On the stone platform in front of the Long Live Hall, Emperor Liu leaned slightly sideways, huddled in a soft chair, enjoying the sunshine of spring. Next to him, the emperor's grandson Liu Wenji was reciting Han Fei's "Speaking of Difficulties", and Emperor Liu listened very carefully.
These days, Emperor Liu was still as usual. He would call the prince's two sons into the palace every now and then, taking turns. This seeming performance of enjoying family happiness all reflected Emperor Liu's respect for the two emperors. Sun's attention, of course, was behind his continued recognition and protection of the prince.
In fact, with Emperor Liu's eyes and ears, he didn't know how much impact Empress Fu's death would have on the court and how much pressure it would put on the prince. Although the prince must be tested from time to time, the purpose of the test is not to wait for him to make mistakes and catch his omissions.
Emperor Liu sometimes had really good intentions. At least the prince's group would feel inexplicably at ease when they heard that his majesty had summoned the emperor's grandson into the palace again, and they were happy to see it.
With Emperor Liu's attitude, the next generation king may choose one of the two in the future, but the successor king will basically not have any big surprises. Although there are many heirs, there is only one prince, and he stays on the stage as steady as a rock.
"Yes, this "Speaking of Difficulties" is not a short one. You can recite it in its entirety!" After Liu Wenji finished reciting it, Emperor Liu showed a smile, brought Liu Wenji to his knees, and praised him: "However, my grandfather still said the same thing. , it is not advisable to study and memorize the book. The principles contained in it need to be understood in a lifetime. If you can get a glimpse of the three flavors, it may be of great benefit to you in the future! "
Although Liu Wenji was a little confused, he still nodded obediently and responded softly. Before entering the palace, his mother gave numerous instructions to serve his grandfather well, to be submissive and obedient, and not to be reckless or disrespectful in the slightest.
When Emperor Liu faced his grandson, he showed a kindness that others could not even imagine, and even the wrinkles on his old face became deeper.
"Drink some water and eat some snacks!" Emperor Liu pointed to Liu Wenji.
"yes!"
"Where are King Wei and his party?" Turning his head, Emperor Liu changed his mind and asked Yan Tuo.
Yantuo quickly replied: "I'm sorry, according to yesterday's post, the palace of the King of Wei has passed Mianchi!"
"Why are you so slow and still in Mianchi?" Emperor Liu frowned slightly, his tone slightly impatient, but looking at him like that, it seemed that he didn't realize where Mianchi was.
Yan Tuo glanced at Emperor Liu and reminded carefully: "Guan family, Mianchi is less than two hundred miles away from Beijing. According to the itinerary, His Highness the King of Wei should be able to arrive in Beijing today!"
"Oh, it turns out we have arrived at Mianchi!" Emperor Liu was stunned for a moment, Long Yan was delighted, and immediately said: "Two hundred miles, it can be reached in half a day. Even if Liu Min and his party are more people, they will arrive today. Go to the palace gate and have a look, Have they arrived?"
"yes!"
King Liu Min of Wei had just set out from Anxi to return eastward after the beginning of spring. He had been on the Western expedition for more than two years and had been busy on the front line in Anxi. He even missed the funeral of Empress Fu.
Now that the situation in Anxi has calmed down, Liu Min decided to return to Beijing and meet Emperor Liu. Of course, visiting Emperor Liu is one thing, reporting on his duties is another, and coming back in person to ask for support from the court is also another.
Emperor Liu was also very happy when he heard the news that Liu Min was coming back. After all, this was Da Fu's biological son, and he had earned so much face for him in the Western Regions. You can imagine his inner joy.
Liu Min naturally wanted to arrive in Beijing before the Jiaqing Festival. Now that the festival is approaching, he has not returned. This is the third time Emperor Liu has asked Yan Tuo about Liu Min's itinerary.
Yantuo left as ordered, but quickly turned back with a little excitement on his face. He reported to Emperor Liu as if he was offering a treasure: "Guan family, the guards of Ding'an Bo reported that His Royal Highness the King of Wei and his entourage have arrived at the palace gate to await the edict!"
"Oh!" Emperor Liu immediately beamed when he heard the news, and immediately ordered: "Quick! Let Li Jian bring them to see me! Also, inform Princess Wei, I don't think there is anyone in the capital who cares and misses Liu Min more than her. People!"
"Yes!" Yantuo's response was a bit more relaxed. After all, Emperor Liu smiled happily.
