Huan Rong

Huan Rong's letter was delivered to Jiankang, which coincided with the Cold Food Festival.

In Jiankang City, every household does not light fireworks, and in Taicheng City, dry rice and sweet cheese are eaten as food.

Not long after Sima Yu came to the throne, he went to the Changle Palace in person during the cold food festival, and finally sent a message to the officials: the relationship between the Jin Dynasty has gradually eased, and as long as the queen mother stays in the Changle Palace with peace of mind, she will be honored.

However, with the personality of Queen Mother Chu, this matter is obviously difficult.

In the court hall, the wind and rain never stop, the monarch and his ministers stand side by side, and each family fights for power, so there is no peace in Taicheng City either.Power is a terrifying vortex, once trapped in it, it is almost impossible to get out.

The only exception is Sima Yi.

He did get out.

The price he paid was to become a deposed emperor and be imprisoned in a square inch for life.Neither Sima Yu nor Empress Dowager Chu would accept such an end.Therefore, they will continue to fight and fight until the winner is completely determined and the entire Taicheng is controlled.

"His Majesty."

"The Queen Mother."

The Chu family is the empress dowager, and Sima Yu is the emperor. According to the usual practice, the latter should greet the former first.However, Sima Yu's seniority is higher than that of Empress Dowager Chu, leaving aside his title, Empress Dowager Chu still calls him uncle.

As a result, it is inevitable that the two will be awkward when they meet, and addressing each other is not a small problem.

Fortunately, the two of them had weathered the storms, and neither of them were idlers. After a moment of embarrassment, the Empress Dowager Chu spoke first, and Sima Yu naturally returned the salute. Then they sat in the hall and greeted each other. .

"It's another year in the blink of an eye." Empress Dowager Chu sighed, "It must be a good year with continuous spring rain this year."

Sima Yu nodded, brought the tea soup to his mouth, and seemed to take a sip, but in fact he covered it with his long sleeves so that he didn't even touch the edge of the bowl.

"After the sacrifice to the farmers, there will be spring plowing, and the position of the queen is empty, and the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the mulberry must be presided over by the queen mother."

Empress Dowager Chu did not refuse.

Sima Yu's first wife died early, and since he ascended the throne last year, only a few Shuyis have been conferred, and the pepper room has been empty until now.

In fact, he could have stood up.

Wang Shuyi, Hu Shuyi and Xu Shuyi were all from noble families, and they all had children for him.Although his son died early, he can still ascend to the next position according to his status and background.

Sima Yu didn't make a decision for a long time, but he just used the back position as bait, holding the fishing rod in his hand, and caught the family behind the three of them.

If you want to go further, you must support him with all your strength.If you can't fight against the gentry and powerful officials, then try to divide and win!The Chu family and the Yu family were once in their heyday, and they held power in the court, saying what they said.It doesn't make sense that what they can do cannot be achieved by uniting the three.

Sima Yu is determined to revitalize the Jin family, not to ask for a promise, at least to remove the sharp knife on the top of his head, so as not to be forced to restless at night by "usurping the throne" and "Zen's position".

"Your Majesty," the Empress Dowager Chu caressed the jade bracelet on her wrist, seeming to have no intention of saying, "The county princess's food town is set, why is there no Yuyao?"

"Before marrying into the Huan Mansion, Yuyao was consecrated." Sima Yu replied indifferently.

"This time it's Fengshiyi." Empress Dowager Chu reminded.

A title and a place of honor are completely different things.

What would Yuyao think if something happened at the Changle Palace banquet on the front foot, but he was pushed aside on the back foot, and the conferment was left behind?If you don't resent the Son of Heaven, [-]% of the time you will blame the Empress Dowager Chu, thinking that she is dissatisfied with you and making things difficult for her.

Empress Dowager Chu was not afraid of Sima Daofu.

In fact, Sima Daofu was nothing in her eyes.

What she worries about is the clan public opinion.

