The Gongchen Pavilion under the spring sun is shrouded in a layer of soft light. Since February, the temperature has gradually warmed up, the sky is blue and bright, and the breeze has brought comfort and comfort.
There is the Zhaolie Temple in the east and the Pavilion of Heroes in the west. These are landmark buildings in the two capitals. They commemorate the meritorious soldiers who fought bloody battles for the Han Dynasty for decades, and are also a recognition and praise for them through life and death.
The Zhaolie Temple is a temple for martyrs, and the Gongchen Pavilion is a temple for meritorious deeds. Different from the magnificent forest of stone steles in Zhaolie Temple, the Gongchen Pavilion is much smaller in scale, but more majestic, with much higher specifications, with constant incense and lively atmosphere.
Endless.
Zhaolie Temple is open to the public on weekdays for people to visit and worship. Although the Gongchen Pavilion is also outside the imperial city, its defense level is very high. It is heavily guarded on weekdays and it is difficult for ordinary people to approach. Even if they want to pay homage and worship,
It can only be done outside the pavilion.
In the decades of continuous publicity, the symbolic meaning of the Gongchen Pavilion and Zhaolie Temple has also been continuously amplified. Especially the Gongchen Pavilion is sacred and inviolable. For many meritorious officials and noble descendants of the Han Dynasty, it has even become their
Spiritual symbol.
After all, the tablets of their fathers and ancestors are enshrined inside. This is not only a symbol of spiritual honor, but also the source of their status, wealth, and power. Therefore, among the many policies and arrangements of Emperor Liu, only the "Pavilion of Meritorious Officials"
It is absolutely supported by the nobles above and below.
In the past twenty or thirty years, no matter how much Emperor Liu restricted and suppressed the noble class, as far as the nobles of the Han Dynasty were concerned, as long as the Hall of Meritorious Officers was still there, they were still the ruling dignitaries who were closely related to the country.
.
Over the years, there has been a saying among the upper echelons of the Han Dynasty: It is easy to enter the Zhaolie Temple, but it is difficult to enter the Gongchen Pavilion. The Gongchen Pavilion is by no means accessible to ordinary people. The Han Dynasty has hundreds of princes and counts, but they can have memorial tablets after death.
Less than one-third can enjoy the incense and offerings inside.
The establishment of the Hall of Heroes naturally centered on the twenty-four heroes of Qianyou at the beginning. Their plaques were placed in the center, supplemented by portraits hanging high. Similarly, only the twenty-four ministers were qualified to hang the portraits. This was different from the portraits of other heroes.
The status is directly distinguished.
The rest are ranked in order. The threshold for entering the Hall of Meritors is very high. Although there are a series of comprehensive trade-offs, there is only one core, and those who have not made great achievements will not be admitted. In this regard, Emperor Liu's attitude is clear and tough, and many
All the royal relatives who have titles are being excluded without compromise. So far, no one has joined the cabinet except the uncle Li Hongwei of Sishui. In the future, it may be the King of Yong, Liu Chengxun, Duke of Shou, Li Shaoyou and others.
Huiguo Gong Song Yan was in charge. According to Emperor Liu's rules, even Xu King Liu Chengyun was not qualified, even if he is the current head of the clan.
In this way, the standard of the Heroes' Pavilion has become higher and higher, and its status has become more prominent. Before they die, many nobles, besides their posthumous affairs, mostly worry about whether they can enter the Heroes' Pavilion.
Over the past ten or twenty years, the veterans have withered and the heroes have passed away. Naturally, the Gongchen Pavilion is no longer as "deserted" as it was before. People continue to move in and the incense is becoming more and more prosperous.
Recently, two new people have been added, one of whom is of course Wen Guogong Xiang Xun. Xiang Xun's fate was still calculated, but he could not withstand the power of metaphysics. He died of illness at home seven days after Emperor Liu's visit.
The other one is Wu Qinggong Wang Yanchao, the older generation of the vassal town. Wang Yanchao is not a founding father, nor is he a minister of Emperor Liu, and he did not even join the imperial court early, but he has outstanding military talents.
, and had political acumen and insights that were different from ordinary military ministers. He also made great contributions in the Han Dynasty's southern and northern wars and the process of unifying the world. Coupled with his seniority and the good impression of Emperor Liu, he finally won a county dukedom.
, also lived a long life, at the age of seventy-five, and died a good death. He had experienced a lot in his life and had no regrets.
Of course, too many heroes of the Han Dynasty have withered away. In addition, Yu Xiangxun passed away, so the momentum was covered up and did not cause much response. The family arranged the funeral in a low-key manner. Wang Yanchao passed away quietly.
of......
At this time, the door of the Hall of Meritorious Officials was wide open, and the solemn and solemn hall was filled with people. Most of the Han Dynasty’s distinguished officials in Beijing came. This was the second time this year. The last time there was a public memorial ceremony presided over by the prince.
Above, this time I came with an imperial edict.
The space inside the main temple is very large. One or two hundred people gathered together without any crowding. The scene was very serious and orderly. In such a solemn and sacred place, everyone remained in awe and did not dare to do anything that exceeded the rules.
