Han Shizu

Chapter 1668 Li Chongju Comes Back

It was another winter snow, a thin layer, gently covering Tokyo, looking around, the streets and alleys were covered with white, very beautiful, but the cold wind was still piercing.

It was still early, the winter sun was still low, and the thick cold fog had not dissipated. In front of the Heyang Duke's Mansion, there were already servants busy, blowing out candles, changing lamps, and clearing away the snow.

The sound of "rustling" is very clear in this quiet winter day. The postures and expressions of the servants have a unique tranquility and serenity. Those who live in the public house are also worthy of this leisure. People's livelihood is suffering.

Of course, the more important reason is that they were lucky enough to follow a generous master, Heyang Gong Li Chongju, but he was a kind person, not only externally, but internally as well.

It is commendable that the Heyang Duke's Mansion did not sweep the snow in front of the gate itself. After cleaning the gate of the mansion, several servants carried brooms to handle the snow marks, dead branches, fallen leaves, and dirty mud that could be seen on the main street. , and clean it up.

In fact, this kind of ethos has been developed in the whole workshop, and it was brought out by Li Chongju. No matter what other people think in their hearts, they must keep up with their actions. Duke Yang set an example, so he had to take action just to save face.

However, the flattery and flattery of many people is in vain after all. Since he stepped down from the post of Wude Envoy, Li Chongju has returned to his family with peace of mind. .

The large and gorgeous carriage approached slowly with a crisp sound of hooves, and stopped in front of the Heyang Duke's Mansion, attracting the attention of everyone.Of course, apart from the special decoration of the six-horse canopy, what caught the eye were the big inner guards with tall horses and several conspicuously dressed servants.

People with knowledge knelt down early, and soon there was a crowd in front of Heyang Duke's mansion.Under the service of Yan Tuo, Emperor Liu got out of the car, and the cold of deep winter suddenly hit him, making him shrank his neck involuntarily.

Tightening the brocade jacket on his body, Emperor Liu didn't see those servants at all. This was his first time visiting Li Chongju's mansion, so he couldn't help but take a second look at the concierge.

Like a bad guest, he broke into the mansion, and just passed the threshold, the steward who was dispatching the envoy in the courtyard hurried over, and when he saw Emperor Liu, he hurriedly bowed down: "Your Majesty, my little one!"

"Who are you?" Emperor Liu remained calm, looking down at the old steward.

"Return to Your Majesty, little Li Chun, the mansion is in charge!"

"You seem to recognize me?" Emperor Liu was a little curious.

"Returning to Your Majesty, when the Duke accompanied His Majesty to hunt, the young servant was by his side, and I was fortunate enough to see His Majesty from a distance!" Li Chun replied nervously.

Emperor Liu nodded, turned his attention away from the steward, and asked, "Where is Lord Heyang?"

"I'm paying my respects to the Buddha in the Buddhist hall. The younger one has already sent someone to report His Majesty's presence!" Li Chun said.

Hearing this, Emperor Liu smiled and said, "He is really hardworking. He started praying to God and worshiping Buddha this early in the morning!"

Li Chun didn't understand what Emperor Liu meant, so he could only respond cautiously: "It's a habit that the Duke of the county has cultivated for many years."

"I've heard that in recent years, Lord Heyang has closed his doors to thank guests. He doesn't see his officials, but he opens his doors to monks and monks. Promise Buddha!" ​​Emperor Liu teased in a relaxed tone.

Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Li Chun smiled awkwardly. He didn't know how to answer, and he didn't dare to speak casually again, so as not to make mistakes.

He waved his hand to make Li Chun retreat, and he didn't need him to lead the way. Emperor Liu wandered around the palace on his own, looking left and right, so leisurely.Many times, one can see the condition of the host's house from every plant, every tree, every brick and every tile in this mansion.

Of course, Emperor Liu didn't have to wait too long, and Heyang Gong Li Chongju came after him.The footsteps were a little hurried, and there was also a little doubt and apprehension on his anxious face.

