On the palace gate of the imperial city, among the stars and the moon, Emperor Liu, dressed in royal robes, with his hands behind his back, looked down at the soldiers of the expeditionary army who paid homage to the prisoners in front of the Tianjin Bridge.
The returning soldiers dismounted and paid homage. The scene was solemn and solemn, with a strong sense of ceremony. However, no matter how iron-blooded his achievements were, they were all so humble and insignificant in the eyes of Emperor Liu.
For most of the northwest soldiers, it was the first time to come to Luo, the first time to enter the city, the first time to enjoy such a grand courtesy, and the first time to see the majestic and magnificent Ziwei Imperial City.
It was their first time to pay homage to the emperor and express their highest respect for him. Even though the emperor's figure was so mysterious and unattainable, it did not affect their awe at all.
Probably because of the gulf-like status gap, Emperor Liu could not understand the emotions of these soldiers, and it was even more difficult for him to empathize with them. At this time, he did not have much trouble in his heart. He was just doing superficial things with a kind face and following the process.
After the gifts were presented, the lieutenant-general announced an edict to reward the returning officers and soldiers generously, and the ordinary officers and soldiers were led to the barracks, where fine wine, food, and even bathhouses and new clothes had been prepared for the reception.
Major generals such as Wang Yansheng, Yang Ye, Guo Jin, Wang Shenqi and the Liu Fang brothers were naturally treated more generously. They were able to enter the palace and participate in the banquet hosted by Emperor Liu himself.
As night falls, the lights in Chui Gong Palace are brightly lit. The palace people have already prepared the royal banquet. The eunuchs and palace maids are coming in and out, and they have already begun to serve hot food. The bells and bells are melodious and the music is melodious, creating an elegant atmosphere.
"Come on, don't be restrained, all sit down!" Emperor Liu had already taken off his long robes, and the relaxation of his body made him feel a little happier. He looked at everyone with an easy-going look on his face: "You are fighting in a foreign land, although you are fighting in a foreign land. Thousands of miles apart, I miss you very much!"
"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. I am honored to do so!" Wang Yansheng, the most respected person, responded with his hands raised.
Seeing the humble and respectful Wang Yansheng with a face full of vicissitudes of life and flamboyant hair, Emperor Liu seemed a little surprised and said with a smile: "Is this still the unruly, arrogant and unruly General Tie'er? Guanglie, you are like this You are so humble and courteous, I am very surprised. Although the expedition is difficult and dangerous, it will not smooth out all your edges and corners!"
From the emperor's jokes, we can clearly feel the closeness, but after listening to his words, Wang Yansheng's old face became more rosy, and he smiled heartily: "Your Majesty, I am not a grass or tree, and I also understand human feelings. When I was in my youth, I , has a perverse personality and has frequently acted domineeringly, but after so many years, and with Your Majesty’s teachings of tolerance, how can I remain indifferent? The old minister is already a rotten tree, and if he is still as arrogant as before, why not let the younger generations laugh at him? "
"I'm sincere!" After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu laughed: "But your temperament has not changed. I have confirmed that you are still the familiar Wang Guanglie! However, it is more gratifying to be more humble!"
"If His Majesty hadn't been magnanimous in the past and always tolerated my mistakes, how would I be today?" Wang Yansheng said again. He was not the kind of person who was good at words, but revealing his heart like this moved people even more.
"I heard that you worked hard in the war and got sick. How is your health? Are you still fine?" During an expedition, Wang Yansheng was obviously tortured enough. Even Emperor Liu could feel that his energy was far inferior to before, and he asked with concern asked.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty!" Wang Yansheng responded suddenly: "After decades of fighting for my life on the battlefield, this is indeed the most dangerous time. However, the veteran is determined to survive, so I still let him get through!"
"That's right, when you were trapped in Mobei and your whereabouts were unknown, everyone said that you were in danger, but I firmly believe that you can make it through. You are determined to survive!" Emperor Liu said.
"I still rely on His Majesty's grace and blessing, so that I can find a chance to survive!" Yang Ye also spoke.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately waved his hands, looked at several generals, and said solemnly: "All I can do is not give up searching and silently pray for you! How can I earn this glimmer of hope in such a poor and dangerous situation? It’s still you!”
"Okay, without further ado, I would like to toast you a glass first and welcome you back to the court!" Emperor Liu picked up a jade cup filled with purple-red wine and said, "This is Duke Cao of Xiping. The wine that Yuan Zhong presented to me! The luminous cup of grape wine. You have worked hard in the Western expedition and returned from hundreds of battles. It is just what you wanted."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Everyone present quickly raised their glasses in response.
After a glass of wine, the atmosphere at the banquet became more harmonious. Emperor Liu turned his attention to the two brothers Liu Fang and Liu Min and said: "You two brothers, go to the Kunning Hall first. The Queen, the Concubine Xian and the sister-in-law, They are waiting for you to say hello, they are waiting for me to entertain you!"
After hearing this order, Liu Fang and Liu Min looked at each other, without any hesitation, stood up and said, "Yes!"
After saying this, he bowed to the prince, Zhao Pu and the generals before saying goodbye and leaving the palace. After the two of them left the palace, Emperor Liu looked at Wang Yansheng and Yang Ye and said, "My two incompetent sons are so tired from this expedition, and I have caused you a lot of trouble by taking care of them! I have given you a lot of trouble!" Father, I am grateful in my heart, and I would like to take this cup to express my gratitude!"
