"I have learned a lot from reading your "Journey to the West" these past few days. Let's go back and tell me about the Tibetan forces in the Lanzhou-Shanhekuo area!" Liu Chengyou felt his scalp itching under the cool sun. Decisively choosing not to compete with the sun, he said to Lu Duo.
"yes!"
In an open space in the camp, there was a lot of noise, which attracted Liu Chengyou's attention. He went to check, but it was four princes who took advantage of the time to stay in the sun to compete in riding skills there, attracting a group of people to watch. The accompanying officials, chamberlains, maids, and sergeants gathered together, and they were all willing to join in the fun.
A road was cleared in the open space, marked with flag wood, and served as a track, leading directly to the outside of the camp. Yong Wang Liu Chengxun stood aside, rarely letting go of his playful spirit and acting as a referee. Several immature horses under the four princes were preparing at the starting point, each confidently waiting for the order. Liu Fang also waved his little hand towards the surroundings, causing a burst of cheers.
However, as Liu Chengyou walked over, the atmosphere of the dog days was like a splash of cold water poured over the head. The scene quickly became quiet, and everyone bowed awkwardly.
Seeing this scene, Liu Chengyou said: "It's such a hot day, you are really in a good mood!"
Liu Chengyou's reaction was obviously not angry, which made everyone sigh in relief. Liu Chengxun was a little calmer and said with a smile: "The journey back home is boring, let's just have some fun. Brother Meng and the others asked me to be the referee, and it's hard for me, the emperor's uncle, to refuse. Second brother, you are the emperor immediately, and you also advocate martial arts and military exploits to serve the country. Emperor Nephew, they also follow your teachings. As a prince, set an example and advocate martial arts..."
Under Liu Chengyou's gaze, the sons all puffed up their chests subconsciously, as if they were knights undergoing review. They looked at Liu Chengxun. Liu Chengyou chuckled and said, "You, the referee, still don't give an order?"
Soon, following Liu Chengxun's order, the surrounding drums sounded loudly, and the four Liu Xu brothers immediately flew away on horseback. The onlookers cheered...
"The four princes are gifted and talented. They are agile and heroic at once, and they vaguely resemble His Majesty's demeanor!" Lu Duoxun, who was standing by, said with a smile.
"I have heard that the people outside the Great Wall are fierce and good at fighting. They can ride sheep at the age of three, shoot rats at the age of five, ride horses at the age of eight, and herd sheep at the age of nine... In this way, their growth is Qualified line-controllers." Liu Chengyou said calmly: "I let them practice martial arts, not because I want them to become such brave warriors, I just want them to strengthen their bodies and combine civil and military skills!"
In just a moment, the four horses galloped back, almost riding abreast. You chased each other, and the cheers around them became more and more enthusiastic. The four horses worked hard, and until the last dozen or so feet, they were still indistinguishable.
Of course, the final winner was the youngest Liu Fang.
"I won! Haha!" Liu Fang's little face was filled with a joyful smile, and he acted openly, driving his little pony to gallop on the road, like a victorious general, enjoying the attention of everyone.
Among the remaining three princes, Liu Xu maintained his eldest brother's demeanor and looked at Liu Fang with a chuckle, seemingly also happy for his younger brother. Liu Yang was a little reluctant, after all, there was a big difference this time. As for Liu Xi, he still looked indifferent, as if he didn't care about winning or losing.
Driving the horse forward, the four sons dismounted to pay their respects. Liu Fang raised his head and looked at Liu Chengyou. There seemed to be one meaning in his bright eyes: Praise me!
Everyone laughed at that little appearance. He swung his dragon sleeves gently and tucked them behind his waist. Liu Chengyou said gently: "You all performed well. I plan to give you some rewards!"
"Thank you, official!" Hearing this, all the disciples smiled happily.
Liu Fang walked up with his calves and asked with a naive smile: "Dad, what do you want to reward us?"
Touching his hand and pinching his little face, Liu Chengyou thought for a while and said, "Just for you, find another teacher!"
As soon as he said this, everyone except Liu Xu showed a little distress. Liu Chengyou glanced at Lu Duoxun beside him and said: "Lu Duoxun, this place is still a thousand miles away from Tokyo. It will take some time to return to Beijing. I will leave four students to you along the way. !”
Hearing this, Lu Duoxun was a little stunned, and then responded hesitantly: "Your Majesty, I have little talent and knowledge. How can I be so virtuous and capable as to dare to be the prince's teacher?"
"Why, Lu Langjun, who has always been ambitious, confident and proud, still dare not teach four children?" Liu Chengyou joked.
"My lack of talent and knowledge has delayed your highnesses' studies!" Lu Duoxun said with concern.
