It wasn't until he left the Wenhua Palace and saw Yu Shiyue saying goodbye to him and returning to the cabinet that Mr. Hu frowned and walked out of the palace door.
Recalling the emperor's understatement in the palace just now, Mr. Hu always felt that something was wrong. At this time, when he asked whether the Emperor Chunlie was coming, he naturally felt that the emperor would agree.
However, this seems to be too smooth.
According to Hu Bi's expectations and what he saw during this period, the emperor should have resisted for a while, and then after Mr. Hu's painstaking advice, he finally agreed "reluctantly" and agreed so lightly and skillfully.
, which is somewhat abnormal.
Could it be that he missed something?
After leaving the palace gate, he boarded the sedan chair and returned to the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites. Mr. Hu rarely had any thoughts of returning home. Instead, he brewed a pot of fine spring tea tomorrow and sat beside the table, sipping the tea and thinking carefully.
With.
However, before he could think clearly, there were footsteps coming from outside.
"Uncle Zong, someone from the palace came outside and said that there was a decree coming!"
Will?
Hu Bi blinked and lowered his head to look at the memorial that Zhu had approved in front of him. Chun Lie's instructions had already been approved by the emperor, so what else would there be.
But no matter what, since there was an edict, it was natural not to neglect it, so Hu Hui immediately asked people to set up the incense table in preparation for receiving the edict. He himself put down the tea cup and came to the front hall with several officials from the Ministry of Rites to receive the edict.
Angel.
However, before he entered the door, he saw an unfamiliar face.
Wearing a python robe, eunuch attire, and gray hair, he is an out-and-out old eunuch.
But why did he appear here?
"Eunuch Ruan, why are you here?"
Hu Hui had a vague guess in his mind, but he still asked.
The person who came was none other than the current eunuch in charge of Nangong, Ruan Lang!
Ruan Lang turned around, bowed his hands politely, and said.
"Grand Uncle, the Emperor has a decree for the Ministry of Rites. Please take over the decree!"
After the words fell, a group of officials from the Ministry of Rites who followed Hu Hui suddenly started a low discussion, and even Hu Hui was surprised.
However, after looking at the brocade box behind Ruan Lang, he didn't ask any more questions. He just exchanged a few words with Ruan Lang. After the incense case and other items were displayed, everyone came to the front of the hall.
Ruan Lang bowed towards Hu Xi, then took out a dragon-patterned yellow silk from the brocade box on the side, raised it above his head and said.
"The Emperor's imperial edict has arrived, and the Ministry of Rites will receive it."
"I, Hu Hu, the Minister of Rites, respectfully listen to the imperial edict."
Hu Hui and a group of officials from the Ministry of Rites bowed down to the ground steadily, saluted meticulously, and said.
So Ruan Lang unfolded the yellow silk and read.
"The Supreme Emperor Zhi said: I have heard that Spring Hunting is a grand ceremony for the country and a grand event for the court. I have returned to the Nangong for a long time. I am very quiet and thinking about it. I want to watch the Spring Hunting and perform martial arts. I have ordered the Ministry of Rites to make good preparations. I admire this!"
This imperial edict is not long, but after reading it, the officials of the Ministry of Rites could not help but feel a sense of surprise and uncertainty.
You must know that, strictly speaking, this should be regarded as the first time that the Supreme Emperor has issued an edict to courtiers since his return to the dynasty, except for the edict issued to the world.
Do you want to take it?
Or in other words, can you accept it?
You must know that when the Supreme Emperor returned to the court, he had already made it clear that he would retire to Nangong and not intervene in government affairs. Although this imperial edict is not considered to interfere with government affairs, it is a serious edict to the imperial government, so...
Because there was an imperial edict in front of them, the officials of the Ministry of Rites did not dare to discuss anything and could only exchange glances with each other. In the end, everyone's eyes were focused on Hu Hui at the front.
Uncle Hu Dazong was also frowning at this moment. However, he was not debating whether to accept the order, but he remembered the doubts he had when he just left the palace.
After pondering for a moment, Hu Xi did not directly reach out to receive the order, but asked.
"Eunuch Ruan, I dare to ask, does this imperial edict have the seal of the Supervisor of Ceremonies?"
After hearing this, Ruan Lang's face became a little unhappy, but fortunately, he had anticipated this situation before coming over.
So, in just a moment, a smile appeared on Ruan Lang's face again. He held the imperial edict in his hand, sent it to Hu Hui, and said with a smile.
"The Chief of Ceremonies uses the seal for the Emperor. This edict was issued by the Supreme Emperor. Naturally, there is no need to send it to the Supervisor of Ceremonies. According to the Supreme Emperor's instructions, our family went to the Etiquette Department, left a copy, and went directly to the Ministry of Rites.
Our family is still in a hurry to return to Nangong to resume our duties, please don’t delay, uncle, please hurry up and receive the order."
In other words, you have passed the six subjects, but you have not passed the Emperor.
