kvmb Chapter 223 Obscure
Chapter 223 Obscure
Chapter 223 Obscure
In the evening, the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Yang Biao sat opposite Wang Lang, who had just arrived in Beijing to report on his work. There was a brazier between them and a small table next to them, which was filled with various memorials and documents.
Yang Biao put his hands on the stove, warming himself by the fire, but looked out the door and said, "Your Majesty, it's great snow. It's often said that auspicious snow means a good harvest. It's been snowing for four or five days straight. I'm afraid it's not auspicious snow."
Wang Lang flipped through the documents on the small table and said, "Your Majesty suddenly left the capital, first inspected the copper mine, and then went to Hanoi. I'm afraid he has some doubts about the government."
Yang Biao turned around, sighed, and said, "It's normal to be suspicious, but who dares to tell the truth to His Majesty? His Majesty is always rash. If he knew the truth, the court would have no good days."
Wang Lang suddenly raised his head, looked at Yang Biao and said, "Didn't the two Xuns and others tell Your Majesty clearly?"
Yang Biao rubbed his hands and said, "They themselves are half-believing and half-doubting, how can they tell Your Majesty? The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel have been very active recently. I guess they want to use the summer tax to confirm some things."
Wang Lang looked thoughtful and said, "Your Majesty, would you have noticed it long ago? Otherwise, why would Your Majesty survey the land and register the households?"
Yang Biao was stunned for a moment, but still shook his head and said, "Your Majesty only came into contact with government affairs after he ascended the throne. How could he possibly understand these things?"
"Is it an accidental success?"
Wang Lang had no way of judging, so he put down the document in his hand and sighed, "I didn't expect this prince to do so many things in secret. If he were given another year or two, the capital would be completely transformed."
Yang Biao's fat face was serious, and he said, "I never thought that Wang Yun used the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate to investigate so many people and things."
Wang Lang watched the whole process from beginning to end, and found that more than 400 officials, big and small, were involved. Even the lightest one was marked by Wang Yun as "never employing him".
He considered it again and again, and said, "What are you going to do?"
If you hand this thing over, the emperor or other court officials will suspect that you have a backup; if you don't hand it over and keep it privately, once it is discovered, the consequences will be more serious.
Yang Biao's fat face trembled again and again, and after a long while he finally sighed and said, "I plan to keep it for now."
Wang Lang frowned and asked, "What are you going to do?"
These "evidences" are enough to threaten everyone on the list.
Yang Biao remained silent, which was unusual for him.
Wang Lang had known him for many years, and he was moved and asked, "Are you going to resign?"
Yang Biao looked at his hands on the stove, his expression calm and composed, and said: "If I don't leave now, I will follow in Wang Yun's footsteps."
"You didn't do anything, what are you afraid of?" Wang Lang said.
Yang Biao touched his stomach with both hands and said, "It's because I didn't do anything."
Wang Lang looked puzzled.
Ever since Wang Lang entered the officialdom, he no longer has the advantage of being a bystander and can no longer see things clearly.
Yang Biao roasted himself by the fire and said, "When you are in the officialdom, you have no control over everything. Who could have predicted Wang Yun's fate?"
Wang Lang looked more serious, looked at Yang Biao and said, "If you resign, who can take charge of the court?"
There are only a few big and small cats in the court now. Besides, whose prestige can compare with that of Yang Biao, who is a three-generation official?
Yang Biao shook his head and said, "Your Majesty must have considered it."
Wang Lang suddenly came to his senses and fell into deep thought. After a long while, he slowly said, "You mean, Your Majesty is taking advantage of the situation?"
Yang Biao looked at the red charcoal and said, "Wang Yun is not a quiet person. Since he came to power, he has made too many small moves. Your Majesty has tolerated it again and again. Now that it involves the Eastern Palace, how can Your Majesty tolerate it anymore?"
