"The emperor's edict was carried out by heaven and said: Since ancient times, emperors have relied on the strength of their teachers and military ministers to pacify the world. Zhao Junchen, the bachelor of Dongge and the young master, first quelled the invaders from Shaanxi and Gansu, and then settled the homeland of Hetao, so that the sea and the world were stabilized and the country's prestige was greatly enhanced.
In order to inherit the spirit of loyalty and encouragement, to serve the government with Jiazhi, to comfort and show my ambition, I was given the honor... I am specially named the new uncle Cheng, which is hereditary and will not be replaced. I am also given a gold medal to avoid death. I admire this!"
As Zhang Deyang finished reading the imperial edict, all the officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony were immediately in an uproar, and most of them looked shocked.
Compared with Liang Fuchen's reward, Zhao Junchen's reward was not very generous, and even a bit stingy.
Liang Fuchen was directly conferred the title of Marquis of Zhongyi, and was promoted to the rank of Second Assistant in the Cabinet. He was also rewarded with many gold and silver treasures, while Zhao Junchen only removed the word "无世" in front of his title, so that he could inherit the title hereditary in the future.
Go down, but considering Zhao Junchen's status and achievements, this is not a very generous reward.
However, this was something that had been expected for a long time. When Zhao Junchen was recalled to the capital by Emperor Deqing, he had already received awards and canonization for his outstanding military exploits in Shaanxi and Gansu. Today's award is only for Zhao Junchen's reconquest of the Hetao by the imperial court.
It's just a matter of temple calculation in the region; and Zhao Junchen is too young. If the reward is too generous, he will soon face the embarrassing situation of no reward. Both Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen will try their best to avoid such a situation.
Appear.
What really shocked all the officials was that Emperor Deqing gave Zhao Junchen a gold medal to avoid death!
In fact, the rumor that Emperor Deqing will give Zhao Junchen a gold medal to avoid death today has long been quietly circulated in the official circles, but most officials do not believe that Emperor Deqing will be so generous to Zhao Junchen and promise
In the future, most people will think this news is just a rumor.
But at this moment, the officials were shocked to discover that Emperor Deqing actually made a long-term promise to Zhao Junchen!
Although the officials also knew that many important officials in the history of the Ming Dynasty were awarded gold medals to avoid death by the emperor, but most of these important officials did not end well, but after hearing this imperial edict, the officials viewed Zhao Junchen.
His eyes still changed quietly!
What if this death-free gold medal is really useful?
What if Emperor Deqing really wanted to make a long-term commitment to Zhao Junchen?
What if Zhao Junchen will become a veteran of three dynasties like Zhou Shangjing in the future, with power in both the government and the public?
If Zhao Junchen is no longer in danger of being overcooked, the attitude of both the government and the public towards Zhao Junchen will have to undergo a fundamental change in the future!
And this kind of "just in case" thinking, this quiet attitude change, is exactly what Zhao Junchen needs.
Just like that, under the shocked eyes of the officials, Zhao Junchen came out with gratitude, thanked Emperor Deqing for the reward, and expressed his loyalty to Emperor Deqing and said many beautiful words, but his eyes remained calm, even
There are still some who don’t take it seriously.
*
After bestowing awards on Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing successively awarded many meritorious officials in the Shaanxi-Gansu and Hetao wars.
The person who was named the hero after Liang Fuchen and Zhao Junchen was Guan Wuyuan, who had the most limelight during this period. He was also the biggest beneficiary of last year's series of wars.
Since Guan Wuyuan returned to Beijing in triumph, he has been summoned by Emperor Deqing many times. Emperor Deqing was quite impressed by Guan Wuyuan's image and temperament. Guan Wuyuan has always been good at rhetoric and pretentiousness. He always talks big and boasts.
He slapped his chest so hard that he easily deceived Emperor Deqing, who didn't understand military matters, and made Emperor Deqing increasingly believe that Guan Wuyuan was a brave and loyal general of the world. Naturally, he deliberately used gentleness to win over him, which was quite impressive.
Guan Wuyuan was rewarded with many benefits.
Seeing Emperor Deqing's attitude, all the officials knew that Guan Wuyuan would rise to the top soon. Not only the generals of the Forbidden Army have been scrambling to please him during this period, but also the officials of the "Emperor Party".
He deliberately cultivated a close relationship with Guan Wuyuan, and there were rumors that Wang Shou, Minister of War, and Guan Wuyuan had become brothers of the opposite sex in private.
