Han Shizu

"Fourth Uncle, what happened in the capital that you are so eager to call us back to the palace?"

Xiangfuyi is located in the west of Kaifeng. After a stressful journey, he took a short rest here and drank a sip of herbal tea to relieve the heat. Liu Wenpeng couldn't help but ask Liu Fang.

"What, haven't you had enough fun?" Liu Fang glanced at Liu Wenpeng, his expression slightly serious.

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Liu Wenpeng's face, and he said with some lack of confidence: "I'm just curious, why did dad only call me second brother?"

Obviously, Liu Wenpeng is not a mindless person. On the contrary, he turns very quickly. In fact, the edict from the emperor only named Liu Wenpeng to return to Beijing, without explaining the reason. Liu Fang fulfilled his duties as a "guardian" and accompanied him as an escort.

The unusual nature of the situation was already obvious, and by the time we entered Gyeonggi-do, we already understood the general situation. On the way, people from Beijing kept reporting news to Liu Fang, and they were far more than just his own news channels.

The target of those extra people was actually Liu Wenpeng. They came buzzing like flies, but were shooed away by Liu Fang as flies.

Accurate news came from unofficial channels. Someone died in the capital, Princess Chang of Ruyang. Cause of death: stabbed. Murderer: Liu Wenhuan.

As for the reason why Liu Wenhuan killed his wife, they were kept secret, but when this incident actually happened, the whole court was shocked. Therefore, this matter is likely to directly point to the end of the prince's struggle. It is a major loss point politically in terms of emotion, law and reason.

Of course, Liu Fang was aware of this, which was also the reason why Liu Fang strictly protected Liu Wenpeng. He did not want the emperor's only legitimate son to be inexplicably disturbed before the final decision was made. He just listened to the edict and if anything happened, he could talk about it back to Beijing.

"You don't need to think too much! Kaifeng has passed, and Luoyang is not far away. After returning to Beijing, I suddenly feel enlightened!" Liu Fang comforted Liu Wenpeng.

Liu Wenpeng nodded. Sometimes people are really affected by some auras. Just like Liu Wenpeng at this time, Liu Fang rarely saw him so calm.

Luoyang is still the same Luoyang, with prosperous scenery and the same bustle, but the atmosphere in the court and palace is obviously different.

He held his breath and attentively entered the Chui Gong Hall with Liu Fang, met the saint and received the ceremony. Liu Wenpeng had always been in awe of Liu Yang and did not dare to look at him for a long time. Liu Yang had always been serious about the three princes. But at this time in the palace, Liu Wenpeng unexpectedly discovered that the emperor's father was looking at him with such eyes. It was complicated, this was the first time, and it made Liu Wenpeng even more embarrassed.

"Go and see your mother first!" Liu Yang directly ordered without saying anything to Liu Wenpeng.

"Yes!" Liu Wenpeng wanted it the most, and he breathed a sigh of relief from the inside out. The emperor always suppressed the young man until he had difficulty breathing.

"Sit!" After Liu Wenpeng left, Liu Yang focused on Liu Fang.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Liu Fang behaved very reservedly.

Looking at his fourth brother, Liu Yang tried his best to keep his tone calm, but his stern expression really didn't make anyone feel relaxed at all: "Thank you for your hard work!"

"Your Majesty is serious!" Liu Fang said.

"How is this guy?" Liu Yang pointed his hand outward.

Liu Fang thought for a while and then said: "The talent is quite good, but he lacks experience and experience. He can just hone himself more in the future."

"Experience." Liu Yang murmured: "This boy's temperament is uncertain. I wonder if he can succeed in the future?"

Hearing what Liu Yang said, Liu Fang was silent for a while and said: "Excuse me, I have no experience, how can we accomplish something?"

When Liu Yang heard this, he was stunned for a moment, rolled his eyes twice, with a little light shining in his eyes, and said with emotion: "You should be more careful!"

"May I ask, Your Majesty, what is the purpose of urgently summoning ministers and Wen Peng back to the capital?" Liu Fang asked again.

Liu Yang couldn't help but glance at Liu Fang in surprise, as if wondering if he hadn't heard any rumors. Just a momentary thought, Liu Yang quickly regained his seriousness, almost stared at Liu Fang and said: "In addition to my part-time job, I plan to entrust you with another important task!"

Hearing this, Liu Fang raised his head, but did not say anything. He just waited quietly for the next sentence. Liu Yang did not continue to show off, and said in a solemn tone: "Prince and Tutor!"

In response, Liu Fang's brows knitted together. His mood swings were probably as complex as this. He thought for a long time and asked softly: "Your Majesty, has he made up his mind?"

After hearing the question, Liu Yang's old face once again showed a slightly complicated expression, and he said sadly: "I am getting older. I have been governing the country for these years. Even if I can't say that I have worked hard, I still managed to do it, including night clothes and full meals. of.

