The Long Live Hall is very quiet, but the quietest ones are the "distinguished guests" present. The melodious sound of silk and bamboo still lingers in the hall. The meaning of the emperor's words was obvious, but compared with the previous wave of Jiedu, the political consciousness of this group of people was obviously not very high, and many people showed their greed for power.
For example, Yang Chengxin, the military governor of Pizhou, stood up with a humble smile on his face and said: "I have been under false orders, and I always feel ashamed in my heart. Fortunately, my great ancestor was merciful and accepted me. I am also trusted by your majesty. , Tiredly moved to Anzhou and Pizhou, and in the year of his establishment, he took charge of the government and the army. He felt that his talent was shallow and his virtues were weak. Although he worked hard, he was rarely good at governing the soldiers and people under his rule. I think of His Majesty's kindness every day, and I am willing to use my body to... Serve your Majesty in return for your majesty..."
This Yang Chengxin was a second-generation official. His father served as the Pinglu Jiedu envoy of the later Jin Dynasty. He also rebelled against the Jin Dynasty and was put down by Li Shouzhen. When the Khitan destroyed the Jin Dynasty, they made him the envoy of Pinglu, inheriting his father's post. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, he surrendered in a wise manner. When Liu Chengyou came to power, he moved his town twice, from Qingzhou to Anzhou and then to Pizhou, but he was obedient.
This time, he spoke beautifully and had a respectful attitude towards Liu Chengyou, but the only thing he meant was that he still wanted to be loyal to the emperor and do things for the court. But he was right about one thing. He was only in his thirties, and he was quite diligent and capable in politics.
The second person to speak up was Bozhou Defense Envoy Xue Qiong. With the help of wine, he showed off to Liu Chengyou his achievements over the years and his achievements in guarding Bozhou. By the way, he also talked about his previous friendship, which reminded Liu Chengyou of the time when Jinyang raised troops. , when he led the Longqi Army to attack Luzhou, he also tried his best to provide Liu Chengyou with supplies and food.
Others basically made similar speeches, hoping to influence Liu Chengyou. Their words were sincere, and the excited ones even shed tears. This scene made Liu Chengyou feel a little embarrassed.
Of course, he is not an ignorant person. For example, when the Shaanxi Baoyi Army was celebrating Liu Ci, he spoke up and said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, I had a rough life in my early years and wandered among three generations. Until the year when I knew my destiny, Emperor Gaozu Meng and Your Majesty did not give up and he was promoted to general. I have reached a high position in a town. Now, I am sixty and four years old. I am old and sick. If your majesty can show your kindness, please accept the post of Shaanzhou!"
Liu Ci's heartfelt words were naturally recognized by Liu Chengyou. With a smile, he stepped forward and to show his closeness, he sat directly next to Liu Ci, had a drink with him, and said softly: "Liu Qing is so righteous." , brave and benevolent. Even in Tokyo, I have heard that the soldiers and people of Shaanxi Province miss your kindness. Both I and the court still need veteran ministers and generals like you to assist us."
Liu Chengyou admitted that he spoke from the bottom of his heart, but Liu Ci didn't seem to take it seriously. The old eyes were particularly bright, and he still replied in a calm and calm tone: "Your Majesty, I have suffered a lot of physical damage, and it is embarrassing to bear the burden. I really intend to return to my home."
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou immediately said: "Later, I will ask the imperial doctor to take a look at it!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Ci thanked him, but he shook his head, looking like a hero in his twilight years, and sighed: "I have been in the army for nearly 40 years, and I have many hidden diseases that cannot be saved by medicine!"
Liu Chengyou frowned slightly, and immediately said: "Have a good rest, you can always recover!"
Liu Ci smiled at Liu Chengyou and said, "Your Majesty, I have a request. I hope it can be fulfilled?"
"Speak frankly!" Liu Chengyou was very satisfied with Liu Ci's initiative and submission. If he wanted to make a request, as long as it was not excessive, there was no reason why he would not agree.
Liu Ci said: "When I took office in Shaanzhou, I recruited some staff one after another. They were responsible for managing political affairs and teaching farmers and mulberry trees. They all relied on their assistance. I thought that they were all rare talents and had to submit to Shaanzhou for many years. I already have private thoughts.
Now I would like to recommend it to Your Majesty. If you are lucky enough to enter the court and serve the country, you will live up to your talents! "
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou had a look of surprise on his face and couldn't help but sigh: "I originally thought that the public wanted to be rich and honorable, but I never thought, but it is to promote talents for the country. I am ashamed, touched, and proud of this high righteousness. Admired..."
"Old minister, you must never take this position!" The emperor of the Han Dynasty said this, but Liu Ci did not trust him at all.
Nodding slightly, Liu Chengyou asked: "Who do you recommend?"
"Among the Shaanzhou staff, Zhao Pu and Chu Zhaofu are the outstanding ones!" Liu Ci named two people.
