Chapter 286: The Controversy between the Court (Part 2)

The expansion of the prime minister was expected by everyone. When the prince was abolished two years ago, Pei Kuan, Lu Huan and Dugu Haoran, the three prime ministers of the Eastern Palace Party, were eliminated. Soon, Li Qing'an counterattacked Yang while inspecting Henan Road, and Cui Qiao lost the prime minister. This turned the nine prime ministers into six prime ministers. The prime minister, the Yang party, and the Zhang party each occupied two seats, which was evenly matched. However, last year, Chen Xilie showed signs of surrendering to Yang Guozhong, and Li Linfu's body became increasingly weak, everyone knew that the time to reorganize the prime minister was ripe, so today Li Longji announced the expansion of the prime minister, and everyone did not express surprise. The key was who could take over the prime minister.

Wang Gong is inevitable. Now the Prime Minister and the National Party is weak, and only Li Linfu is left. As the heir, Wang Gong will definitely become Prime Minister and take over the banner of Prime Minister and the National Party.

Li Longji glanced at everyone and said slowly: "I have always believed that the Nine Principles of the Political Affairs Hall should be the most suitable, but for various reasons, there are only six Principles left, which has led to many of the dear ministers present serving two positions. On the one hand, it adds to everyone's fatigue, and on the other hand, the power is too concentrated, which is inappropriate. So I thought about it for a long time and took advantage of the opportunity today to readjust and expand it to the Ten Principles of Li Principles."

Li Longji looked at Li Linfu, and Li Linfu quickly stood up and said, "Old minister is here!"

Today, Li Longji's expansion of prime minister was mentioned to Li Linfu in advance. At that time, Li Linfu proposed that Wang Gong be the Minister of the Secretariat, but Li Longji rejected it. He said that he had someone else to choose. At that time, Li Linfu guessed that Li Longji would expand the prime minister today, but he did not expect that four people would be. One of them was naturally Wang Gong, so who would the other three?

Li Longji waved his hand and said, "The Prime Minister is in poor health, please sit down!"

After Li Linfu sat down, Li Longji continued, "I want to ask Li Prime Minister to give up his post as Minister of War."

"Old minister obeys the order!"

Li Longji smiled and said to Chen Xilie and Yang Guozhong: "The same is true for you. Chen Aiqing gave up the Minister of Justice, and Yang Aiqing gave up the Minister of Works. In this way, the three ministers and the Minister of the Secretariat will have a total of four places."

He glanced at Wei Jiansu and said, "Wei Aiqing, I am going to appoint you as the Minister of War. Do you have any ideas in your mind?"

Wei Jiansu was overjoyed. Although he was the powerful minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he was actually restrained by Yang Guozhong everywhere. He had no power. He was the Minister of War, which was to free him from his powerless state, which made him overjoyed.

"I obey the order!"

Wei Jiansu was the Minister of War, which was also a small victory for Yang Guozhong. Although Linghu Fei was the Right Minister of War, he was not as powerful as the Minister of War. But Yang Guozhong was a little worried, who would the Minister of War appoint?

Li Longji seemed to know his thoughts and continued: "Linghu Fei was promoted to the Minister of Personnel, Ji Wen turned to the right, and Huayin County Magistrate Pei Min took over as the Minister of the Left Minister of the Ministry of War."

Pei Min was the original Shaoqing of Dali Temple. He was demoted due to the Eastern Palace case. His promotion can be understood from several aspects. He was the son of Pei Yaoqing, a former prime minister, with a prominent family background and a Liangzhu of a famous family. He was the Minister of War, which was considered to make up for the gap in the power of the Pei family in the court after Pei Kuan retired from office. It was both unexpected and reasonable. However, Pei Min was originally a party member of the Eastern Palace and Li Qing'an's wife's uncle, which made Yang Guozhong a little unhappy. Fortunately, the Minister of Personnel was his person and the Minister of War was also his person. A Minister of War was not very influenced by him, and he didn't take it too seriously. Instead, Li Linfu was a little enlightened. Li Longji's appointment of Pei Min may be a signal, and he was waiting for the good show later.

