In the back garden of Han Mansion, between the pavilions, several straw mats were hung to provide shelter from the wind and cold. There were melons and fruits on the table, and wine was warmed by the stove. Han Xizai and Xu Xuan met in a rather wanton manner.
There are no servants to serve, just two old men, taking care of themselves, and the atmosphere is quiet and harmonious. However, the sky is a little dark, the surroundings are filled with black, and the wind is blowing. In short, it is not a good weather. However, neither of them
Looks like he cares a lot.
"In the past, the old officials were busy packing their belongings, packing their bags, disposing of their properties, and preparing to move to Kaifeng! Or they were flattering and serving the Han army for the future!" The mood slowly came up, and I got rid of the article,
Han Xizai invited Xu Xuan for a cup and asked curiously: "How can Ding minister have the leisure to come over and have a drink with me?"
Xu Xuan acted in a free and easy manner, raising his hands, with a slight smile on his face that was red from the alcohol: "I don't want anything, I don't need to worry about fame and fortune, and do things to please. In comparison,
Isn't it a great pleasure to drink fine wine with Mr. Han and discuss poetry and books?"
"Dingchen, you are free and easy!" Han Xizai seemed to be feeling a little emotional: "Now that the king has surrendered, we are also surrendering ministers. We will rely on the imperial court to survive, but Dingchen doesn't think about the future?"
"What's there to worry about?" Xu Xuan replied calmly, with a wry smile: "I was traveling north before, and in the palace hall of the Han Dynasty, I angered the Han Emperor with my words. I offended the Han Emperor. Why should I do it again?
No matter what kind of future you seek, you will be lucky if you can survive and live this remaining life!"
Regarding Xu Xuan's performance in the Chongzheng Palace, the two had also discussed it. When he heard what he said, Han Xizai said: "Judging from his past performance, the Emperor of the Han Dynasty has a broad mind and will not argue with you anymore."
Well, Ding Chen is also a talented person of the generation, his character and reputation are praised by everyone, how can the imperial court not pay attention to it!"
Suddenly hearing Han Xizai's words, Xu Xuan couldn't help but smile, looked at him, and asked meaningfully: "The implication is that Mr. Han seems to have unquenched his ambition!"
After being pointed out, Han Xizai straightened his body and sighed softly: "To be honest with you, my life has been wasted. It is difficult to achieve my ambitions, but it is difficult to feel relieved in my heart! However, I am already sixty years old. Even if I have the intention, I don't know if others will.
Willing to accept it!"
Seeing this, Xu Xuan became more serious, looked at the old Han Xizai, and asked: "In that case, the former Han prince hosted a banquet, why did the Duke politely refuse?"
Han Xizai also avoided this question and said directly: "If I were asked to go to Kaifeng, go to the Hanlin Academy or the three halls, write lyrics and essays, and compile books and books, that would not be my ambition. Instead of doing this, I would rather return home and be a peacekeeper.
Farmer!"
Xu Xuan understood, pondered for a while, and then said: "If we follow what the prince of the Han Dynasty said at the banquet, the imperial court will recruit the old officials from the south of the Yangtze River according to their talents, and the officials who moved north will also be properly placed. If this can be done, then
With my talents and past achievements, how could I miss this pearl like you?"
After years of ups and downs in the officialdom, Han Xizai has long lived up to his former pride. There are often thousand-mile horses, but they are not appreciated by Bole. In the end, they are just used as slave horses and suffer a lot. Of course, the quality of Han Xizai's thousand-mile horse still remains to be seen.
test.
"How dare you, an old man, compare yourself to a pearl?" He waved his hands and spoke modestly, but still had a hint of confidence in his expression. Han Xizai breathed a sigh of relief and asked Xu Xuan curiously: "Dingchen has seen the prince of the Han Dynasty.
What do you think of his magnanimity?"
Mentioning this, Xu Xuan became more energetic, thought for a while, and nodded: "Although he is young, his words and deeds are quite calm, neither arrogant nor impetuous, and he is indeed a king. However, when I look at the emperor's eldest son Liu Xu,
Being humble, courteous and treating others with dignity is also a sign of talent, but it's a pity that he is born as a commoner..."
Hearing what Xu Xuan said, Han Xizai quickly stretched out his hand to stop and said: "Ding minister, be careful what you say!"
Xu Xuan was stunned for a moment, but when he saw Han Xizai's serious expression, he realized that he was drunk. Indeed, some matters are not something that ordinary ministers can discuss, especially for surrendered ministers like them. Xu Xuan can stick to his scholarly pride, but if it is because of
If you say something quickly and accidentally spread it out, causing waves, it will only bring disaster to yourself.
Taking the opportunity to change the topic, Han Xizai discussed Chen Qiao's suicide with him again. Regarding this, Xu Xuan was very emotional and said: "Chen Ziqiao was a loyal man who died for his country. Compared with his heroism, we, the
Those who bow their heads and linger on their last breath should feel ashamed!"
