August 15th, Mid-Autumn Festival night, Chongyuan Hall.
The emperor entertained his ministers as usual. The Chongyuan Hall was magnificent, with colorful ribbons and palace lanterns hanging high. The festive atmosphere was strong, but the scale was smaller than in previous years. Only those in authority, such as the prime ministers, heads of various departments and deputy ministers, were summoned to the palace for the banquet, because the expedition against Shu was progressing smoothly, and the two contrasting scenes made it even more festive.
"Your Majesty!" Liu Chengyou walked to His Majesty as usual, holding a cup, walked to the palace, looked around, made a speech to open the banquet, and said: "It is now the tenth year of Qianyou, and many of the gentlemen here are accompanying you. I have gone through these ten years of spring and autumn, ten years of ups and downs, weathered the wind and rain, overcame thorns and thorns, and now am today!"
Liu Chengyou's words praised everyone. Hearing this, the officials were overjoyed and beamed with joy. Fan Zhi spoke up and said that it was only under His Majesty's wise leadership that the Han Dynasty achieved its current prosperity, and I did not dare to take credit. In formal occasions, Fan Zhi is still very considerate to the emperor, and he can lick it freely.
Liu Chengyou looked very relaxed. He held the wine glass flat against his chest and continued with a light finger: "There is a war ahead, and there is no time for grand affairs in the court, but it is the festive season after all. I have prepared some light wine dishes, some cakes, and moon cakes." Let’s spend time together with all the gentlemen!”
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"My lords, please raise a glass and drink with me!" Liu Chengyou was always calm and controlled the rhythm: "This first glass, I pay tribute to the soldiers on the front line of Shu, who sacrificed their lives and fought bravely to kill the enemy. Under the bright moon in the sky, I send my thoughts together. Mian!"
"This second cup is to honor all the ministers here. Over the years, you have worked diligently on the king's affairs and governed the country and the people. I will reward them for their hard work!"
"With this third cup, I wish the man a prosperous national destiny, prosperity, success in the world, great achievements again, and peace!"
Three cups in a row, the emperor and his ministers drank together, and the atmosphere was pushed to a climax from the beginning. Next, everyone played their part. The ministers exchanged cups with each other. Liu Chengyou personally toasted to Fan Zhi, Wei Renpu, Li Gu, Chai Rong, Murong Yanzhao and other important civil and military officials to show their courtesy and trust.
The night banquet in Chongyuan Hall only lasted less than half an hour. After the idea was in place, Liu Chengyou ordered the banquet to end and everyone went back to their homes to spend time with their families admiring the moon. Before leaving, Liu Chengyou also prepared a serving for each of the officials who were attending the banquet. "Mooncake Gift Box".
After leaving Chongzheng Hall, the two brothers Liu Chengyou and Liu Chengxun went to Ciming Hall together. There was a Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet waiting for them at the Queen Mother's side.
King Yong Liu Chengxun is now in the court, responsible for the errand of Minister of the Ministry of Industry. Originally, after Li Gu was promoted to prime minister, Liu Chengyou had the idea of letting him serve as the governor of Kaifeng, but in the end he gave up the idea. After all, his sons are getting older. The eldest prince Liu Xu is already ten years old. The sons of ordinary people can help with the housework. As an emperor and a nobleman, he must be more precocious.
In Ciming Hall, there are more than 20 concubines and children from Liu Chengyou's harem, plus Liu Chengxun's family, relatives of the Queen Mother who came to Beijing, and other relatives in the harem. Compared with Chongyuan Hall, it seems to be a bit more lively. The children are screaming and the adults are laughing. . Even though Liu Chengyou always liked peace and quiet, he couldn't help but be affected by it and showed a cheerful smile. Of course, the happiest person was the Queen Mother Li.
"Duke Zhou!" Liu Chengyou drank a lot of wine, walked to Zhou Zong's table, and called with a smile.
