Chapter 6 Jinse (Part 6) The servants in the Li Mansion all knew that a distinguished guest was coming, but no one knew who it was. They only saw Aunt Lan busy preparing the room, bedding, mirror, and suitcase for the guest.
, full of smiles, but some people whispered that they once saw Aunt Lan secretly shedding tears alone in the house.
"Aunt Lan, maybe she doesn't want the master to go on an expedition!" Laifu, who is said to understand the master's thoughts best, revealed privately that they, the servants, don't have much ill feelings towards Shi Lan, who has suddenly become a master from a guest. Similar things are happening in the world.
It happens from time to time in any big house, so it's not surprising. Besides, Aunt Lan is always a good person. Like the master in the family, she is very polite to her servants.
"That's true. Every time I go on an expedition, I have to come back with injuries! Captain Zhou and the others are too useless. If I serve as my personal soldiers..." Lai Shou was indignant. Zhou Xing and several other members of the Li family were aggrieved.
The military commanders all live in the courtyard of this family, and all their expenses are borne by the Li Mansion. In the eyes of the housekeeper and servants, Zhou Xing and others enjoy such good treatment, but they cannot leave their master unscathed.
It would be too irresponsible
"Your little arms and legs are not strong enough to lead the master's horse. It's better to forget it and don't go out and embarrass our Li family!" All the servants heard that Lai Shou's words were too loud and they joked in unison.
"I, I can lift sixty kilograms of things. Last time I was practicing martial arts in the backyard, my master showed me a few moves!" Lai Shou refused to accept, jumped up, and retorted with gestures.
"Yes, you can lift a sixty-pound rice bag, but you will have to lie down in the den all day the next day! Go to work, it's dark and you can't clean the back garden, so be careful of your skins!" The housekeeper happened to pass by from the side.
He walked by, slapped Lai Shou on the back of the head, and cursed with a smile.
The servants stuck out their tongues and ran away laughing. The master of this house was very kind to everyone. Especially when he was at home, he would always show unexpected concern to many people. Therefore, as long as the master of this house was around, the smiles in the yard
There will be a lot more noise, but everyone knows that the master is going on an expedition again. At home, Aunt Lan has already wiped his weapons again and again. Outside, county soldiers carrying knives and riding horses and mules can be seen everywhere. "This
The second time is to fight against the Wagang Army. After defeating the Wagang Army, the whole of Henan will be settled!" Many people in the wine shop and teahouse commented like this. Except for the family members of the participants, few people were worried about the outcome of the war. "Master Zhang.
"Here, have our Qijun brothers ever lost a battle?" the drinkers shouted loudly, their faces flushed from drinking, and every pore was filled with pride.
Before the distinguished guests arrived, the Li family received the good news that their master had been promoted to an official position. In June of the 11th year of Daye, His Majesty the Emperor decreed that in view of the outstanding military exploits of Chou County Bo Li Xu, he was granted the title of Marquis of Weicheng Rural Areas.
, the number of households increased to 1,000 (Note 1) His official position was not promoted because he had just been promoted a few months ago.
In another imperial edict that came with him, His Majesty the Emperor of the Sui Dynasty promoted Zhang Xutuo to be the governor of Xingyang, the ambassador of Xuanwei to all counties in Henan, and the title of doctor Zuo Guanglu (Note 2).
In comparison, the rewards given to Qin Shubao and Luo Shixin were a little shabby. Qin Shubao was given the title of Feudal Jiewei, and Luo Shixin was given the title of Yunqiwei. Both of these titles are honorary titles awarded to military generals. Apart from having a better reputation, there is nothing.
The real power may be due to the realization that rewards are difficult to repay merits. As compensation for the two of them, the imperial edict announced that Qin and Luo would each be rewarded with a thousand pieces of satin, and the local officials awarded them from the treasury.
After receiving the imperial edict, the old prefect Pei Caozhi immediately grimaced. In this turbulent era, Zhang Xutuo, Li Xu, Qin Shubao, Luo Shixin and others were no different from the patron saints of Qi County in his eyes, and His Majesty the Emperor removed Li Xu's fiefdom from his domain.