"Zhao Pu!" Liu Chengyou's eyes brightened slightly, his eyes wandered for a moment, and he said: "The one recommended by you must be a good talent. You can inform the two of them to come to Beijing for evaluation and appointment!"
"Your Majesty, the two of them have come to Beijing with their ministers and are in Kaifeng." Liu Ci said calmly.
Liu Chengyou couldn't help but look at Liu Ci a few more times. This veteran had obviously thought about it before coming to Beijing...
Liu Chengyou felt rewarded for being such a favor, and having an intimate conversation with him really attracted the attention of others. After personally toasting Liu Ci with a glass of wine, Liu Chengyou stood up and stated in a direct voice his arrangements for Liu Ci after his resignation. He would serve as an official in his original position, add a letter of approval, be promoted to the title of Duke and Duke, double his salary, make his wife a wife, and reward his wife and children. Some fields and silk.
Liu Ci bowed down in the palace and thanked him. The performance of the monarch and his ministers made everyone present feel a little flustered, but no one was like Liu Ci, who had to consider resigning from the palace. Liu Chengyou, on the other hand, didn't say anything more about this matter, and instead incited the atmosphere again to keep everyone entertained.
Among the generals in the palace, only Hu Yanke of Hezhong Prefecture and Li Hongwei of Pinglu Jiedu were the calmest. Hezhong was the first Fangzhen in the Han Dynasty to implement the separation of military and political power. When Hu Yanke took office, he only managed the administration. However, with his knowledge, the emperor this time was still targeting the Jiedu and Defenders who concentrated military, political and financial power.
As for Li Hongwei, he is the uncle of the state and has a closer relationship. He plans to listen to the holy teachings after the family dinner. The emperor's nephew would do whatever he said.
The generals in Hebei were also affected and had some strange behaviors. It was Li Jun who directly said to Luo Yanxuan: "What does the emperor mean by this? Is this to relieve our military power?"
Luo Yanxuan looked thoughtful. He had to be cautious when it came to his future. He was also the emperor's old friend. When Liu Chengyou left Taihang, he turned against the Khitan and joined forces with him, and donated thousands of war horses. But after so many years, he didn't even know whether the emperor still remembered that friendship.
Luo Yanxuan didn't say anything, but Ma Quanyi seemed calm. He turned to Li Jun and said in a deep voice: "Hasn't General Li always found it hard to guard the border? Wouldn't it be as you wish if he were relieved of military power and returned to Tokyo to enjoy the blessings? Perhaps, Your Majesty can, too. Wouldn't it be nice to give you a lordship and reward you with a farm and a house?"
"Ma Quanyi, this involves the honor and disgrace of our northern soldiers, and the security of the border!" Li Jun seemed to be sober at this time, and said with a cold face: "I won't argue with you, and you shouldn't push yourself too far!"
Ma Quanyi glanced at Li Jun and didn't say anything more. He just felt a lot of contempt in his heart and felt that this person was too selfish.
He Fujin coughed twice and said: "We are all subjects, and the soldiers and horses under our command are also the elite of the imperial court. We are not relying on self-respecting private property!"
These words were spoken directly to Li Jun. His eyes were full of determination, making him dare not look directly.
"Your Majesty!" Seeing Liu Chengyou walking slowly, Luo Yanxuan reacted the fastest and stood up first to pay his respects.
Ma Quanyi, He Fujin, and Li Jun came one after another to have a drink with the generals. Liu Chengyou glanced around them, his eyes fell on Li Jun, and asked lightly: "What are the generals talking about? It seems quite interesting." It’s so exciting, can you share it with me?”
"This..." Facing Liu Chengyou's calm gaze, Li Jun suddenly realized that when he faced the emperor directly, he was not able to express his unwillingness and resentment at all, or in other words, he did not dare to show it.
He muttered a few words, pointed at the food and wine on the table, showed an ugly smile, and replied: "The general is waiting for me. The dishes in the palace are very delicious. I am waiting in the north and can't eat such delicacies!" "
Without caring about the truth or falsehood of Li Jun's words, Liu Chengyou continued: "Then eat more. Guarding the border for many years is hard work. Over the years, the generals have spared no effort and shelter from wind and rain to guard the north for the country. , to prepare for foreign invasion and to make the court worry-free in the north. I will always remember these contributions in my heart! I want to express my gratitude to you!"
"Your Majesty, it is your duty and mission to guard the border against bandits and protect the country and the people as the generals of the country!" Luo Yanxuan responded actively, looking very conscious.
"I'm so relieved that the general can think of this!" Liu Chengyou nodded towards Luo Yanxuan.
His eyes were still looking at Li Jun, and Liu Chengyou said quietly: "This is a festive occasion, and we call you to come to Beijing for two main purposes. One is that I haven't seen you for many years, and I miss you; the other two Well, it's the northern border defense. I want to know something about the situation from you front-line generals.
As for the rest, don’t make any guesses..."
After Liu Chengyou said this, Li Jun couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