Today, Guan Wuyuan has become the leader of the Forbidden Army, and has successfully integrated into the inner circle of the "Emperor Party", becoming the most trusted and trusted general of Emperor Deqing.
Under such circumstances, when Emperor Deqing awarded Guan Wuyuan, he was naturally not stingy. Not only did he promote Guan Wuyuan to the position of Grand Governor of the Beijing Camp, responsible for the defense of the entire Beizhili, he also consecrated Guan Wuyuan to the title of Youzhuguo, Wu Zhongbo, and the title was already
He is not inferior to Zhao Junchen.
In fact, the reason why Guan Wuyuan's reward today is so generous is mainly because Zhao Junchen never mentioned Guan Wuyuan's name when he was fighting for benefits for the heroes some time ago, which made Emperor Deqing even more embarrassed.
It was decided that Guan Wuyuan and Zhao Junchen were not the same people, so naturally they were trusted and reused.
When Guan Wuyuan came out to receive the order, he held his head high and his chest high, his face full of arrogance, and he looked like he would give it to anyone else. He did not feel that he deserved it at all.
However, Guan Wuyuan's posture really deceived most of the officials. The officials felt that Guan Wuyuan was full of domineering and confident in his movements, and he was indeed a well-deserved famous general.
Regarding this situation, on the one hand, Zhao Junchen was happy to see the result, but on the other hand, he felt it was a bit ironic and his mood was quite complicated.
*
After awarding Guan Wuyuan, it was the turn of Shaanxi Governor Zhang Shengde.
During the war between Shaanxi-Gansu and Hetao, Zhang Shengde had been responsible for logistics and peace of the people, and he was considered indispensable. However, he also had many faults - not only his participation in the appeasement plan of the former Trilateral Governor Wang Zheng, but also his involvement in the area under his jurisdiction.
There was also a civil unrest in Tianshui City - the most important thing was that Zhang Shengde had become Zhao Junchen's friend, which made Emperor Deqing dislike him even more.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing believed that Zhang Shengde's "merits and faults were equal to each other" and there was no need for a special reward. However, because of Zhao Junchen's strong arguments, he finally gave Zhang Shengde some benefits.
At this time, under the decree of Emperor Deqing, Zhang Shengde was transferred to the governor of Sichuan. His official rank was not promoted, but Sichuan has the reputation of "Land of Abundance", and the environment is better than Shaanxi at least, and Sichuan Salt has been rectified
It's easy to achieve political achievements in such matters, but it can be regarded as a privileged job.
Therefore, when Zhang Shengde accepted the award from Emperor Deqing, his expression was full of joy.
*
After Zhang Shengde, there was Fang Zhenshan, the commander-in-chief of Guyuan.
This man also had outstanding military exploits, but just like Zhang Shengde, he was too close to Zhao Junchen. Whether he stayed in the capital to hold important positions or was transferred to the local government to take real power, Emperor Deqing was unable to do so.
Don't worry, I simply gave Fang Zhenshan the title of "Shanghujun" of the second rank, and transferred him to Liaodong to serve as the governor and Tongzhi.
The governor-general is a first-class official in the imperial court and has the authority to assist local officials in rectifying military armaments.
Emperor Deqing had obviously considered this appointment carefully, and it was approved by Zhao Junchen. It can be said that the two sides hit it off.
The so-called politics is like this. Emperor Deqing wanted to suppress Zhao Junchen, and Zhao Junchen was also wary of Emperor Deqing, but when the two met a common goal, they would still work together in a tacit understanding.
Among the nine military towns in the Ming Dynasty, Liaodong Town consumed the most money and food. Now it has become the last one. Emperor Deqing appointed Fang Zhenshan as the governor of Liaodong, which not only limited the real power in his hands, but also served as a check and balance.
He Yu, the commander-in-chief of Liaodong Town, gave the court the opportunity to gradually reduce the military expenditure and power of Liaodong Town in the future.
In recent years, with the Jianzhou Jurchens taking the initiative to surrender, there will be no serious border troubles in a short period of time. The importance of the Liaodong military town has been reduced, which is the best time for the imperial court to reduce its power.
Moreover, Fang Zhenshan's ability to lead troops in battle is ordinary, but his ability to please his superiors, connect with his colleagues, and manipulate his subordinates is very good. Putting him in charge of this matter can be regarded as the best use of his talents.
Fang Zhenshan was a little unhappy with Emperor Deqing's reward and appointment. Naturally, he was unwilling to go to the troubled waters of Liaodong Town, but because of Zhao Junchen's persuasion and certain promises, Fang Zhenshan reluctantly accepted it.