Seeing that everyone was not opposed, Li Longji said, "Okay! The first one is the candidate for the new prime minister. Wang Gong, the censor. I am going to appoint him as the Minister of Justice. What do you think of all the beloved ministers?"

This appointment was expected by everyone. According to the order of officials, households, etiquette, soldiers, punishment and labour, the three ministers who were empty were military, punishment and labour. Wei Jiansu was promoted to the Minister of War and gave the Minister of Justice to Wang Gong. This is the reason.

Therefore, no one objected, and everyone was waiting for who the other three were. These three people were related to the power comparison of the Zhengshi Hall and the situation of the court. Therefore, the atmosphere in Qifeng Pavilion seemed particularly tense.

"The second person I am going to appoint Li Xian, the prefect of Lingling, as the Minister of the Secretariat. What do you think?"

Li Xian was the former Jingzhao Yin and the grandson of King Ke of Wu. He was demoted to the prefect of Lingling because of the Eastern Palace case. Now Li Longji suddenly appointed him, which was beyond everyone's expectations. Zhang Yun and Yang Shenjin exchanged a look. They all believed that Li Longji wanted to appoint his own men from outside the several parties and increase the intermediate strength. The candidates for the royal family were the most suitable, especially Li Linfu was sick and the Secretariat did not have a capable minister to support him, which would cause the Secretariat to act poorly. Li Xian had outstanding abilities, so it was reasonable to use him as the Secretariat Minister.

However, Yang Guozhong believed that although Li Xian was once the Eastern Palace Party, his relationship with King Ying was also good, which was very likely to create conditions for King Ying.

Only Li Linfu vaguely guessed that Li Xian's return was very likely related to the Emperor Changsun's entry into the Eastern Palace. Li Longji appointed him to make preparations for Li Chu's entry into the Eastern Palace. This was the same as Pei Min as the Minister of War, but it was not enough. He did not show any expression and was waiting for Li Longji's next person.

Sure enough, when Li Longji announced the third party, Li Linfu immediately confirmed that his idea was correct. The third party was actually Gwangju President Shi Weihuan, one of the backbone of the Eastern Palace Party who was demoted due to the Eastern Palace case.

‘Wei Huan is the Minister of Works!’

Wei Huan's comeback was shocked by everyone present. This was the most obvious signal. The Eastern Palace Party, which had disappeared for two years, began to appear again. If Dugu Haoran made a comeback because of a special situation, Wei Huan's comeback was definitely not that simple. Whether it was Zhang Yun, Chen Xilie or Yang Guozhong, there was an idea in their minds that Li Heng wanted to re-enter the East Palace.

Although it is a bit incredible, the facts are here. Both of the Eastern Palace Party members were about to come back as prime minister. Isn’t this a sign that Li Heng wants to re-enter the Eastern Palace?

Zhang Yun quickly glanced at Li Linfu, and when he saw his expression calm, he seemed to know first, he became a little confused again. Does Li Linfu already know that Li Heng will make a comeback? But if Li Heng wants to make a comeback, Li Linfu should not be so calm during this period, maybe it was another reason? Zhang Yun was confused and he dared not say much.

Yang Guozhong couldn't sit still. Of course, Wei Huan was driven away by him from the position of Yizhou prefect and used Cui Yuan as the prefect of Yizhou. If Wei Huan became prime minister, the first thing he would be to be unable to get along with him, Yang Guozhong.

"Your Majesty, Wei Huan is not very good at being the prefect in Lingling, and his evaluation is not high. Moreover, he has not held an important position in the capital. If he is appointed as the Minister of Works, I am afraid that the ministers will not accept it. The minister's opinion is that he can be the Minister of the Secretariat first and wait for a few years before being appointed as the Minister of the Secretariat."

