Chapter 313 The Crown Prince Establishes the Dynasty
Chapter 313 The Crown Prince Establishes the Dynasty
The magnificent days are always so short, while more years are composed of the simplest, a day and a night.
Another Spring Festival was spent in Luoyang City, and the children gradually grew up. It seemed that their appearance could change in a day, and even the youngest Guo Xun could crawl all over the floor.
As soon as the second day of February passed, the earth began to recover, and Guo Mo's house became busy.
It had been several years since I had returned to Peach Blossom Island. Both Feng Heng and Huang Rong thought they should go back.
Especially there are those children on Peach Blossom Island. The third child, Guo Xiao, is over three years old, and he still doesn’t know what his father looks like.
Zhao Simo, who came all the way to Lin'an to study, is about to be eight years old and is getting better at studying literature and martial arts.
The eight-year-old child already has the ability to think independently. He already knows that he, Guo Yi and Guo Xiao are half-brothers.
But why isn’t his surname Guo?
Guo Mo and his entourage were pulled into more than a dozen carriages. Feng Heng, Huang Rong, and Li Mochou were sitting in the carriages with several children.
On the other hand, Yang Guo, who was nine years old, was already able to ride a pony independently. He had a complete saddle, anklets, and even a silver spear specially made for him by Guo Mo on his winning hook.
Years ago, Yang Guo had already begun to practice the "Yang family's marksmanship". As a direct descendant of the Yang family, it is natural that he should practice the "Yang family's marksmanship".
Lu Guanying brought 500 "Tiger and Ben troops" to the Kingdom of Dachao. Now Guo Mo's second apprentice Wu Nantian is responsible for teaching Yang Guo's marksmanship.
"Fifth Junior Brother, isn't the little white horse you are riding running too slow? Do you want Fourth Senior Brother to change it for you with a bigger one?"
Haji, who stayed by his master's side, besides practicing kungfu, liked to tease Yang Guo, his junior brother.
Two hundred "Jinyi" men all followed the team south.
After nearly a year of training, everyone's kung fu has improved greatly, and they feel more and more like masters.
In Lu Guanying's absence, "Iron Palm Ruthless" Lu Pingsheng has become the commander-in-chief of this "Jin Yi", with Li Zhichang acting as his deputy.
The whole of Henan was already the territory of the Song Dynasty. Guo Mo and others finally no longer needed to take the detour to Xiangyang, and passed all the way through Xuzhou and Huainan, heading towards Lin'an.
It was the first time for Xiao Longnu to come to the south. After seeing the customs and customs along the way, the smile on the little girl's face became more abundant. She even boldly took seven-year-old Guo Xiang and galloped at the front of the team.
"Second sister, I originally thought that Xiang'er would become more ladylike by spending more time with Long'er. Who would have thought that now Long'er has been driven 'crazy' by little Xiang'er."
Xiao Longnu took Guo Xiang Juechen away. Huang Rong, who saw this scene through the curtain, had a look of helplessness on her face.
"Haha, sister, I think it looks good like this. Brother Mo likes little Xiang'er like this. Don't you see his eyes are shining?"
"Long'er has become a lot more cheerful. A little girl at such an old age should be more lively. Taking Long'er out of the tomb is the most correct thing I did."
Feng Heng and Jin Yufeng sat together, talking every now and then.
"Yu Feng, when we return to Peach Blossom Island this time, Master Qi and I want to arrange your marriage. Look at Xiao Nantian outside. Your fifth senior brother has already gone to Jiaxing to propose marriage. Your marriage will not be
Do you want to fall behind your nephew?"
The matter between Jin Yufeng and Nan Xiren has always been a matter of concern to everyone. At least in the eyes of Master Feng Heng, he did not want his youngest apprentice to remain alone like this.
A woman's age is the most unbearable. She is already thirty-four years old. If she doesn't consider marriage, she may have trouble having children in the future.
"Master, I don't have any objections. I just want to stay in front of Master and Master for two more years..."
Even though he is already in his thirties, he is considered a well-informed son and daughter of the world. Every time he talks about this matter, Jin Yufeng still looks embarrassed.
