In spring, both sides of the Bianhe River in and outside Tokyo are shaded by green willows, but catkins are already flying everywhere, making the air not so pleasant. Since Chen time, the South Gate of Kaifeng, which was renamed Dingding Gate by Liu Chengyou, has been used by the palace guards. Soldiers were banned, inspections and distinctions were strictly guarded. Guards of honor were put in place. From the prime minister down, all the court officials of the seventh rank in Tokyo and above were ordered to come to greet him.
After hearing the news, a large number of lower-level officials and common people came together to participate in the grand event. It was more like watching a lively event than welcoming the emperor. Since Liu Chengyou came to the throne, this was the first time such a grand and solemn welcome ceremony was held. , including the previous personal expedition to counter the rebellion, as well as several patrols, were all hastily completed or even canceled altogether.
Tens of thousands of officers, soldiers and civilians crowded together, shoulder to shoulder, vying to look to the south. The climate had completely warmed up, and was a little hot, making the atmosphere a bit lively. Although there was no loud noise, there was a buzz of discussion. Gathered together, there was still a lot of movement.
About an hour and a half later, when ordinary people in Guizhou became more and more impatient and even dispersed, a Qingqi finally came from the north and announced that the Wenwu and Luan Jia were coming. After a while, through the rows of houses and shops, , you can see the flying banners, the standing banners, and all the officials who are greeting you. They immediately wake up, cheer up, and subconsciously adjust their clothes, hoping to present their best appearance in front of the emperor who returns to the capital.
Six horses drove the emperor's chariot, and the spacious Luan drove on. Liu Chengyou sat cross-legged, holding a book in his hand, which was collected and compiled by Li Fang for him. Liu Chengyou was still dissatisfied with the structure and wanted to use it as a reference to continue deepening reforms and adjustments.
"Your Majesty, the Dingding Gate is approaching. All the officials and the people of Tokyo are waiting in front of the city gate to greet you!" Zhao Kuangyin came to report.
"Got it!" Liu Chengyou responded and put away the book in his hand.
When he raised his eyes, he saw those moving eyes that were as sharp as water. When he came into contact with the emperor's gaze, he was like an electric shock. He looked away, nervously wrapped his jade fingers, and then mustered up the courage to face Liu Chengyou's scrutiny.
The young lady Zhou Ehuang is wearing a lavender palace dress, with a bun on her head, a bit of pink on her fair face, and a jade belt tied around her waist. Under the gauze skirt, you can faintly see the lining embroidered with peonies. The ground is close to the chest. Although he is not very old, he is very knowledgeable. Liu Chengyou has experienced it with his own hands.
Returning to the north and having to serve the emperor, Dazhou has become accustomed to the change of status. From the beautiful girl in Jiangdu in the past, she has become the emperor's favorite concubine. Although she has not been given a title, Liu Chengyou's love for her , can still be felt.
As a talented woman, her cardamom had just begun to blossom. Regarding love, Emperor Zhou E still had some expectations of "romance, snow, moon, music, and music." However, after going to bed, she quickly realized the reality. The emperor of the Han Dynasty obviously lacked tenderness.
When staying by the emperor's side, what Emperor Zhou E saw the most was Liu Chengyou reviewing a letter of seal, meeting with civil and military officials, and dealing with every piece of military and political affairs, from dawn to dusk.
Even if he accepted himself, he would not play songs and work hard every night. Even if he had free time, he would drive in the army and go out to the imperial camp, he would inspect the farming in the Central Plains, and even go to the fields himself and plant seedlings on half an acre of land.
The best use of her new favorite place was not only to warm the bed and sleep with her, but also to talk about music, sing and dance to soothe her mood when she was tired.
In fact, after this period of time, the young lady of Dazhou was still a little neglected. However, women always mature early, and Emperor Zhou E was trained and educated by his father Zhou Zong. He was very knowledgeable, respectful, mature, and well-behaved. , behaved very well.
"You seem very nervous!" He waved to Da Zhou, Liu Chengyou took him into his arms and asked softly.
There was a little shyness on the young lady's face, and she responded softly: "I am just the daughter of a captive minister, with a low status. I have the honor to serve the emperor and ride on the same carriage. Your Majesty will be welcomed by hundreds of officials and people, and I will stay with your Majesty again. , it’s really inconvenient!”
Hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou smiled faintly, reached out and stroked the young lady's crystal moon face, and said, "Duke Zhou has a beautiful daughter!"
After thinking about it, Liu Chengyou let go of Da Zhou and told Zhang Dejun to prepare another car to serve the young lady and arrange her entry into the palace!
