The Eighth Chapter: Liu Xiang's Battle of Jin's Officials
On the second day of the court meeting, all the ministers returned after the ceremony. King Yan said: "Last night, I received an urgent report from Liucheng. My brother Murong Han has arrived outside Liucheng."
All the ministers in the hall were in a commotion, and Prime Minister Feng Yi stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, Shengming. My king has cleared the world with his majestic appearance. Talented people and lofty ideals in the country are competing to join me. Our country, Yan, is becoming increasingly powerful. Congratulations to my king."
"What Prime Minister Feng said is absolutely true, and it is Chuangu's will." King Yan was overjoyed when he heard this.
"Murong Ke."
"My son is here."
"I am sending you as my king's envoy with full authority to rush to Liucheng to meet Murong Han."
"As commanded."
"Murong Ba."
"My son is here."
"Thirty miles outside Jicheng City, prepare six chariots and six horses with my king's support, as well as axes, axes and brocade curtains, and gather the three armies to meet Murong Han."
"Nei Shi Gao Xu."
"I'm here."
"Prepare tools, bells for ritual music, and a big bell with yellow bells. I want to take a bath and change clothes. I will swear an oath to the heaven with Brother Han and pay respect to the gods."
"Take orders."
"I am puzzled!" Murong commented, "I am doubtful that I have gone to such great lengths for a man who has been away for seven years and it is only a waste of the government's money. I don't agree with it."
The people in the hall sighed. Apparently there were many ministers who held this opinion. All the ministers whispered among themselves, and for a while, there was a lot of discussion in the hall.
"Everyone thinks it's not worth it to do this alone?!" King Yan suddenly spoke up, and the officials in the palace fell silent instantly.
The king of Yan pressed his hands tightly on the imperial case and said: "Brother Gu is not rebelling, he is just encountering suspicion. Although he is in another country, he often lurks for Yan's plan. When King Kuang was there, he took the lead and made countless achievements. He also attacked the three families.
When we built the city, we could use one as ten, and we were brave enough to be invincible. We made great contributions to the Yan Kingdom. What I did was not enough to demonstrate my achievements, so how could I say it was extravagant and wasteful?"
Former military advisor general Murong Ping continued: "However, I still have doubts."
"Brother, please speak." King Yan signaled, "There is no harm in speaking."
Murong Ping stepped forward and said: "Murong Han has established great achievements, but all the previous kings have awarded him rewards. Now he suddenly returns to the country. It would be an excuse not to hold him accountable, but my king wants to be so solemn."
General Zhechong Mu Yugen also echoed: "It is indeed a blessing for Murong Han to return to the country, but if he is suddenly rewarded without having done any meritorious service, I am afraid that all the ministers will not accept it."
After the two men finished speaking, the court fell silent and all the ministers were silent. I had no idea how to carry out the welcome ceremony just discussed.
Murong Huang pondered for a long time, then stood up suddenly and said: "Brother Ping, General Zhe Chong, what you said is not unreasonable, but why did my brother Han run away to another country? Why?"
Unexpectedly, King Yan's question aroused doubts among the ministers, who did not know what King Yan meant.
The king of Yan said to himself: "I use the method harshly and show kindness but little reward. As a result, everyone is dissatisfied and the surroundings are in turmoil."
The King of Yan looked at Huangfu, the redoubtable knight, and said, "Fortunately, Huangfu, the changshi, changed his tune. However, a big mistake has been made. The reward for me to reward Brother Han is not the result of the past, but the fault of yesterday."
Hearing this, Murong Ping and Mu Yugen quickly knelt down and said, "This is not what I meant, and I am not criticizing the true intention of the Lord. I hope my king will learn from it."
Prime Minister Feng Yi watched the changes in the court. At this moment, he realized that the time was ripe. He stepped forward and said: "My king's brother Murong Han went on an expedition. He made great achievements and became famous far and wide. He is stationed in Liaodong.
Goguryeo has not dared to invade for several years." Feng Yi turned around and said to the generals, "Be good at accepting and loving Confucianism. From being a scholar-official to a soldier, everyone will be happy to follow it."
Sili Yangqu also stepped forward and said: "If Murong Han returns to his country, this one person can defeat ten thousand people. Although he has no merit and is rewarded, it is not an exaggeration."
Murong Huang's eldest son and young master came forward together, "I respectfully invite my father to welcome your uncle back to the country."
At this point, all the ministers had nothing to say about welcoming Murong Huang. Everyone in the Yan Kingdom prepared a welcoming ceremony.
