Huan Rong

Illness comes like a mountain.

Qin Ce's illness was even more serious.

Zizai Guangming Palace fainted, Qin Ce never regained consciousness, and did not ascend to the court meeting for three consecutive days.Physicians were called to enter the palace one after another, but no one could leave.

Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu stayed in the inner hall, looked through the pulse records recorded by the doctor, and asked Qin Ce's condition in detail.

The doctor had a troubled expression on his face, but he didn't dare to hide it, so he had to bite the bullet and say: "The officials are old and their ears are smooth, and their energy is not as good as before. The state affairs are too hard, they can't maintain their health, and they used some things to add to the fun..."

The doctor spoke in a very cryptic manner, with a rather evasive look on his face.

It's not that he has other intentions and is deliberately selling off, it's that Qin Ce's situation is special.

To put it bluntly, Qin Ce handles state affairs during the day and seeks pleasure from beauties at night. People in their 60s are supposed to maintain their health and self-cultivation, but they do the opposite.She couldn't help being beautiful, and even started to use drugs to boost her performance. Her energy became weaker and her body was almost hollowed out.

Fortunately, Qin Ce was born as a military general and has a strong physical foundation, so he can survive until today.If it were someone else with a slightly weaker physique, I am afraid that he would have died long ago, and he would never wait for the doctor to save his life.

After the doctor finished speaking, he didn't feel relaxed at all. He only felt his scalp was tight and his back was sweating. He didn't even dare to look at the expressions of Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu.

After a long while, when he learned that he could leave, the doctor immediately rubbed oil on the soles of his feet as if he had been pardoned, and ran out of the inner hall in a hurry, taking the opportunity of boiling medicine to hide in the side hall.

When the beauties of Lanlin Palace and Jiuhua Palace heard the news, they were all silent as if struck by lightning.

Qin Ce was unconscious, and the gate of the palace was closed tightly, so outsiders could not enter.Empress Liu's power spread throughout the Gui Palace.No matter who she wanted to crush to death, it was a breeze.

"What to do? How can this be done?"

The beauties dare not step into the Hall of Light, and can only sit alone and weep.Thinking of the purpose of his family sending him into the palace, and thinking of Qin Ce's illness, he felt that his eyes were dark and his future was hopeless.

Qin Ce was in a coma for three days, unable to take any medicine or food.

The doctor said it was important, Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu did not pretend to be others, picked up the medicine feeding utensils and bamboo spoons, and took turns guarding in front of the bed regardless of the spilled soup and medicine dirtying their clothes and skirts.

"Quick, break your majesty's jaw."

The eunuch stepped forward cautiously, repeated several times, but never dared to use great force, so naturally he couldn't break Qin Ce's clenched teeth.

"Go back."

Concubine Liu Shu frowned, rolled up her long sleeves, and pinched Qin Ce's chin with her plain hands. With a clever effort, she finally opened Qin Ce's mouth and said softly, "Sister, you can give me medicine."

Empress Liu didn't delay, pressed Qin Ce's tongue coating with a bamboo spoon, and forced the decoction into Qin Ce's mouth.

Seeing that he could still swallow, everyone in the hall breathed a sigh of relief.

After feeding a bowl of soup and medicine, Empress Liu opened the silk handkerchief and wiped the corner of Qin Ce's mouth.

Seeing Qin Ce's eyelids twitching slightly, and his fingers twitching slightly, as if he was awake, Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu exchanged glances, and immediately leaned over and said, "Your Majesty has just taken the medicine, and it will take time to recover. Rest first. There is me in the palace." And Amei, there are General Xiahou and Zhang Situ in the court."

I don't know if Qin Ce is really conscious, but after hearing these words, he gradually calmed down.

Empress Liu straightened up and nodded to Concubine Liu Shu.

The two sisters knew very well that Qin Ce could not die for the time being.Even if they were going to die, they had to last until the Qin brothers rushed back to Chang'an.

