The sixty-seventh time, Shi Zun coveted the throne, Shi Min welcomed Li Nong back to the capital
In the Taiwu Hall, the young emperor Shi Shi was sitting on the dragon chair, with the Empress Dowager Liu behind him and standing sideways with Shi Zun. Shi Zun originally wanted to stand side by side with Shi Shi, but Meng Zhun persuaded him that since there are differences between emperors and ministers, he should still adhere to the courtesy of ministers.
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The imperial guards and generals in the main hall were all those who had followed Shi Zun into Yecheng. At this time, the entire court was solemn and solemn, all the officials were silent, and there was no sound. You could hear the drop of a needle, quietly waiting for the visitor.
"Kick, kick, kick!" Yang Huan held the wooden box in his hand and trotted all the way from the outside to the center of the hall. He held the wooden box with both hands and immediately knelt down and said: "The thief's first jackal has been killed. My slaves congratulate Your Majesty, Queen Mother Liu,
King Pengcheng, the culprit of our Zhao Kingdom has been eliminated, and the Zhao Kingdom will last forever."
Hearing these words, a lid seemed to be lifted in the hall. Everyone was bustling, and they all bowed and said: "I congratulate Your Majesty, you have cut off the culprit, and the Zhao Kingdom will live forever."
Shi Min walked directly to the center of the hall and stood up. His armor was brand new, but he was extremely heroic, and said: "I am reporting to your majesty, Empress Dowager Liu, and King Pengcheng. Now the palace is at war, and everyone is in panic. There are still remnants of rebels in the city who have not been eliminated. I
Please summon Li Nong to the capital to defend the imperial city.
Shi Zun said without thinking on the throne: "Listen to Shi Min's words."
Unexpectedly, Wang Luan, the general of the left guard, said: "King Pengcheng, in my city of Ye, we still have the guards of the late king Long Teng, all of whom are elites of the Jie tribe. Why do you want to bring an army of beggars into the capital? All the subordinates of the last general can also serve as guards.
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Unexpectedly, Shi Min argued with him face to face and said: "If it weren't for Li Nong Shangbai's persistence and Zhang's jackal army besieging him, how could our army easily descend on Yecheng? Now, the old tribes in Yecheng have their own evil intentions, and the evil remnants have not been eradicated. Li Nong is loyal to the king.
We should praise him for his good deeds, how can we let the differences between Hu and Han embarrass the hearts of the world?"
Zhang Fei, Shangguang Luqing, stepped forward and said: "Shi Min is so bold that the late emperor even tabooed the word 'Hu' for You Jun, and all the Hu things were renamed. Shi Min falsely mentioned the word 'Hu', and his disobedience has been revealed. I hope your majesty will punish him."
Of."
Shi Zun knew that today's situation would be possible, and because he borrowed a lot of power from Shi Min, he hurriedly persuaded him: "Shi Min's unintentional mistake, Zhang Fei must not remember it in his heart, Shi Min is also a member of the royal family of my Shi family." Shi Zun glanced at Shi Zun.
Empress Shihe and Liu said, "The poisonous currents in our city of Ye have not yet been cleared up. Shi Min's proposal is at the right time, so I will proceed accordingly."
General Shi Zun wanted to withdraw from the court, but he saw the generals under Shi Min's tent revolting. Generals such as Zhang Ai, Wang Tai, Wang Jian, etc. all came forward and said: "King Pengcheng brought chaos to the world and protected the country. His achievements were so great that he would not have been promoted to Jin.
This is an honorable title that cannot be revered again. Nowadays, people in the sea are rebellious, the world is overturned, and barbarians from all over the world are watching with eager eyes. I would like to submit a memorial to King Pengcheng to assume the throne of emperor, so as to calm the hearts of the people."
Shi Min also knelt down and said: "I second my opinion."
Shi Zun was overjoyed and stood up happily. However, he saw Meng Zhun step forward to admonish: "Nowadays, there is civil strife in Xinping and everything is complicated. I sincerely request that the matter of the throne be postponed."
Meng Zhun suddenly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, don't you know about the appointment in Jicheng that day?"
Shi Zun was a little angry. At this moment, he saw Empress Dowager Liu leave the imperial couch, go straight out of the curtain, and kneel to Shi Zun: "I am incompetent and have caused chaos in the Zhao Dynasty. It is my fault that Zhang Jie has caused chaos in the government. Wang Pengcheng
If the king can let the children of my family go, my concubines will definitely stay away and not listen to political affairs."
When Shi Shi saw his mother kneeling down, he couldn't help but said: "Brother Zun, we are all our brothers. No matter who is sitting or not, I will give you my brother's position."
