Chapter 26: Que welcomes the three kings and succeeds him to Lang
In the room, the dragon's mouth of the gilt-copper stove slowly spit out the faint incense.
In the Shiqian Hall, Emperor Cao Pi rubbed his aching temples, thinking a lot.
This time, my three-pronged attack on Wu was a major event that I had been planning for a long time. I originally thought that if I could dominate the world with this battle, not only would I be able to enjoy peace from now on, but I would also be able to shine for the ages. I would comfort my father and my father. An Wanmin is at peace, comparable to the Qin Emperor and the Han Dynasty.
But this time, my plans and goals were obviously not achieved.
However, despite this, although I was not able to achieve a complete victory this time, I still gained something.
First, although Sun Quan won, it was a tragic victory. This time, Wen Lie took advantage of the strong wind on the river on the eastern front to break one of Sun Quan's arms - Grand Sima Lu Fan, and also plundered the population of thousands of people in Wuhu, Jiangdong. .
Secondly, Zang Ba and other powerful people have been known as Wei ministers for a long time, but as early as the time of Emperor Taizu, they had relied on their military power to separate Qingxu and resisted the king's orders many times. Therefore, even if they were called Zang in these years, It is not an exaggeration to be the king of Qingzhou. But this time, I asked Wen Lie to control Zang Ba, Commander Qingxu's army in the southern expedition, and then garrisoned troops in Yangzhou and let Wen Lie rule over his tribe, and he took over without anyone noticing. With the victory of Zang Hegemon's military power, the entire Qingzhou was stabilized. Thinking about this achievement makes people excited.
When he thought of this, an imperceptible smile appeared at the corner of Cao Pi's mouth. This smile was as cold as the snow in September, but it also contained a certain amount of warmth. It was like growing branches and leaves, finding life in a desperate situation.
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Early spring, March.
News came from the school affairs office that Liu Bei, the Lord of Shu, was seriously ill at the palace in Baidi City, Yong'an. He asked Prince Liu Chan to accompany Prime Minister Zhuge Liang and ordered Shangshu Li Yan to be his deputy.
"If your talent is ten times that of Cao Pi, you will surely be able to secure the country and resolve major events. If my son Chan can assist you, I will assist him. If he is not talented, you can take care of yourself."
When the emperor read the dazzling text in this secret report, he was naturally furious. He really wanted to see what kind of talent this Zhuge Kongming had, and Liu Xuande praised him so much, saying that his talent was ten times better than his own!
If he hadn't returned from the attack on Wu and the country's vitality had not recovered, he would have really wanted to immediately send his troops south to have a showdown with Zhuge Liang!
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After this battle, the family owner Xia Houshang's food court was moved to Changling, so the plaque on the gate of the mansion was naturally changed from "Pingling Township Houfu" to "Chanling Township Houfu".
"I dare to exert all my strength and loyalty to my chastity, and then die!"
Xia Houxuan read the secret report and the words of Shu Han Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, and he felt respect in his heart.
"A good sentence, don't do evil because it is a small thing, and don't do good because it is a small thing. Liu Bei's literary talent is not obvious, but this sentence is a great good."
Xia Houxuan thought to himself that Liu Bei fought for half his life, rivaled Emperor Taizu Wu of this dynasty, and founded the Bashu Kingdom. His posthumous name was Zhaolie, which was fitting for him.
I heard that the seventeen-year-old Prince Liu Chan of the Shu Han Dynasty had ascended to the throne of emperor in Chengdu, granted amnesty to the world, and restored the Yuan Dynasty to Jianxing. After all, Liu Chan was only two years older than him, and now he had already shouldered the important responsibilities of a country. I know whether he can bear this honor and responsibility.
Liu Chan also granted the title of Marquis of Wuxiang to Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, and led Yizhou as the shepherd. No matter how big or small the political affairs of Shu were, he was determined by Liang.
Isn’t this political situation in danger?
"Axuan, I miss Master."
Cao Xi's words were as if they were thrown into the sea, and he received no reply from Xia Houxuan, who was deep in thought.
"Axuan, master is gone, Yu Mansion, right, will be gone from now on."
Xia Houxuan, who originally wanted to distract his attention with military and state affairs and relieve his sadness, still did not answer. He frowned at this moment, as if he was thinking about an extremely important event.
"Brother Xi, I have a way to make Marquis Yishouting and Yu Mansion survive forever!"
"Axuan, what did you say?"
Cao Xi was a little unbelievable when he heard this.