Wang Lang glanced at Yang Biao and said, "So, you are going to vacate your position as well? Who will be the future prime minister?"
Yang Biao roasted himself by the fire, his fat face flushed, and said in a neutral tone: "I don't know, maybe Sima Jun will take over, or maybe it will be Xun You directly."
"Sima Jun?"
Wang Yun seemed to be thinking about something, then shook his head and said, "Sima Jun has been in office for too short a time, and Xun You... in just two years, he went from being a minister of the imperial court to the prime minister?"
Yang Biao naturally knew that it was unreasonable, and said: "Then there are Liu Yu, Zhu Jun and others who have returned to the court. However, they are also involved in the Wang Yun case."
Both of them wrote letters to the court, recommending Liu Shao as the crown prince.
This is also the fundamental reason that touched Liu Bian and Wang Yun of the Yi tribe!
After ruling out two more people, Wang Lang thought about the names one by one and suddenly became alert. He asked, "Then who asked Liu Situ to go to the capital? Why is there no news about him since then?"
Yang Biao was stunned and blinked, as if he suddenly remembered Liu Hong.
After careful recollection, from Wang Yun's confession to the closing of the case, it seemed that no one mentioned Liu Hong. It seemed that this person had been forgotten by everyone.
Yang Biao and Wang Lang looked at each other and then fell silent.
If Liu Hong returns and serves as prime minister, the transition period can indeed be prolonged.
It would be natural to wait until the second Xun or someone else is relatively mature and has sufficient qualifications and prestige to take over.
"Owner."
Just as Yang Biao was about to say something, a servant came hurriedly and handed him a memorial, saying, "An urgent memorial from the Shangshutai."
Yang Biao's expression became serious. He stood up and went out. He shivered when the cold wind hit his face. He took it, sat back quickly, opened it and took a look.
Wang Lang sat upright. He knew that unless there was something important, the Secretariat would not send the memorial to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Yang Biao's expression gradually became solemn, and then a little ugly.
He put down the memorial in his hand, looked at Wang Lang, and said calmly: "Li Ru, the governor of Runan, has abandoned his post and defected to Dong Zhuo."
Wang Lang was startled, then nodded and said, "Li Ru is recognized as a member of Wang Yun's party. It is understandable that he did this."
Yang Biao's fat face tightened, his expression became more solemn, and he said, "That captain of the Suppressing Enemy Army, Lu Bu, has occupied half of Xuzhou, and is flirting with Dong Zhuo. He doesn't listen to Ding Yuan's orders at all."
Wang Lang thought of the geographical locations of Runan, Yuzhou, and Xuzhou, and was slightly surprised. He said, "Wouldn't that mean Dong Zhuo has become more powerful?"
At this point, Wang Lang suddenly asked, "The imperial court has formulated the policy of 'first the north and then the south'. Does that mean they will really ignore the south?"
Since Liu Bian ascended the throne, he has formulated a clear roadmap, which is "first north, then south".
The main force of the imperial court, nearly 200,000 troops, were almost all in the north and rarely went south.
As for the various armies and forces that fought against bandits in the South, most of them were "self-recruited" by those people and they "raised their own money and food".
Yang Biao thought for a moment and said, "This strategy was set by Huangfu Song and others. Now, the northern states, except for Liangzhou, are basically pacified. There is only the Black Mountain Army causing trouble. Generally speaking, it is correct."
Wang Lang snorted coldly and said, "The South is in chaos. Yuan Shu and Han Fu are not to mention. Dong Zhuo is becoming more powerful day by day. There is also a sinister Yizhou governor Liu Yan who is eyeing us covetously. How can the court just sit there and do nothing?"
Yang Biao moved his butt unnaturally and said in a weak tone: "You know the situation of the court. Last year, they couldn't even pay the salaries. How much can they do?"
Wang Lang was very dissatisfied with the court, but in front of the prime minister, he could not vent his anger, so he could only say in a hateful voice: "The Shangshutai summoned me to the capital to report on my work. Is it because of the Shanyang County incident?"
