In Kaifeng in March, the vegetation is growing wildly, the mountain flowers are blooming, everything is brilliant, and it is full of vitality. In the suburbs of Kaifeng, among the hills and forests, there are already a lot of people outing in the spring.
The grass grows and the orioles fly. Under the blue sky, a large number of kites fly high and low, as if they are expressing the thoughts of the person holding the line at the end of the line, soaring high and high in the sky.
On the way, Zhao Kuangyin was riding on a horse, and his eyes were attracted by several high-flying paper kites. Of course, Zhao Kuangyin went out to Kaifeng not for an outing, but to pay homage to his father Zhao Hongyin.
It has been three days since I returned to court. I have been in court to report on my duties, participated in reviews, and cooperated with the Privy Council and the Ministry of War on official duties. It is only now that I have some free time. Behind him were only a carriage and a cart, carrying his mother, brother's wife, candle paper and other sacrifices, and only three servants accompanying him.
Speaking of which, from Zhao Hongyin to Zhao Kuangyin, they were blessed with many children, but they seemed to have bad luck. Half of the children they gave birth to died in infancy, which made the Zhao family's incense not so prosperous.
After ten years of development, the Zhao family has become a high-ranking noble of the Han Dynasty. However, as soon as Zhao Hongyin died, the momentum immediately weakened. Although there was still Zhao Kuangyin, an increasingly thick pillar of support, it still gave people a sense of The feeling of falling.
However, compared to the curiosity and criticism of the melon-eating crowd, Zhao Kuangyin always behaved calmly and as usual, and his city became deeper and deeper.
Zhao Hongyin's tomb is located in Yongqiu County, southeast of Kaifeng, near a village called Xiping. The choice of course is a geomantic treasure. After walking for more than half a day, we finally reached our destination.
Compared with many nobles who are enjoying their decadence, the Zhao family is very low-key. Although they do not pursue simplicity in their daily lives, they are never extravagant and wasteful. Everything seems "ordinary".
Including Zhao Hongyin's funeral, there was basically no extravagance. Zhao Kuangyin arrived with his family. In addition to his father's new tomb located at the top of the mountain, what attracted his most attention was a thatched hut not far from the tomb.
Probably hearing the noise outside, a young man in plain clothes walked out quickly, it was "Zhao Er".
Originally, with the blessing left by Zhao Hongyin, Zhao Kuangyi could accept the reward and join the palace on duty, and from then on he officially entered the official career as a noble son.
However, somewhat unexpectedly, Zhao Kuangyi chose to resign, saying that he would follow the etiquette system and observe mourning for his father for three years. This naturally attracted Liu Chengyou's attention. After thinking about it for a while, he agreed. He wanted to be filial and he couldn't refuse. Of course, the reason is that Zhao Kuangyi is just a nobody in the Han Dynasty. If he changes to an important minister, he will probably be demoted and seduced.
After that, Zhao Kuangyi lived in a cottage next to Nai's father's tomb, guarded the tomb, swept the mausoleum, studied and practiced martial arts, and lived in simple clothes and food, all provided by Xiping Village. After three or two months, the reputation of Sanlang Zhao's filial piety spread.
Zhao Kuangyin obviously admired his younger brother's performance. When the brothers met, they hugged him hard. However, I first met with my mother Du, who was coming with me, and then spoke.
"Second brother, I heard that you returned to Beijing two days ago, and I finally waited for you to come to pay homage to my father!" Zhao Kuangyi guarded the tomb, not ignoring what was going on outside the window.
"Let's pay homage to father first!" Zhao Kuangyin said, patting Zhao Kuangyi's shoulder.
Burning incense, burning paper, kowtow, and expressing his true feelings, Zhao Kuangyin was also a tough guy, but at this situation, he couldn't help but burst into tears and cry bitterly. Just as Liu Chengyou was concerned, Zhao Kuangyin felt bad about not being able to see Zhao Hongyin for the last time and see him die on his bed. Due to national affairs, he couldn't even talk about regrets, but his heart was indeed full of regrets.
After the worship was over, after wiping away tears and explaining something, Zhao Kuangyin called Zhao Kuangyi, and the two of them sat down in his thatched cottage. Now that Zhao Hongyin is gone, the Zhao family is basically supported by the two grown-up brothers. Of course, Zhao Kuangyin is still in charge.
The thatched cottage has two rooms, one bedroom and one living room. It is very simple and equipped with basic daily necessities. After all, Zhao Kuangyi is also the son of a noble family. His mother Du Shi is very strict in discipline, but he is considered pampered. It is rare to be able to maintain such simplicity. If you can really stick to it for three years and behave consistently, then you will really be a character.
