On the day of the Beginning of Winter, Emperor Liu went out for a private visit to Xijing, hoping to change his mood. For Emperor Liu, after not seeing him for eleven years, Luoyang felt a lot more strange. It was more prosperous and gaudy. Kaifeng was indeed much better than Luoyang. However, in terms of layout and momentum, it was not comparable to Kaifeng City. After all, the heritage of the thousand-year-old ancient capital lies there.
Emperor Liu, who had been immersed in the glitz of Tokyo for a long time, felt refreshed when he saw Luoyang again. After many years, he seemed to have rediscovered the concern for the country that he insisted on moving the capital.
Winter is a season when all things recuperate and the people enjoy the harvest. However, probably due to the national mourning, Luoyang City as a whole seems to be extremely quiet. The noise in the streets is like whispering in sleep, and there are few smiles on the faces of the scholars and people.
Emperor Liu's goal of tainting the people's anger was not achieved in the end. He could not really understand the people's sentiments as he did in the past. Even asking about people's livelihood conditions seemed a bit perfunctory. The haze in his heart only worsened with the arrival of winter. point.
Therefore, when he returned to the palace, Emperor Liu's face was cold and his eyes were indifferent, but Yan Tuo, who was waiting with him, was frightened. However, as the resignation memorial of Dongping King Zhao Kuangzan was presented, he finally showed his long-lost smile. Although it was very weak, it was a smile after all.
In the Chui Gong Hall, the lights were dim and the slightly cold wind kept invading, but Emperor Liu's expression softened a lot. After reviewing Zhao Kuangzan's memorial, Emperor Liu passed it on to Liu Yang, Zhao Kuangyi, Wang Zhu and Lu Duan.
Before Li Fang and Wang You came to Beijing, the main affairs in the court were basically handled by these four people. Of course, Emperor Liu's attention to state affairs has skyrocketed recently, and he would listen to government affairs in Chui Gong Hall every now and then. The four of them discussed.
Liu Yang and others read it in turn and had different reactions to the content, but they did not dare to speak rashly for the moment. They didn't say anything, but Emperor Liu took the initiative and asked, "What do you think of King Dongping's invitation?"
This question is a bit difficult to answer. The difficulty lies in not knowing what Emperor Liu was thinking. Therefore, the silence in the palace continued.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu was not upset. He threw the memorial that Yan Tuo had taken back on the imperial eucalyptus and said, "You don't say anything? Then let me ask another question. What is the purpose of Zhao Kuangzan's invitation? For no reason. You don’t even want the kingship I gave you, there must be something hidden inside! Zhao Qing has always been quick, tell me!”
After being pointed out by Emperor Liu, Zhao Kuangyi felt a little embarrassed and thought to himself, there is something hidden in it. Doesn't your Majesty know about it? It's just a matter of retiring to protect yourself.
Of course, it is difficult to express the true thoughts in one's heart. Under the gaze of Emperor Liu, Zhao Kuangyi did not dare to think too much. After thinking for a while, he calmly said: "I believe that there must be a reason for King Dongping's memorial. Your Majesty is not the same." Call me to inquire and find out what’s going on?”
Zhao Kuangyi also seems to be well versed in nonsense literature, and it seems as if he has not said this. When Emperor Liu heard this, he grinned and said, "I'm asking you now! Are you going to use this to deal with me?"
"I don't dare!" Zhao Kuangyi said quickly with his heart trembling.
With his heart frightened and his mind racing, Zhao Kuangyi said: "I thought that King Dongping might have encountered something unspeakable, so he said this!"
"Oh?" Emperor Liu looked interested and asked, "What's the unspeakable thing?"
Zhao Kuangyi lowered his head and responded: "I don't know!"
Still nonsense!
However, Emperor Liu did not embarrass Zhao Kuangyi anymore. He also knew in his heart that it was not easy for noble ministers like them to speak out about such matters rashly. Everything depended on his will.
