Dozens of oil lamps in the majestic and solemn palace still look dim, probably because the owner's mood adds a layer of color to the palace, but in such a gloomy room, a gorgeous autumn chrysanthemum blooms like the sun in the sky.
The old hand is hovering on the chrysanthemum, wearing a dragon robe and brocade robes, and a crown facing the sky. The old face is tangible and has bones, with a majesty accumulated over time.
"Your Majesty..." Xia Huan, the Minister of Rites, knelt down in front of King Yu Yu, trembling.
These kings call themselves emperors behind closed doors at home, but when they go out, others only think of them as kings.
"Why is the preparation for this longevity banquet so slow!" Prince Yu narrowed his eyes and looked at Xia Huan with a sinister gaze.
"The increasing number of homeless people in Yindu has disrupted the market and caused a sharp rise in prices. The originally sufficient expenses are now insufficient." Xia Huanguo was swayed.
"Wouldn't it be a good idea to drive these people out of Yin?" King Yu said casually, not caring about the life or death of these people.
"Your Majesty, driving out the refugees may cause a civil unrest!" Xia Huan knew what to say and what not to say and what to oppose. If the order to expel the refugees was passed in his hands, then his reputation would be over.
"Forget it, I have already ordered the collection of national taxes from merchants. Please don't let me down if you love me." King Yu's tone was weak, but the majesty in it was unquestionable.
"Yes!" Not daring to raise his head, Xia Huan could only accept the order.
As the minutes passed, King Yu played with the brilliant chrysanthemums and had no intention of letting Xia Huan go back. Xia Huan, a man in his fifties, knelt a little stiffly.
"I heard that someone collected the bodies of the Siqin family and raised Xiaolian?" King Yu said, neither happy nor angry. It was difficult for Xia Huan to guess his mood.
"It's true." Xia Huan didn't want to be careless. The promotion of Xiaolian was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites. He also knew about this matter, but he didn't expect that King Yu would suddenly ask questions.
King Yu had ignored government affairs for a long time and focused on his pleasure, so even the top three candidates in the imperial examination were selected by him on the list submitted by the people below.
"That's quite bold. Isn't he afraid of being implicated? Who else recommended it?" King Yu snorted coldly.
"Yin Du Prefecture Yin Gong Ji, the ministers are just following the regulations." Xia Huan skillfully said that he was just following the regulations, but Zhuang Xun became the Xiaolian of Yin Du Prefecture after he and Gong Ji discussed it.
"He is very brave. He doesn't know the relationship between this man and the daughter of the Si Qin family? Or does he agree with the Si Qin family!" King Yu's tone was cold, Xia Huan felt like a gleam on his back, and cold sweat covered his face.
He is familiar with King Yu's character. To argue at this time is to seek death, and King Yu's anger will become even stronger.
"I don't know, but the Si Qin family has committed treason and deserves to be punished. However, loyal people should also be praised, otherwise they would be unworthy of their reputation as filial piety and integrity." Xia Huan said under pressure. This was the only excuse he could give. .
"There are so many loyal people, but you choose one who is related to the Si Qin family. Do you think I am blind?" King Yu's tone was low, and the heavy pressure broke Xia Huan's spine.
He wanted to say something, but he didn't dare to say it. He could only put his head lower, close to the cold floor tiles, so that he could feel a little warmth.
This will only lead to death. Xia Huan's throat forced a sound: "It's because he seems to be related to the Si Qin family. The Si Qin family is treason and this son is brave. This way it can appear that the Si Qin family is unforgivable." .”
In fact, there is a loophole in this sentence. Zhuang Xun's mention of filial piety and honesty can be said to be two aspects of the same thing. It can also be compared with Zhuang Xun and Si Qin Jia, showing that as long as those who are loyal and brave can be rewarded, it can inspire people's loyalty. It can also be said that having a relationship with Si Qin's family and not being punished but being rewarded will make people's hearts move.
