Han Shizu

Chapter 970

On the third day after Qian and Liu bid farewell to Kaifeng and went south, they went to Songgong Pavilion, the old place in the southern suburbs of Kaifeng.Another farewell, another lonely autumn, and another farewell to the capital.This time the protagonist, no accident, is another man of great power in the political arena of the Han Dynasty, a well-known chancellor in the court of the Han Dynasty——Fan Zhi.

Regarding Fan Zhi's resignation, there were early signs, and it was caused by many factors, one of which was his personality, his frequent behavior that offended the emperor was also one, and the gradual conflict with the emperor's philosophy of governing the country was also one.Of course, the most important thing is Liu Chengyou's consideration of the adjustment of the Great Han Dynasty over the past ten years.

From before and after Liu Chengyou succeeded to the throne, Fan Zhi valued him, and he was promoted. When Liu Chengyou ascended the throne as the emperor, he became a minister of the dragon. A representative of the imperial party.

However, Liu Chengyou felt that he had been working for too long after more than ten years of career as a minister.Especially in the past three years of prime minister experience, Liu Chengyou believes that Fan Zhi can be a prime minister, but he is not suitable to be prime minister, because his character and style of work are far from being able to work with his colleagues and work hard.

Generally speaking, Fan Zhi's personal qualities are qualified, and his personal morality is fair. With Liu Chengyou's current power, Fan Zhi is the only one who dares to go against his will and always adhere to personal integrity.

Fan Zhi also has the ability to do things, and it is not bad, but he lacks some tolerance. No matter how he behaves or does things, he tends to be more conservative as he grows older.It's not bad to be conservative, it's just that Liu Chengyou at this stage doesn't like it.

Therefore, Fan Zhi was dismissed.At the same time, among the prime ministers dismissed in recent years, only Fan Zhi resigned normally. The political struggle was not so fierce, and there was a little more human touch.

From the beginning to the end, Liu Chengyou just released some signals of changing phases, Fan Zhi received it, and then took the initiative to submit a petition to resign.Unlike his predecessor, Li Tao, who was almost forced to resign.From this point of view, Fan Zhi is not so completely stubborn, ignorant, and unflexible.Maybe it's just because he is in his position, seeks his own government, and takes his responsibility, that's all.

In front of the Songgong Pavilion, there were still quite a few people who came to see off Fan Zhi. The six ministries, nine ministers, and various government offices either went in person, or sent representatives, plus some relatives and friends, but it was also a bit lively, diluting the sadness of parting. .

During Fan Zhi's tenure as prime minister, he did not wantonly form a party, and there were few comrades. The political power centered on him was generally not strong.This also means that during the Bingzheng period, it is inevitable that there will be negligence and delay in doing things that cannot implement his will.Whenever it happens, it is a dispute, and the result is often that Fan Zhi suppresses it. With his character, he has offended many people.

There are quite a few Fanzhi officials who are envied by the top and bottom due to various reasons, such as loss of interests, obstruction of promotion, or personal conflicts.However, now that Fan Zhi has resigned, the past resentment seems to have dissipated overnight, and more people have begun to review his achievements and praise his character.
Fan Zhi's resignation from the Prime Minister may not have eased the conflicts in the court and calmed down the resentment of the courtiers.Of course, the final result is the further strengthening of imperial power.After Fan Zhi resigns, look at the court, who else dares to stand up to the emperor.Rationally speaking, this is not necessarily a good thing for the empire.

The place Liu Chengyou arranged for Fan Zhi was to go to Huaixi to serve as the chief envoy, but the difference from ordinary chief envoys was that he added the same rules, which were called envoys.However, this envoy is fundamentally different from the past Jiedu Tongping Zhangshi.

As for Liu Wensou, the former chief envoy of Huaixi Road, Liu Chengyou was not satisfied with what he did there.Facts have proved that a gentleman of moral character has perfect character, but in governing affairs, how can there be no problems in governing affairs simply by relying on enlightenment and restraining officials and the people through morality.

