Chasing death and chasing north

There are hundreds of battles in the yellow sand.

In the sixth year of Yongchang, the Dazheng Dynasty pacified the Western Regions, and I led a 40-strong army back to the dynasty.Since then, China has been unified, and his father has secured his throne, and there will be no more wars in the Central Plains.

The Minister of Rites has been waiting at the gate of the city for a long time, and announced the imperial decree, asking the army to pass through the city, accept the cheers of the soldiers and the people, and then go to the Taimiao to sacrifice the captives.

The capital is empty of thousands of people, and the faces of the people are full of relaxed expressions, which are completely different from when I led the army to leave a year and a half ago.Years of wars and huge expenses, the Ministry of Households collected money and food everywhere, and less than one out of ten people could have enough food.They may still be empty stomachs now, but they finally have hope.

A three- or four-year-old child on the side of the road was picked up by an adult, and handed a small bouquet to Xu Bo. Xu Bo looked to the other side without paying attention, and rode by, and the bouquet was just taken by Lu Shuanghu.

He stroked the child's head with his hand, and the white teeth were exposed in the middle of the big furry beard: "Thank you! After all, my puppy is as old as you."

His friendly act scared the child to tears and made the surrounding generals burst into laughter.

"Look at your sloppy appearance, don't talk about other people's children, even if Xiaobao sees you, he will cry!" Xiaobao is the nickname of Lu Shuanghu's youngest son. He was still a baby when we went to war.

"Which of his sons and daughters hasn't been scared? Er Niu hid in the cellar to avoid him last time, sister-in-law will never let him in this time!"

"You guys are jealous of my wife's virtuous sons and daughters, just say it, a bunch of bastards who don't want women!"

"Forget it, I'm not like you. I was tied tightly by my sister-in-law. We are great heroes who have triumphed. Which woman and daughter don't get their heads broken."

"Just like you, it's good to have a sow who is willing to make do with it and sleep, but you are still fighting for it? Just dream."

"Old Ruan, Lao Ruan, you can't get tough, how dare you run on me?"

"Keep your mouth clean! Tonight in Tianxianglou, if I finish the work before you, I will be your grandson for the rest of my life!"

I listened with a smile, just caught a glimpse of Cheng Zili, Minister of Rites, frowning, and heard Ming Yuan say to him: "I've been in the army all year round, and I'm used to speaking out loud. I hope Master Cheng will forgive me."

Cheng Zili bowed and said, "I don't dare to be humble. The fierce generals under the command of King Wei are all men of true temperament, and I admire them very much. Just don't be rude in front of Your Majesty for a while."

I laughed and said, "That's not going to happen, they have a sense of proportion."

Cheng Zili said so well, but his brows were still frowning uneasy.

While talking and laughing, the Taimiao is already in front of us.With the sound of the horn, the cavalry dismounted and stood together with the infantry on the field, the darkness was overwhelming but there was no sound.

Hearing the high and sharp call, the three chiefs and I stepped forward and walked through the wide square. The white marble steps were long and far away, seemingly endless.

It is a great honor for my father and elder brother to lead all officials to meet in front of the temple.This kind of glory even made the generals behind me, who were on the battlefield, short of breath.

We stood at the end of the second step, knelt and kowtowed, and there was still a step away from our father and elder brother.The steps on this level are relatively short, but the steep slope in the middle is engraved with dragon patterns with teeth and claws, exuding an atmosphere of alienation and rejection anytime and anywhere.

"My lord, Generalissimo Zhengxi, Wei Wang Sun Zhao'an led his troops back to the court, see my emperor, long live, long live, long live."

The generals behind me shouted long live three times, and then it was the turn of the sergeants standing in the field.The majestic voice shook the heavens and earth. I have heard these brave men shouting "mighty" and "must win" many times in the army, but they were never as touching as they are now.Perhaps, the most beautiful things are always only dedicated to the most superior person.

"My son is flat, and he has worked hard all the way."

His father's voice came to his ears, and it was a little older than a year and a half ago.All the generals stood up with me and looked up to the supreme king together.

Such a humble perspective always made me feel frustrated. When I saw my elder brother standing next to my father and receiving worship, the discomfort that I had tried my best to eliminate once again swept my whole body.

