Before it got dark, a gorgeous carriage drove up from the open stone road and stopped in front of the gate of Prince Yong's Mansion. A man with a calm demeanor in royal robes landed under the care of his entourage. He sent someone to inform him about his visit, and soon, the middle door of King Yong's mansion was opened and he was greeted with a grand ceremony.
The person who could receive such a courtesy reception from Prince Yong's Mansion must have an extraordinary status. This man was none other than Qian Hongchu, the King of Wuyue who came to Beijing. In the main hall of the palace, Princess Yong personally arranged the reception.
Princess Qian of Yong Dynasty is not yet twenty-three years old, but she is already the mother of two children. He was holding one in his arms, and his eldest son Liu Chun, who was more than three years old, was following him. Although he didn't know anything, his dark eyes were watching him and he called him uncle sweetly. Of course Qian Hongchu understood it, showed a kind smile, and immediately ordered someone to bring the gift.
"Brother-in-law hasn't returned home yet?" Qian Hongchu raised a topic as his attention turned to Princess Yong.
"Some official duties have been delayed. Brother Ninth might as well sit down temporarily. I have ordered people to prepare meals. When the king returns to the palace, we can have a meal together!" Qian's voice was very soft, with an elegant look, and was very cultivated.
However, after being married to the north for many years, Wu Nong's original soft words have also changed. Although they are brother and sister, their relationship is not too close. Qian was sent to Kaifeng as a political victim when he was young.
This time, it was the first time Qian Hongchu met Qian alone since he came to Beijing. I have to say that he felt unfamiliar. Although there was a smile on Qian's beautiful face, her eyes were always as calm as water. Seeing this, Qian Hongchu couldn't help but sigh: "I have wronged you by letting you live alone in a foreign country all these years!"
Hearing this, Mrs. Qian shook his head and chuckled: "Brother Ninth is serious. I was born in a prince's family. I have inherited his kindness and I should repay him. Furthermore, I would also like to thank Brother Ninth for finding a good husband." !”
Hearing what she said, Qian Hongchu couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief and smiled: "That's good, I think so. My brother-in-law's reputation is spread throughout the world, so he will naturally treat you kindly. You and your wife, playing the harp and playing the harp, respect each other as guests. I I feel at peace now!"
After hearing Qian Hongchu's words, Qian finally took the initiative and asked: "I wonder why Brother Ninth came to visit the king this time?"
Mentioning this, Qian Hongchu's expression flashed with anxiety, and he solemnly said to Mr. Qian: "I won't hide it from you, but I am going to serve Wu Yue. My Qian family is in danger, so I need help from my brother-in-law!"
Seeing what he said was so serious, Qian said: "The imperial court and Wu Yue are in-laws to each other, and their relationship has always been good. Why did Ninth Brother say this?"
Qian Hongchu was a little surprised and asked: "There has been a lot of discussion in Tokyo these past two days, but you haven't heard anything about it? My brother-in-law has never mentioned it to you?"
Qian said: "If it involves national affairs, your Majesty has not told me about it, so I won't be able to inquire about it!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu couldn't help but sigh, and then he told the story about Liu Congxiao's visit and dedication. When it comes to Zhangquan's offering of land, the one that had the greatest impact was the neighboring Wuyue Kingdom.
In fact, after the great victory of the Han Dynasty's Northern Expedition, where to go has become an inevitable question for several forces in the south. Although it is not yet imminent, anyone with a little knowledge knows that. Time is not far away.
Originally it could have been postponed for a while, but Liu Congxiao suddenly made such a politically significant move, which was equivalent to breaking through the window paper and had to face it head-on.
Even if Qian Hongchu is still in Wuyue Kingdom, he can pretend not to know and take it easy. However, he was in Tokyo at the moment, and he had expressed his attitude by staying in Congxiao, and he, Qian Hongchu, had to express his attitude. Rather than making a decision directly, the basic attitude should always be known to the court.
However, the difficulty lies here. It is difficult to make a decision and it is also difficult to express an attitude. Even Qian Hongchu himself knew that there were not many choices available to him, but it was difficult to speak.
Although the policies for the Central Plains Dynasty were set since the Qian Mu era, and the current situation has long been explained in the family motto handed down by his grandfather, it is really not that easy to make the decision to surrender.
After all, the Qian family has been based in Wuyue for several generations and decades. Although it is a quiet corner, the country is prosperous and the people are supportive. Only by staying in Hangzhou and being a happy king can you be truly happy.
However, Qian Hongchu also knew that the Han Dynasty would not tolerate the existence of a state within a state. How could he survive alone after the Southern Tang Dynasty was destroyed? Even to destroy the Southern Tang Dynasty, Wu Yue would obey orders and send troops to cooperate. Reality is so helpless.
Qian Hongchu is a very wise and knowledgeable person. However, many things are so difficult to do even if they are clear and thorough.