There is no need to return all of them, as long as one returns, the situation between North Korea and China can be controlled.Even if someone has ulterior motives, it will not be able to cause much trouble.

However, after Qin Ce woke up, knowing that Chang'an was controlled by his parents, it was hard to guarantee how he would react.

Thinking of some possibility, Empress Liu shook her head, got up and went to the side hall to change her dress.With Concubine Liu Shu guarding the inner hall, she can rest assured.

As soon as he entered the side hall, an eunuch came forward to report the situation of the previous dynasty.

"The official fainted at the court meeting. The news couldn't be concealed. There were rumors in Chang'an City, saying that it was..."

"what?"

"It is said that the officials are immoral, do not pity the people, and have no virtue for the emperor. This disease is to be blamed on oneself. The previous Tianlong Eclipse is the proof." The eunuch said, looking around, his voice lowered, "I feel that Things are not right, the rumors spread too fast and too targeted, people will investigate secretly, and it turns out that there are people behind the scenes who are fueling the flames."

"Oh?" Empress Liu raised her eyebrows lightly, her eyes were full of coldness, "Find out who it is?"

"There are five families with conclusive evidence, all of whom were invested by the officials after the establishment of the capital. The other two are old ministries brought from Xihe. They seem to have been dissatisfied with the officials for a long time and took the opportunity to make trouble, but there is no clear evidence There are also clues in the Xiahou Mansion, whether the old general is involved or not, I still can't say for sure."

"Xiahou?"

Empress Liu was taken aback.

Everything is under control, only this is unexpected.She had thought that someone would foster ambition and take the opportunity to create chaos, but she never expected that the Xiahou family would also be involved.

Without definite news, Empress Liu dared not determine whether it was Xia Houpeng himself, his sons, or his grandson in the army who had the strange heart.

The only thing that is certain is that Xia Houyan, who was by Qin Jing's side, must not be involved.

"Continue to investigate and keep a close eye on these families." Empress Liu deliberated for a moment and ordered, "You go out of the palace and invite Zhang Situ into the palace. Be careful not to disturb others. If you want to stabilize the court, wait until A Zi returns. , Zhang Situ must come forward."

"promise!"

Most of Liu's trilogy was given to Qin Jing, and the Liu sisters can only rely on the imperial guards in the palace and the Chang'an garrison.

Before, Empress Liu was not worried about the safety of Gui Palace.Now that the matter involves General Xiahou's residence, she dare not be careless, let alone take any chances.

General Xiahou returned from Pingzhou, and was ordered to lead the captain of Sili.Different from the previous dynasties, Qin Ce not only gave him the duties of inspector and emissary, but also had the right to serve as a soldier.All three of his sons were in the army, and his grandson shouldered the responsibility of guarding the east city. After careful calculation, the Xiahou family actually controlled nearly half of the troops in Chang'an.

Previously suppressed by Qin Ce and afraid of the power of the emperor, the Xiahou family never dared to act rashly.

Now that Qin Ce was seriously ill, he fell into the dragon chair in front of the officials, and his hidden ambition was quickly born, and then spread like wildfire, spreading in an instant, and could never be contained again.

"Since ancient times, the word power has trapped many heroes."

Empress Liu sighed, turned around and returned to the inner hall, dismissed the eunuchs and maidservants, and whispered a few words in Concubine Liu Shu's ear.

"What sister said is true?" Concubine Liu Shu was no less surprised than Empress Liu.

"Indeed." Empress Liu stood by the couch, looked at Qin Ce who had fallen into a deep sleep, and sighed, "From Xihe to Chang'an, it's not just the official family that has changed."

Concubine Liu Shu fell silent, and gently held Empress Liu's hand, without saying a word for a long time.

The two sisters leaned on each other, as if giving each other strength.

"Your Majesty, how many times have you been on guard against Ah Zheng, but have you ever thought about others?" Empress Liu looked at Qin Ce and said in a low voice, "Think about what happened after the Hu clan moved south. If the Xiahou clan succeeded, do you know that the Qin clan would What's the end?"

