bookbashuk Chapter 177
Chapter 177
Chapter 177
"good!"
After pondering for a long time, the emperor nodded in agreement.
"Your Majesty, there are too many people in those noble families, so it is not advisable to directly confiscate their property and arrest them for the time being. However, we should still make a show of it by sending troops to guard them for the time being."
Wang You said, "The Imperial City Guard is short-handed; Your Majesty must arrange for capable personnel."
"I understand. I will arrange for people to take control of the various noble residences involved in the case!" the Emperor nodded.
After leaving the palace, Wang You returned to the Imperial City Guard and conveyed the Emperor's message to Yu Xingzhi.
He naturally wouldn't tell Yu Xingzhi the Emperor's true intentions, only telling him to go ahead and do it, and to make sure the evidence was irrefutable.
Yu Xingzhi understood what Wang You meant. The so-called irrefutable evidence simply meant that any means could be used, including framing someone, but the evidence presented in the end had to be convincing.
After Wang You left, the government dispatched the Imperial Guards to seal off the homes of noble families whose members were involved in the case.
All family members were allowed to enter but not leave, and all their needs were provided by the Imperial Guard.
-
Wang You stayed at the Imperial City Guard until evening before leaving and taking a carriage home.
Along the way, Wang You opened the car window and could see that there were far fewer people outside than usual, which was obviously due to the court's crackdown on traitors.
"Young master, be careful!" Stone, mounted on his horse, warily surveyed his surroundings.
"It's alright, no one should be crazy enough to attack me for now!" Wang You said with a smile.
The government has given him these kinds of jobs, and Wang You is worried that someone might try to harm him, so now he always has Shi Tou and Xiao Man accompany him when he goes out.
"Better safe than sorry."
Upon hearing this, Stone remained dutiful and took precautions.
Upon hearing this, Wang You shook his head and lowered the carriage curtain.
He's not worried for now; he's guarding against what's behind him.
In ancient times, there were many court struggles. When some powerful ministers controlled the government, some people would even fight to the death against their opponents.
However, they rarely resorted to assassination.
The most famous assassinations in history are undoubtedly Jing Ke's assassination attempt on Qin Shi Huang and Lü Bu's killing of Dong Zhuo.
As for Cao Cao's assassination attempt on Dong Zhuo, that was entirely fabricated.
And all of these targets were related to the emperor.
The fundamental reason is that if the emperor is taken hostage or assassinated, many things can be changed.
Whether they succeed or not, they will still be remembered in history.
However, if one were to assassinate so-called treacherous and powerful officials, it would be easy to become the unjust party.
At this time, Wang You was only in charge of this matter, and the possibility of someone assassinating him was extremely low.
But when those scholars found out that they had also given the officials some advice, things changed.
Therefore, Wang You is not worried for the time being.
Upon arriving home, Wang You had just alighted from the carriage when the gatekeeper hurriedly came to greet him.
"Second Young Master."
The gatekeeper bowed and said, "The master instructed that the second young master should go to the main hall as soon as he returns."
"But what happened at home?" Wang You asked.
"I don't know, but Second Aunt's husband has arrived," the gatekeeper said.
"understood."
Wang You nodded, entered the courtyard, and headed straight for the main hall.
Upon arriving at the main hall, they saw Wang Min talking to Sheng.
"Father, Second Uncle!" Wang You greeted.
"Your second aunt's husband wants to see you about something."
Wang Min waved his hand and looked at Sheng Hong, saying, "You'er is back. Ask me whatever you need."
"Ziqian".
Sheng Hong asked, "So, someone from the Gu family is involved in the rebellion? Now that the Ningyuan Marquis's residence is surrounded by the Imperial Guards, I wonder how deeply the Gu family is involved?"
"Is your second uncle worried about your fourth cousin's marriage?" Wang You asked.
"That's right!"