Therefore, Qian Hongchu was anxious and unsteady in the hotel these two days. Although Liu Chengyou made a decision regarding Liu Chengyou's request to stay and serve, it did not spread. It was limited to a small number of high-ranking officials and important ministers. The reason why it was not circulated was to see the reaction of these people.
Qian Hongchu thought about it for a long time, but finally fell into it. He couldn't find any way to achieve both ends, and he didn't dare to see the emperor directly. After much deliberation, he decided to go to Prince Yong's Mansion, hoping to find out the attitude of the court from Liu Chengxun and others.
Liu Chengxun, on his side, heard about Qian Hongchu's visit before returning home, so he accelerated his return home. Moreover, when he returned to the house, Qian Hongchu looked at E Ning's worry and showed a smile like a spring breeze, as if he wanted to relieve his sadness.
At Zhong Ming Ding Shi House, Liu Qian and Liu Qian sat down separately as host and guest. Qian stayed with them for a while. Knowing that they had something important to talk about, he took the initiative to leave with his children.
When the two were alone, Qian Hongchu stopped beating around the bush and asked Liu Chengxun with a little hope: "I wonder what the court's attitude is about the land donation in Zhangquan. Can you tell me something?"
Facing Qian Hongchu's gaze, Liu Chengxun looked understanding, took a sip of wine, and said, "What does the incident in Zhangquan have to do with Wu Yue? Why is my brother so anxious?"
Seeing this, Qian Hongchu's tone became more excited and said: "Although I am stupid, I still know a little bit about the situation in the world. Today, I am the hero of the world. One day, the four seas will be united and all directions will surrender. The imperial court is like Zhangquan, Then why did Wu Yue get along with himself? Since the news spread, I have been paralyzed, confused and do not know anything. I beg King Yong to teach me!"
As he spoke, Qian Hongchu even used the honorific title, and his mood fluctuated obviously. Seeing this, Liu Chengxun raised his hand to make a gesture. He did not reply directly but asked: "Since brother has such a thorough understanding of the world situation, what decision will you make?"
This question brought up Qian Hongchu's most difficult point. He hesitated for a while, but didn't know how to answer. Liu Chengxun then said quietly: "Your Majesty has not yet given instructions on this matter, but I can tell my brother frankly. Where Wu Yue goes is not decided by the court, but by the Qian family and Wu Yue itself. Your attitude is even more important!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu was thoughtful, suddenly gritted his teeth, cupped his hands and said: "If the imperial court intends to accept the land, I will present it with the county register of Wuyue Prefecture; if the imperial court does not intend to do so, I will continue to guard the southeast for the imperial court, year after year. The imperial court pays constant tribute every year!"
Qian Hongchu seemed to have made a lot of determination when he said this. Liu Chengxun finally smiled and said with a hint of curiosity: "Since my brother has this ambition, why don't you directly meet His Majesty and express your feelings?"
In response, Qian Hongchu smiled awkwardly.
Liu Chengxun did not dwell on the matter, but thought about it seriously, and still said in a relieved tone: "I can't make the decision on this matter, and I can't give you an accurate answer. However, my brother's wishes , I can be a messenger and explain things to His Majesty on your behalf."
"Thank you!" Qian Hongchu said quickly with a slightly happy face.
If you think about it carefully, with a brother-in-law like King Yong in the court, as long as he doesn't go out of his way, no matter what, the outcome for his Qian family will not be too bad. As for the good results, how good they can be, as Liu Chengxun said, depends on Wu Yue's own performance.
Liu Chengxun thought about it for a while and then said: "Brother, there is no need to be too anxious. You can go back to the hotel with peace of mind and wait for the news. There is no need to be too burdened. Wu Yue and the court have always treated each other candidly, and everything can be negotiated Consensus was reached.”
Maybe he was a little overthinking, or maybe Liu Chengxun's words had an effect, and then the atmosphere became much more relaxed. It was just fine wine and delicious food, but after all, it was difficult to conceal his worries. After eating, Qian Hongchu hurriedly left.
Qian Hongchu was worried and hesitant. Compared with the two Jiedu envoys from the northwest, they were not much better.
In comparison, Gao Shaoji is a bachelor. He only occupies Yanzhou, where the land is small and the people are poor. After so many years, as the central court continues to grow stronger, there are no more unrealistic delusions. It is good to say one thing in Yanzhou , but if the imperial court really wanted to take it back, he would not be too opposed to it. It would not be bad to live a prosperous life as Duke Anle in the Central Plains.
The feud between the Gao family and the Li family of Dangxiang has been deep. If they betray the imperial court, there will be no good fruits to be gained. In fact, Gao Shaoji hoped that the troops in trouble would be stupid and secede from the court. At that time, he could also use the power of the court to retaliate and settle his grudges.
As for Li Yiyin, his feelings were even more complicated, with anxiety mixed with regret and a little fear...
