Geng's body was weak and could not withstand the torment, so he let her go after having a little fun. In the sage mode, Liu Chengyou really felt like a philosopher, with a clear mind, a broad mind, a huge pattern, and his eyes exuding wisdom. With light, you can come up with a rationale for everything you look at...
Then, exhaustion came like a torrent, the hair on the neck was itching, and the soft whisper of the beauty was in the ears. From Geng's mouth, most of them were about the family's shortcomings, the experience from Jinyang to Kaifeng, and the life in the mansion. The rewards in the palace, the exchanges with the ladies of Tokyo, etc. What cannot be concealed in the words and demeanor is the longing for Liu Chengyou and the joy of his return.
After all, Geng was just a concubine with a poor background. When Liu Chengyou was not around, she was basically helpless and insecure. When Liu Chengyou came back, she felt at ease. And Liu Chengyou could also feel it. The kind of attachment that the beauty next to me has for me.
For Liu Chengyou, that kind of little woman's talk gave him new feelings. He didn't feel bored. He would say a word or two from time to time. During the lingering relationship, the depression in his heart was indeed dissipated a lot, until he fell asleep.
When Liu Chengyou woke up, it was already dark. Under Geng's care, he took a shower, washed away the lingering odor and dirt that made people miss him, and changed into clean clothes.
"It's cold at night." Geng thoughtfully put a robe on Liu Chengyou.
This woman was very attentive, but naturally, she never took her eyes away from Liu Chengyou. In the hall, some food was prepared. The dishes were not complicated, including Liu Chengyou's favorite tofu, egg custard, stir-fried cabbage and a dish. A plate of roasted mutton and a bowl of rice will please Liu Chengyou very much.
Liu Chengyou has never been picky about food, but he is actually satisfied with a bowl of tofu.
"Where do these ingredients come from?" Liu Chengyou asked casually.
Mr. Geng replied: "Pondo Li takes care of it, and someone will send it to the house every day."
Liu Chengyou nodded and stopped with his chopsticks: "I don't know how many families in Kaifeng City can buy these vegetables normally."
Geng must have heard about the situation in Tokyo. Hearing Liu Chengyou's emotional tone, he couldn't help but comfort him: "It will get better. During this period, things have become much more peaceful inside and outside the city."
"You want to eat some too?"
"I'm not hungry." With her beautiful eyes looking forward to it, Geng made up her mind to watch Liu Chengyou eat.
"Your Highness, two officials, Tao Gu and Wei Renpu, are coming to visit you." After eating a few mouthfuls of food, the guard reported in front of the hall door.
"Are you two here to visit together?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"I only know that they both arrived at the same time."
Liu Chengyou ordered: "Invite them to this hall to talk."
"I'll step back first." Geng saw this and stood up leisurely to avoid her. Liu Chengyou nodded at her. This woman's well-behaved made him feel very comfortable.
In the side hall of the mansion, Tao Gu met Wei Renpu and was slightly surprised. He glanced at Wei Renpu with his shrewd eyes and asked in a tone of contempt for a junior: "Daoji, you came to the mansion to pay me a visit very quickly. Have you settled down properly at home?"
Tao Gu was a little pretentious and his questions were a little rude, but Wei Renpu didn't take it seriously and replied calmly: "I'm in Tokyo. I'm alone. I don't have any worldly worries."
"I have heard that before the previous dynasty was destroyed by the Hu invaders, Daoji sent all his wives back to their hometown. Now that I think about it, you had the foresight to protect your family from the disaster of being displaced by the sword. In this world, there is absolutely no one with such foresight. You are rare. No wonder, you can gain so much trust from His Highness, His Highness knows people well..." Tao Gu stared at Wei Renpu and praised him, pronouncing the last sentence very strongly.
Wei Renpu, on the other hand, remained modest: "Tao Gong praised me unreasonably, and I am ashamed that I cannot deserve it."
"You two, Your Highness is waiting in the hall, please come with me." During the chat, Li Chongju appeared and guided the two of them.
"Thank you, General Li." Tao Gu stood up first, with a smile on his face.
