After everything in Qingzhou was settled, it was already the end of December, and the Bafu army returned to Chang'an with thousands of prisoners from Linzi. After the army garrisoned Baling, Liu Bei led the generals into the city and specially selected 8,000 elite troops from each department to support the puppet government.
Emperor Liu Chao entered Chang'an together to perform a triumphal ceremony.
Liu Xie, the Sidi Emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and Chen Chang, the captain of the Sili school, led the civil and military forces to the east palace of Weiyang Palace and were captured. The army entered the city from the kitchen gate in the north. After arriving at Guanhou Street, they suddenly turned eastward and then followed Dumen Avenue in the city.
Crossing the Chi Road and Zhangtai Street, they circled the city. Almost all the people from Chang'an came out to watch the victorious soldiers and Linzi prisoners of war. Along the way, there were many ladies and gentlemen on both sides, vying to see the elegance of the cavalry of hundreds of battles.
Leading the way were Liu Bei's white-collared bodyguards, dressed in military uniforms, red brocade robes, and white-feathered domed iron jackets, holding high the cloud-patterned flying tiger flag. The military flag fluttered in the wind, and horse hooves led the rumble behind them.
There was a sound, and it could be seen that countless samurai with swords were walking towards them. They walked in unison, and a thousand people seemed to be one person. The blades in their hands were drawn out, and under the winter sun, an iron blade could be seen shining with cold light, which was eye-catching. Behind them was the large army.
General Liu Bei, Henan Yin Guanyu, General Zhang Fei of the Liao Dynasty and other generals in the Chinese army were all very powerful. Even the emperor's chariot in front looked a little inferior in this situation.
Then a hundred people were captured by the Linzi Dynasty, as well as Liu Chao, the puppet emperor. They were all dressed in plain clothes, standing on several horses and carts, and were crowded and driven by the soldiers through the road. Seeing this scene, the crowd let out heartfelt cheers
The sound of cheers and noises is like watching the spring breeze watching them come and go.
Following at the end are the four thousand Bafu cavalry. These people are almost all warriors who are one in a hundred, and they are the absolute main force in the war. After people heard about it, they couldn't help but open their eyes and watch carefully.
I saw the Bafu cavalry in a column, two horses and a row, coming slowly. But they were only wearing ordinary military uniforms, with bows and arrows on their backs and broadswords on their horses. There might be rolled up leather blankets, grain bags, and water bags behind the saddles.
etc. Both the knight and the mount have the color of dust, the knight's leather boots are still stained with snow and mud, and the mount does not wear any decoration. It is like marching in the valley of Hongnong, and thus entered the center of attention.
In Chang'an City.
Having just seen countless splendid personal guards in front of them, now they suddenly saw the Bafu cavalry in ordinary attire, but people did not dare to have any contempt. Although the horses were all mixed colors, and the clothes were neither gorgeous nor uniform, but as far as the eye could see,
These knights are silent and solemn, with eyes as hard as stone. Although they are not majestic when riding, they still act in a consistent manner and have a terrifying murderous aura. What's more, there are ferocious-looking Huns or Xianbei among them.
It makes people feel chilled.
When these cavalry passed by, people did not dare to look up. When they gradually walked away, people started talking and praising them, saying: "The so-called elites who are fierce in their methods and kill countless people are probably like this. There were rumors before that Duan Juan returned home in triumph.
At that time, some people fainted because of the sergeant’s eyes, but I believe it now.”
Besides, the sacrifice of prisoners has been completed, and Liu Bei led all the people who would come to pay homage to the Emperor. This time he won a great victory in the eastern expedition, and eliminated Yuan Shu, Bai Bo, and the three thieves of Qi and Han. He was blameless. Even though the Emperor was depressed in his heart, he had to smile at this moment.
The edict said that since the generals had worked hard and had outstanding achievements this time, they should not go home first. He would host a banquet in the palace to entertain everyone.
When the banquet just started, Liu Bei suddenly walked into the middle of the banquet and told the emperor and everyone that he had a treasure that he would give to the emperor. Everyone didn't know why, but Chen Chong understood it very well. Only one person slowly walked out of the banquet, holding a treasure in his hand.
