I have lived forever since the end of Qin Dynasty

Chapter 423 The wheel of the times rolls forward

As the first snow fell in Chang'an, Queen Xiaowenduan's coffin was parked in Ba Mausoleum and buried in the east of Emperor Xiaowen's mausoleum.

Her mausoleum was not extravagant, and continued the simple style of Emperor Xiaowen. The burial objects inside were also very few, with only a few supplies from her lifetime, a few jade pendants, and clay pots. As for the more expensive belongings, they were all left to the elder. Princess.

Although this kind of pomp is not shabby, it is too simple for the funeral of a queen mother.

You must know that filial piety was highly valued in the Han Dynasty. When local gentry died, their descendants were often buried with gold, silver, and jewelry. Even precious antiques and brocade silk fabrics were piled up in the tombs.

However, this act of filial piety was the fundamental reason why nine out of ten tombs in the Han Dynasty were empty.

After a local uprising occurs, those forces with low moral sense often choose to dig up tombs and loot grave goods, even coffin boards.

Under such circumstances, those tomb owners who enjoyed their mourning and glory could not live in peace.

But Ba Ling has never been stolen, which is very unusual.

First, Emperor Xiaowen had a very good reputation during his lifetime, and the people were grateful for his kindness.

Secondly, Ba Ling is located in the mountains and its location is difficult to find.

Finally, Liu Heng's edict clearly stated that he did not want to abuse people's power, so he chose to be buried lightly. There were no valuable burial objects in the tomb, so naturally no one would have any evil intentions.

After attending the funeral, Chen Luo felt quite emotional.

From birth to death, the Queen Mother Dou spent her whole life "husband singing and wife accompanying", imitating Liu Heng.

Whether it is the style of conduct, the philosophy of governance, or the requirements for selecting and employing people, they are highly similar.

Her behavior seems a little clumsy, but isn't it the most appropriate thing to do?
One must know how many kings inherited a great empire, but thought about occupying their own "ambitions" and began to operate randomly. As a result, they cut off the prosperous dynasty, caused public resentment, and destroyed the world.

Empress Dowager Dou knew that she was not capable enough and had a person who was like a "holy king". So when she needed to take over the empire, instead of making changes according to her ideas, it would be better to follow the old rules honestly.

Liu Heng chose to rule by inaction, and Empress Dowager Dou also continued Huang Lao's rule.

Liu Heng chose to appoint a civilian official as his prime minister, and Empress Dowager Dou also promoted Wei Wan.

Liu Heng repeatedly conquered Marquis Wenzhen of Yangxia, and Empress Dowager Dou also trusted the children of the Chen family of Yangxia.

The rigid copying may seem a bit sluggish, and due to changes in the times, some policies are no longer suitable for the powerful Han Dynasty when she was in power.

But what she handed into Liu Che's hands was a powerful man.

……

"Your Majesty, birth, old age, illness and death are natural cycles. The death of Queen Mother Dou is a matter of great sorrow to the whole country, but you still have to take care of your dragon body." Zhao Wan stood beside Liu Che, her words filled with concern.

It is perfectly normal to grieve the death of a loved one.

In the six months since her father passed away, when Zhao Wan was studying, she would often feel her heart skip a beat when she saw comments discussing filial piety.

The tree wants to be calm and the wind does not stop.

Late at night, when I am alone and tossing and turning in bed, some of the images that pop up in my mind are like tiny thorns buried under the skin of my fingertips. I don't notice any difference on weekdays, but pressing them hard can cause bursts of dull pain.

But for ordinary people, these normal sorrows are emotions that the emperor should restrain.

As the emperor, he is responsible for thousands of people in the entire world.

Emperor Xiaohui died of grief after losing his mother, brother, wife, and son. If it were an ordinary person, everyone would understand.

It's just that his status is special, so when the historian records, even if he has sympathy in his heart, he must truthfully record the adverse effects.

That is, Liu Ying has not yet established a heir, and his heir is young, which has caused the central government of the Han Dynasty to fall into a power void in a short period of time. If the subsequent successor is not an outstanding emperor like Liu Heng, then the rising national power of the Han Dynasty may come to an abrupt end.

Therefore, Zhao Wan is not only comforting Liu Che, but also trying to persuade him.

Your Majesty, the Queen Mother is gone, you can be sad, but don't be too sad.

Liu Che stood in the pavilion, quietly looking at the white snow falling in the sky, and then facing the cold wind, he stretched out his hand to sweep away the thin layer of ice accumulated on the railing.