Yang Biao nodded, then shook his head, and said, "It was the Household Department and the Personnel Department who jointly requested it. They have doubts about the amount of autumn grain in Yanzhou."
"Why not summon Envoy Liu but summon me?" Wang Lang asked.
Yang Biao looked at him, hesitated for a while, and said, "I heard that the Ministry of Personnel intends to recommend you as the Minister of Military Affairs."
Wang Lang was stunned for a moment, stared at Yang Biao, and asked: "You, did you hear the news?"
Yang Biao looked unnatural, waved his hand, and said, "Let's talk about Wang Yun's matter."
Wang Lang really couldn’t understand Yang Biao. Was he pretending to be confused, or was he really confused?
Wang Lang calmed down and said, "I have a feeling that His Majesty will issue an order soon to have the Supreme Court make the judgment. Moreover, they will avoid the conspiracy to succeed the throne and will mostly charge the crime with corruption and illegality."
Yang Biao nodded.
With Wang Yun in prison, the word "crown prince" gradually became a taboo in the court and the public. It is understandable that the Supreme Court wanted to avoid such sensitive words.
Immediately, he looked at Wang Lang, glanced outside, and whispered, "Do you think that His Majesty's reaction this time was a bit excessive?"
Wang Lang looked thoughtful and asked, "Is it because Wang Yun colluded with the King of Bohai?"
Yang Biao shook his head and said, "I always feel that there are other reasons, but I can't guess it thoroughly."
Just as Wang Lang was about to speak, another servant came over and said, "Master, Tang Mao is here to visit."
Yang Biao was startled, then frowned and waved his hand, saying, "Let him go, just tell him I'm not here."
Wang Lang also shook his head when he heard this. Cai Yong's conviction meant that Liu Shao's position as crown prince would be lost. Tang Mao seemed to have smelled blood and had been making frequent moves recently, trying to push his grandson forward.
"This man is really ungrateful. No wonder His Majesty deposed him from such an important position as the Inspector of the Imperial Guards after only holding it for a few days." Wang Lang said.
After the servant left, Yang Biao said, "It's the end of the year now, and there are more and more evil spirits. It's impossible to hide away in peace."
"No wonder Your Majesty was in such a hurry to leave Luoyang." Wang Lang suddenly said as if he had realized something.
Even Yang Biao couldn't have peace, so you can imagine what the situation in the palace was like.
"Master, Zhong Tingwei wants to see you." A servant came hurriedly and said urgently.
Wang Lang looked at Yang Biao and said, "The imperial edict is expected to arrive soon."
Yang Biao sighed, stood up and put on his clothes, and said, "What is coming will eventually come. By the way, think of a way to transfer Dezu away from Cao Cao."
Wang Lang was startled and asked, "Cao Cao? What happened?"
Yang Biao was too fat and had some difficulty putting on his clothes. He said, "It's not Xiahou Yuan's business. Cao Cao wrote letters to the Grand Marshal's Mansion one after another, and there was quite a dispute."
"Is it possible that the tail is too big to be eliminated?" Wang Lang asked hurriedly.
Yang Biao dressed, looked at the heavy snow outside, and said, "It's hard to say, but the government and the public have quite a few complaints about him, and His Majesty's favor for him seems to have waned."
Wang Lang's expression became stern, and he said, "I understand."
For civil officials and military generals, doing things or doing wrong things is not terrible. The key lies in the emperor's heart. Once the emperor's heart changes, it doesn't matter whether it is right or wrong!
Yang Biao left the side courtyard and came to the front hall, waiting for Zhong Yao to come.
Zhong Yao came in the snow, brushed the snow off his body at the door, and then went in. After the greetings, they sat down as host and guest.
