Chapter 666 Political Hall Meeting
The Zhengshi Hall was established in Menxia Province during the Wude and Zhenguan periods. It was the place where the prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty discussed politics.
The permanent meeting of the Political Hall is the highest deliberative body that assists the emperor in ruling the country, and is also the highest administrative body of the empire. During the Takeru period and most of the Zhenguan period, the only people in the entire imperial bureaucracy who were eligible to participate in the political affairs hall meetings were the top officials of the three provinces, namely the governors of Shangshu Province, Zhongshu Province, and Menxia Province.
The chief of Shangshu Province is called Shangshu Ling. Because Li Shimin once held this position during the Wude period, after he came to the throne, the position of Shangshu Ling was no longer established as a sign of respect. In fact, the highest official of the Shangshu Province was transformed into the left and right ministers, Pushe. In ancient times, the left was respected. The position of Shangshu Zuopshe was the head of the prime minister and the leader of all officials.
Pushe, the minister of left and right, Zhongshu Ling, the chief of Zhongshu Province, and Shizhong, the chief of Menxia Province, were the prime ministers during the Zhenguan period.
However, in the late Zhenguan period and the reign of Emperor Gaozong, the Zhengshitang moved to Zhongshu Province, and the emperor began to let other officials participate in the Zhengshitang meetings, which were called "Shenzhizhengshi" or "Tongzhongshu Menxiasanpin", and later they were gradually unified. It is the name of "Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi", and he is also the prime minister.
The Political Affairs Hall is the highest authority of the central government.
To a certain extent, the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty was directly linked to the political operations of the Zhengshitang.
From the several relocations of the Zhengshitang, we can see the changing status of the Zhengshitang in the center of the Tang Dynasty.
The Zhengshitang argumentation in the Menxia Province was the norm in the Zhengshitang, which created the great glory of the Zhenguan rule and laid a solid foundation for the Tang Dynasty. The discussion of politics in the Zhengshitang of Zhongshu Province was the destruction of the Zhengshitang system and it became a tool for manipulation by the imperial power. When the Zhengshitang was changed to Zhongshu Menxia, the Zhengshitang system collapsed...
What is the Zhengshitang system? The so-called Zhengshitang system refers to the chiefs of the Shangshu Province (the administrative agency of the country), the Zhongshu Province (the formulation agency of national policies), and the Menxia Province (the review agency of national policies). It is a system where major national affairs are discussed regularly at the time and place, balancing each other, coordinating and helping each other, and finally being decided by the emperor.
The political hall system is the "separation of three powers" with Chinese characteristics in feudal society.
It can be said that the political hall system is the most advanced, enlightened and perfect system on earth in this era...
There is a huge sycamore tree in front of the Provincial Political Affairs Hall at Menxia. It is like a canopy and lush. Its lush branches and leaves cover the sky and the sun, blocking the interior of the Political Affairs Hall.
The large hall of Nuo was decorated in a simple and elegant manner. There was a dark red carpet with a dragon pattern in the middle, several tables placed around it, and the floor was smooth and bright.
There was a scent of tea on the table, several prime ministers were talking softly, and the atmosphere was relaxed.
It was only when Shangshu Zuopu Shefang Xuanling, Shangshu Youpu She Changsun Wuji, Minister Wei Zheng, and Zhongshu Ling Cen Wenwen saw His Majesty Li Er and Ma Zhou coming in a hurry that they felt so relaxed. Turned into surprise.
The Zhengshitang has the rules of the Zhengshitang. Although the final resolution formed in the Zhengshitang must be approved by the emperor, under normal circumstances, the emperor will not interfere in the formation process of the resolution.
This is an enlightened system and a manifestation of His Majesty's confidence.
His Majesty Li Er, who is wise and powerful, firmly believes that his prime minister will make any decision on the basis of benefiting the development of the empire...
Several prime ministers stood up in surprise. Fang Xuanling bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, do you have something important to discuss?"
According to the system, unless there is an urgent matter, the emperor should not participate in the political affairs hall meeting. Only after the resolution is formed, it needs to be submitted to the emperor by the province for approval by the emperor. If there is no objection, it will be sent back to the province and promulgated throughout the world.
This is also the reason why political affairs in the political hall must be discussed under the supervision of the disciples.
First, it is determined by the division of responsibilities among the three provinces.
Among the three provinces, the provincial governor of Zhongshu issues an order, the provincial governor of his subordinates refutes it, and the provincial governor of Shangshu follows it. That is to say, the Zhongshu Province is the legislative organ that formulates major principles and policies on behalf of the emperor; the Menxia Province is the organ that examines whether the laws are feasible; and the Shangshu Province is the organ that implements government orders.