There are still some ministers in the court who are very concerned about the etiquette and status, and they advised: "Your Majesty was appointed by the late emperor, and the hopes of the ministers are probably not taken lightly. I hope that King Pengcheng can fulfill his duties and protect the country of Zhao.
It’s a great achievement.”
Yao Yi Zhongsu had different intentions with Shi Min, so he also took advantage of the situation to admonish: "King Pengcheng is loyal to the military and sincere, caring about the country, and when the building is in ruins, he helps the Zhao country in danger, and it is unheard of to have outstanding achievements. And Pengcheng
The king is also your majesty's elder brother. Brothers are hostile to each other. It only hurts those who are close to you and makes those who are enemies happy. I think I don't know."
Shi Min wanted to argue, but Pu Hong also advised him: "Now the surrounding area is peaceful, if we immediately abolish the establishment, I fear that the Zhao country will be in danger."
Shi Zun saw that the ministers of His Highness were still aggrieved, so he immediately said: "That's alright." After saying that, he walked down the imperial steps before saying goodbye. The chamberlain hurriedly shouted: "I send you off to King Pengcheng."
All the ministers bowed and presented to King Pengcheng.
All the generals in the hall, led by Shi Min, followed Shi Zun. Shi Min passed by Meng Zhun and only looked at him fiercely.
Meng Zhun did not avoid it, but bowed deeply and respectfully.
In the palace of Prince Pengcheng of Yecheng, Shi Zun was serving his mother. Because of his brother Shi Sui, Zheng Yingtao was often ordered by the late emperor. However, he had a deep mind and endured the humiliation, and now it was time to make his debut.
Shi Zun went down to the hall and bowed deeply to his mother, saying, "Mother has suffered so much. Now that the child has won the world, he should be raised by the world."
"It's enough that my son has such a heart for his mother. It's a pity that your brother will never see this day again." He stretched his sleeves and wiped his tears.
While he was talking, a chamberlain hurriedly came in, whispered to Shi Zun's side, and then hurriedly left.
"Currently, my son has something important to discuss, so I kindly ask my mother to stay away."
"My son is busy with the affairs of the country. I am lucky for the country of Zhao. I must obey my mother." Zheng Yingtao said and went to the side hall.
Shi Zun then left his chamberlain and said, "I'd like to invite Meng Zhun."
Meng Zhun rushed over in a hurry. He didn't have time to sit down when he entered, so he hurriedly said: "How dare I disobey King Pengcheng's request. I'm afraid there are ears and eyes nearby."
Shi Zun was overjoyed and hurriedly invited him to sit down and gave him wine.
Meng Zhun took a sip of tea and repeatedly said, "Good wine."
Shi Zun said with a smile: "This is Qinzhou Spring Wine, which was captured after the Pingliangdu Rebellion. Our Zhao country is rich all over the world, and now the civil strife has been calmed down. I have not reached the Ninth Five-Year Plan with this achievement, and it is difficult to calm down." Seeing Meng Zhun, he was not satisfied.
After saying something, he turned around and said, "Although what you said in court today is still offensive, it is also true and insightful. When the Zhao Kingdom is newly settled, there are still hidden worries. What you said is..."
I saw Shi Zun writing the word "Min" with tea on his desk, and Meng Zhun nodded.
Shi Zun sighed, "With today's power, the power belongs to Shi Min. If he kills the heroes suddenly, I fear that everyone will be disappointed and the country will be unstable."
Meng Zhun spoke sincerely, "Your Majesty, you must be sure that you will suffer chaos if you continue. Your Majesty, you must make up your mind early on."
"I already know what you mean, and I'll leave you alone to think about it."
Meng Zhun left the table excitedly, knelt down and admonished, "Your Majesty, great loyalty is like treachery, and great hypocrisy seems like truth. In ancient times, rebellious ministers and traitors all presented themselves as loyal ministers. I am afraid that the disaster of King Sima Xuan will happen to Zhao again."
"Let me think about it again." Shi Zun quietly looked at Meng Zhun, who was kneeling in the hall, and said, "Come here, take Master Meng back to his home."
Just as Meng Zhun left, he saw Zheng Yingtao coming in from the side hall.
Zheng Yingtao only stretched out her hand to grab his ear, but suddenly stopped her hand, "Oh, my son finally has the air of an emperor, and I can't talk to you anymore. I just want to ask you, who are you here for today? If not, then
You can be where you are today."
Shi Zun defended Meng Zhun and said: "What Meng Zhun said is reasonable. Since ancient times, the leader is weak and the minister is strong. This is a dangerous way."
