While gasping for breath, Gao Huaide and his men caught up, surrounded the emperor and concubine in the middle at a very efficient speed, and quickly transformed into a defensive formation of a guard.
Gao Huaide drove his horse forward. His face was not red, he was not panting, but his tone was urgent, and he said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, you must not do such a rude thing again. If there is any mistake, you will die thousands of times to atone for it!"
Zhao Yanjin followed, with the same expression of loyal protection. Seeing the stern attitude of the two of them, Liu Chengyou's expression calmed down and he said solemnly to them: "I am temporarily forgetful of love, please bear with me!"
After hearing this, Gao and Zhao's expressions softened. But seeing the emperor's humbly and remonstrating reaction, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed when describing it.
"Go back to the imperial camp!" Returning to his usual solemn demeanor, Liu Chengyou waved and ordered, and under the escort of three hundred cavalry, he slowly headed towards Neihuang County.
On the way, several riders came through the wind. Judging from their costumes and the colorful flags on their backs, they were the messengers accompanying them.
After interrogation, he was able to approach, and without waiting for him to speak, Liu Chengyou asked directly: "What's the matter?"
"Your Majesty, Guo Shijun, the envoy of the Zhenning Army, has gone north to seek an audience. He is waiting for you!" Hou Qi replied.
When he learned that Guo Rong had come to pay him a visit, a look of surprise flashed across Liu Chengyou's face, and he immediately ordered to return quickly without further delay.
As before, the imperial camp was built on the left side of Neihuang County, leaning against a group of civilian houses. The formation was rigorous. There were sergeants guarding the county magistrate and personally leading the government officials and civilians to escort supplies to the camp.
When Liu Chengyou led his people back, he saw several figures waiting at the gate of the camp. Among them, the most conspicuous one was Guo Rong. He has a short crotch on his head and wears an old-looking robe. His stature is not tall enough, and he stands solemnly in the cold wind, but he looks heroic.
They haven't seen each other for two full years, but Liu Chengyou and Guo Rong have always exchanged memorials and letters. Approaching, Liu Chengyou dismounted from his horse and walked enthusiastically towards Guo Rong, who was coming to greet him. A smile bloomed on his face. He pressed his hand very affectionately, caressed his back, and greeted him: "Thank you, Guo Qing, you've been waiting for a long time! I haven't seen you in two years." , I miss you so much, Guo Qing’s style is still the same!”
"Your Majesty, Guo Rong, pays homage to your Majesty!" Although being supported by Liu Chengyou, Guo Rong still maintained his courtesy.
Seeing that Liu Chengyou's attitude was as good as before, and even more friendly, Guo Rong's expression relaxed slightly and said to him: "I haven't seen you in two years, and your majesty has come to dominate the world. His majesty is even greater, like the winter sun, and your ministers are in awe!"
Liu Chengyou laughed when he heard this and glanced at the two heroic young generals who followed Guo Rong and bowed down. He still had the impression that he had seen them during the siege of Yedu, named Pan Mei and Ma Renyu.
Withdrawing his gaze, Liu Chengyou called to Guo Rong and others: "It's cold and windy here, come back to camp with me for a chat!"
"yes!"
The imperial camp, which was spacious and simply furnished, was crowded with people. Magistrate Huang and several subordinate officials finally got to see Jun Yan.
In the first half of the day, we carefully prepared for the arrival and had to be met and inspected by Yang Bin and Li Tao. After learning that Liu Chengyou actually went to inspect the countryside in person, he became even more worried.
I have heard that when the emperor visited the west last year, he dealt with a large number of local officials, and he was afraid that he would be used to set an example this time. The emperor's reputation as "loving the people and valuing agriculture" had a good publicity effect for as long as two years. Knowing this, the county magistrate had a good idea of the living conditions of Li Shu under Neihuang's jurisdiction.
If Liu Chengyou saw some bad situations and tried to deal with them to establish his authority, even though he was promoted by King Linqing, the county magistrate would not think that Gao Xingzhou was willing to fight against the emperor to protect himself. In addition to being an emperor, he is also a son-in-law.
However, Liu Chengyou opened his mouth and gave reassurance to the Neihuang County Magistrate: "I personally inspected the villages and found that although the people are suffering, they are full of hope. Neihuang County can provide peace of mind for the people and governance. We should keep up our efforts!"
