I studied in modern times

Chapter 267 Cai Que: Returning home in glory

Gengyin (29) in October of the eighth year of Yuanfeng.

Zhao Xu was wearing mourning clothes and sitting in the Jiying Hall. All civil and military officials in the court were also wearing mourning clothes and standing respectfully in the hall.

With the sound of ritual music, all the palace doors from Jiying Palace to Xuande Gate were opened.

Soldiers stood on both sides, everyone wrapped in plain clothes.

Weeping all the way to the Queen Mother, she escorted the late Emperor Yu into the palace from Qionglin Garden outside the city.

Countless concubines, clan members, and relatives all accompanied him in plain clothes.

Lord Yu was carried into the imperial city.

Zhao Xu was already holding a bamboo stick and leading hundreds of officials to wait outside Jiying Hall.

Waiting for Lord Yu to be carried to the Jiying Hall, Zhao Xu led all the officials to kneel down and said, "My dear son, Chenxu, respectfully welcomes my father, Lord Yu!"

"I respectfully welcome Shenzong Yingying Liewu Shengxiao Emperor God!"

Zhao Xu personally held the bamboo stick and guided him from the front, just like a filial son supporting his elderly father back to his familiar hometown.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites were respectfully serving and guiding on both sides.

Finally, the carried Yu Zhupai was respectfully delivered to the east of Jiying Hall, which had already been set up as the Dien Hall.

The plain white banners were hung down, and the portrait of the late emperor was unfolded.

Zhao Xu stepped forward respectfully, and the officials from the Ministry of Rites had already poured the wine.

Zhao Xu respectfully invited the late emperor's spirit to drink.

Then he knelt down and bowed before the Yu Lord Card. The ministers prostrated collectively and once again respectfully invited the late emperor to return to his throne.

This is a ritual to calm the gods.

With the end of the Anshen Ceremony, the Late Emperor Yu's main tablet was respectfully taken down from the imperial chariot.

Then he was supported by Zhao Xu and placed on the prepared altar table.

Next, the Empress Dowager presided over the drinking ceremony, while Zhao Xu presided over the memorial ceremony.

After everything was completed, Han Zhongyan, the Minister of Rites and the Envoy of Etiquette, reported six auspicious things that the late emperor's spirit encountered on his way back to Beijing.

Wang Cun, the envoy of the guard of honor, recounted the story of the late emperor Yu Zhu's return to Beijing from Yongyu Mausoleum, and the six Yu sacrifices on the way.

Cai Que, the Prime Minister of the Left and the envoy of the mausoleum, recounted the story of nineteen auspicious things discovered during the construction of the late emperor's mausoleum.

Gao Gonghui, the chief inspector of Zhichedu, and others reported the sorrow and reluctance of the officials and ministers during the period when the late emperor's soul was temporarily staying in the palace and hiding in the imperial palace.

As a result, both the government and the public came to the conclusion: The late emperor was indeed the wisest emperor in the history of the Song Dynasty!
Everyone unanimously praised the achievements made by the late emperor during his 19 years of reign.

Then everyone unanimously stated that today's son is the eldest son of the late emperor, and he was raised under the late emperor's personal guidance, so he must have inherited all the good qualities of the late emperor, and he will definitely be able to lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

However, all of this just tells the world that the Yuanfeng era is completely a thing of the past.

The Yuanyou Era is about to set sail.

So, when all the dust settled, Cai Que returned to the capital hall and handed over the seal and talisman of the Shanling Envoy.

He began to write a dictionary.

As the prime minister, since he is the envoy of Shanling, he must resign when he returns to the court.

At the same time, he also declined all visits and receptions.

When he returned home, he ordered people to close the door, expressing his determination to tell the truth and never stay in the court to cause trouble to the two palaces and the emperor.

……

In the winter of the eighth year of Yuanfeng, it is Xinmao in the eleventh month.

In the morning in Bianjing City, there was some hail, and charcoal began to be burned in the thermal pavilion of Baoci Palace.

Under the warmth brought by the charcoal fire.

Zhao Xu sat in the middle of the two palaces, looking at the dictionary in his hand.

"Xianggong Cai, you are so noble and honest..." Zhao Xu sighed with emotion: "If the ministers of the country are like Xianggong, loyal to the country, knowing how to advance and know how to retreat, why worry about the world not being prosperous?"

Both palaces were smiling.

Unlike Zhao Xu's previous life, this time Cai Que did not contact the palace commander to force the palace.

Therefore, for the sake of self-protection, there was no publicity everywhere about the events before and after the death of the late emperor, especially before and after the establishment of the crown prince.

Naturally, I won’t be attached to it.

This time, his list of words was clean and neat, and he expressed his intention to express his words clearly.

"Sixth brother, according to the story, when the prime minister is informed, he should be awarded a bachelor's degree in the Guanwen Palace..." Empress Dowager Xiang reminded from the side: "Xiangong Cai is a high-ranking official of the late emperor, and he is also an important minister who has the merit of supporting Conglong. If he is appointed outside, he will still be a bachelor." We should add palace and ancestral officials to show the emperor’s great grace..."

