Chapter 1105 A backbone, a dam
"Meet the British Duke."
On the way to the value house, Li Ji kept nodding his head, with a gentle expression, like a kind neighbor.
At the age of seventy, he can put aside those taboos and live a generous life.
Most of the officials showed reverence when they saw him.
This is the only surviving commander of the Tang Dynasty military. With him, everyone from officials to emperors will feel at ease. With him around, foreign races would have to weigh some things if they wanted to spy on Datang.
After entering the duty room, a small official came to make tea.
"Mr. British, there are more than ten people outside asking to see you."
Li Ji sat down comfortably, "The old man is a Sikong now, he doesn't care about things, and he doesn't want to do things. Tell them to go where they should go."
The little official agreed and went out immediately.
Walking all the way to the front yard, more than ten people are waiting.
"The British Duke has spoken."
Everyone stood with their hands tied.
"When you have something to do, just go to the various divisions."
There was disdain in the eyes of the little official. He knew the purpose of these people... Li Ji had long since ignored the specific duties, but there were still many people waiting outside every day, calling them to ask for instructions, but they were really flattering.
Authority comes from ministries. Without specific ministries, you won’t be able to fart. Therefore, most officials are like walking dead after they have no office. But Li Ji is different. His great prestige allows him to easily change the fate of many people, but he never uses his prestige to achieve any purpose.
Everyone dispersed, only one old man remained.
"Why don't you go?"
It's not surprising that this kind of brazen and stubborn person can meet one every once in a while.
The wrinkles on the old man's face were horrifyingly deep, and he respectfully saluted, "The old man is in a hurry to see the Duke of England."
The little official said: "Just go and find the various divisions."
Li Ji said he didn't care about things, so he really didn't care about things. Even in court meetings, he wouldn't express his opinion unless it was a major event.
The old man hesitated to speak, with a look of shame on his face.
The little official sneered in his heart, "Go."
The little official left, and the old man stood there in a daze.
"Let's go quickly."
Some officials said that they were dissatisfied.
When the old man left the official office, he squatted outside the gate.
The autumn wind is getting colder, rolling up fallen leaves, red and yellow, like life is floating.
After an unknown amount of time, a warm voice came from the door.
"Meet the Duke."
The old man stood up quickly and straightened his clothes, but his hair was dry and curled up, and he couldn't hold it down several times. He spit in the palm of his hand, then wiped his hair.
Li Ji came out.
"Duke of the State."
Li Ji turned around and looked at the old man, "You..."
Two sergeants stepped forward and stared at the old man vigilantly.
The old man was a little uneasy, "Duke, old man Chen Kui, he was the captain of the team under the Duke..."
The old man then talked about his resume, Li Ji nodded, "What are you doing here?"
Chen Kui said: "I'm ashamed to say it, old man...my neighbor's family ran away with debts..."
Everyone understood in an instant.
The official who followed Li Ji said: "If the family runs away, the neighbor will have to pay the tax owed by his family. This is the law, how can you come and beg the British Duke?"
"Yes! Since you are an old soldier, you should know the truth that the law cannot be forgiven lightly."
Chen Kui blushed with embarrassment, "Yes, Duke, the old man was ashamed to come, but San Lang wanted to marry a wife. Now that he pays taxes for the family, the old man went to borrow money... and now he can't pay it. The old man has no Yan..."
Li Ji looked at him, "Go back and live a good life."
"Thank you, Duke." The old man was ecstatic, his face turned red immediately, and he looked down at Li Ji.
Li Ji nodded, and then entered the palace.
After the discussion between the monarch and his subjects, Li Ji's heart moved slightly, and he took the matter as gossip.
No response.
Only the prince thought deeply.
Back to the East Palace later, Jia Ping'an has already arrived.
"Uncle." Li Hong said this before class started.
"Unbao! This matter started from Shang Yang's reform, and it is also a law of continuous sitting. If something happens to one family, it will be bad luck to the neighbors."
It would be denounced as a lazy government if it were a cliff in later generations, but in this era, the method of continuous sitting is the top management method.
Jia Pingan said: "Four families are neighbors, and five households have one guarantee. This law has been implemented for many years, and all localities rely on it."
In this era, it is impossible to fine-tune management, and even sitting methods will come into play.
Li Hong said: "I don't think this matter is right. If one person is wrong, it's fine to hurt the family. Why do you hurt the neighbors?"
This kid can think of this?
Jia Ping'an was slightly happy, "I can't say what to do about this matter, just do what you want."
