country

"I should have guessed it was him, I should have guessed it was him." Xue Poye cried out in his heart. Before in Acacia Palace, Xue Poye had a suspicion, feeling that the identity of the flute player was very different. He wanted to think about it, but he didn't dare to think about it. He couldn't believe that an emperor could be so honest with him, and he couldn't believe that an emperor could play the flute quietly in the Acacia Palace alone.

Hearing the eunuch's shout, Xue Poye immediately reacted, and hastily kowtowed: "My humble minister lost his composure, please forgive me."

Emperor Deqing waved his hand, and said softly: "Forget it, I think you committed the first crime, this time I will forgive you. Xue Shitou, you did a good job last night, it seems that I should reward you."

Seeing Emperor Deqing's gentle and friendly attitude towards Xue Poye, the ministers couldn't help saying: "The Holy One really likes this Xue Shitou. This kid seems to have a bright future."

Xue Poye immediately said: "It's all a matter of humble officials, and I dare not claim credit. If we talk about merit, it is the credit of all the Yulin soldiers. If the Holy Majesty wants to reward, please be generous and reward those soldiers who died in battle. Good health care."

Many people nodded slightly, this Xue Shitou speaks well, and he is not greedy for merit, he is a decent person.

Emperor Deqing smiled, and said slowly: "You speak very decently, so let's do it, the soldiers who died in battle will be generously compensated. As for you, I will reward you well, and I will always let the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty take a look. Above the court, there are still people who can do things, and there are people who deserve to be rewarded by me."

Emperor Deqing's words taunted the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, many courtiers lowered their heads, but many people looked at Xue Poye with jealousy and resentment.

Xue Poye could only say: "My humble minister, thank you."

Emperor Deqing pondered for a while, and said: "I issue my decree to reward Xue Shitou as the Viscount of Da Chu, grant a thousand acres of land, record it as a noble, and allocate the land immediately."

As soon as the words fell, the officials were shocked, and a voice said loudly: "Your Majesty must not!"

Everyone followed the sound, but it was a thin old man who came out, with a handsome face and a stooped figure, but an aura of calmness and self-prestige emerged spontaneously.

Everyone was taken aback. Everyone knew that this old man was the current prime minister of Chu, Cao Muyan, the prime minister who was under one man and above ten thousand.

The Cao family can be said to be four generations and three princes, and it was a very prosperous family in the Great Chu Dynasty. Compared with the three major royal families in the Great Chu Dynasty, it may not be as glorious as them at the beginning of the founding of the country, but in recent decades, it has completely overshadowed them. The limelight of the three royal families.

Cao Muyan's elder brother, Cao Juyan, was a powerful figure for thirteen years during the period of Emperor Deqing's father, Emperor Xuanwen. After resigning, Cao Muyan became the prime minister in the Deqing Dynasty, and the Cao family became one of the powerful families in the Great Chu Kingdom.

Cao Muyan has a great talent for governing the country. He has been in power for 14 years, and he has done his best. He has done many great things that benefit the country and the people. Presumably, he has won the trust of Emperor Deqing.

In addition, Cao Muyan's daughter is Yigui Concubine of His Majesty the current emperor, the mother and concubine of the Second Prince Liu Ziyin. In other words, Cao Muyan is the grandfather of Prince Yin.

In recent years, Cao Muyan was getting older and weaker, and he often recuperated at home. Many court affairs were handled by the Imperial Academy and the Six Ministries for mediation. Keeping the aspect, as for the real power, there is a lot of emptiness.

However, the background of many years is still there, Cao Muyan suddenly came to the court today, and came out to oppose it, everyone was still a little surprised, but compared to His Majesty conferring Xue Poye as Viscount, the officials were still shocked by His Majesty's conferment.

In the Great Chu system, in addition to the official positions at all levels, there are also titles of titles. Official positions are rewarded with silver, while titles can be rewarded with land.

The highest title is naturally the king's title, and the title of the king is naturally large, and the fiefdom is also wide. There are not many kings in the Great Chu Dynasty. There are only four kings. The Mingyue King of Yongzhou is known as the Northwest King in the world.

The Northwest King sits in the fiefdom of Yongzhou, and is the person with the most extensive fiefdom among the titles.

As for the three major royal families, although they also have their own fiefs, compared to the large fiefdoms in the early days of the founding of the country, up to now, they have been gradually reduced by successive emperors, and each family is only ten thousand hectares of land.

The first patriarch of the three major royal families is still a prince. From the second generation onwards, although the title of this royal family is still retained, the patriarch has been downgraded to a duke.

In addition to the prince, the following are the Duke, Marquis, Earl and Viscount, a total of five titles.

