Prime Minister

Chapter 1355: Xuanma in the snow

Chapter 1355: Xuanma in the snow

In the carriage.

Zhang Yue half closed his eyes, while Han Zhongyan and Cai Bian were sitting in the car beside him.

Seeing sweat on Zhang Yue's forehead, Cai Bian handed him a handkerchief. Zhang Yue stretched out his hand to stop the sweat.

Cai Bian lowered his eyes and said, "Teacher."

Hearing the voice, Zhang Yue glanced at Cai Bian, but saw Han Zhongyan pretending to be calm and looking out the car window.

But I saw it at the foot of the imperial city.

Soldiers lined up.

The imperial guards and the auxiliary troops were in a standoff.

Outside the car window, at the foot of the imperial city, the imperial guards and the auxiliary troops were facing each other in battle array. A general of the imperial guards raised his head and took a big gulp of wine, then casually threw the wine bag to the auxiliary soldier on the opposite side. The other took it, drank a sip without hesitation, and threw it back.

Although the swords and guns were placed, the tips of the swords and guns were lowered very low, but there was still a situation where they were ready to explode.

"Han Da, you have improved."

Zhang Yue said sarcastically.

Han Zhongyan said, "Duke Wei, we are all in the same boat now, so stop complaining."

Zhang Yue pointed to his forehead and asked, "Complaint?"

"You wanted to launch a military remonstration, but you put all the blame on me. Today's incident is just like the Gaopingling Incident. I can't escape the infamy of Sima Yi!"

Han Zhongyan said sternly, "Duke Wei, how can you say that? The one who launched the military remonstration was Cai Que's cronies, and the Privy Councilor Zhang Dun knew about it but didn't report it, and even condoned it intentionally."

"The blame lies with these two people. History books will only say that Duke Wei followed the late emperor's will, restored order, and rebuilt the Song Dynasty!"

Zhang Yue looked at Han Zhongyan with a smile, then looked at Cai Bian and asked, "What does Yuandu think?"

Cai Bian said: "Students follow the teacher's lead!"

"Today's matter is like an arrow on a bow string that has to be shot! The teacher has no choice, but so do we."

Zhang Yue said: "You say you have no choice, but I don't think so. You say that the Privy Councilor Zhang Dun knew about it but didn't report it. He knew that there was a military remonstration but deliberately condoned it. I believe this."

"But did you two add fuel to the fire?"

"You still dare to say that you have no choice?"

Han Zhongyan sneered and said, "Duke Wei, when you nominated Yuandu and I to be the guardians of the Eastern Palace, you had already arranged for this step."

"We have long been closely connected with the emperor."

Zhang Yue smiled and said, "I was right. Han Da, you got the Queen Mother's order! No wonder you all said the same thing when we were drafting the imperial edict in Dingli Temple."

Han Zhongyan was startled, then said frankly: "Mr. Wei is right, I did inform the Empress Dowager in advance."

Han Zhongyan then said, "Duke Wei, today's events are a natural outcome. You said you had no choice, but Yuan Du and I also had no choice. Did we do this for our own glory and wealth?"

"The late emperor carried out reforms for twenty years. How can he stop them just like Sima Guang said?"

"Once the new law is abolished, no one will be able to take responsibility. Even the conquered Xihe Road and even the entire northwest will fall apart! Duke Wei is the hope of the world! Today, only Duke Wei can make a call to fulfill the order entrusted by the late emperor!"

Zhang Yue closed his eyes and said nothing.

……

The carriage slowly drove into the Xuande Gate. The soldiers guarding along the way stepped back and saluted when they saw the carriage coming.

Zhang Yue stepped off the carriage. The morning light fell on the golden tiles of the palace walls, reflecting a brand new scene. He was wearing a purple robe, standing with his hands behind his back, his eyes calmly sweeping across the palace.

Behind him, Li Qingchen and Zhang Xu got off the car one after another. The three of them stood solemnly and stared at the imperial city for a while.

Liu Changzuo, deputy commander of the Palace Front Division, and several auxiliary army generals saw this and hurried forward to pay their respects.

Zhang Yue looked at the auxiliary army commanders and said in a steady voice: "The Secret Academy has dispatched the Northern Auxiliary Army to the city to quell the rebellion. You must lead your troops back to the camp immediately. If you stay any longer, you will be charged with treason!"

