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"Fengtian carried the emperor's edict and said: Since ancient times, emperors have pacified the world, and they have relied on the strength of their military ministers; Zhao Junchen, a bachelor of the East Pavilion and a young master, first leveled the invasion of Shaanxi and Gansu, and then set the homeland of the Hetao, so that Haiyu was stable, greatly revitalized the country's prestige, and conquered the wind of loyalty and encouragement...... Specially named as the new uncle, hereditary replacement, and given a gold medal to avoid death, admire this! ”

As Zhang Deyang finished reading the holy decree, the hundred officials in the Taihe Hall were suddenly in an uproar, and most of them were shocked.

Compared with Liang Fuchen's reward, Zhao Junchen's reward is not very rich, and even a little stingy.

Liang Fuchen was directly canonized as the Marquis of Zhongyi, and was also promoted to the second assistant of the cabinet, and many gold and silver treasures were also rewarded, while Zhao Junchen only took off the word "immortal" in front of the title, and the title can be passed on in the future, but in terms of Zhao Junchen's status and merits, this is not a generous reward.

However, this is a long time expected, when Zhao Junchen was recalled to the capital by Emperor Deqing, his outstanding military exploits on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu have been rewarded and canonized, and today's reward is only for Zhao Junchen's temple calculations when the imperial court recovered the Hetao region; Moreover, Zhao Junchen's age is too young, if the reward is too large, he will soon face the embarrassing situation of having no reward, whether it is Emperor Deqing or Zhao Junchen, they will try their best to avoid such a situation.

What really shocked the officials was that Emperor Deqing gave Zhao Junchen a gold medal to avoid death!

In fact, the gossip that Emperor Deqing was going to give Zhao Junchen a gold medal to avoid death today had already quietly spread in the officialdom, but the vast majority of officials did not believe that Emperor Deqing would be so generous to Zhao Junchen and promised the future, and most of them thought that this news was just a rumor.

But at this moment, the officials were shocked to find that Emperor Deqing had really given Zhao Junchen a long-term promise!

Although the officials also knew that many important ministers in the history of the Ming Dynasty had been given gold medals by the emperor to avoid death, most of these important ministers did not end well, but after hearing this holy decree, the eyes of the officials towards Zhao Junchen still quietly changed!

What if, this gold medal for avoiding death is really useful?

What if, Emperor Deqing really wants to give Zhao Junchen a long-term commitment?

What if, Zhao Junchen will become an old minister of the Three Dynasties and a powerful government and opposition like Zhou Shangjing in the future?

If Zhao Junchen no longer has the long-term danger of rabbits and dead dogs, the attitude of the government and the opposition towards Zhao Junchen in the future must undergo a fundamental change!

And this kind of "what if" thinking, this kind of quiet attitude change, is exactly what Zhao Junchen needs.

In this way, in the shocked eyes of the officials, Zhao Junchen was full of gratitude to Dai De for coming out, thanked Emperor Deqing for the reward, and said many beautiful words to Emperor Deqing to show loyalty, but his eyes were still calm, and even a little disapproving.

*

After rewarding Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing successively rewarded many meritorious ministers in the war between Shaanxi, Gansu and Hetao.

The meritorious hero who was awarded after Liang Fuchen and Zhao Junchen was Guan Wuyuan, who had been in the limelight since this time, and he was also the biggest beneficiary of a series of wars last year.

Since Guan Wuyuan returned to Beijing triumphantly, he has been summoned by Emperor Deqing many times, Emperor Deqing is quite impressed by Guan Wuyuan's image and temperament, Guan Wuyuan has always been good at rhetoric, pretending, every time he says big words, blows the conch always claps his chest, and it is easy to deceive the Deqing Emperor who does not understand military affairs, so that the Deqing Emperor is more and more convinced that Guan Wuyuan is a brave and loyal famous general, naturally it is deliberately gentle and enveloped, and it has rewarded Guan Wuyuan with many benefits.

Seeing Emperor Deqing's attitude, the officials also knew that Guan Wuyuan was about to soar into the sky, not only the generals of the forbidden army had been competing to curry favor with him for a period of time, but the officials of the "Imperial Party" had also deliberately got closer to Guan Wuyuan, and there were also rumors that Wang Shou and Guan Wuyuan, the secretary of the military department, had already worshiped in private and became brothers of the opposite sex.

Today, Guan Wuyuan has become the leader of the forbidden army, and has successfully integrated into the inner circle of the "Imperial Party", becoming the most favored confidant of Emperor Deqing.

