Yang Bin and Su Fengji were summoned to the palace to see the emperor. Mrs. Yang was called to Ciming Palace by Empress Dowager Li. When she was in Jinyang, Yang Bin was the most important minister under Liu Zhiyuan and had close contacts. There was also some affection between the Empress Dowager and his wife. Now that Gou had to return to Beijing with his life still alive, he had to show something, which was also in line with Emperor Liu's "lenient" performance.
Knowing that Yang and Su's clothes were rudimentary, dusty and tired from traveling, Liu Chengyou specially ordered the palace officials to take them to the imperial pool to bathe and put on clean clothes to gain dignity.
Although many people knew that Emperor Liu usually brought his true confidants to Qionglin Garden to entertain them. However, for Yang Bin and Su Fengji, being able to bathe and change clothes in the palace was a privilege beyond their imagination.
After taking a bath and changing into new clothes, my energy and spirit have indeed changed. However, it is more of a feeling. When facing the chambermaid Gong'e, I feel completely uncomfortable.
The two old men sat quietly, silent. After entering the palace, they saw the magnificent towers and majestic palaces along the way. It seemed that there was not much change, and some familiar memories could be vaguely found. , However, when I look back on the past, I don’t dare to express my feelings no matter how much I feel.
Su Wenzhong was lucky enough to enter the palace with his grandfather. As a young man who basically grew up in the western border area, it was his first time to see a majestic city like Kaifeng and appreciate the elegance of the imperial capital. When he entered the palace, he was even surrounded by railings. Jade puzzles, Qionglou and Yuyu are dazzling.
It turned out that the Kaifeng and palaces that my grandfather talked about actually looked like this. They were indeed magnificent and magnificent. The young man's mind was gradually filled with awe, and at the same time, he was particularly curious about the mysterious and serious palace.
Seeing his grandson fidgeting and looking around, Su Fengji couldn't help but lecture him: "Wen Zhong, calm down! Sit still!"
He noticed that his grandfather's eyes were extremely serious. In Su Wenzhong's impression, Su Fengji would only show such an expression when he was not serious about studying. He immediately felt at ease and respectfully agreed.
Su Fengji then said: "The imperial palace is no better than other places. It is His Majesty's grace that you have the honor to come together. Please observe the etiquette!"
"The rules in the palace are indeed very strict!" Seeing Su Fengji teaching his grandson, Yang Bin sighed softly.
This can be clearly felt. When they were at their peak, there were no strict restrictions and restrictions on entering and exiting the forbidden palace, words and deeds, and the court etiquette was obviously imperfect. But now, with strict hierarchy and orderly life, The people in this splendid cage all play their roles strictly and dare not go beyond them in the slightest.
"Have you taken care of the two seniors? Your Majesty has ordered me to welcome you two to the Long Live Hall!" At this time, a middle-aged official in light scarlet clothes walked in, with a graceful demeanor and a gentle gesture, bowing to both of them.
After hearing the question, Su Fengji stood up and returned the greeting: "The guilty ministers and others have been packed up, please lead the way!"
"Please!" The visitor had a warm smile on his face, and his words and deeds were all gentle and gentlemanly. I asked about the name of this young official with extraordinary magnanimity. His name was Shi Xizai. He was a Jinshi in the five-year system of Qianyou. He served successively as Zuo Shiyi, Supervisor Yushi, Yuancheng Ling, and Zhixuzhou. After returning to Beijing not long ago, he was transferred to Chongqing. Zhengdian served as a bachelor to carry out the decree. Because of his honesty, respect for etiquette, magnanimity, and courage to speak out, he was highly appreciated by Emperor Liu.
He walked with his head down all the way, passed through palace gates, passed numerous palaces, and spent more than a quarter of an hour arriving at the Long Live Hall, waiting to be summoned. When the general eunuch announced the summons, before entering the palace, Yang Fan raised his head and glanced at the three characters "Long Live Palace". It seemed that there was not much change compared to the past.
"Sinner Yang Bing (Su Fengji), please see your Majesty!" After entering the palace, they only glanced at each other and both of them prostrated themselves.
Young Su Wenzhong followed beside him, kneeling respectfully, his forehead pressed tightly to the cold ground, not daring to make any sound. The sense of awe in his heart inexplicably surged. It seemed that only this kind of posture of prostrate to the bottom could make him stand. He felt more comfortable.
"No courtesy! Stand flat! Take a seat!" Emperor Liu's voice was rich, steady and powerful.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Regarding Yang Bin and Su Fengji, Liu Chengyou originally thought that his emotions would be very complicated when they saw each other again. The grievances, power struggles, and conflicts between the emperor and his ministers were enough to write a book. As the victor, Emperor Liu met again after more than ten years, when he had reached the pinnacle of his life. This interview should have been very meaningful.
Even Emperor Liu was ready to vent his repression in his early years. He had a good time chatting with the two, especially Yang Bin, about the past, reminiscing about the past...
However, when he actually met Yang and Su, Liu Chengyou suddenly lost his interest. For a moment, he didn't even know what to say. For two old people whose combined age is nearly 130 years old, the life of exile is difficult after all. They are gray-haired, emaciated and old. Although they were wearing rich clothes, they did not match their rickety figures. It was completely unimaginable that they would be the powerful ministers in charge of the affairs of the Han Dynasty more than ten years ago.
