Chapter 1,148 The Peak of Reputation (two updates in one)
Chapter 1156 The Peak of Reputation (two updates in one)
"Promoted to Han Zhenzhi Privy Council, Chief Minister..."
After Han Zhen received the imperial edict, he smiled.
Below, the officials from the Privy Council and Shaanxi Province all congratulated Han Zhen: "Congratulations! The Privy Council has been promoted to the Privy Council!"
Han Zhen laughed proudly when he heard this.
This time, Lanzhou was victorious and Liang Yi was killed. Xixia had more than 100,000 soldiers and horses, forcing Xixia to cut off the three states and stop its troops.
As a result, Han Zhen was promoted from Tongzhi Privy Council to the Privy Council, from deputy to principal, almost on an equal footing with Privy Councilor Feng Jing.
Now Han Zhen is holding the holy decree in his hand, how arrogant and arrogant he is.
Han Zhen glanced at everyone, interpreting the four characters "feiyang domineering" to the extreme.
Shen Kuo, the strategic envoy of Jingyuan Road, had just arrived a few days ago. When he learned that Han Zhen had been informed by the Privy Council, he rushed to Qingzhou without stopping.
There is also Cai Yanqing, Qinfeng Road transfer envoy.
Seeing the two of them, Han Zhen's face was full of smiles and he accepted their congratulations.
Then he transferred the Yongxing military road to the side, leaving Zhao Zhan aside in the cold. Zhao Zhan looked very embarrassed.
When it came to the question of whether to cross the river to support Lanzhou and cut off the retreat of the party's troops, Shen Kuo and Cai Yanqing both supported Han Zhen's idea, while Zhao Zhan strongly opposed it.
Zhao Zhan believed that Dangxiang claimed to besiege Lanzhou with 800,000 troops. His own troops were already exhausted to cope with Dangxiang's general Liang Yongneng's attack on Huanqing Road and Jingyuan Road. It would be useless to send troops across the river to intercept, so he should remain cautious.
The city is the top.
But Han Zhen was true to his word and was determined to do what he wanted to do, so it was useless for anyone to object. After Zhao Fan objected, he realized that it was of no use, so he finally had to do his best to supply food and mobilize civilian service.
Finally, with Han Zhen's persistence, he commanded the soldiers and horses on Jingyuan Road and Huanqing Road to cross the Yellow River to intercept and achieve an unprecedented victory.
Zhang Yue presided over the discussion of meritorious deeds in Zhongshu, and directly gave Han Zhen the first place. This ranking also surpassed Li Xian, who was in charge of the defense of Xihe Road, and Peng Sun, the general who captured Liang Yimi.
A "Privy Council of Knowledge" fell from the sky, sending Han Zhen into the top five civil servants today.
Now that Han Zhen was so ambitious, he immediately settled the scores and humiliated Zhao Zhan in public. This was undoubtedly a serious punishment for Zhao Zhan's mistake in taking sides in the first place.
But this move also aroused dissatisfaction among the civil servants of the Yongxing military line below Zhao Zhan.
This is related to Han Zhen's meritorious service afterwards. Representative Zhao Zhan was a civil servant in the Yongxing Military Department. They were responsible for the logistics and supplies of the army, recruiting civilians, repairing the city, etc. They were all responsible for it.
They think they have merit. After you, Han Zhen, got merit, did you turn your back on them and deny them?
Afterwards, Han Zhen hosted a banquet in honor of the envoy.
The envoy said to Han Zhen: "Your Majesty said that Lu Neihan and Dang Xiang will reach an agreement within these few days."
"If the two families stop fighting, please ask the prime minister to restrain the troops and guard the city!"
Han Zhen asked: "What is Lu Nehan's contribution this time?"
The envoy said: "The previous discussion seemed to be with the Privy Council."
Han Zhen was very dissatisfied when he heard that Lu Gongzhu was going to serve as Tongzhi Privy Council. He immediately sneered and said: "Lv Neihan, you can do this just by talking. Where will you put our soldiers who are fighting in blood?"
The envoy's expression changed when he heard this, but the generals below cheered.
