Chapter 111 Li Shizhi is appointed as the Prince's Grand Tutor and is granted the title of Duke of Song
Xingqing Hall.

Before the sage entered the hall, the ministers were whispering in the hall.

"The left prime minister doesn't look well!"

Seeing that Li Shizhi looked haggard, Wei Jian couldn't help but say.

"Haha... Minister Wei, your time has come."

Li Shizhi answered the question irrelevantly and gave Wei Jian a hint.

"Are you going to recommend me as a civil servant?"

Wei Jian was delighted and quickly stepped forward and whispered.

After the power of the Shangshu Province was hollowed out, the Right Prime Minister of the Zhongshu Province (Zhongshu Ling) and the Left Prime Minister of the Menxia Province (Shizhong) became the two fixed prime minister positions.

Especially after the "Zhengshi Hall" was changed to Zhongshu Menxia Hall, and the Lifang, Bingfang, Hufang, Shujifang and Xinglifang were established in Zhongshu Menxia Hall, the officials of the six ministries became almost powerless.

For example, Wei Jian was the Minister of Justice. Although he had great power and was very strong, it was not the "Minister of Justice" who was powerful, but Wei Jian who was also the dispatched official of the Criminal Rites Office.

If a Shangshu does not have a part-time job as a minister in the five departments of the Secretariat, it is basically the same as retirement.

But the political situation has not changed much yet, and Li Longji usually appoints people from the five families when he appoints a minister.

In Wei Jian's mind, he only needed to be the Minister of Personnel and lead the Ministry of Personnel to dispatch him. His potential to become a prime minister was even more obvious.

Maybe one day when Li Longji is in a good mood, he will give him the title of "Tongzhongshumenxia Pingzhangshi".

"Wait!"

Li Shizhi patted Wei Jian on the shoulder.

At this time, the official in charge of ceremonies sang: "Your Majesty has arrived!"

"Greetings to Your Majesty!"

All the civil and military officials recovered themselves and bowed to Li Longji.

Only Wei Jian was absent-minded.

Throughout life, people chase after fame and fortune, even if they know the road is full of thorns and even if they know it will cost their lives.

In the court, cardinals’ meetings, daily affairs, and local affairs were reported and handled one after another.

The key matters would be discussed by the prime minister and the emperor in advance in the Zhongshu Menxia Hall before informing the ministers.

No ministers reported matters any more. Just as Li Longji was about to announce the end of the court, Li Shizhi stepped forward, bowed to Li Longji, and slowly said: "Your Majesty, I have been hallucinating and making mistakes while handling government affairs recently. I am exhausted and I request to be excused from my illness."

"Transferring illness" is a euphemism for resigning.

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

All the civil and military officials were shocked, and they all looked at Li Shizhi.

I don't understand, I really don't understand. Zuo Xiangru is at the peak of his career, and he is looking for advancement. If he takes one more step, he can become the chief executive.

Moreover, the Left Prime Minister has always been in good health and is famous in Chang'an for his drinking. How could he be willing to resign?

If you put yourself in their shoes, even if you are sick, you will never leave this position as long as you are not terminally ill.

Once power is in one's hands, even a wise and upright person will not let it go unless it is absolutely necessary.

Wei Jian was also confused at this moment, he thought the left prime minister would recommend him as the minister of the Ministry of Personnel, but he did not expect that the left prime minister would resign from the position.

The power he had been pursuing so hard, was given up so easily by Zuo Xiang. He had a lot of contact with Zuo Xiang, but he didn't feel anything wrong with his body.

However, he was suddenly surprised, because it was different from "Tongzhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi". When the left prime minister was vacant, a new prime minister would be immediately elected to preside over the affairs of the Menxia Province and be ranked among the two classes.

From what Li Shizhi said just now, it seemed that he wanted to recommend him as the left prime minister before leaving. This was even better than the dream and was simply a blessing from heaven.

Similarly, the right prime minister Li Linfu frowned.