Sheng Hong nodded and said, "I agreed to the Gu family's marriage proposal before, but I didn't know that the Gu family was actually involved with the Rebel King."
Sheng Hong was terrified when he learned that someone in the Gu family was involved in a rebellion.
Fortunately, the rest of the Gu family was unharmed; I heard that only one person each from the fourth and fifth branches of the Gu family were arrested.
But soon after, news spread that the Gu family had been surrounded by the Imperial Guards.
Sheng Hong couldn't sit still any longer.
He was worried that if something really happened to the Gu family, it might implicate the Sheng family.
She was also worried that if she announced that she was severing ties with the Gu family and canceling the engagement, she would be caught in the middle and not be liked by either side.
Normally, canceling an engagement that has already been agreed upon can easily lead to being looked down upon and attract a lot of gossip.
After all, the Sheng family married off a concubine's daughter, who was not a good match for the Gu family.
People will say that the Sheng family is opportunistic; they agreed to let their illegitimate daughter marry the legitimate son of a marquis, but now they're trying to distance themselves from her after something happens.
If the Gu family is truly finished, these rumors will all fall apart after the verdict is announced, and many people will praise Sheng for his decisiveness.
But if nothing serious happens to the Gu family, then the Sheng family will truly become a laughing stock.
It was precisely because Sheng Hong was caught in this dilemma that he came to Wang You to inquire about the news.
"It's hard to say. Although some members of the Gu family are involved, if they did it on their own and it wasn't instigated by the Gu family, the Gu family has the ironclad guarantee, so it shouldn't be too serious."
Wang You thought for a moment and said, "But no matter what, it's highly unlikely that the Sheng family will be implicated, since the two families haven't been engaged for very long."
Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong was immediately relieved, as long as the Sheng family was not implicated.
There's no rush regarding the engagement; we can wait until the verdict is announced and a decision is made.
"I told you it wouldn't implicate the Sheng family, now you can rest assured, right?"
Wang Min said, "I'll have some wine and dishes prepared, let's have a good drink together."
"It's really not possible today."
Sheng Hong shook his head and said, "Brother-in-law, I haven't gone home yet after finishing my shift today. My family must be worried about me."
Upon hearing this, Wang Min politely tried to persuade Sheng Hong to stay several times, but Sheng Hong refused each time, so he had no choice but to give up.
Sheng Hong went to greet Old Madam Wang, then took his leave.
"Brother You, I've heard there's been a huge uproar outside. Tell me the truth, did you orchestrate all of this?"
Grandma Wang asked.
"My grandson doesn't have that ability."
Wang You shook his head and said, "I'm still young. The Emperor put me in charge, which is actually just a way to give me credit. The actual work is handled by the Imperial City Guard and the Emperor."
The reason I've gone out these past few days is just for show.
That's good.
Grandma Wang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "This matter has blown up too much. Neither you nor the Wang family are suitable to get involved in this kind of thing."
"Grandson understands," Wang You nodded.
"Your Majesty!"
The eunuch Zhu walked behind Empress Dowager Cao, who was kneeling before the Buddha, and whispered, "His Majesty has sent men to surround all the families of the nobles involved in the case."
"Nonsense!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face turned ashen, and she rebuked the woman.
"Buddha, please forgive me!"
After scolding Empress Dowager Cao, she remembered that she was in the Buddhist hall. She muttered a few words and got up to walk out.
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.
Back in the main hall, Empress Dowager Cao said with a grim expression, "What exactly is he trying to do? He just ascended the throne, hasn't even settled into his position yet, and there's already widespread resentment!"
Logically, since the Emperor was investigating the rebels to avenge the late Emperor, Empress Dowager Cao should have supported it.
However, when the late emperor learned that Prince Chong intended to rebel, he had already arranged for an investigation.
She knew that the people Prince Chong had actually won over were some generals from the city defense battalion and the Five City Garrison.
These people had already been arrested by the late emperor while he was still alive.
