There were only some finishing touches left on the draft girls and the military parade. Zheng Yi did not intervene, but took care of some chores.
Zhengyong fourteenth year, September 11th.
Zheng Yi personally went to the Lu Mansion to visit the chief minister Lu Xiangqing.
More than a hundred people from the Lu family went out to greet him, led by Lu Jiye, the eldest son of Lu Xiangqing.
After some pleasantries, Zheng Yi saw Lu Xiangqing who was paralyzed in bed.
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"
Lu Xiangqing, who was originally lying on the bed, struggled to sit up and salute after seeing Zheng Yi.
Lu Jiye on the side quickly went over to help him up. Unfortunately, Lu Xiangqing couldn't even speak clearly because of the stroke, and kept mumbling 'wuwuwu'.
"Alas..."
Seeing Lu Xiangqing's miserable situation, Zheng Yi also shook his head.
In the entire court, although Lu Xiangqing was from an aristocratic family, because his granddaughter Lu Lin'er was the queen, they always supported Zheng Yi.
Even in his seventies, he still had to be the first assistant in the cabinet to assist Zheng Yi in managing the court.
Although he is suspected of forming a party for personal gain and engaging in party strife, his contribution cannot be erased.
Now he has suffered a stroke and been paralyzed.
I have to say, things are really unpredictable.
Zheng Yi also offered words of comfort, and after a visit, he directly summoned Lu Xiangqing's heir, who was still in the Lu Mansion.
"We have met Your Majesty, and may Your Majesty live long live!"
More than twenty immediate family members such as Lu Xiangqing's sons, daughters, and grandsons knelt all over the floor with expressions of support.
"Lu Qing has made great contributions to my great success, but now he is seriously ill. I am grateful."
Zheng Yi said: "From today on, all treatment and recovery matters for Lu Qing will be carried out by Tai Hospital to ensure that Lu Qing can recover as soon as possible."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
It is extremely difficult to recover from stroke paralysis, and it happened to an old man in his seventies.
From a modern perspective, it can only be a matter of eating as much as you want and enjoying your old age.
"Lu Qing's official position is important and he has more tasks. He cannot be abolished at will."
"But since Lu Qing is seriously ill now and unable to move, the affairs of the court will be temporarily left to the cabinet."
Zheng Yi looked at the many people with different expressions and continued: "Of course, I am not an unkind person, so I will reward Lu Qing."
"You guys, just wait for the imperial edict."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After returning to the palace, Zheng Yi immediately recruited important ministers of the cabinet.
"I have met Your Majesty!"
In Baiyujing, there are five cabinet ministers: Xu Mujun, Zheng Xuanyue, Li Changfeng, Wang Anshi, and Zheng Zongbing.
There are also cabinet tours such as Yuan Qichang and Cai Dashi.
"If you love me, I will grant you a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After everyone sat down, Zheng Yi said directly: "Now that Lu Qing is seriously ill and unable to take care of state affairs, I would like to remove him from the position of chief minister of the cabinet and appoint him again."
"But Lu Qing has made great contributions to the country, and now he is out of office due to illness. You can discuss a way to reward him."
When several people heard this, they felt that Lu Xiangqing was indeed not suitable to be the chief minister of the cabinet, and Zheng Yi could not directly dismiss him. He must be given a reward to appease Lu Xiangqing and his party.
Zheng Xuanyue immediately said: "Your Majesty, Mr. Lu is loyal to the country and deserves a reward."
"I propose that Lord Lu be given a title to show your majesty's magnanimity and kindness."
"Title..."
Zheng Yi glanced at Xu Mujun. Among them, only Xu Mujun was a marquis.
And if Lu Xiangqing is knighted, he cannot be lower than Xu Mujun, otherwise it will also cause criticism from the court.
"What's your idea, Qing Zheng?"
Zheng Xuanyue said: "Master Lu can be granted the title of third-rank Duke Chengen, the title of Duke!"
Duke!
Zheng Yi's heart moved and he looked Zheng Xuanyue up and down.
Duke Cheng'en is said to be a Duke, but he is only a third-class Duke.
