Liu Ying really knew Xiao He, and Xiao He naturally knew him too. After all, they were all fellow villagers in Peixian County. There was nothing wrong with calling him Father Zhong.
"When the king started to raise troops, the young master was only so tall. Now he is a head taller in the blink of an eye. It's really amazing."
Xiao He's tone was calm and his expression was kind.
If Zhang Liang is a piece of noble ice, then he is a piece of warm jade, like taking a shower in the spring breeze or drinking from a sweet spring.
Liu Ying looked at Xiao He seriously and suddenly pointed at his temples, "Father Zhong, you have gray hair."
Xiao He was startled, then he said with a nonchalant smile: "It is natural that the master is getting older and the minister is getting older."
"No!" Liu Ying shook her head, "I know that Father Zhong is busy with official duties. The people's livelihood in Guanzhong and the burden of the war all fall on Father Zhong's shoulders. It is obvious that you are the most difficult, but Father still doubts Father Zhong and asks me to monitor him. Father Zhong, he went too far!"
"Master, be careful what you say!"
Xiao He hurriedly stopped Liu Ying, looked around again, then leaned over and asked, "Master, where do you start talking about this?"
"My father specially told me. He said that he was going to deal with Xiang Yu and make me the prince in the future. He asked me to stay in Guanzhong and keep an eye on Father Zhong. Is he not well-intentioned?" Liu Ying sold Liu Bang out unceremoniously. Firstly, he felt that it was impossible for Xiao He to rebel, and the old gangster was just wasting his efforts; secondly, he couldn't hide it from Xiao He, so he simply spoke up.
As for the third one, his uncle Lu Ze has entrusted him to Xiao He. Only by being honest with him can we get along with him.
Xiao He pondered for a moment and suddenly understood. He nodded hard, then took Liu Ying's hand and said seriously: "Young Master, I have an open heart. There is no need to hide it. You can rest assured. Besides, the king asked you to keep an eye on me. It’s for my own good. If someone wants to slander me, the young master can defend me.”
Xiao He is Xiao He. He not only understands Liu Bang, but also knows his special status. It is not a bad thing to have one more person watching him.
"Father Zhong, you didn't lie to me? You won't be angry if I stare at you?"
Xiao He smiled and said: "Since I am the prime minister, how can I be angry with a child?"
Liu Ying nodded, "I know, it's like the general's forehead can run a horse, and the prime minister's belly can punt a boat. But don't worry, Father Zhong, I will send it to Father Zhong for review in advance. If you don't agree, I will I won’t give it away.”
Xiao He was stunned again and couldn't help but laugh, "Your uncle is really right, the young master is indeed very smart!"
Liu Ying also smiled, "I think so too."
The two chatted for a while, and Liu Ying talked about Xiao He's father-in-law, saying that she was very happy. When she was in Peixian County, she liked this child. After a few years, she really lived up to expectations.
Xiao He happily took Liu Ying and asked him to sit in the same car with him and go out of the city to meet Liu Bang.
When they arrived at the military camp, the old gangster hadn't gotten up yet. After waiting for almost another quarter of an hour, Liu Bang yawned and asked Xiao He to come over.
Liu Ying wanted to follow him to have a look, but the person who came to deliver the message said: "Young master, please stay here. Your Majesty has specifically asked you not to go there."
Liu Ying's eyes widened, something seemed wrong!
Could it be related to that fragrant woman?
When Liu Ying hesitated, Xiao He stretched out his big hand and pressed it on his shoulder. Liu Ying turned her head. Xiao He didn't say anything, but just smiled at him.
This smile made Liu Ying inexplicably relieved. With Xiao He here, there was nothing to worry about!
He left happily, and Xiao He came to see Liu Bang alone.
After the ceremony, Liu Bang took Xiao He and sat side by side with him on the ground. He sighed with emotion: "I escaped death, I almost died at the hands of Xiang Yu, and we almost never met!"
Xiao He just listened silently, and Liu Bang added: "I just learned that the Qi family gave me a son. This is my third son. When she left the customs and marched into Pengcheng, she was several months pregnant. It was inconvenient for her to go with the army, so she was allowed to stay in Guanzhong... I really didn't expect that she would live up to her expectations and actually gave birth to a son! I am over fifty, but I can still have a son. I have the spirit of a dragon and a tiger, and I am not inferior to young people. I am enough to fight with Xiang Yu fights for the world."
The more Liu Bang talked, the happier he became, and he even became beaming with joy.
"Prime Minister, this child hasn't been named yet. I plan to call him Ruyi, Ruyi... Liu Ruyi, what do you think of this name?"
Liu Bang has two sons, the eldest son Liu Fei was born from his affair with a widow, and Liu Ying is the second son, but because he was born to Lu Fei, he is Liu Bang's first heir, whether at home or outside.
