The stars twinkled in the sky.
It was the morning between the third and fourth night watch, but the sky was still dark and the night air was hazy.
However, it was the transition between spring and summer. Although it was early in the morning, the weather had started to warm up. The wind carried the fragrance of flowers, and the morning breeze was refreshing.
Many carriages, lanterns, cavalrymen, and servants were walking slowly on the main roads leading to the Imperial City from Yujing City.
This was something that happened every day.
In the Da Qian Dynasty, the morning court assembly of the civil and military officials had begun.
In the Da Qian Dynasty, the rules of the imperial court were extremely strict. Every day, before the sun rose, the officials of the six ministries, the cabinet ministers, and the civil and military officials had to go to the "Qian Gang Palace" to discuss the affairs of the country with the Emperor, and settle a series of matters in the imperial court. This had been an unchangeable rule for the past twenty-five to twenty-six years.
In the early years of the Da Qian Dynasty, during the reign of Taizong and Gaozong, the two emperors were obsessed with cultivation and sometimes did not attend the morning court assembly.
However, when the fourth Qian Emperor, Yang Panyi, inherited the throne, he immediately set a strict rule that all officials had to attend the morning court assembly every day. The Emperor set an example. If any official did not attend the morning court assembly for a day, they would be punished with flogging, or dismissed from their posts, never to be employed again. Even the princes and assistant ministers were no exception.
This set of rules lasted for twenty years, sweeping away the lazy atmosphere of the civil and military officials in the imperial court. All the officials were cautious and conscientious, not daring to slack off. The huge machinery of the country operated normally every day and night, never stopping.
It could be said that the great governance of the country in the past twenty years was inseparable from the iron rules of the morning court assembly.
…
The carriages of a few officials moved under the starlight. As they opened the curtains, they were discussing.
"These days, Prince Yu has suddenly become much more powerful. He has really settled a few big cases of the imperial court, cleaning up the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Appointments, and the Ministry of War. Everything is in order. He is very different from before when he was hiding his strength and biding his time …"
"Yes, even the Crown Prince's subordinates suffered a great loss. I heard that one of the Crown Prince's subordinates was involved in the case of the Ministry of Justice. He took advantage of it and was arrested by Prince Yu. He asked for an imperial edict to confiscate his assets, but the Emperor did not defend him."
"How? That day in the imperial court, Prince Yu directly submitted a memorial to the Emperor. The evidence is conclusive, and the Emperor is a person who is very particular about the rules. It is obvious that he wants to clean up the bureaucracy, so he will definitely not uphold it. "
"Prince Yu now plays a memorial every day. Every day, something happens in the morning court. It's really frightening. I wonder what he's going to play today? As long as they don't make things difficult for us. "
"Prince Yu won't randomly bite people. Didn't you see that the things he reported to the Emperor these past few days all have substance in his words? Moreover, his reasoning is sound, and even the Emperor can't refute it." An official said, "Moreover, the fact that he was able to find a solution to the problem already shows his image as a wise ruler. In my opinion, in comparison, the Crown Prince, Prince He, Prince Chan, and even Prince Mi, who is highly regarded by the Emperor, are a little lacking … If this continues, won't the winds in the court change?"
"Shh! Keep quiet. Grand Tutor Hong's sedan is coming. Let's hide in a small alley so that we don't bump into him. "
At the corner of a street, there was the sound of hooves, hundreds of lanterns, and golden umbrellas. It was the Grand Tutor Hong Xuanji, who had also come to the morning court.
A few officials hurriedly ordered the servants to hide the sedan in a small alley at the side, waiting for Hong Xuanji's sedan to pass before coming out.
"Tsk tsk, that flying pixiu umbrella canopy is really awe-inspiring. Even a prince doesn't have such an honor."
After Hong Xuanji went over, those officials discussed again. Because Hong Xuanji's sedan had a canopy on it. Even a prince didn't have such an honor. It was specially bestowed by the Big Dry Emperor, Yang Pan, and it was a supreme honor in the court.
