Great Han Empire

Chapter 1004 Chapter [-]
"Block the post, block the post immediately, no one is allowed to enter or leave, and those who violate it will be killed without mercy."

General Zhao Yun of the Right Guard gave the order categorically.

At this moment, in addition to several sons and grandchildren of Master Zheng Xuan, there are more than 30 disciples who serve the master day and night, including Zhao Song and Guo Yuan.The two were furious when they heard the words, and rushed forward to argue.Yan Liang, the left general, waved his hand vigorously, and several guards rushed up, pinning the two of them to the ground.

The master's descendants and disciples didn't know what was going to happen, and they all knelt in front of the master's body in panic and wept bitterly.

"Don't let them cry." Yan Liang sternly roared, "Gag their mouths."

The guards rushed into the house and arrested everyone.Some people resisted desperately, cursing angrily.Yan Liang snorted coldly, his tiger eyes were full of power and murderous.The guards understood, tied them up, and gagged them all with cloth strips.

"Master Zhao...Master Zhao..." Zhao Song cried loudly with tears streaming down his face, "The master has already left. Are we disciples breaking the law if we cry a few times?"

"There are thousands of Confucian scholars outside the posthouse..." Zhao Yun frowned, with a stern expression, "There are tens of thousands of Confucian scholars in the Taixue. Do you know what will happen if the news of Master's death is spread? What will happen next? You are also a minister of the court, don’t you even know this powerful relationship? Is the safety of the country or your personal filial piety important? Is it the lives of tens of thousands of Confucian scholars or the master’s funeral? important?"

Zhao Song and Guoyuan wept and remained silent.

"Go and persuade them, tell them to be more rational and not to be so impulsive." Zhao Yun's expression softened a little, "The New Classic was created by the master alone. It is not easy for the New Classic to have today's status and tens of thousands of disciples, don't Because of impulsiveness, the new scriptures were ruined, and the master could not rest in peace under the Nine Springs."

This sentence was like a slap in the face, which made the two of them change their colors in horror.

"Xinjing is now the target of public criticism. Do you know how many people in the world want to drive Xinjing out of the official school?" Zhao Yun said coldly, "Why is Taixue in chaos? It is obviously because someone is instigating and manipulating behind the scenes. The purpose is obvious. I want to take advantage of the opportunity of the master's downfall to completely destroy the Xinjing. Be sober, don't be fooled, if you fall into the trick, you will regret it in the future."

The two shuddered for a while, and cold sweat came out "shua".

"In this matter, you listen to Mrs. Yan, don't mess up your position." Zhao Yun looked at Yan Liang and gave him a wink, "I will report to His Highness, please call the ministers to discuss countermeasures immediately."

Zhao Yun turned around and left, Guoyuan grabbed him, "My lord, when will there be a countermeasure? The post can't be sealed off like this forever, and the master's body can't be kept like this forever. Once the news leaks..."

"Give me an hour." Zhao Yun said without hesitation, "After an hour, the imperial court will definitely have a safe policy."

=

The horse-drawn carriage sped along the avenue.

In the car, Li Wei and Yang Biao were sitting side by side. They were tired, serious, and silent.Yesterday, the two governments held a joint meeting to discuss the "Nine Ranks of Officials Law" and "Salt and Iron Law". Because of the large differences, the two sides argued all day and night, and have not yet reached an agreement on several key issues.In the afternoon, the eldest princess issued an edict to invite the ministers to discuss matters at the eldest princess's mansion. The two immediately realized that Master Zheng Xuan's time might be numbered.

"The situation in Chang'an is very tense. Once the master passes away, the court will focus on the master's funeral and resolving the crisis. In this way, the restructuring will be delayed. The longer the delay, the more unpredictable things will be. If there are more, it will be more unfavorable to the imperial court, so..." Li Wei cupped his hands at Yang Biao, and said earnestly, "Let's put aside our differences for the time being, and first put the new laws of salt and iron, equal loss, leveling, and entering millet worshiping the nobles into consideration. How about settling down first?"

Yang Biao kept his eyes closed for a long time without any response.Li Wei called out softly, "My lord, what do you think?"

Yang Biao slowly opened his eyes, with a reserved smile on his face, "Zhong Yuan, the enactment of the law is related to the safety of the country and the survival of the people. It must take into account the interests of all walks of life. It cannot be hasty, let alone hasty. Take it slowly...too hasty, it is prone to various problems, and will intensify various conflicts. If it is revised frequently in the future, it will give the people a feeling that the order will be changed every day, and will greatly reduce the prestige of the court. Therefore, there is no need to rush. The pace of restructuring should be slowed down and stabilized, which is good for stabilizing the country."

