The camp of several thousand people could not silence the insects. The whole camp was filled with the chirping of insects and cicadas inside and outside. However, as the "order" was issued from the camp, the whole camp entered a state of silence and the lights were on.
It was extinguished, especially around the imperial camp. Except for sporadic lights, it was almost pitch black. The imperial tent in the middle was unknowingly tripled in number of guards, making it solemn and stern.
The imperial tent should be the brightest place in the camp at this time. The body of Emperor Daxing lay quietly on the couch. The circle around the couch was already covered with ice. The ice presented by the Yanzhou government began to play a special role.
There were still the same number of people, all kneeling, but after the shock, the cries gradually subsided, replaced by dead silence.
There is nothing more serious in the world than the death of an emperor, and the death of the Daxing Emperor was not at the right place. He passed away during this tour, and even the two grandsons of the emperor who were "young and innocent" felt great pressure.
After all, if it is not handled well, the consequences may be the collapse of the earth!
Suddenly, the curtain was opened, and Li Jian, dressed in military uniform and carrying a long sword in his hand, walked in. The veteran general, who was over sixty years old, saw his momentum, and some people believed him even if he said he could kill a cow.
Ignoring everyone, he kowtowed three times to the imperial couch, and then whispered to Li Shaoyou: "It has been arranged. There are guards around the imperial tent who are ready to die for His Majesty at any time!"
Li Jian's voice was a little hoarse, but Li Shaoyou didn't say anything at all. He just nodded, frowning, and pondered.
Seeing this, Li Jian leaned forward slightly and said: "Shou Gong, Your Majesty will entrust me with the future affairs. If you do anything, you should give me an explanation!"
Hearing this, Li Shaoyou raised his eyes to face Li Jian, and saw the veteran's face full of seriousness, and there was even a hint of suspicion and oppression in his eyes.
Li Shaoyou still looked so sad and did not respond. He thought a little and then cautiously said to Liu Wenhuan and Liu Wenji: "What do you think, your highnesses?"
Liu Wenhuan was a little surprised, but he quickly wiped away his tears and said, "Grandpa passed away, and everything is left to Shougong District!"
As for Liu Wenji, he just nodded in agreement, his eyes were filled with sadness, and he refused to look away from Emperor Daxing's body.
Seeing this, Li Shaoyou took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "I forgive you for being so presumptuous, a few things!
First, the news is blocked. Entry and exit within the imperial camp are strictly prohibited, and communication with outsiders is strictly prohibited. Anyone who dares to leak or spy on the inside story will be killed!
Second, secretly prepare the coffin, plan a route, and set off tomorrow to escort His Majesty back to Beijing! Send people and collect ice along the way. The dragon body must be protected!
Third, Pegasus reported to the East Palace in Xijing. Before receiving a reply, no action should be taken in the camp!
In a hurry, I can only think of these three things, do you have anything to add?"
Liu Wenhuan was condensing, as if he was thinking about whether there was any omission, but Liu Wenji suddenly spoke and said in a deep voice: "Shou Gong, I want to drive for my grandfather myself!"
Hearing this request, Li Shaoyou was slightly surprised. Although Liu Wenhuan was slow to respond, he immediately spoke and said resolutely: "Wen Ji is young and lacks strength. It is better for my brother to handle driving and riding horses!"
Facing Liu Wenhuan's serious and even sharp eyes, Liu Wenji did not show any timidity, but calmly responded: "You are young and weak, but it does not prevent you from doing your filial piety for your grandchildren!"
Liu Wenhuan frowned and said in a deep voice: "All other matters can be discussed, but as long as we fulfill our filial piety, there is no room for compromise!"
Seeing the two brothers arguing, Li Shaoyou's expression was quite exciting for a while, but he quickly reacted and began to persuade: "The filial piety and righteousness of your two highnesses are touching, and your majesty's spirit in heaven is enough to comfort you! In the opinion of this veteran, nothing can be done by the two."
How about our highnesses driving together and taking turns holding the reins?"
From the argument between the two brothers, Li Shaoyou can naturally see some signs, but as a veteran of Yuan Cong who has been smart all his life, he really does not want to get involved too much in such incidents. Just like the old emperor's princes who are like dragons and tigers,
In the beginning, I silently supported the prince because I had a sense of responsibility to the court and for the sake of the stability and orderly inheritance of the country and the country.
Therefore, Li Shaoyou chose to be harmonious with Xini, and Liu Wenji accepted his proposal smoothly: "Shou Gong's proposal is very good, I will follow it!"
Although Liu Wenhuan was a little unhappy, he had no choice but to accept what he had said. No matter how unhappy he was, he couldn't fight in front of the body. That would truly be a "filial" death.
"Who will be sent to Beijing to report the message?" Li Jian asked at this time.
Li Shaoyou looked at him and asked for advice: "Do you have someone for Ding'an Bo?"
