The winter solstice has not yet arrived, and the cold weather is not far away. As the capital of Hexi and an important town in the northwest, Guzang City has already entered a state of ice and snow. A sudden snowfall added some softness to this stiff winter, but it soon melted under the erosion of rough wind and sand.
However, the weather in Guzang became increasingly cold, and the plan to go westward was shelved. The barracks in the city were fully occupied by the soldiers who were conducting the camp. Because there was not enough accommodation, Liangzhou officials were even asked to receive some of the people.
What is certain is that almost everyone does not want to continue heading west. However, the emperor did not speak, and did not dare to speak rashly to avoid getting into trouble.
Where in Guzang City has the best environment and the largest space, there is no doubt that it is the Hexi Chief Envoy's Office. This was built with great investment after Lu Duoxun took office, so it naturally became the emperor's business.
All the staff under his jurisdiction found another place to work, and Lu Duoxun's family also chose to move out. However, Emperor Liu deliberately kept him, allowing him to stay overnight and work in the office, and prepared for further inquiries.
The cold weather makes breathing almost uncomfortable. For many people, it is difficult to imagine how the local people survive in such an environment. Although there were many nobles, ministers, and soldiers accompanying him who were employed as border guards, most of them came from the mainland and were accustomed to the climate of the Central Plains, and they were really suffering here.
While walking, a door guarded by four internal guards became a boundary to prevent internal and external trespassing. Outside the door, the prime minister and uncle Li Yehou was standing here, wandering unsteadily, raising his eyes to look in from time to time, with hesitation on his face. But no one was ordered to report and ask for an audience.
Zhao Kuangyin accompanied Liu Yang to inspect Longyou Road, so among the ministers accompanying him at this time, Li Ye had the highest status. The highest status means that there are things that require him to take responsibility, and he has to speak up when it is time to do so.
Although Li Ye was the emperor's uncle and elder, it can be said that he was trained and promoted by Emperor Liu. In the early years when the Queen Mother was here, she used to be arrogant and overbearing because of her favor, but she was soon severely suppressed by Emperor Liu. In the next twenty years, she gradually grew up and became the prime minister.
However, after so many years, Li Ye was very humble and in awe when facing Emperor Liu. It's not that Li Ye doesn't dare to give advice and suggestions, he even takes the initiative many times, but this also requires dividing matters.
For example, when it came to discouraging the emperor from traveling westward, although he didn't know why Emperor Liu was obsessed with Hexi, the far northwest, Li Ye didn't dare to disobey him after feeling his strong will. Otherwise, the suggestion would not be beneficial, but would offend Emperor Liu, and the gain would outweigh the loss.
However, during the two days he arrived in Guzang, many civil and military people in the camp asked him for advice. This kind of situation where people placed their hope and trust was still rare for Li Ye. Therefore, as the representative of the accompanying ministers, it was difficult for him to act perfunctory.
Therefore, lingering in front of the courtyard gate also reflects Li Ye's psychological portrayal at this time.
"It must be Uncle Guo!" A tactful voice sounded, interrupting Li Ye's thoughts.
Looking up and seeing the noble lady accompanied by the palace maid, Li Ye quickly bowed and saluted: "See you, the noble concubine!"
The visitor was none other than Concubine Gao. She glanced at Li Ye with her phoenix eyes. The concubine raised her hand to signal him to excuse himself and asked, "I'm here for an audience, right? Why didn't you stay? Is it because the servants are being negligent?"
Probably because he had been standing outside for a long time, not only Li Ye's hands and feet, but also his beard were a little stiff. However, facing Concubine Gao's question, he became more energetic and had an idea in his mind. He said, "I have something to say. I want to enter your Majesty's house." , but I was worried that Your Majesty would not allow it, so I hesitated and postponed it until now! Fortunately, I met the imperial concubine, and I hope I can submit it on my behalf!"
Hearing this, Concubine Gao frowned slightly, but did not respond. Instead, she said: "I am only traveling with one woman. My uncle is the prime minister. If it is a major state matter, please forgive me for my inconvenience!"
It has to be said that Emperor Liu trained the women in his harem well, at least he strictly abided by the rule of engaging in political affairs in the harem. Although, many times, Emperor Liu would talk to them about the political affairs and military affairs of the outer court, but even Queen Da Fu rarely took the initiative to ask...
Although Li Ye was surprised by Concubine Gao's reaction, he quickly explained clearly: "This matter not only involves the country, but also concerns Your Majesty. Since the Western Inspection, he has traveled more than 2,000 miles across mountains and rivers, and has been delayed for a long time, even to the ministers. , down to the soldiers, all were exposed to the wind and cold, and marched hard.