Zhao Xu nodded: "Thank you, Queen Mother, for the tip!"

So, he began to write down the appointment for Cai Que.

As his pen began to write word by word on the paper, the two palaces looked on with smiles, and Queen Mother Xiang looked at it with joy and pride while reading: "Shang Shu Zuo Pu She and his disciple The minister, Shangzhu State, has [-] households in the city, and the official title of [-] households in the country is true. However, he is specially awarded the bachelor of Guanwen Palace and the envoy of Jixi, and [-] households in the city are added. Seal four hundred households!"

It is almost the perfect will of the emperor.

The writing, format, and diction are all excellent.

"The intelligence of an official is truly rare throughout the ages!" the Empress Dowager admired.

Empress Dowager Xiang was even more proud: "My son will be able to carry forward the inheritance of his ancestors and serve as my pilgrim king!"

It was naturally Empress Dowager Xiang's idea to ask Zhao Xu to write a letter to Cai Que.

Empress Dowager Xiang now wishes that Zhao Xu would grow up quickly, take charge of the throne, and give birth to a bunch of grandsons and princesses for her.

Zhao Xu's performance did not disappoint her.

As a result, Empress Dowager Xiang began to have the idea of ​​​​allowing Zhao Xu to participate more deeply in the government.

With this in mind, he asked the Empress Dowager: "Sixth brother, where should Mr. Cai go when he is out of town?"

In this matter, there are actually not many choices.

Generally speaking, when the prime minister is informed, as long as he is not demoted, it will be in those few places.

Luoyang in Xijing, Damingfu in Beijing, Yingtianfu in Nanjing, Yangzhou, Hezhongfu...

Cai Que can go to Yingtian Mansion, Hezhong Mansion and Yangzhou now.

Because there are elders from other places occupying the Carrot Pit.

Zhao Xu thought for a while and replied: "Queen Mother, Grandmother, I have an idea, but I don't know if it is appropriate..."

"Ok?"

"I heard that the ancients said: Wealth that does not return home is like walking at night in fine clothes..."

"How about giving Mr. Cai a grace and allowing him to return to his hometown and serve as a parent official for a year..."

Both palaces frowned.

However, Zhao Xu still wanted to say: "It's only for one year. I just want to let him live in glory and accept the congratulations from his hometown elders."

"This is also to praise the elders, Prime Minister Yourong!"

"If you think it's inappropriate, you can deny it civil rights!"

The Song Dynasty implemented a system of floating officials, and ordinary officials would not serve locally.

Of course, there are exceptions.

For example, in his later years, Han Qi judged affairs in the state.However, that's because Han Qi has semi-retired and basically doesn't care about civil affairs.

Now, Cai Que is obviously in his prime, and this matter is indeed taboo.

But Zhao Xu had his own ideas.

But the two palaces don't quite understand. If they don't give people the power to govern, what power will they give them?
Zhao Xu responded to the questions from the two palaces and replied: "Xianggong Cai will judge Quanzhou, serve as Fujian observer envoy, and promote Quanzhou Shipping Department!"

"Order the Prime Minister to run a shipping company in his hometown, bring in merchants, and generate income for the country... At the same time, give him time to return to his hometown in honor and glory, to show the good looks of the country!"

This was a mission that Zhao Xu had thought about for a long time for Cai Que.

Quanzhou Shipping Department is a promising organization.

After Wanyan Gou's southern migration, Shibosi accounted for a large share of the revenue of the Southern Song Dynasty.

However, the current Song Dynasty did not establish a shipping department in Quanzhou.

The establishment of Quanzhou Shipping Department was finally established in the first year of Yuanyou in history.

This can be regarded as one of the few good things that Sima Guang did during his administration that benefited the country and the people.

How could Zhao Xu miss such a huge financial opportunity?
Therefore, the Quanzhou Shipping Department not only had to be built but also had to be presided over by the prime minister!
There is no more suitable person than Cai Que.

Because Cai is indeed from Quanzhou!

There is no need to say more about the rural plot of the Fujian people.

Asking Cai Que to take charge of the Quanzhou Shipping Department, Zhao Xu believed that it would be a 100% success.

"In addition... Cai Xianggong went to Quanzhou as prime minister and served as Fujian observer. He could also decide on the Fujian Salt Law and Tea Law..."

"Wizijing's farce must come to an end!" Zhao Xu couldn't help but feel a little angry as he said this.

The case of Fujian Road transfer envoy Wang Zijing broke out after the case of Wu Juhou, and public opinion was aroused for a time.

Later, Zhao Xu sent Li Ding to Xinzhou, and the censor at Yushitai calmed down for a while.

It was not until the ministers of the old party entered the court that they started to pay attention to the affairs in Fujian again.

Zhao Xu bought Wang Zijing so much time.

What is this asshole doing with all this time?
Try your best to drag others into the water!

In the past few months, Zhao Xu had read no fewer than ten memorials written by Wang Zijing and Quanzhou magistrate Chen Chen against each other.

Wang Zijing accused Chen Kai of colluding with Quanzhou merchants, colluding with each other, and corrupting the law.