Li Jian thought about it and asked someone: "How about Li Jihe?"
"The younger brother of the consort Li Jilong?"
"Exactly!"
Li Shaoyou thought about it for a moment, nodded and said, "Yes! I will explain it myself later!"
"good!"
Li Shaoyou looked at Qi Julang again and ordered: "Draw up a document about the situation here and send it to Xijing at that time!"
"yes!"
"Shou Gong, I have something to say, I wonder if I should say it?" At this time, Hu De stood up and asked carefully for instructions.
The imperial chamberlains such as Hu De were very anxious when the old emperor was around. They were always on tenterhooks, fearing that the old emperor would kill someone if he was provoked. The "curse" of accompanying an emperor like a tiger can almost drive people crazy.
However, when the old emperor really passed away, it felt like the sky was falling and the earth was falling apart. For people like Hood and below, their salary in the palace had basically come to an end, and even none of them had lost their jobs.
Well, even lives were lost. Especially Hood, as the head of the chamberlain, he was the one who was hit the hardest no matter what.
Hu De also knew that his identity was sensitive. He was also a smart man and did not have much ambition. Therefore, all he wanted to do at this time was to obey his orders and try his best to cooperate with Li Shaoyou to deal with the affairs of Emperor Daxing. What he wanted was nothing more than the future.
You can live in peace and stability for the rest of your life.
On the other hand, even if Hu De really has any ulterior motives, there is not much room for him to display them. Not to mention macro aspects such as the system and the government situation, in the imperial tent at this time, just look at the alertness of Li Shaoyou and Li Jian after he opened his mouth.
With his eyes and vigilant expression, you know what your situation is.
Hu De believed that if he did anything rash, these two uncles Li would definitely kill him first and then punish him.
A slave who has lost the protection of his master is like a bereaved dog. Facing Li Shaoyou's scrutinizing eyes, Hu De could only lower his eyebrows and try his best to appear harmless.
After all, he was the head of the chamberlain serving the old emperor. Although he was wary, Li Shaoyou still stretched out his hand to signal to Hu De and said: "If Mr. Hu has any reminders, please speak up!"
Hu De said humbly: "In the imperial city, the two envoys of Wude have important responsibilities and huge effects. It is difficult to hide the collapse of the official family. Do you want to inform them?"
After hearing this suggestion, Li Shaoyou couldn't help but take a look at Hu De. How could he ignore the Imperial City and the Second Wude Envoy? The power of these two divisions was very clear. You must know that Li Shaoyou was the first Wude Envoy, Wude Secretary
He was responsible for establishing the most basic organizational structure.
Withdrawing his scrutinizing gaze, Li Shaoyou turned to Li Jian and ordered: "Send a few reliable guards to invite the second envoy!"
After saying that, Li Shaoyou looked at Hu De again and said in a warning tone: "Master Hu, I'm going to say something ugly first. You have to watch these palace people around the imperial tent! Otherwise, if something goes wrong, you will be the first to take advantage of me.
It’s a question!”
"Young man, I understand!" Hood bowed and held his hands in a very low posture.
At this time, Hu De's heart was full of sadness. He, Senior Officer Hu, the dignified chamberlain supervisor, and the leaders of all the squads, had never been so cautious and humble except in front of Emperor Daxing. Such a gap in his heart could not be relieved in a short while.
Came here
"The atmosphere in the imperial camp is still a bit tense, which makes people suspicious!" After a pause, Li Shaoyou said to Li Jian: "Remove the redundant sentries in front of the imperial tent. Just keep it loose on the outside and tight on the inside!"
Li Jian always looked serious, nodded and said concisely: "I'll make arrangements!"
Li Shaoyou didn't care about Li Jian's coldness. He just raised his hand to him and said solemnly: "Ding'an Bo, although your majesty supports you, you and I still need to work together to handle this bold and reckless act that violates the rules and taboos!
"
Li Jian's voice was still hoarse, and his tone was as firm as before: "Your Majesty has entrusted you to die, and you must complete it!"
After hearing his statement, Li Shaoyou didn't say much. He just looked back at the old emperor lying dead on the couch with his face covered with a layer of yellow silk. He still felt unreal.
Li Shaoyou's eyes showed sadness, and he lamented in his heart: "Your Majesty, the funeral is so important, how difficult it is for me to suffer."
The plan was settled, let Hu De and the second emperor's grandson guard the old emperor, while the two emperors and Li went to make arrangements and implement it respectively. This night was destined to be sleepless.
On the side of the imperial tent, like stars over the moon, there were several tents built for the palace attendants and guards on duty.
In one of the tents, the scattered candlelight made the vision extremely dim. It was not that Li Shaoyou couldn't bear to add a few more candles, but for him, such an atmosphere suited his mood at this time, but for Li Jihe who was ordered to come here
To put it bluntly, it seems a bit scary.
