First Minister of the Tang Dynasty

...

The four worshiped their prime ministers, and immediately, with Gao Junya as the leader, they went forward together to thank them and accept the decree.

Afterwards, Gao Chong continued to read, and after only one glance, his expression paused. Gao Chong took a deep breath, calmed down a little, and held his head high.

"Gao Chong, Minister of Dali Temple, Duke of Bohai County, Minister of the Ministry of War, Duke of Yan State, and [-] households were sealed for food.

The crown prince Zuo Shuzi, Sun Wuji, the head of Shangdang County, can be the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, the Duke of Qi, and [-] households are sealed for food.

Prince Zuo Shuzi, Du Ruhui, a male from Jianping County, can be Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, entered Jue Lai Guogong, and sealed [-] households for food.

Prince Zuo Wei led, Shanyang County Marquis Yu Chigong, Ke Youwu Marquis General, entered Wu Guogong, and sealed [-] households with food.

The crown prince Zuowei deputy led, Quanjiao County son Hou Junji, Ke Youwei general, entered the rank of Lu Guogong, and sealed [-] households with food.

The above five people, together with Zhongshu Ling and Xingguo Gongfang Xuanling, are six people in total, and they are rated first in meritorious service. They will be given iron certificates of Danshu, which can pardon their death."

When everyone heard about it, they immediately showed envy, not because they envied the Iron Coupon of the Dan Shu, and they pardoned their death.

Because anyone with a discerning eye knows that the so-called special forgiveness is nothing more than a title. When the monarch wants you to die, he has to die. Liu Wenjing is the best example.

As the founding father of the country, Liu Wenjing, after the founding of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan also gave the iron coupon of the Danshu, which also forgives death, but in the end it is still inevitable.

What is enviable is not the iron certificate of Danshu, but the first-class merit evaluation. This is the greatest honor, and it also has a substantial effect. To put it bluntly, this honor of "first merit evaluation" will record In the register, as an important basis for the evaluation of officials by the department.

This is exactly the emperor and the courtiers.

The chief officials of the left and right Chunfang in the East Palace, two Zuo concubines, Changsun Wuji and Du Ruhui, are in charge of the official department and the civil department respectively; two right concubines, Gao Shilian and Fang Xuanling, are in charge of Menxia Province and Zhongshu Province respectively.

In addition, his confidant Gao Chong is in charge of the Ministry of War and overall military planning; Hou Junji is in charge of You Wuhou and is in charge of the imperial guards of the capital.

But everyone knows that this is not over. Those who have not read their names continue to look forward to it, thinking about gains and losses in their hearts.

After reading out the content of the first merit evaluation, Gao Chong took a step back and motioned for Chen Shuda to step forward.

Chen Shuda nodded and smiled, and stepped forward to accept the imperial edict respectfully.

Gao Junya, seated on the left, raised the corners of her mouth slightly, expressing her satisfaction.

In fact, Gao Chong's throat was not hoarse, it was still loud and clear, but Gao Chong certainly couldn't be the only one to show his face, not to mention the deep friendship between Chen and Gao.

Chen Shuda is elegant and easy-going. Although his beard and hair are slightly white, he has a handsome face and an elegant demeanor. Envoys from other countries also admire him when they see this.

Facing the attention of all the people, Chen Shuda nodded slightly to signal that the courtiers understood, cooperated with the silence, and then spread out the imperial edict with both hands, and continued to read it calmly.

"Prince Zuo Si Yu led, Duke Yi Qin Qiong, and General Zuo Wuwei sealed off seven hundred households.

The crown prince Youwei led, Su Guogong Cheng Zhijie, Ke Youwuwei, the general, sealed [-] households for food.

The prince's right inner deputy led Zhang Gongjin, but Zuo Wuhou general was promoted to the Duke of Dingyuan County, and [-] households were sealed for food.

Duan Zhixuan, Marquis of Zuoyu in the East Palace, General Ke Zuoxiaowei, entered the rank of Lord Fan Guogong, and sealed a thousand households with food.

Yan Shigu, a native of Zhongshushe, can be the servant of Zhongshu. He was a male in Langya County, and he was awarded [-] households for food.

