It's winter snow again, a thin layer covering Tokyo gently. Looking around, the streets and houses are all covered in white, which is very beautiful, but the cold wind is still biting.
It was still early, the winter sun was still low, and the thick cold fog had not yet dissipated. In front of the Heyang Palace, servants were already busy blowing out candles, changing lamps, and clearing away the snow.
The sound of "rustling" is particularly clear in this quiet winter day. The postures and expressions of the servants have a unique kind of tranquility and tranquility. People who live in the government palace also deserve this leisure time, basically out of the small town.
The pain of running around to make a living.
Of course, the more important reason is that they were lucky enough to follow a generous master, Duke Li Chongju of Heyang, who was a kind man, not only externally, but also internally.
It is commendable that the Heyang Duke's Mansion did not sweep the snow in front of the house. After cleaning the house, several servants carried brooms to remove the snow marks, dead branches, fallen leaves, and dirty mud that were visible on the main entrance street.
, and deal with them together.
In fact, this kind of culture has been developed in the entire workshop, and it was brought about by Li Chongju. No matter what other people think in their hearts, they must keep up with their actions. This is an invitation to fame. In addition, there is also the lofty status of He
Duke Yang has set an example, so he must take action to save face.
However, the flattery of many people was ultimately in vain. After the Wude Envoy resigned, Li Chongju settled down and took care of himself. He paid no attention to worldly affairs and focused his energy on worshiping Buddha and running his family. As for the voices and expressions of the outside world, he did not care at all.
.
The large and gorgeous carriage drove slowly, with the clear sound of hoofbeats, and stopped in front of the Heyang Duke's Mansion, attracting everyone's attention. Of course, what was eye-catching, besides the special decoration of the six-horse canopy, was
They were the tall and powerful Ouchi guards and several conspicuously dressed chamberlains.
The knowledgeable people knelt down early, and soon everyone knelt down in front of the Heyang Duke's Mansion. Under the service of Yan Tuo, Emperor Liu got out of the car, and the coldness of the deep winter suddenly hit him, making him unable to help
Shrinking his neck.
After tightening his brocade coat, Emperor Liu didn't see those servants at all. This was his first visit to Li Chongju's mansion, so he couldn't help but take a second look at the concierge's appearance.
Like an evil guest, he broke into the mansion. As soon as he passed the threshold, the steward who was making arrangements in the courtyard hurried over. When he saw Emperor Liu, he hurriedly prostrated: "Kowtow to Your Majesty!"
"Who are you?" Emperor Liu looked down at the old steward calmly.
"Back to Your Majesty, little Li Chun, the First Manager of the Duke's Office!"
"You seem to recognize me?" Emperor Liu was a little curious.
"Your Majesty, when the Duke accompanied Your Majesty on hunting, the young attendant was by his side, and I had the honor to see Your Majesty's beauty from a distance!" Li Chun replied nervously.
Emperor Liu nodded, turned his attention away from the steward, and asked, "Where is Duke Heyang?"
"I am worshiping Buddha in the Buddhist hall. I have sent someone to inform you that Your Majesty is coming!" Li Chun said.
Hearing this, Emperor Liu smiled: "He is really diligent. He started praying to gods and Buddhas very early in the morning!"
Li Chun didn't understand what Emperor Liu meant by this, so he could only respond cautiously: "Worship the Buddha in the morning and evening. This is a habit developed by the Duke over many years."
"I have heard that in recent years, the Duke of Heyang closed his door to thank guests and did not see any officials. Instead, he opened his door to monks and monks. Even if he was a bit of a swindler and a fool, he also gave money and silk to each other. He really paid attention to it.
Pay homage to the Buddha!" Emperor Liu joked in a relaxed tone.
Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Li Chun smiled. He didn't know how to answer, and he didn't dare to speak casually again to avoid making mistakes.
Waving his hand for Li Chun to leave, Emperor Liu continued to wander around the palace on his own, looking left and right, without needing Li Chun to lead the way. He found it very leisurely and relaxing. Many times, from the plants and trees in the palace,
Brick by brick, you can see the condition of the owner's home.
