"Unfilial Sun Wenyuan, please pay homage to your grandfather!" In the Chui Gong Hall, ten steps in front of the emperor, Liu Wenyuan paid homage to the old emperor.
The first thing to do when arriving in Xijing is obviously nothing more important than meeting the saint. Being welcomed by Wannian Hou Liu Wenhuan, he entered Ziwei City and went straight to Tianting.
A brand-new royal robe, obviously patiently sewn by a skillful woman, and well-tailored. It may be Liu Wenyuan's first time wearing it, but wearing it makes Liu Wenyuan, who is already tall and handsome, even more energetic and extraordinary.
The first moment Liu Wenhuan saw Liu Wenyuan, he was attracted by this outfit. Of course, he had even seen and even touched the dragon robe, so naturally he was not amazed by this mere royal robe. What attracted him was the person wearing the royal robe. people, peers
Compared with Liu Wenyuan, princes like Liu Wenhuan are far behind in all aspects. Now, this brother is going to be crowned king of a country. He has just finished his studies and is running errands in the political hall.
Similarly, Emperor Liu was also attracted by Liu Wenyuan's dignified and luxurious royal robe. The key point is that he has a strong shadow of Liu Xu. In fact, under Bai Yonglin's suggestion, Liu Wenyuan, the face-to-face saint today, did go through special makeup, and his dressing style was as close as possible to Liu Xu.
The effect was obvious. Although it was only ten steps away, the old emperor couldn't see it clearly with his current eyesight. But when he walked down the imperial steps step by step with a bamboo stick, the shadow of "Liu Xu" became vaguely visible. For a moment, the old emperor even felt that the person standing in front of him was his eldest son Liu Xu.
After being in a daze for a while, Emperor Liu's eyes turned red, as if something sad had been aroused, and he soon burst into tears. Liu Wenyuan, who was kneeling on the ground, was slightly surprised when he saw this scene, but a thought flashed in his mind, and he quickly showed his sadness. He buried his head and kowtowed, his forehead pressed tightly to the ground, choking with sobs, and his crying became louder, and soon he bowed down in the hall. Surrounded by sorrow amid the cries of the two grandfathers
Beside them, Prince Liu Yang and his son were also present. Liu Yang had a peaceful look on his face, his eyes wandered over the two grandsons, and he frowned slightly.
With the old emperor's current age and body, he couldn't bear the ups and downs of emotions. Normally, Liu Yang would definitely comfort him, or at least act like he cared.
But this time, Liu Yang chose to remain silent, and stared at Liu Wenyuan with a hint of suspicion in his eyes. It's hard to predict what the old emperor would think, but in Liu Yang's opinion, this eldest nephew is quite scheming. That kind of deliberateness can be detected with just a little observation.
However, the old emperor seemed to be content with this. He cried for a while, raised his sleeves to wipe away his tears, leaned down, held Liu Wenyuan's arm, gently used force, and slowly lifted him up.
After he stood up straight, he looked at it carefully, as if he was admiring a piece of beautiful jade. A look of relief appeared on his old face, and he said with emotion: "My eldest grandson has finally grown up, and now he can be the king, governing the country and controlling the people!"
Sensing the affirmation in Emperor Liu's tone, Liu Wenyuan felt relieved and bowed: "My grandson is afraid that he will live up to the teachings of his father and ancestors!"
"So, you have to work hard!" Emperor Liu said immediately: "It's not easy for Anton to be what he is today. It is soaked in your father's hard work. In the future, you must use actions to defend the foundation laid by your father. …”
"Yes!" Liu Wenyuan had nothing to hesitate on this matter and quickly expressed his position.
Listening to the conversation between his grandfather and grandson, Liu Yang's heart was slightly agitated. To be honest, Emperor Liu's remarks made Liu Yang somewhat uncomfortable.
In the eyes of Emperor Liu, Anton's achievements today seemed to be the result of his eldest brother Liu Xu alone. However, without the continuous support of the imperial court for more than ten years, in terms of money, food, people, and troops, how could we have achieved leap-forward development. Many of the material supply and dispatch involved were personally approved and arranged by Liu Yang. .
Originally, Liu Yang's mind and government would not be sour, let alone jealous of his deceased eldest brother. However, the old emperor's different attitude always made him feel a little unfair and gave birth to a sense of dissatisfaction. The feeling of being worthy...
Here, after the simple greetings, Emperor Liu gradually returned to normal. His eyes wandered and he placed it on the gift box held by the servant in the palace. He pointed with his hand and asked, "What is this?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Wenyuan said: "Returning to my grandfather, this is the apology gift brought by my grandson! My grandson is really unfilial and missed my grandfather's Christmas celebration. I really shouldn't have done it. Please punish me!"