Those who can confer titles, even the lowest viscounts, need to make great achievements to be rewarded.As for the title of prince, in the hundred years since the founding of the country, there have been no more than six and no more than thirteen dukes. In the Deqing Dynasty, only the patriarchs of the three major royal families have the title of duke.

As for the marquis, there were more than a dozen conferred by the Deqing Dynasty, but most of them were relatives of the emperor, and all of them had made great contributions. Beiguan is also among the dukes.

The title of earl is mainly concentrated in the ranks of the army. As for the viscount, it is the first level to enter the title of nobility.

In Dachu’s system, titles can be inherited, but not necessarily according to rank. Maybe if Lao Tzu is a duke, his son may be an earl or viscount. But if Lao Tzu is a viscount, then his son can only inherit the title of viscount.

The title is a symbol of glory and power. How many people have made countless contributions, but still cannot be titled, and it is a pity for life.

There are countless people in Dachu, and there are only a few people who can be knighted, so it is something that can be met but not sought. It all depends on the royal grace. Courtiers discussed, privately unconvinced, and even hostile.

Xue Poye raised his head slightly, and saw that it was an old man playing the performance, he didn't recognize him for a while, but seeing that he was among the officials, he guessed in his heart that the old man's official position was definitely not low.

Emperor Deqing frowned, glanced at Cao Muyan, and said indifferently: "Why did the prime minister say no?"

Cao Muyan said tremblingly: "My lord, Xue Shitou made meritorious service last night. Of course, it is true. It is just a trivial achievement. How can he be conferred a knighthood? The old minister heard that this Xue Shitou was originally a commoner. As Habayashi's deputy general guard, this matter has passed a bit, and today he is going to be conferred a title. Wouldn't the system of progress in the imperial court be disrupted because of this person? I will reward you for your merits and punish you for your crimes. The Holy One will reward him As a viscount, how can you talk about rewarding for merit?"

Cao Muyan has been in the aspect for more than ten years. Apart from his own ability, he dares to speak out and is not afraid of the emperor's prestige. For many years, Emperor Deqing has always given in to this old man.

Cao Muyan's melody spoke out the thoughts of many people. Xue Poye's promotion was too fast, which had already aroused the jealousy of many courtiers.

A sneer appeared on the corner of Emperor Deqing's mouth, he glanced at the ministers, and said indifferently: "Apart from the prime minister, who else has any objections?"

Cao Muyan is powerful in the court, so there are naturally as many officials attached to him. If it was in the past, a large group would have to stand out.It's just that today is not what it used to be. Firstly, Cao Muyan is getting old, and the power is gradually out of his hands. Most importantly, no one dares to stir himself into the mud because of this matter.

His Majesty the Emperor's recent murderous intentions are obvious to everyone, and the beginning of the assassination by the Holy One is from the factional dispute between the two princes. From this, it can be seen that His Majesty the Emperor really hates the formation of cliques for personal gain to the extreme.

If you agree with the prime minister at this time, you will naturally be suspected of forming a clique. His majesty the emperor must be very unhappy. The old prime minister is highly respected and has a deep foundation. His majesty the emperor may not dare to move, but his majesty will kill people who are attached to the prime minister. .

Therefore, Cao Muyan had many students in the court, but no one dared to show up at this time.

Emperor Deqing smiled coldly, turned to look at Cao Muyan, and said calmly: "In this case, I just need to explain clearly to the prime minister."

Cao Muyan was startled, but still calmly said: "I don't dare, I just think about the prosperity of the country and the people of Great Chu. If the ancestral system is abolished, the country will be in turmoil." What he said was very taboo, and Emperor Deqing's expression was gloomy Going down, he said coldly: "The ancestral system? The ancestral system mentioned by the prime minister is nothing more than the fact that Xue Poye's contribution is not great, and I was promoted too quickly."

"Exactly!" Cao Muyan said calmly.

Xue Poye sighed secretly in his heart, in fact, he still didn't quite know what the benefits of this title were, and he didn't desire this title as much as other ministers, he just thought it was a dispensable thing.

This Cao Muyan, Prime Minister Cao, contradicted His Majesty the Emperor for this matter, is it really for the stability of the country?

Xue Poye couldn't even figure out how a title has anything to do with Guotai Min'an, and why the Prime Minister raised the matter to such a high level.

Emperor Deqing said indifferently: "The prime minister mentioned great merit, but I don't know what kind of great merit it refers to?"