He was waiting for the trial. Time was slow, and one second was stretched infinitely. There was only the crackling sound of burning firewood in the hall, just like his mood bursting during the burning. With King Yu's order, his head was about to fall to the ground, but Thinking that King Yu still needed to prepare the longevity banquet by himself, he felt a little calmer.
"There is some truth in what you said. Tell me about it. I haven't heard such a story of loyalty for a long time." King Yu opened his eyes slightly, and his cloudy eyes had no energy. Xia Huan knelt on the ground but did not dare to raise his head. Look at him even once.
He narrated the story from delivering wine at the execution ground, to spending all his wealth to buy coffins for the cemetery, to refusing to pick up people at the car dealer, causing a scene in Zhenguo Palace, to finally borrowing a car as a ghost, and even being attacked by refugees. Xia Huan also said that he even deliberately Add some complimentary words, trying to establish Zhuang Xun's image of being grateful and not afraid of difficulties.
King Yu didn't say anything after hearing this, but Xia Huan felt relieved. King Yu is willing to listen to you. This is more important than anything else. He is most afraid that he will draw his own conclusions, and then your extravagant words will be of no use.
"Really value friendship so much? Can you dig him out?" There was a little light in King Yu's dark eyes. He couldn't believe it but wanted to believe it. He probably knew what the country under his rule was like.
"Indeed, it is true. The selection document also contains records of his helping people who were in trouble due to accidents. He is good at benevolence and justice, and his words and deeds are consistent. He is always known as a virtuous person." Of course, Xia Huan wanted King Yu to believe him. If King Yu didn't believe him, he would fall. It was really bad, and he selectively filtered out the questions raised by King Yu.
"A person with such a moral character should be recommended as a filial and honest person in Yin Du Mansion. He is not afraid of being insulted, not afraid of being implicated, not afraid of being blamed, and not afraid of having his reputation ruined. He is kind and affectionate. He is a gentleman and can be used to govern the country." Wang praised Zhuang Xun, which could be regarded as characterizing Zhuang Xun's behavior. He was not a rebellious person related to the Siqin family, but a gentleman and sage with love and righteousness.
"Wei Chen thought so too, so he approved the recommendation document of the Palace Chronicle." Seeing King Yu's attitude, Xia Huan quickly stood up and said, at the same time, the stone in his heart fell steadily.
"If he is interested, I will send someone to find out. If that is the case, I will give him a seat at the Wanshou Banquet and ask him about his talents and knowledge and whether he can be an official. If there is any falsehood, then Gong Ji, the governor of Yindu, will also There's no need to do it." King Yu didn't completely believe what Xia Huan said. He had his own judgment. Of course he wanted the country to have people who valued kindness and righteousness, but he also understood how rare such people were in the Yu Kingdom. .
"Yes, I understand." Xia Huan agreed, but he didn't know much about it. After all, he could only understand Zhuang Xun from the paper and the palace records. Although King Yu only mentioned the palace records in his words, if If it is really false, then he will inevitably be disappointed.
"Go down, I'm tired." King Yu waved his hand.
Xia Huan stood up tremblingly, bowed respectfully and exited the gloomy palace in small steps, leaving only King Yu who was still admiring Qiu Ju.
King Yu narrowed his eyes again and stared at the blooming chrysanthemums, without sadness or joy.
"Master, do you think he is telling the truth?" King Yu retreated slightly and leaned on his chair.
"I'm sorry, I can't say more." The old man in purple clothes holding a fly whisk walked out of the curtain on the side. He was the one who was talking to Jiang Xiannuo.
"It's my presumption. Sit down, Imperial Master. Why are you so polite in front of me?" A smile appeared on King Yu's skinny face.
"Your Majesty, does it have to be like this?" The old Taoist showed an unbearable expression.
"I don't want to go to the underworld to be tried. I can't accept just kneeling in front of the evil mirror." King Yu said, staring at the brilliant Qiu Ju.
"It's just a matter of time, Your Majesty. The more insistent you are, the greater your guilt will be." The old Taoist advised, his expression full of regret.