He is so skilled in political politics that he even wants to scheme against others when he is eating or sleeping.

He was also stunned at first, but he had planned a sinister trick like the "Yang Yan Incident".

Combined with the "father is prime minister and son is general" that he had always expected, he immediately understood that the old man Li Shizhi was retreating to advance and was preparing to give way to Li Xuan.

Once Li Shizhi left the center of power, the sage would not be suspicious of Li Xuan, who was in charge of the military.

At this moment, Li Linfu had to admire Li Shizhi's determination and decisiveness.

After recognizing this dangerous predicament, he did not suppress his son, but stood up and resigned from his position.

Li Linfu had always looked down on Li Shizhi, but at this moment he looked at Li Shizhi with new eyes. He felt that he did not have such courage.

The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. Li Linfu closed his eyes slightly, waiting for the saint's decision.

"Tao Yuanming of ancient times was frustrated in his career and retired to the mountains. You are already the prime minister, and you are not as old as He Jian. Why do you want to resign? If you really need to recuperate, I will grant you a month's leave. You should think carefully about resigning!"

Li Longji was very unhappy when he heard that Li Shizhi was going to resign. What he wanted most was stability in the court so that he could enjoy himself in peace.

Every time there is a phase change, there will be an unstable period.

Only if one actively commits mistakes will he be asked to resign.

Therefore, Li Longji did not agree with Li Shizhi's resignation.

Li Longji felt that Li Shizhi had done nothing wrong and was very much in his heart, so why should he be dismissed? Couldn't he just take a few days off to rest?

"I have received Your Majesty's grace, but I have no way to repay it. I can only work diligently, get up early and sleep late, and dare not slack off in the slightest. Since I became the prime minister, I understand the importance of the country and the people, and the expectations of the people. However, I am forced to be sick and can no longer take on this important position. I know that I am careless and confused, and I often make mistakes when I hold the pen. If my small mistakes lead to big mistakes, I will fail the country, the king, and blame myself and the people. I cherish my position as prime minister and cannot bear to give up power, but I know that incompetent people bring disaster to the country and worries to Your Majesty. Before I make the same mistakes as Zhang Jiazhen and Yuwen Rong, I will leave the position of prime minister and let a more virtuous person inherit the position of prime minister..."

"How I wish that the relationship between the emperor and his subjects could grow old together like Emperor Gaozong and Xue Yuanchao. I just hate that my time of being smart is too short. Your Majesty is wise and brave, just like the ancient sages, who solved internal and external troubles in times of crisis. I, a stupid subject, cannot compare to you. I am resigning now to repay Your Majesty and the country..."

"There is nothing to hide between the emperor and his subjects, so I will speak frankly. These are my sincere words, and I hope Your Majesty will agree to them."

Li Shizhi walked forward and took off his hat, then took off his fish token and placed it on the table.

To show your determination!

His moving statement made all the civil and military officials think that Li Shizhi was holding on for his last breath and was about to leave a last will.

Those ministers who were usually on good terms with Li Shizhi wiped away their tears. The sudden resignation of the Left Prime Minister was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue for them.

"Why are you sick? Why don't you take some rest?"

Li Longji was quite emotional and was reluctant to see Li Shizhi leave.

"Since I came of age, I have served in Jinzhou, Huzhou, Langzhou, Tangzhou, Tongzhou, Zizhou, Qinzhou, Shanzhou, Luoyang, Youzhou and other places. I have been addicted to alcohol for many years. Now I am dizzy and my memory is fuzzy. This is an old disease. I guess I am not recovering well."

Li Shizhi replied to Li Longji.

He attributed his "illness" to years of running around and his broken health.

In fact, when Li Shizhi was young, he would be transferred to another place every year or so, so that he would not be able to complete his term in one place.

"Now that things have come to this, let's discuss this in the Qinzheng Building later in the morning."

After Li Longji finished speaking, he ordered the court to adjourn. He wanted to question Li Shizhi privately in Xingqing Palace.