No matter how bloody and heroic he is, he is the eldest son, he is the crown prince of the dynasty.Because of my ulterior selfishness, I am not too dissatisfied with my brother himself, but the majority of people who take such differences for granted are not too optimistic?

After a series of lengthy ceremonies, the crown prince toasted us on behalf of the emperor.

"Erlang, you have worked hard!" A large glass full of wine was handed to me, with an intoxicating aroma.

Before I could respond, he said in a dignified tone: "Father knows that you are not strong enough to drink, so he specially ordered to add water to this cup, Erlang just drink it, it doesn't matter."

I nodded slightly and drank it down. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the wine!"

He went on to toast to other generals, and his speech was decent, but lacked some sincerity, as if he followed the scriptures.

Looking at his familiar and prudent words and deeds, I felt a little lost.Those eyes, which were originally the clearest in my opinion, were stained with colors that did not exist before.In these years, he seldom went to war, and he always assisted his father in handling state affairs in Beijing. There was less risk of life, but more power struggles.

With the establishment of a new dynasty, people's hearts are unstable, and there are more than one or two dissidents that his father banished and killed secretly. Different idiots talk about dreams.

Although such a situation was expected, it is inevitable to be somewhat regrettable.I just hope that the friendship between me and him can continue as before.

Just as usual.After so many years, I am confident that I have been able to hide my evil thoughts in the most remote corner of my heart.God gave me this status, so I can't have too many extravagant hopes in this life.Fortunately, now that the war is over, I can often see him.

After the ceremony, I arranged for my subordinates to take the soldiers to station at the Chanhe camp fifty miles north of the capital. I led several generals to the Ministry of War. After handing over the tiger charms, we said goodbye to each other outside the lobby of the Ministry of War and went home.

Suddenly, I felt a familiar sight, and I looked to the corner of the street behind me, where my brother was smiling and leaning against the wall.

I was overjoyed and rushed to meet him, but unexpectedly a figure jumped out of the slant, patted my shoulder and said: "Second brother, you are so tanned!"

It is the fifth younger brother Zhaolong.It turned out that he was not the only one who came to look for me, he felt a little disappointed, then cheered up, smiled back and said: "Fifth brother, you look so big!"

The grown-up Zhaolong is taller and stronger than my elder brother and I, and has almost surpassed the level of "Wei An", and went straight to the "Gaotai".

Zhaolong pursed his lips, held my hand, and looked up and down, "I came out of the house, and I heard many girls talking about you as a prince. Willingly. As you can see, big brother, as expected, men who know how to fight are the most attractive to women."

The last sentence was addressed to my elder brother, of course His Royal Highness was not convinced, and said: "Don't forget, your elder brother and I have also fought in war."

"I have also been on the battlefield, but which of us can compare with the second brother, who is an ever-victorious general and invincible." Zhaolong turned his head and looked at me with a smile: "Right, second brother?"

I held my forehead unbearably. "Being so favored by His Royal Highness Lu Wang, who is the brave champion of the three armies, I am really ashamed."

"Hey." He pretended to shake his hands, "I'm the brave of a man, different from you, second brother."

This guy has been spoiled since he was a child. Although he is tall and burly, he is also a warrior in the battlefield, but he always speaks directly and without thinking.If it were someone else, these words would have sour overtones no matter how they sounded, and the presence of the prince would also be suspected of provocation.But when I said it in his mouth, I was used to it, and I didn't bother to overreact.

"After all, the world is peaceful now. You and I don't have to go out to fight anymore. Now it's the elder brother's turn to help the father to govern the country well. We just sit at home and enjoy the happiness."

Brother applauds. "Well said! Then, while I still have time to play, how about we brothers go to the East Palace to get together?"

Zhaolong clicked his tongue and said, "Big Brother, Second Brother hasn't even entered the house yet, so if you drag him away like this, aren't you afraid that Second Sister-in-law and the others will resent you?"

The elder brother slapped his head, "Yes, yes, yes, I didn't think carefully, then Erlang, you go home first, let's talk about it another day?"

