Chapter 222 The Queen Mother’s Last Words, Save Hu Luguang
Four years have passed, Fenghuang has turned seventeen this year, and is no longer as beautiful as a girl in the past. She has transformed into a man and a woman. He has become a high-spirited and handsome young man, with a hint of coldness and sternness in his handsome outline.
"Yes, Brother Qing, I am Phoenix!"
The young man replied, with a bright smile, he waved to the tribe behind him to follow him, and ordered: "Come here to see Lan Prince Ling and his concubine, if they hadn’t sent us military supplies and supplies in the past few years, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make meritorious deeds on the battlefield!” They led a group of Murong's tribe to fight against the Turks. Last year's harvest in Jinyang was not good, and they encountered several insect plagues and droughts. The treasury was empty, and the court often deducted their food and salary, and sometimes there was no food and salary. Xiao Jinyu learned of the situation and sent sergeants to deliver food, medicine, and even a few thunder bombs to Jinyang. Although the number was not large, it also brought great help to the Phoenix army.
The sergeants were also very grateful to King Lanling and Princess Lanling, and saluted them one after another!
"Yes!"
"Prince Lanling, Princess Lanling!"
Gao Changgong and Xiao Jinyu were also very pleased and signaled that they did not need to be polite.
At this time, Phoenix cut off the head of the leader, walked over, and said to them: "This man is Lu Wei, the chief of the Buliugu clan, and a member of Lu Lingxuan's clan. He should be a member of the Mu family. Deva’s orders are here to assassinate you!”
Xiao Jinyu nodded.
Fenghuang looked at Xiao Jinyu for another moment, then suppressed the longing in his heart and said seriously: "Prince, Brother Qing, Governor Duan Da asked me to pick you up here and take you to Jinyang first. Duan Da The governor seems to have something to say to the prince!"
Prince Lanling nodded and said: "Okay!"
The group of people walked towards Jinyang City. Along the way, Xiao Jinyu I heard that these Xianbei soldiers complained.
“The imperial court’s inability to issue food and wages is not because the treasury is empty and there is no food. I heard that the dress worn by a maid next to your majesty is worth ten thousand pieces of cloth, and a mirror stand is worth a thousand gold. And we The thousands of lives of the soldiers fighting on the front line are not worth as much as a dress of the palace maid beside him!”
"The treasury is empty, and His Majesty is still carrying out large-scale construction projects. He not only built a palace in Yedu, but also came to Jinyang to build a palace. He built it several times but was not satisfied. He tore it down and rebuilt it. Not only the farmers in Jinyang, but also us will be dragged away. Come and be a servant and build him a gorgeous palace!”
The sergeants’ comments were very quiet, but Gao Changgong’s words were heard and remembered in his heart.
Xiao Jinyu still gave him a gentle look to express comfort and encouragement.
When they arrived at Jinyang Palace, Gao Changgong realized that what the sergeants were saying was no exaggeration. It turned out that Jinyang City had high walls and was majestic. It could indeed be seen that it had been renovated many times and was much better than before. The ornately decorated palace looks extremely luxurious.
This is undoubtedly a great irony. The soldiers fighting on the front line had no food and salary, but the emperor had money to build pavilions and buildings.
"Your Majesty has levied taxes many times a year in the past two years and built Buddhist temples and palaces. The people are suffering miserably!"
Gao Changgong felt extremely uncomfortable when he heard these discussions. If this continues, even if the Qi Dynasty There are so many powerful generals that it is difficult to survive even if the treasury is empty. Without food rewards, who would be willing to fight for you!
After arriving at Duan Shao's residence, Gao Changgong discovered that the God of War of Da Qi, who had not seen him for four years, and the Dinghai Divine Needle of Qi State, now had many white hairs. He was already very old, and had contracted the disease due to years of fighting. Got some serious illness.
"Chang Gong, you are here, come on, come on, let's chat!"
Seeing that he was faltering, Gao Changgong quickly strode over and supported him.
"Chang Gong, I still remember that you went out to fight with me when you were eleven or twelve years old, and now you are so old and married in the blink of an eye!"
"The relationship between you and your princess I have heard a lot about things. She is indeed a talented person. The edict issued to the Supreme Emperor four years ago was originally very beneficial to the development of the country. However, it is a pity that because she is a woman, she was rejected by the nobles in the court. You have suffered a lot because of your exclusion, and there are villains like He Shikai who encouraged His Majesty to assassinate you, and you have to stay away from the center of Yecheng, and those edicts have not been implemented!"
< br>"The current emperor is even more ridiculous than his father. I am afraid that he has bad intentions in letting you go back!"
"Now that I am old, I am afraid that I will not be able to survive. I, Daqi, still have to rely on you. If a brave general like Hu Lu Mingyue continues to defend you, nothing will happen to you two, otherwise it will only be a matter of time for the puppet Zhou Dynasty to defeat our Daqi!"