[In view of the general environment,
Whether the merits of the Han Dynasty are rewarded or withdrawn, the initiative is always in the hands of Emperor Liu. However, in this matter, although Emperor Liu had some suspicions about Zhao Kuangzan's intentions, he was not too concerned. What he paid more attention to was the attitudes and feelings of these meritorious officials.
After pondering for a moment, Emperor Liu looked around and asked again: "Change the question, can you tell me again, am I correct or not for King Dongping's request? Lu Duan, can you tell me?"
Since Lu Duan became prime minister, he still maintained his past prudent style, slow in speech but quick in action, especially in front of Emperor Liu. At this time, when Emperor Liu asked, the old eyebrow could not help but frown.
He stood up, looking very embarrassed.
After thinking for a while, Lu Duan said in a deep voice: "I think your Majesty is right?"
"Why?" Seeing his firmness, Emperor Liu asked.
Lu Duan replied: "King Dongping's hard work has made great achievements. His majesty has been very kind and generous. It is also a blessing to grant his request and listen to his wish!"
After hearing what Lu Duan said, Emperor Liu glanced at him in surprise. This honest-looking Lu Shangshu could actually say such shameless words. However, it sounds nice.
Emperor Liu no longer asked the ministers for their opinions on this matter. Emperor Liu decided to make his own decision. He thought to himself for a moment, then raised his eyes and ordered: "Pass the imperial edict and make Zhao Kuangzan the Duke of Lu!"
It was such a simple sentence without any unnecessary explanation, but everyone present was awestruck that the title of a founding county king was so easily deprived of him.
What is conceivable is that Zhao Kuangzan has set an example. How should other kings with different surnames deal with themselves? Putting aside the two kings Fu and Qian for now, at least King An Shouzhong of Xiangyang may not be able to sit still. After all, he was the first to propose resigning from the title of king, but Emperor Liu did not agree at the beginning. Now, Zhao Kuangzan invited him again, but he agreed without hesitation, and didn't even pay attention to his eating habits. The depth of Emperor Liu's thoughts became increasingly difficult to fathom.
"The prince stays, everyone else please leave!"
"yes!"
Since the conversation that day, Wang Zhu has not changed much, and he has become more and more transparent. This time, he left with Zhao and Lu without saying a word.
After the three people left, Emperor Liu looked at Liu Yang, who was still thinking, and smiled: "What do you think of this matter?"
Liu Yang glanced at Emperor Liu and frowned: "Although Zhao Kuangzan took the initiative to resign, he will inevitably be criticized!"
"I have been criticized for many things, including this one!" Emperor Liu said in a calm tone, "Compared with this, I am even more moved by the fact that these meritorious officials seem to be getting better and better. The better he is at figuring out my thoughts. Zhao Kuangzan has been recuperating at home for many years, but he seems to have read through my thoughts..."
"However, that's fine!" Emperor Liu's expression quickly became stern, and his tone became more and more indifferent: "Zhao Kuangzan is still a smart man. Whether he is degrading himself in business or resigning as a king, he always shows his deference! He wants to ask for help. If he wants peace of mind, I will give it to him!"
It is not difficult to see from Emperor Liu's words that he did have thoughts about those kings with different surnames who were granted the title in his early years. After hearing this, Liu Yang pondered for a moment and asked with some hesitation: "How will your Majesty treat the three kings Ignorant Fu, Qian and An?"
"What do you think?" Emperor Liu asked back, and then said softly: "Since Zhao Kuangzan has set an example, let's see if they are as smart as him..."
"The big man no longer needs a king with a different surname!" Emperor Liu said again, his voice was very soft, but it was extremely ear-catching, and Liu Yang really heard it.
After thinking about it, Liu Yang seemed to be reminding Emperor Liu: "Fu Zhaoyuan is still in Anton!"
"Why do you need to care about where others are when it comes to an edict?" Emperor Liu said immediately, but after noticing Liu Yang's expression, he added another sentence: "I know your relationship with the Fu family. What to do is up to you to decide. ..."
