Before leaving, Li Yuan deliberately took out the two hundred taels of silver he had received as a reward. He had just put it into a simple box, and after thinking for a moment, he took it out again.
I turned to the street and found a shop that was still open for business. I bought some exquisite porcelain calligraphy and paintings, and asked the shopkeeper to pack them carefully and divide them into two parts.
One of them was given to Liu Jiangsheng and Luo Erhu, and they were asked to take the gift and their military badges to Bian Hao to say goodbye. He picked up the other and went straight to Chen Jue's residence...
In the evening, the car started back to Beijing.
After leaving Tanzhou Mansion, we headed eastward and entered the territory of Southern Tang Dynasty. And as long as you pass through Jiangzhou, you can walk on the spacious official road.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Li Min, the great lord of the Tang Dynasty, implemented the policy of resting with the people. As the main water transport route from Jiangzhou and Chizhou to Jinling, the Yangtze River waterway was needless to say. The official road on land was also repaired to allow four horses to travel parallel. Extremely smooth.
In the past half month, he has been following Liu Shaojian, a celebrity in the palace, and he has been working hard. Maybe Liu Shaojian was eager to return home, so Li Yuan and others had no choice but to follow him obediently, and had no extra time to travel around.
On October 27th, the three brothers Li Yuan finally arrived at Jiangning Mansion (Jinling), the capital of the Southern Tang Dynasty, with great excitement.
The carriage and horses bypassed the Bailuzhou with lush forests and bamboos in the west. The three brothers followed Liu Shaojian through Jubao Mountain, crossed the Changgan Bridge, and entered the city from the south gate.
In October in Jinling, the imperial capital, fallen leaves are flying, and autumn is everywhere. Perhaps the noisy bustle that can be seen everywhere has erased the chilly coolness of autumn. The palaces and pavilions, the flower rows in the courtyard, the small bridges and flowing water, the water-melody songs in Qingxifang, and the chanting of Buddha in Qingliang Temple are all accompanied by the gentle breeze. Gently caress the soul of the visitor.
This ancient capital of ten dynasties with outstanding people has always been filled with the reverie and sentiments of ancient and modern literati. As soon as Li Yuan set foot on the Zhenhuai Bridge, he burst into poetry with forgetfulness: "The wild grass and flowers beside the Suzaku Bridge, the setting sun at the entrance of Wuyi Lane." The ancients are honest and do not deceive me!
Liu Shaojian and other old people in Jinling all smiled behind their backs. Only Luo Erhu and Liu Jiangsheng, two men who had never seen the world, were as shy as children and did not dare to say anything. They just poked their heads around excitedly.
After passing the Zhenhuai Bridge, you will find the Imperial Palace. This place is at the center of the north-south axis of Jinling City. On both sides are various official places such as Zhusi Yamen, Imperial College, Zhuqian Bank, etc., and to the north is the Imperial Palace of the Southern Tang Dynasty. To the east and west are large and small residential areas and commercial areas.
The car stopped in front of the government offices. Just when Li Yuan was immersed in the hustle and bustle of the market, feeling like he was in another world, Liu Shaojian smiled softly and said to the confused young man: "General Li, now we are I have to go back to the palace to resume my duties. You have the right to rest here at the various offices. If your Majesty has a decree in a while, someone will understand it for you."
Li Yuan came to his senses, then calmly took out a piece of silver and handed it over: "Thank you for your hard work on this journey, Young Prisoner! I hope the Young Prisoner will take more care of you in the future!"
Liu Shaojian was a sensible person. He quickly put it into his sleeves and said with a greasy smile: "It's my duty."
Li Yuan led the two brothers, and under the guidance of several young officials in green clothes, they entered the yamen where the empire's machinery was the busiest.
Liu Jiangsheng, who has always been honest, has followed Li Yuan closely since he entered Jinling City. However, Luo Erhu thought that his eldest brother was going to be an official now, so he had relaxed his mind. If Li Yuan hadn't been there, he might have Several officials who were in a hurry were caught on the spot and asked about east, west, north and south.
The waiting time was long and uneasy. Li Yuan was still wearing the shiny armor, sipping the West Lake Longjing bought from Wuyue Guocai, while exploring his vision in this era.
Finally, a long-breathed shout came from outside the door.
"Who is Mr. Li Yuanli! Your Majesty has a decree!"
The three brothers Li Yuan quickly stood up and greeted them respectfully.
But all they saw was a shrunken little Huangmen. He looked at the door for a while, and when he saw Li Yuan coming towards him, he bowed in.
Li Yuan raised his hands and said seriously: "Li Yuan accepts the order."
But this little Huangmen was unexpected and thrust a satin book into Li Yuan's hand.
The rigorous occasion he imagined was instantly shattered, and Li Yuan was embarrassed and at a loss as to what to do: "This..."