Zhou Zong's family sat together, together with Concubine Zhou Shu. As the eldest in the palace, she was over eighty years old, with gray hair, but she was a boy with white hair. She still seemed to be in good health. As the emperor's father-in-law, the Duke of Guangling of the Han Dynasty, although he was born in the South, but because of his high age and moral integrity, and his low profile, Zhou Zong had a good life in Kaifeng.
Holding Liu Hui, the seventh son of the emperor who was over one year old, in his arms, the old man smiled happily, and the wrinkles on his face showed kindness. Seeing Liu Chengyou coming in person, Zhou Zong hurriedly returned the prince to Madam Zhou, restraining himself and wanting to bow.
Seeing the opportunity, Liu Chengyou stretched out his hand to caress his back and said with a gentle smile: "This is a family banquet. You are the elder and I am the son-in-law. No need to be polite!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhou Zong looked grateful.
Looking at him, his hair covered with silver hair, Liu Chengyou said: "Former, it's your eightieth birthday. Our country is busy with affairs, so I can't come to congratulate you in person. I hope you'll forgive me!"
"Your Majesty's words are serious! Your Majesty works hard and always cares about the country and the people in his words and deeds. How can he be delayed just because I am old and decrepit? If so, I will feel uneasy!" Zhou Zong shook his head and responded, looking very aware.
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou smiled, held the cup and said, "Come, I would like to use this cup to wish you longevity!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhou Zong responded without holding his hand.
Liu Chengyou said: "When you wait for your ninetieth birthday, I will personally come to your house and ask for a wedding drink!"
Zhou Zong: "If one day comes, I will clean my house, bathe and purify myself, and wait for you to come!"
"Haha!" Liu Chengyou smiled heartily: "Then our son-in-law has made an agreement!"
Zhou Zong agreed with a smile. Although he didn't think he could live another ten years, it was inconvenient to say something disappointing on this occasion. In addition, the emperor's attitude was so gentle and natural.
Glancing around, he noticed the pretty little girl sitting next to Concubine Zhou Shu. Liu Chengyou had a soft smile on his face and said, "This is Xiao Zhou. I haven't seen you for a long time. He has grown up again!"
The young lady's eyes were bright and lively, and she was not timid in front of Liu Chengyou. Instead, she boldly looked directly at him, looked at him with curious eyes, and said in a light voice: "Your Majesty's beard has also grown!"
"Don't be rude!" Zhou Zong scolded lightly and said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, my little girl is innocent, please forgive me!"
"Children's words are unbridled! Besides, Xiao Zhou is right, but my beard has grown! I like to hear the truth!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand, smiled heartily, and touched his chin. It was indeed thick. few.
In his early years, Liu Chengyou only had some short stubble, showing a sexy look. In recent years, it has become longer and longer, which seems to imply a change in mentality.
Lifting his body, Liu Chengyou waved to Xiao Zhou. The young lady came closer and still looked at him boldly. Liu Chengyou asked him: "What did you call me just now?"
"Your Majesty!" the little girl replied, tilting her head slightly.
A little drunkenness appeared on Liu Chengyou's face, he closed his eyes slightly and shook his head lightly: "No!"
Seeing this, the little girl's delicate face revealed a trace of confusion, and she tentatively asked: "Official family?"
Liu Chengyou still shook his head.
The little mouth was slightly pouted, but Da Zhou whispered in her ear. Mrs. Zhou once again showed a smile as bright as a spring flower, and called sweetly: "Brother-in-law!"
Liu Chengyou laughed and felt very good. He touched her head, exchanged words with Zhou Zong, and changed tables to communicate. As an emperor, he is not only the master of the world, but also the head of a family. He should always show some respect to his relatives.
Later, Liu Chengyou was carried back to the palace in a drunken carriage. He had not been so drunk for a long time. He was usually very restrained. This time, he took advantage of the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival to release his inner thoughts about Pingshu's progress. joy. The place to stay is naturally the Queen's Kunming Hall.
