"You mean, the young emperor of Dali is now on the throne, and the empress dowager listens to the affairs behind the curtain and assists the young emperor?"
Gu Yiwu opened his eyes slightly.
"An orphan and a widower come to the throne to take charge of this great dynasty, which is one of the largest in the northern part of Wangquezhou in terms of population and territory?"
Yun Niang sighed softly and nodded, "Yes."
Zhao Rong thought for a while: "Good guy."
Gu Yiwu nodded slowly.
Zhao Rong suddenly said: "When did the previous emperor pass away?"
Yun Niang pondered for a moment, and for some reason, she sniffed and spoke clearly:
"It was exactly a month ago. At that time, the late emperor passed away suddenly, and the government and the public were in chaos. Because the late emperor was wise and loved by us people, there was a lot of mourning among the people..."
Zhao Rong nodded slightly and listened for a while.
In the middle of the journey, he raised his eyes and glanced at the divorced daughter in front of him who had sold her life to support her family and went up the mountain not long ago. At this moment, she was wiping tears on her sleeves recalling the late emperor and recalling the past events of the past few years.
Yun Niang's tone of voice was somewhat sad.
It's not like he's cheating, it seems he really loves the late Emperor Dali.
Zhao Rong was quiet for a while, nodded, and found that the late Emperor of Dali, who could also be said to be Taizu Li, indeed met the standards of the Zen Emperor that Zhao Rong had thought of before.
In the beginning, he was a commoner from Jiangzuo. The dynasty that previously ruled Lidi was old and decadent. When the previous dynasty was in chaos and uprisings broke out, he came out with a sword and recruited many capable people and righteous men. Then after repeated hardships, he seized opportunities at all levels.
, Jinlin transformed into a dragon, unified the land, and expanded the territory.
He was the founding emperor of this new dynasty at his feet.
The country will be extremely upright.
Moreover, the current Great Li is not limited to the territory of the former dynasty. After the founding of the country, it annexed other countries and expanded it at least five times, yes, five times, and most of it is fertile land.
Li Taizu established Kyoto with Li Di as the hinterland and ruled the four directions with Li people as the core.
It attracted several neighboring countries to surrender and pay tribute.
At this moment, the Dali Dynasty stands in the northernmost part of Wangquezhou, and it can indeed be said that it lives up to such a special position.
Because Dali faces south, looking down to the south of Wangquezhou and the northern half of the continent, there are hundreds of large and small countries. Although some of them have a larger population than its territory, if you look carefully, you can see that they are all vertical.
The old dynasty is old, bloated and decadent, and no country is more powerful than it.
There are few that can even come close to it.
If they want to find someone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with them and surpass them, those who watch Quezhou in the north can only stand on tiptoes and look eagerly towards the south of Wangquezhou.
Moreover, Zhao Rong listened to what Yun Niang said, and it seemed that the establishment of the Dali Dynasty was not only due to the late emperor's brilliance and martial prowess, but also many capable and famous generals under his command.
Oh, by the way, Li Taizu’s surname was Li, and his given name was Xiu.
Dali is the Li royal family.
Zhao Rong pursed his lips. This new dynasty, which was reborn from the ashes and was just established, is indeed in great shape and has a prosperous national destiny.
The founding emperor Li Xiu was in his prime, capable of conquering thousands of miles, and was assisted by famous ministers and fierce generals. The latter coincided with the Ming Dynasty and was eager to make contributions.
When dry wood encounters fierce fire, the country's power becomes more like burning oil cooking oil, and it flourishes day by day.
It seems that nothing is missing. As long as the foundation of the dynasty is consolidated and the emperor's throne and power are strengthened, and if he waits for an 'accidental event', he will have the opportunity to try and turn Banlidu into a small village in his own backyard.
The stream is flowing.
Well, it also made most of the Confucian students in Linlu Academy homeless in a sense.
