Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 276 Political Legacy (Two in One)

This is also the reason why Li Zhi threw Zhang Wenguan to Li Hong.

Li Zhi didn't want to become Li Shimin's background and wipe Li Shimin's butt, so he handed over this arduous and glorious task to his son.

Li Zhi was not surprised at all by the political opinions of Zhang Wenguan and Li Jingxuan.

But Chen Qingsi was able to say this truth, which surprised Li Zhi and was slightly moved.

Li Zhi has a father like Li Shimin, so the pressure is naturally extraordinary.

Especially after he succeeded to the throne, natural disasters continued, barbarians had ulterior motives, and there was a mutiny in the south. A series of things happened one after another.

Many people even said that he was condemned by God because of his unworthy virtue.

Li Zhi has been able to reach this day, Qian Gang is arbitrary, and only he knows the bitterness of each.

Today, I was surprised to hear that Chen Qingsi understood him so well, which made Li Zhi feel like he was understood.

Feeling gratified...

Li Zhi asked the young eunuch to repeat the debate between Zhang Wenguan and Chen Qingsi.

This time he listened very carefully, especially when he heard Chen Qingsi say that we are born to stand on the top of the world, he was deeply touched that the Tang Dynasty was so glorious in the hands of his father.

Even if he cannot surpass himself, he cannot remain unknown and become a mediocre person.

He couldn't help but sigh: "The one who knows me is Chen Qingsi!"

Just when Li Zhi was filled with emotions, Chen Qingsi had arrived at Lai Ji's mansion.

The man who greeted Chen Qingsi was Lai Qingyuan, Lai Ji's second son, who was on duty at Taichang Temple.

Lai Ji was a decent man and had been prime minister for many years. He did not promote his son, so his status was not high.

"Mr. Chen, my father has been waiting for a long time!"

Lai Qingyuan was very fond of Chen Qingsi, and they didn't have much contact with each other. But if Chen Qingsi hadn't stepped forward, Lai Ji would have been persecuted by Li Yifu and demoted along with Chu Suiliang.

Although he has been deposed as prime minister now, he has also been given a good place to go, so he doesn't have to worry about suffering in the future.

However, Chen Qingsi heard some overtones.

After waiting for a long time, these words have some profound meaning.

Chen Qingsi looked ashamed and said, "I came down late, so I asked Lai Gong to wait for a while."

Lai Qingyuan led Chen Qingsi into the house.

Lai Qingyuan deliberately walked a few steps slowly and whispered: "Shilang Yang is here too, Mr. Chen should be careful about him."

Chen Qingsi narrowed her eyes and figured out the reason in just a moment.

Chen Qingsi understood Li Zhi's temperament, and even if Lai Ji was rescued by him once, he would not stay in this temple for long.

Laiji was too upright and did not know how to adapt to his actions. Li Zhi had long disliked his actions, and it was only a matter of time before he was released.

Lai Ji has been in Beijing for many years and has been a core figure of the Qingliu faction. After becoming prime minister, he became the leader of the Qingliu faction in the temple and was quite influential.

With Lai Ji leaving, the Qingliu faction with him as the core will be leaderless.

Chen Qingsi had long wanted to take over Laiji's political legacy, so he had some understanding of the Qingliu sect.

During the Song and Ming dynasties, the reputation of Qingliu was often exaggerated.

Because of the scholar-bureaucrat politics of the Song Dynasty and the civil service system of the Ming Dynasty, the literati had too much say, which resulted in deep inter-interest relationships among the literati-bureaucrats and civil servants, and their clean flow was not pure.

At the moment, the Tang Dynasty was dominated by the politics of nobles and powerful families. Most of the Qing Dynasty came from non-Guandong noble families, and wealthy common people other than Guanlong Xungui. Their political backgrounds were shallow, so they acted with upright personalities. Relatively speaking, their quality was still very high. pure.

