Han Shizu

Slowly putting down the memorial in her hand, Song Qi raised her eyes to Zhao Kuangzan and asked, "Your Majesty has made up his mind?"

Zhao Kuangzan picked up the milk tea served by the maid, took a sip, and replied, "If I hadn't made up my mind, I wouldn't have passed on this melody to you!"

Hearing this, Song Qi smiled and said in a self-deprecating tone. : "Your Majesty is right. I am really old and confused!"

In the imperial edict for Song Qi's dismissal, Emperor Liu used two words to describe Song Qi.

In the past, in the transfer of personnel among the successive prime ministers of the Han Dynasty, whether it was dismissal or decentralization, Emperor Liu would give enough respect and maintain a basic decency.When it came to Song Qi's place, it was obviously different. He didn't save any face, and the reason was far-fetched, which meant adding punishment for innocence. It almost made it clear to the world that Emperor Liu was dissatisfied with Song Qi, so let him go.

Of course, Yang Bin and Su Fengji, the two founding ministers, were not counted. Those two were the victims of Emperor Liu's actions to rectify the court and strengthen the imperial power.
For Song Qi, what happened during this period was really embarrassing, at least in the eyes of most people, he was treated unfairly.As far as Song Qi was concerned, even though she already had some calculations in her heart, when things came to an end, it would inevitably be more grievance and sentimental to mention it.

"You and I have known each other for many years. In front of me, you don't have to pretend to be humble! Things have come to this, and you don't have to worry too much if you can enjoy your old age in peace!" Zhao Kuangzan felt a little sad when he saw Song Qi's performance, and said While explaining, change the subject: "What do you think of my vocabulary?"

"Your Majesty is willing?" Hearing this, Song Qi asked instead of answering.

Zhao Kuangzan was silent for a while, and sighed, "I have to give up!"

As he said that, Zhao Kuangzan truthfully stated his considerations: "In all fairness, Your Majesty has treated my Zhao family very leniently. Both my father and son have served Khitan as their minions and invaded the Central Plains. Once against the court.

After listening to Zhao Kuangzan's heartfelt words, Song Qi cupped her hands and said: "Your Majesty has a thorough understanding of this matter, such a measure is really admirable!"

In the past, in order to win over meritorious officials, no one knew how much rewards were offered, but how does His Majesty feel about us now? "

As Chu Bao said, Your Majesty is old, respectable, and equally terrifying. Even a virtuous official like you has to go through such risky means to protect himself, let alone my Zhao family? "

Upon hearing this, Song Qi's complexion changed slightly, and she immediately said solemnly: "Only this matter, Your Majesty must keep in mind, you must never perform with the King of Xiangyang!"

After the first Northern Expedition, You Yan returned to the imperial court, all the civil and military troops under his command were dismantled, and I returned to the imperial court with Your Majesty.To tell you the truth, although His Majesty treated me very well at that time, I was prepared to be imprisoned.

Fortunately, His Majesty is magnanimous, never abandoned his promise, and even relied heavily on court affairs, daring to give real power.I have also been less cautious because of this.”

"At the beginning, the King of Xiangyang took the initiative to ask for his resignation. Thinking about it, even if his feelings and considerations were different from mine, there would not be much difference!" Zhao Kuang praised: "Compared with An Shouzhong, I His reaction is already slow. After thinking about it, rather than being overwhelmed by this prince, it is better to abandon it and return it to His Majesty for the sake of Chang'an. Your current experience has also strengthened my thoughts!"

But Zhao Kuangzan even raised his hand to wipe the corners of his eyes, saying that the eye sockets were moist, and apologetically said to Song Qi: "I am so sentimental, I made Chu Bao laugh!"

Song Qi shook her head and said, "I don't know! The power of heaven is unpredictable!"

