Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

Two days later, Emperor Taizong decreed that the Prime Minister Li Fang, Jia Huangzhong, Li Hang, and Tongzhi Privy Council member Wen Zhongshu should all be dismissed from their posts. Rong and Xiang Minzhong are members of the Privy Council.He also demoted Zhang Xun to the rank of General Guard, the right leader, and Kou Zhun was dismissed from his post and left Zhiqing Prefecture.Because Kou Zhun was deeply appreciated by Emperor Taizong, since Kou Zhun left Beijing, Taizong was often unhappy, and would always mention Kou Zhun when discussing matters in the Chongzheng Palace.

More than a month later, after the early court, Taizong summoned Defang, Lu Mengzheng, Su Yijian, Xiang Minzhong, and Zhao Changyan to discuss matters in the Chongzheng Palace. Taizong suddenly asked, "I wonder if Kou Zhun is happy in Qingzhou?"

Several people looked at each other, and said to Minzhong, "Return to Your Majesty, Qingzhou is a land of good people, and it will not be a pain for Lord Kou to go there."

"Really?" Taizong seemed not very satisfied with this answer, "Is he really like this in Qingzhou?"

Defang thought for a while and said, "Your Majesty often misses Mr. Kou, and he is a minister of Si Neng. Mr. Kou is a relative of the minister. I heard that he is drinking every day in Qingzhou. I am very unhappy. I don't know if he also misses Your Majesty?"

Taizong looked at Defang, did not speak, sighed softly, waved his hands, several people exited the Chongzheng Hall, walked to the gate of the palace, Lu Mengzheng cupped his hands at Defang and said, "Your Majesty, with the attitude of your majesty these days Look, Mr. Kou will return to the capital soon."

"Prime Minister, the lonely king does not dare to guess the holy will, but Mr. Kou is really a capable minister, and the lonely king only wants him to do more for the court and His Majesty."

"It's really a blessing for the family and the country for the prince to cherish talents for the court." Lu Mengzheng said

"This is the duty of a courtier, and the lonely king is no exception as a member of the royal family." Defang said, "Oh, the lonely king has not yet congratulated Prime Minister Lu. This reunification is really a blessing for the court."

"Thank you, my lord, Lu Mou is still honored to do his best for the imperial court, and I really feel the majesty of the emperor's grace."

Defang nodded, "Nowadays there are many court affairs, Your Majesty still needs your help, and the lonely king also has many matters to ask you for advice, the lonely king hereby thank you all."

"Your Majesty is very courteous, and the ministers will do their best to contribute to the Song Dynasty." Several ministers saluted

Defang went back to the study in the mansion and found Nangong Wendao, "Nangong, His Majesty asked about Kou Zhun again today. It seems that he is very concerned about it. The day of returning to Beijing must not be far away."

"Master Kou has been favored by His Majesty in recent years, and he will definitely return to the capital in a year or so."

"Well, but now that Prime Minister Lu is reinstated, it is a great joy."

"Prime Minister Lu has been dismissed for more than two years, and it is indeed a blessing to be able to resume his post now." Nangong said

"Prime Minister Lu was dismissed because he was wronged." Defang poured a cup of tea and said, "In the second year of Chunhua, Zhang Shen, a member of the Ministry of Finance in Caizhou, was dismissed for accepting bribes, but someone secretly told His Majesty that Zhang Shen was originally a big family in Luoyang. , How could it be possible to accept bribes and the like, saying that Prime Minister Lu had asked Zhang Shen for help when he was not in the ranks but failed, so he falsely accused Zhang Shen of accepting bribes, unexpectedly His Majesty believed it, and even reinstated Zhang Shen."

"Did Lu Cheng not make an excuse?" Nan Gongwen asked

Defang shook her head, "You are a loyal person, Prime Minister Lu doesn't even bother to confront those people, and he doesn't defend himself before His Majesty, that's why he was dismissed as Minister of the Ministry of Officials."

"Fortunately, Your Majesty is wise, and Prime Minister Lu has been reinstated again."

"It's thanks to the officials of the Examination Institute, who found out the facts of Zhang Gentleman's adultery, and then deposed him as the deputy envoy of Jiangzhou regiment training."

"It's really auspicious people have their own heavens." Nan Gongwen nodded

"Speaking of which, Prime Minister Lu and Kou Zhun have similar tempers, hehehe."

"Oh? Dare to ask the prince, where is the similarity?"

"Today, His Majesty summoned several ministers to discuss the court affairs. After talking about this matter, His Majesty told Prime Minister Lu that Zhang Shen had indeed accepted bribes. Fortunately, the examination institute found out. How do you think Prime Minister Lu behaved?"

"Of course I would like to thank Your Majesty."

Defang smiled and shook her head, "Prime Minister Lu doesn't justify or thank you, hehehe, His Majesty is still a little unhappy about this."

"Prime Minister Lu is really an upright person. He has no shame in his heart and naturally has no fear." Nangong Wen said

"Yes, my Great Song Dynasty is blessed by the heavens, and has countless capable ministers, so the country's destiny will surely prosper day by day."