I support you in spirit.
"Who mentioned this?"
Jia Pingan asked.
"British public."
Lao Li, what does this mean?
…
Li Ji is drinking tea.
Followers are reporting.
"Ah Lang, the Yang family said earlier that they would not sell big cars to Mr. Xiao Lang. Mr. Mr. Xiao Lang went to see it today, and the Yang family's mouth is not bad..."
Li Ji looked calm, "What did Jingye say?"
The entourage said: "Xiao Langjun said that he will definitely get a better cart in the future, which will make the Yang family feel ashamed."
Li Ji smiled, "Jingye has grown up."
The entourage secretly laughed inwardly, thinking how old Mr. Xiao Lang's children are, yet A Lang still speaks like a child.
The entourage said: "Alang, do you want to make a move?"
Li Ji shook his head, "Such things...don't worry about it."
He is Li Ji, how could he take action because of such quarrels?
The entourage said: "Mr. Xiao Lang has a bad temper. If he can't bear it someday, the Yang family will be demolished."
Li Ji shook his head.
"You've only seen the Yang family speak rudely, but have you ever wondered why?"
The follower was puzzled, "Could it be..."
Li Ji said: "The old man's time in the center is too long, and the long time makes many people uneasy."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, but there was still warmth in those eyes.
…
"The emperor had monopolized power a few years ago. At the least, there were only three prime ministers. Among them, Li Yifu and Xu Jingzong were the emperor's captive dogs. Li Ji didn't care much..."
Cui Chen said: "Then all parties put pressure on the emperor, and he gradually increased the number of people. Now Li Ji, Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu, Liu Rengui, Shangguanyi, and Dou Dexuan are six prime ministers. I think I can add one or two more."
Lu Shunzai nodded, "Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu are the emperor's dogs, Liu Rengui is stubborn and not close to us, Shangguan Yiwei follows the emperor's lead, and Dou Dexuan is in charge of the household department with all his heart... It's time for us to move."
"Go in one at least." Wang Sheng said: "No one in the court is the biggest problem for our gentry now. No one speaks for the gentry. The emperor is weakening our gentry step by step, so we can no longer sit idly by."
"The most important thing is Li Ji." Lu Shunzai said: "Have you ever noticed that since Liu Rengui, the emperor would consult Li Ji every time he wanted to appoint a prime minister? How can people get in?"
This is a problem.
"Li Ji has become more and more careless in recent years." Lu Shunzai laughed.
Wang Sheng said: "But you have to be careful."
Lu Shunzai nodded, "Try later. If he really doesn't care about things, then most of the things will be done."
Wang Sheng laughed and said: "Li Jingye went to buy a big car for Li Ji, which annoyed the Yang family. The Yang family refused to sell it, but Li Ji actually sat back and watched his grandson be humiliated. It can be seen that he really didn't care about it."
Everyone smiles.
Cui Chen said: "This is a vegetarian meal for corpses, but it's okay."
…
"Your Majesty later discovered that the number of prime ministers was too small. Even though the political affairs were agreed, the government orders were not clear enough. It seemed that the power was in hand, but it was actually rigid, so the number of prime ministers was increased."
Yang Deli's vision is different now, Jia Pingan secretly praised what he said.
"Now there are six prime ministers, safe, can you go in?"
Yang Deli looked forward to it, "Thirty years! No, I have to pray."
"Aunt..."
Jia Pingan sat there dumbfounded, and Wang Bo asked, "Sir, is this a prayer?"
Jia Pingan nodded.
When Yang Deli’s family died, he was the only one left. If Jia Ping’an’s mother hadn’t picked him up, how would a child live? So in Yang Deli's heart, aunt is a god.
His belief is so pious that he even prepared a memorial tablet in the value room to report the situation three times a day.
On the second day, Jia Ping'an just wanted to run away, but was summoned by the emperor to go to court.
"Mr. Xu, what's the matter?"
Xu Jingzong Fuxu said: "I heard that many people suggested to increase the number of prime ministers, so that all parties can balance and do things more conveniently."
This is true.
Bring representatives of all parties into the DPRK, and everyone’s opinions on something will be unified in the DPRK, and then there will be no obstacles to implementation. The parliamentary system of later generations is also of this urine nature.
But is this suitable for the current Datang Lane?
Once the representatives of all parties entered the court, it was immediately a matter of wrangling. A matter can be decided in half a day, but if it is not done well, it will become protracted.
It doesn’t matter if you add one or two people, but it’s a good thing!
The court meeting begins.
