Huan Rong

The Wei and Jin etiquette system was inherited from the Han Dynasty, and the emperor's wedding should be followed by six rituals, namely Nacai, Wenming, Naji, Nazheng, Asking for a date, and Greeting in person.

During the Taikang period in the past, there was a secretary who asked, "The emperor is married, and the levy should be tied with silk, jade, and two horses."

The emperor agreed to his request, and since then the old system has been changed, and new rites have been adopted for collection and collection.The remaining five ceremonies are still in accordance with the ancient system, with one white goose and one white sheep, and twelve dendrobiums of wine and rice.

Sima Yao's big wedding was discussed by the officials of the department. Afterwards, he invited them to perform five geese and six rituals, that is, accept one sheep and three horses of silk.In addition, the number of crimson, silk and animal skins varies.In addition, 200 million additional money is required, one piece of jade, six horses, and twelve hu each of wine and rice.

Regardless of whether Sima Yao and Wang Fahui are unwilling or not, whether they will become a bitter couple after marriage, all the procedures of the wedding are proceeding in an orderly manner.

Taichang and Dazhong are shouldering the responsibility of accepting and asking for names, and they can't make any mistakes in their actions.

The emperor's wedding is different from the common people, the six ceremonies remain the same, but the time is relatively shortened, and the emperor cannot go out of the palace to greet him in person.Therefore, after the application period in the palace, the two of them had to lead the carriage to Wang Yun's mansion of Neishi, read the imperial decree face to face, and welcomed the queen into the palace.

When Huan Rong's fleet arrived in Jiankang, Da Zhongzheng and Tai Chang had just passed the mansion to accept Cai.In less than half a month, the five ceremonies have been completed, and they are only waiting for the new queen to enter the palace.

The Wang family may not be satisfied with this marriage.

In the eyes of most people, there is a precedent for Empress Aijing, and it is a bit of a loss to marry the daughter of the Wang family to Sima Yao, and it is not as good as the marriage of the Jiankang gentry.

The name of the queen sounds nice, but it is actually quite the opposite.

The Wei and Jin Dynasties are no different than the Han Dynasty, the rights of concubines and relatives are constantly shrinking, unless, like Yu Liang and Yu Bing, they are exceptionally talented, in charge of a state and county, and can bring the family to the top with political achievements and military exploits.If not, it would not be of much benefit to become Sima's in-laws.

Of course, Princess Shang, a power minister such as Huan Wen, is another matter.

However, the fifth of the six rites has passed, and it is a foregone conclusion that cannot be changed.

The Patriarch gave repeated orders, not allowing the clansmen to express their dissatisfaction in this matter - at least not in front of Tai Chang and Da Zhongzheng, so as to fall into the trap.No matter how reluctant the clansmen were, they could not violate the Patriarch's order.In the end, I can only put on a smiling face to welcome the people from Taicheng.

On the wedding day, Sima Yao sat upright in the Tai Chi Hall, dressed in black and red, wearing a twelve-slit leather hat, and a wooden sword inlaid with precious stones on his waist, with an uncontrollable excitement in his expression.

Wen Wu, who entered the palace to congratulate him, was a little surprised.It was rumored that the Son of Heaven did not like the Wang family. Looking at it now, the rumors seem to be false?

Huan Rong shook his head secretly, and lifted the corners of his mouth ironically.

The reason why Sima Yao was excited was definitely not because of the big wedding, but [-]% because he thought that Zhizhu was in his hands and everything was under control.At the time of the big wedding, you can deploy people in an open and honest manner, and take advantage of the occasion of the congratulations of the clan officials to order the front guards of the palace to surround the gate of the palace.

Thinking about it carefully, such a plan is not bad.If there are no mistakes in the middle link, and the recruits are loyal people, maybe it will be successful.

The problem is that Sima Yao overestimated himself and underestimated his opponent.

No matter how accurate the timing is, and how well-planned things are, the implementer and he are not of the same mind.

According to the plan in advance, Dianqianwei will surround Changle Palace and not allow Princess Nankang and others to leave the palace.At the same time, another person was sent to guard the gate of the palace to prevent the news from leaking out and attract state soldiers outside the palace.