Letting Fan Zhi go to Huaixi is also to use Fan Zhi to purge Huaixi officialdom and reverse its atmosphere. No matter when, in Liu Chengyou's side, governance is more important than morality, and law is more important than morality.

As for Liu Wensou, he was recalled to the capital to teach in the Imperial College, perhaps educating people is more suitable for him.

Fan Zhi is quite familiar with the Song Gong Pavilion. Over the years, he has given away many people again.Only now, it's his turn.However, even in the place where the Prime Minister was dismissed and took office, Fan Zhi still did not show too much emotion and enthusiasm in the face of seeing off his officials. He maintained that old-fashioned expression and said solemnly: "Thank you for sending me off. I would like to thank you, but the lords are often responsible for important positions. If you leave the position for me as an old man, you will be suspected of leaving your position without permission, and it will be easy to prove it. Please return it quickly!"

Seeing this, the bureaucrats were a little bored, so they returned their salutes, said some polite words, and went back one after another.Afterwards, Fan Zhi reprimanded his relatives back, that is, reprimanded, and warned that although he was not in Tokyo, anyone who dared to use his name to make a show of wantonness would not be spared.

It is indeed not easy to be the relatives and friends of a minister like Fan Zhi. Not only are there few benefits, but they are also subject to stricter constraints.Of course, it doesn't mean that Fan Zhi's relatives and friends have a hard life, no matter what, they are all rich and powerful, but compared with other people, they are extremely restricted in terms of privileges.

Fan Zhineng persuaded officials to leave and scolded relatives, but he could not drive Xue Juzheng away.Among the officials who came to see Fan Zhi off, Xue Juzheng was the most powerful and had the highest status.

Looking at his still serious face, he couldn't help saying: "Wen Su is still too strict with his colleagues and family!"

"It's been so many years, and my temper can't be changed!" Fan Zhi showed a rare smile, and laughed at himself: "It is said that I, Fan, is not popular, and there are not too few people who send me off today!"

Fan Zhi's mental state seemed to be very good, Xue Juzheng also seemed relatively calm, and neither of them showed signs of concern.Standing in the pavilion together, admiring the poems, Xue Juzheng said: "When Li Gong left Beijing, he wrote a poem. This article is here, why don't you recite one or two?"

Hearing this, Fan Zhi was very calm, waved his hands and said: "This time I walked calmly, I don't need to put my heart on it, instead of worrying about it, why don't I have a drink together?"

"You should accompany me!" There was a smile on Xue Juzheng's elegant face.

Under the service of the boy servant, the two chatted freely over drinks, and the matters they discussed could not escape the court and government affairs.

However, during the conversation, Fan Zhi glanced at the officialdom from time to time, implying a little expectation.It looks calm, but how can the mind be as calm as water.

However, it has been nearly two quarters, and it is still the traveling people who travel between the roads.Finally, Fan Zhi got up, and cupped his hands to Xue Juzheng: "The wine is over, and it's time for me to set off, Brother Ziping, let's say goodbye!"

"Treasure!" Xue Juzheng returned the salute.

Sighing slightly in his heart, when he turned around suddenly, a group of Qingqi came slowly, and among the guards was a young man dressed in purple silk.Both of them were surprised to see the visitor, hurried out of the pavilion and bowed to greet them.The person who came was Prince Liu Yang.

"Gu is late, don't take it offence, Mr. Fan!" Liu Yang calmed down, with a respectful smile on his dignified little face.Liu Yang came here, of course, to send him off on behalf of the emperor.

"Why is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince kissing you?" Although he was happy in his heart, Fan Zhi remained calm on his face, and responded modestly.

"Qing also wants to resign?" Inside the Chongzheng Hall, Emperor Liu Chengyou's tone was somewhat surprised.

If Fan Zhi's resignation was under his control, then he was really surprised by Xue Juzheng's resignation at this time.The accident was something that Liu Chengyou didn't like. Looking at Xue Juzheng standing in front of the imperial court, Liu Chengyou's first reaction was to doubt his intentions.Xue Juzheng, the envoy of the Third Division, was not within the scope of his adjustment of personnel in the court.

