A cold wave came suddenly and earlier than in previous years, and Luoyang City quickly entered the rhythm of winter.
Huaihai Palace, Beiyuan, Qingyuxuan.
The coldest part of winter has not yet arrived, and the north wind seems to be much more docile and does not even make much noise, but the chill it brings is silent and makes people stiff and numb.
In the hall, a stove was steaming. Although the smell of burning coal was unpleasant, it was really warm. Qian Hongchu, the king of Huaihai who was already over fifty years old, was walking in it, his brows furrowed and his face solemn.
, obviously encountered something very difficult.
Of course, judging from what has happened in Xijing recently, the only thing that can come into contact with Qian Hongchu is "resigning from the title".
More than 20 years have passed since the historic event of Wu Yue's offering of soil. As the protagonist of the event, Qian Hongchu's life has been very smooth these years. Probably because he acted too harmless to humans and animals, Emperor Liu treated Qian Hongchu
He was also extremely tolerant and never even showed the slightest hint of suspicion. He treated each other generously with high titles and generous salaries. He even gave many favors to his sons, granting them official positions and allowing them to serve the court.
No distinction is made at all.
And Qian Hongchu is also aware of current affairs, behaves well, and does his duty. He never dares to act recklessly. He just acts as his King of Peace and enjoys life in a low-key manner. In addition, his brother-in-law is still King Yong Liu Chengxun, who has a crown on his head.
This big tree provides shelter, so naturally it goes well.
However, after serving as a courtier of the Han Dynasty for more than twenty years without any worries, the peaceful life was now broken with the resignation memorial that shocked both the government and the public.
Qian Hongchu never imagined that one day he would face difficulties because of a king. When things came to pass, Qian Hongchu, who had been at ease for a long time, was like a flower in a greenhouse, which could not withstand the wind.
It was raining and it seemed like I was at a loss what to do.
Especially after King An of Xiangyang was loyal and petitioned to be demoted, Qian Hongchu couldn't sit still. At this time, he behaved in the hall like an ant on a hot pot, anxious, and his worried expression said everything.
Accompanied by a rush of footsteps, a figure flashed past. A middle-aged man walked into the hall, glanced at Qian Hongchu, stopped, bowed his hands and said, "Father!"
This person was Qian Hongchu's second son Qian Weizhi. Because he was fond of scholarship and talented, he was a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy and was quite famous in the literary world. Qian Weizhi was actually Qian Hongchu's adopted son, and his biological father was the former Wu Yue Zhongxun.
King Qian Hongchu, because his eldest son Qian Weijun was dissolute and unruly, was not liked by Qian Hongchu, so he adopted Qian Weizhi as the heir apparent.
At this time, Qian Hongchu no longer cared about his demeanor. He took a step forward and asked nervously: "What's the latest news? How did His Majesty react?"
Qian Weizhi took a deep breath and said in a solemn tone: "There is news from the palace that His Majesty has changed the title of King Xiangyang to Duke of Jing!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu paused for a moment, then couldn't help but take a few steps back, and sat down slumped down. His whole body was a little lost, and he murmured: "How to deal with yourself? How to deal with yourself?"
Seeing this, Qian Weizhi couldn't help but call out twice with concern, which finally brought Qian Hongchu back to his senses. He glanced outside the hall and then looked at Qian Weizhi. Qian Hongchu's rich old face showed a trace of resentment, a little aggrieved.
Said: "There is still such a principle in the world. If you give something to someone, you want to take it back twenty years later. In this case, it is better not to give it to you in the first place!"
"Father, calm down, please be careful what you say!" Qian Hongchu complained happily. Qian Weizhi was startled and hurriedly stepped forward to help him calm down while carefully admonishing him.
"Be careful what you say?" Qian Hongchu was still tough and blurted out: "Are you afraid that there are informants from the Imperial City Division in the house?"
However, although he had a strong mouth and glanced around, Qian Hongchu still gave up decisively. He hesitated a few times and did not dare to talk nonsense. However, he was holding a breath in his chest and it was difficult to swallow. He got up and wandered in the hall for a few times.