A box, he knelt on the ground in front of everyone, and said in a deep voice to the emperor: "I, Zhu Zhi, have been ordered by Polu General Sun Jun to enclose the national seal in the letter and return it to Your Majesty."
Everyone couldn't help but uproar when they heard the sound, and the emperor couldn't help but stand up and look directly at the lacquer box in Zhu Zhi's hand. At this time, Chen Chong walked to the palace, took the lacquer box solemnly, then raised it to his chest, walked slowly back to the emperor, and put the lacquer box in his hands.
Place it before the emperor.
The Emperor's body trembled slightly. He remembered what happened ten years ago, and his eyes turned red. He opened the cover of the letter, held the imperial seal in his hands, and signaled to all the officials at the banquet. They all shouted for ten thousand years, and repeated
Kowtow.
Since the Luoyang Rebellion, the disappearance of the national seal has been a concern for all officials in the imperial court. Passing on the national seal symbolizes the destiny of heaven. If the emperor fails to pass on the national seal, it means that the strength of the Han Dynasty has been exhausted and the country will not last long. Both the government and the public
Although this matter has never been mentioned, there have long been rumors among the people that Han Zuo is in decline and cannot be saved. Now that the imperial seal has returned to the imperial court, these rumors will surely disappear.
The emperor couldn't help but be filled with emotion when he saw this seal. He cried to everyone: "The last time I saw this seal, when I was King Chenliu, the emperor said to me with this seal: 'If I die,
This country can only be left to you.' Then there was chaos in the Eastern Capital. When I saw this thing today, I seemed to see the emperor's brother." This emotion was so touching that all the officials were not moved.
At this time, Chen Chong advised: "It is because of the loyal ministers in the world who sacrificed their lives for the Han Dynasty that we can achieve today's situation. I hope your Majesty will keep it in mind."
The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly, and then said slowly: "I never dare to forget what you said, sir." After saying that, he called Zhu Zhi to him and asked him about his experience in the past ten years. Under the gaze of hundreds of officials, Zhu Zhi was not convinced.
Instead of panicking, he responded calmly, and the words he spoke were as if they were being carved with an ax or a knife.
He first talked about Sun Jian's deeds in attacking Dong and conquering Hangu, and then talked about Sun Ce who endured the humiliation under Yuan Shu and wanted to repay the imperial court. Finally, during the battle of Ruying, he decided to avenge his father and be loyal to the country. Hearing this, the emperor couldn't help but criticize his integrity.
: "It's also a beautiful story when a father and his son are both defeated."
Then Zhu Zhi talked about the current situation in Yangzhou. Sun Ce was unparalleled in Jiangdong and had wiped out the rebels in five counties within two years. Only Yuzhang was occupied by Liu Biao and had not yet been captured. The emperor once again sighed with emotion: "Sun Hou fought as a young man.
Like his father, Ying is more loyal than Dai Hou!" The so-called Dai Hou refers to the famous Yuntai general Anfeng Hou Dou Rong. During the Xinmang chaos, Dou Rong took control of Hexi to protect himself, but he still thought of the Han Dynasty, and Guangwu was there
After Qianqiuting proclaimed himself emperor, he took the initiative to return to the Han Dynasty and destroyed Weixiao. He was praised by Guangwu as "loyal and filial, supporting the poor and rescuing people in danger." The emperor's analogy showed his love for Sun Ce.
So the emperor announced the reward on the spot, and made Sun Ce the general of the Eastern Conquest, adding 600 households to the city, granting 100 horses, 500 red gold, and more than 1,000 slaves. He also promoted Zhu Zhi to the rank of Lieutenant General of Baiyue, and was granted the title of Marquis of Anting.
Jiangdong Pingshan is in trouble. Such favor is not uncommon, and all the officials at the banquet were secretly frightened.
After Sun Ce was rewarded, the evaluation of the merits of the generals who conquered the East also started. Before Liu Bei came to Beijing, this matter had been discussed in the court for a long time, and it had already been concluded, so it was just in time to announce it:
In this year's war, Cao Cao broke through the fortified city and stretched across Jinan. Without him, Cao Cao was in the first place. Therefore, the imperial court named him Zuo Chaoqi General Shouzhang County Marquis, envoy Chijie and Yibi Sansi.
It's just that Cao Cao is still in Yanzhou and can't go to Chang'an in person, which is a pity.