Qin Ce fell into a deep sleep without any reaction.

Empress Liu closed her eyes and shook her head slightly.

"Well, what's the use of saying this now."

"Sister, Mr. Lang will definitely return in time."

"Ah."

Empress Liu nodded.

In her opinion, although the current situation is critical, it will not be fatal immediately.After all, the Xiahou family is an old minister of the Qin family. Although their actions are tainted with Hu Feng, what they follow is the etiquette, justice, integrity and shame of the Han family, and the righteousness of monarchs and ministers.

"In order to keep the mouth of the world, Xia Houpeng will not use the butcher's knife indiscriminately. If he intends to rebel, the greatest possibility is to surround the palace and force the officials to give up their seats."

"Zen position?" Concubine Liu Shu pondered for a moment, "Imitate to Emperor Huan Han?"

"Eight or nine is inseparable." Empress Liu suddenly smiled, with sarcasm in her smile, "It's just that neither Xia Houpeng nor Xia Houshuo has the ability of the Huan family."

The reason why Huan Rong was able to successfully ascend the throne is inseparable from the special political form of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and it is also inseparable from the "accumulation" of Sima Huan.

Huan Wen had long thought of rebelling, and his words and deeds were all reminiscent of Sima Zhao, which can be regarded as a "vaccination" for the world in advance.

In addition, the Jin family was unpopular, and Sima Yao had the blood of a Kunlun maidservant, so it was a matter of course for Huan Rong to accept the abdication.Even if someone criticizes him, it won't make much of a difference.

Xiahou's is not the case.

The whole family has been regarded as a loyal minister and general of the Qin family, and has been famous for many years.In the eyes of the world, the Xiahou family should not have anything to do with rebellion at all.When someone rebels, he should be the one who leads troops to counter the rebellion.

But now it's good, Xiahou's incited rumors, obviously giving birth to rebellion.

Empress Liu really wanted to see how Xia Houpeng would deal with himself the day the lid was lifted and the world's saliva poured in.

"Your Majesty, you have lost your sight."

Alienation of blood relatives, almost father and son against each other.

Trust the old minister, but face the risk of being forced to Zen.

"One drink and one peck, there is a cause and effect."

Empress Liu looked at Qin Ce, looked at his gray hair, old face, no longer the high spirits of his early years, it was hard to say what it was like in her heart.

Pitiful?

perhaps.

The family relationship between husband and wife has been worn away long ago, and what is left now is only pity for the dying hero and pity for the coming to an end of a generation of heroes.

Inexplicably, an old image suddenly flashed in Empress Liu's mind.

The light and shadow gradually became clear, and it turned out to be the scene of getting married when I was young.

That day, she was combing her long hair in front of the bronze mirror, surrounded by her sisters, and their clear laughter surrounded her ears, dispelling the anxiety of leaving home.

That day, she was sent out of Wubao by her eldest brother. Before boarding the car, she saw Qin Ce standing in front of her on a horse.

His features are handsome, and he is full of pride.

Empress Liu was stunned, not because of Qin Ce's heroism, but because this man was still wearing armor on the day of the wedding, which made people feel strange even though it was even more mighty.

When Qin Ce saw her, he immediately got off his horse and strode forward. Without saying a word, Empress Liu, who would not be able to board the carriage in the future, picked her up and sent her directly to the horse.

After the surprised exclamation, there was a hearty laugh.

"It's getting late, in order to prevent the thieves from causing trouble, return it to Wubao immediately."

"Don't be afraid, my husband, my husband is very good at riding."

"If Xijun is dissatisfied, I will return to Wubao and apologize for my husband leading the horse and driving the carriage!"

The whip was raised, and the sound of hooves gradually faded away.

The dowry sisters sat in the car, looking at the husband and mistress in front of them, looking at each other for a while, not knowing how to react.