That day, the envoy ship heading to Jiankang had also crossed the ocean and entered the Yangtze River.
Yan sent Liu Xiang to board the bow of the ship and look around. He saw the vastness of the river and the shadowy scenery on both sides. When the ship arrived at Jingkou, he saw a mountain standing impressively beside the river.
"Boatman, where are you now? Does this mountain have a name?"
"My lord, I have now arrived at Jingkou, the prefecture of southern Xuzhou. The mountain you asked me about is called Beigu Mountain. Visitors from the north can pass this mountain and go down to Jiankang, the capital of Jin."
"Shipman, I only heard about Xuzhou, why did you come to Xuzhou in the south?" Ju Yun asked.
"Your Majesty, I don't know. Now, the Jin Dynasty has lost the Central Plains. The Central Plains families living here do not forget their homeland and do not change their place of origin. In order to distinguish it from Xuzhou in the Central Plains, they call it South Xuzhou. This place is called South Xuzhou.
In addition to South Xuzhou, there are also South Qingzhou, South Jizhou, and South Youzhou." The boatman pushed the boat slowly towards the Jingkou Pier.
"Yes, there are many people of my generation who have crossed to the south. We originally exchanged letters with them, expressing their intention to regain the Central Plains. Now there are fewer letters from my nephews." Liu Xiang was filled with emotion when he saw the scene in front of him.
After the chaos, the roads were cut off. I never thought I would be able to return to Jin in this life.
"Sir, I see that the Central Plains family is contented here. It has pleasant scenery, beautiful mountains and rivers, and is convenient for water transportation. I'm afraid these Central Plains residents don't want to go back." Ju Yun, the deputy envoy, advised at the side.
"If we can solidify our country in the north, our country will be solid forever. If we are afraid of the Central Plains, the Jin Dynasty will never be able to return." Liu Xiang looked at the mountain with emotion.
"My lord, we're going ashore soon." The pier on this shore had already appeared in front of Liu Xiang and Ju Yun. They only heard the man punting the boat shouting, "Liaodong sent the ship to the shore..."
The southeast is a beautiful place, a land of wealth and gentleness, and it is all like this.
Jiankang City was the capital of the Jin Dynasty's southern crossing. It was the largest metropolis in the south of the Yangtze River and was called Jinling in ancient times. Because Qin Shihuang came here on his southern tour, the alchemists who accompanied him looked at the king's aura and were afraid of the emperor. So the first emperor opened the Qinhuai River to vent the king's aura.
, and even filled it with thatch, so it was nicknamed Moling.
However, this place has tigers and dragons perched on it, and it also has Zhongshan Mountain and the Yangtze River. Zhuge Kongming once said: "The topography of Moling, Zhongshan with dragons and dragons perched on it, and stone tigers perched on it, is the residence of the emperor."
The envoy of Yan, Liu Xiang, and his deputy, Ju Yun, disembarked from Jingkou and took the overland route. It was March, and the spring style in the south of the Yangtze River was exceptionally charming, even warmer and more pleasant than in the north.
Ju Yun was unconsciously drunk and said to Liu Xiang: "Liu Changshi, the scenery here is a hundred times better than that of Yan State."
Liu Xiang saw the beautiful scenery, but he was not overjoyed. He said slowly: "It's a pity for these great rivers and mountains. If the Jin Dynasty can guard them, they can guard them. There is no one in the Central Plains. If the government does not cultivate the Qingming Dynasty, no matter how beautiful the scenery is, it will be useless."
We have fallen into the hands of the barbarians in the north of the Yangtze River."
Before setting off, Liu Xiang had written a handwritten letter to his brother-in-law. The Jin Dynasty court knew that the Yan envoy was coming, so he ordered all the officials from various prefectures and counties in Jin to greet the Yan envoy at the roadside. All food, accommodation, and horses were provided along the way.
, all showing the prosperity of Jin State.
Ju Yun praised: "After all, the Jin Dynasty is still very elegant even though they are traveling south from the Central Plains."
Liu Xiang shook his head and said: "Although the Jin Dynasty has reorganized the imperial court in the south of the Yangtze River, I have seen that everyone in the country is very talkative. You see the beautiful spring scenery, it should be the busy farming season, but there are many deserted places in the fields.
"When this team of Yan envoys came to Zaiguan Road, they saw only refugees from the north, walking in twos and threes by the roadside. However, this large field was occupied by the family members who came first and could not be cultivated.
Ju Yun replied: "Liu Changshi knows little things and admires his work. However, the Jin Dynasty occupies half of the south of the Yangtze River. The northern map of the Central Plains may not be feasible, but it can still protect itself."