At most, they missed some of the women who were hired by the king.
But now the government is going to launch a major offensive, which seems to implicate too many people.
It seems more like a way to eliminate dissidents and completely control the situation.
However, Empress Dowager Cao did not approve of this approach. In her view, the late emperor had done a very good job during his decades-long reign.
Although a war broke out with the Western Xia, the border was generally peaceful.
Domestically, the late emperor reduced taxes and corvée labor, and widely implemented benevolent policies, which earned him the deep love and respect of the people.
The Song Dynasty is able to achieve its current state entirely thanks to the late emperor's years of diligent and painstaking governance.
After the emperor ascends the throne, he should simply follow the established practices and continue the policies and ideas of the previous emperor.
She didn't object to the emperor wanting to place his own people in control of the court, but she couldn't ruin the excellent situation left by the late emperor.
The eunuch Zhu said, "It is said that Wang You, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, has been summoned by His Majesty several times recently, and each time he has had a private audience with him."
"Wang You?"
Empress Dowager Cao frowned and said, "Why does this sound so familiar?"
"This person participated in the prodigy examination back then, and the late emperor liked him very much and praised him many times," Zhu the eunuch reminded him.
"I remember now."
Empress Dowager Cao said, "The late emperor once praised his talent and said that when the princes are a little older, he can be their study companion, and when the princes ascend the throne, he will be of great use."
"That's right, it's him."
The eunuch Zhu said, "Her Highness the Princess has taken a liking to him, and it seems the Emperor is already planning to bestow a marriage upon him."
"snort!"
Empress Dowager Cao sneered, "The late emperor was very good at judging people and discovered many talented individuals. It's normal that he misjudged some of them."
She had already come to regard Wang You as the kind of opportunist who curried favor with officials for power.
In her view, the emperor summoned Wang You alone on several occasions to give him instructions.
After all, Wang You was of a certain age, and she didn't think he was capable of offering advice to the emperor.
"Reporting to the Empress Dowager!"
At this moment, a eunuch walked in and bowed.
"What is it?" Empress Dowager Cao asked, frowning.
"The Grand Master requests an audience!" the eunuch announced.
"Um?
'
Empress Dowager Cao was taken aback, and after a moment's hesitation, she said, "Please come in!"
"yes!"
Upon hearing this, the eunuch bowed and withdrew, and soon led Han Zhang in.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects and wish you good health!" Han Zhang bowed deeply.
"I'm perfectly fine."
Empress Dowager Cao smiled and said, "I didn't expect that Grand Chancellor Han would still remember me and come to inquire after my well-being."
"I am ashamed!" Han Zhang bowed and said.
"I know that His Majesty has just ascended the throne and is busy with state affairs, so I don't blame you."
Empress Dowager Cao waved her hand and asked, "Grand Chancellor Han's visit here must not be merely to pay his respects, right?"
"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you dismiss your attendants," Han Zhang said, bowing.
Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Cao looked at Eunuch Zhu, who nodded in understanding and dismissed all the palace maids and eunuchs serving in the hall, while he himself remained standing beside Empress Dowager Cao.
Han Zhang didn't say anything when he saw this. Zhu, the eunuch, had served the Empress Dowager for many years and was deeply trusted by her.
Even if you're not there now, you'll find out later.
"Please speak, my lord," said Empress Dowager Cao.
Han Zhang bowed and said, "His Majesty has only recently ascended the throne and has been focused on thoroughly investigating traitors."
Treason is a serious crime, and a thorough investigation is certainly warranted. However, His Majesty has already caused widespread panic in the court and among the people.
Officials had no interest in governing, fearing they would be implicated.
The people of Bianjing were also filled with fear and anxiety because of this.
Although the Liao Dynasty did not invade the border when the emperor ascended the throne, the situation could change drastically if major internal turmoil were to occur within the Song Dynasty.
