Seeing Emperor Liu stand up, all the princes subconsciously wanted to stand up and stand with him. Zhao Kuangyi stood up first, followed closely by the others. Seeing this formation, Emperor Liu waved his hands casually and said: "Everyone, sit down!"
Emperor Liu's words and deeds revealed one meaning: Sir, sit down and wait for me to speak. After hearing this, the crowd shrank back again, and many nobles who had just left the table sat back again, but this seat always It makes people feel uncomfortable, and the contrast is too strong with the joyful atmosphere when Emperor Liu held royal banquets in the past.
Probably aware of the harshness in his tone, Emperor Liu pondered for a moment and took a few steps to adjust. In front of everyone, the north wind blew his clothes lightly, and when he turned around again, Emperor Liu had already put on his usual smile. .
The wine in the cup was still steaming, and Emperor Liu's wandering eyes became firm again, and he said leisurely to the princes: "I still remember that I have discussed with many of the ministers here, our group, I spent half my life in the army and worked hard to start a business, for what reason!"
"The answers I heard are all different!" Emperor Liu walked as he spoke, with infinite emotion in his tone: "Some people say that in troubled times, you have nothing to rely on, and you just want a place to live. A land, a place of peace; there are also people with lofty aspirations and broad minds who want to bring order to the chaos, bring order to troubled times, and seek peace and prosperity for all people in the world;
Some people say that it is for the sake of building a successful career and shining a glorious family name; others are more practical and want to have a wife, a shadow, a son, rich clothes, and five cauldrons to eat..."
Emperor Liu was there reminiscing and sighing, and everyone listened silently, not daring to make a sound or act rashly, so as not to disturb Emperor Liu's interest.
Of course, many people also understood in their hearts that the focus of Emperor Liu's behavior was at the back. Their eyes followed Emperor Liu's calm steps, and their ears listened to Emperor Liu's sighing voice. They were all extremely serious.
"It has been more than twenty years. I wonder if all of you here still remember your original aspirations? After so many years, how much of your goals back then have you achieved? Are you still satisfied with your life today?"
"Why are you all keeping your heads down?" Emperor Liu stopped, looked around, and raised his voice a little higher: "You are all important officials of the Han Dynasty. Even if you are sitting, you should hold your heads high and your chest high. You shouldn't be so low-brow. !”
"Why don't you say anything?" When no one answered, Emperor Liu felt embarrassed. His eyes searched and fell on Dang Jin: "Dang Jin, tell me!"
Hearing Emperor Liu mention him, Dang Jin felt as if he was getting an electric shock. The normally careless Dang Houye became cautious at this time. He stood up and bowed slightly. He considered it for a moment before replying: "Your Majesty, I am a rude person." A person who has never had great ambitions, just relying on some courage and hard work to earn some fame and wealth is enough!
Your Majesty also knows that in the past, I only wanted to be a prince, and I was satisfied with being rewarded by Your Majesty with generous titles and salaries. Now, I am getting older, and some of my rough courage is no longer what I used to be. I can rely on my salary and land to enjoy my old age.
All these accomplishments I have achieved are due to His Majesty's grace. I have always been grateful and dare not forget..."
"Dang Qing is so humble!" It was rare for Dang Jin, who had always been rough and rough, to say such a thing. Emperor Liu couldn't help but feel happy. He heard the meaning of asking for retreat in Dang Jin's words and comforted him. : "Your performance on the battlefield in Liaodong last year was heard and seen by me. You also did a good job in the Inspection Department. The court still needs direct ministers like you, and the younger generations also need I’ll be rewarded for learning from you!” Dang Jin also showed a thankful smile.
Looking at Lord Dang, Emperor Liu felt a little emotional in his heart. Dang Jin was rude on the outside but showy on the inside. Even though he didn't know a few words even now, he could say some sensible things.
Although he often made some eccentric words and deeds, and even made some ridiculous and generous actions, which caused a lot of jokes, he never went beyond it. Perhaps his vulgarity was just a kind of protection for him.
After all, there is a limit to the growth of a warrior like Dang Jin, and he is even far inferior to Wang Yansheng back then. However, such a person can truly live a prosperous life.
Except for being too close to Zhao Kuangyin, Emperor Liu could hardly find any other faults worth mentioning about Dang Jin, which was also a skill. Of course, Dang Jin and Zhao Kuangyin had a fateful friendship, and they had frequent and close contacts, and Emperor Liu also
It's not easy to show off, but from his true nature, he quite appreciates a "reckless man" like Dang Jin who knows his limits.