The county was moved to Weicheng near Wagang Mountain, and Zhang Xutuo's general guard position was transferred from Licheng, far away from the east capital, to Xingyang, which is close to the east capital. It was clearly urging everyone to send troops to quell the chaos as soon as possible, and not to use the local area
Disapproval as an excuse to delay time
"Fortunately, Your Majesty also left the heavy wood to me!" After Pei Caozhi lamented, he was secretly glad that His Majesty's imperial edict touched almost everyone who had merit, including Wu Yu, the prime minister of Beihai County who followed Qi County on several military expeditions.
Lin Du was given the concurrent title of a court official, but there was no mention of Dugu Lin, who was related to the royal family. With the power of the Dugu family, it was impossible for the courtiers to dare to devour Dugu Lin's reward. In this way, the only explanation is
After Zhang Xutuo was transferred to Xingyang Tongshou, the imperial court planned to leave the post of Qijun Tongshou to Dugu Lin.
Thinking of this, Pei Caozhi calmed down and took a few steps forward. He cupped his fists and saluted the imperial envoy Eunuch Wen who came to deliver the order. He said politely: "My lord, you have been working hard all the way. Please come to the side hall and sit down for a while. Wait."
The official ordered people to serve tea!"
Eunuch Wen was a well-known and virtuous eunuch around His Majesty the Emperor. He never tried to bribe him, so everyone did not use yellow or white things to stain his eyes. After carefully putting away the imperial edict, they gathered around and greeted him with all kinds of greetings.
meaning
"Did father-in-law come by water or by land? How long did it take?"
"Is it safe on the highway? Have you encountered any trouble?"
"I would like to ask you, my family took a boat down from Luoshui ten days ago. Along the way, we slowly and leisurely followed the Yellow River and Jishui. The thieves must be sharp-eyed and saw that my boat had a shallow draft, so they felt that it was not worth taking action.
So for once, it was quite peaceful along the way!" Speaking of the journey, Wen Yidao cupped his hands and answered with a smile, with a hint of pride on his brows.
In this era of war and chaos, he dared to walk from Luoyang to Licheng with only a dozen followers. Not to mention the hardship of the journey, his courage alone was enough to make everyone admire him. "My father-in-law is so courageous!" Zhang Xutuo clasped his fists, saying
Tribute: "But Zhang has something unclear, and I would like to ask my father-in-law to give me some advice!"
"Master Zhang wants to ask our family about why the imperial court did not reward Captain Dugu?" Before Zhang Xutuo could mention it, Eunuch Wen had clearly guessed what he was thinking, "Before coming, the Holy Father also passed down a message
There were two oral orders, one to Marquis Li and the other to Governor Dugu, but our family still hasn’t had time to say that since you have mentioned it, please lend me a room so that I can go in and talk!”
Since the founding of the late Emperor, His Majesty the Emperor has always approached his ministers in a very formal way. Except for those who are extremely close, few oral orders have been issued, especially in a place like Licheng, which is relatively far away from Dongdu. If it had not been in the past two years,
The county soldiers were successful in suppressing the bandits, but imperial edicts were rarely seen, let alone oral edicts.
Unexpectedly, the oral order would not come easily. As soon as it came, Pei Caozhi, the two eunuchs, heard it and quickly ordered people to vacate the second hall of the government office, serve tea, and then invite the imperial envoy and the two "favorite ministers" who needed an oral order.
When they were about to enter, a group of civil and military officials from Qi County formed a circle outside the second hall from a distance to prevent others from approaching and eavesdropping.
"Two generals sit down. Since Your Majesty doesn't write down what he wants to say to you two on paper, he just doesn't want you two to be constrained. Counting this together, this is the seventh time that I have delivered an oral message to Your Majesty. Once is two messages, which is considered a lifetime.
Very lucky!" Seeing that the doors and windows were closed, Wen Yidao smiled and said
"General, thank you for your grace!" Li Xu and Dugu Lin clasped their fists at the same time, bowing to the ground.
"Thanks are due. Your Majesty cares about you two very much." Wen Yidao also stood up straight, accepted the thanks from the two courtiers on behalf of Yang Guang, and then praised with a somewhat envious tone.
"How virtuous and capable is the general? Your Majesty is worried about it and is very frightened!" Li Xu and Dugu Lin paid their respects again and expressed their thanks.
