Chapter 232 Postscript 5 Reunion, the next King of Lanling
The great court meeting in the fourth year of Wuping was extremely lively. The emperor hosted a banquet for the ministers in the Taiji Palace, the maids went up to the tower to play music, danced their sleeves and sang, and the gold and stones rang together. His Royal Highnesses even exchanged glasses, laughed and played music, which all symbolized peace and prosperity in the Qi Dynasty.
"This year, the world is at peace. Our great Qi is powerful and powerful all over the world. The national power is as strong as the sun. It is all thanks to the hard work of the emperor and the empress that we have the prosperous age we are now. I and all the kings congratulate your majesty. May your majesty live long. , Thousands of years for the Queen!”
The person who spoke was Gao Yuanhai, who took the lead, and all the kings and ministers shouted: “Long live the Queen!”
Gao Yuanhai! People are the same as Zu Jue. They will fawn and flatter whoever gains power, and their stance changes with the wind. However, because they once heard the slanderous words of the empress who was "Xie Zhen" in Gao Zhan's ears with He Shikai, it is unavoidable in their hearts. Panic.
After he finished speaking, he quietly glanced at the expressions of the emperor and empress, but saw that they were frowning slightly and neither of them were very interested. He quickly asked: "I don't know why your majesty and the empress are worried. I am willing to share your worries with you." !"
Gao Changgong said: "I am indeed very worried about something. I know that all of you are loyal, but if your ministers coerce you to rebel for the sake of wealth and power, how should you respond? "
This question immediately caused a silence in the palace, and some princes and ministers became uneasy and frightened. There are many people in Qi State who have been granted titles, and almost every king in Qi State has a fiefdom and military power. The military power is divided into three major military groups: Jinyang Six Towns, Yecheng Forbidden Army and Hebei Wubao.
In the four years since they ascended the throne, Gao Changgong and Xiao Jinyu have promoted some Han people to strengthen the Forbidden Army. The Yecheng Forbidden Army, which was originally trained by Phoenix, has grown even more after being handed over to Ling Ye, and is now fully capable of checking and balancing The Xianbei soldiers in Jinyang's six towns, as well as some old nobles who disobeyed the imperial power in recent years, were all killed in assassinations. Some young people who were replaced gradually bowed to the imperial power and did not dare to rebel and cause trouble again.
Afterwards, Gao Changgong issued an order on the troop mobilization system previously proposed by "Xie Zhen", infiltrating part of the clan power or the Han army into the Xianbei army, gradually dividing the strength of the Xianbei nobles.
Nowadays, Xianbei in Jinyang and Wubao in Hebei no longer pose a threat to the imperial army in Yecheng and have obeyed the imperial court's orders. What is left is the military power of these kings. Some Pan kings have separated themselves from each other and are not subject to imperial control. Once you have your own subordinates, staff and army, it is very easy to rebel.
"Do you know why Murong Jue rebelled in the first place? He is just a teenager. Our country has just settled down. He is already the leading general in control of the Yecheng Forbidden Army. He is in a high position and as long as he does not rebel , he could enjoy glory and wealth in this life, but in the end he was coerced by his retainers to seek the throne.
Murong Jue himself was not wrong, what was wrong was the Xianbei private army he controlled!
The current minister has ambitions and forces you to rebel, what should you do?"
Gao Changgong's stern question made the little hearts of the kings tremble.
Gao Yuanhai showed a look of fear on his face, and said to himself: Your Majesty is going to attack a few kings today, kill one to serve as a warning to others, and seize the military power, right?
Could he have started to become violent and crazy like Emperor Wenxuan and Emperor Wucheng?
"Your Majesty, I will never dare to rebel!"
Gao Yuanhai quickly knelt down and shouted loudly, his words were extremely sincere, but cold sweat was dripping down his back.
Gao Changgong still had a stern look on his face and continued: "Just talking with words is of no use. Do you know what Murong Jue did?"
