Han family achievements

Chapter 509 Test
Whether it was Liu Xie's "resignation due to blame" or Dong Cheng's confiscation of property and exile, it was already a matter of decision and was simply done for show to outsiders.

"Prince Chenliu,"

Liu Bian put his hands behind his back, glanced at Pan Yin, Zhang Liao, Huangfu Jianchang and others, and said with a smile: "He has made contributions to the court and the Han Dynasty. He was implicated by Dong Cheng. His heart is not bad. You can discuss it, but you can't be too harsh on him."

Pan Yin, Zhang Liao, Huangfu Jianchang and others bowed silently.

As for Liu Xie, because of the word "Your Highness", officials in the court and the public who knew the inside story all thought that Liu Bian would "kill his brother" and had enough expectations.

But the development of things was once again beyond their expectations. His Majesty the current Emperor showed the world his tolerance as an emperor and his brotherly love!
Liu Xie was not killed, he was just placed under house arrest!
And Liu Bian's few words just now were a kind of "characterization" of Liu Xie, with the intention of stopping certain people in the court and the public from continuing to "hunt down" Liu Xie.

"That's almost it. Let's go back."

Liu Bian looked at it for a while and turned around and said.

Naturally, everyone had no objection and followed Liu Bian back to the city.

Some people go into the city, some people go out of the city.

Some people from the Dong family were escorted out of the city and exiled to Youzhou first.

Inside Dong's mansion, there were Yulin soldiers everywhere, who were taking people away and confiscating Dong's property.

Dong Cheng was placed under house arrest in the backyard. Perhaps considering his special relationship with Liu Xie and Queen Mother Dong, he was not put in shackles and was left to fend for himself in the small room.

It was getting dark and the Dong Mansion gradually became deserted. Most of the Yulin Army had withdrawn, and there were only a few people left in the Dong Mansion. The mansion was empty and almost no sound could be heard.

Dong Cheng sat there with disheveled hair, drinking tea by himself, with a gloomy expression and eyes full of hatred.

"Why, with so many people involved, only you are held responsible?" Suddenly, a figure appeared outside the door, and a calm voice came from outside to inside.

Dong Cheng's face changed slightly and he turned to look.

squeak
The door was opened and a man covered in black walked in. After the door closed, the man lifted his hood and looked at Dong Cheng with a gentle and elegant manner and a smile.

Dong Cheng's face changed drastically, and he said in a lost voice: "You you..."

Qiao Mao calmly came to Dong Cheng and sat down in front of him. He said, "If I don't have this ability, how can I dare to discuss important matters with Brother Dong?"

Dong Cheng still couldn't believe it and asked, "How can you come in at this time?"

It’s no longer a question of whether or not to dare, but Qiao Mao has really come in clearly!

Qiao Mao smiled faintly and said, "Brother Dong, instead of worrying about me, you should worry about yourself. Aren't you afraid that something might happen on the way to Youzhou and you might end up in the hands of bandits?"

Dong Cheng suppressed his doubts, snorted coldly, and said: "If he doesn't kill the Prince of Chenliu, he won't kill me either. What do I have to worry about?"

"Who dares to guess what our Majesty is thinking?"

Qiao Mao looked at Dong Cheng and said, "He didn't kill the Prince of Chenliu. Was it really because of the brotherhood? The more a person endures, the more terrible the revenge will be in the future. Brother Dong knows this better than me, right?"

Dong Cheng's face was gloomy and he was filled with anger.

Before the great event even began, he had already failed.

"He wants to kidnap His Highness. He's not your man, right?" Dong Cheng stared at Qiao Mao, his eyes red and gloomy as if he wanted to eat someone.

Qiao Mao shook his head decisively and said, "If I need to take His Highness away, how could I not discuss it with Brother Dong?"

Dong Cheng agreed with this explanation and asked, "Who on earth wants to kidnap His Highness?"

Qiao Mao smiled and said, "If it's not us, then it must be someone else. This shows that there are many people who are dissatisfied with the court. They are just lurking in the dark, waiting for an opportunity."

Dong Cheng thought of many people, from Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, to Sun Ce, they were all possible. Even in the city of Luoyang, there were countless people with ulterior motives hidden.

"Cao Cao has successfully pacified Youzhou, and Liu Bian is about to establish a crown prince. Everything is stable. Now, what do you want to do?" Dong Cheng asked, suppressing his anger.

He was now exiled and his family was confiscated, and he could do nothing. But he was unwilling to give up. An unprecedented opportunity was before him, and he was unwilling to miss it!
Qiao Mao's eyes moved sinisterly, and he said, "Originally, I thought that even if Cao Cao could pacify Wuhuan, it would take a long time. Who would have thought that Wuhuan was so useless. However, now we have a chance. There are many people who are dissatisfied with the court. Countless noble families complained about the court's "new policies", but dared not speak out. As long as there is an opportunity, the whole world will rebel, and the court will be isolated and helpless. At that time, the Prince of Chenliu can take advantage of the situation to become the common ruler of the world and rebuild the world!"