Cao Muyan said without hesitation: "The old minister thinks that even if he can't help the country, he can make a huge contribution to the country's policy, like the old general Ren who can shock the border and stop Hu Fan from outside the pass, or help like the old minister. The Holy One governs the people in peace and happiness, and the country is peaceful, so this can be regarded as a great achievement."

When he made contributions, he did not shy away from speaking out about himself, and he was full of confidence. When the officials heard it, they nodded frequently, thinking that what the prime minister said was very true.

Emperor Deqing laughed and said: "What the prime minister said is naturally a great achievement, but I think there is another kind of merit, which seems small, but it is also a great achievement. Will the prime minister listen to it?"

Cao Muyan respectfully said: "Please teach me, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Deqing stood up from the dragon chair, mighty and powerful, shocking heaven and earth, extremely domineering, took two steps forward, and said loudly: "My fellow ministers, I feel that in a great battle, even if our side is defeated, , but the whole army was ordered and did not dare to charge, and there was only one person who was not afraid to meet the enemy's might, how can such an achievement be said to be insignificant?"

The officials looked at each other in blank dismay, not knowing what His Majesty the Emperor meant.

Emperor Deqing suddenly pointed at Xue Poye, and said to the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty: "Ministers and workers, the treasury of the household department has been stolen, and you are helpless. You are all like headless flies. The large sum of official money has not been found yet. But this Xue Shishi, when the treasury was empty and guards were not allowed, he led the crowd to stand firm in the cold night, thus killing three monsters and knowing the identity of the monsters. What's the difference between a charging soldier? You are dazed, but Xue Shitou is not confused." After speaking, the stern light in Emperor Deqing's eyes reappeared, his face was full of murderous intent, and he shouted coldly: "Liu Ziyin, Get out of here!"

The second prince, Liu Ziyin, has been standing tremblingly in the court class. He knows that the household department has been stolen, and His Majesty the Emperor will find his head sooner or later, but a few days have passed, and he has never summoned him. , I really didn't expect to call out to myself at today's court meeting, sweating all over, but fortunately he is also a person who has gone through the incident, although his heart was thrilling, he immediately got out of class and knelt down on the face, respectfully saying: "My son is here! "

Emperor Deqing said coldly: "The household department is stolen, you are the servant of the household department, I heard that even Chen Shangting is afraid of you three points on weekdays, this Chen Shangting committed suicide, you are the head of the household department, I have been waiting for you, but you Pretending to be deaf and dumb, until today, you haven't even submitted an apology, what do you want to do?"

Liu Ziyin was terrified, and said in a trembling voice: "My son... my son has been... been investigating...!"

Seeing Liu Ziyin's situation in the eyes of the fourth prince Liu Zifu, he was indescribably excited, and a cold smile crossed his face.

Emperor Deqing asked: "Then what can you investigate?"

"My son... I haven't seen it yet, but I will try my best to continue to tune...!" Liu Ziyin said in fear.

Emperor Deqing shouted coldly: "Shut up. As the servant of the household department, you have an unforgivable crime for theft of the household department's bank." After a pause, he said: "There is a place in Yunzhou in the southwest. Let's go, let's go over there."

All the officials were shocked, the meaning of these words was that Prince Yin was about to be expelled from the capital.

Liu Ziyin was startled for a moment, then suddenly realized the meaning, and hissed: "Father, father, my son is wrong, so you can forgive my son... my son is wrong...!" Kneeling on the ground, kneeling Rubbing the cold marble floor, he moved towards the Dragon Altar.

As soon as Emperor Deqing winked, the eunuch beside him immediately said loudly: "The guards in front of the hall, please come down to the second prince." Immediately, two guards in heavy armor flew in, one on the left and one on the right, and grabbed Liu Ziyin's wrist.

Xue Poye was also extremely shocked. Seeing the guards holding Prince Yin like a prisoner, his whole body shuddered for no reason. The emperor in front of him was indeed cruel and ruthless. His own son would be expelled as soon as he said he wanted to, without any mercy.

Xue Poye suddenly remembered the sentence that Lv Niangzi once recited: "The wind and rain in the capital will bring you back, but there is no way to return to Yin and Yang." This sentence really has a deep meaning.

The majestic prince of the Great Chu Kingdom was still high-spirited and powerful at that time, but he never thought that he would be expelled in a blink of an eye because he could not stand a round from His Majesty the Emperor.

The vicissitudes of the situation in Kyoto, I am afraid no one can explain clearly.

Liu Ziyin's face was pale and his body trembled. He himself probably never imagined that his father would be so heartless. He was dragged by two guards to retreat outside the hall, shouting: "I am wrong, my father spared my son...!"