...
It is also the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the people of Chengdu are enjoying this festival in a boring way. As reports of defeat in the north spread frequently, landslides and mountains were destroyed, and wind and rain were swaying, the entire Jinguan City was shrouded in a thick layer of haze, and it was not known when the clouds would clear and the sun would shine. Rumors flying and turmoil are the most realistic portrayal of this famous city in Yizhou.
It was difficult for the Han army to withstand the front line, and the generals of Shu were in panic from top to bottom. Of course, the most nervous ones are, firstly, the people at the bottom, who are always the ones who suffer when there is a military disaster; secondly, it is the Emperor Meng Chang in the Shu Palace. The signs of destruction are almost imprinted on his forehead. He has also read the historical policies. Since ancient times, kings who have lost their country have had a hard time, and their safety is unpredictable. Even Liu Chan knows that he will die happily, but can you predict that he will not have the slightest fear in his heart?
In comparison, the nobles and bureaucrats of the Shu court were a little more stable. Some of them had long been in contact with the Han Dynasty and felt confident. Some people think that if the banner of Shu has fallen, it is enough to change the Han court. If the Han wants to govern Shu, they must rely on these "local snakes". This has been the case since ancient times.
In addition, there is also news about the results of the Han court's disposal of Jinghu. Although the deposed people are not immune, the overall situation is considered to be stable. Sichuan and Shu are so vast and rich, as far as Jinghu Lake, how could the Han court not pay attention to it?
In the Shu Palace, there was the same Mid-Autumn Festival imperial banquet, but it ended quickly in a sad atmosphere. Meng Chang left the table halfway, returned to the back hall with a heavy heart, and summoned Qin King Meng Xuanzhe and several important ministers.
"Where are the Han soldiers?" Meng Chang looked at Privy Envoy Ouyang Jiong dejectedly.
"Back to Your Majesty, it is reported that the Han army has moved south from Jianzhou and entered Mianzhou. Yishu has gathered troops in Brazil to stop it!" Ouyang Jiong reported carefully.
That's right, after winning the great victory in Lizhou, the Han army rested for three days, and then attacked Jianzhou, aiming directly at Xichuan Tianxian Jiange. Just as Han Chen had guessed, after the defeat of Lizhou, Meng Chang did not send another person north to command the troops. Instead, he directly used Yi Shenzheng as the commander-in-chief to preside over the defense of Jianzhou.
Moreover, the results were quickly produced. It was still the same as before. The divisions were divided to the south of Jianmen, and at the same time they attacked frontally with the main force. This kind of tactics is not new. Although Yi Shen Zheng is mediocre, he is also prepared and he also divides his troops to resist.
As a result, they failed to take both sides into account. The sword pavilion was destroyed and Jianzhou fell. In one battle, nearly 30,000 Shu troops were annihilated and most of them were captured. Of course, the quality of these Shu troops was still different from Lizhou's troops.
However, Yi Shenzheng escaped very quickly and led the remaining army to retreat into Mianzhou. With the Jianmen lost, sporadic Shu troops from other passes and cities in the north returned one after another. The most important thing was that the passage into Chengdu was completely opened and there was no danger to defend it. If it hadn't been for a few days of autumn rain that delayed the advance, the Han division would have already arrived in Chengdu.
"There are more than 30,000 people in the Jiangge world. Even Yi Shenzheng cannot hold it, but what about Mianzhou? Can Brazil be held? Are the soldiers still willing to fight?" At this time, Meng Chang saw the situation clearly and spoke with a gloomy tone. Angry: "Lizhou has only 20,000 soldiers and horses, but it can still contend with the Han army for nearly 20 days. He has recruited more troops in Yichen and the pass is more dangerous, but he can't hold off for seven days!"
"Yishen Zhengguo couldn't defend his family and country from powerful enemies. I regret not listening to my mother's words!" Meng Chang lamented.
