Before long, a horse came galloping along the straight road. When he got ahead, the officer on the horse landed lightly and loudly reported: "Reporting to the king, the fleet of King Wu Yue has arrived. I heard that the King of Wu Yue has come to greet him personally. King Wu Yue has already landed and drove his horse. Come!"
"Since the distinguished guests have arrived, we should be ready!" After hearing the news, Liu Chengxun stood up straight away and ordered with a relaxed face: "Get up the ceremonial guard, play the ceremonial music, and cheer up!"
"yes""
Soon, the honor guard stood in the aisle, colorful flags were flying, and ritual music was singing. It was a beautiful scenery in the howling wind. As for Qian Hongchu, after hearing the sound of ritual music, he took the initiative to dismount his horse and come on foot.
This time Qian Hongchu's team to Beijing was not small in size, with more than thirty Wuyue chief civil and military officials, and they also brought with them Sun Concubine Qi, who was well-known in Hangzhou. Concubine Sun was too well-named and had outstanding talents, but she was most praised for her benevolence. She was frugal and did not wear fancy clothes, which was rare in the extravagant Wuyue Palace.
Qian Hongchu also always respected and praised his concubine Sun, and named her a virtuous wife. Of course, respect does not mean love. After all, those who can accompany him to have fun are more likely to be happy. However, Qian Hongchu still knew very well that he could find other concubines for fun, but for serious matters such as going to Beijing, he had to bring a well-known concubine with him. In addition, his frugal virtues were also in line with the style that the emperor had always advocated, and he had to bring a concubine with him. She has a better face.
It can be said that Qian Hongchu was fully prepared for this trip to the north. He did not leave out anything that he could think of or consider, and he took this matter very seriously.
Seeing Liu Chengxun who was taking the lead in welcoming him, Qian Hongchu's rich face suddenly showed a joyful smile. He took the lead and stepped forward, cupping his hands and saying, "What virtue and ability do I have? How can I bother the Yongwang Palace to personally welcome him!"
Liu Chengxun returned the greeting and said: "The King of Wuyue has come all the way, and he should be regarded as a state guest. I have come to greet you on the orders of His Majesty. The King of Wuyue does not need to be humble!"
Upon hearing this, Qian Hongchu's expression immediately became serious, he turned towards Miyagi and bowed solemnly.
Glancing at Qian Hongchu and his group, Liu Chengxun maintained a spring breeze-like smile on his face, stretched out his hand and said: "With so many wise men and women from Wuyue coming north together, won't the King of Wuyue introduce me to them?"
Qian Hongchu understood and hurriedly laughed with him. First he introduced his sister-in-law, Sun Taizhen, and then Yuan Dezhao and other important civil and military officials. As for the others, they were not qualified. After Liu Chengxun's introduction, Liu Xi was introduced. Everyone was naturally polite. Liu Xi smiled leisurely and responded politely.
"His Majesty is very happy to learn that the King of Wuyue and Zhu Wenwu are heading north. He will hold a banquet to welcome the wind and wash away the dust, as a way to rest and comfort! The Concierge Courtyard is already ready, and I also invite you to move into the city!" Liu Chengxun He said that he always maintained his demeanor in every word and deed.
Qian Hongchu naturally thanked him again. From beginning to end, the atmosphere between host and guest was very harmonious and harmonious.
"Mr. Tao, your majesty has an order. When you return to Beijing, you must first go to the palace to see you!" Before entering the city, an official from the Ministry of Personnel whispered to Tao Gu, who was returning north with Qian Hongchu. Hearing this, Tao Gu didn't dare to be negligent. He stopped thinking about the feast and left.
On the other side, Liu Chengxun and Qian Hongchu shared a ride and communicated in private, which was naturally less official and more cordial. Liu Chengxun smiled at Qian Hongchu and said, "When I sent Ninth Brother away from Beijing, I looked forward to the day we would meet again and greet him again. But now, I have lived up to my promise!"
Listening to Liu Chengxun's emotion, Qian Hongchu also showed a smile, his fair face was full of kindness, and then expressed his emotion: "The deceased have passed away like this, and almost four years have passed without realizing it. Time has changed, and people and things are difficult to distinguish. , my brother-in-law is still as charming as ever, but I have grown fat and am getting older day by day..."
Qian Hongchu is now in his thirties, but Liu Chengxun found it quite interesting to hear him pretending to sigh about aging. He could understand his obscure thoughts, but he smiled and said: "Brother Ninth is in his prime, life is It’s still early, so why talk about old age? The days to come are still long, so don’t sigh about old age!”
Qian Hongchu also smiled and said: "I just expressed my feelings!"