"Silly girl, don't you think you can't come to see Master and Master after you get married? I think it's better to let Mo'er take care of this matter. With just the two of you, I don't know how many years it will be postponed.
What month is it?"
Nan Xiren is just a boring gourd, and Jin Yufeng is a girl. This kind of thing may not go smoothly without the help of bystanders.
Looking at the red flowers and green willows on both sides of the road and the warm east wind blowing in our faces, everyone realized that spring is coming——
Guo Mo still kept a low profile. He even felt that it was a luxury to take more than 200 people on the road like this.
After walking on the road for more than a month, one evening in late March, just as Lin'an City was about to close, Guo Mo's motorcade finally arrived in Lin'an.
Entering through the North City Gate, you arrived directly at the former Prince Yan's Mansion without disturbing anyone.
However, unlike the Palace of Prince Yan in Luoyang, which Guo Mo renamed as "Marshal's Palace", the official Zhao Kuo directly changed the name of this palace in Lin'an to "East Palace", even though it is not to the east of the palace.
"Welcome Your Highness back to the palace——"
No matter how low-key Guo Mo is, people in his Prince's Mansion will still be notified.
As soon as they got off the horse, Xue Ji, the prince's grand master, Wei Jing, the imperial censor, and Nanshan woodcutter Nan Xiren were already waiting outside the gate of the "East Palace".
Next to them, they even saw Yue Ke, the Minister of Household Affairs, Meng Zongzheng, the Minister of War, and Song Ci, the Minister of Punishment.
These three people were also promoted by Guo Mo, or they rose up because of Guo Mo. Old Xue Ji accidentally let them know a little bit, so they followed them together.
"Mr. Xue, Mr. Wei, Fourth Master, everyone, please wait for me. It's better to go in first and talk about it later."
Seeing that everyone insisted on this, Guo Mo didn't know what to say.
Now that he is the prince, naturally he cannot go his own way like before.
Two hundred "jinyi" guards escorted a dozen carriages in. Not to mention Huang Rong and others, not even Guo Mo was familiar with this mansion in Lin'an City.
Fortunately, the place is big enough, and there are always people responsible for cleaning it, so it is very convenient to arrange the accommodation for more than 200 people.
As the Crown Princess, Huang Rong was a natural hostess even if she was not familiar with this place. She naturally invited the female family members to settle down in the back house.
The two hundred "jinyi" also had their own places to eat, drink and stay under Xue Ji's arrangement.
Guo Mo, on the other hand, left his second apprentice Wu Nantian and his fourth apprentice Haji behind, and asked these two boys to follow him. It was said that it was to give them more experience, but in fact he had two convenient messengers.
"Your Highness, you have been away for three or four years. In the past, you were the King of Yan, which was understandable. Now that you are the crown prince of a country, you still have to abide by some rules."
As soon as I sat down, the prince's grand master Xue Ji had not yet spoken, but the censor next to him, Zhongcheng Wei Jing, spoke first.
Guo Mo's brain ached when he heard this argument, but he also knew that Wei Jing was completely sincere.
The Song Dynasty finally had a real crown prince, and he was such a promising prince. How could Old Master Wei, who was full of "loyalty to the emperor and patriotism", not give him some advice?
"Haha, Wei Zhongcheng, you and I have all seen what His Highness has done over the years. Throughout history, leaving aside martial arts, there are only a few people with such martial arts skills."
"Your Highness is running for the future of the Song Dynasty, but the way is different from ordinary people. Your Highness is such a nature, Wei Zhongcheng does not demand full blame."
As a subordinate of the Prince's Mansion, Xue Ji, the Prince's Grand Master, still has to say a few words for Guo Mo.
Of course, he also knew that Wei Jing was not trying to make things difficult for Guo Mo. Although this old master is the censor Zhongcheng, don't forget that His Royal Highness is also the censor, so he is Lao Wei Jing's immediate boss.
"Haha, I am certainly aware of Mr. Wei's caring feelings. People cannot help themselves in the world of martial arts. Whether it is the court, the military, or diplomatic relations, wherever there are people, there are rivers and lakes."
