Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

"Isn't it just lying down, Baili, ask Ke'er to come in to dress and wash the empress, and get some goat milk for the empress to drink for breakfast."

"Yes, my lord." Baili just took two steps and then retreated. "My lord, I have something to report."

"What's the matter?"

"Your Majesty summoned you to the Changchun Hall to discuss matters before the time comes."

"Don't go, don't go, I have been busy for more than half a month, and I don't come to comfort you with the imperial decree. It must be troublesome to give an oral order at this time. Baili, please find a reason. The lonely king will see you in a few days."

Concubine Di slapped Defang after hearing this, "Your Majesty, what nonsense are you talking about? Your Majesty's reward is still too small. What else does Your Majesty want?"

"Joking and joking," De Fang smiled, "But I'm really tired these days, and the discussion in the Changchun Palace is definitely not an important matter. Just find a few ministers, why do you have to go?"

"Which time does your Majesty not let the important officials go to discuss matters, no matter how small the state affairs are."

"No matter how small it is, it's a big deal." Defang nodded. "Madam has said it many times, and I know it all."

"I know it's still like this. It's very tiring for His Majesty to accept the congratulations this month, but the political affairs of the family and the country still have to be dealt with. This month, there are earthquakes in the capital and various places. The people are in urgent need of comfort. The prince is His Majesty's brother, and you must always Share some for Your Majesty."

"Yes, yes, Madam said so, I will obey." De Fang took the clothes and put them on Concubine Di, "Madam, do you have anything else to say?"

"Have"

Defang handed over "all ears"

"Have breakfast with my concubine."

"Follow Madam's order!"

At the end of time, Defang entered the palace and came to the Changchun Palace. Prime Minister Li Hang was also in the palace. Defang saluted, and Zhenzong gave him a seat. Defang asked, "Your Majesty, at this time of the year, why do you call your ministers to come with the Prime Minister?"

"When I came to the capital recently, there was an earthquake, and the towns in the northwest also reported it. The people were uneasy about it. I was thinking that this should be a warning from heaven to me."

"Your Majesty is diligent and kind to the people, how could you have such an idea?"

"In the past three months, not only the state officials from all walks of life, but even the ministers have said little things. I don't know if I'm afraid or not?"

"Your Majesty speaks widely, and the courtiers will not be shy." De Fang asked, "Your Majesty, are you in trouble?"

"I reviewed the history books at night, and saw that during the Li and Tang Dynasties, cronies were difficult to control, which made the imperial power weak, and it was difficult to distinguish evil from evil. I have a feeling that today's lack of foundation is the result of my failure to do my best."

Li Han cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, flattery is like loyalty, treachery is like faith, just like Lu Qi, the traitor of the Tang Dynasty, deceived Dezong, making Dezong think that his loyal clan Li Mian was a treacherous person, and gradually alienated him, and the imperial power fell to Li Tang. decline."

"Although the traces of treachery are difficult to distinguish for a while, they will be self-defeating for a long time, and Li and Tang's power will decline. This is definitely not caused by the ability of one person." Zhenzong said, "The king was in charge of government. But indulge in it, this is self-blame."

Defang and Li Hang nodded upon hearing this, "Your Majesty's words are very true."

"Brother Emperor, Prime Minister, I haven't heard important things for a long time, and I don't know the sufferings of the people in the world. Although it's the New Year's celebration, I feel ashamed. .”

Li Han pulled up his robe and knelt down, "Your Majesty, I am the assistant of the minister, and I should be careful about everything. However, there is a negligence today. This is not your majesty's fault. It is actually the responsibility of the minister. I plead guilty."

Zhenzong looked at him and asked, "Prime Minister, since I came to the throne, all the officials have secret seals, but Qing has none, why?"

Li Hang straightened up and cupped his hands, "The minister is in the court, and the official affairs are public, so why use secret seals? Half of those who have secret seals are either slander or sycophant. I feel ashamed, how can I follow suit?"