On November 17, the eighth year of Kaibao's reign, in the winter, despite the wind and cold, after an uncomfortable journey, the prince finally returned to Youzhou. Emperor Liu learned that he specially ordered the bachelor of the cabinet to go out of the city ten miles to welcome him on his behalf.
Although it is already the depth of winter and the weather is freezing cold, as the center of the Youyan region, Youzhou has gradually regained its vitality. On the official road, there are many people coming and going, and the inn on the left side of the road is even more crowded.
"Welcome Your Highness!"
"Scholar Zhang is exempt from the gift! The weather is so cold, thank you for your hard work. Thank you for your hard work!" Liu Yang had a very gentle attitude towards this newly wealthy minister beside Emperor Liu, and got out of the car to meet him personally.
"His Highness has worked tirelessly to serve Liaodong personally, and I am respectful to you all. Now that you have returned successfully, you should be greeted respectfully. Besides, with His Majesty's decree, I don't dare to neglect it!" Zhang Yong's attitude became even more respectful.
Although it was an inexplicable feeling, Liu Yang felt that after the experience of the Northern Expedition, these ministers had a little more respect for him, and it was no longer just because of his status as the prince.
"You don't have to be polite, Bachelor Zhang!" Liu Yang smiled, his eyes fell on the handsome young man standing next to Zhang Yong, and said: "Tenth brother, are you here too?"
The young man was none other than the tenth prince Liu Zhao. His handsome face was flushed red. When asked, he showed a reserved smile and responded: "Xueshi Zhang is here on behalf of my father, and I am here to welcome my second brother on behalf of my mother!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yang's eyes couldn't help but soften, and he became more eager to return home. He had also heard about the queen's illness. He waved to Liu Zhao and said: "It's cold outside, get in the car!"
"Yes!" Liu Zhao hesitated a little, but still stepped forward.
Looking at Zhang Yong again, Liu Yang said in a more serious tone: "If you still trouble me, Bachelor Zhang, please lead me to see your majesty immediately!"
"Yes!" Zhang Yong responded immediately. Although he had some arrangements, seeing the prince's eagerness, he just went along with it.
The spacious and comfortable car is filled with soft blankets and a heater, which is very warm. It also brings comfort and peace of mind in this cold weather.
Liu Yang sat softly and looked more and more powerful. Although he rarely experienced dangerous battles during the Northern Expedition, after nearly a year of hard work, Liu Yang's original reserved character seemed to have gained a little sharpness.
It can be said that today's prince can only be said to be like a father!
Probably intimidated by Liu Yang's power, after getting in the car, Liu Zhao sat quietly on the side, with an upright posture, almost close to the door curtain, as if he wanted to escape from the car at any time, and his fingers gently rolled up the corners of his sleeves. .
"Tenth brother, sit here, why are you so far away?" Seeing this, Liu Yang patted the cushion next to him.
Liu Zhao raised his eyes and looked at Liu Yang, who had a gentle look on his face. After showing obvious hesitation on his face, he moved his buttocks and got closer to Liu Yang, then lowered his head without saying anything.
"How is your mother's health?" Liu Yang asked.
"After being diagnosed and treated by the imperial physician, and after these days of convalescence, he is already much better!" Liu Zhao responded in a low voice.
"I have been away from home this year and have been obsessed with military affairs. My mother is ill and I have not been able to personally serve the soup. I may be too busy with state affairs in the future. I rarely have free time. I still need you to serve my mother and fulfill your filial piety!" Liu Yang sighed with emotion.
"Yes! I know!" Liu Zhao looked up at Liu Yang again and nodded.
Liu Zhao was speechless and couldn't hold back a few words even when he opened his mouth. Liu Yang couldn't help but feel speechless and didn't know what to say for a moment. With a wry smile, Liu Yang said: "Tenth brother, we are biological brothers, and you are growing up day by day. If anything happens in the future, you can just come to me!"
"Yes!" Liu Zhao responded respectfully.
Seeing his performance, Liu Yang finally sighed deeply. They were obviously brothers from the same mother, but they were so unfamiliar that it seemed like there was a mountain between them. It has to be said that due to his precocious maturity, he left school prematurely and became a counselor in state affairs. There was almost a generation gap between Liu Yang and his younger brothers.
Liu Yang was not a hard-hearted person. Although he was trained by Emperor Liu to become more rational and capable, he was tolerant by nature, soft-hearted, and valued family ties. However, the longer he sat in the position of prince, many things... It's getting further and further away from him.
...
In the Youzhou Palace, Emperor Liu immediately received Liu Yang and his entourage. With loud laughter, he personally helped Liu Yang, Zhao Kuangyin, and Gao Huaide up as they bowed down: "If you don't come back, I will put them down." You guys, return to Beijing first!"
