After stopping for a moment, a figure appeared and walked out of the hall. He was an old man in brocade robes. He was not young. He stepped out of the threshold. His rickety body straightened up. His chaotic eyes regained clarity. He looked at the scenery outside the palace. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief and his body relaxed obviously. .
With a quick glance, he noticed Liu Chengyou, his eyes were dazed, he nodded towards him, and then hurried away.
"Who is that?" Liu Chengyou greeted a chamberlain in front of the palace.
"Back to Your Highness, it's Li Shouzhen, the governor of the Tianping Army, who came to Tokyo to report on his duties and pay homage. He just arrived yesterday."
It turned out to be him! Looking at the figure walking away from him as he walked down the stairs, Liu Chengyou suddenly thought of a lot. This person has come to perform Hajj in person, but what about Du Chongwei? Maybe it depends on how Liu Zhiyuan arranges it.
Liu Chengyou didn't have to wait long. After being summoned by Liu Zhiyuan, he gathered his mood, neatly arranged his already neat robes meticulously, and stepped into the palace gate while maintaining a complicated state of mind that he couldn't even control.
The layout inside the Chui Gong Hall is very simple, without too many bright decorations. It is empty, exuding a dull atmosphere, dark and cold.
Inside, Liu Zhiyuan was sitting on the throne, holding this memorial in his hand. Prime Minister Yang Bin and Prime Minister Su Fengji were both below. They were probably continuing to deal with government affairs after receiving Li Shouzhen. There were two other ministers whom Liu Chengyou didn't know. Judging from their clothes, their grades were not low. They should be ministers of the later Jin Dynasty who were retained by Liu Zhiyuan.
Liu Chengyou's steps were very light, but as he entered, he quickly attracted everyone's attention, and more or less, they all cast curious glances at him. Without squinting his eyes, Liu Chengyou walked to the front of the emperor and bowed down: "My son, I would like to pay my respects to Your Majesty."
Looking down at the two sons, Liu Zhiyuan paused for a while, then slowly put down the memorial in his hand, raised his hand to signal, and his deep voice echoed in the hall: "Ping Shen."
"That's it for Hunan. Jiamaxiguang will be appointed as the Military Envoy of Wu'an Army, the Observer Envoy of Hunan Province, and the Commander-in-Chief of all Dao in Jiangnan. He will be granted the title of King of Chu!" Liu Zhiyuan first looked at Yang Bin and ordered.
"Yes!" Yang Bin responded immediately.
Not long ago, the "King of Hunan" Ma Xifan died, leaving behind a will that his younger brother Ma Xiguang succeeded to the throne. When Liu Zhiyuan entered Bian, he proclaimed himself a minister in order to stabilize the Ma Chu regime. Liu Zhiyuan was naturally happy and felt sorry for Ma Xifan's extravagant and extravagant behavior.
After the establishment of the Later Han Dynasty, among the separatist regimes in the south, Ma Chu was the first to express "surrender". On the contrary, Nanping King Gao Congjie, who had sent people to persuade him to enter, saw that Liu Zhiyuan had really taken over the Central Plains, and there was no movement. As for the Southern Tang and Later Shu, the Southern Tang was interested in Huaibei, but it had the thief's heart but not the courage. As for the Later Shu, it has now become a danger to the capital of the Later Han Dynasty.
"You guys should step back first!" Liu Zhiyuan said again, obviously wanting to talk to Liu Chengyou alone.
The ministers retired in an orderly manner, and as they passed each other, Yang Bin's eyes lingered on Liu Chengyou's face for a moment. Liu Chengyou naturally noticed it and kept it secret.
"Sit." The hall became quieter, and Liu Chengyou was seen standing there respectfully. Liu Zhiyuan pointed to a chair under the throne.
"yes."
Sit down properly, Yang Bin was sitting here just now, and you can still feel a burst of heat. Liu Zhiyuan continued to look at Liu Chengyou, but there was an obvious sense of judgment in his deep eyes.