But in the past two years, my body has been a little weak, and it is inevitable to feel weak. I have been in power for ten years and have managed people's livelihood with some success. It's time to think about my future affairs.

If we do not establish a crown prince and establish the foundation of the country, I am afraid that the government and the opposition will be unrest, the country will not be safe, and my ears will not be clean. For the sake of the country and the country, I should make a decision to calm the people at home and abroad. This is also my responsibility. "

This statement may be the first time Liu Yang has told an outsider, and the first person to listen is Liu Fang. Coupled with the appointment of the Crown Prince and Tutor, it is obvious that King Zhao still occupies an important position in the emperor's heart.

Hearing the sadness in Liu Yang's tone, Liu Fang couldn't help but feel moved, and called out: "Second brother, you are serious! Your dragon body has always been healthy, and the great Han, the people, and the people still need your grace."

"When the late Emperor was in power, those of us who were ministers often used these words of comfort." Liu Yang waved his hands and said, "I consider myself diligent and have not dared to slack off for decades. But how easy is this persistence?"

Liu Fang boldly stared at Liu Yang. At this moment, many pictures appeared in his mind and he recalled many past events.

Without careful observation, you can find that the emperor's second brother is indeed old now. Compared with ten years ago, he is almost a different person, especially his image, which has been greatly reduced. However, it was precisely in the current Liu Yang that Liu Fang actually saw a little shadow of Emperor Shizu. For the first time, Liu Fang had unreserved admiration for the emperor's second brother.

Liu Yangze continued to tell: "I know that you have been wronged in the past ten years. You are an eagle. You should be flying in the sky. Even in a closed country, you can make great achievements and achieve great achievements, but you are trapped in In the golden cage of Luoyang.

Even if you have resentment against me, it is understandable.” ˜ ˜ ˜ “Your Majesty’s words are serious! Hearing this, Liu Fang couldn't hold back, and immediately expressed his stance: "I have no complaints!" "

Liu Yang waved his hand again, looked at Liu Fang, and said in a candid tone: "For many years, I have been thinking about the late emperor's intention of calling you to return to the court before his death, but it has always been difficult to understand.

But now, I have also looked away. No matter what the late Emperor's considerations were, I want to regard you as the pillar of support for the great man.

Wen Peng, I will leave it to you."

Liu Yang's words can be said to be true to his heart. However, after all, this is what comes from the emperor's mouth, so how can it be taken completely seriously, especially for a person with a special status like Liu Fang. Therefore, he seemed very cautious and did not dare to agree to anything rashly.

As if he heard Liu Fang's thoughts, Liu Yang said calmly: "I know you have concerns, but what I have revealed today can be expressed by the sun and the moon, and can be seen by heaven and earth.

I don't expect you to treat me as unreservedly as you did to the late emperor, but as long as you remain true to the big man. No matter what, you and I must keep this inheritance that dad left behind! "

Liu Yang said this, and Liu Fang, after looking at each other for a long time, stood up, knelt down and worshiped: "My heart towards the great man can be expressed by the sun and the moon, and can be learned by the heaven and the earth!"

Liu Fang is a manly man and speaks loudly, so even if he still has reservations in his words, Liu Yang doesn't care anymore.

"I've been running around for days and it's been a hard journey. Let's go back home and wait for the edict!"

"Your Majesty, please leave!" Upon seeing this, Liu Fang did not stay.

From beginning to end, Liu Fang didn't ask about the turmoil in Beijing, and Liu Yang didn't take the initiative to mention it. It was as if he had figured it out on his own by appointing the crown prince and asking Liu Fang to be the crown prince and tutor.

Jinlan Hall is the sleeping hall of Concubine Zhao. Shortly after Liu Fang and Liu Wenpeng's uncle and nephew returned to Beijing, the imperial concubine anxiously invited Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Dezhao to the palace.

In the palace, the palace servants who usually served were kept away from each other. Three people named Zhao gathered together, the three most prominent and powerful people in the Zhao family.

However, when the three of them gathered together, they looked like their dead father, and the atmosphere was particularly depressing. And Concubine Zhao, who had always been domineering and arrogant, finally looked like a little woman, crying.

However, Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Dezhao both sat there, silent. Finally, Concubine Zhao couldn't help it and cried to Zhao Kuangyi: "Third uncle, now Wen Huan is still under house arrest in Zongzheng Temple, Liu Wenpeng has been recalled to Beijing urgently, and the Murong family is even more ready to take action. What should we do?"

Facing Concubine Zhao's expectant gaze, Zhao Kuangyi felt empty at this time. He could neither take the trouble to advise nor give a solution as before. Finally, he sighed and said: "That's it. , listen to the edict and do it!"

"Concubine Zhao, please rest a moment. I will take my leave first." He stood up slowly, saluted Concubine Zhao, and then walked away slowly.

Concubine Zhao stared at Zhao Kuangyi blankly. It wasn't until he walked away that she came back to her senses and called out: "Third Uncle."

