Han Shizu

Chapter 1031 Passing the Han Mansion

In the back garden of the Han Mansion, between the gazebos, a few straw mats were hung to shelter them from the wind and cold. There were melons and fruits in the table, and fine wine warmed in the furnace. The meeting between Han Xizai and Xu Xuan was quite wanton.

There are no servants to serve, just two old men, enjoying themselves, the atmosphere is quiet and harmonious.However, the sky was a little dark, the surroundings were filled with black, and the wind was blowing. In short, it was not a good weather.However, neither of them seemed to care much.

"The old bureaucrats in the past were busy with their furniture, packing their bags, disposing of their property, and preparing to move to Kaifeng! Or they flattered and flattered the Han army for the future!" Emotions slowly came up, and they got rid of the article. Han Xizai invited Xu Xuan to drink, and asked curiously, "Why does Ding Chen have the time to go to the house and have a drink with me?"

Xu Xuan showed a free and easy expression, raised his hands, and showed a little smile on his face flushed by alcohol: "I don't want anything, and I don't need to entangle fame and fortune, and do things that cater to me. Compared with Next, wouldn’t it be a great pleasure to drink fine wine with Duke Han and discuss poems and books?”

"Dingchen, but he is free and easy!" Han Xizai seemed to be a little emotional: "Now that the lord of the country has surrendered, we will also be surrendered ministers, and we will look up to the court to save our lives. Didn't Dingchen think about the future?"

"What is there to worry about?" Xu Xuan replied calmly, with a wry smile on his face: "I traveled north, in the palace halls of the Han Dynasty, and my words offended the Emperor of Han. Going to pursue some future, and being able to survive this life, is already lucky!"

Regarding Xu Xuan's performance in the Chongzheng Hall, the two had also discussed it. Hearing what he said at this time, Han Xizai said: "Judging from past performances, the emperor of Han has a broad mind, so he shouldn't care about you. Then The Ding Chen is also a generation of talented people, and his character and reputation are praised by others, how can the court not pay attention to it!"

Hearing Han Xizai's words suddenly, Xu Xuan couldn't help laughing, looked at him, and asked meaningfully: "The implication is that Mr. Han's ambition is not extinguished!"

Being pointed out, Han Xizai straightened his body, and sighed softly: "To tell you the truth, I have been wasted in this life, and it is difficult to achieve my ambitions, but it is difficult to let go of my heart! However, I am in my sixtieth year, even if I have the intention, I don't know if others are willing or not." Willing to accept!"

Seeing this, Xu Xuan became more serious, looked at the aged Han Xizai, and asked, "Since that's the case, why did you politely refuse the former Prince Han's banquet?"

Han Xizai also avoided this question, and said directly: "If I am asked to go to Kaifeng, to the Hanlin Academy or the third hall, to write lyrics and essays, and compile books for usurpation, that is not my ambition. Tian She Weng!"

Xu Xuan understood, pondered for a while, and then said: "If you follow what the Crown Prince of Han said at the banquet, the imperial court will only recruit the old officials from the south of the Yangtze River according to their consideration, and the officials who moved to the north will be properly accommodated. The talent and past achievements of the public, how can you miss this pearl?"

These years of ups and downs in the officialdom, Han Xizai has long lived up to the pride of the year. Maxima is often found, but it is not appreciated by Bole.Of course, the fineness of Han Xizai's thousand-mile horse still needs to be tested.

"As an old man, how dare you compare yourself to a bright pearl?" He waved his hand and said modest words, but there was still a hint of confidence in his expression. Han Xizai breathed a sigh of relief, and asked Xu Xuan curiously: "Ding Chen has met the Crown Prince of Han before. How do you feel about it?"

Speaking of this, Xu Xuan regained his energy, thought for a while, and nodded, "Although he is immature, his words and deeds are quite calm, neither arrogant nor impetuous, and he really looks like a gentleman. However, I think Liu Xu, the eldest son of the emperor, He is humble and polite, he treats people well, and he is also a good-looking talent, but it is a pity that he is born out of a concubine."

Hearing what Xu Xuan said, Han Xizai hurriedly stretched out his hand to stop him, and said, "Ding Chen speaks carefully!"

Xu Xuan was slightly stunned, but seeing Han Xizai's serious expression, he reacted from the drunkenness.Indeed, there are certain matters that ordinary ministers can't discuss, let alone surrendered ministers like them.Xu Xuan can insist on his literati pride, but if he accidentally spread it because of a quick talk and caused waves, it would only bring disaster to himself.

Taking the opportunity to change the subject, Han Xizai discussed Chen Qiao's suicide with him again.Xu Xuan was very emotional about this, and said: "Chen Ziqiao is a loyal man who died for the country with his own life. Compared with his heroism, those of us who bow our heads and prosper and live on our last breath should feel ashamed!"