Several auxiliary army generals bowed and said, "Mr. Zhang, we don't want to return to the camp! We only want to go north to Hebei and fight the Liao people to the death!"

Zhang Yue frowned slightly and said in a slower tone: "What are you talking about?"

"What you did yesterday was meant to be a sincere remonstrance to the court. I have my own opinion. But if you continue to stay in the palace, it would be an act of usurpation!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals bowed their hands solemnly and said, "I obey your orders! We must restrain our troops and wait for Duke Wei's decision."

Liu Changzuo saw that Zhang Yue calmed down his military remonstrance with just a few words, and thought that Zhang Yue was indeed the mastermind behind this military remonstrance. When he thought of this, he broke out in a cold sweat, fearing that his life would be in danger.

Zhang Yue glanced at Liu Changzuo and said calmly, "Where are the emperor, the grand empress dowager, and the empress dowager?"

Liu Changzuo bowed quickly and replied, "They are all in Funing Palace."

Zhang Yue nodded slightly: "Follow me into the palace."

Although Liu Changzuo was already the palace commander, he was not confident and timid in front of such an important official as Zhang Yue, so he immediately bowed his head and obeyed orders.

Zhang Yue said to Han Zhongyan and Cai Bian, "You two stay at Xuande Gate for now to appease the officials. We will discuss this matter after I go to the palace to see the emperor."

After saying this, he straightened his robe sleeves, and walked into the palace with Liu Changzuo, Zhang Xu, and Li Qingchen, heading straight for the Funing Palace.

Along the way, Zhang Yue saw many eunuchs holding knives and catching arrows, guarding the main roads of the palace gates, obviously to prepare for any unexpected events. Of course, if he entered the palace at this moment, he might be caught in a trap.

However, Zhang Yue strode forward without hesitation.

When they arrived at the Funing Palace, they saw Yan Shouqin and Liang Weijian each with a group of eunuchs guarding the palace. When they saw Zhang Yue arrive, they immediately went into the palace to report.

In the Funing Palace, Empress Dowager Gao and Empress Dowager Xiang sat on either side, neither of them had curtains drawn. The young emperor was held in the arms of an eunuch and sat on a chair, his young face showing a bit of confusion.

After Zhang Yue paid his respects, Empress Dowager Gao ordered the eunuchs to give the three of them seats.

Empress Dowager Gao did not ask Zhang Xu and Li Qingchen, but asked Zhang Yue: "Mr. Zhang, how many rebel soldiers are there outside?"

Zhang Yue said: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, I have not seen a single soldier except Liu Changzuo!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Changzuo closed his eyes and thought to himself, I’m dead.

Empress Dowager Gao glanced at Liu Changzuo and asked, "Are there no rebels outside? Then there must be rebel ministers in the court."

Zhang Yue smiled bitterly and said, "I had been meditating in Dingli Temple until last night, and only learned about the important events this morning."

Empress Dowager Gao glanced at Empress Dowager Xiang knowingly.

Zhang Yue said: "I think now is not the time to settle old scores."

"This is the draft of the imperial edict drafted by the Secretariat. Please have a look at it, Empress Dowager!"

Li Qingchen and Zhang Xu were silent. Empress Dowager Gao took the imperial edict and read it thoughtfully. She pointed at Li Qingchen and laughed. Zhang Xu said, "They are just responding to orders. What's the big deal?"

Empress Dowager Gao said to the emperor: "Sir, there are ministers in the court who want you to be Emperor Xian of Han."

Zhang Yue said to the Marquis Liu Changzuo standing beside him, "Liu Changzuo, are you planning a rebellion?"

Liu Changzuo was so frightened that he knelt down hastily and said, "I would never dare to do that."

Zhang Yue said to Empress Dowager Gao: "Grand Empress Dowager, you are wise. Liu Changzuo said that he dared not."

"I also think he wouldn't dare to do that. Liu Changzuo has been in the Western Army for many years. As soon as he was transferred to the capital, he would never dare to have such a change of heart."

"Of course, the former commander Yan Da didn't dare to do that either."

Liu Changzuo was still sweating profusely.

Empress Dowager Gao sneered at Liu Changzuo, "The dynasty hasn't changed yet, but some people have already gotten off the boat."

Empress Dowager Gao asked, "Who came up with this draft edict?"

