The Long Live Hall is very quiet, but the quietest ones are the "distinguished guests" present. The melodious sound of silk and bamboo still lingers in the hall. The meaning of the emperor's words is obvious, but compared with the previous wave of festivals, this group of People's political consciousness is obviously not very high, and many people show their greed for power.
For example, Yang Chengxin, the governor of Pizhou, stood up, with a humble smile on his face, and said: "I was given a false destiny, and I always felt ashamed in my heart. Fortunately, my great ancestor was merciful and accepted me. I am also trusted by your majesty. , moved to Anzhou and Pizhou, and in the year he was established, he took charge of the government and the army. He felt that his talent was shallow and his virtues were weak. Although he worked hard, he was rarely good at governing the soldiers and people under his rule. I think of your majesty's kindness every day, and I am willing to use my body to... Serve your Majesty in return for your majesty..."
Yang Chengxin was a second-generation official. His father served as the Pinglu Military Envoy of the Later Jin Dynasty, and he also rebelled against the Shitou Jin Dynasty, which was pacified by Li Shouzhen. The Khitan destroyed the Jin Dynasty and made him the Pinglu Military Envoy, inheriting his father's position. , after the establishment of the Han Dynasty, he surrendered wisely. Liu Chengyou came to power and moved his town twice, from Qingzhou to Anzhou and then to Pizhou, but he was obedient.
This time, he spoke beautifully and had a respectful attitude towards Liu Chengyou, but the only thing he meant was that he still wanted to be loyal to the emperor and do things for the court. However, what he said was quite good. He was only in his thirties, and he also served in politics. Considered diligent and somewhat capable.
The second person to speak was Bozhou Defense Envoy Xue Qiong. With the help of wine, he showed off to Liu Chengyou his achievements over the years and his achievements in guarding Bozhou. By the way, he also talked about his previous friendship, which reminded Liu Chengyou of the time when Jinyang raised troops. , when he led the Longqi Army to attack Luzhou, he also tried his best to provide Liu Chengyou with supplies and food.
Others basically made similar speeches, hoping to influence Liu Chengyou. Their words were sincere, and some even cried. This scene actually made Liu Chengyou feel a little embarrassed.
Of course, they are not illogical people. For example, when the Shaanzhou Baoyi Army met Liu Ci, he spoke up and said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, I had a rough life in my early years, drifting between three generations. Until the year when I knew my destiny, Meng Gaozu and Liu Chengyou Your Majesty did not give up. He was promoted to general and reached a high position in the town. Now, I am sixty and four years old, old and sick. If your Majesty shows your kindness, please resign from Shaanzhou!"
Liu Ci's heartfelt words were naturally recognized by Liu Chengyou. With a smile, he stepped forward and to show his closeness, he sat directly next to Liu Ci, had a drink with him, and said softly: "Liu Qing is so righteous." , Brave and benevolent, even in Tokyo, I heard that the soldiers and people of Shaanxi Province miss your kindness. Both I and the court still need veteran ministers and generals like you to assist us."
Liu Chengyou admitted that he spoke from the bottom of his heart, but Liu Ci didn't seem to take it seriously. His old eyes were particularly bright, and he still replied in a calm and calm tone: "Your Majesty, I have suffered a lot of physical damage, and it is embarrassing. I really want to return home."
After hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou immediately said: "Later, I will ask the imperial doctor to take a look at it!"
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"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Ci thanked him, but he shook his head, looking like a hero in his twilight years, and sighed: "I have been in the army for nearly 40 years, and I have many hidden ailments that cannot be cured by medicine!"
Liu Chengyou frowned slightly, and immediately said: "Have a good rest, you can always recover!"
Liu Ci smiled at Liu Chengyou and said, "Your Majesty, I have a request. I hope it can be fulfilled?"
"Please speak frankly!" Liu Chengyou was very satisfied with Liu Ci's initiative and submission. If he wanted to make a request, as long as it was not excessive, there was no reason why he would not agree.
Liu Ci said: "When I took office in Shaanzhou, I successively recruited some staff to manage political affairs and encourage farmers and mulberry trees. They all relied on their assistance. I thought that they were all rare talents, and they had been succumbing to Shaanzhou for many years. I already have private thoughts.
Now I would like to recommend it to Your Majesty. If you are lucky enough to join the court and serve the country, I will live up to your talents!"
"Oh?" Liu Chengyou had a look of surprise on his face and couldn't help but sigh: "I originally thought that the public wanted to be rich and honorable, but I never thought, but it is to promote talents for the country. This high justice makes me feel ashamed, moved, and... Admired..."
"Old minister, you must never take this position!" The Emperor of the Han Dynasty said this, but Liu Ci did not trust him at all.
Nodding slightly, Liu Chengyou asked: "Who do you recommend?"
"Among the Shaanzhou staff, Zhao Pu and Chu Zhaofu are the outstanding ones!" Liu Ci named two people.