Although there are many sanctimonious people among them, there are also upright ministers such as Tathagata Ji, Hao Chujun, Liu Rengui, and Yuan Zhixin.

If you can accept Lai Ji's political legacy, it will be much easier to act in Chang'an in the future.

The person standing in front of him was Yang Shilang.

Yang Shilang, whose name is Yang Hongwu, is the son of Yang Yue, the younger brother of Yang Su, Duke of Yue, the prime minister of the Sui Dynasty, and his family is prominent. In his early years, Yang Hongwu followed Emperor Gaozu to rebel against the Sui Dynasty, and was ordered to prepare for Zuo Qianniu. He climbed up the ladder step by step with his qualifications, until today, he became the minister of the Ministry of Industry of the Tang Dynasty. He was not a great talent, but he was upright and conscientious in his work. Just like a cow, he is diligent, willing to work hard, and has a strong ability to deal with daily chores.

Yang Hongwu's status in the Qingliu sect was second only to Lai Ji and Liu Rengui.

If Liu Rengui was in Beijing, Chen Qingsi didn't dare to think about it, but Yang Hongwu couldn't carry the banner. Instead of letting him carry a burden he couldn't bear, and letting the Qingliu faction fall and scatter, it was better to take the lead himself.

But Chen Qingsi didn't expect Li Zhi to start so quickly. Before he could take over, Lai Ji was released.

Chen Qingsi followed to Qingyuan, but felt a little surprised. It was true that Yang Hongwu stood in front of him, but he never regarded him as an opponent...

After all, Yang Hongwu didn't have much lofty ambitions, and he didn't seem like a person who was willing to fight.

Chen Qingsi thanked him in a low voice.

Lai Qingyuan said: "This is what my father meant, but Yang Shilang is senior and the two of them are family friends, so my father is also in a dilemma."

Lai Ji's father was Hu'er, the general of the Sui Dynasty, and Yang Hongwu's father was Yang Yue, the founder of Cangshan. Lai Hu'er served under Yang Su Yang Yue for a period of time.

While they were talking, the two of them had already arrived in the living room.

Lai Ji and Yang Hongwu were talking in the living room.

Laiji was not in bad spirits. Apart from a few wrinkles on his face and a slightly gray hair, there was no sign of any discomfort.

Yang Hongwu is also sixty years old, but he is very well maintained. His beard and hair are all black, his face is rosy, and his voice is very loud.

"I've met Mr. Lai and Mr. Yang!"

Chen Qingsi saluted the two elders.

Lai Ji pointed to the empty seat beside him and said, "Hurry up and take a seat..."

He watched Chen Qingsi sit down at the table, and then said with emotion: "When Hei Dao went north this time, he encountered strange things and acted decisively, which is amazing. Looking at Hei Dao's performance, I have to be convinced."

If his words mean anything.

Yang Hongwu nodded and replied: "What Mr. Lai said is right. I heard about the changes in the north. One thing happened one after another. Chen Xiaoyou resolved them one by one with his wisdom. It's really amazing. But after all, Chen Xiaoyou was young and too arrogant. There is really no need to forcefully intervene in the matter. Although Xiaoyou acted cautiously and did not overstep his bounds. It is just that he has done all the things he should do and should not do, which will inevitably give people a sense of opportunism. Otherwise, what Chen Xiaoyou has established this time If his merits are not as good as before." Chen Qingsi previously held the positions of Wai Lang, a merit examiner in the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Imperial Academy Supervisor.

These two are positions of real power, one is responsible for the imperial examination, and the other is in charge of the public security of the Imperial College.

The current Crown Prince Yude has no real power at all. As his official rank has been promoted, his authority has declined, and there is even a suspicion of being promoted openly or secretly.

Many people regard this as a sign that Chen Qingsi has fallen out of favor, and the reason is that he is too lenient.

Otherwise, how could he be given so much work and yet be treated coldly?

