive. 。"Seeing that the Emperor did not speak, Zheng Zhuan hurriedly interjected: “Your Majesty, Li Kekong of Hedong is Huang Chao's nemesis. If it comes to fighting bandits, Shatuo's merit is first……” Emperor Xizong coldly interrupted him: "First merit means you can be arrogant"Hearing the Emperor’s displeased voice, Zheng Zhuan suddenly remembered that since ancient times, emperors were most afraid of not enemies, but ministers who excelled and shook their authority." 。

To trumpet Li Kuang's achievements in suppressing rebellion is not to make the Emperor wary

As if to prove his point, the Emperor's emotionless voice sounded again:

"Zheng Qing, do not forget, since ancient times, a benevolent ruler has defended against foreign invaders; that is the Way of Kings"> 。Those outside our group must have different hearts! How can we, because of a momentary success, bring about harm for ten thousand generations Moreover, regarding the credit for suppressing the rebellion, who came first and who came later is still undecided. 。“The saint is wise, I feel ashamed to even speak…” 。But Zhu Xiebunai entered the registry during Emperor Yizong's reign…”

The emperor did not get angry, he just coldly interrupted him: “Registered into Zheng Wang’s household, is that right”

Zheng Zun didn't dare to speak again, only hurriedly kowtowed 。

Xizong said calmly, "The imperial ancestor bestowed the title, but it was merely a symbolic gesture, not on par with gold branches and jade leaves. Moreover, all things in nature, throughout the entire country, from soldiers and civilians to merchants and goods, are all possessions of the royal family.

"It can be bestowed and taken away, what's there to doubt"Hearing the emperor's tone growing increasingly displeased, Zheng Zhisun broke out in a cold sweat, knowing he had to admit his mistake: "Your Majesty is wise, I was truly confused." 。I'm sure Liu Gong has a higher opinion, and I hope the sage will inquire about it. 。But in his heart, he thought: "Liu Can, Liu Can, Zheng has already disobeyed the imperial decree. He can only sacrifice you to be a scapegoat!" 。

Having listened to the conversation between the courtiers, Liu Can was already prepared. Seeing that although the Emperor was still squinting, he had turned his face towards her and adopted an inquiring expression, she immediately spoke in a measured tone:

"Your Majesty is divinely intelligent. The rebellious leader has been captured, yet the rebellion has lasted for ten years. It's not just limited to the two capitals. Even regions like Jiang-Huai and Ling-Nan are in disarray..."

The people yearn for peace and abhor war because they suffer from hardship. 。If a sage were to issue an order to eliminate Zhu Wen at this time, it would be like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves. However, wherever the army marches, war and destruction are inevitable. 。The minister believes that a sage must feel pity for the hardships of the people and would not want to abruptly reduce the power of feudal lords. 。It is not that it cannot be done, but that it is truly unbearable to do so. 。Liuyan was indeed eloquent. He started by flattering, then twisted the issue of not reducing feudal lords into "not wanting to cause the people suffering," thus refusing to use force. 。Of course, it is all out of the loving kindness of the Heavenly Father. 。With all this flattery, Emperor Tang Xizong did indeed nod slightly. 。"Liu Qing, at least you can understand the hardships I am facing." 。

"And how should we deal with this"

Liu Can spoke calmly: "Prioritize harmony."

The emperor's gaze fell upon Liu Can, who quickly bowed his head in obeisance. 。

Xizong: "Speaking of..."

Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!。Liu Can was secretly delighted. It seemed that the Sage was going to adopt his plan. 。That's right, that Zheng Yi is just a writer of riddles and sayings. Where could he possibly govern the country and ensure peace So Liu Can straightened his spirit and spoke in a loud voice:Liu Can: "My humble opinion is that although the banditry has been quelled now, the fires of war still rage in Henan and other places under Qin Zongquan's control." 。Even in the two capitals, everything is still in ruins! Therefore, we should not let Hedong and Xuanwu fight. If the sage has the intention, he can issue an edict to mediate, each rewarding the meritorious service of pacifying the bandits. The Shatuo people will garrison Taiyuan, becoming a protective barrier for the northwest of the country. 。"Although Zheng Zhilong still had a competitive spirit, seeing the emperor's mood improve, he quickly asserted himself: “Just now, Wang Chongrong reported that Li Keku wants to be granted the title of Tongpingzhangshi.” 。“Haha!”A burst of laughter echoed in the solemn and silent Linde Hall, startling both ministers. Who dared to be so brazen in Linde Hall As they looked around, they immediately withdrew their gazes. 。

The one laughing, it turned out, was the saint who always carried himself with the bearing of a king.