"Without our efforts, would Xixia be willing to secede the three states?" Han Zhen asked.
The envoy was stunned and didn't know what to say.
The generals below cheered and said yes again.
…
After the banquet, Han Zhen pulled Shen Kuo to sit down and asked with a smile: "Cunzhong, thanks to your help this time."
"Many...thank you so much for the Privy Council's recommendation." Shen Kuo faced Han Zhen's stuttering problem, which unknowingly became very serious.
Han Zhen laughed, and then said: "Cunzhong is a smart man. It is indeed a bit dangerous to cross the Yellow River and send troops to intercept the retreat of the party's troops. Once Lanzhou is captured, it may be difficult for these troops to return as a whole. "
"Thanks to Cunzhong's courage and foresight, this great achievement was achieved."
Han Zhen immediately wooed Shen Kuo, talked about their friendship, and then talked about the great victory in Lanzhou and how the two of them worked side by side and cooperated with each other to achieve this great victory.
After hearing this, Shen Kuo was a little confused as to what to say. He had previously negotiated with the Liao State on the matter of converting the border.
Shen Kuo and Han Zhen both went to the Liao Kingdom as envoys, but during the negotiations, they had differences and they tried to undermine each other. However, Zhang Yue later mediated the conflict between the two.
Shen Kuo knew Han Zhen's character very well. He didn't speak lightly, and his words must have deep intentions. He must have a purpose in wooing him.
Han Zhen said: "This time around, I plan to rank Cunzhong first. If so, Cunzhong's return to the center will be just around the corner."
Shen Kuo moved his mind, and he was demoted from the Third Commander-in-Chief all the way to here. Of course, he dreamed of returning to the center.
Shen Kuo hurriedly said: "Shen... Shen doesn't dare to ask for anything extravagant, I just want... to be reinstated."
Han Zhen slapped the table and said with a smile: "Cunzhong, you are under my command, how can I treat you so poorly? Wouldn't it make the world laugh at Han?"
Han Zhen paused and said, "What do you think of Cunzhong's peace talks?"
Shen Kuo was not a fool. He suddenly thought of a sentence, that is, the general's military orders abroad would be ignored.
Shen Kuo said: "This is the intention of the imperial court. Shen doesn't dare to speculate. I just follow it."
Han Zhen said: "Then do you think this proposal comes from His Majesty or from Zhongshu?"
Shen Kuo said: "Maybe Zhongshu."
Han Zhen said: "It's human nature to accept something when you see it. Prime Minister Zhang was once a guest of my Han family. He comes from a poor family. He is inevitably too cautious in doing things and does not have a far-sighted vision."
Although Shen Kuo is dull, he is not stupid.
He knew very well that Han Zhen was extremely thoughtful and extremely ambitious.
Now that he has achieved a great victory in Lanzhou, he is not willing to stop there. He will take advantage of this momentum and sweep the party in one fell swoop. In this way, he can achieve greater victory.
In this way, Han Zhen's fame reached its peak.
Previously, the Song Dynasty was on the defensive against Xia, and there was no debate between war and war. Now that the situation has reversed, and after the offensive and defensive positions have changed, differences have emerged.
As a result, differences arose between Han Zhen, who was in charge of the war at the front, and Zhang Yue, who was in Zhongshu.
One is to stop here and negotiate peace with Xixia, and the other is to continue to strive for greater victory.
Han Zhen whispered to Shen Kuo: "At this moment, any minister who dares to speak out for peace will be despised by the world."
"As for us, we opened up and expanded the territory of the Song Dynasty, and we are blameless no matter what."
"Your Majesty and the wise people in the court will support us."
Speaking of this, Shen Kuo listened to Han Zhen and felt that the other party was right.
After a great victory, it would not be wrong to advocate a war, but to talk about peace would be despised.
This is politically risk-free.
Han Zhen said slowly: "Like Zhao Zhan and other ministers, not only will I not do meritorious service for them, but I will also report their objections to crossing the river in advance to the court."
"Actually, many generals have already supported me. Cunzhong, if you are willing, you can join me in opposing the peace negotiation with Xixia."