*
Next, it was the turn of veteran He Zhang.
On the surface, He Zhang is Zhao Junchen's military lieutenant and the military commander Zhao Junchen relies on most. Moreover, He Zhang also believes that Zhao Junchen has been kind to him, and he can be said to follow Zhao Junchen's lead on weekdays.
But Zhao Junchen knew clearly that He Zhang was a very principled person. Although he was grateful for Zhao Junchen's kindness, he was still more loyal to Emperor Deqing. At a certain critical moment, He Zhang would definitely stand by
Emperor Deqing's side.
Therefore, Zhao Junchen set up He Zhang as a target to attract Emperor Deqing's attention. He always had a positive attitude and sought benefits for He Zhang. Zhao Junchen's attitude also made Emperor Deqing even more hostile to He Zhang. In any case,
I also disagree with He Zhang holding real power.
In the end, under the pressure of Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen had no choice but to make a "concession". He Zhang was assigned to the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion and served as the right governor of the Rear Army Governor's Mansion. This was a
An official position that seems noble but has no real power will probably never have the opportunity to lead an army from now on.
However, because Zhao Junchen made concessions on this matter, Emperor Deqing's attitude softened slightly, and he also made concessions in the appointments and rewards of Zhang Shengde, Fang Zhenshan and others.
It can be said that Zhang Shengde, Fang Zhenshan and others can still have some real power today, largely because of He Zhang's "sacrifice".
He Zhang was a foolish and loyal minister who always believed in the principle that "thunder, rain and dew are all gifts from the emperor". Although he regretted that he would not be able to lead troops in the future, Emperor Deqing did not treat him badly on the surface and returned him a favor.
A seemingly honorable official position, so he calmly accepted the appointment and reward from Emperor Deqing.
*
Later, Wu Qifan, the prefect of Xi'an, was appointed as the right minister of the Ministry of Hubu. This man was also too close to Zhao Junchen, so Emperor Deqing simply assigned him to serve in the Ministry of Hubu. The Yamen of the Ministry of Hubu had long been Zhao Junchen's back garden.
One more Wu Qifan will not enhance Zhao Junchen's strength.
Zhang Chengxun, a colleague of the imperial army who was also very close to Zhao Junchen, even though most of his military achievements were taken away by Guan Wuyuan, he was still extremely dazzling and had no reason to suppress him anyway, so he was appointed by Emperor Deqing to be the garrison in Guangxi.
General Soldier - Guangxi is extremely remote and the environment is extremely miserable. The guards and troops within the territory are all useless. The phenomenon of empty pay and desertion is much greater than that of the Jiubian Military Town in the north. From time to time, encounters with
The chieftain's rebellion was a hard job, but his official position was finally promoted one level, and he also had real power and opportunities to perform. He may have further opportunities in the future.
In addition, all the civil and military officials who participated in the war between Shaanxi-Gansu and Hetao, such as Wu Min, the governor of Hedong, Zhang Wenhui, the governor of Hexi, Jin Huyuan, the commander-in-chief of Gansu Town, and Wang Yuan, the commander-in-chief of Yulin Town, also had their own specialties.
They were awarded rewards, but their relationship with Zhao Junchen was not close, and the achievements they made were not enough to improve their status too much, so there is no need to mention them more.
*
On a day of universal celebration like today, everyone will benefit a lot.
After awarding many meritorious officials, Emperor Deqing once again announced that all officials in the court would be rewarded with a month's salary. All prefectures and counties also had certain tax exemptions and exemptions. At the same time, it was a general amnesty for the whole country, but it also benefited many subjects.
Affordable.
By the time all this is over, time has passed.
As a result, today's ceremony has entered the final stage - all officials followed Emperor Deqing to ride on the circular mound to perform the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven.
And this heaven-sacrifice ceremony will also be the climax of today's grand ceremony.
Following Emperor Deqing's decree, officials filed out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and gathered outside the Meridian Gate again.
When Emperor Deqing's chariot drove out of the palace, all the officials followed the chariot on foot and headed towards the circle.
Yuanqiu is not far from the Forbidden City, but the officials have always been pampered, and the journey soon became miserable for them.
As the head of a hundred officials, Zhou Shangjing was already over seventy years old. He was particularly unable to hold on. He had already lost strength after taking only a few steps, and his steps became increasingly slow and laborious.
Zhao Junchen was walking behind Zhou Shangjing. After discovering Zhou Shangjing's abnormality, he quickly rushed to Zhou Shangjing's side and held his arm.