"Strong and weak forces change, and offense and defense change in a moment. Although we are Han people, we still worship the Jin Dynasty. But you see that in the Yan Kingdom, the monarchs and ministers are united, and capable people from all ethnic groups compete to stop it. Although my name is Rong Di, the Lord of Yan
, However, his magnanimity and elegance are no longer comparable to those of the Sima family. It would be hard to predict if this situation persists over time."
"Liu Changshi, there is no need to worry too much. This time, you can just grant the title of King of Yan to Lord Yan. The rest are all destiny." It turned out that Ju Yun was already intoxicated by the beautiful scenery and ignored the rest.
Not long after, the two envoys arrived in Jiankang. They abandoned their horses and boarded the boat and headed south along the Qinhuai River. They saw towering pavilions and pavilions on both sides of the river, rows of restaurants and teahouses, and vendors along the street competing to sell their goods. Carriages traveling from north to south along the bank
As they filed in, pedestrians crowded shoulder to shoulder.
Although in the early years of becoming emperor, there was Su Jun, the ancestral alliance was in chaos in the Jianghuai River, and the Hu bandits came again, but after several years of recovery, there was a prosperous scene. In addition, there were many people crossing to the south, and Kangcheng was built.
It's hard to imagine not being prosperous. Ju Yun has lived in the north for a long time and has never seen the scenery here before. He can't help but look back everywhere.
The boat passed the water gate and arrived at the inner city of Jiankang. At an open dock, I saw the postmaster Sicheng and Zhuge Hui had been waiting here for a long time.
"Brother, I have been in the bitter cold in the north for many days. The journey is difficult and dangerous, and it is not easy. I will guide you. Please..." After saying this, Zhuge Hui led everyone to the post house to rest.
In the evening, Zhuge Hui went to the posthouse to meet with Liu Xiang because he had an audience tomorrow. The two of them went to a room, each served tea and sat opposite each other.
Zhuge Hui said: "I heard that Murong Hui, Duke of Liaodong, raised his troops in the northern border and defeated the powerful enemy in Pingzhou. His power is gradually growing. I am very happy and congratulated."
Liu Xiang replied: "Since the rebellion in Yongjia, the people have been in exile, the Central Plains has been depressed, there is no smoke for thousands of miles, hunger and cold have spread, and ravines have fallen one after another. The king of Yan has used the divine strategy to protect one area, the power to kill traitors, and the virtue to embrace the distant future. Therefore, the state affairs of Yan State
Rizhang."
Zhuge Hui took a sip of the tea in front of him, put down the cup, and said slowly: "Brother, as I have been in the Yan Kingdom for a long time, I am afraid that I will gradually become infected with the Hu Feng. Now the Central Plains is in ruins and all living beings are in ruins. It is all the fault of the Hu people. If the Hu people attack each other,
, it will be of great benefit to the Jin Dynasty. The Murong tribe of Xianbei, because of its inferior position and weak power, has been given the position of Duke of Liaodong in the world." Zhuge Hui said quietly, "You have informed me that you are going on an envoy this time.
, I want to ask for the title of King of Yan, General, for Murong Huang. I think it is impossible." But Zhuge Hui said seriously, "This is a high position that should not be granted lightly, and the laws of China and Yi are different, and there are strong and weak distinctions. This is the title of King of Yan.
, how can it be the same as the Jin clan?"
Liu Xiang only drank the tea in the cup in one gulp and straightened his posture, saying: "Murong Xin, the first lord of the Yan Kingdom, had already sought to be granted the title, but unfortunately, the year was not holidaying and the date was not met in time. Now, with the qualifications of the Yingsheng, the King of Yan,
He defeated the pioneers of Guang, destroyed the powerful Zhao in the south, and frightened Goguryeo in the east. He opened a territory of 3,000 people and increased the number of households by 100,000. Following the contribution of Wu Chan Guang, there was Gao Xibo. Now looking at the Jin Dynasty, powerful ministers are in charge. In front of them are Wang Dun and Su Jun.
During the chaos of the Zuyue period, there were strong Zhao forces outside. Although the current Jin emperor was as open-minded as a grain of salt, he issued edicts to the virtuous, encouraged farmers and mulberry farmers, and conducted household registration checks. However, from what I can see, all the courtiers in the Jin court were harboring evil intentions.
The emperor can cheer up."
"It has been said in the past that it would be better for the Yi and Di to have a king than to destroy the Chinese. However, weapons and names should not be ignored lightly. Farewell!" After saying this, Zhuge Hui threw away his hand and left.