Under normal circumstances, the position is held by the queen's father, provided that he has made great achievements.
But now there is no Duke Chengen in the entire imperial court.
It would be very suitable if this title was given to Lu Xiangqing.
The most important thing is that compared with Xu Mujun's first-class loyal and brave marquis, although he is a duke, he is still inferior.
"What do you think?"
Xu Mujun said concisely and concisely: "My lord, I second the proposal!"
"I second the proposal!"
"I second the proposal!"
"Okay!"
Zheng Yi made the final decision: "In this case, then give Lu Qing the third-class Duke Cheng'en and the first rank, Liujue."
"Obey!"
The so-called Liujue means that the title only applies to oneself.
Once the person dies, the title will be cancelled, which is the most common type of title inheritance.
But the first-class loyal and brave marquis of Xu Mujun was hereditary.
As long as Dayu is still there, Xu Mujun's descendants will continue to inherit it and will be extremely noble unless they commit any rebellion.
"One more thing."
Zheng Yi said: "Lu Qing cannot hold the position of chief minister of the cabinet. Let's discuss a new chief minister of the cabinet today."
As soon as he finished speaking, several people's expressions changed slightly.
Zheng Xuanyue took the lead and said: "Your Majesty, the position of chief minister of the cabinet is of course held by General Xu."
"First of all, the general was the first chief assistant of the cabinet, and now it is only natural that he will be retaken as the chief assistant."
"Secondly, General Xu has made great achievements, but the court has not yet rewarded him. The position of subjugation in the cabinet belongs to General Xu."
"I second the proposal!"
"I second the proposal!"
Wang Anshi and others spoke one after another.
Seeing this situation, Zheng Yi also looked at Xu Mujun.
Originally, according to his idea, the position of chief minister of the cabinet was reserved for Wang Anshi.
It's a pity that Wang Anshi is not as good as Xu Mujun regardless of his age, qualifications, etc.
The original idea was to let Lu Xiangqing work for a few more years and let Wang Anshi gain more experience.
Unexpectedly... Lu Xiangqing took the lead in retiring.
It seems that Xu Mujun can only take the lead now.
Xu Mujun turned sideways and said: "Your Majesty, please choose someone else for the position of chief minister of the cabinet."
"Oh? Why?"
Zheng Yi was a little surprised. This is the position of the chief minister of the cabinet. One person is inferior to ten thousand people.
Xu Mujun just gave up so easily?
Xu Mujun said: "Your Majesty, I am only good at military affairs and not familiar with political affairs."
"Now that the rebellion in the south has been pacified, and the military kingdom in the north has also stopped fighting, it is time to release the horses to the Nanshan Mountains and practice benevolence and righteousness."
"It is not appropriate for me to serve as the chief minister of the cabinet again."
"Let the horse go to Nanshan? Practice benevolence and righteousness?"
Zheng Yi murmured, but did not comment.
How can there be lasting peace between countries?
The matter of letting the horse go to Nanshan will last a long time!
However, if Xu Mujun does not want to serve as the chief minister of the cabinet, he cannot force him.
Unless...
Zheng Yi's eyes flashed slightly, and he quickly thought of something, and said to Xu Mujun: "Xu Qing, I established a military academy a few years ago, but unfortunately it was shelved due to the rebellion later, and it existed in name only."
"Ai Qing is the principal of the military academy and should take the responsibility of establishing the military academy."
Xu Mujun said strangely: "Your Majesty means..."
"Now the military parade is coming soon. After the military parade is completed, Aiqing can select suitable candidates from the military parade officers to serve as teachers and students in the military school, study in the school, and cultivate military talents for our Dayu. How about that?"
"Let the horse go to Nanshan? Practice benevolence and righteousness? I, Dayu, have been in existence for more than three hundred years. Do you have any intention of stopping the army?"
"In my opinion, our military in Dayu should be maintained at a certain level every year, not just the imperial army and the border army, to deal with all possible accidents." Zheng Yi said: "I intend to make the military academy a prime minister and the Imperial Academy. Can Xu Qing achieve a comparable talent training base? ”
Xu Mujun immediately said: "My lord, I obey the order!"