Chen Xilie also said: "I agree with Yang Shangshu's suggestion. After all, Wei Huan had the flaws of being a nepotist. Your Majesty used him as the prime minister. I was worried that his moral character would be insufficient and that all the ministers would not accept it."

The opposition of Yang Guozhong and Chen Xilie was expected by Li Longji. Before Wei Jiansu could also participate in the opposition, Li Longji said arbitrarily: "Wei Huan is the prime minister, I have been thinking about it for a long time, so the two dear ministers don't have to worry."

At this time, there should be a fourth prime minister announcement, but Li Longji seemed to have forgotten. He looked at Zhong Lu and said, "Time is coming soon. I will talk about another thing. Yesterday, Shangshu Yang suggested that I send the prince to the place where he is in charge. I have thought for a long time and thought that there is something feasible. Therefore, I decided to adopt Shangshu Yang's suggestion and appointed Yong Wang Lin as the observation envoy of Jiangnan East Road, the Grand Governor of Yangzhou, the Grand Governor of Yangzhou, and the Grand Governor of Yangzhou, and the Grand Governor of Jianghuai, and the Grand Governor of Jianghuai. In addition, I also decided to appoint Rong Wang Wan as the observation envoy of Hebei Road and Hedong Road, the Grand Governor of Xiangzhou, and the Grand Governor of Jingzhou, and the Grand Governor of Jingzhou, and the Grand Governor of Jingxiang. He appointed Ying Wang Yu as the observation envoy of Jiannan Road, the Grand Governor of Yizhou, and the Grand Governor of Yizhou, and the Grand Governor of Bashu salt and iron. Together with Qing Wang Cong in Anxi, there are a total of five princes who have left the town."

Yang Guozhong originally wanted to use this to test Li Longji, but he didn't expect that not only King Yong went to the place, but King Ying was also transferred. He was stunned. It turned out that no popular prince could enter the East Palace. Who would enter the East Palace? Is it really Li Heng going to make a comeback?

Yang Guozhong may not have realized the seriousness of the prince's position in charge of the place, but Li Linfu and Zhang Yun knew very well that the prince's position in charge of the place was a disguised system of feudal division. The rebellion in the early Han Dynasty and the fall of the Western Jin Dynasty all originated from the prince's division of feudal divisions. Although there was a brief enfeoffment of the kings in the early Tang Dynasty, it was because the new dynasty needed the prince to consolidate the power. Now it is the middle Tang Dynasty, and there is no need to enfeoff the kings. This is the way to cause chaos.

Although Li Linfu knew that this was Li Longji's decision to take over the Eastern Palace by Emperor Changsun, and put his sons in the place, it would sooner or later become the origin of the feudal divisions of the princes.

Li Linfu stood up and said, "Your Majesty, the old minister thinks that the prince's position in the area is not conducive to the centralization of power in the court, and it is a way to cause chaos. There are many lessons in history, so please think twice."

How could Li Longji have decided be influenced by others? He held this meeting of the Political Affairs Hall just to act like a show, and to make a move, saying that the Political Affairs Hall has been discussed and approved, and he would not listen to any objections.

He waved his hand and said, "The Prime Minister is worried too much. The four of them only have the power of supervision and do not interfere in local military and political affairs. There is nothing wrong with it. I have decided to do so, so don't object anymore."

At this time, Li Longji slowly said his third major event: "The East Palace has been empty for two years. If it continues to be empty again, it may be unfavorable to the country. Therefore, I decided to establish the East Palace again. I have made a preliminary decision. The Emperor's Chief Sun Chu is profound in weight, broad-minded and capable of breaking, be kind and filial, gentle and respectful, and he must be polite and courteous. He is deeply loved by me. I decided to make the Emperor's Grandson the crown prince."

When everyone was not prepared, Li Longji suddenly made this decision, and a thunder sounded like a flat ground, shocking everyone except Li Linfu.

"The time has come, everyone will return to Hanyuan Palace! Continue the court meeting."

After Li Longji finished speaking, he strode out the door. At this time, a loud bell sound came from the square of Danfeng Gate.