"Three days later, the kings of the Western Regions such as Shanshan, Qiuci, and Khotan will come to Kyoto for pilgrimage. Maybe this time, we, the Wei Dynasty, will reopen the trade routes of the Western Regions. This is a great opportunity for the Wei Dynasty. It's a great joy." Xia Houxuan stood up slowly and threw a stone in his hand into the lake. He looked at the ripples slowly rising in the lake and said word by word: "By then, your Majesty will be in a good mood. I will Looking for an opportunity, please ask Your Majesty to find a son from the clan who can inherit the title of Marquis Yishouting and inherit the family lineage of my master."
My father has been guarding Xiangyang in Jingzhou and cannot help me, so I can only do this by myself.
"That's great. In this way, we can be considered worthy of Master, and our friendship with Master is worthy of our friendship!"
Xia Houxuan nodded and couldn't help but smile bitterly.
There is no resurrection after death, so there is only so much you can do for the deceased.
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Chang Hemen is the main gate to the south of Luoyang, the capital of Wei, and the main gate among the twenty-four city gates of Luoyang. On weekdays, this gate will not be opened, but today is a big day to receive the kings of the Western Regions. Therefore, It was only at this moment that the closed door was opened.
The long red carpet stretched from the main hall where the envoys were received to the royal road outside Changhemen, and then stretched all the way to the Luoshui River.
Since this time the three kings of the Western Regions came together for pilgrimage, it was of great significance, so the emperor specially brought many clans from feudal states to watch the ceremony.
The King of Shanshan, the King of Qiuci, and the King of Khotan have not come to the Central Plains for decades since the war in the late Han Dynasty. But now they come to the Central Plains for pilgrimage again, which is enough to show that the Wei Dynasty is no less powerful than the powerful Han Dynasty of the past. So Cao Pi was naturally in a good mood.
Over the past few years, the Central Plains, which is far away from the war, is no longer the tragic situation of "no cockcrows for thousands of miles". Although the population of the Wei capital is far less than that of the Han Dynasty, in terms of prosperity and wealth, I am afraid that the Wei state in these years has It is already much better than the end of Han Dynasty.
The three kings carefully walked slowly on the red carpet under the guidance of the visitor, heading towards the inner city of Luoyang step by step.
On both sides of the road, the iron armor worn by the Huben guards shone in the sunlight, and the ring-headed knives and iron halberds in their hands also emitted a penetrating cold light under the scorching sun.
Looking towards the city from a distance, you can roughly see the Emperor's carriage, chariot and carriage, and the majestic appearance of the guards.
The halberd was shining brightly in the sun, the ax was shining; he was guarded by a hundred cavalry, and under the silk umbrella canopy, the graceful and majestic Emperor of Wei was there waiting for the congratulations from his country.
"See His Majesty the Emperor of the Wei Dynasty. I wish the Kingdom of Wei Zuo ten thousand years, and I wish His Majesty a long life!"
Under the guidance of the visitors, several kings who had not come to the Central Plains for pilgrimage for decades finally succeeded in completing their gifts and congratulatory messages according to appropriate etiquette.
"Everyone, you have come a long way. It's hard work. I have ordered people to prepare a residence for you. Please rest less, and I will take care of you again!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Emperor of Wei, I will take my leave!"
Hearing that the kings of the Western Regions were calling themselves ministers one after another, Cao Pi couldn't help but feel proud.
After completing the pilgrimage etiquette, Cao Pi taught the kings of the Western Regions to go back to the Silin Pavilion to rest.
"Marquis Pingyuan, I heard that there are very few horses for the guards in your palace."
Cao Pi glanced at his eldest son Cao Rui, who was standing by respectfully. Rui'er's attitude towards him had changed a lot since he had given the death to Empress Zhen. Although he was more respectful, it was obvious that there was always something in his expression. He showed such a hint of indifference inadvertently. And his concern for his children can only be reflected in the way a king cares for his ministers.
"This time, King Shanshan has paid tribute to many fine horses, so I will give you a hundred fine horses from the Western Regions in the East Palace."
When Cao Rui saw the emperor's reward, he immediately knelt on the ground, saluted and thanked him: "Your Majesty, thank you for the reward."
Cao Pi felt a little uncomfortable when he saw Cao Rui being so strict with etiquette. Is this because he was deliberately trying to make himself angry?
Cao Pi was so heartbroken that he didn't even think about helping Cao Rui up, so that Cao Rui knelt down and worshiped on the cold floor tiles for a long time.
