Han family achievements

Chapter 278 No one in the royal family is simple
When Yang Biao and Xun Yu entered King Chenliu, Liu Xie was still talking to Empress Dowager Dong.

Empress Dowager Dong has aged a lot in recent years, her hair is white, but her demeanor is more graceful than the previous gloomy one, and she has gained a lot of weight.

Empress Dowager Dong was stunned when she heard the servant's report, and asked: "You mean, that Wang Lang, publicly wrote a letter to admonish that Yang Biao?"

The servant was equally shocked. This kind of thing has never happened before. He nodded and said: "Yes, it was written in public. The supervisors of Yushitai, Shangshutai, Xingcao, etc. have all read it, and the content is indeed 'admonishment'."

Empress Dowager Dong looked strange and said to herself: "Weird things, strange things..."

No matter how euphemistic Wang Lang's wording was, 'admonishment' was 'admonishment', and publicly 'admonishing' the prime minister was no small matter.

Moreover, Wang Lang is still Yang Biao's man. There are too many things worth pondering here.

Liu Xie waved his hand, waited for the servant to go out, and said to Empress Dowager Dong: "Grandma, what should I do with my grandson?"

Empress Dowager Dong looked at him and said, "Now that Wei Ting has closed the case, what else do you want to do?"

Liu Xie looked embarrassed and said: "Brother Huang asked me to mediate between the old and new prime ministers. Now that Wang Lang has made such a move, I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain later."

Empress Dowager Dong sneered and said: "That imperial brother of yours always strives for perfection in everything. He not only wants to get things done but also wants a good reputation. He is nothing like your father!"

When Liu Xie heard this, the corners of his face moved and he did not dare to answer.

His father could be said to be extremely absurd. He had forgotten all about his ancestors, etiquette, and decency. He didn't care what the courtiers and people in the world thought of him.

It was precisely because of his absurdity that the national power of the Han Dynasty weakened rapidly, so that in the last years of Zhongping, so many major events happened that almost caused the Han Dynasty to fall apart.

After his imperial brother succeeded to the throne, he worked hard and tried his best to stabilize the situation.

But there were so many problems left behind by that father that any chancellor would have to be careful and plan carefully.

Empress Dowager Dong mocked Liu Bian, and then said: "Okay, won't he just ask you to mediate? You wait for a while, don't say a word of what you should say, just talk about things."

Liu Xie was stunned for a moment, unable to react, and said: "Brother Huang asked me to mediate, but I didn't say a word. How can I mediate?"

Empress Dowager Dong frowned and said, "You were so smart when you were a child, why are you confused now?"

Liu Xie was startled and seemed to have woken up. He raised his hand respectfully and said, "My grandson is in the middle of the court and can't see the situation clearly. Please ask my grandmother for advice."

Empress Dowager Dong shook her head. Sometimes, she would also think that Liu Bian was unfilial and was indeed more suitable to be emperor than Liu Xie. At least, in terms of scheming and government, Liu Xie was far inferior.

After thinking about it, Liu Xie was the precious grandson she raised with her own hands. She reminded: "They are all smart people. They will understand some things better if they don't say them. It's better not to say them."

Liu Xie thought for a while, came to some understanding and said: "My grandson understands."

Seeing Liu Xie sitting still, Empress Dowager Dong asked doubtfully: "They are all here, why don't you go...anything else?"

Liu Xie and Empress Dowager Dong depended on each other, so they had nothing to hide. "Your Majesty intends to leave the palace to inspect the northern states."

Empress Dowager Dong frowned deeply and said impatiently: "He hasn't given up yet. How can he leave the capital at will at this time? Are the ministers in the court not stopping him?"

Liu Xie seemed helpless and said: "Brother Huang insists on leaving the capital, who can stop him?"

Empress Dowager Dong was still very dissatisfied with Liu Bian. In her opinion, this grandson was just like his vicious mother - he was not a good person!
"Then don't worry about it," Empress Dowager Dong said angrily: "Remember my words, put your thoughts away, don't get involved so much, let him catch you, he will be cruel!"

Liu Xie originally wanted to get advice from Empress Dowager Dong, but seeing that Empress Dowager Dong became angry when she heard Liu Bian, he had to stand up and said, "My grandson has taken note of what my grandmother said."

Empress Dowager Dong nodded, but still worried, she said more: "No matter what Yang Biao and that Xun Yu say, if you don't nod or shake your head, just let them go, as long as they get what they want."

Liu Xie didn't dare to agree to Yang Biao's request. What was going on with Xun Yu? He said, "Yes. My grandson is resigning."

Empress Dowager Dong looked at Liu Xie's back and waited for him to go out. She couldn't help but sigh softly and muttered something unknown. She turned towards the statue behind her, closed her eyes and muttered something.

Liu Xie walked towards the main hall, thinking about his words in his mind.