Duan Shao spoke as earnestly as his last words! , the old man burst into tears, seemingly full of revenge, but unable to do anything!
Gao Changgong was also very sad when he heard this, and comforted: "Dazai must take care of his health, Daqi also needs you very much now!"
Once the Queen Mother died, Xianbei, a six-town town like Jinyang, would not be what it used to be. Generally loyal to the Gao family, it is inevitable that there will be dissenters, and Duan Shao is undoubtedly the backbone of Jinyang!
Seeing Gao Changgong's deep thought, Duan Shao suddenly held Gao Changgong's hand and said in a loving and compassionate tone: "Before the Queen Mother left, I went to see her, and she didn't close her eyes until the moment she died. She spent the rest of her life in repentance and pain. She told me that if her sixth son had not succeeded to the throne, her grandson Gao Yin would not have died, and if her ninth son had not succeeded to the throne, she would not have lost so much. Grandson.
What she regrets the most is that she felt ashamed of you. She said that you were so filial to her. When you heard that she was seriously ill, you immediately brought your princess back from Nanchen and let your princess go. He cured her disease, but she did that to you in the end, causing you to almost lose your life."
At this point, he paused for another moment and said solemnly:
"Chang Gong, the Queen Mother said that even if she dies, if what you face when you come back is a dragon's pool and a tiger's den, then she would rather you not come back!"
"But the current situation is not up to you to choose, so the Queen Mother remains She gave me a decree, and she told me to take it out when your life is in danger, hoping to use it to save your life!"
As he said that, Duan Shao took out a bright yellow scroll and handed it to her! In the hands of Gao Changgong.
Gao Changgong opened it and looked at it, with a look of surprise in his eyes.
Duan Shao said with emotion: "In the past few years, you and your princess have sent good medicine to the sergeants in Jinyang many times. When the court couldn't pay them, you gave them food and grass when the time was right, and you yourself In the frontier area, you are frugal in food and clothing, and everything you do for Daqi and the people is seen by everyone
Therefore, Chang Gong, if you want to mobilize Jinyang's troops and horses, just take this decree and I will help you! "
Gao Changgong was also very moved and couldn't help but shed tears and said: "Thank you Dazai for your trust in Changgong. This time when I return to Yedu, I will definitely remove the villains around His Majesty and will not let them deprive the soldiers again. Their food and wages! "
"Can we get rid of them all? In the past there were Lu Lingxuan and He Shikai, and now there are Mutipo, Zu Jue, and He Hongzhen. The reason why there are so many villains in power is that the king is unwilling to listen to advice and likes the flattery of villains.
Man perishes for wealth, and birds perish for food. If the king does not like those who are outspoken and admonishing, even those wise ministers will be forced to become villains! "
These words made Gao Changgong feel helpless and sad, and he was silent and thinking deeply.
"Whatever you want to do, just do it! Here in Jinyang, as long as I live for one day, I will definitely be able to help you support it!"
Gao Changgong suddenly raised his eyes to look at him, and then realized what he said The meaning of these words.
“One more thing, Your Majesty seems to be afraid of the Left Prime Minister Hu Luguang. In the battle of Yiyang last year, Hu Luguang defeated the Zhou army and captured the Puppet Thursday City. He originally wanted to take the army back to Ye City to receive the reward, but before the army reached Yecheng, he received the emperor's order, ordering the sergeants to disperse and go home to rest.
Hu Luguang felt that the soldiers did not receive the consolation reward, and the soldiers would be cold. With their hearts in mind, he secretly petitioned to send someone to announce the decree, but the army kept advancing until it approached Yecheng. His Majesty then sent his ministers to invite Hu Luguang to come in, and then comforted and rewarded the soldiers.
But His Majesty was very unhappy at the time!”
...After coming out of Dazaifu, Xiao Jinyu saw Gao Changgong's worried face and asked him what Duan Shao said.
Gao Changgong took out the Queen Mother's decree and showed it to Xiao Jinyu, and at the same time recounted what Duan Shao said.
"Ayu, I feel that Dazai's spirit is not as good as before. It seems that he is really seriously ill. If he unfortunately dies, our Qi country will lose a good general and a pillar of support. Moreover, Dazai has always been Treat me like a father..."
"Then let me go and see!"
After Xiao Jinyu said that, he and Gao Changgong came to Dazai Mansion again. At that time, Duan Shao was walking out of the study.
Although Duan Shao had never seen Princess Lanling’s true appearance, seeing how beautiful she was and standing beside Prince Lanling, he knew her identity without even guessing. He smiled and said :
"This is Princess Lanling, please sit down!"
Xiao Jinyu did not walk over, but asked: "Dazai often feels chest tightness, lack of energy, and waist and shoulder pain. ?”
Duan Shao was startled when he heard this, and the eyes of Duan Deheng, the fourth son beside him, even brightened.
