The winter solstice has not yet arrived, and the cold weather is not far away. As the capital of Hexi and an important town in the northwest, Guzang City has already entered a state of ice and snow. A sudden snow adds some tenderness to this stiff winter, but soon
It melted away under the erosion of rough wind and sand.
However, the weather in Guzang became colder and colder, and the plan to go westward was shelved. The barracks in the city were fully occupied by the soldiers who were traveling there, and because there was not enough accommodation, Liangzhou officials were even asked to share the reception.
some people.
What is certain is that almost everyone does not want to continue heading west. However, the emperor did not speak and did not dare to speak rashly to avoid getting into trouble.
Where in Guzang City has the best environment and the largest space, there is no doubt that it is the Hexi Governor's Office. This was built with great investment after Lu Duoxun took office, so it naturally became the emperor's place.
All the staff under his jurisdiction found another place to work, and Lu Duoxun's family also chose to move out. However, Emperor Liu specially kept him, allowing him to stay overnight in the office and preparing for further inquiries.
The cold weather almost makes people feel uncomfortable breathing. For many people, it is difficult to imagine how the local people survive in such an environment. Although there are many nobles, ministers, and soldiers accompanying them, there are many who are serving as border guards.
, but most people still come from the mainland and are used to the climate in the Central Plains, and they are really suffering here.
While walking, a door guarded by four internal guards became a boundary to prevent internal and external trespassing. Outside the door, the prime minister and uncle Li Yehou was lingering here, looking up from time to time with hesitation on his face.
But no one was ordered to report and ask for an audience.
Zhao Kuangyin accompanied Liu Yang to inspect Longyou Road, so among the ministers accompanying him at this time, Li Ye had the highest status. The highest status meant that he had to take responsibility for some things, and he had to give advice when it was time to do so.
Although Li Ye is the emperor's uncle and elder, it can be said that he was trained and promoted by Emperor Liu. In the early years when the Queen Mother was here, he used to be arrogant and overbearing because of his favor, but he was soon severely punished by Emperor Liu.
He was suppressed, but in the following nearly twenty years, he gradually grew and even became the prime minister.
However, after so many years, Li Ye was very humble and extremely awe-inspiring when facing Emperor Liu. It was not that Li Ye did not dare to give advice and suggestions, he even took the initiative many times, but he also had to separate things.
For example, when it came to discouraging the emperor from traveling westward, although he didn't know why Emperor Liu was obsessed with Hexi, the far northwest, but after feeling his strong will, Li Ye did not dare to disobey. Otherwise, the advice would not be beneficial.
, but it offended Emperor Liu, so the gain outweighed the loss.
However, during the two days when he arrived in Guzang, many civil and military people in the camp asked him for advice. This kind of situation where people placed their hope and trust was still rare for Li Ye. Therefore, as a follower,
As the representative of the minister, it is not easy for him to act perfunctory.
Therefore, lingering in front of the courtyard gate also reflects Li Ye's psychological portrayal at this time.
"It must be Uncle Guo!" A tactful voice sounded, interrupting Li Ye's thoughts.
Looking up and seeing the noble lady accompanied by the palace maid, Li Ye quickly bowed and saluted: "See you, the noble concubine!"
The person who came was none other than Concubine Gao. She glanced at Li Ye with her phoenix eyes. The concubine raised her hand to signal him to excuse himself and asked, "Is your uncle here for an audience? Why can't you stay here? Is it because the servants are being negligent?"
Probably because he had been standing outside for a long time, not only Li Ye's hands and feet, but also his beard were a little stiff. However, when faced with Concubine Gao's question, he became more energetic. He had an idea in his mind and said, "I have something to say, your Majesty."
, but I was worried that Your Majesty would not allow it, so I hesitated and postponed it until now! Fortunately, I met the imperial concubine, and I hope I can submit it on my behalf!"
Hearing this, Concubine Gao frowned slightly, but did not respond. Instead, she said: "I am only traveling with one woman. My uncle is the prime minister. If it is a major state matter, please forgive me for the inconvenience of intervening!"
It has to be said that Emperor Liu trained the women in his harem very well. At least he strictly abided by the rule of engaging in political affairs in the harem. Although, many times, Emperor Liu would talk to them about the state affairs and military affairs of the outer court, but even if
Even though she is the queen's great talisman, she rarely takes the initiative to ask questions...
Although Li Ye was surprised by Concubine Gao's reaction, he quickly explained clearly: "This matter not only involves the country, but also concerns Your Majesty. Since the Western Inspection, he has traveled more than 2,000 miles across mountains and rivers, and has been delayed for a long time, even to the ministers.
, down to the soldiers, everyone was exposed to the wind and cold, and marched hard.