As for Yang Biao and Xun Yu, who were drinking tea and waiting in the main hall, they were notified one after another and learned about Wang Lang's verdict, especially the 'letter of admonishment', which was actually in Yang Biao's hands.

He read it once and then spread it out on the table.

Yang Biao's fat face was straightened, and his little eyes kept blinking.

Wang Lang didn't communicate with him about this matter beforehand, so he didn't know about it, and he was thinking hard about Wang Lang's intention of doing this.

Xun Yu sat opposite Yang Biao. Although the font was upside down, he still finished reading it quickly.

His somewhat mature face remained motionless, but his eyes moved slightly as he stared at Yang Biao.

"Xun Shangshu, what do you think?" Suddenly, Yang Biao raised his head and looked at Xun Yu. There was a hint of asking for advice in his voice.

Xun Yu bowed to show respect and said: "According to my guess, Wang Tingwei did this to let the Prime Minister escape unharmed."

"Docking the tail to survive?"

Yang Biao thought thoughtfully. Wang Lang's letter would have a blow to his reputation and would leave a mark in the history books.

But to be precise, it is more like a 'summary' and a 'final verdict', which excludes Yang Biao from everything. It only reaches the level of 'admonishment' and is not culpable.

Xun Yu still bowed and said: "I agree with Tingwei's judgment. Many things should not be far-fetched and implicate the prime minister."

Yang Biao listened to Xun Yu's words, rubbed his fat face, and then said with a smile: "Xun Shangshu has the bearing of a prime minister."

Xun Yu bowed again and said, "I still have many things I need to ask the Prime Minister for advice. I wonder if I can come and visit you tonight?"

Yang Biao took a deep look at Xun Yu, his smile grew wider, and he said, "That's what you wish for."

"Mr. Yang, Mr. Xun, what are you talking about so happily?" At this time, Liu Xie strode in, looked at the two of them and laughed loudly.

Yang Biao and Xun Yu stood up quickly, raised their hands and said in salute: "I have met King Chenliu."

With a smile on his face, Liu Xie sat down at the main seat and said, "Second Master, please take a seat."

Yang Biao and Xun Yu were both puzzled by Liu Xie's sudden invitation. They sat down calmly and waited for Liu Xie to start.

After the servant served tea, Liu Xie politely picked up the tea cup and said "drink tea".

Yang Biao and Xun Yu naturally followed and took a sip, all looking at Liu Xie's face.Liu Xie was more calm than before. Even with the two old and new prime ministers, he was not too nervous. He pretended to ponder for a moment and said: "Second Lord, the autumn grain has been reduced again, and the national treasury cannot make ends meet. I don't know, what countermeasures are there?"

Yang Biao blinked his little eyes, feeling strange.

Why did King Chenliu, who had never been involved in government affairs, suddenly become concerned about the treasury?
But Yang Biao said nothing and glanced at Xun Yu.

As the Secretary of Hu Cao, Xun Yu did his duty, and a look of concentration appeared on his mature face, and he said: "Your Highness, judging from the figures from various states, one hundred thousand stones is basically the limit."

Liu Xie frowned, looked at Xun Yu, and said, "I remember that before Zhongping, the national treasury had about one hundred thousand yuan a year. Isn't less a bit too much?"

Xun Yu's expression became serious and he said: "Your Highness, the southern states and Yizhou basically do not pay for food, so this will reduce it by [-]%. The northern states have been in war for years, and now they have just calmed down, and not much land has been re-cultivated, so this will reduce it by at least [-]%. . Coupled with various natural and man-made disasters, it is already difficult to survive even one in ten."

Liu Xie knew something about it. Hearing Xun Yu's words, he couldn't help but feel a little shocked and said, "Really, only one out of ten?"

Both the government and the public suspected that Hu Cao had hidden the true amount of taxes and used them for other purposes without telling the court.

For example, it was used as military resources to supplement Cao Cao, the Forbidden Army camp, and to appease the Yellow Turban Army and the Black Mountain Army who had surrendered.

Yang Biao, the incompetent prime minister, nodded at this time and said: "Your Highness, Shangshu Xun has not lied. The tax situation of the imperial court is indeed not optimistic, and it will only decrease, not increase, in the foreseeable future for at least five years. The imperial court's expenditures are increasing day by day. , the hole will get bigger and bigger.”

Liu Xie never expected that the imperial court would be so strapped!

He couldn't help frowning and thinking hard, and said: "Then, what are the countermeasures? Do you want to pacify the south first?"

With Liu Yu's arrival in Beijing, the "war faction" in the imperial court was on the rise, and Liu Xie heard a lot of rumors.

Unfortunately, there was no news from the palace, and no one could guess what His Majesty was thinking.

Yang Biao straightened his face and said: "Your Highness, the north seems to be stable, but in fact it is very fragile. Once there is any disturbance in the court, it may collapse at any time. Therefore, the meaning of Shangshutai is to determine the north first and then the south. With the right opportunity, Wang's troops and horses were strong, and he put down the rebellion in the south in one fell swoop!"