"I, my ministers, welcome your majesty's triumphant return!"
Luan Jia arrived, and in front of Dingding Gate, there was a great civil and military ceremony, and hundreds of officials paid their respects and shouted in unison. Liu Chengyou leaned out of the curtain, stepped on the shaft beam, and looked around. The people around him spontaneously knelt down and shouted long live.
Looking around, there were crowds of people, and tens of thousands of officials and civilians prostrated themselves. The scene was still very grand. This was something Liu Chengyou had never experienced in an army of hundreds of thousands, and he was very satisfied with it.
"All ministers are exempt from courtesy! All armies are exempt from courtesy! All people are exempt from courtesy!" A steady and loud voice came out from the mouth of the emperor.
After showing his face, Liu Chengyou retracted into the imperial carriage. Later, under the auspices of the Minister of Etiquette, Zhao Shanggiao, a ceremony to welcome him into the city began, with drums and horns blaring and fireworks flying. After the imperial carriage passed, each branch of the imperial army marched to the city. They paraded in military honors, entered the city calmly and orderly, and accepted the congratulations and cheers of Tokyo officials and people.
The army returned triumphantly, bringing back illustrious martial arts and extraordinary achievements. Amid the joy, disappointment and sorrow were unavoidable. Some soldiers returned from hundreds of battles, and naturally there were also those who lost their lives. It was only the sorrow of those who lost their sons, husbands, and fathers. , in the festive atmosphere, too weak and too sad.
Returning to the Han Palace, as usual, Liu Chengyou issued an edict and sent the officials in Tokyo to return to their offices and keep their posts. Liu Chengyou himself went to the Ciming Hall to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager Li.
"Mother, my son is back!" In the palace, Mrs. Li was waiting in front of the door in person. When she saw the Queen Mother, Liu Chengyou prostrated directly.
"Hurry up and forgive me!" Mrs. Li was obviously a little excited and stepped forward to help Liu Chengyou up.
Just like in previous years, when welcoming Liu Chengyou back to the court, Mrs. Li stepped forward and looked around the two sons, and after confirming that they were all fine, she breathed a sigh of relief.
After entering the palace and sitting down, all the concubines of the Han Palace were also present. One concubine and three concubines, headed by the Queen Dafu, saluted Liu Chengyou. The queen became more graceful, the noble concubine became more beautiful, and the concubine Hui was obviously light and mature. As for the virtuous concubine Zhe, Her pregnant belly is already protruding. She looks at Liu Chengyou with a look of expectation...
Afterwards, Liu Chengyou's four princes, led by the eldest son Liu Xu, kowtowed to Liu Chengyou. The eldest son Liu Xu was almost four years old and was a child, but he seemed to be well-behaved.
The second son, Liu Yang, and the third son, Liu Xi, are only over two years old. They can walk and run. They have inherited the genes of their parents and are very beautiful. They look at Liu Chengyou with childish eyes, full of curiosity. They kowtow and follow suit. Pay attention. The force was quickly removed.
Don’t have money to read novels? I’ll give you cash or coins, and you can get it for one day only! Follow the public account [Book Friends Base Camp] and get it for free!
As for the fourth son, Liu Fang, who was only one and a half years old, he was babbling and talking. He said he was saluting and kowtowing, but in fact he was sitting there, and he couldn't sit still. He didn't even look at Liu Chengyou. Instead, he got excited and walked around the three houses. My brother climbed very fast.
This scene aroused the amusement of the adults in the palace. Liu Chengyou couldn't hold back his smile. He stood up and held his fourth son in his arms. While letting them struggle, he couldn't help but sigh to the Queen Mother: "It's better to be at home. A good mother, a good wife, a young son..."
"You are not in Tokyo, you are on the battlefield in person, and you are leaving us women and children in the palace. I feel really uneasy!" Mrs. Li said in a slightly complaining tone.
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's smile faded: "Could it be that someone is disrespectful to my mother?"
Seeing this, Mrs. Li shook her head: "Both the internal and external ministers and palace attendants are all serving you respectfully, but you, the one who calls the shots, are not here, so you are worried!"
With a smile on his face, Liu Chengyou sat next to Mrs. Li and said, "My dear mother, I miss you so much! I hope you will forgive me for failing to fulfill your filial piety!"
Li said: "With the queen and the others waiting on you, you won't be lonely at all!"
Nodding towards his concubines, Liu Chengyou said: "Today I will return to Beijing and call my relatives in Beijing to hold a family banquet. The whole family will get together to celebrate!"
"Very good!" Li recognized Liu Chengyou's idea and agreed directly.