Li Wei sighed bitterly, "My lord, now the battle in northern Xinjiang is getting bigger and bigger, the reconstruction of western Xinjiang is imminent, the rebels in Xiangyang are ready to move, the counterattack of Bashu has begun, and the competition for Confucian classics in Chang'an is gradually getting out of control. , the imperial court needs money, wealth and wealth, and needs to implement the policy of restructuring immediately, and there is no further delay. It has been more than five months since the reform was proposed in the first month, and the parties in the court have not yet come up with the final reform plan, which is unavoidable Is it too slow?"

"It's already very fast to discuss the restructuring policy to the point where it is today." Yang Biao laughed happily, "You have to know that this restructuring involves various aspects, and it is a major adjustment of the national policy. In such a short period of time Within a short period of time, the imperial court was able to reach an agreement with all parties, and you deserve the greatest credit."

Li Wei could hear the sarcasm in Yang Biao's words, he wanted to retort, but he was in such a bad mood that he didn't bother to say it.

"Recently there have been rumors that the assassination on the [-]th day of the first lunar month was deliberately set up by the prime minister in order to get the protection of the eldest princess." Yang Biao narrowed his eyes, stared at Li Wei, and said with a pun, "Look Look, you asked the eldest princess to withdraw the investigation of the assassination case, not only did not make the assassins feel grateful, but increased their arrogance. You have to worry, don't be assassinated again. Last time, because General Zilong protected you, You escaped by chance, but next time you will have such good luck."

Li Wei's face changed slightly, anger surged up, and he blurted out: "It's not too late for a gentleman to take revenge, and one day, I will destroy his clan."

Yang Biao's smile froze, his eyes widened, and he asked in surprise, "What? Do you know who did it?"

Li Wei immediately realized that he had made a slip of the tongue. He pretended to be angry and slammed his fist on the seat of the car. "I'll send someone to investigate after the restructuring is over. I don't believe it. I can't find out." Then he was cold With a smile, he continued, "In the past ten years, there have been many people who have tried to kill me, and even more people who have made enemies with me, but in terms of the deepest hatred, there are only a few. That day, General Zilong and I went to court together, the assassin It is impossible not to know, but the person behind it still ordered the assassin to carry out the assassination, obviously the person behind it also wanted to kill General Zilong, so it is not difficult to guess who the person behind it is."

The smug look in Yang Biao's eyes flashed past, and he looked up to the sky and laughed, "Zhong Yuan, you and Xiao Lan really did too much back then. General Zilong's reputation is so famous in the world, why not have a wife? It's too much, Too much."

Li Wei smiled awkwardly, with a trace of disdain flitting from the corner of his mouth, then sat up straight and said solemnly: "My lord, what did you just say? I didn't hear it."

Yang Biao waved his hand, closed his eyes, and stopped talking.

=

The eldest princess looked sad, and she sat behind the desk and wept silently.

Although Grand Tutor Yang Biao had been prepared for a long time, when he heard the bad news, he was very upset and sat on the table speechless for a long time.Over the years, old friends have passed away one by one, and when I look at my gray hair again, I can't help feeling deeply and mourning.I don't have much time left in this world.

Grand Sima Xu Rong folded his arms, pacing back and forth in the room, thinking hard about countermeasures.Taiwei Zhang Yan and Right Guard General Zhao Yun looked at each other, frowning.

The Prime Minister Li Wei and the Imperial Censor Xun You discussed in a low voice, and then started arguing.Li Wei wanted to use the army to encircle Taixue, but Xun You disagreed. He was very excited, pointed at Li Wei and scolded angrily: "Who started the dispute between Confucian classics? It was you, you deliberately provoked it, otherwise Master Zheng Xuan would not Tired to death, the situation in Chang'an will not fall into today's predicament."

"Really?" Li Wei did not show any weakness, glared at Xun You, and said in a cold voice, "Then let me ask you, why did Gao Tanglong accuse Master Zheng Xuan? Why did Wang Lang, Yingrong, and Song Zhong publicly support Gao Tanglong in Taixue? How did the Zhongzheng system come about? Who instigated the Confucian classics dispute? Who should be responsible for the death of Master Zheng Xuan? You say..."

Xun You was furious. He pointed to his head, stared at his blood-red eyes and shouted: "If you want to use the army, you must cut off my head first. The Luoyang massacre has taught us a lesson. cannot."

"Hey..." Li Wei sneered repeatedly, "Really? What do you mean by that? Did you wait until the Confucian scholars rioted in the Imperial Academy and stormed the government offices, forming a riot, and then dispatched the army to kill them? You What is your intention? Do you want to kill them all?"

The more the two quarreled, the more outrageous they became, and their emotions were a little out of control.After all, Master Zheng Xuan stood like a god in the court and the public. His sudden collapse at this moment is an immeasurable loss to both the court and the community. The worries and fears about the future left the ministers at a loss for a while.

