Aspirations

Chapter 112

As soon as Xing Wang, Jing Wang, Qing Wang, Yun Wang and Jian Wang appeared, everyone stood up to greet them.Hou Pingpan was taken aback for a moment, and after exchanging glances with King Xing, he quickly calmed down and came over to greet King Jing, King Qing, King Yun, and King Jian one by one.

"Hou Xianggong, are you here all right?" Li Dingshan didn't wait for Pingpan to find him, he took the initiative to come to the front from behind, and bowed to Hou Pingpan, "Li Dingshan, a grassroots man, has seen Hou Xianggong."

Hou Pingpan never thought that Li Dingshan dared to come to Xingwang's birthday banquet, he was stunned for a moment, and then smiled: "Who am I? It must have been a while since I returned to the capital, why did I meet my old friend today?"

Li Dingshan secretly looked at Hou Pingpan for a few times, and the most powerful minister in the dynasty, Hou Pingpan, who made people all over the world look sideways. It was the time when the spring breeze was in full swing. He is very proud and calm. Although he is extremely disdainful towards Hou Pingpan, he has to admit that Hou Pingpan has lived in the phase for a long time, and he really has an aura of looking down on the world.

"It's true that Mr. Li has been in the capital for some time. He wanted to visit Mr. Hou at his home, but Mr. Li is now a commoner, a mere commoner. How dare he go to Mr. Xiang's mansion? He is a seventh-rank official in front of the prime minister's gate, and Mr. Li has no money to bribe Mr. Hou, so he doesn't." Disgrace yourself."

"Haha, what Mr. Li said is that he is conniving at his subordinates to randomly collect money to make things difficult for visitors?" Hou Pingpan laughed, with indescribable complacency and disdain in his laughter, "Truth's rule is strict, and his orders are strict. The servants are not allowed to make things difficult for anyone, so why does Mr. Li have to talk nonsense and slander the truth?"

Li Dingshan sneered: "Li was just joking, Mr. Hou don't need to be so nervous. Li is not afraid of making things difficult for his family. After all, making things difficult for the family is still in public. It is a clear gun, and it is easy to hide. Li is afraid of it." It’s because you don’t know when someone will shoot an arrow from behind, and it’s hard to guard against back arrows. At most, the door is a real villain, and what I’m afraid of is a hypocrite who keeps saying that he is for the country and the people but only for his own selfishness.”

Hou Pingpan held his hands in the direction of the palace, and said generously: "Since taking over the position, I have worked hard and dared not slack off in the slightest. After the new law was promoted, I was afraid that local officials would take the opportunity to hurt the people. During the private visit, seeing the people live and work in peace and contentment, and being grateful to the emperor for promulgating the new law, I feel a little more at ease. What I have done is worthy of the emperor above, worthy of all officials in the middle, and worthy of the people below. This heart can be shown to God.”

"Hou Xianggong's heart can be shown to the sky, and Song also admires it very much." Song Chaodu came to Hou Pingpan, raised his glass and said, "Song respects Hou Xianggong, the pillar of Hou Xiang's duchy, the cornerstone of the great summer, I wish Mr. Hou a long life, and wish Daxia a prosperous country and a peaceful people."

Hou Pingpan and Song Chaodu clinked glasses, drank them all in one gulp, and said humbly: "The truth is a trivial achievement, which is really not worth mentioning. It is all due to the diligence of the wise and wise officials. Minister, Mr. Li knows people well, he is an incomparable talent, if he does not become an official in the court, it will be a misfortune for Great Xia. You can recommend Mr. Li as..."

Hou Pingpan thought for a while, and his face showed joy: "It happens that there is a vacancy for the Shaoqing of Honglu Temple, and Mr. Li can take the position."

The Shaoqing of Honghe Temple is an idle job, and it is Cao Yongguo who took office. He is known as Sleeping Queen. Hou Pingpan is thinking about Li Dingshan on the surface, but in fact he wants Li Dingshan to come from behind the scenes to the front of the stage, and bind Li Dingshan to the front of the stage with an idle job. Above the court, so that he can see clearly at all times, in case Li Dingshan strikes behind his back.

Song Chaodu naturally understood Hou Pingpan's meaning, and said with a smile, "Thank you, Mr. Hou, for your kindness. Song just wrote a letter recommending Li Dingshan as Yushi Zhongcheng. With Mr. Li's talent, the Shaoqing of Honglu Temple is not what he wants."