"As long as the starting point is good and the ending is not bad, Mr. Wei shouldn't impeach this kid, right?"
A self-deprecating joke instantly drew the hearts of everyone present.
"Haha, Wei Zhongcheng, I also want to ask for a favor from His Highness, please do me a favor once -"
Meng Zongzheng, the Minister of War, was inferior to Xue Ji, Wei Jing, and Yue Ke in terms of official position among these people. He was just the same as the young Song Ci, and was ranked as the Minister of the Ministry of War.
However, considering his age and qualifications, he has known Xue Ji and Wei Jing for many years, but they have only had more contact with each other in the past few years.
People with a military background are naturally more open-minded and open-minded. Therefore, Meng Zongzheng also followed Guo Mo's joke and "begged for love" in a decent manner.
"Hmph, I won't do it next time. However, since His Highness realizes that what he has done is suspected of being 'impeached,' I wonder if you can give me some gifts to silence me?"
"I heard that His Highness has a kind of wine called 'Beauty Tears'. If you drink too much and can't finish it, I can help you."
Hahaha--
Everyone burst into laughter. No one expected that Lao Wei Jing, who was usually very meticulous, would actually make jokes in public?
Is this an "open request for bribes"?
"Haha, okay, whether it's 'Hero's Drunk' or 'Beauty's Tears', I've taken care of them all. You will have two more drinks later. I will send someone to deliver some to your house before leaving."
Since Old Master Wei has "broken knots" like this, Guo Mo can also climb along the pole. These are his loyal ministers, so there is nothing to be stingy about.
A meal where both the guest and the host enjoy themselves.
The next day, which coincided with the imperial meeting at the end of March, Guo Mo was called up before dawn, with a look of reluctance on his face.
Huang Rong and Li Mochou were waiting on him, and he was dressed neatly in princely attire. It was the first time for Guo Mo to wear this outfit, and it was really uncomfortable.
Rejecting the prince's carriage that Xue Ji had already prepared, he directly asked someone to bring a horse over, and then led Wu Nantian to the palace.
When Guo Mo arrived at Wufeng Tower, some officials were already waiting there.
These officials are actually standing in twos and threes at the base of the wall. Isn't there a court room where they can rest?
Guo Mo also couldn't remember exactly which dynasty the imperial room for officials to rest appeared in.
"His Royal Highness—"
These officials may not all know Guo Mo, but they all know his robe.
"Good morning everyone, good morning everyone——"
Guo Mo threw his war horse to Wu Nantian who was following behind him. He clasped his hands and said "good morning" to these extremely unfamiliar officials.
Guo Mo's unique way of greeting made people feel novel and yet so friendly, especially the young officials, who were even moved to tears.
"Haha, Your Highness came early enough. I thought Your Highness would be late for the court meeting today."
At this time, Meng Zongzheng, the Minister of War, also came on horseback.
After finally seeing an acquaintance, Guo Mo quickly waved goodbye to everyone and took two quick steps to reach Meng Zongzheng.
"Shilang Meng, isn't it too early for the morning court? Are all the ministers standing at the base of the wall like this, without even a place to shelter from the wind and rain?"
Guo Mo leaned close to Meng Zongzheng's ear and asked in a low voice the doubts in his heart.
"Haha, the rules have always been like this. How about you change it someday, Your Highness?"
Meng Zongzheng and Guo Mo were old acquaintances. Seeing Guo Mo ask such a "simple" question to him, he also found the prince a bit funny.
However, only if he is one of our own, or His Royal Highness the Prince himself is a sincere person, would he ask such a question.
"Okay, let's change it, otherwise it will be a waste of time and money. The weather is fine now, but wouldn't it be even more uncomfortable when it's cold?"
"In addition, since the morning service is so early, everyone may not have a good rest, or they may come here without having breakfast. If this continues, it will not be good for the body at all."
Meng Zongzheng said it casually, but he didn't expect Guo Mo to take it seriously?
Seeing Guo Mo's serious look, Meng Zongzheng was inexplicably moved in his heart.
Just after Mao Shi, all the ministers had gathered, and according to their respective official positions, Wen Dong and Wu Xi walked into the Daqing Hall.