After a long time, as the wheels rolled over the official road, the tense nerves gradually relaxed.Hearing the heroic laughter of the man from the North, looking at the pair of figures dyed red by the setting sun, he couldn't help but chuckle.

After the laughter, the girls hit the beat and sang.

In the setting sun, the wedding party galloped all the way, stepped across the open plain, and blended into the afterglow of the setting sun.

The laughter and singing gradually faded away, everything became blurred, and finally sank into the bottom of my heart, buried in the deepest part of memory.

Empress Liu was in a trance for a long time.

She thought she had forgotten, but...

Thinking of this, a wry smile escaped his red lips.

Concubine Liu Shu seemed to be able to guess her thoughts, she leaned closer and held Empress Liu's hand tightly.After the latter relaxed a little, he put his arms around the back of her neck, put his fingers into her hair, and gently exerted force, allowing Empress Liu to lean on her shoulders.

"Sister, it's time to rest."

Empress Liu didn't speak, she closed her eyes and nodded slightly.

The two sisters lean on each other like swans crossing their necks.

The room was silent for a long time, and suddenly there was a soft sound from the couch, followed by Qin Ce's hoarse voice: "Xijun..."

Taiyuan six years, December

Four days later, the Hall of Light resounded with music.Qin Ce was finally promoted to the palace and appeared in front of the officials.

Civil and martial arts entered the palace to play, not yet felt it from a distance, but could be seen from a distance, the emperor's face became more and more sluggish, his eyes were colder than ever, showing a bit of ferocity.

Like a wolf king in his twilight years, losing his fangs and claws, his majesty remains undiminished, enough to make Xiao Xiao timid.

"Preach my decree, summon the four princes to return to Chang'an, and set up a royal ceremony for the prince."

The edict was exported, the hall was silent, and the needle could be heard.

None of the ministers expected that Qin Ce's first order after going to the court after being in a coma for several days was to summon Qin Jing to return to the court and appoint the crown prince.

Sitting in the hall, Xia Houpeng looked at Qin Ce, who was sitting high on the dragon chair, with deep eyes, and his fingers were clenched tightly, almost crushing the Chaohu.

As the imperial decree came out, the wind and rain gradually rose in Chang'an, shaking the entire land of the Central Plains.

When the news reached Jiankang, all the ministers were arguing about why Qin Ce would suddenly appoint the crown prince. Could it be that recovering from illness was just a cover, and going to court was just a strong support, and everything was a flashback?

If this is the case, the plan to encroach on the frontier state may have to be changed.

"Your Majesty, please make a decision early!"

"I know."

Huan Rong knew that the matter was urgent, and after the court dispersed, he left Xie An, Jia Bing and others to discuss.Just halfway through the discussion, Wang Biaozhi suddenly felt unwell, and his face suddenly turned pale.

"Call the healer!"

After the doctor took the pulse and reported the specific situation, Huan Rong and Xie An all had serious expressions, while Xi Chao and Jia Bing also showed regret.

Wang Biaozhi didn't take it seriously, but said with a smile: "It is rare for a person to be seventy in ancient times, and the minister is already seventy and six. He is very old, and he is really merciful to God. Now that he can be an official, it is a sign of the revival of the Han Dynasty. , and the wish has been fulfilled. It's a pity that I can't see His Majesty rule the north and the south..."

"Don't worry, Sikong, I will definitely do it!"

"So, I have no regrets."

Wang Biaozhi's physical condition is no longer suitable for court, so he immediately resigned from his post and returned to the government to recuperate.

The position of Sikong was vacated, but the court was exceptionally peaceful.Everyone's attention is focused on Chang'an, and no one is interested in fighting for power now.

Huan Rong originally planned to mobilize troops to take the opportunity to seize Bianzhou before Qin Jing took control of Chang'an.Unexpectedly, before Qin Jing arrived in Chang'an, Xia Houpeng and his son suddenly rebelled, captured the gate of Chang'an, and surrounded Gui Palace!