In the early morning of the next day, before dawn, he entered the palace covered with autumn dew and frost, and went straight to the Chui Gong Hall to meet the saint. However, the result was destined to disappoint him. Facing the general receptionist, Zhao Kuangyin said seriously: "Your Majesty is not in the palace?"
To Zhao Kuangyin, Tongshisheren seemed neither humble nor arrogant, and responded: "Your Majesty will leave the palace early this morning and go to Xiyuan. If Duke Rong has something important to do, you can go and see him!"
"Thank you!" Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's face could no longer be called majestic. He couldn't help but twist together, said thank you casually, turned around and left.
Of course, he did not recklessly go to Xiyuan to chase him. The emperor's absence at this time was obviously not a coincidence. There must be deep meaning and he went there hastily. Zhao Kuangyin did not do it.
The morning breeze of late autumn was already very cool, but Zhao Kuangyin seemed unaware of it and changed his route to the Ministry of War, pondering Emperor Liu's attitude towards this matter all the way. Obviously, it was impossible to ask for a favor directly from Emperor Liu, to ask for forgiveness and a reduced sentence.
His mood sank, but his face soon returned to calm. He, Zhao Kuangyin, had also experienced strong winds and waves. Although this incident was troublesome, it would not break his defense.
It was still early in the morning, and it was quiet inside the Nanya Military Headquarters. Before he knew it, Zhao Kuangyin had been the Minister of the Ministry of War for almost ten years, and he had his mark on everything inside and out.
Sitting behind the public case, Zhao Kuangyin flipped through the official documents submitted from various places, especially the Southern Expedition Army's request for an additional batch of weapons and uniforms, and he had to pay attention.
"See you, Your Highness!" came the respectful sound of worship from the officials outside.
Zhao Kuangyin suddenly came to his senses, Liu Yang's figure came into view, and he quickly stood up and saluted. Liu Yang showed his demeanor, without any pretense, just responded naturally. Compared with Emperor Liu's strong and bright personality, the prince's moderation was obviously more relaxed than his ministers.
"I heard that the Dali Army reported in last night. Is it urgent? Gute came to take a look!" Liu Yang said.
"I'm just asking for the allocation of some military supplies!" After welcoming Liu Yang to the table, Zhao Kuangyin briefly explained the situation: "The required weapons and equipment are allocated by the Ministry of War. As for the uniforms, they should be supplied by Jiannan. Winter is coming, and the climate is changing. , don’t ignore it!”
Upon hearing this, Liu Yang nodded and responded with a smile: "Since Mr. Rong has made a decision, there is nothing wrong with it. You can handle it accordingly!"
Looking at Zhao Kuangyin, Liu Yang asked him: "Now that the Han Dynasty is peaceful and peaceful all over the world, there is nothing happening in the world. Only in the southwest, the war is not over, and everyone in the court is paying attention. Rong Gong has been on the battlefield for a long time and is good at military affairs. In your opinion, the southwest When will the war end?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's first reaction was that the prince was anxious. He met his gaze and said in an admonishing tone: "Your Highness, in the southwest region, due to the terrain and the people's sentiments, it is difficult to attack. Don't be too hasty! Now the victory lies with me. The army, the Duan family's monarchs and ministers are retreating, but they are just hanging on, and their power is gradually declining. Under such circumstances, as long as we deal with it calmly, we can eventually eliminate it gradually!"
In the current southwest battlefield, the Han army has achieved absolute victory. All its enemies have been defeated, and transportation has been completely opened. Recently, military information from the south has also come north one after another, calming the hearts of the emperor and ministers of Luoyang.
So far, all the major towns in the central and northern parts of Dali have fallen under the control of the Han army. After the two kings joined forces, they dispatched a partial division to occupy Dali in the west. Most of the officials, generals, and tribes within the territory chose to surrender.
After resting and recuperating, Wang Quanbin once again raised his troops to go south, heading towards Shanshan Prefecture, preparing to continue to pursue the Duan family. Basically, if Shanshan is won, then the Dali Kingdom can be declared completely disintegrated.
After listening to Zhao Kuangyin's words, Liu Yang smiled and said calmly: "The king's commander-in-chief reported that the Dong family of the Dali Kingdom surrendered to the imperial court and was willing to lead the Central Committee to contact and lead the army to pacify the rebels. This Dong family was the one Duan Siping originally raised the army. Later, he was an important supporter of Dali. He once controlled the state affairs of Dali and participated in the abolition of the establishment. Although it has declined now and was replaced by the Gao, Yang and other clans, it still has a certain influence.