After the civil and military officials paid their respects and adjourned the court, they began to discuss endlessly before leaving the hall.

Every change of phase was a big deal. After the ministers left the court, the news would spread throughout Chang'an on the same day and would reach the eastern capital Luoyang within five days.

Many ministers gathered around Li Shizhi. Some of them were really concerned about Li Shizhi's health, while others wanted to know something.

Wei Jian acted more intimately and asked Li Shizhi about his well-being.

At this critical moment, Li Shizhi's words were very important to him.

"It's not that easy to promote Li Xuan to the rank of general." Li Linfu snorted in his heart.

But when Li Linfu saw Wei Jian, his brows furrowed again. Li Shizhi was probably going to recommend this ungrateful man as prime minister.

But he had just escaped from a major case in the Ministry of Personnel, and Wei Jian was the person in charge of the major case in the Ministry of Personnel.

If he stopped Wei Jian from becoming prime minister, wouldn't he be like Zhang Jiuling who stopped Niu Xianke from being prime minister, and thus earned the saint's disgust?

Thinking of this, Li Linfu gritted his teeth.

Wei Jian became prime minister and seemed unstoppable.

Diligent government affairs building.

After Li Shizhi came to visit Li Longji, they talked for a long time and he was very determined.

Li Longji understood that he was about to lose a good prime minister.

He did not blame Li Shi too much. After taking office, Li Shi was capable and pragmatic. In addition to handling government affairs diligently and responsibly, he also supervised counties, rectified the administration of officials, punished corruption, changed the era name to Zai, discovered gold mines, and enriched the national treasury. He could be regarded as a national hero.

In addition, Li Shizhi's son Li Xuan was a man of great literary talent, brave and good at fighting. He helped the emperor share his worries and won his heart.

As soon as he took office as the deputy envoy of Longyou Jiedushi, he made great contributions, which made Li Longji plan to give Li Xuan military power and let Li Xuan attack Tubo as soon as possible, recover lost territory, and expand his territory.

"After you leave, who do you think can take over the important task?"

Li Longji asked Li Shizhi.

"The prime minister is worshiped by the saints. I do not have such authority."

Li Shizhi replied to Li Longji, expressing that he would not interfere in government affairs easily.

"When you are not here, someone will have to take over the responsibility. We can't leave the imperial edict unchecked, right? Please recommend a few people, and I will consider them carefully!"

Li Longji insisted that Li Shizhi recommend a candidate to succeed the left prime minister. "From the affairs of the Jixian Academy, we can see the erudition and prestige of the Minister of Works; from the major cases of the Ministry of Personnel and the Guangyuntan gathering, we can see the uprightness and coordination of the Minister of Punishments; from the management of the army and the governor of Henan, we can see the civil and military skills of the Minister of Rites; from the achievements in destroying the Turks, we can see the decisiveness and determination of the Imperial Censor. I recommend these people to Your Majesty, and it is up to Your Majesty to judge who is more suitable. Of course, this is just my humble opinion. Perhaps Your Majesty has more famous ministers like Fangmou and Duduan in mind."

Following Li Xuan's suggestion, Li Shizhi gave examples and told Li Longji.

Chen Xilie, Minister of Works and Grand Secretary of Jixian Academy, had been in Jixian Academy for more than ten years, diligently supporting daily affairs and was deeply trusted by Li Longji.

Minister of Rites, Pei Kuan. Having just returned from his post as Jiedushi of Fanyang, Li Longji thought Pei Kuan had the "Jiu-ling demeanor" and admired his character and ability very much.

Imperial Censor, Wang Zhongsi. During the Tianbao period alone, he first attacked the Xi and Khitan, winning three battles and three victories; then he attacked the right wing of the Turks; last year he defeated the left wing of the Turks and annihilated the Turks. This feat was unprecedented in the Tang Dynasty and unparalleled.

Not to mention Wei Jian, he is Li Longji's most favored person recently.

Although only these four people were listed, Li Xuan had already guessed Li Longji's thoughts.

