Empress Mi Benji

Chapter 22 Qiu Juyao
Dozens of oil lamps in the majestic and solemn palace still looked dim, probably because the owner’s mood added color to the palace, but in such a gloomy room, a gorgeous autumn chrysanthemum bloomed like the sun in the sky.

The old hand is hovering on the chrysanthemum, the dragon robe and brocade clothes, the crown facing the sky, but the old face is tangible, with a majesty that has accumulated over time.

"Your Majesty..." Xia Huan, Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, knelt down in front of King Yu Yuhe, trembling.

These kings are called emperors behind closed doors in their own homes, but outside the door, others only think they are kings.

"How did the preparations for this longevity banquet take place so slowly!" King Yu narrowed his eyes, sizing up Xia Huan with dark eyes.

"The number of refugees in Yin Duzhong is increasing, disrupting the market, and causing prices to rise sharply. The expenses that were already sufficient are now insufficient." Xia Huan was very slippery.

"Isn't it good that all these people drive Yin out?" King Yu said casually, not in the life or death of these people.

"Your Majesty, the expulsion of the refugees may cause a civil uprising!" Xia Huan knew what to say and what not to say to object. If the order to expel the refugees was passed in his own hands, his reputation would be ruined.

"Forget it, I have already ordered the taxation of national salvation from the merchants, so please don't let me down." King Yu's tone was weak, but the majesty in it was unquestionable.

"Yes!" Not daring to raise her head, Xia Huan could only accept orders.

As the minutes passed, King Yu fiddled with the splendid chrysanthemums, showing no intention of letting Xia Huan go back. Xia Huan, who was in her fifties, knelt a little stiffly.

"I heard that someone collected the body of the qin family and raised Xiaolian?" King Yu said, neither happy nor angry, Xia Huan couldn't fathom his mood.

"It's true." Xia Huan didn't want to be sloppy, Ju Xiaolian was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, and he knew about it, but he didn't expect King Yu to ask a question suddenly.

King Yu has been ignoring the government for a long time, focusing on pleasure, so even if it is the top three in the imperial examination, the people below will submit the list of candidates for selection by him.

"It's quite bold. Isn't he afraid of being implicated? Who else recommended to report it." King Yu snorted coldly.

"Yin Gongji of the Yindu Mansion, the humble official is only following the regulations." Xia Huan skillfully said that he was only following the regulations, but Zhuang Xun's becoming Xiaolian of the Yindu Mansion was the result of discussions between him and Gong Ji.

"He's very courageous. I don't know the relationship between this person and the pianist's daughter? Or does he agree with the pianist!" King Yu's tone was cold, Xia Huan was like a light on his back, and cold sweat covered his face.

He is familiar with King Yu's character, at this time sophistry is tantamount to courting death, and King Yu will be even more angry.

"I don't know, the Siqin family deserves death for treason, but loyal people should also be praised, otherwise they are not ashamed of the name of filial piety." Xia Huan said under pressure, and this was the only excuse he could utter .

"There are so many loyal people, but I chose one who has something to do with the pianist. Do you think I'm blind?" King Yu's tone was low, and the heavy pressure broke Xia Huan's spine.

He wanted to say something, but he didn't dare to say it. He could only lower his head and get close to the cold floor tiles, so that he could feel a little warmth.

This will only lead to death, Xia Huan forced a voice out of her throat: "It is because he and the pianist seem to have a relationship, the pianist is treasonous, and this son is brave, so that the pianist's crimes are unforgivable .”

In fact, there are loopholes in this sentence. Zhuang Xun's filial piety and integrity can be said to be two sides of one body. It can be used to compare Zhuang Xun and the pianist. It can also be said that if you have a relationship with a pianist, you will not be punished but rewarded, which will make people feel moved.

He is waiting for the trial, the time is slow, and one second is infinitely stretched. In the hall, there is only the crackling sound of burning firewood, just like his mood, bursting in the burning. With the order of King Yu, his head is about to fall to the ground, but Thinking that King Yu still needs to prepare the Longevity Banquet by himself, he felt a little more at ease.

"There is some truth in what you said, tell me. I haven't heard such a story of loyalty for a long time." King Yu opened his eyes slightly, and the cloudy eyes were not very bright. Xia Huan knelt down on the ground but did not dare to look up. Just look at him.

From delivering wine at the execution ground, to buying coffins and cemeteries with all the family's wealth, to car dealers refusing to pick up people, making a fuss at Duke Zhenguo's mansion, and finally ghosts borrowing cars, and even being attacked by refugees. Add some compliments, trying to erect the image of Zhuang Xun who knows how to repay his kindness and is not afraid of difficulties.

King Yu didn't say anything after listening, but Xia Huan felt relieved. King Yu was willing to listen to you.

"Really so much love? Can you dig him out?" King Yu's dark eyes had a little light, and he couldn't believe it and wanted to believe it. He probably understood what the country he ruled was like.