"Long live my emperor!"

Everyone shouted long live, Li Longji nodded, "All my dear friends are calm!"

"Your Majesty has an order, and all officials will return to the ranks and continue the court meeting."

The court meeting continued. After Li Longji announced three major events in the Political Affairs Hall, his heart felt much more relaxed. In fact, whether it was the expansion of the prime minister or the prince who was in charge, it was something that Li Longji had considered for a long time. He knew that the eldest grandson of the emperor was no better than his son. With so many uncles eyeing him, his throne would be extremely difficult. Only by strengthening his power was the way to protect himself. Gradually restoring the original Eastern Palace Party was one of the important means.

Secondly, through a year of observation, he found that among the princes, Qing, Di, Rong, Yong, Ying and Shou, the six princes, had the greatest ambition and had a deep influence. Therefore, he decided to deport these six people to the local area and seize their influence in the central court. This was the first to send King Di to Anxi. This was to supervise Li Qing'an, and to transfer the most popular King Di to the Eastern Palace. As for the later prisoner, it was changed to King Qing to stay in Anxi, which was an accident.

Yang Guozhong's suggestion was just a coincidence, just giving him an excuse, but that was not enough. Emperor Changsun still needed a strong local warlord support, and this person was Li Qing'an, the leader of the Eastern Palace Party.

Li Longji looked at the jade certificate in front of him, and below was Li Qing'an's reward. As Gao Lishi said, the matter of Dugu Mingyue would not affect Li Qing'an's career. Li Longji decided to reward Li Qing'an when he was in Huaqing Palace and engraved it into a jade certificate. Although he did not receive Dugu Mingyue yesterday, Li Qing'an's reward was related to the succession and continuation of his Tang Dynasty. It is clear at a glance which is more important.

"Below is Li Qing'an."

Cui Ping immediately shouted loudly: "Your Majesty proclaimed Li Qing'an."

There was a slight commotion in the hall, and it was finally Li Qing'an's turn. Li Qing'an strode out of the court and came to the jade stairs to give a deep salute, "My minister Li Qing'an, see Your Majesty!"

Li Longji smiled slightly and said, "Let Li Aiqing wait for a long time."

He coughed softly and raised his voice and said, "Li Qing'an recovered the shattered leaves and calmed the trouble of the thunder cavalry. In the battle of Talas, he defeated the Dashi and restored the Tang Dynasty's position as the lord of Zhaowu's nine kingdoms. He made contributions to the country. I decided to enthrone him as the prince of Anxi, and also the general of the cavalry, and actually the 800 households. You are also the Minister of Shangshu Zuo Pushe, and the Secretary of the Central Secretariat Pingzhangshi."

In the end, the hall was filled with an uproar. No one could have imagined that the Secretary of Shangshu Zuo Pushe was actually a false position and had no real power. The Secretary of the Procuratorial and the Secretary of the Procuratorial and the Secretary of the Procuratorial and the Secretary of the Procuratorial and Work Department of Gao Xianzhi had no special significance, but the senior rank was the first-class person. However, Ping Zhangshi, the subordinate of the Secretary of the Secretariat, applied the strongest stroke of the Secretary of Shangshu. Li Qing'an actually worshipped the ministers, shocked, jealous, envious, and surprised. All kinds of expressions burst into the eyes of the court officials, and no one could be at peace.

Even Li Linfu was shocked, and then he suddenly realized that Li Longji said that the fourth prime minister was actually Li Qing'an. What does this mean? He thought about it for a moment and understood it.

Although Li Qing'an became the prime minister, he was far away from Anxi and did not actually participate in the decisions of military and national affairs. It had no impact on the government affairs of the court. However, the significance of becoming the prime minister itself was very far-reaching. Not only did he surpass An Lushan and Gao Xianzhi and become the first governor, he was also the leader of the Eastern Palace Party. His strength to become the relative of Emperor Changsun will have a crucial influence. In addition to the previous Li Xian, Wei Huan, and Pei Min, this will ensure that Emperor Changsun’s Eastern Palace Party is the first force in the court, and the alliance between Li Qing'an and Wang Gong, invisibly connected the Eastern Palace Party and the Prime Minister Party into a group through Li Qing'an.

