The war situation in Yedu was extremely worrying for the Tokyo court. Since ancient times, the city had been besieged and locked in a stalemate for a long time, which was not a good thing for both sides. From the perspective of the Han court, they were afraid that something unexpected would happen and the Ye soldiers in the city would be surprised. Taking advantage of it will lead to failure.
This kind of thing is not without precedent. At the end of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Li Congke was sitting in the city of Pengchou, but he turned defeat into victory and even went straight to Luoyang to seize the throne. Of course, it was Li Conghou who committed suicide, had a young child holding a gun, was confused by mediocre ministers, and acted too hastily. , and then to failure. There is no comparison between the two.
However, the princes in the imperial court were obviously a little nervous because of Murong Yanchao's defeat. More importantly, they did not want to make this war a protracted war. The national treasury could not afford it. Moreover, the war was not going well. The news spread, which was really a stressful test for the big man.
Of course, in Liu Chengyou's view, the situation was far less dangerous than the court officials imagined. They were scaring themselves. According to the battle reports from the front and private messages from Guo Rong who was on the front line, it can be seen that the situation in Yecheng was basically firmly controlled by the Han Dynasty. Although the army's attack was weak, Du Chongwei could not make any splash. Gao Xing and Zhou Laocheng were prudent and it was the right thing to use him as the commander.
But Murong Yanchao...
When it comes to Murong Yanchao, the only person in the court who feels most embarrassed is probably Emperor Liu Zhiyuan himself. He was really a little angry at this younger brother, and did not understand his intention of assigning Gao Xingzhou as his deputy at all.
Jumping up and down in front of the battle line to disturb the morale of the army was not an issue. Not long ago, he sent a secret report to Beijing to impeach Gao Xing and Zhou Yongbing for self-respect, and asked the court to make preparations in advance. If Liu Zhiyuan was really stupid and was bewitched by him, I am afraid that this country would have lasted for half a year. It just went downhill.
However, Murong Yanchao still ignored him and only asked people to warn him. At the same time, he issued an edict to encourage and comfort Gao Xingzhou. The emperor's face was really unreasonable sometimes.
In fact, the problem in Yedu is ultimately a problem of the general and the arrangement of the court. However, after so much trouble, the vigor of the Han soldiers under the city has been almost exhausted. At this point, even if the commander is changed, it will not be solved. No problem.
Fortunately, even if the war in Yedu was unfavorable and there was no progress, the imperial court's support still did not decrease. From Tokyo, a large amount of military supplies were still transported north through the canal. At the same time, Liu Zhiyuan did not conduct a subtle inspection of the front line from hundreds of miles away. Shit, urge siege operations or something.
No matter how anxious the war is at the front, life in the rear has to be lived, and no matter how casual it is, the Mid-Autumn Festival cannot be ambiguous. Leaning on the railing and looking into the distance, Liu Chengyou returned home after feeling enough cold wind and wiping his red nose.
At this time, the palace of Prince Zhou was in a busy state. The servants were filling the courtyard and decorating the pavilions. Following Liu Chengyou's instructions, it was not extravagant. However, it was a festival after all, and if it was reduced, the palace would have to be a little more grand. His cheerfulness diluted the seriousness on Liu Chengyou's face.
"Your Highness, you are back." Mr. Geng, dressed in light-colored clothes, personally welcomed Liu Chengyou into the hall.
As Liu Chengyou's only concubine so far, she swayed around the house as a mistress.
"Let Granny Li and the stewards of the mansion do these things, why do you need to do it yourself?" Liu Chengyou said.
"It doesn't matter." Mr. Geng smiled and his beautiful eyes almost melted Liu Chengyou.
He reached out and gently touched her belly. Liu Chengyou took her hand and led her into the flower hall.
Probably in the previous period, they kept a low profile, bided their time, and worked hard to create people. Not long ago, Geng was found to be pregnant. This is a big event and has special significance to Liu Chengyou and the emperor and empress in the palace. Geng's belly The children, regardless of gender, are the first grandchildren of Liu Zhiyuan and Li.
Children are another plus point for Liu Chengyou.
The eldest brother Liu Chengyou is much older than Liu Chengyou. He is twenty-five or six years old, but he does not have a single daughter. He married a wife very early and has several concubines, but none of them are pregnant. It really makes people doubt that he There is something wrong with your body.
The Geng family was pregnant, which caused this problem even more. Then, the issue of succession broke out again, but this time, some smart people thought of a good way to "get the best of both worlds", and Liu Zhiyuan decided on the alliance system and the throne. Inheritance, brother to brother.
It sounds like a good idea. It not only perfectly resolves the ongoing dispute over the reserve position, but also maintains the stability of the country. At the same time, it also avoids the situation where the master and the young are in doubt and the country is unstable. It is simply a matter of one move. So much...
However, if you think a little deeper, you will realize how unreliable it is. Liu Zhiyuan passed on Liu Chengxun, Liu Chengxun passed on Liu Chengyou, Liu Chengyou passed on Liu Chengxun? Who did Liu Chengxun pass on?
It simply cannot withstand scrutiny. Under normal circumstances, brother-in-law is definitely a recipe for disaster. This is what Ma Chu in Hunan did. A living example was put in front of him, and then he created a "five horses competing for the slot" Allusion: Ma Xifan died in June, and now the two brothers Ma Xiguang and Ma Xi'e have met each other at war.
The minister who suggested writing this article into the ancestral system was either stupid or had ulterior motives and should be killed.