However, Zheng Yingtao's eyebrows trembled in anger, "Why should the leader be weak and the ministers be strong? Those who are killing each other are all members of the Shi clan. How can we, the Jie clan, be the only Han people in the world to criticize us? We can indulge them so arrogantly, why bother to kill them."
Shi Zun lowered his head and said: "Mother, I understand, please allow me to think about it carefully."
Zheng Yingtao held his shoulders and whispered softly: "The trouble started with Xiao Qiang. Now that you have just taken over the power, you are good at killing heroes. Who among the officials below will follow you?"
"Mom, I understand." Then he ordered people to send Zheng Yingtao back to the palace to rest.
It was late at night, and Duan Qin and his son Duan Si were still sitting across from each other in the inner room of General Liyi's Mansion. The candlelight was flickering, but it was dim.
Duan Si broke the silence and said: "Father, my days of living under others for a long time are coming to an end."
Duan Qin said calmly: "Why do you see it?"
"Father, you see that the center of the Zhao Kingdom has declined, and the Jie clan is no longer as powerful as it used to be. Shi Min of the Han people, Pu Hong of the Di clan, Yao Yizhong of the Qiang clan, and our Xianbei clan Duan tribe now have large armies around Yecheng.
.The various ministries are currently having conflicts outside the city, so they should take advantage of the chaos to stand on their own feet."
Duan Qin had already calmed down, "Yes, after the chaos in Liangdu, the current situation is different from the past. Our Duan tribe should be able to stand on its own. The army of the Jie tribe that suppressed the chaos is no longer as brave as it used to be. Without the strength of the begging army, it would be really difficult."
Determined."
"No wonder, killing each other is not something that the Zhao clan is good at. Gao Li of the Jie clan thought he was a strong force, but now he is destroyed at the hands of his own family."
Duan Qin only looked at the candlelight secretly and said slowly: "The power of the Zhao Kingdom cannot be underestimated. The Jie tribe's garrison strength in various places is still there, and the defenders of Youji Land have not yet mobilized."
Speaking of this, Duan Si suddenly mentioned something and said: "Father, I have been corresponding with Mr. Ba from the Murong family. Let me see if..."
"Pa" Duan Qin was seen banging the table angrily. Duan Si was silent for a moment. After a long time Duan Qin breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Si'er, what you said makes sense. Things will change from time to time. Although the Murong family
There is a blood feud with my tribe, but without the help of the Murong family, everything will be difficult."
"Now in the Zhao Kingdom, only Jicheng's army is capable of fighting. If it leads to internal fighting, Jie Zhao will no longer exist."
Suddenly, a member of the mansion came over, whispered to Duan Si, and immediately handed him a letter.
Duan Si glanced over it hurriedly and said happily: "Father, my Duan tribe is not far away from being re-established."
"Yes, please quickly find your uncle Duan Kwan to discuss the matter." Duan Qin said hurriedly.
At this time, Shi Yun had returned to Dongming Temple and was just stroking the arrow in trance.
"Princess, you have been sitting there for a long time. Since that day when you came down from the city wall, you have not spoken. You can eat some." Xiao Qiu finally couldn't help but said.
Shi Yun spoke, "Xiaoqiu, tell me, am I wrong? If I had not come forward in Hualin Garden that day, I would be like my father and brother today, right?"
Xiaoqiu shook his head, "The princess is wrong, and I don't know. I only know that the matter was urgent that day. Shi Min is connected with the entire army. If there is even the slightest hesitation, his situation will be in danger."
After Shi Yun heard this, he remained silent. Xiao Qiu only comforted: "I also heard it from others. I wasn't there at the time, and I don't know what the lady was feeling at that time. I just want to comfort you."
On the official road ten miles south of Yecheng, Shi Min was greeting Li Nong's return with his entourage and a group of generals.
"General, look!" Jiang Gan, the chief secretary of the mansion, shouted with sharp eyes.
"Play music." As the one who encouraged Sicheng roared, the feathers on both sides, the drums, and the books were all in accordance with the rules of the king.
All of a sudden, drums and music were blaring, and flags and flags were flying.
Smoke and dust billowed ahead, and Li Nong and his subordinates were seen riding from the end of the official road.
Shi Min came up to greet him. When Li Nong saw Shi Min coming in person, he hurriedly got off his horse and raised his hands to him and said: "Congratulations to Yong Zeng (Shi Min's nickname) for being promoted to general. I have no equal in the begging army."
Shi Min only smiled, held his hand and said, "Oh no, how could Shi Zun have entered Ye City without the support of Brother Li? I have specially prepared a banquet for you, and I hope you can gather with me at my humble home."