Zhang Yue said: "That's what all the ministers think."

"What does Zhang Qing mean?"

Zhang Yue said: "I am here on behalf of all the other ministers to present the imperial edict."

"Then why did all the ministers gather at Dingli Temple to discuss the imperial edict? Could it be that the three ministries and one court are not in the palace, but in Dingli Temple?"

Queen Mother Gao said angrily.

Zhang Yue said nothing, but leaned back slightly. Li Qingchen and Zhang Xu beside him understood.

Li Qingchen and Zhang Xu said one after another: "Your Highness, this military turmoil was caused by Duke Wei and I, and I had no prior knowledge of it."

"I wanted to go to the court, but was blocked by the rebels. There was no one in Dingli Temple. After thinking about it, I decided that Duke Wei should come out to take charge of the situation and quell the rebellion."

"I just happened to meet the ministers."

Li Qingchen and Zhang Xu distanced themselves from the matter.

After the two finished speaking, Zhang Yue said, "The late emperor entrusted me with military and national affairs before his death. Now that things have come to this, I have no choice but to step in and put down the chaos."

"If the Empress Dowager feels that I am suspicious and unworthy of presiding over this matter, I am willing to resign all official positions and return to Jianzhou immediately."

Empress Dowager Xiang said, "Duke Wei inherited the will of the late Emperor Yuanfeng, and the court will still rely on you to handle state affairs."

"Otherwise, how can the rebels retreat?"

After saying this, Empress Dowager Xiang looked at Empress Dowager Gao with a firm gaze.

Empress Dowager Gao couldn't help but feel a little angry when she saw Empress Dowager Xiang like this.

Zhang Yue turned to the Empress Dowager and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the late Emperor carried out reforms for twenty years, and most of the major government policies are a continuation of the late Emperor's reforms. The officials of the Xifeng (Xining and Yuanfeng) dynasties have followed this policy for many years. If it is abolished, the country will no longer be a country."

"I believe that as long as the imperial court continues to carry forward the will of the late Emperor Yuanfeng, there will be no rebellious soldiers or ministers."

Empress Dowager Gao said: "The will of Yuanfeng is over, but now it is Yuanyou. The new law is inconvenient, and people all over the world want to change their minds."

"The late emperor made decisions based on his likes and dislikes. After the defeat at Yongle City, he had long regretted the new law. He should have handled military affairs and state affairs together with his own power. Otherwise, he would not have mentioned Lü Gongzhu and Sima Guang as his teachers and guardians."

Empress Dowager Gao understood that Zhang Yue and others were the inheritors of the late emperor's will and had been promoted by him, so they would definitely continue Yuanfeng's line and maintain the late emperor's prestige.

So the question is how to express the will?

This is the righteousness of the status.

Zhang Yue said: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, Sima Guang has already said that the new law is called loving the people, but in fact it hurts the people, and it is called benefiting the country, but in fact it hurts the country."

"This has long gone against the will of the late emperor."

Empress Dowager Gao said sternly, "There is also Yuanfeng in Yuanyou. I have already promised your family."

Zhang Yue shook his head and said, "I understand the Empress Dowager's intentions."

"Perhaps the late emperor's will was slightly modified, but this is not what Sima Guang meant. The Analects says: 'If a man does not change his father's way for three years, he can be called filial.'"

He took a step forward, his voice becoming more resolute: "But Sima Guang vowed before that he would change the son by changing the mother, and he arbitrarily changed the will of the previous emperor, and even ignored the three-year period. How could he change the course of the emperor in a big way, and change the slightest thing?"

"Even the Right Prime Minister Lü Gongzhu repeatedly said that the way to correct the problem should be done with skill and not in a hurry. But Sima Guang turned a deaf ear to it."

"The censor Liu Zhi and others went even further, fiercely criticizing the new law and dismissing the old officials of Xifeng, totally ignoring the original intention of the Empress Dowager to 'slightly show the reform'."

"Today, the rewards for the imperial army are withheld, and the auxiliary army is also being disbanded, which has instigated the rebellion."

Empress Dowager Gao did not have any intention of making major changes to the new law, but Sima Guang and others who were working under her acted more and more radically, causing the situation to get out of control.

Empress Dowager Gao said, "Now I order you not to leave the palace."