Liu Xie looked suspicious and said, "Brother Huang, does this mean the same thing?"

According to Liu Xie's understanding of Liu Bian, the imperial brother never took the ordinary path. Would he really be so patient and tolerate the rebellion in the south without reacting?
Xun Yu bowed and said: "Your Highness, is it for political matters that you have called me here?"

Liu Xie immediately calmed down his expression, picked up the tea cup with a smile, and said, "It's just that I have some doubts in my heart, so I can't help but ask."

Xun Yu sat back, picked up the teacup, and drank tea gently.

Seeing that Xun Yu did not explain to Liu Xie, Yang Biao understood what he meant. He took a sip of tea and said with a smile: "I heard that Yushitai has encountered a lot of trouble recently?"

Seeing that Yang Biao had changed his subject, Liu Xie felt relieved and said, "Yes. The various states and counties seem to be a little opposed to the fact that Yushitai is the censor patrolling the city, and there is a situation of clumping together."

Liu Xie made it easy, but in fact, local officials had "deeply hated the censors" and began to take the initiative to fight back. For example, in the Jizhou Saltworks, three censors were accused of "corrupting royal laws," "oppressing officials," and "night "Sustaining a brothel" and "designing a trap", and they were also verified.

Yang Biao glanced at Xun Yu and said: "Your Highness, there are some things that cannot be fought alone by the Chancellor, and require the assistance of officials."

After all, the official hat is still in the hands of the officials.

Xun Yu remained motionless, as if he hadn't heard.

Liu Xie had a panoramic view of the expressions of the two people, his smile did not diminish, and he said: "The Prime Minister is right. His Majesty mentioned a few years ago that the Yushitai and the Li Cao will jointly supervise the officials. Due to various reasons, the If I can implement it, I think it’s time to restart.”

"Your Highness is right." Yang Biao had a smile on his fat face.

He is about to take office, and there are few people in the government and the public. After he takes office, it will have nothing to do with him in causing trouble.

Xun Yu also didn't answer, looking thoughtful.

When Liu Xie called him over, he must have some purpose, but it was definitely not a 'Beijing police'.

At this moment, the maid began to serve dishes. They were not exquisite, but they were not dishes that ordinary people could eat. The table was filled with dishes.

Yang Biao's appetite was greatly increased, he reached out to pick up the chopsticks, and said with a smile on his face: "Your Highness, I'm not welcome."

Xun Yu listened to Yang Biao starting to call himself 'Old Man', and his somewhat stiff expression slowly relaxed.

The most important purpose of his attendance at the meeting today was to 'reconcile' with Yang Biao.

From Yang Biao's self-proclaimed statement, he had already realized that his goal was achieved.

"You don't need to be polite, Mr. Liu," Liu Xieyao said.

Yang Biao enjoyed his meal very much and felt like a regular customer.

Xun Yu, on the other hand, was slow and leisurely, strictly following the 'etiquette' and never 'overstepping the rules'.

The meal lasted until late at night. Yang Biao was drunk. With Xun Yu's help, he reluctantly got into the carriage and was picked up by his servants.

Xun Yu waited for a while, then looked back at King Chen Liu. He was silent for a long time before getting on the carriage.

From the beginning to the end, King Chenliu did not explain the purpose of the banquet for the two of them. He rambled on for so long. Except for the first few sentences about court affairs, the rest were all matters of the Yushitai!
In Yang Biao's carriage, which was already far away, Yang Biao, who was already drunk, suddenly opened his eyes, sat up slowly, and let out a long breath of alcohol.

"No one in the royal family is simple..."

Yang Biao had deep eyes and was extremely calm, speaking softly to himself.

Liu Xie, who once competed with the current emperor for the throne, was a "taboo". Many people wanted to get rid of him in the early years.

Although he was saved by the palace, in the eyes of the government and the public, he was still a 'troublesome person' who could die at any time and could not be approached or avoided.

And today, he held a grand banquet with the current and future two prime ministers. Without the palace's instructions or tacit approval, it was simply impossible!
But unfortunately, from the beginning to the end, King Chen Liu didn't mention a single thing that "should be said"!
Just because I didn’t mention it, it made the matter even more serious!
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" Yang Biao whispered to himself.

In the final analysis, whether Yang Biao can escape completely depends on the attitude of the palace!

His Majesty's ascension to the throne and subsequent experiences in the palace cannot be described as ups and downs, but full of crises. Not only is the throne gone, but his head may also be missing!
Can he really forget about those things that happened before the early years of Yonghan?
Yang Biao thought for a long time, and then took a long breath, his face not at all relaxed.

He couldn't make up his mind, and he couldn't guarantee whether he could leave Luoyang City alive until the last moment.

While at Chenliu Palace, Liu Xie was seeing off Yang Biao, and Xun Yu was considering his words, preparing to report to Liu Bian the status of today's banquet.

(End of this chapter)