I have inquired and found that there are already more than 2,000 people in the camp who are unable to walk, some are frostbitten, or infected with diseases. Winter is approaching, and the weather in Hexi will become even worse, and His Majesty's intention to patrol the west is getting stronger.
I am worried that if we continue walking, the damage will only worsen, and even diseases will occur. If your majesty wants to travel far away, despite the bitter cold in the country, I dare to accompany you. I only worry about the safety of your majesty's dragon body. This fact cannot be ignored.
When I was in Lingzhou, I once made a suggestion, but Your Majesty was determined and refused to allow it. Now, I pray that the empress can make a suggestion on my behalf and give me some advice..."
After hearing Li Ye's intention, Concubine Gao Feng couldn't help but frown deeply. Of course she knew Emperor Liu's temperament, but she couldn't help her so much.
However, Li Ye lowered his stance so low that it was hard to refuse his invitation directly. After some consideration, Concubine Gao still responded: "I am about to visit Your Majesty, so I can only persuade and express my intention.
But His Majesty has always been determined, so I am not sure whether I can persuade him!"
"Thank you for your words!" Li Ye said immediately: "If it doesn't work, I will have to find another time to make an invitation!"
At this time, Emperor Liu was staying on the kang. He had followed the local customs, but the kang was still more practical. Otherwise, no matter how thick the quilt was, the cold would inevitably invade him.
There was not only a kang, but also a heater. In short, Emperor Liu could not be frozen. With his back leaning on a pillow, his legs were exposed. Emperor Liu was flipping through some reports related to the political and public sentiments in Hexi presented by Lu Duoxun. An imperial doctor was speaking.
He concentrated on giving Emperor Liu acupuncture.
"Your Majesty, I have finished the acupuncture!" the imperial doctor reminded carefully.
"Oh!" Emperor Liu didn't look up and just responded casually, while Yantuo hurriedly helped Emperor Liu push down his trousers.
"If your Majesty has no other instructions, I will resign!" Seeing Emperor Liu's reaction, the imperial doctor couldn't help but ask in a low voice.
Emperor Liu put down the memorial in his hand, felt his much more comfortable knees, raised his eyes to look at the imperial physician, and asked calmly: "Imperial Physician Sun, I have been treating my cold legs for several years. You are all medical experts, why do you always keep it?"
No recovery?"
To the imperial physician, these words were tantamount to a questioning question. Imperial Physician Sun was so frightened that his legs softened and he fell to his knees: "I am not good at medicine and neglect my body care. Please punish me!"
Seeing his frightened look, Emperor Liu waved his hand directly and said in a calm tone: "I don't mean to blame you, get up!"
However, the imperial doctor did not dare to get up.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu sighed and asked: "Tell me directly and honestly, can this problem of mine be cured?"
"This..." How could this imperial doctor dare to give a definite answer?
"But it doesn't matter! I want to listen to the truth. You won't deceive me!" Emperor Liu's tone did not change at all, but the feeling of an imperial physician was a little more cold.
Facing Emperor Liu's gaze, the imperial doctor finally expressed his judgment: "Your Majesty's leg disease is already serious. I am applying acupuncture and medicine. It is intended to be a slow treatment. If you take good care of it, it is still possible to cure it if given time. However, it cannot be done."
If you are tired and cold again, the cold will invade your muscles and the pain will be aggravated..."
"Given time..." Emperor Liu murmured and raised his hand: "I understand! Please step back!"
"Yes!" Imperial Physician Sun stood up with trembling legs as if he had received an amnesty: "Your Majesty, please rest in peace. I will retire!"
"The accompanying concubines, princes, and civil and military ministers are also going to do some examinations and diagnoses!" Before he resigned, Emperor Liu also ordered: "In addition, the accompanying soldiers are sick a lot and there is a lack of doctors, so the imperial doctor also assigned some people to help!
"
"yes!"
"It seems it can't be cured!" After the imperial doctor withdrew, Emperor Liu was silent for a long time and sighed.
Seeing that Emperor Liu seemed to be in a low mood, Yantuo hurriedly said: "In the official family, these imperial doctors are useless. They enjoy your majesty's grace and the imperial salary, but they can't even solve minor illnesses. Why don't we announce it to the world and visit them everywhere?"
Good doctor..."
"Shut up!" After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu scolded him fiercely.
"Yes!" Yantuo was startled, and everyone took two steps back, lowered their heads and tied their hands.
After pressing his leg, he still felt a little feverish. The previous symptoms of pain and itching, which he felt were relieved. After a long time, Emperor Liu said: "Perhaps the leg disease is deep, but what is more difficult to treat is the heart disease."