The Lord who use immortals as food

Yuan Zhao stood up and bowed again, and the upper edge of his field of vision touched the hem of yellow silk.

He immediately paused, stopped looking up, and returned to his seat with his head lowered.

In fact, this figure never shows any coercion. He is neither moody nor cruel. He likes to be quiet most of the time, but he always speaks clearly. He does not pay attention to etiquette like the previous emperors. He will wake up late at night. When courtiers came to the palace, they would change into casual clothes and go to their residences, but no one would dare to arrogantly do anything in front of him.

It has been almost thirty years since he came to this position with a halberd and a sword. The huge empire was revived in his hands. The place he looked at was the south of the sky, the north of the earth, and the high and vast sky above the infinite sky... In front of the throne, there were already prostrate ministers.

Yuan Zhao knew that it was too late when he was in a position where he could see this figure. He did not know the past of this monarch like those old ministers, so he always approached and faced it with extreme caution and awe. . In those history books, some previous emperors often did not hold such authority. Yuan Zhao could clearly sense that this figure had absolute control over the empire, and even the five surnamed families were wary of it. and fear.

And even though he has been a minister for almost ten years, this is only the sixth time Yuan Zhao has come to this purple palace.

The dark yellow ground brocade, the carved copper beams, the high-hanging curtains, and the peace and quiet that should be found in the middle and supreme place of the Tang Dynasty. The windy winter nights are far away from the outside. If you can come here at night, there is a chair. This is the highest honor in this empire.

The people who were already seated were all familiar figures, Yuan Zhao only glanced at them - the philosopher of Tianliyuan, Zhongshu Ling, the servant of the disciple, the imperial censor, the minister of the Ministry of Rites... Li Du.

This man in purple had a soft chair because of his old age. His slender face looked quietly at the ground, and he slowly counted a string of rosary beads in his hand.

"I have received more and more papers recently, and my official rank is getting higher and higher. Scholars are the mainstay of my government. Today, thousands of scholars are under the imperial city. I read the "Ten Invitations" they submitted together. Now, what are the rules? I would like to hear your opinions." There was a slight stack of excerpts. "Every minister has discussed and submitted letters. I have also seen several insightful remarks, such as Zheng Qi's "New Reform of the Imperial Examination Law", Zhuo Yulun's "Shishi and the Temple of the Five Surnames", Guan Zhiyi's " "The Law is Above the Lords", the insights are very profound - here, let's show it to some of the ministers. "

Walking down slowly, a little yellow doorman handed them several copied folders one by one.

Yuan Zhao lowered his eyes and took it, opening one at random - in fact, he didn't even need to read it, he already knew what these three people would write.

Today's protests by scholars are superficially angry about the Wang family's crimes, but they are actually caused by the low status of the scholars and the oppressive rule of the five surnames. The scholars are studying to make progress and are taking the imperial examination. The Wang family may not obey the law, but the imperial examination must be reformed.

However, restructuring is not the only way to go through the "New Imperial Examination Law".

Although the Shilin community has become turbulent, the temple is generally calm. There are a few people in the higher places who are themselves mountaintops and do not clearly stand on which side. There are also many people from small families who have a more moderate view on this matter.

Besides, if the [ban on recommendation] is not lifted, won’t the scholars be able to survive?

Of course not, this was how the Tang Dynasty came to be in the past few hundred years, and there were many good stories about Bole's knowledge of BMW among the public recommendations.

It's just that the carefree ruling class will habitually increase its oppression, and it has become more and more intensified in recent years, thus arousing resistance again - this is probably a new cycle, whether it is the adjustment of the family, the emperor Qilin or even the outside world. It would be great if Zhan intervened and pulled back the branches that the family had unscrupulously stretched out.

However, the "New Imperial Examination Law" wanted to fundamentally take away the power of the family to control scholars and even govern officials, and completely return it to the scholars.

This is roughly what Zheng Qi's "New Reform of the Imperial Examination Law" means. He has been revising Prime Minister Xu's "New Law", removing some sharp contradictions, and trying to change it into a milder version that is acceptable to both parties. Although this old minister was born in the Zheng family, he was indeed an old man from the court who had a clear name and was well versed in world affairs. This "New Law Reform" has indeed been implemented after several revisions, and Yuan Zhao is almost certain that the family will accept it. , and even if Shilin will not be satisfied, some people will be satisfied, some will sigh, and begin to be turbulent and divided... Once the people's hearts are scattered, they are actually 90% defeated.

He and the woman said they "can't wait" and rushed to promote the imperial defense today. This "New Law Reform" was actually one of the reasons.

He closed the book, no one in the hall spoke, and he opened the next one in silence.

Zhuo Yulun is a rising figure among the younger generation in the court. This young man indeed always has a higher and deeper perspective, and he is very determined to stand only with the figure on the throne.