Without speaking for a while, Liu Chengyou sat quietly, but his mentality became much calmer unconsciously. Liu Chengyou asked himself, there was nothing worth feeling guilty about.
Taking advantage of this free time, Liu Chengyou also carefully observed Liu Zhiyuan. It's a very intuitive feeling, even more majestic. That kind of vague momentum makes people dare not look away. But at the same time, Liu Zhiyuan was obviously much older, with a lot of grooves added to his pale and serious face, and his expression showed fatigue and old age. Compared with the high-spiritedness when he first succeeded to the throne, Liu Zhiyuan obviously realized that it was not easy to be an emperor.
"I'm a lot stronger and more mature." What surprised Liu Chengyou was that Liu Zhiyuan actually showed a hint of licking.
"In the past few months, I have indeed learned a lot and grown a lot." Unable to figure out what Liu Zhiyuan was thinking, Liu Chengyou followed his words conservatively.
"You came out of Hebei this time, but you gave me and the imperial court a big surprise. Without you, my entry into the Central Plains would not have been so smooth, and the country would not have been pacified so quickly. It can be said that half of the Han Dynasty You were the one who defeated me..." Liu Zhiyuan said with emotion, his attitude still gentle.
However, when these words fell into Liu Chengyou's ears, he was shocked. No matter how high the credit is, this evaluation is a little too high, a little too heavy, and it's so heavy that Liu Chengyou can't bear it.
"Father, I have given you too much praise. Without you strategizing, winning thousands of miles, and advancing with all the civil and military forces, there would be no great man today. You are the backbone of the great man, destined by destiny..." I didn't dare to accept that, and opened my mouth. Then he came, very humble, and started licking.
"I have indeed made progress." Liu Zhiyuan smiled: "Even if you were able to say such flattery in the past, you would not be so smooth."
Liu Chengyou was a little confused, was he making fun of himself?
"When discussing the contribution to the founding of the country, I put Shi Hongzhao first, and you came second. Are you ever dissatisfied?" Liu Zhiyuan's voice became even lower.
Upon hearing the question, Liu Chengyou's heart tightened and his brain raced, wondering why Liu Zhiyuan said this. Blinking his eyes quickly, and trying his best to reveal a bit of dissatisfaction in his tone, Liu Chengyou replied: "I don't dare."
"Just don't dare?" Liu Zhiyuan asked with a chuckle.
Liu Chengyou lowered his eyelids, seeming to acquiesce.
Seeing this, Liu Zhiyuan nodded without any trace, as if Liu Chengyou's reaction was what he expected, and said with relief: "I need to think carefully and cannot ignore the feelings of other soldiers. You have been wronged in this matter, and I know it in my heart. There will be some compensation..."
"I don't dare to ask for anything extravagantly. As long as I can share your worries, I will be satisfied." Liu Chengyou immediately expressed his stance.
A look of relief appeared on his face, and then gradually dissipated. After a brief pause, Liu Zhiyuan said: "I heard your brother report about Zhao Yanshou. Although your consideration is based on the long term, it is too reckless. If anything goes wrong, it will be a huge defeat. The Khitan has dominated Lingbei for decades, integrating all the tribes, and is very powerful. Although its muscles and bones were damaged in the battle of Luancheng, its foundation is still there. The situation in Youyan is complicated, and Han soldiers have already It has been ten years since he set foot in its soil. Although he unexpectedly captured Youzhou, it was due to internal fighting within the Khitan and Fang gave him a chance..."
Liu Zhiyuan began to preach. Although Liu Chengyou had some rebuttals in his heart, he wisely did not speak. He just looked calm and showed that he was listening to the admonishment.
"As for Zhao Yanshou, I have known him more than ten years ago. Although he has a small talent, he is not trustworthy. It is too ill-considered to appoint troops to him."
"What my father taught me is that after the incident, my sons and ministers will also feel frightened and restless." Liu Chengyou replied with a little fear: "Fortunately, this whimsy has achieved the desired effect."