Master Zheng Xuan fell, and the young Xinjing, which had just flourished, lost its support. Cui Yan, Zhao Shang, Xi Xi, Gongsun Fang, Wang Ji, Zhao Song and other new generation celebrities did not have enough prestige to replace Master Zheng Xuan. Development has encountered an unprecedented crisis.The New Classic is the official school of the Han Dynasty. If the official school suffers setbacks, the impact will be too great, and academics, national policies, talents, etc., may suffer heavy losses in all aspects.

The remorse and guilt in Li Wei's heart could not be expressed, he could only turn this remorse and guilt into a cloud of anger and vent it on Xun You.

Xun You has been the emperor of three dynasties, and more than 20 years of hardships have made him feel like a rock. Although he is saddened by the passing of Master Zheng Xuan, he wants to save this crisis and save the Confucian scholars of the Han Dynasty.Today's court is the same as that of the past, and it is also controlled by warriors. The warrior is a fierce tiger. Once it is released from the cage, Chang'an is bound to bleed like a river, and the great man is bound to fall into the abyss of defeat again.

Xu Rong and Zhao Yun each stopped the other and tried their best to dissuade them.Now is not the time to blame each other, let alone seek accountability. The problem now is to resolve this crisis immediately.

"Temporarily block the news of the master's death, and convened the ministers overnight to discuss the reform strategy. Within a day or two, all of them were agreed and passed." Li Wei roared sharply, "The crisis in Chang'an is difficult to solve. In the end, there will definitely be bloodshed and death. This crisis is extremely serious. It is possible to trigger a bigger crisis, so the top priority is to immediately agree on a reform strategy to ensure the stability of the court and the country."

"It's impossible." Xun You snorted, "Deal with all the restructuring strategies within a day or two? Do you think this is playing the piano and making a fu? This is to discuss the strategy of governing the country, which is related to the survival of the country. It takes time, two in a month." Months, or even a year or two are normal. In my opinion, it is better to put aside the discussion of restructuring for the time being, and go all out to solve the crisis in Chang'an."

"Hmph... The purpose of deliberately provoking chaos in Taixue is to shelve the discussion of restructuring. What a clever way." Li Wei pointed at Xun You and shouted, "Don't forget, there are [-] Southern troops in Chang'an, Liyang There are still [-] guards, and Jinyang has [-] wind and cloud cavalry. No matter how chaotic Chang'an is, it will not be able to turn the sky. If we can't agree on a reform strategy within two days, I will announce the news of the master's death. I want to see who it is Will die in Chang'an."

"Okay, stop arguing, calm down, and think of a way." The eldest princess walked to the side of the two, and persuaded in a low voice, "The master has already left, it is useless to accuse and abuse, let's find a way to solve the problem. "

=

"Transport the master's body out of Chang'an overnight and send it to Luoyang for the funeral."

Zhang Yan looked at everyone's astonished eyes, and smiled wryly, "I know it's extremely disrespectful to move Master's body at this time, but this is the only way. I believe that the spirit of Master in heaven will forgive us."

"Feiyan, it's May, the weather is warm, and the master's body will definitely not be preserved after a long journey." Xu Rong said worriedly, "If something happens on the way..."

"There is ice in the Qingliang Hall in Weiyang Palace, and I used ice to keep the body of the master." Zhang Yan said, "In order to save time, we recruited naval warships and sailed down the river to Shancheng. Then we sent eight hundred miles of fast horses to gallop to Luoyang. , ordered Henan Yin Xuhuang and General Yang Wei Zhang Xiu to lead people to Shancheng, escort the body of the master to Luoyang Taixue, and arrange a mourning hall in Taixue."

"What about the Confucian students of Taixue?" Xun You asked eagerly.

"Urgently summon the two adults, Cui Yan and Xi Ji, and ask them to rush to Taixue immediately, and tell the Confucian scholars that the master's condition is slowly improving, and he wants to return to Luoyang. Confucian scholars are tricked into going to Luoyang.”

"Going to Luoyang for eight hundred miles, Confucian scholars are worried about the safety of the master. They rush day and night, and they can reach Luoyang within four or five days. If there is any delay on the waterway, the body of the master will not be able to enter Hangu Pass before the Confucian scholars. , then it will be a big trouble." Xun You said with a wry smile.

Zhang Yan thought for a while, then turned to Xu Rong and said, "Order the troops stationed at Taolin Fortress to find an excuse to temporarily close the fortress and cut off the way for Confucian scholars to return to Luoyang. Open the fortress and let the Confucian scholars return to Luoyang."

"That's the only way." Xu Rong nodded, bowed and said to the eldest princess, "His Royal Highness stays in Chang'an to preside over the overall situation, and Lord Zhao and Lord Yan personally escort the body of the master to Luoyang."