"Yuanfeng, Yuanfeng, the world is yours to follow!"

After saying this, Empress Dowager Gao stood up, and Zhang Yue held up the imperial edict and said, "Please ask the Empress Dowager to use her seal on the imperial edict!"

Empress Dowager Gao paused and looked at Zhang Yue with sharp eyes, as if she wanted to see through his thoughts.

Li Qingchen spoke at the right time: "Where is Fu Baolang?"

Fu Baolang responded and respectfully held out the imperial seal. Empress Dowager Gao took the imperial seal, stamped it heavily on the edict, and then turned and left.

Apart from Liang Weijian, who supported Empress Dowager Gao and left, there was no one else.

Empress Dowager Xiang watched Empress Dowager Gao leave, her expression complicated and incomprehensible. Everyone in the hall held their breath, as if the sound of the imperial seal falling was still echoing in the hall.

……

As the morning light appeared, the snow in front of Xuande Gate gradually melted.

Zhang Yue solemnly ordered Liu Changzuo, "Go to Xuande Gate immediately and tell them that the Grand Empress Dowager has asked the Empress Dowager to deal with military and national affairs, and ask them to withdraw their troops as soon as possible."

After Liu Changzuo left.

Zhang Yue straightened his clothes and bowed deeply to the Empress Dowager Xiang and the Emperor in the palace: "I deserve to die!"

He said to the Empress Dowager: "What Mr. Zhang did today is to help the Tang Dynasty. What crime has he committed?"

Zhang Yue still lay on the ground and said, "I resign my position as Prime Minister."

The emperor said, "I have seen it with my own eyes. If it weren't for Lord Zhang, the situation would have been out of control. Lord Zhang, there is no need to resign!"

After the eunuchs on the left and right helped Zhang Yue up, he slowly said, "Empress Dowager, your Majesty has said something, and I will follow your orders."

"I dare to ask Your Majesty to summon Wang Anshi, Wen Yanbo, and Feng Jing to serve as ministers of state and military affairs to discuss state affairs."

He said to the Queen Mother, "It is as you said. But..." She hesitated for a moment, "Will the ministers who were dismissed before be reinstated?"

Zhang Yue said: "I think that Cai Que, Han Zhen, Wu Juhou, Lu Xiaolian, Jia Qing, Wang Zijing, Zhang Chengyi, and Jian Zhoufu, who were dismissed earlier, do not need to be reinstated."

"As for the other ministers, please ask the Queen Mother and Your Majesty to make your decision."

He gazed at the Queen Mother and asked, "Mr. Zhang, where will the country go from now on?"

Zhang Yue replied solemnly: "Your Majesty, the late emperor had great talents and plans, but he also had some shortcomings. Everyone makes mistakes, and we should correct them. The court can state the late emperor's aspirations instead of describing his deeds in full."

"In the new and old laws, Sima Guang and Lu Huiqing each hold one extreme, and everything they do is biased and radical. They can be used for a while but not for a long time. Cai Que and Zhang Dun are pragmatic ministers, and they respect the last order of the previous emperor and have the intention to reconcile the old and the new, but they lack prestige and cannot convince the people, and it is difficult to unite the upper and lower levels. The rest of the ministers are hesitant and have little knowledge. They dare not do what they can do, and do what they do without knowing what they are doing."

"I think the debate about new laws or old laws should no longer be raised. Factional disputes divide the court. In the future, officials should be selected based on their moral integrity."

The emperor asked, "Mr. Zhang, what is meant by illuminating virtue?"

Zhang Yue explained in a gentle voice: "Reporting to Your Majesty, it is different from one morality and one likes and dislikes. The clear virtue comes from the university. I think it can be explained by 'only screening but not changing' as a strategy for the court to select talents in the future."

"When the waves wash away the sand, you choose the good and follow it."

The emperor said, "I understand. This is the difference between Confucianism and Legalism."

Zhang Yue continued, "As for Sima Guang's statement that we should stop fighting and enrich the people, I cannot agree with him."

"This theory is to give up reform at home and be weak and yield to the Khitan and Tangut. If both are lost, the country will lose and the people will lose. Emperor Taizong of Tang's Zhenguan Reign not only practiced strict economy, recuperated and improved the administration of officials, but also destroyed the Turks, Tuyuhun, subdued Xueyantuo and Goguryeo, and achieved great military success. If both are achieved, the country will also gain."