Glancing at Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows and heard the implication of Liu Chengyou's words. She couldn't help but look at him again, with a serious expression, and after thinking for a moment, she asked: "You have become a good person and have returned home. Can Zhao Yanshou hold on to Youzhou?"
Obviously, Liu Zhiyuan still cares about Youyan's situation. Losing Yanyun would bring disaster to the Central Plains. It was precisely because he understood this truth that he strongly opposed Shi Jingtang's attempt to cut Yanyun in order to seek Khitan's help.
"You don't know?" Liu Chengyou's answer was simple: "Everything depends on the offensive and defensive results of both sides. It is autumn now. As long as Yelu Ruan stabilizes the country, he will definitely lead his troops south. The Khitans will never give up. Youyan’s!”
After saying this, he noticed Liu Zhiyuan's furrowed brows and could probably guess what he was worried about. Liu Chengyou continued: "Zhao Yanshou won Youzhou and defended it with a strong city. With the help of the Yan people, the Khitans wanted to do it without paying the price." , it is impossible to retake Youzhou. According to detective reports, conflicts between Hu and Han broke out in the land of Youyan, and a large number of Han people defected to Nantou and turned their hearts to the Yan army. These gave Zhao Yanshou the confidence to fight against the Khitan. In Youzhou City, under the influence of Yan After the soldiers entered the city, a purge and massacre took place against the Hu people. The hatred was deep, and it was almost impossible for the Yan soldiers to surrender to the Khitans. As for Zhao Yanshou, even if he repeated this, even if he intended to join the Khitans again, he would Think carefully about whether there will be a good result..."
"Also, regardless of the situation in Youzhou, how will it develop next and what will be the result? One thing is certain, in the next few years, or even ten years, the northern border defense of the Han Dynasty will be safe!"
Listening to Liu Chengyou's talk, Liu Zhiyuan nodded twice unconsciously, and then quickly reacted. Looking at the second son, he slowly came back to his senses. What Liu Chengxun reported to him was obviously different from what Liu Chengyou said in person. Seeing his calm demeanor and demeanor of guiding the country and setting the world, it was inevitable that some complicated emotions would arise in his heart.
"Right now, Zhao Yanshou's best choice is to rely on the big men to fend off the Khitan. And the imperial court should also give him and Youyan soldiers and civilians a certain amount of support and become their backing, so that they can resist the Khitan with confidence and boldness. ....."
"You mentioned before that you were planning to split the soil and seal the territory with Zhao Yanshou. Is this your plan?" Liu Zhiyuan stared at Liu Chengyou.
Nodding, Liu Chengyou slightly corrected Liu Zhiyuan's statement: "It's just left in Zhao Yanshou's hands for the time being. If he can hold it, he will be sent back to his hometown in the future; if he can't hold it, then in the future, our army will send troops to seize it." !”
Liu Chengyou's words were grand. Liu Zhiyuan was also stunned for a moment, breathed out a sigh of relief, and said: "It seems that the title of King of Yan and Youzhou Jiedu has really been granted to Zhao Yanshou."
Hearing what Liu Zhiyuan said, Liu Chengyou secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He must have been convinced by him. He didn't ask for anything else, he just asked Liu Zhiyuan not to listen to those "miscellaneous words" and ruin his plan.
Perhaps because he was tired of talking, Liu Zhiyuan ordered someone to serve tea, took a few sips, changed the subject and said, "You have gone too far regarding Xingzhou."
With a frown, the tea cup in his hand paused in the air, put it down, and Liu Chengyou asked: "Are you referring to Xue Huairang?"
"What else?" Liu Zhiyuan looked at his son, neither sad nor happy, and said calmly: "He is a Jiedushi. If you say he can be spared, then spare him. Drive his people away, confiscate his home, remove his military power, and swallow up his power." Its elite soldiers, who gave you the power!"