In this case, when Emperor Deqing rewarded Guan Wuyuan, he was naturally not stingy, not only promoted Guan Wuyuan to the governor of Beijing and was responsible for the defense of the entire Northern Zhili, but also canonized Guan Wuyuan as the right pillar of the country and the earl of Wuzhong, and the title was not inferior to Zhao Junchen.

In fact, Guan Wuyuan's reward today can be so generous, mainly because Zhao Junchen did not mention Guan Wuyuan's name from beginning to end when he was fighting for the benefits of all the heroes some time ago, which made Emperor Deqing more and more convinced that Guan Wuyuan and Zhao Junchen were not all the way, so they were naturally relieved to reuse.

When Guan Wuyuan came out to receive the order, he also raised his head and chest, his face was full of arrogance, and he looked like he was giving up on me, and he didn't think that he was worthy of it.

But on the contrary, Guan Wuyuan's posture really deceived the vast majority of officials, and the officials only felt that Guan Wuyuan was full of domineering and self-confidence between his hands and feet, and he was really a well-deserved generation of famous generals.

For such a situation, Zhao Junchen is happy to see it happen on the one hand, but on the other hand, he feels a little ironic and has a complicated mood.

*

After rewarding Guan Wuyuan, it was the turn of Zhang Shengde, the governor of Shaanxi.

During the war between Shaanxi, Gansu and Hetao, Zhang Shengde has always been in charge of logistics and the peace of the people, which can be regarded as indispensable, but he also has many faults - not only participated in the appeasement plan of the former trilateral governor Wang Zheng, but also a civil unrest in Tianshui City in the jurisdiction - and most importantly, Zhang Shengde has become a friend of Zhao Junchen, which makes Emperor Deqing dislike him even more.

Therefore, Emperor Deqing thought that Zhang Shengde was just "offsetting his merits and demerits" and did not need to be specially rewarded, but because of Zhao Junchen's arguments, he still gave Zhang Shengde some benefits after all.

At this time, under the will of Emperor Deqing, Zhang Shengde was transferred to the governor of Sichuan, and did not promote the official rank, but Sichuan has the reputation of "the country of abundance", and the environment is better than that of Shaanxi.

Therefore, when Zhang Shengde accepted the reward from Emperor Deqing, his expression was full of joy.

*

After Zhang Shengde, it was Fang Zhenshan, the general soldier of Guyuan.

This person also has good military achievements, but just like Zhang Shengde, he is too close to Zhao Junchen, whether he stays in the center of the capital to hold an important position, or is sent to the local government to hold real power, Emperor Deqing can not rest assured, so he simply gave Fang Zhenshan a second-grade "upper protector" title, and transferred him to Liaodong to serve as the governor of Tongzhi.

The governor of Tongzhi was a first-class official position in the imperial court, and he had the power to assist the local officials in reorganizing their armaments.

This appointment, Emperor Deqing was obviously deliberate, and it was also approved by Zhao Junchen, and the two sides hit it off.

The so-called politics is like this, Emperor Deqing wants to suppress Zhao Junchen, and Zhao Junchen is also wary of Emperor Deqing, but when the two encounter a common goal, they will still work together tacitly.

In the Ming Dynasty's nine-sided military towns, it is necessary to Liaodong Town to consume the most money and food, and now it is a big trend, Emperor Deqing appointed Fang Zhenshan as the governor of Liaodong Tongzhi, which is not only to limit the real power in his hands, but also to balance the Liaodong Town General He Yu, so that the imperial court will have the opportunity to gradually reduce the military spending and power of Liaodong Town in the future.

In recent years, with the initiative of the Jianzhou Jurchen to surrender, there will not be too serious border troubles in a short period of time, and the importance of the Liaodong military town has decreased, and it is also the best time for the imperial court to cut power.

Moreover, Fang Zhenshan's ability to lead troops into battle is ordinary, but his means of currying favor with his boss, connecting with his colleagues, and manipulating his subordinates are a must, and letting him be in charge of this matter can be regarded as making the best use of his talents.

Fang Zhenshan was a little unhappy about Emperor Deqing's reward and appointment, he was naturally unwilling to go to the troubled waters of Liaodong Town, but because of Zhao Junchen's persuasion and some promises, Fang Zhenshan finally reluctantly accepted it.

*

Next, it was the turn of the veteran He Zhang.

