Regarding the slightly ridiculous and ironic situation that happened in the Southern Tang Dynasty, Liu Chengyou, who was on his way back to the army, had just received it. There is only one comment with a contemptuous tone: Count the other's knowledge.
In Liu Chengyou's opinion, the Southern Tang Dynasty's approach was a typical example of treachery but no courage. It was hesitant and procrastinating, and was even worse than Jingnan. When Gao Laizi wants to get an advantage, he usually does it first and then asks for mercy later.
Of course, Liu Chengyou didn't know much about the national conditions and imperial conflicts of the Southern Tang Dynasty, but judging from what he showed, the Southern Tang Dynasty was not something to be afraid of. Moreover, it was so rich and prosperous that Liu Chengyou's mouth watered with greed. When discussing with Fan Zhi and other close officials, he even bluntly said that if the puppet Tang Dynasty dared to go north, he would send troops to go south.
Based on the tight financial situation of the Han Dynasty and the barren status of the entire country, it would be difficult to improve farming and production without spending several years to reform the shortcomings of farming and production based on its own development. Developing silently will definitely not lead to quick success, especially when a mouthful of fat is right around the corner.
Probably because of his tone, Fan Zhi and others only thought that Liu Chengyou was talking angrily, but they didn't know that Li Shouzhen and Liu Chengyou had already turned their attention to Southern Tang. Looking at the surrounding areas, only attacking Huainan is profitable, and it is still a big profit.
Of course, with the current situation of the Han Dynasty, it is really not appropriate to use large armies again, especially to start a national war. First, the counterattack against Li Shouzhen almost exhausted the money and food accumulated by the court in the past year, and the palace was empty; secondly, the Khitan intrusion in the north continued, and the situation was uneasy; thirdly, the reform of internal abuses had just begun and still needs to be deepened; fourthly, the embargo was still Needs training.
On the first day of the ninth lunar month, the victorious army passed through Xijing and stopped.
Shi Hongzhao led the officials staying in Taiwan in Xijing and his ministers to meet him ten miles out of the city. Liu Chengyou got down from the imperial carriage to receive him. He briefly spoke some inspiring words and then ordered the ministers to disperse. Entering Ziwei Palace, there was only a small banquet and a small chat with Shi Hongzhao and other ministers.
"There are fierce and stubborn people in the river who dare to offend the power of heaven. Your Majesty is so powerful that he personally leads the troops. In less than a month, he annihilates the rebels and returns. When the officials in Luoyang heard this, they all looked west with joy and were very excited. They served your Majesty and the Han army. Wei Zhisheng is cheering!" Seeing Shi Hongzhao again, this man seemed to have completely lost his previous unruliness and arrogance, and even sang praises to Liu Chengyou.
Liu Chengyou was a little surprised when he saw these sophisticated words coming out of Shi Hongzhao's mouth. He thought he had found someone to prepare the draft in advance. However, while Liu Chengyou was surprised by Shi Hongzhao's attitude, he also expressed understanding, and even felt a little "chuckling" in his heart.
"Shi Qing is a warrior on the battlefield, brave and heroic, but the words he talks about are also refreshing." Liu Chengyou praised.
Shi Hongzhao actually looked a little embarrassed and said: "In addition to handling official duties, I have been doing a lot of reading and writing to guests. Now it seems that I am enjoying it."
"Study wisely, know loyalty, and learn etiquette. All the soldiers of the Han Dynasty should learn from Shi Qing!" Liu Chengyou nodded, his tone was calm, but full of approval.
Shi Hongzhao was stunned for a moment when he heard this, but soon the court laughed loudly, stroking his beard, but without showing any humility, he said stably: "I am willing to set an example for the world!"
The arrogance was clearly visible on Shi Hongzhao's face, but Liu Chengyou was not too surprised when he saw his expression, and felt that it was normal. People can't change so easily. Shi Hongzhao had strong martial arts habits. Thinking about it, I would be more restrained in front of myself.
"There are two great achievements in this Western Expedition. One is that the soldiers who accompanied the expedition sacrificed their lives and fought bravely in the front; the other is the group of officials in Tokyo who gathered food and equipment to support the front line so that there was no shortage. This calm planning was behind. Luoyang should It is important to transport supplies and quell the rebel army's food supply. Shi Qing is in the middle to calm down and keep the front line safe. He has also done a great job and should be rewarded!" With a slight sigh, Liu Chengyou solemnly said to Shi Hongzhao that he meant to reward and appease him. concentrated.