Liu Wenyuan was indeed a scheming man. Before he came to Beijing, he had learned about some rumors in Luoyang in advance. Among them, the most hostile to him was that he had delayed his birthday celebrations.
Such rumors, no matter where they come from, are all malicious and are accusing him of being unfilial. This is a very serious matter. Now, Liu Wenyuan spoke directly in front of the old emperor and apologized directly. Although it was a bit risky, it was still a smart way.
After listening to what he said, Emperor Liu narrowed his old eyes a little, and a suspicion flashed in his eyes. He looked at Liu Wenyuan for a while, smiled broadly, and said: "It doesn't matter! The handover is the most likely to cause problems. The matter of Anton Cooking well and making the people feel at ease and the border is safe is your greatest filial piety and the best gift to me."
Unconsciously, Emperor Liu's self-titles in conversation changed. It was as if the old emperor who was not easily tempted by Taoism had returned and asked calmly: "What's in the box? Open it and take a look!"
"This is a thousand-year-old ginseng collected from the deep mountains of Changbai Mountain. It is more than a thousand years old. I hope that my grandfather will be like this spiritual creature, live forever and rule the country forever!" Liu Wenyuan said pleasant words while opening the box himself, revealing the ginseng inside. Plant old ginseng.
This is obviously a treasure that captures the aura of heaven and earth and gathers the essence of the sun and moon. Its vivid appearance and compelling aura give people a sense of vividness and excitement.
Emperor Liu looked at it for a few times, waved his hand and said with a chuckle: "It is indeed a treasure. There are many mountain ginsengs in the palace, but I am afraid none of them can beat this ginseng.
I accept your offer, but don't say it again, "Long Live the Thousand Years". It's a flattery that only a sycophant can say.
What you said is inappropriate and I won’t be happy to hear it. If you spread it, it will only make people laugh! "
Emperor Liu's face changed at every turn, and Liu Wenyuan was immediately alert. Knowing that his behavior would be bad, he immediately solemnly bowed: "My grandpa taught me, and my grandson understands!"
While lowering his head, Liu Wenyuan also secretly warned himself. Only then did he truly understand what Liu Xu had told him.
They are the sons and grandsons of the dragon. Unlike those foreign ministers, it is best to tell the truth in front of Emperor Liu. They would rather say nothing than play tricks.
And Liu Wenyuan had obviously played a lot of tricks just now, and even Emperor Liu's emotional reaction made Liu Wenyuan really regard him as a heroic Dong Heng old man in his twilight years. But Emperor Liu's sudden change made Liu Wenyuan quickly put away his scornful heart that was respectful to the outside and arrogant to the inside.
Although it was just a psychological adjustment, Emperor Liu still sensitively captured Liu Wenyuan's inner changes. After staring at him briefly for a while, Emperor Liu showed a slight smile on his old face: "Where is my great-grandson? Why didn't you bring him with you?" return?"
The fifth grandson of the Han Dynasty royal family has been born. He came from Liu Wenyuan's knees and was named Liu Yuanjue. He is now over two years old. As the first great-grandson, Emperor Liu is naturally concerned. But, we haven't met yet.
Liu Wenyuan replied: "I came in a hurry, the child is immature, and I was afraid that he would not be able to bear the bumpy road, so I couldn't bring him to Beijing!"
After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu couldn't help but sigh with regret: "I went to Beijing last year and it was inconvenient to travel far. I missed it, and now it's like this again."
Seeing the disappointment on the old emperor's face, Liu Wenyuan felt a little regretful. If he had known better, he would have brought his son with him, which might have had a better effect.
Liu Wenyuan was in a state of confusion. Emperor Liu had already entered into a state of chatting at home. He waved his hand and said: "That's it. Next time you go to Beijing, remember to take your child with you. I have been thinking about you for a long time!"
"Yes! My grandson will obey the edict!" Liu Wenyuan smiled with a filial look on his face.
"How is your mother's health?" Emperor Liu asked again.
"My health is still good, but I miss my husband so much that my heart aches. I cry endlessly at night until dawn," Liu Wenyuan said.
This was obviously an exaggeration. Although Empress Dowager Bai was sad, it was not to this extent. After all, she still had children to rely on and the honor and glory of the Queen Mother of a country to comfort her.
They chatted for a while and did not touch on any sensitive issues. Later, even the memorial to Liu Xu was put away. Today's Emperor Liu's emotions come and go quickly. Soon the excitement brought by Liu Wenyuan's arrival in Beijing completely subsided.