When Huan Rong entered the palace, there were no guards around him.

In this way, no matter how powerful he is, even if he can reach the sky, he still can't use it.In order to save the life of the old woman in Nankang, she still had to bow her head.

As evidenced by the ministers, once he handed over his official seal, took off his official hat, and handed over the rights in Youzhou, it was impossible for him to turn back.

The more excited Sima Yaoyue thought about it, his cheeks flushed faintly, even overshadowing his dark complexion.

Zhou Chu's official position is not high, and he was at the end of the line when he entered the palace to congratulate him.

He had just stepped on the jade steps when Huan Rong and Xi Yin walked out of the hall hand in hand.

The two had smiles on their faces, talking and laughing happily all the way, without showing any hostility.On the contrary, those who don't know the inside story, seeing the scene in front of them, will probably think that the two have a very close relationship.

Xi Yin no longer called Huan Rong "A Nu", nor did he regard himself as an elder in his words.The reason is very simple, with Huan Rong's current status, it is not appropriate to meet with her previous attitude.

Huan Rong's demeanor was still respectful, without any complacency or arrogance.

In addition to being surprised, Xi Yin inevitably felt a little bit emotional.

It's still the same old saying, Huan Yuanzi spent half his life as a soldier, although he didn't have a long-cherished wish, but with such a son, he should have no regrets in his life.

Xi Chengxiang's emotion came from the heart, and there was absolutely no falsehood.As for whether Sima Huan would have any objections... Everyone has entered the tomb and entered the underworld, and there is no way to disagree.

When the two stepped down the jade steps, they passed by Xi Chao and Zhou Chu successively.

Xi Chao stopped for half a step, and bowed his hands to Xi Yin.

Xi Yin nodded slightly, but didn't say anything.

With a slight smile on his face, Zhou Chu sized up the Duke of Huainan, who had been famous for a long time, and finally came to the conclusion: the so-called noble appearance is not a lie.

When the officials came to celebrate, Princess Nankang was talking to the Queen Mother in Changle Palace.

On such a happy day, the Queen Mother Chu was also "invited" out, and Yili sat on the head with the Queen Mother.However, his expression was dull from beginning to end, without any joy.

In fact, anyone who has seen her before will be shocked at this moment.There may even be doubts, this woman with silver-white hair on the temples and wrinkled face is really the Empress Dowager Chu back then?

Empress Dowager Chu and Princess Nankang were about the same age. At this moment, sitting together, they seemed to be more than ten years apart.

Her aging appearance, haggard look, and skinny hands proved once again what kind of life she lived in the palace.

No matter how many rifts there were before, it is inevitable to feel sad at this moment.

The Queen Mother turned a blind eye, and was laughing with Hu Shuyi at the colorful treasure brought by Princess Nankang.

"Are these from the west?" Picking up a ruby ​​the size of a pigeon egg, the Queen Mother asked curiously.

Such a large ruby ​​is not unusual for her.What is strange is that the entire gemstone has been carefully polished, and it is more exquisite than the one in her hands.

"Yes." Princess Nankang nodded, the reason for hiding the gems was from Chang'an, and they were replaced by Hu merchants from the Western Regions. They said that in exchange for these gems, they used a lot of Youzhou white sugar and silk.

"Those merchants don't want gold or copper coins, they only look for white sugar and silk."

Seeing the surprise on the faces of the Queen Mother and Hu Shuyi, Princess Nankang deliberately elongated her voice, pointed out three fingers, and said with a smile: "Exchanging the Caibao City for sugar and silk, and then converting it into gold in Youzhou, the profit can be tripled." .”

"hiss--"

Both the Queen Mother and Hu Shuyi took a breath.

After a long while, Hu Shuyi tentatively asked: "Didn't it mean that there is a price bureau in Youzhou Fang City, and the prices of market goods are written down?"

Princess Nankang nodded.

Price is dead, people are alive.

These colored treasures did not come from Hushang Market, but the prices exchanged in the market were not false.

