While the emperor was in the palace, working on state affairs, working on his bed, and staying up late into the night, social interactions among his colleagues outside the imperial city, among the wealthy families and nobles' mansions, were unavoidable.
The great victory in Huainan and the emperor's return to the dynasty affected the situation of the entire world. However, for the high-ranking officials in Tokyo, the changes in the situation of the Northern Han Dynasty attracted more attention. After all, they were personally concerned. But the waves are rolling, and those who can keep a clear head and have long-term vision in the midst of it are only a few.
After returning to Beijing and handing over official duties, Guo Rong, Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde came to visit Guo's house one after another. Not to mention the old tribe and old officials, these three people, a son, a son-in-law and a nephew, are the most outstanding people in the Guo family, especially Guo Rong.
At this time, in the hall, Mrs. Zhang, the lady of the Guo Mansion, entertained the three of them personally and ordered people to prepare wine and food for them to enjoy to relieve their fatigue.
"It's still comfortable in Tokyo. After months of fighting, I'm exhausted both physically and mentally!" Li Chongjin grabbed a leg of lamb, took a bite, and said with a greasy mouth, "The taste of Fuzhong barbecue is just extraordinary!"
"Then eat more! If it's not enough, I'll have someone prepare some more!" Zhang, who was in charge, responded with a smile and said to the three of them: "You were fighting in Huainan. My husband was worried and thinking about you all day and night, but now you are back in good health, but Feel at ease!"
After hearing this, Guo Rong stood up and bowed to express his gratitude. Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde also followed suit.
"Bao Yi, this time you captured five cities, attacked seven strongholds, and defeated tens of thousands of Tang troops in Lu and Hezhou. You have made great achievements!" After drinking some wine, Li Chongjin glanced at Zhang Yongde and said with a smile.
"How can you compare with Brother Chongjin!" Seeing Li Chongjin's expression, Zhang Yongde smiled slightly and said humbly: "Among the Southern Expedition armies, in terms of fierce battles, bitter battles, and fierce battles, no one is more outstanding than the Protecting Saint Army. All hard battles are emphasized. Brother Jin, you have finished the battle, and the remaining Tang army is just a ragtag group of people. How can you dare to take credit for the success of the city?"
Hearing Zhang Yongde's humility, Li Chongjin felt comfortable and laughed twice. He couldn't help but glance at Guo Rong on his right, showing a slightly proud look.
Noticing the look in Li Chongjin's eyes, Guo Rong nodded and said: "The Protector's Army did a good job in this battle. I have heard in Hao and Si that the Protector's Army is the best among all armies!"
Zhang Yongde looked at Guo Rong with admiration and said: "It is still the eldest brother Wen Tao's military strategy. He stood alone and attacked many enemies with a small army. In the battle of Lai'an, he defeated 30,000 enemy troops and shocked the world. Huaidong Economic Strategy The results achieved by the armies are comparable to Shouchun's camp..."
"There are small results, but they are not enough to be proud of your merits! Baoyi, there are some things you should not say in vain!" Guo Rong looked at Zhang Yongde and said in a warning tone.
Zhang Yongde has a good character and is modest and prudent. When he heard the words, he understood what he said and hurriedly said: "My little brother has forgotten his feelings. I need to be taught!"
The smile on Li Chongjin's face faded slightly. The complacency he had just felt was shattered by Zhang Yongde's words. No matter how brave he led the Holy Army in fighting on the Western Front, he was just a man driving the camp. Those military achievements were the same as those of Guo Rongxiang. Than, it’s nothing.
Seeing Guo Rong's airs, Li Chongjin couldn't help but said: "It's nice to give him a hug, so why should he be so unkind?"
Guo Rong looked at Li Chongjin and did not argue with him, but just sighed lightly. This reaction made Li Chongjin feel embarrassed.
Seeing this, Mrs. Zhang spoke up to control the situation and said: "Look at you, after returning from hundreds of battles, it is rare to go to the government and return home once. During the wine and food, you still don't forget to talk about the military affairs..."
With Zhang's presence, everyone has to give face, so the atmosphere is naturally better. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Mrs. Zhang said to Guo Rong: "You have been working abroad in the past few years. Last year, you suffered a setback and did not stay long before you were sent to Xuzhou. Now that you are returning to the court, I intend to hold a date. It’s a family dinner, you and your wife will bring Brother Yi and the others, we are all a family, let’s get together!”
Hearing this, Guo Rong hesitated for a moment, but faced Zhang's expectant eyes, he still said: "Yes!"
When Guo Wei came back, it was already very late. He saw the scene in the hall, and the servants were still waiting. Everyone stood up to greet him. Only Li Chongjin, who had drunk too much wine, could not persuade him, and was trembling.
Guo Wei glanced at the three of them, frowned, and said: "When I first returned to the capital, the three of you came together, I'm afraid... that's all!"
His eyes fell on Li Chongjin, and he saw that his drunken state had recovered somewhat, but he was still a little unable to control himself. He couldn't help being slightly angry, and ordered the servant: "Send him back to the house first!"
