"...The emperor is difficult to deal with, he is serious and taciturn, he is tall, his face is purple, and his eyes are white. He first joined Emperor Mingzong of the Tang Dynasty and was listed under his command..."
In the yamen, the crisp and clear sound of reading came from Liu Xu's mouth. Liu Chengyou was sitting at the desk, listening to his recitation, and naturally flipping through the lessons of his sons in his hands, with a satisfied smile on his face.
What Liu Xu recited was the "Benji of the Great Ancestor" compiled by the late historian Jia Wei, the prime minister Xue Juzheng and other historians. It was a must-read for the princes, and it was also taught by Liu Chengyou under the instruction of Grand Tutor Zhang Zhao.
It wasn't until Liu Xu finished reciting one paragraph that he stopped. Liu Chengyou put down the book in his hand and looked at the four princes.
"How did you learn?" Liu Chengyou looked at the second, third, and fourth disciples and asked.
Liu Yang said: "Although I am not as proficient in reciting as my elder brother, I can already read through it!"
Liu Xu hurriedly responded: "I can only recite a small section of it!"
"That's not bad!" Liu Chengyou's eyes were full of kindness, and he educated the four children: "I don't require you to recite the entire article, but you need to read it thoroughly.
The historians have written very well, fully describing the experiences of your imperial ancestors! I ask you to read it carefully so that you can understand how difficult it is to establish the foundation of an imperial industry, and remember how difficult it is to build a country. It was the result of your imperial ancestors' sword-by-sword battles and bloody battles.
As princes, you have the blood of your father and ancestors in your body, you enjoy the respect of the royal family, and you also shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the country and consolidating the country. The "Ben Ji" also describes the urgent situation in the early days of the country, the difficulties of the country, and the decline of the ancestral temple. I hope you will never forget that the great Han Dynasty was hard-won.
As a father, I am already trying my best to clean up the world and build a foundation for future generations. But twenty or thirty years later, this country will depend on you brothers..."
No matter how much the children understood Liu Chengyou's words, judging from their serious expressions, it was obvious that they listened to it.
Liu Xu took the lead and said solemnly: "In the future, my son will definitely follow the example of the emperor and father to safeguard our country!"
"Go! I'll be here today. I'll give you a holiday. You can play whatever you want in the afternoon!" Liu Chengyou showed a fatherly expression.
"Thank you, daddy!" Liu Fang cheered for a while, took the lead in walking away with his calves.
Liu Xu was the most reserved. He bowed politely and left gently, but his originally tight face also relaxed significantly. As a student, when faced with a teacher checking his or her homework, no matter whether it is good or bad, it is inevitable to be nervous. Especially this time, the person checking is not Zhang Zhao, an old scholar...
"The official family, King Yan and his party have already set off for the north and returned!" Zhang Dejun came to report.
"Did you give me my gift?" Liu Chengyou asked casually.
Zhang Dejun said: "The young one personally handed it over to King Yan!"
"How did they react and what did they say?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Zhang Dejun replied: "The King of Yan looked normal. He just bowed respectfully to the road to express his gratitude to the officials. But Zhao Siwan, on the other hand, felt relieved and seemed eager to return north!"
"The King of Yan is still sensible, and he is a man of integrity and worthy of trust. But Zhao Siwan is secretly on guard and eager to escape, as if this place is a dragon's pond and a tiger's den!" Liu Chengyou said with a sneer.
"The officials are right! Zhao Siwan is a general of the Yan Army and holds military power. He has always been arrogant and harbors evil intentions. The officials may try to get rid of him to eliminate future troubles!" Zhang Dejun continued.
"Haha!" Liu Chengyou was happy and looked at Zhang Dejun with a smile: "Are you giving me some advice?"
Hearing this, Zhang Dejun's handsome face suddenly changed, and he hurriedly said: "You talk too much! Please forgive me!"
"Go and summon King Chenliu and the envoys of the five armies!" He withdrew his gaze, flicked his sleeves, and said: "In addition, notify Shi Shouxin again to prepare for departure. This northern tour will stay here for a long time, so it's time to Let’s go!”
"Yes!" Zhang Dejun stretched his body and asked, "May I ask the officials where they want to patrol next, so that I can teach General Shi how to prepare for the exploration and arrange the route!"
After thinking about it for a while, Liu Chengyou said: "Go west, first go to Baoding Army, and then go to Zhending Mansion!"
"yes!"
