While gasping for breath, Gao Huaide and his men rushed up, surrounded the emperor and the concubine at a very efficient speed, and quickly transformed into a defensive formation to protect them.
Gao Huaide drove his horse forward. His face was not red, he was not panting, but his tone was urgent, and he said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, you must not do such a rude thing again. If there is any mistake, you will die thousands of times to atone for your sin!"
Zhao Yanjin followed him, with the same expression of loyalty and protection. Seeing the two men's stern attitude, Liu Chengyou's expression calmed down, and he said solemnly to them: "I am temporarily forgetful of love, please bear with me!"
After hearing this, Gao and Zhao's expressions softened. However, seeing the emperor's humbly and remonstrating reaction, they couldn't help but reveal a little embarrassment in their descriptions.
"Go back to the imperial camp!" Returning to his usual solemn demeanor, Liu Chengyou waved and ordered, and under the escort of three hundred cavalry, he slowly headed towards Neihuang County.
On the way, several riders came through the wind. Judging from their costumes and the colorful flags on their backs, they were the messengers accompanying them.
After interrogation, he was able to approach. Without waiting for him to speak, Liu Chengyou asked directly: "What's the matter?"
"Your Majesty, Guo Shijun, the envoy of the Zhenning Army, has gone north to seek an audience and is waiting for you!" Hou Qi replied.
When he learned that Guo Rong had come to pay him a visit, a look of surprise flashed across Liu Chengyou's face, and he immediately ordered to return quickly without further delay.
As before, the imperial camp was built on the left side of Neihuang County, leaning against a group of civilian houses. The formation was rigorous, with sergeants guarding the county magistrate and personally leading the government officials, while civilians escorted supplies to the camp.
When Liu Chengyou led his people back, he saw several figures waiting at the gate of the camp. Among them, the most conspicuous one was Guo Rong. He had a short robe on his head and wore an old-looking robe. He was not tall enough and had a serious appearance. The ground stands in the cold wind, but it looks heroic.
We haven't seen each other for two years, but Liu Chengyou and Guo Rong have always exchanged memorials and letters. Approaching, Liu Chengyou dismounted from his horse, and Liu Chengyou enthusiastically walked towards Guo Rong who came to greet him, with a smile on his face, very cordially. He pressed his hand, caressed his back, and greeted him: "Thank you, Guo Qing for waiting for a long time! I haven't seen you for two years, and I miss you so much. Guo Qing's style is still the same!"
"Your Majesty, Guo Rong, pay homage to your Majesty!" Although being supported by Liu Chengyou, Guo Rong still maintained his courtesy.
Seeing that Liu Chengyou's attitude was as good as before, and even more friendly, Guo Rong's expression relaxed slightly and said to him: "I haven't seen you in two years, and your Majesty has already ruled the world, and his majesty is even greater, like the winter sun, making all ministers awe!"
Liu Chengyou laughed when he heard this and glanced at the two heroic young generals who followed Guo Rong and bowed down. He still had the impression that he had seen them during the siege of Yedu, and they were named Pan Mei and Ma Renyu.
Withdrawing his gaze, Liu Chengyou called to Guo Rong and others: "It's cold and windy here, come back to camp with me for a chat!"
"yes!"
In the imperial camp, which was spacious and simply furnished, there was a gathering of people. Magistrate Huang and several subordinate officials finally got to see Jun Yan.
In the first half day, preparations were made carefully for the arrival, and Yang Bing and Li Tao were the only ones to meet and inspect. But after learning that Liu Chengyou actually went to inspect the countryside in person, he became even more worried.
I heard that last year when the emperor visited the west, he dealt with a large number of local officials. I was afraid that he would be used to set an example this time. The emperor's reputation of "loving the people and valuing agriculture" has been publicized for as long as two years. It's pretty good. Knowing what happened, the county magistrate had a good idea of the living conditions of Li Shu under Neihuang's jurisdiction.
If Liu Chengyou saw some bad situations and tried to deal with them to establish his authority, even though he was promoted by King Linqing, the county magistrate would not think that Gao Xingzhou was willing to protect himself against the emperor. In addition to being the emperor, he was also his son-in-law. .
However, Liu Chengyou opened his mouth and gave the Magistrate of Neihuang County reassurance: "I personally inspected the villages and found that although the livelihood of the people is difficult, they are full of hope. Neihuang County can provide peace of mind for the people and governance, and we should continue to work hard!"