Once you are labeled as "narrow" or "unkind", you can't take it off even if you want to.

With Sima Yi's precedent, she must be careful in every step and not be caught with any tricks.

Empress Dowager Chu clenched her fingers tightly and was about to speak again when she heard that the eunuchs outside the palace had requested to see Princess Nankang and Princess Yuyao County.

"How did Nankang and Yuyao meet?"

Princess Nankang moved into Qingxili, which is well known throughout the dynasty.It was either a coincidence or another purpose for the two to meet together.

Empress Dowager Chu glanced at Sima Yu, seeing that the other party did not respond, she immediately said, "Please."

After the words fell, it seemed that he suddenly remembered something, and a trace of laughter appeared at the corner of his mouth, with the inexplicable intention of watching a good show.

The eunuch retreated outside the palace to convey the meaning of the queen mother.

Princess Nankang didn't say much, and stepped into the hall with her back straight, her long skirt spread out, her golden hairpin shining brightly, and her demeanor was solemn and majestic.

Sima Daofu was a step behind. Thinking of the recent rumors, he couldn't help biting his lower lip, feeling a surge of resentment in his heart.

The two walked to the inner hall. Princess Nankang only nodded to Empress Dowager Chu, and turned to Sima Yufu: "Uncle."

Sima Daofu didn't dare to make mistakes, he saluted respectfully, and sat down honestly under Princess Nankang.

"I haven't seen you for a few days, but Nankang looks good."

After the dark day of the first month, Princess Nankang refused to enter Taicheng due to illness.The Empress Dowager Chu sent people to Qingxili, but they were sent back without seeing anyone, which became a joke for a while.

Sima Yu didn't say a word about this, and he didn't mean to blame him, his position can be imagined.

Entering the palace today, Princess Nankang's attitude is even more obvious.

Being completely negligent towards Empress Dowager Chu, but seeing Sima Yu as a junior, this made the latter feel more comfortable, and said this in person regardless of Empress Dowager Chu's ugly face.

No matter what the intention is, it is ridicule and naked ridicule in the ears of insiders.

"A few days ago I suffered from the wind and cold, and I took a few medicines to get better." Ignoring the empress dowager Chu's stiff expression, Princess Nankang said with a smile, "Please worry about my uncle."

Sima Yu said with concern: "It's cold in winter and cold in spring, so be careful."

"promise!"

The two chatted a few words, but Sima Daofu couldn't find a chance to speak, completely became the background, and he couldn't help feeling anxious.

She specially sent someone to guard Qingxi, waiting to enter Taicheng with Princess Nankang.Otherwise, even if the confinement is over and one enters the palace gate, whether one can see the emperor or not is still a question.

There was a big commotion at the palace banquet, and the different treatment afterwards made her fully understand her situation.

The servants around him were trembling and upset when they saw it.

Only Aye was loyal and advised her to calm down, not to hurt herself with anger.He also analyzed the pros and cons for her, making her gradually understand that in Father's mind, princes are always more important than princesses, as can be seen from the treatment after the palace banquet.

"His Royal Highness was grounded, but that one has nothing to do with it. He even got a set of pens and inks, and a few pieces of jade, which have been spread all over Qingxi."

"The emperor attaches great importance to the prince, and the Kunlun servant girl is also rising. She is showing off her might in Taicheng, and deliberately released news, which caused an uproar in the city, and the healthy servants who went out heard about it."

"Your Highness, if you want to change the situation, you must gain power. Why don't you hold back for a while and follow the example of Princess Guantao of the Han Dynasty?"

Speaking of others, Sima Daofu may not know.When it comes to Princess Guantao, she knows it all.

The biological daughter of Empress Dowager Dou, the same mother and sister of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, and the aunt and mother-in-law of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.

When Empress Dowager Dou and Emperor Han Jing were alive, Princess Guantao had great power and high status. Throughout the Han Dynasty, there was no other princess who could surpass her.