In terms of process, the imperial edict uses the treasure seal and is countersigned by the six departments, and it is effective. This is true whether it is the emperor's edict, the emperor's edict, or the empress dowager's edict.
However, the six subjects of the Ming Dynasty are different from the Menxia Province of the Sui and Tang Dynasties. The Menxia Province has the power to refute, to admonish the emperor, and to impeach the ministers, which is the most important of the three provinces. However, the six subjects of the Ming Dynasty are given to Shi Zhong. Although
They also have the right to refute, but the restrictions are extremely severe.
Under normal circumstances, the Six Sections are responsible for subordinates rather than superiors. They are in charge of attendants, admonitions, repairs, and relics, and inspect the affairs of the six departments and hundreds of departments. To put it more bluntly, the Six Sections have similar powers and powers, and their main responsibilities are supervision.
All the officials of the imperial court usually signed the memorials approved by the emperor, copied them and promulgated them.
Their right to refute was more reflected in making up for various ordinary government affairs rather than returning imperial edicts.
The biggest difference between Menxiasheng and Liuke in the Sui and Tang Dynasties is that Menxiasheng is responsible for deliberation, and its chief official, Shizhong, is a serious prime minister with extremely powerful authority. The rejection of Menxiasheng may be because the Shizhong feels that the handling of government affairs is inappropriate.
Deny it directly.
However, the rejection of the six subjects is done according to the rules, tending to review whether there are any errors in the process, whether the writing complies with the standards, and whether the content complies with etiquette.
As for whether this government matter is reasonable and whether the specific handling is appropriate, it does not fall within the scope of authority of the Sixth Section.
Therefore, as long as there are no procedural errors or etiquette conflicts in this imperial edict, theoretically speaking, the six subjects must be countersigned.
Of course, in some very special circumstances, when the whole court is opposed to certain decrees, the Sixth Section may delay the time and refuse to countersign. However, if there is no clear and specific reason for the return of the seal,
It must never be used.
Therefore, it is normal for the imperial edict of the Supreme Emperor to pass the Sixth Section. This edict neither violates the etiquette nor has any other procedural errors. When it reaches the Sixth Section, it will naturally be countersigned by an official from the Etiquette Section.
But even so, it is surprising enough, because even if Liuke cannot refuse this imperial edict, it can always be done with a little delay.
However, the fact that this imperial edict came so quickly can only mean that after the edict reached the Etiquette Department, the responsible person signed it as quickly as possible.
After thinking about this clearly, the officials of the Ministry of Etiquette below could no longer suppress the restlessness in their hearts. What was originally just eye contact now turned into low voices of discussion.
This scene made even Ruan Lang, who had been prepared, feel a little bit embarrassed, so he looked slightly cold and said in a calm tone.
"What, does the eldest uncle want to resist the decree?"
The scene suddenly became a little tense, and the officials below suddenly became quiet, not daring to express their anger, and looked at Hu Hui one after another.
However, at this time, Uncle Hu Dazong, who was in the center of everyone's attention, looked like he was just waking up from a dream, smiled and said.
"Eunuch Ruan was joking. How dare the Ministry of Rites disobey the Emperor's imperial edict. It's just that I am old, have low energy and slow reaction, so I didn't have time to accept the order immediately."
Having said that, Hu Xi was straightforward and without much hesitation, he bowed his head and said.
"Hu Hu, the Minister of Rites, accepts the order!"
Immediately, he took the imperial edict from Ruan Lang, unfolded it and looked at it. After confirming that it was correct, he forwarded it to the incense table behind him.
Seeing that Hu Hui successfully accepted the order without any objection, Ruan Lang breathed a sigh of relief, exchanged a few words, expressed his apology, and left in a hurry.
With a smile on her face, Hu Hui watched Ruan Lang leave the door of the Ministry of Rites. As soon as his figure disappeared, the smile on the old man's face disappeared without a trace, replaced by a look of contemplation.
Seeing this situation, everyone did not dare to ask any more questions. At the signal of the servant, they all bowed and went down to do their own business.
Hu Hui stood outside for a moment, then, thinking of something, he sighed heavily, held the imperial edict, and turned back to the public room.
…………
At noon, the sun hangs high above your head. However, it is spring after all. Although the sunshine is a bit dazzling, it is not hot, but makes people feel very warm.
Outside the Yongding Gate, a mighty guard of honor was lined up, seemingly welcoming someone. However, what was different from the usual guard of honor was that this guard of honor was composed of officers and soldiers, with neat military appearances and good postures.
Standing tall, wearing armor and holding a gun.
Directly in front were several officials from Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites, all with their heads lowered, but even so, they couldn't help but look up secretly.
At the front of the team, the Shaoqing of Honglu Temple, who was supposed to be in charge of the affairs of the four barbarians, was in charge of the Qi government in Honglu Temple, so he had to settle on the right side.
The person on the left is wearing a crimson official robe, but he is not very old. He is Li Shi, the current minister of the Ministry of War.
