This open-air royal banquet had just officially begun, with Emperor Liu scolding the two princes Liu Yun and Liu Shu. However, everyone knew that it was not just those two princes who were scolded.
The speaker was intentional, and so was the listener. The atmosphere at the banquet relaxed slightly, but then quickly turned serious and depressing.
Emperor Liu didn't stop talking, stared at Liu Shu and continued to scold: "I heard that you are very picky on weekdays. You are picky about food, drink, clothes, cars, horses, clothes, and play. Not only that, you also need to have fun. Characteristics, otherwise it will be difficult to arouse your interest. The household expenses are huge, often thousands of dollars a month. I am very curious. Can the salary Lumi given to you by the court support such luxury? Huh? Can you explain it to me? Confused?"
"My lord, my lord..." After hearing this question, Liu Shu's face turned a little pale, and he lowered his head, hesitating and not knowing what to say. He was already at an age when his voice was changing, and his voice became even duller.
After so many years, Liu Shu has been taught a lesson by Emperor Liu more than once or twice, but he is not a fool. Naturally, he can feel the difference this time, and he is nervous for the first time. Compared with the time when Emperor Liu ordered someone to whip him, he was afraid.
Among the princes, the one who loves to enjoy the most is Liu Shu. He grew up in a honey pot. Even though the palace's education for the princes was very strict, he couldn't bear to have a doting mother.
After opening the palace, he was freed from the constraints of the palace walls and became more like a wild horse running freely in the world outside the palace.
When it comes to money, Liu Shu is really not short of money. In addition to the annual salary and the manor and land awarded by Emperor Liu, Concubine Fu Hui in the palace also gave her a lot of money. Behind the scenes, there was also the supply of the Fu family. He also accepted the wishes of the children of the Fu family and never refused them, treating them only as favors between relatives.
"I also heard that the chamber pots you use are made of gold and inlaid with pearls and jade!" Emperor Liu looked at Liu Shu coldly, but his tone was very relaxed and frightening: "This can be considered an anecdote. Yes, it’s just that, when I listened to it, it sounded very familiar to me!”
"As I get older, my memory fades! Dear gentlemen, is there anyone who can help me clear up my doubts?" After saying that, Emperor Liu looked around again and asked.
No one dared to answer this question. The air was quiet for a while, except for the north wind that was still whining. The sound of the wind was low and suppressed, and it seemed to be restrained and did not dare to be too presumptuous.
"Why, with so many people here, no one can clear up this suspicion?" Emperor Liu said with a smile.
It is impossible to not know it at all. At least people like Liu Xu, Wei Renpu and others definitely know it, but they dare not say it.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, the Seventh Prince and Wu Gong Liu Hui hesitated for a moment, then stood up and said, "I may try to speak."
"Oh?" Emperor Liu looked at Liu Hui with a serious face and waved his hand: "Speak!"
"I once heard that Meng Chang, a minister who surrendered to Shu, once had a 'Seven Treasures Drowning Vessel', which was also decorated with rare pearls and jade. After Shu was settled, the general once presented this plaything to him!" Liu Hui glanced sideways at Liu Hui, who was a little distracted. Dawn, replied in a deep voice.
"With so many ministers and veterans, are they not as knowledgeable as a kid with a yellow mouth?" Emperor Liu smiled faintly and continued: "Liu Hui, it seems that your knowledge has indeed increased over the years!"
"It's all your Majesty's teachings!" Liu Hui breathed a sigh of relief and responded respectfully.
"Then you should know how I dealt with the Seven Treasures Drowning Weapon back then, and tell the princes about it!" Emperor Liu said.
Liu Hui: "Your Majesty, because Meng Chang was arrogant, extravagant and greedy for pleasure, which led to the destruction of the country, he specially ordered the palace officials to hold his 'Seven Treasures Drowning Device' and break it at the palace gate as a warning to the officials!"
"Well said!" Emperor Liu nodded, his eyes still wandering around the banquet: "But you missed one point, and this is a warning to myself. Take this as a lesson and don't make the same mistake!"
"It's just that after so many years, looking back, I realize that I didn't do it!" Emperor Liu's voice turned cold, his tone became stern, and he stared at Liu Shu again: "Tell me, what do you think?"
"Son... I have done something wrong, please punish me!" Liu Shu couldn't hold himself any longer and hurriedly asked for punishment.
"Why, please ask me to punish you so that you can be forgiven for your mistakes and everything can be revealed. After a few years of silence, you will return to your old ways?" Emperor Liu said coldly: "Kneel down!"
With a plop, Liu Shu's legs went weak, he knelt down, kowtowed and explained: "I never meant this, I really know I was wrong!"
Seeing Liu Shu, who had always been at odds with him, being scolded by Emperor Liu in front of a large audience, Liu Hui felt an inexplicable sense of joy in his heart. If the atmosphere wasn't wrong, he might have laughed out loud.
