On December 26, the eighth year of Kaibao's reign, just before the arrival of the New Year, after a long and icy journey, the emperor finally arrived in Beijing. After nearly half a year, Emperor Liu returned to Luoyang again.
Before crossing the Yellow River south, Emperor Liu originally planned to go to Kaifeng. After all, Emperor Liu had not officially returned to Kaifeng since moving west to Luoyang.
However, after some consideration, I gave up the idea of returning to Kaifeng. Now that the main body of the imperial court is in Luoyang, the country is in need of stable recuperation, and a series of aftermath matters of the Northern Expedition need to be dealt with. It would be inappropriate for him to stay in Kaifeng. After all, if the imperial court is temporarily moved to Tokyo, it will be a lot of trouble. , completely unnecessary.
Speaking of which, although I have become accustomed to staying in Luoyang, I still miss Kaifeng from time to time. After all, it is a place where I have stayed for nearly twenty years, so it is inevitable that I will be attached to it.
"I respectfully welcome His Majesty's triumphant return!" In front of the Qianyuan Palace, under the leadership of Prime Minister Zhao Pu, hundreds of civil and military officials gathered to welcome Luan Jia.
Although as usual, Emperor Liu issued an edict and did not hold a large-scale welcome ceremony, Zhao Pu still organized a welcoming ceremony in the imperial city, and all the chief officials of the ministries and ministers in Beijing were present.
He had not seen them in nearly half a year, and looking at these high-ranking officials and ministers of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Liu felt strange, but the respect these people had for him was still familiar. The Han Palace is still the same, but it is the depth of winter and it is more cold and solemn. However, with the return of the master, it will eventually return to its original state.
"You will be exempted from all courtesy!" Emperor Liu came down from his carriage, glanced around, and waved his hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty has personally handled matters and supervised the war on the Northern Patrol. Now he has returned with great honors. The whole court is in high spirits, and the subjects at home and abroad can feel at ease!" Zhao Pu stepped forward to accompany Emperor Liu. After becoming the prime minister, he always showed a cold face to others. At this time, his face With a humble smile on his face.
"Oh? My absence in the capital has made the subjects uneasy? The news I have received is that under the leadership of Zhao Qing, the court is safe, running well and in order!" Emperor Liu smiled and said to Zhao Pu.
Did Emperor Liu know that during his absence, Zhao Pu was in high spirits in the capital? Even if he could not be said to be arrogant and domineering, it could be said that he kept his word, had great power, and ruled the world. Perhaps this was what he had truly pursued in the past. things.
However, with the return of Emperor Liu, everything has to return to the way it was before. Even if Emperor Liu boldly delegates power, as long as others are in the palace, for these ministers, no matter how powerful you are, you will be shrouded in the shadow of Emperor Liu. Under the pressure!
Hearing this, Zhao Pu immediately opened his mouth and said: "Your Majesty is the backbone of the Han Dynasty. I have been entrusted with government affairs by your Majesty, but I can only manage to maintain it, walking on thin ice. Now that your Majesty has returned, people are determined, and I can relax a little." Heavy burden!"
"Haha! Zhao Qing is so humble. I am relieved to leave the government in your hands!" Emperor Liu raised his hand, patted Zhao Pu's shoulder affectionately, and smiled heartily.
The majestic Qianyuan Palace stood like a mountain in the north wind. Emperor Liu looked at it, with a little kindness flashing in his eyes. However, he did not enter the palace to sit in court, but walked along the stepped imperial road to the Chui Gong Palace.
Chongzheng Hall in Tokyo and Chui Gong Hall in Xijing are both the sleeping halls where Emperor Liu lived daily, and from the two, we can also see the changes in Emperor Liu.
"I wasn't allowed to welcome you, but you welcomed me too!" Da Ma Jin Dao sat on the cold dragon throne, and the ministers paid homage. Emperor Liu said simply: "Zhao Qing said that you are uneasy. Now, I have You have also seen Hui Chao, so you can put it down!
