Regarding the slightly ridiculous and ironic situation that happened in the Southern Tang Dynasty, Liu Chengyou, who was on his way back to his teacher, had just received one sentence with a contemptuous tone: He knows what he knows.
In Liu Chengyou's view, the approach of the Southern Tang Dynasty was a typical example of having a thief's heart but not having the courage to do so. Hesitating and procrastinating was even worse than that of Jingnan. Gao Laizi wanted to get an advantage, but he usually did it first and then talked about it later at most. Don't admit it anymore and beg for mercy.
Of course, Liu Chengyou didn't know much about the national conditions and dynastic strife of the Southern Tang Dynasty, but judging from what it showed, the Southern Tang Dynasty was not something to be afraid of. Moreover, it was so rich and prosperous that Liu Chengyou drooled. With close ministers such as Fan Zhi, During the discussion, he even bluntly said that if the puppet Tang Dynasty dared to go north, he would send troops to go south.
Based on the tight financial situation of the Han Dynasty and the barren status of the entire country, if we only rely on our own development and do not spend a few years to reform the shortcomings of farming and production, it may be difficult to improve. Silent development will definitely not win. It comes quickly, especially when a mouthful of fat is right next to your mouth.
Probably because of his tone, Fan Zhi and others only thought that Liu Chengyou was talking angrily, but they didn't know that Li Shouzhen, Fang Ping and Liu Chengyou had already turned their attention to the Southern Tang Dynasty. Looking at the surrounding area, only Huainan was the most beneficial place. It's a good idea, and it's still a big profit.
Of course, with the current situation of the Han Dynasty, it is really not appropriate to use large numbers of troops, especially to start a national war. First, the suppression of Li Shouzhen's rebellion has almost exhausted the money and food accumulated by the court in the past year, leaving the palace empty; secondly, the Khitan intrusion in the north continues, and border affairs There is restlessness; three, the reform of internal shortcomings has just begun and needs to be deepened; four, the forbidden army still needs to be reorganized.
On the first day of the ninth lunar month, the victorious army passed through Xijing and stopped.
Shi Hongzhao led the officials and ministers who stayed in Taiwan in Xijing and went ten miles out of the city to greet him. Liu Chengyou got down from the royal chariot to receive him. He briefly spoke some inspiring words and then ordered the ministers to disperse. Entering Ziwei Palace, there was only a small banquet, and Shi Hongzhao and other ministers exchanged greetings with each other.
"There are fierce and stubborn people in the river who dare to offend the power of heaven. Your Majesty is so powerful that he personally leads the army. In less than a month, he annihilates the rebels and returns. When the officials in Luoyang heard this, they all looked west with joy and were very excited. They served your Majesty and the Han army. I am so majestic and cheering!" Seeing Shi Hongzhao again, this man seemed to have completely lost his previous unruliness and arrogance, and even sang praises to Liu Chengyou.
Liu Chengyou was a little surprised when he saw these literate words coming out of Shi Hongzhao's mouth. He thought he had found someone to prepare the draft in advance. However, while Liu Chengyou was surprised by Shi Hongzhao's attitude, he also expressed his understanding and even felt sad in his heart. A little bit of "joy".
"Shi Qing is a warrior on the battlefield, brave and heroic, but the words he talks about are also refreshing." Liu Chengyou praised.
Shi Hongzhao actually looked a little embarrassed and said: "In addition to handling official duties, I have been doing a lot of reading and writing to guests. Now it seems that I am enjoying it."
"Study wisely, know loyalty, and learn etiquette. All officers and soldiers of the Han Dynasty should learn from Shi Qing!" Liu Chengyou nodded, his tone was calm, but full of approval.
Shi Hongzhao was stunned for a moment when he heard this, but soon the court laughed loudly, stroking his beard, but without showing any humility, he said stably: "I am willing to set an example for the world!"
The arrogance was clearly evident on Shi Hongzhao's face, but Liu Chengyou was not too surprised when he saw his expression. He felt that it was normal. People can change so easily. Shi Hongzhao had strong martial arts habits. Thinking about it, it was just Be more restrained in front of yourself.
"There are two great achievements in this Western Expedition. One is the soldiers accompanying the expedition who sacrificed their lives and fought bravely in the front; the other is the group of officials in Tokyo who mobilized food and equipment to support the front line so that there was no shortage. This calm planning was done at the back. Luoyang He was responsible for transporting supplies and quelling the rebel army's food supply. Shi Qing was in the middle to calm down and ensure that the front line was safe. He has also done a great job and should be rewarded!" With a slight sigh, Liu Chengyou solemnly told Shi Hongzhao that he meant to reward and appease him. concentrated.