The censor Zhongcheng is from the sixth grade, and his duty is to picket officials and evil, and to correct the discipline.The court debates on major matters, and plays on minor matters. Although he has no real power, he is a speech officer who can directly impeach anyone, and his position in the court is quite detached.

With Li Dingshan's qualifications, there is no problem with Pin Yi from the sixth grade. The problem is that Hou Pingpan will definitely not let Li Dingshan take charge of such a pivotal position in Yushi Zhongcheng.In Daxia’s Yushitai, there is one official censor, three to five censors, five or six supervisors and censors in the palace, who are used to monitor the words and deeds of the court and local officials, and can directly write to the emperor without Go through the door, that is to say, you don't have to wait for Pingpan's hand.

Hou Pingpan pondered for a moment, knowing that Song Chaodu’s recommendation of Li Dingshan was to control the public opinion. Although Xu Dequan, the current censor doctor, obeyed his words, the two current censors, Lu Yuanyuan and Qian Jingsong, were quite proud and did not cling to him. As for him and Xingwang, they would sometimes criticize the emperor.If Li Dingshan, who was even more disobedient, was added as Yushi Zhongcheng, the whole Yushitai might fall.

What's more, there is a new censor named Teng Zhengyuan in Yushitai this year. If there is a faux pas or a disheveled dress, he will not let it go.Even if an official said something that shouldn't be said when he was in court, he would write a letter of impeachment, which made all the officials very annoying and regarded Teng Zhengyuan as a different kind.

The court uniforms of Daxia officials when they went to court were designed by Taizu himself, and even the official hats were also made by Taizu.When the Great Xia was first established, most of the civil and military officials who followed Taizu to conquer the country were of civilian origin, did not read much, and did not know etiquette. When they went to court, they either whispered or took off their shoes.Taizu was displeased, how can we generalize the same thing as fighting the country and sitting on the country?Later, Taizu ordered all civil and military officials not to be seated when they went to court.

All the officials stood up and went up to the court, no longer taking off their shoes and digging their feet, but they were either whispering to each other or standing staggeringly, in an unseemly manner.Taizu had a plan in mind and designed court clothes and official hats.The court clothes have to be held up with struts, while the official hats have long and narrow wings on both sides. Not only can they not whisper when they go up, but they must also be careful when walking, otherwise the wings will not only shake up and down, but may also fall off. Hats are out of style.

Yu Yan, the Minister of the Ministry of War, was born in the army, and his military career has formed a habit of acting carelessly.Once when he went to court, after bowing down, Yu Yan got up too quickly, accidentally touched the wing of the hat, knocked off the official hat, and rolled to the ground, just at Teng Zhengyuan's feet.

After Teng Zhengyuan picked it up, he immediately read a book to the emperor, impeaching Yan Chaotang for his disrespect, and demanding that the emperor fine Yan Yan with three months' salary.The emperor was originally unwell and reluctantly went to court, so he didn't want to be entangled in such a trivial matter, but he couldn't dismiss Teng Zhengyuan, so he had to verbally agree.

But Yu Yan quit, saying that it was not his fault that his official hat fell to the ground, but the fault of Zheng Yuandong, the servant of the household department next to him.Zheng Yuandong admitted that it was his official hat that touched Yu Yan's, but his official hat did not fall off and Yu Yan's official hat fell to the ground, because Yu Yan did not wear a regular official hat.Not only did Yu Yan not wear an official hat, he didn't even dress neatly in his official clothes.

Yu Yan explained that he got up a bit late, and in a hurry, he went to court before he had time to tidy up his clothes.

The emperor wanted to calm things down and said that Yan would be fined with half a year's salary.But Teng Zhengyuan said no, Yu Yan was disrespectful to the emperor when he went to court with disheveled clothes.The official hat is not worn correctly, which is disrespectful to Taizu.Arguing with Zheng Yuandong above the court was another mistake.If you make more mistakes, you should be dismissed from office.Zheng Yuandong was also at fault when he encountered Yu Yan's official hat, but he shirked responsibility and should be punished.

The civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty were stunned, why did Teng Zhengyuan bite people like a mad dog?Zheng Yuandong didn't invite him to provoke him, why didn't he even let Zheng Yuandong go?

The emperor was annoyed by Teng Zhengyuan's quarrel, and in a fit of anger, he fined Yan half a year's salary, Zheng Yuandong three months' salary, and Teng Zhengyuan one month's salary.

After retiring from the court, Teng Zhengyuan was stopped by Yu Yan and Zheng Yuandong, and the two wanted to argue with Teng Zhengyuan.As a result, Teng Zhengyuan quoted scriptures, which made Zheng Yuandong speechless and fled in shame.Yu Yan was far less civilized than Zheng Yuandong, and when he became angry from embarrassment, he punched Teng Zhengyuan black-eyed.