Both of them had a point in their words. The former said that the younger generation was to be feared, while the latter said that the younger generation was too young and not prudent and tactful enough in dealing with things.

Chen Qingsi said with great righteousness: "Mr. Yang's words are wrong. I don't know that there is nothing in my eyes, that sorrow cannot come, and the method of protecting yourself wisely is not a profound skill. I understand it, but I just don't bother to do it. There are some things in this world. , do something and don't do something. If you watch the local tyrants oppressing the people and remain indifferent, wouldn't it be the same as helping the tyrants to do evil? Today's situation, I am very happy with it. "

"it is good!"

Laiji Fuzhang laughed and said, "These words of Nie Dao have won my heart."

When Li Zhi chose to depose Wang Liwu, didn't Lai Ji feel the same way?

It was just a matter of doing something and not doing something. Wu Zhaoyi at that time was just not worthy of being the queen.

And Liu Rengui, why didn't he know the consequences of going against Li Yifu?

But he still chose to be his enemy without hesitation, and even became interested in Dui Zi.

Then there is Wang Yifang, who is just an insignificant pawn in the Qing Dynasty. When facing Li Yifu, he can still say proudly, "I, Wang Yifang, have been in office for sixteen days, but I can't kill the evildoers. I am ashamed of the world..."

If you don't even have the most basic bottom line, and you don't even have the courage to take responsibility, why should you be in charge of Qingliu, or even become the leader of Qingliu?

Lai Ji smiled and turned around and said, "Brother Yang, what do you think?"

Yang Hongwu was not unhappy at all. Instead, he looked impressed and said: "What's there to say? I'm convinced. I have no intention of competing for supremacy... Alas, it's really my concubine who instigated me. I can't do anything about it. At the same time... Chen Xiaoyou is too much." I was young and just wanted to compete. Now I am convinced that Chen Xiaoyou is indeed someone who can be trusted."

"You..." Lai Ji looked helpless when he heard him talk about "wife". He wanted to say something, but finally shook his head and sighed: "I won't say anymore..."

He felt unlucky and hated the fact that iron could not become steel. Finally, he looked at Chen Qingsi and said: "Being unfaithful to the Tao, you have a salary, and the people support the people. It is easy for the people to be abused, but it is difficult for God to bully them. These sixteen words of motto are incisive and precise." . Although you have been in Beijing for a short time, your talent and character are impeccable. I am about to leave Beijing, and the only thing I can't worry about is the like-minded people gathered around me. I wanted to find a suitable person to entrust me to, so I took a look inside, and unexpectedly found you. Shengsheng is very popular, especially Brother Zhengze, who strongly recommended it in his letter. It’s just that your qualifications are too low. If you want to take over, you need Brother Yang’s support. So give it a try, don’t worry.”

Chen Qingsi was happy in her heart, but she said modestly: "I don't dare."

Lai Ji solemnly said: "After receiving the sixteen-character motto of negative Taoism, someone here who relies on his old age and sells his old age will also give you eight-character proverbs."

Chen Qingsi straightened up and said, "Please come to me."

Laiji said word for word: "The original intention is as solid as rock, and the pursuit will be as long as you will go."

Chen Qingsi bowed and said, "Junior, remember this."

Yang Hongwu and Chen Qingsi said goodbye at the door of their home. They were traveling on different roads, traveling north and south.

Yang Hongwu came to his residence and looked at the hanging plaque of Yang's residence, but he did not dare to enter.

After standing at the door for a full hour, until the moon started to dim, I finally ventured in.

Yang Hongwu returned home, walking lightly and not daring to make a sound, until he heard an angry shout: "What are you doing in such a slow manner? Are you really like a cow?"

Because Yang Hongwu is down-to-earth, capable, and hardworking, he has a well-known nickname called Yang Niu, saying that he is as diligent as an ox and does not want anything in return.