This is the purpose of Li Longji's arrangement of Li Qing'an as the prime minister. It can be said to be the finishing touch. It is really brilliant. That's why he sent King Qing to take charge of Anxi to restrain Li Qing'an, who was inflated by power. This is a link of relationship.

Li Qing'an's entry into prime minister not only surprised Li Linfu, but also Yang Guozhong and Zhang Yun were also shocked, but Li Qing'an's entry into prime minister was no longer apart. The news that Li Longji announced that he had made the emperor Changsun the crown prince had echoed in their hearts for a long time, making it difficult for them to calm down. They had realized that the court's pattern would undergo major changes, and where would they go?

But the biggest influence was the several military governors in the court, An Lushan, Geshuhan and Gao Xianzhi. They were also a competitive relationship to some extent. If they competed for the first military governor of the Tang Dynasty, Geshuhan would not say anything about him. He did not even have the title of the prince. No matter how dissatisfied he was, he could do nothing. The key was Gao Xianzhi and An Lushan.

They are also princes. Although Gao Xianzhi is a little higher than An Lushan in scattered officials, the Minister of the Criminal and the Minister of the Procuratorate and the Minister of the Procuratorate and the Minister of the War, so they are in a delicate balance. Moreover, Jiannan is not an important town in the Northeast after all, and cannot be compared with Fan Yang in terms of resources and military strength. So to a certain extent, An Lushan is still the first, but Li Qing'an's admiration for Xiangru came out of nowhere, which shocked Gao Xianzhi and An Lushan.

Gao Xianzhi felt a little sad. Li Qingan was his old subordinate and a rising star whom he promoted, but he did not expect that he would surpass himself in the end. Although he felt sad, he was still happy for Li Qingan. Anxi reached such a height under his command, and the soldiers of Anxi all gained something. This made Gao Xianzhi, who was born in Anxi, both felt relieved and regretful. After all, it was not him who brought the Anxi army into glory.

An Lushan is very different. He only has jealousy and endless jealousy in his heart. The position Li Qing'an got was exactly what he dreamed of. He could be the prime minister but did not have to leave Anxi. The thing he feared the most was being transferred to the court, but the thing he longed for the most was also being prime minister. The two seemed very contradictory and would never be able to reconcile. However, such a contradictory thing was perfectly integrated in Li Qing'an. An Lushan was unbalanced in his heart, and his jealous eyes stared at Li Qing'an without any concealment.

There was a whisper in the hall. The joy of being the king in Li Qing'an's heart suddenly came and then left, bringing the doubts of entering the sky, as if he was looking at flowers in the fog. For him, entering the tablet was not a blessing. It was most likely that Li Longji seized his military power, but he had no time to consider Li Longji's intentions, nor did he think about his own countermeasures. He immediately bowed and thanked him: "My minister Li Qing'an thanked His Majesty Long's eternity!"

Li Longji looked at Li Qing'an and said slowly: "Your eyes tell me, you have something to say, say it! I want to listen."

Li Qingan knew that it was Li Longji who discovered the moment he just now that he was found by his doubts and was named king and minister. What a glorious thing. His eyes should be excited and ecstatic, but he was not ecstatic, but confused and suspicious. This would make Li Longji alert and how to answer him.

Li Qing'an's thoughts were very fast, and he immediately said: "Your Majesty, I have a request to get your Majesty's consent, but I am hesitant to say it or not!"

"What's the matter? You said."

"I heard that the special envoy of Prince Dashi has arrived in Chang'an. I know that it is extremely important to come to the envoy. I am willing to accept the envoy, please let Your Majesty know!"

"I thought it was a big deal, it was just a small deal, I'm sure!"

"I thank Your Majesty!"
Chapter completed!