In the hall, colorful heads were also hung, and autumn flowers were arranged, which was particularly elegant. Sitting down, Mr. Geng took a plate of pastries from his maid, cleaned her hands in a bowl, picked up a piece, and fed it to Liu Chengyou's mouth: "Erlang, this is This is the newly made sweet-scented osmanthus cake, please try it."
Liu Chengyou glanced at it. It was square, bright yellow, and looked very good. It exuded a crispy fragrance. It was not big and could be held in one mouthful.
"How about it?"
"good."
Although Liu Chengyou's reaction was not positive enough, it was recognized. Geng's smile also spread and his eyebrows slightly curved.
"Get ready, come with me to the palace for the banquet tonight." After resting for a moment and taking a sip of water, Liu Chengyou said to Mr. Geng.
"Yes!" The jade face was filled with joy.
Seeing Li Chongju commanding the servants of the palace in the court, Liu Chengyou thought of something and called him to ask: "Have the things been sent to all the palaces?"
"According to your instructions, it has been delivered at twelve o'clock." Li Chongju bowed and replied.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, human exchanges are unavoidable. Previously, Liu Chengyou ordered dozens of gift boxes to be sent to the houses of courtiers who were close to Liu Chengyou. Of course, the most important ones were his old ministers. The gifts were not expensive. The items are just seasonal fruits and products, and my thoughts are sent to you, and I don't worry about what others say.
In the evening, after tidying up, Liu Chengyou took Geng to the palace for a banquet. The palace was also decorated with lanterns and decorations, but only for the Renming Hall. Due to the difficult national affairs, there was no big deal according to Li's suggestion. , they just called Liu Chengxun and the brothers to have a family banquet. They issued an edict to encourage the ministers of civil and military affairs and gave them some autumn food from the palace.
To be honest, the emperor Liu Zhiyuan did very mediocre things. He may not have been kind to the people, but he was quite self-disciplined and basically did not behave extravagantly. In terms of governance, he was also diligent. However, in his hands, the country was still as weak as ever. A giant with clay feet, his steps are difficult.
In the final analysis, it is still a question of employment, and Liu Zhiyuan is not active in streamlining administration and eliminating shortcomings.
In the court, the generals of the "Hedong Clan" were constantly fighting. During this Mid-Autumn Festival, the emperor's family was celebrating the Qing Jian Festival, and many of the ministers outside were "celebrating the festival" and making friends. , drinking and playing in the moonlight in the mansion was very lively. Especially Su Fengji and Shi Hongzhao.
It was a family dinner, Liu Zhiyuan and his wife, Liu Chengxun's three brothers, plus the only daughter Princess Yongning and her husband Song Yanwo, and Liu Chengyun's adopted son, there were nine people in total.
Geng was dressed in a married woman's outfit. After she became pregnant, she was given the title of Mrs. Jin by Liu Zhiyuan. She wore light makeup and was a little embarrassed. Together with her sister-in-law Liu Chengyou and her sister, Mrs. Li called her over to chat and talk about family affairs. A mother regards her son as precious, and treats Geng Mr. Li was obviously very concerned about her, and kept whispering her advice.
As for the brothers Liu Chengxun, they gathered together, drank and chatted. Liu Chengxun's body seemed to have recovered almost, at least it was not visible from the outside, but he coughed twice from time to time.
Until Liu Zhiyuan arrived, he was obviously in a bad mood recently, but he forced a smile and didn't say much. He just said: "The country is not at peace. Keep everything simple. Don't be too poor."
"Don't dare."
"Our family hasn't been together like this for a long time." Mrs. Li sighed.
When the family is together, they don't deliberately talk about palace rules. There are not so many restrictions. They are just like ordinary people. They can feel the warm atmosphere among relatives during the chat.
Two palace ladies brought a piece of cake together. The cake was like a full moon and they were called "small cakes". They were actually moon cakes. The cakes were not small, and Li made them herself. The whole family shared them and ate them. The taste was not too special. What you eat is rhythm and atmosphere.
After a few glasses of wine, the atmosphere relaxed completely. He began to talk more, and Liu Chengyou's expression was much richer than usual.
Liu Chengxun was drinking a little anxiously, so his sister-in-law sat next to him and tried to persuade him softly, but she couldn't help it. His sister-in-law was not a beautiful woman, and she came from a small family, but her temperament was gentle and virtuous, and she was very popular with him.
Probably feeling something in his heart, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but advise Liu Chengxun: "Brother, drink less."
Liu Chengxun also smiled at Liu Chengyou and waved his hand: "It's okay, I'm happy to celebrate the festival today. Erlang, I'd like to toast you a drink for my brother..."
During these days, Liu Chengxun was also holding something back in his heart. The issue of his heir was quite troublesome.
Liu Chengyou agreed and drank it all in one gulp. The wine was newly Kaifeng aged wine, with a mellow taste and a slightly sweet taste.
After wiping his red face, Liu Chengyou took the initiative to pay respects to his brother-in-law Song Yanwo. The boy Liu Chengxun was let go of the control, and he even drank with Liu Chengyun. After a few drinks, he became drunk and leaned on his adopted brother. The atmosphere at the banquet was always cheerful. Liu Zhiyuan looked at all this, and his mentality completely calmed down.
Late at night, the city of Tokyo was still full of dots of firelight. Whether they were high-ranking aristocrats or ordinary people, they basically gathered together to watch the moon, chat, and comfort each other. The sound of silk, bamboo, and bamboo flute was endless. People often hear the sound of children playing in the village.
No matter how miserable the days are, it’s all about tomorrow...