Yang Hongwu complained in his heart, and soon put a smile on his face and said: "Madam, it's so late, why don't you rest?"

The person who shouted angrily was a shrew who was over fifty years old. She had gray hair, was tall and thin, and had a bit of a mean look.

The fierce woman's surname is Wei, and she is none other than Jingzhao Wei who claims to have gone to Heavenly Ruler Five.

The Hongnong Yang family where Yang Hongwu lived was closely related to Jingzhao Wei by marriage for generations.

Yang Hongwu's mother was also born in Jingzhao Wei, the granddaughter of Wei Xiaokuan, Duke of Yunxiang, the Grand Master of the Sui Dynasty, and the daughter of Wei Shou, Duke of Hua Kingdom of the Sui Dynasty.

Yang Hongwu's wife did not have the same status as his mother, but she was also a direct daughter of Webster.

When Yang Xuangan rebelled, Yang Hongwu's father, Yang Yue, was detained in Chang'an as his uncle and was killed by the Chang'an detention center.

Yue Zhuzi, namely Yang Hongwu and his brother Yang Hongli, survived under the protection of Weishi, and were even pardoned in the end.

The Hongnong Yang family was also a wealthy family for a century, but due to the appearance of Yang Su and Yang Xuangan, they were completely slaughtered.

The Yang family was in ruins, and Yang Hongwu was protected by his wife's family. For some reason, the yin was strong and the yang was weak. Webster's cough could make Yang Hongwu tremble three times with fright.

Even though he is now in a high position, Yang Hongwu is still as afraid of his wife as a snake or a scorpion.

Wei Shi looked at her unsatisfactory husband and felt infinitely aggrieved. She was the legitimate daughter of Jingzhao Wei Shi, how could she marry such a loser.

Yang Hongwu is now the official minister of the Ministry of Industry, which is already considered a prestigious position.

But in Webster's eyes, the sixty-year-old minister was not worthy of boasting at all. He wanted his husband to become the prime minister, a prime minister inferior to one person and superior to ten thousand people. He also wanted to taste the taste of the prime minister's wife.

Just as Lai Ji and Liu Rengui were released one after another, Yang Hongwu became the oldest and highest-status person in the Qing faction.

If her husband could inherit Lai Ji's political legacy, with his current qualifications and Webster's operation, he would have great hope of advancing to the prime minister's position.

Webster forced Yang Hongwu to ask for political inheritance from Lai Ji.

There was no choice in Laiji's history. Yang Hongwu succeeded in becoming prime minister as Webster wished.

Yang Hongwu's talents were not outstanding, but he was modest and prudent, and his actions were simple and simple, but he had no achievements. However, his wife Wei Shi relied on her status as the prime minister's wife to force Yang Hongwu to recommend a group of mediocre people to the court.

Now that Chen Qingsi is the choice of Jiduo, although it is not very suitable, in comparison, Yang Hongwu has the fatal weakness of Webster, and because he is more honest and upright than smart, Chen Qingsi is more reliable.

Seeing her husband like this, Webster felt angry in her heart, remembering that she was also a virtuous and virtuous daughter of a noble family back then.

However, he had not lived a good life with Yang Hongwu. Now he is very old and has no official title. His children Yang Yuanheng, Yang Yuanyu, Yang Yuanxi, Yang Yuanyi, and Yang Yuanxian have grown up, but none of them are promising, and they are all hanging out among lower-level officials.

Webster's eyes are higher than his head, how can he bear such humiliation?

She, who was already strong, lost her patience when her husband started yelling and yelling, and said: "What do you mean by Lai Ji? He is about to leave, why don't you want to let go? There is more than one husband in the court, and if you continue to dawdle, Go down and everyone will run away."

Yang Hongwu said with some lack of confidence: "It has been decided. Brother Lai plans to push Chen Qingsi up."

"What?" Webster screamed: "How can a Tian family man be worthy of this!"

(End of this chapter)