Han Shizu

Chapter 2098 Taizong Chapter 45 Resurrection to seize the throne

Liu Wenhuan returned to the court and missed the Mid-Autumn Festival as expected. However, as soon as he arrived in Beijing, he was summoned to the palace for a work report. Emperor Liu Yang wanted to personally hear his "participant"'s understanding and opinions on the Peninsular War.

The conversation between father and son lasted for a full hour. Liu Yang was as serious as usual, without showing much emotion, and only had a little encouragement in his attitude. However, not long after meeting Liu Wenhuan, he sent someone to announce the edict. Thanks to the achievements of Annan, Liu Wenhuan of the Jin Dynasty became the king of Ruyang County.

At the same time, the Political Affairs Hall was also ordered to evaluate the heroes of the Battle of Annan. No matter how much dispute there is between North Korea and China over the war that took place in the south, the contributions of the soldiers who sacrificed so much cannot be erased. The strategic decision-making issues at the upper level should be solved by the higher-ups, and the treatment that should be given should not be less.

As a result, while the court provided a large pension, several military nobles were born in the Han Empire. The first of them was of course Hou Yanguang, the deputy commander. It was also clear within the court that he was the actual commander of the Han army. The overall coordination and mobilization of hundreds of thousands of dollars was really not something Liu Wenhuan, who lacked experience, could handle.

Therefore, although Hou Yanguang gave up the title of "first in merit", he got benefits. Liu Yang gave him the title of Pingnan Marquis. After five years, the title that originally belonged to Wang Quanbin's family continued from Hou Yanguang.

At the same time, Kou Zhun was also praised for his active efforts in raising food and wages during the war, and efficiently and orderly dispatching manpower, so that the army was fully supplied.

Of course, as Annan's chief envoy, he had just taken office, so he could not be promoted, and it was not easy to get a title, so he was given a goldfish bag, a suit, a pommel horse, and a moderate increase in administrative salary, and recorded a great contribution in his resume.

Not long after receiving the award, Kou Zhun summarized the situation of the Peninsular War from his perspective and wrote a memorial to Emperor Liu Yang, which was 10,000 words long.

There is only one thing I want to express. I beg the emperor to stop the war and not to start the war again. War is really too expensive, especially in this border area. It is almost certain that the gains outweigh the losses.

Taking the war against Chenla as an example, if the fighting personnel were used to build bridges, pave roads, and build water conservancy, the agricultural conditions of Annan as a whole could be greatly improved.

Of course, if it is just to persuade the soldiers to stop fighting and recuperate, then this kind of cliché will hardly bring people a sense of surprise. Moreover, all peace has a major premise, that is, the majesty of the imperial court cannot be desecrated, and the territory of the empire cannot be violated.

What was clever about Kou Zhun was that, while expressing his "revisionist" political attitude, he also focused on explaining how to stabilize the border. Taking Annan as an example, he presented ten suggestions to Liu Yang. In summary, there are five points: the Han people consolidate the border, divide the barbarians, build water conservancy, develop transportation, and encourage agriculture.

None of these require investment. The imperial court had always had preferential policies for border states, but it was absolutely unable to meet Kou Zhun's "Ten Rules for Defining the Border", and Kou Zhun's real purpose of writing such a long memorial seemed to be readily apparent.

Therefore, after reading the memorial, Liu Yang issued an edict to reduce the taxes on Annan Road for one year. Note that this reduction does not mean that local taxes are no longer collected, but that one year's regular classes do not have to be turned over to the court, and this part is used as the "start-up capital" of Kou Zhun Zhi'annan.

Of course, this process would inevitably involve the imperial court sending officials such as censors and secret envoys to conduct overt and covert visits. Liu Yang now did not believe a hair in the integrity of local bureaucrats, including Kou Zhun.

Take Jiannan as an example. After the rebellion was put down, the imperial court also implemented tax exemptions and exemptions for the severely affected states and counties as appropriate. As a result, dozens more officials were cut off, and the imperial court sent a dozen more envoys to Daozhou to investigate. Check and check to curb the evil trend.

Liu Yang also discovered that some local bureaucrats particularly like to play with the court's policy of "benefiting the people", as if the court's favors and benefits are not for the people, but for these bureaucrats. Generally speaking, if you don't reach out or cut it off, it will feel extremely itchy.