However, the gloating mood was quickly dispelled. Emperor Liu turned around and asked Liu Hui: "I also heard that your Duke Wu's mansion has been extremely lively in the past period of time! There are many guests and constant banquets. There are scholars who talk and laugh, there are no white men in the world, and I sing about the wind and the moon. I am very happy!"
Liu Hui's handsome face was filled with a burst of astonishment. Under Emperor Liu's gaze, his hands had nowhere to rest, and he no longer needed to speak. He knelt down on the ground consciously: "Please punish me, Your Majesty!"
He knelt down, but he couldn't help but feel aggrieved. He had already been taught a lesson for this matter before, and he had restrained himself a lot recently. He often went to the palace to pay greetings and take care of the sick Concubine Zhou Shu. He never thought that Emperor Liu would return to his old affairs this time. I mentioned it again, in front of so many people.
The atmosphere at the banquet was getting colder, and it could no longer be relieved by some charcoal fire and hot wine. Although Emperor Liu had been reprimanding several princes, these Han princes were still lingering in their hearts with all kinds of tastes, and it was difficult to let go.
"My brothers are still young and will inevitably be willful and reckless. Now that you know your mistakes, you can just give more training and admonitions. I beg your majesty to be lenient, calm down your anger, and take care of your health!" At this time, Qin King Liu Xu, who had been silent, felt that he should not He continued to sit and stood up to comfort him.
Looking at his eldest son, Emperor Liu's expression actually softened. So far, if it weren't for finding faults, Liu Xu would not have been able to find any problems in cultivating himself, running the family, and running the government.
"I tell you, youth is not an excuse to make mistakes, nor is it a reason to be lenient!" Emperor Liu pointed out seriously: "At this age, you brothers have been able to share the worries of me and the court and make contributions within your ability! Liu Min is only twenty-eight years old, and he is already able to go into battle, risk life and death, and fight for his country! As for them, they don’t even realize their duties as sons of men and ministers, and they should be taught a lesson!"
"What your Majesty said is true!" Emperor Liu said so, and Liu Xu could only agree.
"Haha..." After pondering for a while, Emperor Liu suddenly laughed softly, but the laughter gave people a sense of desolation. He looked at the ministers: "I now have fifteen sons under my knees. In the past, People often praise me in my ears, saying that each of them is a dragon or a phoenix, a hero in the world. I am also a father, and I am happy to hear these compliments.
But I don’t know clearly in my heart that there are many heroes in this world, how can they all come from the heavenly home. I have made laws and regulations both inside and outside the court, as well as the education of the prince's children. I have often felt proud of myself because of my disciples' academic achievements. Now it seems that I am just deceiving myself and others! "
Hearing what Emperor Liu said, the princes present all lowered their heads subconsciously. Liu Yun, Liu Hui, and Liu Shu, who seemed to be singled out, all looked ashamed.
Of course, it is inevitable to feel dissatisfied. After all, he is a noble man from Tianhuang. His past growth experience has also been accompanied by honors and compliments. Most of them are somewhat self-centered, and it is not something that Emperor Liu can repent in a few words.
"My son, wait, let your Majesty down!"
After waving his hands, Emperor Liu breathed a sigh of relief, finally stopped scolding the princes, turned around and said to King Xu Liu Chengyun beside him: "Brother Yun!"
"I'm here! Your Majesty, please give me your orders!" When Liu Chengyun heard the voice, he stood up quickly, as if he had been pricked by a needle, and bowed his waist to obey the order.
"In my opinion, the newly opened princes need to be strictly educated. You are Zongzheng and the emperor's uncle, so you should pay more attention! From now on, all princes' annual salary will be reduced by half, and Zongzheng will choose upright officials. Enter each government and continue to discipline them, especially, keep an eye on their money bags!" Emperor Liu said calmly.
"yes!"
After giving the instructions, Emperor Liu looked at the other princes again. At this time, everyone was like a wooden statue, sitting there quietly, unwilling to move but daring to move.
Obviously, it was impossible for Emperor Liu to call so many people here and watch him teach the prince a lesson in the cold wind. Now that the prince's training is over, whose turn is it next?
"Why are you all stunned?" Emperor Liu regained his smile and looked at everyone in surprise: "The wine is getting cold! Come on, drink, eat meat, and get moving!"
As Emperor Liu spoke, he raised his glass and stood up, walked a few steps on the cold grass, and said to the two brothers Liu Hui and Liu Shu who were still kneeling: "What are you still kneeling for? You think the ground is not cold enough? Get up?" , go back and take your seat!”
"Yes!" The two brothers quickly thanked them.
Facts have proved that Emperor Liu loved and cared for his sons after all.