Zheng Yi breathed a long sigh of relief and said: "Since Xu Qing does not want to be the chief assistant of the cabinet, then the position of chief assistant of the cabinet..."
The ears of everyone present subconsciously stood up.
Especially Zheng Xuanyue, Zheng Zongbing, and Li Changfeng.
Zheng Yi hesitated for a few seconds and then said immediately: "Zheng Xuanyue, Zheng Aiqing is the chief assistant of the cabinet!"
In today's cabinet, several people have their own interest groups behind them.
Xu Mujun represents the military, and Li Changfeng is the Minister of War. They can also be regarded as a party.
Zheng Zongbing was the clan's order, representing the royal family and the meritorious party.
Zheng Xuanyue is Qingliu and has the largest number of people behind him.
Wang Anshi was from a clean background, but now he was a member of the imperial party.
The original Lu Xiangqing represented the interests of the family.
Nowadays, most of the aristocratic families have been destroyed, but the strength and talents behind them cannot be underestimated.
It is a pity that Lu Xiangqing is now seriously ill and has retired from office, and the power of the family and his party in the court has been greatly reduced.
Although he has already entered the realm of cultivation, he does not need to manage these mundane matters.
But after all, Dayu is his basic base and cannot be messed up.
Therefore, we can only maintain balance.
Only after the imperial party has fully grown up can he rest easy.
Zheng Xuanyue's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly knelt down and kowtowed: "I accept the decree to express my gratitude. I will do my best for Your Majesty's filial dogs and horses, and die!"
"With the words of love for you, I feel relieved."
Zheng Yi continued: "Since Xu Qing doesn't like political affairs, but the cabinet still needs Xu Qing to be in charge, if that's the case... let's continue to add the position of assistant minister to the cabinet."
Several people's expressions changed: "Your Majesty, please tell me."
"Cai Dashi and Yuan Qichang worked hard and made great achievements. They were worthy of big posts and were promoted to cabinet ministers."
Cai Dashi and Yuan Qichang quickly knelt down and kowtowed: "I kneel down to thank Your Majesty for your grace!"
Especially Cai Dashi, his eyes filled with excitement.
He was born in a small country, Weiguo, and has always been looked down upon.
Now, under the promotion of Zheng Yi, he has become an assistant minister of the cabinet. He can be called the highest-ranking person in Dayu in a foreign country. He can't help but be excited.
"And..."
"Your Majesty!"
Cai Dashi suddenly said excitedly: "I have something important to report!"
"Oh? What's the matter?"
"I received a letter from home. King Wei of the Kingdom of Wei died. His three sons used their family power to persecute the Crown Prince of Wei. Now the Crown Prince of Wei has escaped back to Dayu with the help of loyal and brave people. Please ask your Majesty to move troops to rescue the Crown Prince of Wei!"
"Oh? King Wei passed away? When did it happen?"
"Two months ago..."
Cai Dashi continued: "The mother family of Wei Zifeng, the third son of King Wei, is a powerful family of the Wei Kingdom and controls the court. The Crown Prince of Wei is the successor designated by King Wei, but he was persecuted by the third son of King Wei..."
"Weiguo, Weiguo..."
Zheng Yi knocked on the table, looked at the crowd and said, "What good ideas do you have?"
Xu Mujun said: "The Kingdom of Wei is a vassal state of our Great Yu vassal. If King Wei dies, the son of King Wei should succeed to the throne as the new King of Wei!"
"Where is Zheng Qing?"
Zheng Xuanyue glanced at Zheng Yi carefully and said in a low voice: "The Kingdom of Wei has submitted its credentials to Dayu one month ago, and the third son of King Wei, Wei Zifeng, will succeed him as King of Wei..."
"Huh?"
Seeing that Zheng Yi was displeased, Zheng Xuanyue hurriedly changed his words: "However, the credentials of the Wei Kingdom have been seized by us and have not been issued. This move by Wei Zifeng, the third son of King Wei, is really treason. We, Dayu, should not let it go."< br>
"I would like to inform your majesty that you can send a large army to the guard to protect the crown prince of the king of Wei and succeed him as the new king of the guard!"
