I, Liu Bian, the hero

Chapter 29 The aftermath of the palace meeting
After making the decision to continue the conquest and not to recruit security, Emperor Ling ended the court meeting with a heavy heart, and did not immediately discuss the specific strategy of conquest or resisting the attack of Liangzhou rebels.

The reason Liu Bian can roughly guess is that Emperor Ling may want to persuade Queen Mother Dong first. After all, behind Dong Zhong's suggestion that the imperial court recruit Liangzhou rebels is that Empress Dowager Dong loves money and does not want the imperial court to carry out further conquests.

It has to be said that this old lady is comparable to the Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing Dynasty.

Although Liu Bian also wanted to make arrangements against the Liangzhou rebellion as soon as possible, but seeing that Emperor Ling had no intentions at the moment, he wisely did not dissuade him. After all, today he can persuade the same money-loving Emperor Ling to decide to continue the crusade against the rebels in Liangzhou. This is already a victory, there is no need to force it.

"Retreat."

After Zhang Rang announced his withdrawal from the court, the more than [-] courtiers withdrew from Chongde Hall one by one, including Liu Bian.

However, after leaving the hall, the officials did not disperse immediately, but waited outside the hall.

Who are you waiting for?Undoubtedly, it was Liu Bian who was waiting for the big show today and made all the ministers look at him with admiration.

According to his status, it was General He Jin who spoke to Liu Bian first, and he gave a thumbs up and praised: "Today Shi Hou refuted Dong Chong beautifully!"

Then came He Miao and Lu Zhi.

However, the two of them didn't open their mouths to praise Liu Bian, they just nodded slightly towards Liu Bian with encouraging eyes as a sign of appreciation.

The most enthusiastic ones were Sikong Yuanwei, Taizhong doctor Yang Biao, Huangfusong, Zhang Wen, Zhu Jun and others.

There are also those who are relatively indifferent, or who seem a little hesitant, such as Zheng Tai, the censor, and Yuan Shao, the captain of Sili.

It's no wonder, after all, a while ago, Liu Bian used the example of Zheng Tai, the censor who "had four hundred hectares of fertile land" in front of Lu Zhi, saying that the latter made friends with the world's heroes, and his intention was unclear. At that time, Liu Bian's original intention was to let Lu Zhi Zhi Zhi understands the truth that "crows are as black as the world" and should not target the eunuchs in the palace too much. However, Zhang Rang and others thought they had a plan. When Zheng Tai impeached them again, they used this incident as an attack in turn. Zheng Tai and other scholars and courtiers had some doubts about Liu Bian, thinking that this Shihou had been deceived by Zhang Rang and others.

Of course, even with He Jin's relationship, Zheng Tai and the others would not be disadvantageous to Liu Bian, it's just that they ran into each other today, and they felt a bit grudged.

In the same way, the same is true for Sili Captain Yuan Shao, who has also heard some rumors.

Just as Liu Bian was exchanging greetings with He Jin and others, Emperor Ling walked out of the hall with Zhang Rang.

After glancing at Liu Bian who was surrounded by He Jin and others, Emperor Ling didn't say anything, and went straight to Yongle Palace.

On the contrary, Zhang Rang was worried that Liu Bian was getting too close to the scholars in the court, so he quickly ordered the accompanying eunuch to send a message to Zhao Chun, asking Zhao Chun to take Liu Bian away as soon as possible.

However, Zhao Chun did not follow what Zhang Rang said. After all, he had been by Liu Bian's side for a long time and had gradually understood the character of this Marquis Shi, especially his views on the word "loyalty".

But he didn't show up, but someone came forward, that is Liu Bian's teacher, Prince Taishi Lu Zhi.

He half-seriously said to the crowd: "Although Shi Hou is born smart, he is still young after all, and you adults should not praise too much....Okay, next Shi Hou will read the memorial with me, so I will not leave you adults gone."

"Ok."

He Jin suffered from the fact that he has not obtained the power and honor of "Recording Shangshu Shi". Hearing Lu Zhi's words, he couldn't help being envious, but he was not annoyed. He patted Liu Bian's immature shoulder and praised him, then left up.

After all, in his opinion, whether Liu Bian or Lu Zhi should be on his side.

After him, He Miao smiled at Liu Bian, turned around and left.