On the surface, He Zhang is Zhao Junchen's military center and the military general that Zhao Junchen relies on the most, and He Zhang also thinks that Zhao Junchen has the grace of knowing him, and he can be said to be the first to look forward to Zhao Junchen on weekdays.

But Zhao Junchen clearly knows that He Zhang is quite principled, although he is grateful for Zhao Junchen's kindness, but he is still more loyal to Emperor Deqing, and at a critical moment, He Zhang will definitely stand on the side of Emperor Deqing.

Therefore, Zhao Junchen set He Zhang as the target to attract Emperor Deqing's attention, and he has always had a positive attitude towards He Zhang's efforts, and Zhao Junchen's attitude also made Emperor Deqing more and more hostile to He Zhang, and he did not agree with He Zhang's holding of real power no matter what.

In the end, under the pressure of Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen had no choice but to make "concessions" under the "helplessness", and He Zhang was arranged to the Governor's Mansion of the Five Armies and served as the right governor of the Governor's Mansion of the Later Army.

However, because Zhao Junchen made concessions in this matter, Emperor Deqing's attitude also softened slightly, and he also made concessions in the appointment and reward of Zhang Shengde, Fang Zhenshan and others.

It can be said that Zhang Shengde, Fang Zhenshan and others can still have some real power now, largely because of He Zhang's "sacrifice".

He Zhang is a foolish and loyal courtier, has always believed in the truth of "thunder, rain and dew are the emperor's grace", although it is a pity that he will not be able to lead the troops to fight in the future, but the Deqing Emperor did not treat him badly on the surface, and gave him a seemingly honorable official position, so he calmly accepted the appointment and reward of the Deqing Emperor.

*

Subsequently, Wu Qifan, the prefect of Xi'an, was appointed as the right attendant of the household department, this person was also too close to Zhao Junchen, and Emperor Deqing simply arranged him to serve in the household department, and the household yamen was already Zhao Junchen's back garden, and one more Wu Qifan would not enhance Zhao Junchen's strength.

Zhang Chengxun, who was also very close to Zhao Junchen, knew Zhang Chengxun, even if most of his military exploits were snatched away by Guan Wuyuan, he was still extremely dazzling, and there was no reason to suppress it anyway, so he was appointed by Emperor Deqing as the chief soldier of Guangxi - the land of Guangxi is extremely remote, the environment is also extremely difficult, the guards and troops in the territory are all useless, and the phenomenon of empty pay and desertion is far stronger than that of the nine-sided military town in the north, and from time to time there will be Tusi rebellions, but it is a drudgery, but his official position has finally been upgraded by one level, I also have real power and performance opportunities, and I may have further opportunities in the future.

In addition, such as Wu Min, the governor of Hedong, Zhang Wenhui, the governor of Hexi, Jin Huyuan, the chief soldier of Gansu Town, Wang Yuan, the chief soldier of Yulin Town, and others, all the civil and military officials who participated in the war between Shaanxi, Gansu and Hetao also had their own rewards, but their relationship with Zhao Junchen was not close, and the merits they established were not enough to improve their status too much, so there is no need to mention more.

*

On such a day of celebration as today, everyone will follow a lot.

After rewarding all the meritorious heroes, Emperor Deqing once again announced that all officials in the court were rewarded with a month's worth of silver, and various prefectures and counties also had a number of tax reductions and exemptions, and at the same time, it was an amnesty for the world, but it also allowed many subjects to reap benefits.

By the time it's all over, it's time to do it.

As a result, today's ceremony has entered the last link - all officials are following Emperor Deqing to drive the mound and carry out the ceremony of sacrificing to the sky.

And this ceremony will also be the climax of today's ceremony.

With the decree of Emperor Deqing, hundreds of officials poured out of the Taihe Hall and gathered outside the noon gate again.

When Emperor Deqing's chariot drove out of the palace, the officials also followed the chariot on foot and headed in the direction of the mound.

Yuanqiu is not far from the Forbidden City, but the officials have always been pampered, and this journey quickly makes them miserable.

As the head of the hundred officials, Zhou Shangjing is over seventy years old, especially some can't hold on, he has no strength before he takes a few steps, and his pace is becoming more and more slow and difficult.

Zhao Junchen walked behind Zhou Shangjing, and after discovering Zhou Shangjing's abnormality, he hurriedly rushed to Zhou Shangjing's side and grabbed his arm.