"Your Majesty is here, but I begged for forgiveness before I was able to meet you!" Li Chongju bowed to him after calming down his breath.

Emperor Liu was admiring the shabby winter scenery in the back garden of the Li Mansion. Hearing the sound, he turned around, looked at Li Chongju with a warm face, and stretched out his hand to help: "Excuse me!"

"This uninvited guest disturbed your Buddha worship, you have to forgive me!" Emperor Liu said with a smile.

When Li Chongju heard this, a look of unnaturalness flashed across his old face, and he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty can laugh!"

Li Chongju, who was nearly sixty years old, was obviously old, his face was full of wrinkles, and he was much thinner, but he looked in good spirits.

Looking at Li Chongju's thin face, Emperor Liu sighed slightly in his heart, and said, "You have worshiped the Buddha behind closed doors for many years. I don't know the rules, what kind of results have you achieved?"

Li Chongju knew that although the imperial court had already banned Buddhism and Taoism, Emperor Liu was not interested in these things. Hearing his tone at this time, he immediately became more vigilant. For many years, I was still an ordinary person. Up to now, I was just looking for one thing to do. In addition, I was begging for a grandson. The minister is nearly sixty years old, but the dog has been married for many years and has nothing to do. He has become ill. what!"

Hearing what Li Chongju said, Emperor Liu couldn't help but nodded, and said seriously: "Weak blood is indeed a problem. Our generation works hard to start a business, isn't it for the sake of blessing our descendants!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding!"

"Jichang is a nice person. He is respectful and honest. He is lenient in governing. He has done a good job in Qingzhou!" Emperor Liu said with a smile: "It seems that he has to be assigned more tasks. Besides being an official and controlling the people, You have to let him work hard, so that you can hug your grandson as soon as possible!"

Li Chongju has only one son and one daughter under his knees, and the youngest daughter has already married. As for the only son Li Jichang, he has been an official outside these years. He is known as Qingzhou and is in charge of the state affairs.

However, Li Chongju's wife had already died of illness, and he had no intention of reuniting, and he didn't even have a concubine. In his later years, he was alone, and thinking about it was so sad.

Probably thinking of this, Emperor Liu couldn't help being emotional in his words: "This man is old, and he is most afraid of being alone. I have concubines and grandchildren to accompany me, and I also feel lonely sometimes, let alone you! I have wronged you all these years!"

Hearing what Emperor Liu said, Li Chongju couldn't help being moved, but he still kept his heart on guard, the emperor was not easy to serve, and he couldn't be easily swayed by feelings.

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Chongju couldn't help but tentatively asked, "I don't know what your Majesty's teachings are when you visit us today?"

"Why? Can't I come and see you?" Hearing this, Emperor Liu's tone changed sharply, and he squinted at Li Chongju.

However, he quickly restrained his momentum, and his face seemed to have infinite emotion, and he sighed softly: "I haven't slept well recently, I have nothing to do, and I thought of you, so I came to see you! These years, you are very If you don’t come into the palace to see me, I will have to visit the door in person!”

"Your Majesty's words make me terrified!" Facing Emperor Liu's faint words, Li Chongju couldn't help but excitedly said, and a little worry appeared on his old face.

Emperor Liu shook his head, and said: "This year, the government and the public are in constant turmoil, and the world is not at peace. There are constant disturbances, and I will be hurt!"

"Your Majesty, please take care of your body!" Li Chongju comforted subconsciously.

"Although Qing stays at home and doesn't care about world affairs, he should have heard about the turmoil in the court!" Emperor Liu said suddenly.

As soon as these words came out, Li Chongju's heart tightened suddenly, he became more cautious, and said in a low voice, "I don't know what your majesty is referring to?"

"What about Wang Yinwu's sudden illness and death?" Emperor Liu asked immediately.