Liu Linfu, a member of Zhongshushe, Ke Zhongshu's servant, is a male in Leping County, and has [-] food seals.

The prince's right inner deputy led Li Keshi, but the left led the general, entered Sanyuan County Marquis, and sealed [-] households with food.

The prince's right supervisor led the eldest grandson Anye, but the general of the right supervisor, entered Yiyang County as Marquis, and sealed [-] households with food.

…… ”。

Chen Shuda kept reading word by word, and he couldn't speed up his speech until the end. It was because the scale of the award this time was too large. Finally, the award for serving in the capital was read out. There were more than seventy people, involving three provinces, six ministries, nine temples, sixteen guards, etc. Military and political ministries.

Seeing that Chen Shuda was exhausted, but Zhang Anan was still standing by, holding a thick volume of imperial edict, Gao Chong had no choice but to get up, after all, Chen Shuda was over fifty years old.

Seeing Gao Chong get up, Chen Shuda understood, bowed back, Gao Chong relayed the relay again, this time it was to announce the appointment of an official who was not in Beijing.

"Li Jing, the governor of Lingzhou and the Duke of Yongkang County, entered the rank of Dai Guogong, and sealed [-] households for food.

Li Shiji, governor of Bingzhou and Cao Guogong, was changed to British Duke, and [-] households were sealed for food.

Liu Hongji, the governor of Youzhou and Ren Guogong, was changed to Kui Guogong, and [-] households were sealed for food.

Zhang Liang, the general of the right guard, led the governor of Huaizhou from a distance, became the Duke of Changping County, and sealed four hundred households with food.

…… ”。

After the announcement of the appointment of these great officials in frontiers, the next letter will be the clan.

"Zong Zhengqing and Li Xiaogong, Prince of Zhao Jun, may be changed to the title of Prince of Hejian County by Minister of Rites, and [-] households of Shi Shi.

Li Daozong, the governor of Lingzhou and the king of Rencheng, and the minister of Kehongyu Temple, sealed [-] households with food.

General Zuo Xiaowei, Huaiyang King Li Daoxuan, the governor of Yangzhou, sealed [-] households with food.

General Zuo Wuwei, Li Shentong, King of Huai'an, conferred the title of Kaifu Yitong Sansi, and sealed [-] households with food.

The governor of Yangzhou and the king of Xiangyi, Li Shenfu, can be used as a master craftsman, and [-] households can be sealed for food.

…… ”。

This time, Gao Chong's voice was really hoarse, and there were more than a hundred officials and clan heroes who were not in the capital.

Today the weather is fine and the sun is shining brightly, but it is still the twelfth lunar month, above the city tower, the wind is bitter, and every time he opens his mouth, he is facing the dry and cold wind. After a long time, his throat feels as if it is being cut by a knife.

After the reading was over, rituals and music were performed, and the bitter cold wind still couldn't suppress the enthusiastic Chang'an people.

Gao Chong returned to the stage to reply, Li Shimin said with a smile: "You have worked hard, take your seat, and warm the wine."

"Thank you, Your Majesty", Gao Chong saluted respectfully and thanked him.

Li Shimin was slightly taken aback, and then laughed again.

"My lords, today I specially approve to take a rest and take a rest for half a day when I return home."

Li Shimin looked at the two rows of important ministers on the left and right of the tower, and was very satisfied. These are all his humerus ministers, "Tonight hold a banquet in the Qianqiu Palace to celebrate with all the princes."

When the ministers heard the words, they all thanked him.

Li Shimin was obviously very happy, and said again: "The curfew is canceled tonight, and the monarch and ministers celebrate together."

As soon as the words were finished, Gao Chong was about to thank him, when he saw an old official with gray beard and hair coming out from the right.

"Your Majesty, the old minister has something to say." The man's face was covered with wrinkles, even his eyebrows were already white, but his body was still straight and his voice was extremely tough.

Gao Chong looked at it, and suddenly became interested. It turned out that this person was Li Gang, who was called "Prince Killer" by later generations.

Li Gang, courtesy name Wenji, is from the same hometown as Gao Chong, from Bohaixiu County, where Gao, Feng and Li are the only ones in Bohaixiu County.

