"Your Majesty!" After passing the palace to express his condolences, Emperor Liu originally did not want to stay for a long time and wanted to return to the palace, but an old call stopped him.
"My father-in-law is old, why do I need to come personally?" The person who stopped Emperor Liu was none other than Xing Guogong, his father-in-law, and Guo Wei.
Guo Wei is now approaching his seventies, and there is more white in his beard and hair. But as far as Emperor Liu knows, his body has always been strong and he can ride horses and eat meat. He is getting stronger as he gets older and has many children and grandchildren. After nearly twenty years of care, my life is very nourishing and carefree.
However, at this time, Guo Wei was being supported by Liu Han, the twelfth son of the emperor, and his old face looked a bit skinny and frail. Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Guo Wei's eyes were full of emotion, and he lamented: "After all, the love between father and son, now that I have passed away, how can I not come? Your Majesty is so blessed, and on behalf of the Chai family, I would like to thank your Majesty for your concern!"
"Don't say anything if you meet outsiders!" Emperor Liu looked at Guo Wei and said seriously: "Your Excellency is not only the pillar of Han Dynasty's meritorious service, but also my good friend and family member. With this relationship, no matter what, I must come in person!"
Chai Rong repeated his surname back then to show the separation of Guo and Chai, which had strong political significance. However, in fact, the two surnames were still closely connected. There were even marriages within three generations, and the relationship between the two families was still very close.
Especially for the children of Guo Chai, if they are divided into two families, they will have a large amount of inheritable titles, property and political resources, which is double happiness.
In the early years, Guo Wei's other sons were unhappy because of Guo Wei's trust and closeness to Chai Rong. Later, Chai Rong restored his surname, and the relationship between them eased.
In the final analysis, it is still about profit. As for the advantages and disadvantages of Guo Chai's family separation, it is difficult to say in one word for them, it just depends on the angle from which they look at it.
Emperor Liu was well aware of these situations and did not express any dissatisfaction or bad opinions. After all, they even demolished their family due to their own pressure. With such sincerity, how could Emperor Liu be so demanding? He couldn't force the two families to turn against each other.
Now, more than ten years have passed, and when I look back at my past experiences and behaviors, those suspicions and vigilances seem a little inexplicable, even a little childish and ridiculous. Of course, in the current political environment, it is unreasonable to look at what happened back then with today's mentality and perspective.
Twenty years ago, Emperor Liu had always had an almost deep-rooted suspicion of Guo Wei, even though he was tolerant and respectful on the surface, he was always on guard in his heart. Emperor Liu of that period was indeed insecure.
Even at the beginning, due to Emperor Liu's actions, Guo Wei did not gain too much prestige and power. However, with the development of the times, for two or three years, Guo Wei was the well-deserved first-class minister in the Han court.
Coupled with Chai Rong, the adopted son who was trusted by Emperor Liu, and Guo Chai, they formed a huge military and political power group. Even now, the influence of both cannot be underestimated.
The ninth year of Kaibao is coming to an end. Look at how many nobles and generals in the court today came from Guo Chai's tent. Not to mention those who have passed away and lacked qualifications, Zhang Yongde, Li Chongjin, Cao Bin, Pan Mei, Ma Renyu, Liu Guangyi... just list a list of names, they are all playing a decisive role in the current military affairs of the Han Dynasty. characters, and these people, at that time, all belonged to Ma Zai under Guo Wei's account.
There are still more talents, who were promoted one after another during the process of Emperor Liu's army reorganization. Otherwise, according to the course of history, most of the outstanding military and political talents of the Han Dynasty will be taken under Guo Wei's account.
This is what is written in the official history, and most of them worked for the Northern Song Dynasty to unify the world, and even in the Song Taizong era, they were still shining.
Therefore, even if he now feels that his suspicions back then seem a bit ridiculous, Emperor Liu will never despise himself at the time, and will not even have the slightest regret. He will only feel some emotion and make a few noises in the process of recalling the old days. Just sad.
Of course, facing Guo Wei, who was already aging at this time, Emperor Liu's attitude was naturally more cordial, kind, gentle and gentle. After all, Guo Wei at this time is no longer harmful to him.
