Han Shizu

Before the arrival of the 28th year of Kaibao, another grand funeral was held in Xijing City, with snow dances all over the sky, perhaps because Luoyang is a white world. The snow season is not so abrupt.

Strictly speaking, the funeral of King Liu Xu of Qin was just a memorial service. Liu Xu's body was buried in King Anton's Tomb. As for the Tomb of the Great Han Emperor, it was only symbolically buried with clothes.But even if it is just a memorial service, with its high standard and large scene, it can be called the fourth time since the founding of the Han Dynasty.

The first three times were Gaozu Liu Zhiyuan, Empress Dowager Li, and Empress Fu. From this perspective, we can see Liu Xu's position in Emperor Liu's heart.But it's too late, when Emperor Liu raised Liu Xu so high, there will be a lot of weird words below.

In some people's eyes, no matter how noble Liu Xu's status is, he is still just a bastard, not to mention that since he has entrusted Anton, he already belongs to a foreign vassal. It is a special kindness to retain the title of King Qin.Although there is a saying that death is full of mourning and glory, it is hard to win the hearts of the people with such a big funeral ceremony and super treatment.Virtue does not match, and it has been easy to be criticized since ancient times.
It is conceivable how the old emperor would react when such remarks reached the ears of the old emperor. What was originally a pot of cold oil was quickly stimulated into a pot of hot oil that exploded. Those rumors were like cold water as cold as snow.

As a result, a retaliatory dismissal of officials happened again, and dozens of officials in the capital were relegated, and they were not sent to Pianzhou in the traditional border area, and they were all driven to Anxi and Nanyang by Emperor Liu.

Emperor Liu was very angry, not only because of those rumors, but also because those people dared to speak and criticize.He became more courageous, so strong that he gave Emperor Liu a feeling that he was too old and unable to control others.

In fact, in the state of the old emperor, he was very restrained and tolerant without killing him.However, one thing that is more frightening than the demotion of officials is that more than two-thirds of the officials who were demoted were members of the Eastern Palace or people involved with the Eastern Palace. "Princelings", this really can't help but make people have many bad associations.

Therefore, after entering the new year, the crown prince Liu Yang obviously kept a low profile, and his sense of presence was also much less. Except for the important meetings of the court, he hardly appeared in front of people.With the arrival of the new year, all things are trying to recover, but the Han court has fallen into silence. Even if it is the Lantern Festival, the scene is still grand, the subjects are still lively, and Emperor Liu is still lonely, getting more and more boring
It was late at night, and the Qianyuan Palace Banquet ended at the same time as in previous years. Under the dark sky, in the cold night wind, Prince Liu Yang and Deputy Privy Envoy Murong Defeng walked drunkenly between the palace rooms, slowly Headed towards the East Palace.

Probably because too many fireworks were set off before, the air is not so fresh, and there are still a lot of pungent smells left.Ever since Murong Defeng was promoted to Deputy Privy Envoy, the two monarchs and ministers seldom walked together like this. Since they each performed their duties, they couldn't get away from each other, and they also needed to avoid suspicion.

However, no matter how the current situation changes, Murong Defeng is Liu Yang's closest, most trusted, and most dependent official. Of course, considering the existence of Ma Huaiyu, it is reasonable to add "one of the three" after the "three most" .

"Your Highness, I heard a piece of news earlier that His Majesty intends to let Duke Yan replace His Highness Prince Jin to take charge of the political affairs hall." Murong Defeng respectfully followed Liu Yang, but the palace lantern failed to illuminate his whole picture. His face, but what he said could reflect his expression: "These days, there are a lot of rumors in the palace, I don't know about this, is it a rumor?"

Wen Wen asked, Liu Yang's pace was still unhurried, without much change, but after a while, he just nodded and said: "There is such a thing, but the tenth brother refused."

Yangong Liu Zhao, ranked tenth among the brothers. Of course, more importantly, he was born to Empress Fu, and he is Liu Yang's younger brother. , second only to Liu Yang.

However, all along, Liu Zhaoyi has not shown extraordinary talent, and the other has not shown similar ambitions, and his growth trajectory is the same as that of ordinary princes at a later age. There is nothing special about it. Therefore, few people focus on.