The magistrate of Neihuang County, who was already in his forties, suddenly showed a grateful expression, bowed to the ground, and praised His Majesty for his wisdom. While he breathed a sigh of relief, he honestly stepped back and continued to replenish supplies for Xing Zai.
"Your Majesty does not avoid the wind and cold, personally patrols the northern border, and observes the people's sentiments. This is the image of a holy king!" The warm environment of the imperial tent made Guo Rong's originally pale face gradually return to rosy, and he opened his mouth to sigh to Liu Chengyou.
Liu Chengyou had heard a lot of similar compliments, but coming out of Guo Rong's mouth made him feel happy.
Raising his hands to show his humility, Liu Chengyou made an expression of lamenting the hardships of the people's livelihood, and said emotionally: "Hebei has been plagued by disasters in the past two years, and millions of people have struggled to survive. I always feel that my morality is shallow, and that is why I am like this. . Deep in the palace, it’s hard to sit still for a long time, and it’s hard to sleep from tossing and turning, that’s why I made this trip!”
As he spoke, Liu Chengyou turned the topic to Guo Rong and said in a tone of emotion and appreciation: "Chanzhou is a strategic point on the river and an important town in defending Tokyo. Guo Qing has been in office for two years, and he has made the territory awe-inspiring. Banditry has been banned, and there has been chaos. Not prosperous. If the government is well connected and people are harmonious, it can be said to be the best!
I have no intention of passing through during this northern tour. I am not dissatisfied with Guo Qing, but I am entrusting Chanzhou to Guo Qing. I am relieved. I am convinced that Guo Qing's presence in the town can ensure peace between the superiors and the subordinates. "
Liu Chengyou made this gesture very well, treating him as a national scholar and giving Guo Rong an "inspection-free" qualification.
Such a kind encounter, even with Guo Rong's usually rigorous and solemn attitude, he couldn't help but be moved. He stood up and paid homage, feeling extremely grateful. In this way, the sense of alienation that had not been seen for a long time naturally dissipated a lot.
Probably out of excitement and excitement, Guo Rong couldn't help coughing heavily. Liu Chengyou glanced at Guo Rong's face, which was obviously aged due to hard work. He stood up straight, took off the jacket he was wearing, and put it on Guo Rong, who was a little stunned.
Guo Rong was even more moved by his firm actions without any words. Liu Chengyou didn't know if someone like Guo Rong could really be conquered, but he had already used every means he could think of to win people's hearts. As for more, Liu Chengyou is not too demanding and doesn't need to.
However, later, Guo Rong learned that the jacket Liu Chengyou rewarded was sewn by Queen Fu herself. As for who revealed it, it’s a bit particular.
Wang Jun, deputy envoy to the Privy Council, was also in the tent, but seeing Liu Chengyou and Guo Rong in front of everyone, looking like a monarch and his subjects getting along well with each other, he felt a little awkward.
The emperor valued the Guo family too much, which made him inevitably jealous. Guo Wei was the prime minister, Guo Rong was the governor of the important town, and a close confidant of the emperor. The Guo family also had descendants and old generals such as Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde, who were highly valued...
Wang Jun thought about his own family affairs. He wanted to promote the younger members of the clan before, but he couldn't find anyone who could be of great use. Recalling that in the Privy Council, there were repeated attempts to fight for power, but they were always suppressed by Guo Wei in an understatement, Wang Jun felt even more sour.
That night, Liu Chengyou took Guo Rong to talk all night long, explaining the strategy of the Southern Expedition and asking for his ideas. When Guo Rong heard about it, he was very interested and actively discussed it with Liu Chengyou.
Later, Liu Chengyou "driven" the young lady to another tent and slept on the same bed as Guo Rong. This shows the honor and favor towards Guo Rong.
The next day, Guo Rong resigned and returned to his post with a surging mood.
Liu Chengyou then ordered to simply pack up, break camp, and continue to advance towards Yuancheng, the capital of Ye.
Although it seemed a bit procrastinating, Liu Chengyou was only halfway through his northern tour. Over in Yedu, Gao Xingzhou, the king of Linqing who stayed behind, also made preparations to welcome him early.