Zhou Shangjing did not refuse Zhao Junchen's assistance, but shook his head with a wry smile and said: "I'm old, I'm old, I can't bear it before I take a few steps...... Alas! I really miss the old days, whether it is climbing Mount Tai or riding a horse, I will not feel tired, which is as useless as now...... It's time to say goodbye to the old man and retire for the rest of his life, there is a junior like Junchen in the court, and the old man can rest assured when he leaves. ”

Zhao Junchen didn't believe Zhou Shangjing's statement at all, so he didn't respond, just waved his hand to summon a nearby eunuch and instructed: "Go to your majesty on my behalf to ask for instructions, and ask your majesty to allow the old ministers of the court to also travel in a sedan chair, otherwise I am afraid that they will not be able to hold on, and maybe it will affect today's ceremony of worshipping the heavens." ”

When the eunuch saw Zhou Shangjing's struggling appearance, he naturally didn't dare to slack off, and hurriedly reported to the top.

On the other side, Zhou Shangjing saw that Zhao Junchen did not respond to him at all, and his old face was full of meaning.

Soon, the great eunuch Zhang De came in a hurry, and also brought the will of Emperor Deqing, announcing that all officials over sixty years old or sick could travel in a sedan car.

Hearing Emperor Deqing's will, many officials who couldn't hold on were relieved, and after thanking Emperor Deqing for his kindness, they hurriedly looked for a sedan chair to ride, and there was some confusion in the queue of hundreds of officials.

After Zhang De announced his will, he did not immediately return to Emperor Deqing's side, but found Zhao Junchen here and said: "Zhao Gechen, Your Majesty summoned you to talk to the imperial palace, it seems that you have something to ask. ”

Zhao Junchen couldn't help but wonder in his heart, he didn't understand why Emperor Deqing chose to summon him at this time, couldn't he wait until after the ceremony to sacrifice to the heavens?

With doubts in his heart, Zhao Junchen also bid farewell to Zhou Shangjing, hurried to the front of the team, and boarded the imperial chariot of Emperor Deqing.

When Zhao Junchen entered the palace of Emperor Deqing, he only saw Emperor Deqing playing with the "auspicious" apple that Zhao Junchen had offered not long ago, his expression was full of seriousness and seriousness, but there was some faint expectation.

After seeing Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing raised his hand and refused Zhao Junchen's salute, and then did not go around in circles, and asked directly: "Zhao Aiqing, the story you told when you entered the auspicious ceremony, is it true?" Is there really a god in this world? ”

Zhao Junchen was stunned in his heart, he didn't expect Emperor Deqing to summon him so eagerly, but it was just for the story he made up!

The story made up by Zhao Junchen can be described as absurd and bizarre, and Zhao Junchen originally did not expect Emperor Deqing to really believe it.

Of course, Emperor Deqing will definitely believe it on the surface, after all, this story will help Emperor Deqing enhance his prestige and stabilize his imperial power, the only disadvantage is that Zhao Junchen will use this story to bind Emperor Deqing, so that everyone will not dare to easily question Zhao Junchen's disloyalty in the future.

However, Zhao Junchen never expected that Emperor Deqing not only believed this absurd story on the surface, but also half-believed it in his heart, so he specially summoned Zhao Junchen to confirm.

But Zhao Junchen thought about it and found that this was also a matter of course!

No matter how shrewd and suspicious Emperor Deqing is, he will eventually be limited by the times and knowledge, and the "auspicious" apple offered by Zhao Junchen is indeed beyond the imagination of people in this era, and there is no other explanation except for the immortal theory.

Under such circumstances, Emperor Deqing did not dare to believe Zhao Junchen's story, but he did not dare to believe it completely.

What if, Zhao Junchen's story is true?

In case, the gods gave the opportunity, but he didn't believe it at all, wouldn't he miss the opportunity in vain?

In case, there are really immortals in this world, does that mean ...... The art of immortality also exists?

Such a "what if" thought made Emperor Deqing's mood difficult to control, so he couldn't help but summon Zhao Junchen to ask.

Seeing the serious appearance of Emperor Deqing when he asked, Zhao Junchen knew that his next answer would inevitably have a profound impact on many of Emperor Deqing's thoughts and practices in the future, and maybe it would also affect the direction of the court.

Then, under the expectant gaze of Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen slowly gave the answer.

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encountered some unexpected situations, the insect has not had a chance to go home two days ago, and it is more than eight o'clock in the evening when he returns home today, and he hurriedly rushed out of a chapter, first changing and then changing.

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