"You two, follow me to the study!" After another word, Guo Wei left home one after another. Guo Rong and Zhang Yongde did not dare to neglect and left in a hurry.
In the tidy study room, the three of them sat down, and a servant served tea. Guo Wei said directly: "I expected the Han Dynasty to win the Southern Expedition, but I didn't expect that in just half a year, they had captured Huainan and Jinling surrendered."
"Your Majesty has worked hard and the imperial court has been planning for three years, but Jianghuai was unprepared. Once the powerful force broke out, it was naturally difficult for the puppet Tang Dynasty to resist!" Guo Rong had experienced the war in person and was not surprised.
"After this battle, His Majesty has conquered the world and conquered the world. The trend of unification has been achieved. The right time, place and people are all ready, and it is unstoppable. In view of this general trend, our Guo family has to consider it early!" Guo Wei said this The words are explicit.
Zhang Yongde seemed to have misunderstood. He was startled and said hurriedly: "What do you mean, old lady? What are your plans?"
"I started from a humble background and followed Taizu before I achieved success. In the past, I was not well-known in Hedong, but when I founded the country, I was trusted by the emperors of the two dynasties. I was appointed as a privy councilor and given great power. I am a very popular minister!" Guo Wei's face! He calmly recounted: "Over the past few years, the Guo family has hundreds of generals and officials in the court, the army, and local areas, and they have a great reputation.
This time, the three of you and the old tribe of the Guo family went to Huainan and made great achievements, and were rewarded by the imperial court. At this point, among the foreign ministers, in terms of power and position, it may be difficult to surpass those of my family! "
As he spoke, Guo Wei couldn't help but sigh: "However, there is a saying that prosperity and decline come together, and there is also a saying that blessings and misfortunes depend on each other. The position is prestigious and the reputation is great. But for my family, we have to be cautious and cherish the blessings and be grateful.
Since His Majesty's visit, the old ministers of Hedong, Prince Shi Yang and Ersu, used to be satisfied with their guests and the house was crowded with guests, but now the scene is desolate and sad, but the Guo family can't help but take a warning.
As the emperor grew older, his power became stronger and his position became more solid, but his thoughts became increasingly difficult to predict. Waiting for a driver is like waiting for a tiger. If you cannot control your advance or retreat, you will be in trouble sooner or later..."
Guo Wei spoke from the bottom of his heart and made his intentions clear. Guo Rong and Zhang Yongde were both smart people and could understand Guo Wei's intentions.
Guo Rongdao: "I have had this concern for a long time, but in my opinion, although the emperor behaves coldly, he is magnanimous, has lofty aspirations, and has a grand plan. As long as he assists the king wholeheartedly, concentrates on the king's affairs, and restrains his behavior, there should be no consequences. Woe. Right now, it’s far from being a great achievement!”
Zhang Yongde, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief and followed: "What the eldest brother said is that we have the same intentions, serve with all our heart, have an open mind, and have nothing to fear!"
Seeing this, Guo Wei shook his head, with deep thought in his old eyes: "Within three to five years, there will be no danger, but what about five years from now, or ten years from now? Although there are no immediate worries, there is still need for long-term thinking! My family has too much power, which is not a good thing!"
After hearing what Guo Wei said, Guo Rong thought for a while and asked, "What are father's plans?"
Guo Wei stared directly at Guo Rong and said: "Previously, there were rumors in the court that I, the Guo family, have two envoys, and that I support the princes. Although my merits are worthy of my title, I will inevitably be jealous of the villain. And I am in charge of the Privy Council. Over the years, it has become deeply rooted, but I am increasingly afraid of being uprooted.
These days, I have been thinking about it, and I feel that you and I, father and son, should not be in court at the same time! "
After a pause, Guo Wei said: "You have been away for many years and have served in the town. You have been responsible for both military and political affairs. You have made many achievements. Depending on your majesty's wishes, I will keep you in the center. I intend to ask you to leave your post and be transferred to the local government as an official. Come on, stay for a few years! In this way, you can work in Tokyo with peace of mind and seek peace for both yourself and the emperor!"
After Guo Wei finished speaking, Guo Rong shook his head repeatedly and said: "My father is already old. How can I bear it as a son? I'd better leave Beijing!"
After hearing what he said, Guo Wei smiled and said: "Although I am old, I can still do something for the court and build some achievements. It's just that there is no suitable job for me in the court. You don't have to do this!"
Observing Guo Wei's state, Guo Rong nodded and thought for a while, and he could probably guess a little bit of Guo Wei's thoughts. In fact, if he wanted to retreat and avoid suspicion, Guo Wei could have written a letter begging for the bones, but with his age and body, he was not at that stage.
And Guo Wei himself has not given up on his pursuit of success. He has wealth and glory, but there is still something he wants in the Qing Shi Dan Book. It is courage and wisdom to retreat bravely from the rapids, but it is ultimately a pity.
Relocating in the middle of the court may not necessarily bring good results. It is better to go to the local level and do some practical things, so as not to attract attention in the capital.