They all thought that Teng Zhengyuan would write a letter to the emperor again for this matter, but Teng Zhengyuan continued to accuse others of their faults as if nothing had happened afterwards.This matter was passed on for a while, and the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty were both afraid and respectful of Teng Zhengyuan. What they were afraid of was that they would be accused of mistakes by him accidentally, and they would have to be completely speechless.What is respectful is that he is right about the matter and not about the person. After the matter is over, he forgets it in a blink of an eye.Later, when Yu Yan was impeached, Teng Zhengyuan wrote a letter to defend Yu Yan, making Yu Yan innocent.Yu Yan was deeply grateful and embarrassed to thank Teng Zhengyuan in person, and said that he was to blame for punching Teng Zhengyuan last time.

Teng Zhengyuan didn't appreciate it, turned around and left, saying that he was not helping Yu Yan, but helping the truth and justice.

Although Teng Zhengyuan is like a stabbing head, he is an indispensable censor in the court, because Teng Zhengyuan does not favor any side, he only insists on his fair and moral position, even if the emperor has made a mistake, he is outspoken, so Although Hou Pingpan and Xingwang didn't like Teng Zhengyuan, they didn't dare to take him down easily. Whoever took down Teng Zhengyuan would lose the highest point of morality and become synonymous with guilty conscience.

But everyone knows that although Teng Zhengyuan has strong bones, he doesn't have official wisdom. He is not enough to gain a foothold in the court, and he will not become the fulcrum of the court's struggle.

But Li Dingshan is different. Apart from being outspoken, Li Dingshan also has unparalleled official wisdom and rich experience in court struggles. More importantly, he is a man of King Jing.In the eyes of Teng Zhengyuan, some things are just an isolated thing, such as the incident of Yu Yan dropping his official hat, but in the eyes of Li Dingshan, it may become an indirect contest between Yu Yan and Zheng Yuandong, thus separating Yu Yan and Zheng Yuandong Far East relations.

Hou Pingpan pondered for a long time, and then slowly said: "I think that Mr. Li is not qualified for the position of Yushi Zhongcheng, and the Shaoqing of Honghe Temple is more suitable for him. I will recommend Mr. Li to Chai Shangshu to be the young minister of Honghe Temple." Your Majesty, the Emperor must agree."

So, Hou Pingpan's implication is to exercise the power of prime minister and forcibly prevent Li Dingshan from serving as Yushi Zhongcheng?Song Chaodu smiled slightly: "Since that's the case, let the emperor decide."

Hou Pingpan couldn't help sneering: "The emperor is not feeling well recently, and the appointment of officials below the fourth rank, the emperor does not ask, it all depends on the truth."

Hou Pingpan is so arrogant, Li Dingshan can't help sighing in his heart, in the face of power, there are too few people who can maintain their original aspirations and justice. I think that when Hou Pingpan was not a prime minister, he was modest and low-key, easy-going in everything, and now he is the prime minister. In his hands, with the backing of the star king, the imperial power is sluggish and the power of the prime minister is flourishing. So besides taking charge of the government, is Hou Xianggong also wanting to take over the power of the officials?

With the monopoly of the government and the power of personnel, Hou Pingpan will really be able to cover the sky with one hand.Fortunately, he did not have military power, otherwise it would not be impossible for the world to be ruled by the surname Xia when he ascended the heights.

Fortunately, Daxia still has King Jing, King Qing, Xia Xiang, Teng Zhengyuan, and the four great families who have unknown attitudes but each has their own thoughts. King Wang, King Qing and the forces of the four great families.

Of course, Li Dingshan also knew that Hou Pingpan was just a puppet of Star King.Hou Pingpan showed his face in public and gave orders, but the person behind the scenes was Xingwang.If the great event is accomplished, Hou Pingpan will naturally count as a great achievement, and it will not be a problem to be crowned king and marquis in the end.If a major event fails, Hou Pingpan must be the scapegoat.

"So, whether or not Mr. Li can become Yushi Zhongcheng depends on Mr. Hou's words?" Song Chaodu smiled confidently, "I am afraid that Mr. Hou will be disappointed. Song's letter, at this time, is probably already It has been submitted to the emperor's dragon case."

"How could it be?" Hou Pingpan was shocked, turned around and saw Chai Shiye, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, waved his hand and said, "Shangshu Chai, please come here, I have something to ask you."