"Your Majesty, the young master of the Hou Mansion in Changling Township, Xia Houxuan, requests an interview with Your Majesty."
Just when the father and son were embarrassed, Huang Menling came to convey the message.
"Xia Houxuan, what is this kid doing here again?" Cao Pi smiled slightly, turned around and said, "Tell him to come here to see me."
"Your Majesty, two of your servants, Sima Yi, the Marquis of Xiangxiang, and Chen Qun, the Marquis of Yingxiang, also request an interview with Your Majesty."
"Oh?" Cao Pi frowned and thought for a moment, then continued: "Tell the two servants to go to Shiqian Hall to wait."
"No." Huangmenling received Cao Pi's edict, and after retreating, he immediately began to arrange his men to fetch Xia Houxuan, Sima Yi and Chen Qun respectively.
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"Xuan'er, what did you just say?"
After hearing Xia Houxuan's advice, Cao Pi's face turned gloomy.
Cao Pi thought that Yu Jin's death was inseparable from him, but at this moment, Xia Houxuan actually asked him to restore the title of "Yishouting Marquis" of the Yu family.
"Your Majesty." Xia Houxuan raised his head, looked directly at the emperor's uncertain eyes with his clear eyes, and said righteously: "I request to restore the title of Yu family today for three reasons."
"Oh?" Cao Pi not only felt a little bit laughable, but this boy was only a teenager, but when he spoke, he talked in the same way as those civil servants. Unexpectedly, Boren's eldest son would still be a man of style in the future. Regarding the Xian Guan's information, Cao Pi smiled and said, "You might as well tell it and listen to it."
"Your Majesty, one of the reasons why I request continuous sacrifices to the family is because of your majesty's consideration: since the time when the ancestors of the family were kings, they have made great contributions. Although Yu Wen has humiliated the army, he is already ashamed of it. But when he died in the temple of Emperor Wu, his sins were atoned for, and his son Yu Gui, who served the country well and died in battle, must be remembered by your majesty. Therefore, preserving the family title will not damage your majesty's honorable name."
Xia Houxuan saw that Cao Pi was not angry but fell into deep thought, so he boldly continued:
"Second, it is for the country. The Yu family has produced many talented people. Wouldn't it be a pity if some of the outstanding descendants cannot be used by the country?"
Cao Pi still didn't speak, but looked at Xia Houxuan with interest, carefully pondering what Xia Houxuan said.
Seeing this, Xia Houxuan continued.
"Third, it is my personal relationship. I had a master-disciple relationship with the late Yishou Tinghou Yu Gui, and I was taught martial arts by him. Therefore, I cannot ignore my family. I hope your majesty will think twice and complete this matter."
After hearing what Xia Houxuan said, Cao Pi looked at Xia Houxuan with a smile. The smile seemed to be both approval and surprise.
Boren's child is indeed extraordinary. The one who will protect my Cao family in the future will definitely be this son.
"Sir, what you said is reasonable and reasonable." Cao Pi said with a smile: "Juping County in Mount Tai is the Yu family's hometown. I will send people to select the Yu family's Zhilan Yushu to heir to the title of Marquis of Shouting and the Yu family's great clan.
"
"I, on behalf of my family, would like to thank your majesty for your kindness!" Xia Houxuan saw Cao Pi agreeing, and his voice trembled with excitement.
In the past, Cao Pi only regarded Xia Houxuan as an ordinary nephew, but now it was different. Cao Pi now valued Xia Houxuan, the son of a close friend and minister, who was smart, intelligent, affectionate and righteous.
Xiahou Xuan of the land.
"His Majesty....."
Xia Houxuan felt a little flattered for a moment.
"Xuan'er, I see that the many heirs of the clan and the Xiahou family are not as smart as you and understand the righteousness of your children. I believe that one day in the future, the important task of assisting the Cao family and the Wei Dynasty will fall on you.
It's on your shoulder." Cao Pi helped Xia Houxuan up, patted Xia Houxuan's shoulder gently, and said solemnly: "Wang Qing, don't betray my promise."
"My lord, I will live up to your Majesty's expectations."
Xia Houxuan carefully made this promise. Now, he may not understand how heavy a promise he made, a promise that could change the fate of his life.
Far away from the reception desk, the eldest prince Qi Gong Cao Rui's sister, Dongxiang Princess Cao Ling, who was only more than ten years old, was looking blankly at the stage. He saw his father's face which he had never seen in front of children.
The solemn expression shown.
And the person who bears the expectations hidden under this expression is actually just a teenager.