"The late emperor left a will to destroy the Dangxiang, recover Youyan, and continue the new law. This was the late emperor's original intention, and it was also what the late emperor tried to do but failed to accomplish. I ask the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty to follow suit, so that the palace and the government can be united."

He nodded slowly to the Queen Mother and the Emperor.

As they were talking, a eunuch hurried into the palace, his face full of joy: "Reporting to the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty, the rebels have retreated! More than ten of their leaders have tied themselves up at Xuande's door and are asking for forgiveness!"

Both Empress Dowager Xiang and the Emperor were very happy.

Empress Dowager Xiang heaved a sigh of relief and said to Zhang Yue, "The aftermath of this matter will all depend on you, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Yue bowed solemnly and said, "I will do my best."

The Queen Mother smiled and said, "From now on, the affairs of state will be entrusted to you."

……

Xuande Gate.

It was almost noon, and the north wind was blowing hard. The last snow of the Yuanfeng year had already fallen.

The ministers headed by Lu Gongzhu have all gathered here, and the imperial guards are stationed on the palace walls.

The north wind blew the broken snow, but all the officials remained quietly waiting and watching.

Yan Shouqin came out holding two imperial edicts.

"There is an imperial edict!"

The ministers bowed hastily.

Yan Shouqin stepped forward with the imperial edict in his hand, his voice piercing the silence.

Under the sect:

I am the young heir to the throne, and I have inherited the heavy responsibility entrusted by the late emperor. I am vigilant day and night, and I am overwhelmed with fear. The Empress Dowager Gao is in poor health, and the imperial doctors have repeatedly recommended that she be treated and temporarily relieved of her duties. However, the military and national secrets cannot be neglected for a single day; I am still young and cannot make decisions on my own.

The Empress Dowager Xiang is gentle, respectful, prudent, and virtuous. In the past, she was often praised for her wisdom in governing the country and her assistance in internal governance. Now she has the special power to deal with important military and national affairs: all routine affairs of the three ministries and the Privy Council are subject to her decision; emergency matters of border defense and the appointment of officials above the sixth rank are still subject to discussion and implementation with the ministers of the two ministries.

When I am fifteen years old, I will take charge of the government.

Announce it to the world and convey my sincere intentions.

The ministers kneeling in the snow were all enlightened when they heard this.

Liu Zhi and the others were filled with shock and anger, and Liang Tao felt a sweetness in his throat upon hearing this, and he almost vomited blood.

Although Han Zhongyan and others had expected this, they were still very happy.

As the head of all officials, Lu Gongzhu said: "I obey your order!"

The imperial edict was made of jute or white hemp and did not need to go through the Secretariat, but it had to go through a confirmation procedure by the prime minister afterwards.

After Lu Gongzhu confirmed the imperial edict, all officials followed suit and accepted it.

After a moment, Yan Shouqin took out the second edict.

……

At this moment in the deep palace.

Zhang Yue walked out slowly holding an umbrella.

Zhang Yue looked at the snow falling all over the sky. When he entered the palace during the day, the sky was clear after the snow, but now another snowstorm was coming.

He suddenly stopped and looked at the palaces in the distance. The snowflakes falling in his palm melted away in an instant.

Zhang Yue strolled in the palace in the flying snow, as if he was isolated from the world.

A person stands on the long river of time, watching the ups and downs with a smile.

In the past, there were so many brilliant and talented people, those opponents who streaked across the night sky like meteors, and heroes who once shone brightly, but all of them became silent and quiet in front of him.

He seemed to hear the roar of the Yellow River rushing under the ice, which was the direction of the pseudo-Xia Xingqing Prefecture.

The long river of time is vast and mighty, flowing day and night. Before I know it, I have stood at the forefront of the tide. Looking back, I see thousands of mountains standing solemnly and tens of thousands of troops bowing their heads.

The snow fell harder and harder, and the wind blew the broken snow onto the plaque of Wuying Hall.

Dozens of eunuchs in the hall were hanging up the three-person-high painting "Xining Opening the Frontier" again.

Zhang Yue looked at the hall with mixed feelings, and he seemed to see again the figure holding a candle and watching the night in the deep palace every cold night.

The color blocks on the picture also have the imperial edict in red ink that reads "Restore the old borders of Han and Tang Dynasties".

