In the Chongyuan Hall, life is also full of life. In fact, from the seating arrangement, we can see what the status of these Han civil and military ministers will be in the future. People like Wei Renpu, Murong Yanzhao, Gao Huaide, Xiang Xun, and Zhao Kuangyin are obviously first-class, both in terms of title and actual power.
Of course, there are also some people who are successful, highly respected, and have a transcendent status, such as Fu Yanqing, An Shenqi, and Guo Wei. Taking advantage of the opportunity of the ceremony, Guo Wei, who had retired from the capital for more than seven years, came back again. It was Emperor Liu who took the initiative to issue an edict to call him back. How could Guo Wei not have a place among the heroes of the Han Dynasty?
Moreover, after returning this time, there is basically no need to go back to Yaoshan's hometown to cultivate oneself and enjoy rural life. By now, Emperor Liu was no longer wary of Guo Wei. There was no need to do so. In fact, Emperor Liu still felt a little guilty mentally for the founder of Hedong, the founding hero and his father-in-law. After all, in his prime political years, Forced to retire by myself...
At this time, in the main hall, the nobles and ministers participating in the meeting were all communicating enthusiastically. Everyone had a smile on their face, and the atmosphere was very harmonious. Fu Yanqing, An Shenqi, and Guo Wei were also gathered together. Among the foreign ministers present, they were the only three with the highest status, prestige, and status.
The emperor has not arrived yet, so although the atmosphere is warm, it is still not exciting. The leeks have been prepared and the bowls and chopsticks have been set out, but no one dares to move. They are all waiting for the arrival of the protagonist. Only the ceremonial and music team at the side of the hall played the light and joyful tunes to add to the excitement of this Han Dynasty's highest-level elite feast.
While Yang Bin and Su Fengji were expressing their emotions and looking forward to getting drunk and resting, Guo Wei quietly walked over and bowed his hands: "Mr. Yang, Mr. Su!"
Seeing this, the two hurriedly helped each other to their feet and returned the greeting: "I have seen Mr. Xing!"
"Don't be polite! Guo wouldn't dare take it seriously!" After so many years, Guo Wei still showed his usual modesty and generosity, and hurriedly reached out to support the two of them.
Noticing the decayed faces of the two men and focusing on Yang Bin, Guo Wei said with emotion: "The two gentlemen have gone through hardships and tasted all the warmth and cold. Now they are pardoned and can return to the imperial court. After all the hardships, they have been rewarded with joy. What a joy and congratulation!"
Speaking of which, in the political arena of the early Han Dynasty, Yang Bin was a very popular figure, always domineering and stubborn, but he was still very friendly to Guo Wei and valued him very much. The two have always been harmonious. Of course, this may not be the result of Guo Wei's business relationship.
However, what happened back then cannot be traced back. Today's reality is that Guo Wei is the Duke of the Han Dynasty and a relative of the emperor. Although he retreats behind the scenes, his status is high and his family is prominent. But he was just a sinner who had just been pardoned. Even setting foot in Chongyuan Hall was a special favor from the emperor.
Therefore, when facing Guo Wei's familiar yet unfamiliar humble face, Yang Bin's mood was very complicated. However, he still agreed with a calm face: "I am a criminal. Fortunately, Your Majesty pardoned me. It is indeed a blessing to be able to set foot in the palace tonight! On the other hand, Mr. It’s so heartbreaking!”
It can be seen from Yang Bin's performance that there is actually a kind of tenacity and arrogance in this old man's heart.
"Mr. Yang is so complimentary!" Guo Wei smiled, pointed at the white silk on his temples, and said, "I am old and no longer what I used to be!"
"Second Master, please sit down for a moment!" Guo Wei only wanted to say hello, so the smile on his face did not diminish, and his tone was still gentle, and he said: "The founding fathers and old ministers of the past are withering away day by day, and there are not many left. Today, as a country The grand ceremony is also a reunion for us old men, so we are very happy. The banquet will start later, and we should have a good drink..."
"Definitely! Definitely!" Su Fengji responded with a smile.
Yang Bin also nodded.
Without making everyone wait for too long, Emperor Liu changed into a light dragon robe, with a black brocade base, embroidered with mountains, rivers, sun and moon, covering all things, plus a gilt auspicious dragon, with teeth and claws, showing a sense of calmness. This kind of wanton publicity seemed to set off his mood at this time.
After this whole day of etiquette, Emperor Liu, who was always known for his high energy, was very tired. Therefore, when he got on the throne and looked at the aristocratic ministers who were still showing excitement, Liu Chengyou was really curious about how they came to be so good. energy.
The palace became quiet, and everyone took their seats and saluted Emperor Liu in unison, from inside to outside the palace, from the top of the palace to the bottom of the palace. For a while, except for the guards of the imperial palace, the entire Chongyuan Palace was no longer there. There is no one who stands upright. As for Emperor Liu and the Queen Mother, they were sitting.