Seeing his hesitation, Liu Chengyou laughed twice and said: "I will let you be a temporary tutor. On the way back to Beijing, tell them about your experience of traveling westward and what you saw in Hexi. Children all like to listen to stories. You can make some arrangements.
In addition, I will give you another task. After you return to the court, cooperate with the Xuanwei Department to write a "Hexi Envoy". It should be easy to understand and lifelike. It should be printed and released at that time, so that the people all over the world can also understand the northwest. Vast homeland! "
"As ordered!" After hearing what the emperor said, Lu Duoxun breathed a sigh of relief and responded respectfully, feeling the burden in his heart instantly lessen.
In the final analysis, his teacher is just a "storyteller" who adds a bit of interest to the princes' journey home, or has the effect of entertaining and educating.
Carefully paying attention to the emperor's unpredictable expression, he couldn't help but feel a little shy. He was just talented, but he took it seriously, otherwise he wouldn't be so worried about gains and losses. Who doesn't want to be the prince's master? Not to mention the future, just for now, the improvement of reputation is immeasurable.
However, Lu Duoxun was too young. If the emperor really used him as the prince's mentor, not to mention the others, the old scholar Zhang Zhao who was stranded in Tokyo would dare to "rebel." Although Lu Duoxun is conceited about his talent and learning, he is not too arrogant. He still has a certain degree of self-awareness...
...
Since he was eager to return home, his journey since Huaxian County had been smooth and fast. After staying in Luoyang for a few more days, Xijing under the guard of Wang Yan gave Liu Chengyou a strong sense of order. In the two years since he took office, he had reorganized many people, but there was nothing like the situation during the periods of Shi Hongzhao and Jing Fan. Extremely, the huge city is not lacking in vitality.
Industry is becoming more prosperous, business travel is booming, and people's livelihood is becoming more secure. At the same time, Wang Yan spent great efforts to renovate the city, repair the streets, and improve Luoyang's infrastructure. When Liu Chengyou arrived, projects in progress could still be seen everywhere in the city. Although it is not as major as Kaifeng, the movement is not small. The key is that the court did not allocate additional money and food, and it did not impose heavy demands on the people. As for where the money and food came from, of course it came from merchants, plus part of the tax revenue from the Luoyang area.
During the short stay in Luoyang, Liu Chengyou expressed his high appreciation and encouragement for Wang Yan's political achievements in governing Luoyang. Before leaving, Wang Yan's title was restored to the title of Duke of Founding County, not only for his contribution to the governance of Luo, but also for his original contribution to the "Jade Seal of the State".
As a result, Wang Yan was relieved. Of course he was unwilling to accept being dismissed from his post and demoted because he fought with Wang Jingchong in Jinzhou and surrounded the angel. Now that he has finally returned to being a duke, Lusu's growth comes second. The key is status and face.
In the early autumn of Kaifeng City, although the climate is still a bit hot, it has become much more comfortable. On the Bianhe River, boats are coming and going more frequently, the crowds in the streets are getting denser, and the air is faintly filled with the scent of flowers and fruits. , it is intoxicating, and the whole city is full of prosperity.
"I respectfully welcome His Majesty to return to the court!" In front of the imperial city, Prime Minister Li Tao and all his ministers came to pay homage to the palace.
When the emperor returned to the court, Liu Chengyou ordered that all officials did not need to go out of the city to greet him, but the due etiquette should not be abandoned. Under the leadership of Li Tao, the officials simply gathered at the main gate of the imperial city.
"Your Majesty, please excuse me!" Liu Chengyou personally stepped down from the carriage, appeared in front of the ministers, stretched out his hand and said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
We haven't seen each other for several months, but when we meet each other, everyone feels brand new. Looking at the Kaifeng Palace, Liu Chengyou said with emotion: "Since I went on tour in the spring, I can see autumn everywhere!"
"In the past few months since I have been away, the stable operation of state affairs depends on all the ministers!" Liu Chengyou said, his eyes falling on Li, Fan, Wei, Xue and Guo.
"This is what I should do. I don't dare to take credit!" Li Tao responded.
"Especially Li Qing, who is over 60 years old and still tireless in government affairs, with even more gray hair in his hair. It's admirable!" Liu Chengyou said emotionally as he looked at Li Tao.
After saying that, he went back to Luanjia and listened to his words. Li Tao was obviously stunned for a moment.
"Drive!" As Zhang Dejun sang loudly, the emperor and empress drove slowly into the imperial city.
Li Tao came to his senses and took the people back to the Yamen to prepare for official duties and wait for the emperor to check. However, there was a certain sternness on the old face. Of course he remembered his age, he was still less than sixty...