His excerpt skipped over the dispute over the imperial examination, saying that the rift in the Tang Dynasty for hundreds of years was not in the imperial examination, but in the relationship between the scholars and the temples of the five surnames. The relationship between the two factions was naturally antagonistic and had always been abnormal. Therefore, the two parties were reconstructed. The power relationship in temples is the key to curing chronic diseases.

His suggestion was to retain the privilege of selecting scholars of the five surnames, but to ask them to withdraw from the court to a large extent and give way to the scholars of the world. This is because the five surnames originally held the blood of Lin and should be chosen by heaven. Their origins are similar to those of the Tang Dynasty. Coexistence, always maintaining a transcendent status, and the right of selection is enough to prevent them from decoupling from the Tang Dynasty.

However, the scholars had no land or soldiers, and often had no cultivation. When they were in power, they had no control over the country. Moreover, the ideal that the scholars sought was to build things and achieve merit rather than enjoy wanton enjoyment. They were obviously better at governing the country than those of the five surnames. people.

This is a more radical and bold vision, even more than the so-called "New Imperial Examination Law". To a certain extent, it is indeed "the best of both worlds". In addition to the long time required to complete this vision, the real core is the determination of a powerful monarch. ... Yuan Zhao paused for a moment, mentally trying to figure out the wishes of the figure above him, but he made no move to raise his head to peek.

The script of Guan Zhiyi, the Minister of Criminal Affairs, is much simpler. His vision is actually more ambitious and reasonable, but also more distant and unattainable.

He neither talked about the imperial examination nor the scholars and the five surnames, but he hoped that the emperor would infinitely elevate the authority of "law" because the root of the contradiction was privilege, which would make the scholars, the five surnames, and even the entire Tang Dynasty " Under the Law of the Tang Dynasty, 90% of such problems can be easily solved.

Unfortunately, this vision may not only be opposed by the five surnames, but may not be welcomed by the scholars.

Yuan Zhao closed the three books and remained motionless without speaking. He knew someone would say something.

The next moment there was a trembling sound of a chair being pushed. It was Li Du who stood up holding on to the armrests, fell to the ground and said in a hoarse voice: "I am ashamed, I was unable to restrain myself, and I failed your majesty's trust."

His pale hair fell to the ground.

Although the three excerpts have different routes and different discussions, they all point to one thing overtly and covertly - the debauchery of the five surnames must be curbed.

"Li Qing's words are serious, please get up." The voice came down quietly.

Yuan Zhao looked down at his hands. In his eyes, Li Du had always been like the big jade tree in the center of Xuanzheng Hall, a noble and aloof waste.

He occupies the position of prime minister and is a direct descendant of the Li family. However, he lives in a state of solitude and spends his days living in fantasy buildings and Buddhist temples. He has no qualifications for spiritual practice, so he only wants to prolong his life.

But there is one reason that Yuan Zhao admits. It is the duty of the Shangshu Province to execute the decrees, but it is not up to the prime minister to decide what to execute and what to fight back. He can only fiddle with his authority downwards and has no ability to defend himself upwards.

Li Du stood up with tears, and another old man spoke in a low voice: "Your Majesty, the "New Law Reform" was written by Weichen and Zheng Shilang together. However, there are some differences in the 'public recommendation' system. Zheng Shilang wanted to change it to 'celebrities' According to the article recommended by the wise, the funds recommended by the public are distributed by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Academy; the meaning of the humble minister is , then the "public recommendation" is originally for the selection of talents from the world. Once it is restricted, it loses its foundation. It is better to submit all the quotas for public recommendation to your majesty for approval. In addition, Weichen believes that this "New Law Reform" is adequate. If my colleagues have any doubts about the explanation of Shilin's problems, Shilang Zheng and I can revise the details."

It's Wang Jiu, Zhongshu Ling.

Li Du stood in front of His Majesty and bowed his hands. The hall was quiet, and the atmosphere was slightly tense for a moment.

This was the family's retreat and answer. They were also silently worrying about the words on the other two memorials. Compared with the impact of thousands of scholars, the sudden determination of the figure above may be more terrifying.

The person above did not answer for a while, but seemed to be flipping through the paper: "Both Zhuo Yulun and Guan Zhiyi's opinions hit the point of pain. I have adopted my opinion. I will discuss it with the heads of the five surnames when I have time. However, regarding the recent imperial examinations, Let’s not get involved now.”

The voice was very soft, but the somewhat tense atmosphere in the palace was eliminated - the five families share the world with the emperor, and most of the time they are the strongest allies. He is a wise king with a long-term vision, and he will not suddenly This caused the Tang Dynasty to bring trouble to Xiao Qiang.

Li Du bowed and returned to his seat, and Wang Jiu also bowed and shut up.

The person above read the book for a while and said quietly: "The "New Law Reform" is indeed a good remedy. What do you think, the imperial envoy?"