Among the three branches of power separation, the provinces are among them. Whether the decree can be issued and the consequences of its implementation are the key to the provinces. Therefore, it is natural for the governors of the three provinces to discuss politics in the province below...
Secondly, it is determined by work procedures.
As an edict issuing a political decree, it must be affixed with the emperor's seal to be effective. The emperor's eight treasures were all managed by Fu Baolang of the Menxia Province. Government affairs were discussed in the Menxia Province. After the negotiations were made, they were reported to the emperor for approval. Then they were sealed and proclaimed by the Zhongshu Province, which reduced the turnover of government orders and was conducive to improving work efficiency.
His Majesty Li Er waved his hand and signaled Ma Zhou behind him to hand over Fang Jun's memorial to the prime ministers. Then he ordered people to rearrange the two tables. After sitting down, he said: "This is a memorial from Fang Jun. I I think we should let the prime ministers take a look.”
Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, Wei Zheng, Cen Wenwen and others did not reach out to take the memorial handed over by Ma Zhou, but all looked at Ma Zhou.
Ma Zhou suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
According to the system, he is just a member of the Zhongshushe, and is not qualified to sit here and participate in the political affairs hall meeting... But it is His Majesty the Emperor who asked him to come. Should he leave quietly, or stay here in accordance with His Majesty's wishes?
Ma Zhou could only look at His Majesty Li Er...
His Majesty Li Er naturally understands the meaning of all the prime ministers. There must be rules in everything. Without rules, there will be no success. The political hall naturally has its own rules. Even if he is the emperor, he cannot go beyond or destroy them unscrupulously.
However, His Majesty Li Er got some inspiration from Fang Jun. He looked around and said slowly: "You must all know about Ma Zhou's ability and character. However, no matter how talented he is, he cannot reach the sky in one step. To know something from birth, you must continue to learn and comprehend. How about Ma Zhou just listening and not speaking or participating? ”
All the prime ministers looked at Ma Zhou in unison.
The implication of His Majesty the Emperor's words could not be clearer. In order to support Ma Zhou's rise to power, he first came to the Political Hall to learn from the prime ministers.
As the emperor said, no one is born knowing it. No matter how unparalleled the wisdom is, it must be strengthened through continuous learning. As one of the future governors of the three provinces, it is beneficial to study in the political hall in advance.
The problem is that this move breaks the precedent that the political hall is only used by the prime minister to discuss matters...
Once this case is established, will the so-called "promising" officials in the future be able to get a foothold in the political hall in the name of studying?
If anyone can come, what are the rules?
What has become of the Political Hall?
What is the original intention of the prime minister's discussion?
The several prime ministers looked at each other, and each could see the fear and caution in the other's heart.
Cen Wenwen was Ma Zhou's direct commander, so it was naturally difficult for him to express his opinions. Changsun Wuji is an old fox. Although his attitude is very clear, he is unwilling to offend others publicly. Fang Xuanling is a good old man, and he would never say such words that are equivalent to a slap in the face.
Fortunately, there is another person who is not afraid of offending people, but also strives to offend people...
Wei Zheng coughed, raised his eyelids, glanced at Ma Zhou, and said with a hoarse voice and weak confidence: "We have Ma Zhou's talent in our hearts, and it will only be a matter of time before he becomes the pillar of the country. No one doubts it. Only with rules can we form a square circle. If Today we made an exception because of Ma Zhou. If someone wants to enter the Zhengshi Hall on this topic in the future, how can we refuse? Can you take part?”
His Majesty Li Er's face was as black as coal, and his cheeks couldn't help but twitch.
This old bastard is really disrespectful...
For a moment, His Majesty Li Er had the urge to jump up and kick this old guy who was specifically against him!
Ma Zhou took a deep breath, looked as normal, bowed deeply to the emperor and the prime ministers, and stepped back.
There was silence in the political hall.
After a long time, Fang Xuanling praised: "Favours and humiliations cannot be tolerated, he is as strong as a rock and can be the mainstay! King Ma Bin is truly the pillar of the future of the empire. Your Majesty is very happy and congratulatory!"
Fang Xuanling is obviously very optimistic about Ma Zhou's performance.
Cen Wenwen smiled with his square old face and said unhurriedly: "There are talented people in this generation, and the days when our corpses can eat without food are running out."
When Changsun Wuji heard this, he felt a pain in his heart for no reason, as if someone had stabbed him...
A new generation of people is better than the old, just like Ma Zhou, Chu Suiliang and other new generation officials have gradually occupied important positions, and the day when they will take office is not far away. Even rising stars such as Fang Jun and Li Jingye have risen to prominence.
But the most outstanding child of the Changsun family is now like an ant floating in the rivers and lakes, living far away from the temple, lingering...
Thinking of this, Changsun Wuji secretly gritted his teeth, filled with hatred!
