After staying in the Privy Council for two full hours, having in-depth discussions with Shi Shouxin, Xiang Xun, Cao Bin and other ministers about the Northern Expedition, Emperor Liu returned to the palace with satisfaction. In addition to being concerned about the war, it was more like he came here to seek comfort. Shi Shouxin and others continued to give him reassurance.
The sky has darkened, twilight is getting thicker, and lights are dimming all over the imperial city. Palace lanterns are lit one by one by the chamberlains, illuminating the palace corridors. The lights complement each other, as if reflecting the great man's current glory.
Emperor Liu was riding in an imperial chariot carried by sixteen people, with full posture. The emperor's majesty seemed to be reflected in the heavy chariot seat. Although there were sixteen people, the energy seemed to come from one person, and he walked very steadily, almost Emperor Liu could not feel any bumps.
The dim yellow light shone on Emperor Liu's face, revealing only half of his serious and cold face, as if he had something on his mind.
"Yantuo!"
The chamberlain took off his clothes, lowered his head, and walked silently beside the chariot. When he suddenly heard the emperor's call, he immediately cheered up and responded in a soft voice: "Young man, what are your orders from the official?" ?”
Probably because he was dazzled by the lights, Emperor Liu raised his hand and gave instructions in a calm tone: "The lighting arrangement in the palace is too dense. I ordered you to go down and extinguish half of the lamps and candlesticks in the main palaces, roads, and the rest, and dismantle the rest. Now is the time." When the imperial court spends money, all expenses in the palace should also be reduced!"
"Yes!" Yantuo did not hesitate at all to any of Emperor Liu's instructions, and of course he did not dare to neglect them.
The life of the Han Dynasty has long been getting better. When he was in Tokyo, Emperor Liu felt that a lot of money was wasted. When he arrived in Luoyang, Xijing, the situation seemed to be more serious, and the cost of ostentation was increasing. Just lighting up a crape myrtle city, every night The cost is not a small amount.
"The officials are diligent and frugal and take the lead in setting an example. The subjects at home and abroad will definitely appreciate it and praise it!" By the way, Yantuo patted the dragon's fart diligently as usual.
"Yeah!" Unfortunately, Emperor Liu's response was mediocre. The tone of the word "um" was even vague, and his attitude could not be heard at all.
"In an official family, the king is the guide for the ministers. If this is the case in the palace, should we inform the outer court and ask all the ministries and government offices to also practice frugality?" Yantuo said proactively.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu's eyes immediately turned sideways, and a cold light seemed to flash in his eyes: "When did you become concerned about the affairs of the outer court!"
Although it was just a light word, it hit Yantuo's heart like a heavy hammer. Fear clearly flashed across his face, and he said nervously: "You're talking too much!"
After about ten breaths, Emperor Liu finally withdrew his gaze and replied: "No need!"
In fact, Emperor Liu would not give special orders for this kind of thing. He can guarantee that as soon as the changes in the palace are announced, Zhao Pu will definitely follow the emperor's footsteps and come up with a set of frugal and cost-saving plans and measures. , and carried it out efficiently, without even taking the initiative to report to Emperor Liu.
"yes!"
That death-like gaze almost chilled Yantuo's heart. After Emperor Liu withdrew his knife-like gaze, he couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief. Yantuo cursed secretly in his heart and wanted to slap himself a few times for being so dry. Well, it violates official taboo again!
Yantuo was very upset, and Emperor Liu's mood seemed to be cast into a shadow. Naturally, he was a little dissatisfied with the eunuch. After all, he was a little too arrogant, and he was arrogant because of his favor.
As the chief steward in the palace and the closest servant to the emperor, although Yantuo's character is not high, his status and power are prominent. No one inside or outside dares not to give him face, let alone offend him, so he must be respectful and respectful. The ground is welcoming.
The seventh rank official in front of the prime minister, not to mention the emperor's personal servant, for some things, Emperor Liu did not care, his own slaves should also have their own prominence, this is also a manifestation of the prosperity of the imperial power.
In addition, Yantuo was an old man who came from the Taiyuan Palace of Jinyang. He had deep roots and a solid foundation. In addition, with Emperor Liu's favor, it was inevitable that he would be a little more arrogant.
With such a favor and the advantage of being near the water, first come first served, it is not easy to stay modest and cautious for ten years. In addition, eunuchs are inherently incomplete people. Physical defects affect their character, and changes in their character reflect In terms of behavior.