The eldest princess wanted to personally escort her, but she was stunned for a moment, and was about to refuse when Li Wei said, "The reform must be discussed immediately, Your Highness must stay in Chang'an. The policy of reform cannot be negotiated, and all ministers are not allowed to go to Luoyang Attend the master's funeral."

"Li Zhongyuan, do you still have humanity?" Xun You was so angry that his eyes burned immediately, he grabbed Li Wei by the collar, swung his fists and hit him, "I'll kill you traitor."

With sharp eyes and quick hands, Zhao Yun rushed forward and hugged Xun You, "Lord Xun, the Prime Minister is just talking casually, don't get angry."

Li Wei stared at Xun You, who was furious, and brushed off his shirt with his hand, looking very disdainful. Suddenly, he rushed up and punched Zhao Yun.Zhao Yun didn't know what to do, and instinctively dodged sideways. At this moment, Li Wei's fist sank, he spread his five fingers, and pulled out the saber from Zhao Yun's waist.

Everyone was shocked.

"Zhong Yuan, what are you doing?" Xu Rong suddenly pulled the eldest princess behind him, and shouted, "Are you crazy?"

Zhang Yan and Zhao Yun charged left and right, trying to grab the saber from Li Wei's hand.Li Wei yelled, raised his saber, and put it on his neck in an unbelievable manner, "Don't move."

People are stupid.

The eldest princess came out from behind Xu Rong, her face was pale and she was extremely shocked, "Aiqing, what are you doing?"

Li Wei smiled miserably, and knelt down on the ground, with the saber still on his neck, "Your Highness, I will do it again with my death. Please make an order from your Highness. If the reform proposal cannot be passed, no minister in Beijing will be allowed to leave Chang'an, otherwise you will be severely punished." .”

The eldest princess was trembling with anger, pointing at Li Wei and was speechless for a long time.

Xu Rong, Yang Biao, Zhang Yan, Xun You, and Zhao Yun were dumbfounded.Li Wei was really "crazy" and threatened to die.

"I implore Your Highness to play." Li Wei yelled at the top of his voice, probably because he was too excited and used too much force, the blade suddenly cut his neck, and blood immediately poured into the sharp sword, which was shocking.

"Okay, okay, yes, yes..." The eldest princess waved her hands again and again, "Decree, I will decree immediately."

"Master Taifu, please draw up an order immediately." Li Wei didn't intend to put down his sword at all, and yelled again while staring at Yang Biao.

Yang Biao was furious, gritted his teeth, and scolded him bitterly, "You are ruthless, you are ruthless..."

=

At dusk on the second day of May, imperial servant Cui Yan and Zhishu Yushi Xixi rushed to Taixue to announce that the master's condition has improved and he asked to return to Luoyang and leave tonight. Confucian scholars are requested to return to Luoyang Taixue immediately to take care of the master .

The Confucian scholars were ecstatic, and under the leadership of Zhao Shang, Wang Ji, Gongsun Fang and others, they left Taixue overnight and headed for Luoyang.

In the middle of the night, Zhao Yun, Yan Liang, Zhao Song, Guo Yuan and others, escorted by five hundred Southern Army guards, left Chang'an City with the master's body and hurried to the Weishui River.General Lou Chuan Yang Hua has been ordered to mobilize ten warships to wait by the river.The people went down the river, changed to the boat at Zhangdu at the confluence of the Weishui River and the Jingshui River, and sailed to Shancheng at high speed.

On the third day of the fifth lunar month, Confucian scholars gathered in Chang'an heard that Master Zheng Xuan had returned to Luoyang, and after the sutra debate was over, they each started their return journey.

A crisis was resolved quietly like this.

On the fourth day of May, Princess Eldest presided over the court meeting in person, and the ministers of the court, famous Confucian scholars from all over the country, and rich merchants discussed the reform policy in the front hall of Weiyang Palace.

Before the court meeting, Shangshu ordered Tian Chou to read the imperial edict.Due to the tense situation in the world, if the policy of reforming the system cannot be negotiated, everyone will not be able to leave Beijing.Few people know about Master Zheng Xuan's death, so people don't take it seriously.

On the tenth day of May, Henan Yin Xuhuang urgently reported to Kyoto that Master Zheng Xuan died of illness.

The court was in chaos, and many ministers and Confucians were very sad. They were anxious to go to Luoyang to attend the funeral, and had no intention of discussing matters. Many reform strategies were all agreed upon in one day.

On May [-]th, the eldest princess issued an edict to promulgate a new system, which will be implemented immediately.

On May 20th, the eldest princess and more than [-] ministers including Taifu Yang Biao, Grand Sima Xu Rong, Taiwei Zhang Yan, and Yushi doctor Xun You rushed to Luoyang to attend the funeral of Master Zheng Xuan.

Prime Minister Li Wei sits in Chang'an and directs the implementation of the new system.

=

I'm on shift today, so I won't update tonight.

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