Outside the city of Tokyo, there has become a huge construction site. The city of Kaifeng was expanded and built from the east city. The Kaifeng government recruited tens of thousands of civilians at one time, and there were hundreds of craftsmen in Tokyo and its surroundings. Stones from all over the world, Bricks and wood are transported to Tokyo ship by ship.
As far as Liu Chengyou knows, more than ten brick kilns have been built in the suburbs of Tokyo to use clay to bake green bricks, specializing in Tokyo's major industries. Businessmen are pursuing profits and see opportunities. There are several businessmen with deep backgrounds inside and outside Kaifeng. Invest heavily in the "building materials" business.
What Liu Chengyou himself didn't realize was that the urban construction project had stimulated a wave of business prosperity. Due to the loose policies of the imperial court, the business atmosphere in Tokyo became stronger and stronger. Businessmen from all over the world gathered here, and wealth gradually accumulated here. When will the policy be tightened and a wave of harvest be harvested...
When the emperor returned to the palace, Liu Chengyou went to Ciming Hall as usual to greet the Queen Mother and take a look at his eldest son. Liu Xu was already over four years old. He was a small man, but docile and cute. Under the guidance of his grandmother, he Already started to recognize words.
Although he was raised across generations, the lack of maternal love is an indisputable fact. Liu Xu looks very quiet and not as lively and childish as the other brothers. He looks at Liu Chengyou with a somewhat unfamiliar look. Looking at Liu Chengyou, he can't help but feel sympathy. , the meaning of mercy.
Occasionally, Liu Chengyou would have the idea of finding a mother for Liu Xu. However, the Queen Mother had personally raised her for these years, and it was difficult for Li to let her go.
"Your Majesty, a secret report from Xiangzhou!" Returning to Chongzheng Hall with a little displeasure, Zhang Dejun came to report and handed over a secret report.
Opening the seal, he took out a page of paper, shook it slightly and unfolded it. Liu Chengyou's brows suddenly wrinkled unconsciously, and he secretly wrote:
Zhang Zhi, the relative officer of Xiangzhou in the Department of Military Affairs, reported to Your Majesty that Wang Jingchong, the envoy of Military Affairs, was in Anyang, detaining Jiedu Liu Zhu, collecting evidence of Liu Zhu's crimes and disorderly government, arresting Liu Zhu's associates, suppressing information, coercing military and political officials, and indiscriminately inflicting torture. , his methods were ruthless, and he extorted hundreds of thousands of money and silk. Most of the wealth Liu Zhu collected fell into his hands. Liu Zhu couldn't bear the humiliation and committed suicide on the night of September 7th. Liu's wife hanged herself.
Slowly put away the letter paper, slowly folded it, put it back into the envelope, and then asked Zhang Dejun to bring the palace candle and burn it directly.
The orange-red flames gradually swallowed up the secret report, emitting a slightly unpleasant smell. The firelight swayed and shone on Liu Chengyou's face, which was already extremely calm.
Later, Liu Chengyou received Wang Jingchong's report on the Liu Baht case. Some things could be sealed, but the main criminal Liu Baht was dead, and such things could not be concealed.
Of course, on Wang Jingchong's side, there was another argument. The evidence against Liu Zhu's harsh government and illegal activities, and the gathering of evidence that harmed the people was quite complete, and it was true. Regarding Liu Zhu's death, Wang Jingchong was indifferent. They said that he was negligent in guarding and committed suicide out of fear of committing a crime, and asked Liu Chengyou to punish him. It is obvious that Wang Jingchong wanted to commit a small crime on himself and avoid a major one.
"It is decreed to Wang Jingchong that all officials and people in Xiangzhou are innocent and must not be implicated in disturbing the people. The wealth collected by Liu Biao will be registered in a register and sent to Tokyo to build the city!" Liu Chengyou ordered: "Tell Wang Jingchong that he is ordered to do so. The inspection, on behalf of the imperial court, should be kind and forgiving, be prudent when dealing with problems, pay attention to the means, and do not be too cautious, so as not to make a big mistake!"
"In addition, it is reported that Liu Zhu committed a serious crime and committed suicide because of fear of the law. But after all, he was a veteran of the Han Dynasty. Although I hate him for violating the law and harming the people, I can't help but pity him. I ordered the bodies of Liu Zhu and his wife to be collected and buried later. He should be returned to his original place for burial! When his son's filial piety period has passed, he will be given an official position by the Ministry of Civil Affairs at his discretion."
"As for Xiangzhou, it was changed to Zhangde Prefecture, and the Ministry of Officials sent people to take office to manage its affairs!"
Liu Baht's case ended in such a hasty manner, and it was clear that the crime was serious. However, after Wang Jingchong was so involved, the ending was inevitably sad. Maybe it was the one who died the most.
Regarding Wang Jingchong's matter, Liu Chengyou treated it lightly. Moreover, he had to admit in his heart that Wang Jingchong was really not a good person. Liu Biao was originally a ruthless character, with a vicious mind and sharp hands, and he fell into Wang Jingchong's hands. , but also ended up with a miserable ending of suicide...