The two prime ministers couldn't help but secretly scold themselves for being foolish. Only he dared to laugh out loud in this Lin De Hall. 。But, is there anyone here who dares to make jokes, Your Majesty What are you laughing at

Xizong let out a laugh and suddenly remembered his royal decorum. He quickly changed back to his emotionless voice:

"Do the two esteemed ministers know why I am laughing"

Zheng and Liu, the two chief ministers, shook their heads together 。

"Your Majesty, forgive this lowly subject. I am foolish and ignorant, and dare not presume to understand Your intentions."

"Emperor Xizong endured himself, no longer laughing out loud, but still a smile lingered on his face: “The other day, the Ministry of Officials had already submitted the list of rewards for the Ping rebels to me. But at that time I was busy playing polo and only added the title of Tong Pingzhangshi to Zhu Wen, but I was too busy to add it to King Shatuo as well.” 。I wonder what Li Keqiang's expression would be if he heard this explanation I really want to know the extent of his psychological shadow area. 。

The two prime ministers did not look at each other, but they must have had a “spiritual connection.”

"What on earth is going on Has the Emperor forgotten to bestow upon him the title of "Tong Ping Zhangshi" You know that this oversight has caused quite a stir in Bianzhou, creating chaos and bloodshed. And now I hear the Emperor's emotionless voice:

"Liu Qing, you immediately draft an imperial edict and add this title to Li Ke use's name."

"Your servant receives your decree." 。Let him be a prince then. 。Liu Can was taken aback: Prince As someone nicknamed "Liu Qizi," he, of course, remembered the ranks of nobility: The nine ranks were as follows: First, King, with an estate of ten thousand households and holding the rank of first class. Second, Heir Apparent Prince and Prince, with an estate of five thousand households and holding the rank of first class. Third, Duke, with an estate of three thousand households and holding the rank of first class. Fourth, Founding Prince, with an estate of two thousand households and holding the rank of second class… A prince, that was a title one level below the Prince, the second rank. It couldn't be mistaken! 。But, was it Li Ke use or Zhu Wen that the Emperor spoke of "My humble self is foolish and failed to hear clearly Your Majesty's decree" 。"With narrowed eyes, he opened them a little and said impatiently: 'How could you not understand! You call yourself Liu Qi's descendant! Letting Li Ke use become the King of Longxi! What else can you say'" "Your minister obeys your orders, Your minister obeys your orders" 。Although he was scolded, he finally understood the meaning of the imperial decree. 。The Emperor doesn't mind the cost of making mistakes, but Liu Can't afford to try. 。

After thinking for a moment, Emperor Xizong said again: “Zhu Wen is truly a loyal person.”

But things like giving a surname and registering your residence, please forget about it. 。

lest someone take one's beloved to be a relative of the emperor

He fixed his gaze on Zheng Zhuan, who seemed terrified as if he were about to be beheaded by the look. He instinctively shrank his neck. 。Emperor Xizong did not find himself amused and continued speaking in the serious tone expected of an emperor: "Grant him the name " 。"Well, bestowing upon him the name 'Quan Zhong' is both a commendation for his achievements in suppressing bandits and an expression of my sincere hope that he will continue to be loyal to the court." 。Both prime ministers said together, "Such is the sage's intention. Zhu Wen will surely be deeply grateful." 。

Xizong snorted in his nose: "They're not that easily grateful."

These commanders, they're tough to motivate. They won't budge without some real incentives. 。These human relationships, you must keep in mind. 。Two ministers said together: “The sage's teachings, we have all engraved upon our hearts.” 。"Well, let's appoint Zhu QuanZhong as the Marquis of Pei County." 。"Your servant obeys your command." 。 "

"s fleeing." 。"One must also beware of Zhu San playing tricks and luring us both into appearing." 。”As the two discussed, it was already dawn. Zhou Dewei suddenly pointed at the official road and excla...