The north wind whistled, bringing waves of cold waves that seemed to freeze the city of Kaifeng. The heavy snowfall for three consecutive days ended, and the inside and outside of the city were covered with a thick layer of white, which was a bit dazzling.
In the city, among the streets, in front of buildings, and on the eaves, the people of Kaifeng endured the cold weather and cleared the snow, as if they wanted to clear away the coldness surrounding them.
In the winter of the eighth year of Qianyou's reign, Kaifeng City was no colder than previous years, but it was a little sadder. There was a touch of blood in the pale color, and the atmosphere of the whole city was depressing, just like the gloomy sky.
Restaurants and restaurants in various cities are still lively, and strong wine and hot food are still enjoyed by wealthy people. It's just that compared to usual, the conversation is more restrained, and some taboo things are kept silent to avoid being reported.
There are bloody lessons for those who come before you, and those who come after you should always take care of your own head. If you chop it off with a knife, it will be over once and for all, and you will have no grievance to complain about.
"How is the atmosphere in Tokyo these days?" In the Long Live Hall, Liu Chengyou looked grave and greeted Li Chongju below.
"After the previous rectification, the public atmosphere has changed drastically, and no one in the market dares to discuss or speculate!" Li Chongju said.
He nodded gently. Under the white terror, no one dared to commit crimes. It is conceivable that Kaifeng will be much "cleaner" in the future. At the same time, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but sigh. It's no wonder that monarchs prefer the policy of obscuring the people. For the court, the honest and humble people are the most suitable people to rule. They care more about their own livelihood than discussing politics and talking about the world. They care more about daily necessities, rice, oil and salt, and their parents are short-term.
As for what the emperor was doing and who died in the court, it had little bearing on them. This turmoil is also the same. Those who really "discuss current affairs" in the market and heighten public opinion are those with some status, some property, and some knowledge.
But the bad influence brought by these people is to confuse the ignorant people at the bottom of Tokyo. Listening to the wind is like rain, watching the excitement is a kind of nature, and the same is true for the ignorant people, so that the "death of the hero" has been arranged with a more serious meaning. There are many stories and legends, and it is also easy to attract people.
In any era, freedom of public opinion has a bottom line, but in an era of centralized monarchy, there is no need to mention the word "freedom". As an emperor who has completely completed evolution (assimilation), facing this challenge to his authority and reputation, he will only ruthlessly suppress it without any wavering or discomfort.
"Let's end this matter here!" Liu Chengyou thought for a while and then ordered: "In addition, this turmoil is not small, and Wude Division will need to conduct a secret investigation to see if there is an enemy country or someone with ulterior motives causing trouble. !”
"yes!"
In response, Li Chongju took out a memorial and presented it: "Your Majesty, this is the investigation of the Gyeonggi Detective Agency. Several officials used this matter to frame innocent people and steal private wealth."
In this regard, Liu Chengyou seemed very calm. Whenever there is turmoil, there are always people who take advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble and use power for personal gain. This is probably due to human nature. In Liu Chengyou's opinion, this kind of thing is normal and can hardly cause any disturbance in his heart. He is so aloof that he doesn't even bother to pay more attention to it.
"These traitors are even more hateful because they are traitors because of fate!" However, his attitude must be corrected. Liu Chengyou said angrily and calmly: "As soon as there is evidence of guilt, hand it over to Kaifeng Mansion and let Li Gu investigate and deal with it!"
At the end of November, Li Gu officially returned to the capital, took over the affairs of Kaifeng Mansion, and became a bachelor of Duanming Palace, with the title of Secondary Attendant, and was promoted to Marquis of Ruyin.
"yes!"
"In addition, Duke Dai's condition has worsened!" Li Chongju reported again in a slightly lower voice, showing caution.
Sure enough, after saying this, Liu Chengyou's expression darkened, and water almost formed on his face. Since this winter, the Han Dynasty has lost too many important heroes. From Li Chongju's words, Liu Chengyou had a vague feeling that it was his turn to act for the Duke again.
Who is the Duke of Dai, the grandfather of Concubine Zhe Xian, the former privy envoy, and the governor of the vassal state? Even if he is not mentioned as a relative, his contribution to the Han Dynasty is worthy of a special mention, and it is also praised by Liu Chengyou from the bottom of his heart. of respect.
"I know!" Liu Chengyou said with a sigh.
After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou turned his head towards Zhang Dejun: "Inform the Imperial Medical Office and send the imperial doctor to live in Daigong's mansion. He will check on you at all times and make sure to treat Daigong to the best of his ability!"
"I understand, little one!"
This time, Liu Chengyou was not as excited as before, and he did not issue strict orders to the imperial doctors or threaten his life. Birth, old age, illness and death are human normality and natural principles. If you try your best, you can't save it, so there is no need to be too demanding.
Of course, it may not be that Liu Chengyou has become accustomed to the sadness of this winter.