After chatting for a quarter of an hour, he was getting tired. Seeing that it was almost time, Emperor Liu couldn't help but yawned and told Liu Wenyuan: "We have traveled thousands of miles and the horses and horses have been tiring all the way. Let's go and rest first. Tonight , hold a family banquet in the palace, which is considered as a blessing for you. Later, we will choose a time for our grandparents and grandchildren to have a good talk about Anton!
"Yes!" Liu Wenyuan glanced at the old emperor carefully and responded respectfully. Although the situation of meeting the Holy Spirit deviated from his expectations, overall, he took a reassurance.
Liu Wenyuan retreated. Liu Yang and his son also followed to say goodbye. The father and son walked together in silence. Liu Yang looked calm and thoughtful, while Liu Wenhuan lowered his head, and his mind was filled with the scene of the "filial son and virtuous grandson" in the Chui Gong Hall just now.
Liu Wenyuan retreated. Liu Yang and his son also followed to say goodbye. The father and son walked together in silence. Liu Yang looked calm and thoughtful, while Liu Wenhuan lowered his head, and his mind was filled with the scene of the "filial son and virtuous grandson" in the Chui Gong Hall just now.
It has to be said that Liu Wenhuan was also sour. Although Emperor Liu's attitude towards him was mostly kind and kind, Liu Wenhuan reflected on himself that the appreciation and regard that Emperor Liu showed for Liu Wenyuan had never been expressed to him.
"Envy?" A soft and ethereal voice brought Liu Wenhuan back to his senses.
Liu Yang also asked Liu Wenji the same question, but unlike Liu Wenji's reaction, Liu Wenhuan shook his head almost without thinking: "I'm not envious!"
It was a sign of eagerness to hide it. Liu Wenhuan twisted his neck slightly and said: "Brother Yuan is just a little older and a little more tempered. Sooner or later, he will catch up. No matter how capable and powerful he is, it's just a matter of time." Dongwang, son."
At this point, the words stopped abruptly. Liu Wenhuan subconsciously raised his eyes and saw his father looking at him with amusement in his eyes. He quickly lowered his head and murmured: "However, my son does still have many needs." A place to learn from Brother Yuan!”
He kept observing his reaction and saw that he braked in time. Liu Yang did not go to the bottom of his words. He just sighed secretly in his heart. After thinking for a while, he said in an admonishing tone: "Wen Yuan is indeed outstanding and has a lot to offer. It’s worth learning. But remember, don’t learn one thing!”
"Please give me some advice from me!" Liu Wenhuan became interested and said.
"That little little trick!" Liu Yang said lightly.
Liu Wenhuan was very surprised. Where is this? However, Liu Yang did not explain in depth and only let him experience it himself. Liu Yang walked away slowly with his hands behind his back, his calm face showing a deep look from time to time.
Liu Wenyuan's performance today didn't feel very good to Liu Yang. Generally speaking, in Liu Yang's eyes, Liu Wenyuan seemed a bit stingy. Compared with his father, he lacked a kind of magnanimity and his style was much different.
Liu Yang has always respected and feared Liu Xu, but after this experience, he already looked down upon this eldest nephew who succeeded Liu Xu's political resources. Of course, this is a courage that only a prince can possess.
That night, Emperor Liu held a small-scale family banquet in the Qianqiu Palace. In addition to Liu Wenyuan, the only attendees were Liu Yang and his son, King Yong Liu Chengxun, and the eighth prince Liu Ai who succeeded Liu Hui in the political hall. Among the concubines, Only Concubine Gao was with me.
This was not a successful banquet. The overall atmosphere was too bad. Although there were many people and they were close relatives, it was difficult to feel the warmth of family affection. Even the intrigues were hidden under the hypocritical and cold faces.
Even in such an atmosphere, the old emperor was somewhat calm, with a smile on his face. In the past, he might have left the table early to find the queen to complain and complain.
Nowadays, there is no one to talk to, and Emperor Liu is not in the same mood. The most important thing is that the old emperor has become accustomed to it, and his heart has become numb. He has long given up hope for harmony and friendship in the royal family.
Late at night, everything was quiet and the breeze was blowing. Emperor Liu, who had drunk some wine, looked up at the moon and looked down at the shadow, and his mood seemed better.