"Dad, it's cold and windy. Don't stay outside for a long time. Don't catch cold. Someone will take care of Brother Rong's funeral!" Concubine Guo Ning stepped forward to support Guo Wei and said to her son: "Liu Han, help grandpa in!"
"Yes!" Liu Han naturally did not dare to disobey his mother, and Emperor Liu was still watching from the side.
Because of Guo Wei, Emperor Liu was not in a hurry to return to the palace, and went to the backyard of the palace to chat together. Up to now, Emperor Liu had no suspicion of Guo Wei at all. On the contrary, he had an obvious respect and showed gentleness in every word and deed. This old man Guo Wei was very moved and gratified.
When Guo Wei asked to retire, he was bedridden, unable to get up, and looked like he was about to die. However, after so many years, he is still living strong and enjoying the good times, and it seems that he cannot sigh at Guo Wei's wisdom.
"My father-in-law will be sixty and eight this year!" In the conservatory, after tasting some tea from the British Duke's Palace, Emperor Liu looked at Guo Weidao, who had regained some of his complexion.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, but you still remember how old I am!" Guo Wei heard this, and his tone was full of emotion: "Unconsciously, I am already nearly 70 years old!"
Emperor Liu nodded and said: "Xingzhou is thousands of miles away from Beijing, so it is inconvenient to travel. My father-in-law is old and does not need to suffer such trouble. From now on, just stay in the capital and let your descendants be close to you to fulfill their filial piety." !”
"Your Majesty is so caring, thank you, sir!" After hearing this, Mr. Guo Wei couldn't help but be moved, and he quickly stood up and responded.
After entering the Kaibao Year, Guo Wei lived between the capital and Xingzhou. In the early years, he was accompanied by Guo Yi. Later, when Guo Yi grew up and became an official, when he stayed in Xingzhou, he looked a bit like an empty-nest old man. .
Emperor Liu asked Guo Weichang to stay in the capital for his retirement, which was naturally a considerate concern for him. Perhaps Chai Rong's death was also one of the reasons, but it was not the main factor.
"It doesn't have to be like this!" Emperor Liu smiled gently, waved his hand and said, "When I have time, my father-in-law can also come into the palace to drink and chat with me. I also feel lonely in the palace!"
"If Your Majesty does not mind that I am old, then I will have the audacity to bother you!" Guo Wei said.
"Liu Han!" Nodding, Emperor Liu looked at the Twelve Sons again and said in a more serious tone: "Mr. Mr. Xing is your best role model, and your uncle Guo Yi was trained by him himself!"
"Yes!" Faced with Emperor Liu's words, Liu Han didn't dare to have any objections. He responded respectfully and was very well-behaved.
Looking at Guo Wei again, Emperor Liu pondered for a moment and said: "My father-in-law, there is something that may be inappropriate to say at this time, but I would like to take this opportunity to hear your opinion!"
Hearing this, Guo Wei was slightly surprised, but in response to Emperor Liu's gaze, he still raised his hands and said, "Your Majesty, please speak!"
"Now that Duke Ying has passed away, among his descendants, who should inherit the title?" Emperor Liu said.
I have to say that this is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. The property left by Chai Rong is very generous. He has seven sons. Under normal circumstances, the eldest son Chai Zongyi is naturally the most suitable successor.
However, Emperor Liu specifically mentioned something that should have been a final conclusion. Does this mean that Emperor Liu had any thoughts? Although Guo Wei was old, his mind was still very sharp. He immediately thought of Chai Zongxun and his wife. Chai Zongxun was the consort after all. Could it be that Emperor Liu was considering this.
Serious thinking made Guo Wei's old face look a little solemn, and Emperor Liu did not disturb his thinking. After thinking for a while, Guo Wei glanced at Emperor Liu and finally said: "I thought that there should be order between elders and younger ones, and there should be no distinction between direct descendants and concubines!"
Although the words were simple, Guo Wei's attitude was already clear. Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu's mouth twitched, more like a twitch, and he quickly showed a smile and said: "My father-in-law is right! Zong Yi has been an official for about ten years, and he has good experience. He can succeed his father." Industry!"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Guo Wei was inexplicably relieved.