"That's true. The selected documents also have a record of him helping people who were in trouble due to accidents. He is kind and righteous, consistent with his words and deeds, and is usually known as a virtuous man." Of course, Xia Huan wants King Yu to believe him. If King Yu doesn't believe him, he will collapse. Bad luck, the words that questioned King Yu were selectively filtered out.

"A person with such virtue should be recommended as a Xiaolian in Yindu Prefecture. He is not afraid of insults, implications, and reputation damage. He values ​​kindness and affection. He is a gentleman and can be used to govern the country." Yu Yu Wang praised it, which can be regarded as a characterization of Zhuang Xun's behavior. He was not a rebellious person connected with the pianist, but a gentleman and sage with affection and righteousness.

"Weichen thought the same way, that's why he approved Gong Ji's recommendation document." Seeing King Yu's attitude, Xia Huan hurriedly stood in line and said, at the same time, the stone in her heart fell steadily.

"If you are interested, I will send someone to find out. If this is the case, I will reserve a seat for him at the Longevity Banquet, and ask him about his talents and learning, and whether he can be an official. You don’t need to do it.” Yu Wang didn’t fully believe what Xia Huan said, he had his own judgment, of course he wanted the country to produce such a person who valued kindness, but he also knew how rare this kind of person was in Yu State .

"Yes, Weichen understands." Xia Huan agreed, but he didn't know much about it. After all, he could only understand Zhuang Xun from the paper and Gong Ji's narration. Although King Yu's words only mentioned Gong Ji, if If it is really false, then he will inevitably fail.

"Go on, I'm tired." King Yu waved his hand.

Xia Huan stood up tremblingly, bowed respectfully and walked out of the gloomy palace with small steps, leaving only King Yu who was still admiring the autumn chrysanthemums.

King Yu narrowed his eyes again, watching the blooming chrysanthemums, neither sad nor happy.

"National teacher, do you think he is telling the truth." King Yu stepped back slightly and leaned back on the chair.

"Forgive me, I can't say too much." The purple-clothed old man with a dust whisk came out from the side curtain, and it was the person who was chatting with Jiang Xianlai.

"I'm taking the liberty, sit down, national teacher, why are you being polite in front of me." A smile appeared on Yu Wang's skinny face.

"Your Majesty, does it have to be like this?" The old Taoist showed an unbearable expression.

"I don't want to go to the Yin Division to be tried. I can't accept just kneeling in front of the evil mirror." King Yu said, staring at the splendid Qiu Ju.

"It's just a matter of time, Your Majesty, the more you insist on going your own way, the greater the guilt." The old Taoist persuaded, his expression full of regret.

"You didn't persuade me ten years ago, and it's too late to persuade me now. I can't stand the torture of hell for hundreds of years and thousands of years." King Yu touched the chrysanthemum, but didn't listen to the old man's advice.

"Perhaps the old Taoist shouldn't have explained to His Majesty the affairs of the Underworld." The old Taoist smiled wryly, with regret.

"It also caused you to lose your last fairy fate, it's my fault." King Yu's expression was dark.

"It's the result of the old man's willful will." The old man took the responsibility, looked at the skinny King Yu, and couldn't say a word of reproach.

"Needless to say, I understand that Dayu is exhausted. Although he has the power of heaven, there is nothing he can do about it. The destiny is so clear that it is difficult to disobey it." King Yu looked at Qiuju and lamented helplessly.

"It's also because I don't listen to people's words and wasted my time. Now I can only do this." King Yu said regretfully.

"It is indeed a bad strategy. It is easy for people to turn into monsters, but it is difficult for monsters to turn into people. The human way is prosperous, and the emperor is born. The way of monsters is weak, and avoid the way of human beings. Moreover, it is more difficult for grass and trees to become immortals than animals. It is as difficult as ascending to heaven." , like watching a child who wants to enter the swamp, but separated by a glass wall, it is difficult to dissuade.

"The national teacher once said that the great sin was reincarnated as a monster, and suffered from being eaten by animals. The same is true when I go to the underworld. Now I just have less punishment from the underworld." King Yu touched the chrysanthemum and said, the fingers of the dead wood and the chrysanthemum full of vitality In stark contrast.

"That's the case, forget it, the old Taoist doesn't say much, His Majesty already cares about it." Seeing that King Yu couldn't be persuaded, the old Taoist didn't say much.

"The national teacher came to see me, what's the matter?" King Yu looked up at the old man.

"As entrusted by others, Your Majesty is requested to send troops to cooperate with Chengguo to expel Youguo's army." The old Taoist said straightforwardly without going around in circles.

"Are you from Chengguo?" King Yu shook his head half-assedly.

The old man didn't answer.

"You know the importance of the Longevity Banquet to me. Now is the critical period, and I need the imperial army to maintain order." King Yu didn't say it clearly, and the meaning of refusal was already obvious.

"However, the Longevity Banquet cannot be held, and Yindu has been compromised. Your Majesty may have gone to the Yin Division before turning into a demon. What's the point of all these arrangements?" The old Taoist said, pointing to the Longevity Banquet that King Yu was most concerned about.