At the same time, after some consideration, Liu Yang temporarily placed the four newly established states in North Chenla by Liu Wenhuan under the jurisdiction of Annan Road. To be precise, it was to put more burdens on Kou Zhun. Didn't he like to toss and give him the power of force? land.

Of course, this is not for Kou Zhun to mess up the situation, otherwise he would be the first to bear the responsibility. Kou Zhun is not stupid, at least he knows better than Liu Wenhuan.

"Congratulations, Your Highness." In front of the palace gate, Zhao Kuangyi met Liu Wenhuan, the new Prince of Ruyang County, who had paid a visit to Concubine Zhao, and greeted him with a slightly complicated expression.

Liu Wenhuan was obviously in a good mood, but he was not in a wild mood, and he couldn't restrain the smug look on his face.

However, when he saw Zhao Kuangyi, he immediately regained his seriousness, saluted respectfully, and called his uncle. For Zhao Kuangyi, his uncle, Liu Wenhuan respected him much more than his mother. He knew better how much help Zhao Kuangyi could bring to him, unlike Concubine Zhao, who was sometimes reserved and struggled with some inexplicable "sectarian opinions."

Probably because of Liu Wenhuan's attitude, Zhao Kuangyi's serious expression softened a bit, and he took the initiative to invite him. After talking about "homely things", Liu Wenhuan naturally had no reason to refuse.

The two of them did not go back to the mansion. Instead, they sat down at an ordinary wine shop outside Zijin Temple and ordered a pot of warm wine to chat. It's not that they don't care about the crowds, but their respective mansions may not be as "private" as this small wine shop.

"His Royal Highness led the army to counterattack Zhenla, which is still a bit reckless." Zhao Kuangyi could not help but point out after a glass of warm wine.

Hearing this, Liu Wenhuan frowned and said, "This matter has already passed, why does my uncle bring it up again now?"

Noticing Liu Wenhuan's reaction, Zhao Kuangyi sighed inwardly, poured two glasses of wine, and said: "Please forgive me for talking too much, I just want to remind your highness of one or two things. It is not good for your highness to get carried away with your pride!"

Hearing what Zhao Kuangyi said, Liu Wenhuan frowned even more. Such preaching is really not easy for young people with strong blood and achievements to accept. At least Zhao Kuangyi does not have the authority and status to suppress Liu Wenhuan. .

Therefore, Liu Wenhuan's expression immediately fell, and then he said with some annoyance: "I know what my uncle pointed out! But let's talk about the matter. Zhenla violated the ban for no reason. I led the army to fight back and retaliate. What's wrong?

How can such a great man tolerate provocation from a small country? Anyone who offends a strong Han will be killed no matter how far away he is. Only after the chaos did the Han Dynasty have such a strong voice. Is it possible that the current Han Dynasty is not as good as the previous dynasty? In the time of Shizu, if Zhenla had not been conquered and the barbarians were destroyed, how could we have taught him a lesson? Who dares to comment on this matter? "

"What His Highness said makes sense!" Liu Wenhuan's words were convincing and convincing. Zhao Kuangyi also nodded in approval, and then followed up: "If it weren't for this reason, Your Highness thought that you could successfully counterattack and attack Beizhenla? You attacked rashly, Going deep into enemy territory, even if the entire Zhenla Kingdom is captured, if he is not the eldest son of the emperor, does His Highness think he will be able to be accepted in the court?"

Hearing what Zhao Kuangyi said, Liu Wenhuan's unruly expression disappeared a lot. He buried his head in thought, but still couldn't figure it out. He finally raised his head and looked directly at Zhao Kuangyi and said: "What do you want to say, uncle! If the Murong family and the courtiers are dissatisfied, they will eventually be dissatisfied." , If Your Majesty has any objections, the Nanzheng Conquest has been completed, and I will be promoted to the title of County King, so why worry about it?"

Liu Wenhuan looked at Zhao Kuangyi with a questioning tone. Zhao Kuangyi was stunned for a long time, and then asked sadly: "Does Your Highness think that His Majesty can be deceived?"

"Your Majesty is very perceptive and can see thousands of miles away. How can he be deceived? That's why Xiao Xiao won't take advantage of him!" Liu Wenhuan responded stubbornly.