Now I am alone in the wind and snow.

Zhang Yue thought of this and sighed with his hands behind his back, as flying snow flew into his eyes.

……

The north wind blew the broken snow against the vermilion palace gate. All the officials stood up following Lu Gongzhu. The crisp sound of the soles of their boots crushing the thin ice was particularly clear in the silence.

Yan Shouqin took a step forward with the second imperial edict in his hand, and his voice was like the sound of gold and jade striking: "There is an imperial decree--"

The robes of Xuande's followers immediately fluttered, and hundreds of officials bowed down again.

"Disciple:

I have inherited the great mission and have been entrusted by the late emperor. I have worked hard day and night, but I am afraid that I will not be able to overcome it. Duke of Wei Zhang Yue is a man of profound knowledge, far-sightedness, loyalty and economic talent. In the past, he served as an advisor to the cardinals and repeatedly made good suggestions; when he was appointed as the regent, he supported the people and achieved great success in supporting and commending them.

Now, I have specially appointed him as the Minister of the Court and the Minister of the Left, and he is responsible for judging the capital and the provincial government, and he is responsible for the detailed formulation of the imperial edicts of various departments. He is still given the title of a loyal and helpful official, and his honors and titles remain the same. He is responsible for making decisions on all important military and national affairs; for those above the sixth rank, the appointment shall be implemented in consultation with the Privy Council.

The sound of the imperial edict pierced through the wind and snow. When the part "specially appointed as Shizhong and Shangshu Zuo Pushe" was read out, several officials could no longer kneel.

"Ah! You are such a good ally, and you will accomplish great things. You will carry forward the aspirations of the previous emperor, and vigorously build the cause of the revival of the country, so that the court will not have bad policies and the people will praise you.

Announce it to the whole world so that everyone will know it."

To the ministers, the two imperial edicts seemed to be contradictory, but in fact they were not.

This is a sequential system. In the first imperial edict, Empress Dowager Gao handed over power to Empress Dowager Xiang, and in the second imperial edict, Empress Dowager Xiang transferred power to Zhang Yue.

This shows the court's trust and respect for Zhang Yue.

The announcement of Ma's appointment as prime minister in front of the Xuande Gate and the announcement to all officials meant that after a year of turmoil, the court had returned to normal and was back to the Yuanfeng era.

Lü Gongzhu also said, "I accept your order."

After he bowed to Lu Gongzhu again, all the officials followed him.

Hundreds of officials were seen lying on the ground, with snow particles staining their sleeves.

After hearing the decree, Imperial Censor Liu Zhi and others could only bow reluctantly and asked the people around them, "Where is the Empress Dowager?"

"Lü Gong accepted the order without seeing the emperor. How careless!"

"I want a face-to-face interview!"

Liu Zhi was very angry that Lu Gongzhu did not object, so he accepted the imperial edict, but no one paid attention to his words.

……

Just then, a thin but tall figure walked out from the palace gate. Everyone knew that the other person was Zhang Yue, who had made the decision with the two Empress Dowagers in the Funing Palace.

Zhang Yue, dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, swept his eyes like torches over the crowd of officials in front of him - at this moment, he was the most polite minister of the dynasty, the chief of the civil officials!

Lü Gongzhu led all the officials in paying respects and said, "Greetings to the Minister!"

Hundreds of officials, led by Lu Gongzhu, saluted in unison, their voices shaking the sky.

Zhang Yue was about to speak when he heard the official say.

"Urgent news from Fuyan Road!"

"Dangxiang leader Li Bingchang personally led a large army to attack our Mizhi village!"

All the officials suddenly changed color.

In the past two years, under the imperial court's major policy of "stopping war to enrich the people", Zhang Yue's expansion of the border along the Xihe Road was repeatedly interpreted as "hasty advancement, misleading the late emperor" or "not the late emperor's original intention". Under this banner, the court misinterpreted the matter and issued an order to "first warn border officials not to invade and plunder at will, so that both the Chinese and the barbarians can live in peace."

Li Bingchang, the leader of the Tangut state, also saw the Song Dynasty's intention to conduct a strategic contraction. On the one hand, he sent envoys to repeatedly request the recovery of territory, and on the other hand, he took the initiative to lead his army to attack, intending to seize the Song Dynasty's territory by "killing first and reporting later".

