It got dark relatively early in the early spring. I followed the prince to meet Emperor Liu, and went to Kunming Palace to say hello, and then to Yaohua Palace to visit his mother, Concubine Gao. By the time Liu Xi left the palace, night was approaching, and the entire city of Luoyang was quickly swept away. Occupied by a thick layer of mist.
"Go back home!" In front of the imperial city, facing the oncoming guards, Liu Xi just ordered calmly, with no expression on his face.
Inside the car, leaning against the ground, Liu Xi's young face finally showed a little fatigue. Emperor Liu's older sons all seem to have a common characteristic, and so does Liu Xi.
In such a quiet space of solitude, with my eyes slightly closed, I couldn't help but review the gains of this tour in my mind, whether it was the inspection results of local officials and civil affairs, the performance of the prince, or even the brief interview in Chui Gong Hall.
When he retraced everything and opened his eyes again, Liu Xi's fatigue had dissipated, and some of his fluctuating emotions had calmed down.
Sighing softly, a smile hung on the corner of his mouth, feeling a little disappointed but more relieved. As the son of Emperor Liu, it would be unrealistic to say that he has no idea about the throne. It is an extravagant hope, and no one can even dream about it.
In terms of background, his mother was a noble concubine Gao, with the Gao family behind him. In terms of talent, Liu Xi dare not say that he is amazing, but he is definitely not weak to others. However, one is not the eldest son, and the other is not a direct descendant. These two points are congenital flaws, like a natural chasm lying in front of him, which cannot be made up by the efforts of the day after tomorrow.
Of course, this is the same for all princes who are not the legitimate eldest son. Compared with the prince Liu Yang, whose title has been determined long ago, there is a gap like a gulf between them. What is even more despairing is that Liu Yang Still working hard and being loyal and filial enough...
From childhood to adulthood, Liu Xi has consciously kept a low profile and kept a low profile. In addition to his personality, the more important thing is that he is aware of this matter.
In the past, it might have been just a subconscious behavior, but as he gets older, becomes more knowledgeable and has broader knowledge, his understanding of reality becomes more thorough.
Liu Xi had nothing to be dissatisfied with the direct line chief system confirmed by Emperor Liu, and could even express his approval. This was a way of survival that would consolidate the country's foundation and reassure people's hearts, and would be conducive to the stability and development of the country.
Of course, it is not easy for Liu Xi to maintain such a mentality if it falls on him. Over the years, among the eyes that have fallen on the prince Liu Yang, overtly or covertly, there is no doubt that Liu Xi's eyes are also on him.
Liu Xi was indeed paying attention to Liu Yang, observing his virtue, ethics and talents, and finally concluded that the second brother of the prince was very competent.
As time went by, Liu Yang's position became more and more stable, and Emperor Liu's trust and attention remained, and he became more and more unrestrained. When this happened, Liu Xi basically gave up his instinct to compete for the throne as a prince.
In the past, the prince's lack of an heir might have been a big hidden danger, but now with Concubine Zhao's pregnancy, this weak link has been made up. Of course, from Liu Xi's point of view, even if the prince really has no heirs, his status cannot be completely shaken. All he needs to do is take preventive measures.
After Liu Yang went on tour this time, what he saw along the way, and his observations of the prince's second brother, Liu Xi completely let go of his thoughts that he shouldn't have.
Liu Xi definitely realized that it was very suitable for the Han Empire to have such a prince. For him, the King of Jin, being an obedient and loyal minister was not a bad thing.
Just now in the palace, even Concubine Gao changed her usual attitude and no longer forced him. She did not even mention or even hint about the matter of fighting for the heir apparent. Even this mother, who has a strong personality and doesn't know how to hide her intentions, is depressed, let alone Liu Xi?
This person is too smart, but not all of it is good. He sees things too clearly, sees problems too thoroughly, and considers too many factors that seek advantages and avoid disadvantages.
For Liu Xi, it is not easy to let go of such thoughts and thoughts. Making such a decision brings even more inner torture and suffering. Of course, if you really let go, you will be really relieved.
The car that was driving smoothly stopped suddenly, which caught Liu Xi's attention and asked in a deep voice: "Where are you? Why did you stop?"
Soon, the officer escorting the driver reported to Liu Xi from outside the car: "Returning to the king, we have arrived at the square. The patrol officers happened to be inspecting, and they have already retreated. Please forgive me for disturbing the king!"
"It's okay!" Liu Xi naturally would not care about such trivial matters, but said: "Very good, the leading officer will note it down. Such a conscientious person deserves praise!"
"Let's drive!"
"yes!"
Liu Xi's Jin Palace is located in Shangshanfang on the south bank of Luoshui, not far from the imperial city. It has always been quiet and peaceful, and the square is full of noble families. The public security conditions are the best in places where princes and nobles gather together, except inside and outside Ziwei City. The Inspection Department's arrangements for patrolling soldiers in nearby squares are particularly intensive, especially after nightfall.