Zhao Kuangyi took a sip of wine and said, "Your Highness, ask yourself, did you lead the army to attack Zhenla out of righteous indignation and boost the prestige of our country, or was it to gain fame and meritorious service?"

As soon as these words came out, Liu Wenhuan immediately lost his composure and even stood up. When he saw someone around him looking at him, he slowly sat down again pretending to be calm.

Looking at Zhao Kuangyi who was toasting and drinking there, he took a deep breath of the cool autumn air, hesitated a little, and then lowered his voice and said: "My third brother is already twelve years old. I don't have much time and I don't have many opportunities. If I don't forge ahead, , how to break the situation?"

Zhao Kuangyi was a little surprised that Liu Wenhuan showed his feelings in this way, but after listening to his words, his expression became more solemn and he replied: "Since Your Highness has such ambition, you should think long term and not be impatient, otherwise things will backfire?" "Your Highness, you know, In the war between Annan and Chenla, how much food did the imperial court spend, and how much people were mobilized by the local government?" Zhao Kuangyi said with some seriousness: "If you don't even consider these, how can you win the Sacred Heart?"

"Your Majesty is someone who has the overall situation in mind. He made you king, and he has a love for his son in it! Letting His Majesty lead the troops to defeat the enemy is a test. Your Majesty thinks that Zhengnan's performance can impress His Majesty?"

Zhao Kuangyi said: "Your Majesty, if you want to seize the throne, you still need to follow the trend. What is the current situation in the world? Your Majesty knows!"

Your Majesty’s policies and guidelines for governing the country, have you ever carefully considered and studied them? If you don’t realize this, no matter how much you do or how hard you perform, it will be just trying to make ends meet, going in the wrong direction.”

For Liu Wenhuan, Zhao Kuangyi's words really didn't sound good. Not only did they sound unpleasant, they were even a bit long-winded and nagging, which was annoying. However, in the end, Liu Wenhuan said that he would pay attention in the future, study more of the policies and concepts of the emperor's father in governing the country, and no longer be impatient for advancement. However, it is unclear how much Liu Wenhuan actually listened to.

No matter how Zhao Kuangyi tried to persuade him, at least what appeared on the surface now was that the eldest son of the emperor was just popular and favored, and Zhao Kuangyi's pouring of cold water was somewhat inappropriate.

Liu Wenhuan said goodbye first and left, while Zhao Kuangyi sat alone in the wine shop, pouring himself a glass of wine and drinking. All the sadness was swallowed up with the wine.

Zhao Kuangyi is now 59 years old, nearly sixty years old. Despite his age, the political ambitions of his youth are gradually fading away under the erosion of time.

To be honest, Zhao Kuangyi's desire for power is no longer as strong as before. In the court, in addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as a minister and cultivating his political integrity, all his efforts and hopes were placed on Liu Wenhuan, just for the sake of Liu Wenhuan. If you can help Liu Wenhuan to rise to power, you will be considered successful, and your death will be well deserved.

However, after so many years, Zhao Kuangyi's confidence could not help but be shaken by the performance of Concubine Zhao and her son. There were really too many things that were beyond his control.

Concubine Zhao was a female prostitute with limited knowledge. Zhao Kuangyi could not care about her, but Liu Wenhuan, whom he had been very optimistic about before, now felt powerless.

Inexplicably, Zhao Kuangyi suddenly remembered Zhao Dezhao. He was not as active as himself in supporting Concubine Zhao's mother and son. It is true that Zhao Kuangyi is now in charge of the Zhao family, but Zhao Dezhao and Concubine Zhao are brothers and sisters. Now that I think about it, Zhao Dezhao, the eldest nephew, seems to see things more clearly than himself.

However, at this point, Zhao Kuangyi had no way out. There was only one way to go. Of course, he had no idea of ​​retreating.

While Zhao Kuangyi commented on Liu Wenhuan's impatience, there were others in the palace who were even more anxious and uneasy.

"Queen, I still say what I said. It is better to be still than to move now. As long as the third prince is humble and respectful, thinks carefully, practices etiquette and cultivates virtue, then no one can shake his status. Otherwise, Zhu Guoxun will not agree, and the whole court will Even the ministers didn't agree!" In the Kunming Hall, Murong Defeng, the Minister of Civil Affairs, tried his best to persuade Queen Murong.