Faced with the Khitan's demand for annual tribute, Li Bingchang sent envoys to pay tribute on the surface, which the court felt was acceptable. It forbade border generals to take the initiative to attack, and only allowed them to engage in passive defense.

Listening to the report, the ministers felt a chill in their hearts.

But when the official reported this to Lü Gongzhu, Lü Gongzhu said to him, "Now the court is ruled by the ministers!"

The other party was stunned and kept saying no, and reported to Zhang Yue again: "Urgent news from Fuyan Road!"

"Dangxiang leader Li Bingchang personally led the army to attack Mizhi Village!"

Zhang Yue immediately said: "Order Xu Xi, the governor of Fuyan Road, to lead the army to resist the enemy and protect Mizhi Village!"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was as if the ice and snow melted. After the Battle of Yongle City, the court had been silent on the Dangxiang side for nearly two years.

Now the war has started again.

At the command of the Duke of Wei, the border troops of Fuyan Road will surely fight back against the invading enemy.

All the officials who supported the new law were excited when they heard this, and the gloom that had long accumulated between their brows was swept away.

The other officials could also clearly feel that from today on, the wind direction in the court had changed!

From then on, the imperial court was no longer submissive, tolerant and retreating towards the Dangxiang and Khitan.

There is no need to endure humiliation any longer. The red flag of our Great Song Dynasty will soon be spread across the world!

"I will follow the order of the Minister!"

The official responded with tears in his eyes and quickly ran away.

Zhang Yue looked at this scene and thought that compared to the first time he was appointed as prime minister, he was very nervous and cautious. Now that he was appointed as prime minister again, he didn't have to start all over again. Just talking about the hundreds of officials in front of him, most of them had received his favor or promotion.

He had been prime minister for five years and in power for eight years before that, and his students and former officials were already spread throughout the court!

Now that the Empress Dowager Gao is no longer there to restrain me, I can now let go and do what I want.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yue waved his sleeves and walked forward with his hands behind his back. Lu Gongzhu hesitated for a moment and finally fell behind by half a step. This subtle movement was like an order.

All the officials separated to the left and right, clearing a path for Zhang Yue to leave the palace.

Then Li Qingchen, Zhang Xu and other ministers followed Lu Gongzhu, and the rest of the officials followed in a line. The officials on both sides separated like the tide, and then merged into the team like hundreds of rivers returning to the sea.

But the team behind Zhang Yue was getting longer and longer, going straight out of the Xuande Gate. Hundreds of officials rolled up their sleeves and walked like a long dragon, marching out of the palace in a mighty manner.

The team grew longer and longer, like a dragon rising into the clouds, as if it was about to break through the sky.

The guards holding spears in front of the palace inside and outside the city gate all saluted by beating their armor.

The sound of armor colliding was like war drums, and the cold light of the spear tips merged into one.

Ban Zhidu thought to himself that sooner or later, Prime Minister Zhang would lead them to pacify the Dangxiang and retake Youyan.

When the officials who arrived late saw this, they all waited at the door, and after Zhang Yue passed, they joined the line.

The team has grown stronger.

Liu Anshi walked silently in the team and said to Liu Zhi and Liang Tao beside him: "The general trend and people's hearts are on the side of Duke Wei. If we don't make a clear decision, we will fall behind everyone sooner or later."

Liu Zhi and Liang Tao understood that their good friend, who was also a staunch supporter of Sima Guang, had already made a decision in line with the times.

They could not object because they knew that among the old party members recalled by Sima Guang, there were many who thought the same as Liu Anshi.

Wang Yansou asked, "Do you really believe that Duke Wei can lead you to destroy the Dangxiang and take over Youyan?"

"This is something that even Taizu and Taizong could not do."

Looking at the snow falling on the city wall, Liu Anshi said, "I may not have believed it before, but I do believe it today."

Liu Zhi said indignantly: "Zhang San used the remnants of Cai Que and Zhang Dun to stir up rebellion and force the Empress Dowager to abdicate."

"Even if such traitors and rebels destroyed the Tanguts and took back Youyan, what is there to praise?"

"History will curse him!"

Liu Anshi smiled when he heard this.

……

After all the officials had left the Xuande Gate, Zhang Yue stopped and looked back at the officials under the Xuande Gate tower.