As for the person in the middle, he is wearing a bright red unicorn patchwork suit, with an old face, a ceremonial sword hanging on his waist, and a body like a green pine. He is clearly the Marquis of Changping Yang Hong!
In the distance, a group of men and horses approached from far away, and two soldiers came to report.
"I am reporting to the Marquis that the Wala envoy has arrived five miles outside the city."
As a result, everyone put on their faces and stood in awe, but Li Shi on the side couldn't help but frowned and said.
"Yang Hou, I am waiting for the Wala envoy as a courtesy, but the other party is really arrogant. At this time, it is a whole stick of incense later than promised. They come to the capital to worship, and they dare to delay and neglect like this. It is simply
You don’t take Ming Dynasty into your eyes!"
Qi Zheng on the side felt speechless as he listened.
This is not because he wants to speak for the Wala mission, but to welcome the mission is a grueling process. After all, along the way, he walks faster and slower. How can he be so punctual? It is common to be early and late.
.
Don't say it was a stick of incense too late, Lord Qi had seen it even at two or three o'clock in the evening. If the time was really stuck so badly, all the foreign envoys would be disrespectful to the Ming Dynasty.
However, what made Qi Zheng even more speechless was that after Li Shi finished speaking, Yang Hong in front actually nodded in agreement and said.
"Yes, this time the Wala envoy made the decision without authorization and came to the capital early to worship, which is inappropriate. However, they did not want to arrive as soon as possible to apologize to His Majesty. Instead, they were slow and negligent. It is really abominable. Mr. Qi, what do you think?"
I……
Mr. Qi opened his mouth, and when the words came to his lips, what came out was.
"What Yang Marquis and Li Shilang said is reasonable. The thieves outside the Great Wall are ignorant of etiquette and are indeed barbarians!"
From a professional point of view, this is obviously not what a young minister of Honglu Temple should say, but from a rational point of view, Mr. Qi still knows how to read eyes.
As early as a few days ago, Honglu Temple received the order to receive the Wala mission this time. Changping Marquis Yang Hong was responsible for the reception, and the Ministry of War and Honglu Temple assisted.
Therefore, Mr. Qi, who was originally in charge of this matter, had to go to the Changping Marquis Mansion in person to inquire about the arrangements for Yang Hong's reception.
As a result, the old marquis waved his hand and said directly that he didn't need to worry about it, and that when the day came, we could go to the city gate to greet him together.
But who would have thought that when I arrived outside the city gate today, I saw that the old marquis was here, but the people he brought were not the officials and actors who greeted him at all, but a group of elite soldiers.
Those who knew this posture were to welcome the envoys, but those who didn’t knew it thought they were going out for a big battle!
Immediately afterwards, the Ministry of War also sent people over. Naturally, with Yu Shaobao's identity, it was impossible to come. It is not that Yu Qian's identity is more noble than Yang Hong, but it is just a mission, and it is not possible to work for these two people.
Show up at the same time.
However, in order to show its importance, the Ministry of War indeed sent a senior official, Li Shi, the Minister of War!
Qi Zheng knew more or less about the high officials in the capital. The reason why Li Shilang came to prominence and was reused by the court was because he followed the Ming Dynasty's envoy to Oara and successfully welcomed back the Emperor.
Nowadays, the mission's experience in Wala has already been spread in the court.
Therefore, of course, when Li Shilang blatantly told Ye Xian in front of Ye Xian's large Chinese army tent that he wanted to send a message to Dingxiang Marquis Guo Deng, asking him "Do you still remember the heroic deeds of my old friend Long Dao", Ye Xian had already been dismissed.
He was well known to everyone in the court.
It is obvious that this Minister Li has a very tough attitude towards Wala.
Such an important general who has been guarding the border for many years, and a civil servant who has no good impressions of Wala and dares to threaten the enemy camp, these two people come to greet the envoy?
Mr. Qi has a reasonable suspicion that the emperor is thinking of finding a reason to kill the Wala mission right at the gate of the city!
Cursing a few words in his heart, the team in the distance had already approached and stood at the city gate. The Wala nobleman on horseback was obviously surprised by the scene in front of him, so he quickly dismounted and said.
"Ola's envoy Naha has come out to meet with His Majesty the Great Emperor on the orders of my Grand Master!"
As he spoke, the tall Mongolian man put his hands on his chest and saluted, obviously recognizing the person in front of him.
As Naha bowed down, the entire envoys who came with him also dismounted and held their chests as a gesture of courtesy. They did not have the domineering look that Wala had in front of the Ming Dynasty more than a year ago, and looked very humble.
However, facing the gesture of the Wala Mission, Yang Hong's expression did not waver at all. In fact, he ignored Naha Chu in front of him. He looked across the crowd and landed in the middle of the mission, an ordinary-dressed man.
On the Mongolian man, Tao.
"Bodu, since you are here, why don't you come out and meet me?"