"All those you listed are talented enough to be prime ministers, but the Huihe are newly established, and Zhongsi needs to be stationed in the northern border; Minister Pei is not up to the task; Minister Chen is knowledgeable, but lacks experience in governing a country and managing officials; the rest of the court officials are inferior to them."

Li Longji thought about it and replied to Li Shizhi.

"The saint is wise!"

When Li Shizhi paid his respects to Li Longji, he put his mind at ease.

"I think Qilang can be a general. What do you think?"

Li Longji said solemnly to Li Shizhi.

"A father will not fail to understand his son. I also believe that Shichiro has the talent to be an admiral."

Li Shizhi did not make any hypocritical excuses.

"I believe this is visible to all civil and military officials. But how will General Huangfu arrange it?"

Li Longji asked Li Shizhi for his opinion again.

Huangfu Weiming had been on the battlefield for many years, and he only suffered one defeat this year.

We cannot deprive him of his official position for this reason, as that would discourage the border generals.

Moreover, Li Xuan's meritorious service in the Jishi Army was inseparable from Huangfu Weiming's support, so Li Longji wanted to treat him well and could re-employ him as a general in the future.

"After I left, not only was there an extra position of Left Prime Minister, but also a vacant position of Minister of War. This position was originally prepared for people who are both civil and military."

Li Shizhi replied to Li Longji with a hint of meaning.

Huangfu Weiming had more than ten years of experience as a civil servant, and his highest position was Minister of Agriculture.

He was also one of the few generals of the Tang Dynasty who had been on a diplomatic mission to Tubo.

"In this case, there is nothing to discuss."

Li Longji asked Li Shizhi to come to the case, and grabbed Li Shizhi's hand and said, "Sanlang, take care of your health, and you can assist me in the future."

"As long as I am healthy, I will serve the country even if I become a governor. If I am still confused and become a county magistrate, I will be ashamed of the people."

Li Shizhi's eyes were red and tears were streaming down his face as he spoke.

"Even if you are recovering from illness, you should have a respectable position!"

Li Longji said with emotion.

Afterwards, he invited Li Shizhi to have dinner together.

After that, Li Longji ordered the Yulin Army to drive Li Shizhi back to the Zuo Xiangfu.

In the afternoon, Li Linfu was summoned to the palace to discuss cardinal matters.

"Now the country only has you left. Do you have a talent like Li Xiangong in your mind?"

Li Longji asked Li Linfu.

Li Shizhi resigned from all his official posts, was dismissed from his post, and was stripped of his official title. However, Li Shizhi's title was still a county lord, which he kept until his death, and was then reduced by one level and inherited by Li Qian.

"Minister Chen of the Ministry of Industry is a talent!"

Li Linfu had made up his mind in the morning. If the sage asked him to recommend someone, he would recommend Chen Xilie, who had great prestige. Regardless of whether it was feasible or not.

In Li Linfu's mind, Chen Xilie was gentle and easy to control. With Chen Xilie as prime minister, he would surely be able to return to the era when he and Niu Xianke ruled together.

"Mr. Li recommended four ministers to me, including Minister Chen. But I don't think Minister Chen is the most suitable."

Li Longji shook his head slightly and asked Li Linfu, "What do you think of Wei Shangshu, the Minister of Justice?"

He is indeed an ungrateful person.

The big case in the Ministry of Justice made this ungrateful person gain great reputation in the government and the public. This is stepping on his head to get to the top!
"Your Majesty is wise, I... think it is appropriate!"

Although Li Linfu was unhappy in his heart, he did not show any dissatisfaction on the surface.

Should he use Wei Jian's status as a relative to the emperor as an excuse?
He is a member of the royal family!
The "Ten Things to Say" not only restricted Li Longji from using external relatives, but also prohibited him from appointing members of the royal family to important positions.

In the 24th year of Kaiyuan, before Niu Xianke was appointed as prime minister, Li Linfu once said to Li Longji: "As long as one has talent and knowledge, why does one need to be well-versed in classics? Why not let the emperor employ people?"

