As night fell, an imperial banquet was unfolding in Yongqingxing. The banquet was of high standard. After all, the emperor ordered it to be organized and personally accompanied it. With the usual frugal style, the dishes are not rich, let alone exquisite, but there is one thing, enough wine and meat, without restraint, it is enough for a warrior who braves the wind and rain on the border.
There was a lot of noise during the banquet, and the generals were chatting with each other over cups and bowls, constantly responding to each other, and even seemed a little noisy. Dozens of civil and military personnel present, including the Prime Minister Li Tao and the accompanying civil servants, could not help but show displeasure at this, with a look of repulsion on their faces.
Liu Chengyou didn't take it seriously. He stayed at the imperial desk and looked at his generals and ministers with a gentle attitude. Gujing Mubo's eyes flashed a little sharply from time to time, as if he was thinking about who can be helped, who is worth winning over, who needs to be checked and balanced, and who should be suppressed...
Xian Fei Zhe Xiaoniang was also present. She had a beautiful face and was not wearing a gorgeous palace dress, but she showed a sassy temperament. She sat next to Liu Chengyou. From time to time, Liu Chengyou would tilt his head and whisper a few words to Lady Zhe, as if they were whispering between husband and wife. The lady had a smile on her lips. The relationship between the two seemed very harmonious, and Liu Chengyou's love for Lady Zhe was beyond words.
"My lord He Fujin, I wish your majesty and your wife good health and peace, and may the country of Han Dynasty live forever!" During the chat, He Fujin, who had not yet formally assumed his duties, was deployed to the north of the Han Dynasty and came out to congratulate Liu Chengyou with a cup.
He Fujin's burly figure stood in the hall, like a green pine tree. Although he was old, the wrinkles on his face seemed to have the sharpness of a sword. He was a veteran who had experienced many battles. Several generals followed behind him, showing respect to Liu Chengyou.
Somewhat unexpectedly, he was entrusted with important tasks by the emperor, or ushered in another spring in his career. He Fujin's eyebrows showed a little contentment.
Looking at the old handsome man, Liu Chengyou was very satisfied and satisfied with his respectful attitude. Recalling the year of the rise of the Han Dynasty, after the Battle of Luancheng, Liu Chengyou personally invited He Fujin to be the defense envoy of Yingzhou after accepting the recommendation. At that time, He Fujin was very reserved in front of him.
Of course, Liu Chengyou would not naively think that if he was entrusted with an important task, He Fujin would truly be loyal to him and the big man without reservation. After all, it seems that such warriors who have experienced chaos and massacres in the continuous changes of dynasties cannot be conquered so easily. For three generations, the generals and ministers have been loyal and loyal, and He Fujin's loyalty will be difficult to overcome after the fall of Zhuangzong. People are gone...
Liu Chengyou knew this well. In today's world, he had no unrealistic expectations for loyalty for the time being, although he was extremely eager to clean up people's hearts and restore etiquette and justice. What Liu Chengyou was certain of was that as long as the central government was calm and the country was stable, He Fujin's obedience would continue as the monarch's power continued to be consolidated.
Moreover, there is more than one He Fujin in the world. People like He, for Liu Chengyou, do not affect the use of his talents to contribute to the stability of the Han Dynasty.
For a moment, Liu Chengyou had some distracting thoughts in his mind, but he did not reveal anything on his face, his movements were smooth, and he picked up the wine glass with a calm attitude, and responded to He Fujin and other generals: "I accept the blessings from Mr. He and everyone. However, if we want the Han Dynasty to prosper and the world to be at peace, we still need all of you to work together with me to create a great cause!"
After finishing the glass of wine in one gulp, Liu Chengyou's movements were crisp and vigorous. Faced with the emperor's words of encouragement, all the generals were very cooperative and responded in unison, looking like they were touched.
After drinking, Liu Chengyou left He Fujin alone in front of the imperial court, trying to continue to build relationships: "He is an extraordinary general, and his troops are ruthless. He is a great talent in the world. I want to appoint people to the north and recommend him to both sides. I also firmly believe in He." The public is capable of virtue. Since the Tang Dynasty, the Khitan has been a danger to the Central Plains, and even a life-and-death enemy to the Han Dynasty. The border troubles in the north have always been my heartache. From then on, when the army was fighting for defense on the front line of Hebei, I relied heavily on He Gongzhao. Take the trouble..."