Emperor Liu was very low-key at this time. Seeing this, Wang and Yang hurriedly raised their glasses to make peace. After finishing the drink, Yang Ye said: "Your Majesty, you are serious. Both of your Highnesses are talented generals. They can lead troops in battles and have extraordinary talents. Far from being a trouble, expeditions and battles have a lot of help, and they have made many meritorious deeds. There are few others in the expeditionary force!"
Gu Fan, "What Chonggui said is right!" Wang Yansheng also came to agree, with admiration on his face: "It's not a compliment from an old minister, but it's like the two highnesses, such noble men, followed us to take risks, but they were fearless and worked tirelessly. , extremely rare.
To be honest with you, your majesty, it was not once that we were in desperate situations and nearly destroyed during our expeditions. However, your two highnesses set an example and shared joys and sorrows, life and death together. Only by uniting our military morale and firming up our beliefs can we persevere until the end! "
"I never thought these two boys could have such a function!" Emperor Liu grinned. Although he had long been familiar with the situation of the expeditionary force, he still felt unusual after hearing Generals Wang and Yang praise him face to face. Joy: "It is their blessing to be recognized by the Second Minister!"
"I am not exaggerating!" Yang Ye said immediately: "Not to mention the achievements in the Mobei battle, after retreating to the Jinshan area from the west, many affairs in the army were handed over to His Highness Zhao Gong, and His Highness also It was handled appropriately and properly, with few omissions, and showed its ability to control the army. This is well-known!"
"That also depends on the help of Er Qing!" Emperor Liu raised his hand.
Looking at Yang Ye, his favorite general, Emperor Liu chuckled and said: "Chonggui, twenty-five years ago, I told you that you are the best general in the world. Twenty-five years later, you are already The Zhuguo, the leading Han Dynasty, has conquered the city, I am very pleased!"
Emperor Liu's words were obviously praising Yang Ye, but Yang Ye felt deeply about this. Although he had senior qualifications and great achievements, but he was second to none, he thought that the reward was too heavy.
However, when the emperor praised him in such a way, Yang Ye couldn't say what he said directly. He just stood up and said solemnly: "If it hadn't been for your majesty's appreciation and trust in promoting him, I would not be where I am today! There are many famous generals in the Han Dynasty, and there is no shortage of Yang Ye. But without His Majesty, I would not have the opportunity to make great achievements!"
"You! You are still so humble!" Emperor Liu was naturally very touched by Yang Ye's loyalty and respect for Emperor Liu, and his attitude was always so friendly.
His eyes turned and fell on Yang Yanzhao, who was somewhat incompatible with these meritorious veterans at the banquet. He said gently: "It is said that brothers fighting tigers, father and son go into battle! You, father and son, went into battle together this time, experienced life and death, and dedicated your life to the great man. It’s a good story! I’ve also heard about Yuan Xian’s performance, and there is a successor to the Yang family!”
Yang Yanzhao could not be said to be familiar with Emperor Liu, but he was definitely no stranger to him. He had heard Emperor Liu's encouragement more than once in the past, but this was the first time for him to receive such an easy-going compliment.
Therefore, he quickly stood up, bowed his hands to the bottom, and said: "Your Majesty has given you too much praise, and I dare not live up to it!"
Seeing his attitude, Emperor Liu liked it and laughed and said: "It doesn't have to be like this. Young people should still be a little energetic. I know that your upbringing is very strict, so don't lose your energy!"
"Thank you for your teaching, Your Majesty!" Yang Yanzhao's attitude remained the same. Naturally, he would not really become popular just because of Emperor Liu's one or two words.
Nodding, Emperor Liu looked at Yang Ye again: "Chonggui, Yuan Xian must be twenty years old!"
Yang Ye was slightly stunned and quickly responded: "Back to Your Majesty, it's twenty and one!"
"You're not young yet, you haven't gotten married yet!" Emperor Liu said.
Yang Ye shook his head and sighed: "Over the years, I have been training in the army with my ministers, but I didn't care about it!"
"That's not possible! Now that I'm old, it's time to start a family!" Emperor Liu stroked his beard and said with great interest: "This time when I return to Beijing, I can get things settled. I will definitely give him a good marriage!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Yang Ye was a little surprised and thanked him immediately. Emperor Liu cared so much about his family affairs, which naturally made Yang Ye grateful.
"Congratulations to Mr. Yang!" Zhao Pu watched everything silently. At this time, he also congratulated Yang Ye.
"Thank you, Prime Minister Zhao!" Yang Ye responded subconsciously, noticing the kindness in Zhao Pu's eyes, and smiled back.
There was also a little bit of envy in Zhao Pu's eyes. Emperor Liu's favor for the Yang family and his son was rare among the people in the court. Yang Ye didn't hear it, but Zhao Pu knew it. I'm afraid that Emperor Liu gave the marriage to him. She will be a princess.
As the prime minister, why wouldn't Zhao Pu want to marry a princess to his son? It's a pity that although Emperor Liu valued him and gave him great power, he never showed similar expressions, and he did not dare to use his power to ask for favor.