Examining Li Jihe, Li Shaoyou's eyes were also full of oppression. Seeing that he was a little nervous, Li Shaoyou stood up, took out a sealed order note, placed it across his chest, and said solemnly: "Li Jihe, listen to the order."
!”
"The general is here!" Li Jihe said instinctively.
"With this report, I will send it to Xijing on Pegasus. The letter will not leave you, and you will not change people when you change horses. Remember, report it directly to His Highness the Crown Prince, and ignore the rest. Anyone who dares to delay and offend will be killed!" Li Shaoyou said coldly.
After listening to Li Shaoyou state the order, Li Jihe seemed stunned, obviously confused by this strange order. But he soon realized the problem, where did this order come from? Listening to his tone, it didn't look like it came from His Majesty.
, and if it was Duke Shou, how could he dare to impose such a chaotic order? So, after being stunned for a while, Li Jihe did not dare to accept the order.
Seeing this, Li Shaoyou continued: "I know that you have doubts in your heart. If I don't explain it clearly to you, I'm afraid that you won't dare to accept the order!"
After a pause, Li Shaoyou's voice was suppressed a little more, and he said: "His Majesty passed away half an hour ago! You should know how important this mission is!"
Li Jihe's straightforward face suddenly changed color. He stood there blankly, at a loss, and spoke incoherently: "Futian, Your Majesty is here, collapse, how can this happen!"
However, noticing Li Shaoyou's solemn expression, Li Jihe realized that it must be true, and no one in the world would dare to make such a joke.
When he recovered from the huge impact, Li Jihe couldn't stand immediately. His eyes suddenly turned red, he fell to the ground, and cried out in tears: "Your Majesty!"
For juniors like Li Jihe who have some relatives and friends, although Emperor Daxing has a fearful side, his reverence is also relative. In the past, he was only suppressed by the emotion of awe. However, once a person collapses, what he once had is
The suppressed emotions suddenly burst out.
Seeing this, Li Shaoyou was not prepared to give him more time to react, and said majestically: "Nowadays, there is not much time for you and me to grieve. Choosing you as the messenger is a sign of trust in you, and the mission must be completed. Appearance
You should know the consequences of any omission!"
"The general is under orders!" After hearing what Li Shaoyou said, Li Jihe came back to his senses, quickly adjusted his mood, met his eyes, took the mailbox with both hands, and said solemnly.
"The accompanying guards have been selected and the horses are ready. They are waiting in front of the imperial camp gate. You can set off immediately. You can't delay this matter for a moment!" Li Shaoyou warned: "Remember, your trip is only to report the news, and the rest are not allowed.
Talk too much and talk nonsense!”
"Understood!" Li Jihe stood up and responded. He was about to start, but stopped again and looked at Li Shaoyou hesitantly, but with a very firm attitude, he clasped his fists and said: "Shou Gong, I will forgive you for being brave. Can you go to the imperial tent?"
Bow down to His Majesty and say goodbye?"
After taking a deep look at Li Jihe, Mr. Li faintly uttered two words: "Okay!"
There was not much delay. Soon, accompanied by more than a dozen guards, Li Ji and Wei Ye set off. After leaving the camp area, they ran straight to the official road, and then headed all the way towards Luoyang.
If the transportation in the Han Empire was said to be developed, it was undoubtedly in Gyeonggi, Henan and Hebei. Official roads were built in all directions, and straight roads connected the major cities in each state earlier.
It was precisely thanks to the most convenient land transportation in this era that the more than a thousand miles from Mount Tai to Luoyang was completed in two days and nights. Along the way, Li Jihe and more than a dozen guards took turns leading the way.
Even the time for drinking and eating has been compressed to the extreme, and there is no room for slacking off on urgent matters.
Of course, there was a little incident on the way. When passing two official posts, the casual and slow behavior of the other party angered Li Jihe, who beheaded one post official and killed two post soldiers.
He set off at night and arrived in Luoyang, it was still late at night. Horse hooves made crisp sounds on the flat stone road, passing through the eastern residential area of Luoyang City and reaching the city gate. Looking at the towering city wall in the dark night, Li Ji was extremely tired.
and a feeling of tears filling my eyes.
Even outside the city, the hustle and bustle in the city can be vaguely heard. The citizens of Xijing, who are still immersed in the prosperous city that never sleeps, obviously have not realized that the fate of the Han Empire is about to change.
As a city gate guard in Luoyang, his level of responsibility and knowledge were much higher than those of local officials. Although he was full of doubts, after confirming the identity of Li Jihe and his party, he decisively let them go.
After entering the city, he didn't hesitate at all. He whipped up his horse and stirred up the people all the way, doing inspections, heading straight to the imperial city, and even passed the gate of Zouma palace.
Under the banner of the old emperor, he almost forced his way into the East Palace, and even had to pull Prince Liu Yang up from the couch with his own hands.