Later, Princess Pingyang also imitated her methods and sought beauty for the emperor, so Wei Zifu appeared.

Understanding Aye's hint, Sima Daofu couldn't help feeling hot in his heart.

She was very disappointed with Huan Ji, but she couldn't get what Wang Xian asked for.The only things that can be managed to get hold of are status, wealth and power!

She doesn't have the political acumen of Princess Nankang, nor is she as decisive and ruthless as Queen Mother Chu, but she has another advantage, she is Sima Yu's own daughter!

No matter how reluctant Sima Yao and Sima Daozi were, they wanted to call her "Sister".

Sima Daozi is still young, so he can be temporarily thrown aside.Sima Yao is already a foreigner, and he is tall and strong, comparable to a ladle dancer.

"Young Muai."

Four words flashed through his mind, and Sima Daofu couldn't help swallowing.

Looking at people from my own perspective, thinking of the heartbeat when I saw Wang Xian for the first time before Cardamom, and imagining the unbearable situation of Sima Yao's obsession with beauty, my heart suddenly cleared up, and the gloom was swept away, and I couldn't help laughing out loud.

As for why A Ye is so smart, she doesn't care.

Aye came from Langya Palace, and followed her before entering the Huan clan, life and death were all in her hands.If he is always loyal, Sima Daofu doesn't mind giving her a fortune.If you dare to give birth to two hearts, you will end up in a mass grave outside the city!

For Sima Daofu, executing a servant is tantamount to crushing an ant to death.

"Yuyao?"

Just as he was lost in thought, he was called out unexpectedly. Sima Daofu raised his head and found that all three people present were looking at him.

Princess Nankang raised her eyebrows, and both Empress Dowager Chu and Sima Yu looked inexplicable.

"Why are you laughing?"

The three of them were talking about the Shangsi Festival when Sima Daofu suddenly laughed.

Princess Nankang knew about Mrs. Li's arrangement, but she just raised her eyebrows without saying a word.Sima Yu and Empress Dowager Chu were dumbfounded by the laughter, not knowing what was so ridiculous about what they just said.

Sima Daofu's cheeks were flushed, and he remained silent, completely different from before.

Seeing Sima Daofu like this, Empress Dowager Chu was full of doubts, but she didn't say anything.Sima Yu sighed, but he couldn't help feeling like a loving father again.

Sima Daofu was his first daughter, so he was inevitably a little arrogant.Although the behavior at the palace banquet was a bit out of line, the punishment was fined, and the matter should pass.

Seeing her like this, I couldn't help feeling impatient with the person who caused the trouble.

Not because of Sima Yao and Sima Daozi, even if Sima Daofu killed Li Shuyi, Sima Yu would not blink.What's more, if he still has a son alive, the position of the son of the world will not fall to the son of the maidservant, let alone the prince of a country in the future.

Sima Yu knew very well that Huan Wen pushed him to the position because he had no sons, and the two sons were the sons of Kunlun servants.It is good for him to be in power. If he unfortunately dies early, the princes and kings with the same surname Sima will be dissatisfied without waiting for Huan Wen to make trouble.

Being pressed on the head by a maidservant, and a Kunlun maidservant!It's nothing more than King Langya, if he becomes the crown prince or even ascends to the throne of God, wouldn't it be a joke!

The Jin Dynasty falsely claimed that the Han family was orthodox, and actually let people with "foreign" blood enter the Ninth Five-Year Plan, and the barbarians would laugh out loud!

Once there is a rift in the Jin Dynasty, it is difficult to guarantee that the Yongjia Rebellion will not repeat itself.

Although the princes and kings have no military power, the powerful officials and clans are not for display.Taking the opportunity to occupy the team and fight for power, disasters are inevitable.

Thinking of this, Sima Yu couldn't help feeling chills.I feel even more bored with Li Shuyi, who will cause trouble, and even complain about Hu Qian.