As for the sudden appearance of the third child, it was not surprising at all, but Liu Bang broke the rules and gave him the name "Ruyi", which I have to say is a bit extraordinary.
Xiao He remained calm and calm, and said: "This is the king's family matter. The king can arrange it by himself. There is no need to ask his ministers."
Liu Bang looked at Xiao He seriously and suddenly asked: "I am the King of Han, and I also have family affairs?"
Xiao He said: "Who can live without family affairs, and the king is no exception."
Liu Bang suddenly laughed and said, "I plan to ennoble Qi as my wife. What do you think, Prime Minister?"
This lady is not a folk title, but a formal establishment of the harem, located under the queen, similar to a noble concubine.
Qi was a concubine taken into the army after Liu Bang raised his army. She was both talented and beautiful. Now that she gave birth to Liu Ruyi, she suddenly flew up a branch and became a phoenix. She was really lucky.
Xiao He did not hesitate and still nodded, "The queen unfortunately ended up in the Chu camp. The king must have no one by her side. It is reasonable to canonize Madam Qi. I will arrange it immediately."
Xiao He readily agreed, which surprised even Liu Bang.
"Prime Minister, do you think this matter does not need to be considered?"
Xiao He said: "The Han army has suffered a new defeat, and we need to inspire people. The king is happy to have a son. No one will object."
Liu Bang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I am still worried that the civil and military officials from Pei County will be confused and will oppose this matter."
Xiao He said again: "Your Majesty, if anyone objects, I am willing to personally persuade you."
Liu Bang was quite satisfied, and finally patted Xiao He on the shoulder and said with a smile: "I have nothing to do. If the Prime Minister has anything else to do, I will definitely do it."
Xiao He smiled faintly, "I don't have anything big going on here. I just arranged the ceremony for the crown prince's canonization in accordance with the king's will. I would like to ask the king if it will be held as scheduled?"
"Of course, how can I change what I have said without authorization?"
Xiao He added: "I know, there is one more small thing. When the prince is canonized, someone needs to be guarded. I plan to let all the children of important civil and military ministers, regardless of age, serve as the prince's guards."
Liu Bang frowned, "This... is there any need to be so anxious?"
Xiao He said: "Your Majesty, the military situation is like a fire and cannot be neglected in the slightest. The purpose of establishing the crown prince is to appease people's hearts and let the civil and military men defend the prince. It also appeases people's hearts so that the generals can kill the enemy bravely without any scruples... Your Majesty, do you still have something else? Any other plans?”
Liu Bang immediately pondered, and after a moment, he smiled and said: "No, the Prime Minister's arrangements are very appropriate. I will do it as you wish."
Xiao He nodded, then bid farewell to Liu Bang, and went out to arrange carriages and horses to enter the city.
As soon as he left, behind the tent, there was a gust of fragrant wind, and Qi fell into Liu Bang's arms like a butterfly.
"Your Majesty, I have thanked you for your great kindness. From now on, my heart will be with you. I will serve you well. I also hope that you will not let down my mother and son."
Liu Bang glanced at Mrs. Qi's delicate face and naturally read her ambition.
No matter how good Lu Pheasant is, she is not around.
As long as the hoe is wielded well, there is no corner that cannot be dug down.
It’s not surprising that Mrs. Qi is ambitious.
You just have to be able to fight it.
Xiao He's few words tied all the important civil and military officials to Liu Ying's chariot.
This is the Prime Minister’s method!
To fight with others, you must have the capital!
Liu Bang reached out and hugged Mrs. Qi to his chest, and whispered: "As long as you are honest and obedient, you will not suffer any loss."
Mrs. Qi burst into tears of gratitude and did not notice the hidden meaning of Liu Bang's words at all.
…
"Father Zhong, thank you very much. My father loves the new and hates the old, and he is very lustful. If Father Zhong didn't protect me, I really don't know what I would do."
Xiao He said with a smile: "Young master, don't worry, just wait for the canonization. Han Xin just sent the news that Feiqiu City is about to be destroyed. The king is also busy with military affairs and has no time to indulge in wine and sex." Xiao He sighed again: "In important matters, the king will not be confused. of."
As a victim, Liu Ying understands this deeply.
He nodded subconsciously, but then thought of something, "Father Zhong, can you give Zhang Han a way to survive?"
"Why?" Xiao He asked in surprise: "This man has followed Xiang Yu wholeheartedly and is trapped in the isolated city. He is still unwilling to surrender. How can he survive?"
Liu Ying paused and said in a low voice: "Zhang Han's subordinates are also descendants of the Qin Dynasty. We are based in Guanzhong, the hometown of the Qin Kingdom!"