The officials in charge of Fangshi will not forcibly stop things that are willing to fight and suffer.What's more, when these Hu merchants transport the goods back to the country, they will not lose at all, but will make a lot of money.

As the army entered Guzang, the commercial routes of the Western Regions gradually became connected, and the news was no longer blocked as before.Not only Huan Rong, but also Princess Nankang were shocked when they heard the price of goods from Youzhou in the west.

Such a high price, I really never thought about it.

Nowadays, more and more Hu merchants are looking around, hoping to be included in the Baiji, so that they can have a long-term residence in Youzhou.The purpose is to purchase large quantities of goods and transport them to countries and tribes further west by the caravans under his command.

"According to what he said, there is Persia thousands of miles away from me, and there are barbarians with hair and blood drinking blood in the west of Persia. Their skin is white like ghosts, and their hair and pupils are all different colors."

"Isn't that Murong Xianbei?" Hu Shuyi said.

Princess Nankang shook her head.

"No, I heard that he doesn't know etiquette, has a strange smell, and looks ugly, so it's not Murong Xianbei."

If Huan Rong was present, it might be able to further explain to the Queen Mother that the Persia mentioned by the mother should be the birthplace of the historical Persian Empire.And the barbarians who drink blood are probably what later generations call the Aryans, and perhaps some Romans.

To say that it is ugly is definitely not the view of Princess Nankang alone.

According to the current aesthetic point of view, these bearded and long-haired people, except for the Romans, most of the races that do not bathe all the year round, are indeed associated with ugly words.

"The commercial route to the west has been opened. In order to avoid the disturbance of disabled soldiers and bandits, the army will not turn back immediately, but will stay for a while."

Princess Nankang changed the subject and said to the Queen Mother: "A few days ago, Gua'er told me that the west sent back news that the local counties lacked officials. The local tyrants have the experience of serving other masters, and it is difficult to distinguish loyalty from traitors, so they are not enough to entrust important tasks. For example, the Huan family and the Wang Xie family's lords can become officials, although it is possible, it is too conspicuous after all."

Over [-]% of the official positions in the territory that was conquered were taken over by the Longkanghuan family, the Langya Wang family, the Chenjun Xie family, and the Hongnong Yang family.The remaining [-]% ​​belong to the in-laws and allies of each family, and the rest will be used as "favors".

Taiyuan Wang's release of goodwill needs to be considered.

The surname Wu who negotiated the conditions cannot be left behind.

Similarly, the Queen Mother, Hu Shuyi, and Princess Nankang had a tacit understanding, and one side was setting conditions, waiting for the other side to nod.

Knowing Huan's ambitions, the Queen Mother hesitated.After another thought, Sima Yu is dead, and Sima Yao's mud can't support the wall. Instead of dying in Taicheng, it is better to fight for the interests of the family.

She has no parents and children, so naturally she has no scruples.After some consideration, he exchanged glances with Hu Shuyi, and immediately made up his mind.

"If the Duke of Huainan is willing to support me, I have two brothers and several nephews. Although I have no great talents and cannot expand the territory, I can still guard a land and guard the land for the country."

The Queen Mother made a statement, and Hu Shuyi followed suit.

The Empress Dowager Chu sat aside, and when she heard what the three of them said, her expression was a little loose.But thinking of all the things before, the raised thoughts were withdrawn again.

She is no better than the Queen Mother and Hu Shuyi.

When Sima Yi and Sima Yu were in power, she designed Huanrong many times.In the end, the goal was not achieved, and each other ended up in a deadlock.Even though Huan Rong didn't care about it, Nankang would not expose the matter easily.

It has never been Nankang's style to repay grievances with kindness.

If it were me, would I easily let go of the person who murdered my parents and children?

Obviously not possible.

Empress Dowager Chu sighed secretly, her expression was getting older, her whole body seemed to be like a statue, and she lost her popularity at all.

Unexpectedly, Princess Nankang suddenly turned her head and said, "I heard that there is a man in the Chu clan who is good at calculation. Is this true?"

Empress Dowager Chu stared in astonishment, seeing that Princess Nankang had a serious expression, without the slightest hint of ridicule or teasing, she couldn't help being shocked.