The two followed Li Chongju as they walked through the mansion, twisting and turning the corridors several times, and saw pavilions all the way, which were very luxurious. Tao Gu sighed a little, the envy deep in his pupils could hardly be hidden, while Wei Renpu's expression remained as usual.
When they arrived at the hall, Liu Chengyou had only finished half of his meal and immediately bowed.
"No courtesy, sit down."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Liu Chengyou put down the meat-cutting knife, stuffed a piece of tender and crispy yellow mutton into his mouth, wiped his greasy mouth and hands, and then said: "You came just in time, I was looking for you to discuss something."
Hearing this, Tao Gu's expression changed, he leaned down, observed Liu Chengyou's expression, and guessed shrewdly: "Could it be related to the matter of the Holy Face?"
"As Tao Gong said, the suppression has arrived." Liu Chengyou looked at Tao Gu and replied directly without showing off. Then he briefly explained to the two of them the results of entering the palace to meet the saint.
After listening to Liu Chengyou's description, Tao Gu looked like it was true, as expected. He slowly straightened his waist and said, "This matter has been expected for a long time. Your Highness does not need to worry about it. It's just that I didn't expect that the emperor would." That’s why I’m so anxious.”
For some reason, Liu Chengyou always felt that Tao Gu was a little proud when he said this.
"The purpose of His Majesty's move to reduce power and suppress it is almost obvious. However, if it can have much effect, it is not necessarily true. His Majesty's reputation has been sung by the world and can be eliminated without this method. Reorganized Regarding the matter of banning the army, His Highness only needs to keep in touch with Privy Councilor Guo. He is the father of Guo Rong. With this relationship, it will not be difficult to win over him. Through the influence of Privy Councilor Guo, how can the army reorganization be completely avoided by you? In addition, , and if you control these old parts of the Longqi Army in your hands, then don’t worry about anything else, the Longqi Army will still be in your hands..."
After listening to Tao Gu's words, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but frown. He was a little dissatisfied with his suggestion. He always felt that it was too eager for quick success and not very safe.
Seeing that Liu Chengyou didn't react at all, Tao Gu paused, the smile on his face disappeared, and he subconsciously picked up his beard.
Liu Chengyou looked at Wei Renpu: "What do you think, Mr. Wei?"
After hearing the question, Wei Renpu considered for a moment and answered with his hands raised: "I believe that it is better to be quiet than to move. Your Highness's response is already good. The rectification of the imperial army is related to the safety of the country. From the overall situation, we should give full support without having too many petty thoughts." Thoughts. Your Majesty made this arrangement just to reduce your military power. Since you have the idea of suppression, if Your Highness takes too many actions, wouldn’t it be against the Emperor?"
"As for the military academies of the Longqi Army, His Highness regards them as brothers and sisters. They have equal respect for kindness and power. The friendship that has been fought side by side for half a year on the bloody battlefield cannot be eliminated in a short time. There is no need for extra means to control it. It only needs Just maintain the relationship as usual. Too many actions, whether beneficial or not, will arouse suspicion..."
After Wei Renpu finished speaking, Tao Gu's expression turned ugly. This almost completely rejected his suggestions. How could he be happy? However, after thinking about it carefully, he had to admit that Wei Renpu's words were not unreasonable. Put aside utilitarianism. When he was in trouble, Tao Gu's mind was still very clear and insightful.
"Am I just going to do nothing?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"Hide your power and bide your time!" Wei Renpu replied: "Since His Majesty has appointed you as the Deputy Privy Envoy, you can just participate in military affairs as usual. Besides, the Longqi Army in hand is only the Longqi Army. If it is reorganized, it will affect the entire Forbidden Army! "
"But this person is Shi Hongzhao!" Liu Chengyou expressed his concerns: "This person is arrogant and arrogant. If the military power is given to this person, I am afraid it will be even more difficult to control him in the future!"
Tao Gu saw the opportunity and interjected, again with a look of wisdom: "A commander is domineering, arrogant and lazy, and is often tabooed by his master. If Shi doesn't know how to restrain himself, how long will the emperor tolerate him? Sooner or later he will bring disaster upon himself." "
Liu Chengyou was thoughtful and sighed: "It seems that in Tokyo, I have to keep a low profile."