Hearing this, Li Chongju's face changed completely. Compared to Emperor Liu's calmness, Li Chongju's mind was full of ups and downs, and he said respectfully: "I have indeed heard that Wang Yinwu is also a talented person. It is a pity that he died young in his prime!"

Seeing Li Chongju's careful handling, Emperor Liu smiled and sneered: "I'll tell you directly! Wang Yinwu didn't die suddenly, or I gave him to die!"

Li Chongju's expression changed suddenly: "It's so?"

In fact, Li Chongju couldn't detect the difference, but when Emperor Liu explained it nakedly, his worries deepened.

Li Chongju's reaction could not be concealed from Emperor Liu's eyes. He looked at him and said meaningfully: "You are not curious, why did I bestow Wang Yinwu to death?"

Li Chongju shook his head quickly: "I haven't asked about world affairs for many years, and I'm really not interested in it!"

"However, I want you to know!" Regardless of Li Chongju's terrified expression, Emperor Liu said slowly, "Wang Yinwu has some abilities, but he is too reckless. Public tools seek personal gain, dereliction of duty and slack, and even deceive me repeatedly.

He and Lu Duoxun went out of Hexi together, I knew in the past that they had a good personal relationship, but I didn't expect that the two of them had such a deep connection in secret, that they used Wu Desi as a tool to weave evidence and attack ministers.

Looking at the government and the public, I am afraid no one knows better than you what kind of organization Wu Desi is. Even Lu Duoxun has been dealt with. Tell me, can I save Wang Yinwu's life? "

After Emperor Liu finished speaking, the atmosphere of the conversation completely changed, the air was almost frozen, the surrounding was extremely quiet, with a slight cold wind blowing in his ears, Li Chongju's heart was a little chilled to the end.

After being stunned for a while, Li Chongju responded anxiously: "I am terrified! Why is your majesty suing me about this?"

Emperor Liu stretched out his hand and patted Li Chongju's shoulder, his words regained a bit of ease, and said: "Wang Yinwu has gone, and Wu Desi always needs someone to take care of him. However, who will host it, I have been thinking hard, and there is really no suitable candidate. Go, I will think of you!"

Hearing this, Li Chongju immediately shook his head and refused, and even said a little excitedly: "Your Majesty, I am old and dying, how can I take on such a heavy responsibility again?"

Emperor Liu also shook his head, and said with a smile: "I see that you are still in good health, and living alone in the mansion is too lonely. Instead, why don't you go out of the mansion and do your best for the court and use your remaining energy to relieve loneliness!"

"His Majesty!"

Emperor Liu directly interrupted Li Chongju, and said seriously: "Of course, more importantly, right now, only you, Li Shouze, manage the Wu De Department, and I can believe it!"

"Your Majesty trusted me, I am very grateful, but..."

"No, but!" Emperor Liu turned his head and stared at Li Chongju: "I also said bluntly, I was really dissatisfied with you when I agreed with you to step down as Wude envoy back then! However, today, I have to say that the original decision may have been wrong. up!
In this vast world, you, Li Chongju, have only one person. If Wang Yinwu can show you a little more humility, prudence, and duty, why is this so!

Recently, I have also reflected a lot. There are many talents in the imperial court, and there are more people who can do things. However, it is you old ministers who can be loyal and considerate!

Clothes are not as good as new, people are not as old!The older I get, the more lonely I become, so you should come out of the house to accompany me!Wu Desi has had a lot of problems over the years, and I feel like a thorn in my throat, and I need to rectify it from top to bottom. I promise you that after this matter is completed, I will completely let you go home and let you enjoy your old age in peace."

When Emperor Liu spoke to this matter, even if Li Chongju had ten thousand reluctances in his heart, he could only bow his hands and say, "Your servant obeys his orders!"

His expression was serious and his voice trembled.Li Chongju also knew very well in his heart that if he refused again, I'm afraid there would really be no old age to speak of.

"Hahaha, that's right!" Emperor Liu laughed a few times, but Li Chongju couldn't laugh because he was beside him.

(End of this chapter)