Li Gang's grandfather was Li Yuanze, the prefect of Qinghe in the Northern Wei Dynasty, and his father was Li Zhi, the chariot general of the Northern Zhou Dynasty.

Li Gang became an official early, as early as the Northern Zhou Dynasty, by virtue of his family background, he served as the army of Qi Wang Yuwenxian of the Northern Zhou Dynasty.

He is 79 years old this year, nearly [-] years old, and he is the oldest among the important ministers present. In the reward edict just read out, Li Gangguan paid homage to Prince Zhan Shi, and assisted the new crown prince Li Chengqian.

It is worth mentioning that Li Gang's two sons also made achievements, especially the second son Li Liyan. In the imperial edict of reward, Li Liyan paid homage to the doctor of the Ministry of Rites, and entered the rank of Xiuxian male.

The reason why Li Gang is called "Prince Killer" is because Li Gang successively assisted the three generations of princes in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, namely Yang Yong, the prince of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, Li Jiancheng, the prince of Emperor Gaozu of Tang Dynasty, and Li Chengqian, the prince of Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty. Zhan Shi, Prince Shaobao, Prince Taishi and other important positions, it can be said that he spent his entire career in the East Palace, and he was deeply trusted by the emperors of all dynasties.

Li Gang's personality is extremely upright, advocating high integrity, and quite knowledgeable, but for some reason, the three princes who were taught and assisted by him were all abolished, and none of them successfully succeeded to the throne.

On the original trajectory, in the fifth year of Zhenguan, Li Gang died of illness, and his longevity was 85 years old. Fortunately, when he passed away, Li Chengqian had not been adopted, otherwise it would have dealt a severe blow to this upright old minister.

Seeing Li Gang coming out, Li Shimin didn't dare to neglect, and quickly stretched out his hand to extend his invitation: "Wen Jigong, please take a seat. If you have something to say, it's okay to say it."

A 79-year-old veteran, no matter what dynasty or generation, the emperor should show respect. This is a traditional virtue of China. With such a long life, he can already be called a human being. What's more, Li Gang's noble character and high morals are respected by all scholars in the ruling and opposition circles.

Faced with Li Shimin's respect, Li Gang just shook his head solemnly, "How can a subject sit down and talk, it is so disrespectful of the etiquette of a monarch and a minister."

Li Shimin just smiled and didn't insist. He knew how stubborn this old man was.

"Your Majesty, the current state affairs are difficult. In the land of Gyeonggi, at the foot of the emperor, food prices remain high, and refugees are increasing day by day. At this time, it is really inappropriate to cancel the curfew, let alone hold extravagant banquets. Everything can be kept simple."

Li Gang has a dignified body, 79 years old, and stands resolutely in the middle. His thin figure looks extraordinarily tall at this moment.

Gao Chong's heart suddenly rose to respect, this is the loyal and upright admonisher of the Tang Dynasty, Gao Chong believed in Li Gang's selflessness, because he saw tears in Li Gang's eyes.

The 79-year-old Li Gang is used to the sufferings of the world, and has experienced the turmoil of the world. Now that the new emperor is on the throne, the monarch and the people are united, and the national power is booming. See it with your own eyes.

As a dignified veteran, Li Gang could see the persistently high food prices. This alone deserved the admiration of others. How many people present were from well-known families, did not know the five grains, and never asked for food, rice, oil and salt.

Li Shimin was immediately moved when he heard the words, and his face gradually turned red. He immediately got off his seat without hesitation, and personally helped Li Gang up.

"Wen Jigong is loyal and admonishing, one word wakes me up," Li Shimin said sincerely.

Seeing this, Li Gang was deeply relieved, and paid homage to Li Shimin again: "Your Majesty accepts advice with an open mind and a magnanimous heart, comparable to the virtues of Yao and Shun."

This round of simple compliments made Li Shimin feel more relaxed.

After Li Gang took the lead, all the ministers bowed down again.

After the words fell, Li Shimin returned to his seat, and reflected very seriously: "What Wen Jigong said is true, the country's affairs are difficult, and it should not be extravagant, but today is a very meaningful day. The banquet will not be changed, this banquet will not go to the Zuo Zang treasury, and will be paid out of my private funds, and I will send an order to Shangshiju, so it must be kept simple."