"Indeed." The two words came out, and Empress Dowager Chu realized how hoarse her voice was.

"Have you reached the crown?" Princess Nankang continued to ask.

"The year before last, I have reached the crown, but I haven't married yet." Queen Mother Chu continued.His hands were clasped in front of his body, his fingers were tightly clenched, his palms were wet, and he was obviously sweating coldly.

"But the engagement with the surname Wu, the girl suddenly died of illness?" asked the Queen Mother.

"Exactly." The Empress Dowager Chu nodded, moved her fingers slightly, and her voice was no longer hoarse. went."

"Things are unpredictable."

At this point, several people are a little bit embarrassed.

Both the Queen Mother and Hu Shuyi had children, but they died of illness and failed to grow up.Chu Suanzi's son has grown up, but it's a pity that the white-haired man gives the black-haired man away.

Thinking about the sad things, the atmosphere between the three of them is no longer cold.However, it is still impossible to confide in this matter.

"Gua'er said that Liangzhou just lacks people who are proficient in calculation." Princess Nankang said, "If Mr. Chu Lang leaves for Liangzhou, he will definitely be able to do something."

As soon as this remark came out, it was as if a heavy hammer fell to the ground.

The Empress Dowager Chu shook her lips, she knew very well in her heart that this was not just about a gentleman becoming an official, but about how the Chu family would stand in line.Pushing forward to the choice of Queen Mother and Hu Shuyi, Queen Mother Chu clenched her fingers even tighter, and finally nodded.

"If the Duke of Huainan County can support you, I thank you on behalf of Mrs. Chu."

An era has its own rules.

Huan Rong intends to end the troubled times and restore China, so he must ascend to a high position, hold the political power and military power in his hands, and become an evil feudal dictatorship.

To achieve this goal, we must try to change the situation in the court.

Ascend to the throne and be a puppet like Sima Shi?

His head was filled with water and he was full!

Guide the gentry to broaden their horizons, no longer limited to their own one-acre three-point land, but also to establish a hilltop in the court, to ensure that several forces check and balance each other, and they are no longer as easy as before. .

On top of several forces, take Xi Yin as the benchmark.

He has no intention of letting Xi Yin resign. With this presence, it is no small deterrent in the court.

What's more, the Beifu army has been in charge of the Xi family for many years, and the generals in the army have some kind of kindness with Xi Yin.After all, Liu Laozhi's qualifications are limited, and his military achievements are not enough to convince the public. If he wants to completely take the Beifu Army back to the court, there must be a transition.

As a chess player, Huan Rong made several layouts, and finally adopted the suggestions of Jia Bing and Xun You. He could not just use the technique of checks and balances, and then guide and lure them to benefit. Nibbling at one bite to achieve the purpose of centralizing monarchy.

This will be a long process and cannot be accomplished overnight.

But the steps have been taken, and the chess pieces have been dropped. No matter whether there are thorns or not in the road ahead, we must go forward step by step.

When Princess Nankang and the Queen Mother were talking, Sima Daofu sat quietly on the side, looking slightly bored.After the Empress Dowager Chu nodded and promised her son to become an official on behalf of the Chu family, Sima Daofu held up the lacquer cup and used the tea soup to cover up the trace of sarcasm at the corner of his mouth.

At this moment, an eunuch bowed into the palace and reported to the queen mother that the queen had been welcomed into the palace.

"Very good." The Queen Mother nodded, as if she didn't pay much attention to this matter.Seeing her current expression, she will be more or less suspicious, whether her love for Wang Shi is true or not.

Not long after the eunuch withdrew, someone came to report again, the palace gate was closed, the front guard of the hall was suddenly mobilized, one team guarded the gate of Changle Palace, and the rest surrounded the Taiji Hall.

The Queen Mother raised her eyebrows, and exchanged glances with Hu Shuyi.

Empress Dowager Chu frowned slightly, thinking of something in a trance, she looked up at Princess Nankang.

"Nankang, do you know about this?"

Princess Nankang nodded, her full red lips curved slightly.

"No problem, just watch the show, Queen Mother."