Having said this, the cup in Liu Zhiyuan's hand settled on the table with a crisp "snap" sound.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Liu Zhiyuan was almost shouting at Liu Chengyou: "Xue Huairang went to Tokyo, knelt down in front of the palace gate and cried out for grievances. He detailed his grievances and made it known all over the city. Recently, I have received more than one copy of the local festival. Du went up to the table to inquire about this matter. How do you think these towns view this matter?"
"I have also heard about this matter." Liu Chengyou was quite calm, with a normal expression, and said slowly: "I know that Xue Huairang is dissatisfied. In Xingzhou, leaving him alive is an act of mercy outside the law, but I didn't expect that he How dare you and have the shame to go to Tokyo to complain, are there such shameless people in the world? As for those Jiedu, I did this just to show them!"
Hearing this, Liu Zhiyuan immediately scolded: "You are stubborn and self-righteous!"
Liu Chengyou's expression froze. This was the first time Liu Zhiyuan scolded him so mercilessly. It felt quite strange.
Seeing that Liu Chengyou's face was "ugly", Liu Zhiyuan put away his anger again and said calmly: "I will appoint Xue Huairang as the governor of Tongzhou!"
At this time, Liu Chengyou's face finally changed color, and he looked at Liu Zhiyuan with a slight shock: "Do you know Xue Huairang's crime?"
"I know!" Liu Zhiyuan replied.
Liu Chengyou was silent.
Seeing him lowering his head and saying nothing, Liu Zhiyuan became curious: "What, you're not convinced?"
Looking up slightly, Liu Chengyou said autistically: "My son, I only obey my father's orders. Now that you have made your decision, I am convinced."
Liu Zhiyuan smiled casually, with a smile on his dark face, which seemed a bit silly. Sighing, he said earnestly to Liu Chengyou: "Erlang, showing off his sharp edge and being too aggressive is not necessarily a good thing! The great Han Dynasty has just been established, and there are many wastes to be made, and it cannot withstand the torment. This country and the country need to be sorted out slowly. , Don’t be impatient. The stories of Liang, Tang, and Jin are right before our eyes, how can we not learn from them?"
Subconsciously he raised his head, met Liu Zhiyuan's eyes in the air, and quickly avoided them. Liu Chengyou seemed to have gained something, and murmured in reply: "Thank you, father, for your teaching."
In his heart, he couldn't help but wonder, since Liu Zhiyuan saw things so clearly, why was the situation in Tokyo so chaotic before?
"That's all!" Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand as if he had lost interest in the conversation: "Go to the harem to see your mother. She has been away for several months and misses you very much. She has been looking forward to your return recently."
When Li was mentioned, Liu Chengyou's expression softened a little, his body relaxed, he stood up, and responded respectfully: "Yes."
"My son, please retire!"
"That's right!" Liu Zhiyuan called to Liu Chengyou.
"What else does father have to say?"
Liu Zhiyuan seemed to think about it for a moment, but he spoke smoothly: "Since entering Tokyo, the Hedong soldiers and the surrendered Jin soldiers have increased several times. The orders and commands are inconsistent. I have learned from the pain and decided to rectify it. I have ordered Shi Hongzhao and Guo Wei is responsible for rectifying the Forbidden Army and reorganizing the command of the military camp. The Longqi Army led by you is also among them and will be reorganized together!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's calm expression became a little numb, and he couldn't answer for a while. His mind was racing. Liu Zhiyuan was not in a hurry, and seemed to be waiting for his reply. Glancing up, he caught a glimpse of Liu Zhiyuan's determined expression. He had already figured it out, his body slowly relaxed, and he bowed deeply: "It is in the country's interest to train the forbidden army. I will cooperate with you fully. I don't dare to do anything." objection."
"Okay." Although he just informed Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan was still very satisfied with his attitude.
"I have prepared a mansion for you outside the palace city. It has been hard work for several months on the battlefield. During this time, I will have a good rest in Tokyo." Liu Zhiyuan said with a smile: "In addition, I have decided to use your As deputy envoy to the Privy Council, Zhongshu Ling, Jia Tejin."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
At this time, Liu Chengyou felt no fluctuation in his heart.