There are so many women in the palace, why is it a Kunlun servant girl?Even the servants around the concubine are ten times and a hundred times better than her!

Noticing Sima Yu's expression, Sima Daofu knew the opportunity must be missed, wiped the sleeves soaked in ginger juice over the corners of his eyes, and cried bitterly in repentance in front of the Queen Mother and the emperor.

"Yuyao is wrong!"

"It's Yu Yao's fault to bother the Queen Mother and worry the Emperor Father!"

Sima Daofu's temperament is arrogant and domineering, and he is rarely so weak.

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

Empress Dowager Chu looked at Princess Nankang, clearly asking what's going on, what's going on after a few days of silence?

Princess Nankang lowered her eyes, pretending she didn't see it.

Seeing his daughter crying pitifully, Sima Yu couldn't help feeling soft-hearted when compared to Li Shuyi's various actions in the palace, even though she knew she was acting a bit.Just about to speak comforting words, but listened to the eunuch's report, Sima Yao and Sima Daozi came to pay their respects to the Queen Mother.

Sima Yu's expression darkened slightly.

at this time?

"Are you here?" Sima Daofu wiped his tears, his eye circles were red from the ginger juice, he was really pitiful, "Father, let me come, I want to apologize to him in person."

"You are the eldest sister, so Daozi should make an apology to you."

Sima Daofu lowered his head and tightly clenched his fingers so as not to laugh out loud on the spot.

Sima Yu still didn't realize it, and Empress Dowager Chu suddenly felt worried.

She was really overwhelmed by the person in front of her, and could only read Taoism scriptures in Changle Palace?

Something went wrong?

Sima Yao and Sima Daozi walked into the inner room, saluted the Empress Dowager, and then greeted Princess Nankang and Sima Daofu.The reason for acting like this is very simple. Except for Sima Yu, the Empress Dowager Chu, Princess Nankang and Sima Daofu are all of the same generation.

If Huan Rong was present, he would definitely feel cheated.

After the two sat down, Sima Daofu took the lead in crying and apologizing.

"A few days ago my sister got drunk and lost her temper. She said nothing to Li Shuyi. After waking up, she regretted it very much. Today I apologize to my brother and ask my brother to forgive my sister's unintentional mistakes. Don't take it to heart."

Sima Yao and Sima Daofu stared wide-eyed, both feeling that the world is fantasy.

This person in front of him is Sima Daofu?

It's not someone pretending to be, is it?

Seeing that the two of them didn't speak for a long time, but their faces were full of doubts, Sima Daofu became cruel, and wiped the corners of his eyes vigorously, tears fell more urgently, and within a moment, his eyes were almost swollen into walnuts.

Sima Yu couldn't stand it anymore.

People always sympathize with the weak, and because they don't like Li Shuyi, they feel that the daughter is pitiful, and the son has to be reasonable and unforgiving.

"Yu Yao is sorry, you two should also reflect on yourself." Sima Yu glanced at Sima Yao, then turned to Sima Daozi, "Yu Yao did lose his composure that day, but your reckless behavior and disrespect to elder sister are not entirely at fault."

Sima Daozi was thoughtful, not like a child at all.Knowing that it's no good to fight hard, stand up and make amends.

"My brother is reckless here, I really worry about my aunt, please don't blame me, sister."

"Where is brother?"

Perhaps it was the stimulation of ginger juice, Sima Daofu's acting skills soared, and he couldn't stop it.A good show of "siblings letting go of past suspicions" was performed vividly.

Sima Yu knew that the three children were playing with their minds, but he didn't intend to delve into it, nor could he.

Under the imperial power, family ties have always been weak.

Since Xi Chao provoked him, the relationship between father and son and brothers is different from the past.Even if it is a superficial play, at least it can maintain the illusion of harmony in the Jin family.

Furthermore, if Sima Daofu married into the Huan family, if he could become smart and try to help the Jin family, no matter how much he thought about Sima Yu, he would not care.

