"You also said that banditry in Hexi has been around for a long time, but why don't you think about it, why do you keep suppressing it and killing it repeatedly?" Emperor Liu continued, "Don't tell me that the Golden Silk Road is coveted. Not to mention that it is difficult to eradicate the vast sandy desert and dense Gobi desert. Although there are reasons for this, what I want to emphasize is people, our officials, officers and soldiers. What are they doing, and are they doing their best?
Is it that peace has lasted for a long time and that life has become comfortable and unwilling to move, causing more trouble? If they have tried their best and the bandits can still be so rampant, then there is no need for the civil and military forces in Hexi. If they are deliberately letting it go, it will be even more abominable! "
Emperor Liu said with a hint of murderous intent in his tone: "I have heard in the past that horse bandits make a fortune by robbing, and officers and soldiers also make a fortune by suppressing bandits. The bandits are endless and the conquests continue. The so-called "nurturing the bandits to respect themselves and making profits, why?" Are you happy?
I have to wonder if those who robbed and killed the Black Khan Mission were the so-called horse bandits! "
Seeing that Emperor Liu's suspicions were becoming more and more extreme and terrifying, Liu Yang couldn't help but feel uneasy, not because of fear, but because he was concerned that Emperor Liu in such a state and with such suspicion would make some unnecessary decisions.
Regardless of Liu Yang's thoughts, Emperor Liu continued: "As for the Black Khanate, before the matter is found out, what are you busy sending envoys to do? Explain to them? Give them an explanation? Expose your shortcomings and show that you are a big man. How stable is it? It shows how capable the civil and military officials in Hexi are, that they can't even protect an envoy?"
Faced with Emperor Liu's sarcasm, Liu Yang remained calm and replied in a low voice: "Although this is true, the mission was killed in our country after all. It traveled thousands of miles to bring gifts, and encountered such bad luck. Even if you are a big country, you should show something, at least send someone to inform you."
"Little Black Khan, a small country on the border of the Western Region, not worth mentioning!" Emperor Liu understood what Liu Yang meant, but there was anger in his heart that was difficult to vent, so he said a little unreasonably:
"What kind of dispute are you afraid of? This matter is obvious. If Hei Khan is sensible, he should not blame the big man. If Hei Khan is ignorant of current affairs and conflicts with this matter, then it is just right to destroy it in one fell swoop, restore the entire Western Region, and completely open up the The trade route to the west.
Didn’t Liu Min feel that he was useless? I think he would be very happy if so."
Liu Min, the king of Wei, is currently in Anxi, opening his mansion in Gaochang, and is in charge of the Western Regions. Emperor Liu has always attached great importance to the entire northwest and has never relaxed. He also has a very clear understanding that no matter how chaotic the border areas such as southern Monan and northern Andong are, they will not pose a fatal threat to China, but the northwest No, that chaos could drag down the entire empire.
Therefore, in addition to sending King Zhao Liu Fang to the northwest in the early years, he also arranged for King Liu Min of Wei to go to Anxi. The two princes and princes who were most familiar with military affairs were both placed in the northwest, which also shows that Emperor Liu attached great importance to them.
Emperor Liu's arrogant words were full of domineering thoughts, and Liu Yang was a little helpless. This was also due to his character. He still preferred a gentler way of dealing with things.
At least as far as the Hexi incident is concerned, the Black Khanate seems to be the victimized and aggrieved party. It is the most convenient and convenient thing for the Han Dynasty to show sincerity to maintain the friendship between the two countries. And according to Emperor Liu's attitude and actions, it will inevitably cause some unnecessary effects and cause some unnecessary disputes.
However, Liu Yang couldn't persuade him anymore. He was also afraid that Emperor Liu would give him another "weak" evaluation. In fact, was Liu Yang really weak? He might show others gentleness on weekdays, but when it comes to big issues, he should be tough. Liu Yang has never backed down, but he is more reasonable.
As for Emperor Liu, he had been impatiently trying to reason with others for who knows how many years. When he got old, his thinking and behavior became rude, headstrong, arrogant and egotistical.
Emperor Liu didn't notice the complicated expression on Liu Yang's face, but instead raised his eyebrows. He was thinking, Liu Min had someone do this, right? Provoke a dispute between the two countries, take the opportunity to raise troops to destroy the Black Khan, and make achievements?
However, the thought at this moment was quickly extinguished by Emperor Liu. How suspicious would he be to think this way? Liu Min is a good boy and there is no way he would do such a thing.
However, this inadvertent thought opened up an idea for Emperor Liu. This matter was a little unusual from beginning to end. He was a little too angry before, but when he thought about it calmly, he smelled a conspiracy.
Emperor Liu stopped talking, and the palace became quiet for a while. Seeing him deep in thought, no one else dared to disturb him. Liu Yang stood respectfully, Zhao Pu sat like an old monk in meditation, Wang Yinwu was still kneeling and did not dare to get up, and Zhang Dejun did not sit in his place and stood uncomfortably.
After a long time, Emperor Liu realized that something was wrong in the palace. He shifted his gaze and locked eyes directly with Zhao Pu. He said in a deep voice: "Zhao Qing, what are you thinking about? Why don't you speak?"
Since entering the palace, except for saluting, the old guy Zhao Pu has not said a word or uttered a sound, which is obviously strange.
When his name was called, Zhao Puxiang woke up from his trance as if he was electrocuted. He stood up quickly, walked to the hall, and bowed: "Your Majesty, I am also thinking about this matter."
"Oh? Then tell me, what have you thought about? With Zhao Qing's knowledge, I'm afraid it's a bit shocking!" Emperor Liu said.
