After Bai Wenke returned, he used similar rhetoric as Wang Jun, which added a bit of excitement to the increasingly turbulent public opinion in Jinyang. But this time, it was not just officials who wanted to make progress, but many ordinary people also joined in the condemnation of the "Khitan tyranny".
The Prince's Mansion in Peiping remained calm as usual, with high walls and thick walls that seemed to have blocked out all calls from the outside world. But in the dark, the situation in Jinyang has never been out of Liu Zhiyuan's control, and various news from inside and outside Hedong are constantly reaching his desk.
Liu Chengyou also had a clear understanding of all this and his mind was extremely clear. He hasn't done much in the past few days. Apart from daily inspections of the Longqi Army, he is very peaceful.
In contrast, his eldest brother Liu Chengxun was not like that. As the crown prince, he met with officials on behalf of Liu Zhiyuan, comforted and encouraged them, and often attended banquets held to persuade people to join the bureaucratic organization and made some suggestive remarks. In short, Liu Chengxun has been very active since the conversation at Zhongchengqiao that night.
Amidst the chaos, time passes extremely slowly in this early part of the mid-spring month. However, no matter how anxious and helpless the people below him were, Liu Zhiyuan, the King of Peking, was always as stable as a mountain. By the time he appeared in front of his officials again, several days had passed. In order to receive him, an envoy came from Jingnan Jiedushi and Nanping King Gao Congjie.
Although the reputation of the Gao family in Jingnan was not good, they came all the way to visit him with gifts. Liu Zhiyuan was not unkind and personally received him in the hall, and also invited the Liu brothers and several staff to accompany him.
Nanping Kingdom is one of the "Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms". Among the countries, this small country has always had a good reputation, and its reputation as a "rogue monarch" is widely spread.
Among the southern countries, this country has the closest connection with the Central Plains. After all, it is located at a strategic location and is an important thoroughfare linking the Central Plains with other countries. In the past, when something happened in the Central Plains, they were the quickest to respond.
After all, they only occupy the small area of Jingnan. Their military strength is weak and their national strength is weak. However, their geographical location is very important. They cannot help but be insensitive in order to survive in the cracks between other countries. This time, Yelu Deguang destroyed the Jin Dynasty and the Central Plains changed hands. With the Gao family's always "kneeling and licking" way of life, there will naturally be some reaction.
However, sending envoys to Taiyuan to pay homage is still surprising.
Gao Congjie's envoy was a young man with an upright appearance and a hint of cleverness in his brows. His figure was probably due to lack of confidence, and his figure looked very humble. As soon as Liu Zhiyuan sat down in the main hall, he knelt down and saluted: "My minister, Gao Yuan, pays my respects to His Highness the King of Peking!"
This humble gesture made Liu Zhiyuan even more surprised. He waved his hand and said with a chuckle: "I'm here to invite you, but I can't accept such a great gift from you!"
"The king of Peiping is so mighty and virtuous that he is admired by the world. He deserves to be bowed down by me!" After bowing to him again, the messenger Gao Yuan stood up.
When you treat others with courtesy, you must ask for something. Looking at the envoy, Liu Zhiyuan asked directly: "Speak frankly, what is the purpose of King Nanping sending you to Hedong?"
Gao Yuan obviously wanted to say a few more words of flattery, but facing the powerful Liu Zhiyuan, he did not dare to be verbose, cupped his hands and clasped his fists, and replied respectfully: "Now that the Northern invaders have invaded the Central Plains, the country has no owner, and the people have no plan to survive. We are in urgent need of heroes to quell disasters and stabilize the mountains and rivers. Looking at the world, King Nanping, only King Beiping has far-reaching majesty and majesty, and is the king of the world. Please also ask the king to ascend to the throne and rule the world. King Nanping is willing to bow his head in Jingnan... ..."