Liu Ziyin's influence has been wiped out before, and he no longer has his strength in the court, so no one will plead for him at this time, but many people will secretly rejoice, such as the prince's faction, such as Prince Fu...!

"Wait a minute!" Cao Muyan said loudly.

Emperor Deqing didn't pretend to be polite this time, but said coldly: "Cao Muyan, what tricks do you have?"

Cao Muyan was startled, looked up and saw the murderous look on Emperor Deqing's face, the old man was shocked, his whole body became older in an instant, and all the strength in his body seemed to disappear at this moment.

He suddenly understood a truth, perhaps His Majesty the Emperor had long wanted to do this, had long wanted to expel Prince Yin, but today, he just found an excuse.

He knew that at this moment, the emperor, who was so angry, would not listen to any advice, and he was already old, and the old man only relied on his past achievements and prestige to support him to stand at the front of the court. I no longer have the power to influence this powerful man.

The civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty have been shocked by His Majesty's recent murderous behavior. Surely no one will come forward to intercede for Liu Ziyin. What can I do as an old man who is dying?

Maybe it will anger the emperor.

When the emperor was furious, he might have the intention to kill his grandson. In history, it is not uncommon for the emperor's father to kill the prince.

Taking a deep breath, Cao Muyan said tremblingly: "The old minister is not feeling well, please allow me to step down!"

Emperor Deqing's eyes flickered, looking at the old man who had made great contributions to Da Chu, he sighed, and his tone softened: "Prime Minister, I'm not feeling well, so I'm going back to the mansion to rest, I... look back at you !"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Cao Muyan said calmly, bowed, and walked slowly outside the hall under the watchful eyes of the officials.

He walked very hard and very hard, when he passed by Liu Ziyin, he stopped slightly, glanced at the terrified Liu Ziyin, and finally continued to walk away without saying anything.

His back is thin and old, and even more rickety. This prime minister, who is under one man and above ten thousand people, is just an old man in his twilight years, and his back slowly disappears from everyone's eyes.

Emperor Deqing looked at Cao Muyan who was going away, the corners of his eyes twitched, as if he was feeling something, but it was only for a moment. Seeing Liu Ziyin muttering to himself, he waved his hand and said, "I'm not pulling it down."

The guards immediately forcibly pulled Prince Yin down from the Qianlin Palace.

The court was cold, these things happened only for a moment, everyone hadn't come to their senses, after a little taste, they only felt that His Majesty the Emperor was decisive and pungent, and it was still the tough attitude he had maintained recently.

"Xue Shishitou!" Emperor Deqing said slowly, "I bestowed you with the title, you should do it yourself, and do your best to serve the imperial court!"

Xue Poye immediately said: "Thank you, my humble servant, I will do my duty faithfully and live up to the expectations of my lord!"

"Pingshen!" Emperor Deqing sat back in the dragon chair and said in a deep voice, "Wang Dezhao!"

An official stood out in fear, knelt down on the ground, and said in a trembling voice: "My minister... Wei Chen is here...!" This is Wang Dezhao, the servant of the household department. He is one of the ministers and two servants in the household department. , but the household department has always been presided over by Chen Shangting and Prince Yin. He has no power in the household department, just a working role.

Emperor Deqing said cleanly: "From now on, you will be the Secretary of the Household Department, and take care of the Household Department for me. In addition, we must speed up the collection of silver taels, and this matter cannot be delayed."

Wang Dezhao didn't expect to be promoted to a noble, excitedly said: "I obey the order!" He forgot for a moment that if this matter is not handled well, his life will be in danger at any time. The current household department is a dragon pond.

Emperor Deqing wanted to speak, but saw a eunuch approaching from the side, looking flustered, rushed to the side of the deacon eunuch and whispered a few words, presented a booklet, the deacon eunuch hurriedly presented the booklet to Emperor Deqing.

The officials were puzzled and even more surprised.

When the palace is folded, this is a matter of great urgency, otherwise this situation will not happen. Ordinary folds can only be presented after the court has dispersed.

Emperor Deqing opened the folder, looked at it slightly, frowned, his face was blue, he threw the folder on the ground, and said coldly: "Moi, Wei Shantai, Tan Ziqing, Xue Shitou, um, and Wang Dezhao, you follow me to the Imperial Study Room Disperse!" After speaking, he waved his sleeves, stood up and retreated quickly.

The eunuch called back the court ceremony, and the court meeting ended, but the officials were puzzled by the emperor's abnormality.

"What's the emergency?" Many ministers secretly asked in their hearts——

Let me explain, because of harmony, many words cannot be uploaded, so they can only be replaced by some synonyms. This is a helpless thing, and the country is afraid of accidents!