Shen Kuo hurriedly said: "I can't do it, I can't do it. Isn't this a disgrace to Prime Minister Zhang's face?"
Han Zhen heard this and said sternly: "Cunzhong, don't you want to make greater achievements? Return to the court and directly enter the two palaces? You must think clearly, I can give you what Prime Minister Zhang can give you."
"I...I." Shen Kuo was speechless, and he didn't want to be among the two palaces.
But he is different from Han Zhen.
The Han family was kind to Zhang Yue, so Han Zhen didn't need to betray Zhang Yue's favor, but Shen Kuo was different. He was despised by everyone in the old and new parties, and he could only look after Zhang Yue.
Shen Kuo said: "Shu Yuan, I think we should recover the three states before we go further."
Han Zhen sneered and said, "Just follow Shen Jinglue's wishes."
…
"Your Majesty, Zhang Dun actually threw his crown and left in public. He is really frivolous and has no ministerial character. It is not difficult to imagine why he refused to be a Jinshi in the first place."
"At the same time, Zhang Dun was not strict with his family. His father and his brother wantonly embezzled people's land. The people blocked the road and complained, but he was arrested and taken to Kaifeng Mansion."
"The common people gathered together to complain and wrote to the Kaifeng Prefecture. No official in the Kaifeng Prefecture dared to accept the complaint. I don't know how Zhang Dun gained such power that he could prevent the court officials from even charging him. Such ministers must be strictly controlled by the court."
In the memorial before the emperor, Wang Gui told the officials that Zhang Dun was wrong and said: "Please demote Zhang Dun!"
The officials knew about the quarrel between Zhang Yue and Zhang Dun, and also understood what happened in the Yanhe Palace. The officials said: "Zhang Dun did make mistakes, but he is still loyal to Sheji. He previously advocated the continued use of troops against Dangxiang.
Don't let a good opportunity slip by while Mr. Lu says that peace has been achieved."
"I heard that the party has continued to use troops and the country and the people are depleted. What should I do?"
Zhang Yue knew what the emperor meant, and Zhang Dun, the main combatant, was demoted, plus what he said to him in public at the end.
Or putting himself in a disadvantageous position in public opinion, just like how later generations view the representatives who implemented the appeasement policy, that is how they view Zhang Yue.
However, Zhang Yue still said: "Your Majesty, it is true that Dangxiang is in short supply of the country and the people, but the people from all walks of life in Shaanxi are also exhausted. The quality of isolation around Lanzhou is as good as the Second Fort being repaired, and there are still more along the line from Huizhou to Tiandu Mountain.
More than ten forts have not yet been built. The local Tibetan tribes have not been afraid of surrendering to the king and are in the middle of rebellion. I estimate that it will take at least some time. Therefore, it is also beneficial to me to temporarily negotiate peace with Dangxiang."
"Although Liang Yi was killed in the Lanzhou victory, most of those defeated were scattered warriors from various tribes, and his elite guards were not much damaged. The party may not dare to fight, but the country's leader wanted to repair internal affairs, so he did not hesitate to cede territory and take the initiative to ask for peace."
"Actually, the offense and defense of the party are completely in my hands. Your Majesty, since a big country is attacking a small country, why should we be in a hurry?"
The official asked: "How do you say this?"
Zhang Yue said: "Ali Gu has initially conquered the Yellow-headed Uighurs and Grass-headed Tatars. It's time to go north and use troops to attack Xixiashazhou, Suzhou, Guazhou and Ganzhou."
"We can continue to subsidize Ali's bones, money, food and soldiers, and give him the convenience of trade. As long as he can send troops to cut off the Xixia Hexi Corridor, even if he can establish himself as king."
"When the time comes, Dangxiang will definitely not allow him to send out troops again. When Aligu and Dangxiang fight, Liangzhou will become ours. We can take advantage of the situation and send troops to conquer Liangzhou and accuse Xixia of betraying the alliance!"
"In this way, both morality and territory are not lost."