Oh, so is a certain Confucian scholar named Lin from Siqi Academy. His family is about to be lost.
Zhao Rong was a little worried for his friend, and couldn't hold back for a moment...the corner of his mouth raised.
It is estimated that when the people of Banzhou look around, in the eyes of most of them, everyone should be people who have perished in their country, lonely ghosts, hugging each other to keep warm.
Zhao Rong shook his head, thinking that the person who said this must have low emotional intelligence.
This should be called giving everyone a warm new home and more new family members.
How warm.
he thought amusedly.
It's just that all of this, Li Ren's ardent expectations, the possible existence of the huge bet placed by the Immortal Family behind the scenes on the mountain, and the grand plan of the Dali Dynasty.
All gone.
At least that seems to be the case at the moment.
Because Emperor Li Xiu died in his prime.
This 'giant ship' that was about to go south through all obstacles lost its most suitable helmsman.
Zhao Rong frowned.
At this moment, Yun Niang's voice became smaller and smaller.
"When... when the late Emperor was still alive, he opposed those gods and men on the mountain who sold the people of Dali, especially... especially us Li women?"
"The late emperor once clearly stipulated that within the territory of Dali, even if parents from poor families want to sell their daughters in exchange for money to support the family, they can only sell them to the government's music department, or teach them singing, dancing, etiquette, and music, or learn weaving and weaving."
"After a divorced woman reaches adulthood, she can choose to make money and redeem herself through other businesses such as female prostitutes;"
"You can also choose to agree to the request of a dignitary, let him redeem his body, and enter the noble's house;
"You can also stay in the Orchestra Department, or be a dancer in the orchestra, or have a better future, be a palace maid or a female official."
Yun Niang turned her head and looked at the fiery red maple leaves in her hometown, with a look of longing on her face.
"These are all things that allow humble women like us, like Puliu, to choose on our own initiative, rather than being forced to do whatever we want and being bought and sold as goods..."
Zhao Rong wanted to interrupt Yun Niang's off-topic remarks, but at this time, after a pause, he held back.
He glanced at Gu Yiwu, whose expression was calm and unchanged. When he saw Zhao Rong looking at him, Gu Yiwu grinned.
Zhao Rong also raised the corner of his mouth but said nothing.
Yun Niang looked back and kept talking, but at this moment, her low tone suddenly became louder.
"I heard that this band chief is Empress Dugu..."
Yun Niang paused, "Well, now it's Empress Dowager Dugu. I heard that she manages it personally and no one else is allowed to interfere. Moreover, it was this fairy-like nobleman who first proposed it to the late Emperor. The late Emperor also respected Empress Dugu very much.
, I immediately adopted it. The queen is simply the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady from the Moon Palace."
At this time, Zhao Rong took a step forward and smiled warmly at Yun Niang.
He nodded, his tone gentle.
"Well, okay, they are indeed a good emperor and a good queen. By the way, girl, can you tell us what happened in Dali in the past month after Taizu Li died?"
After Zhao Rong suddenly interrupted her memory, Yun Niang trembled and seemed to realize that she had just said too many useless words and did not mention anything that was of interest to the two noble gentlemen in the mountain.
She was a little panicked, but the next thing she saw was Zhao Rong's smile, and Gu Yiwu next to her didn't look inappropriate.
Yun Niang's heart warmed slightly and she bowed seriously, but her hands and feet were still a little busy for a while.
"I'm sorry, Master, Mr. Zhao, I'm sorry..."
Zhao Rong waved his hand, "It's okay. Just tell me what you know about the question you just asked."
He sighed softly in his heart. He could probably estimate the current situation in Dali.
Because the new maid in front of Brother Yiwu was the one who was sold to the black market on the mountain not long ago.
So, it’s obvious.
However, we still need to find out more about the details.
Yun Niang sighed with relief and nodded, she thought about it.
"Although the late emperor passed away suddenly, fortunately, His Majesty had already chosen the prince a long time ago. He was the only son of Empress Dowager Dugu. However, the prince was still too young."