"Doctor Zhao, don't worry too much. I know that state affairs must be the top priority. Now that the Queen Mother has passed away, I should inherit the legacy of the Queen Mother and the late emperor, make the Han national power stronger, and make all the barbarians and Di people from all over the world come to surrender." When he said this. , his expression did not fluctuate much.

But these contents are not clichés.

Liu Che has never been willing to hide his inner ambitions, but he didn't say it before. Firstly, it was contrary to Empress Dowager Dou's political views. Secondly, he wanted to implement these aspirations instead of boasting beforehand.

Therefore, many of his ideas were only revealed to a few people.

"Your Majesty can think so, then I'll be relieved." Zhao Wan breathed a sigh of relief, as long as your Majesty still has the intention to work hard.

After all, it is not uncommon for a loved one to die, thus changing a person's entire mentality.

It would be terrible if His Majesty, seeing life, old age, illness and death, becomes fearful and begins to pursue immortality and seek immortality and medicine.

When a person places his mind on illusion, he will ignore the existence of reality.

Rulers who pursue immortality often make absurd behaviors and promulgate policies that are difficult to understand, causing great harm to the country.

Of course, the old Liu family has always faced life and death calmly since Emperor Gaozu drove away the imperial doctor with a smile.

Emperor Xiaohui was grieved by the death of his close relatives, but he did not seek out alchemists for comfort or to find a way to resurrect them.

Emperor Xiaowen frankly explained his arrangements after his death, saying that he did not want a grand burial and hoped that Jia Yi would assist Liu Qi well.

Emperor Xiaojing did the same. After explaining the state affairs, he met his family and left peacefully.

Liu Che, who pondered for a moment, said slowly: "Zhao Wan, what do you think of being the prime minister with your talents?"

This opening shocked Zhao Wan.

what?
I? Serve as prime minister?

She could understand every word, but the combination of them made Zhao Wan feel so confused.

After being stunned for a few breaths, he replied: "Your Majesty, I have no title, and I have little talent and knowledge. Being a censor is already the limit. What's more, I have no title. If I serve as prime minister, I'm afraid I won't be able to convince the public."

Since the founding of the country, the Han Dynasty has secretly continued an unspoken rule that no one can serve as prime minister unless he is a prince.

From the first Prime Minister Xiao He to the current Prime Minister Wei Wan, there is no exception.

What's more, he has not made any outstanding achievements in the years he has served as the imperial censor. It is indeed too sudden to make an exception and become the prime minister.

"Is it a rule written in the laws of the Han Dynasty that non-Marquis cannot be appointed as Prime Minister?" Liu Che asked calmly.

"This..." Zhao Wan opened her mouth. This rule is indeed not written in plain text, but it has been followed for so many years.

"Even if there are such rules, the rules are dead. Why can't I change them?" Liu Che rubbed his chin and then asked.

Zhao Wan wanted to scratch her head, but she didn't know how to answer, so she could only choose to remain silent. Facing the current situation, he had complicated thoughts in his heart.

Could it be that Your Majesty is testing yourself?

In fact, you don’t want me to be the prime minister, but you want me to recommend a suitable candidate for the prime minister?
When Zhao Wan thought about it, she felt more and more likely that her guess was possible.

You must know that as a censor, you are already barely doing it. If you change to the position of prime minister, wouldn't it be ridiculous and embarrassing to your family?
Even I know this, how could your Majesty not know this?
So now His Majesty does not want to make himself the prime minister, but wants to decline a few words and then recommend a candidate suitable for the prime minister.

Thinking about it this way, Zhao Wan felt that everything made sense.

And based on what Liu Che said just now, he seems to be able to analyze some tricks.

His Majesty said to himself, "You cannot serve as prime minister unless you are a marquis." Could it be that he was hinting at the candidate he favored?
Originally, Gongsun Hong felt that Chen Boyu was the best candidate for prime minister, but he already had the title of nobility. His majesty probably felt that he was too young to convince the public as prime minister, so he wanted to choose someone with prestige.

And who is there in the court who has no title but great fame?

After thinking for a while, Zhao Wan said: "Your Majesty, I feel that I am really limited, not to mention that there are many people in the court who are more suitable for this position than me.

Chen Taixue has always had the ambition to innovate, work in an orderly manner, and is courageous and knowledgeable.

Since Your Majesty succeeded to the throne, Wang Langzhong has been conscientious in his work and has never made any minor mistakes. He is suitable for taking on important tasks.

There is also Liu Zongzheng, who is resourceful and a member of the royal family. He has stood out over the years and is better than his ministers. "

Feeling that he had guessed Liu Che's idea, he recommended three courtiers in succession.