After that, he took out the letter he had prepared, unfolded it in front of the kings, and then handed it to the servant on the side.
"Read it!"
"Yes!" The chamberlain took it and said loudly, "I was coerced by my subordinates and had no choice but to attack the palace at night today, but I was unwilling to do anything sabotage It is a rebellion to stabilize the country, so today I want to use the Han soldiers ambushed by Chaotianmen to kill the rebels here. I will also kill myself to apologize!"
After the servants finished reading, the princes and ministers in the palace They all changed their minds in shock. It had been three years since the incident. Who would have thought that the truth about that mutiny would be like this?
So, Murong Jue did not rebel, but killed the loyal ministers of the rebels!
It's a pity that because he is the leader of the rebels, even if he has meritorious service, he has become a sinner recognized by the world, and even after his death, he is branded with this unwarranted stigma!
The price is too great!
The expressions of the kings changed, and they had already guessed what His Majesty would say next.
Sure enough, I heard Gao Changgong ask: "My lords, if you encounter the same situation, can you show your loyalty by sacrificing yourself in the line of duty like Murong Jue?"
"Your Majesty, I am too ignorant to do anything rebellious. Please teach us what we should do?"
The kings headed by Gao Yuanhai knelt on the ground and begged in panic.
At this time, Queen Xiao Jinyu stood up and said: "Do you know why since the Han Dynasty, dynasties have changed countless times, but there are always endless wars, and the world cannot get real stability?"< br>
“I don’t know, please teach me, the Queen!”
“That’s because the local governments have too much power, they do their own thing, and they don’t obey the court’s orders. Over time, these kings who cut off the drama have become Or those who held heavy troops became ambitious, and the kings of various dynasties accidentally killed many loyal ministers because of various suspicions!"
"But if the military power is concentrated in the imperial court, the imperial court will To regulate local government orders, then the monarch and his ministers will be in harmony, and the world will be peaceful..."
"What the Queen said makes sense! So, what should we do?" someone asked tremblingly.
At this time, Xiao Jinyu stopped talking, and Gao Changgong replied: "I won't embarrass you. The princes will retain their fiefdoms, but the military power will be handed over to the imperial court. Those with outstanding abilities who can pass the assessment can still stay. Manage the fiefdom, or lead troops, but if you fail the examination, then other capable officials will be appointed to govern it. What do you think? "
At this time, the people in the hall are still in the process of discovering the truth about Murong Jue's rebellion? In their fear, no one dared to utter a word of rebuttal. Headed by Gao Yuanhai, they all replied: "I will obey your Majesty's order. I have no objection!"
Gao Changgong felt ecstatic in his heart. This was what Ayu taught him. He released his military power with a glass of wine, but he didn't expect it to be so effective.
However, although he was happy in his heart, he still maintained the majesty of the emperor on his face, and said coldly again: "For the sake of the stability of the world, I am not afraid of killing people, but I will not wrongly accuse a loyal minister, so Murong Jue's incident , I decided to vindicate him and tell the truth to the world!”
"Besides this, I will re-enable the Murong clan!"
This is to tell the ministers that the king is kind. If you are loyal enough, your majesty will also give you enough trust.
Gao Yanzong couldn't help but sigh in his heart: Ever since his fourth brother became the emperor, he has become more and more adept at playing the so-called emperor's tricks. It was obviously just to vindicate that kid Murong Jue, but he actually did it The new tactics also took away the military power of the kings!
However, he also knows that what the fourth brother wants to seize is the military power of those who are in their positions but do not seek political power. If he has enough ability, he can still lead troops to fight, and Now he has begun to take charge of Jinyang's army.
……
After the meeting, the emperor indeed issued an edict to make it known to the world, clarifying the truth about Murong Jue's rebellion.
This edict also reached Shuozhou.
Fenghuang was very surprised when he learned the news, but Xiao Xian sighed with a smile: "It took more than three years to do it!"