Liu Chengxun comforted him and said: "This time I come to Beijing and stay for a while. Madam has missed you for a long time. Even Liu Chun and the others are looking forward to it when they heard that uncle is coming!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu relaxed and said meaningfully: "I am in Kaifeng this time, and I have no intention of returning to Hangzhou again!"
Qian Hongchu had made his attitude clear directly. Even though he was convinced in his heart, Liu Chengxun was not only slightly surprised to see him so calm. Then, the smile on his handsome face became stronger and he said: "Tokyo is livable, and the imperial court will definitely welcome you warmly!"
"You and your sister-in-law will not stay in the hotel. After the banquet, go to my Prince Yong's Mansion to have a talk!" Liu Chengxun said.
"That's what I meant!"
"..."
Not long after Qian Hongchu entered Kaifeng, the huge fleet that followed him northward also slowly sailed from Dongshuimen into Tokyo under the pull of the boat. There are dozens of large ships with extremely deep drafts, and their visible loads almost raise the water level in front of the embankment. Even if you can't see the whole thing, you can still feel the jewels and jewels in it, which is really eye-catching.
This kind of scene could only be seen when the imperial court transported loot to Tokyo in the past. Qian Hongchu's journey to the north was so slow because he carried too many and heavy things.
Among them, there are twenty-five ships, and the cabins are filled with gold, silver, pearls, jade, money, silk, famous utensils, plus some rare treasures, but few of them are "worthless" local specialties. These money and treasures , Qian Hongchu planned to dedicate all of it to Emperor Liu.
There are also five ships also loaded with money, which Qian Hongchu plans to use for settlement and management in Tokyo. There were also several ships filled with all the registers, files, and official documents of the prefectures and counties under Wu Yue's jurisdiction. Before arriving, he found many people to copy them all. This was the most valuable thing.
"Suzhou and Hangzhou are indeed a land of abundant resources and treasures, and they really support people!" In the Chongzheng Hall, Emperor Liu looked at Tao Gu and chuckled.
Tao Gu, this old man, has indeed lived a good life during his time in Hangzhou. His face has become much whiter, and his body has become much mellower. Even if he travels hard, he can't hide his abundant energy.
Faced with the emperor's teasing, Tao Gu was of course respectful and replied with a low eyebrow: "I am ashamed!"
"This time I sent you to Hangzhou to liaise with and coordinate the military to urge Qian Hongchu to go north. Thank you for your hard work, Tao Qing!" Emperor Liu knew very well how Tao Gu performed in Hangzhou. At least in major matters, he never let go of the chain, so he verbally Still be encouraged.
"Your Majesty does not regard the virtues of his ministers as shallow. He pays his mission to me, and I dare not slack off!" Noting the emperor's attitude, Tao Gu also breathed a sigh of relief and responded humbly, "I am in Hangzhou, but I rely on your majesty's power of heaven, and the people of Wu and Yue are Don’t dare to disobey, so everything goes smoothly, don’t dare to take credit!”
With a slight smile on his lips, Liu Chengyou became more serious and asked: "Qian Hongchu went north to offer land, what was the response of the Wuyue subjects? After all, it is a force that has been in power for decades, and not everyone is willing to do so!"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Tao Gu also told him what he knew: "This matter has indeed caused some controversy. However, the imperial court has brought down the power of Liangjiang and Lingnan. There are strong troops on the side outside, but people are not unified inside. In addition, Wu and Yue The king’s intention to offer the land is firm, even if some people are resistant, it is difficult to stop the general trend!”
After Tao Gu's words, Liu Chengyou felt a little relieved. He stood up, waved his hands, and said in a somewhat encouraging tone: "Since the end of the Tang Dynasty, the world has collapsed and been torn into pieces. Now it will be wiped out for me in one fell swoop!"
Noticing the radiant look between Emperor Liu's brows, Tao Gu quickly complimented: "Your Majesty has unparalleled wisdom and strategy, and the world is uniquely unified by this!"
"Lü Yin, tell me to go down. Tomorrow I will host a banquet for the King of Wu and Yue at the Chongyuan Hall. All the ministers and civil and military officials of the fifth rank or above in Beijing will attend the banquet!" Liu Chengyou turned around and ordered to Lu Yin.
"yes!"
In the fifteenth year of Emperor Qianyou's reign, on the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, King Qian Hongchu of Wuyue came to Beijing. The Emperor of the Han Dynasty hosted a banquet for him in the Chongyuan Hall. Qian Hongchu was in charge of the thirteen prefectures and one army of Wuyue, and all eighty-six The land of the county, Dingkou, was presented to the imperial court.
At this point, after the fall of the Tang Dynasty, the world was divided for more than half a century and finally became unified. A new unified Han Empire rose again, standing in the east and looking at all directions.