After a big play was performed, the tea soup in front of several people had turned cold.

The palace maid brought new tea and cakes, and Princess Nankang said slowly, "Uncle, the food cities of the three of Poyang are all in Sheyang, is there something wrong?"

Sima Yu paused.

Indeed, he did not do this properly.But the imperial decree has been issued, and there is absolutely no reason to change it.What's more, the three families of Wang, Hu, and Xu are just starting their activities, so it's even more inappropriate to rashly change the location.

"Nankang, the imperial edict has been issued." Empress Dowager Chu said.

As early as the edict was read, she was looking forward to this good show.Speaking at this moment is definitely not a good intention, but to add fuel to the fire and arouse Princess Nankang's anger.

"I know the imperial decree cannot be changed." Princess Nankang's tone remained unchanged, her hands folded in front of her belly, her sleeves fluttered lightly, and the butterflies embroidered on silk seemed to spread their wings.

"Why is that?"

"Gua'er was born by me, and Sima's blood is flowing on his body. It is also necessary to contribute to the Jin Dynasty, and it is nothing to suffer a little bit of grievance."

Sima Yu looked embarrassed, and Empress Dowager Chu looked stunned.

Is this Nankang's style?

There must be something wrong!

"However," Princess Nankang changed the subject, "Your Majesty must be very clear about what Sheyang was like before. Don't talk about taxes, it is unknown whether the [-] households can be collected."

Sima Yu nodded.

What Princess Nankang said is the truth. The imperial court has counted the population, and the data is so vivid that there is no way to deny it.

"Nowadays, the population of Sheyang is increasing and the people are rich. The money and food handed in by [-] households is not a small amount."

Princess Nankang paused, her voice was low, "The war in the north is chaotic, the Qin family and the Di people fought, and the border states and counties are not safe. Youzhou is adjacent to the Qin family, and it is not far from the Di people. If there is a rebellion Entering the country may be a disaster."

"Not to mention Youzhou, Yuzhou, Ningzhou, and Yizhou all sent people to Beijing to urge the imperial court to increase the military pay, and they said convincingly that the money and food in one place could not completely stop the rebels."

"At this juncture, the border states are running out of money and grain. I heard that His Majesty has decreed that Yizhou and Ningzhou will be exempted from grain tax for the whole year."

At this point, Princess Nankang finally sped up her speech and showed her blade, "Youzhou is already suffering from hunger. I remember that the military salary and armor of the state soldiers were all raised by myself, and the imperial court did not pay a penny."

"Now that the disaster of war is approaching, the imperial court exempts Ning and Yi prefectures from taxation and food, and even reissues military salaries. Yuzhou can also allocate money and rations to the government army, but Youzhou is an exception. Not only does it not have any, but it has to allocate [-] households for food!"

"Your Majesty, is this really appropriate?"

"If the rebellious soldiers go south, my son is short of money and food, and I can't resist it. Who will bear the blame?"

Sima Yu was left speechless by the question.

Empress Dowager Chu felt both relieved and helpless.

Sima Daofu and Sima Yao lowered their heads, trying to minimize their presence.No matter how stupid you are, you should understand that Princess Nankang challenged the emperor, and every sentence made sense, and there was no way to refute it.

The three of them clenched their fists, secretly hoping that Princess Nankang could force the emperor to withdraw his life.

The benefit of the food city does not fall on oneself, but it will fuel the flames of others and increase the opponent's bargaining chips.Shout out to help?Don't even think about it, the bamboo basket fetches water in vain!

At this moment, the three of them stand in the same position, completely disregarding the relationship between father and son, and only proceeding from their own interests, which has already shown signs of cheating.

Seeing that the fire was almost over, Princess Nankang slowed down and said: "I know the emperor's order cannot be changed, but the security of the border is the most important thing. I have to say, please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"Nankang is all for the Jin Dynasty, so I won't blame you." Sima Yu knew that he had to give an answer, otherwise, if the words of Princess Nankang spread, he would be charged with "squeezing officials" and "disregarding the lives of the people". .