The magistrate of Neihuang County, who was already in his forties, suddenly showed a grateful expression, prostrated himself on the ground, and praised His Majesty for his wisdom. He breathed a sigh of relief, and at the same time, he honestly stepped back and continued to replenish supplies for the business.
"Your Majesty did not avoid the wind and cold, personally patrolled the northern border, and observed the people's sentiments. This is the image of a holy king!" The warm environment of the imperial tent made Guo Rong's originally pale face gradually return to rosy, and he opened his mouth to sigh to Liu Chengyou.
Liu Chengyou had heard a lot of similar compliments, but coming out of Guo Rong's mouth made him feel happy.
Raising his hands to show humility, Liu Chengyou made an expression that expressed his sorrow for the hardships of the people's livelihood, and said emotionally: "Hebei has been plagued by disasters in the past two years, and millions of people have struggled to survive. I always feel that my morality is shallow, and that is why I am like this. "In the depths of the palace, it is difficult to sit still for a long time, and it is difficult to toss and turn to sleep. That is why I made this trip!"
As he spoke, Liu Chengyou turned the topic to Guo Rong, and said in a tone of emotion and appreciation: "Chanzhou is a strategic point on the river and an important town in defending Tokyo. Guo Qing has been in office for two years, and he has made the territory awe-inspiring. Banditry has been banned, and there has been chaos. If you are not prosperous and have good government and people, you can be called the best!
I have no intention of passing through the border during this northern tour. I am not dissatisfied with Guo Qing, but I entrust Chanzhou to Guo Qing. I feel relieved. I am convinced that Guo Qing is in the town, which can ensure peace between the superiors and the subordinates."
Liu Chengyou made a great gesture, treating him as a national scholar, and gave Guo Rong an "inspection-free" qualification.
Such a kind encounter, even with Guo Rong's usual rigor and solemnity, he couldn't help but be moved. He stood up and paid homage, feeling extremely grateful. In this way, the sense of alienation that had not been seen for a long time naturally dissipated a lot.
Probably because he was excited and excited, Guo Rong couldn't help coughing heavily. Liu Chengyou glanced at Guo Rong's face, which was obviously aged due to hard work. He stood up straight and put on the clothes he was wearing. He took off his jacket and put it on Guo Rong, who was a little stunned.
Guo Rong was moved even more by his resolute actions without many words. Liu Chengyou didn't know whether a person like Guo Rong could truly be conquered, but he had already used all the means he could think of to win people's hearts. As for more details Liu Chengyou is not too demanding, nor does he need to.
However, later on, Guo Rong found out that the jacket Liu Chengyou rewarded was sewn by Queen Fu herself. As for who revealed it, it was a bit particular.
Wang Jun, the deputy privy envoy, was also in the tent, but when he saw Liu Chengyou and Guo Rong in front of everyone, looking like a monarch and his ministers getting along well with each other, he felt a little awkward in his heart.
The emperor paid too much attention to the Guo family, which made him inevitably jealous. Guo Wei was the prime minister, Guo Rong was the governor of the important town, and a close confidant of the emperor. The Guo family also had descendants such as Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde, so the generals were quite Reused...
Wang Jun thought about his own family affairs. He wanted to promote the younger members of the clan before, but could not find anyone who could be of great use. Recalling that in the Privy Council, there were many attempts to fight for power, but they were always suppressed by Guo Wei in an understatement. Wang Jun Jun's heart felt even more sour.
That night, Liu Chengyou took Guo Rong to talk all night long, telling him all about the strategy of the Southern Expedition and asking him for his ideas. When Guo Rong heard this, he was very interested and actively discussed it with Liu Chengyou.
Later, Liu Chengyou "drove" the young lady to another tent and slept on the same bed as Guo Rong. This shows how much he favored Guo Rong.
The next day, Guo Rong resigned and returned to his post with a surging mood.
Liu Chengyou then ordered to simply pack up, break camp, and continue to advance towards Yuancheng, the capital of Ye.
Although it seemed a bit procrastinating, Liu Chengyou was only halfway through his northern tour. On the other side of Yedu, Linqing King Gao Xingzhou, who stayed behind, had also made preparations to welcome him early.