Chai Shiye is about fifty years old, with a medium build, a thin body, and a thin face. At first glance, he looks like an old farmer in the field.

He has three long beards under his chin, and when he walks, he trembles slightly, as if he is seven old, and the wind seems to be able to blow him to the sky.However, anyone with a discerning eye could see that Chai Shiye's beard was trembling slightly, and every step he landed was very solid, and his feet were extremely stable.

Hearing Hou Xianggong's call, Chai Shiye arched his hands at the tablemate, stroked his beard with his left hand and held the wine glass with his right hand, and came to Hou Pingpan. He raised the wine glass and said, "Why is Hou Xianggong calling me? Do you want to have another drink together?" Thirty cups?"

"Shangshu Chai, don't drink any more. Your alcohol capacity is average, and you will get drunk if you drink any more." Hou Pingpan couldn't laugh or cry, grabbed the wine glass from Chai Shiye's hand, and put it aside, "Song Shilang recommended Li Dingshan as Yushi Zhongcheng, do you know This matter?"

"Know? I don't know! Do I know!" Chai Shiye was obviously drunk, and couldn't speak clearly. His eyes were blurred, and he stretched out a finger in his right hand to point to the sky, "Hey, strange thing, Duh, it’s strange, why do stars come out in broad daylight? One, two, three, oh, there are too many to count, too many.”

While speaking, he staggered and almost fell, Li Dingshan reached out to support Chai Shiye, and said with a smile: "Chai Shangshu, be careful where you step."

"Chai Shangshu? Who is Chai Shangshu?" Chai Shiye was stunned, and looked at Li Dingshan for a long time, "You are Mr. Li Dingshan? Ah, why are you still alive? Aren't you already dead?"

"How did Chai Shangshu know that Li was dead?" Li Dingshan asked.

"Last time, last time, I forgot when it was. Once, I had a drink with a person. He drank too much. After drinking, he uttered the truth, saying that news of Li Dingshan's death would come in three days." Chai Shiye reposted. In a circle, the majestic Minister of the Ministry of Officials actually looked naive after being drunk. He rubbed his head and suddenly realized, "I remember, I remembered, who is he..."

Everyone listened attentively to who Chai Shiye said he was. There was a lot of hidden meaning in this matter, which immediately aroused the curiosity of everyone present.

Unexpectedly, after waiting for a long time, Chai Shiye didn't have anything to say. He tilted his body and sat on the chair next to him, falling asleep.

Hou Pingpan's face was livid, and he stepped forward to pat Chai Shiye on the shoulder: "Chai Shangshu, people have self-knowledge, and if you can't drink enough, don't drink so much wine. Getting drunk will cause trouble."

Unexpectedly, after just taking a picture, Chai Shiye woke up suddenly, stood up suddenly, and pointed at Pingpan: "Heh, haha, so it's you, so he is you, so you are him."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Hou Pingpan's face suddenly changed, "It's not proper, it's not proper, come here, send Chai Shangshu back home!"

Immediately, someone came, helped Chai Shiye and left.Chai Shiye rubbed his eyes, looked left and right at the two people who supported him, turned his head and said loudly: "Mr. Hou, I can't drink, but the wine quality is not bad. Come on, have another drink. Mr. Li, it's good that you're not dead, Mr. It’s hard to die, there must be good luck in the future, play chess with me again later, my chess is better than wine. Haha..."

At the end of the laugh, the laughter turned from joyful to tragic, and Chai Shiye's thin body gave out an incomparably thick voice, and he sang loudly: "Singing to wine, what a life! It's like dew in the morning, and the past is full of bitterness. Generosity should be generosity, worries and thoughts are unforgettable. How can I relieve my worries? Only Du Kang. Qingqing Zijin caresses my heart. But for the sake of the king, I have pondered to this day... Those who know me say that my heart is worried, and those who don’t know me say what I want!"

I sang Cao Cao's "Duan Ge Xing" in the tune of Han Yuefu, which has a special taste, especially the last line suddenly changed, ending with a line from "Book of Songs", everyone present was fascinated by it, and stood dumbfounded for a while, not knowing What day is it today.

Although Chai Shiye had only half-spoken and was suspected of being drunk, it still left shadows and doubts in everyone's hearts.Almost everyone knew about Hou Pingpan and Li Dingshan's past festivities.Disagreements in political opinions and different views are commonplace. Even if you defeat your opponent, dismiss him from office, or relegate him, each depends on his ability.

Many people turned their attention to Hou Pingpan.

(End of this chapter)