After saying that, he turned to the side and said respectfully, "Who do you see coming here?"
Lieutenant Zhang Ju came out from the back of the hall, bowed to Li Nong and said, "Li Sikong is well and well?!"
Li Nong was overjoyed and quickly held Zhang Ju's hand.
Seeing this, Shi Min hurriedly said: "Come on, take a seat quickly."
That night, Shi Min hosted a banquet for Li Nong in the mansion newly given by Shi Zun.
During this time, the dance music was playing in unison, the five tones were in harmony, and the eight tones were in perfect harmony.
Li Nong offered gardenia wine to thank him and said: "Since the Yongjia rebellion, all the musical instruments of the Lingguan officials have been lost. I thought I would not hear the sound of the bells and cauldrons. I never expected that I would be lucky enough to hear them in the general's mansion."
"Papa" I heard Shi Min clapping his hands, and the pretty musicians from the back hall came out and sang in unison: "Define the martial arts, help the Yellow River. The river water is hot... the water in Zhangzhou is strong, the water is rushing... and the city of Yecheng is destroyed...
The Kingdom of Wei is about to come, and the king's career is difficult. Looking at the past and looking at the present, we can sigh deeply."
After singing the song, the whole hall looked at Li Nong solemnly.
After listening to it, Li Nong knew that it was the "Ding Wugong" of the former Wei Dynasty's drum music, which talked about Wei Wu and Cao Cao's defeat of Ye City to establish Cao Wei's hegemony. This situation can be contrasted with this scene, implying Shi Min's ambition.
Li Nong said with a smile: "I admire the general's ambition. However, since ancient times, achievements should not be achieved suddenly. We should plan for the long term."
Wang Tai was the first to stand up and said: "Li Sikong's remarks may be regarded as slow. Now the king's army is in decline and the Shi family is weak. This is a great reality for the Han people to restore our Central Plains. Now the king of Pengcheng has appointed the general as the prince. We
The day when the Han people will regain control of the Central Plains is not far away."
"Prince?" Li Nong was shocked and looked at Zhang Ju. Zhang Ju also had a puzzled look on his face and hurriedly signaled Li Nong to be silent.
I saw Shi Min walking straight off the desk, raising his glass in the hall and saying, "Come on, let's drink this cup to the full." Shi Min served wine to everyone in the center of the hall.
Everyone shouted: "We congratulate His Highness the Crown Prince on your early arrival in the great treasure, so that he can become the emperor of our Han family."
Li Nong and Zhang Ju also served wine with everyone and finished drinking.
Shi Min was full of ambition, but saw Li Nong present and said to Shi Min: "I have something to say, but it will slightly dampen everyone's interest. However, if I don't say it, I might miss the big event. I hope the general will atone for his sins."
Shi Min didn't take it seriously and just said: "Li Sikong worked hard and made great achievements. What he said is a matter of state, but there is no harm in saying it."
"Today, the Jin Dynasty is located in the south of the Yangtze River, but the Taoist tradition still exists. Now that our Central Plains is out of the hands of the captives, we should work with the Jin Dynasty to lift it up."
Shi Min's face darkened instantly, and his hands holding the wine glass gradually lowered. The attendants on the side hurriedly stepped forward and raised the tray to catch the wine glass. After a long time, Shi Min said lightly: "Who else has such intention?"
Zhang Ju hurriedly stood up and said, "Master Li was drunk for a while. I hope the general will forgive Li Nong for his disrespect." After saying this, he quickly looked at Li Nong and signaled him to discuss it later.
At this time, Wang Tai also stood up and asked him: "Master Li's words, do you mean that the general cannot inherit the emperor's legacy?"
Li Nong's sharp eyes sank, then raised them again, and said sincerely: "My wish is for a long time, but I am acting too hastily now."
Wang Taiyi wanted to step forward and ask again, but Shi Min came back to the stage, stared at him closely, and said for a long time: "Today is the banquet to reunite Li Sikong after a long absence. We will not talk about political affairs, but come to give Li Sikong a full meal."
Everyone immediately returned to normal, and the banquet was full of vocal music again.
The waiter served Li Nong, and Li Nong raised the cup to congratulate Shi Min and said, "All of us in this hall are great contributors to the State of Zhao. However, I look around and there is still one missing person."
"Li Sikong, please stop being so secretive." Dong Run was the youngest among the people present. He was always open-minded and did not shy away from asking bluntly.
"You have to ask Shi Min, General Shi, about Hualin Yuan's old kindness and his wisdom in raising volunteers."
"Haha." Shi Min laughed, "I won't forget, I won't forget."