Visiting family members and reuniting with him are not things worth comparing in my mind. I pretended to think about it a little bit and then said: "We will not run away when King Wei's mansion is built there, and rewards for soldiers will start tomorrow. How long will it be busy? I think it’s better to hit the sun than choose the day, so let’s go now. It’s just that you said you’re going to the East Palace? I thought it would be Jiaofang.”

Zhaolong was the first to say, "You don't like that kind of place, so my eldest brother and I had no choice but to part with each other."

Zhaolong has been attached to his elder brother since he was a child, and he has even learned a lot about female sexuality, so I have become more and more strange in the eyes of everyone.

"Actually, it doesn't matter."

The elder brother's identities are different now, the folk flower streets and willow lanes can no longer be easily visited, and the government-run teaching workshops are mostly full of talented actresses, so he and Zhaolong naturally hang around often.

The Jiaofang has strict rules and regulations. Even the crown prince and King Lu are not places where you can just put your arms around people on the bed just because you like them.Most of the time I went there was just to watch the singing and dancing and listen to playing and singing. I was not particularly disgusted.

"It's really okay?" My brother looked at me with bright eyes.

Seeing his familiar look that I haven't seen for a long time made me happy, I quickly nodded and said, "What's the problem if I do it once in a while?"

The elder brother clapped his hands and said three "good" words in a row. He looked more happy than ever. The calm demeanor of a prince of a country has long been thrown out of the sky. "Then let's go to Jiaofang together! Brother's carriage is not far away, you are not allowed to swagger through the city on a fine horse and make Wulang feel sour."

Zhaolong protested loudly, and my brother and I laughed as we walked.

The capital of Dazheng is closer to the border than the previous capital.Beidi has always been the confidant of the Central Plains, and my father decided to be here, so that the emperor personally guarded the country and strengthened the courage of our soldiers and people.

Sure enough, the year before last Beidi took advantage of the fact that the main force under my command was still in the south, and there was a large-scale invasion.At that time, my father and elder brother went into battle in person, and the soldiers and the people gave up their lives to help each other. It didn't matter if they defended the city, they even opened the gate and went out to fight on foot. They retreated three hundred miles in one breath and beheaded more than a thousand ranks.

The street scene in the capital is the same as it was before the expedition. What has changed is the hearts of the people. The unpretentious vigor on the faces of the people makes these years of hard work meaningful... Although my original intention is to be a hero in front of my brother and accept him Just a look of admiration.

My elder brother was pointing me to where is the residence of which official, where is the bustling market, where is the house to be built, all of which are so precious, it can be seen that His Royal Highness is not a vegetarian in these years.

"It took me a month to watch, so I wouldn't get lost when I went out."

Zhaolong said: "I'm afraid it's the second brother who figured out the way, and the situation will change completely."

I looked at him in astonishment, actually because I forgot that there was a third person in the carriage besides me and my elder brother, but Zhaolong thought I didn't understand what he said, and explained triumphantly: "Father has always hated this city. The original layout was too stingy, but now that the world is at peace, it’s time to expand this place and make sure it looks like the capital of a big country.”

I frowned. "This move will cost a lot of money. Judging from the current financial resources of the national treasury, I am afraid it will be a little tight."

The elder brother said: "That's not to worry about. As long as there is no war, money matters are easy to talk about."

I nodded, silent.The affairs of the imperial court are not something that a general or a prince should manage.

When we came to Jiaofang, we sat down in the flower hall. After Zhaolong gave some instructions, six or seven bearded women of average height dressed in light veils came in to perform dances. The accompanying musicians were also dressed in beards and sat in the corner.

Hu Wu was magnificent and colorful, Zhaolong applauded after a while, and turned to me and said, "Bo Tao entered Han's house, this is due to your second brother, come here, little brother toast to second brother!"

"Don't dare." I clinked glasses with him, replaced the wine with tea, and took a big gulp.

Afterwards, Zhaolong toasted with his elder brother again, the two drank a lot, exchanged glasses, and drank five jugs of fine wine in a short time.

The corners of my elder brother’s eyes were red, and his speech was a little slurred. I had long since stopped looking at who was singing what music in the hall, and watched him in a state of drunkenness.