Two soft chairs were placed in front of the Chuigong Hall. There were small cases beside them, with melons, fruits and wine on them. There were also eight chamberlains, maids and guards waiting on the side. Emperor Liu and the brothers Liu Chengxun, King Yong, just lay down like this. chatting
The whole person huddled on the couch, playing with the wine glass in his hand for a while, and then put it into his mouth. He looked drunk and confused, but he still let Gong E pour the wine. When Liu Chengxun saw it, he couldn't help but persuade him: "Brother, stop drinking, take care of your dragon body!"
"It doesn't matter. It's rare to be happy. It doesn't matter if you break the precept and eat a few more drinks!" After listening to his advice, the old emperor's face was full of smiles. He turned his head and said to Liu Chengxun: "There are many people who advise me to take care of my health. , but I know very clearly in my heart who is hypocritical and who is fake. My eyes are not working well, but my heart is still bright.
But many people seem to be unwilling to even pretend. At the banquet just now, the only ones who advised me to eat less wine were you and the noble concubine."
Hearing the old emperor say these words, Liu Chengxun's brows almost knitted together, and his mood sank slightly. Looking at the old emperor's "careless" look, he said softly: "Brother, please forgive me for saying this boldly, it's not that the ministers don't care about you. , but I don’t dare to care about you anymore.”
In this case, Liu Chengxun was probably the only one who dared to say it. Emperor Liu's reaction was also a bit strange. He stared at him with complicated eyes for a while, then poured another glass of wine into his mouth and said leisurely: "It's really bold! But now, I This body cannot get better with more care."
"Second brother!" Liu Chengxun's tone was even more excited: "That's why you should take care of yourself, the big man can't live without you!"
"Third brother!" Emperor Liu's voice became louder: "That's not necessarily what you said. In the past, I might have thought so too, but now, I have woken up. Even if I single-handedly created this big empire, my era still belongs to me. It’s going away, and the ministers will be bored.”
"Second brother——" Liu Chengxun called again.
"What's wrong with you tonight? Second brother and second brother keep shouting!" Emperor Liu interrupted Liu Chengxun and joked.
Liu Chengxun was silent for a while, then he sighed and replied: "What your Majesty said tonight makes me panic!"
"What are you afraid of? We have been brothers for decades, why do you need to be like those ministers?" Emperor Liu said sadly: "Third brother, there are fewer and fewer people around me who are willing to tell the truth and dare to tell the truth. I don’t want you to be like those outsiders, following the crowd and following what others say.”
Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Liu Chengxun had a slight wry smile on his lips, and thought to himself: How can I not follow the crowd if you are like this?
"Yes!" On the surface, Liu Chengxun still tried his best to obey Emperor Liu.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu changed his serious look and said, "Just so I have something I want to ask your opinion on!"
"I am all ears!"
Emperor Liu sobered up from drunkenness, pondered for a while, and then said slowly: "Wen Yuan came to Beijing this time to receive the golden title and rectify his position. King Anton, he is the best choice, and there is only one more ceremony to go to the court. There will be no objection.
But I still have no idea in my mind whether I should inherit the Duke of Qin's title as well, and there are not a few people in the court who are paying attention to this matter. You are King Yong, I want to hear your opinion."
Sure enough, when Emperor Liu made such a gesture, it would never be easy to answer the question. Liu Chengxun also had a troubled look on his face, but after thinking carefully, Liu Chengxun stood up.
When Emperor Liu saw this, he immediately put out his hand to stop him: "No, it's just a discussion between you and me, brothers, say whatever you want!"
Although Emperor Liu said this, Liu Chengxun still thought about it more and replied cautiously: "In my opinion, whether it is for the sake of court decency, popular support, or orderly inheritance, it is not appropriate to grant a title. I know that you care about the great nation. Lang’s feelings, but Duke Qin should take them back!”
After a pause, Liu Chengxun continued: "Not only that, all royal titles and titles in the court should be withdrawn for future use, so as to extend the imperial family for a long time, and the titles of Tianjia should not be overflowed.
During my lifetime, if I ever come back to the country, I would like to ask Your Majesty to take back this title of King Yong."
As he spoke, Liu Chengxun even began to express his position. Emperor Liu was really surprised when he heard this. He looked at him unexpectedly for a while, and the warm smile once again filled the wrinkles on the old face.
Without continuing on this topic, Emperor Liu changed his posture and said in a relaxed tone: "Don't go back to the palace tonight, stay in the palace, sleep on the same bed with me, and talk to me. You and my brothers, too. It’s been years since I had a long conversation.”
Although he did not answer Liu Chengxun's suggestion in person, Emperor Liu later gave the answer with practical actions. The conferment ceremony was only for "King Anton", and the purpose of Liu Wenyuan's trip to Beijing was reduced.
(End of chapter)
