There are still more than twenty days before midsummer passes. Under the sky, as long as the day rises high, it will surely release its blazing heat and bake all things on the earth without any partiality.
The high walls, thick walls, and strict rules restricted the freedom of the palace residents, and seemed to also restrict the midsummer heat. The summer of the second year of Qianyou seemed to be particularly sultry to Emperor Liu Chengyou, and his body and mind were filled with irritation. No matter how much ice cubes were added to the palace, it was difficult to eliminate it.
In his spare time, Liu Chengyou confided to his chamberlain more than once that he missed the coldness of winter. Of course, before the expedition to Huaihe last year, in the cold winter months, he also said that he would rather enjoy the scorching heat of summer.
As dusk fell, fireflies were flying among the palace gardens, dancing in the tree-lined flowerbeds. As he passed by, Liu Chengyou stopped and admired the summer night scenery for a while.
Liu Chengyou entered Qiuhua Hall without being informed, and stretched out his hand to signal the eunuch Gong E to be silent. Through the bead curtain, one can vaguely see the undulating outline of the delicate body on the soft chair...
Gently opening the curtain and deliberately slowing down, Liu Chengyou approached. His virtuous concubine, Lady Zhe, was taking a nap. Her delicate face and body had obviously gained a bit of fat, her breathing was gentle, and there was some fine sweat on her forehead and neck.
She was simply wearing a loose piece of fine silk, which could even be described as a cover. Under the gauze skirt, her undergarments and private pants were vaguely visible. This hazy sense of temptation was rarely felt by the lady. . In the past, only the imperial concubine Gao liked to seduce Liu Chengyou like this.
Facing the beauty of the beautiful girl, even though her pregnant belly was high, Liu Chengyou still moved shamefully.
It was probably because Liu Chengyou's gaze was so penetrating that Mrs. Zhe felt something about it. She woke up and opened her eyes, a little hazy. When she saw clearly that the emperor was standing in front of her, her brain seemed to finally resume functioning.
When she stood up and wanted to be polite, Liu Chengyou held her down and said softly: "You are pregnant, so there is no need to be polite. Besides, there is no need for this between you and me."
Feeling the emperor's care, Lady Zhe smiled softly, with a touch of rosy color appearing on her complexion, and asked, "Why did the officials arrive so suddenly without notifying them in advance so that they could prepare for the arrival?"
"Let me take a look at you, and then take a look at my prince and princess who are about to be born!" Liu Chengyou naturally placed a hand on his round belly and stroked it gently, as if he could feel the rhythm of life in it.
Being touched by the emperor made him blush a little. Of course, it might be because the palace was a little stuffy. Looking around, Liu Chengyou asked: "The weather is so hot, why don't we add ice cubes to the palace to cool down."
Turning his face, Liu Chengyou's eyes became sharp and his tone became more displeased, as if he was blaming the palace attendants for not taking good care of the concubine. The imperial attendant who was swept away by Liu Chengyou responded with sincerity and fear: "My wife is afraid that the coldness of ice and stone will affect the precious son in her belly, so it is forbidden to add ice!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou turned his head, looked at Lady Zhe, drew a circle on her belly with his hand, and said warmly: "Thank you for your hard work!"
Lady Zhe did not show off her delicate demeanor, but looked calm and strong, saying, "I heard that the official family wants a princess?"
Liu Chengyou responded in a relaxed manner: "I already have many princes, it's time to give them a younger sister..."
During this period of time, there was actually constant good news in the Han Palace. Concubine Fu Hui and Concubine Gao were also found to be pregnant. After returning to the court, Liu Chengyou worked hard and sown, which can be regarded as diligent.
"By the way, I have already passed through Luzhou. According to my journey, I can reach Tokyo in about three days!" Liu Chengyou said to Madam Zhe.
Hearing this, he was delighted and couldn't help but sit up with great movements: "Seriously?"
After comforting her and lying down again, Liu Chengyou said, "I have sent someone to greet her!"
"I haven't seen my father for many years!" The lady was a little out of sorts, and her eyes turned red as she spoke.
This was not his original intention, and he hurriedly said: "That's why I summoned the old woman to Tokyo so that you and your daughter could meet and express our longing for each other. Speaking of which, the old woman and I have never met each other in these years. , we should meet him. This time, let him stay in Tokyo for a while..."
After hearing the emperor's words, Lady Zhe looked at Liu Chengyou with tender eyes, and took the initiative to lean into his arms...