No matter how humble and respectful he was in front of Emperor Liu, he would be arrogant and arrogant in front of others. Emperor Liu had heard about this, and it was not like Zhang Dejun, the envoy of the imperial city, had put eye drops on Yan Tuo in front of him.
It's just that Emperor Liu didn't care. After all, it was inevitable for eunuchs to have sex with each other. In addition, Yantuo always had a certain degree of restraint, maybe he was arrogant, but he didn't violate the bottom line.
It is not easy to have an eunuch who is easy to use and comfortable to serve by your side. After Zhang Dejun, many people were unlucky because they were not satisfied with Emperor Liu's service.
In addition, as he grew older, Emperor Liu also began to miss the past...
However, no matter how favored you are, there is a bottom line after all. If the inner court cannot stay any longer and has the intention of interfering with the outer court, it will naturally touch the sensitive nerve of Emperor Liu.
A word is a slap, a look is a warning, and it all depends on how he behaves. There are many things that Emperor Liu can tolerate, but once the line is crossed, the past tolerance will turn into double the revenge.
At the same time, Emperor Liu also had murmurs in his mind. He drew a line for the responsibilities of eunuchs. However, as time went by, to a certain extent, these eunuchs always seemed to have the ability to cross this line and look outside. The impulse of landscape...
Thinking about Yantuo's matter, Emperor Liu couldn't help but think of Zhang Dejun, the two most powerful eunuchs in the Han Palace. There was no small amount of discord between the two. They invited each other to favor each other, and there were no complaints. few.
Yantuo has his own arrogance, how can Zhang Dejun be alone? After all, he is the general agent of the secret agency of the Imperial City Division. After so many years of development, the spies under the Imperial City Division can be said to be spread all over the two capitals, especially increasing the pressure on the ministers. Monitor.
Although he has no law enforcement power, this surveillance power is enough to intimidate and frighten people. Compared with the cautious and humble service around Emperor Liu, Zhang Dejun was unable to stabilize himself after being immersed in the authority of the Imperial City Division for a long time. , he is not Li Chongju after all...
Recently, the criticisms about Zhang Dejun have begun to increase. Of course, Emperor Liu knew that the Imperial City Division was not too numerous and was more hated than the Wude Division. In addition to the rampant spying and some unscrupulous surveillance, it was also because he was a eunuch. This aspect of the eagle and dog department in charge is inherently disgusting.
Therefore, Emperor Liu probably just let it go. However, some rumors made Emperor Liu dissatisfied. For example, Zhang Dejun accepted five names and all served under the Imperial City Department. The rumors were very bad.
For example, Zhang Dejun lived extravagantly in food and clothing, and his comings and goings were extremely flamboyant.
For example, Zhang Dejun once threatened after drinking that he had served Emperor Liu for more than 20 years, acting like a cow or a horse, and he should be made a marquis based on his merits...
When news and rumors like this came to Emperor Liu's ears, how could he feel comfortable?
"Eunuch..." Emperor Liu murmured softly, his voice almost silent, but the twinkling light in his eyes was heart-stopping.
Instead of going back to the Chui Gong Hall, he went directly to Fuhou. When he stepped into the Kunming Hall, Emperor Liu had already changed into a smiling face, full of enthusiasm. He planned to communicate with the Queen and find a relationship between the old husband and wife.
passion.
However, Concubine Fu Hui was also there, and the two sisters were still discussing something. After sitting down and serving tea to the palace ladies, Emperor Liu looked at the big and small Fus and asked with interest: "What are you discussing?"
As he grew older, Da Fu also began to age. Although he was still as graceful and noble as ever, his status in Emperor Liu's heart had never wavered.
Upon hearing this, Da Fu chuckled and said, "Just now, I summoned the eldest son's wife into the palace for a talk!"
"Is it related to what you are discussing?" Emperor Liu looked at the two sisters in confusion.
Seeing this, Xiao Fu, who was still beautiful, explained: "We have discussed the marriage of our children!"
"Marriage!" He raised his eyebrows, looked at the small fu, and then at the big fu. Emperor Liu asked, "Is it Li Chuyun's son that Liu Jia is interested in?"
Dafu nodded.
"This little lady! I asked her before, but she still didn't want to tell me!" Emperor Liu said with mixed feelings in his tone: "But Li Jilong is still pretty good..."