Xiao Huangmen smiled naturally and whispered in a friendly voice: "It doesn't matter, sir! I am Liu Shaojian's man. There are no outsiders here. It doesn't matter to you, sir."
Only then did Li Yuan slowly open the edict with suspicion, and scanned it carefully several times. In addition to the previously mentioned story about Li Yuan's story of surrendering to the King of Chu, there were some praise words, and then came the highlight. Sure enough, it was sealed. Li Yuan was appointed as Marquis of Yu, the direct capital of the palace, and also received a Wu Sanguan from General Xuanwei of the fourth rank. But this General Xuanwei is just an unknown number, just with a little extra salary. He knows this in his heart.
Seeing Li Yuan's brows gradually unfurling, Xiao Huangmen also praised him knowingly: "Master Li is really a heroic young man! Congratulations to Master Li! His Majesty also ordered you to enter the palace to meet the saints. Please come with us quickly! Don't do it!" Let the Holy Driver wait impatiently!"
As usual, Li Yuan wanted to thank him. Xiao Huang muttered at the door, "Ah, adults don't have to be like this!", and then put a piece of silver into his pocket without thinking.
Li Yuan said humbly: "Please lead the way!"
Before going out, I didn't forget to say something: "Erhu, Jiang Sheng, you two just wait here for a while, I'll be back as soon as I can!"
The two brothers already knew that Li Yuan was now a high official, and they were cheering. Luo Erhu patted his chest, put his arm around Liu Jiangsheng, who was also happy, and laughed loudly: "Brother, don't worry! I will take care of you." Good second brother!"
Liu Jiangsheng glanced at the dark man's uneasy big hands, sighed, and then glanced at Li Yuan: "Don't worry, brother Yuan, I won't let him cause trouble."
The emperor ordered Li Yuan to meet him in his study.
"General Xuanwei and the emperor are waiting for Li Yuan to see you!"
After taking off his sword and stepping into the study, Li Yuan began to beat a drum in his heart. In this ancient world, we must be cautious and cautious. After all, when the emperor is angry, he will lie down for hundreds of miles.
In his memory, Li Jing, Emperor Yuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, was a lamentable emperor. He spent his whole life thinking about inheriting the glory of his father's generation and reviving the glory of the Tang Dynasty. This can be seen from the first reign title "Baoda". But in the end, he couldn't defeat a group of powerful officials, let alone Zhou Shizong Chai Rong. He ended up with disillusionment, the loss of the country, and finally died in depression.
Li Yuan did not dare to raise his head and look directly, so he quickly took a few steps forward, thought for a moment, then stopped immediately, looked at the dragon robe hanging on the ground in the corner of his eye, raised his arms and waist, bent to the extreme, and said loudly: "The humble minister Li Yuan pays homage to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!" (Note: In this era, you don't have to kneel when you see the emperor on most occasions, let alone kneeling three times and kowtowing nine times. Sometimes the emperor will do so if he is in a good mood. Give a seat. In short, sit in the Tang Dynasty, stand in the Song Dynasty, and kneel in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.)
A still gentle voice came: "Give me a seat."
Li Yuan quickly said: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After a eunuch guided Li Yuan to sit down, he finally saw the true face of the emperor.
At this time, Li Jing, Emperor Yuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, did not look old. He was only thirty-five years old. He was wearing a standard Tang-style bright yellow round-collar robe and was lazily leaning on a cushion made of Hangzhou silk. At first glance, it seems that he has already put on weight, and his height is not much different from the average level of men of later generations. His facial features are regular, but his face is a little pale. He must have spent a lot of energy on the harem conquest.
What followed was a set of standardized procedures. The eunuch loudly praised Li Yuan for his extraordinary achievements. After shouting "long live" three times, Li Jing issued an order to give Li Yuan a purple robe, a sword, three hundred taels of gold, and one thousand silver. two. Then let Li Yuan put on a purple robe and spin around in front of everyone to show his divine favor. (Note: In the Southern Tang Dynasty, purple robes were worn by officials of the third rank and above, but officials and emperors below the third rank could also give them as gifts to show their dignity if they were favored by the emperor. It was called "Giving Purple" in history)
When Li Yuan was thanking him, a slightly cold voice came from in front of him: "Li Yuhou, Your Majesty loves talents. You are young and promising. Don't be arrogant and short-sighted, form cliques and favoritism, and perform your duties loyally to repay His Majesty's honor." kindness!"
Looking for the reputation, he saw a middle-aged man wearing a purple robe sitting next to Li Jing, staring at him impartially with drooping cold eyes.
Li Yuan knew there was something in his words, but he was afraid that his current relationship with Chen Jue would not be able to get rid of him for a while, so he could only complain secretly, and responded with a serious face: "Thank you for your advice, sir! I have received your majesty's love, and I will repay it with my life!"