"There is no need to be afraid. Before coming, Your Majesty asked me to ask General Li, I heard that you secretly took in the daughter of the bandit leader Shi Zihe, is this true?" Wen Yidao nodded with a smile, then raised his face and asked
"Last general?" Li Xulu was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect that someone in the imperial court would also be asking about his private affairs. It must be someone using this matter as a handle in the court, so your majesty sent someone to ask me specifically. Thinking of this
At this level, he couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment in his heart. After pondering for a while, he replied loudly: "It is true! The general thought that the rule of a saint was not as bad as that of his wife and slaves. Shi Zihe had been defeated and died. His daughter,
She is no different from the daughter of ordinary people! Therefore, she accepted her without telling her."
Xuzi didn't think he had done anything wrong. According to Sui Dynasty law, the status of a concubine was only higher than that of a slave. He had already paid the atonement money for Shi Erya, and no one else had the right to make any arrangements for her in the future.
"Your Majesty had expected you to say that!" Wen Yidao was amused by Li Xu's angry look. He stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, comforting him: "Li Hou, don't be so anxious, your Majesty just said it smoothly."
When I asked, I didn’t think you had done anything wrong. Your Majesty told several ministers in the court that you were young and unmarried. When you saw that the daughter of the Shi family was beautiful, you married him back home. If it had been him when he was young, you would have
You can do this romantic thing, so your behavior is not a fault."
"Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Majesty!" Hearing this, Li Xu felt a little calmer, smiled, and handed over to the west. There are many rumors about Yang Guang's romance in the market, but as far as Li Xu knows, the love between His Majesty and the Queen is very deep.
, the total number of concubines in the palace does not exceed 20, and the so-called such thing happened when he was young, it is obvious that he has blocked the mouth of the slanderer. This kind of kindness, he can't help but not be grateful.
"However, His Majesty has ordered that if you marry in the future, you must inform the court. This is not aimed at you alone. Starting from the late emperor, all marriages between prominent families in this dynasty must be reported to the court that you are already a marquis.
We can no longer be as careless as before!" Wen Yidao smiled and added
"Your Majesty!" Li Xu hurriedly clasped his fists to the west and accepted the order. After being reminded by the warrior Xun, he already knew that he could not make the decision on his own marriage, so Wen Yidao's words were not surprising. As for whose daughter he would marry, Xu
I haven’t thought about it yet, and I don’t want to have a headache because of the Holy Spirit’s instructions.
"Don't be too busy bowing. These words are common words that the emperor tells you. They are not oral instructions. I haven't said them yet. You are ready to receive the order!" Wen Yidao smiled again and continued.
"Your Majesty, Li Xu, listen to the holy teachings!" Li Xu secretly screamed in pain, took half a step back, and bent half of his body respectfully.
After Li Xu took the correct posture, Wen Yidao cleared his throat and said in a different voice: "The Holy Spirit has given Li Xu a flat body, sit down and listen to what I have to say."
This was a rare grace. Li Xu quickly thanked him and found a stool to lean on. After all, he didn't dare to sit down and leaned half of his buttocks to listen to the latest instructions from His Majesty the Emperor.
"Don't be nervous. His Majesty is always very casual with the people around him!" Seeing that Li Xu was at a loss, Wen Yidao first comforted him, and then continued: "The Holy Father has said that I promised to take you to Liaodong. In the past, Promise, I still hear it today, but because there are villains who deceive the Holy Spirit, I did not believe what I said last year..."
"The old general must have come to bring my words to the emperor!" Hearing this, Li Xu secretly sighed in his heart. After these years of observation and insights, Yang Guang is no longer the image of the Holy Emperor in his heart, but Yang Guang This friendship for the courtier really made Xu Zi unable to bear to abandon it.
In the midst of sighing, I heard Wen Yidao continue to relay: "I have sent the villain who hindered your achievements to Lingnan, so that he will not be able to return to the Central Plains for the rest of his life. The bad breath has been released for you, so don't have anything in your heart anymore. Complain!”
"I don't dare!" Li Xu jumped down from his stool and replied loudly
"Actually, you can't go to Liaodong. There's nothing to regret. I was deceived by the thief Gao Yuan again and returned without success. In the past few years, there are always thieves deliberately deceiving me, both inside and outside. I feel very sad. You are the only one. You really killed the thief for me, so I will live up to your credit!"