Dong Cheng didn't believe what Qiao Mao said, and asked calmly, "Where is the opportunity?"

Qiao Mao laughed and said, "I think it won't be too long before the imperial court is in disarray! Let me tell Brother Dong a few more things. Yuan Shao has already formed an alliance with Sun Ce. Once Yuan Shao destroys the Jiaozhi Shi family, we can march north and take Jingzhou! By then, the world will be divided into two. With the help of the Qiang and Xianbei, we can restore the will of the previous emperor. The King of Chenliu will ascend to the throne in no time!"

Dong Cheng's pupils shrank slightly. According to Qiao Mao's words, wouldn't the world be in real chaos?

He immediately regained his composure and looked thoughtful.

Qiao Mao looked at him quietly and did not rush to speak.

After an unknown amount of time, Dong Cheng couldn't help himself and raised his head, asking, "Why did you take such a big risk to come see me?"

Qiao Mao was feeling proud and looked down on Dong Cheng even more. He smiled and said, "I believe that Brother Dong has more people than just those on the list for the exam. I need Brother Dong's help."

Dong Cheng understood, pondered for a while, took the pen and ink, and without hesitation, wrote down more than ten people in one breath.

Qiao Mao took it and looked at the wet ink writing with a surprised look on his face. He said, "Brother Dong, can these people, especially these few, be trusted?"

Dong Cheng looked calm and said, "They have been deeply favored by my Dong family. They have been my Dong family since my grandfather was alive. Moreover, I have leverage over them. Even if I let them die, I will not hesitate."

Qiao Mao nodded slightly, folded the list and put it in his arms, saying: "Brother Dong, don't worry. I have made some arrangements in Youzhou, so nothing will happen when you go there. I will arrange some more things and give the credit to Brother Dong, and you will be able to return innocent within a year at most."

"Okay." Dong Cheng said.

Qiao Mao opened his eyes slightly. Dong Cheng answered too quickly.

He then smiled slightly, stood up and greeted, then turned and left.

Even if you, Dong Cheng, are somewhat scheming, you are still just a chess piece on my chessboard!

Dong Cheng watched him leave, his face becoming increasingly gloomy.

I originally wanted to make use of this bridge turtle, but now it seems that I am courting disaster.

"However, you underestimate me, Dong Cheng!" Dong Cheng sneered and pondered in his heart.

Liu Xie was dismissed from all official positions and placed under house arrest; his property was confiscated and he was exiled, which was an unexpected and heavy blow.

He needed to plan carefully and wait patiently for the opportunity to return to Luoyang.

Their Dong family is not an ordinary family. As long as his aunt, Queen Dowager Dong, is still alive, there is always a chance!

Chongde Hall, rear hall, entrance.

Liu Bian lay in a rocking chair, eating cut fruit, rocking back and forth, looking at the starry moonlight, and feeling a hint of coolness in the heat.

Zuo Li stood behind him with his head bent. Not far away, Dian Wei was sitting on the doorstep, holding a huge bowl and eating something with a slurp.

Zuo Li was extremely respectful and whispered, "Your Majesty, from the information we have found so far, there are many people involved in this 'cheating', including at least twenty noble families. The admission list seems fair, but it was actually arranged long ago." Liu Bian looked at the moonlight, his face expressionless, and ate bit by bit.

Zuo Li waited for a moment and said, "The major families are very dissatisfied with the court's reform of the 'imperial examination system' and have been in frequent contact. Recently, there have been several marriages, and they have to exchange land and the slaves they keep have also been transferred."

Liu Bian narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Keeping slaves is a bad habit."

"Yes. I think so too." Zuo Li quickly replied.

It is unknown when the great families of the Han Dynasty began to like keeping slaves, ranging from a few hundred to thousands or even tens of thousands.

To be able to feed so many people, one can imagine how deep the foundation of the major families is.

Similarly, this is also the biggest and most profound threat facing local officials in their administration.

Zuo Li waited for a while, and seeing that Liu Bian did not speak, he continued, "The Grand Marshal has met many people recently, mainly generals from various places who came to Beijing. Among them, he met Yuzhou General Liu Bei the most, and they often slept in the same bed. But they all talked about the 'military reform', and there was nothing out of the ordinary."

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows, smiled, and said, "Well, let them be."

“The people sent by Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, Sun Ce, the Three Qiang, and the Xianbei to Luoyang were very active, bringing expensive gifts to bribe not only ordinary officials but also the inner court. Influential celebrities in the opposition were not spared, and there were many inappropriate words in their conversations, which we and others have recorded in detail.” Zuo Li said as he handed over several thick documents.

