Zhao Shan looked at Deng Zhong in front of him and said with a smile: "I am very relieved that Deng Qing loves the court. If all the officials in the world are as loyal as Deng Qing, I will have nothing to worry about."
Deng Zhong said loudly: "Your Majesty has thanked you. I am in Yizhou and I am always looking forward to surrendering to your Majesty."
Zhao Shan smiled in his heart.
What Deng Zhong said was just official talk. How could he possibly think about surrendering? It's nothing more than having no choice but to surrender.
However, Zhao Shan would not expose it.
Zhao Shan smiled and said: "Deng Qing has worked hard all the way. Along the way, there has been heavy wind and snow. Once it encounters rain or snow, it will be even more freezing. I have arranged for people to prepare warm drinks and meat. Have a good time. Ichiban, warm yourself up."
He waved his hand for Deng Zhong to stand up, arranged for Zhuge Shang and Deng Zhong to take their seats, and then ordered: "Come here, serve wine and food."
The eunuchs who had been prepared long ago filed in.
In front of Zhao Shan, Zhuge Shang and Deng Zhong, wine, meat and dishes were placed.
Zhao Shan took the lead in picking up the wine bottle and said, "It's windy and snowy outside. You guys have worked hard all the way back. Come on, have a drink."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Zhuge Shang and Deng Zhong both thanked him.
After Zhao Shan drank the wine, they each drank the wine in their glasses.
After Zhao Shan drank a glass of wine and ate some food, he looked at Deng Zhong and continued: "Deng Qing, when you take up a post in Luoyang, you will do your job well. If you have any difficulties, just ask Zhuge Qing."
"I will bear in mind His Majesty's teachings."
Deng Zhong quickly expressed his position: "I have just arrived in Luoyang and the Ministry of Rites. I don't know anything. I will definitely read more, learn more and think more. I will try my best to adapt to everything in the Ministry of Rites and live up to His Majesty's high expectations."
"good!"
Zhao Shan looked approvingly.
After all, Zhao Shan is the emperor, so eating at such a banquet is naturally restrictive because of the difference in status. During the simple banquet, Zhao Shan comforted Deng Zhong with a few words from time to time, comforted him from time to time, and finally sent Deng Zhong away, leaving Zhuge Shang alone.
Zhao Shan said in a deep voice: "Zhuge Qing, Deng Zhong has surrendered to the court, so there should be no problems. Just keep an eye on him and don't make any mistakes."
"I understand!"
Zhuge Shang answered without hesitation.
Zhao Shan waved his hand, and Zhuge Shang stood up and retreated.
While Zhao Shan was busy handling official duties and dealing with New Year's Eve matters, Gao Yuan came to Zhao Shan's hall in the evening and saluted: "Your Majesty, we just received the news about Bai Youyou. She has returned from Youzhou in the north. ."
Zhao Shan's eyes lit up.
Bai Youyou is back.
This is a good thing. Bai Youyou has been running business in Youzhou and is a strong business woman.
Zhao Shan did not restrain him and left Bai Youyou busy.
Now, I am finally willing to come back.
Zhao Shan asked: "Where are people now?"
Gao Yuan replied: "Reporting to your majesty, Miss Bai has already entered the territory of Luoyang. She will be able to arrive in Luoyang in half an hour at most. According to the time calculation, when Miss Bai returns to Luoyang, it is very likely that the sky will be dark and the city gate will be closed. . The slave took the decision without authorization and ordered the guards at the east gate of Luoyang to open the city gate and wait for Miss Bai to come back."
Zhao Shan praised: "You have done a good job, but Youyou is back after so many years. I will personally greet you. Prepare your car and follow me to the east gate."
"As you command!"
Gao Yuan responded respectfully.
He hurriedly went to prepare, and soon came back, and took a carriage out of the palace with Zhao Shan.
At this time the sky was dark and night was falling.
Everything in the city began to darken, especially now that it was the end of December, the weather was extremely cold, and it actually started to snow at night.
Although it is not a heavy snowfall, when the cold wind blows, standing in such ice and snow weather, it is so cold that people shiver.
Zhao Shan came to the city gate, but he did not wait at the city gate, but waited on the city tower.
At the same time, at the official road outside the east gate of Luoyang.
Three miles away.
On the official road.
Bai Youyou was riding back on his horse.
She could have taken a carriage, but she thought that the carriage was slower and couldn't match the speed of the horse, so even in the snow and ice, she kept on wearing a cloak.
Before entering Luoyang, she would go to bed early at night and would not travel overnight.
When they arrived near Luoyang, Bai Youyou was anxious to see Zhao Shan when he saw that he was about to arrive there. He couldn't wait to arrive, so he rushed all night.
She held a torch and braved the wind and snow.
Fortunately, his cheeks were completely covered, and his two eyes were exposed, so he could clearly see the road at night. In addition, he was getting closer and closer to Luoyang City, and he could see the firelight in the distance, so the journey went smoothly.
Furthermore, the closer we get to Luoyang, the more open and flat the official roads become, making the journey smoother.
Bai Youyou was thinking in her heart.
After such a long time, has His Majesty forgotten her? Now that he is back, His Majesty is fond of the new and dislikes the old. He has long forgotten about her, a woman who has always been in Youzhou.
Bai Youyou also wanted to come back before.
But just as his career was on the right track, Bai Youyou really couldn't escape, so he kept leading him in Youzhou, integrating people in the martial arts world, and developing business. Only now was he able to escape and return south after unloading his worries.
The closer Bai Youyou got to Luoyang, her heart was excited and at the same time, it was throbbing.
When the war horse approached the city, looking from a distance, he saw the bright city.
The fire burned, dispelling the darkness.
Bai Youyou thought in her heart, I'm afraid the emperor has gone to bed long ago, right?
Bai Youyou continued on her way on horseback. When the distance was completely close and she could see the people on the tower, Bai Youyou's eyes suddenly fell on the tower and she could clearly see the familiar figure on the tower.
It's Your Majesty!
Countless nights and midnight dreams, she dreamed of this figure.
Now, I finally saw it.
She thought Zhao Shan had gone to bed long ago or had forgotten her existence. Or maybe I didn’t have time to come, but I didn’t expect Zhao Shan to come in person.
Bai Youyou's heart started beating loudly.
