Access to and from Youzhou City is still tightly controlled, not only because of the inertia of martial law during the war, but also because the emperor is here. In addition, during this period, there are more people of all kinds coming and going from Youzhou, plus some who have retreated from the front line. After coming down, the officers and soldiers who have not returned home or returned to their hometowns have posed a huge test to the security of Youzhou City.
Naturally, the team of the eldest son of the emperor did not need to undergo interrogation like those of business travelers. Liu Xu did not even need to say a word. Only the escort officers came forward, and the car drove through the border without stopping and entered the city.
Driving through Youzhou's wide streets, dense crowds, and lively markets, Chou Ning looked a little lost in thought through the car window. Seeing this, Liu Xu smiled and asked: "Compared with twenty-five years ago, what does the king think of the weather in Youzhou City today?"
After hearing this, Caining sighed with emotion: "The only big city in China with such cold weather and such bustling streets. Although Shangjing is the capital of the Liao Kingdom, it can't compare to Youzhou! The same Youzhou city more than 20 years ago , even though it is called a common people, it is difficult to compare with today! Youzhou is still like this, but I don’t know what Kaifeng and Luoyang are like now."
"The east and west capitals of the Han Dynasty have been repaired and rebuilt. Your Majesty can go south with you. At that time, I can personally guide you and lead your Majesty to the grand scene of the capital!" Liu Xu said.
Hearing this, Chou Ning's eyes moved slightly, a little embarrassment flashed across his face, and he smiled dryly and said: "Your Highness is so kind, I am very grateful!"
Obviously, he was nervous when he went to Youzhou, fearing that he would be detained and unable to return, let alone going to the two capitals of the Central Plains. No matter how prosperous they were there, at least Chou Ning was not tempted at this time. This is not like twenty-five years ago, when he went south with the Liao army as a conqueror. Now, he is just an old Hu chief who needs the mercy of the Emperor of Han. His personal power, status, and the future and wealth of his descendants are all in Emperor Liu's mind. .
Although it was difficult for Liu Xu to completely peek into Chou Ning's psychology, he could still sense his uneasiness and confusion. In fact, Liu Xu would occasionally feel some pity for the old King Xi. Although the policy towards the Xi people has not yet been completely determined, the tone is there. It just depends on when it will be implemented and when the Xi people tribe and its people will be removed. The territory is just completely digested.
This is obviously far from the restraint and autonomy that Chou Ning expected. However, as the prince of the Han Dynasty, and as a minister entrusted by Emperor Liu to serve the Xi clan, Liu Xu's stance is firm and clear.
In the future, if Caining is wise, he can enjoy the glory while retaining the title of King Xi. He and his descendants will be rich and noble. And if you don't accept it, then you can't blame the court for its methods. In the end, King Xi can change it if he wants. This time he comes to Youzhou, but there are also several high-ranking nobles from the six tribes of the Xi tribe.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty the Duke of Jin is waiting in front of the palace gate!" The carriage stopped in front of Youzhou Palace, and the officer of the guard rode outside to report.
"Stop!" After hearing the news, Liu Xu immediately ordered.
In front of the palace gate, Liu Xi led two of his subordinates to wait among the guards. When he saw Liu Xu who had gotten off to drive, he immediately greeted him cheerfully: "Welcome to the return of eldest brother! Don't blame me for not going out of the city to greet him!" "
Seeing that Liu Xi was still as careless as usual, Liu Xu was also modest as usual and responded: "What are you talking about! I'm sorry for letting you blow the wind and cold here to welcome me!"
"Brother is always so serious!" Seeing Liu Xu's reaction, Liu Xi couldn't help but said and spread his hands.
Naturally, his opinion of Liu Xi was not as complicated as that of the prince. Liu Xu could still let go of his arrogance, so he smiled and patted his shoulder: "Between you and me, brothers, there is no need to be polite!"
"It should be so!"
His attention shifted from Liu Xu to Thou Ning. He looked at Thou Ning who was like an old tree and withered wood, and asked, "Is this the king of the Xi clan?"
"Exactly!" Liu Xu introduced himself to Tsai Ning: "Your Majesty, this is my third brother, Liu Xi, Duke of Jin!"
Upon hearing this, Chou Ning immediately saluted and said with some caution, "I have met His Highness Duke Jin!"