Regarding Chen Qiao's death, at the beginning, Liu Yang and others felt a little angry. Later, at Li Gu's suggestion, they helped collect his body and gave his family money and food. The impact of self-inflicted suicide during the surrender ceremony.

Listening to Xu Xuan's mouth full of praise for Chen Qiao, Han Xizai shook his head and said: "Chen Ziqiao is certainly strong, but he is embarrassed by the humiliation of subjugation, and would rather fight with death. However, if he is said to be honest, I don't think so!

When the lord came out, under the eyes of all the people, he committed suicide in public. Wasn't it just a reminder to the Han Dynasty court of the loyalty and nostalgia of the people in the south of the Yangtze River to the Li family?If the imperial court wanted to take over Liangjiang, it would definitely try to eliminate the influence of the Li family. The Li family belonged to the Han Dynasty, and they should have kept their duties and kept a low profile in order to preserve their safety.

Isn't Chen Ziqiao's behavior increasing the court's vigilance and suspicion towards Li?He died to gain a loyal name, but he brought unpredictable disasters to the old master."

Hearing Han Xizai's analysis, Xu Xuan seemed sober. Looking at him, although he wanted to refute, he had to admit that Han Xizai's words were indeed reasonable.Finally, he said: "But I don't know whether Chen Ziqiao's death is worth it or not?"

While the two old friends were discussing, the servant came to report: "Officer, a group of officers and soldiers came from outside the house, and they said that Grand Marshal Li Ruyin came to visit!"

Hearing this, Han Xizai and Xu Xuan looked at each other, and immediately ordered: "Quick, get ready to welcome guests!"

Maybe Han Xizai himself didn't realize how moved his expression was and how excited his eyes were when he learned that Li Gu was visiting the mansion.In fact, Han Xizai had been looking forward to such a day since the Han army entered the city and took control of Jinling.

In the lobby of the Han Mansion, Li Gu and Han Xizai met again, and they were speechless for a while.Han Xizai didn't wear formal attire, but came in a hurry, with the alcohol on his face still in a hurry.Li Gu was wearing a brocade robe, but his figure was extremely thin and hunchbacked. He was leaning on crutches, supported by his son. In terms of old age, Li Gu was much more serious than Han Xizai.

Thinking about it carefully, more than 30 years have not been contacted or met. How much of the love in the early years can really be left?It's just that the two have written a historical story together.

"I've been in the city for a long time. I've been working on official duties and I've suffered from physical problems. I haven't been able to visit the mansion. I hope Brother Shuyan won't be offended!" It was Li Gu who took the initiative to speak, with a warm smile on his wrinkled face.

Han Xizai also restrained his mind, and bowed down: "Brother Wei Zhen is serious! I didn't greet you in time, I was rude!"

"It's been 35 years since we left!" Li Gu said.

Han Xizai nodded, and there was a little reminiscence in his eyes: "It's been 35 years!"

"After 35 years, old friends can still be reunited, which can be regarded as a great joy in life!" Xu Xuan, who was beside him, sighed with emotion when he saw the two.

Li Gu pointed to Han Xizai's gray beard, then pointed to his trembling legs, and said quite heartily: "Now, I have entered my twilight years, and when it comes to elegance, I am far from as handsome as I am. Uncle Yan brother!"

Han Xizai shook his head, and said seriously: "Brother Wei Zhen is the Prime Minister of the Central Plains, and he also led an army to fight the South, but he arrived in the South of the Yangtze River in a month or so, and made a name for himself. Comparable?"

Hearing his words, Li Gu sized up Han Xizai with a little surprise, because of his arrogance, it is rare to be able to say these words.Li Gu chuckled and said: "Compared to my brother, the only luck I have is to meet a famous master and be at his beck and call!"

When Li Gu said this, he was clearly comforting Han Xizai, and Han Xizai also felt it. Of course, for the present Han Gong, he didn't care too much.

"Please take a seat!" Han Xizai took the initiative to invite after a few pleasantries.

After several people were seated, Li Gu took the initiative to say: "This visit is mainly for three things!"

"Please tell me!" Han Xizai asked.

"First, you and I are old friends, we haven't seen each other for many years, let's talk about old friendships! Second, I have prepared some fine wines and wines, and I would like to share them with you!" Li Gu paused, and then said: "As for the third , Let me just say it bluntly, I want to invite my brother to become an official, to serve the Han court, and to do things for the people of the world!"

Old Han Xizai raised his eyebrows slightly, stroked his beard, and said with a light smile, "How can the imperial court look down on me, an old man?"

These words basically express their attitude.Li Gu still had a kind attitude, and said: "When I was in Tokyo, the emperor once said that there are only two ministers in the south of the Yangtze River, Song Qiqiu in the front, and Han Xizai in the back, and it will not be easy for Wang Shinan to put them in power!"

"I just don't know, brother Shuyan still has some of the lofty ambitions before Zhengyang crossing?"

(End of this chapter)