However, when Emperor Liu suddenly issued an edict to allow Liu Zhao to enter the political affairs hall and participate in the central government affairs, it inevitably aroused some people's associations and speculations. At this time, many people seemed to realize again that this is also the descendant of the great man. Prince
As Liu Yang's hardcore supporter, Murong Defeng naturally belonged to those people with rich associations. Seeing the prince's calm reaction, he asked, "I don't know what your Majesty is doing?"

Murong Defeng's words had a meaning that was difficult to understand, but Liu Yang clearly received it. He turned his head and glanced at him, turned his hands behind his back, and said calmly: "Didn't you already say it? Instead of King Jin, the counselor of the court , the government affairs hall needs a seat for a member of the royal family!"

Is that all?Murong Defeng was secretly thinking about it, but looking at Liu Yang, he was obviously pretending to be stupid.After hesitating, Liu Yang spoke up: "The tenth brother refused. The reason is that he lacks talent and virtue, has not studied government affairs, and it is difficult to take on important tasks. Let your majesty find another capable person."

"Your Majesty dares to ask directly, what is His Majesty's attitude?" Murong Defeng's eagerness was almost written on his face.

Regarding this, Liu Yang showed a half-smile expression on his face: "Your Majesty agreed, and talked to the seventh brother. The imperial edict should be issued in these three or two days."

Hearing that it was Wu Guogong Liu Hui, Murong Defeng's wonderful expression returned to calm. Obviously, in his opinion, Liu Hui's threat is not great.Liu Hui's literary talent is very good, and he can almost be called the best in the capital. In terms of poetry, he is also called "South Li and North Liu" together with Li Yu. Huan, it is difficult to arouse jealousy.

What happened in Henan's political and tax reform back then has made many ministers see the Seventh Prince clearly, and now he will not be seen by an important minister like Murong Defeng.

Seemingly aware of Murong Defeng's slack breath, Liu Yang's tone remained calm, and he said something that surprised him: "These years, I have been working on state affairs, and I have never stopped. I am really tired. I decided to ask Your Majesty for a favor." Fake, temporarily leave the government hall, cultivate one's morality, live a relaxed life"

Hearing this, Murong Defeng frowned immediately, and observed Liu Yang boldly and carefully, his face under the dim light was still calm and hazy.Thoughtful, Murong Defeng pondered for a while, then sighed softly: "Why is this so?"

Liu Yang was silent for a while, shook his head and sighed softly: "Donggong has left a lot of people during this period, and it's a little lonely! Rixin, may you intend to take up another post in another place? , is a matter of course.”

Murong Defeng frowned even tighter, his mind was spinning rapidly, thinking about the intention of the prince's words.After a while, he calmly cupped his hands and asked, "I obey His Highness's will!"

"Liaodong Road and Yanshan South Road, two or one!" Liu Yang said.

According to Murong Defeng's original intention, he would naturally want to go to Liaodong, but considering Liu Yang's starting point for this move, he hesitated for a while, and solemnly replied: "I wish to go to Yanshan South Road."

"Okay!" Liu Yang's answer was also short and powerful.

The monarch and his ministers walked for a while until they arrived at Xuanhui Gate, and stopped to look at the towering and heavily guarded palace gate. Liu Yang murmured: "Thousands of rocks and valleys are hardworking, and you can see the source from a distance; How can streams be kept, the sea will eventually become waves.”

Hearing this, Murong Defeng showed a look of surprise on his face, and also muttered to himself: "Hide your strengths and bide your time!"

Liu Yang glanced at Murong Defeng sideways, stretched out his hand, and invited with a smile: "I'm afraid you haven't had a good drink in the Qianyuan Hall, so come to my Hongde Hall and have another drink, and you won't go home if you're not drunk?"

"The minister will have to risk his life to accompany him!" Murong Defeng replied with a smile.

In fact, in Liu Yang's planning, not only Murong Defeng, but also a large number of nobles, bureaucrats and talents who are close to the East Palace, will be gradually released in the future.

The purpose is very clear, not only to train talents, but also to strengthen his prince's influence and control over the local area, and at the same time make the old emperor feel more at ease in Beijing.