At the same time as Liu Chengyou's father-in-law, Yang Ye and Li Wanchao were ordered to go to Beijing. However, compared to Yang Ye and Li Wanchao who were quick to go south as soon as they were ordered, Zhe Deqing seemed to have to put on some airs and delayed for a while before setting off, and he did so unhurriedly. It’s understandable, after all, big names always appear last.
On June 8, the fifth year of Emperor Qianyou's reign, the sun was shining brightly. The wide official road at Xiangfu Station in the west of Kaifeng City had been occupied. The imperial army, patrol soldiers and Kaifeng government officials were on guard to maintain order. Each one of them had a distinctive uniform. .
The road was occupied, and people inside and outside who wanted to pass by had to take a detour. However, more people chose to stop and watch and join in the fun. Even if they were driven ruthlessly outside the martial law area, they still could not dispel their enthusiasm. They looked around at the outside, full of interest and talking a lot.
In front of the Guanyi, senior officials of the Han Dynasty, headed by Zhongshu Prime Minister Li Tao, were waiting quietly amidst the hustle and bustle. The standard of the reception was very high, with representatives from all central government offices present.
"Who are you trying to welcome? They are setting up such a battle array!" someone asked.
"Perhaps there are foreign envoys coming to Beijing!" someone speculated.
"There is only Shu in the southwest, which is at odds with the Han Dynasty and has only suffered a major defeat. How can it be sent as an envoy?" someone retorted.
"Send an envoy to ask for peace!" someone explained.
"Even if he were an envoy from Shu, he wouldn't greet him with such etiquette!" he continued to retort.
...
In fact, by setting up such a formation, they were greeted by ministers of high status, including Fengxiang, Zhangyi, and Baoda. Zhao Hui, Shi Kuangyi, and Yao Yuanfu are the most senior, famous, and powerful among all the Jiedushi in Guanzhong. If these three can be defeated, there will be no major trouble in Guanzhong.
Fortunately, after the imperial edict was issued, the three of them took the initiative to step down from their military duties without any delay and came east together to the capital for an audience. Along with them, there are more than 300 enemy prisoners who were captured during this trip to Shu. They will be teased and selected, mainly military officers, to be used as prisoners for sacrifice at the palace.
When the procession of the third quarter arrived, the ritual music was already playing, and Zhao Hui and three others got off the carriage and stood side by side. Looking at the waiting officials, soldiers, and people in front of Xiangfu Post under the colorful flags, Zhao Hui's corners were slightly raised, and Yuan Fu and Shi Kuangyi said: "The imperial court welcomes us with this courtesy. We are flattered!"
Yao Yuanfu was wearing an official uniform that he didn't like very much. He thought it was cumbersome and not as light as a military uniform. Hearing this, he laughed and said: "I don't want to belittle myself, I can deserve it! However, the emperor's generous gift should also be appreciated!"
Next to the two is Shi Kuangyi, the governor of Zhangyi Army. He is younger, but he looks older. However, his whole person is a little restrained and has the appearance of a city mandarin. Hearing the words of the two, his old face He just smiled slightly and didn't say much.
Li Tao wears a purple uniform and a gold belt. He is deeply baptized by power and carries a sense of dignity. Although he smiles, he is neither humble nor overbearing. He glanced at the three envoys, cupped his hands and said:
"My Majesty, Li Tao, has been ordered by Your Majesty to welcome three envoys to the capital. Your Majesty has ordered that this royal horse will escort the three captives through Dingding Gate, through Xuanwu Tianjie, and to the Imperial City to present the prisoners. Your Majesty has already visited the city gate in person. Wait!"
"Thank you, Mr. Li!" Zhao Hui took the lead and responded.
Looking outside the crowd, at the majestic Kaifeng City, he straightened his clothes. Three old commanders from Guanzhong, whose combined age was nearly 200 years old, mounted their royal horses and headed towards Kaifeng with a serious look on their faces. They crossed the long street and arrived at the Imperial Palace. city.
Liu Chengyou did a good job. He went down to the palace personally, dropped an interceptor to greet him, and gave him royal wine to reflect his achievements in guarding the border and defeating the enemy. This gesture moved Zhao Hui and the other two people, but also made them feel at ease.
In addition to the three commanders of Guanzhong, Liu Chengyou also came to the court and came to Beijing under the imperial edict, including former Xiangzhou Jiedushi An Shenqi, Chengde Jiedushi Zhang Yanwei, Cangzhou Jiedushi Wang Jing, and Dengzhou Jiedushi Liu Chongjin.
With the arrival of Zhao Hui and the others in Beijing, a predictable power-liberation operation gradually unfolded from top to bottom, from the inside out. In this regard, there is a tacit understanding between the monarch and his ministers.