Guo Mo naturally ranked first, but he naturally stood at the head of the generals. Behind him were Hu Ju, the Minister of the Ministry of War, Meng Zongzheng, the Minister of the Ministry of War, and others.
And standing at the head of the civil servants was none other than the Crown Prince, Grand Master, and the Minister of Civil Affairs, Xue Ji.
When Xue Ji saw Guo Mo standing at the head of the generals, he intentionally or unintentionally moved half of his body backwards, highlighting Guo Mo's position.
"I will visit the official's house——"
When he was young, Zhao Kuo, an official of the Song Dynasty, also walked out from the back of the palace, followed closely by the inseparable old eunuch.
"Haha, Prince, this outfit is really suitable for you."
Zhao Kuo waved his sleeves gently to let the ministers excuse themselves, and then made a joke on Guo Mo.
"Hehe, I think it's a little unnatural to wear it. If I could wear it in a military uniform, it would probably be more comfortable."
Well, after hearing this conversation between father and son, the ministers did not dare to judge anything.
“My lords, if you have any questions about this chapter, please play them one by one——”
Zhao Kuo did not dare to answer Guo Mo's words anymore. He knew very well that if his son continued to speak, he might say something shocking.
The Great Court Meeting at the end of the month can be regarded as a summary meeting. Especially in March, spring plowing is also a major event.
At the same time, the Henan region of the Kingdom of Jin has been recovered for more than half a year, and Bianliang City is about to usher in the first Enke recruitment.
Therefore, it was mainly officials from the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of Rites who made the reports.
All in all, the meeting lasted for an hour. Guo Mo noticed that many people in the Daqing Hall were not very energetic, especially some elderly ministers.
At this time, the sun had fully risen. From the door of Daqing Hall, a ray of sunlight could shine on less than half of the interior of Daqing Hall.
"Is there anyone else who wants to play?"
According to the normal time of the court meeting, all that should be said has been said, and either the officials will summarize a few more words, or the court will be dismissed directly.
"My imperial censor, Guo Mo, has written a memorial -"
At this moment, Guo Mo came out of the class to perform a sermon.
With this voice, the entire Daqing Hall fell silent.
What's happening here?
Why do you call yourself "Yushi Dafu"?
Although everyone knew that His Highness the Crown Prince also held the position of Censor, no one would ever think that Guo Mo would do the work of a Censor.
Besides, should the imperial censor do the job of the censor?
Moreover, this was during a formal court meeting. His Royal Highness did not call himself "Zhao Hao", but still reported his former name of "Guo Mo", which puzzled many ministers.
"Oh, does Guo Qing have anything to report? Just tell me—"
Zhao Kuo, an official, became interested and thought to himself, you haven't come to court for many years, are you going to do some tricks now?
He also calls himself "Censor Guo Mo"?
Are you planning to impeach someone?
You shouldn’t. If you don’t like someone, why don’t you just go and kill them?
The civil and military officials in the court looked puzzled, but Meng Zongzheng, who was standing behind Guo Mo, his eyes lit up.
"Your Highness, are you really talking about what you just said?"
Meng Zongzheng felt a little incredible, and he was vaguely looking forward to it, but he was also worried that this would cause trouble for Guo Mo.
"To report to the official family, I have two things to report."
"First, every court meeting starts at 00:00, and many ministers who live far away even have to get up an hour or two in advance."
"This will lead to severe lack of sleep. One or two days is no problem. Over time, it will also cause harm to the bodies of all ministers and workers."
"The court meeting only lasts for more than an hour, but there are many civil and military officials in the palace who have difficulty concentrating. After the court meeting, all the ministers and staff either go to the department to handle official duties or go home to catch up on their sleep."
"Is it really appropriate to start the court meeting so early?"
"I think it would be better to postpone it by one hour and start at Chen hour instead. The red sun is rising, the weather is wonderful, I have enough sleep and food, and I feel refreshed."
hiss--
After Guo Mo finished speaking, many people in Daqing Hall took a breath.
His Royal Highness actually proposed such a memorial?
Do the ministers agree?