"Your Majesty, there are now six prime ministers in the court, and the minister suggested adding one or two more, so that all matters can be coordinated and discussed in the court. As long as decisions are made, the implementation below will naturally go smoothly."
coming!
The position of prime minister is like a beauty, and all forces want to grab one.
Jia Ping'an is a free and easy school... My brother is only 30 years old, and he has no dramas, so just go to the theater.
He turned his eyes and saw Uncle Li.
This is the real free and unfettered faction, squatting in the Taishi Bureau's immovable nest, what does a high-ranking official have to do with this old man?
Li Chunfeng nodded slightly.
Xiao Jia, let's watch a play.
The two looked at each other and had a tacit understanding.
"Your Majesty, the minister seconded the proposal!"
If the Great Tang is a realm of self-cultivation, then Cunzheng Fangzheng and others are the servants of the outer sect; the minor officials are the disciples of the outer sect; the county magistrate is the disciple of the foundation period; It's a fusion period...
A word from a master in the fusion stage can affect the rise and fall of one side, so every faction is looking for a way to confess a master in the fusion stage to speak for their own side.
But the most powerful thing is the emperor, as a heavenly existence, overlooking all the big shots.
But Heavenly Dao also has to consider the appeals of those forces, otherwise the hearts will be scattered and the team will be difficult to lead.
Li Zhi pondered.
Since Dou Dexuan entered the court, many people are looking forward to it, hoping that he will open the door of convenience.
Wu Mei said in a low voice: "Now the six people are all His Majesty's people, and those people are very dissatisfied."
Politics is the art of compromise, and it is time for the emperor to compromise.
"I know."
From monopolizing power in the state of three prime ministers to increasing the number of prime ministers to six under pressure, this is a compromise. But Li Zhi was such a thug, and the three additional prime ministers were all his people, and those forces were so angry that they wanted to explode in place.
But if there are more outsiders, it will be difficult for the court to successfully implement the will of the emperor in the future.
Li Zhi glanced at the prince.
Remember, this is the emperor, the emperor who learned to compromise.
Li Zhi glanced at the officials, smiled and said, "What do the British public think?"
This is a routine question.
It's done!
The emperor compromised, and the officials were overjoyed.
Li Ji got up.
Li Zhi saw that many of those courtiers were happy, and he was inevitably depressed.
As an emperor, he hopes to be able to say a word, but no one will object to a word.
But he knew it was impossible, so he could only try his best to make efforts in this direction.
Tried hard and succeeded, but obviously this state cannot last.
He was a little unwilling.
How about the prime ministers?
Xu Jingzong looked angry. He obviously didn't like increasing the number of prime ministers, but he also knew that it was not easy to stop it.
But Lao Xu is worthy of being a model of outspokenness, and he opened his mouth and said: "Actually, there are too many six people..."
"What does Prime Minister Xu mean by that?"
Old Xu was instantly submerged in saliva, and he was so sprayed that he had no power to fight back.
Li Yifu felt relieved, thinking that he was really wise not to go out.
Empress and Empress all glanced at him.
Liu Rengui is silent, he has no foundation, once he tries to block him, he will become a target of public criticism.
Dou Dexuan coughed dryly, and the old man found that no one was paying attention to him.
You play by yourself!
Just when Xu Jingzong was sprayed and almost couldn't take care of himself, everyone heard a dry cough.
"Ahem!"
Li Ji was a little annoyed.
"Your Majesty is asking this old man."
Everyone retreated in embarrassment.
After Li Ji said this, it was over.
A group of people looked at Li Ji eagerly, and some even thought that it would be better for Li Ji to occupy the latrine and not shit.
Li Ji said: "What is a prime minister? A prime minister assists the emperor in governing the country. Living in a high temple, he regulates yin and yang, and every word and deed can have an impact on the world..."
This is why everyone flocks to it.
Li Ji said: "Is there a lot of six prime ministers now? The old man thinks there are too many."
Everyone was stunned!
Li Ji What does this mean?
Even the emperor and empress were surprised.
The British public who only knew nodding in the past is wrong,
Li Ji looked at those people, a coldness flashed deep in his eyes.
"In the past, the monarch and his ministers discussed and decided on a matter. There were fewer people, and there were fewer conflicts of interest.
Li Ji looked at these ministers with different thoughts, and said: "What are more prime ministers for? Are six prime ministers not enough to assist the king, or are all six prime ministers mediocre?"
Who dares to say that these six prime ministers are mediocre people? In the end, they will definitely not die.
