On an early autumn day, the weather was very clear, the sky was clear and cloudless, and the air was filled with a floral fragrance. It was not strong, but it was the smell of autumn, which intuitively told the people of Tokyo the change of seasons.
The Concierge Courtyard was no longer bustling with people and distinguished guests gathered there. The heads of state and envoys who came to Beijing were leaving one after another. Of course, there are still many people who linger in the glitz and glamor of Kaifeng, somewhat reluctantly, and stay longer. There are also tribes such as the Uighurs and Tubos who continue to purchase goods and sell them back after the transaction.
In recent years, all envoys who have come to Beijing, especially those from tribes and forces in the northwest region, have brought a caravan with them. Tribute is one thing, and trading is also another. There are many noble people in Tokyo, and the price of rare and fine horses is higher here. At the same time, Tokyo's abundant products are all available, which can completely meet their needs.
Driven by the exchanges of these envoys, coupled with the deliberate promotion of the imperial court, the exchanges between the Han Dynasty and the northwest region have become much closer in recent years. Under the strong military deterrence and force protection, the imperial court's influence on the northwest has also deepened year by year. This can be seen by just looking at the frequency of Uighur, Guiyi, and Tibetan forces sending envoys to Tokyo.
From the distant Western Regions, many forces, such as the Xizhou Uighurs, Jiuxing Wuhu, and Khotan, all sent envoys to Tokyo one after another to communicate with each other. Of course, the actions of these forces had more symbolic meaning. However, as the Han Dynasty and the Ganzhou Uighurs reached a consensus to ensure the security of the Hexi Corridor and maintain the basic smoothness of the Silk Road, many business travelers from the Western Regions indeed embarked on the road eastward.
There were even people from the Samanid dynasty in the Transoxiana region of Central Asia who traveled thousands of miles eastward to come to Beijing. The spread of msl to the east has already begun in this era. Of course, the scale is still small, but it is already active in Kaifeng City.
Turning back to the distant topic, not all the foreign envoys and vassals who stayed in Tokyo were voluntary and willing. For example, Li Yiyin, the governor of the Dingnan Army, was voluntarily asked to stay in Beijing and wanted to serve the emperor nearby. , and further enjoy the scenery of Tokyo and travel around Kaifeng.
The emperor graciously agreed to Li Yiyin's "request" and showed his meticulous care. In order to facilitate his life in Tokyo, he specially gave him a mansion, took into account all the basic necessities, food, clothing, housing and transportation, and also sent officials to act as guides for him. And there are many guards to ensure its safety.
At the same time, during the period before the beginning of autumn, many high-ranking officials, nobles, and honorable ministers from Tokyo came to visit him, inviting him to play, eating and drinking with him, and taking turns in battle, so that he could feel the deep friendship of the great man towards him.
This day was the day when King Qian Hongchu of Wuyue and Ping Haijunliu Congxiao left Beijing. The former had already entered the palace to say goodbye and received the emperor's permission. King Yong Liu Chengxun, as the emperor's envoy, sent them off in person.
However, under Liu Chengxun's arrangement, the route out of the city was intentionally detoured, specifically passing by Li Yiyin's Xiping Gongfu. When passing by, Qian Hongchu and Liu Congxiao both looked at each other subconsciously. Compared to Liu Congxiao who was calm, Qian Hongchu was obviously more serious.
Regarding the offer of land in Zhangquan and Yanzhou, from the emperor to the court, on the surface, there was no clear statement. Without an edict, they neither accepted nor refused, as if the matter had not happened. Of course, such a move is an attitude in itself.
To stay and obey is to sincerely offer one's land to lose loyalty. No matter what the emperor decides, he will accept it with enthusiasm. As the saying goes, be strong without desire, he is in an invincible position, so he is always calm.
This was not the case for Qian Hongchu, but fortunately, after understanding his thoughts through King Yong, Liu Chengyou treated him with gentleness and specially visited him to reassure him. Regarding Wu Yue, Liu Chengyou really didn't have any thoughts about him at this time. Firstly, he was sure that he could control Qian Hongchu. Secondly, he wanted to send troops southward in the future. Wu Yue's army would also be needed to help reduce the resistance to the attack on the Southern Tang Dynasty. If Qian Hong If Chu was left in Tokyo, Wu Yue would have troubles, which was not what Liu Chengyou wanted to see.
There are several large ships docked at the pier in the southeast of Kaifeng, and the attendants are carrying things aboard. They are not far away from setting sail. Liu Chengxun, Qian Hongchu, and Liu Congxiao stayed in a nearby wine shop, drinking and chatting as a farewell.