Early on the next morning, Liu Xiang and Ju Yun, both dressed in rich clothes, were led by the Imperial City Captain to the gate of the palace. They waited until ten quarters before the end of the night to open the Xuanyang Gate. On Ping Dan, they started to open the palace gate.
At five o'clock, the emperor came out to receive congratulations.
I only heard the edict from the chamberlain: "Xuan Liaodong's envoy is here." From outside the imperial city, along the central axis, the gates of the palace garden were opened one after another. The attendants gradually passed the order.
Liu Xiang and Ju Yun walked slowly into the imperial city. Umbrellas and ceremonial guards were arranged on the royal road. Music was played and bells were sounded. All the officials in Jiankang City who were more than a thousand-stone official came to court.
Outside the main hall, he stopped for a moment and saw the emperor sitting on the throne. Liu Xiang straightened his clothes and stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty Liu Xiang, on the order of Murong Hui, Duke of Liaodong, went to court as an envoy to see Tianyan.
The summons is successful. I am sincere and frightened. I, Liu Xiang, would like to pay my respects again."
"The messenger comes to see you."
"Xuan"
Under the watchful eyes of the Jin court officials, Liu Xiang entered the main hall.
Although the Jin Emperor had been on the throne for many years, the south of the Yangtze River was in turmoil and the Central Plains fell. Although he had the title of a heavenly kingdom, he could not pacify the barbarians, eliminate civil strife, and comfort the people. Not to mention Shi Zhao, he was Li Shouzhi of the Han Dynasty.
Liu quite a bit contemptuous.
Nowadays, the Jin Emperor is not very old, but he has the style of a wise king. He accepts advice humbly and obeys the provincial government. The country's power is gradually recovering. He also heard that envoys from the far north are coming, and he wants to show off his country's power.
It means something, so the Liao envoy's visit was very gratifying and important.
Among the court officials: Taiwei Xi Jian, Zhongshu Ling He Chong, Shangshu Ling Zhuge Hui, Yu brothers: Situ Yuliang, Zhongshu Supervisor Yu Bing, Auxiliary General Yu Yi, young officials such as Huan Wen also came to the court, and even
The old masters and Wang Dao were all seated to attend the court. The royal family members: Sima Xi, the king of Wuling, and Sima Yu, the king of Kuaiji, were also present.
After the ceremony on both sides, Emperor Jin invited the envoy of Yan to take his seat.
Liu Xiang sent his deputy envoy Ju Yun to present the household registration album and various treasures to the Jin Emperor.
The chamberlain took the presented items, and Emperor Jin asked with concern: "Is Murong Zhen's army safe?"
Liu Xiang said to him: "Thank you for your concern, your majesty. I am safe. Murong Zhenjun will treat me respectfully when I go to court as an envoy. I will bathe and change my clothes, fast for five days, and on the day I am sent away, I will wear the imperial robe and pay homage to him."
Emperor Jin nodded, deeply convinced.
"I heard that Murong Huang was in Liaodong, accepting refugees, setting up counties and counties, and cultivating acres of land." Emperor Jin immediately said, "He also conquered Goguryeo in the east and rejected Yuwen in the west. It was quite prosperous."
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty, Murong Hui, the Duke of Liaodong, is a loyal king who guards Liaodong for the Jin Kingdom and is diligent and sincere to the royal family. Today is in chaos, and Huang's position is low and powerful, and he is not enough to control the neighbors, and I am afraid it will be inconvenient. I would like to ask the Emperor of Jin to confer me the title of Liaodong.
The Duke is the King of Yan and the Great General." After saying this, he bowed to the ground.
Hearing this, there was a commotion in the court hall. Throughout the past dynasties, there were many people who received the title of general, but those who received the title of king were only those who were promoted to the clan. They asked for both, but they have not heard of it yet. The ministers
They whispered to each other for a long time.
A scholar stepped forward and said: "In the past, Murong's ancestor Mo Huba moved to Liaodong for his meritorious service in conquering Gongsun Yuan from King Xuan of Sima Xuan. Later, his ancestor Mo Humuyan followed Guanqiu Jian and was awarded the title of Grand Governor for his meritorious service in conquering Korea.
His grandfather Murong She returned home and paid homage to the Chanyu of Xianbei with the honor of Quanliucheng. However, the story goes: Generals are not around, and since the Han and Wei Dynasties, no one with a different surname has ever been crowned king!"
"Yes, yes." All the ministers agreed.