When he said this, Zhao Kuangzan had clear eyes and a relaxed face.Today's conversation seems to have brought back memories of the past, Zhao Kuangzan said with emotion: "I, Zhao Kuangzan, have been considered extraordinary in my life. In my twenties, I was in Fangjie Town, traveling across the world with my father, galloping across the Central Plains!
When he was less than 30 years old, he raised a party and sat in Youyan. Although he did not benefit the people under his rule, he did his best to defend against the northern bandits, and he did his best.I have enjoyed power, status, fame and fortune wantonly, and I have no regrets in this life!

However, in recent years, I have really become more and more overwhelmed by the weight of this crown!Just think about it, His Majesty is very cautious about conferring titles on the princes, and has never been crowned king rashly, let alone us?

As for later, my father and son sat in Youzhou and surrendered to the imperial court. It was only due to the current situation and we had to do so.Unlike those ministers who followed Gaozu and His Majesty out of Hedong, my father and son are actually second ministers. Even compared with those capable ministers who served and promoted in the later period, they are still a little bit distant.

Seeing Zhao Kuangzan's emotional expression and feeling sad, Song Qi sighed: "Your Majesty is really hardworking!"

Speaking of this, Zhao Kuangzan turned his head to look at Song Qi, took another sip of hot milk, and said: "A prince, prominent in the world, is envied by others, and I am often proud of it. After all, there are only a few kings with different surnames in the whole man." Jazz?

"Then should I submit it to the palace?" Zhao Kuangzan asked again, and added by the way: "I have also communicated with King Xiangyang, and he has prepared a resignation charter!"

After a pause, Zhao Kuangzan continued: "Back then, in order to appease Youzhou, His Majesty promised that I, Zhao Jiayong, would be in Youzhou. Now that I think about it, such a promise is really terrible and has too many hidden dangers.

"Your Majesty's words are serious!" Song Qi said.

Your Majesty does not miss the old past, treats each other with tolerance, and shows great kindness, for which I am very grateful.However, if my family takes it for granted and does not care about blessings and restraint, disasters will not be far away.

Zhao Kuangzan was stunned for a moment, and immediately reacted, he frowned and said: "That's right! I didn't think twice, otherwise, I'm afraid His Majesty will be suspicious again!"

Now, my body is getting weaker and weaker. Although I have enjoyed enough, I still need to think more about my children and grandchildren.There is not much I can do, I have already left them a large amount of property and family business, enough for them to enjoy for several lives, before I die, I take this last step, it is for the sake of their safety."

After pondering for a while, Zhao Kuangzan asked: "Do you think His Majesty will allow this performance?"

Hearing this, Zhao Kuangzan immediately smiled, waved his hands and said, "How can I be so strong, I just always worry too much, and my courage has become smaller!"

After saying that, Zhao Kuangzan laughed again, and said to Song Qi: "This matter has been agreed, and it has taken a big chunk out of my chest. I haven't had a drink for a long time. Today, when Chu Bao came to the house, I was very happy, so I made an exception. I'll have a drink."

As he spoke, Zhao Kuangzan coughed heavily again, his old face flushed red.Seeing this, Song Qi showed concern, and persuaded: "Your Majesty, I am very grateful for your kindness, but please follow the doctor's advice."

Zhao Kuangzan waved his hand: "Whether you listen to the doctor's order or not depends entirely on your mood. You Song Qi is here, you can forget about it! Go, go to the hall, I have ordered people to prepare wine and food!"

The two left hand in hand, Zhao Kuangzan was still leaning on the crutch, looking twilight, but his mouth was still relaxed: "By the way, Chu Bao, you have been an official for so many years and are busy with government affairs. I'm afraid you haven't accumulated much wealth. Your mansion is crude and crowded, it is really unlivable, it should be changed!
In the past, I ran an officialdom, but now I have nothing to do with retirement, so it's time to enjoy it!Now that the nobles and dignitaries are all going abroad, I'm afraid you know the benefits.

In the past, I might have caused you trouble, and I didn't do my best. In this case, I will transfer a few ships to you.Don't refuse, this can be regarded as a thank you gift, I am not too old, in the future, please take care of my Zhao family's affairs if I need help."