Maybe he had a good impression of Li Yuan, so Li Jing greeted him with a pleasant smile: "Li Yuan, I heard that you are from Chuzhou."
"Your Majesty, I grew up in Chuzhou since I was a child."
Li Jing nodded and asked, "Who else is at home?"
Li Yuan told the truth: "My parents died when I was young, and it was my wet nurse who raised me. Now, in addition to my adoptive mother, there is also a brother in the family. Although they are not connected by blood, they are brothers and sisters."
After listening to Li Yuan's answer, Li Jing frowned, seeming to be deeply touched, and sighed: "But it is so difficult. Li Yuan, since your adopted mother is kind to you, she should be filial to her."
"Your Majesty, loyalty and filial piety are the foundation of my life. I will remember your Majesty's words!"
On this occasion when the emperor and his ministers were getting acquainted with each other, Li Yuan saw that the emperor's expression was very friendly, so he stood up and cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I have something to say."
Seeing Li Jing nod in approval, Li Yuan continued: "My adopted mother lives alone in Chuzhou. Since I and my brothers left for the army, I have no one to support my adopted mother."
"I boldly ask your Majesty to take leave for a few days, go back to Chuzhou, and take my foster mother to Jinling to live there!"
These words seemed to speak into the soft heart of the emperor. He raised his hand towards Li Yuan majestically and said: "Well, since he is the son of a man, it is reasonable. I am sure!"
Li Yuan was overjoyed and quickly replied: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"
Li Jing still looked at Li Yuan with a smile, admiration and love flowing out of his eyes, and continued: "Li Qing, if you have any other requests, please tell them as well."
Since the emperor was so generous, Li Yuan paused for a moment to organize his words, and then he couldn't wait to express what he wanted in his heart: "Your Majesty, this time I came to the city to surrender to the King of Chu. Among the three cavalry accompanying me, the other two are also our loyal and brave people of the Tang Dynasty. My son. But now that I am the only one who has received the reward, I feel guilty."
Before Li Jing could speak, the man in purple robe was unhappy and stopped him angrily: "Li Yuhou, how can you repeatedly ask Your Majesty——"
"It doesn't matter! Although Li Yuan is still young, he has the air of a general. He is loyal and filial to the emperor, has high achievements and is self-effacing. Such high moral integrity is really commendable! I am very happy!"
After all, he is the emperor, and now is the time when the Tang Dynasty is victorious. Li Jing, who is already overjoyed, is constantly favoring the ministers he admires: "Since the other two have made great contributions, how can I not reward them? Let them be included together." Let these two be on duty under you! You are now the Marquis of Du Yu, and these two are under your control. You can report all your duties to the Privy Council. My dear, what do you think?"
As soon as he said this, Li Yuan secretly exclaimed, this emperor is an emperor after all, and he is born with language arts and political abilities! Not only did he allow Liu Jiangsheng and Luo Erhu to be transferred to the capital and eat imperial food under him, which was equivalent to giving him this kind of kindness, but he also allowed himself to appoint official positions for the two brothers, and by the way, he would test his attitude towards employment and his ability to do things. This trick is really brilliant!
"I would like to express my gratitude to you two, Your Majesty for your kindness!"
After Li Yuan left the hall with lingering fear, he looked for Liu Shaojian who was coming towards him: "How are you, Shaojian Liu!"
Liu Shaojian was very happy when he saw Li Lang and Li Yuhou who were quite good at getting things done: "Master Li, why do you want to see me for advice?"
Li Yuan thought for a moment, then showed a troubled expression: "I've just arrived here, and I don't have a place to stay in Jinling City at the moment. I just thought that Liu Shaojian must have a way..."
Liu Shaojian looked earnest and said quickly: "What's so difficult about this? Does Mr. Li have a house he likes?"
"No. His Majesty ordered me to enter the palace. I was in a hurry, but I never saw it."
Liu Shaojian crossed his hands and caressed the back of his hands, and replied in a leisurely manner: "Well... there is a villa in the west of the city, just across the Yinhong Bridge. The location is very good, and there are fewer people around. It's nice to live there." It’s also comfortable. If Mr. Li likes it, we will——”
Li Yuan didn't ask for anything else. He was only thinking about finding a place to live in Jinling, so he directly agreed: "As long as I have a place to stay, it doesn't matter how much money I spend!"
Seeing that Li Yuan accepted his love, Liu Shaojian said with a smile: "Hey, we also know that Mr. Li is now His Majesty's favorite and very rich. Then we will let Zhou'er take you there!"
"Thank you, Young Supervisor!"
Seeing Li Yuan handing over his hand in greeting and trying to take something out of his sleeves, Shaojian Liu understood the truth this time and gritted his teeth and replied: "I can't afford this gift! Mr. Li, please don't forget that we are his own family now... ..."
Li Yuan also put away his posture, straightened his body and said with a smile: "I should be grateful!"