Zhao Xianggong suggested that policies could be adopted to bribe and appease these old Dali clan forces. This would not only end the war quickly, but also be used to check and balance the tribes in the southwest after the war.
What does Rong Gong think? "
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin thought for a moment, smiled brightly, and responded: "If this is the case, Dali can indeed come down quickly! Even for the Duan family who escaped, the court can also win over them, treat their tribesmen well, or subdue others without fighting. .
After the war, if the court wants to achieve peace in the southwest, it cannot do without the support of these local clans and tribes. It is inevitable to implement the chieftain system. Therefore, promising the benefits of official titles is a feasible method! "
Liu Yang just nodded, but had no further reaction. Seeing this, Zhao Kuangyin asked: "Does Your Highness have any other concerns?"
Liu Yang raised his finger and said: "There are many tribes in Dali, and they are in conflict with each other. There is nothing to worry about. Giving local officials and local posts is enough to appease them. But the Duan family and those big families have been operating in the southwest for many years. They are intricately connected and have a profound foundation. If If you indulge too much, you may gain temporary peace, but how can you guarantee that you will not be a trouble to the court in the long run?"
After hearing what he said, Zhao Kuangyin frowned slightly, but he actually disagreed with his doubts. After all, the southwest was not the fundamental place of Zhongxia, and it was located in a remote area with inconvenient transportation. It was not that easy to completely treat him. Even without those big clans, Liu Yang's doubts would still occur.
However, with this thought in his mind, Zhao Kuangyin still said: "Your Highness is very worried! Then he will issue an order to camp in the southwest to weaken those big clans, even if they all move away from their hometowns, it would not be inappropriate."
"Let's take a look at the follow-up battle first!" Liu Yang sighed.
After talking about this, Zhao Kuangyin looked at Liu Yang with a slightly deliberate expression on his face. Seeing this, Liu Yang asked: "Why did Duke Rong want to speak but stopped talking?"
Zhao Kuangyin followed his lead and said, "Your Highness, have you heard about the trouble caused by the Han and Chang families yesterday?"
Meeting his gaze, Liu Yang understood in his heart, took a sip of tea, and said: "This matter is serious, people have died, and no one has heard of it!"
Seeing his reaction, Zhao Kuangyin took a deep breath and said with a bit of anger: "Your Highness, this kid Han Qingxiong acted so boldly and in a moment of anger that he even hurt people's lives. He really deserves to be killed!"
However, his voice changed and he asked again: "I wonder, Your Highness, what do you think of this matter?"
There was a little expectation in Zhao Kuangyin's eyes. Liu Yang pondered for a while, calculating in his mind, and said calmly: "The country has its own laws, and it is always fair to deal with them according to the laws!"
After saying that, he raised his eyes and chuckled and said to Zhao Kuangyin: "I know that the relationship between Rong Gong and the late Han Wuning Marquis has always been close, almost like brothers!"
Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin sighed and spoke: "To be honest with you, Your Highness, I am also angry that this son has acted recklessly and violated national laws, and I wish he could be executed. However, he is my nephew after all, and I cannot bear to sit back and watch him die."
Zhao Kuangyin's words were already considered candid. Liu Yang remembered Emperor Liu's instructions in his mind, thought about it, and said: "When Duke Rong was in the army, he was very strict in managing the army and had strict military disciplines, so the soldiers were willing to surrender and wanted to fight to the death. Now, my nephew has violated the law. You should also know that the country’s laws are strict!”
Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly: "This is exactly where I am in trouble! Although Sanlang of the Han family is unworthy, he only has this little flesh and blood left..."
Seeing Zhao Kuangyin's appearance, a flash of hesitation flashed across Liu Yang's face. Over the years, Zhao Kuangyin was still very respectful to him as the prince, and he was very supportive. After thinking about it for a while, Liu Yang decided to remind him: "Rong Gong, this matter should be based on the law of the court, and no unauthorized interference is allowed!"
These words made Zhao Kuangyin's heart tighten, and he immediately thought of Emperor Liu. He frowned, thought for a while, and looked at Liu Yang seriously: "Your Highness, does my nephew have no hope of survival at all?"
Liu Yang was silent, he could not give him a definite answer, but said: "This matter must be judged by Luoyang Mansion first!"