The scene suddenly became solemn, which was somewhat inconsistent with the aroma of wine and food filling the air. Rigorous speeches and solemn speeches have been made in a series of ceremonies today. Therefore, Emperor Liu waved his hand and said loudly in a relaxed tone: "Your Majesty, please forgive me! Today is a day of joy, tonight is a night of celebration, there is no need to be restrained!"
As he said this, he deliberately sniffed it and said with a smile: "The aroma of wine, coriander and vegetables in this palace should not be let down!"
He tilted his head and gestured towards Yantuo, and then the eunuch released his voice and announced loudly, Your Majesty has an order, all the ministers should take their seats and let the banquet begin!
Of course, for a palace banquet like this, banquets are never the real theme. After the banquet, the first thing Emperor Liu did was to praise Pingnan's generals in front of all the ministers.
Because of the national ceremony, the glory of the generals who finally pacified the world was greatly obscured, and no special celebration banquet was held. However, Emperor Liu would not ignore this.
A total of two generals, as representatives, accepted the emperor's condolences and appreciation. Yin Chongke and Shi Yande, one represented the Jianghuai army and the other represented the Lingnan soldiers. Liu Chengyou personally toasted to them.
Although Emperor Liu recalled a large number of foreign ministers during this celebration, many people still failed to return, such as Chai Rong, the patrol envoy to the northwest of Lingzhou, and Zheng Guogong Shi Hongzhao, who was in Lanzhou. There are also generals from Pingnan, Pan Mei governs Guangdong and Guangxi and cooperates with the return administration, Li Gu and Shi Shouxin are stationed in Jinling, Zhao Yanjin and Zhang Yongde are stationed in Hangzhou, Cao Bin is in Hongzhou, and Liu Guangyi is stationed in Fujian. But at the state banquet, it is impossible to forget them, and they are the first to be mentioned.
In order to commend Pingnan's soldiers for their merits, in addition to the necessary rewards, there is the song "Triumph Order" and a sword dance. The dance was led by Concubine Zhou Shu, who was born in the south, and was accompanied by fifty graceful dancers. They wore no red makeup and were armed, showing a different kind of beauty, which also enhanced the atmosphere and inspired people...
After just a dance, under the gaze of everyone, just like every imperial banquet in the past, Liu Chengyou stood on the imperial steps with a wine cup in his hand, and spoke with an attitude of looking down on the people: "I am eighteen years old. In order to ascend to the top of Chenji and rule the world, I have great ambitions to win over the unfavorable ministers, stabilize the kingdoms, and eliminate the separatist regimes. At the beginning of this year, I have peace in the world, and the world is a little peaceful. Although I dare not boast about my great achievements, I can still call it an achievement. Today I will have a banquet with you. , the whole country rejoices as a reward for fifteen years of hard work! I would like to take this cup to encourage you all!"
After finishing the drink, Liu Chengyou continued to speak, with a smile once again showing on his stern face, and finally mentioned what everyone was most interested in: "The north and south are reunited into one family, and the four seas are unified. This is not my fault alone. But in the Qianyou years, countless people with lofty ideals, talents and heroes have worked together and pooled their efforts, which has led to today's prosperity. It is more appropriate to be awarded titles and titles, and it will live up to the meritorious officials!"
Without intending to talk in detail, Emperor Liu simply said a few paragraphs, drank three glasses of wine, then returned to his desk and sat down safely. Then with a wave of his hand, two close ministers, Lu Yin and Shi Xizai, stood in front of the emperor on the left and right, each holding an edict and preparing to read it out. Beside the two of them, there were several servants on each side. Each of them held a plate of reward edicts stacked high in their hands. These things were particularly eye-catching.
"Murong Yanzhao, the Taiwei, Minister of the Ministry of War, and Pingzhangshi of Tongzhongshu, was brave and resolute, calm and loyal. He collected Lu and Ze, left Taihang in the east, chased the Khitan, defeated Luan City, captured Jiangbei in the east, and captured Jinghu in the south. , Ding Yanshan in the north, with brilliant achievements and outstanding martial arts, he was granted the title of Duke of Wei!"
The first Murong Yanzhao also means that this is the number one hero of Qianyou appointed by Emperor Liu. Even Murong Yanzhao, who has always behaved calmly, can't help but be excited. Fucking his weakened body, he bowed down in emotion.
"Wei Renpu, a great scholar of Zhongshu Ling and Guangzhengdian, is magnanimous, honest and law-abiding, self-denial and devoted to public service. He has followed the country for sixteen years. He has been loyal to the royal family, made suggestions and strategies, and worked hard to bring peace to the world. He is named the Duke of Yu!"
Therefore, Murong Yanzhao was ranked first in martial arts, and Wei Renpu was ranked first in martial arts. This was both unexpected and reasonable. A series of awards for the Qianyou heroes were announced from the mouths of Lu Yin and Shi Xizai, and soon, the twenty-four people "returned to their positions."
Twenty-four heroes, twenty-four princes.