Regarding Chen Qiao's death, Liu Yang and others felt a little angry at first. Later, on Li Gu's suggestion, they helped collect his body and gave his family money and food. Such a generous performance greatly reduced Chen Qiao's ability to leave.
The impact of suicide during the surrender ceremony.
Hearing Xu Xuan's words full of praise for Chen Qiao, Han Xizai shook his head and said: "Chen Ziqiao is certainly strong, and he would rather die to fight against the humiliation of country subjugation. However, if you say he is loyal and upright, I don't think so!
On the occasion of the surrender of the country, he committed suicide in public under the gaze of everyone. Wasn't it a reminder to the Han Dynasty that the people of Jiangnan were loyal and nostalgic for the Li family? If the court wanted to take over Liangjiang, it would definitely try to eliminate the influence of the Li family.
The clan returned to the Han Dynasty and should have kept a low profile and kept a low profile in order to preserve their lives.
Doesn't Chen Ziqiao's actions increase the court's vigilance and suspicion of the Li family? He died to gain a reputation of loyalty, but he brought unpredictable disasters to his old master..."
Hearing Han Xizai's analysis, Xu Xuan seemed to have sobered up. Looking at him, although he wanted to refute, he had to admit that Han Xizai's words were indeed reasonable. Finally, he said: "I don't know, Chen Ziqiao's death is worth
Not worth it?"
While the two old friends were discussing, the servant came to report: "Sir, a group of officers and soldiers came from outside the house, saying that Grand Marshal Li Ruyin came to visit!"
Hearing this, Han Xizai and Xu Xuan looked at each other and immediately ordered: "Quick, prepare to welcome guests!"
Perhaps Han Xizai himself didn't notice how moved his expression was and how excited his eyes were when he learned that Li Gu was coming to visit. In fact, after the Han army entered the city and took control of Jinling, Han Xizai was looking forward to it after all these days.
A day like this.
In the lobby of the Han Mansion, Li Gu and Han Xizai met again, and they looked at each other in silence for a while. Han Xizai did not wear formal clothes, but was just wearing home clothes. He came in a hurry, and the drunkenness on his face had not yet dissipated. Li Gu was wearing a brocade robe, but his figure
He was extremely thin, with a stooped body, and he was holding a crutch in his hand, supported by his son. In terms of old age, Li Gu was much more serious than Han Xizai.
If you think about it carefully, after more than thirty years of no contact or meeting, how much of the early friendship is really left? It's just that the two wrote a historical story together.
"I've been in the city for a long time. I'm busy with official duties and suffering from physical pain. I haven't been able to visit the house. I hope Brother Shuyan doesn't take offense!" It was Li Gu who took the initiative to speak, with a warm smile on his wrinkled face.
Han Xizai also calmed down and bowed: "Brother Wei Zhen, your words are serious! I was rude for not coming far enough to greet you!"
"It must have been thirty-five years since we said goodbye!" Li Gu said.
Han Xizai nodded, his eyes filled with memories: "It's been thirty-five years!"
"After thirty-five years, old friends can still meet again, which is one of the great joys in life!" Xu Xuan, who was standing by, sighed with emotion when he saw the two.
Li Gu pointed at Han Xizai's gray beard, and then at his slightly trembling legs, and said cheerfully: "Now, I have entered my twilight years. When it comes to style, my broken body is far behind.
Brother Shuyan!"
Han Xizai shook his head and said seriously: "Brother Weizhen is the prime minister of the Central Plains and led a large army to conquer the south. He arrived in the south of the Yangtze River in less than a month and became famous. He has not fallen into the lofty words of the past. How can such a demeanor be a mere one for me?"
Comparable?"
Hearing his words, Li Gu looked at Han Xizai with slight surprise. With his arrogant nature, it was rare for him to be able to say these words. Li Gu chuckled and said, "Compared with my brother, I am the only lucky one.
I just have to meet the famous master and be sent by him!"
Li Gu said this, obviously trying to comfort Han Xizai, and Han Xizai also felt it. Of course, for the current Han Gong, he didn't care.
"Please take a seat!" After a few pleasantries, Han Xizai took the initiative to invite.
After several people sat down, Li Gu took the initiative and said: "This visit is mainly for three things!"
"Please speak!" Han Xizai asked.
"First, you and I, old friends, we haven't seen each other for many years, let's talk about our old friendship! Second, I have prepared some fine wines, and I am willing to share them with my brother!" After saying that, Li Gu paused, and then said: "As for the third
, let me tell you frankly that I want to invite my brother to serve as an official, serve the Han Dynasty, and do things for the people of the world!"
Han Xizai raised his eyebrows slightly, smoothed his beard, and said with a chuckle: "How can the imperial court look down on me, who is so old?"
These words basically showed his attitude. Li Gu still had a kind attitude and said: "When we were in Tokyo, the emperor once said that there are only two ministers in the south of the Yangtze River. Song Qiqiu in front of him and Han Xizai in the back.
When the leader is in power, it will not be easy for Wang Shi to conquer the South!"
"I just don't know, how much of the heroic ambitions Brother Shuyan still had before Zhengyang Crossing?"