I saw that Liu Xiang was neither humble nor arrogant: "Since the Liu Dynasty, the stone structures have been in chaos, and north of the Yangtze River, they have been cut into armies. I have never heard of a Chinese official who can stand up and wave his arms to destroy the fierce rebels." At this point, the people in the court said.
The ministers all looked ashamed, "Only Murong Zhenjun and his son worked hard and had their own dynasty in mind. They used a small number to attack the masses and repeatedly killed powerful enemies. This made Shihu afraid. The people who moved to the border areas were scattered in the Three Wei Dynasties.
The city is the northern border. With such merits and deeds, why not cherish the land north of the sea and not regard it as a fiefdom?"
Liu Xiang held the sword in his hand, extended his hand to the Jin Emperor and said: "In the past, the great ancestor of the Han Dynasty did not love the prince Yu Han and Peng, so he was able to become an emperor; Xiang Yu couldn't bear to give the seal, and he died if he used it. My sincerity is not about respect.
Respect what he does, cherish the holy dynasty and neglect the loyal country, so that there will be no admonition and admiration from all over the world."
Zhuge Hui is now in the high position of Shangshu, and all the civil servants in the dynasty are headed by him. At this moment, he stood up and said: "The Yi and Di are attacking each other, which is China's benefit. But the weapons and the name should not be ignored." He turned to Liu Xiang.
He shouted, "If Murong Zhen's army can get rid of the stone tiger, it will only recover one stone tiger. How can the imperial court rely on it!"
Liu Xiang left his seat, stood up and reported to the Emperor of Jin: "I still know that I am sorry for the death of my ancestor Zhou. Now that the Jin Dynasty is in danger and the king is in power, how can he not worry about the country's evil intentions? I will not be able to accomplish anything if I go to the envoy.
If he is established, how can Shaokang regain Xia! If the battle between Huan and Wen is not successful, everyone will be left behind. Murong Zhen's army is waiting for the danger, and he is determined to kill the evil and rebellious, but the king even sings evil words and avoids loyal ministers. The whole world is not safe.
1. Good advice comes to your ears!"
All the officials in the court were in an uproar, and one official said: "This little Yi Di kid actually wants to be king. This is unheard of."
Another minister angrily threw his wat board and said angrily: "Hua and barbarians are different. Ambassador Liu, please don't forget that you are also Han. Don't you know that barbarians can only be coerced but not virtuous?"
Seeing that the situation was becoming more and more uncontrollable, the ceremonial officer in the main hall whispered to Emperor Jin. Emperor Jin bowed his head. The ceremonial officer straightened his body and said loudly: "This matter is serious, we will discuss it another day and withdraw from the court."
Returning to the post house, Na Ju Yun asked Liu Xiang: "Now that the Jin Dynasty has declined, the Central Plains cannot be conquered externally, and the powerful ministers cannot be controlled internally. All barbarians have risen together, and there are many people who call themselves emperors. Why do I, the King of Yan, only work so hard?"
For the canonization of Jinting?"
However, the waiter from the inn came in and said to the two of them, "Situ Yuliang passed away later today."
Both of them were shocked, and it took a long time for them to come to their senses.
"It's a pity that Mr. Yu." Ju Yun couldn't help but sigh, "The Jin court has relied on Mr. Yu to manage the past few years. Now that he is dead, I am afraid no one can shock the ministers. When the former king asked for a title, Xu Yi's person
Tao Shixing is no longer alive, and now the court officials are changing, how difficult it is to seek a title."
Liu Xiang said, "Although Jin Zuo has declined, the destiny of heaven has not changed. We, the Yan State, want to establish the north. We should worship Jin Zhengshuo so that we can internally care for the refugees and recruit talents." Liu Xiang stood up and walked around, and finally said, "This name
It’s still indispensable.”
"I saw that there were many discussions in the Jin court. For the current plan, I first sent a letter to King Yan," Ju Yun said, "We have to stay here in Jiankang for a longer time."
"Your Majesty, you are very welcome. I will repair the book right away." After saying that, he asked Ju Yun to prepare the pen and ink. Before picking up the pen, Liu Xiang said quietly, "Since the Yongjia Rebellion, this scene in the Central Plains has not been seen for a long time. It seems that we can
I’ve seen all the scenery of Jiankang’s four seasons.”
It was April, and the spring feeling in the northern country was already getting stronger. Murong Ba and the others were already waiting outside the Thorny City. On the official road, people were lined up on the left and right, with all the rituals and music, and the umbrellas stood tall.
Not long after, I saw dust flying in the distance and horses neighing. Gao Bi, with sharp eyes, said: "Murong Ba, Uncle Wang is here..."