Soon, the car stopped in front of the palace of Prince Jin. The residence of Prince Jin also occupied a large area, but probably in line with the style of the owner, even the noble plaques of the royal family were restrained. Compared with the splendor of other princes' palaces, Liu Xi's palace seemed expensive but not extravagant.
"Welcome the king back to the palace!" They had already been notified, and under the leadership of Princess Song, a group of people in the palace paid homage in the front courtyard neatly.
Princess Song of the Jin Dynasty is only twenty-one years old now. She is young and beautiful, with her bun tied high up to the sky. Her nobility and the aura of a well-born family are very attractive.
Among Emperor Liu's many daughters-in-law, Princess Jin was of the noblest origin. Her mother was Princess Yongning, Emperor Liu's sister, and her father was Song Yanwo, Duke of Huiguo.
Seeing dozens or hundreds of people filling the court, Liu Xi was a little surprised. He waved his hands and said with a chuckle: "I'm just going home. Why make such a big fight? Get up and disperse!"
"Yes!" Liu Xi said, and the people waiting in the mansion quickly dispersed and everyone returned to their places.
Liu Xi then stepped forward to help Princess Jin up, held her hand, and said gently: "I've been away from the mansion for the past few months. It's been hard on Madam. Has the mansion been peaceful? Is there anyone who refuses to obey the discipline? If so, tell me. I will definitely teach you a lesson and prevent my wife from suffering any injustice!"
Liu Xi said this with a playful smile and obvious ridicule. The couple had been married for three years, and they were somewhat familiar with their temperament and style. Mrs. Song's face turned slightly red and she said angrily: "Although the king is not here, the rules set by him are still there. Who dares to violate them? Don't worry, your Majesty, everything is fine in the palace?" "
"Really?" Liu Xi exclaimed, "How could I be so powerful? The rules in the house are so strict?"
"Your Majesty, you have worked hard all the way and have prepared meals. Please take a bath and wash your hands before enjoying them in the hall!" Lady Song said.
"Since I'm back home, I'll follow my wife's arrangements!" Liu Xi showed his usual lazy attitude.
His eyes turned and fell on the son sitting in the wet nurse's arms. He clapped his hands towards him and showed a loving smile: "Wenhai, let daddy hug him!"
This is Emperor Liu's third grandson. He was born during the Northern Expedition in the eighth year of Kaibao. He is now just over one year old. She also has good genes from her parents, and she is born with a delicate body and delicate features.
However, he looked particularly quiet, with his clear and dark pupils looking very focused, as if he was not disturbed by external matters. Faced with his father's enthusiasm, he didn't care at all and just glanced sideways at Liu Xi.
Seeing the opportunity, the wet nurse handed the baby over and was taken into Liu Xi's arms. The little prince also seemed to adapt very well and was neither noisy nor fussy. Even when Liu Xi pricked him with his beard, apart from showing a bit of dissatisfaction, he didn't react. , that little look seemed to say: I can bear it.
After washing up and changing his clothes, Liu Xi entered the hall to enjoy the meal. Of course, it was only the family of three. Liu Xi personally held and fed the little prince Liu Wenhai. He somewhat enjoyed the feeling of caring for his heir.
"My son is very obedient!" Liu Xi said happily.
Seeing this, Mrs. Song frowned slightly and said, "My lord, don't you think Wen Hai is a little too quiet?"
"Why, isn't it good to be quiet?" Liu Xi said casually, picked up the silk handkerchief and carefully wiped the corners of the little prince's mouth.
"Normally, at this age, you can speak some words. I heard that Wen Yuan of the eldest brother's family can already call people at this time!" Madam Song showed a little worry: "Your Majesty, tell me, Wen Hai is a little slow?"
"Nonsense!" After hearing this, Liu Xi finally frowned. He probably felt that the tone was too harsh and frightened Madam Song. He quickly relaxed and said with a smile: "The child is still young, what can he tell? What are you going to say? He spoke late, but I thought his eyes were bright and courageous. He looked ordinary like those noisy ones!"
"Do you think so?" Liu Xi lowered his head and asked Liu Wenhai with a smile.
The little prince seemed to feel his mother's worry, and finally stopped speaking stingily, opening his little mouth and babbling.
"Haha!" Liu Xi laughed: "Look, where is the slowness of my Wenhai family? Furthermore, early wisdom may not be a blessing, and being stupid may not be a disadvantage. I think it is good. Of course, if there are any rumors, I should treat it as a Jin Is the king just a decoration, a Maitreya Buddha who cannot get angry?"
In an understatement, Liu Xi showed the majesty of the Jin Dynasty. Seeing Liu Xi say this, Lady Song's beautiful face became much less worried. Her beautiful eyes stared at Liu Xi, who was caring for her son carefully, and she actually felt a bit of admiration for this husband.