"Furthermore, in the days after His Majesty's death, the government and the public were still in chaos. There were rumors that... King Xian also wanted to be Emperor Li. I heard that the late emperor had promised him some things in private when he and King Xian were in danger together.
thing……"
Zhao Rong was curious, "Wise King?"
Yun Niang nodded, "Well, he is your Majesty's younger brother, his name is Li Mingyi. I heard from the people in the country that he is called the God of War in our army in Dali."
Gu Yiwu smiled and said: "Martial God? Is he a martial artist? It's interesting, keep talking."
Yun Niang thought for a while, "In addition, I also heard about the general in the southern frontier army."
"General?" Zhao Rong said with a smile: "Is it a name or something?"
Yun Niang looked in awe and shook her head, "No, this gentleman's honorary name is Zhou Dufu, and his position is General. It is the highest position in our army. He was one of the first few people to establish the foundation with the late emperor. He
He is also... the biggest contributor to the establishment of the Dali Dynasty, well, except for the members of the royal family surnamed Li."
"Well, let's go on. What is this person doing back here?"
Yun Niang's voice gradually became softer and she whispered softly:
"I heard that the general has raised doubts about the death of the late emperor, and also has some other opinions on the issue of canonizing the new emperor."
"So... he took the cavalry and hurried back overnight. That day, the whole capital could hear the sound of horse hooves several miles outside the city. I don't know how many cavalry there were. Then, the wise king sent
He opened the largest gate in the capital and kept it open, while he took the imperial army to the outskirts to respond."
Zhao Rong twitched the corner of his mouth, but this time he didn't speak anymore, and still listened quietly.
Yun Niang breathed out softly, "But later, the general and the wise king entered the city and palace alone, while all the soldiers and horses stayed outside the city."
Although most of these things were heard by Yun Niang, now that the news has spread, it has spread among the government and the public.
It may be exaggerated or overly misinterpreted, but it must have certain reference value and allow people to understand the general situation.
After about half a stick of incense.
Zhao Rong thought silently in his heart:
Leaving the court, orphans, widows, and two warriors?
Well, one of them is the uncle and brother-in-law of the first two...
Soon, he raised his eyes and asked, "What happened next?"
Yun Niang shook her head, "The rumors in those days were very strange. Some time ago, there were still rumors in the government and the public that the young prince was young and had to be stronger than a woman's hands. Even though the empress dowager Dugu was virtuous and virtuous, she knew etiquette and observed etiquette.
, but it will inevitably make the prince's character inappropriate and unfit to hold the territory and throne that Taizu conquered on horseback."
"Within two days, all the civil and military officials, as well as the wise kings, all publicly stated that only the prince was suitable to inherit the throne, and they fully supported it. As for the general, there was no movement."
"And the tone of the government and the public has also changed. Everyone said that the young prince was extremely filial, and he cried bitterly in front of the late emperor's coffin and fainted to death at a young age. Empress Dugu even endured the pain and stayed in the main hall to keep vigil, and even went without eating or drinking for three days.
He was very thin and haggard. Some people even said that such pure filial piety and family affection made them fall silent after being witnessed by the wise king and the general that day. In the end, they tacitly put aside their conflicts and recognized the little prince."
"As for the growth of the young prince mentioned before, isn't there still a battle-hardened uncle, King Xian, who can teach him more and educate the young prince together with the Empress Dowager Dugu?"
Yun Niang sighed softly and paused.
Zhao Rong raised his eyebrows.
Yun Niang continued: "So, a few days later, the prince ascended the throne to everyone's expectation, and the chaos passed. However, later I heard that the general suddenly left the capital on the night of the prince's enthronement.
Participate in the ceremony.”
"Now, Queen Dugu and the Empress Dowager are away from home, listening to the government behind the curtain. The King Xian has also been appointed as the regent, and the two nobles are assisting the government together."