"Grandpa, has Uncle Six returned to Beijing?" Liu Wenji, who was taking a few bites of snacks next to him, asked curiously.
"Yes!" Emperor Liu smiled, noticing a little bit of foam on the corner of Liu Wenji's mouth, and said, "Wipe the corner of your mouth. Seeing Uncle Qi with this look will make him laugh!"
Liu Wenji smiled, took out a white towel and wiped the corners of his mouth vigorously.
After a while, under the guidance of Ding'an Bo Li Jian, Liu Min, Yang Yanzhao and Guo Yi came together to see the driver. The three of them are enough to represent the entire Western Expeditionary Army, and the military and political affairs of Anxi are temporarily left to Kang Baoyi and Xiang Deming.
Of course, there was also a woman and children accompanying them, namely the third princess Liu Yun and her son Yang Chuanzhen with Yang Yanzhao.
These people were all close descendants of Emperor Liu. When he saw them, he felt so happy that he even stood up to greet them in person.
"I'll see you, Your Majesty!" Liu Min and the others saluted in a serious and orderly manner.
This made Emperor Liu a little unhappy. He glared at Liu Min and said, "Why, we haven't seen each other for several years, so we are so unfamiliar that we don't even call him dad anymore?"
"Dad!" After hearing this, Liu Min shouted. It was really difficult to pronounce the words.
After looking at Liu Min carefully, Emperor Liu couldn't help but beat his chest and said: "He is becoming more and more commander-in-chief. Anxi has been waiting for you in vain these past few years!"
"It's all because of my father's teachings!"
"I didn't teach you much!" Emperor Liu shook his head: "You have always been independent, and your achievements today are all due to your own efforts!"
"By the way, why don't you see your wife?"
When Liu Min heard this, a smile appeared on his dark face: "She is pregnant and it is inconvenient to travel far, so she stayed in Gaochang!"
"Haha!" Emperor Liu laughed when he heard this: "Okay! This is another happy event! However, you are also thirty. At this age, it is time to have an heir to inherit the family!"
Liu Min got married late, and married the granddaughter of the late Duke Li Tao of Ju. Liu Min went to the Western Regions, and his husband and wife followed him.
"Father, mother." Although he didn't want to spoil the occasion, Liu Min had this matter in mind and couldn't help but mention it.
When Emperor Liu heard this, his smile indeed subsided, but when he saw the sadness in Liu Min's condensed expression, his eyes were even a little red, and he waved his hands and said: "Why is the dignified commander-in-chief of the Western Expedition acting in such a mournful manner! Your mother has a limited lifespan, and there are always days like this for people. One day, I will also have such a day."
Hearing Emperor Liu say such unlucky words, Liu Min restrained his sadness and couldn't help but call out: "Dad!"
However, he was interrupted by Emperor Liu raising his hand: "Now that you are back, you can go to the Ancestral Temple to worship your mother later!"
"yes!"
After exchanging pleasantries with Liu Min, Emperor Liu turned his attention to Yang Yanzhao's family and took a step closer. Liu Yun immediately bowed down and saluted, calling softly: "See your majesty!"
The mother of the third princess Liu Yun was Concubine Sun Jing, who was presented to her by Li Jing in her early years. Liu Yun is now in her early thirties, a wife and mother, and quite handsome. However, as an ordinary princess, she was always in awe of Emperor Liu and very restrained.
After looking at her twice, Emperor Liu sighed: "Yang Yanzhao didn't bully you, did he?"
"I don't dare!" After hearing what his father-in-law said, Yang Yanzhao did not dare to be negligent and immediately responded seriously. His serious look made Emperor Liu laugh.
"My husband treats me very well!" Liu Yun said, taking on the pressure from Emperor Liu for Yang Yanzhao.
Smiling, Emperor Liu also patted Yang Yanzhao on the shoulder and said: "Among my several sons-in-law, you and Li Jilong are the most outstanding. Yes, sooner or later they will be the backbone of the Han Dynasty, and strive to surpass your father!"
Feeling the encouragement in Emperor Liu's words, Yang Yanzhao solemnly responded: "I dare not compare with my father, I can only do my best to be loyal and live up to His Majesty's expectations!"
"Okay!" Emperor Liu lowered his head, looked at his grandson Yang Chuanzhen who was looking at him curiously, and smiled: "In a flash, Chuanzhen has grown so tall, almost reaching my waist!"
At Liu Yun's signal, Yang Chuanzhen knelt down again and kowtowed several times to Emperor Liu.
(End of chapter)