Chen He said that Wang Zijing had harmed the people, doubled the law, and brought disaster to the country and the people.

The two people blamed each other.

What everyone said made sense.

Under normal circumstances, neither Zhao Xu nor the two palaces would be able to figure out the real truth.

However, in modern times, Zhao Xu specialized in archeology.

For Song Dynasty archeology, Quanzhou is a must-visit place.

And how can you not go to Quanzhou Museum when you arrive in Quanzhou?

As a result, everything about Wang Zijing was revealed in Zhao Xu's eyes.

Including this guy, who has been obstructing the establishment of the Quanzhou Shipping Department just to make money for himself - Quanzhou people have remembered these things for 900 years!

Although few modern people know about it, you can go to the Quanzhou Museum and listen to the commentator mention that Wang Zijing obstructed the establishment of the Shipping Department. The gnashing of teeth is definitely not fake!

To be honest, Zhao Xu gave Wang Zijing enough opportunities.

After all, this person was a close confidant of the late emperor. If he were to be brought down again, the late emperor would not look good.

Others may wonder, who did the late emperor use? !
Wu Juhou was still an upright official after all, so who did Wang Zijing count?
But Wang Zijing is so stupid!
I'm still messing around until now.

If Zhao Xu hadn't been concerned about the late emperor's face, he would have told the two palaces to send the censor to bring Wang Zijing and Chen Chen back for interrogation.

This time, Cai Que, the new party tycoon, simply came from heaven to deal with him.

Cai Que is very particular about how to deal with people.

After listening to Zhao Xu's words, the two palaces thought about it and felt that it made sense.

Empress Dowager Xiang then said to the Empress Dowager: "My Majesty, the bride thinks what Sixth Brother said is reasonable... I don't know what your Majesty wants?"

The Empress Dowager looked at Zhao Xu's eager expression and said with a smile: "The officials have said yes, so it will definitely not be wrong!"

……

Cai Que respectfully accepted the imperial edict.

Then, as usual, he asked his family to stuff a piece of gold into Liang Weijian, the big mink who came to read the decree.

As soon as Liang Weijian weighed the weight of the gold, he smiled happily - at least there was ten taels!
"Mr. Liang..." While Liang Weijian was happy, Cai Wei, Cai Que's son, quietly came over and asked, "Does the unknown official and the Cisheng of the Two Palaces have any plans for my father?"

Liang Weijian thought for a while and felt that it would be okay to tell this matter in advance, so he said: "So that the Xianggong and the Yamen know that not only the Xianggong's imperial edict is granted, but also the royal letter written by everyone..."

"Even my husband's whereabouts are decided by everyone!"

The Cai family was immediately overjoyed.

Especially Cai Que's wife, her excitement was beyond words.

Cai Que couldn't hide his excitement.

As long as the Holy Family lasts, Cai Chizheng's outing this time is just a vacation.

Just go on a trip.

One or two years later, he still has his place in Bian Jingdu Hall!

Then Liang Weijian said: "Everyone's holy intention is to send judgment to Quanzhou as our minister, concurrently serve as the Fujian Road Observer, and promote the Quanzhou Shipping Department!"

"The Cishengs of the two palaces have agreed, and they will announce it after the husband enters the palace!"

Everyone was stunned.

Sent to Quanzhou?

Cai Que even swallowed his saliva, his inner excitement beyond words.

Quanzhou!

That was his hometown!
This is a homecoming!
　Note: Historically, the Quanzhou Shipping Department was established at the insistent request of Li Chang - yes, that was the one who quit the job when he heard that he was asked to investigate the market changes with Lu Jiawen during the Xining period. This is usually considered Confucian officials like the Donglin Party who don't know how to do practical things.

　　There is an important reason why Li Chang was able to promote the establishment of the Quanzhou City Shipping Department without being restricted by the old party - Wang Zijing, who opposed the establishment of the City Shipping Department, is a leader of the new party!
　　Of course we must support what the enemy opposes. Not only must we support it, but we must also provide policies and preferential treatment!
　　Note 2: Wang Zijing’s greed and terror are beyond imagination.

　　But I won’t write about it in the book, because it would be easy to write too much, and also because the protagonist wants to keep his father’s secret. Everyone only needs to know that this guy prevented the establishment of the Shipping Company because he wanted to collect a fine.

　　Note 3: Historical figures have always had two sides, including Wang Anshi and Sima Guang.

　　The more I read history books, the more I feel this way.

　　There are no purely good people or purely bad people. Everyone has their own political spectrum and stance.

　　Sima Guang is Sima Niu, and Wang Anshi is Ao Xianggong. This is something that history has determined.

　　The only difference between the two is that Sima Guang has no ability and experience to actually do things, while Wang Anshi has strong abilities, but his shortcoming is that he is easily trusting of others and eager for success.

　　Almost all New Party ministers have this problem.

　　They all want to achieve results in a short time, and even know that problems will definitely arise over time, so they will bite the bullet.

　　A typical example is the second Huihe discussion in the fourth year of Xining. The new party ministers insisted on going their own way, which finally led to a catastrophe!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)