Everything in the capital remains the same as before. You all should return to your duties. If I don't come back, it will cause turmoil and chaos! I am tired from the journey and a little tired. Please step back first and I will ascend to the palace to sit in court the next day! "
"I'll retire!" Emperor Liu's words made all the ministers a little disappointed, but they still agreed honestly and resigned!
"Zhao Pu, Song Qi, Shi Shouxin, and Pan Mei stay!" Emperor Liu added another sentence. These four people are the most important people and ministers staying in Beijing.
"yes!"
"Thank you for your hard work during my absence!" The ministers dispersed, and Emperor Liu also put away his majestic appearance. He looked at the ministers with a gentle face and said, "Especially Zhao Qing, Song Qing, the commander-in-chief In government affairs, it is not easy to adjust the yin and yang!"
Gu: "I have devoted myself to death and died!" After receiving Emperor Liu's praise, Zhao Pu immediately bowed and said. Pan Mei and Shi Shouxin are also average.
Among the four ministers, Zhao Pu was the most high-spirited, and his power seemed to have a tonic effect. The heavy government affairs, instead of overwhelming Zhao Pu, made him energetic and charming.
In comparison, Song Qi's complexion was worse, and there seemed to be a little gloom lingering in his face. He was worried about the country and the people, and he worried more and worked more.
"I have a few things to explain to you!" Looking at the ministers, Emperor Liu raised his finger.
"Your Majesty's orders!" After hearing this, Zhao Pu and others suddenly became awe-inspiring.
Emperor Liu’s words were concise and powerful: “First, set up an altar in the southern suburbs to worship heaven and earth and offer sacrifices to ancestors;
Second, the army returns in triumph and prepares for a ceremony to enter the city and present prisoners;
Thirdly, regarding the Northern Expedition, I need a detailed report, and the court also needs to make a summary on the money and silk used for hoarding, the money and grain used in official warehouses, the weapons used in arsenals, the deployment of civilian forces from various places, and the loss of soldiers on the front line;
Fourthly, I intend to pursue the policy of resting with the people, and the central government should come up with a policy of resting;
Fifth, during the Northern Expedition, the Ministry of War discussed the merits as soon as possible, rewarded and compensated the officers and civilians, and prepared measures to comfort the meritorious officials;
Sixth, the new year is about to begin, and Xijing is preparing for a celebration. This year, the court, officials and people are all having a hard time, so they will welcome the new year with a celebration. "
Emperor Liu's speaking speed was not fast, and even seemed a little slow, but he gave instructions in one breath and seemed to be very smooth. Zhao Pu and others heard that they felt a lot of pressure. As soon as the emperor came back, they were confused. Although they had already done some things in advance, they felt like they were in a hurry when Emperor Liu pressed them so calmly. feel.
However, there was no room for refutation, and Zhao Pu took the lead in saying yes. Emperor Liu was naturally satisfied with their attitude, and his tone softened, and he chuckled: "The affairs may be heavy, but they are all urgent matters, and all the ministers have to work hard!"
"Don't you dare say you are bitter!" Zhao Pu responded. For him, perhaps these things would make him more motivated. If he did it well, it would show his ability as Prime Minister and win the favor of Emperor Liu.
After explaining the situation, Emperor Liu did not keep them any longer and ordered them to leave and return to the capital. Emperor Liu subconsciously felt relieved, but as soon as he relaxed, the physical and mental fatigue from before suddenly came back to him.
Emperor Liu really felt that his energy was a little low and he was really overwhelmed.
"Father, since you have returned to the capital, you should rest well and take care of yourself!" Prince Liu Yang advised Emperor Liu warmly when he saw Emperor Liu's undisguised fatigue.
Emperor Liu leaned towards the dragon chair, looked at Liu Yang, and ordered: "I also have an errand for you. In the past six months, you go and review the official memorials handled by the center. I don't expect any problems or mistakes. You must understand the state of the country’s government during the Northern Expedition!”
"Yes!" Liu Yang replied.
"And!" Emperor Liu added: "Now that you have returned to Beijing, you are no longer the coach of the Northern Expedition. Your identity and thinking must be changed in time, and you must base yourself on the whole country and have an overview of the overall situation!"
"I understand!"
