There are still more than twenty days before midsummer ends. Under the sky, as long as the day rises high, it will surely release its blazing heat and bake all things on the earth without any partiality.
The high walls, thick blocks, and strict rules restricted the freedom of the palace residents, and seemed to also restrain the midsummer heat. The summer of the fifth year of Qianyou's reign seemed to be particularly sultry to Emperor Liu Chengyou, and his body and mind were full of dryness. Fire is difficult to eliminate in the palace, no matter how much ice is added.
In his spare time, Liu Chengyou confided to his chamberlain more than once that he missed the coldness of winter. Of course, before the expedition to the Huaihe Army last year, during the twelfth lunar month of winter, he also said that he would rather enjoy the heat of summer.
As dusk fell, fireflies were flying among the palace gardens and dancing in the tree-lined flowerbeds. As he passed by, Liu Chengyou stopped and admired the summer night scenery for a while.
Liu Chengyou entered the Qiuhua Palace without being informed, and stretched out his hand to signal the eunuch Gong'e to be silent. Through the bead curtain, one could vaguely see the undulating outline of the delicate body on the soft chair...
Gently opening the curtain, deliberately slowing down, Liu Chengyou approached. His concubine, Lady Zhe, was taking a nap. Her delicate face and body had obviously gained a bit of fat, her breath was gentle, and she had a soft breath on her forehead and neck. , some sweating.
She was simply wearing a loose piece of light silk, which could even be described as a cover. Under the gauze skirt, her underwear and private pants were vaguely visible. This hazy sense of temptation was rarely felt by the lady. .In the past, only the imperial concubine Gao liked to seduce Liu Chengyou like this.
Faced with the beauty of the beautiful girl, even though her pregnant belly was high, Liu Chengyou still felt shameful.
It was probably because Liu Chengyou's gaze was so penetrating that Lady Zhe felt something about it. She woke up and opened her eyes, a little hazy. When she saw clearly that it was the emperor standing in front of her, her brain seemed to finally resume functioning.
When she stood up and wanted to be polite, Liu Chengyou held her down and said softly: "You are pregnant, so there is no need to be polite. Besides, there is no need for this between you and me."
Feeling the emperor's care, Lady Zhe smiled softly, with a touch of rosy color appearing on her complexion, and asked: "Why did the official arrive suddenly without notifying him in advance so that he could prepare for the arrival?"
"Let me take a look at you, and then take a look at my prince and princess who are about to be born!" Liu Chengyou naturally placed a hand on his round belly and stroked it gently, as if he could feel the rhythm of life in it.
Being touched by the emperor, he blushed a little. Of course, it might be because the palace was a little stuffy. Looking around, Liu Chengyou asked: "The weather is so hot, why don't we add ice cubes to the palace to cool down."
Turning his face, Liu Chengyou's eyes became sharp and his tone became more displeased, as if he was blaming the palace attendants for not taking good care of the concubine. The attendants who were swept by Liu Chengyou responded with fear: "My lady is afraid of the ice and stone." Cold affects the precious children in the belly, so the ban is made with ice!"
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou turned his head, looked at Lady Zhe, drew a circle on her belly with his hand, and said warmly: "Thank you for your hard work!"
Lady Zhe did not show off her delicate demeanor, but looked calm and strong, saying, "I heard that the official family wants a princess?"
Liu Chengyou responded in a relaxed manner: "I already have many princes, it's time to give them a younger sister..."
During this period of time, there was actually constant good news in the Han Palace. Concubine Fu Hui and Concubine Gao were also found to be pregnant. After returning to the court, Liu Chengyou worked hard and sown, and he was considered diligent.
"By the way, I have already passed through Luzhou. According to my journey, I can reach Tokyo in about three days!" Liu Chengyou said to Madam Zhe.
Hearing this, he was delighted and couldn't help but sit up with great movements: "Seriously?"
After comforting her and lying down again, Liu Chengyou said, "I have sent someone to greet her!"
"I haven't seen my father for many years!" The lady seemed a little out of sorts, and her eyes turned red as she spoke.
This was not his original intention, and he hurriedly said: "Because of this, I summoned my husband to Tokyo so that you and your daughter can meet and express my longing for you. Speaking of which, I have not met my husband for so many years. , we should meet him. This time, let him stay in Tokyo for a while..."
Hearing the emperor's words, Lady Zhe looked at Liu Chengyou with tender eyes, and took the initiative to lean into his arms...