"That was also given by the Emperor." An official rolled his eyes and said, "If he was like Yi Zi, compiling the Book of Changes and becoming famous throughout the world, then that would be true prestige and honor. Now, Yuan Tu, Yun Meng, and Divine Wind have already used the Book of Changes as a test. I wonder when the court will do the same? There are many scholars in the world who have read the Book of Changes. "
"Not only that, even the Western Region's Chara is working hard and has begun to send a large number of people to study the Book of Changes as an important classic to select talents," another official said.
"Mm …"
These words naturally fell into the ears of Hong Xuanji, who was in the sedan far away.
Hong Xuanji's white jade-like hand clenched slightly, and a wisp of air exploded from his fingertips. However, there was no emotion in his eyes, and no one knew what he was thinking at this moment.
"Grand Tutor, let's go to the morning court."
The sedan stopped at the gates of the imperial city. Just as Hong Xuanji got off, he saw another sedan stop beside him, and Prince Yu walked out.
"Wang Ye, please go ahead." Hong Xuanji looked deeply at Prince Yu, as if wanting to see through him.
However, Prince Yu didn't seem to care in the slightest. With a faint smile, he walked confidently towards Universe Hall.
… …
It was the fourth watch period, and the sky was just beginning to brighten. The various ministers, civil and military officials, and the various princes were all gathered in Universe Hall.
"Long live His Majesty …"
An earth-shattering roar rang out. The Sovereign of the Great Thousand World, Qian Emperor Yang, sat on the dragon throne, while Hong Xuanji stood at the head of his subjects.
"Everyone, what matter do you have to report?" After Big Heaven Emperor Yang Pan sat on the dragon throne, his gaze swept over the people below. His gaze made everyone's hair stand on end, and several people who were preparing to report shrank back.
"Your son has a report to report!"
Suddenly, Prince Yu stood up, his eyes meeting Big Heaven Emperor Yang Pan's gaze as he loudly said.
"Now that you have a report every day, we want to see what you will report today." Yang Pan looked at Prince Yu with a smile that wasn't a smile. Many of the ministers and ministers also looked towards Prince Yu.
"Your son has two reports. The first is that the study of the Book of Changes is currently popular throughout the world. Once the Book of Changes appears, there will be no sutras under the heavens. Yin Yang Five Elements, Tai Chi, Eight Trigrams, Yin Yang and Four Phases are all within the sutras. Furthermore, the Western Regions, the grasslands, the Northern Countries, and the various countries across the seas have already set the Book of Changes as the subject of their examinations. My majestic Celestial Empire, the origin of the Book of Changes, has yet to set it as orthodox. Right now, your son earnestly requests that the Book of Changes be established as a national study, something that all scholars must study and take an examination of. "
As Prince Yu's words were spoken, the entire court instantly became suffocated.
"Ridiculous!" Hong Xuanji suddenly spoke, "Yin Yang Five Elements, Yin Yang and Four Phases, Tai Chi, Eight Trigrams are the knowledge of Daoism. Throughout the ages, Confucianism has been the foundation, and etiquette, loyalty, and filial piety have been the subjects of examination. How can this Book of Changes be included in the examination? Prince Yu, don't make a mistake. "
"Who said Yin Yang Five Elements, Yin Yang and Four Phases, Tai Chi, Eight Trigrams are the knowledge of Daoism? Hong Xuanji, your scholarship is not pure! Yin Yang is the law of the heavens, the five elements are the truth, the astronomical phenomena and geography are the Book of Changes, what is a book of changes? I think that the books you wrote are the real books of changes. They misinterpret the Great Way of the Sages and distort etiquette! "
Just at this moment, an excited voice rang out in the court. All the ministers looked over and saw that it was Venerable Xin Xue and Li Shen Guang. They all looked like they were watching a show.
This Li Shen Guang and Hong Xuanji were not only sworn enemies in the court, but they were also devoted to learning. They were like fire and water, always fighting to the death.
"The court is a place of dignity. Li Shen Guang, calm down," Hong Xuanji said sternly as a murderous glint flashed in his eyes.
"I'm arguing with reason! Could it be that Grand Tutor Hong doesn't like me and wants to kill me? " Li Shen Guang smiled coldly, "I know that the Grand Tutor's martial path is deep and has reached the Human Celestial Realm. Killing me is easy, but can you kill all the people in the world who study the Book of Changes? Although Hong Yi is your son and my disciple, his knowledge is indeed much higher than yours and mine. Learning doesn't matter first or last, the one who understands is first. Are you so jealous? Are you trying to stop the court from selecting talents? "
"Your Majesty, the Book of Changes is the scripture of heaven and earth. Every word is a gem and it is beneficial to be able to read it. If it can be included in the exam, it will be beneficial to the court and the world. I agree with Prince Yu."