"Okay!"
Zheng Yi nodded and said: "Then follow Aiqing's policy."
Only then did Zheng Xuanyue let out a low breath. It seemed that the third son of King Wei was about to die.
As for the things he sent... of course they will not be returned!
I have said everything I should say, but Your Majesty does not agree, and I can do nothing.
"Xu Qing, who do you think would be good to send to assist Prince Wei?"
Xu Mujun thought about it for a while and then said: "Weiguo has many mountains and forests, and it is extremely inconvenient for the army to walk."
"A hundred years ago when Dayu was founded, three monarchs sent large armies to conquer the Wei Kingdom, but unfortunately they all failed."
"If you want to assist Crown Prince Wei now, you need to send new troops into the defense. Only with the power of firearms can you be sure of victory!"
"Okay..."
Zheng Yi whispered: "Then Qu Bo, commander of the Second Army of the New Army, will be the general and lead the Second Army to assist the Crown Prince of Wei in entering the Wei Dynasty to suppress the rebellion!"
"No!"
Qu Bo, a member of the Imperial Party and former commander of the First Division of the New Army.
He made great contributions in quelling the rebellion in the south. For this reason, he became the commander of the Second Army, with more than 80,000 men under his command, all equipped with firearms.
"In addition... Cai Dashi, who follows the army and supervises the army, assists the succession of Crown Prince Wei."
Cai Dashi was surprised and said: "I obey the order!"
After handling the matter, Zheng Yi continued: "Kong Xiangsi was promoted to assistant minister of the cabinet."
Kong Xiangsi was the Minister of Rites and a loyal minister. He had always been one of the evergreen trees in the Yu Dynasty. He had a great reputation and advocated self-denial and restoration of etiquette. He was also one of the representatives of the aristocratic family.
Now that Lu Xiangqing has become an official, only Kong Xiangsi is the most suitable to be the spokesperson of the family in the court.
Unfortunately, Kong Xiangsi is also a bit older. If Zheng Yi remembers correctly, he is already in his seventies.
He had been requesting to become an official one after another before, but now he is actually promoted. No one knows how many people will be surprised.
Although several people present were a little surprised, they still said respectfully: "I obey the order."
Xu Mujun.
Zheng Xuanyue.
Zheng Zongbing.
Li Changfeng.
Wang Anshi.
Yuan Qichang.
Tsai Dashi.
and Kong Xiangsi, a total of eight people, which is the list of assistant ministers of this cabinet.
However, Xu Mujun has a special status and does not participate in the daily affairs of the cabinet.
To be precise, there are only seven cabinet ministers, which is an odd number. There will be no embarrassing situation of a tie when voting on a certain decision.
"Also..."
Zheng Yi continued: "Now that the world has been settled, the rebellion in the south has been put down, and there are many post-war matters. You can nominate candidates for the cabinet, and gather twenty people to assist you in your work."
"The list of candidates will be handed over to me in three days for final review."
"I obey the order!"
"Kneel down!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After the cabinet members left, Zheng Yi summoned Chen Liancang.
"Mr. Chen, send the Shadow Guards to check on Prince Wei's situation. I want a true evaluation."
"Old slave obeys the order!"
Chen Liancang said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I have one more thing to report."
"Oh, what's the matter?"
"Senior Zhao Suzhen returned to the capital two months ago, but at that time His Majesty was still in seclusion and did not ask for an audience."
"Zhao Suzhen? Where are the others?"
"Senior Zhao Suzhen went to sea and said he was going to the overseas cultivation world."
"Going to sea?"
Zheng Yi was surprised and said: "Why? I still reserve the position of national master for him."
Chen Liancang smiled bitterly and said: "As far as I know, Senior Zhao Suzhen went to sea this time entirely for the sake of the Heavenly Master."
"Old Heavenly Master Zhao Xizheng? What happened to him?"
"Master Zhao...is about to pass away."
"Huh?"(End of Chapter)