"Kuanyi, I heard about your deeds when I returned to Beijing!" After observing Zhao Kuangyi and seeing that he was not pretending, Zhao Kuangyin said: "I am very touched that you can have such filial piety. My father's spirit in heaven should also be gratified! "
"Second brother is away fighting. I am also fulfilling my filial piety for our brothers!" Zhao Kuangyi responded.
"The poverty here is so great, it's hard for you!" Zhao Kuangyin said.
Zhao Kuangyi replied seriously: "This place is secluded, has great scenery, and is far away from the glitz of Tokyo. I can not only serve my father, but also study and cultivate my character. It kills two birds with one stone!"
"Okay!" Zhao Kuangyin described Shu Zhang, nodded, and said with emotion: "You are smart and filial, and you will definitely be a pillar of talent in the future."
Being praised like this by his brother, Zhao Kuangyi couldn't help but show a happy expression.
"Second brother, the story of the victory over Shu has been widely circulated in Tokyo. There are many legends. You always marched all the way, so your experience must be wonderful. Can you tell me about it?" The two chatted, and Zhao Kuangyi suddenly asked excitedly.
Seeing this, Zhao Kuangyin said: "The Xuanwei Department should have publicized it very clearly!"
Zhao Kuangyi said: "The story manuscripts written by the scribes of the Xuanwei Division are indeed wonderful, but I always feel that they are not true. I think it is your personal experience, second brother, and the process of leading the army that is more worth listening to!"
Regarding Zhao Er's request, Zhao Kuangyin nodded and said, "But don't worry, I will stay here for the next period of time to accompany my father!"
That night, Zhao Kuangyin arranged for his family to stay in the nearby Xiping village, while he and Zhao Kuangyi stayed in the thatched cottage. The two brothers shared the same bed and quilt, held candles, talked at night, and slept together.
It was fine during the day, but at night, there was a single hut next to the solitary tomb, and there was no one around for ten miles. Occasionally, a few indistinguishable animal sounds could be heard in the trees.
After experiencing the environment, Zhao Kuangyin became more satisfied with this younger brother.
In the following time, Zhao Kuangyin basically stayed in the thatched cottage and guarded the tomb with Zhao Kuangyi. However, three days later, several people came, led by Dang Jin, bringing incense and candles as well as wine and meat.
"They are all handsome!"
"The master has returned to the court, and my position as the general of the East Road has been removed. I don't dare to take such a handsome title!" Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand.
"Marquis Du Yu!" After hearing what he said, Dang Jin and others immediately changed their minds. Zhao Kuangyin also had the military title of Marquis Yu, the capital in front of the palace.
Those who came were all Zhao Kuangyin's old subordinates. Although Liu Chengyou has been strengthening the system construction and control of the army, where there are people there are rivers and lakes, and there are still many factions in the army. It is inevitable that after so many years, Zhao Kuangyin has become a small faction. Coupled with Zhao Hongyin's personal network resources, it is enough to have a certain impact.
Liu Chengyou is actually aware of these situations, and as time goes by, he is no longer so afraid. After so many years of rectification, decentralization, and checks and balances, the big mountains have basically been leveled. There is no longer a general who can respond to everything, and the army has entered a state of relative balance. All Liu Chengyou needs to do is to maintain this balance.
Zhao Kuangyin gradually rose up in the Forbidden Army, with the support of Liu Chengyou. Interestingly, in his early years, Liu Chengyou was often suspicious of Guo Wei because of the yellow flag, but now he supports Zhao Kuangyin who has promoted the "yellow robe" and seems unwary. The changes in this are worth thinking about.
"What are you doing here?" Looking at the gathered subordinates, three of them followed him to fight in Shu.
Dang Jin said with a smile: "I heard that Marquis Du Yu came to pay homage. Duke Guangyang is Du Yuhou's father and a senior in the army. We should also come and pay homage to show our respect!"
Looking at the neat group of people, Zhao Kuangyin sighed in his heart, it was too ostentatious. However, the kindness of others could not be ignored. He solemnly bowed with his fists, and Zhao Kuangyin said: "On behalf of my father, I would like to thank you brothers for your kindness!"
After the worship, a group of people sat on the ground in front of Zhao Kuangyi's thatched cottage, grilled meat and drank wine. Dang Jin spoke directly, with a hint of schadenfreude in his tone: "Marquis Du Yu, you are guarding the tomb here. Maybe you don't know that Tokyo is very lively these days!"
