Some things did not need to be said too clearly. Yao Chong understood why Zhang Jianzhi suggested him to stay in the Ministry of War. But the position of Prime Minister was the highest point in one's life. Unless one was a member of the royal family, the position of Prime Minister was the highest point of one's life. The temptation was huge.
Now that this goal was right in front of him, he only needed to work hard to climb up. It was not easy for him to give up. But Yao Chong only stroked his beard and pondered for less than ten minutes before he suddenly opened his eyes. He had made up his mind and his eyes were clear.
He said in a sonorous tone, "The position of Prime Minister is something people yearn for. But during the Wujiao Revolution, the Wu Clan monopolized power and acted arrogantly. Now that the Empress is on the throne, although the court is not peaceful, the world is still stable. Once the Empress passes away, the power will fall into the hands of the Wu Clan. Chaos will follow and the empire will collapse in an instant. Without the country, what is the use of being Prime Minister? Since the position of Assistant Minister of War is beneficial to the restoration of the empire, it is not a big deal for me to give up this position! "
"Good!"
Duke Wen clapped his hands and praised, "I knew that Yuanzhi's heart is for the world and will definitely agree. Don't worry, with your qualifications and reputation in the court, you will enter the government hall sooner or later. It is just that you will enter two years later, but you will be able to cultivate many useful talents in the army. If there is a big change in the future, this will be the capital for us to restore the empire! "
The Duke Wen that Yao Chong spoke of was Yang Yuanyan, courtesy name Wen. He was the Provincial Governor of Jing Province and a like-minded friend of Zhang Jianzhi. This time, Zhang Jianzhi was transferred to the Provincial Governor of Jing Province. The original Provincial Governor, Head of Officials and other officials were transferred. Yang Yuanyan was also transferred back to the capital recently. Therefore, he brought back Zhang Jianzhi's views on the current situation.
Yang Yuanyan excitedly poured a cup of wine for Yao Chong and raised his own cup. He said, "Today, in order to restore Li Tang's empire, I am willing to give up my fame and future. On behalf of Li Tang's old officials and the people of the world, I propose a toast to you!"
…
"Please drink!"
"Cheers!"
In another mansion, in another study, there were also two people sitting opposite each other. The food and wine were simple.
The master was wearing a Swallow Residence robe. His face was thin and his temperament was refined. He looked to be less than sixty years old. His complexion was excellent and his face was ruddy. His eyebrows were very thick, but they were very thick at the beginning, very light in the middle, and very thick at the end, giving his refined and refined air a slight air of malice.
This person's name was Yang Zaisi. After he passed the imperial examinations, he first became a military official. Later, he was promoted to the position of External Minister of Heavenly Officials. He worked in the Ministry of Appointments for a few years, and his achievements were remarkable. Especially because he was smooth and slick, he was good at making friends. Soon, he was transferred to Luantai.
Like Yao Chong, he was also one of the most popular candidates after Li Zhaode stepped down. However, with a strong competitor like Yao Chong, he only had half a chance. Unexpectedly, someone came to visit and brought him great news. "They are willing to elect Yang Zaisi as Prime Minister."
There was only one person, but he represented a group of people. This group of officials did not take a clear side. They did not have much power, but their positions were high. Their words were very effective. To these people, remaining neutral was also a way to protect themselves. Therefore, Yang Zaisi couldn't figure out what they wanted in return for their help. If the other did not say what they wanted in return, the crafty Yang Zaisi would not easily agree to their help.
Yang Zaisi parted his beard and restrained his smile. He asked solemnly, "Let's not beat around the bush. Everyone is willing to help me, but what do you want me to do?"
"It's very simple. Do one thing and help one person!"
The person smiled. There was only one lit lamp in the room. It was placed behind him to the right, so his face was hidden in the light. It gave him a mysterious feeling. "Brother Yang knows that there is a scandal in the selection of officials in the Southern Frontier. His Majesty has lost all face. How to smoothly resolve this matter concerns His Majesty's face, as well as the dignity of the court.
If Brother Yang becomes the Prime Minister, the three fires of a new official must burn brightly no matter what. When that time comes, what better way to prove Brother Yang's ability and boldness than to smoothly resolve the matter in the Southern Frontier? "
The person sighed softly. "Brother Yang should know that Zhao Gan's impeachment this time is against Yang Fan, but King Liang is behind him. This matter is difficult for His Majesty. Zhao Gan only accused Yang Fan, but each and every one of the cases were scandals of officials abusing their power for personal gain. If they were to be pursued one by one, who knows how many people would be implicated, and the prestige of the imperial court would be reduced to nothing.
Thus, it is best to put this matter aside for now. The most important thing is to quickly come up with a list of candidates that will satisfy all parties. This way, no one will care about the problems with the original list. The Emperor will be satisfied, the officials will be at ease, and Brother Yang's reputation … will be established! "
The person smiled. "The one who is in charge of the overall situation is in line with the Emperor's will and the officials' hearts. The right time, the right place, and the right people are all in place. This is a rare opportunity for Brother Yang."
Yang Zaisi lowered his head again. He pretended to sip his wine as he thought about it.
He thought about the famous officials who were willing to stand out to support him. They all seemed to have relatives, nephews, or disciples involved in Yang Fan's list. It was reasonable for them to be eager to resolve this matter. However, Yang Zaisi felt that things were not as simple as the other party made them out to be.
Yang Zaisi pondered for a long time before he raised his head and asked, "Then, to help a person … who is this person?"