After saying that, Li Shen Guang cupped his fists.
"I also agree with Prince Yu's suggestion." Another cabinet minister stood out. Everyone saw that it was a Confucian Master, Wu Yan. He had studied the Book of Changes for the past two years and wrote many books. He deduced the changes of the eight trigrams and was quite accurate. Even the Empress Dowager often called him into the palace to do some divination.
"I also agree. The Book of Changes is profound. If the scholars of the world read it, it will be very useful for selecting talents."
Another minister stood out.
At this moment, Prince Yu coughed slightly. Instantly, many of the officials on his side knelt down. "I also plead for the court to include the Book of Changes in the exam."
In an instant, the court was in an uproar. It was like dry firewood that had the momentum to start a prairie fire.
Originally, there were many factions in the court. Prince Yu was in one faction, Prince He was in another faction, the Crown Prince was in another faction, Hong Xuanji was in another faction, and there were a few cabinet ministers who didn't form any factions. They were knowledgeable and were neutral.
But these few neutral factions all came out to support the Book of Changes. This caused these factions to fall silent. They felt that there was a vague trend in the court.
"Hm?"
Big Dry Emperor Yang Pan looked at the few loyal cabinet ministers. His body trembled slightly. Only now did he truly understand the power of the Book of Changes. It even caused his throne to be shaken. He couldn't help but frown slightly. He looked at Hong Xuanji and said, "Since the cabinet ministers all agree on this matter, we also agree. But Li Shen Guang, you can't change your personality of shouting at the court. It's really lacking in etiquette. From today onwards, you will no longer be a cabinet minister. You will be the chief editor of the royal library. "
Hua la …
There was a small uproar in the court. This was equivalent to removing Li Shen Guang from his position. From this, it could be seen that Yang Pan's attitude was completely biased towards Hong Xuanji. He shifted the conflict of the Book of Changes onto Li Shen Guang. This was also a warning to the cabinet ministers.
"Father's move is really beautiful …" Prince Yu's heart shook.
"Your Majesty's grace is something this humble subject is grateful for. This humble subject has long wanted to have some peace and quiet to study the Book of Changes. However, the position of chief editor of the royal library cannot be idle. This humble subject will now resign and go into seclusion. However, before this humble subject leaves, I need to warn Your Majesty a few words. Be close to the nobles and keep your distance. This is the way to prosper the country. "
As he spoke, Li Shen Guang placed his hat on the ground and calmly retreated.
Seeing an illustrious and righteous cabinet minister resign in front of the court just like that, the hearts of many of the officials shook, several of them looking towards the Big Dry Emperor Yang Pan.
Big Dry Emperor Yang Pan's face did not show any expression.
… …
"There's another matter. Prince Yu, please present the memorial." Big Dry Emperor Yang Pan looked at Li Shen Guang walk out. Although he did not show any expression, he felt extremely uncomfortable inside. As a cabinet minister, Li Shen Guang was still very capable. Moreover, his reputation as a clean stream had shocked all the governors. Now that he had resigned, there was no small disturbance.
"If there wasn't the Book of Changes, this Li Shen Guang would not so easily resign …"
"Erect a holy statue of the Son of Changes to stand alongside the Hundred Saints," Prince Yu said.
Every word he spat out shocked the court!
"Court dismissed!" When Prince Yu finished speaking, Yang Pan stood up. "We'll discuss it tomorrow!"
"Your Majesty, return to the palace!" A eunuch called out, and the court meeting was dismissed.
Today's court meeting was like a divine explosive talisman that had completely exploded.
At noon, Hong Yi met Li Shen Guang at the Book of Changes.
"Hong Yi, help me do something. You have to place righteousness before family! I'll go to the people now and write a denunciation, listing all of Hong Xuanji's crimes. Once the momentum is established, I'll summon all the governors to purge the Emperor's side and punish Xuanji! "Li Shen Guang said as he held Hong Yi's hand.
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