"Although His Majesty won the throne in the first place, In line with public opinion, there are also Empress Dowager Lou's decrees as guarantees, but there are always some nobles and nobles who are dissatisfied and ready to rebel. The government is not stable. However, because of the failure of your rebellion, Murong Jue, it gave those nobles a rest. After that, Your Majesty He and the Queen began to promote Han officials, organize the Han army, and implement various political orders to suppress the ambitions of the nobles and powerful men. It took more than three years to finally stabilize them. "
Speaking of this. , Xiao Xian paused and looked at Phoenix: "I finally have this opportunity to clarify the truth to the ministers at the court meeting and vindicate you!"
"Murong Jue, you don't have to worry about them anymore. You can walk in the sunshine openly and do what you want!"
Before Phoenix could answer, A Yuan had already clapped his hands and shouted.
“Okay, okay, brother can do whatever he wants from now on, and go wherever he wants!”
“One more thing, Ayu and Your Majesty are coming to Shuozhou Yes, they said they would give you a crowning ceremony!”
Fenghuang raised her head to look at him in surprise, with a look of disbelief in her eyes, but more of expectation and joy.
...
The day Xiao Jinyu and Gao Changgong came to Shuozhou was the beginning of spring. The ice and snow had melted, but the weather in Shuozhou was still a bit cold.
The emperor's guard of honor arrived in Shuozhou in a mighty manner and was greeted by many local officials. Most of these officials were children from poor families who were promoted by Xiao Xian. Governed in an orderly manner.
As the emperor, Gao Changgong naturally said some words of condolences. After meeting with the officials, he ordered them to disperse. The two went directly to the official office where Xiao Xian and Xie Yuxuan were.
Because they learned about their arrival, Xiao Xian, Xie Yuxuan, Yuan Rujing, Xiao Ruoling, A Yuan, and Fenghuang all came to greet them early. Even Li Mi and Cui Heng came.
It was much quieter after arriving at the government office. Xiao Xian led everyone and was about to address each other as "Your Majesty and Queen" when Xiao Jinyu hurriedly came up to him and said: "Uncle Xian, Ayu misses you. Now that we are a family, let's stay together." Let's have a meal and talk without these false etiquettes!"
"Yes, Ayu and..." Because she didn't know how to address Gao Changgong, Xie Yuxuan paused and said directly, "It's not easy for us to come here. Don’t get involved with them!”
Seeing Xiao Jinyu holding a pink and jade-carved three or four-year-old child, whose appearance it was impossible to tell whether it was a boy or a girl, Xie Yuxuan welcomed her with great joy. Go up, squat down and knead the child's face.
"Who are you? Why are you pinching me?" the little boy asked unconvinced.
"This is Ah Yao. She is so beautiful. No wonder. Father and mother are so beautiful. How can Ah Yao not be beautiful? Well, your eyes do look like Ayu's. , but the nose and mouth are not very similar. Overall, they look more like His Majesty.”
Speaking of this, Xie Yuxuan was eager to show his identity as a relative.
"Hurry up and call me...what should I call you?"
But if you think about it carefully, Ayu is called Uncle Xiao Xian, so wouldn't Ayu's child have to call her uncle and grandma?
Oh my God! Am I getting so old?
Xie Yuxuan simply put aside the topic and said with a smile: "By the way, Ayu hasn't seen our children yet! Take them out and show them!" She gave birth to five children. The first child was twins, and the second child was even more surprising. They were triplets. The genders were also more balanced, with two boys and three girls.
Seeing a row of five three-year-old and two-year-old babies of about the same height, Xiao Jinyu and Gao Changgong were both shocked!
Now you don’t have to worry about your family being prosperous!
"How many are named Xie?" Gao Changgong couldn't help but ask.
Xie Yuxuan said "Ah", and immediately reacted and replied: "Two are named Xie, and three are named Xiao!"
"Oh, this is an uneven distribution! How about giving one of the people named Xiao to us, surnamed Gao?"