"You didn't persuade me ten years ago, and it's too late to persuade me now. I can't bear the torture of hell for hundreds of years and thousands of years." King Yu touched the chrysanthemum and did not listen to the old Taoist advice.
"Perhaps the old Taoist should not explain the affairs of the underworld to His Majesty." The old Taoist smiled bitterly, with a feeling of regret.
"It's my fault that you lost your final destiny." King Yu looked gloomy.
"It's the result of the old Taoist's insistence on going his own way." The old Taoist took over the responsibility and looked at the skinny King Yu, unable to say any words of blame.
"Needless to say, I understand that Dayu has run out of energy. Although he has the power of heaven, he can't help it. The destiny of heaven is clear and it is difficult to disobey it." King Yu looked at Qiu Ju and sighed helplessly.
"It's because I didn't listen to others and wasted my time. Now I have no choice but to make this decision." King Yu said regretfully.
"It is indeed a bad idea. It is easy for a human to transform into a demon, but it is difficult for a demon to transform into a human. The human realm is prosperous and the emperor is born. The demonic realm is weak and avoids the human realm. Moreover, it is more difficult for animals and animals to become immortals than to ascend to the sky." The old Taoist looked at King Yu. , like watching a child who wants to enter the swamp, but is separated by a glass wall and is unable to dissuade him.
"The Imperial Master once said that serious sins are reincarnated by vegetation and spirits, and suffer the pain of being eaten by animals. The same is true for me when I go to the underworld. Now I just have less punishment from the underworld." King Yu said while touching the chrysanthemum. The fingers of the dead wood and the vibrant chrysanthemum A sharp contrast.
"That's it. Forget it, the old Taoist didn't say much. His Majesty already had a plan in mind." Seeing that he couldn't persuade King Yu, the old Taoist didn't say much.
"The Imperial Master came to see me, what's the matter?" King Yu raised his head and looked at Lao Dao.
"As entrusted by others, your majesty is requested to send troops to cooperate with Chengguo to expel Youguo's army." The old Taoist said straightforwardly without beating around the bush.
"Are you from Chengguo?" King Yu shook his head and said firmly.
The old man didn't answer.
"You know the importance of the Longevity Banquet to me. Now is a critical period. I need the imperial army to maintain order." King Yu did not say it clearly, and the meaning of rejection was already obvious.
"But the Wanshou Banquet couldn't be held, and Yindu was breached. His Majesty might have gone to the underworld before he could transform into a demon. What's the point of all this arrangement." The old Taoist said pointedly at the Wanshou Banquet, which King Yu was most concerned about.
"No matter how incompetent the defenders of Chengdie Pass are, they can still hold on for fifteen days. Without the imperial army, I can't suppress those guys who are ready to move." King Yu didn't even consider whether the country would perish. He just wanted to hold a longevity banquet. .
"Fifteen days? If we don't hear any news of support, I'm afraid it will only be five days before the soldiers guarding the city surrender." Lao Dao said bluntly.
"Then I will persist in Yindu for ten more days. It will take a month to march from Chengdie Pass to Yindu." King Yu insisted that everything must make way for his longevity banquet.
"The human heart is like river sand. When it gathers, it forms, and when it collapses, it turns into mud. If this happens, it will be possible to continue the reign of Yu for several more years. If the formation is broken, will Sergeant Yindu still obey your majesty's orders? Your majesty himself Thinking about it, I will take my leave." The old Taoist said nothing more and turned around to leave.
"Wait, Imperial Master, I promise to send out the forbidden army." Seeing that the old Taoist was about to leave, King Yu made up his mind. What the old Taoist said was very reasonable. Once Chengdie Pass was broken, the enemy army would march straight into the plains inside the pass. The Yindu Forbidden Army still listened. It's hard to say if you don't obey orders.
"But I need to ask the Imperial Master to help prepare the longevity banquet and protect me." He implored.