"That's it. I've heard that Princess Lanling is a miracle doctor. She really deserves her reputation. She actually saw my father's illness at a glance. Can my father's illness be cured?"
"Yes, Shi The acupuncture can relieve Dazai's pain, but Dazai can't go to war for a year and needs to rest!"
"Okay! Father, your disease can be cured, this is great!"
Duan Deheng shouted very happily, and immediately made a respectful gesture of invitation to Xiao Jinyu.
"Then please trouble Princess Lanling! No matter how much medical fee you want, I will pay it immediately!"
Xiao Jinyu just smiled, nodded, and then let Duan Shao lie down in the room to rest. She then performed acupuncture on him. Prince Lanling stood by her side, and Duan Deheng and all his servants waited anxiously outside.
After about a stick of incense, Xiao Jinyu and Prince Lanling came out.
"How is my father?"
Before Xiao Jinyu could answer, Duan Deheng couldn't wait to run into the room and saw Duan Shao getting up on the couch and rubbing his shoulders and waist.
“It really doesn’t hurt anymore!”
After moving his muscles again, he affirmed:
"It doesn't hurt anymore!"
"What a god! Father, how many doctors we have called for say they can't cure it, but I didn't expect that Lanling Princess..."
Duan Deheng's eyes showed a burst of admiration and pity: "Father, such a woman is really rare. This time the couple returns to Yedu, I am afraid it will be bad or bad. We must have to Find a way to save their lives!"
"That's true, Deheng, you go to Yecheng to help them first. If necessary, write to me and I will go too!"
"Yes, father!"
After giving Duan Shao a prescription, Xiao Jinyu and Prince Lanling set off from Jinyang without stopping. When they left, not only did Phoenix bring hundreds of horsemen to follow him , and Duan Deheng also brought troops and horses with him!
Duan Deheng smiled all the way and said: "You don't have to worry about me. I am also going to Yecheng to report my work in Beijing, so I am traveling with you!"
How could Gao Changgong and Xiao Jinyu not do the same? Understanding Duan Shao's intention, he didn't expose it, so he hurried to Yecheng all the way.
When we arrived at Yecheng, the funeral of the Empress Dowager had already ended, but at the same time, a rumor spread among the neighbors, saying: "A hundred liters fly into the sky, and the bright moon shines on Chang'an!"< br>
"High mountains will collapse if they are not pushed down, and oak trees will stand upright if they are not supported."
Hearing these rumors, Xiao Jinyu's expression changed drastically, and she said: "No!"
Gao Changgong Asked: "Ayu, what's wrong?"
Xiao Jinyu explained: "One hundred liters is one hu, and the bright moon is the word for Hu Luguang. The rumor implies that Hu Luguang has ambitions to usurp the throne. This was done by Wei Xiaokuan A plan to alienate each other!"
This sentence made Gao Changgong, Li Mi and Cui Heng all change their expressions.
"Li Langjun, did you give one of the three tips I gave you to General Hulu?"
Li Mi said: "I did, but I don't know that the left Are you willing to believe it?”
At this time, Fenghuang also said: “The Prime Minister Zuo has also arrived in Yecheng. His Majesty sent someone to reward him with a horse some time ago, saying that he was going to visit Dongshan. Mr. Zuo rode this horse with us! So Mr. Zuo came to Yecheng to express his gratitude to His Majesty!"
After Fenghuang said this, even Gao Changgong's expression changed.
"Hurry! Enter the palace quickly and go to Liangfeng Hall!"
...
When he learned that King Lanling and his concubine had returned to Yecheng, Gao Wei was very happy. He actually forgot about Hu Luguang and immediately ordered someone to bring the couple into the palace for an audience!
So it was quite smooth for Xiao Jinyu and Gao Changgong to arrive at Liangfeng Hall. Almost as soon as they arrived, they saw Liu Taozhi and a group of people chasing and slashing Hu Luguang with knives. !
Gao Changgong immediately stepped forward, blocked the crowd with his short blade, kicked everyone away, and stood in front of Hu Luguang.
"Mr. Liu, the Left Prime Minister has never done anything to disgrace the State of Qi and His Majesty. Why do you want to kill him?"
Gao Changgong asked angrily, Bai Yi also ran up and swung his sword to chop off the knife in Liu Taozhi's hand.
When the other imperial guards saw that it was King Lanling, they were a little in awe and did not dare to step forward.
"King Lanling, I advise you not to meddle in other people's business. This is your Majesty's wish! The Hulu family has crossbow armor and thousands of slaves. They often send people to Fengle, Wudu, etc. He is suspected of forming a party for personal gain and rebellion, so Your Majesty ordered me to kill him!"
"If the left prime minister is really suspected of treason, the case should be reviewed and decided by Dali Temple. How can he assassinate him privately?"
“If you kill the left prime minister, you will fall into the trap of Wei Xiaokuan of Zhou State, and our country of Qi will be in danger!”
"Let the Prime Minister go and I'll go see Your Majesty!"