"Also, try to hide the illness of the Duke of Qiuhua from Qiuhua Palace. Concubine Zhe is pregnant, so don't affect her pregnancy!" Liu Chengyou also told Zhang Dejun.
"yes!"
However, the development of affairs often follows Murphy's law. That night, Liu Chengyou received the news that Duke Dai Guo Zhe Congruan's condition had worsened. He had a high fever that did not subside, and he vomited blood and fainted...
The next morning, Liu Chengyou got up a little late. During this period, he basically left all government affairs to the Zhengshi Hall, and issued an edict to have Chongzheng Hall assist in handling government affairs. This was considered as officially bringing Chongzheng Hall to the forefront. Originally, the Chongzheng Hall was just a place where the emperor took care of the affairs of the army. But starting from December of the eighth year of Qianyou, the Han Dynasty's "Chongzheng-Guangzheng" system of two palaces working together was formally established.
This is a manifestation of the imperial power and the power of the prime minister. Moreover, as the imperial power further strengthens, the power of the prime minister is actually suppressed and weakened. Although the Guangzheng Hall still dominated state affairs, the Chongzheng Hall also had the power to speak out, and those bachelors and ministers, especially the bachelors, truly became positions of inferiority and power.
It's a very cold morning in winter, and standing in front of the slightly empty and cold Long Live Hall adds to the chill. Wearing a fox robe, Liu Chengyou stood quietly in the cold wind, with his simply combed hair blowing constantly, looking at the desolate palace, imperial steps, and towers, somewhat lost in thought.
A drop of frost fell and hit Liu Chengyou's forehead, and the chill made him shiver. Zhang Dejun on the side was shocked when he saw it. He quickly took out his silk handkerchief and wanted to wipe it with him, but was blocked by Liu Chengyou.
Brushing it with his hand, Liu Chengyou looked down at the water stains in his hand and suddenly asked: "What day is it today?"
Zhang Dejun said: "Back to the official house, it is December 14th in the lunar calendar."
"This winter is finally over!" Liu Chengyou sighed quietly, full of regret.
At this time, there was a burst of rapid footsteps, and Liu Chengyou could almost feel the gasping breath. Looking back, I saw Concubine Zhe walking towards her with a bulging belly and full of worry. The two maids around her were following anxiously, trying to help her, but they couldn't keep up.
Seeing her expression and behavior, Liu Chengyou's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately went up to her, supported her, and said, "The rain and snow have not yet dried, and the ground is slippery. Why are you walking in such a hurry? What is it that makes you so anxious?" "
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhe grabbed Liu Chengyou's hand. With a dash of dissatisfaction on her heroic face, she directly asked Liu Chengyou: "Do the officials still want to hide my grandfather's illness from me?"
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou immediately turned his head and glared at Zhang Dejun. Zhang Dejun's expression was quite interesting, with innocence mixed with fear, and then he shrank his head and lowered his head.
Liu Chengyou had no intention of paying attention, how could the news leak out? There is no airtight wall in this palace. Looking at Madam Zhe who looked anxious, Liu Chengyou could only try his best to comfort her: "You are pregnant. I am afraid that you will be so worried and anxious that you will hurt your body!"
"Guan Jia, I want to leave the palace to visit my grandfather!" Looking at Liu Chengyou, Lady Zhe bit her lips and said seriously, with determination in her clear eyes.
This was the first time that Lady Zhe had acted so forcefully towards Liu Chengyou. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou hugged her, caressed her back, and sighed: "That's all, call Liu Fang and Liu Yun, I'll go with you!"
In fact, Liu Chengyou had already thought about leaving the palace to visit Zhe Congruan, but the only reason for him to restrain himself was because of a strange feeling. He felt that visiting his official residence in person was like setting up a "flag". He was afraid that if he went there, it would be over...
At that time, there was already a similar situation with Gao Xingzhou, the head of the state and King of Linqing. However, at this moment, it's time to put away those distracting thoughts. One is that Zhe Congruan is indeed seriously ill, and the other is that if she can't even see him for the last time, Lady Zhe will probably blame him.
When Liu Chengyou, his concubine Zhe, mother and son arrived at the Duke's residence, and saw Zhe Congruan, he was also shocked by his morbid condition and weakness. He looked haggard, his face was bloodless, his hair was gray, and he looked like he was about to die.
Zhe Congruan was indeed on his deathbed and could not even speak. However, when he saw the emperor arriving with his granddaughter, mother and son, his cloudy eyes brightened slightly.
Liu Chengyou stood aside, and Mrs. Zhe's face was full of sadness, holding her grandfather's rough and thin hand. His lips trembled and he smacked a few times, as if he wanted to tell him something, but in the end he couldn't say anything. Then, under the gaze of everyone, he slowly closed his eyes, put a smile on his lips, and walked peacefully.
The sound of mournful cries immediately echoed in the house...