Speaking of this, Li Shimin glanced at the two rows of princes on the left and right, and sighed: "Actually, there is another reason. Today, I ranked the merits in different levels for rewards. Maybe there is something inappropriate, or someone is dissatisfied. I also want to hear it." Listen to your voices, and then you can declare that you have seen each other."

Hearing what Li Shimin said, Li Gang also had nothing to say, bowed and then retreated.

After all, Li Shimin used his own money to entertain heroes, not the treasury's money. Tang inherited the Sui Dynasty system, and all the wealth in the world belonged to the Zuo Zang treasury, while the emperor's private money was completely separated from the treasury, without interfering with each other and not being involved.

Until the fourth year of Tianbao, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty appointed Wang Yu as a household registration envoy, expropriated and stripped property, and collected tens of billions of dollars every year, and set up a large surplus treasury to include all non-rental income into the great surplus treasury for the emperor's private use , also known as the inner treasury, and the eunuchs are in charge of the Daying treasury. Since then, all the wealth in the world has been privately stored by the monarch, and the financial department cannot count how much it is.

In this way, everyone is happy, and all the ministers are happy to celebrate again.

It's just that Gao Chong could see that Li Shimin seemed to be uninterested, and Li Gang's words just hit the pain point without concealing it.

Now that there is a shortage of food in Guanzhong, there are more and more refugees, and the Turks are about to approach. In such a predicament, how can we still have the heart to feast.

Seeing that the atmosphere was somewhat gloomy, Gao Chong stepped out, bowed deeply to Li Shimin first, and then crossed his hands to Li Gang.

"It's a great honor for the country to have ministers who are direct and virtuous." Gao Chong said in a clear voice, "Although there are a lot of wastes waiting to be rejuvenated, but fortunately meeting the Holy Lord, the monarch and ministers will work together, and they will surely establish supreme achievements."

Hearing Gao Chong's words, Gao Junya's mouth twitched, and she moved her head to the side calmly.

The eldest grandson Fang Du and the others paused for a while, and then the eldest grandson Wuji quickly agreed, shouting praises, and the rest of the ministers reacted and agreed one after another.

Li Shimin glanced at Gao Chong, then waved his hands and said, "This is the end of today's pilgrimage. Some performers will come to the Ganlu Hall, and the rest will go back to their residences to have a rest." After finishing speaking, he went downstairs and returned to the palace first.

All the ministers thanked again and paid attention to sending them off.

"It's still Youzhi who can talk." After Li Shimin went downstairs, Cheng Zhijie stepped forward and hugged Gao Chong and said with a smile.

Gao Chong grinned, and said with a nonchalant smile, "You can just say that I am flattering."

Cheng Zhijie was dumbfounded, and then laughed loudly, "Let's go to the Hero Tower to celebrate first."

Gao Chong happily agreed, and the two immediately called their friends and went to the Hero Building together.

"Aye, Mr. Zi Cong, elder brother, let's go together", Gao Chong walked to his father Gao Junya and said with a smile: "Congratulations to Fang Xianggong for enthroning the prime minister, let's go together."

Seeing Gao Chong and Cheng Zhijie being so free and easy, Fang Xuanling shook his head and smiled wryly, "Yuzhi, you are really... free and easy."

Just now, in the midst of the attention of thousands of people, he paid homage to his prime minister, even though he was as calm as Fang Xuanling, he was still excited and could barely hold himself in. Looking at Gao Chong, Cheng Zhijie, and Yu Chigong, there was no psychological burden at all. Calling friends and making arrangements for a banquet.

"Go on your own," Gao Junya looked at Chen Shuda and the others, and smiled with his hands behind his back: "We old men will not get involved."

Cheng Zhijie and the others were so happy that they immediately went straight to the Dongshi Hero Tower in twos and threes.

With the sound of the drum, Wang Chao officially dispersed, and it was already noon, and the audience outside the Chengtian Gate had gradually dispersed.

Wang Chaoshang just emphasized that the country’s affairs are difficult and everything should be kept simple. Naturally, Gao Chong and others are not good at eating and drinking. They go back home.