A large-scale rain and snow fell on the Gyeonggi Province. After the rain, everywhere was covered with a layer of frost. The two Beijing Straight Roads have been completely connected, like a tough link, closely connecting the two capitals.
Up to now, there is an endless flow of business travelers between the two capitals, no matter spring, summer, autumn or winter, there is almost no silence. As the weather cleared, the enthusiasm of travelers from east to west, which had been dampened by rain and snow, was restored again. The blocked journeys were picked up again, and the sounds of people and animals filled the fields.
On the road, a convoy looked very special, with more than thirty guards, all of them knights, with tall horses and strong looks. They all wore coats that were warm enough, and there were also armors underneath the coats. He did not hide the weapons he carried with him, including swords as short weapons and bows and crossbows as long weapons.
The status of a person who is worthy of such a standard guard is obviously unusual. It cannot even be described as either rich or noble, because the general aristocratic retinue has restrictions on the number and equipment of traveling guards, while the highest-ranking princes, Also basically know about convergence.
The carriage under protection does not look gorgeous, but it is spacious enough. What is exquisite are the carvings and small accessories that symbolize status.
The coachman wore a hat and gloves on his head. He drove the carriage cleanly and skillfully, heading west smoothly. The covered curtain was pulled apart, revealing a pair of eyes observing the surrounding scene. There are fields shrouded in frost, and there are people traveling on the side of the road. Of course, the most eye-catching ones are the knights.
"Put down the curtain!" A young but calm voice sounded.
"Yes!" The response was respectful.
There were two people in the carriage with enough space, one was young and the other was younger. The eldest son of the emperor, Qin Gong Liu Xu, and Zhaowu captain Geng Jixun.
"Your Majesty still loves His Highness, and he actually gave him such a majestic guard!" Geng Jixun said with emotion.
Liu Xu huddled slightly under a fur robe. The cold weather did not affect his jade tree facing the wind. He held a book in his hand and read silently. Upon hearing this, Liu Xu responded casually: "This time I was ordered to go west, they are just the mission followers to serve as guards. When they return to Tokyo, they will be transferred back to the palace!"
"Otherwise!" Geng Jixun shook his head: "I think these guards will be on duty in Duke Qin's mansion in the future. His Majesty gave Duke Zhao ten guards before. As the eldest son, His Highness will not favor one over the other!"
Up to now, among the princes of the Han Dynasty, only the three brothers Liu Xu, Liu Xi, and Liu Fang have been given titles to open their own houses. Not to mention the sixth prince Liu Min, he reached the peak of his life early.
The East Palace has its own guards, and most of the servants and guards in the three princes' residences are also dispatched from the Han Palace. The difference this time was that the ones assigned to Liu Xu were Ouchi guards who had been on duty in front of Emperor Liu for a long time. This was what was special.
Liu Xu seemed very indifferent to Geng Jixun's words, as if he didn't care: "Why should I ask for a reward?"
After saying that, he immersed himself in reading the book in his hand. Seeing this, Geng Jixun looked a little bored and couldn't help but said: "Your Highness, you have read this "Spring and Autumn Annals" several times. I have also read it. It is nothing more than a summary of war history. Why are you so obsessed with it?"
Finally, Liu Xu raised his head, rubbed his sore eyes, and said: "The rise and fall of the wise and foolish in ancient and modern times are all recorded!"
After a pause, Liu Xu added: "My father often read this book back then!"
At this mention, Geng Jixun immediately changed his mind and said, "That's why we should take a closer look!"
Seeing that Liu Xu had been freed from the book, Geng Jixun couldn't help but said: "Your Majesty really values the British Duke. His father did nothing for the country, and since he died, he actually asked Your Highness to brave the cold and go west to Luoyang to express his condolences!"
Regarding this, Liu Xu said: "Young Master is an important minister of the Zhuguo Kingdom. His literary and military achievements can be regarded as the first of the twenty-four ministers. My father relies on him as his confidant and has repeatedly entrusted him with important tasks. I have always admired him.
Old Mrs. Chai died, even if the old man passed away, as a junior, it is reasonable to go to express condolences. Although I didn't say the famous words, I also know that I am going here to pay tribute on my father's behalf and to express my personal friendship. You must never say such things again, it is too rude! "
The two cousins have always had a close relationship, and Geng Jixun has always been relaxed, but when Liu Xu becomes serious, he often cooperates with his seriousness.
Looking at Liu Xu, who had a calm face and a calm demeanor, Geng Jixun opened his mouth, but in the end he just sighed silently in his heart. Liu Xu has always been praised for his character and talents. He is gentle and elegant. If he hadn't carried the identity of a concubine, he would have had great potential.