Wei Zheng stood up tremblingly, bowed deeply to His Majesty Li Er, and said: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. It is not out of the feelings of a veteran minister and a monarch, but I deliberately tarnish your Majesty's face. In fact, the Political Affairs Hall is the center of the empire, and the rules are Naturally, it must be emphasized again and again. Otherwise, once this case is started, there will be endless troubles. By then, the political hall will exist in name only. How can it be a blessing to the empire? "
His Majesty Li Er took a long breath. How could he not understand this?
If anyone can enter the political hall for various reasons, the competition for the interests of all parties will be unprecedentedly fierce. The Zhengshitang is not a pure existence, but due to its streamlined structure and equal-restriction rules, it can maintain its purity to the greatest extent.
Once all forces are involved, the center of the empire will become a arena of interests, putting its own interests above those of the empire, which deviates from the original intention of the political hall.
But because he valued Ma Zhou very much, and in his mind Ma Zhou must be the best candidate for Zhongshu Ling in the future, he was negligent.
The most rare thing is that Wei Zheng, a stubborn old guy, actually put on his face and apologized to himself?
His Majesty Li Er was a little surprised. Could it be that "when a person is about to die, his words are also good"?
Wei Zheng fell seriously ill at the end of last year and almost died. At that time, His Majesty Li Er secretly rejoiced for a long time. After all, life would be much more comfortable without this old guy who was always against him...
But now, looking at Wei Zheng's trembling and sick face, who was struggling to speak, I felt a sense of sadness in my heart for no reason.
No matter what, Wei Zheng always served the Tang Dynasty wholeheartedly. Maybe he always had some resistance to my ascension to the throne in his heart, but so what? The more this happens, the more I want to show him that I am the only emperor in history!
My ambition is to be the emperor of the ages. I should have the world in mind. Why should I fight with a dying person?
In an instant, His Majesty Li Er calmed down.
He waved his hand to Wei Zheng kindly and said warmly: "I'm not young anymore. Don't you know what your body is like? Just sit down and talk. Don't worry about these false courtesy."
Wei Zheng felt warm in his heart and said respectfully: "Old minister... I obey the order."
Then he sat down tremblingly.
His Majesty Li Er pointed to the memorial left by Ma Zhou: "Everyone, please read it. After reading it, discuss its feasibility. I will sit here without interrupting and let the prime ministers discuss it."
This is also a tactful expression of respect for Wei Zheng's opinions and will not interfere with the rules of the political hall. Even the emperor sat obediently and said nothing to show his respect for the prime ministers, let alone the rest of the people?
The existence of the Political Hall ensures that the highest authority of the empire can always put the interests of the empire first. This is the most important thing!
Cen Wenwen casually picked up the memorial, looked at the prime ministers, and said with a smile: "I'll read it first."
After saying that, he lowered his head and read through it carefully.
The square face gradually became serious, and every time he read something exciting, his two eyebrows would slightly raise.
Several prime ministers became curious.
Cen Wenwen was a strict and upright man, and he paid special attention to official dignity and appearance. Every word and deed was in line with etiquette, and he was absolutely unwilling to be frivolous and casual. If he wasn't shocked, how could he have such an expression that showed his emotions in front of His Majesty?
Fang Xuanling was even more curious.
This brat didn't even mention to himself that he wanted to submit a memorial to the emperor. What the hell did he have in mind?
Changsun Wuji snorted coldly, lowered his eyebrows and lowered his eyes, showing no interest.
In his opinion, Fang Jun just relied on his literary talent to be flamboyant and come up with some unreasonable ideas to win the emperor's favor and flatter the emperor.
A perfect sycophant!
How could a man who acted recklessly and recklessly have any sophisticated strategies for the country that the emperor should bring to the political hall?
It’s clearly partiality!
Once upon a time, this kind of favoritism was the treatment enjoyed by Changsun Chong. Now...
Changsun Wuji felt more and more hatred in his heart. He gritted his teeth secretly and waited for me. He kept all the new and old debts in his heart, and one day he would have to settle them one by one!
There was silence in the political hall. Occasionally, I remembered the sound of drinking tea, accompanied by the sound of Cen's text being flipped through.
Cen Wenwen read very slowly, seeming to chew on the meaning contained in each word, guessing the secrets that might be hidden behind it...
After a long time, Cen Wenwen let out a long breath and handed the memorial to Fang Xuanling beside him, with a look of envy and jealousy on his face, and his tone was mixed with some inexplicable emotion.
"What more can I ask for if I have a son like this? Brother Xuanling is really lucky..."
It’s a big chapter of four thousand words, I’m too lazy to share it, otherwise I’ll be scolded for breaking the chapter...
(End of chapter)