He stepped forward and danced angrily: "Zhao and An didn't know what they had done to get mad. They were originally safe, but they want to cause trouble. It's cool for them to resign, but it makes me embarrassed."
Qian Hongchu was so angry that he couldn't let go. Qian Weizhi, who was by his side, could only try his best to comfort him and ease his mind: "Father, the matter has come to this. I'm afraid that everyone inside and outside the palace, including the whole court, are waiting for your action.
Already."
"Are we going to do the same thing as Zhao and An?" Qian Hongchu asked.
Qian Weizhi nodded: "From my perspective, this is all we can do now!"
Hearing this, Qian Hongchu's face suddenly showed confusion. He had nowhere to put his hands. He thought hard for a while and suddenly said: "Isn't there still King Fu?"
Thinking of this, Qian Hongchu's eyes flashed: "Why don't we wait for the Fu family's reaction, wait until they take action, and then we'll see what happens!"
Qian Weizhi shook his head and said: "Chenliu Wang Fu Zhao is willing to serve in Anton now, and father, you are in the capital. What's more, the Fu family is prominent and backed by the prince. The empress has just passed away. Your majesty will not oppress you too much because of your affection."
, we are surrendered ministers."
"The Fu family has a prince, and my family also has King Yong!" Qian Hongchu said, with a look of distress on his face: "Hey, His Highness King Yong is still in Nanyang and has not returned. Otherwise, please ask him to speak for you, or there may be some compromise.
Even if you have some leeway, you can still ask for advice."
At this time, Qian Hongchu's face was full of embarrassment and his tone was plaintive. In the final analysis, he still missed the title of King of Huainan too much. He had been king since he was a boy, and after entering the court, he still did not lose the title of king.
Jue, who had been called the king for decades, suddenly told him that he could no longer do it and that he had to take the initiative to request to be crowned king. For Qian Hongchu, the discomfort in his heart was too strong.
From Qian Hongchu's point of view, he, as the king of the county, had earned it with decades of inheritance from his ancestors of the Qian family, so he deserved it and could completely feel at ease.
As a descendant of the Qian family, Qian Weizhi can also understand Qian Hongchu's mood, but at this moment, it is not the time to care about fairness and injustice, so he still tries his best to persuade: "Father, as far as the Qian family is concerned, the king's title is just an empty name.
After all, we are surrendered ministers. We are now rich and peaceful because of the tolerance of the imperial court.
Among so many surrendered ministers, they all once separated themselves from each other and claimed the throne. However, except for my family, which family can retain the title of king and enjoy such preferential treatment? This is worthy of vigilance. This crown is not easy to wear!
We were in peace in the past, but His Majesty was tolerant, but now His Majesty's intentions are gradually revealed. If Qian doesn't know how to advance or retreat, I'm afraid the consequences will be unpredictable, and even His Highness King Yong may not be able to help my family.
Compared with being a prince with a false reputation, it is more important to eliminate the grudge in His Majesty's heart and protect the longevity of my Qian family."
Qian Weizhi obviously understood, and what he said was profound. Qian Hongchu was not a stupid person, but he was just a little difficult to accept psychologically. He pondered for a moment, and finally sighed: "What you said makes sense, write a letter for me."
Please hand over the memorial as well!"
After saying this, Qian Hongchu seemed to have lost his energy and spirit, and he looked extremely depressed. When Qian Weizhi saw him, he couldn't help but worry. Qian Hongchu was also an old man in his fifties and could not bear the ups and downs of his emotions.
However, things have to be done, and the results have to be accepted. I just hope that he can really think about it.
Shortly after Emperor Liu granted An Shouzhong the title of Duke of Jing, a memorial from King Qian Hongchu of Huaihai was finally handed in. Without any surprises, Emperor Liu agreed to his request and changed his title to Duke of Ning.
In another month, although Fu Zhaoyuan's memorial arrived late, he was given the title of Duke of Xu. Emperor Liu was probably a little embarrassed. Although the four princes took away the title of king, their salary and benefits were still retained.
It was also the choice given to them by Emperor Liu.