However, the queen couldn't hear it, and immediately rebuked: "You always talk like this, and your words are conclusive, but look at the situation in the court now? Liu Wenhuan has been crowned king!"

At the beginning, I said that my son was too young to rule the country, so I tolerated it. Now that my son has grown up, he still cannot take up his position. What is the reason? "

"You always say that time is mine, but these five or six years have passed, and the officials have said nothing. On the contrary, the Zhao mother and son have been favored and favored.

The eldest son, does the official family regard Wen Peng as the legitimate son? "

"Queen!" Hearing Queen Murong's complaint, Murong Defeng became a little anxious, and his tone was even stern, and he said loudly: "You must never blame Your Majesty!"

Noticing Murong Defeng's serious expression, the queen also knew that she had made a mistake. A flash of embarrassment flashed across her graceful face. She turned back to sit down, took a deep breath, and said emotionally: "Rixin, what do you think the officials think?" ? When the late emperor enthroned the official family, the official family was only eight years old, and his status had been determined early. Therefore, even for more than thirty years, it was difficult for the dragon and tiger brothers to compete with him.

Now, my son is already ten and two years old. If the name is not determined, it will not allow the nobles to wait and see, and the courtiers will be suspicious, which will also give Zhao family delusions.

If things go on like this, the foundation of the country is uncertain. Not to mention how my mother and son are doing, what good will it do to the country of Han Dynasty? "

It was rare to see the queen analyze the matter of seizing the heir so calmly. Murong Defeng listened, thought for a while, and said as calmly as possible: "Times have changed, and the situation is different now. Your Majesty has your own considerations regarding the crown prince's succession. Now, I'm afraid I'm still observing. However, as I have always said, I still believe that as long as the queen and the third prince do not make mistakes, it is impossible for your majesty to abandon the throne.

The direct line succession system was agreed between the ancestors and the ministers, and it was also the reason for your majesty's successful succession to the throne. Setting up a heir apparent against the system was a way to cause chaos, and it is impossible for your majesty not to understand it. "

"Having said that, it is precisely because of this that I am uneasy!" Empress Murong said with a solemn expression: "The emperor's heart is unpredictable! With the current power and prestige of the official family, if he insists on establishing a position, the noble ministers of the imperial court will Who can stop me, can you?"

Queen Murong's question really stopped Murong Defeng. He frowned and thought for a while, then cupped his hands and said: "I sincerely ask the Queen to stay patient and deal with it normally."

----

The empress apparently did not listen to Murong Defeng's persuasion. In the autumn of September of the sixth year of Yongxi's reign, a group of civil servants, censors and ministers from the three palaces came to the court to request the emperor to appoint a prince because the country was not solid. , to calm the hearts of the people in the world.

So, after more than five years, the issue of the crown prince and crown prince was once again placed in front of Liu Yang. However, this time, Liu Yang handled the situation much more simply and did not allow the two parties to fight, affect the situation of the DPRK, and destroy the harmonious and stable situation that the Han Dynasty had finally restored.

All the officials who complained were demoted and dismissed. More importantly, Empress Murong was also reprimanded orally by Liu Yang for some reason. From the autumn of the sixth year of Yongxi period, she almost never set foot in Kunming Hall. In informal situations, the emperor and empress did not even meet each other.

Of course, Concubine Zhao received the same treatment. The two women usually did not dare to disobey Liu Yang, but when it came to their beloved son and the position of the prince, they had to put aside all scruples, which also made Liu Yang quite nervous.

The "Controversy for the Crown Prince" in the autumn of the sixth year was suppressed by Liu Yang's decisive handling. However, even Liu Yang himself knew that there would be more and more such situations, and the pressure and contradictions would increase. Heavy, it's almost inevitable.

Supporting the merits of Conglong is top-notch in any era. There will always be people who strive for it one after another. As long as they have a breath left, they will devote themselves to it without hesitation.

This time, Liu Yang also seriously thought about the issue of the crown prince. On the one hand, he was forced by the undercurrent of the heir apparent situation, and on the other hand, because Liu Yang himself was not young anymore.

Liu Yang, the emperor of the sixth year of Yongxi reign, is already 49 years old

(End of this chapter)