"Does Grand Chancellor Han want me to persuade the Emperor?"
Empress Dowager Cao shook her head and said, "I'm afraid I've disappointed Grand Chancellor Han. The inner palace must not interfere in politics; this is an ironclad rule. Besides, he's not my son after all, so how could he listen to me?"
If I were to intervene, not only would it be ineffective, but it would also needlessly annoy people.
"I am not begging Your Majesty the Empress Dowager to dissuade His Majesty, but rather I wish to request Your Majesty to rule from behind the curtain!" Han Zhang said in a startling statement.
"Ruling from behind the curtain?"
Empress Dowager Cao was taken aback, then frowned and said, "The late Emperor did not leave such an edict before his death. Your Majesty is nearing forty; how can I rule from behind the curtain?"
It is an ironclad rule that the empress dowager must not interfere in politics, but as long as she governs from behind the curtain in accordance with etiquette, there is no problem.
There are only two scenarios for someone to rule from behind the curtain.
First, the late emperor left a will allowing the Empress Dowager to temporarily rule from behind the curtain.
Secondly, the emperor was young, and all the officials jointly requested that the empress dowager rule from behind a screen.
The claim that the emperor was young and the empress dowager voluntarily ruled from behind the curtain is unfounded.
Sometimes, if the crown prince is too young when the emperor is dying, he will choose several regents.
They made all the decisions of the court, and the emperor would relinquish power when he reached old age.
In the original drama, Empress Dowager Cao was able to rule from behind the curtain because Emperor Zhao Zongquan knew that his power base was unstable, so he asked her to do so.
When the late emperor passed away, he left behind neither regents nor an edict for him to rule from behind the curtain.
The emperor is almost forty years old, and from any perspective, there is no reason for her to rule from behind the curtain.
As for Han Zhang's petition, strictly speaking, it was more like a coup d'état.
Although Empress Dowager Cao was somewhat dissatisfied with the Emperor's actions, she had not yet reached the point of forcing him to abdicate and seize power.
Moreover, she did not value power; what she valued more was the continuity of the late emperor's policies.
If she agrees to a coup, who knows what will happen?
If this causes chaos, wouldn't it mean that she personally destroyed the late emperor's hard work?
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
Han Zhang bowed and said, "I have not allowed the Empress Dowager to rule from behind the curtain for too long, nor is it now."
If Your Majesty's methods become too ruthless and you persist in your own way, your ministers and all the officials in the court will jointly petition the Empress Dowager to rule from behind the curtain!
At that time, the Empress Dowager could temporarily rule from behind the curtain to avoid major turmoil in the court.
Once the turmoil subsides, we can simply relinquish power and return control to the emperor!
Empress Dowager Cao hesitated upon hearing this, but she felt it was her duty to stop the Emperor from ruining the excellent situation left by the late Emperor.
Although she worried that this would cause even greater chaos, it was only a possibility.
On the contrary, if the emperor insists on going his own way, she believes that great chaos is just around the corner.
Thinking about it that way, Han Zhang's suggestion wasn't entirely unreasonable.
Empress Dowager Cao remained silent for a moment before saying, "Let's see what the Emperor does first. You should also try your best to persuade him!"
"Your subject obeys!" Han Zhang bowed and replied.
Although Empress Dowager Cao did not explicitly agree, it was practically the same as agreeing.
Moreover, allowing Empress Dowager Cao to rule from behind the curtain was also a final preparation.
Unless absolutely necessary, Han Zhang did not want Empress Dowager Cao to rule from behind the curtain.
Although Empress Dowager Cao appeared to have no interest in power.
Throughout history, how many empress dowagers who ruled from behind the curtain actually returned power to the emperor after he came of age?
Many empress dowagers, after assuming power behind the curtain, were just like emperors, only relinquishing power upon their death.
Even if some were forced to relinquish power, it was only in name; in reality, the real power remained in the hands of the Empress Dowager.