There is nothing wrong with the emperor employing people. If you refute it, you will be slapping yourself in the face.

……

Right Prime Minister's Mansion.

Wei Jian was about to be appointed as prime minister, which made Li Linfu upset and angry.

No matter who it is, it would be better than Wei Jian, the ungrateful man who betrayed him!

Even the traitor Yang Yan and those so-called upright officials who impeached him were countless times better than Wei Jian.

Because Wei Jian is his relative, different from other traitors.

Even if Li Xiu came to persuade Li Linfu, it would be of no avail.

That night, Li Linfu sat quietly in Yuetang, refusing to eat or drink.

……

Two days later, Li Shizhi retired as Prince Grand Tutor and was promoted to Duke of Song.

The position of the Prince's Grand Tutor had been vacant since the death of Prince Xin'an Li Yi, and was of the second rank.

In the Tang Dynasty, only the General of Tiance, Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, Grand Commandant, Grand Protector, Situ and Sikong were of the first rank.

There is no need to talk about General Tiance.

As for other titles such as Grand Master and Grand Commandant, Li Longji would only posthumously confer them on deceased meritorious officials, except for his own brothers and sons, so that they could live in retirement below. For example, last year, Li Yi died and was posthumously conferred the title of Grand Commandant; Zhang Shuo died and was posthumously conferred the title of Minister of the Interior.

Li Shizhi took sick leave to retire.

When Wei Jian came to power, he was appointed as the left prime minister and concurrently the Minister of Punishments, and was granted the title of Yinqing Guanglu Dafu.

In addition to this, he also served as several envoys.

"Thank you for the recommendation, Grand Master!"

That afternoon, Wei Jian, with a rosy face, came to visit Li Shizhi.

As he was appointed prime minister at a prime minister's age, he could hardly contain his joy.

He was very grateful for Li Shizhi's recommendation. If Li Shizhi and Li Linfu had opposed it together, it would have been difficult for him to become prime minister.

Moreover, the achievement of becoming a prime minister and the major cases in the Ministry of Personnel were all planned by Li Shizhi and his son.

"My status is special now. The Left Prime Minister should not meet me in private in the future. There is no need to send me gifts during festivals. I will not accept them."

Li Shizhi spoke directly to Wei Jian.

"Master, you have already retired. What is there that I cannot see?"

Wei Jian didn't understand.

"The left prime minister is a relative of the emperor and the prime minister, and my son Qilang is a member of the royal family and a frontier general. If we get too close, the saint will definitely be suspicious. If someone with ulterior motives falsely accuses us of treason, we will die without a burial place. There are some things that the left prime minister needs to think twice before acting!"

Li Shizhi confessed to Wei Jian.

It took the sage two consecutive coups d'état before he ascended the throne.

He was very sensitive, and that was why he killed three sons in one day.

The words "relatives by marriage", "royal family", "prime minister" and "frontier commander" combined together would definitely touch Li Longji's sensitive strings.

Li Xuan learned the lesson of "Wei Jian and Huangfu Weiming's Shangyuan tour" in history, and explained the seriousness of the incident to Li Shizhi in advance, and asked him to keep a distance from the important officials during his retirement.

From then on, Li Shizhi would look for powerless princes such as the Prince of Ruyang, or old ministers who had also retired, to recite poems, compose fu, play chess, and drink with him.

He would deliberately make a few typos in spelling at banquets to make people think that he was truly "dazed" and unfit to return to court.

He followed Li Xuan's advice and no longer held any official position with real power when Li Xuan took control of the military power.

"Grandmaster, you are a man of foresight. Your words have enlightened me. I just don't know how to repay your kindness."

Wei Jian was shocked. The saints of today have their own way of dealing with things. Once they are falsely accused, even if there is no evidence, they will be suspected by the saints.

Thinking of his relationship with Huangfu Weiming, Wei Jian felt a little scared.

　A big chapter of 5,000 words, with another chapter to come later.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)