Xie Yuxuan's eyes widened and she looked at Gao Changgong: "Your Majesty, are you here? "A kidnapper?"
"Axuan, don't talk nonsense..."
Xiao Xian bowed to Gao Changgong as an apology.
Xiao Jinyu also smiled and said: "Uncle Xian, it doesn't matter, Ah Xuan is joking, and so is Chang Gong!"
Xiao Xian nodded, with a hint of worry on his brows. Ever since Ayu and Gao Changgong got married, it has been very difficult for him to have children. Five years later, he finally got the child Ah Yao. After that, there was no news for the next four years. As an emperor, heirs Inheritance was still very important, and the courtiers even wrote letters urging Gao Changgong to enrich the harem and increase the number of heirs.
But it seemed that he was putting it off.
Suddenly thinking of this, Xie Yuxuan changed her mind and said: "Well, it's not impossible. If His Majesty wants it, you can give him one, but I, as a mother, will miss him from time to time... Let me Just take a look!"
Gao Changgong then smiled: "Okay, don't stand still, let's try the Green Ant Bar cooked by Li Langjun first!"
Li Mi As a child of an aristocratic family, he also understood the elegance and demeanor of famous people in the Wei and Jin Dynasties. He could even create some literary and elegant atmosphere by making wine.
"It may be hidden in autumn and grow in winter, or it may be brewing in spring and mature in summer, or it may be boiling clouds and surging tide, or it may be plain ants and duckweeds. You are the son of the king and grandson, a knight flying in the sky. I will receive the fragrance to receive the meaning, and I will meet the mausoleum in the Zhutang. Offers and rewards are intertwined, There is no way to laugh at the banquet..."
"Cao Zijian's wine gift!" Xie Yuxuan continued, "Li Langjun is so elegant. If he has the wine gift, how can he sing and dance without fencing , why don’t we all dance together!”
After Xie Yuxuan finished speaking, A Yuan couldn’t wait to join in, and Li Mi also pulled Xiao Ruoling to dance together.
Xiao Jinyu was fencing and singing at the side, but as she was knocking, she couldn't help coughing, so Gao Changgong nervously tightened her cloak and took her into his arms.
"Mother, are you okay? No, Aniang, are you afraid of the cold again?" Ah Yao hurried over and asked.
Xiao Jinyu gently stroked the child's head, shook her head and smiled: "It's okay!"
"Is it because the root of the disease fell on my mother when she gave birth to me?"
Xiao Jinyu's face turned slightly. A change: "Nonsense, who did you listen to? It has nothing to do with Ah Yao. Ah Niang is just a little more afraid of the cold than you. As long as your body is warm, you will be fine!"
"Okay, then Ah Niang Yao and his father hugged his mother together. The child opened his tender arms and shrank into Xiao Jinyu's arms.
All this was seen by Phoenix.
Xie Yuxuan also ran over and asked with concern: "What's wrong? Are you still not in good health?"
Xiao Jinyu shook his head and said it was okay. His eyes turned slightly, and he and Fenghuang were full of surprise and guilt. Painful eyes met.
"Ah Yao, you go play with your father first, and then Aniang go and have a few words with this uncle Murong, okay?"
"Yes! Okay!"
……
Xiao Jinyu brought Fenghuang to the meeting hall of the government office. Fenghuang saw that she was wrapped in a thick fox fur cloak, but she still seemed to be extremely afraid of the cold. She felt guilty and hurt in her heart.
"Brother Qing, are you in poor health because of me?"
He hesitated for a long time, and finally asked this sentence tremblingly.
Xiao Jinyu shook his head: "No, it's not because of you, it's because my body is already weak. It's cold here in Shuozhou, so I'm just a little afraid of the cold. When the weather gets warm, I won't be like this anymore."
Although she explained it this way, Phoenix had a vague feeling that this matter must be related to the day he led troops into the palace? That night happened to be a stormy and snowy night. She had just given birth and ran out in the wind and snow...