Although Chen Luo is young, his ability is first-rate.

Wang Zang and himself were Liu Che's first important ministers, and they belonged to the direct lineage, Liu Che's most trusted ministers.

As for Liu De, he belongs to the newly emerged clan, handles things properly, and gets Liu Che's attention.

Therefore, if he wanted to choose a suitable prime minister, Zhao Wan felt that he was among these people.

After hearing these words, Liu Che sighed, seeming a little disappointed.

He shook his head and said, "Marquis Weixin is indeed a good candidate, but Taixue is still in the initial stage and cannot do without his presence.

As for Wang Langzhong, he works steadily but lacks enterprising spirit. It is most suitable for him to be placed in his current position.

As for Liu Zongzheng, he is resourceful and resourceful, but his vision is not far-sighted and he still needs more experience.

In my eyes, these people are not good candidates to serve as prime minister, and they are not as good as you, Zhao Wan. "

Listening to Liu Che raising questions and pointing out flaws one by one, Zhao Wan realized that Liu Che had another minister he liked.

He knew the reversal was coming when he said, "None of them are good candidates to serve as prime minister."

Unexpectedly, Liu Che's next words would turn back to him.

This immediately made Zhao Wan look confused.

Your Majesty, what does this mean?
Could it be that you are not satisfied with the candidates I recommended and you want me to recommend a few more?
No wonder Zhao Wan thinks so, after all, he really has never wanted to be the prime minister.

Now I am working as a royal doctor. As a deputy, I basically have the Prime Minister to take care of my work. If I were to be the Prime Minister, the pressure would be doubled.

So Zhao Wan took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, I feel that I am not a prime minister. If I serve as prime minister, I am afraid that there will be many things that I cannot do well. That would be dereliction of duty."

Although she failed to understand Liu Che's fundamental purpose, Zhao Wan still followed her heart and chose to refuse.

Seeing Zhao Wan's refusal, Liu Che wanted him to take the position of prime minister.

"I think you are suitable. Could it be that you are questioning my vision?"

He is not looking for a perfect prime minister to assist him.

Quite the opposite.

What I need more is someone sitting in the position of prime minister who won't get in the way.

After all, the Prime Minister has a restrictive effect on the imperial power. If Liu Che's decree is not consistent with the Prime Minister's political views, then the two will conflict, which will be an obstacle to Liu Che's implementation of his own policies.

And Zhao Wan best meets Liu Che's requirements.

First of all, he is an official promoted by himself and supports innovation and reform without worrying about conflicts of ideas.

Secondly, Zhao Wan's ability is pretty good. It is impossible to put a vase in the position of prime minister. Although he has not made any great achievements in the years he has served as the imperial censor, he has not made any big mistakes in handling daily affairs. , or no problem.

Finally, he promoted Zhao Wan out of the norm, which actually made it easier for him to control the position of prime minister. If he obtained the position by relying on the imperial power, he had to rely on the imperial power to ensure that his position would not be lost.

Liu Che said it for this reason and did not allow Zhao Wan to understand that he was not allowed to refuse.

So he solemnly said: "I am honored by your Majesty's favor. If I want to take up the post of prime minister, I will do my best to live up to your Majesty's expectations."

Sometimes when there is no other way for you to choose, even if you feel like shrinking, you can only choose to move forward.

"I believe you can do it." Liu Che raised the corners of his mouth slightly and nodded towards Zhao Wan.

……

After leaving the palace city, Zhao Wan hesitated.

He sat on the carriage and felt cold sweat breaking out all over his back.

If virtue is not matched, there will be disasters.

Zhao Wan asked herself, she definitely did not have the ability and qualifications to serve as prime minister.

But now His Majesty wants to force him into this position, so if he chooses to refuse, it will seem like he is ungrateful.

The status of the Prime Minister is only lower than that of one person. No matter who looks at it, they will feel that they are being hypocritical and ignorant.

Zhao Wan suddenly raised her head and ordered the coachman: "Change the route, I'm going to the Weixin Hou Mansion."

"Wei." The driver responded.

Zhao Wan's idea is simple.

I am at a loss now, so finding someone to discuss it with is undoubtedly a good solution.

If you were an ordinary person, you would definitely not be able to understand your worries, but with Marquis Weixin, you would definitely be able to see where his worries come from.

If someone discusses with himself, then maybe he can look at the problem from more angles. Even if he finally chooses to accept the appointment as prime minister, he can avoid some of the traps and loopholes and avoid falling into a pit.

(End of this chapter)