Zhang Yue said to all the officials: "Tomorrow we will meet in the capital to discuss the affairs of state and discuss the affairs of state!"

"Please, gentlemen!"

When the crowd dispersed, the dark sable coat worn by Lu Gong was covered with broken snow. The veteran of three dynasties bowed and said, "The Minister has finally achieved the goal of a dragon leaping into the clouds. I, Lu, would like to return my remains to my hometown."

Zhang Yue held Lü Gongzhu's hand and said, "Uncle Hui, what are you talking about?"

"I just returned to the temple, and you left me at this time."

Lu Gongzhu said sadly: "My opinion is different from that of the Minister, I am afraid it will be difficult for us to sit down and discuss state affairs together."

Zhang Yue said: "What is a country? The Book of History says 'consults should include the ministers and the common people'. How can it be decided by a dictator?"

"It comes from the mouths of many people and is discussed in the court. How can one person make the final decision?"

The snow particles hit the two people's clasped hands.

Lü Gongzhu shook his head and said, "Neither Junshi nor I are people who cling to power."

"It is enough for me to speak a few truths and give a few honest advices to the people of the world while standing in the court."

Zhang Yue knew that Lu Gongzhu would not mind his circumventing the other party and issuing the edict on his own, and he could also refuse through the Prime Minister Xuan Ma before that.

Lu Gongzhu did not show any displeasure. He always put the overall interests of the country first and had no selfish motives. He was truly a kind-hearted person.

Lu Gongzhu said: "When I was in the court, I often delayed the important affairs of the minister. I hope the minister will forgive me."

"I hope the Minister will give those old officials who oppose the new law a break for my sake."

It turns out that this is what Lu Gong intended.

Zhang Yue paused and said, "If the old officials make it clear that they will no longer slander the new law, I will not pursue the matter."

Lu Gongzhu said: "Minister, if you want to carry on the will of the late emperor, destroy the Dangxiang and take back Youyan, I have no objection."

“But where does the money come from?”

"Junshi and I criticized the new law because we didn't want the court to make the people suffer any more in order to achieve its grand ambition of 'recovering the ancient borders of the Han and Tang dynasties.'"

Zhang Yue looked at Lu Gongzhu and said with a smile: "Lu Gong, I am not the kind of person who would hastily plan big things after succeeding to the position of prime minister."

"I already know all these things. Let me explain them to you in detail. Let's discuss them together and then decide whether to stay or go, okay?"

When Lü Gongzhu heard Zhang Yue's words, he was stunned and said, "If what the Minister said makes sense, I am willing to lend a helping hand. Who wouldn't want to do something that will go down in history?"

Zhang Yue clapped his hands and laughed, "Then I'll take this as your agreement, Uncle Hui."

Seeing Zhang Yue's self-confidence, Lu Gongzhu couldn't help but smile, and began to believe that Zhang Yue had the ambition to bridge the gap between the old and the new.

Zhang Yue pulled Lü Gongzhu aside and said, "Let's have a candlelit chat tonight and have some top-quality vegetarian dishes."

"From the long history books, Lu Gong found that both Confucianism and Legalism have their merits."

"The Taoists have long told you that the Tao is in the Tai Chi diagram. It suppresses the high and lifts the low. The opposite is the movement of the Tao."

"For thousands of years, our ancestors have told us that Confucianism and Legalism are like the yin and yang fish in the Tai Chi diagram, constantly switching."

If we add the dimension of time, the wavy line in the middle of the Tai Chi diagram will look like a long waveform graph.

“Confucianism and Legalism are either at the peak or at the trough, in the changes of yin and yang, rolling forward with the long river of history.”

"The Book of Changes says that one yin and one yang are called Tao. Our Han system has always been a mixture of the hegemony and the king's way."

But seeing Zhang Yue moving back and forth, Lu Gong looked into the distance.

In the wind and snow, Zhang Yue and Lu Gongzhu walked and talked, and their followers followed behind them on horseback.

Whether it was the followers of the Lu family or the followers of the Zhang family, they all believed from the bottom of their hearts that only Zhang Yue could bring the old party and the new party together to discuss, eliminate differences, and jointly determine new national affairs.

PS: Part of this chapter is referenced from "An Account of the Yuanyou Reign under Pressure".

The book friends’ small accounts must also provide momentum.