"Don't dare!" Zhao Pu's attitude was particularly respectful and he said calmly: "As for the aftermath of this incident, I believe that what your Majesty said and His Highness the Crown Prince's suggestions are both reasonable, and can be combined and arranged together!"
Listening to his words, Emperor Liu frowned slightly, showing his displeasure. This Zhao Pu actually dared to make peace between him and the prince.
However, Emperor Liu did not interrupt Zhao Pu, but allowed him to continue. Zhao Pu seemed to be unaware of it and said: "In addition, the old minister thought that there was something hidden behind this incident!
First, it has not yet been determined whether the thief who committed the robbery was a horse bandit, and further investigation is needed.
Secondly, even if it was done by horse bandits in the northwest, it is still weird. The most important thing is, what is the purpose of the horse bandits who committed this crime?
If you are looking for money, you can choose between business trips and villages within the territory. Compared with a country's mission protected by a whole team of officers and soldiers, the former is obviously easier and less dangerous.
What's more, once they take action, they will inevitably face a full-scale attack and full revenge from the imperial court and the Hexi government. Although the horse bandits are not afraid of death, they will never die!
No matter how greedy a person is, he will carefully weigh the situation between life and death! Therefore, the veteran believed that there was another conspiracy behind the mission's robbery! "
It has to be said that Zhao Pu's insights are always so clear and pointed to the point. His suspicions obviously touched the heart of Emperor Liu, so he stopped talking and asked directly: "What is the conspiracy that Zhao Qing is referring to?" ?”
"This, veteran minister, shouldn't make any assumptions!" Zhao Pu hesitated and said.
"Speak directly!" Emperor Liu's tone suddenly turned harsh, and his voice suddenly became louder, startling everyone.
Zhao Pu remained calm, considered for a moment, and continued: "Judging from the robbery and killing of the Black Khan's mission, it is not difficult to guess the purpose. It is most likely to cause discord between the two countries and provoke conflicts between the two countries. After all, the Han and Black Khans There is no deep connection between the Khans, and the territorial issues in the Western Regions are just put on hold.
Now that the Black Khan's envoy was killed in the territory of the Han Dynasty, this is a fact, and it will inevitably give the Black Khanate a reason to speak out. Although this small country in the Western Region is not worth mentioning, if the two countries really start fighting again because of this incident, then the Western Region will definitely fall into turmoil. If the Western Region is in chaos, Hexi will also be unstable, and Hexi will be unstable."
Emperor Liu interrupted Zhao Pu's matryoshka-like rhetoric and asked directly: "Who is the mastermind of the conspiracy theory you hold?"
After hearing this, Zhao Pu hesitated even more obviously. After thinking about it, he said: "This is just a guess made by me. As for who is the conspiracy, I can't say!"
"It's hard to say but you have to say it!" Emperor Liu didn't care.
After being silent for a while, Zhao Pu revealed some people: "The remnants of the Uighurs in Ganzhou, the barbarian chiefs who were dissatisfied with the change of customs, the barbarian chiefs who lost their power and property, are the powerful Han people who forcibly moved to the northwest, and Criminals, officials and prisoners who moved to the border to serve their sentences"
As soon as Zhao Pu said this, Emperor Liu fell silent. Sitting high behind the imperial eucalyptus, his whole person seemed to be shrouded in a dark cloud, giving people a haze-like feeling.
"They are all a bunch of young people!" Emperor Liu said coldly after a long time.
Zhao Pu's expression probably hadn't been this serious for a long time, and he said seriously: "Your Majesty, if these young people are led to unite one day, it will be a big problem for the imperial court!"
At this time, Wang Yinwu suddenly spoke up and carefully reported Wang Xuanzhen's situation, changes and analysis of the riots in the prison camp. Obviously, when these were combined, the problem became more serious.
Emperor Liu frowned and expressed his inner struggles. Obviously, he was unwilling to believe that some things that he regarded as flour cakes and kneaded them at will could pose any threat to his Han Empire.
However, his suspicious temper forced him to pay attention to it and murmured: "I know that there are some problems in the local area and some conflicts have accumulated, but has it reached this point?"
Zhao Pu is still a sensible person. In some directions, this prime minister who has held the power of the Han Dynasty for a long time understands his empire better than Emperor Liu.
"Check! Get to the bottom of it!" Emperor Liu was not a slow-responsive person. After a brief period of confusion, he regained his sharpness and stared at Wang Yinwu like a knife: "If there is really any traitor, there is one, give it to me Find one!"
"Yes!" Wang Yinwu answered simply. He knew that he could not have any other attitude.
Emperor Liu's suspicion at this moment had been taken a step further by Zhao Pu. After hesitation, he was sure, double sure, that there were already some rebellious officials and traitors in the northwest who had rebelled against the Han Dynasty.
"Are you here because of Hexi affairs?" Emperor Liu then asked Zhang Dejun.
Zhang Dejun put away all the little thoughts he had when he came, and responded respectfully: "Go back to the official house! That's right, the Imperial City Division has also received the news!"
"You also investigate together. The imperial court, Hexi, Imperial City, and Wude departments all work together to find out the truth for me!" Emperor Liu ordered.
"yes!"
Taking a deep breath, Emperor Liu looked at Liu Yang again, feeling a little "sorry". After thinking about it for a while, he commanded with relief: "Combine the three suggestions you just made with what I added, and implement them." Aftermath!"
Emperor Liu still accepted Zhao Pu's suggestion of "harmony". The prince's opinion was still reasonable. At least it was smarter than Emperor Liu's self-centered and straightforward approach.