Shi Hongzhao grinned, his beard trembling, and responded with a positive smile: "I dare not take credit."
At the same banquet, seeing Liu Chengyou and Shi Hongzhao's "coordination" between kings and ministers, Yang Bin's indifferent eyes stayed on Shi Hongzhao for a while, his face trembled slightly, and the corners of his mouth raised a slight arc of disdain.
In his opinion, Shi Hongzhao's tactic to show his sincerity to the emperor was too clumsy and too naive. The past grudges were already deep, and Liu Chengyou in Yang Bin's eyes was a mean and ungrateful person. Even if he continued to obey, sooner or later he would be punished. One day. Not to mention other things, just looking at the endings of Xue Huairang and Hou Zhang, we can see that these two did not raise a flag to rebel like Li Shouzhen...
Due to the fatigue of the carriage and horses, the simple court banquet quickly dispersed. After receiving Liu Chengyou's praise, Shi Hongzhao left with satisfaction.
After the palace became quiet, Liu Chengyou's thoughts began to overflow again. Thinking about Shi Hongzhao's performance just now, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Shi Hongzhao is a brave man, arrogant, domineering, perverse and difficult to control. How can he be so elegant in front of me this time?" I was very polite and courteous, but it was beyond my expectation."
It was still early, and Fan Zhi was still ordered to serve in front of the emperor. At this time, he heard Liu Chengyou's sigh, his face was relaxed, and he took the initiative to say: "But I have seen that your majesty is so majestic to the world, and people's hearts are subdued. Even a rebellious military minister like Zheng Guogong is still obedient." !”
After some time, Fan Zhi began to take the initiative to express his opinions in front of Liu Chengyou. In the past, this person was active in doing things, but in terms of his behavior, he was a little reserved.
Regarding what he said, Liu Chengyou shook his head: "Awesome to the world? I'm not that optimistic!"
But Fan Zhi was very optimistic, and bowed his hands and said: "Your Majesty wiped out Li Shouzhen with the force of thunder, which was enough to intimidate the world and suppress the disobedient thoughts of all Jiedu. The battle of Luancheng and the battle of Hezhong have fully demonstrated your Majesty's heroic strategy, which is enough to control The imperial court, the Yanhong Sheji, is so vast that no one dares to despise His Majesty."
Faced with Fan Zhi's complimentary remarks, even though Liu Chengyou didn't blush, he felt a little heavy in his heart.
But seeing that Liu Chengyou's brows were still serious, Fan Zhi couldn't help but bow and said: "What I said is based on the truth. Zheng Guogong's performance just now is enough to prove it."
"The current Shi Hongzhao is not enough!" Liu Chengyou murmured.
He quickly regained his composure and told Fan Zhi: "Go and ask if there is any new memorial from Tokyo, especially the situation of the war in Hebei?"
"yes!"
Soon, Fan Zhi returned, looking a little more serious, and reported a battle situation. The report came from Zhang Yanwei of Chengde. The Liao cavalry invaded Zhao and Hebei states and plundered the soldiers and people. Liu Chengyou's mood suddenly became bad.
The Han defense line in the north was actually deployed by Liu Chengyou in Jizhong last year. There were actually many loopholes and had never been reinforced. There were quite a few generals, such as He Fujin, Murong Yanzhao, Li Jun, Luo Yanyi, etc., but they suffered from objectivity. The environment and the lack of focus of the court basically had to rely on the armies of the northern prefectures and towns. While the Khitan people only focused on looting, the Han army really didn't have much to do against them.
After much consideration, Liu Chengyou did not give any specific command. He just ordered Fan Zhi to draft a document and ask the generals in Hebei to kill and expel the invading Khitan troops. More details were not considered for the time being.
"Your Majesty, Zhao Li, the imperial censor who is staying in Taiwan in Xijing, would like to see you." After receiving the notice from the general secretary, Zhang Dejun, the chamberlain, came in to report.
Shi Yushi, a humble official, dared to ask for an interview. Liu Chengyou became interested and ordered Xuan Jin.
Soon, a green-robed official walked in, prostrated himself and gave a very respectful salute.
Under Liu Chengyou's questioning, he directly said loudly: "Your Majesty, I want to impeach Xijing to stay in Xijing, Zheng Guogong Shi Hongzhao!"