Shi Hongzhao grinned, his beard trembling, and responded with a positive smile: "I dare not take credit."
At the same banquet, I saw the scene of Liu Chengyou and Shi Hongzhao's "cooperation" between monarch and minister. His indifferent eyes stayed on Shi Hongzhao for a while, his face trembled slightly, and the corners of his mouth raised a slight arc of disdain.
In his opinion, Shi Hongzhao's tactic to show his sincerity to the emperor was too clumsy and too naive. The grudge was already deep in the past, and Liu Chengyou was regarded as a mean and ungrateful person in Yang Bin's eyes. Even if he continued to obey, sooner or later there would be a day of reckoning. Not to mention anything else, just looking at the endings of Xue Huairang and Hou Zhang, we can see that these two did not raise flags to rebel like Li Shouzhen...
Due to the fatigue of the carriage and horses, the simple court banquet quickly dispersed. After receiving Liu Chengyou's praise, Shi Hongzhao left with satisfaction.
After the palace became quiet, Liu Chengyou's thoughts began to overflow again. Thinking about Shi Hongzhao's performance just now, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Shi Hongzhao, a brave man, arrogant, domineering, perverse and uncontrollable, how can he be so elegant in front of me this time?" I was very polite and courteous, but it was beyond my expectation."
It was still early, and Fan Zhi was still ordered to serve in front of the emperor. At this time, he heard Liu Chengyou's sigh, his face was relaxed, and he took the initiative: "But I have seen that your majesty is so majestic to the world, and people's hearts are subdued. Even a rebellious military minister like Zheng Guogong will obey you." !”
After a while, Fan Zhi began to take the initiative to express his opinions in front of Liu Chengyou. In the past, this person was active in doing things, but in terms of behavior, he was slightly reserved.
Regarding what he said, Liu Chengyou shook his head: "Awesome to the world? I'm not that optimistic!"
But Fan Zhi was very optimistic, and bowed his hands and said: "Your Majesty wiped out Li Shouzhen with the force of thunder, which was enough to intimidate the world and suppress the disobedient thoughts of all Jiedu. The battle of Luancheng and the battle of Hezhong have fully demonstrated your Majesty's heroic strategy, which is enough to control The imperial court, Yanhong Sheji. No one in this vast universe dares to despise His Majesty."
Faced with Fan Zhi's complimentary remarks, even though Liu Chengyou didn't blush, he felt a little heavy in his heart.
But seeing that Liu Chengyou's brows were still serious, Fan Zhi couldn't help but bow and said: "What I said is based on the truth. Zheng Guogong's performance just now is enough to prove it."
"The current Shi Hongzhao is not enough!" Liu Chengyou murmured.
He quickly regained his composure and told Fan Zhi: "Go and ask if there is any new memorial from Tokyo, especially the situation of the war in Hebei?"
"yes!"
Soon, Fan Zhi returned, looking a little more serious, and reported the battle situation. According to a report from Zhang Yanwei of Chengde, Liao cavalry invaded Zhao and Hebei states and plundered the people. Liu Chengyou's mood suddenly deteriorated.
The Han defense line in the north was actually deployed by Liu Chengyou in Jizhong last year. There were actually many loopholes and had never been reinforced. There were quite a few generals, such as He Fujin, Murong Yanzhao, Li Jun, Luo Yanyi, etc., but they suffered from objectivity. Due to the lack of environment and the lack of focus of the imperial court, we basically have to rely on the armies of the northern states and towns themselves. While the Khitan people only focused on looting, the Han army really didn't have much to do against them.
After much consideration, Liu Chengyou did not give any specific command. He just ordered Fan Zhi to draft a document and ask the generals in Hebei to kill and expel the invading Khitan troops. More will not be considered for now.
"Your Majesty, Zhao Li, the imperial censor who is staying in Taiwan in Xijing, would like to see you." After receiving the notice from General Secretary Shiren, the chamberlain Zhang Dejun came in to report.
Shi Yushi, a humble official, dared to ask for an interview. Liu Chengyou became interested and ordered Xuan Jin.
Soon, a green-robed official walked in, prostrated himself and gave a very respectful salute.
Under Liu Chengyou's questioning, he directly said loudly: "Your Majesty, I want to impeach Zheng Guogong Shi Hongzhao who stayed in Xijing!"
