Han Shizu

Liu Yang and his entourage quickly changed directions midway and turned to Yaohua Hall after receiving the news. The person who died was naturally not Emperor Liu.

If the old emperor died suddenly, the sky would be shattered, but the atmosphere inside the palace would never be like this. Liu Yang and the ministers would definitely keep the mourning secret, take control of the imperial city, take over the power, and even let the entire Luoyang enter. Temporary alert state, until everything is dealt with and the situation is stabilized, the death news will be announced and the dragon bell will be sounded.

Naturally, Liu Yang and others knew the secrets inside, but when the dragon bell suddenly rang, the reactions of the people in the political hall were indeed worth pondering.

Many times, the subconscious reaction is often the most real. Fortunately, there were no outsiders at the time. Otherwise, if the old emperor knew about it, he would not know what to think and would suffer from hysteria.

It was still early, around two o'clock in the morning, the old emperor had already rushed to the Yaohua Palace. He probably felt the depressing and sad atmosphere in the palace. The wind started to blow strongly outside again, and the sound of rain became louder.

In the bedroom, Concubine Gao was lying quietly on the couch, without her usual fierceness and eagerness, she seemed extremely calm at this time.That face had long lost the charm of its youth, but in the eyes of the old emperor, it was so familiar and friendly.

Why did it suddenly disappear?Everyone was fine yesterday, and they even had a rare dinner with me. A few days ago, they argued with me angrily about the "suffering" of Liu Xi and his son in the southwest. Why did he change his mind after one night? Two days apart?

At this time, Emperor Liu's dim old eyes were a little misty, and he was a little confused. His mind was in chaos. He had no time to feel sad or desolate, but he was just a little confused...

It is not known exactly when the imperial concubine went, but she was already cold when the waiter discovered her in the early morning.Of course, the maids of the Yaohua Palace are not so slack in their work. It’s just that the imperial concubine has not been sleeping well recently and has even been unable to sleep at all for several nights. After the escort came back last night, she rarely slept peacefully. The palace people were considerate of the imperial concubine and were also afraid of her. Naturally, the imperial concubine didn’t dare to disturb her, so she didn’t even know when she was gone...

Foreign ministers in the inner palace are not allowed to enter without permission. Among the people from the Political Affairs Hall and others, only Liu Yang and Liu Yan finally arrived at the Yaohua Hall. When they arrived, they saw a group of trembling palace people.Without waiting to be notified and asked for an audience, the old emperor had already walked out, his steps were extremely slow, and there was no trace of anger on his old face, which was really scary.

Liu Yang and Liu Ming hurriedly greeted them, but the old emperor ignored them and turned his head to look at Hu De, who had his head hanging down: "Where was the person who served the imperial concubine last night?"

Hu De didn't dare to be careless and said quickly: "The four of them are detained in the veranda. Do the officials want to inquire?"

"What are you asking?" Emperor Liu asked coldly, and then he calmly ordered: "Execute them all!"

"Yes!" Hood replied without any hesitation, and quickly left the palace to make arrangements.At this moment, he had no other thought in his heart except hoping that the heads of these four maidservants would calm the old emperor's anger.

As for sympathy, it is really a luxury in this palace. In such a situation, it is a blessing to be able to protect oneself.

Even the prince, who was always known for his "kindness and generosity", didn't say anything. His face had no other expression except seriousness.The fate of the four palace servants was doomed. Even Liu Yang felt that he deserved it. The master was already dead before he noticed something strange. Think about it if the old emperor died, it would be like this. How much time would be wasted in the meantime. How many unpredictable changes have been caused.
"What are you doing here?" The old emperor then turned his attention to Brother Liu Yang.

When asked, Liu Yang still maintained a cautious attitude and replied: "In recent days, the rain in Gyeonggi has been constant, and the river water has surged. I am worried about the flood, and I am discussing with the princes about flood prevention and disaster preparedness. Suddenly I heard the bell ringing, especially Come and say hello."

Liu Yang's answer was a little long-winded, but at this time, the old emperor, who was already a little slow-minded, didn't think too much. He just nodded subconsciously and said: "You have your heart. The imperial concubine has served me for more than 40 years. When she suddenly left, I This really doesn’t feel good to me.”