Facing the emperor's piercing gaze, Xue Juzheng had a calm face, put his hands on his chest, and calmly replied: "Reporting to Your Majesty, I have gained His Majesty's trust, and I have been assigned to the third department to manage finances for more than eight years. The affairs of the three divisions have always been complicated. Although I dare not speak out and devote myself to it, I am sincere and fearful. I only do it reluctantly because I am capable. Now that I am getting older, I am more and more unable to do what I want. In order not to delay the state affairs, please choose another one. The virtuous will act!"

Liu Chengyou only took Xue Juzheng's words as an excuse, stared at him for a while, and various thoughts flashed in his mind.After a long time, when Xue Juzheng was under increasing pressure, he finally spoke up: "If Xue Qing thinks that the affairs of the third department are heavy, you can speak out as much as you want, and I can share the burden with others, why bother to resign?"

In fact, Xue Juzheng has always been very satisfied with his financial management.If he doesn't do well, it's impossible to let him work for eight years.

"It's really the energy and ability of the minister, it's hard to be up to the task, I hope His Majesty will do it!" Xue Juzheng said.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou smiled, his eyes seemed to turn a little colder, and said: "Since this is the case, I will not force Xue Gong anymore. If you want to abandon me and leave, I will not force you to stay!"

"Your Majesty is serious!" Sensing Liu Chengyou's faint unkindness, Xue Juzheng's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly said: "Although I have gone to the third division, I hope to seek another position from Your Majesty!"

Hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou's expression finally softened, and he became interested, and asked, "Oh? What position is it that can make Qing give up the important position of the third department?"

"Sanguan editor!" Xue Juzheng replied: "Since the end of the Tang Dynasty, the world has been in chaos. As for the Han Dynasty, it has only come to rule. Although the three dynasties of Liang, Tang and Jin are only a few decades old, they are a link between the past and the future. They need to be sorted out and recorded."

Hearing his thoughts, most of the displeasure in Liu Chengyou's eyes finally dissipated. After thinking about it for a while, he said: "I always like to read history, and it is a good thing that Qing has this ambition. However, how can a mere editor be worthy of Qing? He is a bachelor of Jixian Palace and supervises the compilation of national history. As for the editors, the literary talents of the three museums and the academicians of the Imperial Academy can be selected by you!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xue Juzheng hastily thanked him.

"However, if Qing resigns, who can succeed the Third Division?" Liu Chengyou stared at Xue Juzheng again and asked, "Qing has the most say in this matter, so you should recommend some talents to me!"

Xue Juzheng originally wanted to avoid taboo, but he noticed his eyes, he still thought about it seriously for a while, and said: "Yan Jinqing, the transfer envoy of Jingji, Zhang Mei, the transfer envoy of water and land in Sichuan and Sichuan, and Lei Dexiang, the envoy of salt and iron transfer, are all Have the talent to take charge!"

"Well, I'll think about it."

The resignation of Fan Zhi and Xue Juzheng was like a thunderbolt to the Han court.What followed was a series of personnel changes, involving the military and government, from top to bottom, from the central government to the local government. In the second half of Qianyou's 12 years, Liu Chengyou's main energy was put on the adjustment of internal and external bureaucrats.

It was Wei Renpu who replaced Fan Zhi as prime minister. After he took charge of the state affairs, the crown prince was deprived of his post and he was replaced by Xue Juzheng.

Murong Yanzhao served as minister of the Ministry of War and Zhangshi of Tongping, and officially became a general and minister; Tao Gu, after years of hard work, moved to Minister of the Ministry of Rites and Zhangshi of Tongping, and finally paid homage to him; Murong Yanchao, king of Changli County, paid homage to minister of the Ministry of punishment , with Ping Zhang Shi; in addition, the newly appointed third secretary envoy Yan Jinqing, with Ping Zhang Shi.

(End of this chapter)