Zhou Shangjing did not refuse Zhao Junchen’s assistance, but just shook his head with a wry smile and said: “I’m getting old, and I can’t bear it even after walking a few steps... Oh! I really miss those days, whether it’s climbing Mount Tai or riding a horse.
, you won’t feel tired, even if you are as useless as you are now... It’s time to retire and return to your hometown to take care of your old age. With a backward person like Junchen in the court, I can feel at ease when I leave.”
Zhao Junchen did not believe Zhou Shangjing's statement at all, so he did not respond. He just waved his hand to summon a nearby eunuch and ordered: "Go to your Majesty for me to request an order. Please allow your Majesty's permission to do the same."
They have to travel in a sedan, otherwise they might not be able to hold on, and it might affect today's ceremony to worship the heaven."
When the eunuch saw Zhou Shangjing's struggling state, he naturally did not dare to neglect it and quickly reported it to his superiors.
On the other side, Zhou Shangjing saw that Zhao Junchen did not respond to him at all, and his old face was full of meaning.
Soon, the eunuch Zhang De was seen hurriedly arriving, bringing with him the decree from Emperor Deqing, announcing that all officials over sixty years old or suffering from illness could travel in carriages and sedans.
Hearing Emperor Deqing's decree, many officials who could not hold on breathed a sigh of relief. After thanking Emperor Deqing for his kindness, they quickly looked for cars and sedans to ride in. There was also some confusion in the queue of officials.
After Zhang De announced his decree, he did not immediately return to Emperor Deqing. Instead, he found Zhao Junchen and said, "Chen Zhao, your Majesty summoned you to talk to the royal chariot. It seems that you have something to ask."
Zhao Junchen couldn't help but feel strange. He didn't understand why Emperor Deqing chose to summon him at this time. Isn't there something that couldn't be discussed until after the heaven-sacrifice ceremony?
With doubts in his heart, Zhao Junchen also said goodbye to Zhou Shangjing, hurried to the front of the team, and boarded Emperor Deqing's chariot.
When Zhao Junchen entered the imperial carriage of Emperor Deqing, he only saw Emperor Deqing playing with the "auspicious" apple that Zhao Junchen presented not long ago. His expression was full of seriousness and seriousness, but there was also a hint of expectation.
.
After seeing Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing raised his hand to reject Zhao Junchen's salute and greetings. Then he did not go around in circles and asked directly: "Zhao Aiqing, is the story you told when you offered auspiciousness true? Is this true in this world?
Are there gods?"
Zhao Junchen was stunned. He didn't expect Emperor Deqing to summon him so eagerly just for the story he had made up!
The story made up by Zhao Junchen could be described as absurd and bizarre. Zhao Junchen originally did not expect Emperor Deqing to really believe it.
Of course, Emperor Deqing would definitely believe it on the surface. After all, this story would help Emperor Deqing enhance his prestige and stabilize his imperial power. The only downside is that Zhao Junchen would use this story to bind Emperor Deqing to everyone.
From now on, I will not dare to question Zhao Junchen's disloyalty easily.
However, Zhao Junchen never expected that Emperor Deqing not only believed this absurd story on the surface, but also half-believed it in his heart, so he specially summoned Zhao Junchen for confirmation.
But when Zhao Junchen thought about it, he realized that this was a matter of course!
No matter how shrewd and suspicious Emperor Deqing was, he would eventually be limited by the times and his knowledge, and the "auspicious" apples presented by Zhao Junchen were indeed beyond the imagination of people of this era, except for the theory of gods.
, and there is no other explanation at all.
Under such circumstances, Emperor Deqing did not dare to completely believe Zhao Junchen's story, but he also did not dare to disbelieve it completely.
What if Zhao Junchen’s story is true?
What if the gods gave me an opportunity but I didn’t believe it at all, wouldn’t I have missed the opportunity in vain?
If there really are gods in this world, does that mean... the art of immortality also exists?
Such "just in case" thoughts made Emperor Deqing unable to control his mood, so he couldn't help summoning Zhao Junchen for questioning.
Seeing Emperor Deqing's serious look when asking, Zhao Junchen knew that his next answer would definitely profoundly affect many of Emperor Deqing's thoughts and practices in the future, and might even affect the direction of the court. His thoughts suddenly changed.
Besides, his attitude suddenly became serious.
Then, under Emperor Deqing's expectant gaze, Zhao Junchen slowly gave the answer.
…
Encountered some unexpected situations. Chongzi never had the chance to go home for the past two days. It was already after eight o'clock in the evening when I returned home today. I rushed out a chapter, changing it first and then changing it.