"Your Majesty!" After passing the palace to express his condolences, Emperor Liu originally did not want to stay for a long time and wanted to return to the palace, but an old call stopped him.
"My father-in-law is old, why do we need him to come?" The person who stopped Emperor Liu was none other than Xing Guogong, the father-in-law, and Guo Wei.
Guo Wei is now approaching his seventies, and there is more white in his beard and hair. But as far as Emperor Liu knows, his body has always been strong and he can ride horses and eat meat. He is getting stronger as he gets older and has many children and grandchildren.
After nearly twenty years of care, my life has been very nourishing and carefree.
But at this time, Guo Wei was being supported by Liu Han, the twelfth son of the emperor, and his old face looked a bit thin and frail. Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Guo Wei's eyes were filled with emotion, and he lamented: "After all, father and son
Since you have passed away, how could I not come here to express your gratitude to Your Majesty? On behalf of the Chai family, I would like to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for your concern!"
"Don't say anything if you meet outsiders!" Emperor Liu looked at Guo Wei and said seriously: "Your Excellency is not only the pillar of the Han Dynasty, but also my good friend and family member. With this relationship, no matter what, I must come in person!"
Chai Rong changed his surname back then to show the separation of Guo and Chai, which had strong political significance. However, in fact, the two surnames were still closely connected. There were even marriages within three generations, and the relationship between the two families was still very close.
Especially for the children of Guo Chai, if they are divided into two families, they will have a large share of inheritable titles, property and political resources, which is double happiness.
In the early years, because of Guo Wei's trust and closeness to Chai Rong, his other sons were a little unhappy. Later, Chai Rong restored his surname, and the relationship between them actually eased.
In the final analysis, it is still driven by interests. As for the separation of the Guo and Chai families, it is difficult to say whether it is pros or cons for them. It just depends on the angle from which they look at it.
Emperor Liu was well aware of these situations and did not express any dissatisfaction or bad opinions. After all, people had their homes demolished under his own pressure. With such sincerity, how could Emperor Liu be so demanding?
We can't force the two families to turn against each other.
Now, more than ten years have passed, and when I look back at my past experiences and behaviors, those suspicions and vigilances seem a little inexplicable, even a little childish and ridiculous. Of course, in the current political environment, with today's
It is also unreasonable to look at the events of that year with the mentality and perspective.
Twenty years ago, Emperor Liu had always had an almost deep-rooted suspicion of Guo Wei. Even if he was tolerant and respectful on the surface, he was always on guard in his heart. Emperor Liu of that period did lack a sense of security.
Even at the beginning, due to Emperor Liu's actions, Guo Wei did not gain too much prestige and power. However, with the development of the times, for two or three years, Guo Wei was the well-deserved first-class minister in the Han Dynasty.
Coupled with Chai Rong, the adopted son who was trusted by Emperor Liu, and Guo Chai, they formed a huge military and political power group. Even now, the influence of the two cannot be underestimated.
The ninth year of Kaibao is coming to an end. Look at how many nobles and generals in the current court came from Guo Chai's tent. Not to mention those who have passed away and were not qualified enough, Zhang Yongde, Li Chongjin,
Cao Bin, Pan Mei, Ma Renyu, Liu Guangyi... just list a bunch of names, they are all important figures in the current military and political affairs of the Han Dynasty, and these people, at that time, all belonged to Ma Zai under Guo Wei's account
.
There are still more talents, and they were promoted one after another during the process of Emperor Liu's army reorganization. Otherwise, according to the course of history, most of the outstanding military and political talents of the Han Dynasty will be taken under Guo Wei's account.
This is what is written in the official history, and most of them worked for the Northern Song Dynasty to unify the world, and even in the Song Taizong era, they were still shining.
Therefore, even if he now feels that his suspicions back then seem a bit ridiculous, Emperor Liu will never despise himself at the time, and will not even have the slightest regret. He will only feel some emotions and make a few noises in the process of recalling the old days.
Just sad.
Of course, facing the senile Guo Wei, Emperor Liu's attitude was naturally more cordial, kind, gentle and mild. After all, Guo Wei at this time was no longer harmful to him.