The person replied, "Zhao Gan!"
Yang Zaisi's eyes narrowed. A trace of surprise flashed through his eyes.
The person sneered, "Who is going to clean up this mess? I wonder where this Zhao Gan got his hands on so many secrets of the officials. It seems like he's trying to imitate Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen, using shortcuts to climb up the ranks. But no matter what, there's no one more suitable than him to clean up this mess.
Doesn't he know the affairs of the officials like the back of his hand? Then let him be the examiner. At that time, who will have anything to say? By using him, not only will we be able to seal his mouth and throw this mess to him to clean up, it will also prove that Brother Yang has never formed a faction and is wholeheartedly serving the public. His Majesty will surely be pleased! "
Hearing this, Yang Zaisi lowered his head again.
Nominating Zhao Gan made sense. Looking at it from a closer perspective, it would allow him to achieve his goal of promotion. It would prevent him from imitating Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen, biting others like a mad dog. A few days ago, these officials were still desperately stuffing candidates into the candidate list. But now, they were all eager to avoid him.
In the long run, it was not easy to become an official. No matter how balanced Zhao Gan's list was, he would definitely offend a group of people. It was still unknown whether he could become a lackey of the emperor like Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen, but he had already made a group of enemies for himself.
This was a method to kill without spilling blood. But … Yang Zaisi thought about it again and again, but he still felt that there was something he couldn't figure out. He pondered for a long time but still couldn't figure out the other party's motive. However, he did analyze his own strength.
No matter what, agreeing to it was beneficial for him. If he agreed to it, he would immediately gain a great help, giving him a greater advantage in the competition against Yao Chong. What happened next could only be carried out after he became the Prime Minister. If he became the Prime Minister and made this request, he would not only win the Emperor's heart, but also preserve the reputation of these officials. From then on, he would be able to turn this request into his own connections. He would also be able to gain a good reputation of being selfless in the court and leave a good impression on the Emperor that he was courageous, capable, and dedicated to solving the Emperor's problems. No matter how he looked at it, he would not lose out.
Thinking of this, Yang Zaisi raised his wine cup and drank it in one gulp. He slammed the cup on the ground and said in a deep voice, "Fine! Let's do it! "
…
Wu Zetian returned to the inner chamber of the Summer Palace with a displeased expression.
The recent series of events in the court made her very unhappy. Today, she specially came to the Dragon Gate Palace to relax her anxious mood. Who knew that Wu Sansi would come to the Dragon Gate to complain about his grievances.
Wu Zetian had no other choice. She could only climb out of the hot spring and change her clothes to meet her disappointing nephew. After listening to him complain about his grievances for a long time, she impatiently sent him away.
It was impossible to separate family and state matters so clearly. This country and the world belonged to her. If Wu Sansi and Yang Fan handled things beautifully and left others speechless, she wouldn't mind at all. But now that things had turned out like this, Wu Zetian felt a bit disappointed.
"Come!"
There was no one in the inner chamber, but at Wu Zetian's order, two slender figures immediately flashed out like ghosts and stood there quietly.
Before Wu Zetian ascended the throne, the Plum Blossom Guards had many functions, including spies, guards, and attendants. But after she ascended the throne many years ago, the Plum Blossom Guards only had the function of personal guards. Now that the eyes and ears of the Three Law Bureau were almost paralyzed, she had no choice but to let the Plum Blossom Guards resume their old duties.
"Did Yang Fan make any moves?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Yang Fan has been in seclusion these days. Occasionally, some colleagues have come to visit, but the highest rank is only fifth rank."
"Yang Fan didn't go to the Liang Palace? And he didn't go to Princess Taiping's residence? "
"No!"
"Mm!"
Wu Zetian waved her hand, and the two female guards quietly disappeared.
Wu Zetian thought to herself, "This Yang Fan is quite clever and knows his limits. He didn't rely on the fact that he was doing things for Sansi and Taiping's favor, but he acted unscrupulously and went around asking for help, attracting hundreds of officials to attack him. He's much better than that bastard Xue Huaiyi."
Wu Zetian suddenly remembered the news that the Luoyang Magistrate had just sent over. Xue Huaiyi ran to the Luoyang Prefecture and demanded three hundred bolts of silk and twenty-five cows from the Luoyang Magistrate. He even used the Emperor's name, saying that he wanted to hold some kind of ceremony for her. The Luoyang Magistrate didn't dare to refuse, but there was no one to report such a huge debt, so he could only report it to the Emperor.
Thinking of Xue Huaiyi, Wu Zetian was even more vexed, "This child Yang Fan seems to be quite clever, but why did he make such a mistake this time and leave so many weaknesses for others to use against him? He's still young after all, and once he succeeds, he inevitably gets carried away. This time, no matter what, I have to make him suffer, or else how am I going to answer to the officials? However, this matter has to end as soon as possible, I can't let Zhao Gan investigate endlessly. If he continues to investigate, it will be me and the Wu Clan who will lose face! "
Suddenly, the sound of splashing water and Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi's laughter came from behind the screen. Wu Zetian's furrowed brows relaxed a little, and a trace of a smile appeared on her face. Now, only when she was with Wulang and Liulang would she feel carefree, and only then would she feel like she had regained her youth.
As Wu Zetian thought about it, she gently unbuckled her belt and slowly walked over. Her steps were graceful, and she seemed to have regained some of the elegance she had in the past.
When she reached the screen, her loose robe had already been quietly taken off …
…
…
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