Emperor Liu made a joke, of course it was a joke. The affairs in the north have been almost arranged, and the rest only requires civil and military management from below. The reason why Emperor Liu is still staying in Youzhou is to wait. Liu Yang et al.
"I was delayed for some time in Liaoyang. Please wait for your Majesty!" Liu Yang said solemnly.
Seeing the increasingly calm prince, Emperor Liu was somewhat satisfied and said, "Have all the affairs in Liaodong been arranged?"
Liu Yang handed over his hand: "Before I returned, I made an explanation with the civil and military forces of Liaodong. With the civil and military forces of Song and Ma, we should be able to stabilize the situation in Liaodong!"
Patting Liu Yang on the shoulder to show encouragement, and looking at Zhao and Gao, Emperor Liu smiled and said: "This Northern Expedition, the battlefield in Liaodong has the most brilliant results. This is all the credit of the two ministers!"
Zhao Kuangyin was able to speak and immediately said: "Without the overall coordination of His Majesty the Crown Prince, the full support of His Majesty and the imperial court, and the all-out efforts of the officers and soldiers of the three armies, how could we have achieved the results we have today? I would not dare to take credit!"
"Zhao Qing is being humble again!" Emperor Liu always had a smile in his words and seemed to be in a good mood. He pointed at Liu Yang and said: "Overall planning is important, but the final victory on the battlefield still depends on the dispatch of the frontline generals. The prince is young , and I have never had any experience in commanding troops. If it were not for the Second Minister, how could I be able to rest assured about the military affairs in Liaodong and live in the rear?"
Emperor Liu said this politely. If he was really at ease, why would he patrol the north and stay in Youzhou for several months? Speaking like this is partly true and partly false, just to give Zhao and Gao face.
After listening to what he said, Gao Huaide raised his hands and said: "Although the prince is young, he is magnificent, humble and accommodating. He is very capable and obedient. The army is gathering in Liaodong this time. Without the coordination of His Highness, it will be difficult to control the superiors and subordinates." Let’s fight for our country with one heart and one mind!”
Emperor Liu looked at Liu Yang, his kind eyes filled with smiles, and said, "Look, the marshals on the left and right think highly of you!"
Liu Yang immediately raised his hands humbly and said: "It's all because of the love of the two princes. If it were not for the two princes Zhao and Gao to assist Bi, with the talents of ministers, it would be difficult to bear the weight of Liaodong's military affairs!"
"Okay! No more polite words!" Emperor Liu waved his hands and said: "Generally speaking, I am very satisfied with the situation in Liaodong and your performance. As for the merits and demerits, I will make my own conclusions after returning to the court. You guys No need to be humble!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The three of them bowed again.
"It's been a hard journey, so I've prepared some food and wine. We'll talk while eating. It's a blessing for you. As for the celebration banquet, we'll talk about it after we return to Beijing!" Emperor Liu said.
"yes!"
Since the interview, Emperor Liu has mentioned returning to Beijing twice. Obviously, Emperor Liu is eager to return home and does not want to stay in Youzhou for a long time. As an emperor, he likes to go on tours, and each tour usually lasts for a long time. But similarly, as time goes by, he starts to "love home".
...
After a meal of wine, the coldness was washed away, and Liu Yang was slightly drunk. After leaving the banquet, the first thing Liu Yang did was not to rest, but to go to the queen's chamber to say hello.
Da Fu had obviously been waiting for her for a long time, and ordered someone to prepare some ginger soup. At this time, the queen's complexion had indeed improved a lot, but she was still haggard and obviously much older.
Seeing his mother's face like this, Liu Yang was touched. He knelt down and threw himself into Da Fu's arms, accusing him one after another of being unfilial.
During this time, Da Fu seemed to be a little sensitive, and some tears could not help but well up in his eyes, but he tried hard to stop it, and said: "The majestic prince has commanded hundreds of thousands of troops and won the battle, how can he be so weak? Girlishness!"
Liu Yang obviously couldn't control his emotions. He straightened up, wiped the corners of his eyes, and said with a wry smile: "You must have lost your composure!"
Looking at Da Fu's face, Liu Yang said with concern: "I heard that you are not in good health. I am very concerned about you!"
"It's okay. I'm old and frail. It's okay. You don't have to worry!" Da Fu responded and helped Liu Yang get up: "It's cold on the ground. Stop kneeling and get up and talk!"
"Yes!" Liu Yang stood up.
Looking at Liu Yang, Dafu sighed: "You have lost weight again!"
At this time, Liu Yang did look a little embarrassed. The bags under his eyes were a little deep. His face was not taken care of too carefully. The stubble spread around his lips.
...
On the 19th day of the eighth year of Kaibao's reign, Emperor Liu issued an edict, and the royal chariot officially set off from Youzhou to return to Beijing, bringing with him the achievements of the Northern Expedition and returning with great honor.
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
It's the end of the year, my personal situation is not right, my laziness has increased, and I'm sorry for the lack of updates.