Then there are Zheng Tai, Yuan Kui, Yang Biao, Yuan Shao, Huang Fusong and others with different moods.

Among them, it can be seen that Huangfusong, Zhu Jun, Zhang Wen and others admired Liu Bian the most, especially Zhu Jun. He was the one who contributed the most to Liu Bian in the palace just now, and he slapped Hushi General Dong Zhong hard on the face. He made a fist seal, but it was a pity that Liu Bian was too young. According to the rules, the ministers of the court should not make friends with the prince in private, so Zhu Jun and the others could leave with regret.

After everyone left, Lu Zhi asked Liu Bian, "Your Highness won't blame me for blocking your lords' compliments to His Highness, will you?"

Liu Bian smiled indifferently: "I know Master Lu is afraid that I will breed pride... But Master Lu, you don't have to worry."

Lu Zhi took a deep look at Liu Bian, saw Liu Bian's expression was composed, and he didn't show complacency at all, so he said with a smile: "Indeed! I forgot that His Highness is not only born smart, but also has a heart far superior to people of the same age. gone."

"Master Lu, what's the point?" Liu Bian laughed.

Since Emperor Ling and Zhang Rang had not yet returned to Chongde Hall, Lu Zhi and Liu Bian came to Yuanlin not far away, which was the place they had visited with Liu Bei a few days ago.

Although Lu Zhi kept saying that Liu Bian was still young, he should not praise too much, but after the two sat down at the stone table in the garden, he praised Liu Bian for his timely appearance today and Liu Bian's timely dissuasion of Emperor Ling: " ...I can see that His Majesty was persuaded by Dong Zhong, Cui Lie and others at that time, thanks to His Highness who appeared in time..."

After all, he changed the subject and said meaningfully: "Why did His Highness appear so 'timely'?"

He deliberately emphasized the word timely.

Hearing this, Liu Bian said with a smile: "Since Master Lu has seen it, why bother to make fun of me?"

That's right, since seeing Hanyang prefect Fu Xie's memorial yesterday, he asked Zhao Chun to secretly pay attention to Emperor Ling to see if he could show his face in front of the ministers of the court, and this was also forced out by Emperor Ling. Who let Emperor Ling acquiesce in this period of time to allow him to freely enter and leave the Chongde Hall, and read the memorials of officials from various places with Lu Zhi, but he still refused to confer Liu Bian as the prince.

And in this matter, Lu Zhi also supported his protégé, but unfortunately he was powerless to Empress Dowager Dong, so he could only give Liu Bian secret assistance within his power.

After joking a few words, Lu Zhi's expression gradually became serious and serious, he seemed to regard Liu Bian as his peers, and talked about the conquest of the Liangzhou rebellion: "...Although His Highness persuaded His Majesty today, but... ...For some reasons that I can't explain clearly, the imperial court's conquest of Liangzhou again this time may be full of obstacles."

"Empress Dowager Dong?" Liu Bian directly pointed out the reason why Lu Zhi couldn't explain clearly.

Lu Zhi sighed helplessly, and said sternly: "The main thing is money. If you have money and can buy food, you can pay military salaries and send troops to conquer the rebels; otherwise, if you don't have money..."

Liu Bian thought: "If it doesn't work, retreat to Sanfu, move the good people of Liangzhou to Guanzhong, and prepare for a protracted war with the Liangzhou rebels. Determination!... I suggest that Lu Shishang play to his father, and issue an appeal in the name of the court to arrest and kill the relatives of Wang Guo, Han Sui, Ma Teng and others in various places, so as to show the court's determination not to share the same day with the rebels !"

"This……"

Lu Zhi hesitated for a moment, shook his head and said: "Not good, firstly, the involvement is too great, and secondly, I'm afraid that there will be traitors everywhere to frame Zhongliang for profit, and create unjust cases under the guise of reporting relatives of Wang Guo, Han Sui, Ma Teng and others."

Liu Bian was startled, then nodded and praised: "Master Lu is more considerate, then let Wang Guo, Han Sui, and Ma Teng's direct children be wanted."

"good!"

Lu Zhi nodded, very pleased with Liu Bian's remonstrance.

At this time, Emperor Ling had already arrived at Yongle Palace, and discussed with Empress Dowager Dong about conquering the Liangzhou rebels again.