Emperor Liu rarely felt sympathy, but at this time, after seeing the appearance of these two ministers, he sighed rarely. To be honest, Emperor Liu didn't care that much about Yang Su. After so many years and experiencing so many things, everything he felt had faded away.
Summoning the two back to Tokyo not only showed Emperor Liu's "tolerance", but also revealed the unpleasant thoughts in his chest. However, now I feel that there is really no need for that. Emperor Liu's achievements and achievements do not need to be affirmed by a passer-by like Yang Su, and he does not need to show off his power in front of these two people...
Sitting on the dragon bed, he watched the two of them silently. The two did not dare to sit down. Twenty stood humbly, his old body trembling slightly, as if he might fall down at any time. Noticing Yang Bing, Liu Chengyou even felt a little emotional. The strong and strong Mr. Yang who was neither humble nor arrogant back then seemed to be gone.
After a long time, Liu Chengyou said calmly: "The two elders are suffering in Jingyuan!"
Hearing this, Su Fengji prostrated again, his words choked with sobs: "The guilty people deserve what they deserve. I only regret that the suffering is not enough, and I cannot repay it and make up for my mistakes!"
Su Fengji's consciousness is still very high. Ever since he fell from the peak to the bottom, lost his power and wealth, and became a wandering criminal, he has woken up from his confusion and restored his intelligence.
From his words, Liu Chengyou could feel the fiery emotion. He couldn't help but smile and looked at Su Wenzhong: "Are you Mr. Su's grandson? What's your name?"
Upon hearing the question, Su Wenzhong, who had been kneeling, was stunned for a moment, and then calmed down the inexplicable emotions in his heart. Emperor Liu's eyes seemed to be extremely oppressive, and he did not dare to raise his head. He responded respectfully: "Little citizen Su Wenzhong!"
"Your grandfather is old. Kneeling for a long time is not beneficial. Help him up and sit down!" Liu Chengyou ordered.
"Yes!" Not daring to neglect, Su Wenzhong complied.
After sizing up Su Wenzhong, Liu Chengyou added: "I think this son is quite heroic. I hope he can become a pillar of the country in the future!"
As soon as these words came out, Su Fengji was so excited that he thanked Emperor Liu with trembling lips and asked Su Wenzhong to kneel down again. Emperor Liu raised his hand, understandable. After all, this was a complete release of the Su family's ban.
Looking at Yang Bin again, Liu Chengyou found that although Yang Bin had a submissive posture at this time, he always felt that there was still a spine in this weak body that was not easy to bend.
Noticing his calm old face, Liu Chengyou pointed at the Long Live Hall and chuckled: "Mr. Yang, you still remember that it was in this hall that the late emperor handed over the critical responsibilities of the country and the country to me. You are also here. Therefore, I accept the late emperor’s commission and help me!”
Hearing Emperor Liu raise this matter, Yang Bing subconsciously raised his head, looked at Emperor Liu, raised his hands and said with a bitter smile: "Your Majesty has lived up to the late emperor's trust, but the old man and others have no self-awareness, so they are not worthy of their responsibilities, and their virtue is not worthy of their duties." Your majesty is so wise and powerful, so why does he need an auxiliary minister, or the support of an old man like us?"
From Yang Bin's attitude, Liu Chengyou felt a kind of magnanimity. Hearing his words, he couldn't help but smile. Obviously, Emperor Liu's achievements over the years and the development of the Han Dynasty had conquered Yang Bin. Perhaps, today's worship in the palace was the first time that Yang Fang surrendered happily.
Feeling inexplicably relieved, he paused for a moment on Yang Su and the two of them, and said solemnly: "No matter the past grudges and mistakes, you two are old men who served the late emperor and me after all, and have made great contributions to the Han Dynasty. In the upcoming National Day ceremony, I Two seats are reserved for you two to attend the meeting!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" When Emperor Liu said these words, Yang Su and Yang Su couldn't help but express their moved emotions.
The interview with Yang Su ended in a dull atmosphere. Emperor Liu didn't say much during the whole process, and he didn't have any in-depth exchanges with the two. He just exchanged simple greetings and formally issued an edict to pardon the two. They were allowed to move back to Tokyo for their sins. Then, it's over.
"Yantuo, if I demoted you to the border and suffered for more than ten years, and then pardoned you, how would you feel?" After Yang and Su resigned, Liu Chengyou asked Yantuo with great interest.
There was something wrong with these words. Yantuo rolled his eyes and responded: "Of course I am grateful!"
"Is it possible that after more than ten years of torture and suffering, it is so easy to forget?" Emperor Liu smiled lightly.
"Officials have always been clear about rewards and punishments. If you are severely punished, you must have deserved it. How can you dare to complain?" Yantuo replied.
After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu shook his head and said calmly: "How can a person with such a big heart be criticized by me like this?"
If Emperor Liu's words were heard by Yang Bin and Su Fengji, they would probably be worried and uneasy. In fact, over the years, Emperor Liu has never pardoned anyone, let alone any act of amnesty for the whole world. This is also the reason. He does not believe that those who have suffered and endured hardship will have no mercy in their hearts. resentment.
Even if he doesn't show it, he just doesn't dare and has no chance to retaliate.