I have inquired and found that there are already more than 2,000 people in the camp who are unable to walk, either suffering from frostbite or contracting diseases. As winter approaches, the weather in Hexi will become even more severe, and His Majesty's intention to patrol the west becomes more intense.
I am worried that if we continue further, the damage will only worsen, and even diseases will occur. If Your Majesty wishes to travel far away, even if it is extremely cold and bitter, I would dare to accompany you. The only concern is the safety of Your Majesty's dragon body. This fact cannot be ignored.
When I was in Lingzhou, I made a proposal, but Your Majesty was determined and refused to accept it. Now, I pray that my empress can give me some advice and give me some advice..."
After hearing Li Ye's intention, Concubine Gao couldn't help but frown deeply. Of course she knew Emperor Liu's temperament, but she was not that easy to help.
However, Li Ye lowered his stance so low that it was hard to refuse his invitation directly. After some consideration, Concubine Gao still responded: "I am about to visit His Majesty, so I can only persuade him and express his intention. However, His Majesty has always been strong-willed. I am not sure whether I can persuade him!"
"Thank you for your words!" Li Ye said immediately: "If it doesn't work out, I will have to find another time to invite you!"
At this time, Emperor Liu was staying on the kang. He was doing as the locals did, but the kang was still more practical. Otherwise, no matter how thick the quilt was, the cold would inevitably invade him.
There is not only a kang, but also a heater. In short, Emperor Liu cannot be frozen. With his back leaning against the pillow, his legs exposed, Emperor Liu was flipping through some reports on the political and public sentiment in Hexi presented by Lu Duoxun. An imperial doctor was concentrating on giving Emperor Liu acupuncture.
"Your Majesty, I have finished the acupuncture!" the imperial doctor reminded carefully.
"Oh!" Emperor Liu didn't look up and just responded casually, while Yantuo hurriedly helped Emperor Liu push down his trousers.
"If your Majesty has no other instructions, I will resign!" Seeing Emperor Liu's reaction, the imperial doctor couldn't help but ask in a low voice.
Emperor Liu put down the memorial in his hand, felt his much more comfortable knees, raised his eyes to look at the imperial physician, and asked calmly: "Imperial physician Sun, I have been treating my cold legs for several years. You are all medical experts, why do you always keep it?" No recovery?"
To the imperial physician, these words were tantamount to a questioning question. Imperial Physician Sun was so frightened that his legs softened and he fell to his knees: "I am not good at medicine and neglect my body care. Please punish me!"
Seeing his frightened look, Emperor Liu waved his hand directly and said in a calm tone: "I don't mean to blame you, get up!"
However, the imperial doctor did not dare to get up.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu sighed and asked, "Tell me directly and honestly, can this problem of mine be cured?"
"This..." How dare the imperial doctor give a definite answer.
"But it doesn't matter! I want to listen to the truth. You won't deceive me!" Emperor Liu's tone did not change at all, but the feeling of an imperial physician was a little more cold.
Facing Emperor Liu's gaze, the imperial doctor finally expressed his judgment: "Your Majesty's leg disease is already serious. I am using acupuncture and medicine. It is intended to be a slow treatment. If you take good care of it, it is still possible to cure it if given time. However, it cannot be done." If you are tired and exposed to cold, the cold will invade your muscles and the pain will be aggravated..."
"Given time..." Emperor Liu murmured and raised his hand: "I understand! Please step back!"
"Yes!" Imperial Physician Sun stood up with trembling legs as if he had received an amnesty: "Your Majesty, please rest in peace, I will retire!"
"The accompanying concubines, princes, and civil and military ministers should also go for some examinations and diagnoses!" Before he resigned, Emperor Liu ordered: "In addition, the accompanying soldiers were sick a lot and there was a lack of doctors, so the imperial physician also assigned some people to help! "
"yes!"
"It seems it can't be cured!" After the imperial doctor withdrew, Emperor Liu was silent for a long time and sighed.
Seeing that Emperor Liu seemed to be in a low mood, Yantuo hurriedly said: "In the official family, these imperial doctors are useless. They enjoy your majesty's grace and the imperial salary, but they can't even solve minor illnesses. Why don't you tell the world and visit them everywhere?" Good doctor..."
"Shut up!" After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu scolded him fiercely.
"Yes!" Yantuo was frightened, and everyone took two steps back, lowered their heads and tied their hands.
I pressed my leg, and it still felt a little warm. The previous symptoms of pain and itching, like being unable to go up or down, were relieved. After a long time, Emperor Liu said: "Perhaps the leg disease is deep, but what is more difficult to cure is the heart disease!"