Of course, Emperor Liu did not have to wait too long. Heyang Duke Li Chongju came looking for him. His steps were a little hurried, and there was a little doubt and anxiety on his anxious face.
"Your Majesty is here, but I didn't come far enough to greet you, so I still beg for forgiveness!" Li Chongju came closer, calmed his breath, and bowed.
Emperor Liu was admiring the desolate winter scenery in the back garden of the Li Mansion. Hearing the sound, he turned around and looked at Li Chongju, with a warm look on his face, and stretched out his hand to support him: "No courtesy!"
"I, as an uninvited guest, have disturbed your Buddha worship, so please forgive me!" Emperor Liu said with a genuine smile.
When Li Chongju heard this, a look of uneasiness flashed across his face, and he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty will laugh!"
Li Chongju, who is already in his sixties, is obviously old, with wrinkles all over his face, and has become much thinner. However, he seems to be in good spirits.
Looking at Li Chongju's thin face, Emperor Liu sighed in his heart and said: "You have been worshiping the Buddha behind closed doors for many years. If you don't know the rules, what achievements have you made?"
Li Chongju knew that although the imperial court had banned Buddhism and Taoism for a long time, Emperor Liu was not interested in these things. Hearing his tone, he immediately became more alert. After thinking about it for a while, he cupped his hands and said: "To be honest with you, Your Majesty, I respect the Buddha."
For many years, I have still been an ordinary person. Now, I am just looking for one thing to do. In addition, I am looking for a grandchild. I am nearly sixty years old. However, Quanzi has been married for many years and has nothing to do. It has become a problem.
ah!"
Hearing what Li Chongju said, Emperor Liu couldn't help but nodded and said seriously: "It is indeed a problem to have a weak bloodline. People of our generation have worked hard to start a business, isn't it just for the blessing of our descendants!"
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty!"
"Jichang is a nice person. He is respectful, honest, and generous in his governance. He has done a good job in Qingzhou!" Emperor Liu said with a smile: "It seems that he has to be assigned more tasks. In addition to serving as an official and controlling the people,
You have to let him work hard so that Code can give you a grandson as soon as possible!"
Li Chongju had only one son and one daughter. The younger daughter had already married. As for his only son Li Jichang, he had been working as an official outside the country in recent years. He was known as Qingzhou and was in charge of the political affairs of the state.
However, Li Chongju's wife had already died of illness, and he had no intention of renewing the relationship. He did not even have a concubine. In his later years, he was alone, and the thought of him was very sad.
Probably thinking of this, Emperor Liu couldn't help but feel emotional in his words: "This man is old and most afraid of being alone. I have my concubines and descendants with me, and I feel lonely from time to time, let alone you! I have wronged you these years!"
Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Li Chongju couldn't help but be moved, but he still remained cautious in his heart. The emperor was not easy to serve and could not be easily swayed by emotions.
After chatting for a while, Li Chongju couldn't help but asked tentatively: "I don't know what your Majesty has to teach you today."
"What? I can't come and see you?" Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu suddenly changed his tone and glanced sideways at Li Chongju.
However, he soon calmed down his momentum, and his face seemed to be filled with infinite emotion, and he sighed softly: "I haven't slept well recently and have nothing to do. I thought of you and came here to see you! These years, you have been very good to me.
If you don't come to the palace to see me, I can only come in person!"
"Your Majesty's words make me panic!" Facing Emperor Liu's indifferent words, Li Chongju couldn't help but said excitedly, with a little worry appearing on his old face.
Emperor Liu shook his head and said: "This year, the court and the public have been in constant turmoil, and the world is not peaceful. There are constant disturbances. I can't help but feel nervous!"
"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself!" Li Chongju subconsciously comforted him.
"Although you are idle at home and not interested in worldly affairs, you must have heard about the turmoil in the court!" Emperor Liu said suddenly.
As soon as these words came out, Li Chongju's heart suddenly tightened and he became more cautious. He whispered: "I wonder what your Majesty is referring to?"
"What about Wang Yinwu's sudden illness and death?" Emperor Liu asked immediately.