Of course I agree!
But, should we agree?
Whispering voices suddenly echoed throughout the Daqing Hall.
"My lords, what do you think of what the imperial censor has just reported?"
What else?
For a time, no one from the civil and military officials came out to agree or oppose.
It stands to reason that at this time, people from the Ministry of Rites should come out and say a few words. After all, the court meeting system is a basic system of the imperial court.
Although it is not as grand as war and sacrifice, no one can easily change or comment on it.
However, Cheng Ju, the Minister of Rites, is now the crown prince's Taibao, and is still presiding over the overall situation in Bianliang City. Without him here, it is naturally difficult for the people of the Ministry of Rites to come out and express their opinions.
What's more, even if old Cheng Jue is here, will he still stand up and refute His Highness the Crown Prince?
The people from the Ministry of Rites did not speak, so everyone looked at the first two civil servants.
One is the current head of the civil service, the Crown Prince and Grand Master, and the Minister of Civil Affairs, Xue Ji, and the other is the head of the Yushitai, Yushi Zhongcheng Wei Jing.
"Xue Qing, what do you think of what Guo Qing just played?"
Seeing that no one said anything, Zhao Kuo simply named him.
"In the official family, what the imperial censor said just now does have some truth to it, but the time for court meetings has always been like this. I think it is better to take a long-term view."
Xue Ji saw that the official ordered his general, so he had no choice but to stand up.
What Xue Ji said was quite satisfactory. He neither favored Guo Mo nor killed him with a single blow.
"Think about it in the long term? Okay, as Xue Qing said, it is indeed true that you are old enough to seek the country, so let's think about it in the long term. Doctor Censor, what else do you want to report?"
Zhao Kuo didn't think about how to deal with the time issue of the court meeting, so he simply followed Xue Ji's suggestion to "plan on the long term."
"Reporting to the official family, when I came to go to court, I found that the ministers who had arrived early could only gather in twos and threes under the palace wall, or just stay on the main road."
"The weather is not bad now. If it is windy or rainy, or it is midwinter or hot summer, staying outside for a long time will be harmful to your health, and it will also damage the dignity of the court."
"Therefore, I request the officials to set up a court room on the left and right sides of the Daqing Hall for the temporary rest of civil and military officials."
This suggestion did not cause much reaction, but after hearing it, all the ministers looked at Guo Mo gratefully.
"Well, this is a good suggestion from Dr. Yu Shi. I will make my own decision once and take it for granted -"
"Just on both sides of Daqing Hall, choose two vacant rooms, east and west, with charcoal fires in the winter and herbal tea in the summer, so that the ministers can rest."
"The official sage——"
Although it was not a big favor, when Zhao Kuo announced his decision, all the ministers came out to express their gratitude.
"Haha, okay, this is not a big deal, let's dismiss the court."
"Master Yushi, come with me to the imperial study room——"
Zhao Kuo ordered to withdraw from the court, but kept Guo Mo, and emphasized some of the four words "Yushi Dafu".
Xue Ji, Wei Jing and others looked at each other and smiled.
You, father and son, should go to the harem to discuss matters between you and me. It would be better for us to stay away.
Funing Palace, Imperial Study Room.
"Dad, please hurry up and ask the imperial kitchen to prepare some breakfast for me. I'm still hungry."
As soon as he entered the Funing Palace, Guo Mo picked up the pastries on the table and started eating, not knowing how to let the stunned old eunuch and the dumbfounded Zhao Kuo next to him.
"Haha - ok, ok, old man, go and ask the imperial kitchen to cook some good dishes and send them over. The prince is waiting to eat."
Seeing Guo Mo pretending to be "wolfing down", Zhao Kuo originally wanted to flatter Guo Mo, but was completely defeated by his "Dad".
Yes, the person in front of me is not only the imperial censor of the imperial court, but also the crown prince of the Song Dynasty, and even more so, my son, Zhao Kuo.
When a son comes to his father's house, he should eat whatever he wants and drink whatever he wants?
If Guo Mo behaves submissively or politely like the two previous princes, then his boss, Zhao Kuo, will probably really feel uncomfortable.
