A cold wave came suddenly and earlier than in previous years, and Luoyang City quickly entered the rhythm of winter.
Huaihai Palace, Beiyuan, Qingyu Pavilion.
The coldest part of winter has not yet arrived, and the north wind seemed much more docile, not even making much noise, but the chill it brought was silent, making people stiff and numb.
In the hall, a stove was steaming. Although the smell of burning coal was unpleasant, it was really warm when it was roasted. King Qian Hongchu of Huaihai, who was over fifty years old, was pacing among them, his brows furrowed and his face solemn. It was obvious that he had encountered something very difficult.
Of course, judging from what has happened in Xijing recently, the only thing that can come into contact with Qian Hongchu is "resigning from the title".
More than twenty years have passed since the historic event of Wu Yue's donation of soil. As the protagonist of the event, Qian Hongchu has been living a very happy life these years. Perhaps because he acted too harmless to humans and animals, Emperor Liu was also extremely generous to Qian Hongchu, and never even showed the slightest suspicion. He treated Qian Hongchu generously and generously. He even gave many favors to his sons, granted them official positions, and allowed them to serve the court without any distinction.
Qian Hongchu is also aware of current affairs, behaves himself, and does his duty. He never dares to act recklessly, but just plays the role of his King of Peace in a low-key manner and enjoys life. In addition, his brother-in-law is still King Yong Liu Chengxun, and with this big tree above his head, it is naturally a blessing.
However, after serving as a courtier of the Han Dynasty for more than twenty years without any worries, the peaceful life was now broken with the resignation memorial that shocked both the government and the public.
Qian Hongchu never imagined that one day he would face difficulties because of a prince. When things come to an end, Qian Hongchu, who has been at ease for a long time, is like a flower in a greenhouse, unable to withstand the wind and rain, and seems at a loss what to do.
Especially after King An of Xiangyang showed his loyalty and petitioned to be demoted, Qian Hongchu became even more unable to sit still. At this time, he acted like an ant on a hot pot in the hall, anxious, and his worried expression said everything.
Accompanied by a rush of footsteps, a figure flashed past. A middle-aged man walked into the hall, glanced at Qian Hongchu, stopped, bowed his hands and said, "Father!"
This person was Qian Weizhi, the second son of Qian Hongchu. Because he was fond of scholarship and talented, he was a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy at that time and was quite famous in the literary world. Qian Weizhi was actually the adopted son of Qian Hongchu. His biological father was Qian Hongchu, the former Zhongxun King of Wuyue. Because his eldest son Qian Weijun was dissolute and unruly, Qian Hongchu did not like him, so he adopted Qian Weizhi as the heir apparent. .
At this time, Qian Hongchu no longer cared about his demeanor. He stepped forward and asked nervously: "What's the latest news? How did His Majesty react?"
Qian Weizhi took a deep breath and said in a solemn tone: "There is news from the palace that His Majesty has changed the title of King Xiangyang to Duke of Jing!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu paused for a moment, then couldn't help but take a few steps back, and sat down slumped down. His whole body was a little lost, and he murmured: "How to deal with yourself? How to deal with yourself?"
Seeing this, Qian Weizhi couldn't help but called out twice with concern, which finally brought Qian Hongchu back to his senses. He glanced outside the hall and then looked at Qian Weizhi. Qian Hongchu's rich old face showed a hint of resentment, and he said a little aggrievedly: "There is such a truth in the world. What you give to people, twenty years later, you want to think about it again." If you want to take it back, in this case, it’s better not to give it back in the first place!”
"Father, calm down, please be careful what you say!" Qian Hongchu complained happily. Qian Weizhi was startled and hurriedly stepped forward to help him calm down while carefully persuading him.
"Be careful what you say?" Qian Hongchu blurted out as usual, "Are you afraid that there are spies from the Imperial City Department in the house?"
However, although he had a tough mouth and glanced around, Qian Hongchu still gave in decisively. He hesitated a few times and did not dare to talk nonsense again. However, he was holding a breath in his chest and it was difficult to swallow it. He stood up, walked back a few steps in the hall, danced and shouted angrily: "Zhao and An didn't know what they got, and they went crazy. They were fine, but they have to live in vain." Bo Lang, they are happy to resign, but it makes me embarrassed..."