"It is true that I did not think carefully about the matter of Sheyang. At the court meeting tomorrow, I will issue a decree to exempt Youzhou from grain tax for one year."

Princess Nankang was not satisfied.

After another contest, Sima Yu exempted Youzhou from the grain tax for three years, Xu Huanrong kept the commercial tax for himself, and reissued the prefectural soldiers' salaries from the imperial court. Princess Nankang just thanked him for his kindness.

For now, tax withholding is the unwritten rule of the states.But for the sake of face, always hand in part.

Please issue this imperial decree, Huan Rong is quite a gold medal in hand, he doesn't need to pay attention to the eyes of the world, he can flex his muscles in Youzhou, pocket the income from taxation, and not be afraid of other people's jealousy.

Three years is enough for him to develop his power and arm a strong army.

Anyone want to pick fruit?

come!

If he dares to stretch out his claws, he dares to chop!

As for the Shiyi in Sheyang, it is also easy to solve.Using Jia Bing's strategy, bring people in to cover their hats, and they will definitely be accurate!

Said that you have no "litong Hu thief", let alone "conspiracy"?

Emissary Huan sneered, "I am in charge of my territory, I say you have it if you have it, and you have it if you don't!"Bite me?

Ever since, Princess Nankang went to Taicheng, and Youzhou intercepted the money and food to pass through Minglu, and got a fortune, and paid half a year's military salary.

After driving back to Qingxili, the pigeon with the letter flapped its wings and flew north, and the good news was quickly delivered to Xuyi.

At the same time, Sima Daofu began to collect beauties wantonly and ordered people to teach etiquette and singing.Huan Ji was in Gushu and didn't know what she was doing. Huan Xi and Huan Xin looked at her coldly, both felt that this move was strange, but they couldn't think of the reason.

It wasn't until the Shangsi Festival that Sima Daofu invited Sima Yao into Huan's mansion, arranged a banquet, presented several rounds of singing and dancing, and even gave them gifts, the answer to the mystery was revealed.

Reminded by A Ye, Sima Daofu not only sent beauty to Sima Yao, but also his own father.

Regardless of what the concubines in the palace think, whether they are gnashing their teeth behind their backs; and no matter whether there are rumors spreading again in Jiankang, how many people are talking about the princess of Yuyao County sending beauties to the palace, and the rewards Sima Daofu received cannot be faked. The title that had been given for a long time was also awarded.

"Princess Xin'an Chang, with five hundred households in Shiyi, is granted the title of Xin'an County."

Having tasted the benefits, Sima Daofu easily refused to stop.

Aye offered another plan for her, and a Taoist offered a bottle of elixir.

Sima Daofu hesitated for a moment, his desire for power finally overwhelmed his family affection, he kept clenching his hand holding the medicine box, and said in a deep voice, "Find a few healthy servants and try."

"promise!"

Knowing the situation of the Huan Mansion, Mrs. Li smiled slightly.Randomly picked up a few grains of millet, waved his sleeves and scattered them into the courtyard.

A group of birds flew down from the branches, scrambling to peck.

Hearing the familiar ring wearing sound, Mrs. Li turned her head and met Princess Nankang walking down the corridor.

When she got close, Princess Nankang stopped, stroked the silk jacket on Mrs. Li, and said, "It's cold in the corridor, how long has A-mei been here?"

Mrs. Li shook her head slightly, grabbed Princess Nankang's sleeve, leaned lightly in front of the princess, and said with a smile: "Sister, the spring is beautiful, can I share it with my concubine?"

While speaking, the breeze passed through the corridor, the long sleeves fluttered, and the skirt flowed.

A few petals danced in the wind and fell gently on the black hair, making her look even more delicate and beautiful.