Hearing this, Li Chongju's expression changed completely. Compared with Emperor Liu's calmness, Li Chongju's mind was filled with tangled thoughts. He respectfully said: "I have indeed heard that Wang Yinwu was also a talented man. It is a pity that he died young in his prime!"
Seeing Li Chongju's careful handling, Emperor Liu smiled and sneered: "I'll tell you directly! Wang Yinwu either died violently or was given death by me!"
Li Chongju's expression suddenly changed: "Is that so?"
In fact, Li Chongju could not detect the difference. However, when Emperor Liu made it clear to him, his worries deepened.
Li Chongju's reaction could not be hidden from Emperor Liu's eyes. He looked at him and said meaningfully: "Aren't you curious about why I wanted to kill Wang Yinwu?"
Li Chongju quickly shook his head: "I have not been interested in world affairs for many years, and I am really not interested!"
"But, I want you to know!" Emperor Liu ignored Li Chongju's somewhat horrified expression and said slowly: "Wang Yinwu has some abilities, but he has a strong aura of recklessness. He doesn't know awe or propriety. He colludes with foreign ministers and plots political disputes.
He used public tools for personal gain, neglected his duties, and even deceived me repeatedly.
He and Lu Duoxun came out of Hexi together. I knew that they had a good personal relationship in the past, but I didn't expect that the two people were secretly connected to each other to the point of being crazy. They used Wude Si as a tool to compile evidence and criticize the minister.
Looking at the government and the public, I’m afraid no one knows better than you what kind of organization the Wude Department is. I even dealt with Lu Dosun. Do you think I can spare Wang Yinwu’s life?”
After Emperor Liu finished speaking, the atmosphere of the conversation completely changed. The air was almost solid, the surroundings were extremely quiet, a slight cold wind blew in his ears, and Li Chongju's heart felt a little cold.
After being stunned for a while, Li Chongju responded nervously: "I am scared! Why did your Majesty report this to me?"
Emperor Liu reached out and patted Li Chongju on the shoulder, and his words returned to a somewhat relaxed tone, saying: "Wang Yinwu has gone, and the Wude Department always needs someone to take care of it. However, I have been thinking hard about who should be in charge, and there is really no suitable candidate. After thinking about it,
Go, I thought of following you!"
Upon hearing this, Li Chongju immediately shook his head and refused, and even said excitedly: "Your Majesty, I am already very old and dying. How can I shoulder such a heavy responsibility again?"
Emperor Liu also shook his head and said with a smile: "I see that you are still in good health, and living alone in the mansion is too lonely. Instead of doing this, it is better to go out of the mansion and do your best for the court and use your remaining energy to relieve your loneliness!"
"His Majesty!"
Emperor Liu directly interrupted Li Chongju and said more seriously: "Of course, more importantly, at the moment, only you, Li Shouze, are in charge of Wude Division, and I can trust you!"
"Your Majesty trusts me, I am extremely grateful, but..."
"There is no but!" Emperor Liu turned his head and stared at Li Chongju: "I have also said frankly that the reason why I agreed to your resignation as Wu Deshi was that I was indeed dissatisfied with you! However, today, I have to say that the original decision may have been wrong.
Got it!
In this huge world, you, Li Chongju, are the only one. If only Wang Yinwu could show a little more humility, prudence and duty to you, why would this be the case!
I have been reflecting a lot recently. There are many talents in the imperial court, and there are even more people who can do things. However, the ones who can be loyal and considerate of themselves must be you, the old ministers!
My clothes are not as good as new, and my people are not as good as before! The older I get, the more lonely I am, so you should stay with me when you go out of the house! In the past few years, Wu Desi has had many problems, which have stuck in my throat. I need to straighten them out from top to bottom. I agree.
You, after this thing is done, I will let you go back home and let you enjoy your old age..."
When Emperor Liu said this, even if Li Chongju had 10,000 reluctances in his heart, he could only bow his hands and say: "I obey!"
His expression was serious and his voice was trembling. Li Chongju knew very well that if he refused again, he might not have anything to talk about in his old age.
"Hahaha...that's right!" Emperor Liu laughed happily a few times, but Li Chongju was nearby and couldn't laugh.