"Dad, it's cold and windy. Don't stay outside for a long time. Don't catch cold. Someone will take care of Brother Rong's funeral!" Concubine Guo Ning stepped forward to support Guo Wei and said to her son: "Liu Han, help grandfather in!"
"Yes!" Liu Han naturally did not dare to disobey his mother, and Emperor Liu was still watching from the side.
Because of Guo Wei, Emperor Liu was no longer in a hurry to return to the palace, and went to the backyard of the palace to chat together. Up to now, Emperor Liu had no suspicion of Guo Wei at all. On the contrary, he had more obvious respect.
Every word and deed showed gentleness, which made Guo Wei, an old man, very touched and gratified.
When Guo Wei asked to retire, he was bedridden, unable to get up, and looked like he was about to die. However, after so many years, he is still living strong and enjoying the good times, and it seems that he cannot admire Guo Wei's wisdom.
"My father-in-law will be sixty and eight this year!" In the conservatory, after tasting some tea from the British Duke's Palace, Emperor Liu looked at Guo Weida, who had regained some of his complexion.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, for still remembering how old I am!" Guo Wei heard this, and his tone was full of emotion: "Unconsciously, I am already nearly 70 years old!"
Emperor Liu nodded and said: "Xingzhou is thousands of miles away from Beijing, so travel is inconvenient. My father-in-law is already old, so he doesn't need to suffer such troubles. From now on, just stay in the capital and let your descendants be close to you to fulfill their filial piety."
!”
"Your Majesty is so caring, thank you, sir!" Hearing this, Mr. Guo Wei couldn't help but be moved, and he quickly stood up and responded.
After entering the Kaibao Year, Guo Wei lived between the capital and Xingzhou. In the early years, he was accompanied by Guo Yi. Later, when Guo Yi grew up and became an official, when he stayed in Xingzhou, he looked a bit like an empty-nest old man.
Already.
Emperor Liu asked Guo Weichang to stay in the capital for his retirement, which was naturally a considerate concern for him. Perhaps Chai Rong's death was also one of the reasons, but it was not the main factor.
"It doesn't have to be like this!" Emperor Liu smiled gently, waved his hand and said, "When I have free time, my father-in-law can also come into the palace and drink and chat with me. I feel lonely sometimes in the palace!"
"If Your Majesty does not mind that I am old, then I will have the audacity to bother you!" Guo Wei said.
"Liu Han!" Emperor Liu nodded. He looked at his twelve sons again and said in a more serious tone: "Mr.
Mr. Xing is your best role model, and your uncle Guo Yi was trained by him himself!"
"Yes!" Faced with Emperor Liu's words, Liu Han didn't dare to have any objections, so he responded respectfully, very well-behaved.
Looking at Guo Wei again, Emperor Liu pondered for a moment and said: "Zhang Yue, there is something that may be inappropriate to say at this time, but I would like to take this opportunity to hear your opinion!"
Hearing this, Guo Wei was slightly surprised, but in response to Emperor Liu's gaze, he still raised his hands and said, "Your Majesty, please speak!"
"Now that Duke Ying has passed away, among his descendants, who should inherit the title?" Emperor Liu said.
It has to be said that this is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. The property left by Chai Rong is very rich. He has seven sons. Under normal circumstances, the eldest son Chai Zongyi is naturally the most suitable successor.
However, Emperor Liu specifically mentioned something that should have been a final conclusion. Does it mean that Emperor Liu had any thoughts? Although Guo Wei was old, his mind was still very sharp, and he immediately thought of Chai Zongxun and his wife. After all, Chai Zongxun was
Prince Consort, could it be that Emperor Liu was considering this?
Serious thinking made Guo Wei's old face look a little solemn, and Emperor Liu did not disturb his thinking. After thinking for a while, Guo Wei glanced at Emperor Liu and finally said: "I thought that there is an order between elders and younger ones, and there are differences between descendants!
"
Although the words were simple, Guo Wei's attitude was already clear. Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu's mouth twitched, more like a twitch, and he quickly showed a smile and said: "My father-in-law is right! Zongyi will be an official for about ten years."
I’ve been here for 20 years and have gained a lot of experience, so I can continue my father’s career!”
"Your Majesty is wise!" Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Guo Wei was inexplicably relieved.