Liu Bian took it and flipped through it casually. He only glanced at it for a few seconds before putting it aside and said with a smile, "This Luoyang City is about to turn into a vegetable market."

Zuo Li didn't dare to respond. The current situation was actually true.

The Han Dynasty's 'enthronement' and 'appointment of a crown prince' were major events. Not only those within the Han Dynasty, but also the foreign tribes outside the Han Dynasty sent envoys.

These envoys did not come just to bring gifts or congratulations; they had various purposes and wandered around Luoyang City, making countless friends, both overtly and covertly.

Zuo Li quietly took a step closer and whispered even more quietly: "I heard that someone else sent a gift to the Queen Mother, and it was He Miao's way."

Liu Bian shook his head and said, "Let's put it on record. The substitute you found for me is not bad, let Pan Yin take it over."

"Yes." Zuo Li replied.

Then he said, "There have been quite a few Xuns coming to the capital recently, and the Prime Minister and the Right Prime Minister's residences are almost full."

Liu Bian sat up from his rocking chair, looked toward the north, and said, "This Luoyang City is indeed uncomfortable to live in. It would be nice if we could move to another place."

Compared to Liu Bian, Luoyang was very small, and the imperial palace was like a cage. The longer he lived there, the more uncomfortable he felt.

Zuo Li was startled. Change place? Where? Chang'an?
Chang'an is the old capital of the Han Dynasty, and many people have special feelings for it.

Zuo Li thought about it and decided that going to Chang'an might not be a bad idea.

Liu Bian naturally would not be thinking of Chang'an, but going to Youbeiping was not possible for the time being.

That place is now a remote location, a frontier town fortress. Not to mention the danger, the sparse population and blocked roads alone are big problems.

At this time, Pan Yin came around the corner, holding a plate, and said, "Your Majesty."

Liu Bian glanced at the sign, groaned, and said, "Let's go to Changqiu Palace."

Cai Wenji has moved to Changqiu Palace.

"Yes." Pan Yin responded and turned to leave.

Liu Bian looked up at the night sky again. There were too many things on his mind. He didn't know what to do for a moment. He had a strange feeling of confusion.

October 15th, the first year of Jian'an.

Before daybreak, the dull bells in the palace rang again and again.

Liu Bian had not slept all night. When he heard the bell, he began to follow the ceremony.

Although he was not the protagonist, he was busier than the protagonist. He went from the Five Gods' Palaces to the ancestral temples, performing sacrifices one after another, traveling around the entire Luoyang city.

As always, he was like a puppet, performing one ceremony after another, one sacrificial text after another under Chen Lin's command.

It was not until the evening that Liu Bian sat in the Jiade Hall and listened to Pan Yin reading the edict of enthronement.

Cai Wenji, dressed in heavy queen's attire, came closer and sat next to him.

"Your Highness, we pay our respects to Her Majesty the Queen!" All the ministers bowed down and cheered like thunder.

Cai Wenji did not say anything, but just sat quietly beside Liu Bian.

Chen Lin took the imperial edict and sang praises to Cai Wenji, even jumping around, looking very funny.

Then, another imperial edict came, and Pan Yin screamed sharply.

Liu Shao walked in from the threshold in the distance, wearing a thick suit, like a little fat boy, with a clear and innocent look on his face. He walked towards Liu Bian and Cai Wenji step by step.

When he got closer, he knelt on the ground and said in a childish voice: "Your son pays homage to the emperor, father, and the queen mother."

Liu Bian smiled and said, "Stand up and sit next to me."

The little fellow obeyed and forgot about etiquette, sitting on the cushion that had been prepared long ago to the right of Liu Bian as usual.

The court officials looked at each other in surprise, but said nothing.

Chen Lin turned a blind eye and read it out again, singing and dancing, accompanied by the sounds of bells, drums, and stringed instruments.

After a long while, the courtiers bowed again and shouted: "We pay our respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Long live His Royal Highness!"

Liu Shao remembered this time, sat up straight, and said loudly: "No need to be polite."

"Thank you, Your Highness." The ministers raised their hands and said loudly.

The subsequent ceremonies were relatively simple. Liu Bian only had to sit, watch, and occasionally cooperate.

However, the Prime Minister Xun Yu and others below became busy, going in and out, muttering something mysterious, and Liu Bian sometimes could not understand them at all.

Liu Bian couldn't understand it, so he stopped reading. He glanced at his eldest son beside him with mixed feelings.

He is only twenty-five years old this year, and Liu Shao is six. Even if he can only live another twenty years, it means that Liu Shao will have to be the crown prince for twenty years.

The longer he lives, the longer he can sit on the throne of crown prince.

The long period of time was a long test for Liu Shao.

The same is true for Liu Bian.

(End of this chapter)