"Your Majesty, my condolences!" Seeing that the old emperor finally showed some sadness, Liu Yang took advantage of the situation and consoled him with gentle words.The old emperor shook his head and staggered suddenly. Brother Liu Yang saw this and quickly stepped forward to help him. They put Emperor Liu on the left and right sides of the chair and sat down. Liu Yang even called out anxiously: "Emperor Physician" ! Send the imperial doctor!"

"No need!" The old emperor frowned, as if he was annoyed at his own ineffectiveness. He pressed his forehead sadly, raised his eyes and said to Liu Yang: "I'm fine! You can't help here. Go back to Guangzhou Go to the political palace, national affairs are important, and the safety of the lives and property of thousands of people on both sides of the Yellow River and the Yellow River is more important."

"This..." Regarding this, the prince looked very hesitant and looked uneasy. After pondering for a while, Fang sternly confessed to Liu Ming: "Eighth brother, you will take care of me here. If anything happens, send someone to Guangzhou." Zhengdian inform me!"

"Yes!" Liu Yan responded solemnly.

He bowed to the old emperor again, showing the utmost respect and etiquette. After receiving feedback from his eyes, Liu Yang slowly retreated.

There are never any secrets in the palace, not to mention that when the dragon bell rings, it can be heard throughout the imperial city.Soon, all the dignitaries inside and outside the palace got the news. Immediately afterwards, all the ladies rushed to the Yaohua Hall on behalf of the family. Obviously, their main purpose was to inquire about the news.

Of course, there are also those who are sincere, such as Princess Liu Jian of Gaode (renamed in the 13th year of Kaibao) who was born to the old emperor and Concubine Gao. After receiving the news, she felt a little sad and hurried to Yaohua Palace. .

The old emperor had a total of seven princesses in his life. Except for the fifth princess of Huaiyang, Liu Xuan, who committed suicide due to the prince-consort case, the others were all married and had children.

The one most loved by the old emperor was undoubtedly the eldest princess Liu Jia. As for the second princess Liu Jian, she was different from her mother's strong-willed mother since she was a child. She followed a gentle line, neither impatient nor rash, neither fighting nor grabbing, which has always made people happy. Don't worry, there's never been any trouble.

Even when they got married, they followed the old emperor's arrangements. At the age of 19, she married Chai Zongxun, the son of the late British Gong Chai Rong.Although Chai Zongxun has not been able to inherit Chai Rong's mantle, he has not pursued an official career like his brothers. So far, he has only served as a secretary in the secretarial department. He has a carefree and carefree temperament, which is in harmony with Liu Jian. , have been married for nearly 20 years, and are quite enviable. They are stable and harmonious, and they are also a "model family" among the rich and powerful in the capital.

There were two boys and one girl who rushed to Yaohua Hall with Liu Jian. The two boys were in their prime, and the girl, who was about ten years old, was the three children of Liu Jian, Chai Xining, Chai Xirang, Chai Xijin.

The one who came earlier was Chai Zongxun. He was on rare duty in the Secretary's Prison, and he arrived in a hurry. His robe was half wet, and his forehead was also wet. I don't know if it was rain or sweat.
After the death of the concubine was confirmed, the couple was in mourning. Liu Jian even cried until she fainted. Concubine Gao only had a son and a daughter. Although she was more concerned about Liu Xi's political future, she never treated Liu Jian badly. The relationship between mother and daughter was also Sincere.

As for the three brothers, Chai Xining, Chai Xirang, and Chai Xijin, they all knelt outside the dormitory, howled loudly, and started mourning in advance.
Seeing the emotional expression of this family, the old emperor's numb eyes finally showed a little wave, and even some rare tears welled up. He wiped them away several times before wiping them dry.

The funeral ceremony of the imperial concubine was naturally of high standard, second only to Queen Fu in terms of ceremony. After all, the imperial concubine Gao's status in the Han Palace and in the heart of the old emperor could not be considered low. There was also a relative of the Gao family in the court.

Of course, in recent years, the Gao family has declined due to the mediocrity of its descendants, and has even been overtaken by the Zhao family. However, as an old and powerful family, its heritage can never be underestimated.

At the same time, the old emperor also posthumously named Concubine Gao the filial empress. The old emperor knew that the concubine had hoped to be given the title of empress during her lifetime, but she could not do so whether it was for the sake of the stability of the court or the inheritance of the country.

However, granting him a favor during his lifetime and granting him a title after his death were the last wishes of the old emperor.