"Phoenix, let everything in the past go by. Now Chang Gong has vindicated you. No matter you are Murong Jue or Phoenix, you can live an upright life and you will not suffer criticism from others in the future. Now!
You don’t have to do those dangerous things anymore!”
When he mentioned the dangerous things, Fenghuang was slightly surprised: It turned out that she knew everything.
After a pause, Xiao Jinyu said solemnly, "Phoenix, I hope you can live well in the sun, live freely and happily!"
Phoenix nodded without saying anything, but in his heart It was overwhelming, filled with all kinds of emotions, either shameful, painful or moved.
Xiao Jinyu smiled again and said: "Tomorrow is your birthday. I didn't expect that the phoenix would reach its crown. Looking back, time flies so fast!"
"I want to give you a lively life here! Before we hold a crowning ceremony, I want to ask you a question and hear your wishes."
"Brother Qing, tell me!"
Xiao Jinyu took it from his arms. A mask came out and was handed to Phoenix.
Fenghuang looked at this exquisitely crafted but ferocious beast mask with some surprise, and heard Xiao Jinyu ask:
"Are you willing to be the next King of Lanling? A King of Lanling who is famous on the battlefield and protects his family and country?"
Seeing his silence in surprise, she explained: "Chang Gong has now done The leader of this country has spent all his energy on governing the world. I am afraid that he will rarely have the opportunity to go to the battlefield in the future. Duan Dazai is now too old to go to the battlefield. General Hu Lu is not young anymore. Qi State is now There is an urgent need for new generals to expand the territory and unify the world."
"So, are you willing..."
Before Xiao Jinyu finished speaking, Phoenix immediately raised his head and continued: "I am willing! "
He said with tears: "Brother Qing, I know you are giving me a chance. Don't worry, Fenghuang has grown up now, and he has learned a lot of political affairs from your uncle Xian in Shuozhou. I won’t worry you anymore, killing enemies on the battlefield is my specialty!”
Xiao Jinyu couldn't help but smile and nodded: "Okay!"
"One more thing..." After a moment of pause, Xiao Jinyu finally opened her lips and said, "If you meet a girl you like, tell me too. , I will help you propose marriage..."
Phoenix fell silent slightly.
He thought about this issue for a long time, until after the crowning ceremony the next day, when he saw Xiao Jinyu leaving with Gao Changgong and their lovely child, and seeing her body weaker than before, he I secretly shed tears where no one saw me.
Actually, he understood everything even if she didn’t say anything.
"I really can't let her worry anymore!"
A Yuan always appeared when he was injured and has been by his side for the past three years. I'm afraid it will be the same in the future. He is already there Unknowingly, it is also considered a habit.
So, after Xiao Jinyu and Gao Changgong returned to Yecheng, Fenghuang sent them a letter, saying that they had found the right person, and when they returned in triumph, they would definitely propose marriage to her!
......
In the fifth year of Wuping, Yu Wenyong mobilized the whole country to attack the Northern Qi Dynasty eastward, and personally led the army to besiege Jinyong City. He originally thought that Gao Changgong would not go out easily now that he was the emperor, but Duan Shao He has retired from the court because of his old age. Although Hu Luguang is good at fighting, he is old after all. Qi State has not produced another general as famous as the three of them recently. The chance of winning this battle is very high, but he did not expect it. What's surprising is that when besieging Jin Yong City, they unexpectedly encountered another young general who was as brave and good at fighting as Gao Changgong. Moreover, this young general wore the same beast mask and claimed to be the King of Lanling!
And this "King of Lanling" also resisted his 100,000 army with only 40,000 soldiers and horses. Yu Wenyong could not attack for a long time and suffered heavy losses. In the end, he had to return to the court. But not long after he returned to Chang'an, he unexpectedly found out The disease recurred and he died suddenly.
The reputation of King Lanling once again shocked all parties, and the Kingdom of Zhou ushered in a new situation...