However, Zhao Kuangyi did not answer and left without any regret. Seeing this, Concubine Zhao's face that had passed away her youth changed slightly, and she looked at Zhao Dezhao with some unwillingness: "Brother!" Zhao Dezhao did not look at Concubine Zhao, and even showed a little bitter smile at the corner of his mouth, sighing: "You don't have to worry too much. , at least Wen Huan will be fine!"

Of course Liu Wenhuan will be fine, but the position of prince he has fought for for so many years will be handed over to someone else. Whether it is Zhao Kuangyi or Zhao Dezhao, including Concubine Zhao herself, they all know it in their hearts.

"Damn you bitch!!!" Not long after, Concubine Zhao's angry curses came from the Jinlan Palace, completely breaking her defense.

Different from the desolate atmosphere in the Jinlan Palace, the Kunming Palace where the Queen is located is full of joy. There is no need to put up lanterns and festoons, just look at the uncontrollable smile on Queen Murong's mouth.

It was from his mother's mouth that Liu Wenpeng knew what happened. His eldest brother Liu Wenhuan killed his wife, and the reason for killing his wife was that his wife Chang Wei had an affair with a guard.

The seriousness of this matter is self-evident, and the impact has already been revealed. It can be said that Liu Wenhuan's already low chance of winning the heir apparent has been completely eliminated. Let’s not mention other things, just one thing: Chang Ye gave birth to two sons for Liu Wenhuan in these years, Liu Jiyuan and Liu Jiming. Whose son are these? This is just one of the reasons why it cannot be tolerated.

In front of Liu Wenpeng, Empress Murong showed no restraint and mocked Concubine Zhao and her son. You know, Concubine Zhao once gloriously married Liu Wenhuan, a talented girl who was famous in the capital, and brought the mother and son to show off to her many times. But now it turns out that she is actually a watery and slutty bitch. How can she do that? Don't make the queen happy.

If it weren't for the fear of spreading the news and offending Liu Yang, Empress Murong would have wanted people to celebrate with lanterns, colorful decorations and gongs and drums. Of course, Empress Murong still has basic sense. She doesn't dare to gloat too obviously about this kind of scandal in the Tian family, just watch the show.

Of course, the most gratifying thing is that after Liu Wenhuan's "self-destruction", no one can prevent Liu Wenpeng, the legitimate son, from ascending to the position of crown prince.

This point is the most critical.

Zhao Kuangyi's side was still uneasy after returning home. Many people came to him and asked for countermeasures. These people were all responsible for burning Liu Wenhuan's "stove".

However, Zhao Kuangyi no longer wanted to win over these people and directly drove them away. Then he called his eldest son, Zhao Dechong, the head of the Criminal Department, and drank with him until he got drunk.

----

On the first day of the seventh month of the tenth year of Yongxi reign, Emperor Liu Yang held a royal court in the Qianyuan Hall, proclaimed an edict to the world, and appointed Liu Wenpeng, the third son of the emperor and Duke of Taiyuan, as the crown prince, ending the ten-year struggle for crown prince in the Yongxi dynasty. After forty-four years, the Han Empire once again welcomed a successor, the fifteen-year-old Liu Wenpeng.

Of course, before the official registration, Liu Yang also convened a group of ministers and conducted a series of formal discussions. However, unlike any previous quarrels and mutual attacks, this time, the wave of people from the "Legendary Sect" took the initiative. After all, the emperor's will was already very clear.

As for the emperor's eldest son, King Liu Wenhuan of Ruyang, he was released after "living" in Zongzheng Temple for two months. He was judged to have a "hypothetical disease" and was arranged to recuperate in the palace.

As for the death of Princess Chang of Ruyang, it was classified as a "death of illness". Of course, the matter was not that simple. People of the Chang family, especially those who were promoted because of Chang Yi's marriage to Liu Wenhuan, were demoted one after another. His father Chang Kun fell into the water and died soon after. This time, the Chang family was completely in ruins, and there was no possibility of recovery.

When the prince was established and the East Palace was established, the situation of the Han Dynasty inevitably changed. It is proper to equip Prince Liu Wenpeng with East Palace officials and guards. Liu Yang takes Zhao Wang Liu Fang as the crown prince's tutor, Dali Temple minister Wang Yucheng as the prince's young tutor, and Wang Dan, a scholar in the cabinet, as the prince's guest.

At the same time, the Yongxi Dynasty carefully constructed by Emperor Liu Yang was also completely broken. First of all, Prime Minister Zhao Kuangyi was dismissed in the winter of that year and was forcibly removed from office. The former "Li Chang Sect" nobles and bureaucrats also successively Continued to be demoted.

When Liu Yang makes up his mind, he usually does it thoroughly without any sloppiness. By the autumn of the eleventh year of Yongxi's reign, at least in the center of the imperial court, Liu Wenhuan's influence was almost wiped out. The Zhao family, which had been prominent for decades, was also severely damaged. Not to mention that it was unable to recover, but its withdrawal from the "front line" was a certainty.