Zhong Yao handed over a document and said solemnly, "Prime Minister, the Criminal Department has closed the case. Should we ask the Shangshutai to make a petition to Your Majesty, or should we ask for the Imperial Court to make a judgment?"
Yang Biao turned it over and took a look. The case was very simple. Empress Dowager He, Liu Xie, Fu Wan, Cai Yong and others were all left out. Wang Yun was charged with "forming a clique for personal gain, embezzling money and illegally, presuming on the emperor's will, and plotting against the will of the emperor".
"Sima Jun is a good man."
Yang Biao muttered to himself, and then said with a dignified look, "Your Majesty cannot get involved in this matter. I will ask for your permission and let the Supreme Court make the judgment, with the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Censorate as jury members."
Zhong Yao raised his hand and said, "I obey your command."
Yang Biao looked at Zhong Yao, and a smile suddenly appeared on his dignified face. He said, "Okay, we have finished the business. Yuan Chang doesn't have to be too restrained. Have some tea."
Zhong Yao was caught off guard as Yang Biao suddenly called him by his courtesy name.
Knowing that Yang Biao had some plans, Zhong Yao remained calm and said, "Prime Minister, the Supreme Court has many affairs to attend to. The case of Wang Yun must be decided as soon as possible. I, your humble servant..."
Yang Biao suddenly waved his hands and said, "It's getting late, there's no need to rush. This is what I mean. Yuan Chang is Liu Gong's student. Liu Gong defended Youzhou from the Xianbei and Wuhuan outside and suppressed the rebellion inside. His contributions were very great. I plan to recommend him as Zuo Pushe. What do you think?"
Zhong Yao's usually serious face couldn't help but move, and he was even more surprised.
He hasn't even thought that far yet, and Yang Biao has already started planning?
Zhong Yao hurriedly said, "Prime Minister, the left and right ministers, this is a matter of great importance, and Wang Yun's case has not yet been decided. Is it too hasty?"
Yang Biao smiled slightly and said, "I just had this idea. I want to ask Mr. Liu through Yuan Chang if he is willing to return to the capital. In addition, before recommending, I will find out your majesty's intentions, Yuan Chang, don't worry."
With this short period of time, Zhong Yao quickly thought about it and found that Liu Yu's entry into the capital was indeed a good option.
"This matter must first be reported to His Majesty, and then Lord Liu's opinion must be sought." Zhong Yao said.
He couldn't agree to Yang Biao.
Wang Yun's plan to appoint the crown prince has not yet been decided, and they are in a hurry to appoint the Zuo Pushe. What will the palace think?
"Natural nature,"
Yang Biao said with a smile: "I know the limits of this, Yuan Chang, don't worry. Among the six departments, there is still a vacancy in the military department. Are you interested, Yuan Chang?"
As for himself, Zhong Yao was very calm and said, "Replying to the Prime Minister, the affairs of the Supreme Court are complicated and I have only just started. I will not be distracted for the time being."
"Okay, okay." Yang Biao smiled and picked up the teacup, without any embarrassment of being rejected.
Anyway, the favor has been sold, so there is a guarantee that I can withdraw in the future.
Yang Biao exchanged some polite remarks before sending Zhong Yao away.
After watching Zhong Yao walk around the garden, Wang Lang came to Yang Biao and said, "Judging from Zhong Yao's reaction, Your Majesty should not have discussed this with the Yingchuan Party."
Yang Biao, with his hands behind his back and his big belly sticking out, said, "So it may not be Liu Yu? Is it Zhu Jun?"
Wang Lang thought for a moment and said, "He came from the court, so he should be one of them."
"Could it be Liu Hong?" Yang Biao said.
Wang Lang shook his head and said, "No. Although Lord Liu was not involved in the case at the beginning, he was too close to Lord Ding. He will never be able to return to the court in this lifetime."
Yang Biao looked at the heavy snow and said to himself, "Auspicious snow means a good harvest, but why do I feel it is getting colder and colder?"