The official nodded after hearing this. He originally agreed with Zhang Yue's proposition, but after listening to Zhang Dun's advice last time, he felt that Zhang Yue's strategy of "shallow attack and attack on buildings" that focused on civil infrastructure construction was not good.
There are some opinions that it takes too long and consumes too much.
I don’t know how many officials will embezzle money and food from the court from building fortresses.
He is reluctant to add more clothes and food, but these officials can pay as much as they want by building a fortress. Their life is better than that of the emperor himself, how can he endure it.
Zhang Yue sensed the emperor's intentions and said: "Your Majesty, I will send someone to supervise the construction of the fort and strengthen the supervision of the frontline revenue and expenses."
"But since your Majesty has great ambitions, why bother with this tip? Since you are doing big things, don't take shortcuts and take the long way."
"Only by taking Liangzhou and cutting off the Hexi Corridor can we win the battle between Song and Xia. Everything else can be ignored. I ask your Majesty to continue to take this as your ambition."
After the officials thought about it carefully, many courtiers and generals ridiculed Zhang Yue for his tortoise fighting method. Every time he took a step forward, he would shrink into the turtle shell. When there was no danger, he would take another step forward and then shrink back again.
They never thought about taking the initiative to attack Xixia. They worked hard to build forts and wait for Xixia to take the initiative to attack.
But it just so happens that this tactic, which is looked down upon by countless people, can win!
The official said: "In that case, it will be as you said. As for Zhang Dun, I would like to ask him to be an official nearby!"
Wang Gui and Zhang Yue both called him.
Zhang Yuexin said that the official family still really loved Zhang Dun, so they settled him nearby and could resurrect him at any time.
The official said: "Now that Zhang Dun is out of town, who will come to the court?"
Zhang Yue said directly: "Your Majesty, please appoint Zeng Bu to the imperial court as a Hanlin bachelor."
When Wang Gui heard this, he immediately argued: "Zeng Bu's character is not good, so please help Zhang Hong."
When it comes to dealing with political affairs, Wang Gui is basically in a state of wandering, but when it comes to personnel matters, Wang Gui immediately becomes lively and energetic.
Zhang Yue and Wang Gui argued for a while, and the officials finally decided to replace Zhang Hong in the court.
Zhang Yue cursed in his heart that the officials were playing a balancing act. Just after leaving Zhang Dun, who was at odds with him, came another Zhang Hong who was at odds with him.
However, my three attempts to propose Zeng Bu to join the imperial court failed. It seemed that the officials really hated Zeng Bu and would have to choose another candidate next time.
…
Wang Gui's face showed a look of color. At this moment, the official suddenly asked: "Wen Xixin intends to become the leader of Qingtang. Do your two beloved ministers know about this?"
As soon as these words came out, Wang Gui looked confused, while Zhang Yue's expression changed slightly.
Zhang Yue asked directly: "I wonder, Your Majesty, from whom did you learn about this?"
"This..." The official hesitated and said, "Please tell me first if this is the case!"
Zhang Yue was displeased when he heard this. In the officialdom, he hated people who bypassed their superiors to report matters. Someone actually bypassed him and brought this matter to the ears of the emperor.
However, Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, this is indeed the case. Dong Xiang has a son to succeed him, and I have advised Wen Xi to serve Dong Xiang and his son with peace of mind and not to think about anything else."
The official smiled and said: "The Qing Tang Dynasty is a noble family. Wen Xixin has this blood and has made great contributions to the court many times, so I asked him. In fact, he has no intention of disturbing the political situation of the Qing Tang Dynasty."
Zhang Yue sneered in his heart and said: "Your Majesty, maybe someone wants to persuade your Majesty to abolish the establishment and appoint Wen Xixin as the Lord of Qingtang to further control the various tribes of Qingtang."
Zhang Yue's words really hit the official's mind at once. The official said: "Dong Felt rebelled many times, and he was unwilling to try his best to attack Liangzhou before. On the other hand, Wen Xi is closely attached to the Song Dynasty, and this time he led the way.
Fifty thousand soldiers and horses rescued Lanzhou and achieved a great victory."
"I really want to reward you."