Liu Chengyou held a tolerant and ambiguous attitude towards Liu Zhuan and Wang Jingchong. However, the news from the north stirred up trouble in the court again. The censors and officials rushed to express their opinions, claiming that Wang Jingchong's arbitrary behavior was forced to death. , please Liu Chengyou recall Wang Jingchong for questioning.
The courtiers seemed to have forgotten that not long ago, they were still angry and criticized Liu Zhu for causing chaos in the country. Regarding the turmoil in the court, Liu Chengyou still issued an edict to calm down. One Liu Zhu seemed not enough, and he also wanted to use Wang Jingchong .
...
It was night, and the guards opened the way. Two lanterns with the word "Guo" written on them were in front of them, illuminating the street. The car drove slowly and stopped in front of the Guo Mansion.
He opened the curtain and walked out of the car. The late autumn night wind was blowing. It was so cool that Guo Rong couldn't help but shiver. He looked at the night sky. There was no moonlight and few stars. Under the night, there seemed to be clouds all around. It was not a good weather.
After getting off the car, Guo Rong coughed a few times. The servant quickly took a robe and put it on him. In the palace, his wife was there, the food was ready on the dining table, and his two sons were in a daze. Go to sleep, obviously waiting for a long time.
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When they saw Guo Rong, they all became energetic. Guo's wife, Mrs. Liu, greeted him, helped Guo Rong take off his outer robe and put it away. At the same time, he ordered the servants: "Take the food and heat it up, and prepare hot water for washing!"
Mrs. Liu was Guo Rong's first wife, a virtuous and chaste woman, and they had a very good relationship. She looked at the servants taking the food to heat, and then looked at her two hungry sons, and even the salute seemed particularly weak.
Guo Rong couldn't help but sigh to Mrs. Liu: "I told you, if I come back late, you don't have to wait long, just go ahead and eat!"
Mrs. Liu put away her robe, served a cup of tea herself, and smiled gently at Guo Rong: "My husband is the head of the family. He is busy with state affairs and waiting for his return. This is what a wife should do!"
While they were talking, the servant brought the hot water, and Mrs. Liu personally took the towel, soaked it, wrung it out, and handed it to Guo Rong.
"It's my fault too. I forgot the time when I was busy and didn't have time to notify anyone." A touch of emotion appeared in Guo Rong's usually serious expression.
Tonight, Guo Rong worked overtime again, handling a batch of military affairs for the Hebei garrison, and came back late. In the past few months, the various prefectures and prefectures of the Han Dynasty and local armies have been adjusted frequently, resulting in a large number of military affairs. Ruan was old and energetic, and Guo Rong The burden on Rong's shoulders naturally became much heavier.
I washed my face, sat down, and considered the studies of my two sons. It wasn't until there was a growl in my stomach that the food was heated and served again.
Guo Rong now has four sons, two younger ones who have not yet been weaned. The family of four is in the dining room. A servant comes to report that there is a visitor. A visitor who surprises Guo Rong is Chang Si, the military commander of the Zhaoyi Army in Luzhou.
In the study, everyone took their seats. When Guo Rong looked at Chang Si, he couldn't help but wonder: "Why is Mr. Chang in Beijing visiting all night?"
"To be honest, Guo Lang, I will go to Tokyo this afternoon and stay in the city to let people keep an eye on the situation in the Guo Mansion. As soon as you return home, I will come when I need to report!" Chang Si spoke a little anxiously.
Hearing what he said, Guo Rong frowned even more tightly and said in a louder voice: "Why did the Duke return to the capital privately without being summoned by the imperial court? Once he arrived, why did he hide in the palace to wait for me without entering the palace to see the saint?"
Chang Si's face showed a bit of unhappiness, and he cupped his hands to Guo Rong and said, "Guo Lang, you have to save me!"
"What happened?" Seeing his performance, Guo Rong became even more confused.
Chang Si quickly clarified his doubts, saying: "It is not the evil wolf of Wude Secretary Wang Jingchong. After Xiangzhou passed, he also captured Cizhou Wang Jihong. Now he is passing through the border under the banner of the emperor and the imperial court, hoping to investigate and correct lawlessness.
I know that he came here just for me. I thought that Liu Zhu, who was a dignified town, was forced to death by this man. I am old and frail, how can I stand his interrogation, and if I fall into his hands, I will definitely suffer.
It’s harmful. Therefore, I have no choice but to leave Luzhou temporarily and come to Beijing to seek help!”
Hearing what Chang Si said, Guo Rong frowned deeply and his expression became a little solemn. Of course, he quickly figured it out. The crux of the matter was still the "Liu Baht case". The emperor sent Wang Jingchong to investigate local illegalities. Afterwards, Xiangzhou was still confused.
If he doesn't give up, Liu Zhu's fate is ahead. How can the remaining Jiedu not be surprised, worried, or afraid? And Chang Si, who is Wang Jingchong's next target, is even more frightened.
Regarding this matter, Guo Rong, who was in the middle of the court, didn't know about it, but he really had no intention of intervening in this matter, was inconvenient to participate, and never made any remarks.
Now, Chang Si actually begged him, but for Guo Rong, it was more trouble...
After pondering for a while, Guo Rong asked: "What does Mr. Chang want me to do?"