When Liu Chengyou came here, it was more like giving an entrustment to the military envoys in power in the north. Every conversation he had was honest and heartfelt.
He Fujin probably heard similar words from Liu Chengyou a lot in the past three or two days. He seemed very calm. Facing the emperor's important instructions, he just bowed solemnly and gave an affirmative answer.
"Official, Marquis Zhao Yu wants to see you!" Zhang Dejun took a small step from the side to the imperial case and reported to Liu Chengyou.
"pass!"
"What's the matter?" Liu Chengyou asked, glancing at Zhao Kuangyin, who was approaching with windy footsteps.
"Your Majesty, Commander Murong has sent people to report that King Yan has led his troops and is already outside the city!"
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou raised his eyebrows slightly, stopped holding the cup, and said in a playful tone: "He's here after all!"
"How many people did you bring?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"There are thousands of Yan cavalry!" Zhao Kuangyin replied: "The Yan soldiers are very domineering under the city. Your Majesty invited them, and they clamored to enter the city to rest and avoid the cold. Commander Murong led his troops to stop them. How to deal with it, please tell me how to deal with it!"
Although Zhao Kuangyin deliberately lowered his voice, people around him still heard his words and subconsciously focused their attention on this matter. The heat in the hall became less intense. It was obvious that some people showed great interest. His expression seemed to want to see how the emperor would deal with this matter.
After hearing this news, the strange expression on Liu Chengyou's face calmed down. He thought for a moment and said directly to Li Tao, the prime minister on the left: "The King of Yan came at my invitation, so he bothered Mr. Li to make a hard journey and go on my behalf." Welcome. Tell King Yan that the banquet is in full swing here, and I am here to welcome him to the table!"
"Yes!" Li Tao hurriedly stood up and followed the order.
Li Tao left the table, and Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Kuangyin again and ordered: "To avoid disturbing the people, the accompanying Yan soldiers do not need to enter the city. However, they came from afar and endured the wind and cold. Send the order to clear out a camp." , let them settle in, have enough food to keep out the cold, and have a comprehensive supply. Also, tell Murong Yanzhao that the Yan army guarded the border and conquered the country for many years, and they have made great contributions to the country. It is very hard work, so I hope you can take care of it!"
Liu Chengyou emphasized the words "good health and good care". And Zhao Kuangyin seemed to realize the profound meaning.
Zhao Kuangyin passed the order and left with a capable foot, while Liu Chengyou returned to his calm appearance. He calmly and calmly raised his glass to invite the banquet's civil and military officials to drink and continued the night banquet.
"Qi Wu, what do you think of the Yan army's domineering behavior? How should I respond?" After taking a sip of wine, Liu Chengyou summoned Wang Pu and asked him in a casual conversation.
Wang Pu also drank some wine, and his face was a little drunk, but his eyes were still clear and wise. After thinking for a while, he responded: "I would like to say that the Yan army's move may be a test. Youzhou is hanging outside the imperial court, and the King of Yan holds great power. Even if he comes from the south this time, he and the imperial court will not be able to do anything. I’m afraid there are still doubts…”
"Come here, prepare a seat for King Yan, right on the right side of the case, closer to me!"
After listening to Wang Pu's analysis, Liu Chengyou didn't even blink. He raised his hand and touched the stubble on his chin and said, "It seems that I have to welcome you warmly to appease King Yan!"
When King Yan Zhao Kuangzan was welcomed into the palace by Li Tao with a somewhat complicated psychology, he was greeted by Emperor Liu Chengyou in front of the hall with his civil and military personnel. Seeing Zhao Kuangzan, Liu Chengyou hurried forward, held his hand tightly, led Zhao Kuangzan inside, and said "Brother Yuanfu" in his mouth.
The emperor's enthusiasm made Zhao Kuangzan feel a little strange...