"There are no specific regulations for the reorganization yet. We still have to wait and see what the outcome will be. There is no need for Your Highness to be too worried." Wei Renpu added.
"I understand." Liu Chengyou nodded, but his eyebrows remained focused.
Seeing that Wei Renpu was fawning over Liu Chengyou again, Tao Gu thought for a while and spoke a little cautiously: "What your Highness should be concerned about at this time is probably His Majesty's purpose of suppressing you..."
"What do you want to say?" Looking at his look, Liu Chengyou asked directly.
"Although the Han Dynasty has been established, the position of the East Palace is vacant. His Highness is also the legitimate son, so we should make plans early." Tao Gu said carefully.
After saying this, Wei Renpu couldn't help but look up at Liu Chengyou.
Liu Chengyou did not show any surprise, nor did he say anything to express his attitude. He just waved his hand calmly and asked the two of them to go back to rest. As for himself, he continued to pick up the knife and cut the already slightly cold mutton, with an expressionless expression. , but my mind can’t help but fluctuate.
"Your Highness." Later that night, in the spacious study, Liu Chengyou was meditating, and Li Chongju walked in.
"What's the matter?"
Li Chongju replied: "When Mr. Tao Caicai left just now, he quietly found the general and said that his mansion in Kaifeng was occupied by a Wujie military camp commander and he couldn't ask for it. He didn't dare to bother His Highness with this trivial matter, so he found me and hoped that I would If you can, go and get it back for him. The general feels that this matter needs to be reported to His Highness."
"Tao Gu, this is what you told me." Liu Chengyou reacted immediately.
Judging from Li Chongju's expression, we can tell that he probably has a clear conscience. Although he is honest, he is also shrewd: "Your Highness, how should we deal with this matter?"
"Where will Tao Gu stay?"
"Staying at a friend's house temporarily."
"The battalion commander of the Wujie Army is someone under Shi Hongzhao." Liu Chengyou said calmly. He had some calculations in his heart and directly ordered: "Tomorrow, take a few guards, take the house deed, find witnesses, and accompany Tao Gu to a meeting. Come on, help him get the house back!"
"yes!"
To Liu Chengyou, the Tao Gu incident was just a trivial matter and not worth mentioning. However, the people involved in Shi Hongzhao, haha, even if they were reasonable, I wonder if Commander Shidu would be domineering!
Li Chongju respectfully resigned, and looking at his back, Liu Chengyou suddenly called him.
"Any other instructions, Your Highness?"
Liu Chengyou's originally tense expression relaxed and he said to him: "As a general servant in the mansion, you should pay more attention to yourself and don't just treat yourself as a bodyguard!"
Li Chongju was stunned for a moment, then his ordinary face became even more ordinary, and he bowed his head and said, "Yes."
...
Like Liu Chengyou, Liu Zhiyuan also gave Liu Chengxun a mansion outside the imperial city, which was not far from Liu Chengyou's side and was separated by an inner square.
It was still early in the night, unlike ordinary people, and it was far from time to rest. Liu Chengxun sat behind the desk, lighting up the lamp and reading the civil affairs reports reported by the states and counties in the two capitals. After Liu Chengxun returned to the court, he was appointed by Liu Zhiyuan as the Minister of Zhongshu, and the political affairs order was Tongping Zhangshi was responsible for soothing people's livelihood and providing rest for the people due to the flood of refugees.
Liu Chengxun has a benevolent nature. On his way to Tokyo, he saw too many sufferings of the people with his own eyes, and he also had great sympathy for the people in the two capitals. Being entrusted with this matter, he did not think much about "bribing" "People's hearts" matter, just wholeheartedly want to help solve the livelihood problems of the refugees.
He was tightly wrapped in a fur robe, and looked very cold. He coughed a few times from time to time, and the muffled sound coming from his throat was a bit heavy. In the past few days, the cold and heat alternated, and one of them caught a cold without paying attention, and stayed in the house. To recuperate, Liu Zhiyuan also allowed him to work in the mansion. Today, when Liu Chengyou returned, he wanted to greet him, but he felt quite unwell, so he gave up.