Hearing what he said, a bright light flashed across Liu Zhiyuan's eyes, and then he showed an expression that looked a little like a smile, and looked at him playfully: "It is said that the King of Nanping sent people to Bianliang with heavy gifts to pay tribute to the Khitan Lord. I don't know. What kind of speech did the envoy Bian make in front of the Khitan Lord?"
"This..." Faced with Liu Zhiyuan's understatement question, Gao Yuan's breath was stagnant, but he quickly put away the trace of embarrassment on his face and continued to maintain a humble posture and explained: "The Khitan is powerful, King Nanping It is nothing more than a pretentious attempt to find out the details. Once the king raises his army, the King of Nanping will use his subjects to lead the soldiers of Jingnan to the north to drive away the Hu invaders..."
Maybe he just has the same surname as Gao, or maybe he is a member of the Gao family. When this person said this, he was really not blushing or out of breath. However, looking at the expression on his eyebrows, one could still feel his nervousness. The expression on his face as he looked eagerly at Liu Zhiyuan, waiting for a response, seemed a little pitiful.
Liu Zhiyuan pondered for a moment and thought carefully for a while. He opened his eyes slightly and stared at the envoy: "I understand King Nanping's intention. You go back and tell him that as long as Jingnan's army goes north, Gu will definitely raise troops from Hedong to respond and fight together." Khitan. I am the Fangbo of the Central Plains. It is my duty to protect the country and save the country and the people. As for the throne, I dare not have any improper thoughts. In the future, if the King of Nanping can invade Bianliang, save the world, and be honored by his title, I am also willing to serve you!"
I never expected that Liu Zhiyuan would give such an answer. Gao Congjie did not have the confidence and courage to send troops north to fight against the Khitans. As for the throne of the emperor, he did not even dare to think about such unrealistic fantasies.
Gao Yuanke came with Gao Cong's "mission". How could he be willing to return with such a reply? He wanted to persuade him, but Liu Zhiyuan didn't give him a chance. He waved his hand and said, "It's been a hard journey here. I'm sorry for the time being." Rest in Guanyi, and remember to bring your greetings when you return to Jingnan. Yang Yaya, please make the arrangements yourself!"
"Yes!" Yang Bin immediately stood up and responded.
Under Liu Zhiyuan's force, Gao Yuan was somewhat reluctantly invited to entertain. After he retreated, Liu Zhiyuan looked at everyone present and said with a sneer: "This rascal is used to playing both sides. I'm afraid he can't change his shortcomings."
Everyone burst into laughter.
"What do you think is the purpose of this Gao Laizi who traveled thousands of miles to persuade us to come in?"
This time it was Su Fengji who stood up, his face full of confidence, and said: "Gao Congjie may have felt the threat from the Khitans. Although it is unlikely that the Khitans will continue to move south, Jingnan is under their attack after all. As for the purpose, I'm afraid he wants to provoke a war in the north. If the king proclaims himself emperor and starts an army, the Khitans will not be compatible with each other. Once a war breaks out in the north, the Gao family will be safe. With the Gao family's greedy habits, they may seek opportunities to attack Take a bite of the north and occupy some states and counties. If the war in the north is decided, no matter who wins or loses, he will continue to be a vassal..."
"Fengji, you have seen through Gao Laizi!" Liu Zhiyuan said after hearing Su Fengji's analysis.
"Your Majesty, although the Gao family is a rogue, he is also the leader of the country. Even he sent envoys to persuade him to come in, which shows that you are already popular. Please, please don't hesitate any more. You need to decide your title early!" At this time, Yang Fan continued words, take advantage of the situation to persuade.
Seeing that the ministers present were about to move to second the proposal, Liu Zhiyuan stopped him in advance: "You are all lonely people. You should understand that the ambition of loneliness is..."
Leaving behind an "ambiguous" remark, Liu Zhiyuan stood up and left first.
"Brother, what exactly is this plan? I'm really worried about waiting for you!" Liu Chong, who was standing by, glanced at everyone and lamented.