"Among the nobles and nobles of the dynasty, the Dang ministers have the most straightforward character!" Emperor Liu praised again: "They are frank and upright, consistent in words and deeds, daring to act, and completely free from clumsiness..."
It was rare that Emperor Liu finally praised his subordinates again. However, these words were a bit jarring in the eyes of the princes. What does this mean? Are there so many of them just a bunch of people? Could it be that they are not as good as Dang Jin?
A fool?
This insinuation was so obvious that many people looked a bit ugly, but they did not dare to refute. But Dang Jin, who knows how to advance and retreat, held up his hands and said humbly: "Your Majesty's praise is too high, I don't dare to accept it, I really don't dare to accept it!"
"By the way, I would also like to congratulate Minister Dang for taking a new concubine!" Emperor Liu changed the topic again and laughed at Dang Jin.
"Your Majesty was made to laugh!" Dang Jin was slightly surprised and his face turned slightly red. However, even though he said this, he acted very indifferently.
As a nobleman, there is no shame in having beauties, and Dang Jin is often proud of it and boasts in front of others. Now, in Dang Jin's mansion, he can raise more than a dozen beauties with good looks.
Three years ago, Dang Jin even had a proud achievement, which was to get a concubine from Tao Gu for his own enjoyment. He loved her very much. This was famous in Beijing.
"No need to be embarrassed!" Emperor Liu smiled and said calmly: "Who doesn't like beauty? I like her too!"
"However!" The slightly relaxed atmosphere did not last long. Emperor Liu said leisurely: "I also heard that some of you often exchange concubines as gifts to show your friendship! Is this the case?
?”
After saying this, many nobles, including Dang Jin, couldn't help but look embarrassed. Although this kind of thing is very common among nobles, beautiful concubines are a kind of resource that can be traded, and they don't
I feel there is something wrong with it, and I even think it is a fashion trend.
However, it was inevitable for Emperor Liu to say it so unabashedly, and he felt a little embarrassed. After all, it was hard to wait for the elegant hall, even if he was in the wilderness at this time.
The same goes for Dang Jin, Tao Gu's concubine, but he got it in exchange for three beauties... The smiling smile gradually faded, even though he had just been praised, he felt a little uncomfortable. From Liu
Judging from the emperor's attitude, the dozens of princes and princes here today are obviously the ones being taught a lesson.
Realizing this, everyone's heart became sinking.
Emperor Liu's mouth felt a little dry as he spoke. He drank the wine in one gulp. Looking at the people sitting peacefully, he asked again: "Why don't you move again? How can you, gentlemen, bear to let me drink alone? Let's all drink. Don't be restrained and feel free."
Some!"
However, the more Emperor Liu said this, the more uncomfortable everyone became. It was quiet for a while, and then the group of people raised their glasses to drink mechanically. No matter how good the wine was, no matter how hot it was cooked, it was difficult for people to enjoy it.
Emperor Liu was particularly interested. When he saw everyone taking action, he continued with a smile: "Our generation are all pioneers. For the sake of the Han Dynasty and the world, we have braved the wind and waves, overcome thorns and thorns, and have overcome mountains of swords and seas of fire.
After working hard for half a life, you must gain something, otherwise why devote yourself?
The Han Dynasty is in today's situation, and it relies heavily on the help of the ministers. I have always kept this in my heart, and I am very grateful. Over the past twenty years, how many soldiers have robes, blood-stained battlefields, and bones buried in the mountains. Most of you people have come from
It's not easy to break out of the mountain of corpses and blood!
The martyrs who sacrificed their lives are worthy of admiration and remembrance, and your living heroes are also worthy of the court's praise and treatment. I am afraid that many of you think so. You have fought for a lifetime, established a huge achievement, and laid down a great legacy.
It’s time to enjoy such a magnificent country!
The country was conquered by you. Now that the world is at peace, why not you, the meritorious ministers, take some of it and enjoy it after your meritorious deeds?
This kind of thinking is very normal, and I can understand it! I feel that I am not a stingy person, and I am willing to share joys and sorrows and wealth with you.
but!"
After talking a lot, the key lies in this turning point. Emperor Liu's eyes became sharp, his tone became sharp, and he looked around at everyone: "People must learn to be content. Infinite greed will only breed infinite evil! You gentlemen, please ask yourselves.
, have I ever wronged any hero in these years?"
There was another period of silence, and no one dared to speak up. As for Emperor Liu, he changed his glass of wine freely and continued to invite others. His tone did not ease: "Don't be cold! Drink!"