These few sentences explain the reason why the imperial court granted him a title beyond his rank. His Majesty must have realized that among the honorable ministers and generals around him, there were many who wielded power and few who were capable of doing practical things, so he felt quite regretful in his heart. "If His Majesty repented at this moment, the Great Sui Dynasty Maybe there's still hope!" Li Xu stood up straight, his heart suddenly filled with longing.
"I heard that your hometown was threatened by thieves, and I have ordered local officials to prepare a new mansion for you in Yi County. Your family has also moved in. Although you fight bravely to kill the thieves, there is no need to worry about the safety of your family! Once the Wagang army is defeated, , I will definitely recruit you back to Beijing, and our monarchs and ministers will definitely wash away the humiliation we suffered before when we go to Liaodong again!"
"My dear, thank you for your majesty's grace!" Li Xu bowed deeply. Apart from thanking him, he didn't know what to say in private. His Majesty the Emperor of the Sui Dynasty was extremely gracious to him, even caring about his family's safety. I have considered it, but for the country, His Majesty the Emperor obviously has no understanding. He is still dreaming of going to Liaodong to regain his face, regardless of the fact that the people are already in flames.
"Eunuch Wen, doesn't your Majesty know that the bandits and bandits in various places have become very violent?" After listening to His Majesty the Emperor's oral instructions to Li Xu, Dugu Lin also felt a little disappointed. He stepped forward and asked in a low voice.
"This is the reason why Your Majesty gave you the oral instructions!" Wen Yidao sighed and replied with emotion, "We are a minister, and we should not interfere with the affairs of the outer court. But along the way, what I saw and heard is really shocking. I used to obey orders." Brother said that there is chaos in the place, let alone the emperor. We don’t believe it because the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, headed by Lord Yu, Lord Yuwen and Lord Pei, all said that there are fewer and fewer thieves. Only brother Ling and Sunayan said that the thieves are becoming more and more powerful. Hey, this guy, who wouldn't want to hear good words, but who would have expected that good words may not necessarily contain good intentions!"
The old eunuch was rambling, his words were full of regrets and remorse. His expression was really worrying. Dugu Lin knew that nothing good might have happened to his family, so he interrupted him anxiously and asked loudly: "Father-in-law, can you make it clear? Hey, my brother, what happened to my brother? Is my brother in trouble?"
"Your Majesty sent me to deliver an oral message to you, asking you to return to the Eastern Capital as soon as possible. In the spring of this year, you and your secretary vomited some gas, so you fell ill. Let's meet and make him happy. Secondly, he wants to hand over the task of protecting the palace to his own people, and you are the most suitable choice!"
"General, I respect your order!" Duguxue took half a step back and saluted and answered. State affairs and family affairs came one after another, which made his mind a little confused for a moment. After agreeing to return to the west after the order, he immediately asked regardless of etiquette: "Father, can you elaborate?
Come on, why did my brother get angry with the secretary, and who deliberately made him angry?"
"It's not like someone deliberately made him angry. This is how our Sui Dynasty always behaved, noisy and noisy all day long!" Wen Yidao shook his head and explained, "Your Majesty added 120 secretaries and provincial civil servants at the beginning of the spring. With him,
Let’s discuss together how to achieve a prosperous age. In fact, His Majesty also understands in his heart that these Confucian scholars are all bastards. They may not understand the principles of governing the country and quelling chaos. I just want to give them some benefits and stop them from inciting people to rebel.
"
Your Majesty has always had a reputation for respecting the virtuous. When he was still the general manager of Yangzhou, he raised a group of Confucian scholars who were familiar with the classics of saints. Recently, the world is in chaos. In order to prevent Confucian scholars from being used by the chaos, the imperial court specially increased the number of secretaries.
, supported a group of relatively famous literati with high salaries, and these people took the salary from the imperial court, so they naturally knew how to repay their kindness, so every time they came out, they either eulogized the prosperous times, or wrote about where the auspiciousness appeared. They were disturbing and giving many advices to Your Majesty.
The loyal words of cherishing the people's strength and working hard to govern were drowned out
At the beginning of spring this year, Yang Guang routinely asked officials about the sufferings of the people at court meetings, and Yu Shiji and others took the lead in answering.