Zhao Rong nodded and said nothing.
Yun Niang seemed to have thought of something and said cautiously: "Master, Mr. Zhao, are you coming to Dali now to confer a Zen title on our Emperor Li?"
Gu Yiwu nodded, "That's right."
Yun Niang thought: "Before the death of the late emperor, he was also preparing to confer Zen status. This matter was the top priority at that time. We, the people of Dali, were also looking forward to the late Emperor's conferment ceremony. It's a pity... But although the new emperor
The emperor is young, but now it seems that he will continue to become a Zen monk, which is what everyone expected. He will fulfill the late emperor's wish and pray for our great separation at the same time. Alas, although it is late, he has come. Alas, I also hope
We can continue to have peace in the future.”
Are they really all the same?
Is the significance of holding the Zen ceremony really the same for Taizu Li and the current new emperor?
Zhao Rong nodded, then shook his head.
When Taizu Li invited the Confucian scholars of Linlu Academy to preside over the ceremony of Zen, it was to completely establish the throne and power of the emperor and to prepare for the great achievements after Li.
And now the new emperor’s Fengchan...
There seem to be some similarities, but the two Dali emperors are indeed in completely different forms.
And the current Da Li... is also different.
Zhao Rong narrowed his eyes.
When Meng Xuezheng came down the mountain, although he didn't know what he was doing when he was out, he must have promised to confer Zen status on Taizu Li.
A month ago, Li Taizu passed away, and the matter should have been left alone. After all, the title of Zen is reserved for wise kings, and everyone must be self-aware.
But now it seems that it is probably the new emperor... No, he is too young. Unless he is precocious, he will not be sensible at all.
Therefore, it should be the person behind him, well, it should be his mother, the Empress Dowager Dugu who is currently at the top of the Dali court. She should have sent people to Linlu Academy to look for Meng Zhengjun again, asking her to continue to serve for Dali.
The royal family held a ceremony to enshrine Zen.
And Meng Zhengjun probably agreed because he had already promised to the Dali royal family, but for some unknown reason, he did not take care of it himself, and handed the matter over to their Mochi students as part of the assessment...
Zhao Rong lowered his eyes and remained silent, sometimes frowning slightly.
Yun Niang had already finished telling what she knew. Seeing the strange Mr. Zhao in front of her thinking about something, Yun Niang and Gu Yiwu looked at each other.
The latter shook his head.
Yun Niang lowered her head and hands, quiet and meek.
Gu Yiwu also tacitly agreed not to bother Zhao Rong.
He turned around and stared at the situation at the camp, then stood still and waited.
Zhao Rong suddenly reached out from his sleeve and took out the map of mountains and rivers.
He looked over the topography of Dali, and at a certain moment, he paused with his fingers.
The pad of his finger pointed somewhere.
"Brother Ziyu, what's wrong?" Gu Yiwu asked curiously when he saw this, then turned to:
"By the way, do you still have questions to ask Yun Niang? If not, let's hurry up and hurry up. We have rested for a long time. You also said before that we have to rush to Dali Capital as soon as possible."
Zhao Rong was looking around, not knowing what he was looking at.
Hearing this, he looked back at Gu Yiwu and slowly shook his head.
"Okay, let's continue on our way, but let's find a place to rest on the way. Well, this is it."
He pointed towards the map of mountains and rivers.
Gu Yiwu took a closer look and asked curiously: "Xingzi... Zhen? This is not on the fastest route you chose before, it is slightly off. Ziyu, why don't we hurry up and get on our way?"
Zhao Rong smiled and said, "Don't worry, we can play for a few more days before leaving."
Gu Yiwu scratched his head, "Play? How many days will it take?"
Zhao Rong thought for a while and said seriously: "I don't know either."
Gu Yiwu: “…………”
Zhao Rong chuckled and turned to look at the maple forest to the south.
"But I know it's best not to be the most urgent one."