Ji Zheng was a middle-aged man with prominent cheekbones and a cold and paralyzed face. He and Di Jiu were two hard stones in the court hall. At this time, he bowed and replied: "I am not good at political affairs and have nothing to blame. I think it is okay." But - even though the Holy Spirit just said that "the law is above the ministers" today, I have the courage to ask, is it not within the law that the Wang family's son whipped Qi Se, the Imperial Prince's prisoner, to death?"

The person above replied quietly: "This matter has been handed over to the Jingzhao Mansion for criminal investigation, and Di Jiu will be the judge."

"In that case, I have no doubts." Ji Zheng bowed again and shut up.

Yuan Zhao gently rubbed his hand, looking straight at the ground.

"The Attendant said that the "New Law Reform" covers the six articles of the "Ten Invitations", and he thought it was appropriate... What does the Ministry of Rites think?" The Holy Eyes moved to the minister of the Ministry of Rites, who had a calm temperament. "With the reform of the imperial examination system, the matter still has to fall on Xiao Qing Are there any difficulties in implementation?"

Xiao Zezhang raised his hand and bowed: "The Ministry of Rites' opinions on the improvement of the imperial examination have been submitted to Your Majesty. There are no other problems."

"In that case," the person above looked at the figure who finally arrived, and paused for a moment, "Where does Yuan Qing think?"

Yuan Zhao stood up numbly and bowed straightly: "I think this is not allowed."

There was silence in the hall for a moment, and a few indifferent eyes fell on him. Yuan Zhao lowered his head, and the upper edge of his field of vision touched the hem of the yellow silk clothes.

He paused and stopped looking up.

The only sound was his own breathing.

…

"The movements in the court are all in my mind." At the table by the window in the winter morning, Yuan Zhao chewed a bun and looked into the space. "The only thing that makes me uneasy is your Majesty's tendency... Shaojun."

"The holy will must be in favor of the "New Law Reform", Master Yuan, there is no doubt." The woman said softly, looking at him with clear eyes, "But as long as you say no, it will not be implemented."

"..."

"As long as you trust me." The woman's face seemed expressionless as she drank tea with her eyebrows lowered, and her calm voice was almost the same as the person above, "He won't get angry at you because of this - since we have the theory of two heavens, we can The “New Imperial Examination Law” must be implemented.”

…

Yuan Zhao stood alone in this quiet purple palace. The woman did not tell him the reason. At this moment, he only carried out her will. The feeling of waiting for the verdict must be more heart-wrenching than that of Li Du just now...but in fact it only lasted a few breaths.

The person above said quietly: "Let's talk."

Yuan Zhao spoke numbly, as if he was reciting: "'Public recommendation' must be banned, and there is no room for retreat. The so-called capital of the Imperial College of the Ministry of Rites will be fixed within twenty years, and there will only be a private pond of aristocratic families; the so-called imperial review, now I have one Mingjun, the world is clear and bright. Tomorrow my Lord will die. If you change the emperor, the officials will be in chaos. This is why it is said, "If you want to cook the soup, one person will cook it, and a hundred people will raise it. It is useless. It is better to stop the fire by giving up the salary." With knowledge, we can revitalize the imperial examination and become a monument to our great Tang Dynasty.”

There was silence in the hall for a moment, Li Du looked at the ground indifferently, and Wang Jiu slowly and solemnly said: "Yuan Zhao, all power in the Tang Dynasty is granted by heaven."

Yes, all power in the Tang Dynasty was granted by heaven.

This is the core of everything. Yuan Zhao's intention is to completely uproot the scholars and form a completely independent system from bottom to top. However, if you don't have access to the sky, why should you touch the power of the Tang Dynasty?

This is not a conflict between scholars and the five surnames, this is the foundation of the Tang Dynasty.

Yuan Zhao was indifferent: "Yes, the power of the Tang Dynasty is granted by heaven, and the fate of life is also on our heads."

No one would argue here, so the saint nodded lightly: "In that case, it still depends on what happened to the 'Two Heavens Theory' - Lu Qing, what is the opinion of the Tianli Academy on this?"

Lu Chunshui had been sitting quietly and upright in the corner, and when he came here today, he seemed to have only prepared this question.

The man saluted uprightly and said in a serious voice: "Your Majesty, Zhu Wenzhezi in the courtyard is studying this theory intensively and intends to produce the results within one month."

The saint nodded and said quietly: "Then let's wait until Tianliyuan comes out with something that can stand on its own."

There was silence in the hall, and Lu Chunshui sat back on the chair.

"The Two-Heaven Theory is a big deal. If there is any progress, there will be a grand meeting among the courtiers in Hanyuan Hall." The figure in yellow robe stood up quietly, "We are here tonight, please go back. As for the imperial examination, there is nothing to argue about. Don’t see blood all the time.”

Yuan Zhao and Wang Jiu all fell to the ground and knelt down.