I am probably the only one who thinks this 29-year-old, ordinary-looking man is very charming when he is slightly drunk.It's a pity that I can't drink. If I am as big as Zhaolong, I can often see him like this.If you can put aside the worldly fame, just me and him having a drink under the moon, I don't know how happy it will be.

"Second brother, what are you going to do after the horse is released from Nanshan?" Zhaolong asked suddenly, his eyes, which were red from drinking, narrowed slightly, as if he was trying to see me clearly.

Before I could open my mouth, my elder brother said, "Of course Erlang entered the court to assist the emperor with me. In the world of our Sun family, brothers fight together and guard together!" Leaping on the table, the wine stains from the corner of his mouth slowly flowed down his chin into his shirt.

"I don't think so!"

I was staring at my brother's neck in a daze when Zhaolong's heavy slap on the table woke me up.

"Second brother may not be clear about the border. I am worried that there are more than one or two ministers in the court who are self-respecting and stubborn. I know that second brother is upright and has no two hearts. Others may not believe it. So," Zhaolong continued He raised the wine pot and filled the empty cups of himself and his brother, "I think to avoid suspicion, second brother should live in seclusion and be a rich and idle person...Second brother, do you think I'm right?"

His eyes were foggy and his speech was vague. I silently watched him pour the wine into the cup accurately, feeling a little chilly in my heart.

It turned out that when my second brother wasn't paying attention, the fifth brother had already grown into an adult who was completely different from a child.

"Well, what you said makes sense, I'll save it." I smiled and raised my glass to signal to him, then took a sip of tea.

The elder brother on one side was already so drunk that he fell asleep, mumbling something in his mouth.

I really want to ask my brother, is Zhaolong's words from your order, or from his heart?

But now, what's the point of asking so clearly?

The Sun family was not the same as it was when they were ministers in the previous dynasty. At that time, they were just a family, and they could be in harmony with each other. Today, the head of the Sun family means the ruler of the world. People looked up to him and breathed.

When they are both courtiers, the difference between senior and young is only one step away, and with a little effort, they can stand out from the crowd.But now the status of brothers means that one is the king in the south and the other is a vassal in the north, which is a world of difference.

Before Dingyang raised troops, I expected the difference between the two. After many years in the military, all I could think about was the formation of troops, and I almost forgot about them.I never thought that as soon as I returned to Beijing this time, there was no buffer, and it would come to my eyes in an instant.

It was already late at night when I returned home, Zhaolong's own family sent a car to pick me up, and the carriage from the East Palace delivered my brother first, and then took me home.

Standing at the door, looking up at the plaque of Prince Wei’s Mansion, gently stroking the heavy military uniform on my body, before stepping on the steps, I took a deep breath and took it off...I am afraid that whether I want to or not, I will have to let go of my company from now on Years of battle robes, I have thrown myself into the field of life and death without armor guards.

"My lord has returned home!"

The two attendants came up to them shouting, and hurriedly picked up the armor and weapon I threw on the ground. The weight of the fine steel cast seemed to be greater than their expectations. , suddenly full of pride.

It’s not good to boast about being unrivaled in the world, but along the way, I have a lot more experience than ordinary people. Even if there is an ambush from all sides, what is there to be afraid of?

The atrium is already full of wives, children and servants kneeling. They haven't fallen asleep. I'm afraid they have been waiting for me since morning.

I stepped forward and supported Mrs. Li and Mrs. Zhai with both hands, "Everyone get up."

"Your Highness!"

"Father!"

The soft and immature voice came to my ears. For Lu Shuanghu and the others, similar scenes must be the happiest and happiest, but I still have no sense of belonging.

Wife and children are the original and derivative of the connection of interests, and the Palace of Wei is the price my father used in exchange for my meritorious deeds.It's not uncommon, but I never thought of saying no to it.In this home, in this position, the fate of being too lofty is not just being looked at.

"Ah!" A baby was lying in the arms of the nurse, pulling my sleeve, and the saliva was dripping down.

I picked him up in my arms, the sweet and soft touch made it unbelievable that this was actually made of my own flesh and blood.Staring blankly, Mrs. Li stood behind me and said softly, "This is the boy born to the younger sister of the Qin family after the expedition. Your Highness hasn't seen it yet."