"Your Highness, Mr. Yang Shu wants to see you!" Liu Chengxun read the official document seriously, his brows furrowed and his face solemn. A chamberlain came outside the curtain and interrupted him.
After hearing the report, Liu Chengxun immediately ordered: "Please come quickly."
After a while, Yang Bin walked into the room under the guidance of the chamberlain. Liu Chengxun personally greeted him, cupped his hands and said, "Ms. Yang."
"Your Highness."
After saying hello, the two of them sat down and served tea.
"How is your health?" Yang Bin asked.
Liu Chengxun smiled and replied: "It's okay. I feel cold occasionally. I'll be fine after taking a rest."
"Your Majesty is here tonight, what do you mean?" The two of them were very familiar with each other, and they met each other without looking up in the court. After a brief exchange of greetings, Liu Chengxun asked directly.
"Your Highness, the second prince is back!" Yang Bin said with a serious face.
Liu Chengxun coughed twice, with a slight smile on his lips: "I know, I should have gone to the palace to see the driver, and I am planning to invite Erlang to visit the palace tomorrow."
Seeing Liu Chengxun's reaction, Yang Bing frowned and repeated in an aggravated voice: "Your Highness, the second prince is back!"
At this time, Liu Chengxun finally felt something was wrong and looked at Yang Bin in confusion: "What do you want to say?"
"Your Highness, the second prince has returned with unparalleled achievements. He is extremely powerful. You must prepare early!" Taking a breath, Yang Bin lowered his voice and said.
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengxun's expression changed. He was not stupid. He was silent for a moment and then asked: "What exactly do you want to say?"
Yang Bin was very happy and did not mince words, and said: "Your Highness, you are the eldest son, you are respected by all the ministers, and you have a reputation as a virtuous man. You are the best choice for the successor. But in the past year, the two princes have been together.
It seems that you have enlightened yourself and participated in the military and political affairs. This time you have gained a great reputation in Hebei and made unparalleled achievements. This is a great threat to your status. You must not—"
"My husband has said this!" Liu Chengxun interrupted Yang Bin before he could finish his words: "Erlang was young, worked hard, and returned from hundreds of battles, which is a great contribution to the country. The great Han Dynasty was booming, just when my father and son were in power.
When all the officials work together to create a better world and bring peace to the world and the people. As the Prime Minister, I am in charge of military affairs, supporting the emperor at the top, and obeying the people at the bottom. How can I be suspicious of Erlang!"
Hearing Liu Chengxun's words, Yang Bin was a little shocked. He wanted to teach him a lesson for being "naive", but seeing Liu Chengxun's righteous look on his face, he couldn't say it.
After a short pause, he composed his words and said: "Your Highness is so merciful, but you don't know what others are thinking? If you didn't have great ambitions and respect, how could you take the risk, engage in military affairs, and see the target personally? You mentioned
When you came to help the world and bring peace to the people, have you ever remembered the story of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty?"
When he said this, Liu Chengxun's expression became completely unbearable and a bit ugly.
Yang Bin continued: "Now, the official family has not yet established a prince, which gives the second prince an opportunity to peep. If your highness is not alert, he may be taken advantage of!"
"That's enough!" Liu Chengxun seemed angry. He flicked his sleeves and in a rare moment got angry at Yang Bing: "Ms. sir, is this the love you have for my brother?"
"I don't dare." Yang Yan's face didn't look good either, but he didn't give in after all.
Liu Chengxun was so excited that he couldn't help but cough a few times, and finally recovered. But when he saw Yang Bin sitting there dully, Liu Chengxun thought for a while and calmed down his anger: "My words are too serious, sir, don't mind.
"
Yang Bin shook his head.
Liu Chengxun could feel Yang Bin's kindness towards him, and it was hard to blame him. He thought about it and said, "My father is not Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, Erlang is not Li Shimin, Gu, and he is not Prince Yin."
Liu Chengxun spoke very calmly, but from his tone, Yang Bin still felt a slight fluctuation. Obviously, Liu Chengxun did not care at all.