Zhang Dejun walked away quickly, but Liu Chengyou was still sitting at the desk, picked up the imperial pen, and wrote a square "Yan" character. After so many years of continuous practice, coupled with the guidance of calligraphy master Yang Ningshi, Liu Chengyou's calligraphy is finally able to catch the eye. Of course, it can only be seen, and it cannot be said to be "art" at all.
In his mind, thoughts about Youzhou and Yan Jun were constantly entangled. In the past few days, during the heart-to-heart conversations with Zhao Kuangzan, in addition to contacting each other, discussing military affairs, and discussing Khitan issues, Zhao Kuangzan also took the initiative to mention the future status of Youzhou, but Liu Chengyou deliberately avoided it.
However, according to Zhao Kuangzan's words, there was a vague intention of handing over power and returning power in order to seek peace, but Liu Chengyou felt that it was mostly a temptation. Liu Chengyou had no intention of having an in-depth conversation with him, but instead tried his best to comfort and encourage him, telling him not to worry too much. Youzhou could not live without King Yan, and he needed to do his best to guard against the Khitan, so that he could peacefully be the pillar of the Han Dynasty. And reiterated that you will not let me down, and I will not let you down, but this time, there is no mention of "youzhou will be forever, hereditary will not be replaced".
According to Zhao Kuangzan's performance, it can be seen from observation that although this person is worried, he can be won after all. Everyone has a desire for power, and it is understandable that it is difficult to give up. The key is that Zhao Kuangzan is a knowledgeable and rational person. Such a person can still get along harmoniously and seek common ground while reserving differences in a short period of time.
In fact, Liu Chengyou may be afraid of the Yan army, but he is not suspicious. Fundamentally, the Yan Army controlled by Zhao and his son was supported by the Han court. Although it maintained a certain degree of independence, the influence of the court was far more profound than it appeared on the surface.
When Zhao Yanshou was still alive, Liu Chengyou had many arrangements. In the following years, he did not interfere openly, but the secret infiltration and arrangements never stopped. If something changes in Youzhou, energy and resistance can burst out from within, which will be enough to make Zhao Kuangzan wary.
Of course, Zhao Kuangzan also had a certain understanding of the court's arrangements and actions. If he didn't know this, he, Zhao Kuangzan, would not be qualified to guard Youzhou and maintain the stability of the situation for so many years.
Liu Chengyou also thought about how he would react if Zhao Kuangzan asked for help at this time, whether to accept it quickly or not to make any changes due to the influence of the Khitan. Of course, this is not a difficult choice. According to his habit, he will take the real power and pretend to be the "King of Yan" to maintain the situation on the surface. This is also the most beneficial result for the court.
However, Zhao Kuangzan did not. Some things are easy to see through, but after seeing it through, it is difficult to make the right choice...
Before he was done, An Shenqi and five military envoys came in to pay homage and asked him to take a seat. Liu Chengyou said without saying much, "You all meet me here and express your sincerity. It can be called a grand gathering, but there is no banquet in the world that cannot be broken up." , I have stayed here for more than eight days, and it’s time to set off. You guys have been away from the pass for a long time, which will inevitably delay your military affairs. Please pack up and return to your respective stations!"
"yes!"
"On the occasion of parting, I will not set up another banquet. I would like to say goodbye with a cup of light tea!" Liu Chengyou picked up the steaming teacup and said, "Please!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After drinking, Liu Chengyou said again: "Everyone returns to the army. I only have one word to tell you to train your troops and horses and sharpen your soldiers in preparation for the general trend! From now on, you should still exercise restraint and suppress your ambition to fight in order to stabilize the situation in northern Xinjiang. .When I come back, it will be the time for you all to use force!"
"I sincerely follow your Majesty's instructions!" An Shenqi took the lead and said with cupped hands.
"In addition, we must live in harmony with the three states of Youyan and maintain relations!" Liu Chengyou warned again, looking at Ma Quanyi: "Especially the Yongqing Army. I heard that in the past two years, there have been many conflicts between your army and the Yan soldiers. From now on, we should try our best to avoid fortification and stop building forts to the north!"
"Yes!" Ma Quanyi felt helpless after being named.
"I am going to visit the Baoding Army. General Dong, please go west with me!" Liu Chengyou looked at Dong Zunzui, the envoy of the Baoding Army.
"Yes!" Dong Zunji was not surprised but overjoyed, secretly thinking that he wanted Liu Chengyou to see the majestic appearance of his Baoding Army.