"Hmm." Qin?Then it is the daughter of Guanglu Siqing.The little baby was giggling in my arms, with a pair of fleshy hands scratching at the front.

"Zhen'er, father is tired, don't bother him anymore." Qin walked up to take the child away, and then smiled brightly at me.

I nodded slightly, although I knew her identity, I only felt that this face was very strange in my heart.The last time I came back from the north, her father started to talk about marriage with the emperor. I refused for no particular reason, so I hurriedly welcomed him in, and led the army out the next day in the bridal chamber.It is normal to have a one-night pleasure without much impression. On the contrary, for a woman, having a husband and a son is a perfect life.All I can offer them is this level of peace of mind.

They went to the back hall together, sat side by side with Mrs. Li, and the wives and concubines took turns bringing their children to pay their respects.Compared with other brothers, my family is extremely simple, with only four wives and concubines.

The two cases other than the Li family and the Zhai family were also betrothed by the ministers of the court to the emperor.They gave birth to three sons and two daughters together, and the only one who has nothing left is Kong Shi, the daughter of Zhongshu Sheren.

I have no love for them, and I can't hypocritically pretend to be warm. Even if I feel ashamed, I'm not the kind of person who can show it; and they only say that I have a severe personality, and I dare not invite favors. There is no difference between superiors and subordinates.

After exchanging pleasantries, I sent them to bed, and Mrs. Li and I returned to the master bedroom.Speaking of the master bedroom, since I moved into this Prince Wei's mansion, the days I spent the night here are few and far between.The war is busy, so there is not much time to stay in the capital, not to mention that I often kill time in the study until I fall asleep.

Mrs. Li briefly talked about the important things in the mansion during the time I left, and then took out a note from the bag. "Since the news of your great victory came half a month ago, many officials have sent congratulatory gifts to your door, and they have been kept in the warehouse unopened, and will be disposed of when His Highness returns. This is the list."

I took it and unfolded it, and roughly scanned it. The importance of the gift, the size of the official position, is clearly listed on it.Most of the items on the list are not amazing.It’s not surprising that there are many gifts. As long as one person gives it, the officials around him will follow suit. Most of them are not too expensive. It’s good to have a sense of meaning. It’s the same after winning battles in the past. I don’t take it seriously.

The most eye-catching one is the generous gift from You Shiyi Qu Qianhai.Qu is the son-in-law of Wang Xianzhuo, the left servant. Wang Xianzhuo was once a minister in the East Palace, and he also worked in the prince's residence. If Qu Qianhai's move was ordered by his father-in-law, it would be a bit intriguing.

Forget it, for those who are determined to turn the tide, even if I see Qingping in the wind, Wuxin will not be able to turn the tide.Besides, the capital city without the sound of war drums and slaughter is too lonely after all.Anyway, there must always be something to do, so that you don't feel that time is wasted.

I closed the booklet, and said warmly to Li Shi who was taking off her makeup: "You are careful in doing things, you have worked hard."

Her busy hands froze in the air, she glanced at me in surprise, and said softly, "Sister Zhai took care of it with me."

Mingyuan's younger sister is three months older than her, and the two have always been sisters.Although the Li family is the concubine of King Wei, and the Zhai family is the concubine, Li Shilang was transferred to the Ministry of Officials now, and the official is still the servant. Mingyuan's father took Cai Guogong as the left servant. Zhai's taller by a large margin.

As time goes by, everyone agrees that the status of the two in the mansion is equal, and everything is discussed through discussion.I have never met a general with wives and concubines who is often troubled by his boudoir, and the servants at home have never caused any trouble outside, which shows that the two of them run the family well.

"Mingyuan is back too. The brothers and sisters haven't seen each other for a long time. In a few days, you can accompany Mrs. Zhai and bring the children to Cai Gong's mansion. You can decide what to give as a gift." Women are rarely allowed to go out at will. , if I don't say it, Mingyuan will definitely come and scold me for not letting him see baby sister.

"Yes, thank you Your Highness."

The maid came up to take off my boots and undress me, and after taking care of the bathroom, the gauze curtain was lowered, and I lay down on the bed in my middle coat, too tired to respond to my wife's attitude, and soon fell into a deep sleep.