Qian Hongchu was so angry that he couldn't let go. Qian Weizhi, who was by his side, could only try his best to comfort him and ease his mind: "Father, the matter has come to this. I'm afraid that everyone inside and outside the palace, including the whole court, are waiting for your action. Already..."
"Are we going to be like Zhao and An?
Also give me a speech! "Qian Hongchu said.
Qian Weizhi nodded: "From my perspective, this is all we can do now!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu's face suddenly showed confusion. He had nowhere to put his hands. He thought hard for a while and suddenly said: "Isn't there still King Fu?"
Thinking of this, Qian Hongchu's eyes flashed: "Why don't we wait for the Fu family's reaction, wait until they take action, and then we'll see what happens!"
Qian Weizhi shook his head and said: "Chenliu Wang Fu Zhao is willing to serve in Anton now, and father, you are in the capital. Besides, the Fu family is prominent and backed by the prince. His Majesty has just passed away. His majesty will not oppress him too much because of his affection." , we are surrendered subjects..."
"There is a prince in the Fu family, and there is also King Yong in my family!" Qian Hongchu said, with a look of distress on his face: "Hey, His Highness King Yong is still in Nanyang and has not returned. Otherwise, please ask him to speak for you, or there may be some compromise. Even if you have some leeway, you can still ask for advice."
At this time, Qian Hongchu had a look of embarrassment on his face and a plaintive tone. In the final analysis, he still misses the title of King of Huainan too much. He has been king since he was a boy. After entering the court, he still retained the title of king. After being called the king for decades, he suddenly told him that he could no longer do it. He had to take the initiative to request to be transferred to the king's house. For Qian Hongchu, the discomfort in his heart was too strong.
In Qian Hongchu's view, he, the prince of the county, had earned it with decades of inheritance from his ancestors of the Qian family, so he deserved it and could feel at ease.
As a descendant of the Qian family, Qian Weizhi can also understand Qian Hongchu's mood, but at this moment, it is not the time to care about fairness and unfairness, so he still tries his best to persuade him: "Father, as far as the Qian family is concerned, the king's title is just an empty name. After all, we are surrendered ministers. We are now rich and peaceful because of the tolerance of the imperial court.
Among so many surrendered ministers, they all once separated themselves from each other and claimed to be kings and hegemons. However, except for my family, which family can retain the title of king and enjoy such preferential treatment? This is something to be wary of. This crown is not easy to wear!
We were in peace in the past, but His Majesty was tolerant, but now His Majesty's intentions are gradually revealed. If Qian doesn't know how to advance or retreat, I'm afraid the consequences will be unpredictable, and even His Highness King Yong may not be able to help my family.
Compared with a prince with a false reputation, it is more important to eliminate the grudge in His Majesty's heart and protect my Qian family for a long time..."
Qian Weizhi obviously understood, and his words were profound. Qian Hongchu was not a stupid person, but he was just a little difficult to accept psychologically. After pondering for a moment, he finally sighed: "What you said makes sense. Write a memorial for me and hand it over too!"
After saying this, Qian Hongchu seemed to have lost his energy and spirit, and his whole person looked extremely depressed. When Qian Weizhi saw him, he couldn't help but worry. Qian Hongchu was also an old man in his fifties and couldn't bear the ups and downs of his emotions.
However, things have to be done, and the results have to be accepted. I just hope that he can really think about it...
Shortly after Emperor Liu granted An Shouzhong the title of Duke of Jing, a memorial from King Qian Hongchu of Huaihai was finally handed in. Without any surprises, Emperor Liu agreed to his request and changed his title to Duke of Ning.
In another month, Fu Zhaoyuan's memorial arrived late, but it was time to give him the title of Duke Xu instead of the king. Probably Emperor Liu was a little embarrassed. Although the four kings had seized the title of king, their salaries and benefits were still retained. This was the choice that Emperor Liu gave them to get rid of false reputations and maintain benefits.
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