At the same time as Liu Chengyou's father-in-law, Zhe Deku, who was ordered to go to Beijing, there were also Yang Ye and Li Wanchao. However, compared with Yang Ye and Li Wanchao's quickness, they immediately went south after being ordered to do so. Zhe Deku seemed to have to put on some airs and delayed for a while. , just set off, and in a leisurely manner. It’s understandable, after all, big names always appear last.
In the fifth year of Emperor Qianyou's reign, on June 8, the sun was shining brightly. The wide official road at Xiangfu Station in the west of Kaifeng City had been occupied. The imperial army, patrol soldiers and Kaifeng Prefecture officers were on guard to maintain order, and each one of them wore a distinctive uniform. .
The road was occupied, and people inside and outside who wanted to pass by had to take a detour. However, more people chose to stop and watch and join in the fun. Even if they were ruthlessly driven outside the martial law area, they still could not dispel their enthusiasm. He opened his eyes and looked out, full of interest and a lot of discussion.
In front of the Guanyi, senior officials of the Han Dynasty, headed by Zhongshu Prime Minister Li Tao, were waiting quietly amidst the hustle and bustle. The standard of the reception was very high, and there were representatives from all the central offices.
"Who are you trying to welcome? They are setting up such a battle array!" someone asked.
"Perhaps there are foreign envoys coming to Beijing!" someone speculated.
"There is only Shu in the southwest, which is at odds with the Han Dynasty and has only suffered a major defeat. How can it be sent as an envoy?" Someone retorted.
"Send an envoy to ask for peace!" someone explained.
"Even if he were an envoy from Shu, he wouldn't greet him with such etiquette!" he continued to retort.
...
In fact, when such a formation was set up, they were greeted by high-status ministers, Fengxiang, Zhangyi, and Baoda. Zhao Hui, Shi Kuangyi, and Yao Yuanfu were the most senior among all the festivals in Guanzhong. , reputation, and strength. If these three people can win, there will be no big trouble in Guanzhong.
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Fortunately, after the imperial edict was issued, the three people took the initiative to leave their military duties without any delay and came east to the capital to pay a visit. With them, there were more than 300 enemy prisoners of war in Shu, who were carefully selected. The selection was mainly made of military officers, who were used to sacrifice prisoners at the palace.
By the time the Sanjiedu procession arrived, the ritual music was already playing. Zhao Hui and the other three got off the carriage and stood side by side. Looking at the waiting officials, soldiers, and common people in front of Xiangfu Post under the colorful flags, the corners of Zhao Hui's mouth curled up slightly.
Chongyao Yuanfu and Shi Kuangyi said: "The imperial court welcomes us with this courtesy. We are flattered!"
Yao Yuanfu was wearing an official uniform that he didn't like very much. He felt that it was cumbersome and was not as light as a military uniform. Hearing this, he laughed and said, "I don't want to belittle myself, I deserve it! However, the emperor is so generous, so we should also accept it."
Mind!"
Next to the two is Shi Kuangyi, the governor of the Zhangyi Army. He is younger, but he looks older. However, his whole person is a little restrained and has the look of a city man. After hearing the words of the two, his old face
He just smiled slightly and didn't say much.
Li Tao wears a purple uniform and a gold belt. He is deeply baptized by power and carries a sense of dignity. Although he smiles, he is neither humble nor overbearing. He glanced at the three envoys, cupped his hands and said:
"My Majesty, Li Tao, upon your Majesty's order, respectfully welcomes the three envoys to the capital. Your Majesty has ordered that this royal horse will escort the three captives through Dingding Gate, through Xuanwu Tianjie, to the Imperial City to present the prisoners. Your Majesty has already visited the city gate in person.
Wait!"
"Thank you, Mr. Li!" Zhao Hui took the lead and responded.
Looking outside the crowd, at the majestic Kaifeng City, he straightened his clothes a little. Three old marshals from Guanzhong, whose combined age was nearly 200 years old, mounted their royal horses and headed towards Kaifeng with a solemn expression, crossed the long street, and arrived at the Imperial Palace.
city.
Liu Chengyou did a good job. He came down to the palace personally, lowered his rank to welcome him, and gave him royal wine to reward him for his achievements in guarding the border and defeating the enemy. This gesture moved Zhao Hui and the others, and at the same time they also felt at ease.
In addition to the three commanders of Guanzhong, Liu Chengyou also came to the court and came to Beijing under the imperial edict, including An Shenqi, the former governor of Xiangzhou, Zhang Yanwei, the governor of Chengde, Wang Jing, the governor of Cangzhou, and Liu Chongjin, the governor of Dengzhou.
With the arrival of Zhao Hui and the others in Beijing, a predictable movement to relieve power gradually unfolded from top to bottom, from the inside out. Regarding this, there was a tacit understanding between the monarch and his ministers.