"Your Majesty, you don't need to be polite!" Facing Cho Ning, Liu Xi was indeed more serious. He returned the greeting and said: "Your Majesty is very happy that Your Majesty has come to Youzhou, and he has specially ordered to welcome you!"
Tsai Ning immediately showed a flattered expression, cupped his hands and said: "I am so sorry that the emperor is so generous and courteous, I dare not accept it. Thank you, Your Highness!"
After a few compliments to each other, Liu Xi ordered his staff to lead Caining into the car. The emperor had given permission to drive to welcome King Xi, which was considered to be a good honor to him. Liu Xi was called to the car by Liu Xu, and the two brothers rode together to talk.
"I have been staying in the north for the past two months. I have heard about the situation on various fronts, but I don't understand. Now, all the people in the north are working on the aftermath, right?" Liu Xu asked.
Liu Xi did not hide it, and nodded in response: "At the moment, in the entire northern Xinjiang, only Dong Zunjie's army is still at war. In other battlefields, the war has subsided, and the officials at all levels in the northern Daozhou , are also undergoing rest and recuperation.
Two days ago, Marquis Guo Hai'an also came to report that he had withdrawn his troops, stopped harassing the coast of Goryeo, and led his boats back to the military port. Over in Liaodong, the army has basically withdrawn. When the defense arrangements are in place, the second brother will be back! "
"The Kaibao Northern Expedition and the Han-Liao War lasted almost throughout this whole year, and now they have finally come to an end!" Liu Xu said with deep emotion, showing a feeling of concern for the country and the people.
"Although the waste of people and money is more serious than expected, the results gained are also much more fruitful!" In contrast, Liu Xi was much calmer and commented: "Especially for the Navy, I have heard that Well, in Goryeo, a large amount of property and materials were seized, which can be regarded as a way to make up for the huge deficit of the national treasury..."
"Although the Han army is powerful, it is still too sharp and makes enemies everywhere. After all, it is not a long-term solution!" Liu Xu sighed.
Hearing this, Liu Xi glanced at Liu Xu in surprise, rolled his eyes, and said softly: "Brother, if dad hears these words, I'm afraid he will be unhappy!"
Hearing his reminder, Liu Xu couldn't help but smile bitterly: "I just expressed my feelings!"
Shaking his head, Liu Xu asked with concern: "The winter in the north is brutally cold. I heard that my father came to the north of the Great Wall to supervise the war in person. Are you okay and don't have any worries about your leg problems?"
"Dad is in good health, but my mother fell ill a few days ago!" Liu Xi said. In today's Han Palace, the only person who calls the princes and princesses "Empress" is the Queen.
"What's going on? How is the situation?" Liu Xu asked.
Liu Xu grew up in the court and only respected two women, one was the Queen Mother Li who raised him, and the other was Queen Fu. Although he was not his biological child, Liu Xu was still very grateful for Da Fu's care for Liu Xu in the past.
"It's not about the soldiers of the Mobei expedition. When the empress found out, how could I not be so worried that I became so angry that I fell ill!" Liu Xi said: "Fortunately, after these days of rest, I have gradually recovered! "
Mentioning this, Liu Xu frowned and said: "But this heart disease still needs heart medicine to heal! Hasn't there been any news from the expeditionary force after such a long time?"
"There are still some clues!" Liu Xi's lips curled up slightly: "Based on all the information, it can be speculated that the remnants of the expeditionary force have withdrawn westward to the area east of Jinshan. People have been arranged to search for them, maybe next year, or maybe earlier. There will be more specific news!”
"Jinshan! That's really remote!" Liu Xu obviously knew him a bit, and said, "I wonder what the fourth and sixth brothers are doing now."
"Besides praying and starting to search, there is nothing we can do!" Liu Xi seemed to always be able to see through: "The battle formation is dangerous. Among the brothers, only the fourth and sixth brothers have such courage and heroic spirit, riding in uniform and galloping The battlefield. If you can return safely this time, just like an eagle that has gone through training, it can fly high and spread its wings..."
Hearing what Liu Xi said, Liu Xu glanced at him in surprise, thought about it, and smiled: "I just hope they can come back intact!"
"Third brother, my sister-in-law has given birth too!"
"Thank you for your concern, brother!" Upon hearing this, Liu Xi raised a smile and said, "I gave birth in September and gave me a son..."