Zhang Yue said: "Your Majesty, it is true that Wen Xi is loyal to the Song Dynasty, but his previous relationship with the Song Dynasty was also because Ali was close to the Xia Dynasty."
"Before, we were unable to attack Liangzhou, but now we are successful in saving Lanzhou. This is also because of Ali Gu."
"Your Majesty, please think carefully about this truth."
When the official heard this, he suddenly said: "That's it."
Zhang Yue said: "Although Dangxiang Qingtang is a barbarian, he also knows etiquette and kindness. How can we just use force to control him? Therefore, I believe that opening up borders and defending territory should go hand in hand with keeping promises and trust. This is the way to convince others."
"
"I didn't report this matter to save your majesty from worrying too much. I don't know how the minister who was lucky enough to enter actually bypassed me and reported it to your majesty privately to provoke the emperor and his ministers. I ask your majesty to punish this person!"
The official looked a little unnatural when he heard this, and said with a smile: "Forget it for now."
But Zhang Yue said again: "Your Majesty, if this person is not eliminated, there will be others who will imitate him. It will be difficult for me to serve your Majesty sincerely!"
Seeing Zhang Yue's resolute attitude, the official hesitated for a moment and said, "Can't I have someone to inform me? I also need an imperial party!"
Zhang Yue scolded in the palace: "Your Majesty, all the people in the world are your subjects. I have never heard that the emperor also wants to cultivate party members!"
"If Your Majesty wants party members, then I am not part of Your Majesty's party? I wonder what party the emperor is in? And what party are I in?"
"I am dedicated to the public service and loyal to Your Majesty, and so are all the officials. In ordinary times, only one ministerial party is enough in the world. If Your Majesty wants a party, only one ministerial party is enough. And I am a ministerial party!"
The official was scolded by Zhang Yue and could not say a word.
Wang Gui looked at Zhang Yue being so aggressive and didn't know what to say. He just pretended that he didn't see it and continued to calm down.
The official finally said: "I trust you, this matter... this matter was reported to me by Sun Lu, the transfer judge of Shaanxi Province."
Zhang Yue's eyes gleamed. Sun Lu and Zhang Dun were both on the same side, and both were determined to open the border. In another time and space, he seemed to have made a lot of contributions to opening the border, and he also opposed Sima Guang to keep Xihe Road and cede the land.
now……
Zhang Yue thought to himself that if Li Xian was on Xihe Road, this matter would never have happened. As soon as Li Xian left, Sun Lu had other ideas and dared to report to me beyond his level.
Zhang Yue walked out of the palace and said to Cai Bian who was waiting here: "Immediately propose that Zha Zi be removed from the post of Sun Lu Shaanxi Transport Judge."
Cai Bian didn't ask any questions and immediately went back to the political hall to draft a plan for Zhang Yue.
Zhang Yue looked at this scene and felt a little familiar.
He suddenly remembered that back then, someone had circumvented Wang Anshi and snitched on the emperor. After Wang Anshi found out, he tried his best to force the emperor to tell him about the snitch.
At that time, he also mocked Wang Anshi for being domineering and calling him a powerful prime minister?
Life is about being slapped in the face repeatedly...slapping yourself in the face.
Zhang Yue rubbed his brows, held up his official hat and thought, "Your Majesty is using me now, so I tolerate it. But in the future, if the three provinces system is implemented and the Zhongshu is divided into two, I am afraid that it will not be as strong as it is today."
…
A few days later, Li Xian, Peng Sun and others escorted the party's generals, big and small, and hundreds of leaders from various ministries came to Beijing to offer prisoners.
At the same time, due to the great victory in Lanzhou and the defeat of Dangxiang, the Western Regions were also shaken.
In Khotan and the Uighur tribes, envoys were sent to Beijing to pay tribute.
On the day when the prisoners were presented, more than 100,000 people in Bianjing crowded on both sides of the royal road to see it.
The officials and Zhang Yue stood on the tower of Xuandemen, watching the scene of thousands of people cheering.
And the official family has achieved its wish and reached the highest prestige since taking office.