In the Qingxu war, Xun You made many ingenious strategies. He deceived Linqu and flooded Linzi, which was a decisive factor. Therefore, his merits were ranked second, above the other generals. In terms of merits, he was promoted to military advisor.
The general, the Marquis of Jinche Township, was given five hundred gold.
Guan Yu ranked third. In fact, Guan Yu's performance this year was not outstanding. However, he guarded the Eastern Capital, repaired palaces, fought numerous battles, and must be defeated in every battle. Over the past few years, Liu Bei, in order to show his selflessness, has not done anything about it.
He was awarded a reward, so he was rewarded this time and ranked third. He was awarded the title of General of the Right Chariot and Cavalry, making Chijie Kaifu Yibi Sansi and Shangluohou.
Later, Zhang Xian's achievements in pacifying Huainan were ranked fourth, Wei Yan and Liu Xuan's achievements in sweeping Zishui were ranked fifth and sixth. Although the generals under them had merits, they were only in the battlefield and were not as good as the above six people.
The award will not be described in detail in the article.
As for those Chen Deng and Chen Gui who surrendered before the battle, Liu Bei has made arrangements and will no longer reward them. Those who died on the battlefield will be compensated for their families, promoted to the children of the family, and enjoy their father's title.
These arrangements are considered appropriate, and there is no objection from the palace, government or the public. However, there is a big problem that has not been solved and has been put on hold until now, which is how to reward Liu Bei.
Liu Bei is already a general and the Marquis of Qixian County, which is the ultimate in terms of official titles. However, he presides over the government and has campaigned in Guandong for six years. Not only has he never suffered a major defeat, but he has also won many victories. So far, he has pacified the Central Plains, conquered six states, and conquered the south of the Yangtze River.
In name, he is the number one contributor to the resurgence of the Han Dynasty. If he is not rewarded, it will not be enough to convince the public. But if he is rewarded, in fact, he has no reward and no reward.
Therefore, at the banquet, some people raised questions on the spot. Fazheng, Taishi Ci and others asked: "Is it possible that the general has no merit?" This made the emperor feel embarrassed.
In the end, Liu Bei answered: "Da Sima Huo Guang assisted Emperor Xiaozhao and Emperor Xiaoxuan for more than 20 years. He had the merit of abolishing and establishing policies. His achievements are the highest among ministers. However, the official honor is extremely high and cannot be rewarded. Huo Da and I
What's wrong with Sima?" So he declined the matter.
As a result, everyone in the court praised Liu Bei, comparing him to the Duke of Zhou.
After this incident, Liu Bei arranged for Zhang Fei to be formally engaged to the third sister of the Xiahou family. This was what Cao Cao proposed to Liu Bei when Cao Cao and Liu Bei parted. He heard that Zhang Fei was not yet married, and that Xia Houyuan, the Prime Minister of Jibei, had a child.
The girl was now eleven years old and at the age of engagement, so she asked Liu Bei for a marriage.
Liu Bei was very happy when he heard this, which meant that Cao Cao was willing to get close to him, so he naturally agreed to it. In order to show the sincerity of the marriage between the two families, the engagement was made with great fanfare, and everyone in Guandong and Guanxi knew it, not only the three princes and nine ministers in the court.
Liu Biao from Jingzhou, Liu Yan from Yizhou, Sun Ce from Yangzhou, Zhang Jin from Jiaozhou and other princes also came to express their congratulations. After learning about it, Yuan Shao from Hebei also sent Xun Chen to express his congratulations and send him a very generous gift.
The precious ten-foot-long brocade screen.
Although Zhang Fei was only a general of the Liao Dynasty and his status was equivalent to that of Jiu Qing, everyone in the world knew that he was no different from Liu Bei's biological brother. Cao Cao's father was from the Xiahou family, and the Xiahou family had been married to the Cao family for generations, and they were also members of the same family.
Therefore, this engagement can be said to be the marriage of the two most prominent groups in the Han Dynasty. So much so that the emperor personally intervened in the matter and gave Zhang Fei a pair of Lantian jade bis.
At least from this moment, it seems that Jinyang Bafu is at its peak, unparalleled in the world.
In this way, the Han Dynasty ushered in the sixth year of Yanxing (198 AD).