It wasn't until a minor official came to inform them that preparations for departure were completed that the three of them left. Looking at the two of them, Liu Chengxun stood up, faced them with a smile, raised his hands and said solemnly: "Brother, I will stay with you for a long time. We must say goodbye eventually, so I say goodbye!"
"Your Majesty, you're welcome!" Liu Congxiao smiled heartily: "It's an honor for both of us to delay Your Majesty from putting down his official duties and coming to see me off!"
Qian Hongchu also expressed: "This is a farewell, I don't know when we will see each other again, so please take care of me!"
Liu Chengxun said meaningfully: "The whole world is the land of the king. As long as we are on the territory of the Han Dynasty, why worry about not being able to meet? With our fate, the day when we want to see each other again is not far away!"
They are not stupid people. The meaning of Liu Chengxun's words cannot be understood. Both Qian Liu and Qian Liu agreed.
"I am sending you off on your Majesty's order. Your Majesty has another gift to give you before leaving!" Liu Chengxun said again, waving his hand: "Come here!"
There were two waiting guards, each holding a box and presenting it. At Liu Chengxun's signal, they handed it to them respectively. The two of them did not dare to neglect, bowed in the direction of Miyagi, and then took it solemnly.
As the two men boarded the ship, the sails were raised and the anchors were raised, and the boatmen made preparations. Several ships followed the Bian River, broke through the waves, and slowly headed eastward. Liu Chengxun stood on the water bank, stared for a long time, breathed a sigh of relief, and then called the guards back to the city, preparing to return to Liu Chengyou.
When Liu Congxiao went to Beijing, he borrowed a road from the Southern Tang Dynasty. When he returned this time, he planned to go to the Wuyue border with Liu Qian Hongchu. Although it would take a big circle, it was better to be safe.
In the uniquely decorated cabin, Liu Congxiao unlocked the lock and opened the gift box. Inside, with a yellow silk base, a solitary document lay. When he opened it, a smile appeared on Liu Congxiao's face. This was a reward edict for the Liu family. Liu Congxiao was given the title of Duke of Fujian, and his younger brother Congyuan also had the title of nobility, plus some money and grain. , the reward of farm and house. This can be regarded as Liu Chengyou's most direct promise to him after entering Beijing. The only thing that is a little strange is the date, which is written in the 16th year of Qianyou...
On another ship, Qian Hongchu finally breathed a sigh of relief as he embarked on his return journey. No matter what, for him, he still didn't want to stay in Tokyo at this time. Although he had already prepared the "worst case" in his heart, he was still a little lucky to be able to get through it safely. For Qian Hongchu, even if he is sentenced to death, it would be good if the execution date can be later.
Similarly, when you open the gift box, there is a pile of memorials stacked inside. With some curiosity, Qian Hongchu picked up the book and flipped through it. At a glance, he was horrified, his face was panic-stricken, his heartbeat was racing, and he was sweating a few times. This stack of memorials are all letters from some court officials asking Liu Chengyou to leave Qian Hongchu in Tokyo.
Liu Chengyou's purpose of handing these memorials to Qian Hongchu is self-evident. After a moment of heart palpitations, Qian Hongchu's tired face revealed a wry smile.
At the same time, he also strengthened his determination. Wu Yue would not be the opponent of the Han Dynasty, and he did not dare to go against the emperor. What will happen in the future and where Wu Yue will go will only wait for the emperor's will to decide. He can only stay in Hangzhou and wait for the imperial edict. , bowed his head and obeyed his orders.
Before Qian Hongchu and Liu Congxiao left Beijing, Gao Shaoji of Yanzhou was released by the emperor earlier. However, he returned with several officials and officers selected by the central government. They went to Yanzhou to monitor the military and political affairs. To do "guidance" construction.
Of course, Liu Chengyou's real purpose was to let Gao Shaoji go back and continue to watch over the troubled troops for the court. There was also a relatively in-depth conversation with Gao Shaoji. Gao Shaoji seemed very excited and felt even more gloating about Li Yiyin being detained in Tokyo.
Liu Chengyou has already decided to adopt Lu Duoxun's strategy for the Dingnan Army and the Dangxiang clan, but he does not plan to make any big moves in the short term. The reason for taking it seriously is that detaining Li Yiyin is not a good sign and may cause him to change.
Liu Chengyou only held a basic attitude. As long as he did not rebel, no matter what changes occurred within him, he could let it go.