Among the many sons of Emperor Liu, none of them had any background, let alone the three families of Fu, Gao, and Zhe. Even the mother of the newly born Xiao Shishi was from the Liao clan. Seriously speaking, this is also a reason. The empire beyond the Great Wall serves as a backer.
The only ones who can barely defeat them are the Seventh Prince Liu Hui and the Thirteenth Emperor Liu Ye. Liu Ye's mother obviously had the humblest status. After all, she was just a barbarian girl from the Yao tribe. Liu Hui's mother, Dazhou, had always been favored for her talent and beauty, and Liu Hui's talent at a young age was also commendable.
Originally, being raised by the Queen Mother herself was the biggest protection she had. However, now this protective umbrella has also fallen, and the relationship with the Li family, which has considerable power and prestige both inside and outside the government, is now becoming weak and unfamiliar.
Going to Xijing to express condolences to Chai's father on behalf of Emperor Liu may be a good opportunity to communicate with the British Duke Chai Rong. However, not to mention the difficulty of winning over Chai Rong, one thing cannot be ignored. There is another person in the Han Palace. Concubine Guo Ning, has the emperor’s twentieth son Liu Han...
From beginning to end, if there is anyone who can truly help and support Liu Xu unconditionally, it is only Geng who is a close blood relative. However, compared with those prominent heroes, generals and nobles, the Geng family was too weak and their influence was too small. With only two or three big cats and kittens, it was Emperor Liu who even had the current noble status. He always had feelings for the late Concubine Geng Chen, so he took care of her.
But now, rather than saying that the Geng family supports Liu Xu, it is better to say that Duke Qin is protecting their family's wealth...and of course the Bai family.
It is precisely because of these factors that even a young man like Geng Jixun, who was somewhat aggressive and ambitious, never rashly expressed his support to Liu Xu to seize the throne or persuade him to fight for the heir apparent.
Hope is too slim! Unless something major happens and an opportunity comes, Liu Xu must have the talent and ambition, but Liu Xu has never shown any similar thoughts.
"What is cousin thinking about?" Seeing Geng continued to be lost in thought, Liu Xu looked him over and asked with a chuckle.
He suddenly came back to his senses and noticed Liu Xu's eyes that seemed to be smiling. Geng Jixun was at a loss for a moment and responded casually: "I was wondering how long it will take to get to Luoyang."
"Where are you?" Liu Xu didn't seem to mind that he didn't mean what he said. He withdrew his gaze and asked outside the car.
"Your Highness, we have entered the territory of Yanshi!" A loud response came from outside.
Liu Xu is also familiar with geography. After all, he has read a lot of maps since he was a child, under the influence of Emperor Liu. He dare not say that about other places, but he is still familiar with the Gyeongsang region.
"We are almost arriving in Luoyang! No wonder we are traveling more!" Liu Xu sighed with emotion.
"This is Luoyang after all!" Geng Jixun also sighed.
As he said this, he couldn't help but start a discussion with Liu Xu: "My father-in-law Ying lost Ding You and left you behind. Your Highness thinks who will be the new stay-at-home in Xijing?"
"How about letting uncle take charge?" Liu Xu glanced at him and wondered.
Upon hearing this, Geng Jixun hurriedly said: "Your Highness is joking, my father is not qualified!"
Of course Liu Xu knew this, and after pondering for a while, he said: "It should be Uncle Murong! He is supervising the construction of Luoyang, and his status is suitable!"
With that said, Liu Xu once again cast his eyes on Geng Jixun and said, "Cousin, you are still just a casualty officer of Zhaowu School Lieutenant, don't you want to come out and do something practical?"
Geng Jixun was a smart man and asked immediately: "Your Highness, do you want to arrange a real job for me?"
"Yeah!" Liu Xu did not deny it.
Geng Jixun also made a joke: "Then thank you for the promotion, Your Highness!"
"What do you think?" Liu Xu asked.
He even continued to express directly: "How about we go to the Lifan Court and continue working with His Highness?"
Liu Xu now serves in the Lifan Yuan as the powerful minister, managing the affairs of the foreign tribes within the territory.
"Go to the local area and solve the problems for the people of Li!" Liu Xu said.
"Being the county magistrate?" Geng Jixun's eyes lit up.
Liu Xu calmly shook his head: "According to the current official appointment status of the imperial court, I'm afraid it's not possible. He may be a chief registrar, a county lieutenant, or even lower!"
"I'll go!" Geng Jixun responded without much thought.