Li Ji's waist straightened slightly, and there was a strange light in his eyes.
"Since this is the case, why add prime ministers?"
Li Ji objected!
The empress was shocked!
The ministers were shocked!
This is Li Ji?
This is the Li Ji who doesn't care about anything?
Someone said: "The British public is absurd!"
Li Ji's eyes turned cold, "What's wrong?"
The man thought for a while, but was speechless.
Jia Ping'an just discovered that Li Ji couldn't find anything wrong with what he said from the moment he spoke to the end...
He remembered how the courtiers were arguing in the past, and even rolled up their sleeves to fight.
While waiting there, Li Ji mostly squinted his eyes, as if he was not interested in anything and just wanted to take a nap.
As time went by, everyone gradually despised and ignored this famous marshal.
After saying something today, everyone knows that the British government is not incapable of refuting. When he speaks, you don't even have a chance to refute.
This is the real boss!
And more importantly, Li Ji expressed his opposition to increasing the number of prime ministers.
Li Ji, who was ignored by everyone, expressed his opinion.
Anger rises!
Those people have cold eyes.
Jia Pingan smiled.
Li Ji looked warmly and asked, "Who has any objections? Come, the old man will talk to him."
Some people hesitated to speak, some coughed dryly, and when Li Ji's eyes turned away, they kept silent...
What do you want to say?
You want to say, 'It is stupid for the emperor not to increase the number of prime ministers, which will cause dissatisfaction among some forces', but before the emperor could speak, Li Ji objected.
This matter has nothing to do with the emperor.
is related to Li Ji.
He stood up alone, standing in front of the emperor and the prime ministers.
The old and thin back seems to be able to bear a mountain range.
He slowly looked at the courtiers with warm eyes.
Sitting on it, the Empress was stunned to find that they didn't need to do anything, and the matter was settled just like that.
The spine blocked the front, motionless, but everyone seemed extremely weak, unable to break through the dam formed by the old man alone.
Nothing happened for several years, but once he made a move, it shocked the monarch and his ministers.
The officials slowly dispersed.
Li Zhi sat there, and said quietly for a long time: "I thought this matter was inevitable, and the government would be constrained in the future. Unexpectedly, Li Ji stood up and shocked all the officials with his words."
"The concubine thought that Li Ji would remain silent until the day he became an official." Wu Mei said with a smile: "But once this matter is completed, the government can still run smoothly, which is a good thing."
"But why did Li Ji make a move?"
…
Cui Chen and others are waiting for news.
They talked about the promising candidates.
Wang Sheng asked suddenly: "Cui Jian is now a servant, have you thought about going further?"
Lu Shunzai glanced at him and felt that this topic was a bit boring.
Cui Chen shook his head, "Cui Jian and Jia Pingan have a good relationship, and it is impossible for the clan to help him in his career."
"The Wang family has produced a lot of talents in recent years."
Wang Sheng stated his purpose frankly: Everyone is united, should we give some of Cui's resources to Wang?
Cui Chen nodded, "Master Cui knows how to do it."
Wang Sheng smiled, "If Cui Jian needs a beating, Mrs. Wang is willing to do it."
"It's easy to say,"
After a few simple words, the two reached a tacit understanding.
"Knock knock knock!"
There is a knock on the door.
"Come in."
The three of them sat upright.
A follower came in from outside the door, first saluted, and then said: "At the court meeting earlier, someone proposed to increase the number of prime ministers. Your Majesty wanted to move it, but Xu Jingzong objected, and was besieged by everyone..."
As expected!
The three of them smiled slightly.
The entourage continued: "Your Majesty asked Li Ji..."
Li Ji continues the Buddhist lineage.
"Li Ji objected."
Lu Shunzai: "..."
Wang Sheng: "..."
Cui Chen said in shock: "Li Ji objects?"
The three thought about who would object, Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu, and even Jia Pingan, etc., but they never thought that Li Ji would stand up from the state of silence and turn into a dam to stop them plan.
"The big thing is over!" Lu Shunzai couldn't hide his anger, "From now on, as long as Li Ji lives a day, there will be no more than seven prime ministers in the court!"
Wang Sheng scolded angrily: "Why don't they argue?"
Cui Chen also felt wrong, "Yes! Are those people just sitting back and watching this matter fail?"
The entourage said: "After Li Ji said something, the courtiers of the Manchu court were unable to refute."
Cui Chen: "..."
Lu Shunzai: "..."
Wang Sheng: "..."
(end of this chapter)