"No matter how incompetent the defenders of Chengdiguan Pass are, they can hold on for fifteen days. Without the forbidden army, I can't suppress those guys who are ready to move." King Yu didn't think about the country's perishing at all, he just wanted to hold a longevity banquet .

"Fifteen days? I'm afraid it will only be five days if we don't hear news of reinforcements, and the soldiers defending the city will surrender." The old man said bluntly.

"Then I will persist in Yindu for another ten days, and it will take one month to march from Chengdieguan to Yindu." King Yu insisted that everything should make way for his longevity banquet.

"People's hearts are like sand in a river. If they are gathered together, they will be formed and crumbled into mud. If this is done, it will last for a few more years. If it is broken, will the soldiers of Yindu obey your majesty's orders? Think about it, the old Taoist will leave." The old Taoist didn't say much, and turned to leave.

"Wait, Guoshi, I promise to leave the forbidden army." Seeing that the old Taoist was about to leave, King Yu still made up his mind. It's hard to say if you don't obey the order.

"However, please ask the national teacher to help prepare the longevity banquet, and protect me." He begged.

"Okay!" The old man agreed, without turning his head, he was still leaving.

"National teacher!" King Yu called to stop the old man.

The old Taoist stopped and stood where he was.

"Gong Ji recommends this Xiaolian, and the national teacher can go and check it out. If it is true as he said, the national teacher can help me protect one or two, and correct my atmosphere in Great Yu." Yu Wang thought about his words and said to the old man in a pleading tone.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, the old Taoist understands." The old Taoist understands the meaning of King Yu. If he is really a person of high moral character, if he gives kindness to himself, what the other party does will not be detrimental to his personal fortune unless he is angry with others. If he still has talent, do it well. If you make a career, you will be able to gain the favor of the other party and get some good fortune.

When King Yu said this, he deliberately associated him with this Xiaolian, so as to increase his personal celestial affinity.

But now, unless the Yu country is not destroyed, no amount of personal celestial affinity will be enough, but he doesn't bother to say it, after all, it is the king of Yu's concern.

Walking out of the palace slowly, the old man turned into a wisp of green smoke.

"National Teacher, I'm sorry." Only the haggard emperor was left behind, looking at the round and shining chrysanthemums like the sun, and apologizing to himself, he didn't know how much apology he was able to agree to the national teacher's dispatch of troops.

Xia Huan, who felt her back was wet when she left the palace gate, sat in the carriage and kept wiping off her cold sweat. Being with you is like being with a tiger, especially King Yu, who is a sick tiger with a sensitive mind. If he is not careful, his head will fall to the ground. .

Recalling the conversation with the emperor, he became more and more uneasy. The matter was beyond his control. He was really worried about Zhuang Xun's problem. Although he made the final decision, he was really not familiar with Zhuang Xun. It would be a terrible thing for him and Gong Ji if Xun's virtue could not match his current status.

"Go to Yingong's house in Yindu Prefecture." After thinking for a while, he said to the groom that he wanted to ask Gong Ji in detail how much Zhuang Xun was Xiaolian.

After announcing his identity, under the guidance of the servant, he met Gong Ji in the study.

"My lord Xia, you are here, the official is full of splendor, but if you don't prepare the longevity banquet, what's the point of coming here?" Gong Ji asked Xia Huan confused.

Gong Ji is a fat middle-aged man with a square face and a very official face.

"It's not the Xiaolian you recommended who is related to the daughter of the Siqin family. Tell me, how much water is this Zhuang Xun?" Xia Huan said anxiously.

"What's the matter, did the emperor ask him? How could the emperor ask him after ignoring the government for so long?" Gong Ji was also taken aback, guessing from Xia Huan's attitude why Xia Huan came to him.

"Don't talk about this question. Since His Majesty asked, I'll cover it up for you, so this Zhuang Xun is a little watery." Xia Huan also had difficulty maintaining her daily demeanor. Of course, she didn't mention that she blamed Gong Ji from the beginning. thing.

"I don't even know the lower officials. I reported it to my lord last time. It was a big man in Chengguo who asked the lower officials to recommend me." Gong Ji also panicked.

"Besides, is the situation of Zhuang Xun in the document true?" Of course, Xia Huan knew that it was recommended by a big man from Cheng Guo. The ship of Yu Guo was about to sink. In order to please the other party and make it easier for him to have a choice in the future, he specially recommended it. Xiao Lian of Yindu Prefecture.

"This is very true, it was investigated and collected by the subordinate officials." Gong Ji nodded, he would not make a fake if he could make it real.

"That's good, that's good. The emperor said that he would have someone visit him unannounced to see if his character is worthy of the title of filial piety." Xia Huan breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

"Then his character is much better than the Xiaolians of previous years." Gong Ji also heaved a sigh of relief, and did not pursue the tricky words.

"But it's not safe. We can't get in touch with him now. It's over if someone who visits unannounced by His Majesty finds out. Now you and I spread the news at the same time, saying that the Emperor's Longevity Banquet will test his talent and make him more vigilant. "Xia Huan said worriedly.

"The subordinate understands!"

　In the future, unless it is updated, it will be two-in-one
　　
　
(End of this chapter)