"Zhao Pu!" Liu Chengyou's eyes brightened slightly, his eyes wandered for a moment, and he said: "The ones recommended by you must be good talents. You can inform them to come to Beijing for evaluation and appointment!"
"Your Majesty, the two of them have come to Beijing with their ministers and are in Kaifeng." Liu Ci said calmly.
Liu Chengyou couldn't help but look at Liu Ci a few more times. This veteran had obviously thought about it before coming to Beijing...
Liu Chengyou felt rewarded for being such a favor, and having a close conversation with him really attracted the attention of others. He personally toasted Liu Ci with a glass of wine, and Liu Chengyou stood up and directly stated his arrangements for Liu Ci after his resignation, and he would continue to serve in his original position. , Jia Zhongshu Ling, he was promoted to the title of Duke, his salary was doubled, his wife was granted the title of patronage son, and he was rewarded with a house, land, and some silk.
Liu Ci bowed down in front of the palace to express his gratitude. The performance of the emperor and his ministers made everyone present feel a little flustered. However, no one was like Liu Ci. He resigned from the palace and had to consider it. And Liu Chengyou did not. If you say more about this matter, you can stir up the atmosphere again and let everyone enjoy themselves.
Among the generals in the palace, only Hu Yanke of Hezhong Prefecture and Li Hongwei of Pinglu Jiedu were the calmest. Hezhong was the first town in the Han Dynasty to implement the separation of military and political affairs. Hu Yanke only managed the government when he took office. However, with his knowledge, the emperor was still targeting the centralized government this time. The military, political and financial power is the first-hand Jiedu and defense.
As for Li Hongwei, he was the uncle of the state and had a closer relationship. He planned to listen to the holy teachings again after the family banquet. He would do whatever the emperor's nephew said.
The generals in Hebei were also affected and had some strange behaviors. It was Li Jun who directly said to Luo Yanxuan: "What does the emperor mean by this? Is this to relieve our military power?"
Luo Yanxuan looked thoughtful, and he had to be cautious when it came to the future. He was also an old member of the emperor. When Liu Chengyou left Taihang, he turned against the Khitan and donated thousands of war horses. But after so many years, the emperor He didn't even know whether he still remembered that friendship.
Luo Yanxuan didn't say anything, but Ma Quanyi seemed calm. He pointed at Li Jun and said in a deep voice: "Hasn't General Li always found it hard to guard the border? Wouldn't it be just as you want if the military power is relieved and you can return to Tokyo to enjoy the blessings? Maybe, Your Majesty can do it too. Wouldn't it be nice to give you a lordship and reward you with a farm and a house?"
"Ma Quanyi, this involves the honor and disgrace of our northern soldiers, and the security of the border!" Li Jun seemed to be sober at this time, and said with a cold face: "I won't argue with you, and you shouldn't push yourself too far!"
Ma Quanyi glanced at Li Yun and said nothing more. He just felt a strong sense of contempt in his heart and felt that this person was too selfish.
He Fujin coughed twice and said: "We are all subjects, and the soldiers and horses under our command are also the elite of the court. We are not relying on self-respecting private property!"
These words were spoken directly to Li Jun. His eyes were full of determination, making him dare not look directly.
"Your Majesty!" Seeing Liu Chengyou walking slowly, Luo Yanxuan reacted the fastest and stood up first to pay his respects.
Ma Quanyi, He Fujin, and Li Jun followed one after another and drank a cup with the generals. Liu Chengyou glanced around a few people, his eyes fell on Li Jun, and asked lightly: "What are the generals talking about? It seems quite interesting." It’s so exciting, can you share it with me?”
"This..." Facing Liu Chengyou's calm gaze, Li Jun suddenly discovered that when he directly faced the emperor, he was not full of unwillingness and resentment at all, or he did not dare to show it.
He muttered a few words, pointed at the food and wine on the dining table, showed an ugly smile, and replied: "I'm waiting for you, the palace cuisine is very delicious. I'm waiting in the north, so I can't eat such delicacies!" "
Without caring about the truth or falsehood of Li Jun's words, Liu Chengyou continued: "Then eat more. Guarding the border for many years is hard work. Over the years, the generals have spared no effort and shelter from wind and rain to guard the north for the country. , to prepare for foreign invasion and to ensure that the imperial court does not have to worry about the north. I will always keep these achievements in my heart! I want to express my gratitude to you!"
"Your Majesty, it is your duty and mission to serve as a general of the country, to defend the border against bandits, and to protect the country and the people!" Luo Yanxuan responded enthusiastically, looking very conscious.
"I'm so relieved that the general can think of this!" Liu Chengyou nodded towards Luo Yanxuan.
His eyes were still looking at Li Jun, and Liu Chengyou said quietly: "This is a festive occasion, and we call you to come to Beijing for two main purposes. One is that I haven't seen you for many years, and I miss you; the other two Well, it's the northern border defense. I want to know something about the situation from you, the front-line generals.
As for the rest, don’t make any guesses..."
After Liu Chengyou said this, Li Jun couldn't help but smile awkwardly.