, but they arranged themselves in order, looked up at the tablets and portraits of their ancestors with a pious attitude, and silently comforted the heroic spirits.
Things are always moving forward, and a new generation replaces the old ones. At that time, the great nobles of the Han Dynasty were such influential figures as Murong Yanzhao, Chai Rong, Xiang Xun, Gao Huaide, Zhao Kuangyin, Wei Renpu, Wang Pu, Li Gu, and Xue Juzheng.
, now, it has been replaced by some second and third generation nobles.
Among the people present, the person with the highest status has become Gong Hantong of Hanoi. You must know that although Hantong followed Emperor Liu earlier, he was never the first echelon of powerful people, and his status was always inferior to others.
Nowadays, the situation is different. People like Murong Yanzhao, Chai Rong and even Zhao Kuangyin, no matter how great their merits and abilities are, they have long been reduced to a handful of loess.
And he, Han Tong, had a hard life, lived longer, was in better health, could still eat wine and meat, and his son was already in the prime minister's seat. This level of prominence surpassed that of most nobles.
Among the nobles present, anyone who saw Han Tong had to bow their head obediently and respectfully call out "Han Gong" in a low voice. Even if he relied on his elders and made remarks to them, they had to listen honestly.
This kind of status and treatment was something Han Tong could not enjoy at the beginning. Therefore, in the Hall of Meritorious Officers, standing at the head of all honorable men, Han Tong held his head high even though he was leaning on a crutch. The crutch was made of gilded sandalwood.
The shape of the dragon's head was given to him by Emperor Liu last year when he saw that his legs and feet were inconvenient.
And Han Tong observed the "old guys" enshrined on the altar. While sighing in his heart, he couldn't help but think, after he died, he should be able to join the cabinet. This should be inevitable, even Wang Yanchao
He is qualified, let alone Han Tong!
In the solemn environment, there was no noise, and everyone was waiting silently, after all, the real owner had not arrived yet. However, he did not wait for too long, and with a high-pitched cry, the voice and shadow of Emperor Liu appeared.
The old emperor has arrived, and although the distinguished nobles in front of them are not like a mouse meeting a cat, they are not much different. They all lowered their eyebrows and held their breath, and even Han Tong did not dare to keep his chest raised.
The bamboo stick has become the standard accessory of Emperor Liu. He never leaves his hand when walking, and he no longer walks as fast as before. He is just accompanied by the Crown Prince Liu Yang and the King of Jin Liu Xi, walking slowly through the statues.
Gui, step by step, walked towards the front of the crowd under cautious and awe-stricken gazes.
A sudden stop made people tense up subconsciously. Emperor Liu stopped in front of Pingyuan Gongsun Li. This "negative teaching material" that Emperor Liu often used to teach him a lesson was now showing his age, with gray beard and hair.
He was thin and thin, and only a few rotten teeth were still standing in his mouth.
Looking at his old appearance, Emperor Liu couldn't help but feel some empathy. He pointed at Sun Li's old, spotted face and said, "You idiot, you are old too!"
Facing Emperor Liu's gentle gaze, Sun Li grinned and said straightforwardly: "Although I am old, I am still your Majesty's pawn!"
Hearing this, Emperor Liu smiled, took two steps forward, and stopped again. This time it was Wang Yansheng. General Er, since the Northern Expedition and the return from Mobei's narrow escape, his health has been poor.
He felt that he was about to die, but nearly twenty years have passed. His old comrades in arms, such as Bowang Hou Guo Jin, etc., all passed away early, but he is still alive.
However, the erosion of time was really hard to resist. Wang Yansheng was also extremely old, his legs were lame, his eyes were dim, and his ears were not working properly. Emperor Liu called him, but there was no response. Yang Ye next to him reminded him,
Only then did he come back to his senses: "Your Majesty is here? Where are you?"
"Your Majesty is in front of you!" Yang Ye couldn't help but lean into his ear and raise his voice to remind him.
I heard it clearly this time. Wang Yansheng immediately wanted to salute, but his movements were clumsy and not as strong as before. You know, Wang Yansheng was famous for his bravery and bravery back then.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu subconsciously reached out his hand to support Wang Yansheng, shook his hand, asked Yang Ye to support him, and said: "Take good care of him!"
Based on Emperor Liu's nature, he should have suspected that Wang Yansheng's behavior was disguised, but at this time, he didn't think much about it. He felt sorry for the old man and also left a little warmth in the relationship between monarch and minister...
..
Going further, Emperor Liu noticed Shi Shouxin. Since returning to Beijing, he had served as the commander-in-chief for a period of time. However, he soon fell ill and had to stay in bed to recuperate.
Looking at Shi Shouxin's sickly old face, Emperor Liu frowned and said: "I feel uncomfortable and have difficulty moving, so just take a good rest. Why do I need to move?"
Emperor Liu's words should be taken as concern. Shi Shouxin coughed twice and said in a weak voice: "Your Majesty summoned me, how can I be confined to a mere sickbed? I am already old and will not live forever, so I should cherish your listening.
Opportunities for Hadith…”
Shi Shouxin's words were extremely humble and loyal, but they were quite sad to hear. Emperor Liu's old eyes were a little confused, and he raised his hand and patted his shoulder gently, but nothing was said.