"Okay!" The old Taoist agreed and left without looking back.
"National Master!" King Yu called to the old Taoist.
The old Taoist priest stopped and stood there.
"The palace records recommend this Xiaolian, and the Imperial Preceptor can go and check it out. If it is true as he said, the Imperial Preceptor can help me protect him and correct my style of Yu." King Yu considered his words and said to the old Taoist in a pleading tone.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I understand." The old Taoist understands what King Yu means. If he is truly a person of high moral character and gives kindness to himself, what the other person does will not damage his personal destiny and wealth unless he is angry and resentful. If he still has talent, he can do it If you do something in your career, you can stick to the other person's light and gain some immortality and blessings.
King Yu said this because he deliberately connected him with Xiaolian, so as to increase his personal immortality.
But, unless the Yu Kingdom is not destroyed now, no amount of personal immortality will be enough, but he is too lazy to say it, after all, it is King Yu's concern.
Slowly walking out of the palace, the old man turned into a wisp of smoke.
"Immortal, I'm sorry." The haggard emperor was left, looking at the chrysanthemums that were as round and shining as the sun, and murmuring apologies to himself. He didn't know how much apology he had to allow the Imperial Advisor to send troops.
Xia Huan, who only felt his back was wet after leaving the palace gate, sat in the carriage and kept wiping his cold sweat. Accompanying the king is like accompanying a tiger, especially King Yu, who is a sick tiger with a sensitive mind. If he is not careful, he will be killed. Landed.
Recalling the conversation with the emperor, he became more and more uneasy. Things were beyond his control. He was really worried about Zhuang Xun's problem. Although he made the final decision, he was really not familiar with Zhuang Xun. If King Yu paid attention to Zhuang Xun, If Xun's virtue does not match his current status, it would be a terrible thing for him and Gong Ji.
"Go to Master Yin Gong's house in Yindu Prefecture." After thinking about it, he told the groom that he wanted to ask the palace Ji in detail how filial and honest Zhuang Xun was.
After announcing his identity, under the guidance of his servant, he met Gong Ji in the study.
"Mr. Xia, your Majesty has come to visit me, and I am very happy with you. But if you don't prepare for the longevity banquet, why are you here?" Gong Ji said confusedly when he saw Xia Huan.
Gong Ji is a fat middle-aged man with a Chinese character face and a very official appearance.
"It's not Xiaolian you recommended who is related to the daughter of the Siqin family. Please tell me how much this person named Zhuang Xun is worth?" Xia Huan said anxiously.
"What's wrong, the emperor asked him? Why did the emperor ask him after ignoring the government affairs for so long?" Gong Ji was also surprised, and guessed from Xia Huan's attitude why Xia Huan came to him.
"Stop talking about this question. Since His Majesty asked it, I have covered it up for you, so how much water does this Zhuang Xun have?" thing.
"I don't know, I don't know. I reported it to you last time. A big shot in the country asked me to recommend him." Gong Ji was also panicked.
"Besides, is the situation of Zhuang Xun in the document true?" Of course Xia Huan knew that it was recommended by a big shot from the Cheng Kingdom. The ship of the Yu Kingdom was about to sink. In order to please the other party and make it easier for him to have a choice in the future, he specially recommended it. Xiaolian of Yindu Mansion.
"This is absolutely true. It was investigated and evidenced by the lower officials." Gong Ji nodded. He would not lie if he could tell the truth.
"That's good, that's good. The emperor said that he would have someone make a secret visit to see if his character is worthy of the title of filial piety and integrity." Xia Huan let out a long sigh of relief after hearing this.
"Then he has a much better character than the filial and honest people in previous years." Gong Ji also breathed a sigh of relief and did not pursue the fishy words.
"But this is not safe. We can't contact him now. It will be over if His Majesty's secret visitors find out. Now you and I will spread the news at the same time, saying that the Emperor's longevity banquet will test his talents, so that he will be more vigilant. "Xia Huan said worriedly.
"I understand!"