We don't have much time, so we have a full table full of meat and vegetables, seafood and delicacies.
Guo Mo has reached the "innate realm". It doesn't matter even if he doesn't eat or drink for ten or eight days. However, in front of Zhao Kuo, he can only be a son.
The more he treats this place as his own home and treats the people in front of him as his biological father, the happier Lao Zhao will be.
Since ancient times, there has been no father or son in the heavenly family, but Guo Mo doesn't believe in this evil.
What's more important is that after so many years, Guo Mo can feel Zhao Kuo's unreserved love and protection for him.
People's hearts are made of flesh, so why doesn't Guo Mo care about the old man in Funing Palace?
After all, blood is thicker than water, not to mention that Guo Mo has always "sympathized" with the profession of emperor.
"Xiao Qi, I heard you were back last night. I didn't expect you to come to the morning court this morning."
Seeing Guo Mo devouring food there, Zhao Kuo couldn't help but wonder, is the food in the imperial dining room so delicious?
Unconsciously, Zhao Kuo also picked up his chopsticks, picked out a few dishes and took a bite of each.
Nothing changed?
"The two questions you raised at the court meeting are both very good, but my father can only approve one for you now. The remaining issue regarding the time of the court meeting, as Xue Ji said, should be 'taken long term'."
Hearing Zhao Kuo talk about business, Guo Mo also slowed down his eating and drinking.
"After all, it is a system that has lasted for so many years. It has been this way in all dynasties. Even though many people feel dissatisfied, it still has not changed."
"Xiao Qi, if you want to make a change, you should make sufficient necessary preparations in the early stage, use the Dibao or Yushitai to build momentum in advance, and then issue a new decree when you sit in my position.
"
It turned out that along the way, Zhao Kuo had already thought of countermeasures for Guo Mo, which could not only reduce the possible pressure from all parties, but also wanted to treat this as a matter of good governance and leave it to Guo Mo after he ascended the throne.
"By the way, I also met the son you gave birth to in Luo's Ghost Country. He is also a smart child. What do you think about it?"
"Are you just going to make him the leader of the Luo Ghost Kingdom, or are you going to bring the Luo Ghost Kingdom into the territory of the Song Dynasty and then entrust this guy to it?"
The results seem similar, but there are fundamental differences. Guo Mo really hasn't thought about it seriously.
Luo's ghost country? That's Guizhou and Guangxi in later generations, right?
"Dad, it feels a little inappropriate for us to bring this up ourselves. We should wait until the Luo Ghost Country and others make the choice in the future."
"In other words, when Simo grows up, let him make his own decision. Whether he wants to establish an independent country or merge into the territory of the Song Dynasty, isn't he still my son?"
In Guo Mo's heart, he never thought about taking the initiative to invade anyone.
The reason for attacking the Kingdom of Jin was because whether it was Henan, Hebei, Guanzhong, or Hedong, it was the homeland of the Song Dynasty.
If Guo Mo sends troops to attack, it cannot be called an occupation, it can only be called "recovering".
As for Xixia, isn’t that the Ningxia of later generations?
This territory also belongs to China. How can we tolerate foreign forces occupying it?
"Well, it's up to you to make your own decisions regarding external affairs. But this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, you must go north with me to worship your ancestors."
"If you want to enter the court in the past few months, come and listen, take a look, and tell me if you have any suggestions. If you want to take a break, that's up to you. Just don't delay the ancestor worship."
Zhao Kuo also thought about it. His son hadn't come back for several years. It seemed like he hadn't even laid eyes on the two grandsons, right?
Forget it, Zhao Kuo had no choice but to accept such a "lazy" son.
"Dad, I haven't seen my little sister yet? Why don't you hold her over and let me see her?"
Guo Mo suddenly remembered that the father in front of him had given birth to a little princess named "Zhao Xi" two years ago.
"Haha, you kid, do you still want to see your father's jokes? However, you must take good care of this little daughter from now on."
"As a father, how can I stay with you for another five or eight years? She only relies on you as her brother for support in this world."
Speaking of his little daughter, Zhao Kuo's face showed full of kindness, or a hint of loneliness...