However, Dong Zhong arrived one step earlier and informed the Queen Mother of what happened in the Chongde Hall, which made the Queen Mother furious and scolded Liu Bian, saying: "Ignorant boy, he is praised by the courtiers, and he does not hesitate to destroy the court. He knows that it will cost money to send troops to conquer." How much food? There are two mothers and sons, one virtue..."

Speaking of which, Empress Dowager Dong instigated Lingdi's sale of officials and nobles. Although Empress He did not participate, she did enjoy luxury. It is no wonder that Empress Dowager Dong scolded her daughter-in-law.

Later, Empress Dowager Dong scolded Zhu Jun again and asked Emperor Ling to remove Zhu Jun from his post.

Emperor Ling was silent for a while and said: "Earlier, both Huangfu Song and Zhang Wen were defeated, only Zhu Jun may be able to conquer Liangzhou..."

Empress Dowager Dong was taken aback, then she was startled and anxious: "The emperor really wants to send troops to attack?"

"Yes……"

Emperor Ling said with a complex expression: "Although my man is rich in fourteen prefectures, all of them must be passed on to future generations. There is not an inch of land that can be ceded to rebellious officials and thieves!"

Empress Dowager Dong knew what happened in Chongde Hall from Dong Zhong, so she naturally knew that this sentence came from Liu Bian. Hearing this, she said angrily, "Didn't the children and grandchildren in the child's mouth be talking about himself? That bitch... ...He really gave birth to a good son!"

Emperor Ling remained silent.

From the side, Dong Chong tried to persuade her repeatedly, but Sun Zhang had an idea and took the opportunity to hint to the Queen Mother Dong: "Quiet the Queen Mother, Your Majesty has not yet registered a crown prince. In the future, the state of our Han Dynasty may not be passed on to Shihou."

Empress Dowager Dong was taken aback when she heard the words, and immediately changed her previous anger at Sun Zhang's hint, and said: "If the emperor appoints Xie'er as the crown prince, I will agree with this matter."

"This……"

Lingdi showed hesitation.

From the side Zhang Rang was shocked and said anxiously: "Your Majesty, absolutely not!"

As soon as the words fell, the Empress Dowager Dong angrily reprimanded: "Is there any place for you to speak in Yongle Palace?!...Sun Zhang, order someone to drive him out!"

"Yes, Queen Mother!"

Sun Zhang bowed his hands in response, looked at Zhang Rang with ill intentions, and called in the guards to drive Zhang Rang out.

Zhang Rang was startled and anxious, and hurriedly said to his confidant eunuch, "Quickly, tell Shihou about this matter quickly... No, go tell Zhao Zhong first, ask Zhao Zhong to ask the queen to come forward! Hurry up!"

"Yes!"

Zhang Rang's confidant hurried to Changqiu Palace and informed Zhao Zhong.

Zhao Zhong was also shocked, and quickly reported to Queen He.

Empress He was shocked when she heard about it, and cursed angrily: "How dare the shameless old woman take this opportunity to threaten His Majesty and harm my son's position as the crown prince!"

Empress He, who was born as a butcher's daughter, was also quite tough by nature, so she immediately brought Zhao Zhong, Guo Sheng and other people to Yongle Palace to quarrel with Empress Dowager Dong face to face.

When Liu Bian learned of this incident, there was already a lot of turmoil in the palace. It is said that Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Guo Sheng and others were instructed by Empress He to fight with Sun Zhang, Feng Xuan, and Xia Yun, and they all broke each other. By the looks of it, it's really vicious.

But Liu Bian was not very worried, he even felt that Empress Dowager Dong was taking things for granted.

He said to Zhao Chun speechlessly: "At this time, coercing my father and emperor to make my younger brother Liu Xie the crown prince, isn't that harming him? What is that old lady thinking?"

Zhao Chun bowed and said with a smile, "Probably because His Highness showed his prestige today, Yongle Palace lost its sense of propriety due to the panic."

Liu Bian nodded and ignored it.

Right now he only cares about one thing, and that is finding ways to make money.

money……

Suddenly he thought of a person, a person who in history would not hesitate to spend [-] million to bribe eunuchs and donate the West Garden in order to get the position of Taiwei.

Cao Song, the adopted son of Cao Teng, the former servant and the great Changqiu, and the father of Cao Cao.

This man is rich and has an amazing son!
(End of this chapter)